Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adaptive control of Unmanned Aerial Systems

Adaptive control is considered to be one of the key enabling technologies for future high-performance, safety-critical systems such as air-breathing hypersonic vehicles. Adaptive flight control systems offer improved performance and increased robustness to uncertainties by virtue of their ability to adjust control parameters as a function of online measurements. Extensive research in the field of adaptive control theory has enabled the design, analysis, and synthesis of stable adaptive systems. We are now entering the stage in which adaptive flight control systems have reached the requisite level of maturity for application to hardware flight platforms. Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) provide a unique opportunity for the transition of adaptive controllers from theory to practice. The small, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) examined in this thesis offer a low-cost, low-risk stepping stone between simulation and application to higher-risk systems in which safety is a critical concern. Unmanned aircraft also offer several benefits over their manned counterparts including extreme persistence, maneuverability, lower weight and smaller size. Furthermore, several missions such as surveillance, exploration, search-and-track, and lifting of heavy loads are best accomplished by a UAS consisting of multiple UAVs. This thesis addresses some of the challenges involved with the application of adaptive flight control systems to UAS. Novel adaptive control architectures are developed to overcome performance limitations of UAS, the most significant of which is a large time delay due to communication and limited onboard processing. Analytical tools that allow the calculation of a theoretically justified time delay limit are also developed. These tools in turn lead to an estimate of the time-delay margin of the closed-loop system which is an essential part of the validation and verification methodology for intelligent flight control systems. These approaches are validated numerically using a series of simulation studies. These controllers and analytical methods are then applied to the UAV, demonstrating improved performance and increased robustness to time delays. Also introduced in this thesis is a novel adaptive methodology for coordinated adaptive control of a multi-vehicle UAS. Including two distinct classes of adaptive algorithms at both the local and global levels was found to result, both in simulation and in actual flight 3 tests, in decreased tracking error for individual vehicles, decreased errors in intervehicle distances, and reduced likelihood of collisions with other vehicles or obstacles in the environment. Thesis Supervisor: Anuradha M. Annaswamy Title: Senior Research Scientist
Gender and age detection assist convolutional neural networks in classification of thorax diseases

Conventionally, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have been used to identify and detect thorax diseases on chest x-ray images. To identify thorax diseases, CNNs typically learn two types of information: disease-specific features and generic anatomical features. CNNs focus on disease-specific features while ignoring the rest of the anatomical features during their operation. There is no evidence that generic anatomical features improve or worsen the performance of convolutional neural networks for thorax disease classification in the current research. As a consequence, the relevance of general anatomical features in boosting the performance of CNNs for thorax disease classification is investigated in this study. We employ a dual-stream CNN model to learn anatomical features before training the model for thorax disease classification. The dual-stream technique is used to compel the model to learn structural information because initial layers of CNNs often learn features of edges and boundaries. As a result, a dual-stream model with minimal layers learns structural and anatomical features as a priority. To make the technique more comprehensive, we first train the model to identify gender and age and then classify thorax diseases using the information acquired. Only when the model learns the anatomical features can it detect gender and age. We also use Non-negative Matrix Factorization (NMF) and Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization (CLAHE) to pre-process the training data, which suppresses disease-related information while amplifying general anatomical features, allowing the model to acquire anatomical features considerably faster. Finally, the model that was earlier trained for gender and age detection is retrained for thorax disease classification using original data. The proposed technique increases the performance of convolutional neural networks for thorax disease classification, as per experiments on the Chest X-ray14 dataset. We can also see the significant parts of the image that contribute more for gender, age, and a certain thorax disease by visualizing the features. The proposed study achieves two goals: first, it produces novel gender and age identification results on chest X-ray images that may be used in biometrics, forensics, and anthropology, and second, it highlights the importance of general anatomical features in thorax disease classification. In comparison to state-of-the-art results, the proposed work also produces competitive results.
A novel method of illustrating microfungi

Composite line drawings in most cases can represent the morphological characters of a fungus better than digital photographic images. Even so, the use of line drawings for illustrating microfungi in published literature has declined. A novel technique combining computer hardware and software to illustrate microfungi as line drawings is described in detail. This technique can be applied to drawing larger fungi and other disciplines such as entomology, where the effect of stippling is used.
Implementing dynamic quick response with high-frequency feedback control of the deformable constant on-time control for Buck converter on-chip

In this study, implementing a dynamic quick response with high-frequency feedback control (HFFC) of the deformable constant on-time (COT) control for Buck converter on-chip is proposed. The concept uses the HFFC to filter V out at the load transient to change the on-time width dynamically, preventing V out from dropping markedly. Finally, 12 V input voltage, 3.3 V output voltage and 60 W output power with the HFFC are implemented to achieve a dynamic quick response for the integrated circuit of the proposed constant frequency COT for Buck converter. Experimental and SIMPLIS simulation results are compared to verify the viability and superiority of the proposed approach.
Neuroprotective effect of ethanolic leaf extract of Commiphora caudata (Wight & Arn) against lipopolysaccharide-induced neurotoxicity in Wistar rats

Introduction: Commiphora caudata contains various essential phytoconstituents and is a potential medicinal plant used traditionally to treat various ailments such as neurodegenerative diseases. The present study aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of ethanolic leaf extract of Commiphora caudata against the lipopolysaccharides (LPS) induced behavioral changes in rats. Methods: The in-vitro antioxidant potential was evaluated by 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay methods. For in-vivo studies, the animals were pre-treated with ethanolic leaf extract of Commiphora caudata (EECC) at 200 and 400 mg/kg of b.w for 30 days, and neurotoxicity was induced with a single intraperitoneal injection of LPS 1 mg/kg, b.w on day 31. The neurotoxicity was evaluated with a chain of behavioral tests such as the Morris water maze test, radial arm maze, and choice reaction time (CRT) tests. At the end of the study, rats were sacrificed, the brain hippocampal region was removed, and the levels of acetylcholinesterase, nitric oxide, and protein were measured. Results: The IC50 value in the DPPH method was 71.58 ± 15.62 μg, and the total antioxidant activity of EECC was found to be 742.33 ± 14.57 μmol Fe (II)/g extract. In behavioral tests, animals treated with EECC at 200 and 400 mg/kg showed a neuroprotective effect in the Morris water maze test, an 8-arm radial maze test, and in the CRT test. Both doses reduced acetylcholinesterase, nitric oxide, and protein levels (P < 0.001), respectively. Conclusion: The present study results showed the promising neuroprotective effects of ethanolic extract of leaves of Commiphora caudata and its action against the LPS-induced cognitive impairment in rats.
Relations of Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) Expression and E-Cadherin (CDH1) Expression in Breast Cancer Patients

The aim of this study is to analyze the relations of Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) expression and E-Cadherin (CDH1) expression in breast cancer patients. To date, the synergistic effect of this CDH1/HER2 complex is not well clarified. The design of this study was cross-sectional with a total sample of 56 formalin-fixed paraffin tissue blocks that had been examined for HER2. Furthermore, CDHI expression was examined using the Immunohistochemistry staining technique with the Labeled Streptavidin Biotin Complex (LSAB) method. Bivariate analysis was performed using the Spearman correlation test with abnormally distributed data (p>0.05). Of the 56 data on breast cancer patients, most of the patients (87.5%) were diagnosed at the age of ≥40 years. The majority of cancer staging was IIIB, which was 42.9% of the total 56 patients. The study results shows that 80.0% of HER2-positive patients were in the strong CDH1 group. From these data, there is evidence of correlation between HER2 expression and CDH1 expression in breast cancer patients, however this correlation was not significant (p>0.05).
Features of Glycaemia in Patients with Myocardial Infarction Complicated by Acute Heart Failure

The aim was to determine the features of in-hospital period in patients with myocardial infarction with ST segment elevation depending on the level of glycaemia in admission. There have been examined 319 patients with acute myocardial infarction (190 men and 129 women) aged 59-69 years, who were divided by the level of glycaemia in admission into 3 groups: group 1: 110 persons with the concentration of glucose ≤ of 7,1 mmol/l, 2-I – 138 patients with glucose 7,1-11,1 mmol/l, 3-I – 71 patient with the concentration of glucose ≥11.1 mmol/l. The level of glucose in the 3rd group was higher than in the 1-st and 2-nd groups (2,7 times and 1,8 times respectively, р1-3=0,0001, р2-3=0,0008). There has been identified the association of glycaemia with traditional factors of cardiovascular risk and the level of troponin T. The blood glucose level can be considered as a universal marker, indicating the presence of disorders of carbohydrate metabolism, and reflecting the stress response to ischemic myocardial damage. Hyperglycaemia revealed in admission to the hospital in patients with MI is associated with adverse course of in-hospital period, including the development of lethal outcomes.
Head Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L., Asteraceae) Production in a Non-Circulating Hydroponic System Under the Climatic Condition of Biliran, Philippines: A Preliminary Investigation

This study explored head lettuce ( Lactuca sativa L., Asteraceae) production in a non-circulating hydroponic system under the climatic conditions of Biliran, Philippines. One-sample t-test was used to compare the experimental yield of head lettuce with the reported average yield of 3 kg/m2 in lettuce growing areas of the Philippines under the conventional production system. Result revealed that the experimental marketable yield of 2.92 kg/m2 is comparable to the reported average yield of lettuce. Preliminary result indicates the possibility of head lettuce production in a non-circulating hydroponic system under the outdoor environment of Biliran, Philippines.
Call for papers - Wireless Technology: Models, Designs and Applications

This paper presents experimental results and statistics about the erratic erase in Flash Memories, setting the basis for any physical modeling of the phenomena and data comparison. Statistical parameters like the reliability function and the failure rate have been measured and modeled by analytical functions showing that all cells of an array may potentially exhibit erratic events. By mapping the physical position of each erratic bit in a sector and using an equivalent cell approach, it has been possible to establish a correlation between the erratic phenomena and the intrinsic amorphous nature of SiO/sub 2/. Tail bits of the erased distribution have been shown to be caused by erratic events suggesting a unique physical cause for the two phenomena. The relation between positive and negative shifts has also been discussed and overerase risks caused by erratic behaviors have been estimated.
Bioinformatic-Based Approaches for Disease-Resistance Gene Discovery in Plants

Pathogens are among the most limiting factors for crop success and expansion. Thus, finding the underlying genetic cause of pathogen resistance is the main goal for plant geneticists. The activation of a plant’s immune system is mediated by the presence of specific receptors known as disease-resistance genes (R genes). Typical R genes encode functional immune receptors with nucleotide-binding sites (NBS) and leucine-rich repeat (LRR) domains, making the NBS-LRRs the largest family of plant resistance genes. Establishing host resistance is crucial for plant growth and crop yield but also for reducing pesticide use. In this regard, pyramiding R genes is thought to be the most ecologically friendly way to enhance the durability of resistance. To accomplish this, researchers must first identify the related genes, or linked markers, within the genomes. However, the duplicated nature, with the presence of frequent paralogues, and clustered characteristic of NLRs make them difficult to predict with the classic automatic gene annotation pipelines. In the last several years, efforts have been made to develop new methods leading to a proliferation of reports on cloned genes. Herein, we review the bioinformatic tools to assist the discovery of R genes in plants, focusing on well-established pipelines with an important computer-based component.
Composite Leading Indicator for the Austrian Economy. Methodology and "Real-time" Performance

This paper describes the methodologies used for constructing a composite leading indicator for the Austrian economy (CLI-AT). First, a selection of those monthly indicators which overall fare best in showing a "steady" leading behaviour with respect to the Austrian business cycle was performed. The analysis was carried out by means of statistical methods out of the timeseries domain as well as from the frequency domain. Thirteen series have been finally classified as leading indicators. Among them, business and consumer survey data form the most prevalent group. Second, I construct the CLI-AT based on the de-trended, normalised and weighted leading series. For the de-trending procedure I use the HP filter and the weights have been obtained by means of principal components analysis. Further, idiosyncratic elements in the CLI-AT have been removed along with checking the endpoint-bias due to the HP filter smoothing procedure. I find that the "real-time" smoothed CLI-AT does not exhibit severe phase-shifts compared to a full-sample estimate. Next, I show that the CLI-AT provides a useful instrument for assessing the current and likely future direction in the Austrian business cycle. Over the period 1988-2008, the CLI-AT indicates cyclical turns with a "steady" lead in the majority of cases. Finally, in using an out-of-sample forecasting exercise it is shown that the CLI-AT carries important business cycle information and that its inclusion in a forecasting model can increase the projection quality of the underlying reference series.
Optimal Antihypertensive Medication Adherence Reduces the Effect of Ambient Temperature on Intracerebral Hemorrhage Occurrence: A Case-Crossover Study

Background and Purpose The role of antihypertensive medication adherence in reducing the effect of ambient temperature (TEM) on intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) pathogenesis is unclear. We aimed to study the influence of ambient TEM on the ICH occurrence in hypertensive patients with different medication adherence. Methods We enrolled consecutive ICH patients with a definite history of hypertension in a teaching hospital over a period of six years. Medication adherence was calculated using the proportion of prescription days covered (PDC) to antihypertensive mediation in the last month before the ICH attack. Optimal medication adherence (OMA) was the PDC > 80%, and non-optimal medication adherence (non-OMA) was ≤80%. Daily ambient TEM and its variation were collected as the explanatory variables, and dominant air pollutants were gathered as covariates. We adopted a time-stratified case-crossover approach to minimize individual confounders. Conditional logistic regression was conducted to calculate the odds ratio (OR) of daily ambient TEM on ICH occurrence. Results We recruited a total of 474 patients in this study. The number of participants with OMA and non-OMA was 249 and 225. Daily mean and max TEM in lag0 to lag2, as well as daily min TEM in lag0 to lag1, were significantly related to ICH onset in all enrolled patients and non-OMA cases. However, only daily TEM in lag0 was meaningfully associated with ICH onset in the OMA cases. The risk of ICH in OMA patients, respectively, changed by 7.9% (OR = 0.921, [0.861, 0.985]) or 6.3% (OR = 0.937, [0.882, 0.995]) when daily mean or max TEM was altered by 1°C in lag0, but the change raised by 10.4% (OR = 0.896, [0.836, 0.960]) or 7.5% (OR = 0.925, [0.868, 0.986]) in non-OMA patients. And the risk varied (OR = 0.933, [0.882, 0.988]) only in non-OMA patients when daily min TEM was altered by 1°C in lag1. Conclusion Our results indicate that OMA to antihypertensive drugs reduces the influence of ambient TEM on ICH occurrence in hypertensive patients.
Principales aportes de la investigación del INIFAP a la nutrición porcina en México: retos y perspectivas

En esta revisión se hace una retrospectiva de las actividades de investigación realizadas en nutrición porcina por los investigadores del INIFAP en los 35 años de existencia del Instituto. El producto principal de esta actividad, ha sido el sentar las bases para una mejor alimentación del hato reproductor y del cerdo para abasto, enfocándola a resolver los problemas particulares de la porcicultura mexicana, con respecto al uso de las materias primas utilizadas en la alimentación del cerdo; así como la evaluación y mejora de la calidad de la canal, el enriquecimiento de la carne con metabolitos que incrementan su vida de anaquel y mejoran sus propiedades organolépticas. Asimismo, se hace una reflexión sobre los retos que enfrentará la nutrición porcina en el presente siglo, proponiendo las áreas que se tendrán que investigar para garantizar la sustentabilidad del sector, así como las acciones que los investigadores del programa y el INIFAP tendrán que realizar para responder adecuadamente a los desafíos a los que se enfrenta la porcicultura mexicana.
“Are We Feeding Them Enough?” Micronutrient Deficiency in Children Aged Six Months to Fourteen Years in India

In this study, we conducted a systematic literature review of the various micronutrient deficiencies (MNDs) that affect children in India and an examination of whether there is a geographic basis for MNDs. MNDs are a common problem in the developing world, in particular, among children in South Asia. According to the United Nations Children’s Fund, millions of children suffer from stunted growth, cognitive delays, weakened immunity, and diseases because of MNDs. These physical ailments have several economic, social, and public health implications, and they can severely hamper a country’s growth. This study aims to clarify existing data on this topic and highlight the disparities between children living in urban and rural areas in India. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed to conduct this systematic literature review of a total of five studies. Study quality was assessed using appropriate checklists, and the studies strengthened the hypothesis that MNDs are common among children in India. Because the selected studies were heterogeneous, no statistical conclusions are drawn here. However, a central premise is that MNDs in children are prevalent in India and are related to poverty. No link between geographic location and MNDs is established; rather, recommendations are made for further research on the topic.
Paradoxical Increase in Body Mass Induced by Beta-Guanidinopropionic Acid in Juvenile Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Background The adenosine triphosphate (ATP) regenerating enzyme creatine kinase (CK) is intimately involved in blood pressure generation. Consequently, the creatine transporter and CK inhibitor beta-guanidinopropionic acid (GPA) successfully reduced blood pressure in 16-week-old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), but GPA may cause growth retardation in juvenile mammals. This report considers a serendipity observation of paradoxical growth increase after using GPA to prevent hypertension in three-week-old SHR. Methods Implementing the “Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments” (ARRIVE) guideline, male, three-week-old spontaneously hypertensive rats (N=22) were randomly assigned to standard soy-based (creatine-free) chow with GPA 0.1% vs control chow during four weeks (primary, t=4w) or six weeks of treatment (t=6w). Blood pressure measured by the tail-cuff method was the main outcome. Other outcomes included body mass and contractility characteristics of isolated arteries. Results Body mass at baseline was 28.4 (SE 0.71) g (n=22). With similar food intake/100 gram animal in both groups, GPA-treated rats (n=11) developed a strikingly larger body size and mass: t=4w, GPA 110.4 g (3.7) vs controls (n=11) 65.0 g (4.8) (+69.8%; p<0.001); t=6w, GPA 154.3 (4.7) vs controls 68.0 (4.7) g. There were no significant differences in cardiovascular parameters including blood pressure. Discussion An unexpected increase in body mass and size without concurrent blood pressure increase was observed in juvenile SHR on GPA vs control soy-based chow. It is speculated that the partial creatine agonist activity of GPA contributed to these effects. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and better understand the impact of modulating energy metabolism in juvenile hypertension-prone mammals.