Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Towards autonomous area inspection with a bio-inspired underwater legged robot

Recently, a new category of bio-inspired legged robots moving directly on the seabed have been proposed to complement the abilities of traditional underwater vehicles and to enhance manipulation and sampling tasks. So far, only tele-operated use of underwater legged robots has been reported and in this paper we attempt to fill such gap by presenting the first step towards autonomous area inspection. First, we present a 3 dimensional single-legged model for underwater hopping locomotion and derive a path following control strategy. Later, we adapt such control strategy to an underwater hexapod robot SILVER2 on the robotic simulator Webots. Finally, we simulate a full autonomous mission consisting in the inspection of an area over a pre-defined path, target recognition, transition to a safer gait and target approach. Our results show the feasibility of the approach and encourage the implementation of the presented control strategy on the robot SILVER2.
Power Control DSR Routing in Tunnel Environment Monitoring

As one of important technologies of IOT (Internet of Things), WSN (Wireless Sensor Networks) has been used in tunnel environmental monitoring. Tunnel environment monitoring has its particularity that WSN nodes show linear topologies. Traditional routing algorithms in WSN do not consider the linear topology of sensor nodes in tunnel and are difficult to realize long-time data transmission in limited battery power. In this paper, we propose Power Control Dynamic Source Routing algorithm (PC-DSR) by the thought of cross-layer design. Routing table is established according to the distance between nodes and the residual energy of nodes and optimum transmission power is calculated in order to save nodes’ power and prolong the life-time of the whole networks. Simulation results show that the novel algorithm can save node's transmission power, which increase the WSN lifetime of 12.3%.
Photoplethysmography Assessments in Cardiovascular Disease

Peripheral vascular disease can lead to disabling claudication symptoms, critical limb ischaemia, gangrene, and even loss of life. The simple, non-invasive, and low-cost optical physiological measurement technique photoplethysmography (PPG) has the potential to screen for such disease. Traditionally, PPG measurements have been made at a single body site, at the finger or the toe, giving basic information about the peripheral circulation. We have also investigated the value of multi-channel PPG measurements for this clinical application, complemented by state-of-the-art pulse wave analysis techniques to extract diagnostic information from the different features of the pulse in health and disease. This article describes the principle of photoplethysmography, optical methods and instrumentation systems, computer-based pulse wave analysis, and in each case related to the clinical application of vascular disease detection.
Silicon avalanche pixel sensor for high precision tracking

The development of an innovative position sensitive pixelated sensor to detect and measure with high precision the coordinates of the ionizing particles is proposed. The silicon avalanche pixel sensors (APiX) is based on the vertical integration of avalanche pixels connected in pairs and operated in coincidence in fully digital mode and with the processing electronics embedded on the chip. The APiX sensor addresses the need to minimize the material budget and related multiple scattering effects in tracking systems requiring a high spatial resolution in the presence of the large track occupancy. The expected operation of the new sensor features: low noise, low power consumption and suitable radiation tolerance. The APiX device provides on-chip digital information on the position of the coordinate of the impinging charged particle and can be seen as the building block of a modular system of pixelated arrays, implementing a sparsified readout. The technological challenges are the 3D integration of the device under CMOS processes and integration of processing electronics.
Edge Delay and Communication Phase in Consensus Network

We study the basic consensus algorithms and calculate the consensus parameter for the 8 nodes 1-nearest neighbour cycle. Further, we analyze network having 3-nodes, which is an irreducible markov chain for fixed delay environment on two different edges of this network. With the help of this analysis, we check the effect over the convergence rate. Later, we study the initial working behaviour of consensus and communication phase of a 50-nodes 1-nearest neighbour cycle. Also, we calculate slot's timing along with number of transmitters in any slot. We find convergence rate bound for the 50-nodes network having 1-nearest neighbour.
Recent application of metabolomics in the diagnosis, pathogenesis, treatment, and prognosis of sepsis

Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by dysregulated host response to infections. It is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. Patients with sepsis often require care in the intensive care unit (ICU) which is costly to the patients and their families. Sepsis has no specific clinical manifestations, and its pathophysiological mechanism is complex. The disease progresses rapidly which makes early diagnosis difficult. Severe forms of the disease, such as septic shock, may lead to organ dysfunction, organ failure, and death. As an emerging “-omics” technology, metabolomics has revolutionized the clinical and research landscape of sepsis. Metabolomics has been applied in the prognosis, diagnosis, and risk stratification in patients with sepsis. This technology provides details on the metabolites and biochemical pathways commonly associated with the pathophysiology of sepsis. At present, it is mostly used to identify metabolites in various diseases. Using this technology, metabolites in body fluids such as blood and urine are detected and analyzed in relation to disease progresssion. The technology therefore helps to understand the pathogenesis of diseases and promote early diagnosis and treatment of the disease. So far, the applicaition of metabolomics in patients with sepsis has not been well defined. This article briefly reviews the application of metabolomics technology in patients with sepsis in recent years, to generate ideas for improving rapid diagnosis and prognosis evaluation of patients with sepsis.
The Evolution and Promise of Robotic In-Space Servicing

In-space servicing - repair, upgrade, and maintenance - with astronauts and advanced tool systems has been successfully demonstrated since the early 1990s with the International Space Station and the Hubble Space Telescope. Likewise over the past two decades, although perhaps not as spectacularly, in-space robotic operations have become increasingly accomplished. The DARPA/Boeing Orbital Express and the first in a series of ESA Automated Transfer Vehicle missions, for example, have demonstrated that robots can carry out complex acquisition, docking, servicing, depoting, and refueling activities in low-Earth orbit. We will discuss the current and near-future state of robotic systems intended for servicing missions of various kinds, primarily from the point of view of users. In this context, an ISS-based demonstration mission may be the next step in developing on-orbit servicing capabilities. We conclude that for highly complex and contingent operation, astronaut-based servicing remains unsurpassed in a number of venues. Robot-based servicing is becoming advanced enough that it should be considered in planning for future NASA scientific missions.
Effectiveness of Bacillus licheniformis-Fermented Products and Their Derived Antimicrobial Lipopeptides in Controlling Coccidiosis in Broilers

Simple Summary Coccidiosis is an important health problem in broilers, caused by infection with a highly contagious intestinal parasite of the genus Eimeria. Anti-coccidial drugs are widely used for the prevention of coccidiosis in broilers. However, multi-resistance coccidia is a potential threat to poultry production. In this study, we evaluated the potential of Bacillus licheniformis-fermented products (BLFP) and their derived antimicrobial lipopeptide, surfactin, on the prevention of coccidiosis in broilers. Results demonstrate that BLFPs and their derived antimicrobial lipopeptide, surfactin, exhibit anti-coccidial activity in vitro and in vivo. Abstract This study aimed to investigate the potential of Bacillus licheniformis-fermented products (BLFP) and their derived antimicrobial lipopeptide, surfactin, for the prevention of coccidiosis in broilers. Broilers were fed BLFP at 1.25 and 5 g/kg under Eimeria tenella challenge. At the end of experiment (35 days), the growth performance, survival rate, cecal morphology, cecal lesion scores, oocyst-count index, and anti-coccidial index were analyzed. The effects of the BLFP-derived surfactin on oocyst sporulation and sporozoite morphology in Eimeria species were also investigated in vitro. Results showed that BLFP supplementation at 1.25 and 5 g/kg improved cecal morphology and increased the survival rate of broilers under E. tenella challenge. Supplementation with 1.25 g/kg of BLFP reduced the lesion scores in the cecum of E. tenella-challenged broilers, while the oocyst-count index was reduced in broilers given 5 g/kg of BLFP. The anti-coccidial index of the 1.25 g/kg of BLFP-treated group was greater than 160, compared with the E. tenella-challenge-only group. Furthermore, surfactin inhibited Eimeria oocyst sporulation and disrupted sporozoite morphology. These results demonstrate that BLFPs and their derived antimicrobial lipopeptide, surfactin, exhibit anti-coccidial activity in vitro and in vivo. BLFP may be used as a natural feed additive for the prevention of coccidiosis in broilers, and 1.25 g/kg can be considered the optimum dosage.
Resident Evil - Village

The animation provides a cinematic introduction, as well as an ending, to the latest game in the Resident Evil series. The film is a fairy-tale metaphor for the events from the game. The project was entirely created by Platige Image, from the initial concept and script, through character design, graphic design, and all stages of animation, to the final audio layer. The uniqueness of the project required us to adopt an unconventional work style. We did a lot of preparation related to texturing, shaders and lighting to make the final animation look like a paper cut-out with many layers. Also, to get an effect similar to a traditional shadow theater game, we decided to use stop-motion animation instead of the motion capture technique. Add to this unique mâché paper and cut-outs, from which we made the characters and scenography, and we have a dark story, which only seemed to be directed to children. Moreover, all characters in the film are original creations designed by the director and are the fairy-tale alter egos of the characters from of the cult game Resident Evil.
Evaluation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Yeast Fermentate and Xylanase in Reduced Energy Diet Fed to Broiler Chicken

Dietary modifications of broiler feed aimed at improving chicken performance, lowering antibiotic use, and reducing feed costs. The study examined the effects of adding Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast fermentate (XPC) and xylanase enzyme to a low-energy diet on broiler chicken growth performance, serum metabolites, intestinal morphology, as well as litter quality. A total of 450 Ross-308, day-old chicks were randomly allotted to 3 diet treatments for 35 days. Group 1 (Gp1) received a basal diet, Gp2 received a low-energy diet (-120kcal/kg), while Gp3 received a low-energy diet (120kcal/kg) supplemented with both XPC (0.625kg/ton) and xylanase (500g/ton). Following the experiment, chickens were sampled for their intestinal tissues, blood, and cloacal swabs, to determine intestinal morphological indices, serum chemistry, antibody titers, and microbiological counts, respectively. Samples of litter were taken to perform chemical and microbiological analysis. Dietary supplementation with XPC and xylanase to the low-energy broiler diet significantly increased the final body weights, carcass traits, and improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P<0.05). Additionally, the microbiota of the birds' gut, intestinal morphology and blood biochemical indicators were improved. On an environmental level, the use of dietary XPC and xylanase enhanced nitrogen and phosphorous utilization by the birds and lowered their excretion in broiler manure. Additionally, the microbial load of the litter was reduced (P<0.05). We found that feeding XPC and xylanase to broilers fed a low-energy diet (-120kcal/kg) improved broiler performance and enhanced litter quality.
Automated Bus Dispatching, Operations Control, and Service Reliability: Baseline Analysis

Tri-Met, the transit provider in Portland, Oregon, is implementing a new computer-aided bus dispatching system that uses a satellite-based global positioning system to track vehicle location. It is expected that the new system will produce improvements in service reliability. Presented is a baseline analysis of service reliability on selected routes, focusing on running times, headways, and on-time performance. Reliability is found to vary according to route characteristics, direction, and time of day.
Parallel Channel Equalizer for Mobile OFDM Baseband Receivers

Mobile OFDM refers to OFDM systems with fast moving transceivers, contrastive to traditional OFDM systems whose transceivers are stationary or with a low velocity. An efficient implementation of the channel equalization for mobile OFDM is presented in this paper. Based on the particular OFDM subcarrier allocations, the channel equalizer is split into separated sub-equalizers, enabling a concurrent implementation. This parallel equalizer is implemented on an FPGA platform. The experimental results show that without an efficient design, mobile OFDM leads to an unacceptable hardware cost. The proposed parallel equalizer for mobile OFDM can compensate for time-varying channels, in which a traditional OFDM receiver fails to operate, although the paid price is that the hardware resource is reasonably increased.
Optimization of the GaAs-delta-doped p-i-n quantum-well APD

We examine the basic design issues in the optimization of a GaAs delta-doped quantum well avalanche photodiode structure using a theoretical analysis based on an ensemble Monte Carlo simulation. The device is a variation of the p-i-n doped quantum well structure previously described in the literature. It has the same low-noise, high-gain, and high-bandwidth features as the p-i-n doped quantum well device. However, the use of delta doping provides far greater control of the doping concentrations within each stage possibly enhancing the extent to which the device can be depleted. As a result, it is expected that the proposed device will operate at higher gain levels at very low noise than devices previously developed.
CBCT Evaluation of the Position of Palatal Neurovascular Bundle and the Greater Palatine Foramen in an Iranian Population

Background and Aim: Traumatization of the palatal neurovascular bundle (NVB) is a potential complication of soft tissue graft harvesting from the palate. Thus, it is imperative to have adequate knowledge about the position and path of the NVB. This study assessed the position of palatal NVB and the greater palatine foramen (GPF) in an Iranian population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: This retrospective, cross-sectional study evaluated CBCT scans of 128 patients. The position of the GPF relative to molar teeth, the distance between the depth of NVB and the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) of canine to second molar teeth, and the distance between the GPF and the alveolar ridge, the posterior nasal spine (PNS), and the median maxillary suture (MMS) were all assessed. Statistical analysis was performed by the Chi-square test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and ANOVA. Results: In 64% of the cases, the GPF was located close to the apex of the third molar in both females (49.4%) and males (50.6%), irrespective of age. The mean distance between the depth of the NVB and the CEJ of the canine to second molar teeth was 9.56, 12.36, 14.69, 14.98 and 16.01 mm, respectively. The mean distance between the GPF and the alveolar ridge, PNS, and MMS in edentulous patients was 2.23±0.65, 16.88±1.19, and 15.89±1.20 mm, respectively. Conclusion: Third molar is the best anatomical landmark to determine the position of the GPF. The distance between the palatal NVB and the CEJ increases from the anterior towards the posterior region.
NDT_A_332747 3559..3567

1Department of Physiology, Basic Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Neurology, Shanxi Provincial People’s Hospital, The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China; 3Central Laboratory, Shanxi Provincial People’s Hospital, The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China Abstract: In developmental biology, transcription factors are involved in regulating the process of neural development, controlling the differentiation of nerve cells, and affecting the normal functioning of neural circuits. Transcription factors regulate the expression of multiple genes at the same time and have become a key gene category that is recognized to be disrupted in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorders. This paper briefly introduces the expression and role of PAX2 in neurodevelopment and discusses the neurodevelopmental disorders associated with Pax2 mutations and its possible mechanism. Firstly, mutations in the human Pax2 gene are associated with abnormalities in multiple systems which can result in neurodevelopmental disorders such as intellectual disability, epilepsy and autism spectrum disorders. Secondly, the structure of Pax2 gene and PAX2 protein, as well as the function of Pax2 gene in neural development, was discussed. Finally, a diagram of the PAX2 protein regulatory network was made and a possible molecular mechanism of Pax2 mutations leading to neurodevelopmental disorders from the perspectives of developmental process and protein function was proposed.
The training School as a community of Mutual learning between teachers and Students . a

The text attempts to show the value of the training school for the process of preparing students for the role of teachers. it is based on the assumptions of “Wielkopolska training School in the cogito” project, the implementation of which was completed in December 2020. The content of the article reflects the key aspects of teacher candidates’ education through their versatile involvement in a peer-learning network for in-service teachers and students. it also shows the empirical substance from the study of teacher training students, confirming the value and meaning of the teachers education model by creating training schools.
Discovery of acoustic emission based biomarker for quantitative assessment of knee joint ageing and degeneration

Based on the study of 34 healthy and 19 osteoarthritic knees in three different age groups (early, middle and late adulthood), this thesis reports the discovery of the potential of knee acoustic emission (AE) as a biomarker for quantitative assessment of joint ageing and degeneration. Signal processing and statistical analysis were conducted on the joint angle signals acquired using electronic goniometers attached to the lateral side of the legs during repeated sit- stand-sit movements. A four-phase movement model derived from joint angle measurement is proposed for statistical analysis, and it consists of the ascending- acceleration and ascending-deceleration phases in the sit-to- stand movement, followed by the descending-acceleration and descending-deceleration phases in the stand-to-sit movement. Through the quantitative assessment of joint angle signals based on the four-phase model established, statistical differences of different knee conditions related to age and degeneration were discovered based on cycle-by- cycle variations and movement symmetry. For AE burst signals acquired from piezo-electric sensors attached to the knee joints during repeated sit-stand-sit movements, the statistical analysis started from the quantity of AE events in the proposed four movement phases and extended to waveform features extracted from AE signals. While the quantity of AE events was found to follow certain statistical trends related to age and degeneration in each movement phase, detail statistical analysis of AE waveform features yielded the peak amplitude value and average signal level of each AE burst as two most significant features. An image based knee AE feature profile is presented based on 2D colour histograms formed by the peak amplitude value and average signal level in four movement phases. It provides not only a visual trend related to knee age and degeneration, but also enables visual assessment of the
THE MEDIATION ROLE OF OPERATION EFFICIENCY BETWEEN SUCCESS FACTORS AND SMEs PERFORMANCE IN THE LIBYAN RETAIL INDUSTRY

This study investigates factors determining firm performance of small and medium enterprises in Libyan retail industry. Hence, the present study employs access to finance, availability of business information, access to infrastructure, and business information as the independent variable, while efficient operation and firm performance represent mediating and dependent variable. Respectively, based on Krejcie and Morgan optimal sample size, 383 questionnaires has been distributed to managerial staff of Libyan retail SMEs in North, South, East and West regions of the country. The findings of this study is hoped to shed some lights in identifying factors to help SMEs in Libyan retail industry to achieve high firms’ performance.
3D-modeling of Augmented Reality objects using Shi-Tomasi corner detection algorithms

This article covers development of the Python-based software module for Blender 3D, as well as it covers research of Shi-Tomasi corner detection algorithm using the developer’s construction documents. The corners detected may be used for further three - dimensional modelling, replanting not requiring adjustment of the construction documents, or may be used for retrieval of the accurate data.
Visual odometry in local underwater navigation problems

The work processes of the ORB-SLAM algorithm are presented. The results of experimental studies on temporal comparisons of the operation of the algorithm with different parameters and cameras are presented. The necessity of forming a visual odometry (VO) system as a local navigation of remote-controlled and autonomous underwater robots has been substantiated. The two most suitable odometry methods in the underwater environment are described, such as their advantages and disadvantages. The work processes of the ORB-SLAM algorithm are presented. The results of experimental studies on temporal comparisons of the operation of the algorithm with different parameters and cameras are presented. The procedure for preparing video data is described: processing a video stream, adjusting camera parameters for calibration. The experiments represent the testing of the ORB-SLAM3 algorithm on a sample of video filmed as part of the ecological monitoring of the Caspian shelf in 2020.