Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Active Track and Hold Circuit With Linearity Enhancement Technique and Its Analysis Using Volterra Series

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of active track and hold (T/H) circuits that utilize switched source followers and time-divided post-distortion cancellation. In the track phase, the circuit acts as an active buffer and transfers an input signal, including track-mode distortion caused by the buffer’s nonlinear transconductance. In the hold phase, the transferred signal is held but hold-mode distortion is added, including hold-mode feed-through and hold pedestal error, causing deterioration of the circuit’s linearity. The time-divided post-distortion cancellation technique improves the circuit’s linearity by cancelling the track-mode distortion with the hold-mode distortion. Volterra series analysis offers a comprehensive understanding of the operation. 17 sample chips were measured to verify stable cancellation operation. It shows a mean SFDR value of 77.1 dB and a standard deviation of 1.8 dB with 9mW power consumption.
Implementation of Optimal Scheduling Algorithm for Multi-Functional Battery Energy Storage System

Energy storage system (ESS) can play a positive role in the power system due to its ability to store, charge and discharge energy. Additionally, it can be installed in various capacities, so it can be used in the transmission and distribution system and even at home. In this paper, the proposed algorithm for economic optimal scheduling of ESS linked to transmission systems in the Korean electricity market is proposed and incorporated into the BESS (battery energy storage system) demonstration test center. The proposed algorithm considers the energy arbitrage operation through SMP (system marginal price) and operation considering the REC (renewable energy certification) weight of the connected wind farm and frequency regulation service. In addition, the proposed algorithm was developed so that the SOC (state-of-charge) of the ESS could be separated into two virtual SOCs to participate in different markets and generate revenue. The proposed algorithm was simulated and verified through Matlab and loaded into the demonstration system using the Matlab “Runtime” function.
Gonad pathology, sex hormone modulation and vitellogenin expression in Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus from Lagos and Epe lagoons within the southern-lagoon system, Nigeria

Introduction: Estrogenic chemicals in aquatic environments impact fish reproductive health, with vitellogenin protein levels serving as a crucial biomarker for xenoestrogen exposure. Limited knowledge exists on estrogenic effects in tropical environments, prompting an investigation into the influence of environmental estrogens on Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus in Lagos and Epe lagoons. Methods: A total of 195 fish samples underwent analysis for vitellogenin protein, sex hormones (testosterone and 17 β-estradiol), and gonad pathology in effluent-receiving areas of the specified lagoons. Results: Gonadal alterations were observed in male and female fish, including empty seminiferous tubules and distorted ovaries. Intersex occurred in 3.81% of Lagos and 3.33% of Epe. Testosterone levels were generally higher in females and males from both lagoons, while E2 levels were higher in females from both lagoons, with Lagos showing higher levels than Epe. Vtg levels were higher in males than females in Lagos samples but showed no significant difference in Epe samples. Discussion: Contaminant analysis revealed similar trends in metals (Hg, As, Cr) and phthalates (DEHP, DBP, DEP) in both sexes in the Epe population. Multivariate depictions from the PCA showed sex-specific patterns of metal uptake (Cd) in male fishes at the Lagos Lagoon. The positive association between higher pH loadings and metal and DBP levels in sediment at the Lagos lagoon suggests the influence of higher alkalinity in lower bioavailability of contaminants. Conclusion: Endocrine disrupting effects were observed in male and female Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus in Lagos and Epe lagoons populations, with notable differences in hormone and contaminant concentrations between the two lagoon systems. Identification of specific contaminants and their spatial and temporal trends can inform targeted management and remediation efforts to protect and restore these valuable aquatic ecosystems.
A study of the tentorium in some orthopteroid Hexapoda

In 1939 studies of the exoskeleton of the Orthopteroid Insects, classified by J. Omer-Cooper (1938) as Phasmida, Dictyophora and Saltatoria, were commenced with the object of testing the validity of his conclusions. The unsatisfactory state of our knowledge of the tentorium soon became apparent. It appeared to the writer that a thorough investigation of this structure would be of service to entomologists and might also prove useful in assessing the various schemes of insect classification which have been put forward. The present paper is a preliminary study of the three groups originally studied, but it is felt that before any certain conclusions on taxonomic questions can safely be discussed, a much wider survey is essential.
Identification of boundary conditions for non-Fourier heat conduction problems by differential transformation DRBEM and improved cuckoo search algorithm

Abstract The differential transformation method is combined with the dual reciprocity boundary element method to solve the non-Fourier heat conduction problems in functionally gradient materials. The cuckoo search algorithm is improved by the Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno algorithm to identify the boundary conditions for the heat conduction problems. The polynomial function related to coordinate and time is proposed to approximate the unknown boundary conditions. Numerical examples discuss the influences of measurement point numbers and measurement errors on inverse solutions. Numerical results demonstrate the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed method.
Causal Relationship between Mitochondrial-Associated Proteins and Sepsis in ICU Patients: A Mendelian Randomization Study

Background: The alarming mortality rate of sepsis in ICUs has garnered significant attention. The precise etiology remains elusive. Mitochondria, often referred to as the cellular powerhouses, have been postulated to have a dysfunctional role, correlating with the onset and progression of sepsis. However, the exact causal relationship remains to be defined. Method: Employing the Mendelian randomization approach, this study systematically analyzed data from the IEUOpenGWAS and UKbiobank databases concerning mitochondrial function-related proteins and their association with sepsis, aiming to delineate the causal relationship between the two. Results: The findings underscored a statistically significant association of GrpE1 with sepsis, registering a P value of 0.005 and an OR of 0.499 (95% CI: 0.307–0.810). Likewise, HTRA2, ISCU, and CUP3 each manifested significant associations with sepsis, yielding OR values of 0.585, 0.637, and 0.634, respectively. These results suggest potential implications of the aforementioned proteins in the pathogenesis of sepsis. Conclusion: The present study furnishes novel evidence elucidating the roles of GrpE1, HTRA2, ISCU, and CUP3 in the pathophysiology of sepsis. Such insights pave the way for a deeper understanding of the pathological mechanisms underpinning sepsis and hint at promising therapeutic strategies for the future.
Rapid Fine-Grained Damage Assessment of Buildings on a Large Scale: A Case Study of the February 2023 Earthquake in Turkey

High-resolution stereo satellite images (HRSSIs) have the potential to provide the accurate height and volume information, playing a crucial role in assessing building collapses during various natural disasters. However, the time-consuming process of three-dimensional (3-D) reconstruction, inadequate vertical accuracy of digital surface model (DSM), and concentrated clustering of buildings pose challenges for collapse assessment focused on buildings. Therefore, we present an improved approach for rapid fine-grained assessment of building collapses. First, the accurate and consistent positioning parameters for HRSSIs are obtained through the combined block adjustment using laser altimetry points, ensuring the generation of DSMs with vertical accuracy exceeding 2 m. Next, a set of rapid 3-D reconstruction techniques is introduced, achieving a significant eightfold improvement in generating DSMs. Subsequently, we deploy an automated workflow for batch processing and registration of open-source building footprints, enabling the accurate extraction of building height changes from dual-time DSMs. Finally, based on the building change image, a large-scale GIS image of building floor-level collapses is generated using connected component detection and threshold classification strategies. These findings have far-reaching implications for postdisaster emergency response, damage assessment, and expeditious reconstruction efforts. In our study, we processed an 800 km2 area in Kahramanmaras Province, Turkey, generating dual-time DSMs within 1 h. This enabled the assessment of floor-level collapses for a total of 48 092 buildings within the area. Validation was conducted on 361 houses in the city center, utilizing Google Street view images as ground truth. Remarkably, our approach achieved a high accuracy rate of 93.27% in floor-level assessment.
The Evaluation Of The Concentration Of Chlorides And Sulphates In Surface Water Of The National Nature Reserve Čičov Oxbow

Abstract In the years 2013–2014 we evaluated changes in concentrations of chlorides and sulphates in waters of the National Nature Reserve Čičov oxbow depending on the time and place of sampling. Collections of samples were realized regularly at monthly intervals, always in the half of a month. Sampling sites were determined in order to assess the impact of natural and anthropogenic source of surface water quality. In order to evaluate the quality of surface water in the sampling sites by individual indicators, we used the values of the 90th percentile (P90), which was calculated from the measured values and then compared with their matching set of limit values referred to the Regulation of the Government of the Slovak Republic No. 269/2010 Coll. According to that Regulation, the recommended value for chlorides is 200 mg dm;; and for sulphates 250 mg dm−3. Based on the calculated values of 90th percentile (P90) of these indicators, we found out that the calculated characteristic values are lower.
Integrated Framework to Detect and Mitigate Denial of Service (DoS) Attacks on Duplicate Address Detection Process in IPv6 Link Local Communication

In addition to addressing the scarcity of IP address space, Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) also addressed some of the shortcomings of Internet Protocol version 4(IPv4). These include neighbor discovery, address auto-configuration, and others. Many of this message exchange are done via the Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) and the use of this protocol in the IPv6 paradigm, i.e. ICMPv6 plays a bigger role compared to ICMPv4. One of the key process that is carried during neighbor discovery process is to check if the address generated already exists. This process is called the Duplicate Address Detection (DAD). Nevertheless, the design of this process has led to a severe security vulnerability allowing attackers to easily carry out Denial-of-Service (DoS) attack by causing every address generated to be a duplicate leading to new hosts unable to join the network. Various techniques and mechanisms have been introduced to address this vulnerability such as NDPMon, SeND, and SAVA. Nevertheless, these techniques are either not robust or have performance implications vis-à-vis with the DAD DoS detection and mitigation. In this paper, we put forward a novel framework that is able to detect, mitigate DoS attacks while being light-weight at the same time.
Cadena de abastecimiento sostenible, iniciativa que contribuye en el crecimiento de las compañías y del país

The following article identifies the internal and external benefits of the implementation of sustainable supply chains. This article explores the activities of the supply chain and analyzes the strategies that assist in entrepreneurial development. The ensuing discussion explores environmental certifications and their role in the market. This article details cases of four enterprises that utilize the sustainable supply chain and their sustainable annual report, also shows the environmental indicators to look at.
Nonlinear Fast Modeling Method of Flux Linkage and Torque for a 12/8 Switched Reluctance Motors

This article presents a nonlinear modeling method for the flux linkage and torque of a switched reluctance motor. The method is based on universal weighted least squares support vector machine regression (WLSSVR), combined with entropy method (EM) and improved coyote optimization algorithm (COA) to optimize the kernel parameters. Among them, EM can well improve the error of the general WLSSVR in the selection of sample weights, and the improved COA can prevent the system from falling into local optimum and improve the iteration speed. This SRM modeling method, which combines WLSSVR based on entropy and improved COA, can improve the modeling speed on the premise of ensuring the modeling accuracy mode speed. Finally, the effectiveness of the algorithm is verified by experiments.
Learn to Triangulate Scene Coordinates for Visual Localization

Visual localization plays a critical role in robotics. The scene coordinate regression-based localization methods have achieved state-of-the-art performance. However, current methods still have a gap between the regressed scene coordinates and the ground truth scene coordinates, which hinders the improvement of localization accuracy. These methods generally use structure-from-motion (SfM) or depth sensors to generate proxy scene coordinate supervision labels for training, but these proxy labels are contaminated with errors and noises, which are sub-optimal for training. To resolve this issue, we introduce a simple yet effective triangulation constraint, which could be easily incorporated into any scene coordinate regression-based framework. Instead of directly regressing the scene coordinates, our constraint reinforces the network, which learns to triangulate the ground truth scene coordinates without any proxy scene coordinate labels for supervision. Extensive experiments across multiple public datasets show that our triangulation constraint establishes significant improvement and even achieves better results without proxy labels for supervision. Furthermore, our method could recover denser and more complete 3D models compared with the SfM and other localization methods.
Seismotectonic study by relocation of the Wench uan M_S 8.0 earthquake sequence

Accurate relocation of the Wenchuan earthquake sequence is obtained by using the double difference relocation algorithm from the integrated travel time data recorded at the Western Sichuan movable seismic array and the earthquake emergency response stations. In this presentation, the seismotectonic deformation and rupture process is also investigated. The results show that the Wenchuan earthquake sequence begins from the south margin of the Pengguan Massif and extends northeastward for about 350 km within a width of 20-30 km. The spatial distribution of the aftershocks exhibits obvious inhomogeneity which can be divided into small sectors. The rigid Pengguan Massif controls the distribution of the earthquake sequence and the complex rupture process. The aftershocks occurred mainly in the depth ranging from 4 to 24 km inside the high velocity layer of the upper crust in the eastern border of the Longmen Shan and above the low velocity zone in the middle crust. Depth distributions of the aftershocks across the sections show clearly that the Yingxiu-Beichuan, Guanxian-Jiangyou and the Wenchuan-Maowen faults merge into a shear belt at the depth of 20-22 km. There exists an aftershock distribution belt from Xiaoyudong to the direction of Lixian, which is perpendicular to the strike of the Longmen Shan and longer than 60 km. Consulting with the results of the focal mechanism of strong aftershocks and the rupture process of the main shock, it could be inferred that the lower part of the Pengguan Massif has been broken up during the earthquake after long term stress accumulation, which would be the main reason why such a great earthquake occurred.
A SOPHOMORE-LEVEL REVERSE SOFTWARE ENGINEERING PROJECT IN COMPUTER SYSTEMS

On your ﬁrst day on the job with a new company, you are presented with a challenge. A piece of executable code has been found on an older server, and you must determine what the code is designed to do. In CSI 2334, “Introduction to Computer Systems (Computer Systems)”, we introduce to the students a group project simulating such an event. Group projects are used frequently to provide similar learning environments that capitalize on the beneﬁts of peer-to-peer instruction and cooperative learning. The challenge is presented, the students are put on teams, and then the work begins. This paper will document the process taken by the student teams to:
Quantum Computing: Circuits, Algorithms, and Applications

Quantum computing, a transformative field that emerged from quantum mechanics and computer science, has gained immense attention for its potential to revolutionize computation. This paper aims to address the fundamentals of quantum computing and provide a comprehensive guide for both novices and experts in the field of quantum computing. Beginning with the foundational principles of quantum computing, we introduce readers to the fundamental concepts of qubits, superposition, entanglement, interference, and noise. We explore quantum hardware, quantum gates, and basic quantum circuits. This study offers insight into the current phase of quantum computing, including the noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) era and its potential for solving real-world problems. Furthermore, we discuss the development of quantum algorithms and their applications, with a focus on famous algorithms like Shor’s algorithm and Grover’s algorithm. We also touch upon quantum computing’s impact on various industries, such as cryptography, optimization, machine learning, and material science. By the end of this paper, readers will have a solid understanding of quantum computing’s principles, applications, and the steps involved in developing quantum circuits. Our goal is to provide a valuable resource for those eager to embark on their quantum computing journey and for researchers looking to stay updated on this rapidly evolving field.
Reconstruction method of compressed sensing for remote sensing images cooperating with energy compensation

Remote sensing features are varied and complicated. There is no comprehensive coverage dictionary for reconstruction. The reconstruction precision is not guaranteed. Aiming at the above problems, a novel reconstruction method with multiple compressed sensing data based on energy compensation is proposed in this paper. The multiple measured data and multiple coding matrices compose the reconstruction equation. It is locally solved through the Orthogonal Matching Pursuit (OMP) algorithm. Then the initial reconstruction image is obtained. Further assuming the local image patches have the same compensation gray value, the mathematical model of compensation value is constructed by minimizing the error of multiple estimated measured values and actual measured values. After solving the minimization, the compensation values are added to the initial reconstruction image. Then the final energy compensation image is obtained. The experiments prove that the energy compensation method is superior to those without compensation. Our method is more suitable for remote sensing features.
An Approach to Develop Digital Twins in Industry

The industry is currently undergoing a digital revolution driven by the integration of several enabling technologies. These include automation, robotics, cloud computing, industrial cybersecurity, systems integration, digital twins, etc. Of particular note is the increasing use of digital twins, which offer significant added value by providing realistic and fully functional process simulations. This paper proposes an approach for developing digital twins in industrial environments. The novelty lies in not only focusing on obtaining the model of the industrial system and integrating virtual reality and/or augmented reality but also in emphasizing the importance of incorporating other enabled technologies of Industry 4.0, such as system integration, connectivity with standard and specific industrial protocols, cloud services, or new industrial automation systems, to enhance the capabilities of the digital twin. Furthermore, a proposal of the software tools that can be used to achieve this incorporation is made. Unity is chosen as the real-time 3D development tool for its cross-platform capability and streamlined industrial system modeling. The integration of augmented reality is facilitated by the Vuforia SDK. Node-RED is selected as the system integration option, and communications are carried out with MQTT protocol. Finally, cloud-based services are recommended for effective data storage and processing. Furthermore, this approach has been used to develop a digital twin of a robotic electro-pneumatic cell.
Proanthocyanidins isolated from the leaves of Ficus glomerata evaluated on the activities of rumen enzymes: in vitro and in silico studies

Two new proanthocyanidins (2S:3S)-(−)-epicatechin-(4α→8)4-(2R:3R)-(+)-catechin (Compound 1) and (2R, 3R)-3-O-galloyl-(+)-catechin (4β→8)3-(2R, 3R)-3-O-galloyl-(+)-catechin (Compound 2) were isolated from Ficus glomerata and characterized by ultraviolet spectroscopy (UV), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), 13C NMR, and heteronuclear multiple bond correlation . The bioactivity and drug scores of isolated compounds were predicted using OSIRIS property explorer applications with drug scores of 0.03 (compound 1) and 0.05 (compound 2). Predictive drug scores provided an indication of the compounds’ potential to demonstrate desired biological effects. Furthermore, the newly discovered proanthocyanidins tended to interact with protein due to their chemical structure and molecular conformation. With the aim of maintaining this focus, compounds 1 and 2 were subjected to in vitro testing against ruminal enzymes to further explore their potential impact. Both compounds showed significant inhibition activities (p < 0.01) against glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase in both protozoa and bacterial fractions, with an effective concentration (EC50) of 12.30–18.20 mg/mL. The compounds also exhibited significant inhibition (p < 0.01) of ruminal glutamic pyruvic transaminase activity, with EC50 values ranging from 9.77 to 17.38 mg/mL. Furthermore, the inhibition was recorded in R-cellulase between EC50 values of 15.85 and 23.99 mg/mL by both compounds. Additionally, both compounds led to a decrease in protease activity with increasing incubation time and concentration. In conclusion, the results indicate that these novel proanthocyanidins hold the potential to significantly impact rumen enzyme biology. Furthermore, their promising effects suggest that they could be further explored for drug development and other important applications.
Rhinochelys (Chelonioidea: Protostegidae) from the Late Cretaceous (Cenomanian) of Nammoura, Lebanon

A new species of Rhinochelys, R. nammourensis n. sp. (Chelonioidea: Protostegidae), is described on the basis of beautifully preserved complete and articulated skeletons from the Nammoura locality, a Cenomanian (Late Cretaceous) Lagerstatte in Lebanon. Our study provides ontogenetic and front flipper characters for the family Protostegidae. Despite a very large ulnare, the front flipper of protostegids appears to retain the primitive digit configuration of chelonioids, in the relative length of the digits and phalanges and in the absence of reduction of the number of phalanges. The relative abundance of hatchling turtles suggests that Nammoura was near a nesting site during the Cenomanian.