Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Force Control With a Novel Robotic Catheterization System Based on Braided Sleeve Grippers

The complex, deformable, and dynamic cardiovascular system makes precise control of flexible medical instruments a challenging task. An innovative robot-assisted catheterization system (RACS) based on braided sleeves was thus developed to aid interventionalists during cardiovascular procedures. The RACS allows navigating instruments through the vasculature with continuous uninterrupted motion. The complete design and characterization of the developed RACS are presented and experimentally evaluated. The RACS’ capability to track dynamic motion is demonstrated. Hereto, heart motion is estimated and fed into a dedicated motion controller. It is further demonstrated that tissue tracking performance can be improved by compensating for hysteresis present along the instrument’s length and incorporating a rate-dependent Bouc-Wen model in the motion control strategy. Here, a practical method based on multi-core FBG-inscribed fiber technology is presented for continuous instrument pose tracking. A velocity controller is cascaded with a force control loop to enable instrument tip contact force tracking. An experimental comparison between three different force control strategies was carried out on a benchtop laboratory setup resembling a dynamically moving heart wall. Results confirmed the superior performance of the cascaded force-velocity controller with Bouc-Wen hysteresis compensation. Finally, the RACS system was validated through in-vivo experiments on a living swine which demonstrated its ability to successfully navigate instruments toward the heart.
Maternal Pre-Pregnancy BMI, Offspring Adiposity in Late Childhood, and Age of Weaning: A Causal Mediation Analysis

Infant feeding practices have been hypothesized to influence offspring’s body mass index (BMI) later in life, and women with overweight or obesity tend to wean their infants earlier than women with healthy BMI. We, therefore, aimed to investigate how much early age of weaning mediated the maternal-offspring adiposity relationship. The study included 4920 mother-child pairs from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children birth cohort. G-computation was applied to estimate the natural direct (NDE) and indirect (NIE) effects, via the age of weaning (<3 months, 3 months, >3 months), of maternal pre-pregnancy overweight or obesity on offspring’s BMI and fat mass index. The NDE of maternal overweight or obesity on offspring BMI at 17 years old was 2.63 kg/m2 (95% CI: 2.27 to 2.99). The NIE via the age of weaning was 0.02 kg/m2 (95% CI: 0.00 to 0.04), corresponding to 0.8% of the total effect. Similar results were observed for the offspring’s fat mass index. The NDE and NIE were similar to the main analyses when we looked at the relationship stratified by breastfeeding status. Our study found a minimal influence of age of weaning on the pathway between maternal and offspring adiposity, indicating the age of weaning may not be a key mediator.
Most Recent Malicious Software Datasets and Machine Learning Detection Techniques: A Review

Background: Within the context of cyber security, it has become crucial to monitor systems and analyze data to maintain data security and integrity. Recently, it has become important to create a system for analyzing and classifying data, to prevent any malicious programs such as malware. Materials and Methods: The latest malware dataset and the latest machine-learning techniques were used to detect malware, based on dynamic feature identification. Results: The results showed that the FFNN algorithm was the best algorithm for the sorel20M dataset based on the research work discussed in this paper. Conclusion: The continuous increase in the number and types of attacks has led to a huge expansion in the variants of malware samples. Therefore, malware needs to be categorized into groups according to their behavior, influence, and characteristics. Given the fact that research and training are essential elements of cyber security, its constantly changing nature poses a great challenge. This study mainly aims to demonstrate the most recent malware dataset and modern machine-learning techniques of malware detection, based on dynamic feature selection.
Mean field and fluctuations for fermionic systems: from ultracold Fermi gases to cuprates

This Thesis analyzes the role of a mean-field theory and of the fluctuations in two different fermionic systems: the BCS-BEC crossover and high-Tc superconducting cuprates. In the first part of the Thesis we introduce the mean-field theory and the Gaussian-level fluctuations for the BCS-BEC crossover, i.e. the continuous evolution observed in ultracold neutral fermionic systems, from a weakly-coupled regime where fermions form Cooper pairs, to a strongly-coupled regime where the fermions at first form bosonic molecular dimers, subsequently undergoing Bose-Einstein condensation for low enough temperatures. We then analyze some problems related to the crossover: the condensate fraction for a spin-unbalanced Fermi gas, the Beliaev decay for collective excitations and the case of a two-dimensional Fermi gas, for which we calculate the first sound velocity and the Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless critical temperature, in very good agreement with recent experimental data. Finally we analyze a regularization procedure for the equation of state in the deep-BEC limit, allowing one to analytically derive the correct ratio between the fermionic and bosonic scattering lengths. In the second part of the Thesis we introduce a gauge approach to superconductivity in cuprates in which the hole is decomposed as the product of a spinful neutral particle, the spinon, and a spinless charged particle, the holon. The statistics of each particle is modified by binding it to a gauge field providing a statistical flux, this approach being analogous to Chern-Simons bosonization. We thus obtain a model characterized by three characteristic temperatures corresponding, respectively, to the appearance of a finite density of incoherent holon pairs, of a finite density of incoherent spinon pairs and, finally, to the phase coherence leading to superconductivity. Specifically in the present Thesis within this model we study the superfluid density, demonstrating that the spinon and holon contributions sum according to a Ioffe-Larking-like rule, analogous to that they found for resistivity, showing excellent agreement with experimental data in the moderate underdoping up to optimal doping region. We also demonstrated that the formalism reproduces the quasi-universality observed in experimental data at different dopings and allows for an analytical derivation of a relation that approximates the Uemura relation for moderate dopings.
Comparison between ultrasound guided and landmark – based technique for superficial cervical plexus block in patients undergoing thyroid surgery

Background: The major advantage of ultrasound guided technique over the traditional landmark technique in bilateral superficial cervical plexus block is that, it helps to minimize the injury to cervical muscle, fascia and nerves. The study aimed to compare the effectiveness between landmark technique and ultrasound guided technique with respect to the post-operative analgesia, intra-operative hemodynamics and the complication rate of the procedure. Methodology: A total of 100 patients were included as our study sample which was divided into two groups of 50 each. Group A patients received Superficial Cervical Plexus Block (SCPB) using the landmark based technique and Group B patients received SCPB under ultrasound guided technique. Parameters such as success of the procedure performance time, time of onset of action, block pain score, post-operative pain score, intra-operative hemodynamics and complication rate were compared between the two groups. Results: The success rate of the block was found to be 72% in the landmark technique group compared to 90% in the ultrasound guided group. The onsite time of analgesia was found to be much earlier in ultrasound guided group (16.2 vs 11.1 mins). The hemodynamic parameters were found to be slightly higher among the landmark group compared to ultrasound guided group. Post-operative pain score was significantly better and the incidence of complication rate was nil among ultrasound guided group. Conclusion: Ultrasound guided technique is a better alternate for landmark technique for providing bilateral superficial cervical plexus block while performing thyroidectomy surgery. Keywords: cervical plexus block; landmark technique; ultrasound technique; thyroidectomy
1-kV vertical Ga2O3 field-plated Schottky barrier diodes

Ga2O3 field-plated Schottky barrier diodes (FP-SBDs) were fabricated on a Si-doped n−-Ga2O3 drift layer grown by halide vapor phase epitaxy on a Sn-doped n+-Ga2O3 (001) substrate. The specific on-resistance of the Ga2O3 FP-SBD was estimated to be 5.1 mΩ·cm2. Successful field-plate engineering resulted in a high breakdown voltage of 1076 V. A larger-than-expected effective barrier height of 1.46 eV, which was extracted from the temperature-dependent current–voltage characteristics, could be caused by the effect of fluorine atoms delivered in a hydrofluoric acid solution process.
Unfolding the prompt gamma ray spectra measured in a Lanthanum Bromide detector using GRAVEL method

Prompt fission Υ -ray energy spectra in spontaneous fission of 252Cf has been measured using a 3′′ × 6′′ LaBr3(Ce) detector. Unfolding of the measured Υ -ray energy spectra has been carried out using GRAVEL method. The response matrix of the detector has been simulated using GEANT4 and the unfolding of Υ -ray energy spectra for 60Co and 137Cs sources have been validated. This unfolding technique has then been applied to the prompt gamma spectra obtained from the spontaneous fission of 252Cf.
New neutron imaging techniques to close the gap to scattering applications

Neutron scattering and neutron imaging are activities at the strong neutron sources which have been developed rather independently. However, there are similarities and overlaps in the research topics to which both methods can contribute and thus useful synergies can be found. In particular, the spatial resolution of neutron imaging has improved recently, which - together with the enhancement of the efficiency in data acquisition- can be exploited to narrow the energy band and to implement more sophisticated methods like neutron grating interferometry. This paper provides a report about the current options in neutron imaging and describes how the gap to neutron scattering data can be closed in the future, e.g. by diffractive imaging, the use of polarized neutrons and the dark-field imagining of relevant materials. This overview is focused onto the interaction between neutron imaging and neutron scattering with the aim of synergy. It reflects mainly the authors’ experiences at their PSI facilities without ignoring the activities at the different other labs world-wide.
Exceptional Collaboration Patterns in Music Genre Networks

Music is one of the world’s most important cultural forms, and also one of the most dynamic. Such a dynamic nature can directly influence artists’ careers and reflect their success. In this work, we combine social networks and data mining techniques to analyze musical success from a genre-oriented perspective. Our goal is to mine exceptional collaboration patterns in success-based genre networks where the success deviates from the average. We conduct our analyses for global and eight regional markets, and the results show that each market has specific patterns of genre connections in which success is above average. Hence, our findings serve as a first step in developing strategies to promote future song releases across the world.
PTF11mnb: First analog of supernova 2005bf. Long-rising, double-peaked supernova Ic from a massive progenitor

Aims. We study PTF11mnb, a He-poor supernova (SN) whose light curves resemble those of SN 2005bf, a peculiar double-peaked stripped-envelope (SE) SN, until the declining phase after the main peak. We investigate the mechanism powering its light curve and the nature of its progenitor star. Methods. Optical photometry and spectroscopy of PTF11mnb are presented. We compared light curves, colors and spectral properties to those of SN 2005bf and normal SE SNe. We built a bolometric light curve and modeled this light curve with the SuperNova Explosion Code (SNEC) hydrodynamical code explosion of a MESA progenitor star and semi-analytic models. Results. The light curve of PTF11mnb turns out to be similar to that of SN 2005bf until ~50 d when the main (secondary) peaks occur at −18.5 mag. The early peak occurs at ~20 d and is about 1.0 mag fainter. After the main peak, the decline rate of PTF11mnb is remarkably slower than what was observed in SN 2005bf, and it traces well the ^(56)Co decay rate. The spectra of PTF11mnb reveal a SN Ic and have no traces of He unlike in the case of SN Ib 2005bf, although they have velocities comparable to those of SN 2005bf. The whole evolution of the bolometric light curve is well reproduced by the explosion of a massive (M_(ej) = 7.8 M_⊙), He-poor star characterized by a double-peaked ^(56)Ni distribution, a total ^(56)Ni mass of 0.59 M_⊙, and an explosion energy of 2.2 × 10^(51) erg. Alternatively, a normal SN Ib/c explosion (M(^(56)Ni) = 0.11 M_⊙, EK = 0.2 × 10^(51) erg, M_(ej) = 1 M_⊙) can power the first peak while a magnetar, with a magnetic field characterized by B = 5.0 × 10^(14) G, and a rotation period of P = 18.1 ms, provides energy for the main peak. The early g-band light curve can be fit with a shock-breakout cooling tail or an extended envelope model from which a radius of at least 30 R_⊙ is obtained. Conclusions. We presented a scenario where PTF11mnb was the explosion of a massive, He-poor star, characterized by a double-peaked ^(56)Ni distribution. In this case, the ejecta mass and the absence of He imply a large ZAMS mass (~85 M_⊙) for the progenitor, which most likely was a Wolf-Rayet star, surrounded by an extended envelope formed either by a pre-SN eruption or due to a binary configuration. Alternatively, PTF11mnb could be powered by a SE SN with a less massive progenitor during the first peak and by a magnetar afterward.
Use of High-Protein and High-Dietary-Fibre Vegetable Processing Waste from Bell Pepper and Tomato for Pasta Fortification

There is worldwide wastage of 1.3 billion tons of food annually. It is recommended that food waste should be reduced at every phase of production. By-products from food processing have high nutritional value so their use in new products is advisable. The aim of the study was to enrich the nutritional value of pasta using waste from the food industry. By-products from tomato processing (tomato waste—TW) and pepper (defatted pepper seeds—DPS, pepper placenta—PP) were used at a level of 10–30% to produce pasta. The farinographic characteristics, chemical composition, cooking quality, and colour of the pasta were studied. The results show a significant (p < 0.05), up to 27%, increase in the protein content of the TW30 samples, compared with the control (16.16% d.m. vs. 20.61% d.m.). The TDF content increased over five times in DPS30 and TW30 (27.99% d.m. and 25.44% d.m.). The amino acid composition of the pasta improved with the fortification but failed to achieve complete protein by FAO. The DPS30, PP20, PP30 and all TW samples can be considered high-protein products according to the EU definition (a minimum of 20% energy from protein). Vegetable waste can be a valuable additive for the improvement of the nutritional value of food.
A new urinary catheter self-efficacy scale (C-SE)

Hypothesis / aims of study Self-efficacy, measuring confidence to perform specific behaviours, has been well studied and is known to be a powerful predictor of behavioural change. [1] However, there were no known measures of urinary catheter self-efficacy for persons who use the device long-term or indefinitely. Therefore, a catheter-related self-efficacy instrument (C-SE) was developed and tested for psychometrics for use in a randomized trial teaching urinary catheter self-management.
Una mirada a los proyectos promocionales en el nivel medio de instituciones técnicas en tiempo de pandemia en la ciudad de Pilar, Paraguay

En la ciudad de Pilar, Departamento de Ñeembucú, República del Paraguay, se lleva adelante el presente trabajo que tiene por propósito brindar una mirada con respecto al diseño, elaboración y ejecución de los proyectos promocionales, en instituciones educativas con orientación técnica, en un periodo de tiempo eminentemente crítico, como resultado de la pandemia del COVID-19. Los proyectos promocionales están destinados a los estudiantes del último año de la educación media, que, en vistas a la situación acaecida, debieron ser realizados de acuerdo a las propuestas académicas y disposiciones ministeriales de urgencia surgidas en ese momento. En este sentido, el MEC opta por la modalidad de educación a distancia para el desarrollo de las clases, dejando de lado la presencialidad. En el año 2020, el MEC publica la guía docente denominada “Tu escuela en casa”, estableciendo un plan para evitar la interrupción total de la tarea educativa, diseñada para cubrir la educación escolar básica y media, mientras que para el bachillerato técnico fueron determinados otros mecanismos. La virtualidad propuso el trabajo autónomo del estudiante, al tiempo de permitir el seguimiento del profesor guía, emergiendo otros factores como lo económico y motivacional como elementos discordantes, al igual que la falta de preparación y acceso tecnológico.
Stability issues pertaining large area perovskite and dye-sensitized solar cells and modules

Perovskite and dye-sensitized solar cells are PV technologies which hold promise for PV application. Arguably, the biggest issue facing these technologies is stability. The vast majority of studies have been limited to small area laboratory cells. Moisture, oxygen, UV light, thermal and electrical stresses are leading the degradation causes. There remains a shortage of stability investigations on large area devices, in particular modules. At the module level there exist particular challenges which can be different from those at the small cell level such as encapsulation (not only of the unit cells but of interconnections and contacts), non-uniformity of the layer stacks and unit cells, reverse bias stresses, which are important to investigate for technologies that aim for industrial acceptance. Herein we present a review of stability investigations published in the literature pertaining large area perovskite and dye-sensitized solar devices fabricated both on rigid (glass) and flexible substrates.
An investigation into methods to aid the simulation of turbulent separation control

The reduction of drag on commercial aircraft is an active field of study especially with environmental pressures to reduce the carbon emissions associated with climate change. To this end, the AEROMEMS-II project was commissioned by the EU with a view to investigate methods for reducing drag by using MEMS devices for controlling separation. One method for investigating flow control devices is to use the field of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to simulate the flow interactions produced in flow control applications and assess their effect. Simulating such flows can be computationally expensive so a number of methods have been investigated here to assess their use in flow control simulation applications. The first of these is the Immersed Boundary Method (IBM) which allows complex geometries to be simulated using simple cartesian grid CFD codes. IBMs are found to reduce requirements whilst maintaining flow resolution and accuracy. Next is the use of turbulence modelling with wall functions to reduce the need for fine grids near any solid surfaces. This method is found to work well and can allow the grid spacing near the wall to be 100 times coarser than with no wall functions applied. Finally, Detached Eddy Simulation (DES) has been considered as a method for allowing unsteady flow control structures to be simulated without being damped by conventional turbulence modelling. Each of these methods is presented, implemented and validated against known flow cases to assess their abilities fully. All three methods have then been applied together to a known experimental turbulent flow-control set-up at the University of Lille (fellow partners in the AEROMEMS-II project) in order to assess the feasibility of using all of these methods together to simulate flow control. All three of these methods are seen to work well together although not always with the same effect.
Influence of model order reduction methods on dynamical–optical simulations

Abstract. In this work, the influence of model order reduction (MOR) methods on optical aberrations is analyzed within a dynamical–optical simulation of a high precision optomechanical system. Therefore, an integrated modeling process and new methods have to be introduced for the computation and investigation of the overall dynamical–optical behavior. For instance, this optical system can be a telescope optic or a lithographic objective. In order to derive a simplified mechanical model for transient time simulations with low computational cost, the method of elastic multibody systems in combination with MOR methods can be used. For this, software tools and interfaces are defined and created. Furthermore, mechanical and optical simulation models are derived and implemented. With these, on the one hand, the mechanical sensitivity can be investigated for arbitrary external excitations and on the other hand, the related optical behavior can be predicted. In order to clarify these methods, academic examples are chosen and the influences of the MOR methods and simulation strategies are analyzed. Finally, the systems are investigated with respect to the mechanical–optical frequency responses, and in conclusion, some recommendations for the application of reduction methods are given.
Measuring Sexual Motivation as a Trait Dimension: A multisample study of the Portuguese (European) Version of the Trait Sexual Motivation Questionnaire

Abstract The current study aimed at translating and validating the TSMQ into Portuguese-European (TSMQ-PT) and to investigate its psychometric properties. Three online studies were conducted with independent samples collected between September 2020 and March 2022. Study 1 tested the exploratory factorial structure (N = 325; 206 women); Study 2 explored the confirmatory factorial structure and construct validity (N = 450; 230 women); and Study 3 examined the temporal stability of the TSMQ-PT (N = 30; 15 women). Participants completed the TSMQ-PT for all three studies. In study 2, further completed the Sexual Compulsivity Scale, the Sexual Sensation Seeking Scale, and the Sexual Desire Inventory. Data revealed that the TSMQ-PT yielded a four-structure model, (i.e., Sexually Oriented, Comparison with Others, Seeking for Sexual Encounters, and Importance of Sex) comprising 13 items, with seven additional items for assessing existence and number of sexual partners, and frequency of sexual behaviors. The TSMQ-PT achieved good internal consistency levels (McDonald’s omega ranged from .71 to .89) and construct validity, and temporal stability over 10-11 months (values ranged from .80 to .87) supporting the trait-dimension of sexual motivation. Current findings support a brief, valid, and reliable self-report instrument for assessing sexual motivation in the Portuguese context.