Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Heart Disease Prediction with Hyperparameter Analysis

I propose to develop an application which would be able to predict whether someone would be suffering from a coronary heart disease in the coming years. I propose to develop a simple user interface through which the user would just need to answer certain questions which would be provided to the Machine Learning Model as an input and the prediction would be provided to the user on the interface itself. Since this interface is a ready-to-use interface, there is no need for the user to create an account or sign-up. The questions being asked here to relate to the information obtained from the tests which the user might have undergone, or the user might simply be aware of the information about himself in general. The Machine Learning model is created from the algorithms which are highly effective and could be used to deploy in the real-world scenario. While executing the program, the interface program predicts through the machine learning model which has been trained on similar kind of data. However, at this stage, this project is meant for educational purpose only with a real aim of being deployed into the real-world. This project is also helpful in processing the claims for the company because many companies tend to provide medical and insurance loans and this project can help them in custom analysis for the certain situations.
A Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning Method for Omnidirectional Walking of Bipedal Robots

Achieving omnidirectional walking for bipedal robots is considered one of the most challenging tasks in robotics technology. Reinforcement learning (RL) methods have proved effective in bipedal walking tasks. However, most existing methods use state machines to switch between multiple policies and achieve omnidirectional gait, which results in shaking during the policy switching process for bipedal robots. To achieve a seamless transition between omnidirectional gait and transient motion for full-size bipedal robots, we propose a novel multi-agent RL method. Firstly, a multi-agent RL algorithm based on the actor–critic framework is designed, and policy entropy is introduced to improve exploration efficiency. By learning agents with parallel initial state distributions, we minimize reliance on gait planner effectiveness in the Robot Operating System (ROS). Additionally, we design a novel heterogeneous policy experience replay mechanism based on Euclidean distance. Secondly, considering the periodicity of bipedal robot walking, we develop a new periodic gait function. Including periodic objectives in the policy can accelerate the convergence speed of training periodic gait functions. Finally, to enhance the robustness of the policy, we construct a novel curriculum learning method by discretizing Gaussian distribution and incorporate it into the robot’s training task. Our method is validated in a simulation environment, and the results show that our method can achieve multiple gaits through a policy network and achieve smooth transitions between different gaits.
Effects of Near-Freezing Temperature Combined with Jujube Polysaccharides Treatment on Proteomic Analysis of ‘Diaogan’ Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.)

This study involved the extraction of polysaccharides from jujube for application in apricot storage. Although near-freezing temperature (NFT) storage is commonly employed for preserving fresh fruit, its effectiveness is somewhat limited. Incorporating jujube polysaccharides was proposed to augment the preservative effect on apricots. Our findings demonstrated that the combined use of NFT and jujube polysaccharides can maintain fruit color, and effectively inhibit decay. Additionally, Tandem Mass Tag (TMT) quantitative proteomic technology was utilized to analyze protein variations in ‘Diaogan’ apricots during storage. This dual approach not only markedly lowered the activity of polyphenol cell wall-degrading enzymes (p < 0.05) but also revealed 1054 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), which are related to sugar and energy metabolism, stress response and defense, lipid metabolism, and cell wall degradation. The changes in DEPs indicated that the combined use of NFT and jujube polysaccharides could accelerate the conversion of malic acid to oxaloacetic acid and regulate antioxidant ability, potentially extending the storage lifespan of apricot fruit.
Unlocking Kubernetes Networking Efficiency: Exploring Data Processing Units for Offloading and Enhancing Container Network Interfaces

This paper delves into the realm of Kubernetes networking, exploring the pivotal role of Container Network Interface (CNI) plugins in orchestrating containerized applications. The core of the paper focuses on CNI plugins, encompassing the basics of Kubernetes networking, CNI architecture, and an in-depth analysis of prominent plugins such as Cilium, Flannel, Project Calico, SR-IOV CNI, and Weave Net. Leveraging insights from past performance studies, the paper navigates the advantages and limitations of these plugins. The exploration extends to Data Processing Units (DPUs), showcasing their potential to revolutionize Kubernetes networking. Through case studies and use cases, the paper unveils the innovative utilization of DPUs for offloading networking tasks. Considering the offloading capabilities inherent in DPUs, we showcase different CNIs for specific Kubernetes cluster requirements.
Abstract 15835: Inhibition of Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Reduces Cognitive Impairment and Improves Cerebral Hemodynamics in AD/ADRD

Alzheimer's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease-Related Dementias (AD/ADRD) is an emerging global healthcare crisis. However, underlying mechanisms have not been understood well enough to translate into precision medicine. Recent human genetic evidence indicated that soluble hydrolase (sEH) is linked to AD/ADRD. Inhibition of sEH has been reported to improve cognition in AD mice due to its anti-inflammatory and neuronal protective effects. Here, we examined whether inhibition of sEH with TPPU could reduce cognitive impairments by improving cerebral hemodynamics in 18-month-old diabetes (DM)-related ADRD rats and 6 months of TgF344-AD rats. The myogenic responses of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) were impaired in both AD and ADRD rats and were normalized with TPPU. The inner diameters of MCA increased by 49.16 ± 17.02 % in DM rats but decreased by 16.06 ± 2.46% and 11.24 ± 0.05% in age-matched control and TPPU-treated DM rats when pressure was elevated from 40 to 180 mmHg. Similarly, TPPU-treated AD rats significantly enhanced the MCA constriction by 25%. Forced dilatation occurred at pressures > 140 mmHg in MCAs in both rats and was rescued with TPPU treatment. Endothelial denuded MCAs from TPPU-treated DM rats constricted to 75.15 ± 4.25 % at a perfusion pressure of 140 mmHg and further constricted to 74.66 ± 4.01 % at 180 mmHg, compared to dilation of 155.48 ± 17.35 % and 172.78 ± 13.36 % in DM rats at the same pressures. The percentage of time spent with the novel object was 43.32 ± 8.04% and 83.23 ± 8.70% in DM and TPPU-treated DM rats, versus 75.68 ± 3.33% in non-DM rats. Impaired learning and short and long-term memory function examined with an 8-arm water maze in both DM and AD rats were rescued with TPPU treatment. These results provide the first evidence demonstrating that inhibition of sEH reverses cerebrovascular dysfunction and cognitive impairments in AD/ADRD.
Role of Selective Grazing by Dreissenid Mussels in promoting Toxic Microcystis Blooms and Other Changes in phytoplankton Composition in the Great Lakes

509 Introduction 510 Toxic Microcystis Blooms Return to Great Lakes 510 Selective Rejection Paradigm 510 Possible Interactions with Phosphorus 511 Overview of Experimental Approach and Objectives 512 Methods 512 Results 513 Strains Isolated from Inland Lakes 513 Experiments with Natural Seston 515 Combined Long-Term/Short-Term Experiments with Natural Seston 515 Discussion 518 Differences in Grazing Vulnerability of Microcystis among Strains and Lakes 518 Projecting Mussel Impact on Phytoplankton Community 520 Microcystis Affects Filtering Intensity 521 Nutrients and Phytoplankton Growth Rate 521 Future Directions 521 References 522 510 Quagga and Zebra Mussels: biology, iMpacts, and control and large fractions, small colonies were ingested, while large colonies were not. In another nontoxic strain, consisting only of large colonies, no colonies were ingested; however, when the colonies were broken apart by sonication, no small colonies or even single cells were ingested. Video observations showed that both of these strains were readily captured and rejected in pseudofeces after a large number were collected. Mussels fed upon the small colonies of a moderately toxic strain, whereas for another less toxic strain, no feeding occurred. When mussels were induced to feed on this latter strain by adding Cryptomonas—a favorite food of mussels— to the suspension, one of the mussels showed extreme sensitivity to Microcystis by rejecting each colony as they entered the incurrent siphon. Experiments with Microcystis having moderate microcystin concentration from both the low P (Saginaw Bay) and high P (Maumee Bay) sites in the Great Lakes were rejected. Microcystis from enclosures in Gull Lake was ingested despite having very high microcystin concentrations. Whether the selective-rejection process results in a Microcystis bloom depends on both mussel abundance and environmental P concentration as they affect mortality and growth rate of algae competing with Microcystis, as well as the composition of different Microcystis strains (genetic identities) that can coexist at the same time in the same water body. Questions for future research and research approaches to understand these complex interactions are outlined.
S100 Calcium-Binding Protein A9, a Potential Novel Diagnostic Biomarker for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Background Neutrophilic inflammation is a characteristic feature of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). S100 calcium-binding protein A9 (S100A9) is a neutrophil-derived protein involved in the development of neutrophil-related chronic inflammatory disorders. However, the role of S100A9 in IPF remains unclear. Methods We used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays to measure S100A9 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and serum obtained from healthy controls (HCs) and patients with IPF, non-specific interstitial pneumonia, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and sarcoidosis. Results Compared with HCs, BALF S100A9 levels were significantly higher in IPF patients (P < 0.001), patients with hypersensitivity pneumonitis (P = 0.043), and patients with nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (P < 0.001). The S100A9 level in BALF of 0.093 ng/mL could distinguish IPF patients from HCs, with a specificity of 78.8% and a sensitivity of 81.6%. Similarly, the S100A9 level in BALF of 0.239 ng/mL had a specificity of 64.7% and a sensitivity of 66.7% for distinguishing IPF patients from patients with other interstitial lung diseases. Additionally, BALF S100A9 levels were significantly correlated with neutrophil counts (r = 0.356, P < 0.001) in BALF. IPF patients with S100A9 levels in BALF > 0.533 ng/mL had lower survival rates, compared with patients who had levels ≤ 0.553 ng/mL (n = 49; hazard ratio [HR], 3.62; P = 0.021). Combination analysis revealed that IPF patients with S100A9 levels in BALF> 0.553 ng/mL or neutrophil percentages > 49.1% (n = 43) had significantly lower survival rates than patients with S100A9 levels in BALF ≤ 0.553 ng/mL and neutrophil percentages ≤ 49.1% (n = 41) (HR, 3.91; P = 0.014). Additionally, patients with serum S100A9 levels > 0.077 ng/mL (n = 29) had significantly lower survival rates than patients with levels ≤ 0.077 ng/mL (n = 53, HR, 2.52; P = 0.013). S100A9 was expressed on neutrophils and macrophages in BALF from IPF patients as well as α-smooth muscle actin positive cells in the lung tissues. Conclusion S100A9 is involved in the development and progression of IPF. Moreover, S100A9 levels in BALF and serum may be surrogate markers for IPF diagnosis and survival prediction, particularly when analyzed in combination with neutrophil percentages.
Digital image analysis techniques to estimate waterspread for capacity evaluations of reservoirs

The reduction of storage capacity of a reservoir between two elevation contours over a period of some years would be indicated by the reduction in contour areas at these elevation levels. The waterspreads, which are contour areas at different reservoir operating levels, were estimated for the Bhadra and Malaprabha reservoirs in the upper Krishna river basin using Landsat TM and IRS LISS II digital data, respectively. This paper discusses the digital image analysis strategy adopted for estimation of waterspreads and evaluation of the storage capacity of reservoirs. The possible error component of satellite derived waterspreads due to land-water mixed pixels is analyzed and discussed
A Review of Trajectory Prediction Methods for the Vulnerable Road User

Predicting the trajectory of other road users, especially vulnerable road users (VRUs), is an important aspect of safety and planning efficiency for autonomous vehicles. With recent advances in Deep-Learning-based approaches in this field, physics- and classical Machine-Learning-based methods cannot exhibit competitive results compared to the former. Hence, this paper provides an extensive review of recent Deep-Learning-based methods in trajectory prediction for VRUs and autonomous driving in general. We review the state and context representations and architectural insights of selected methods, divided into categories according to their primary prediction scheme. Additionally, we summarize reported results on popular datasets for all methods presented in this review. The results show that conditional variational autoencoders achieve the best overall results on both pedestrian and autonomous driving datasets. Finally, we outline possible future research directions for the field of trajectory prediction in autonomous driving.
Additively manufactured antennas based on slotted ridged waveguides for 77 GHz MIMO radar applications

In this work an additively manufactured waveguide antenna array for automotive radar applications is presented. The antenna is based on a slotted single ridged waveguide design with four radiating elements in the elevation plane. This allows for a λ0/2 spacing at 76 to 77 GHz, which is desirable to minimise azimutal angular ambiguities in automotive radar applications. The influence of adjacent surfaces close to the radiating slots in the azimutal field of view (FoV) is evaluated based on simulations and measured prototypes, especially demonstrating its role when extending the FoV towards ±70°. Furthermore, the impact on mutual coupling with neighboring antenna elements and the interaction of several channels with the arrays’ cover are evaluated based on a 4x4 channel array prototype, which is also manufactured and measured. The entire antenna arrays are manufactured monolithically with a photopolymer based 3D-printing process and subsequently electroplated in cooperation with Golden Devices GmbH.
Dual Circularly Polarized Millimeter-Wave Transmitarray

This communication reports the dual circularly polarized high-aperture-efficiency transmitarrays (Tas) capable of forming patterns with two independent beams for the right-hand circularly-polarized wave (RHCPW) and left-hand circularly-polarized wave (LHCPW) at the same frequency. The five-layer TA elements contain a ring-slot resonator loaded by interdigital capacitors in each layer. The TA element was optimized as a three-bit phase shifter that adds two independent phase shifts to the transmitted RHCPW and LHCPW. The geometry of the TA element was validated by designing two 500-element TAs. At 36.5 GHz, these two TAs form RHCP beams in the directions <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$(\theta =20^{\circ}, \phi =0^{\circ})$ </tex-math></inline-formula> and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$(\theta =40^{\circ}, \phi =0^{\circ})$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, respectively, and the LHCP beams point in the direction <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$(\theta =0^{\circ}, \phi =0^{\circ})$ </tex-math></inline-formula> in both TAs. These two TAs were fabricated and tested. For the first TA, the measured gains were 27.7 and 27.6 dBi for the RHCP and LHCP radiation patterns, respectively, with overall aperture efficiencies <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\eta _{s}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> of 0.46 and 0.45. The second TA demonstrated the measured gains of 27.0 and 28.5 dBi for the RHCPW and LHCPW, respectively, with <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\eta _{s}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> equal to 0.39 and 0.55. The measured cross-polarization levels in the direction of pattern maximums were −21.1, −24.4 dB for the first TA, and −15.0, −31.2 dB for the second TA, considering RHCPW and LHCPW beams, respectively.
Methodology for sea level rise hazard assessment in the exposed coastal zone of the Portuguese mainland

Future scenarios of sea level rise in Portugal are expected to put at risk sensitive areas from a natural and urban point of view. This research proposes a methodology for the assessment of sea level rise Hazard zones using the evaluation of permanent and episodic components as important factors to predict flooding and coastal erosion hazards for the Shared Socioeconomic Pathway 1, 2 and 5 scenarios, in 2040, 2070 and 2100.
Practical Measurements on ESPAR Antenna for UAV based Long Range Communications

A pattern reconfigurable antenna system for LoRa 868 MHz communications is characterized in a practical case scenario involving Drone-to-Ground communications. The effectiveness of the beam-steering antenna is confirmed through Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) airborne measurements, which indicate that the reconfiguration becomes more efficient as the distance increases.
When is HbA1c useful and what do the numbers mean – do they help or hinder?

Background: Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) measurement is used for diagnosis, management and remission of type 2 diabetes (T2DM), with measurements comparable worldwide and the World Health Organization listing medical conditions that affect its accuracy. Admission glucose is in the ‘diabetes’ range in 5% of emergency hospital admissions without prior diagnosis, with literature searches indicating inconsistent practice on using HbA1c to confirm diagnosis. As oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) were not possible during the COVID-19 pandemic, guidance was issued by the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology on using HbA1c for gestational diabetes mellitus. Aims: This study explores use of HbA1c at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, a large university hospital serving a multi- ethnic adult population. Methods: Information is presented on comparability, clinical audits, research studies and current practice, and is illustrated by case reports. Results: Data from the National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program show comparability of laboratoryHbA1c and point-of-care testing methods from 1993 to 2023. Although HbA1c was used to diagnose gestational diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals have reverted to OGTT post pandemic. In contrast, HbA1c is now being used to assess T2DM remission. Case reports illustrate these scenarios and highlight the complexity of decision-making when the accuracy of the HbA1c reading is affected by multiple co- morbidities. Conclusions: This wider use of HbA1c includes remission of T2DM but the diagnosis of gestational diabetes has reverted to OGTT post pandemic. A pictorial representation of HbA1c range is presented to aid understanding of this test. It is suitable for diagnosis of diabetes in most people except those with some variant haemoglobins or abnormal red blood cell turnover.
Object -Oriented Analysis of Very High Resolution Orthophotos for Estimating the Population of Slum Areas, Case of Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania

Obtaining up-to-date spatial information about slum settlements is of great importance for decision making related to slum and housing policy. The availability of Very High Resolution (VHR) satellite imagery in meter or sub-meter level is helpful and promising in the information extraction of slum areas based on object-oriented techniques. This paper aims to determine the feasibility of using VHR orthophotos (0.6 meter pixels) to create an accurate inventory of buildings in order to estimate the slum population. eCogniton software is used for the image segmentation and classification of the objects of interest (building roofs) for three different slum areas in Dar-Es-Salaam called “Charambe”, “Manzese” and “Tandale”. Roof extraction accuracy is computed on the study wards. In total, out of 1650 reference buildings 1504 buildings are extracted (91% accuracy). The number of inhabitants living in a dwelling unit is obtained from household surveys and used to calculate the Roof Area per Person (RApP) rate. The estimated population by the applied model represents 82.2%, 72.5% and 68.3% for Charambe, Manzese and Tandale wards, respectively. * Corresponding author. Email: mehdiaminipour@gmail.com
Zur Vervollkommnung der quantitativen Phytoplankton-Methodik

SynopsisAll the important questions in counting phytoplankton are reviewed. The methods described refer primarily to fresh water but are applicable to marine phytoplankton as well. No attempt has been made to review the whole of the voluminous literature on counting technique or describe its development. The main aim is to describe the counting-chamber method. The numerous difficulties encountered in quantitative plankton research are discussed and ways of avoiding them are described together with improvements of technique that save time. Among the equipment described are the filling-chamber (Fullkammer) and the combination-chamber (Verbundkammer). A mixture of potassium iodide in iodine and sodium acetate is used for the preservation of phytoplankton. A new sort of fractionated counting designed to overcome a certain degree of unavoidably uneven distribution of the plankton sediments is described.
Adverse event reporting practices in drug-resistant tuberculosis facilities across South Africa

Background The reporting of adverse drug reactions associated with drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) medication is important for pharmacovigilance, especially in high-burden countries such as South Africa. With DR-TB treatment being so dynamic, it is important to understand adverse event reporting practices at specialised facilities. Objectives The study aimed to understand the adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting practices at DR-TB treatment facilities in South Africa. Method Interviews were conducted with healthcare workers at specialised DR-TB facilities. This was to collect data on demographics, pharmacovigilance training, and determine attitudes and practices towards reporting adverse events. A checklist was developed to review the most recent adverse event forms captured at the facility. Results Most participants did not have adverse event reporting training since their initial training but were confident that they could complete a form themselves. Most participants could correctly identify the major adverse events associated with DR-TB medication, but some deemed non-adverse events as plausible. Adverse event report forms were not standardised with most participants deeming further training and regular feedback as reasons to report ADRs. Conclusion Standardisation of adverse event report forms used and the establishment of regular reporting will increase adverse event reporting at DR-TB facilities. Continuous training, empowerment and expansion of staff categories eligible to report adverse events will enhance and sustain such practice. Contribution The study highlights challenges faced by healthcare professionals in reporting adverse events.