Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Extensions of Input-output Stability Theory and the Control of Aerospace Systems

Extensions of Input-Output Stability Theory and the Control of Aerospace Systems James Richard Forbes Doctor of Philosophy Graduate Department of Aerospace Science and Engineering University of Toronto 2011 This thesis is concerned with input-output stability theory. Within this framework, it is of interest how inputs map to outputs through an operator that represents a system to be controlled or the controller itself. The Small Gain, Passivity, and Conic Sector Stability Theorems can be used to assess the stability of a negative feedback interconnection involving two systems that each have specific input-output properties. Our first contribution concerns characterization of the input-output properties of linear timevarying (LTV) systems. We present various theorems that ensure that a LTV system has finite gain, is passive, or is conic. We also consider the stability of various negative feedback interconnections. Motivated by the robust nature of passivity-based control, we consider how to overcome passivity violations. This investigation leads to the hybrid conic systems framework whereby systems are described in terms of multiple conic bounds over different operating ranges. A special case relevant to systems that experience a passivity violation is the hybrid passive/finite gain framework. Sufficient conditions are derived that ensure the negative feedback interconnection of two hybrid conic systems is stable. The input-output properties of gain-scheduled systems are also investigated. We show that a gain-scheduled system composed of conic subsystems has conic bounds as well. Using the conic bounds of the subsystems along with the scheduling signal properties, the overall conic bounds of the gain-scheduled system can be calculated. We also show that when hybrid very strictly passive/finite gain (VSP/finite gain) subsystems are gain-scheduled, the overall map is also hybrid VSP/finite gain. Being concerned with the control of aerospace systems, we use the theory developed in this thesis to control two interesting plants. We consider passivity-based control of a spacecraft endowed with magnetic torque rods and reaction wheels. In particular, we synthesize a LTV input strictly passive controller. Using hybrid theory we control singleand two-link flexible manipulators. We present two controller synthesis schemes, each of which employs numerical optimization techniques and attempts to have the hybrid VSP/finite gain controllers mimic a H2 controller. One of our synthesis methods uses the Generalized Kalman-Yakubovich-Popov Lemma, thus realizing a convex optimization problem.
BSLnO: Multi‐agent based distributed intrusion detection system using Bat Sea Lion Optimization‐based hybrid deep learning approach

Intrusion detection system (IDS) is a robust model that plays an essential role in dealing with intrusion detection, especially in detecting abnormal anomalies and unknown attacks. The major challenges faced by IDS are the computation time required for analysis, and the exchange of a huge amount of data from one division of the network to another. For the sake of tackling such limitations, this probe proposes a multi‐agent enabled IDS for detecting intrusions using the Bat Sea Lion Optimization (BSLnO) algorithm. The proposed strategy consists of five phases, namely pre‐processor agent, reducer agent, augmentation agent, classifier agent, and decision agent. Initially, input data is subjected to pre‐processor agent, where pre‐processing is carried out using data normalization and missing value imputation. Thereafter, the pre‐processed result is fed up to the reducer agent, where dimension reduction is carried out using mutual information. The third step is data augmentation in which the dimensionality of data is enhanced. After that, the augmented result is subjected to classifier agent to classify intrusions or malicious activities present in the network based on hybrid deep learning strategies, namely deep maxout network and deep residual network. A developed BSLnO is implemented by incorporating Bat Algorithm (BA) and Sea Lion Optimization (SLnO) algorithm to train the hybrid classifier. The proposed scheme has acquired a higher precision of 0.936, recall of 0.904, and F‐measure of 0.920.
Curcumin, Polydatin and Quercetin Synergistic Activity Protects from High-Glucose-Induced Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Chronic hyperglycemia, the diagnostic biomarker of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), is a condition that fosters oxidative stress and proinflammatory signals, both involved in the promotion of cellular senescence. Senescent cells acquire a proinflammatory secretory phenotype, called SASP, exacerbating and perpetuating the detrimental effects of hyperglycemia. Bioactive compounds can exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the synergistic anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of the most extensively investigated natural compounds have not been confirmed yet in senescent cells and in hyperglycemic conditions. Here, we exposed young and replicative senescent HUVEC (yHUVEC and sHUVEC) to a high-glucose (HG) condition (45 mM) and treated them with Polydatin (POL), Curcumin (CUR) and Quercetin (QRC), alone or in combination (MIX), to mirror the anti-inflammatory component OxiDefTM contained in the novel nutraceutical GlicefenTM (Mivell, Italy). In both yHUVEC and sHUVEC, the MIX significantly decreased the expression levels of inflammatory markers, such as MCP-1, IL-1β and IL-8, and ROS production. Importantly, in sHUVEC, a synergistic effect of the MIX was observed, suggesting its senomorphic activity. Moreover, the MIX was able to reduce the expression level of RAGE, a receptor involved in the activation of proinflammatory signaling. Overall, our data suggest that the consumption of nutraceuticals containing different natural compounds could be an adjuvant supplement to counteract proinflammatory and pro-oxidative signals induced by both hyperglycemic and senescence conditions.
Floraciones de Cyanotetras sp. en cuerpos de agua salobres eutrofizados del Paraguay durante el 2020

Las floraciones de cianobacterias se producen en ambientes acuáticos eutrofizados debido, principalmente, a la falta de gestión adecuada de los recursos hídricos y sus contaminantes. En el caso de Paraguay, se han reportado dos floraciones rojas, una en la Región Occidental (P1) y otra en la Región Oriental (P2). Por lo tanto, se estableció como objetivo identificar al microorganismo causante y las condiciones fisicoquímicas en que se desarrollaron. En ambos casos, se identificó al género Cyanotetras (Cyanobacteria) como el más abundante con una densidad de 1.065. 000 cél/mL (P1) y 5.504. 000 cél/mL (P2). En cuanto a los parámetros fisicoquímicos, se reportó elevada concentración de nutrientes y sales, característicos de ecosistemas acuáticos eutrofizados y salobres. En conclusión, se puede indicar que en P1 la floración se produjo en forma natural, mientras que en P2 fue debido al aporte de contaminantes provenientes de las actividades antrópicas aledañas al cuerpo de agua.
Design of a holographic waveguide with L configuration

In order to decrease the complexity to design and manufacture the turning grating of the configuration with one reflecting surface, an L-shape two-dimension extended configuration with single plate is given in the paper. This configuration consists of one specular reflecting surface and three holographic gratings two in which periods and the groove orientations are totally same, which makes gratings design and fabrication easier. According to the calculation and analysis to the optical path of configuration, the dimension of the turning grating is no larger than 40mm×30mm. The simulation result demonstrates the display configuration is reasonable and correct and can realize the display effect with 30°×30° field of view and Φ30mm large exit pupil. This configuration can be applied to an Augmented Reality Display (AR) or a Head-Mounted Display (HMD).
Energy-Aware Multi-Level Clustering Scheme for Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks

The expansion of wireless sensor networks in the underwater environment resulted in underwater wireless sensor networks. It has dramatically impacted the research arena because of its widespread and real-time applications. But successful implementation of underwater wireless sensor networks faces many issues. The primary concern in the underwater sensor network is sensor nodes’ energy depletion problem. In this paper, to improve the lifetime of the underwater wireless sensor network, an Energy-Aware Multi-level Clustering Scheme is proposed. The underwater network region is considered 3D concentric cylinders with multiple levels. Further, each level is divided into various blocks, representing one cluster. The proposed algorithm follows vertical communication mode from the sea bed to the surface area in a bottom-up fashion. Multiple levels with varying heights overcome the communication issues due to high water pressure towards the sea bed. Simulations are carried out to show the efficiency of the proposed algorithm, which performs better in terms of a prolonged network lifetime and average residual energy. The simulation result shows significant improvement in the network lifetime compared with current algorithms.
Formation of the peak amplitude of blood flow oscillations at a frequency of 0.1 Hz in the human cardiovascular system by the noise effect on the heart

In the framework of our previous hypothesis about the participation of structural and hydrodynamic properties of the vascular bed in the formation of the 0.1-Hz component of blood flow oscillations in the human cardiovascular system and on the basis of the reduced hydrodynamic model, the role of additive stochastic perturbations of the operation of the single-chamber pump that simulates the heart was investigated. It was shown that aperiodic noise modulation of the rigidity of the walls of the pump or its valves generates low-frequency oscillations of pressure of arterial vascular bed with the spectral components at a frequency close to 0.1 Hz.
Screening Children with Epilepsy for Cognitive Deficits Using the Modified Mini-Mental Scale Examination and the Digit Letter Substitution Test

Purpose: Children with epilepsy commonly have cognitive deficits; however, full-length neuropsychological testing is time- and resource-intensive. Therefore, we evaluated the feasibility of using the modified Mini-Mental Scale Examination (MMSE) and the Digit Letter Substitution Test (DLST) to screen children with epilepsy for cognitive deficits. Methods: This was a prospective case-control study comparing scores on the MMSE and the DLST in children with epilepsy with normal age-matched controls between 8 and 12 years of age. Results: In 35 cases and 36 controls, the cases had significantly lower ( P <0.05) mean scores than the controls. The correlation coefficient between the MMSE and DLST scores was 0.902 ( P <0.001). Children with developmental or speech delays and an epilepsy duration ≥5 years had lower scores than those without the corresponding risk factors. Conclusion: This study demonstrated significantly lower scores on the MMSE and DLST in children with epilepsy than in controls, as well as significantly lower scores in patients with developmental or speech delays and an epilepsy duration ≥5 years.
Hybrid Nanofluid Flow Induced by an Oscillating Disk Considering Surface Catalyzed Reaction and Nanoparticles Shape Factor

Lately, a new class of nanofluids, namely hybrid nanofluids, has been introduced that performs much better compared with the nanofluids when a healthier heat transfer rate is the objective of the study. Heading in the same direction, the present investigation accentuates the unsteady hybrid nanofluid flow involving CuO, Al2O3/C2H6O2 achieved by an oscillating disk immersed in the porous media. In a study of the homogeneous and heterogeneous reactions, the surface catalyzed reaction was also considered to minimize the reaction time. The shape factors of the nanoparticles were also taken into account, as these play a vital role in assessing the thermal conductivity and heat transfer rate of the system. The assumed model is presented mathematically in the form of partial differential equations. The system is transformed by invoking special similarity transformations. The Keller Box scheme was used to obtain numerical and graphical results. It is inferred that the blade-shaped nanoparticles have the best thermal conductivity that boosts the heat transfer efficiency. The oscillation and surface-catalyzed chemical reactions have opposite impacts on the concentration profile. This analysis also includes a comparison of the proposed model with a published result in a limiting case to check the authenticity of the presented model.
Structural and Functional Insights into GID/CTLH E3 Ligase Complexes

Multi-subunit E3 ligases facilitate ubiquitin transfer by coordinating various substrate receptor subunits with a single catalytic center. Small molecules inducing targeted protein degradation have exploited such complexes, proving successful as therapeutics against previously undruggable targets. The C-terminal to LisH (CTLH) complex, also called the glucose-induced degradation deficient (GID) complex, is a multi-subunit E3 ligase complex highly conserved from Saccharomyces cerevisiae to humans, with roles in fundamental pathways controlling homeostasis and development in several species. However, we are only beginning to understand its mechanistic basis. Here, we review the literature of the CTLH complex from all organisms and place previous findings on individual subunits into context with recent breakthroughs on its structure and function.
Identifying and Managing Asset Obsolescence within the Built Environment

Obsolescence in practice commonly occurs in two forms; the asset in question is no longer suitable for current demands, or is no longer available from manufacturers. Most research surrounding obsolescence has targeted short lifecycle components such as electronics or software (2-5 years). There is little consideration of low volume, long-life assets (20+ years) that are commonplace within the built environment (e.g. Uninterruptable Power Supply Systems, Building Management Systems and Fire Alarm Systems). This paper evidences the importance of identifying asset obsolescence within the built environment by observing 'lifecycle mismatches' within a live case study of a ten year old UK Private Finance Initiative (PFI). This paper develops and proposes an original assessment tool, identifying obsolescence within the built environment and empirically tests it within the case study. The methodology and results combine to evidence the importance of obsolescence and the contractual and financial risk it poses. The model is transferrable and scalable thus allowing larger portfolios to be considered. The levels of identifying obsolescence within long-life assets are increasing, whilst the lifecycles of certain component groups are decreasing; posing a growing problem for future Facility Managers.
Tracking miR-17-5p Levels following Expression of Seven Reported Target mRNAs

Simple Summary MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNA sequences that promote gene silencing by targeting matching mRNAs. miR-17-5p is a typical oncogenic miRNA overexpressed in many types of cancers. Due to imperfect specificity, a single miRNA, such as miR-17-5p, may target multiple mRNAs with a range of tissue-specific effects. Therefore, investigating miRNA functions is rather complex. In this study, miR-17-5p was found to be correlated with and modulated by the tested miR-17-5p downstream target mRNA levels in cancer cell lines, suggesting that these target mRNA levels may play roles in stabilizing and modifying the expression of miR-17-5p. We postulate that the mechanisms regulating miR-17-5p expression by its known target transcripts can provide an understanding of the dysregulated expression and functions of miRNAs in cancer progression. Abstract As the most prominent member of the miR-17-92 cluster, miR-17-5p is well associated with tumorigenesis and cancer progression. It can exert both oncogenic and tumor-suppressive functions by inducing translational repression and/or mRNA decay. The complexity of the tissue-specific expression of the targeted transcripts seems to contribute to the differential functions of miR-17-5p in different types of cancers. In this study, we selected 12 reported miR-17-5p targeting genes with mRNA levels unaffected by miR-17-5p expression and analyzed their expression in 31 organ tissues in transgenic mice by real-time PCR. Surprisingly, miR-17-5p expressing transgenic mice showed a positive correlation in these tissues between miR-17-5p expression levels and the selected miR-17-5p targeted transcripts; with high expression of the miRNA in organs with high selected miRNA-targeted mRNA levels. In cancer cell lines, overexpression of 7 reported miR-17-5p targeted genes’ 3′-UTRs promoted miR-17-5p expression; meanwhile, transfection of 3′-UTRs with mutations had no significant effect. Moreover, an increase in AGO2 mRNA was associated with 3′-UTR expression as confirmed by real-time PCR. Hence, miR-17-5p regulation by these target genes might be an alternative mechanism to maintain miR-17-5p expression at tissue-specific levels.
Hyperparameter Optimization in NLP Architectures

Hyperparameter optimization (HPO) is an essential part of setting up efficient machine learning models dealing with natural language processing (NLP) tasks, especially with the recent NLP breakthroughs. In this paper, we explore the problem of HPO through a survey conducted on a selected number of academic publications in NLP by studying the strategy used for the optimization of their hyperparameters and by investigating their common traits. We then lay out some recommendations for good practice in NLP HPO.
Exploring the views of Iranian planning professionals on children’s active involvement in urban planning

This article explores the extent to which urban planning professionals in Iran are prepared to facilitate children’s inclusion in city decision-making. What do Iranian planners believe about the potential effectiveness of children’s inclusion? Evidence from research in Mashhad elicited ambivalent reactions on the part of planners. They held conflicting viewpoints on children’s involvement from various perspectives, including its feasibility, its value to children and to the planning system, and its implications for their own roles. There was evidence, however, that planners’ current purpose could change from passively instrumental roles to advocacy, partnership and communication. The paper considers how the functioning of the larger planning system might incorporate child-participation initiatives, facilitating a more democratic approach to planning and citizen participation in urban environments.
Impact of Nitisinone on the Cerebrospinal Fluid Metabolome of a Murine Model of Alkaptonuria

Background: Nitisinone-induced hypertyrosinaemia is well documented in Alkaptonuria (AKU), and there is uncertainty over whether it may contribute to a decline in cognitive function and/or mood by altering neurotransmitter metabolism. The aim of this work was to evaluate the impact of nitisinone on the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) metabolome in a murine model of AKU, with a view to providing additional insight into metabolic changes that occur following treatment with nitisinone. Methods: 17 CSF samples were collected from BALB/c Hgd−/− mice (n = 8, treated with nitisinone—4 mg/L and n = 9, no treatment). Samples were diluted 1:1 with deionised water and analysed using a 1290 Infinity II liquid chromatography system coupled to a 6550 quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (Agilent, Cheadle, UK). Raw data were processed using a targeted feature extraction algorithm and an established in-house accurate mass retention time database. Matched entities (±10 ppm theoretical accurate mass and ±0.3 min retention time window) were filtered based on their frequency and variability. Experimental groups were compared using a moderated t-test with Benjamini–Hochberg false-discovery rate adjustment. Results: L-Tyrosine, N-acetyl-L-tyrosine, γ-glutamyl-L-tyrosine, p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid, and 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)lactic acid were shown to increase in abundance (log2 fold change 2.6–6.9, 3/5 were significant p < 0.05) in the mice that received nitisinone. Several other metabolites of interest were matched, but no significant differences were observed, including the aromatic amino acids phenylalanine and tryptophan, and monoamine metabolites adrenaline, 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol, and octopamine. Conclusions: Evaluation of the CSF metabolome of a murine model of AKU revealed a significant increase in the abundance of a limited number of metabolites following treatment with nitisinone. Further work is required to understand the significance of these findings and the mechanisms by which the altered metabolite abundances occur.
Virtual Hardware-in-the-Loop FMU Co-Simulation Based Digital Twins for Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) Systems

In this paper, a novel self-adaptive control method based on a digital twin is developed and investigated for a multi-input multi-output (MIMO) nonlinear system, which is a heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system. For this purpose, hardware-in-loop (HIL) and software-in-loop (SIL) are integrated to develop the digital twin control concept in a straightforward manner. A nonlinear integral backstepping (NIB) model-free control technique is integrated with the HIL (implemented as a physical controller) and SIL (implemented as a virtual controller) controllers to control the HVAC system without the need for dynamic feature identification. The main goal is to design the virtual controller to minimize the distinction between system outputs in the SIL and HIL setups. For this purpose, Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) is applied to update the NIB controller coefficients of the virtual controller based on the measured data of the physical controller. Since the temperature and humidity of HVAC systems should be regulated, the NIB controllers in the HIL and SIL are designed by the DRL algorithm in a multi-objective scheme (MO). In particular, the simulations of the HIL and SIL environments are coupled by a new advanced tool: function mockup interface (FMI) standard. The Functional Mock-up Unit (FMU) is adopted into the FMI interface for data exchange. The extensive research of HIL and SIL controllers shows that the system outputs of the virtual controller are controlled exactly according to the physical controller.
In-House Validation of Multiplex PCR for Simultaneous Detection of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp. in Raw Meats

The aim of the study was to perform in-house validation of the developed multiplex PCR (mPCR)-based alternative method to detect Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) and Salmonella spp. in raw meats following the ISO 16140-2: 2016. A comparative study of the developed mPCR against the Bacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM) method was evaluated for inclusivity and exclusivity, sensitivity and the relative level of detection (RLOD). Inclusivity levels for each target bacterium were all 100%, while exclusivity for non-target bacteria was 100%. The sensitivity of the developed mPCR was calculated based on the analysis of 72 samples of raw meat. The sensitivity of the developed mPCR was 100%. The RLOD values of the developed mPCR for STEC, L. monocytogenes and Salmonella spp. were 0.756, 1.170 and 1.000, respectively. The developed mPCR showed potential as a tool for the fast, specific and sensitive detection of the three bacteria in the raw meat industry