Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development of an information and analytical system for modeling the demographic situation in the Russian Federation

This article is devoted to the study of demographic statistics indicators for the subjects of the Russian Federation. The article describes the relevance of this research, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the similar software solutions: the IAS "Demography", the Rosstat data showcase, the automated IS "Municipal Population Register". The functional scheme of the developed IAS is presented both in the form of a single functional block and in the form of its decomposition into five modules responsible for collecting analytical data, interacting with the database, identifying correlations, predicting future indicators and visualizing data. Based on the obtained data, it is possible to perform extrapolation, interpolation, and regression analysis of the data. The authors introduce a block diagram of the algorithm for predicting demographic statistics. This algorithm is used to calculate the forecast of the demographic situation in the Russian Federation based on the information available in the database, taking into account user settings. The functional capabilities of the developed information system are considered. The authors use the data of the Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat) as the material base for the study. The methods of DataMining were used as a theoretical basis for the development of the prediction algorithm. The developed information system provides the analyst with tools for analyzing the dynamics, development trends and identifying the correlation of demographic indicators, as well as building a forecast of their development in the coming years.
Response of leaf nutrient content, growth and corm yield of cocoyam ( Xanthosoma sagittifolium Schott) to tillage and poultry manure

In order to provide information on soil management requirement of cocoyam, three field experiments were carried out at two locations in 2007, 2008 and 2009 on an Alfisol at Owo southwest Nigeria to evaluate the effects of different tillage methods and poultry manure levels on leaf nutrient content, growth and corm yield of cocoyam. The treatments were five tillage methods: manual clearing (MC), manual ridging (MR), manual mounding (MM), ploughing plus harrowing (P+H) and ploughing plus harrowing twice (P+2H) and five poultry manure (PM) levels: 0.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 t/ha). These were factorially combined and arranged in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. In 2008, P+H had highest leaf N, P, K Ca and Mg, but in 2009, MC had the highest while P+2H had the least. In the first 2 years (2007 & 2008), MR, MM and P+H increased cocoyam growth and corm yield compared with MC, but in 2009, MC had highest growth and yield of cocoyam and P+2H had the least. Irrespective of tillage method, leaf K, Ca, Mg, plant height, leaf area and corm yield of cocoyam only increased up to 7.5 t/ha PM, although leaf N and P increased up to 10.0 t/ha PM. The mean data for the 3 years showed that P+H+7.5PM had highest corm yield (10.2 t/ha) while unmanured P+2H had the least (6.1 t/ha). Relative to P+2H, the P+H+7.5PM increased corm yield by 69%. In order to maximise performance of cocoyam, a combination of P+H+7.5 t/ha PM is recommended Keywords : Tillage, poultry manure, leaf nutrient content, cocoyam, corm
A study of risk factors and complications in elderly hypertensive subjects

Background: Hypertension among the elderly is a major, highly prevalent yet treatable cardiovascular disease. Aims & objectives: Study aims to highlight the risk factors for hypertension in the elderly in an urban setup for the benefit of improving quality of life and also reduce the incidence of the cardiovascular related complications. Methodology: This is a Cross-sectional observational study. Included 125 study subjects based on selection criteria. The selected patients were subjected to a preformed and pretested schedule of questions pertaining to the risk factors. Results: Among the known hypertensive patients above 60 years of age, 125 subjects were included in the study. Smoking (62%), alcohol consumption (21%), family history of hypertension (26%), family history of diabetes (70%) were statistically significant risk factors observed for the development of hypertension. Conclusion: Sedentary lifestyle (physically less active) and anthropometric measures like overweight and obesity, abnormal waist circumference, and abnormal waist hip ratio were all identified as remarkable risk for hypertension. Myocardial infarction (20%), stroke (14%), and heart failure (12%) were the chart buster complications of hypertension in the vulnerable geriatric population.
Serum vitamin B12 status of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus on metformin: A single-center cross-sectional study from Bangladesh

Background: Metformin use is a known cause of B12 deficiency in patients with type 2 DM (T2DM). Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) often has clinically indistinguishable clinical features of B12 deficiency-induced peripheral neuropathy (PN). Objective: The present study aims to assess serum vitamin B12 levels in patients with T2DM on metformin. Subjects and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at a specialized endocrine outpatient clinic in Cumilla, Bangladesh, over six months from January 2020 to June 2020. Non-pregnant adults (≥18 years age) receiving metformin for T2DM for at least six months were evaluated for PN and assessed for serum B12 levels. Results: Among 90 subjects evaluated, 28 (31.1%) had B12 deficiency and 6 (6.7%) had borderline B12 deficiency; 56 (62.2%) had normal B12 levels. Study subjects with subnormal B12 used metformin for a longer duration [8.5 (7.0-14.0) vs. 5.0 (2.25-10.0) years, median (IQR), P = 0.006], gram-years of metformin use was higher in them [12.0 (7.9-14.0) vs. 5.75 (2.0-13.6) years, median (IQR), P = 0.005] and they had a higher mean corpuscular volume [85.9±7.2 vs. 82.4±6.4 fL, mean±SD, P = 0.020] compared to those having normal B12 levels. Serum B12 levels had a strong negative correlation with duration of metformin use and gram-years of metformin use. B12 status did not influence the presence and severity of PN. Conclusions: A considerable number of patients with T2DM have subnormal B12 levels. Periodic screening for serum vitamin B12 level may be of clinical benefit in such patients.
Ultrafast and Reversible Gas-Sensing Properties of ZnO Nanowire Arrays Grown by Hydrothermal Technique

High-quality single-crystal ZnO nanowire arrays with diameter ranging from 30 to 110 nm were synthesized using a two-step process: (1) synthesis of ZnO thin film by sol–gel technique, which was used as seed layer, and (2) oriented ZnO nanowire arrays were grown on ZnO seed layer using a hydrothermal reaction process at a low temperature of 90 °C. Experimental results reveal an ultrahigh sensitivity of ∼98% to 100 ppm of H2 gas and 93% to 200 ppm of CO gas, an ultrafast recovery of 1 to 2 ms to CO gas with high repeatability. The current transients demonstrate the reversible type sensing to reducing gas (H2 or CO) detection using as-grown ZnO nanowire arrays sensor. The hydrothermally grown ZnO nanowire-array-based gas sensors may have potential application in industry without much modification.
Development of the on-line operator aid system OASYS using a rule-based expert system and fuzzy logic for nuclear power plants

The On-line Operator Aid SYStem (OASYS) has been developed to support the operator`s decision making process and to ensure the safety of a nuclear power plant by providing operators with proper guidelines in a timely manner, according to the plant operation mode. The OASYS consists of four systems such as a signal validation and management system (SVMS), a plant monitoring system (PMS), an alarm filtering and diagnostic system (AFDS), and a dynamic emergency procedure tracking system (DEPTS). The SVMS and the PMS help operators to maintain a plant in a condition to withstand the adverse events during a normal operation condition. The AFDS covers the abnormal events until it exceeds the limit range of reactor trip signals, while after a reactor trip, the DEPTS aids operators with proper guidelines so as to shut down safely. The OASYS uses a rule-based expert system and fuzzy logic. The rule-based expert system is used to classify the predefined events and track the emergency operating procedures (EOPs) through data processing, and the fuzzy logic is used to generate the conceptual high-level alarms for the prognostic diagnosis and to evaluate the qualitative fuzzy criteria used in the EOPs. Evaluation results show that the OASYS ismore » capable of diagnosing plant abnormal conditions and providing operators appropriate guidelines with fast response time and consistency. The proposed system is implemented on a SUN-4/75 workstation using C language and Quintus prolog language. Currently, the OASYS is installed in the real-time full scope simulator for validation. « less
The Phenomenology of “Pure” Consciousness as Reported by an Experienced Meditator of the Tibetan Buddhist Karma Kagyu Tradition. Analysis of Interview Content Concerning Different Meditative States

A philosopher and a cognitive neuroscientist conversed with Buddhist lama Tilmann Lhündrup Borghardt (TLB) about the unresolved phenomenological concerns and logical questions surrounding “pure” consciousness or minimal phenomenal experience (MPE), a quasi-contentless, non-dual state whose phenomenology of “emptiness” is often described in terms of the phenomenal quality of luminosity that experienced meditators have reported occurs in deep meditative states. Here, we present the excerpts of the conversation that relate to the question of how it is possible to first have and later retrieve such non-dual states of selflessness and timelessness that are unrelated to sensory input. According to TLB, a “pure” experience of consciousness contains the phenomenal quality of luminous clarity, which is experienced solely in the transitional phase from the non-dual state of absolute emptiness to the state of minimal emptiness, when the person gradually returns to duality. However, this quality of luminous clarity can also be experienced in non-minimal states as in the experiential mode of being awakened. TLB describes this transition as a kind of ephemeral afterglow in the form of a maximally abstract phenomenal quality, i.e., luminosity, which justifies the conclusion of having been in a state of “pure” consciousness.
Polymicrobial Interactions in the Cystic Fibrosis Airway Microbiome Impact the Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most dominant pathogens in cystic fibrosis (CF) airway disease and contributes to significant inflammation, airway damage, and poorer disease outcomes. The CF airway is now known to be host to a complex community of microorganisms, and polymicrobial interactions have been shown to play an important role in shaping P. aeruginosa pathogenicity and resistance. P. aeruginosa can cause chronic infections that once established are almost impossible to eradicate with antibiotics. CF patients that develop chronic P. aeruginosa infection have poorer lung function, higher morbidity, and a reduced life expectancy. P. aeruginosa adapts to the CF airway and quickly develops resistance to several antibiotics. A perplexing phenomenon is the disparity between in vitro antimicrobial sensitivity testing and clinical response. Considering the CF airway is host to a diverse community of microorganisms or ‘microbiome’ and that these microorganisms are known to interact, the antimicrobial resistance and progression of P. aeruginosa infection is likely influenced by these microbial relationships. This review combines the literature to date on interactions between P. aeruginosa and other airway microorganisms and the influence of these interactions on P. aeruginosa tolerance to antimicrobials.
CZECH TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY IN PRAGUE FACULTY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DIPLOMA THESIS RELAY FEEDBACK IDENTIFICATION USING GUIDING EVOLUTIONARY ALGORITHM 2020

The Guiding Evolutionary Algorithm (GEA) was proposed by Cao, Xu and Goodman in 2016. The original algorithm was designed to apply the advantages of the previously published Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Genetic Algorithm (GA) and the Bat Algorithm (BA). As part of this thesis, we explore the working of this algorithm on standard functions and then compare the results with those achieved by PSO and BA to verify whether GEA is really superior. Once we verify the effectiveness of GEA, we shall then proceed to apply the same for System Identification of pre-defined systems in MATLAB for parametric identification of process models of several processes. The identification results are checked for consistency, after which we apply PID Control methods for controlling the same. Finally, the complete solution which includes optimization, identification and control is tested on a real process namely the two tanks system from the Automatic Control Laboratory and thereby, we can verify whether our proposed method is effective in real process identification. If we can arrive at a positive conclusion, we can take this concept to the next level by applying the same technique to Model Predictive Control wherein, an accurate and efficient algorithm can help to correctly predict future outcomes many steps ahead and can be extremely beneficial in terms of time and cost.
AI Healthcare System Interface: Explanation Design for Non-Expert User Trust

Research indicates that non-expert users tend to either over-trust or distrust AI systems. This raises concerns when AI is applied to healthcare, where a patient trusting the advice of an unreliable system, or completely distrusting a reliable one, can lead to fatal incidents or missed healthcare opportunities. Previous research indicated that explanations can help users to make appropriate judgements on AI Systems’ trust, but how to design AI explanation interfaces for non-expert users in a medical support scenarios is still an open research challenge. This paper explores a stage-based participatory design process to develop a trustworthy explanation interface for non-experts in an AI medical support scenario. A trustworthy explanation is an explanation that helps users to make considered judgments on trusting (or not) and AI system for their healthcare. The objective of this paper was to identify the explanation components that can effectively inform the design of a trustworthy explanation interface. To achieve that, we undertook three data collections, examining experts’ and non-experts’ perceptions of AI medical support system’s explanations. We then developed a User Mental Model, an Expert Mental Model, and a Target Mental Model of explanation, describing how non-expert and experts understand explanations, how their understandings differ, and how it can be combined. Based on the Target Mental Model, we then propose a set of 14 explanation design guidelines for trustworthy AI Healthcare System explanation, that take into account non-expert users needs, medical experts practice, and AI experts understanding.
Design of a Free Space Optical Communication System for an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Command and Control Link

An electromagnetic immune Free Space Optical Communication (FSOC) system for an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) command and control link is introduced in this paper. The system uses the scheme of omnidirectional receiving and ground scanning transmitting. It has a strong anti-turbulence ability by using a large area detector and short-focus lens. The design of omnidirectional communication improves the ability of anti-vibration and link establishment. Pure static reception has no momentum effect on the platform. The receiver is miniaturized under no use of a gimbal mirror system, beacon camera system, Four-Quadrant Photodetector (QPD) and multi-level lens system. The system can realize omnidirectional reception and the communication probability in 1 s is greater than 99.99%. This design strengthens the ability of the FSOC system, so it can be applied in the UAV command and control, the satellite submarine communication and other occasions where the size of the platform is restricted.
Pre-Stroke Statin Therapy Improves In-Hospital Prognosis Following Acute Ischemic Stroke Associated with Well-Controlled Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation

Many studies have confirmed the positive effect of statins in the secondary prevention of ischemic stroke. Although several studies have concluded that statins may also be beneficial in patients with atrial fibrillation-related stroke, the results of those studies are inconclusive. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the effect of pre-stroke statin therapy on atrial fibrillation-related stroke among patients with a well-controlled atrial fibrillation. This retrospective multicenter analysis comprised 2309 patients with acute stroke, with a total of 533 patients meeting the inclusion criteria. The results showed a significantly lower neurological deficit on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale at hospital admission and discharge in the group of atrial fibrillation-related stroke patients who took statins before hospitalization compared with those who did not (p < 0.001). In addition, in-hospital mortality was significantly higher in the atrial fibrillation-related stroke patients not taking statins before hospitalization than in those who did (p < 0.001). Based on the results of our previous research and this current study, we postulate that the addition of a statin to the oral anticoagulants may be helpful in the primary prevention of atrial fibrillation-related stroke.
Smart Clothing for Monitoring Gait

This paper presents a method to calculate spatiotemporal parameters using a chest-worn accelerometer. Accuracy was compared with an optical system that consists of a walkway of transmitting and receiving bars (Microgait, Optogait, Bolzano, Italy). To this purpose, seventeen healthy male wore a smart shirt based worn accelerometer performing five meters of walkway delimited by five meters of optical bars OptoGaitTM for three times. Spatiotemporal parameters such as gait cycle and gait phases were analysed and compared using the two systems. Smart shirt based on chest-worn accelerometer revealed to be a non-intrusive way of calculating gait cycle, phases and sub-phases. In addition, the inverted pendulum model based on chest body-worn accelerometer revealed to be a good model for calculating step length variation and consequently the speed. Our results, are in line with previous literature presenting an average of 60.24 % of stance phase, 39.75% of swing phase, a foot flat subphase of 17.60%, a terminal stance subphase of 21.42%, a pre-swing subphase of 10.65%, a step length of 0.74 m for an average speed of 1.37 m/s using the smart shirt.
Management of large-scale traffic sensor data using geospatial context

This thesis aims to implement a prototype of a system for the visualization and management of traffic sensors. In order to design the prototype, user research with experienced traffic engineers was performed as well as analysis of existing commercial off-the-shelf solutions. The user research showed that users need to work with time-varying geographical data. Furthermore, the analysis revealed that there is no single solution on the current market that would satisfy all user requirements gathered during the user research. These requirements formed the basis on which low-fidelity design was created, which subsequently aided in implementing a high-fidelity prototype. Traffic analysts are able to use this prototype to leverage geographical context for managing historical data as well as to look for emerging patterns. The usability of the prototype was evaluated through a standard usability testing technique with 9 participants. Few issues with the prototype were identified in the usability testing. However, these can be easily rectified, and overall the prototype provides a comprehensive system for traffic data managers.
Smart move? A case study on the operationalization of transparency and explainability in an open source career transition algorithm

Anxiety over jobs being lost as a result of technological change has been rising and falling for centuries, however the most dystopian scenarios of mass unemployment have never fully materialized. The expanding capabilities of powerful new artificial intelligence technologies have prompted some to question whether this time really is different. In light of these concerns, a wide array of smart algorithmic systems are being developed to assist individuals, career advisors, and government departments in navigating the new labor market landscape. Often framed as neutral and apolitical decision assistance tools, some of these systems have nonetheless encountered critiques in the academic and public realms due to their black box nature or ability to entrench systemic inequalities. In this paper, we explore how the concepts of transparency and explainability were operationalized by a team designing an open source career transition algorithm. We find that transparency and explainability are considered to be broadly synonymous with openness, and the translation of these values into action is influenced by a range of factors including team and organizational culture, informal benchmarking against peer projects, as well as goals such as increasing user trust in the algorithm, ensuring widespread access, and hopes that others in the field will build on the project’s outputs. The design team viewed both technical (e.g. algorithm design) and non-technical (e.g. stakeholder engagement) activities as important components of ensuring transparency and explainability, and considerations emerged primarily around how these values should be built into project inputs (e.g. the choice of data sources and algorithmic logic) and outputs (e.g. decisions about when to release the algorithm publicly). While the open sourcing of the algorithm is central to advancing the transparency and explainability goals of the project, it also raises questions about longer-term accountability and complicates the ex-ante assessment of the impact it will have at the level of the socio-technical system as it has the potential to be taken up and used by many different actors with differing aims. This paper adds to a nascent but much needed literature on the development of career guidance algorithms, and although caution should be exercised when drawing conclusions from a single case study, it proposes several recommendations for other teams working in this field.
Identifying Oxide Defects in Semiconductor Devices Using Carrier Capture and Emission Rate Calculations

W. Goes∗, Y. Wimmer†, A. -M. El-Sayed◦,∗, G. Rzepa∗, M. Jech∗, A. L. Shluger◦, T. Grasser∗ ∗Institute for Microelectronics, TU Wien, A-1040 Vienna, Austria †Christian Doppler Laboratory for Reliability Issues in Microelectronics ◦Department of Physics and Astronomy and London Centre for Nanotechnology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom (Dated: December 4, 2017)