Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Framework for Energy Efficient UAV Trajectory Planning

Motivated by the reduced flight time of battery-powered UAVs, this thesis proposes a methodology for determining the optimal trajectories of a quadrotor in the sense of a trade-off between an energy-based cost and a time-related cost. Two main cost functionals are proposed to address the battery power consumption. Firstly, a trade-off between costs associated with body acceleration and total time is studied for nonsteady maneuvers. An optimal state feedback solution that considers the nonlinearities of the quadrotor’s equations of motion and the drag force components were developed. The main advantage of this technique is that it provides a state-feedback analytical expression. Secondly, a simplified energy consumption model based on the blade element momentum theory (BEMT) is developed to deal with the cruise portion of the flight. The analytical solution for the constant altitude steady state flight minimum-energy problem was obtained and was similar to the maximum range problem solution. Based on the nature of the solutions, a hypothesis of a geometrical bound for the optimal pitch angle is raised. The problems are formulated as a free terminal time optimal control problem using a trade-off cost index and solutions are derived using the Pontryagin’s Minimum Principle (PMP). Simulations show the suitability of the proposed method.
Distribution of Origanum vulgare L. and Population Dynamics During the Last Decade in Armenia

This paper examines the distribution and structure of populations of a medicinal and culinary herb native to Armenia. As one of the first countries to join the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), Armenia has a strong interest in assessing the biodiversity of its native flora and identifying threats to the conservation of these species, particularly those with economic value. Only limited information, however, is available at this time on the genetic biodiversity, population location, structure and size, and conservation status of most of these species. This paper reports the results of five consecutive years of field studies conducted in Armenia to 1) re-locate native populations of the important medicinal and culinary herb, Origanum vulgare L. , 2) locate new populations, and 3) assess the growth pattern and dynamics of the populations. The quadrat sampling technique was used to identify key elements that determined population size and abundance. GPS maps of present and past population distributions were created. Particular habitat and environmental factors were identified as crucial to predicting the future conditions of these populations under the impact of global climate change. The research provides a baseline dataset that can be used for the development of further conservation strategies of this important medicinal and culinary species in Armenia.
The microRNAs (miRs) overexpressing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) therapy in neurological disorders; hope or hype

Altered expression of multiple miRNAs was found to be extensively involved in the pathogenesis of different neurological disorders including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Huntington's disease. One of the biggest concerns within gene‐based therapy is the delivery of the therapeutic microRNAs to the intended place, which is obligated to surpass the biological barriers without undergoing degradation in the bloodstream or renal excretion. Hence, the delivery of modified and unmodified miRNA molecules using excellent vehicles is required. In this light, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have attracted increasing attention. The MSCs can be genetically modified to express or overexpress a particular microRNA aimed with promote neurogenesis and neuroprotection. The current review has focused on the therapeutic capabilities of microRNAs‐overexpressing MSCs to ameliorate functional deficits in neurological conditions.
Delayed mobilization following admission for hip fracture is associated with increased morbidity and length of hospital stay

Background: Current national guidelines on caring for hip fractures recommend early mobilization. However, this recommendation does not account for time spent immobilized waiting for surgery. We sought to determine timing of mobilization following hip fracture, beginning at hospital admission, and evaluate its association with medical complications and length of hospital stay (LOS). Methods: We performed a retrospective review of prospectively collected data for 470 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for a hip fracture between September 2019 and August 2020 at an academic, tertiary-referral hospital. Outcomes of interest included time from hospital admission to mobilization, complication rate and LOS. We used a binary regression analysis to determine the effect of different surgical and patient factors on the risk of a postoperative medical complication. Results: The mean time from admission to mobilization was 2.8 ± 2.3 days (range 3 h–14 d). There were 125 (26.6%) patients who experienced at least 1 complication. The odds of developing a complication began to increase steadily once a patient waited more than 3 days from admission to mobilization (odds ratio 2.15, 95% confidence interval 1.42–3.25). Multivariate regression analysis showed that prefracture frailty (β = 0.276, p = 0.05), and timing from hospital admission to mobilization (β = 0.156, p < 0.001) and from surgery to mobilization (β = 1.195, p < 0.001) were associated with complications. The mean LOS was 12.2 ± 10.7 days (range 1–90 d). Prolonged wait to mobilization was associated with longer LOS (p = 0.01). Conclusion: Comprehensive guidelines on timing of mobilization following hip fracture should account for cumulative time spent immobilized.
Fatores que influenciam a realização de testes em projetos de software: um estudo qualitativo

O desenvolvimento de grandes sistemas de software e um processo complexo e propenso a erros. Tais erros podem ocorrer em qualquer fase de desenvolvimento e devem ser identificados e removidos o mais rapido possivel para impedir sua propagacao e reduzir os custos de verificacao. Uma das etapas do desenvolvimento de software e a de testes, que serve para garantir a qualidade do software. No entanto, nem sempre os testes sao realizados pelos engenheiros de software devido a varios fatores. Este artigo apresenta um estudo exploratorio de natureza qualitativa com o objetivo de identificar alguns dos fatores que influenciam a realizacao de testes em projetos de desenvolvimento de software.
Drug transporters in drug disposition – the year 2022 in review

Abstract On behalf of all the authors, I am pleased to share our third annual review on drug transporter science with an emphasis on articles published and deemed influential in signifying drug transporters’ role in drug disposition in the year 2022. As the drug transporter field is rapidly evolving several key findings were noted including promising endogenous biomarkers, rhythmic activity, IVIVE approaches in transporter-mediated clearance, new modality interaction, and transporter effect on gut microbiome. As identified previously (Chothe et Cal. 2021, 2022) the goal of this review is to highlight key findings without a comprehensive overview of each article and to this end, each coauthor independently selected 1–3 peer-reviewed articles published or available online in the year 2022 (Table 1). Each article is summarized in synopsis and commentary with unbiased viewpoints by each coauthor. We strongly encourage readers to consult original articles for specifics of the study. Finally, I would like to thank all coauthors for their continued support in writing this annual review on drug transporters and invite anyone interested in contributing to future versions of this review.
On the tidal dynamics of the North Sea : an idealised modelling study on the role of bottom friction, the Dover Strait and tidal resonance in the North Sea

This thesis is a study on the tidal dynamics of the North Sea, and in particular on the role of bottom friction, the Dover Strait and tidal resonance in the North Sea. The North Sea is one of the world’s largest shelf seas, located on the European continent. There is an extensive interest in its tide, as coastal safety, navigation and ecology are all affected by it. The tide in the North Sea is a co-oscillating response to the tides generated in the North Atlantic Ocean. Tidal waves enter the North Sea through the northern boundary with the North Atlantic Ocean and through the Dover Strait. Elements which play a possible important role on the tidal dynamics are bottom friction, basin geometry, the Dover Strait and tidal resonance. The objective of this study is to understand the large-scale amphidromic system of the North Sea, and in particular (1) the role of bottom friction, basin geometry and the Dover Strait on North Sea tide and (2) the resonant properties of the Southern Bigh
The effect of inspiratory muscle training in PCD and CF patients: A pilot study

Effective work of breathing and bronchial hygiene requires synergy of inspiratory and expiratory muscles. Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) is a part of pulmonary rehabilitation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). There is some evidence of its efficacy in cystic fibrosis (CF) and, recently, in long COVID‐19. We are not aware of studies on IMT in primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). Our aim was to assess the effect of IMT on respiratory muscle strength and pulmonary function in PCD and CF patients.
Xenografts Show Signs of Concentric Hypertrophy and Dynamic Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction After Orthotopic Pig-to-baboon Heart Transplantation

Background. Orthotopic cardiac xenotransplantation has seen substantial advancement in the last years and the initiation of a clinical pilot study is close. However, donor organ overgrowth has been a major hurdle for preclinical experiments, resulting in loss of function and the decease of the recipient. A better understanding of the pathogenesis of organ overgrowth after xenotransplantation is necessary before clinical application. Methods. Hearts from genetically modified (GGTA1-KO, hCD46/hTBM transgenic) juvenile pigs were orthotopically transplanted into male baboons. Group I (control, n = 3) received immunosuppression based on costimulation blockade, group II (growth inhibition, n = 9) was additionally treated with mechanistic target of rapamycin inhibitor, antihypertensive medication, and fast corticoid tapering. Thyroid hormones and insulin-like growth factor 1 were measured before transplantation and before euthanasia, left ventricular (LV) growth was assessed by echocardiography, and hemodynamic data were recorded via a wireless implant. Results. Insulin-like growth factor 1 was higher in baboons than in donor piglets but dropped to porcine levels at the end of the experiments in group I. LV mass increase was 10-fold faster in group I than in group II. This increase was caused by nonphysiological LV wall enlargement. Additionally, pressure gradients between LV and the ascending aorta developed, and signs of dynamic left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction appeared. Conclusions. After orthotopic xenotransplantation in baboon recipients, untreated porcine hearts showed rapidly progressing concentric hypertrophy with dynamic LVOT obstruction, mimicking hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy in humans. Antihypertensive and antiproliferative drugs reduced growth rate and inhibited LVOT obstruction, thereby preventing loss of function.
Serial dependence in visual perception: A meta-analysis and review

Positive sequential dependencies are phenomena in which actions, perception, decisions, and memory of features or objects are systematically biased toward visual experiences from the recent past. Among many labels, serial dependencies have been referred to as priming, sequential dependencies, sequential effects, or serial effects. Despite extensive research on the topic, the field still lacks an operational definition of what counts as serial dependence. In this meta-analysis, we review the vast literature on serial dependence and quantitatively assess its key diagnostic characteristics across several different domains of visual perception. The meta-analyses fully characterize serial dependence in orientation, face, and numerosity perception. They show that serial dependence is defined by four main kinds of tuning: serial dependence decays with time (temporal-tuning), it depends on relative spatial location (spatial-tuning), it occurs only between similar features and objects (feature-tuning), and it is modulated by attention (attentional-tuning). We also review studies of serial dependence that report single observer data, highlighting the importance of individual differences in serial dependence. Finally, we discuss a range of outstanding questions and novel research avenues that are prompted by the meta-analyses. Together, the meta-analyses provide a full characterization of serial dependence as an operationally defined family of visual phenomena, and they outline several of the key diagnostic criteria for serial dependence that should serve as guideposts for future research.
A 6-Month Open-Label Study of Vortioxetine among Cancer Patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Objective: Vortioxetine is a monoaminergic drug with a novel multimodal mechanism of action. We investigated its efficacy on depressive symptoms, cognitive function, and quality of life among cancer patients. Methods: In this multicenter, open-label, single-arm, observational study, patients received flexible doses of Vortioxetine for a period of six months. All participants were assessed at baseline and scheduled for monitoring at weeks 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24. Depression severity was assessed using Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale. The Perceived Deficiency Questionnaire (PDQ-5) assessed the perceived cognitive difficulties in concentration, executive functioning, and memory. The European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC) was used to assess the patients’ quality of life. Side effects of vortioxetine were monitored using the Antidepressant Side-Effect Checklist (ASEC). Results: Patients experienced a reduction in MADRS scores from 29.89 ± 5.997 at baseline to 11.59 ± 4.629 by Week 24. The PDQ-5 scores showed significant change from Week-4, whereas the EORTC role, emotional, and cognitive functioning scores showed a significant change from Week 2 onwards. CGI-Severity scores decreased from a baseline of 4.39 ± 0.746 to 2.41 ± 1.085 by Week 24. During the 24-Weeks of therapy, around three-quarters of the patients (73.3%) had one or more adverse events reported on the ASEC. The most frequently reported TEAEs were dry mouth, insomnia, somnolence, and headache, with more than a 30% incidence rate. Conclusion: Vortioxetine seems promising in the management of depression and enhancement of cognitive function and quality of life of cancer patients with Major Depressive Disorder.
Driver Eye-scanning Behavior at Intersections at Night

This research project analyzed drivers’ eye scanning behavior at night when approaching signalized and unsignalized intersections using the data from a head-mounted eye-tracking system during open road driving on a prescribed route. During the 1000-ft approaching the intersections, drivers shifted their glance more frequently when approaching the signalized intersections than they did at unsignalized intersections. Among different turning movements, left turns overall seemed to elicit different eye movement patterns than the right-turn or through-movements. When approaching intersections where they would turn left, the drivers glanced most often straight ahead, while glances to the right side decreased in frequency and glances to the left increased in frequency compared to the right-turn and through-movement intersections. This study used a binary logistic regression model to analyze the changes of probabilities of glances to each of four areas of the scene as a function of distance to the intersections. At some intersections, the probabilities of glances at particular areas significantly changed with the distance to the intersection. The report also discusses methodological issues with on-road studies, the coding of eye-tracker data, and problems with eye-tracking equipment.
Effectiveness of Aromatherapy in Early Palliative Care for Oncology Patients: Blind Controlled Study

Background: Palliative care is the active holistic treatment of people of all ages who have serious health-related suffering as a result of severe illness, and especially of those who are close to the end of life. Palliative care is provided to cancer patients who experience serious suffering that cannot be relieved without professional intervention and that compromises physical, social, spiritual, and emotional functioning. A straightforward, low-risk, and affordable palliative care approach may be provided through aromatherapy, a type of complementary and alternative medicine. The study objective is to assess the comparative effectiveness of massage, aromatherapy massage, and massage combined with aromatherapy inhalation on cancer patients receiving palliative care. Methods: A total of 100 participants who were divided into four groups at random. The first group, designated as the control group, received standard hospital nursing care, the second group received massage only (using the odorless almond carrier oil), the third group received massage with lavender oil, and the fourth group received combined (inhalation and massage) aromatherapy. The Rotterdam Symptom Checklist (RSCL), given two weeks after aromatherapy, was used to examine participants’ perspectives of care. Results: On the RSCL, combined aromatherapy performed best. In terms of reported physical symptoms, psychological symptoms, and activities, there were statistically significant differences between the scores of the control group and each of the experimental groups. Nonetheless, the total quality of life score showed no significant difference between the control group and the massage only group (t = 0.529, p = 0.60). Conclusions: When paired with aromatherapy inhalation, massage has a positive effect on physical, psychological symptoms, activities, and overall quality of life for cancer patients receiving early palliative care. Nurses and other healthcare providers are recommended to support programs that provide message therapy to reduce reported bodily symptoms, psychological problems, and limited activities among cancer patients.
Insights of mitochondrial involvement in alcoholic fatty liver disease

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a global concern affecting most of the population and leading to the development of end‐stage liver disease. Metabolic alterations due to increased alcohol consumption surge the hepatic accumulation of lipids and develop into a severe form of alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH), depending on age and the consumption rate. The mitochondria in the hepatocyte actively regulate metabolic homeostasis and are disrupted in ALD pathogenesis. The increased NADH upon ethanol metabolism inhibits the mitochondrial oxidation of fatty acids, alters oxidative phosphorylation, and favors de novo lipogenesis. The higher mitochondrial respiration in early ALD increases free radical generation, whereas mitochondrial respiration is uncoupled in chronic ALD, affecting the cellular energy status. The defective glutathione importer due to excessive cholesterol loading and low adenosine triphosphate accounts for additional oxidative stress leading to hepatocyte apoptosis. The defective mitochondrial transcription machinery and sirtuins function in ALD affect mitochondrial function and biogenesis. The metabolites of ethanol metabolism epigenetically alter the gene expression profile of hepatic cell populations by modulating the promoters and sirtuins, aiding hepatic fibrosis and inflammation. The defect in mitophagy increases the accumulation of megamitochondria in hepatocytes and attracts immune cells by releasing mitochondrial damage‐associated molecular patterns to initiate hepatic inflammation and ASH progression. Thus, maintaining mitochondrial lipid homeostasis and antioxidant capacity pharmacologically could provide a better outcome for ALD management.
ER stress induces caspase‐2‐tBID‐GSDME‐dependent cell death in neurons lytically infected with herpes simplex virus type 2

Neurotropic viruses, including herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 1 and 2, have the capacity to infect neurons and can cause severe diseases. This is associated with neuronal cell death, which may contribute to morbidity or even mortality if the infection is not controlled. However, the mechanistic details of HSV‐induced neuronal cell death remain enigmatic. Here, we report that lytic HSV‐2 infection of human neuron‐like SH‐SY5Y cells and primary human and murine brain cells leads to cell death mediated by gasdermin E (GSDME). HSV‐2‐induced GSDME‐mediated cell death occurs downstream of replication‐induced endoplasmic reticulum stress driven by inositol‐requiring kinase 1α (IRE1α), leading to activation of caspase‐2, cleavage of the pro‐apoptotic protein BH3‐interacting domain death agonist (BID), and mitochondria‐dependent activation of caspase‐3. Finally, necrotic neurons released alarmins, which activated inflammatory responses in human iPSC‐derived microglia. In conclusion, lytic HSV infection in neurons activates an ER stress‐driven pathway to execute GSDME‐mediated cell death and promote inflammation.
Platelet extracellular vesicles and their mitochondrial content improve the mitochondrial bioenergetics of cellular immune recipients

Mitochondria play a critical role in the production of cell energy and the regulation of cell death. Therefore, mitochondria orchestrate numerous cell effector functions, including fine‐tuning the immune system. While mitochondria are mainly found intracellularly, they can escape the confine of the cell during the process of extracellular vesicle release. Platelets patrol blood vessels to ensure vasculature integrity and to support the immune system. In blood, platelets are the primary source of circulating mitochondria. Activated platelets produce extracellular vesicles, including a subset of mitochondria‐containing vesicles.
Developing Questions to Assess and Measure Patients’ Perceived Survival Benefit from Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy in Breast Cancer: A Mixed Methods Pilot Study

Purpose This mixed methods study developed multiple question types to understand and measure women’s perceived benefit from adjuvant endocrine therapy. We hypothesis that patients do not understand this benefit and sought to develop the questions needed to test this hypothesis and obtain initial patient estimates. Methods From 8/2022 to 3/2023, qualitative interviews focused on assessing and modifying 9 initial varied question types asking about the overall survival (OS) benefit from adjuvant endocrine therapy. Subsequent focus groups modified and selected the optimal questions. Patients’ self-assessment of their OS benefit was compared to their individualized PREDICT model results. Results Fifty-three patients completed the survey; 42% Hispanic, 30% rural, and 47% with income <$39,999 per year. Patients reported adequate health care literacy (61.5%) and average confidence about treatment and medication decisions 49.4 (95% CI 24.4–59.5). From the original 9 questions, 3 modified questions were ultimately found to capture patients’ perception of this OS benefit, focusing on graphical and prose styles. Patients estimated an OS benefit of 42% compared to 4.4% calculated from the PREDICT model (p < 0.001). Conclusion In this group with considerable representation from ethnic minority, rural and low-income patients, qualitative data showed that more than one modality of question type was needed to clearly capture patients’ understanding of treatment benefit. Women with breast cancer significantly overestimated their 10-year OS benefit from adjuvant endocrine therapy compared to the PREDICT model.