Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MEMS mirror based eye tracking: simulation of the system parameter effect on the accuracy of pupil position estimation

Eye tracking systems are mostly video-based methods which require signiﬁcant computation to achieve good accuracy. An alternative method with comparable accuracy but less computational expense is 2D microelectromechanical (MEMS) mirror scanning. However, this technology is relatively new and there are not many publications on it. The purpose of this study was to examine how individual parameters of system components can aﬀect the accuracy of pupil position estimation. The study was conducted based on a virtual simulator. It was shown that the optimal detector ﬁeld of view (FOV) depends on the frequency ratio of the MEMS mirror axis. For a value of 1:13, the smallest errors were at 0.1 ◦ , 1.65 ◦ , 2.3 ◦ , and 2.95 ◦ . The error for the impact of the signal sampling rate above 3 kHz stabilizes at 0.065 ◦ and no longer changes its value regardless of increasing the number of samples. The error for the frequency ratio of the MEMS mirror axis increases linearly in the range of 0.065 ◦ –0.1 ◦ up to the ratio of 1:230. Above this there is a sudden increase to the average value of 0.3 ◦ . The conducted research provides guidance in the selection of parameters for the construction of eye tracking MEMS mirror-based systems.
Detection and Classification of Uniform and Concentrated Wall-Thinning Defects Using High-Order Circumferential Guided Waves and Artificial Neural Networks

Pipeline structures are susceptible to corrosion, leading to significant safety, environmental, and economic implications. Existing long range guided wave inspection systems often fail to detect footprints of the concentrated defects, which can lead to leakage. One way to tackle this issue is the utilization of circumferential guided waves that inspect the pipe’s cross section. However, achieving the necessary detection resolution typically necessitates the use of high-order modes hindering the inspection data interpretation. This study presents the implementation of an ultrasonic technique capable of detecting and classifying wall thinning and concentrated defects using high-order guided wave modes. The technique is based on a proposed phase velocity mapping approach, which generates a set of isolated wave modes within a specified phase velocity range. By referencing phase velocity maps obtained from defect-free stages of the pipe, it becomes possible to observe changes resulting from the presence of defects and assign those changes to the specific type of damage using artificial neural networks (ANN). The paper outlines the fundamental principles of the proposed phase velocity mapping technique and the ANN models employed for classification tasks that use synthetic data as an input. The presented results are meticulously verified using samples with artificial defects and appropriate numerical models. Through numerical modeling, experimental verification, and analysis using ANN, the proposed method demonstrates promising outcomes in defect detection and classification, providing a more comprehensive assessment of wall thinning and concentrated defects. The model achieved an average prediction accuracy of 92% for localized defects, 99% for defect-free cases, and 98% for uniform defects.
An Antibody-Based Survey of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum Infection in Client-Owned Cats from Portugal

Simple Summary Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are intracellular parasites with a great impact on human and animal health, respectively. This work aims to investigate the presence of antibodies against T. gondii and N. caninum in client-owned cats from Portugal and to identify risk factors. A total of 183 domestic cats were sampled and their owners answered an online questionnaire designed to obtain background information. The overall anti-T. gondii and anti-N. caninum seroprevalences were 13.1% and 3.8%, respectively. An indoor lifestyle was identified as a significant protection factor against T. gondii infection, while the presence of a chronic disease and the presence of antibodies against N. caninum were identified as significant risk factors to T. gondii seroprevalence. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first serosurvey on N. caninum seroprevalence in cats from Portugal. Abstract Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are obligate intracellular protozoan parasites infecting a wide range of hosts worldwide. However, information on the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis and neosporosis in cats from Portugal is limited. Thus, this study aims to evaluate anti-T. gondii and anti-N. caninum seroprevalence in client-owned cats from Portugal and to identify risk factors using a panel of well-characterized sera. A total of 183 domestic cats were sampled and screened for antibodies against T. gondii and N. caninum using commercial ELISA assays, and their owners answered an online questionnaire designed to obtain background information. The overall anti-T. gondii and anti-N. caninum seroprevalences were 13.1% (CI: 8.97–18.77) and 3.8% (CI: 1.87–7.68), respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that living strictly indoors was a significant protection factor (cOR: 0.053; CI: 0.005–0.627), and the presence of a chronic disease a significant risk factor (cOR: 3.106; CI: 1.062–9.082) to T. gondii seroprevalence. When performing multivariate analysis, only chronic disease (aOR: 57.527; CI: 1.7–1976.7) and seropositivity to N. caninum (aOR: 7.929; CI:0.8–82.9) were found to be a significant risk factor to anti-T. gondii antibodies. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of N. caninum seropositivity in cats from Portugal.
Permutation Probabilities as Models for Horse Races

AbstractSome properties of models for the outcomes of races are described, these properties being consequences of a stochastic ordering of the permutations which define the outcomes of a race. Order statistics models which lead to stochastic ordering are also discussed — particular cases of these are the first-order model of Plackett (1975) and the normal model of Upton and Brook (1974). An approximation for the normal model is suggested.
Assessing the Correlation between Blood Trace Element Concentrations, Picky Eating Habits, and Intelligence Quotient in School-Aged Children

Introduction: Inadequate levels of iron, zinc, and copper have been linked to growth impairment and cognitive and motor development deficits. The objective of this study is to examine the deficiencies of trace elements and their correlation with selective eating patterns and the intelligence quotient (IQ) of children. Methods and Patients: The cross-sectional analysis involved 430 children aged between 7 and 10 years. Blood samples were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) to measure the trace elements levels. Children’s IQs were assessed using Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices. Results: Among the sample group, 20.3% exhibited iron deficiency, 42.5% had zinc deficiency, and 14% had insufficient copper levels. Single trace element deficiency was observed in 56.9% of the children, while 66.7% showed coexisting deficiencies of iron and zinc. Children with lower development levels exhibited significantly lower serum zinc levels compared to those with higher development levels (76.78 ± 10.67 vs. 81.14 ± 10.19 μg/dL). The analysis reveals that picky eaters had lower serum iron levels (76.59 ± 10.42 μg/dL) and higher serum copper levels (123.74 ± 13.45 μg/dL). Conclusion: A strong association was observed between zinc deficiency, picky eating habits, and lower developmental stages. The findings underscore the importance of monitoring nutritional status in children, given the significant implications for their cognitive development.
On the sum of the k largest absolute values of Laplacian eigenvalues of digraphs

Let $L(G)$ be the Laplacian matrix of a digraph $G$ and $S_k(G)$ be the sum of the $k$ largest absolute values of Laplacian eigenvalues of $G$. Let $C_n^+$ be a digraph with $n+1$ vertices obtained from the directed cycle $C_n$ by attaching a pendant arc whose tail is on $C_n$. A digraph is $\mathbb{C}_n^+$-free if it contains no $C_{\ell}^+$ as a subdigraph for any $2\leq \ell \leq n-1$. In this paper, we present lower bounds of $S_n(G)$ of digraphs of order $n$. We provide the exact values of $S_k(G)$ of directed cycles and $\mathbb{C}_n^+$-free unicyclic digraphs. Moreover, we obtain upper bounds of $S_k(G)$ of $\mathbb{C}_n^+$-free digraphs which have vertex-disjoint directed cycles.
Enlarging quality factor in microbeam resonators by topology optimization

Abstract The fundamental characteristic of mechanical resonators can be evaluated by resonance eigenfrequency and energy dissipation (or inverse quality factor). Reduced length scales are necessary for achieving high resonance eigenfrequency, which can afford fast response and extraordinary sensitivity to external forces. However, smaller scales will result in higher energy dissipation (or smaller quality factor) in the eigenfrequency of mechanical resonators. A topology optimization process is presented for enlarging quality factor of a microbeam resonator made of linear, isotropic and homogeneous thermoelastic material. The beam’s width is supposed to be considerable so that the plane strain assumption can be satisfied and the design domain is the cross section along the beam’s thickness. By combining the equation of motion and the heat transfer equation, the damping problem of thermoelastic coupling can be solved by a finite-element method. A topology optimization method is used to enlarge quality factor in microbeam resonators. It is found by clamped-clamped and clamped-free microbeam resonators that significant improvements of quality factors can be achieved through this optimization process.
Psychometric Properties of the Farsi Version of the Fear of Missing out Scale and the Phubbing Scale

Background: Fear of missing out on social media can be one of the motivations for individuals to participate in social media. Participating in social networking sites is also associated with social network addiction and phubbing and can have problematic consequences for social media users. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the fear of missing out scale (FoMOs) and the phubbing scale (TPS). Methods: The present study was conducted online by surveying Instagram social media users. A total of 431 individuals participated in this study and responded to the Farsi version of the FoMOs, TPS, and Social Network Addiction Test. For the assessment of the reliability of the test-retest, 40 participants answered the FoMOs and TPS separately in two 4-week periods. Correlation and factor analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 26) and Amos software (version 24) to analyze the data statistically. Results: The results showed the high internal consistency of the FoMOs (α = 0.85) and TPS (α = 0.83). Test-retest reliability was good for the FoMOs and TPS. The concurrent validity of the FoMOs and TPS was obtained as 0.51 and 0.70, respectively. The exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis results also showed two factors for the FoMOs (i.e., trait- fear of missing out (FoMO) and state-FoMO) and two factors for TPS (i.e., communication disturbances and phone obsession) in the Farsi version, which are consistent with the original version of the two scales. Conclusions: The Farsi versions of the FoMOs and TPS for use in Iran have good validity and reliability.
Buying and Selling Decision in the Brazilian Stock Exchange Financial Market by a Neo Fuzzy Neuron (NFN) Applied to the Hurwicz Criterion

This work introduces an approach for making decisions on buying and selling stocks in the Brazilian Stock Exchange to maximize profits in each operation. The proposed approach was built using the Neo-Fuzzy-Neuron (NFN) network to predict the future value of stocks and the Hurwicz criterion for decision analysis under risk and uncertainty, considering different degrees of optimism and pessimism. The approach was applied to Petrobras stocks (PETR4), and the results obtained were compared with the ”buy and hold”strategy. The computational results and comparisons suggest that the proposed approach is promising and provides a significant return on investment
Single-Ended Receiver-Side Crosstalk Cancellation With Independent Gain and Timing Control for Minimum Residual FEXT

In multi-lane interfaces using single-ended signaling such as memory interfaces, far-end crosstalk (FEXT) noise of the aggressor signal severely degrades signal integrity of the victim signal. A circuit for crosstalk cancellation (XTC) can reduce FEXT noise. However, the channel spacing makes the flight time difference between the forward and FEXT signals. As a result, the residual FEXT can remain. To further minimize the residual FEXT, this study proposes an XTC method to adjust the amplitude and timing independently. The timing is adjusted according to the passive element’s value of the differentiator, and the amplitude is varied by using the high-frequency boosting circuit. Moreover, a continuous-time linear equalizer (CTLE) and a 1-tap decision feedback equalizer (DFE) are applied to reduce inter-symbol interference. A prototype chip of 2-lane receiver was fabricated in a 55-nm CMOS process to verify this scheme. Using the proposed XTC, CTLE, and 1-tap DFE, timing margins of 0.21 UI and 0.36 UI were achieved in 6-mil and 15-mil channel spacings at 6.4 Gb/s, both at a bit error rate of $10^{-12}$ .
Lower bounds for the energy of weighted digraphs

ABSTRACT Let D be a weighted digraph with weights taken from the set of non-zero real numbers and let be its eigenvalues. The energy of D is defined as , where denotes the real part of the complex number . In this paper, we obtain lower bounds for the energy of weighted digraphs in terms of weights of directed cycles of length 2. We study normal weighted digraphs and give spectral and structural characterizations of normal weighted digraphs. Using these results, we determine unicyclic and bicyclic normal weighted digraphs. For normal weighted digraphs, we obtain an improved and sharp lower bound for the energy.
Sparse 4D TomoSAR imaging in the presence of non-linear deformation

In this paper, we present a sparse four-dimensional tomographic synthetic aperture radar (4D TomoSAR) imaging scheme that can estimate elevation and linear as well as non-linear seasonal deformation rates of scatterers using the interferometric phase. Unlike existing sparse processing techniques that use fixed dictionaries based on a linear deformation model, we use a variable dictionary for the non-linear deformation in the form of seasonal sinusoidal deformation, in addition to the fixed dictionary for the linear deformation. We estimate the amplitude of the sinusoidal deformation using an optimization method and create the variable dictionary using the estimated amplitude. We show preliminary results using simulated data that demonstrate the soundness of our proposed technique for sparse 4D TomoSAR imaging in the presence of non-linear deformation.
Fibrotic Diseases of the Human Urinary and Genital Tract: Current Understanding and Potential Strategies for Treatment

Fibrosis is a disease condition characterized by abnormalities of the extracellular matrix, such as accumulation of the transforming growth factor β, infiltration by myofibroblasts, deposition of collagen, and a generalized dysregulation of collagen maturation. It can severely impair the function of organs by replacing normal tissue with a highly collagenized matrix, thereby reducing the elasticity and compliance of tissues. Fibrotic diseases of the genitourinary tract present relevant problems in healthcare, and their principles of pathophysiology remain unclarified; hence, the armamentarium for prevention and treatment is limited. These diseases include renal fibrosis, Peyronie’s disease and ureteral and urethral strictures due to perturbations in the process of wound healing in response to injuries. Such deteriorations may contribute to obstructive uropathies or sexual dysfunction. This review provides a brief overview of the most frequent fibrotic diseases of the genitourinary system and of how the pathophysiology is related to symptoms, and also highlights potential therapeutic strategies to address the abnormal deposition of collagen. Although the understanding of factors associated with fibrotic conditions of the urinary and genital tract is still limited, some beneficial advances have been made. Further research will serve to provide a more comprehensive insight into factors responsible for the development of fibrotic tissue deposition.
The Interplay of Lifestyle and Adipokines in the Non-Obese Stroke-Prone Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Although the morphological features and functions of adipose tissue are well-described in obesity-prone animal models, less information is available on animals such as the stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive (SHRSP) strain with cardiovascular abnormalities, which is not characterized by excessive adiposity. Our aim was to focus on lifestyle-induced (type of diet and physical exercise) effects on adipokine profile and lipid peroxidation in SHRSP rats. In our study, male Wistar-kyoto (control) and SHRSP rats were used. SHRSP rats were fed either standard chow or a high-fat diet with 40% fat content (HFD). One group of the animals was placed into cages fitted with a running-wheel; thus, the dietary and training period started at the same time and lasted for 12 weeks. At the end of the experimental period, adiponectin, leptin, omentin, and chemerin concentrations were determined from adipose tissue and serum. Besides adipokines, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were also measured. Twelve weeks of HFD significantly decreased adiponectin and omentin concentrations of both adipose tissue and serum, which were ameliorated by physical exercise. Serum leptin, chemerin, and MDA values were elevated in HFD groups; however, physical exercise was able to mitigate these adverse changes. Our results underpin the crosstalk between lifestyle changes and dysfunctional adipose tissue in SHRSP rats.
The Effects of a Six-week Ballistic and Plyometric Training Programme on Female Golfers’ Drive Performance and Neuromuscular Characteristics

2 List of Figures . 6 List of Tables . 7 Attestation of Authorship . 8 Co-authored Works . 9 Author Contributions . 10 Acknowledgements . 11 List of Abbreviations . 12 Ethics Approval . 13 CHAPTER ONE: PREFACE 1.1 Thesis Rationale . 14 1.2 Research Aims and Hypothesis . 15 1.3 Research Design . 15 1.4 Thesis Originality . 16 1.5 Thesis Organisation . 16 CHAPTER TWO: RESISTANCE TRAINING ON DRIVE PERFORMANCE AND NEUROMUSCULAR CHARACTERISTICS FOR GOLFERS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW 2.1 Preface . 17 2.2 Introduction.17 2.3 Systematic Review Search Methods . 18 2.3.1 Search parameters and criteria . 18 2.3.2 Search results . 19 2.3.3 Methodological quality assessment . 20 2.4 Muscle Activation in Relation to the Biomechanics of the Golf Drive . 27 2.5 Biomechanics in Relation to Sex-Related Differences of the Golf Drive . 34 2.6 Golf Resistance Training Programme . 39 2.6. 1 Golf resistance training protocols . 39 2.6. 2 The changes in neuromuscular characteristics after golf resistance training programme . 47 2.7 Practical Implications . 55 2.8 Recommendation for Future Studies . 55 2.9 Conclusion . 56 CHAPTER THREE: THE RELIABILITY OF AN INERTIAL MEASUREMENT UNIT TO MEASURE THE ROTATIONAL VELOCITY OF GOLF DRIVE 3.1 Preface . 57 3.2 Introduction.57 3.3 Methods . 58 3.3.1 Experimental approach to the problem . 58 3.3.2 Participants . 58 3.3.3 Testing protocols . 59
Cantilevered Microfiber Bragg Grating Sensor With High Ultrasonic Sensitivity and Designable Resonant Frequency

A cantilevered microfiber Bragg grating (CMFBG) sensor with high sensitivity and resonant frequency which can be designed as required, has been proposed and demonstrated using experimental, theoretical, and simulation methods. The CMFBG design can have a variable cross-section, and has been created to operate by receiving ultrasonic guided waves through the adhesive used. This allows for the formation of standing waves, when the wave is reflected from the end of the device, and also allows for concentrating the ultrasonic energy using the small fiber diameter that forms the device. Compared to a cantilevered conventional fiber Bragg grating, the CMFBG design proposed demonstrates a significant increase in signal amplitude of 227% for a chirp ultrasonic input and 204% for a pencil lead break input. The device exhibits a detuning phenomenon as its resonant frequency difference differs from that of the standing wave with the cantilevered fiber Bragg grating. In addition, the research carried out has shown that the geometric parameters of the CMFBG design, such as the diameter and the length ratio (between the waist and the taper regions), influence the ultrasonic sensitivity and the resonant frequencies observed.
Using Feasible Direction to Find All Efficient Extreme Points for Multiple Objective Linear Programs (MOLP)

Most of the current methods for s olving m ultiple o bjective l inear programs (MOLP) dep end on t he si mplex tableau i n m ulti objective f orm t o find the set of efficient solutions of this problem. In this paper we present a f easible d irection m ethod to find all efficient extreme p oints for ( MOLP). Our method based on t he co njugate gradient projection m ethod starting wi th an initial efficient extreme p oint we generate a sequence of feasible directions towards all efficient adjacent extremes of the above problem. A simple example is given to clarify this m ethod.
The Efficacy of the Global Intensive Feeding Therapy on Feeding and Swallowing Abilities in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Study

The present investigation aims to explore the efficacy of Global Intensive Feeding Therapy (GIFT) on feeding and swallowing abilities in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). GIFT was developed as an intensive rehabilitation approach, divided into 30 sessions for 2 weeks, three times a day. GIFT focused on (a) encouraging desensitization; (b) widening the food repertoire (in terms of both variety and quantity); (c) reducing inappropriate mealtime behaviors; and (d) encouraging the development of appropriate chewing and swallowing abilities. GIFT was preliminarily implemented among 11 children with a diagnosis of ASD. To measure the efficacy of GIFT, the Karaduman Chewing Performance Scale (KCPS), the Brief Autism Mealtime Behavior Inventory (BAMBI), and food repertoire were investigated using Wilcoxon signed-rank test in three different times: baseline (T1), after treatment (T2), and one month after treatment (T3). Using Bonferroni correction, statistically significant differences were found between T1 and T2 for behavioral issues, as measured with BAMBI (p = 0.007), as well as for chewing abilities as measured with KCPS (p = 0.005) and for food acceptance (p = 0.005). These improvements were maintained after a month of follow-up, thanks to the collaboration of families and/or primary caregivers. In conclusion, GIFT seems to be an effective approach to improving behavioral issues, food acceptance, and chewing abilities in children with ASD.