Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Arguing for Argument’s Sake? Exploring Public Conversations around Climate Change on Twitter

Audience-facilitated information flow has become the new norm created by a public divergence from traditional media sources. Mobile device advancements and partnerships have changed how audiences view news media and the sources relied upon to obtain information. With these advancements, social media users have become primary information providers and information gatekeepers. Twitter specifically has become a news media platform for some based on its effectiveness in facilitating information flow and triggering reorganization as it provides a platform for collaboration and coordination. Despite widespread acceptance of the threat climate change poses by the scientific community, it is still a topic of contention on social media. Climate conversations are typically approached with an us versus them mindset with us being used as representation of the communities to which audiences belong. The communities one belongs to typically follows social media users social, political and environmental ideologies. Walton’s theory of argument or inference schemes served as the theoretical framework for this study. Argument schemes represent common arguments and special context arguments, in this case scientific argumentation. Walton’s argument from ignorance was used as a framework for the study. The argument states that if there has been a thorough search through the knowledge base then concrete proof of a fact would exist. The findings indicated social media may be a useful tool when exploring climate change conversations through a sociopolitical lens and additional research is needed to closely examine how political ideologies, global location, and different environmental topics impact issue awareness and beliefs.
Sensorless control of AC machines at low speed and standstill based on the "INFORM" method

The increasing use of AC machines compared to DC motors in electrical drive applications has several reasons. A very important advantage of AC machines is their simple construction. However, AC drives often need mechanical sensors (tachometers, position encoders) for field orientation. In many applications these sensors reduce robustness and increase costs of a drive considerably. The main objective of this paper is to present the "INFORM" method based on real-time inductance measurements for sensorless control of AC drives.
A PROBABILITY MODEL FOR CROSS–CONTAMINATION BY CAMPYLOBACTER JEJUNI AND SALMONELLA TYPHIMURIUM IN POULTRY CHILLING PROCESS

The cross–contamination by Campylobacter jejuni and Salmonella Typhimurium in a poultry chiller presents a challenge to the poultry industry. The purpose of this research was to develop a predictive model for the probability of C. jejuni and S. Typhimurium contamination on chicken carcasses during chilling. Each experiment was conducted using 36 chicken drumsticks, 6 for control and 30 for treatment. A percentage of treatment drumsticks were inoculated with C. jejuni or S. Typhimurium. Inoculated and non–inoculated drumsticks were mixed together and treated in a chiller simulator under simulated chilling conditions. The post–chill contamination (positive/negative) was determined for each drumstick. A probability model, P = 1/[1+exp(–y)], was developed based on the data, where P is the probability of an individual chicken drumstick being contaminated after chilling, and y is a linear function of treatment factors, pre–chill incidence (%), total chlorine level in chill water (ppm), and the age of chill water (h). The Hosmer and Lemeshow statistics indicated a good fit between the data and the model. This model can be used to predict post–chill contamination probability based on the pre–chill incidence and the chlorine level, and, conversely, it can be used to define the pre–chill percent contamination and chlorination requirement for controlling post–chill contamination.
A decision directed coherent detector for OFDM

A coherent decision directed detector for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is proposed and analyzed. The modulator uses differential encoded signalling over a multipath frequency selective Rayleigh fading channel. The detector employs a decision directed linear minimum mean square error (LMMSE) estimator of the channel gain on each subchannel. The main idea is to explore the correlation between the subchannels in order to obtain a good channel estimate. The proposed LMMSE based detector is shown to be significantly better than a standard differential channel estimator.
Potential Impact of Electric Vehicles on the Electric Supply System. A Case Study for the Province of Milan, Italy

The study analyses the impact of the electric vehicles’ recharging activities on the electric supply system for the Province of Milan with a 2030 time horizon. In particular, the impact is seen both in terms of total electric energy consumption and in power requested to the grid. Because of the long recharging time required by the cars batteries, the probability to have thousands of cars contemporary plugged-in is not negligible. The key issue of the study is a more plausible (in the authors’ opinion) estimation of the potential electric vehicles market share evolution in the time period considered. The results obtained clearly show that without an appropriate regulation (e.g. the intelligent integration of electric vehicles into the existing power grid as decentralized and flexible energy storage), electric vehicles could heavily impact on the daily requested electric power. How to obtain EU publications Our priced publications are available from EU Bookshop (http://bookshop.europa.eu), where you can place an order with the sales agent of your choice. The Publications Office has a worldwide network of sales agents. You can obtain their contact details by sending a fax to (352) 29 29-42758. The mission of the JRC is to provide customer-driven scientific and technical support for the conception, development, implementation and monitoring of EU policies. As a service of the European Commission, the JRC functions as a reference centre of science and technology for the Union. Close to the policy-making process, it serves the common interest of the Member States, while being independent of special interests, whether private or national. LB -N A -2375-EN -C
Efficacy and safety of onabotulinumtoxinA with standardized physiotherapy for the treatment of pediatric lower limb spasticity: A randomized, placebo-controlled, phase III clinical trial

BACKGROUND: Spasticity is common in cerebral palsy and can result in pain and diminished health-related quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of onabotulinumtoxinA for lower limb spasticity treatment in children with cerebral palsy. METHODS: In this registrational phase 3, multinational, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (NCT01603628), children (2–< 17 years) with cerebral palsy and ankle spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale-Bohannon [MAS] score≥2) were randomized 1 : 1 : 1 to standardized physical therapy and onabotulinumtoxinA (4 or 8 U/kg), or placebo. Primary endpoint was average change from baseline at weeks 4 and 6 in MAS ankle score. Secondary endpoints included the Modified Tardieu Scale (MTS) and Global Attainment Scale (GAS). RESULTS: 381 participants were randomized. MAS scores averaged at weeks 4 and 6 were significantly reduced with both onabotulinumtoxinA doses (8 U/kg: –1.06, p = 0.010; 4 U/kg: –1.01, p = 0.033) versus placebo (–0.8). Significant improvements in average dynamic component of spasticity, measured by MTS, and in function, measured by GAS, were observed at several time points with both onabotulinumtoxinA doses versus placebo. Most adverse events were mild or moderate. CONCLUSIONS: OnabotulinumtoxinA was well tolerated and effective in reducing lower limb spasticity and improving functional outcomes versus placebo in children.
Large-Scale Whole Genome Sequencing Study Reveals Genetic Architecture and Key Variants for Breast Muscle Weight in Native Chickens

Breast muscle weight (BrW) is one of the most important economic traits in chicken, and directional breeding for that results in both phenotypic and genetic changes. The Jingxing yellow chicken, including an original (without human-driven selection) line and a selected line (based on selection for increased intramuscular fat content), were used to dissect the genetic architecture and key variants associated with BrW. We detected 1069 high-impact single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with high conserved score and significant frequency difference between two lines. Based on the annotation result, the ECM-receptor interaction and fatty acid biosynthesis were enriched, and muscle-related genes, including MYOD1, were detected. By performing genome-wide association study for the BrW trait, we defined a major haplotype and two conserved SNPs that affected BrW. By integrated genomic and transcriptomic analysis, IGF2BP1 was identified as the crucial gene associated with BrW. In conclusion, these results offer a new insight into chicken directional selection and provide target genetic markers by which to improve chicken BrW.
Bio-inspired vision-based flying robots

There are not yet autonomous flying robots capable of manoeuvring in small cluttered environments as insects do. Encouraged by this observation, this thesis presents the development of ultra-light flying robots and control systems going one step toward fully autonomous indoor aerial navigation. The substantial weight and energy constraints imposed by this indoor flying robots preclude the use of powerful processors and active distance sensors. Moreover, flying systems require fast sensory-motor mapping despite their limited processing power. In order to cope with those apparently contradictory constraints, our approach takes inspiration from flying insects, which display efficient flight control capability in complex environments in spite of their limited weight and relatively tiny brain. In particular, they are able to stabilise their course, avoid obstacles and control their altitude, which represents the basic mechanisms we want to have on an indoor flying robot. To achieve efficient flight control, insects rely essentially on two sensory modalities: vision and gyroscope. They possess two low-resolution, compound eyes which are particularly sensitive to image motion (optic flow). In their visual system, some neurons are known to be responsible for detecting self-motion and impending collisions based on optic-flow. Gyroscopic information coming from two mechanosensors located behind the wings complements visual cues in tasks such as gaze and course stabilisation. In this thesis, we explore the application of such biological principles to develop navigation controllers for indoor flying robots. In particular, we address the problem of how low-resolution vision and gyroscopic information can be mapped into actuator commands in real-time to maintain altitude, stabilise the course and avoid obstacles. As an alternative to hand-crafting control systems based on biological principles, in a second phase, we take inspiration from the evolutionary process that eventually generated those animals and apply artificial evolution to search for alternative control systems and behaviours that can fit the constraints of indoor flying robots. Instead of replicating the biomechanics of insect flight, our targeted robotic platform is a fixed-wing airplane capable of flying indoors at very low speed (<1.5m/s). This testbed weights only 30-grams and is equipped with several miniature cameras and a small gyroscope. In order to progress gradually in the task of automating indoor flying robots, two other platforms have been developed, namely a miniature wheeled robot and a small indoor airship. All three robotic platforms feature very similar sensors and electronics in order to facilitate the transfer of software modules and control strategies. Applying the proposed bio-inspired approach, we succeeded in automating the steering (course stabilisation and obstacle avoidance) of the 30-gram airplane in a square textured arena. Then, using artificial evolution with the airship, we obtained alternative navigation strategies based on the same sensory modalities.
TRP Channels as Molecular Targets to Relieve Cancer Pain

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are critical receptors in the transduction of nociceptive stimuli. The microenvironment of diverse types of cancer releases substances, including growth factors, neurotransmitters, and inflammatory mediators, which modulate the activity of TRPs through the regulation of intracellular signaling pathways. The modulation of TRP channels is associated with the peripheral sensitization observed in patients with cancer, which results in mild noxious sensory stimuli being perceived as hyperalgesia and allodynia. Secondary metabolites derived from plant extracts can induce the activation, blocking, and desensitization of TRP channels. Thus, these compounds could act as potential therapeutic agents, as their antinociceptive properties could be beneficial in relieving cancer-derived pain. In this review, we will summarize the role of TRPV1 and TRPA1 in pain associated with cancer and discuss molecules that have been reported to modulate these channels, focusing particularly on the mechanisms of channel activation associated with molecules released in the tumor microenvironment.
Quaternion and Its Application in Rotation Using Sets of Regions

This paper is written to aid the readers to understand application of Euler angles and quaternion in representing rotation of a body in 3-dimensional Euclidean space,3ℜ. Application of quaternion would later require conversion of the quaternion to Euler angles. This is to enable quaternion to be compatible with other applications which use Euler rotation sequence to represent rotation. Thus, a framework to convert a quaternion, which is produced from a random rotation sequence to Euler angles with any specified rotation sequence is proposed and demonstrated here, to aid practitioners to use quaternion in their applications. This will also enable quaternion to be applied in arbitrary sequence onto applications developed using certain rotation sequence of Euler angles. Finally, a program is developed using Matlab-simulink software to demonstrate application of quaternion in maneuvering orientation of a missile flying in 3D space. Six degree of freedom (6DoF) block, which employs Euler rotation sequence of XYZ, is used to aid users to graphically see the maneuvering of the missile’s orientation as it flies in 3-dimensional Euclidean space. Quaternion, which is produced from random rotation sequence keyed in by the user, is converted to Euler angles with rotation sequence XYZ by using the proposed method. Keywords:
Narrow linewidth 1.55μm directly modulated distributed-feedback laser

We fabricated a narrow linewidth 1. 55μm directly-modulated distributed-feedback (DFB) laser. The laser exhibits an output power of 14mW at 100mA, flat frequency response with -3 dB bandwidth of 18 GHz, the third-order intermodulation distortion (IMD3) with 39.8dBm, narrow optical linewidth with 181kHz, and RIN below -135.7dB/Hz in the 0.1-10GHz range along with the high side-mode suppression ratio (<52dB). We also experimentally verified the modulation bandwidth, linearity, and linewidth is related to the bias current. The characteristics of the laser, namely sufficient modulation bandwidth, high linearity, low relative intensity noise (RIN) and narrow linewidth, make it the perfect candidates for high dynamic directly modulated analog optical link.
Effects of Porcine Whole-Blood Protein Hydrolysate on Exercise Function and Skeletal Muscle Differentiation

A number of studies have utilized blood waste as a bioresource by enzymatic hydrolysis to obtain amino acids, such as branched-chain amino acids, which can increase muscle mass or prevent muscle loss during weight loss. Although a significantly high content of branched-chain amino acids has been reported in porcine whole-blood protein hydrolysate (PWBPH), the effects of PWBPH on skeletal muscle differentiation and exercise function remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of PWBPH on exercise endurance in ICR mice and muscle differentiation in C2C12 mouse myoblasts and gastrocnemius (Gas) muscle of mice. Supplementation with PWBPH (250 and 500 mg/kg for 5 weeks) increased the time to exhaustion on a treadmill. PWBPH also increased the Gas muscle weight to body weight ratio. In addition, PWBPH treatment increased skeletal muscle differentiation proteins and promoted the Akt/mTOR-dependent signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo. These results suggest that PWBPH can be utilized as a bioresource to enhance exercise function and skeletal muscle differentiation.
Fiber optic sensor array for multi-dimensional strain measurement

A planar fiber optic strain sensor array (FOSSA) able to measure multi-dimensional strains inside a material has been developed and tested. Three-dimensional strain measurement is a developing technology that can eventually be employed for many applications including monitoring the strain field inside composite parts and structures, sensing for adaptive structures and intelligent vehicle highway systems and health monitoring systems for civil structures. A planar configuration was chosen to reduce the manufacturing difficulty and structural degradation of embedding optical sensors in more than one plane. Two extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometric sensors (EFPIs) and one polarimetric sensor were used to form the planar sensor array. The two EFPIs extract two normal strain components along the x and y axes. A polarimetric sensor in the same plane was used to extract the third normal strain acting on the z axis. The sensor array was embedded in an epoxy resin block and a load of 1000 lbs was applied normal to one face with a loading machine. The strains extracted from the embedded optical fiber sensors compared well with strains measured with surface bonded electrical strain gages. The difference in measured strain between the electrical strain gages and the fiber optic sensors was typically less than 3.4% on all three principal strain axes.
The Cross-Talk between Myeloid and Mesenchymal Stem Cells of Human Bone Marrow Represents a Biomarker of Aging That Regulates Immune Response and Bone Reabsorption

One of the mechanisms that characterizes the aging process of different organs is the accumulation of fat. Different authors have demonstrated that adipose tissue replaces the loss of other cell types, deriving from mesenchymal cells. During aging, there is substitution or trans-differentiation of mesenchymal cells with other cells having the same embryological origin. Newly formed adipocytes were also observed in the trabecular matrix of elderly people’s bones, associated with myeloid cells. In this study, we have investigated the relationship between immature myeloid-derived suppressor cells (I-MDSCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in bone marrow (BM) samples harvested from 57 patients subjected to different orthopedic surgeries. Patients aged from 18 to 92 years were considered in order to compare the cellular composition of bone marrow of young and elderly people, considered a biomarker of immunity, inflammation, and bone preservation. The I-MDSC percentage was stable during aging, but in elderly people, it was possible to observe a strong basal immunosuppression of autologous and heterologous T cells’ proliferation. We hypothesized that this pattern observed in elders depends on the progressive accumulation in the BM of activating stimuli, including cell–cell contact, or the production of different cytokines and proteins that induce the differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in adipocytes. The collected data provided underline the importance of specific biomarkers of aging that promote a reduction in immune response and incremented inflammatory pathways, leading to bone reabsorption in elderly people.
The Consumer Rationality Assumption in Incentive Based Demand Response Program via Reduction Bidding

Because of the burgeoning demand of the energy, the countries are finding sustainable solutions for these emerging challenges. Demand Side Management is playing a significant role in managing the demand with an aim to support the electrical grid during the peak hours. However, advancement in controls and communication technologies, the aggregators are appearing as a third party entity in implementing demand response program. In this paper, a detailed mathematical framework is discussed in which the aggregator acts as an energy service provider between the utility and the consumers, and facilitate the consumers to actively participate in demand side management by introducing the new concept of demand reduction bidding (DRB) under constrained direct load control. Paper also presented an algorithm for the proposed framework and demonstrated the efficacy of the algorithm by considering few case studies and concluded with simulation results and discussions.
Hand Gesture Recognition of Methods-Time Measurement-1 Motions in Manual Assembly Tasks Using Graph Convolutional Networks

ABSTARCT Gesture recognition is gaining popularity in many fields, including gesture control, robotics, or medical applications. However, the technology is barely used in industrial manufacturing processes due to high costs, a time-consuming configuration, and changes in the workflow. This paper proposes a minimally invasive approach to recognize workers' hand motions in manual assembly tasks. The novelty of this approach is the use of only one camera instead of any other sensors and the application of state-of-the-art graph neural networks. The method relies on monocular RGB video data to predict the basic motions of the industry standard motion-time system Methods-Time Measurement-1. Our two-stage neural network composed of hand key point extraction and adaptive graph convolution delivers accurate classification results in real-time. To train and validate the model, we created a dataset containing 22,000 frames of real-world assembly tasks. The data produced by this method in a production line can be used for motion time verification, assembly-line design, or assembly cost estimation. In a use-case study, we show that the proposed approach can generate Methods-Time Measurement analysis tables. These have so far only been accurately created by human experts. Source code: https://github.com/alexriedel1/Hand-Gesture-Recognition-in-manual-assembly-tasks-using-GCN
Multi-objective unit commitment with renewable energy using hybrid approach

During the last few years, greenhouse gas emission especially from electric power generation is a major concern due to the global warming and environmental change, therefore, committing the generating units on minimum cost criterion is shifting toward minimising the cost with minimum emission. Due to the conflicting nature of economic and emission objectives, the generation scheduling becomes a multi-objective problem. In this study, a weighted sum method is applied to convert multi-objective problem to a single-objective problem by linear combination of different objectives as a weighted sum and an efficient hybrid algorithm is presented for aiding unit commitment (UC) decisions in such environments. Due to uncertainty of wind power generation, the UC problem has become complex. To handle uncertainty, scenario generation and reduction techniques are used. The proposed hybrid approach is a combination of weighted improved crazy particle swarm optimisation with pseudo code algorithm, which is enhanced by extended priority list to handle the spinning reserve constraints and a heuristic search algorithm to handle minimum up/down time constraints. Simulation results confirm the potential and effectiveness of proposed approach after comparison with other methods reported in the literature.