Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Unfoldings and deformations of rational and logarithmic foliations

We study codimension one foliations in projective space \PP^n over \CC by looking at its first order perturbations: unfoldings and deformations. We give special attention to foliations of rational and logarithmic type. For a differential form \omega defining a codimension one foliation, we present a graded module \UU(\omega), related to the first order unfoldings of \omega. If \omega is a generic form of rational or logarithmic type, as a first application of the construction of \UU(\omega), we classify the first order deformations that arise from first order unfoldings. Then, we count the number of isolated points in the singular set of \omega, in terms of a Hilbert polynomial associated to \UU(\omega). We review the notion of regularity of \omega in terms of a long complex of graded modules that we also introduce in this work. We use this complex to prove that, for generic rational and logarithmic foliations, \omega is regular if and only if every unfolding is trivial up to isomorphism.
Coping mechanisms of the senior high school learners in addressing the concerns in the use of the blended learning modality during the COVID-19 pandemic

This study aimed to determine the coping mechanism of the Senior High school learners during the blended learning modality amidst pandemic. The study was conducted in the selected public Senior High School Stand Alone of Zamboanga City, Philippines for the first semester of the school year 2020-2021. The findings revealed that the respondents were extensive in the use of the digital module on the blended learning. Extent of usage of the blended learning using the printed module was extensive among the senior high school students. The respondents agreed that they employed coping mechanisms to address concerns in the blended learning. The data revealed that despite the academic challenges being experienced by the Senior High School learners during the pandemic, it is good to note that they were able to cope with these challenges through proper planning ahead of time, by looking for references, and most especially, the help of their family and friends in terms of technical problems had also eased their burden. In terms of the hazardous effect to their health of the technology they used, they also found a solution by using anti-radiation gadget.
Testing of crossover operators for the grey pattern problem

Abstract Recently genetic algorithms (GAs) are a great success in solving combinatorial optimization problems. In this paper the performance issues related to the genetic search in the context of the grey pattern problem (GPP) are discussed. The main attention is paid to the investigation of the solution recombination, i.e. crossover operators, which play an important role developing robust genetic algorithms. We implemented seven crossover operators within the hybrid genetic algorithm (HGA) framework, and carried out the extensive experiments in order to test the influence of the recombination operators on the genetic search process. The results obtained from the experimentation with GPP test instances (benchmarks) demonstrate promising efficiency of so‐called multiple parent crossover which is based on a special type of recombination of several solutions‐parents.
The value of mobile magnetic resonance imaging in early warning for stroke: A prospective case-control study

Aims To evaluate the predictive value of mobile magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in screening stroke. Methods This was a prospective case-control study performed on healthy residents over 40 years old in remote rural areas of northern China between May 2019 and May 2020. Multivariate logistic regression and receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC) analysis were used to evaluate the screening model. Results A total of 1,224 patients (500 [40.8%] men) enrolled, including 56 patients who suffered from stroke (aged 64.05 ± 7.27). The individuals who developed stroke were significantly older (P < 0.001), had a significantly higher occurrence of heart disease (P = 0.015), diabetes (P = 0.005), dyslipidemia (P = 0.009), and significantly increased waist circumference (P = 0.02), systolic blood pressure (SBP) (P = 0.003), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level (P = 0.007), triglyceride (TG) level (P = 0.025), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) level (P = 0.04), and homocysteine (HCY) level (P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age (OR = 1.055, 95% CI: 1.017–1.094, P = 0.004), HCY (OR = 1.029, 95% CI: 1.012–1.047, P = 0.001) and mobile MRI (OR = 4.539, 95% CI: 1.726–11.939, P = 0.002) were independently associated with stroke. The area under the curve (AUC) of the combined model including national screening criteria, mobile MRI results, and stroke risk factors was 0.786 (95% CI: 0.721–0.851), with a sensitivity of 69.6% and specificity of 80.4%. Conclusion Mobile MRI can be used as a simple and easy means to screen stroke.
Development of an Energy Efficient and Cost Effective Autonomous Vehicle Research Platform

Commercialization of autonomous vehicle technology is a major goal of the automotive industry, thus research in this space is rapidly expanding across the world. However, despite this high level of research activity, literature detailing a straightforward and cost-effective approach to the development of an AV research platform is sparse. To address this need, we present the methodology and results regarding the AV instrumentation and controls of a 2019 Kia Niro which was developed for a local AV pilot program. This platform includes a drive-by-wire actuation kit, Aptiv electronically scanning radar, stereo camera, MobilEye computer vision system, LiDAR, inertial measurement unit, two global positioning system receivers to provide heading information, and an in-vehicle computer for driving environment perception and path planning. Robotic Operating System software is used as the system middleware between the instruments and the autonomous application algorithms. After selection, installation, and integration of these components, our results show successful utilization of all sensors, drive-by-wire functionality, a total additional power* consumption of 242.8 Watts (*Typical), and an overall cost of $118,189 USD, which is a significant saving compared to other commercially available systems with similar functionality. This vehicle continues to serve as our primary AV research and development platform.
Development of a flexible antenna-wristband for wearable wrist-worn infocommunication devices of the LTE standard

The object of research is the process of radiation of electromagnetic waves from a flexible antenna-wristband. The subject of research is the wave parameters and directional properties of a flexible antenna-wristband. The existing problem is that it is necessary to ensure the electromagnetic compatibility of the radio frequency units of the wrist-worn infocommunication device. This problem is due to the fact that LTE/NB-IoT, Bluetooth/Wi-Fi, and GPS antennas must be placed inside the small-sized case of the infocommunication device. To solve this problem, let’s propose a simple and cheap version of a broadband flexible bracelet antenna for LTE networks, located outside the device case. As a basis for the development of a flexible antenna-wristband, the authors chose a patch antenna, which is the base of the theory of microstrip antennas. This is due to the fact that the theoretical material is well developed for the calculation and study of the patch antenna. Structurally, a patch antenna consists of an upper metal layer that emits electromagnetic waves, a solid dielectric base, and a lower metal layer that acts as a reflector. With the classical approach to constructing a patch antenna, the width and length of its upper layer are commensurate, and its lower metal layer has geometric dimensions much larger than the upper metal layer. In contrast to the classical design, the authors proposed a new shape of the patch antenna, in which the length of the upper layer of the radiation surface is much greater than its width (5–6 times), and the lower metal layer has dimensions slightly larger than the dimensions of the upper layer. The authors have developed a flexible antenna-wristband for the frequency range of 800–1300 MHz with a wave impedance of 50 ohms, 118.7×23 mm of the upper metal layer, and 124.7×25 mm of the lower metal layer. The length of the microstrip feed line of the antenna is 54.6 mm, its width is 2 mm, and the length of the insert is 51.6 mm. The flexible antenna-wristband is connected to the printed circuit board of the infocommunication device by soldering or using a mini-coaxial cable. The authors developed an experimental layout of a flexible antenna-wristband and studied its wave and directional properties. It has been established that in the frequency range 800–1300 MHz the voltage standing wave ratio coefficient of this antenna does not exceed 3.5. The flexible antenna-wristband has directional properties, which allows reducing the level of electromagnetic radiation in the direction of the human body.
Up-and-coming anti-epileptic effect of aloesone in Aloe vera: Evidenced by integrating network pharmacological analysis, in vitro, and in vivo models

Background: Aloe vera is a medically valuable plant with anti-epileptic activity; however, its mechanism of action remains unknown. In this study, network pharmacological, in vitro, and in vivo experiments were carried out to explore the potential anti-epileptic components and targets of Aloe vera. Methods: The main active components of Aloe vera were identified by searching the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology database. Targets of Aloe vera were predicted using SwissTargetPrediction, whereas information about the epilepsy disease targets was obtained from Gene Cards. The protein–protein interaction network and core targets were screened according to the topological structure and CytoNCA plugin. The glutamate-induced HT22 cell line and pentylenetetrazol-induced seizure rats were used to confirm the effect of aloesone by detecting reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis, and predicting the targets. Results: A total of 14 core active components were selected based on the screening criteria of oral bioavailability ≥30% and drug-likeness ≥ 0.10. Four compounds, namely linoleic acid, aloesone, isoeleutherol glucosiden qt, and anthranol, demonstrated the potential ability of crossing the blood-brain barrier. A total of 153 targets associated with epilepsy were predicted for the four compounds. Moreover, after network analysis with CytoNCA, 10 targets, namely, MAPK1, SRC, MARK3, EGFR, ESR1, PTGS2, PTPN11, JAK2, PPKCA, and FYN, were selected as the core genes, and SRC, which has been predicted to be the target of aloesone and anthranol, exhibited the highest subgraph centrality value. In vitro experiments confirmed that aloesone treatment significantly inhibited the glutamate-induced neuronal injury by reducing the intracellular ROS content and the early phase of apoptosis. Additionally, treatment with 50 mg/kg aloesone resulted in anti-seizure effects by reducing the seizure score and prolonging the latent period in acute and chronic rats. Furthermore, aloesone treatment increased the phosphorylation of c-SRC at Y418 and reduced the phosphorylation at Y529, simultaneously activating c-SRC. Conclusion: Integrating network pharmacology with in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that aloesone, which inhibited seizure by activating c-SRC, is a potential anti-seizure compound present in Aloe vera. Graphical Abstract Aloesone from Aloe vera inhibits glutamate-induced HT22 injury and PTZ-induced seizures by increasing the activation of c-SRC, acting as a potential anti-seizure drug.
An Improved Power-Only Measurement Strategy for Calibrating Phased Array Antennas

An improved power-only measurement method is proposed to calibrate phased arrays, which is aimed at solving two remaining problems: little contribution of one antenna element’s phase shifting to the whole array’s power and the ambiguity of solutions. The method includes four steps. Firstly, the random distributed phase of each element is adjusted to guarantee that it is −90° to +90° relative to the reference element. Secondly, the proper number of the elements shifting their phases together is approximately determined. Then, an invertible matrix is formed from the standard Hadamard matrix to split the array into different groups, which applies to an arbitrary number of elements; Finally, the array gets calibrated with an existing method. Numerical simulations and experiments are conducted to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Association between thyroid function and disease severity in restless legs syndrome

Background Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a common neurological disorder. Growing evidence shows that dopaminergic dysfunction and iron deficiency are associated with the pathogenesis of RLS. Additionally, the dopaminergic system is linked with the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis. Thus, the current study aimed to compare thyroid function between RLS patients and healthy subjects and investigate the associations with clinical characteristics of RLS. Methods Serum levels of thyroid hormones were investigated in 102 first-episode drug-naïve RLS patients and 80 matched healthy controls (HCs). Baseline data and clinical characteristics were performed by professional personnel. In addition, multivariate regression was used to analyze the relationship between thyroid function and RLS. Results Compared with control group, RLS patients had significantly higher serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels (p < 0.001), and higher prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism [Odds ratio (OR) 8.00; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 3.50–18.30; p < 0.001]. The Subclinical hypothyroidism rate (47.1 vs. 10%, p < 0.001) in RLS patients was higher than the HCs group. Regression analysis revealed that serum TSH (OR = 1.77; 95% CI = 1.41–2.23; p < 0.001) was independently associated with RLS. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between TSH and the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) scores (r = 0.728, p < 0.001), and the International Restless Legs Scales (IRLS) points (r = 0.627, p < 0.001). Spearman correlation analysis showed that FT3 was positive correlated with HAMA14 score (r = 0.239, p = 0.015). In addition, compared with the good-sleeper group, poor-sleeper patients had significantly higher serum TSH levels (p < 0.001). Conclusion Serum levels of TSH and the prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism were higher in RLS patients, indicating the imbalance between thyroid hormones (TH) and the dopaminergic system may contribute to the development of primary RLS. Additionally, the TH axis may influence the quality of sleep in RLS patients.
Root's and Rost's embeddings : construction, optimality and applications to variance options

Root’s solution (Root [1969]) to the Skorokhod embedding problem can be described as the first hitting time of a space-time process (Xt, t) on a so-called barrier, charac- terised by certain properties, such that the stopped underlying process X has a given distribution. Recent work of Dupire [2005] and Carr and Lee [2010] has highlighted the importance of understanding the Root’s solution for the model-independent hedging of variance options. We consider the problem of finding Root’s solutions when the underlying process is a time-homogeneous diffusion with a given initial distribution in one dimension. We are interested in constructing Root’s solution by partial differential equations. We begin by showing that, under some mild conditions, constructing Root’s solution is equiv- alent to solving a specialized parabolic free boundary problem in the case where the underlying process is a Brownian motion starting at 0. This result is then extended to time-homogeneous diffusions. Replacing some conditions needed in the free boundary construction, we then also consider the construction of Root’s solutions by variational inequalities. Finally we consider the optimality and applications of Root’s solutions. Unlike the existing proof of optimality (Rost [1976]), which relies on potential theory, an alternative proof is given by finding a path-wise inequality which has an impor- tant application for the construction of subhedging strategies in the financial context. In addition, we also consider these questions, construction and optimality, for Rost’s solution, which is also known as the reverse of the Root’s solution.
Textured MoS2 thin films obtained on tungsten: Electrical properties of the W/MoS2 contact

Textured films of molybdenum disulfide have been obtained by solid state reaction between the constituents in thin films form when a (200) oriented tungsten sheet is used as substrate. The crystallites have their c axis perpendicular to the plane of the substrate. The annealing conditions are T=1073 K and t=30 min. The films are stoichoimetric and p type. Such highly textured films are achieved without foreign atom addition (Ni, Co…). It appears, as shown by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, that a thin WS2 layer is present at the interface W/MoS2. The crystallization process is discussed by a van der Waals texturation (pseudoepitaxy) onto dangling bond sulfur terminated surfaces, these surfaces being ordered. After characterization of the W/MoS2 structure by x-ray diffraction and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, an upper electrode of tungsten was deposited by sputtering. The electrical properties of these W/MoS2/W structures have been investigated by analyzing the behavior of the current–voltage charact.
A Decrease in the Staminode-Mediated Visitor Screening Mechanism in Response to Nectar Robbers Positively Affects Reproduction in Delphinium caeruleum Jacq. ex Camb. (Ranunculaceae)

Simple Summary Nectar robbers frequently have direct or indirect negative effects on plant reproductive success. However, nectar robbers can also indirectly contribute to the reproductive success of plants in some cases. The negative effects of nectar robbing on plant reproductive success have been widely reported, but the reasons for possible positive effects demand further investigation. Hence, our study was designed to assess the effects of nectar robbers on the reproductive success of Delphinium caeruleum. This will facilitate an understanding of the mutualism between plants and their visitors. Abstract Nectar-robbing insects, which are frequently described as cheaters in plant–pollinator mutualisms, may affect plant reproductive fitness by obtaining nectar rewards without providing pollination services. The negative effects of nectar robbing on plant reproductive success have been widely reported, but the reasons for possible positive effects demand further investigation. The goal of the study was to evaluate the effects of nectar robbing on the reproductive success of Delphinium caeruleum. Two staminodes cover the stamens and pistils in the flowers of D. caeruleum, forming a “double door” type of structure that compels pollinators to physically manipulate the staminodes to access the sex organs. In order to explore whether the operative strength required to open the staminodes is affected by actions associated with nectar robbing, we set up five different treatment groups: no nectar robbing, natural nectar robbing, artificial nectar robbing, hole making, and nectar removal. A biological tension sensor was used to measure the operative strength required to open the staminodes in the flowers. We also assessed the effect of nectar robbing on the flower-visiting behavior of pollinators and the effect of nectar robbing on reproductive fitness by the flower. The results showed that the operative strength needed to open staminodes was reduced by nectar robbers but not by artificial nectar robbing, hole making, or nectar removal. The flowers’ continuous visitation rate and visitation frequency by pollinators decreased significantly in robbed flowers. Both the pollen export and pollen deposition in naturally robbed flowers were significantly higher than those in nonrobbed flowers. Our results demonstrate that nectar robbers play an indirect positive role in the reproductive fitness of D. caeruleum flowers by reducing the operative strength of staminodes to promote pollen transfer. The reduction in operative strength of staminodes might be an adaptive mechanism that responds to nectar robbing.
Integrated Absorbances in the 3.4 μm CHn Band in Hydrogenated Amorphous Carbon

We have measured the integrated absorbance, A (in units of cm molecule−1), for the spectral components of the 3.4 μm CHn absorption band in hydrogenated amorphous carbon (HAC) for samples deposited at 300 and 77 K. For the asymmetric CH3 stretching band in HAC, A is found to be significantly weaker than that occurring in pure saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons, while the symmetric mode of this group has a comparable intensity in HAC and in pure hydrocarbons. This suggests that the relative strength of CH3 symmetric and asymmetric absorption components may be a useful diagnostic of CH3 bonding in interstellar carbonaceous materials. Our measured absorbances, together with observed optical depths in the 3.4 μm absorption band in the diffuse interstellar medium, suggest that N(C)/N(H) ~ 72-97 parts per million in HAC in diffuse clouds. We discuss the possibility that aromatic carbon particles with CHn edge and defect groups may be the source of both the 2175 Å extinction bump and the 3.4 μm CHn absorption band.
Genetic and epigenetic dependencies in colorectal cancer development

Abstract Recent studies have mapped key genetic changes in colorectal cancer (CRC) that impact important pathways contributing to the multistep models for CRC initiation and development. In parallel with genetic changes, normal and cancer tissues harbor epigenetic alterations impacting regulation of critical genes that have been shown to play profound roles in the tumor initiation. Cumulatively, these molecular changes are only loosely associated with heterogenous transcriptional programs, reflecting the heterogeneity in the various CRC molecular subtypes and the paths to CRC development. Studies from mapping molecular alterations in early CRC lesions and use of experimental models suggest that the intricate dependencies of various genetic and epigenetic hits shape the early development of CRC via different pathways and its manifestation into various CRC subtypes. We highlight the dependency of epigenetic and genetic changes in driving CRC development and discuss factors affecting epigenetic alterations over time and, by extension, risk for cancer.