Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An investigation of 6-DOF insect flight dynamics with a flexible multibody dynamics approach

In this study, we develop a flexible multibody model of the Hawkmoth Manduca Sexta and its six degrees of freedom (6- DOF) flight dynamic simulation environment. The wings of the Hawkmoth model are constructed as a flexible structure which has similar structural dynamic characteristics to the real Hawkmoth wings. The other body components: head, thorax, and abdomen are also modeled independently to consider each component’s mass and inertia properties. Based on this flexible multibody dynamics environment, a wing kinematics that enables a hovering flight of the Hawkmoth model is searched. This kinematics is compared with experimentally measured wing kinematics from literature, and the result shows that a slight modification to the measured wing kinematics is sufficient to reproduce the hovering flight of the Hawkmoth model. The 6-DOF flight dynamic states at the hovering condition are also computed and these state variables are compared with those of a rigid-winged Hawkmoth model to see the effect of the flexibility on the flight dynamics. Here, the rigid- and flexible-winged Hawkmoth models are the same except for the wing flexibility. A qualitative and comparative analysis is performed on the 6-DOF flight states during the hovering flight between the two Hawkmoth models, and the effect of wing flexibility on the flight dynamics is addressed.
Sex Differences in Tryptophan Metabolism: A Systematic Review Focused on Neuropsychiatric Disorders

Tryptophan (Tryp) is an essential amino acid and the precursor of several neuroactive compounds within the central nervous system (CNS). Tryp metabolism, the common denominator linking serotonin (5-HT) dysfunctions and neuroinflammation, is involved in several neuropsychiatric conditions, including neurological, neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, and psychiatric diseases. Interestingly, most of those conditions occur and progress in a sex-specific manner. Here, we explore the most relevant observations about the influence of biological sex on Tryp metabolism and its possible relation to neuropsychiatric diseases. Consistent evidence suggests that women have a higher susceptibility than men to suffer serotoninergic alterations due to changes in the levels of its precursor Tryp. Indeed, female sex bias in neuropsychiatric diseases is involved in a reduced availability of this amino acid pool and 5-HT synthesis. These changes in Tryp metabolism could lead to sexual dimorphism on the prevalence and severity of some neuropsychiatric disorders. This review identifies gaps in the current state of the art, thus suggesting future research directions. Specifically, there is a need for further research on the impact of diet and sex steroids, both involved in this molecular mechanism as they have been poorly addressed for this topic.
On the concepts of controllability and observability of linear systems

The objectives of this paper are to give a self-contained presentation of the subject of "controllability" and "observability" (concepts due to Kalman) developed in a simple yet general and rigorous way; to introduce these concepts in terms of the output as well as in terms of the state; and to point out and illustrate some of the subtleties which exist in the time-varying case.
High-frequency surface-plasmon resonance in planar metal-dielectric periodic semi-infinite structures

Surface-plasmon resonance is examined for a periodic semi-infinite structure with metal-dielectric unit cells in slab geometry. Electromagnetic waves through this structure are analyzed for the frequencies close to but smaller than the metal's plasma frequency. A distinguished limit is found to exist for a small metallic content along with a small metallic nature. As a result, even this narrow frequency interval reveals remarkable resonance characters including wave stability and group velocity dispersion, depending on the dielectric-constant contrast. Both the cut-off period and large-period behavior predicted in the absence of metal's material damping are found to be appreciably altered when considering material damping, which can be interpreted in terms of the resonant tunneling associated with structural periodicity and the depthwise energy exchange among multilayers.
Genetic deletion of HVEM in a leukemia B cell line promotes a preferential increase of PD-1- stem cell-like T cells over PD-1+ T cells curbing tumor progression

Introduction A high frequency of mutations affecting the gene encoding Herpes Virus Entry Mediator (HVEM, TNFRSF14) is a common clinical finding in a wide variety of human tumors, including those of hematological origin. Methods We have addressed how HVEM expression on A20 leukemia cells influences tumor survival and its involvement in the modulation of the anti-tumor immune responses in a parental into F1 mouse tumor model of hybrid resistance by knocking-out HVEM expression. HVEM WT or HVEM KO leukemia cells were then injected intravenously into semiallogeneic F1 recipients and the extent of tumor dissemination was evaluated. Results The loss of HVEM expression on A20 leukemia cells led to a significant increase of lymphoid and myeloid tumor cell infiltration curbing tumor progression. NK cells and to a lesser extent NKT cells and monocytes were the predominant innate populations contributing to the global increase of immune infiltrates in HVEM KO tumors compared to that present in HVEM KO tumors. In the overall increase of the adaptive T cell immune infiltrates, the stem cell-like PD-1- T cells progenitors and the effector T cell populations derived from them were more prominently present than terminally differentiated PD-1+ T cells. Conclusions These results suggest that the PD-1- T cell subpopulation is likely to be a more relevant contributor to tumor rejection than the PD-1+ T cell subpopulation. These findings highlight the role of co-inhibitory signals delivered by HVEM upon engagement of BTLA on T cells and NK cells, placing HVEM/BTLA interaction in the spotlight as a novel immune checkpoint for the reinforcement of the anti-tumor responses in malignancies of hematopoietic origin.
Influencing Factors of Audience's Willingness to Consume of Outdoor Music Festival Based on Grounded Theory

This paper adopts grounded theory to conduct an exploratory study on the influencing factors of outdoor music festival audience's willingness to consume. First, we used 'music festival' as the search keyword to collect secondary information such as blog posts, online pictures, and news reports related to outdoor music festivals. Then, based on the previous research and the author's experience, this paper conducted ten one-on-one in-depth interviews and a group interview with the Nanjing Forest Music Festival in China as the field research object. On this basis, the article performed word frequency analysis and semantic network analysis on the text data and obtained keywords with high frequency and the core words in focus. Finally, according to the triple coding results of the grounded theory, combined with the cognitive mediation model, a model of influencing factors of the audience's willingness to consume in outdoor music festivals is constructed
Antioxidant Activity as an Indicator of the Efficiency of Plant Extract-Mediated Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles

The green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using a diverse range of plant species has been extensively reported. Despite the success achieved by biogenic synthesis, there are problems with the control and prediction of the properties of ZnO NPs, due to phytochemical diversity between plant species. In this sense, the main objective of our work was to investigate the effect of the antioxidant activity (AA) of plant extracts on the physicochemical characteristics of ZnO NPs (production yield, chemical composition, polydispersity index (PDI), surface charge (ζ-potential) and average particle size). In order to accomplish this objective, four plant extract with different antioxidant activities were used: Galega officinalis, Buddleja globosa, Eucalyptus globulus, and Aristotelia chilensis. Phytochemical screening, quantitative analysis of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity determination of the different extracts were carried out. Chemical species such as catechin, malvidin, quercetin, caffeic acid, and ellagic acid were the dominant components, found in the extracts studied. The A. chilensis extract showed the highest value of total phenolic compounds (TPC) and AA, followed by E. globulus, B. globosa and G. officinalis. Zetasizer, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) data show that plant extracts with lower AA leads to a decrease in the yield of ZnO NPs and an increase in the amount of residual organic extract that remains on the particles. The latter caused an increase in the average particle size, PDI and ζ-potential as a consequence of agglomeration and particle coarsening. Our result suggest that it is possible to use the AA as an indicator of the potential reducing capacity of plant extracts. In this way it is possible to guarantee the reproducibility of the synthesis process as well as ensure the formation of ZnO NPs with desired characteristics.
Robust Face Alignment via Inherent Relation Learning and Uncertainty Estimation

Human tends to locate the facial landmarks with heavy occlusion by their relative position to the easily identified landmarks. The clue is defined as the landmark inherent relation while it is ignored by most existing methods. In this paper, we present Dynamic Sparse Local Patch Transformer (DSLPT), a novel face alignment framework for the inherent relation learning and uncertainty estimation. Unlike most existing methods that regress facial landmarks directly from global features, the DSLPT first generates a rough representation of each landmark from a local patch cropped from the feature map and then adaptively aggregates them by a case dependent inherent relation. Finally, the DSLPT predicts the coordinate and uncertainty of each landmark by regressing their probability distribution from the output features. Moreover, we introduce a coarse-to-fine framework to incorporate with DSLPT for an improved result. In the framework, the position and size of each patch are determined by the probability distribution of the corresponding landmark predicted in the previous stage. The dynamic patches will ensure a fine-grained landmark representation for inherent relation learning so that a rough prediction result can gradually converge to the target facial landmarks. We integrate the coarse-to-fine model into an end-to-end training pipeline and carry out experiments on the mainstream benchmarks. The results demonstrate that the DSLPT achieves state-of-the-art performance with much less computational complexity. The codes and models are available at https://github.com/Jiahao-UTS/DSLPT.
APPLYING FOURIER AND WAVELET TRANSFORMS TO EXTRACT INSTANTANEOUS UNIT HYDROGRAPH

This paper applies the discrete wavelet transform to decompose the instantaneous unit hydrograph (IUH) into low and high frequency bands. The fast Fourier transform exploits to extract IUH from observed rainfall - runoff data. It is estimated the oscillations of IUH by wavelet coefficients and coefficients that are close to zero are set to zero. The obtained result is a hydrograph with the information of low frequency that approximates the real IUH. Calibration criteria between observed and calculated hydrographs are used to select the best filter length in wavelet. In this research, it is demonstrated that wavelets introduced by Daubechies (1992) with filter length 6 is the best alternative in this study. The results have shown that the methodology is acceptable for the system identification of rainfall - runoff for small catchments.
Meroterpenoids from Gongolaria abies-marina against Kinetoplastids: In Vitro Activity and Programmed Cell Death Study

Leishmaniasis and Chagas disease affect millions of people worldwide. The available treatments against these parasitic diseases are limited and display multiple undesired effects. The brown alga belonging to the genus Gongolaria has been previously reported as a source of compounds with different biological activities. In a recent study from our group, Gongolaria abies-marine was proven to present antiamebic activity. Hence, this brown alga could be a promising source of interesting molecules for the development of new antiprotozoal drugs. In this study, four meroterpenoids were isolated and purified from a dichloromethane/ethyl acetate crude extract through a bioguided fractionation process targeting kinetoplastids. Moreover, the in vitro activity and toxicity were evaluated, and the induction of programmed cell death was checked in the most active and less toxic compounds, namely gongolarone B (2), 6Z-1′-methoxyamentadione (3) and 1′-methoxyamentadione (4). These meroterpenoids triggered mitochondrial malfunction, oxidative stress, chromatin condensation and alterations of the tubulin network. Furthermore, a transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image analysis showed that meroterpenoids (2–4) induced the formation of autophagy vacuoles and ER and Golgi complex disorganization. The obtained results demonstrated that the mechanisms of action at the cellular level of these compounds were able to induce autophagy as well as an apoptosis-like process in the treated parasites.
GANs for Privacy-Aware Mobility Modeling

Human mobility modeling is crucial for many facets of our society, including disease transmission modeling and urban planning. The explosion of mobility data prompted the application of deep learning to human mobility. Along with the growth of research interest, there is also increasing privacy concern. This study first examines the cutting-edge approaches for trajectory generation, classification, and next-location prediction. Second, we propose a novel privacy-aware approach for predicting next-week trajectories. The approach is based on two modules, a Generative Adversarial Network used for generating synthetic trajectories and a deep learning model for user identification which safeguards privacy. These two modules are combined with a next-week trajectory predictor that uses privacy-aware synthetic data. The experiments on two real-life datasets show that the generator creates trajectories similar to the real ones yet different enough to safeguard privacy. The low user-recognition recognition accuracy of models trained on the generated data demonstrates privacy awareness. Statistical tests confirm no significant difference between the original and the generated trajectories. We further demonstrate the utility of the synthetic data by predicting week-ahead trajectories based on the synthetic trajectories. Our study shows how privacy and utility can be managed jointly using the proposed privacy-aware approach.
Exploring the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) for Quality Inclusion of Special Needs in Pakistan: Needs, Policies, and Practice

The inclusion of Special Education Needs (SEN) students in mainstream schooling is well anticipated in developed countries. Segregated forms of education for SEN incur huge financial costs and give also room for social segregation for SEN. The Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) is a pre-condition for the inclusion of SEN. The LRE is an ideal environment that copes with the needs of SEN in mainstream schooling. Through this exploratory qualitative study, we explored the Pakistan context while examining documents describing policies related to the inclusion of SEN addressing LRE. The study conducted 10 interviews with teachers & heads of mainstream schools, teachers & heads of Special Education Schools, and parents of both Normal and Special Students as well. The sample was selected purposely from the Sargodha division. Qualitative data reflected about ongoing practices of proponents’ stakeholders. For all this, the study also examined the allocation of funds to ensure LRE in Punjab Public Schools. The qualitative data reflected core themes: possibility, accessibility, opportunities & survival, accommodation, infrastructure, policy provisions, and resources. We proposed that policy and practice gaps must be addressed. To make schools of mainstream education accessible, there is a need to furnish a friendly school structure. In Pakistan as compared to other countries, the idea of inclusion could not gain reasonable attention because of various factors. The behavior of stakeholders has not been so good for this idea. Therefore, there is a need to conduct seminars, conferences, and public campaigns
An Optical Disdrometer for Measuring Size and Velocity of Hydrometeors

Abstract The characteristics of a prototype optical disdrometer are presented. Particles are detectable in the diameter range from 0.3 to 30 mm having velocities of up to 20 m s−1. Advantages of the new system are (i) it is easy to handle, robust, and low cost, allowing a cluster of instruments to investigate the spatial and temporal fine-scale structure of precipitation; (ii) it provides reliable detection of the range of small drops; and (iii) it allows the possibility of snow measurements. Results of rain measurements are compared with data from a Joss–Waldvogel disdrometer and a Hellmann rain gauge. Furthermore, some snow measurements are presented and compared with results of a research spectrometer. The overall agreement is good. The repeatability of particle size estimation was checked in the diameter range between 1.4 and 8.0 mm and yielded a standard deviation of less than 5%. For drop velocities the standard deviation varies between 25% (0.3-mm drops) and 10% (5-mm drops). The optical disdromete.
The mean squared error criterion: Its effect on the performance of speech coders

Many speech coder designs use analysis-by-synthesis techniques in which a suitable output is chosen on the basis of mean squared error between input and output waveforms. A method is described for modeling the behavior of such coders, in an effort to discover what implications the use of this criterion has for the characteristics of the coders which use it. The model is used to show that as bit rate decreases, the mean-squared-error criterion leads to a progressively greater distortion of the short-term spectrum of the coded speech. The distortion contains additive and multiplicative components, with the latter dominating at low bit rates. The results underline the extent to which the criterion can shape the behavior of a coder and limit its potential performance. <<ETX>>
Assessing Determinants of Continuance Intention Toward Cryptocurrency Usage: Extending Expectation Confirmation Model With Technology Readiness

The paradigm of currency has shifted today in which the transformation from conventional currency to digitalization is getting higher lately. Cryptocurrency is one form of digital currency today. Cryptocurrencies is developed based on blockchain technology. The existence of cryptocurrency makes it a new and popular transaction model among its users, community, industry, and government. This is crucial study to measure the level of acceptability of cryptocurrency to understand the level of users’ sustainability in the future. Through the expectation confirmation model (ECM), this study develops the integration concept between ECM and technology readiness (TR). The method employed to measure the results of the hypothesis in this study was structural equation modeling. There are nine hypotheses proposed in the present study. Of the nine tested hypotheses, it was found that there are eight accepted hypotheses which are positive and have significance, while one hypothesis was rejected. The results of this study can be used as a guide and understanding of cryptocurrencies and the continued use of cryptocurrencies.
Nonvolatile bipolar resistive switching in amorphous Sr-doped LaMnO3 thin films deposited by radio frequency magnetron sputtering

Amorphous Sr-doped LaMnO3 (a-LSMO) thin films were deposited on Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrate by radio frequency magnetron sputtering. The Ag/a-LSMO/Pt device exhibited reversible bipolar resistive switching over 100 cycles with a resistance ratio (high resistance state to low resistance state) of over 4 orders of magnitude and stable retention for over 104 s at room temperature. Analysis indicates that the resistive switching originates from the formation/rupture of Ag nanofilaments in the a-LSMO thin films acting as solid electrolytes. The device showed potential for multibit storage as well as low power consumption applications.
Pain interference mediates the association between epigenetic aging and grip strength in middle to older aged males and females with chronic pain

Introduction Chronic pain is one of the leading causes of disability that may accelerate biological aging and reduce physical function. Epigenetic clocks provide an estimate of how the system ages and can predict health outcomes such as physical function. Physical function declines may be attributed to decreases in muscle quality due to disuse that can be measured quickly and noninvasively using grip strength. The purpose of this study was to explore the associations among self-reported pain, grip strength, and epigenetic aging in those with chronic pain. Methods Participants (57.91 ± 8.04 years) completed pain questionnaires, a blood draw and hand grip strength task. We used an epigenetic clock previously associated with knee pain (DNAmGrimAge), and used the subsequent difference of predicted epigenetic age from chronological age (DNAmGrimAge-Difference). Results Exploratory pathway analyses revealed that pain intensity mediated the association between DNAmGrimAge-difference and handgrip strength in males only (β = −0.1115; CI [−0.2929, −0.0008]) and pain interference mediated the association between DNAmGrimAge-difference and handgrip strength in males β = −0.1401; CI [−0.3400, −0.0222]), and females (β = −0.024; CI [−0.2918, −0.0020]). Discussion Chronic knee pain may accelerate epigenetic aging processes that may influence handgrip strength in older age adults. Chronic pain could be a symptom of the aging body thus contributing to declines in musculoskeletal function in later life.
False-Positive Serology for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in Long Island, New York, during 2011–2021

Cases of rocky mountain spotted fever (RMSF) are increasingly reported every year in Long Island, New York. In clinical practice, an uncommonly high number of referrals with a positive RMSF IgG test result have been seen in our tick-borne disease clinic. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical–epidemiological characteristics and outcomes of hospitalized patients with positive serologies for RMSF in our academic center in Long Island, NY. We found that out of twenty-four patients with a positive serology for RMSF, only one case met the case definition per CDC criteria, two had suspected RMSF, and the other twenty-one did not have a clinical picture consistent with RMSF. A high number of false-positive RMSF serology may be due to other spotted fever rickettsioses in Long Island. Further studies are needed to investigate the presence of another Rickettsia spp. (such as Rickettsia amblyommatis) in this area that may affect humans.