Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Path Invariant Controllers for a Quadrotor With a Cable-Suspended Payload Using a Global Parameterization

Payload delivery using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has attained central importance for smart logistics and transportation systems in the context of the fourth industrial revolution. This work considers the problem of designing a smooth dynamic feedback control law for a point mass payload suspended to a quadrotor and making the load to follow a large class of curves that includes both closed and non-closed curves. Typically, the load path following problem is solved using either a coordinate-free or a local-coordinate-based approach. However, in this article, we adopt an alternative methodology. First, we express the system dynamics in an extended Euclidean space using a global coordinate system. Second, we propose two families of functions that lead to the design of almost-global and local controllers in terms of region of convergence. We cast the load path following the problem in the framework of set stabilization, and as a result, the proposed controllers make the given path an invariant manifold. The resulting controllers guarantee that once the suspended load converges to the path, it stays on the path indefinitely while satisfying other application-specific constraints. Finally, to complement the theoretical results, we provide a successful real-world experimental validation of the proposed controller on a Quanser QDrone UAV platform with a cable-suspended payload.
Claudin-18 expression under hyperoxia in neonatal lungs of bronchopulmonary dysplasia model rats

Background Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is characterized by impaired alveolar and microvascular development. Claudin-18 is the only known lung-specific tight junction protein affecting the development and transdifferentiation of alveolar epithelium. Objective We aimed to explore the changes in the expression of claudin-18, podoplanin, SFTPC, and the canonical WNT pathway, in a rat model of hyperoxia-induced BPD, and to verify the regulatory relationship between claudin-18 and the canonical WNT pathway by cell experiments. Methods A neonatal rat and cell model of BPD was established by exposing to hyperoxia (85%). Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to confirm the establishment of the BPD model. The mRNA levels were assessed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR). Protein expression levels were determined using western blotting, immunohistochemical staining, and immunofluorescence. Results As confirmed by HE staining, the neonatal rat model of BPD was successfully established. Compared to that in the control group, claudin-18 and claudin-4 expression decreased in the hyperoxia group. Expression of β-catenin in the WNT signaling pathway decreased, whereas that of p-GSK-3β increased. Expression of the AEC II marker SFTPC initially decreased and then increased, whereas that of the AEC I marker podoplanin increased on day 14 (P < 0.05). Similarly, claudin-18, claudin-4, SFTPC and β-catenin were decreased but podoplanin was increased when AEC line RLE-6TN exposed to 85% hyperoxia. And the expression of SFTPC was increased, the podoplanin was decreased, and the WNT pathway was upregulated when claudin-18 was overexpressed. Conclusions Claudin-18 downregulation during hyperoxia might affect lung development and maturation, thereby resulting in hyperoxia-induced BPD. Additionally, claudin-18 is associated with the canonical WNT pathway and AECs transdifferentiation.
Characterization of an Innovative Detector Based on Scintillating Fiber for Personalized Computed Tomography Dosimetry

For technical and radioprotection reasons, it has become essential to develop new dosimetric tools adapted to the specificities of computed tomography (CT) to ensure precise and efficient dosimetry since the current standards are not suitable for clinical use and for new CT technological evolution. Thanks to its many advantages, plastic scintillating fibers (PSF) is a good candidate for more accurate and personalized real-time dosimetry in computed tomography, and the company Fibermetrix has developed a new device named IVISCAN® based on this technology. In this study, we evaluated performances of IVISCAN® and associated uncertainties in terms of dose-rate dependence, angular dependence, stability with cumulative dose, repeatability, energy dependence, length dependence, and special uniformity in reference and clinical computed tomography beam qualities. For repeatability, the standard deviation is less than 0.039%, and the absolute uncertainty of repeatability lies between 0.017% and 0.025%. The deviation between IVISCAN® and the reference regarding energy dependence is less than 1.88% in clinical use. Dose rate dependence results show a maximum deviation under ±2%. Angular dependence standard deviation σ is 0.8%, and the absolute uncertainty was 1.6%. We observed 1% of variation every 50 Gy steps up to a cumulative dose of 500 Gy. Probe response was found to be independent of the PSF length with a maximum deviation ΔDsize < 2.7% between the IVISCAN® probe and the 1 cm PSF probe. The presented results demonstrated that IVISCAN® performances are in accordance with metrology references and the international standard IEC61674 relative to dosemeters used in X-ray diagnostic imaging and then make it an ideal candidate for real-time dosimetry in CT applications.
Cultura de la enseñaza del álgebra en contextos marginalizados

El álgebra ocupa un lugar privilegiado en el currículo escolar. Además, es considerada como puerta de acceso a la educación superior. Sin embargo, estudios demuestran las dificultades en su aprendizaje, las cuales parecen afectar especialmente a estudiantes históricamente marginalizados. En este artículo exploramos el papel de las prácticas de enseñanza del álgebra en la constitución y reproducción de inequidades en el acceso al conocimiento algebraico. Para ello, introducimos una noción de “cultura de la matemáticas escolares” que permite analizar las prácticas de enseñanza de José, maestro en una escuela ubicada en un sector marginal. Usamos la técnica cualitativa del estudio de casos y un enfoque interpretativo al análisis de los datos. Los resultados muestran el papel de representaciones estereotipadas sobre los y las estudiantes en la configuración de las prácticas de enseñanza, las cuales determinan el desarrollo del pensamiento algebraico y el acceso al conocimiento algebraico de estudiantes históricamente marginalizados.
The Doha Work Programme

This issue of Trade Hot Topics examines the new framework for the Doha Work Programme. It provides an update on the status of the programme and looks at the Framework for Agriculture, Market Access for Non-Agricultural Products (NAMA), and other development issues. It also provides the timetable for continuation of the programme.
An Investigation into the Effects of a Curcumin Extract (Curcugen®) on Osteoarthritis Pain of the Knee: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

Curcumin, a phytochemical from the spice turmeric, has anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to have pain-relieving effects. In this 8-week, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 101 adults with knee osteoarthritis received either 500 mg twice daily of a standardised curcumin extract (Curcugen®) or placebo. Outcome measures included the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), knee pain ratings, Japanese Orthopaedic Association Score for Osteoarthritic Knees (JOA), PROMIS–29, and performance-based testing comprising the 40-m fast-paced walk test, 6-min walk test, timed up-and-go test, and 30-s chair stand test. Compared to the placebo, curcumin significantly reduced the KOOS knee pain score (p = 0.009) and numeric knee pain ratings (p = 0.001). Curcumin was also associated with greater improvements (p ≤ 0.05) than the placebo on the timed up-and-go test, 6-min walk test, and the JOA total score; but not the 30-s chair stand test or 40-m fast-paced walk test. Pain-relieving medication was reduced in 37% of participants on curcumin compared to 13% on placebo. The findings support the potential efficacy of curcumin for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee but studies of longer duration, varying treatment doses, differing curcumin extracts, and the use of other objective outcome measures will be helpful to expand on these findings.
Association between Neurologic Outcomes and Changes of Muscle Mass Measured by Brain Computed Tomography in Neurocritically Ill Patients

This study aimed to investigate whether skeletal muscle mass estimated via brain computed tomography (CT) could predict neurological outcomes in neurocritically ill patients. This is a retrospective, single-center study. Adult patients admitted to the neurosurgical intensive care unit (ICU) from January 2010 to September 2019 were eligible. Cross-sectional areas of paravertebral muscles at the first cervical vertebra level (C1-CSA) and temporalis muscle thickness (TMT) on brain CT were measured to evaluate skeletal muscle mass. The primary outcome was the Glasgow Outcome Scale score at 3 months. Among 189 patients, 81 (42.9%) patients had favorable neurologic outcomes. Initial and follow-up TMT values were higher in patients with favorable neurologic outcomes compared to those with poor outcomes (p = 0.003 and p = 0.001, respectively). The initial C1-CSA/body surface area was greater in patients with poor neurological outcomes than in those with favorable outcomes (p = 0.029). In multivariable analysis, changes of C1-CSA and TMT were significantly associated with poor neurological outcomes. The risk of poor neurologic outcome was especially proportional to changes of C1-CSA and TMT. The follow-up skeletal muscle mass measured via brain CT at the first week from ICU admission may help predict poor neurological outcomes in neurocritically ill patients.
Topological filters for use with protein structure prediction

Firas Khatib Topological Filters for use with Protein Structure Prediction Knots in polypeptide chains have been found in very few proteins and should generally be avoided in protein structure prediction methods. Many structure prediction methods do not model the protein folding process itself, but rather seek only to correctly obtain the final native state. Consequently, the mechanisms that prevent knots from occurring in native proteins are ignored in the modeling process, and as a result, knots can occur with significantly higher frequency in protein models. I have implemented Knotfind, a simple algorithm for knot detection that is fast enough for structure prediction, where tens or hundreds of thousands of conformations may be sampled during the course of a prediction. I used this algorithm to characterize knots in large populations of model structures generated for targets in the CASP blind prediction experiments using the Rosetta loop modeling method. Analysis of CASP5 models suggested several possible mechanisms through which knots are introduced into Rosetta models. These insights were applied to structure prediction in CASP6, resulting in a significant decrease in the proportion of knotted models generated. Using the knot detection algorithm on structures in the Protein Data Bank (PDB), a previously unreported deep trefoil knot was found in acetylornithine transcarbamylase. During CASP6 I observed an additional class of knot-like loops that appeared to be equally un-proteinlike yet do not contain a mathematical knot. These topological features are commonly referred to as slip-knots and are caused by the same mechanisms that result in knotted models. Slip-knots are undetectable by the original Knotfind algorithm. I have generalized the algorithm to detect them, and analyzed CASP6 models built using the Rosetta loop modeling method. After analyzing known protein structures in the PDB, I found that slip-knots do occur in certain proteins, but are rare and fall into a small number of specific classes. I used my novel algorithm to distinguish between these rare real slipknots and the numerous classes of slip-knots found in Rosetta models and CASP7 server models. The goal of this work is to improve future models created by protein structure prediction methods. Both algorithms are able to detect un-protein-like features that current metrics such as GDT are unable to identify, so these topological filters can also be used as additional assessment tools.
COMPARISON OF THE EFFICACY OF TAZAROTENE 0.1% GEL WITH ADAPALENE 0.1% GEL IN THE TREATMENT OF FACIAL ACNE VULGARIS

Objective: To compare the efficacy of tazarotene 0.1% gel with adapalene 0.1% gel in the treatment of facial acne vulgaris. Methodology: This randomized control trial (RCT) was carried out from February to August 2019 in the Department of Dermatology, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar. A total of 106 Acne Vulgaris patients were enrolled in the study using non-probability consecutive sampling. A detailed history followed by through clinical examination was conducted for all patients. All patients were randomly allocated in two groups (Group A and Group B) by lottery method. In group A, patients were treated by topical tazarotene gel (0.1%) while the other group had topical adapalene gel (0.1%). Data was analyzed by SPSS version 22, descriptive and analytical statistics were applied where needed. Results: In present study, age of patients in Group A and B were 28±10.77 years and 30±11.12 years respec-tively. The male to female ratio in both groups was 1:1.5. In group A, topical tazarotene gel (0.1%) was effective in 72% of the cases whereas topical adapalene gel (0.1%) recorded effectiveness in 62% of cases (p-value=0.3017). Conclusion: We concluded that Tazarotene 0.1% gel is a more effective treatment option for facial acne vulgaris when compared with Adapalene 0.1% gel. Comparison of the efficacy of tazarotene 0.1% gel with adapalene 0.1% gel in the treatment of facial acne vulgaris. Postgrad
The Effect of Leader-Member Exchange on Voice: The Role of Engagement and Digital Communication

The new digital age introduces new challenges and opportunities for leaders to engage their followers in voice behavior. Drawing on the conservation of resources theory, the objective of this paper is to examine the mediating role of employee engagement and the moderating role of the degree of digital communication by conducting two independent studies comprised of 116 and 188 employees. Results indicated that the positive effect of LMX on voice was mediated by employee engagement. Analyzing the moderation effects of the degree of digital communication, we found that the degree of digital communication attenuated the increase in employee engagement associated with LMX. We contribute to the literature on LMX and employee engagement by showing that while voice behaviors are reduced via the increased use of digital communication in the workplace, leaders can leverage digital communications to engage employees with lower LMX.
Hypersensitivity to uncertainty is key feature of subjective cognitive impairment

With an increasingly ageing global population, more people are presenting with concerns about their cognitive function, but not all have an underlying neurodegenerative diagnosis. Subjective cognitive impairment (SCI) is a common condition describing self-reported deficits in cognition without objective evidence of cognitive impairment. Many individuals with SCI suffer from depression and anxiety, which have been hypothesised to account for their cognitive complaints. Despite this association between SCI and affective features, the cognitive and brain mechanisms underlying SCI are poorly understood. Here, we show that people with SCI are hypersensitive to uncertainty and that this might be a key mechanism accounting for their affective burden. Twenty-seven individuals with SCI performed an information sampling task, where they could actively gather information prior to decisions. Across different conditions, SCI participants sampled faster and obtained more information than matched controls to resolve uncertainty. Remarkably, despite their ‘urgent’ sampling behaviour, SCI participants were able to maintain their efficiency. Hypersensitivity to uncertainty indexed by this sampling behaviour correlated with the severity of affective burden including depression and anxiety. Analysis of MRI resting functional connectivity revealed that both uncertainty hypersensitivity and affective burden were associated with stronger insular-hippocampal connectivity. These results suggest that altered uncertainty processing is a key mechanism underlying the psycho-cognitive manifestations in SCI and implicate a specific brain network target for future treatment.
A COMPARISON OF STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT AhlD SATISFACTION BETWEEN A HYBRID TECHNICAL REPOR1-ING CLASS AhlD AN OlVLlNE TECHNICAL REPOR-I-ING CLASS AT CHIPPEWA VALLEY TECHNICAL COLLEGE

ii List of Tables . vii . Chapter I I . Background Information I Statement of the Problem . 6 Purpose of the Study . 6 Research Questions . 6 Importance of the Study . 7 Limitations of the Study . 8 Definition of Terms . 9 Methodology . I 0 Chapter I1 . 1 . Challenges Facing Online Learners 1 Hybrid Courses: Rethinking Online Learning . 14 Data on Hybrid Course Offerings . 15 University of Wisconsin Milwaukee . 17 University of Central Florida . 20 Conclusions . 22 Chapter I I I . 25 Populations . 27 Population Selection . -28 Instrumentation . 28 Data Collection Procedures . 30 Data Analysis . 31 Limitations . 32 . Chapter IV 33 . Student Satisfaction 33 Student Grades . 42 . Student Retention 43 Chapter V . 44 Summary . 44 Conclusions . -47 Recommendations . 56 Recommendations for Further Study . 58 References . 60 Appendix A: Protection of Human Subjects Approval Form . 66 Appendix B: HybridIOnline Course Survey . 67 Appendix C: Survey E-Mail Sent to Students via Blackboard . 69 Appendix D: Technical Reporting Visuals Assignment . 70 Appendix E: Visuals Assignment Grades . 72 Appendix F: Student Feedback to Survey Questions . -73
XAB2 dynamics during DNA damage-dependent transcription inhibition

Xeroderma Pigmentosum group A (XPA)-binding protein 2 (XAB2) is a multi-functional protein that plays a critical role in distinct cellular processes including transcription, splicing, DNA repair and mRNA export. In this study, we detailed XAB2 involvement during Nucleotide Excision Repair (NER), a repair pathway that guarantees genome integrity against UV light-induced DNA damage and that specifically removes transcription-blocking damage in a dedicated process known as Transcription-Coupled repair (TC-NER). Here, we demonstrated that XAB2 is involved specifically and exclusively in TC-NER reaction and solely for RNA Polymerase 2 transcribed genes. Surprisingly, contrary to all the other NER proteins studied so far, XAB2 does not accumulate on the local UV-C damage but on the contrary is remobilized after damage induction. This fast change in mobility is restored when DNA repair reactions are completed. By scrutinizing from which cellular complex/partner/structure XAB2 is released, we have identified that XAB2 is detached after DNA damage induction from the DNA:RNA hybrids, commonly known as R-loops, and from the CSA and XPG protein and this release is thought to contribute to the DNA damage recognition step during TC-NER. Importantly, we have disclosed a role for XAB2 in retaining RNAP2 on its substrate.
Original Application of Stop-Band Negative Group Delay Microwave Passive Circuit for Two-Step Stair Phase Shifter Designing

This paper investigates on the theorization, design, fabrication and measurement of original phase shifter (PS) operating with two-step stair phase behavior. The innovative stair PS is designed with unfamiliar stop-band (SB) negative group delay (NGD) passive circuit. The elementary unfamiliar SB-NGD topology constituted by resistive, inductive, and capacitive lumped network is described. Acting as an RF and microwave circuit, the S-matrix model is expressed in function the RLC-network parameters. Thus, the canonical form of unfamiliar SB-NGD transfer function (TF) represented by the transmission coefficient is established. The unfamiliar SB-NGD circuit equations in terms of the NGD parameters are formulated. The established theory is validated comparing the calculated, simulated, and measured S-parameters and group delays (GDs). Results with a very good agreement showing unfamiliar SB-NGD behavior are observed around the central frequency 2.45 GHz and bandwidth of 100 MHz. An innovative application of unfamiliar SB-NGD function for the communication system front-end is developed. The developed application concept of unfamiliar SB-NGD circuit is illustrated by designing a microwave device operating as a PS presenting a two-step stair response completely original behavior. The basic theory, design and implementation of the two-step stair PS concept are introduced. To validate the two-step stair PS principle, a proof of concept (PoC) is designed based distributed element based inductive and capacitive microstrip elements. The simulated and measured results of the PS PoC are in good agreement. The experimental results confirm the feasibility of two-step stair PS with phase jumping from −70°±4° (from 2 GHz to 2.3 GHz) to −104°±2° (from 2.6 GHz to 3.0 GHz). The investigated unfamiliar SB-NGD function-based stair PS is promising for future development 5G and 6G communication system.
Effect of electric field on metallic SWCNT interconnects for nanoscale technologies

The influence of an electric field on metallic single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) interconnects is studied. A voltage-dependent equivalent circuit model is presented for the impedance parameters of single-wall carbon nanotubes that capture various electron-phonon scattering mechanisms as a function of the electric field. To estimate the performance of SWCNT bundle interconnects, signal delay and power dissipation are calculated based on the field dependent model that results in an improvement in the delay and power estimation accuracy compared to the field-independent model. We find that the power delay product of a SWCNT bundle increases with the increase in electric field but decreases with technology scaling showing that at a low electric field, the SWCNT bundle is a potential reliable alternative interconnect for future high performance VLSI industry at scaled technologies.
The Roles of Multiple Channels in Predicting Website Visits and Purchases

In today’s online environment, consumers and sellers interact through multiple channels such as email, search engines, banner ads, affiliate websites and comparison-shopping websites. In this paper, we investigate whether knowing what channels a consumer used on their path until a point of time is predictive of their future browsing patterns and purchase conversion on the website. We propose a model in which the browsing patterns and conversion are stochastically dependent on the sequence of channels the consumer has used up to this point. Important features of our model are that we allow for clustered visits by consumers, which enables separation of their browsing patterns into intra- and inter-session components, and that channels can be evaluated using multiple metrics such as visit frequency and conversion. We estimate the model on a dataset obtained from an online retailer selling a durable good and find that information on both the identities and the frequencies of the channels through which consumers visited has significant predictive power for future conversion behavior. We find that channels may act as “closers” or “engagers” — consumers arriving through the former are more likely to make a purchase, while consumers arriving through the latter, even if they do not make a purchase, are more likely to visit again in the future or extend the current session. We discuss several managerial implications of the model including model based visualizations, landing page design, multi-dimensional propensity scoring, and the use of the model to evaluate a policy change regarding the encryption of channel information.