Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Unsupervised Single-View Synthesis Network via Style Guidance and Prior Distillation

View synthesis aims to learn a view transformation and synthesize the target views from a single or multiple source views. Although previous view synthesis methods have obtained promising performance, they heavily rely on the supervision of the target view. In this paper, we propose an unsupervised single-view synthesis network (USVS-Net) to learn the view transformation without the supervision of the target view. Specifically, with the usage of only a single source view, a style-guidance view synthesis model is proposed to learn an intrinsic representation, which intends to describe the object from a reference pose. With the intrinsic representation, the view transformation is learned to boost the learning of the unsupervised single-view synthesis. Then, taking the style-guidance view synthesis model as the teacher, a prior-distillation view synthesis model is further presented as the student to learn a more direct view transformation. By utilizing the proposed method, high-quality target views are synthesized in a time-efficient manner. Experiments on both synthetic and real-scene datasets show that despite the lack of supervision of the target view, the proposed method achieves promising results compared with the existing view synthesis methods.
EFFECTS OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON PSYCHOLOGICAL WELLBEING AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN SINDH

Social media usage has been a defining characteristic of the digital age, and its effects have been felt among university students, particularly regarding their academic performance and psychological well-being. This study examines the role of social media in these areas. A sample of 600 full-time undergraduate students from the Faculty of Social and Natural Sciences, from Universities of Sindh, participated in the survey. It is a fact that Social media had favorable and unfavorable impacts on students' mental health and academic performance. According to this study, social media addiction has a moderate but statistically significant relationship with grade point average (GPA). The correlation between social media addiction, psychological well-being, and academic performance was negative. Further, males showed higher levels of social media addiction than females. According to these findings, social media addiction negatively impacts students' academic performance and psychological wellbeing. It is concluded that Students need to use social media responsibly by participating in awareness sessions to learn about its positive and negative effects and following guidelines set by their institution. To ensure academic success, universities should allow only necessary academic applications in labs and discourage the compulsive use of social media.
A System-Level Modeling of PEMFC Considering Degradation Aspect towards a Diagnosis Process

This paper proposes a modular modeling towards a health system integration of fuel cells by considering not only the dynamics of the gases but also fault models that affect the PEMFC performances. The main goal is to simulate the faulty state in order to overcome data scarcity, since running a fuel cell to generate a database under faulty conditions is a costly process in time and resources. The degradation processes detailed in this paper allow to introduce a classification of faults that can occur, giving a better understanding of the performance losses necessary to simulate them. The faults that are detailed and modeled are the flooding, drying and aging processes. This modeling is based on a system approach, so it runs faster than real-time degradation tests, allowing the training and validation of online supervisors, such as the energy management strategy (EMS) method or diagnosis. The faults are reproduced according to the study requirements to be a very effective support tool to help design engineers to include faulty conditions in early design stages toward a diagnosis process and health-conscious energy management strategies.
Surgical Oncological Mortalities: A Fifteen Year Analysis in Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana

Introduction: Cancer is the leading cause of death in economically developed countries and second leading cause of death in developing countries. Despite the high cancer mortality rates in developing countries the contribution of cancer to death in surgicalpractice has not been determined in our institution. An analysis of cancer deaths in the department of surgery at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital is presented.Methods: All cases of cancer deaths from 1st January 1998 to 31st December 2013 were retrieved and retrospectively reviewed. The sex, age, primary tumour site, period of admission prior to death, cause of death and post-mortem findings formed the primary data for the analysis.Results: There were 113,960 admissions in the surgical department of KBTH over the fifteen year period, with 4,979 overall deaths, of which 1,637 were cancer mortalities, representing 32.85% of the total mortality and a cancer mortality rate of 1.44%. The commonest cancer deaths were from breast (14.48%), prostate (12.52%), colorectal (9.65%), gastric (8.74%) and pancreas (8.67%). Brain tumoursand Wilm’s tumours accounted for 37% and 21% respectively of cancer mortalities in the paediatric age group. Cancer mortalities in the adolescent age group showed many cases of nasopharyngeal cancers (15.85%). Lung cancers accounted for only 1.16% of cancer mortalities in the institution.Conclusion: Cancer accounted for a third of the deaths in the surgical department of KBTH with breast and prostate cancers being the leading overall causes of cancer deaths. Deaths due to lung cancer were low contrasting with the world trend.
Higher order operator splitting methods for an image de-noising model

This paper is concerned with fast iterative methods with development of Euler-Lagrange equation which results from the minimization of Rudin-Osher-Fatemi (ROF) model. There are many applications of image de-noising in field of medical and astronomy. We can classify the image de-noising models into additive and multiplicative noise removal models. In case of additive noise, we have an image u corrupted with additive Gaussian noise η, the main task is to recover u from the image formation model u0 = u+η. This paper mainly focus on additive noise removal. Here semi-implicit (SIM), additive operator splitting (AOS) and additive multiplicative operator splitting (AMOS) type schemes are developed. The quality in AOS is, it treats with all coordinate axes in an equal manner. We develop a new AMOS scheme for the solution of Euler-Lagrange equation arisen from minimization of image additive noise removal model. Comparison of AMOS with SIM and AOS is also presented. Experimental results shows that by using AMOS, additive noisy image can be de-noised with best results. Numerical examples are given to show gain in CPU timing and fast convergence of AMOS-based algorithm. https://doi.org/10.28919/jmcs/3312
Preface to the papers on ‘health econometrics’

This issue features a selection of papers presented at the Fourth Health Econometrics Workshop held on July 18th–20th, 2014, at the University of Padua (Italy). The workshop was funded and organized by the Inter-University Research Centre on Public Services at the University of Milan Bicocca (Italy), University of Bergamo and Brunel University London (UK), in conjunction with the University of Padua (Italy) that acted as the local organizer of the event. In the spirit of initiatives such as the Annual Health Econometrics Workshop and the European Workshop on Econometrics and Health Economics, this biannual meeting provides a forum where policy makers, economists and econometricians discuss the use of statistical and econometric methods to address concerns in health economics. This issue includes four of the contributions presented which went through the usual refereeing process of the journal. More than 15 years ago, Jones (2000) documented the breadth of econometric methods that are used in health economics. Similarly, the papers that are presented in this issue utilize a variety of techniques. These include parametric methods such as difference in differences, multilevel modelling, the fitting of unordered multinomial data, comparisons of parametric and nonparametric regression discontinuity designs and modelling of positive long-tailed distributions. Although the applications that are presented are in the area of health economics, the associated methods may be applicable to other areas.
Imputation by PLS regression for generalized linear mixed models

The problem of handling missing data in generalized linear mixed models with correlated covariates is considered when the missing mechanism concerns both the response variable and the covariates. An imputation algorithm combining multiple imputation and Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression is proposed. The method relies on two steps. In a first step, using a linearization technique, the generalized linear mixed model is approximated by a linear mixed model. A latent variable is introduced and its associated PLS components are constructed. In a second step these PLS components are used in the generalized linear mixed model to impute the response variable. The method is applied on simulations and on a real data.
An Integrated Yoga and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Intervention for Managing Excessive Use of Internet among the Youth: A Case Series

Background: Internet addiction is a behavioral problem that is managed by pharmacological and nonpharmacological methods. The nonpharmacological methods focus on enhancing skills for healthy use of technology and promoting mindfulness and mental relaxation. Yoga therapy is an effective tool to reduce psychological stress and promote self-regulation and mindfulness. Thus, present work focused on developing an integrated yoga and cognitive behavioral therapy intervention (Y-CBT) for the management of excessive use of technology amongst adolescents and young adult students. Methods: Feasibility of the Y-CBT program was tested by implementing 10 sessions of yoga and 6 sessions of CBT program for 2 weeks by certified Yoga therapist and psychologist, respectively. This was followed by online booster sessions once a week, and post assessments were conducted at 12 weeks. A total of 4 college-going students with the excessive use of technology were recruited from tertiary specialty service for promotion of healthy use of technology. Each participant was assessed using short-version of internet addiction test (s-IAT), Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version, Kessler's Psychological distress scale for baseline, and follow-up assessment after completion of the program. Results: The Y-CBT program was found feasible and useful in reducing internet use, smart phone use, and psychological distress. There were no reported side-effects. A trend was observed for increase compliance toward treatment at follow-up. Future studies should explore this further with robust methodology.
Development of Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulation for CubeSat Platform: Focusing on Magnetometer and Magnetorquer

This study is aimed at addressing the practical challenges of conducting hardware-in-the-loop simulation (HILS) for a CubeSat attitude determination and control system (ADCS) with a magnetometer and magnetorquer. The inherent problem of magnetometer time-varying bias is typically addressed using compensation methods. Because compensation is performed in orbit, the application of such methods to HILS is difficult. In addition, the magnetorquer has limited applicability to HILS if only magnetorquers without reaction wheels or control moment gyroscopes are used. In general, HILS for CubeSat uses air bearing; however, it cannot be applied to a solely magnetorquer-based ADCS owing to the inertial moments and center of gravity effects induced by the air bearing table. To overcome these challenges, in this study, the magnetometer reliability is enhanced by compensating for temperature, current, and iron effects, which are modeled experimentally, in the pre-launch stage. Then, a novel single axis-based HILS for CubeSats is developed to minimize the disturbances by the ground environment. The torque limit of the magnetorquer is supplemented through a magnetic field generated by a Helmholtz cage. The proposed HILS environment is mathematically modeled to simulate the performance of the CubeSat ADCS, and its reliability is ensured by comparing the simulation with real-time experimental results. To validate the usefulness of the proposed HILS, it is applied to an ADCS based on a low-cost sensor fusion extended-Kalman filter and a linear quadratic regulator controller commonly used in CubeSats. The simulation and experimental results are well matched, demonstrating the potential of the proposed framework.
Finite-time decentralized event-triggered feedback control for generalized neural networks with mixed interval time-varying delays and cyber-attacks

This article investigates the finite-time decentralized event-triggered feedback control problem for generalized neural networks (GNNs) with mixed interval time-varying delays and cyber-attacks. A decentralized event-triggered method reduces the network transmission load and decides whether sensor measurements should be sent out. The cyber-attacks that occur at random are described employing Bernoulli distributed variables. By the Lyapunov-Krasovskii stability theory, we apply an integral inequality with an exponential function to estimate the derivative of the Lyapunov-Krasovskii functionals (LKFs). We present new sufficient conditions in the form of linear matrix inequalities. The main objective of this research is to investigate the stochastic finite-time boundedness of GNNs with mixed interval time-varying delays and cyber-attacks by providing a decentralized event-triggered method and feedback controller. Finally, a numerical example is constructed to demonstrate the effectiveness and advantages of the provided control scheme.
Effectiveness Of Joint Patrol For National Marine Security And Safety To Minimize Illegal Goods Activities In Batam City

Smuggling is an important problem in many Indonesian maritime areas, including in Batam City. Illegal goods smuggling is one of the problems that until now has a high intensity in several Batam ports. The prevention and handling measures taken by the government have been very strict and almost every day Beacukai Batam takes action, but smuggling violations still occur every year. This may be influenced by the behavior of the people living in the area around the port, not only as smugglers but also as users and consumers so the demand for illegal goods continues to increase. This study aims to find out whether the joint patrols that have just been implemented in 2022 can minimize illegal goods smuggling activities in Batam City. The method used is a qualitative approach with interviews and literature studies. At the fisrt, it was feared that the joint patrols carried out by several agencies related to maritime security would cause overlapping interests or the possibility of sectoral egos, but in reality the patrols ran smoothly and according to the expected plan. Joint patrols are considered by several agencies related to maritime security to have an influence in reducing the number of smuggling of illegal goods and the number of violations in the standard of transporting goods by ship.
Elbow-sideWINDER (Elbow-side Wearable INDustrial Ergonomic Robot): design, control, and validation of a novel elbow exoskeleton

Musculoskeletal Disorders associated with the elbow are one of the most common forms of work-related injuries. Exoskeletons have been proposed as an approach to reduce and ideally eliminate these injuries; however, exoskeletons introduce their own problems, especially discomfort due to joint misalignment. The Elbow-sideWINDER with its associated control strategy is a novel elbow exoskeleton to assist elbow flexion/extension during occupational tasks. This study describes the exoskeleton showing how this can minimize discomfort caused by joint misalignment, maximize assistive performance, and provide increased robustness and reliability in real worksites. The proposed medium-level control strategy can provide effective assistive torque using three control units as follows: an arm kinematics estimator, a load estimator, and a friction compensator. The combined hardware/software system of the Elbow-sideWINDER is tested in load-lifting tasks (2 and 7 kg). This experiment focuses on the reduction in the activation level of the biceps brachii and triceps brachii in both arms and the change in the range of motion of the elbow during the task. It is shown that using the Elbow-sideWINDER, the biceps brachii, responsible for the elbow flexion, was significantly less activated (up to 38.8% at 2 kg and 25.7% at 7 kg, on average for both arms). For the triceps brachii, the muscle activation was reduced by up to 37.0% at 2 kg and 35.1% at 7 kg, on average for both arms. When wearing the exoskeleton, the range of motion of the elbow was reduced by up to 13.0° during the task, but it was within a safe range and could be compensated for by other joints such as the waist or knees. There are extremely encouraging results that provide good indicators and important clues for future improvement of the Elbow-sideWINDER and its control strategy.
Reintroduction and monitoring of the bird Amazona aestiva (Psittaciformes: Psittacidae) in Brazil

Introduction: Reintroduction is a procedure used to reestablish wild animal populations. Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the success of reintroducing Amazona aestiva and investigate whether abiotic factors (temperature, humidily, and luminosity) interfere with the search for food supplementation in feeders installed in the release area. Methods: Pre-release evaluations were initiated with 59 Amazonas spp. Tests were run to stool parasitological tests, leukocytes, flight capacity, and level of animal-human interaction. In all, 33 animals were selected and sent to the release area, which is an ecotone between the Atlantic Forest and the Caatinga biomes. After release, visits to the feeders and survival in the area were monitored for a year. Abiotic factors were also recorded in these periods. Results: The stool parasitological tests revealed the presence of Heterakis spp. and Eimeira spp. The leukocyte parameters were within the reference values for the species. At least 50% of the released animals survived after one year, with recordings of reproductive events. Abiotic factors did not interfere with the animal visits to the feeder. However, the variable humidity best explained visits in the morning, while the variables temperature and luminosity most influenced visits in the afternoon. Conclusion: The reintroduction observed and presented here is on the threshold of the classification as successful. The installed feeders and artificial nests caused the animals to stay in the area for monitoring. Abiotic factors may influence daily behavioral decision-making related to the use of supplementary feeding in reintroduced parrots.
Contribution to the herpetofauna of Serbia: Distribution of reptiles in Kosovo and Metohija province

Kosovo and Metohija have already been recognized as regions with the highest diversity of reptiles in Serbia, where 92% (22 of 24) of existing reptile species can be found (Tomović et al., 2015a). First comprehensive contribution to herpetofauna of Kosovo and Metohija was provided by late Professor Gojko Pasuljević. In this study we present a complete dataset of distribution records for 13 most common reptile species in Kosovo and Metohija, including published and new distribution data compiled, and provide standardized 10 x 10 km UTM maps for these data. Results of this study include 1013 distribution records (278 new and 735 published data) for the following reptiles: Testudo hermanni, Ablepharus kitaibelii, Anguis fragilis, Lacerta agilis, Lacerta viridis, Podarcis muralis, Podarcis tauricus, Coronella austriaca, Dolichophis caspius, Natrix natrix, Natrix tessellata, Zamenis longissimus and Vipera ammodytes. The most widely distributed species, which occupy more than 50 UTM 10 x 10 km squares are: Podarcis muralis and Vipera ammodytes. Species with limited distribution which occupy less than 20 UTM 10 x 10 km are: Dolichophis caspius and Lacerta agilis. The largest numbers of new or confirmed literature data are recorded for: Anguis fragilis, Testudo hermanni and Vipera ammodytes. Having in mind that after 50 years, this is the first comprehensive study of the distribution of reptiles in Kosovo and Metohija exclusively, the presented faunistic data are far from being complete. Further systematic studies should provide a more complete insight into the distribution of herpetofauna of this province of Serbia.
Quantum coherent control with an optical frequency comb

Multimode squeezing plays an essential role in quantum informationprocessing and quantum metrology. Using optical frequency combs,we generate multi-temporal-mode state from a synchronouslypumped optical parametric oscillator (SPOPO). An on-demandquantum network simulator is developed using the SPOPO andultrafast pulse shaping; up-to-twelve-node cluster states and asix-partite quantum secret sharing protocol are experimentallyemulated with this simulator. Furthermore, frequency resolvedmultipixel detectors are employed, and used to realize aline-shape-eight-node cluster state. We also developed a multimodequantum spectrometer, which is able to exceed the standardquantum limit for measuring manifold parameters of ultrafast pulses.
Radiative effect of different aerosol types in clear sky conditions according to COSMO-Ru model

The radiation effects of aerosol in clear sky under continental aerosol (Meteorological Observatory of MSU (Russia), Lindenberg Observatory (Germany)), over semi-desert areas (Israel) and Arctic district at the Tiksi International Hydrometeorological (Russia) observatory were estimated using the mesoscale COSMO-Ru model. The effect of aerosol on the surface air temperature is also was investigated. For the present study we use the aerosol dataset from CIMEL (AERONET) sun photometer measurements and the data of shortwave radiation components based on reliable instruments Kipp&Zonen. The application of the new MACv2 climatology radiation model provides the annual average relative error of the total global radiation which does not exceed 25 W/m2. We suggest that in clear sky conditions the sensitivity of air temperature at 2 meters to aerosol in all considered geographical areas lie within 0.9°C per 100 W/m2 change in shortwave net radiation changes.