Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Wind tunnel study of separated and reattaching flows by particle image velocimetry and pressure measurements

This article presents a comprehensive investigation on the separated and reattaching flows over a blunt flat plate with different leading-edge shapes by means of particle image velocimetry and surface pressure measurements. Wind tunnel tests are performed in both smooth and various turbulent flow conditions, and the separated and reattaching flows are examined as a function of Reynolds number (Re), leading-edge shape, turbulence intensity, and turbulence integral length scale. It is shown through the particle image velocimetry and pressure measurements that the Reynolds number effect is significant regarding the mean vorticity field, but with little effect on the mean velocity field. For the effects of leading-edge shape, the distributions of pressure coefficients respond strongly to the change in leading-edge angle, and both the velocity (streamwise and vertical) and vorticity fields have a clear dependence on the leading-edge shape. For the effects of freestream turbulence, the mean pressure coefficient responds strongly to turbulence intensity, whereas the fluctuating and peak suction pressure coefficients are dependent on both turbulence intensity and integral length scale. The size of the separation bubble contracts aggressively with increasing turbulence intensity, but it remains approximately invariant in response to the change in turbulence scale in the tested range.
An axiomatic fluid-flow model for congestion control analysis

An axiomatic model for congestion control is derived. The proposed four axioms serve as a basis for the construction of models for the network elements. It is shown that, under some assumptions, some models of the literature can be recovered. A single-buffer/multiple-users topology is finally derived and studied for illustration.
Theileria parva: influence of vector, parasite and host relationships on the epidemiology of theileriosis in southern Africa

The protozoan parasite Theileria parva, transmitted by the ixodid tick Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, is the cause of East Coast fever (ECF) and the related syndromes of Corridor disease and January disease in cattle of eastern, central and southern Africa. It is likely that buffalo (Syncerus caffer) are the natural host of T. parva. In eastern and southern Africa, there exist both buffalo-adapted and cattle-adapted T. parva. Disease caused by buffalo-adapted parasites is called Corridor disease, and that caused by cattle-adapted parasites is termed East Coast fever. In eastern Africa, it has been shown experimentally that buffalo-adapted T. parva can, after serial passage in cattle, become adapted to cattle, in which it can then be maintained and cause ECF. This adaptation has been termed transformation. The transformation of buffalo-adapted T. parva to a cattle-adapted parasite has not been reported in southern Africa, and ECF, eradicated from South Africa, Swaziland and southern Mozambique by 1960, has not reappeared in the subcontinent. This paper discusses the possible reasons for this, and hypothesizes that vector population dynamics and the susceptibility of the vector population to infection with T. parva are among the most important factors which influence the expression of ECF as a disease entity, and the likelihood of transformation occurring. It also considers the possibility that disappearance of ECF from southern Africa resulted from the extinction, as a result of vigorous control measures and unfavourable climatic conditions, of non-diapausing populations of R. appendiculatus that may have been introduced from eastern Africa with cattle imported in 1901.
A Time‐Series DDP for Functional Proteomics Profiles

Summary Using a new type of array technology, the reverse phase protein array (RPPA), we measure time‐course protein expression for a set of selected markers that are known to coregulate biological functions in a pathway structure. To accommodate the complex dependent nature of the data, including temporal correlation and pathway dependence for the protein markers, we propose a mixed effects model with temporal and protein‐specific components. We develop a sequence of random probability measures (RPM) to account for the dependence in time of the protein expression measurements. Marginally, for each RPM we assume a Dirichlet process model. The dependence is introduced by defining multivariate beta distributions for the unnormalized weights of the stick‐breaking representation. We also acknowledge the pathway dependence among proteins via a conditionally autoregressive model. Applying our model to the RPPA data, we reveal a pathway‐dependent functional profile for the set of proteins as well as marginal expression profiles over time for individual markers.
Evaluating the durability properties of self compacting concrete made with coarse and fine recycled concrete aggregates

Abstract Durability properties of self-compacting concrete (SCC) made with coarse recycled concrete aggregates (CRCA) and fine recycled concrete aggregates (FRCA) are reported. The replacement levels of fine natural aggregates with FRCA were kept at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% in the SCCs in which 100% of the coarse natural aggregates were replaced with CRCA. The effect of CRCA and FRCA inclusion on the compressive strength and durability properties such as rapid chloride penetration, initial surface absorption, water permeability and capillary suction tests were evaluated. In order to enhance the performance of various SCC mixes, silica fume (SF) was used in some of the SCC mixes. The experiments show that in general, replacement of the natural aggregates with the recycled aggregates lead to deterioration in the compressive strength and durability properties. However, the use of SF in a ternary blend improved the compressive strength and durability properties. Hence, SF has the potential to significantly offset deterioration in compressive strength and durability properties of SCC mixes consequent to replacement of natural aggregates with recycled aggregates.
Quantized Kernel Learning for Feature Matching

Matching local visual features is a crucial problem in computer vision and its accuracy greatly depends on the choice of similarity measure. As it is generally very difficult to design by hand a similarity or a kernel perfectly adapted to the data of interest, learning it automatically with as few assumptions as possible is preferable. However, available techniques for kernel learning suffer from several limitations, such as restrictive parametrization or scalability. In this paper, we introduce a simple and flexible family of non-linear kernels which we refer to as Quantized Kernels (QK). QKs are arbitrary kernels in the index space of a data quantizer, i.e., piecewise constant similarities in the original feature space. Quantization allows to compress features and keep the learning tractable. As a result, we obtain state-of-the-art matching performance on a standard benchmark dataset with just a few bits to represent each feature dimension. QKs also have explicit non-linear, low-dimensional feature mappings that grant access to Euclidean geometry for uncompressed features.
The Pseudo-Dimension of Near-Optimal Auctions

This paper develops a general approach, rooted in statistical learning theory, to learning an approximately revenue-maximizing auction from data. We introduce t-level auctions to interpolate between simple auctions, such as welfare maximization with reserve prices, and optimal auctions, thereby balancing the competing demands of expressivity and simplicity. We prove that such auctions have small representation error, in the sense that for every product distribution F over bidders' valuations, there exists a t-level auction with small t and expected revenue close to optimal. We show that the set of t-level auctions has modest pseudo-dimension (for polynomial t) and therefore leads to small learning error. One consequence of our results is that, in arbitrary single-parameter settings, one can learn a mechanism with expected revenue arbitrarily close to optimal from a polynomial number of samples.
Civility 2.0: a comparative analysis of incivility in online political discussion

In an effort to clean up user comment sections, news organizations have turned to Facebook, the world's largest social network site, as a way to make users more identifiable and accountable for the content they produce. It is hypothesized that users leaving comments via their Facebook profile will be less likely to engage in uncivil and impolite discussion, even when it comes to discussing politically sensitive and potentially divisive issues. By analysing the content of discussion as it occurs in response to political news content on the Washington Post Facebook, and comparing it to that which occurs on the Washington Post website where users are afforded a relatively high level of anonymity, the present study determines the extent to which Facebook increases the level of civility and impoliteness in an area of political discussion renowned for uncivil and impolite communicative behaviour. In line with earlier theories of social interaction, the paper finds that political discussion on The Washington Post website is significantly more likely to be uncivil than discussion of the same content on the Washington Post Facebook page. Moreover, the incivility and impoliteness on the Washington Post website are significantly more likely to be directed towards other participants in the discussion compared to The Washington Post Facebook page.
Watermarking methods for MPEG encoded video: towards resolving rightful ownership

Various digital watermarking techniques have been proposed in recent years as the methods to protect the copyright of multimedia data. However, the rightful ownership problem has not been properly solved. Currently, there are two proposals to solve the ownership problem. Unfortunately, one proposal lacks a formal proof and the other can be easily defeated. We present watermarking methods which will be successful in resolving rightful ownership of watermarked MPEG video. By introducing specific requirements in the watermark construction, the proposed scheme is proved to be non invertible. We show the invertibility of those schemes which do not use the original in its verification, discuss in depth various issues of the watermark construction requirements, extend the basic idea to create a non invertible scheme for image, and discuss the usage of different non invertible schemes.
Effects of Metformin on Tissue Oxidative and Dicarbonyl Stress in Transgenic Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats Expressing Human C-Reactive Protein

Inflammation and oxidative and dicarbonyl stress play important roles in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. Metformin is the first-line drug of choice for the treatment of type 2 diabetes because it effectively suppresses gluconeogenesis in the liver. However, its “pleiotropic” effects remain controversial. In the current study, we tested the effects of metformin on inflammation, oxidative and dicarbonyl stress in an animal model of inflammation and metabolic syndrome, using spontaneously hypertensive rats that transgenically express human C-reactive protein (SHR-CRP). We treated 8-month-old male transgenic SHR-CRP rats with metformin (5 mg/kg/day) mixed as part of a standard diet for 4 weeks. A corresponding untreated control group of male transgenic SHR-CRP rats were fed a standard diet without metformin. In a similar fashion, we studied a group of nontransgenic SHR treated with metformin and an untreated group of nontransgenic SHR controls. In each group, we studied 6 animals. Parameters of glucose and lipid metabolism and oxidative and dicarbonyl stress were measured using standard methods. Gene expression profiles were determined using Affymetrix GeneChip Arrays. Statistical significance was evaluated by two-way ANOVA. In the SHR-CRP transgenic strain, we found that metformin treatment decreased circulating levels of inflammatory response marker IL-6, TNFα and MCP-1 while levels of human CRP remained unchanged. Metformin significantly reduced oxidative stress (levels of conjugated dienes and TBARS) and dicarbonyl stress (levels of methylglyoxal) in left ventricles, but not in kidneys. No significant effects of metformin on oxidative and dicarbonyl stress were observed in SHR controls. In addition, metformin treatment reduced adipose tissue lipolysis associated with human CRP. Possible molecular mechanisms of metformin action–studied by gene expression profiling in the liver–revealed deregulated genes from inflammatory and insulin signaling, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling and gluconeogenesis pathways. It can be concluded that in the presence of high levels of human CRP, metformin protects against inflammation and oxidative and dicarbonyl stress in the heart, but not in the kidney. Accordingly, these cardioprotective effects of metformin might be especially effective in diabetic patients with high levels of CRP.
Doppler processing of coherent radar backscatter for ocean surface wave measurements

The technique for extracting wave period and wave direction from a navigation radar backscattering intensity is well developed but the determination of spectral density or wave height is hindered by the complex nature of the modulation transfer function. In contrast to backscattering intensity, Doppler velocity from coherent radar is the radial velocity of the scattering objects. Its oscillatory component is contributed by ocean waves. The spectral peak component of Doppler velocity is close to the peak wave period measured by a nearby buoy and the significant wave height can be accurately calculated. With radar range coverage on the order of ten dominant wavelengths, reliable assessment of peak wave period and significant wave height is achievable with radar data as short as one second. Wave direction can also be determined with a scanning system.
The effectiveness of yoga in modifying risk factors for cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background Yoga, a popular mind-body practice, may produce changes in cardiovascular disease (CVD) and metabolic syndrome risk factors. Design This was a systematic review and random-effects meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods Electronic searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were performed for systematic reviews and RCTs through December 2013. Studies were included if they were English, peer-reviewed, focused on asana-based yoga in adults, and reported relevant outcomes. Two reviewers independently selected articles and assessed quality using Cochrane’s Risk of Bias tool. Results Out of 1404 records, 37 RCTs were included in the systematic review and 32 in the meta-analysis. Compared to non-exercise controls, yoga showed significant improvement for body mass index (−0.77 kg/m2 (95% confidence interval −1.09 to −0.44)), systolic blood pressure (−5.21 mmHg (−8.01 to −2.42)), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (−12.14 mg/dl (−21.80 to −2.48)), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (3.20 mg/dl (1.86 to 4.54)). Significant changes were seen in body weight (−2.32 kg (−4.33 to −0.37)), diastolic blood pressure (−4.98 mmHg (−7.17 to −2.80)), total cholesterol (−18.48 mg/dl (−29.16 to −7.80)), triglycerides (−25.89 mg/dl (−36.19 to −15.60), and heart rate (−5.27 beats/min (−9.55 to −1.00)), but not fasting blood glucose (−5.91 mg/dl (−16.32 to 4.50)) nor glycosylated hemoglobin (−0.06% Hb (−0.24 to 0.11)). No significant difference was found between yoga and exercise. One study found an impact on smoking abstinence. Conclusions There is promising evidence of yoga on improving cardio-metabolic health. Findings are limited by small trial sample sizes, heterogeneity, and moderate quality of RCTs.
Patterns of Ocular Trauma among the Elderly in a South-American Urban Area and the Association between Eye Traumas with Sleep Disorders

Aims: Eye trauma in the older population can lead to blindness. Sleep deterioration is associated with increased risk of occupational injuries. The purpose of the study was to assess the epidemiology of ocular trauma in the elderly population and to evaluate the relationship between eye trauma and sleep quality. Settings and Design: This was a cross-sectional, observational hospital based study done in a Sao Paulo, Brazil. Subjects and Methods: Patients with ocular trauma aged 60 years who attended the Eye Trauma Service of the Santa Casa de Sao Paulo Central Hospital were included. All subjects underwent a complete eye examination and answered to the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire. The results were compared with an age and gender matched control group. Results: Eighty-nine patients with ocular trauma were included in the epidemiological study, 71 (80%) were male and 18 (20%) were female. The patients' ages ranged from 60 to 90 years (65.7 ± 7.1 years). Most accidents occurred at home and were of mild severity. The control group had a global PSQI score of 1.21 ± 1.37, whereas in the ocular trauma group the score was 3.11 ± 3.63 (P < 0.038). A post hoc analysis including only patients with severe trauma, the PSQI score was 8.80 ± 2.44 (P < 0.000). Conclusion: The elderly population represents an important group of ocular trauma in their own peculiar characteristics. Elderly victims of ocular trauma, particularly serious eye injury, have worse sleep quality than subjects of the same age.
A Study of Refractive Errors in Pseudophakia

Department of Ophthalmology, Rajah Muthiah Medical College, Annamalai University Corresponding Author Dr P. Mishra M.S. (Ophth), PhD (Ophth) Head of the Department, Department of Ophthalmology, Rajah Muthiah Medical College, Annamalai University Abstract Background: Cataract is the most prevalent, treatable cause of visual impairment and blindness in the world. Cataract surgery with an intraocular lens (IOL) implant is one of the most common and thought to be the most effective surgical procedure in any field of medicine. Very few studies had documented the refractive error in a pseudophaki patients. Objectives: To find out the pattern of refractive error among the pseudophakic patients. Material and Methods: Its descriptive hospital based study done among 100 psudophakic patients attending the department of ophthalmology 6 weeks after the cataract surgery between Oct 2017 and Oct 2018. Results: 80% of the study participants were between 60 to 80 years. 51% of the study participants were males. 81% had undergone Manual SICS and 24% had uncorrected visual acuity of 6/18, 22% had 6/12 and 21% had 6/9.Residual spherical refractive error in pseudophakics ranges from -3 to 1 DSP. Most of the study particpants’ spherical refractive error falls between -0.5 to + 0.5 (84%). Post-Operative near Vision Accommodation needs to be corrected with +2.5 for monofocal IOLS. The residual post-operative astigamatism was more frequently an against-the-rule Astigmatism, ie, -0.5 to -1.00 at 90 DCP. Conclusion: The psududophakic patients using monofocal IOLs and undergoing manual small incision cataract surgery are having less refractive correction and Against the rule astigmatism is produced due to corneo scleral scarring. The near vision correction is to be done for all the patients who are using monofocal IOLs.
The Effect of Temperature on Kinetics and Diffusion Coefficients of Metallocene Derivatives in Polyol-Based Deep Eutectic Solvents

The temperature dependence of the density, dynamic viscosity and ionic conductivity of several deep eutectic solvents (DESs) containing ammonium-based salts and hydrogen bond donvnors (polyol type) are investigated. The temperature-dependent electrolyte viscosity as a function of molar conductivity is correlated by means of Walden’s rule. The oxidation of ferrocene (Fc/Fc+) and reduction of cobaltocenium (Cc+/Cc) at different temperatures are studied by cyclic voltammetry and potential-step chronoamperometry in DESs. For most DESs, chronoamperometric transients are demonstrated to fit an Arrhenius-type relation to give activation energies for the diffusion of redox couples at different temperatures. The temperature dependence of the measured conductivities of DES1 and DES2 are better correlated with the Vogel-Tamman-Fulcher equation. The kinetics of the Fc/Fc+ and Cc+/Cc electrochemical systems have been investigated over a temperature range from 298 to 338 K. The heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant is then calculated at different temperatures by means of a logarithmic analysis. The glycerol-based DES (DES5) appears suitable for further testing in electrochemical energy storage devices.
Perceptions of Child Sexual Abuse—A Qualitative Interview Study with Representatives of the Socio-Legal System in Urban Tanzania

Through in-depth interviews, this study explored perceptions and experiences of key players handling child sexual offense cases in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The informants included public police investigators, magistrates, legal workers, and social workers working with nongovernmental organizations. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Five themes emerged summarizing factors associated with sexual offenses, including community passivity, legal system weaknesses, legal framework inadequacy, and key players' vulnerabilities. Addressing the identified weaknesses may promote justice, while changes in attitudes and norms are needed for the prevention of sexual offenses to children.
Archean Rocks in Antarctica: 2.5-Billion-Year Uranium-Lead Ages of Pegmatites in Enderby Land

Uranium-lead isotopic data indicate that the granulite-facies Napier complex of Enderby Land, Antarctica, was cut by charnockitic pegmatites 2.5 billion years ago and by pegmatites lacking hypersthene 0.52 billion years ago. The 4-bil-lion-years lead-lead ages (whole rock) reported for the Napier complex are rejected since these leads developed in three stages. Reconstructions of Gondwanaland suggest that the Napier complex may be a continuation of the Archean granulitic terrain of southern India.