Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Discrete Element Method (DEM) Applied to Centrifuges

The simulation of fluid flow in e.g. air channels, pipes, porous media and turbines has been the emphasis of many research projects and optimization processes in the academic and industrial community during the last years. A key advantage of the calculation of fluid flow through a given geometry when compared to the experimental determination is the efficient identification of disadvantages of the current state and the fast cycle of change in geometry and analysis of its effects. This saves time and costs and furthermore opens up new fields of research and development. There are, however, few drawbacks of the new optimisation and research methods. The numerically obtained results need validation before it can be stated whether they are correct or misrepresent the true state. In some cases, such as the optimisation of existing systems, the experience of the user may be sufficient to evaluate the calculated flow pattern. In the case of the prediction of flow in new geometries or process conditions, the numerical result can be validated only by measuring the flow pattern at representative process conditions (flow velocity, pressure, and temperature). For nonmoving geometries, many measurements have been conducted in order to determine the flow behaviour in various geometries and for different process conditions. These measurements are readily available for the evaluation of new simulations. However, only little research has been conducted to evaluate the flow conditions in centrifuges, especially at high rotational speeds. The reason for the lack of experimental data lies in the difficult conditions for the measurement in the centrifugal field with high circumferential velocities and pressure gradients. For low rotational speeds, the flow patterns have been determined by an electrolytic technique (Glinka, 1983) and visualised by adding ink to the flowing liquid (Bass, 1959; 1959; 1962). The emphasis of the work presented is the evaluation of the efficiency of the acceleration geometry and the prediction of the axial flow profile in the centrifuge. In centrifugation technology, the prediction of the separation efficiency is often restricted to the cut size, the smallest particle size that can settle on the bowl wall at certain operating conditions. In a centrifuge, the highest velocities occur in tangential direction but, due to the throughput, a secondary flow in the axial direction appears. The tangential velocity creates the centrifugal force acting on the particles and the flow in the axial direction determines the residence time
First Doubt: Optical Confusion in Modern Photography: Selections from the Allan Chasanoff Collection

Many photographers have been intrigued with the baffling distortions--both subtle and disquieting--that can occur when the camera "captures" the real world. Not always intentional, some images dazzle with impossible juxtapositions or disorienting spatial orders, while others confound the viewer's belief in the documentary promise of photography. Drawn from the highly respected collection of Allan Chasanoff, the photographs in this intriguing volume confront viewers with the challenge of doubt and confusion in so-called "straight" pictures. Featured are perceptually provocative images by Manuel Alvarez Bravo, Clarence John Laughlin, Imogen Cunningham, and Lee Friedlander, among others. The book's essays raise awareness of the interpretive nature of the lens and the interpolative nature of the medium.
Behavior of the Firm Under Regulatory Constraint: Clarifications

The major point of criticism on A-J by T, is that (A-J) " . involves an error of confirming the movements along the curve with the shift of the curve" (T, p. 257). This point seems to be obvious from Figure 1 in T, p. 258, but it looks like P-C has a serious objection to this (see p. 211). Mathematically the point of T is even simpler. Consider a continuous real-valued function defined on the nonnegative orthant of R2, f(xi, x2). Suppose one of the variables (say xi) is fixed as a, and 4 is defined by
Python: An Ecosystem for Scientific Computing

As the relationship between research and computing evolves, new tools are required to not only treat numerical problems, but also to solve various problems that involve large datasets in different formats, new algorithms, and computational systems such as databases and Internet servers. Python can help develop these computational research tools by providing a balance of clarity and flexibility without sacrificing performance.
Metabolic and blood gas dependence on digestive state in the Savannah monitor lizard Varanus exanthematicus: an assessment of the alkaline tide

SUMMARY A large alkaline tide (up to 20 mmol l–1 increase in bicarbonate concentration [HCO3–] with an accompanied increase in blood pH) has previously been reported for some carnivorous reptiles within 24 h after ingesting a large meal. This phenomenon has been attributed to the secretion of large amounts of H+ ions into the stomach, which is required for digestion of large prey items. To test the generality of this phenomenon in carnivorous reptiles, this study quantified the metabolic and acid–base status of the Savannah monitor lizard, Varanus exanthematicus, during digestion at 35°C. Following a meal of approximately 10% of body mass, V̇O2 and V̇CO2 were measured continuously and arterial pH, blood gases and strong ions were measured every 8 h for 5 days. During peak digestion (24 h post feeding), V̇O2 and V̇CO2 increased to approximately threefold fasting values (V̇O2, 0.95–2.57 ml min–1 kg–1; V̇CO2 0.53–1.63 ml min–1 kg–1) while respiratory exchange ratio (R) remained constant (0.62–0.73). During digestion, arterial PCO2 increased (from 4.6 kPa to 5.8 kPa), and [HCO3–] also increased (from 24.1 mmol l–1 to 40.3 mmol l–1). In contrast to early studies on crocodilians, arterial pH in V. exanthematicus remained relatively stable during digestion (7.43–7.56). Strong ions contributed little to the acid–base compensation during the alkalosis. Collectively the data indicate that the metabolic alkalosis associated with H+ secretion (as indicated by increased plasma bicarbonate) is partially compensated by a respiratory acidosis.
Cell-Based Variable-Gain Amplifiers With Accurate dB-Linear Characteristic in 0.18 µm CMOS Technology

A simple and robust “cell-based” method is presented for the design of variable-gain amplifiers (VGAs). The proposed unit cell utilizes a unique gain compensation method and achieves accurate dB-linear characteristic across a wide tuning range with low power consumption and wide bandwidth. Several such highly dB-linear unit cells can be cascaded to provide the required gain range for a VGA. To prove the concept, single-cell, 5-cell, 10-cell and 15-cell reconfigurable VGAs were fabricated in a standard 0.18 μm CMOS technology. The measurement results show that the 10-cell VGA achieves a gain range of 38.6 dB with less than 0.19 dB gain error. The 15-cell VGA can either be used as reconfigurable VGA for analog control voltage or tunable PGA for digital control stream, with the flexibility of scaling gain range, gain error/step and power consumption. For the VGA at highest gain setting, it consumes 1.12 mW and achieves a gain range of 56 dB, gain error less than 0.3 dB.
MEG and fMRI for nonlinear estimation of neural activity

In this work we demonstrate improvement of the analysis of functional neuroimaging by combining electromagnetic measurements and functional MRI. We show that magnetoencephalography and functional MRI can complement each other improving estimation of neural activity and BOLD response. Tracking hidden neural activity is performed as inference of latent variables in a dynamic Bayesian network with continuous parameters. Inference is performed using a particle filter. We demonstrate that MEG and fMRI fusion improves estimation of the hidden neural activity and smoothes tracking of the BOLD response. We demonstrate that joint analysis stabilizes the differential system and reduces computational requirements.
Lung function in the supine and lateral decubitus positions in anaesthetized infants and children.

We have measured dynamic lung compliance or static lung thorax compliance, functional residual capacity (FRC), and two indices of pulmonary gas mixing (pulmonary clearance delay (PCD) and single breath alveolar mixing efficiency (SBAME)) in 25 children in the supine and lateral decubitus position during nitrous oxide-halothane anaesthesia. Fifteen children (5 month-8 yr) breathed spontaneously and 10 (4 month-9 yr) underwent mechanical ventilation. Tidal volume and rate of ventilation were, respectively, 3.5-6.6 ml kg-1 and 22-46 b.p.m. in spontaneously breathing supine children, and 8.3-15 ml kg-1 and 20-30 b.p.m. in mechanically ventilated supine children, and did not differ significantly in the lateral position. There was no significant change in compliance when the child was turned to the lateral position, but FRC increased from 22 (SD7) to 25 (8) ml kg-1 (P less than 0.01) in the spontaneously breathing group and from 19 (6) to 24 (8) ml kg-1 (P less than 0.01) in the other group. In spontaneously breathing children, PCD and SBAME indicated a somewhat impaired pulmonary gas mixing (P less than 0.05) after the child had been turned to the lateral position, but no change occurred in the other group. These findings suggest that the distribution of ventilation in anaesthetized children in the lateral position is similar to that reported previously in anaesthetized adults.
Productivity Management Letter Effects of R&d on Patents

This paper estimates the effect of research and investment activities on patents across countries, industries and over time. The first result of the paper is the recognition of the importance of investment activities in contributing to technical change. The positive role of research expenditures is also confirmed but its elasticity is found to be lower than in previous studies. Important differences across sectors emerge: research expenditures are found to be more effective in generating patents in science based industries, while investment is particularly significant in supplier dominated and production intensive industries.
Analysis of Insecticide-Treated Net Use by Pregnant Women: Implications for Donor Organizations

Background The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) for the prevention of malaria and reduction of mortality and morbidity from mosquito-borne diseases. Although many countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, have adopted this recommendation and distributed bed nets to their inhabitants, the percentage of the population using ITNs remains low. Methods This study was conducted with 400 mothers with at least one child under 5 years of age in health zones in the Bandundu province. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using structured pre-coded questionnaires. Chi-square tests and logistic regressions were calculated using the SPSS Version 21.0 software. Results Among the studied variables, education status (p = 0.013), marital status (p = 0.004), ANC utilization (p = 0.13), suffering from malaria during pregnancy (p = 0.019), and knowledge of the seriousness of malaria (p = 0.013) were significant determinants of the use of ITNs in logistic regression analyses. Conclusion The results of this study indicate that the regular use of ITNs by women during pregnancy is associated with marital status, attending ANC services, and awareness of the serious nature of malaria. Therefore, education about the risk factors among populations is needed.
Energising the Organisation: A New Agenda for Business Excellence

This paper challenges a concurrent perception that total quality is a management fad and being replaced by business excellence, and suggests that quality is and will be a coherent part of, and a fundamental way to business excellence. This paper further proposes that quality management will move to a higher platform: creative quality, which will be the only sustaining competitive advantage in the future hyper‐dynamic business world. By elaborating the characteristics and reflexes in connection to the attainment of creative quality, this paper presents a new agenda for business excellence.
An Empirical Investigation of Social Capital and Networks at Local Scale through Resistance to Lower-Carbon Infrastructure

The energy sector, the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, is a major focus of government climate change mitigation policies. To this end, lower-carbon infrastructure (LCI) developments are likely to increase. However, oppositional local social networks regularly slow or halt LCI proposals during the public participation processes conducted during planning. Using social capital as a conceptual lens, an analytical framework is developed with the aim of improving current understanding of local resistance. Specifically, the framework analyses the lifecycle of social networks through two case studies that explore resistance to a wind farm and a gas-fired power plant. The analysis identifies reasons for the formation, operation, dissipation, and endurance of the social networks. The article is relevant to public participation processes in natural resource management and infrastructure proposals in the rural and outer urban fringe.
Effects of Simvastatin on Carotenoid Status in Plasma Effects of Simvastatin on Carotenoid Status in Plasma

Acronyms ApoB apolipoprotein B BMI Body Mass Index CRP C-reactive protein HDL high density lipoprotein IL-6 interleukin-6 LDL low density lipoprotein ox-LDL oxidized LDL Abstract Background and Aims. Carotenoids are potent antioxidants mainly transported in the low
On the origin of the iron Kα line cores in active galactic nuclei

X-ray observations made with Chandra and XMM–Newton have shown that there are relatively narrow cores to the iron Kα emission lines in active galactic nuclei (AGN). Plausible origins for this core emission include the outer regions of an accretion disc, a parsec-scale molecular torus, and the optical broad-line region (BLR). Using data from the literature it is shown that no correlation exists between the Fe Kα core width and the BLR (specifically Hβ) line width. This shows that in general the iron Kα core emission does not arise from the BLR. There is a similar lack of correlation between the width of the Fe Kα core and black hole mass. The average Kα width is about a factor of 2 lower than the Hβ width. It therefore seems likely that, in many cases, the narrow core arises in the torus. There is a very wide range of observed Fe Kα core widths, however, and this argues for multiple origins. The simplest explanation for the observed line profiles in AGN is that they are due to a mixing of very narrow emission from the inner edge of the torus, and broadened emission from the accretion disc, in varying proportions from object to object.
Role of HLA-G and NCR in protection of umbilical cord blood haematopoietic stem cells from NK cell mediated cytotoxicity

Allogeneic umbilical cord blood haematopoietic stem cells (UCB–HSCs) can be transplanted into a host with the intact innate immunity with limited immuno‐reaction, although the mechanisms remain unclear. The present studies aimed at investigating potential mechanisms of allogeneic UCB–HSCs escape from the cytolysis of natural killer (NK) cells. We compared UCB–HSCs ability to protect from NK‐mediated cytotoxicity with peripheral blood or bone marrow haematopoietic stem cells (PB‐HSCs and BM‐HSCs). HSCs expressed lower levels of natural cytotoxicity receptor ligands including NKp30L, NKp44L and NKp46L than monocytes. Blocking these ligands respectively or in combination could increase the resistance of HSCs against NK cell mediated cytotoxicity. High expression of HLA‐G was noticed on UCB–HSCs, rather than PB‐HSCs or BM‐HSCs, whereas blockade of HLA‐G significantly elevated NK cell mediated cytolysis to UCB–HSCs. Thus, we conclude that natural cytotoxicity receptors and HLA‐G on HSCs may contribute to the escape from NK cells, and activate and inhibitory NK cell receptors and their ligands can be novel therapeutic targets in cell transplantation.
Characterization of Novel Bacteriophages for Biocontrol of Bacterial Blight in Leek Caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. porri

Pseudomonas syringae pv. porri, the causative agent of bacterial blight in leek (Allium porrum), is increasingly frequent causing problems in leek cultivation. Because of the current lack of control measures, novel bacteriophages were isolated to control this pathogen using phage therapy. Five novel phages were isolated from infected fields in Flanders (vB_PsyM_KIL1, vB_PsyM_KIL2, vB_PsyM_KIL3, vB_PsyM_KIL4, and vB_PsyM_KIL5), and were complemented with one selected host range mutant phage (vB_PsyM_KIL3b). Genome analysis of the phages revealed genome sizes between 90 and 94 kb and an average GC-content of 44.8%. Phylogenomic networking classified them into a novel clade, named the “KIL-like viruses,” related to the Felixounalikevirus genus, together with phage phiPsa374 from P. syringae pv. actinidiae. In vitro characterization demonstrated the stability and lytic potential of these phages. Host range analysis confirmed heterogeneity within P. syringae pv. porri, leading to the development of a phage cocktail with a range that covers the entire set of 41 strains tested. Specific bio-assays demonstrated the in planta efficacy of phages vB_PsyM_KIL1, vB_PsyM_KIL2, vB_PsyM_KIL3, and vB_PsyM_KIL3b. In addition, two parallel field trial experiments on three locations using a phage cocktail of the six phages showed variable results. In one trial, symptom development was attenuated. These data suggest some potential for phage therapy in controlling bacterial blight of leek, pending optimization of formulation and application methods.
Design of multiple-metal stacked inductors incorporating an extended physical model

Modern analog circuits are heavily dependent on inductor performance, where the poor inductor quality factor (Q) of silicon processes leads to degradation in circuit efficacy, especially at RF and microwave frequencies. Several techniques have been proposed to enhance the Q of integrated on-chip inductors, but the most effective method of Q improvement is to lower the series resistance by increasing the inductor metal thickness. This paper presents the most cost-effective method of achieving a thick metal by using a standard 0.18-/spl mu/m multilayer BiCMOS process. An expanded physically based model for multiple-metal stacked inductors is presented, which expands on previous research to show the effects and limitations of stacking two, three, and four metal layers in a five-metal-layer process. The excellent accuracy of this geometrical model is illustrated with respect to a range of inductor designs showing that an improvement in Q of more than 50% may be achieved. Due to the increased parasitics in multilayer structures, the Q improvement is very frequency dependent, which is clearly predicted with the expanded model. The predictive capability of the model is further used to provide detailed insight into the effectiveness of a patterned ground shield for different substrate characteristics. This predictive ability will contribute greatly to first time right inductor designs and eliminate the expensive and time-consuming fabrication iterations required to fine tune other inductor models.
Wireless sensor networks for permanent health monitoring of historic buildings

This paper describes the application of a wireless sensor network to a 31 meter-tall medieval tower located in the city of Trento, Italy. The effort is motivated by preservation of the integrity of a set of frescoes decorating the room on the second floor, representing one of most important International Gothic artworks in Europe. The specific application demanded development of customized hardware and software. The wireless module selected as the core platform allows reliable wireless communication at low cost with a long service life. Sensors include accelerometers, deformation gauges, and thermometers. A multi-hop data collection protocol was applied in the software to improve the system`s flexibility and scalability. The system has been operating since September 2008, and in recent months the data loss ratio was estimated as less than 0.01%. The data acquired so far are in agreement with the prediction resulting a priori from the 3-dimensional FEM. Based on these data a Bayesian updating procedure is employed to real-time estimate the probability of abnormal condition states. This first period of operation demonstrated the stability and reliability of the system, and its ability to recognize any possible occurrence of abnormal conditions that could jeopardize the integrity of the frescos.
Proposal for Solar Powered Grid Based on Reused PCs

We propose a way to reuse obsolete older model PCs as a grid in keeping with Green IT. A grid has the advantage of creating a high performance environment consisting of ordinary PCs. However, it has the disadvantage of always requiring electricity, which is undesirable for the global environment due to the increased CO2 emissions from generating electricity. Therefore, this study proposes a grid powered by solar power to solve the disadvantage while at the same time reusing obsolete older model PCs.
Adenocarcinoma Cells and Its Association with Drug Sensitivity Cisplatin-sensitive and-resistant Human Ovarian The Differential Expression of Cytokeratin 18 in Updated

DNA is the primary target ofcis-diamminedichloroplatinum (cisplatin), but the drug also interacts with the cellular cytoskeleton composed of microtabules and intermediate filaments. It was found that the cisplatin resistant 2008/C13* cell line contained markedly lower levels (6-fold) of cytokeratin 18, when compared to the cisplatin-sensitlve 2008 cell line. Northern blot analysis revealed a markedly decreased level of cytokeratin 18 mRNA in the resistant cell line. Southern blot analysis of the DNA extracted from the two cell lines and then digested with Hpall and its methylatlon-sensitive isoschizomer, MspI, revealed no detectable differ ences in the methylation status of the cytokeratin gene. Neither 5-azacy tidine (5 pM)nor retinoic acid (1 pM)treatment enhanced the expression of cytokeratin 18 in the resistant cell line. However, transfection of full length cytokeratin 18 cDNA into the cisplatin-resistant 2008/C13* cells resulted in clones with increased levels of cytokeratin 18, which was accompanied in the majority of clones by a marked increase in their sensitivity to cisplatin. These results demonstrate that modulating the expression of an intermediate filament protein results in sensitization of a drug-resistant human ovarian cell line to cisplatin.
Regional variation in the representation of the visual field in the visual cortex of the siamese cat

In Siamese cats, many ganglion cell fibers from the temporal retina misproject to the contralateral hemisphere; as a result, each lateral geniculate nucleus contains an abnormally large representation of the ipsilateral visual field. The manner in which the visual cortex processes this aberrant visual information has been examined in several previous studies. In some Siamese cats, the region of the 17/18 border was found to contain an extensive, systematic map of the ipsilateral field, while in other animals no such map was found, and the 17/18 border appeared to represent the zero meridian of azimuth (as in normal cats). These results have led to the suggestion that there are two distinct types of Siamese cat (“Boston” and “Midwestern”) which can be distinguished on the basis of cortical topography and the anatomical organization of the geniculocortical pathway.