Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Edge Caching: On the Perfomance of Placement and Delivery Coding Schemes

We study the performance of caching schemes based on two different coding techniques. A heterogeneous network is assumed, in which cache-aided relays are connected through a backhaul link to a primary node while no connection exits between users and the primary node. The first caching scheme considers to fill the cache with encoded content while the second scheme considers to encode the content during the delivery phase. We compare the schemes by characterizing the average transmission load when users ask for downloading content to the network. We provide an approximation of the expression of the average load which allows a fast evaluation of the network behavior for each scheme considered. We further assume a constraint on the capacity of the backhaul link and derive the expression of the outage probability, i.e. the probability that the system is not able to serve the entire set of users demands. Finally, we examine and discuss how the derived analysis of a two relays scenario can be scaled to study the performance of a network with a generic number of relays.
Strong stabilization with infinite multivariable gain margin through linear periodic control

The problem of the strong stabilization with infinite gain margin, with the additional requirement of a prescribed rate of convergence of the free responses, is addressed for linear time-invariant discrete-time multivariable plants in the case when unknown different scalar gains act either on the inputs or on the outputs. Necessary and sufficient conditions for the solvability of the problem by means of a stable linear periodic discrete-time output feedback dynamic controller are derived. Algorithmic procedures are given for designing the proposed periodic controllers.
Blast Response of Sandwich Plates with a Compressible Core: Extended High-Order Approach

The transient blast response of a sandwich panel that consists of a compressible core with in-plane rigidity using the extended high-order sandwich panel theory is presented and compared with elasticity closed-form solutions. The mathematical formulation of the extended high-order sandwich panel theory for the transient dynamic response of sandwich plates is described along with a numerical investigation. The extended high-order sandwich panel theory formulation takes into account the shear resistance of the core and its compressibility, which is envisaged through nonidentical displacements of the upper and the lower facesheets and its in-plane rigidity. The equations of motion and the appropriate boundary conditions are derived using the Hamilton’s principle. A numerical investigation is conducted on a simply supported sandwich panel, and its results are compared with a benchmark elasticity closed-form solution. The results include deformed shapes at the first millisecond at various time steps; displacem.
Acoustic Emission Characterization Analysis of Quasi-Static and Fatigue Compression Properties of Aluminum Foam

In order to explore the evolution of physical and mechanical properties and acoustic emission (AE) characteristics of aluminum foam under fatigue and quasi-static compression from a microscopic point of view, the AE monitoring technology was used to analyze the deformation, hardening, and energy absorption characteristics of open-cell aluminum foam under quasi-static compression at different rates (2, 10 and 50 mm/min) and fatigue loading tests with different peak stress ratios k (k = maximum stress/yield stress) by means of MTS fatigue testing machine and CCD camera. The results indicated that under different compression rates, the AE ring down count had the same trend as the engineering stress–strain response of the specimens, the AE ring down count rate at the plastic deformation stage showed the same performance as the work hardening rate, and the AE energy absorption efficiency corresponded well to the experimental results. The specimen entered the densification stage with the stability of AE count and the decrease in energy absorption efficiency. During the fatigue tests of different k values, the change trend of strain was consistent with the response of acoustic emission characteristic parameters, and the fatigue compression damage caused by the deformation process of the specimen can be monitored by the change in AE characteristics. The AE characteristics can dynamically monitor the compression process and provide a new research method and idea for the study of mechanical properties of aluminum foam.
Nonparametric Estimation of the Probability of Ruin

Abstract The finite and infinite horizon time probability of ruin are important parameters in the study of actuarial risk theory. This paper introduces procedures for directly estimating these key parameters from a random sample of observations without assumptions as to the parametric form of the distribution from which the observations arise. The estimators introduced apply to most of the classical models in which ruin probabilities are used and also apply to a much broader class of models. The procedures are based on the concept of sample reuse, an old idea in statistics which is becoming more popular due to the widespread availability of high speed computers. In this paper, the almost sure consistency of the estimators is established. Further, finite sample properties of the estimators are investigated in a simulation study.
Plugging of the Flow of Granular Materials during the Discharge from a Silo

Laboratory experiments and numerical simulations were performed to find the mechanism of the plugging during the gravitationally emptying a silo. Some interesting results were given by this investigation: 1) Two major slip lines can be seen symmetrically about a vertical midline in the continuous flow, but particles flow only on a one-side slip line was found at each moment; 2) At transition of the flow from one-side to the other, two-side flows collided each other on a vertical midline. And this collision possibly resulted in the formation of the arches of granular materials; 3) In the special case for 2) when arches were stable enough under certain geometrical condition the plugging of the flow occurred. For computer simulation on this issue, the Discrete Element Method specifically taking into account of rolling friction effect was used. Results of numerical simulations were in good agreement with the experimental measures not only in the flow pattern but also in the occurrence of the plugging.
Community Personal Hygiene Knowledge and Attitude to Covid-19 Prevention Behavior

Background: The rise of Covid-19 cases has become a global issue. The government has issued guidelines for the public to reduce exposure and spread of disease or infection through personal hygiene. The purpose of this study is to ascertain community knowledge and attitudes toward personal hygiene in preventing Covid-19 in Bengkulu City. Method: This research method uses a quantitative approach. This type of research is an observational study with a cross-sectional approach. The sample in this quantitative study was taken using a simple random technique. Based on the calculation of the sample, the minimum sample size is 100 people. Data was collected by distributing questionnaires, univariate and bivariate analyses were performed. Results: The results were there was a significant association between personal hygiene knowledge toward Covid-19 prevention behaviors in Bengkulu City (p<0.05; OR= 2.6; CI 95%= 1.137-5.951). Knowledge is the collection of information about the occurrence and prevention of Covid-19, understood and acquired from the learning process throughout life, in which there are significant associations. In Bengkulu City, there was a significant association between people's attitudes toward personal hygiene and the prevention of Covid-19 (p<0.05; OR= 2.658; CI 95%= 1.184-5.969). Attitude is one of the factors that determine a person's actions in maintaining individual and group good in preventing disease. Conclusion: The results show that personal hygiene knowledge and attitudes are significantly associated with Covid-19 prevention behaviors.
An Analytic Geometry-Variant Approach to Line Ratio Enhancement above the Optically Thin Limit

We describe a simple theoretical model to investigate the anomalous effects of opacity on spectral line ratios, as previously studied in elements such as Fe XV and Fe XVII. The model developed is general: it is not specific to a particular atomic system, thus giving applicability to a number of coronal and chromospheric plasmas; furthermore, it may be applied to a variety of astrophysically relevant geometries. The analysis is underpinned by geometrical arguments, and we outline a technique for it to be used as a tool for the explicit diagnosis of plasma geometry in distant astrophysical objects.
The Effects of PP2A Disruption on ER-Mitochondria Contact and Mitochondrial Functions in Neuronal-like Cells

Mitochondria-associated membranes (MAMs) regulate several cellular processes, including calcium homeostasis and mitochondrial function, and dynamics. While MAMs are upregulated in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the mechanisms underlying this increase remain unknown. A possible mechanism may include dysregulation of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), which is reduced in the AD brain. Furthermore, PP2A has been previously reported to modulate MAM formation in hepatocytes. However, it is unknown whether PP2A and MAMs are linked in neuronal cells. Here, to test the correlation between PP2A and MAMs, we inhibited the activity of PP2A to mimic its low levels in AD brains and observed MAM formation, function, and dynamics. MAMs were significantly increased after PP2A inhibition, which correlated with elevated mitochondrial Ca2+ influx and disrupted mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial fission. This study highlights the essential role PP2A plays in regulating MAM formation and mitochondrial function and dynamics for the first time in neuronal-like cells.
Nutritional Genomic Approach for Improving Grain Protein Content in Wheat

Grain protein content (GPC) is a key aspect of grain quality, a major determinant of the flour functional properties and grain nutritional value of bread wheat. Exploiting diverse germplasms to identify genes for improving crop performance and grain nutritional quality is needed to enhance food security. Here, we evaluated GPC in a panel of 255 Triticum aestivum L. accessions from 27 countries. GPC determined in seeds from three consecutive crop seasons varied from 8.6 to 16.4% (11.3% on average). Significant natural phenotypic variation in GPC among genotypes and seasons was detected. The population was evaluated for the presence of the trait-linked single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers via a genome-wide association study (GWAS). GWAS analysis conducted with calculated best linear unbiased estimates (BLUEs) of phenotypic data and 90 K SNP array using the fixed and random model circulating probability unification (FarmCPU) model identified seven significant genomic regions harboring GPC-associated markers on chromosomes 1D, 3A, 3B, 3D, 4B and 5A, of which those on 3A and 3B shared associated SNPs with at least one crop season. The verified SNP–GPC associations provide new promising genomic signals on 3A (SNPs: Excalibur_c13709_2568 and wsnp_Ku_c7811_13387117) and 3B (SNP: BS00062734_51) underlying protein improvement in wheat. Based on the linkage disequilibrium for significant SNPs, the most relevant candidate genes within a 4 Mbp-window included genes encoding a subtilisin-like serine protease; amino acid transporters; transcription factors; proteins with post-translational regulatory functions; metabolic proteins involved in the starch, cellulose and fatty acid biosynthesis; protective and structural proteins, and proteins associated with metal ions transport or homeostasis. The availability of molecular markers within or adjacent to the sequences of the detected candidate genes might assist a breeding strategy based on functional markers to improve genetic gains for GPC and nutritional quality in wheat.
Association of Different Risk Scores and 30-Day Mortality in Kidney Transplant Recipients with COVID-19

Background and Objectives: Clinical risk scores were poorly examined in kidney transplant recipients (KTR) with COVID-19. Materials and Methods: This observational study compared the association and discrimination of clinical risk scores (MEWS, qCSI, VACO, PSI/PORT, CCI, MuLBSTA, ISTH-DIC, COVID-GRAM and 4C) with 30-day mortality in 65 hospitalized KTRs with COVID-19. Cox regression was used to derive hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), and discrimination was assessed by Harrell’s C. Results: A significant association with 30-day mortality was demonstrated for MEWS (HR 1.65 95% CI 1.21–2.25, p = 0.002); qCSI (HR 1.32 95% CI 1.15–1.52, p < 0.001); PSI/PORT (HR 1.04 95% CI 1.02–1.07, p = 0.001); CCI (HR 1.79 95% CI 1.13–2.83, p = 0.013); MuLBSTA (HR 1.31 95% CI 1.05–1.64, p = 0.017); COVID-GRAM (HR 1.03 95% CI 1.01–1.06, p = 0.004); and 4C (HR 1.79 95% CI 1.40–2.31, p < 0.001). After multivariable adjustment, significant association persisted for qCSI (HR 1.33 95% CI 1.11–1.59, p = 0.002); PSI/PORT (HR 1.04 95% CI 1.01–1.07, p = 0.012); MuLBSTA (HR 1.36 95% CI 1.01–1.85, p = 0.046); and 4C Mortality Score (HR 1.93 95% CI 1.45–2.57, p < 0.001) risk scores. The best discrimination was observed with the 4C score (Harrell’s C = 0.914). Conclusions: Risk scores such as qCSI, PSI/PORT and 4C showed the best association with 30-day mortality amongst KTRs with COVID-19.
Study of the shock wave structure by regularized Grad’s set of equations

In this work, we continue to study the possibility of applying moment equations for strongly nonequilibrium flows by an example of the problem of the shock wave structure in a monatomic gas in a wide range of Mach numbers for various models of molecular interaction. The object of the study is the so-called regularized 13-moment Grad’s system (R13). First time, both linear and nonlinear versions of this system of equations were considered for the problem at such wide range of parameters. The Godunov method with increased accuracy is used as a numerical tool for solving the R13 system. The numerical results for the R13 system are analyzed by using data obtained by the Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method, experimental data, and analytical results. As a whole, the R13 system provides an adequate description of the shock wave structure in a wide range of Mach numbers. For Mach numbers around 2, good agreement with experimental and DSMC results is observed for both linear and nonlinear versions of the s.
Allowing for non‐ignorable non‐response in the analysis of voting intention data

We apply some log‐linear modelling methods, which have been proposed for treating non‐ignorable non‐response, to some data on voting intention from the British General Election Survey. We find that, although some non‐ignorable non‐response models fit the data very well, they may generate implausible point estimates and predictions. Some explanation is provided for the extreme behaviour of the maximum likelihood estimates for the most parsimonious model. We conclude that point estimates for such models must be treated with great caution. To allow for the uncertainty about the non‐response mechanism we explore the use of profile likelihood inference and find the likelihood surfaces to be very flat and the interval estimates to be very wide. To reduce the width of these intervals we propose constraining confidence regions to values where the parameters governing the non‐response mechanism are plausible and study the effect of such constraints on inference. We find that the widths of these intervals are reduced but remain wide.
Evolution of the Convective Boundary Layer in a WRF Simulation Nested Down to 100 m Resolution During a Cloud‐Free Case of LAFE, 2017 and Comparison to Observations

The Weather Research and Forecasting model was applied in a nested configuration from the convection‐permitting resolution of 2.5 km, via an intermediate resolution of 500 m down to the 100 m turbulence‐permitting scale to investigate the spatial and temporal evolution of the convective boundary layer and their interaction with the underlying land surface. This included detailed comparisons with observations collected during the Land‐Atmosphere Feedback Experiment, performed at the Central Facility in Oklahoma. The simulation was driven by the operational analysis of the European Center for Medium‐range Weather Forecasting for a cloud‐free case on 23 August 2017 for which the measurement operation was extended into the following night to include the evening decay of the daytime convective boundary layer. The mesoscale 2.5 km resolution was capable to represent the correct boundary layer height and its temporal evolution. Details of the morning and evening transitions between the nighttime and daytime boundary layer as well as its internal structure were only simulated by the 100 m turbulence‐permitting simulation. Although systematic differences between the simulation and lidar observations were found, the model captured the temporal and spatial structure and the statistics of turbulence rather well. Comparison with data from Eddy‐Covariance stations showed that the model was able to reproduce the evolution of many near‐surface meteorological fields. Systematically higher surface temperatures and related differences in the surface fluxes suggest weaknesses in the representation of land surface processes although the simulation was initialized with accurate and high‐resolution initial fields.
TRANSIENT MHD FREE CONVECTIVE FLOW NEAR A SEMI- INFINITE VERTICAL WALL HAVING RAMPED TEMPERATUE

An analysis is performed to study the momentum and heat transfer characteristics of transient magnetohydrodynamics natural convective flow of a viscous incompressible and electrically conducting fluid past a semi-infinite vertical wall containing a ramped type temperature profile with respect to time. The solutions of the coupled nonlinear momentum and energy equations have been obtained by using an implicit finite difference method of Crank– Nicolson type. The numerical results at fixed cross sections, including the development of velocity, temperature, skin–friction and Nusselt number are discussed in detail with the help of several graphs. It is found that the effect of the magnetic field is to delay the steady state time of the velocity and temperature fields. A comparative study of the results corresponding to the cases of ramped temperature and constant temperature on the bounding wall shows that same steady state values for average skin-friction and average Nusselt number have been attained almost in the same time.
The effect of massive disks on bulge isophotes

Massive disks produce flattened equipotentials. Unless the stars in a galaxy bulge are preferentially hotter in the z direction than in the plane, the isophotes will be at least as flat as the equipotentials. The comparison of two galaxy models having flat rotation curves with the available surface photometry for five external galaxies does not restrict the mass fraction which might reside in the disk. However, star counts in our own Galaxy indicate that unless the disk terminates close to the solar circle, no more than half the mass within that circle lies in the disk. The remaining half must lie either in the bulge or, more probably, in a third dark, round, dynamically distinct component.
Exudate Flavonoids of Primula veris Leaves and Their Inhibitory Activity on Lolium perrene Seed Germination

In the present study exudate flavonoids from P. veris leaves were identified and their potential as inhibitors on L. perrene seed germination was evaluated. Leaves of P. veris were collected from natural population. Leaf exudate was obtained by dipping whole leaves into acetone for 2--3 min. Chemical composition of the exudate was analysed by GC/MS. The seed germination test was done in Petri dishes. Flavonoid aglycones were found as main components of the exudate (over 50% of all compounds). Unsubstituted flavone, 2'-methoxyflavone, 3'-methoxyflavone, 3',4'-dimethoxyflavone, 2',5'-dimethoxyflavone, 5,6,2',6'- tetramethoxyflavone were identified. Complete inhibition on Lolium perenne seed germination and root elongation by aqueous solution of the exudate at concentration 7 mg/mL was found. This is the first report about inhibitory activity of P. veris leaf exudate on seed germination.
The Influence of Diisocyanate Structure on Thermal Stability of Thermoplastic Polyurethane Elastomers Based on Diphenylmethane-Derivative Chain Extender with Sulfur Atoms

The work is a continuation of the research on thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) elastomers containing sulfur atoms which are incorporated into the polyurethane chain using aliphatic-aromatic chain extenders. These materials show some improved properties in relation to conventional ones, e.g., adhesion to metals, bacterial resistance and refractive index. The present study deals with the detailed characteristics of the process of thermal decomposition of TPU elastomers obtained from 2,2′-[methylenebis(1,4-phenylenemethylenethio)]diethanol, 1,1′-methanediylbis(4-isocyanatobenzene) (MDI) or 1,6-diisocyanatohexane (HDI) and poly(oxytetramethylene) diol of Mn = 2000 g/mol by thermogravimetric analysis coupled on-line with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The analysis was performed under inert and oxidative conditions. All TPU elastomers were found to have a relatively good thermal stability, with those based on aromatic diisocyanate being at an advantage. In helium, they are stable up to 280–282 °C (from HDI) and 299–301 °C (from MDI), whereas in synthetic air up to 252–265 °C (from HDI) and 261–272 °C (from MDI), as measured by the temperature of 1% mass loss. Depending on the content of the hard segments and the tested atmosphere, the TPU elastomers decompose from one to four stages. From the analysis of the volatile decomposition products, it follows that the decomposition of both types of hard segments was accompanied by the evolution of carbonyl sulfide, carbon dioxide, water, sulfide dioxide, alcohols and aromatic compounds. For the hard segment derived from HDI, isocyanates, amines, and unsaturated compounds were also identified, while for the MDI-derived one, aldehydes were discovered. In turn, the polyether soft segment decomposed mainly into aliphatic ethers, aldehydes, and carbon monoxide.
Electron spin resonance in CeB6

CeB6 is a cubic heavy fermion compound with antiferro-quadrupolar (AFQ) order below 4 K. The effects of the interplay of AFQ and ferromagnetic correlations on the phase diagram and the electron spin resonance linewidth are discussed. An itinerant picture within the AFQ phase is necessary to explain the electron spin resonances for CeB6.
The Bright and Dark Sides of Herbal Infusions: Assessment of Antioxidant Capacity and Determination of Tropane Alkaloids

Herbal infusions are highly popular beverages consumed daily due to their health benefits and antioxidant properties. However, the presence of plant toxins, such as tropane alkaloids, constitutes a recent health concern for herbal infusions. This work presents an optimized and validated methodology based on the QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) extraction procedure followed by Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography combined with Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-ToF-MS) for the determination of tropane alkaloids (atropine, scopolamine, anisodamine, and homatropine) in herbal infusions, in accordance with criteria established by Commission Recommendation EU No. 2015/976. One of the seventeen samples was contaminated with atropine, exceeding the current European regulation regarding tropane alkaloids. In addition, this study evaluated the antioxidant capacity of common herbal infusions available on Portuguese markets, indicating the high antioxidant capacity of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), and peppermint (Mentha x piperita).