Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Structural Deflection Measurement with Range Cameras

Concrete beams are used to construct bridges and other structures. Years of traffic overloading and insufficient maintenance have left civil infrastructure such as bridges in a poor state of repair. Therefore, the structures have to be strengthened. Many options for the reinforcement exist such as fibre-reinforced polymer composites and steel plates can be added. The efficacy of such methods can be effectively evaluated through fatigue load testing in which cyclic loads are applied to an individual structural member under laboratory conditions. During the fatigue test, the deflection of concrete beam is very important parameter to evaluate the concrete beam. This testing requires the measurement of deflection in response to the applied loads. Many imaging techniques such as digital cameras, laser scanners and range cameras have been proven to be accurate and cost-effective methods for large-area measurement of deflection under static loading conditions. However, in order to obtain useful information about behaviour of the beams or monitoring real-time bridge deflection, the ability to measure deflection under dynamic loading conditions is also necessary. This thesis presents a relatively low-cost and high accuracy imaging technique to measure the deflection of concrete beams in response to dynamic loading with different range cameras such as time-of-flight range cameras and light coded range cameras. Due to the time-of-flight measurement principle, even though target movement could lead to motion artefacts that degrade range measurement accuracy, the appropriate sampling frequency can be used to compensate the motion artefacts. The results of simulated and real-data investigation into the motion artefacts show that the lower sampling frequency results in the more significant motion artefact. The results from the data analysis of the deflection measurement derived from time-of-fight range cameras have been indicated that periodic deflection can be recovered with half-millimetre accuracy at 1 Hz and 3 Hz target motion. A preliminary analysis for light coded range cameras is conducted on dynamic
An Approach for Convective Parameterization with Memory: Separating Microphysics and Transport in Grid-Scale Equations

Abstract An approach for convective parameterization is presented here, in which grid-scale budget equations of parameterization use separate microphysics and transport terms. This separation is used both as a way to introduce into the parameterization a more explicit causal link between all involved processes and as a vehicle for an easier representation of the memory of convective cells. The equations of parameterization become closer to those of convection-resolving models [cloud-system-resolving models (CSRMs) and large-eddy simulations (LESs)], facilitating parameterization development and validation processes versus a detailed budget of these high-resolution models. The new Microphysics and Transport Convective Scheme (MTCS) equations are presented and discussed. A first version of a convective scheme based on these equations is tested within a single-column framework. The results obtained with the new scheme are close to those of traditional ones in very moist convective cases [like the Global Atmo.
Characterization of coherent vortical structures in a supersonic turbulent boundary layer

A spatially developing supersonic boundary layer at Mach 2 is analysed by means of direct numerical simulation of the compressible Navier--Stokes equations, with the objective of quantitatively characterizing the coherent vortical structures. The study shows structural similarities with the incompressible case. In particular, the inner layer is mainly populated by quasi-streamwise vortices, while in the outer layer we observe a large variety of structures, including hairpin vortices and hairpin packets. The characteristic properties of the educed structures are found to be nearly uniform throughout the outer layer, and to be weakly affected by the local vortex orientation. In the outer layer, typical core radii vary in the range of 5–6 dissipative length scales, and the associated circulation is approximately constant, and of the order of 180 wall units. The statistical properties of the vortical structures in the outer layer are similar to those of an ensemble of non-interacting closed-loop vortices with a nearly planar head inclined at an angle of approximately 20° with respect to the wall, and with an overall size of approximately 30 dissipative length scales.
Milk from Halari Donkey Breed: Nutritional Analysis, Vitamins, Minerals, and Amino Acids Profiling

This current research set out to characterize Halari donkey milk by investigating its nutritional constituents, including its proximate analysis, water activity, titratable acidity, energy, and microbiological analysis. A comprehensive profiling of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids was also carried out. It was found that the composition of Halari donkey milk was consistent with previously published donkey milk literature and was comparable to that of human milk. Halari donkey milk has low 0.86 ± 0.04% fat content, 2.03 ± 0.03% protein content, 0.51 ± 0.05% ash content, and high 5.75 ± 0.15% lactose content making it sweet and palatable. The energy content of Halari donkey milk was 40.39 ± 0.31 kcal/100 g, and the water activity ranged from 0.973 to 0.975. Titratable acidity was 0.03 ± 0.01%. Halari donkey milk can be considered acceptable and microbiologically safe, having low total plate count and yeast and mould counts. Mineral testing revealed that Halari donkey milk included significant amounts of magnesium, sodium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and zinc. The concentration of different vitamins and amino acids such as isoleucine and valine also contribute to the nutritional value of Halari donkey milk.
A 1D arterial blood flow model incorporating ventricular pressure, aortic valve and regional coronary flow using the locally conservative Galerkin (LCG) method

There is an important interaction between the pumping performance of the ventricle, arterial haemodynamics and coronary blood flow. While previous non-linear 1D models have focused only on one of these components, the model presented in this study includes coronary and systemic arterial circulations, as well as ventricular pressure and an aortic valve that opens and closes ‘independently’ and based on local haemodynamics. The systemic circulation is modelled as a branching network of elastic tapering vessels. The terminal element applied at the extremities of the network is a single tapering vessel which is shown to adequately represent the input characteristics of the downstream vasculature. The coronary model consists of left and right coronary arteries which both branch into two ‘equivalent’ vessels that account for the lumped characteristics of subendocardial and subepicardial flows. As contracting heart muscle causes significant compression of the subendocardial vessels, a time-varying external pressure proportional to ventricular pressure is applied to the distal part of the equivalent subendocardial vessel. The aortic valve is modelled using a variable reflection coefficient with respect to backward-running aortic waves, and a variable transmission coefficient with respect to forward-running ventricular waves. A realistic ventricular pressure is the input to the system; however, an afterload-corrected ventricular pressure is calculated and results in pressure gradients between the ventricle and aorta that are similar to those observed in vivo. The 1D equations of fluid flow are solved using the locally conservative Galerkin method, which provides explicit element-wise conservation, and can naturally incorporate vessel branching. Each component of the model is verified using a number of tests to ensure accuracy and reveal the underlying processes that give rise to complex pressure and flow waveforms. The complete model is then implemented, and simulations are performed with input parameters representing ‘at rest’ and exercise states for a normal adult. The resulting waveforms contain all of the important features seen in vivo, and standard measures of haemodynamic state are found to be normal. In addition, one or several characteristics of some common diseases are imposed on the model and are found to produce haemodynamic changes that agree with experimental observations in the published literature. Using a patient-specific carotid bifurcation geometry, 1D velocity waveforms are also compared with waveforms obtained from a three-dimensional model. The 1D and 3D results show good agreement. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effective radiative properties of bounded cascade nonabsorbing clouds: Definition of the equivalent homogeneous cloud approximation

In the present study we investigated the radiative properties of inhomogeneous nonabsorbing clouds under the Equivalent plane-parallel Homogeneous Cloud Approximation (EHCA), by using the one-dimensional (1-D) bounded cascade inhomogeneous clouds. The effective optical depth was defined under the EHCA by requiring the identity of the radiant flux components of the radiation budget between the inhomogeneous clouds and their equivalent homogeneous counterparts. Such requirement provides a rational framework to define the effective optical depth of the inhomogeneous nonabsorbing clouds. We analyzed the dependency of the effective optical depth on the horizontal scale of averaging and solar incidence angle and specified the conditions under which an inhomogeneous cloud segment could be treated as a plane-parallel homogeneous cloud. A parameterization of the effective optical depth was proposed as a function of the mean optical depth and a relative cloud inhomogeneity parameter. Finally, we compared the EHCA with the effective thickness approximation, both based on the definition of the effective optical depth, and discussed the difference between their respective effective optical depths.
SGN-CD228A Is an Investigational CD228-Directed Antibody–Drug Conjugate with Potent Antitumor Activity across a Wide Spectrum of Preclinical Solid Tumor Models

Abstract SGN-CD228A is an investigational antibody–drug conjugate (ADC) directed to melanotransferrin (CD228, MELTF, MFI2, p97), a cell-surface protein first identified in melanoma. SGN-CD228A consists of a humanized antibody, hL49, with high specificity and affinity for CD228 that is stably conjugated to 8 molecules of the clinically validated microtubule-disrupting agent monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) via a novel glucuronide linker. We performed comprehensive IHC studies, which corroborated published RNA sequencing data and confirmed low CD228 expression in normal tissues and high expression in several cancers, including melanoma, squamous non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), colorectal cancer, and pancreatic cancer. SGN-CD228A was efficiently internalized in various tumor cell types, and its cytotoxic activity was dependent on CD228 expression and internalization and intrinsic sensitivity to the MMAE payload. Compared with the valine-citrulline dipeptide linker, the novel glucuronide linker increased the cellular retention of MMAE in vitro and conferred improved antitumor activity against melanoma cell lines in vitro and in vivo. In addition, SGN-CD228A was active across melanoma, TNBC, and NSCLC cell line- and patient-derived xenograft models with heterogeneous antigen expression. In vivo, CD228 expression was important for response to SGN-CD228A but was not well correlated across all tumor types, suggesting that other factors associated with ADC activity are important. Overall, SGN-CD228A is a CD228-directed, investigational ADC that employs innovative technology and has compelling preclinical antitumor activity. SGN-CD228A is investigated in a Phase I clinical trial (NCT04042480) in patients with advanced solid tumors.
Effect of Turbulence Models and Near-Wall Modeling Approaches on Numerical Results in Impingement Heat Transfer

In this study, turbulence models and near-wall modeling approaches were compared in impingement heat transfer. The Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) turbulence models were compared using three near-wall modeling approaches. Moreover, the effect of near-wall modeling approaches on heat transfer was investigated and the predictions were compared with experiments. All computations were performed with the FLUENT code by considering two-dimensional, steady, and incompressible flow. Wall functions (WF) should be used carefully in conjunction with turbulence models, and the enhanced wall treatment (WT) is suggested for practical applications. The standard k–ϵ model showed the best agreement with the experimental data among the models used under the considered conditions.
Characterization of highly charged titanium ions produced by nanosecond pulsed laser

In this work, plasma is produced by irradiating a Ti target with 10 ns pulsed Nd:YAG (λ= 1064 nm) laser. The laser fluence at the target was varied in the range of 2–20.3 J/cm. The ion signal from freely expanding Ti plasma in vacuum was characterized with the help of ion collector and time-of-flight electrostatic energy analyzer. The ion charge state was found to increase with the laser fluence and maximum available ion charge in this fluence range is Ti. A correlation between the intensities of various ion charge states was observed, which indicates that higher charge states are most probably produced through stepwise ionization mechanism. It is also observed that charge state distribution of plasma can be controlled by variation of the laser fluence. In addition, energy distribution of ion charge states Ti (n= 1–4) is measured by varying back plate voltage of the electrostatic energy analyzer for a fixed laser fluence of 20.3 J/cm. Ions energy distributions were in the range of 0.36–3.0 keV and the most probable ion energy was found to increase linearly with ion charge state. The estimated equivalent potential at the laser fluence of 20.3 J/ cm is about 310 V. These results are in good agreement with the predictions of electrostatic model of ion acceleration in laser plasma.
A technical look at swing rhythm in music

We investigate swing rhythm in music using computer analysis techniques. Swing is not a genre of music, rather a style of performance. The same musical piece (data) can be played in swing or straight time. Musical notes and structure are identical in both performances, but the notes temporal patterns have slight, significant differences between straight and swing performances. We demonstrate a technical approach analyzing these differences, and show examples of several styles of swing: American Swing, Brasilian Samba, Jamaican Reggae. Prior research into swing rhythm discovered swing ratio representing the temporal variation of the music as performed compared to the music as written. Our work shows that in some cases swing ratio is inadequate to properly model the real patterns of temporal variation. We have extracted details showing swing exists hierarchically, i.e., the patterns of temporal variation played at one time scale may differ from the types of patterns of temporal variation played at a slower .
CONSISTENT SELF-SIMILAR MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS EVOLUTION OF CORONAL TRANSIENTS

The self-similar model of coronal transients by B. C. Low is reconsidered. Due to a modification of the basic set of the initial assumptions of the model, a new class of more consistent solutions is found. The main advantage of these new solutions is that they do not contain areas with a physically inconsistent negative pressure. Instead, the novel solutions are derived on the basis of a special prescription for the thermal pressure of the transients that guarantees, by design, its positiveness throughout the whole evolution domain. The possible importance of these solutions for understanding the physics of the transient interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs; originating from the Sun), and magnetic clouds as a subclass of these, is discussed. A practical example is cited illustrating the application of our analytic results to describe some properties of real ICMEs. Some directions and scopes for further research are outlined.
Acute arterial stiffness responses to on-ball balance exercises in young and middle-aged adults: Role of posture and cumulative effects

Objective: To examine the acute arterial stiffness changes after maintaining one bout of balance on Swiss ball using different postures in young and middle-aged adults, and to evaluate the cumulative exposure effects on arterial stiffness after multiple exercise bouts in middle-aged adults. Methods: Using crossover design, we first enrolled 22 young adults (24.0 ± 1.1 years) and randomized them to non-exercise control (CON), on-ball balance exercise trial lasting 1 × 5 min in kneeling posture (K1) and sitting posture (S1). In a following crossover experiment, 19 middle-aged adults (53.0 ± 4.7 years) were randomized to non-exercise control (CON), on-ball balance exercise trial lasting 1 × 5 min in kneeling posture (K1) and in sitting posture (S1), and on-ball balance exercise trial lasting 2 × 5 min in kneeling posture (K2) and in sitting posture (S2). Cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), an indicator of systemic arterial stiffness, was measured at baseline (BL), immediately after (0 min), and every 10 min after exercise. CAVI changes from BL in the same trial (⊿CAVI) were used for analysis. Results: In K1 trial, ⊿CAVI decreased significantly at 0 min (p < 0.05) in both young and middle-aged adults; however in S1 trial, ⊿CAVI at 0 min increased significantly in young adults (p < 0.05), with ⊿CAVI tending to increase in middle-aged adults. Bonferroni post-test revealed that at 0 min, ⊿CAVI of K1 in both young and middle-aged adults, and ⊿CAVI of S1 in young adults differed significantly from that of CON (p < 0.05). In middle-aged adults, ⊿CAVI decreased significantly at 10 min compared to BL in K2 trial (p < 0.05), and increased at 0 min compared to BL in S2 trial (p < 0.05); however, difference compared to CON was not significant. Conclusion: Single on-ball balance bout in kneeling posture improved arterial stiffness transiently in both young and middle-aged adults; however, sitting posture elicited opposite changes, and this happened only in young adults. Multiple balance bouts resulted in no significant change in arterial stiffness in middle-aged adults.
Is the Level of Contrast Enhancement on Contrast-Enhanced Mammography (CEM) Associated with the Presence and Biological Aggressiveness of Breast Cancer?

There is limited information about whether the level of enhancement on contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) can be used to predict malignancy. The purpose of this study was to correlate the level of enhancement with the presence of malignancy and breast cancer (BC) aggressiveness on CEM. This IRB-approved, cross-sectional, retrospective study included consecutive patients examined with CEM for unclear or suspicious findings on mammography or ultrasound. Excluded were examinations performed after biopsy or during neoadjuvant treatment for BC. Three breast radiologists who were blinded to patient data evaluated the images. The enhancement intensity was rated from 0 (no enhancement) to 3 (distinct enhancement). ROC analysis was performed. Sensitivity and negative likelihood ratio (LR-) were calculated after dichotomizing enhancement intensity as negative (0) versus positive (1–3). A total of 156 lesions (93 malignant, 63 benign) in 145 patients (mean age 59 ± 11.6 years) were included. The mean ROC curve was 0.827. Mean sensitivity was 95.4%. Mean LR- was 0.12%. Invasive cancer presented predominantly (61.8%) with distinct enhancement. A lack of enhancement was mainly observed for ductal carcinoma in situ. Stronger enhancement intensity was positively correlated with cancer aggressiveness, but the absence of enhancement should not be used to downgrade suspicious calcifications.
Ion current produced by a vacuum arc carbon plasma source

A vacuum arc carbon plasma source is described, in which an arc was ignited between a cathode and an anode having In aperture, by bringing the two electrodes into contact, and parting them while current was flowing. The inter-electrode gap length was varied. A focusing magnetic field was applied in the inter-electrode gap, and a toroidal magnetic field was applied to guide plasma through a toroidal duct. The influence of the arc current (I/sub arc/), gap length (L), and focusing magnetic field (B/sub f/) on the cathode spot motion, plasma behavior, and output ion current was studied. It was shown that with I/sub arc/=150-250 A and relatively weak B/sub f/, the spots moved on the cathode periphery, causing noisy arcing and fluctuation of the output ion current, while at a lower I/sub arc/ (50-100 A) and strong B/sub f/ (/spl ges/28 mT), there were fewer spots on the cathode surface, they tended to move toward the cathode center, the arc noise decreased and the average output ion current increased. With increasing L from 2 to 18 mm, the total ion current at first rapidly increased, and then saturated at L/spl ges/10 mm. Best performance of the carbon plasma source was obtained with an arc current chosen so that with a given field configuration, the cathode spots locate in the center of the cathode surface, and with strong magnetic fields in both the electrode and toroidal filter regions.
Immunomodulatory role of oral microbiota in inflammatory diseases and allergic conditions

In recent years, the interplay between oral microbiota and systemic disease has gained attention as poor oral health is associated with several pathologies. The oral microbiota plays a role in the maintenance of overall health, and its dysbiosis influences chronic inflammation and the pathogenesis of gum diseases. Periodontitis has also been associated with other diseases and health complications such as cancer, neurogenerative and autoimmune disorders, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular diseases, rheumatic arthritis, respiratory health, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The host microbiota can influence immune cell development and immune responses, and recent evidence suggests that changes in oral microbiota composition may also contribute to sensitization and the development of allergic reactions, including asthma and peanut allergies. Conversely, there is also evidence that allergic reactions within the gut may contribute to alterations in oral microbiota composition. Here we review the current evidence of the role of the oral microbiota in inflammatory diseases and health complications, as well as its future relevance in improving health and ameliorating allergic disease.