Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Lumbar Spine Morphology in Magnetic Resonance Images Using Cobb's Method

Lumbar lordosis represents one of the most prevalent postural disorders; it is classified as significant lumbar curving in the vertebral column's sagittal plane. The study's aims were to investigate lumbar spine morphology in Sudanese patients using Cobb's approach, as well as magnetic resonance imaging sagittal T2-weighted images. It was carried out between August 2015 and August 2016 in Khartoum Sudan's Advanced Diagnostic Center and Baraha Medical City hospital, with 140 patients (55 male and 85 female patients). The controlled cases involved in this study consisted of 40 patients (10 male and 30 female patients), ranging in age from 13 to 90 years. The results revealed substantial variation between the population having normal health and disc herniated patients in the Cobb angle (P = .000) and intervertebral disc space of L3 (P = .011), but no substantial improvement (P > .05) between individuals with abnormal values and control individuals in the lumbosacral angle, L1-L5 body vertebrae, and L1, L2, L4, and L5 intervertebral disc levels. In addition, there was a notable change among the LS and Cobb angles in the patients with abnormal values (P = .045), but not in the control individuals (P = .691). We discovered a straight linear correlation among the Cobb angle and vertebral body L5-L2 in patients with bulged disc at various levels, as well as the Cobb angle and the L5-L2 intervertebral disc spaces also exhibit an indirect linear connection. It is concluded that magnetic resonance imaging is good for diagnosing disease associated with soft tissues, particularly the spinal discs that are frequently affected and cause low back problems.
A Lagrangian finite element approach for the analysis of fluid–structure interaction problems

A Lagrangian finite element method for the analysis of incompressible Newtonian fluid flows, based on a continuous re‐triangulation of the domain in the spirit of the so‐called Particle Finite Element Method, is here revisited and applied to the analysis of the fluid phase in fluid–structure interaction problems. A new approach for the tracking of the interfaces between fluids and structures is proposed. Special attention is devoted to the mass conservation problem. It is shown that, despite its Lagrangian nature, the proposed combined finite element‐particle method is well suited for large deformation fluid–structure interaction problems with evolving free surfaces and breaking waves. The method is validated against the available analytical and numerical benchmarks. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of residual pulmonary hypertension on long‐term outcomes after pulmonary endarterectomy in the modern era

Abstract Residual pulmonary hypertension (PH) negatively impacts long‐term results following pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). We sought to reveal whether modern PH therapy with PH‐targeted medicine and balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) improved long‐term results of residual PH after PEA. Long‐term findings of 80 patients who survived PEA between 2011 and 2019 were retrospectively investigated. One month after PEA, 30 patients developed residual PH defined as mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) ≥25 mmHg, of whom 23 were treated by PH‐targeted medicine and 9 by BPA. Patients with residual PH acquired considerably better functional status and exercise capacity after PEA, however, exhibited significantly worse survival rates than those without. Eleven patients died during follow‐up: 8 patients with residual PH and 3 controls. Among patients with residual PH, the deceased had a significantly lower %decrease in mPAP from 1 month to 1 year following PEA (7.4 [−32.6 to 8.0] % vs. 10.4 [3.7−27.8] %, p = 0.03) and higher mPAP at 1 year following PEA (39.5 [33.25−42.5] vs. 27 [26−34] mmHg, p < 0.01) despite PH‐targeted medicine than the survived. No patients passed away from right heart failure, and there was no difference between the groups in CTEPH‐related mortality. Modern PH therapy was used to address the majority of residual PH. Long‐term survival after PEA was negatively impacted by residual PH, but it appeared that long‐term mortality was also correlated with unrelieved residual PH despite PH‐targeted medicine. Modern PH therapy may have enhanced functional status and excercise capacity, and averted fatal right heart failure.
Blockaded six- and eight-wave mixing processes tailored by electromagnetically induced transparency scissors

We report the first experimental observations of the blockaded six- and eight-wave mixing processes in a collective multi-level Rydberg atomic ensemble tailored by multi-channel scissors and created by three coexisting electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) windows. The interplay between the dressed-state effect and the Rydberg blockade caused by strong van der Waals interactions is investigated when several parameters in the excitation lasers are changed. Blockaded multi-wave mixing (MWM) signals are obtained when the coupling frequency detuning is changed, which is improved to give multiple channels when the probe detuning is scanned. Such MWM signals tailored by EIT scissors produce a much narrower linewidth and therefore are suitable for application in long-distance quantum communication. The advantages of having multi-channel blockaded MWM signals also makes potential applications in demonstrating multi-channel entanglement possible and improves the performance of quantum computation with Rydberg atoms.
Efficient three-level screening designs using weighing matrices

Screening is the first stage of many industrial experiments and is used to determine efficiently and effectively a small number of potential factors among a large number of factors which may affect a particular response. In a recent paper, Jones and Nachtsheim [A class of three-level designs for definitive screening in the presence of second-order effects. J. Qual. Technol. 2011;43:1–15] have given a class of three-level designs for screening in the presence of second-order effects using a variant of the coordinate exchange algorithm as it was given by Meyer and Nachtsheim [The coordinate-exchange algorithm for constructing exact optimal experimental designs. Technometrics 1995;37:60–69]. Xiao et al. [Constructing definitive screening designs using conference matrices. J. Qual. Technol. 2012;44:2–8] have used conference matrices to construct definitive screening designs with good properties. In this paper, we propose a method for the construction of efficient three-level screening designs based on weighing matrices and their complete foldover. This method can be considered as a generalization of the method proposed by Xiao et al. [Constructing definitive screening designs using conference matrices. J. Qual. Technol. 2012;44:2–8]. Many new orthogonal three-level screening designs are constructed and their properties are explored. These designs are highly D-efficient and provide uncorrelated estimates of main effects that are unbiased by any second-order effect. Our approach is relatively straightforward and no computer search is needed since our designs are constructed using known weighing matrices.
Bounded solutions of some abstract differential equations

there followAs the existence of a sequence (tn)r -oo, such that SUPn;N Czu(tn)1x to, the function u(t) admits the representation u(t) = T(t-to)u(to). Also, a well-known fact is that (Xo-A)-1T(t) = T(t)(Xo-A)-1. Let us put now: w(t) = (Xo-A)-lu(t); obviously sequence {Io(tn) }l contains a convergent subsequence C0(tn)jCX, and co(t) = T(t-to)0(to), Vt_to. Let tE(00, 00) be fixed and ko big enough to get tnk ko. Then we obtain, as t > trt ,
Corrected Article: Thermal stability of the endohedral fullerenes N @ C 60 , N @ C 70 , and P @ C 60 [Phys. Rev. B 63 , 045421 (2001)]

There was a problem with the @ sign in the original article (published 9 January 2001). The entire corrected article is republished here. This article should be cited as M. Waiblinger, K. Lips, W. Harneit, A. Weidinger, E. Dietel, and A. Hirsch, Phys. Rev. B 63, 045421 (2001); 64, 159901(E) (2001).
Lot sizing models for deteriorating items with time-dependent demand

Abstract This paper presents a general formulation of the inventory lot-sizing problem with deteriorating items and continuous time-dependent demand. Three distributions of the time to deterioration are analysed as special cases. These are the Erlang, uniform, and exponential distributions. For the case of constant deterioration, an efficient iterative procedure is developed to provide the optimal replenishment schedule. Numerical examples are included to illustrate the general formulation and the proposed solution procedure. The results of these examples indicate that similar replenishment schedules are obtained for the three distributions with equal expected value.
The dependence of linearly polarized diffuse backscattering patterns on the particle size of turbid media

We present studies on the linear polarized diffuse backscattering from turbid media by means of Monte Carlo simulations and experiments. A novel experimental setup using a simplified imaging system to record the polarized diffuse backscattering (PDB) patterns is reported. A method of Fourier analysis is introduced to extract the holistic characteristic of the PDB patterns. The analysed results show a linear relationship between the co-PDB patterns and the particle diameters of monodisperse polystyrene suspensions. It offers a new method for sizing particles of turbid media.
Kinematics and Principal Component Analysis from IFU Spectroscopy of the Post-Starburst Quasar SDSS J0210–0903

We present 2-D mapping and analysis of the gaseous kinematics of the inner 7″ × 5″ of one of nearest (z = 0.0414) and brightest post-starburst quasars (PSQ) by using spectra obtained with the Integral Field Unit (IFU) of the Gemini Multi-Object Spectrograph on the Gemini North Telescope (Allington-Smith et al. 2002). Such quasars are broad-lined AGNs that also show the Balmer jumps and the high-order Balmer absorption lines from A stars typical of massive post-starburst populations of a few hundred Myrs (Brotherton et al. 2007). From measurements of the emission-line profiles, we constructed two-dimensional maps for the flux distributions, line ratios, radial velocities and gas velocity dispersions for the Hβ and [Oiii] emitting gas, similar to those of previous studies by our group (e.g., Barbosa et al. 2009).
Caspar Bauhin's contribution to a historical herbarium stored in Bologna

Abstract Cristofolini, G. (2023). Caspar Bauhin's contribution to a historical herbarium stored in Bologna. Candollea 78: 33–51. In English, English abstract. A historical herbarium stored in the herbarium of the Bologna University [BOLO], putatively ascribed to the Swiss botanist Caspar Bauhin (1560–1624), was examined with a focus on the information contained in the annotations to the specimens, in particular to the bibliographic references, in order to assess the time of collection of each specimen and to identify its origin. The analysis revealed that the herbarium includes specimens collected between the middle of the 16th century and the first decades of the 17th century, from more than one collector, including at least one learned scholar, and one or more inexperienced botanists. The identification of the authors, however, is hindered by the fact that their original inscriptions were destroyed after having been copied by a scribe. Nevertheless, among a great deal of poorly annotated material, four specimens could be confidently ascribed to Caspar Bauhin, while a further 15 might plausibly come from the same source. The hypothesis that his brother Johann also contributed some specimens, as suggested by previous studies, although not excluded, seems insufficiently supported. There is convincing evidence that the specimens ascribed to Bauhin were collected after 1596, and sent to Ulisse Aldrovandi (1522–1605) in Bologna before 1605. The whole herbarium, however, was not assembled in its present form before 1623. Most likely, it was Bartolomeo Ambrosini (1588–1657), lecturer in botany in Bologna at that time, who gathered a number of exsiccata collected or received during Aldrovandi's lifetime, and then arranged for them to be glued on paper sheets and labelled by a scribe. In doing so, the original labels were lost, and with them the possibility of identifying the authors with certainty. Submitted on October 10, 2022. Accepted on February 2, 2023. First published online on March 28, 2023.
Statistics of Isolated Eigenvalues of Random Structures

A new random finite element method for solving eigenvalue problems involving material variability is given. The random material properties, such as the modulus of elasticity, are represented by Karhunun-Loeve expansion. Random structural eigenvalues are expressed as nonorthogonal polynomials chaos. With the aid of the finite element method, a set of deterministic recursive equations is set up to deal with eigenvalue problems through nonorthogonal polynomials of the same order. The statistics of eigenvalues is derived. A beam problem and a plate problem are investigated by the new method. The derived second-order statistics of eigenvalues is found in good agreement with those obtained by Monte-Carlo simulation.
Herschel observations of star-forming regions from the HOBYS programme

This thesis presents three higher-mass star forming regions (Mon R1, Mon R2 and NGC 2264) as observed by Herschel, and also the JCMT (SCUBA-2), and the IRAM 30-m telescope, with additional data from the Spitzer and WISE archives. The Herschel observations, using the SPIRE and PACS instruments over a range of 70 m{500 m, were taken as part of the HOBYS Key Programme, and the data were reduced using the HIPE mapmaking environment with sources identified and characterised by the get- sources routine. The Herschel observations cover the peaks of cold dust SEDs, allowing robust estimates of mass and temperature to be made. Comparisons of the Herschel observations of the three regions suggest a picture of star formation in which the densest parts of certain molecular clouds can accrete matter via filaments from the surrounding regions, fuelling far more star formation than occurs in the outer regions. My study of these regions has led to the potential classification of two separate regimes of star formation. The �first occurs in �filamentary regions (generally observed with a column density of 3 � 1021 cm
Laser processing for high‐efficiency Si solar cells

High‐efficiency silicon solar cells can be fabricated by ion implantation followed by pulsed laser annealing. The proper choice of implantation parameters (energy and dose), laser energy density, substrate temperature, etc., and the improvement of the minority carrier diffusion length of the starting material are important factors in obtaining high efficiency cells. In this paper, we report on experiments which show that substrate heating during pulsed laser annealing can improve the electrical properties of the emitter regions of solar cells. We have also found that the open circuit voltage and the fill factor of ion‐implanted, laser‐annealed cells can be improved by increasing the emitter dopant concentration, whereas the short circuit current remains fairly constant; these results are in only qualitative agreement with theoretical predictions. By using ion implantation followed by laser annealing to form p‐n junctions, laser damage gettering to enhance the minority carrier diffusion length, and laser‐i.
Probability-based saliency detection approach for multi-features integration

There are various saliency detection methods have been proposed recent years. These methods can often complement each other so combining them in appropriate way will be an effective solution of saliency analysis. Existing aggregation methods assigned weights to each entire saliency map, ignoring that features perform differently in certain parts of an image and their gaps between distinguishing the foreground from the backgrounds. In this work, we present a Bayesian probability based framework for multi-feature aggregation. We address saliency detection as a two-class classification problem. Saliency maps generated from each feature have been decomposed into pixels. By the statistic results of different saliency value’s reliability on foreground and background detection, we can generate an accurate, uniform and per-pixel saliency mask without any manual set parameters. This approach can significantly suppress feature’s misclassification while preserve their sensitivity on foreground or background. Experiment on public saliency benchmarks show that our method achieves equal or better results than all state-of-the-art approaches. A new dataset contains 1500 images with human labeled ground truth is also constructed.
Research on the Social Benefits of Urban Rail Transit Operation: A Measurement Scale

—Rail transit has increasingly played an important role in urban transportation system due to its high capacity and low energy consumption. Since the existing literature on rail transit's operation benefits mainly focus on its economic benefits, this paper pays attention to its social benefits using a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods. Through expert and group interviews, combined with literature combing, the conceptual connotation of social benefits of rail transportation is refined and structural dimensions are constructed. Data were obtained by distributing questionnaires, applying exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis, in addition to empirically testing the validity of the developed scale, and finally developing a set of measurement scales for the social benefits of rail transit operations. The scale contains 5 dimensions of residents' travel benefits, cultural and livelihood benefits, urban layout benefits, comprehensive urban benefits, and ecological and environmental benefits, with a total of 17 entries. Based on the results of the empirical analysis, the study proposes policy recommendations for rail transit construction and operation.
Eigenstructure assignment in linear descriptor systems

Given a linear controllable system Ex/spl dot/=Fx+Gu, we study the limits of linear proportional feedback u=Kx+/spl upsi/ in assigning a desired finite and infinite eigenstructure of the closed-loop system Ex/spl dot/=(F+GK)x+G/spl upsi/. The closed-loop system is not restricted to be regular; its rank makes part of the specifications. Necessary and sufficient conditions are established for the existence of a feedback gain K which assigns the desired eigenstructure, and a procedure is outlined to calculate one such gain. >
Combined Effects of Climate and Pests on Fig (Ficus carica L.) Yield in a Mediterranean Region: Implications for Sustainable Agricultural Strategies

Fig cultivation has long been an agricultural tradition in the Mediterranean region, providing economic and social benefits to local communities. Understanding fig tree yield response to the rapid invasions of fig pests and shifts in climatic conditions is essential for developing appropriate sustainable agricultural strategies. In this context, we investigate whether rapid changes in climate and pest invasions have had a combined effect on fig (Ficus carica L.) tree yield. We used data collected over 10 years in Bejaïa province, Algeria, and conducted a regression analysis to investigate the relationship between fig tree yield and two key factors. Results revealed a significant warming trend (0.057 °C yr−1), and a decrease in precipitation (−27.1 mm yr−1), in the region. Multiple pests, including pathogenic fungi (Diaporthe cinerascens, Fusarium spp.) and ravaging bark beetles (Hypocryphalus scabricollis), have spread in the region. Fig tree yield declined by 25% during the study period and was affected by both factors. Our findings provide valuable insights that can aid farmers and practitioners in mitigating risks that arise from the combined effects of climate change and pest invasions, thereby promoting sustainable farming practices.
Study Conditions and University Students’ Mental Health during the Pandemic: Results of the COVID-19 German Student Well-Being Study (C19 GSWS)

University students are generally vulnerable to mental health problems. This was exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic, when students experienced decisive changes and restrictions in their academic lives. Our study aimed at (a) analysing associations between study conditions and symptoms of depression and anxiety and (b) determining the extent of use and motivation to use student counselling services. The C19 GSWS is a cross-sectional study conducted at five universities in Germany (N = 7203). Descriptive analyses and linear regression models were performed to estimate the associations between study conditions and mental health outcomes. A total of 42.4% of the students felt down, depressed, or hopeless on several days over the past 14 days. Between a third and 44.1% of the students felt burdened by their study conditions. Worse perceived study conditions were associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms and anxiety. Only 7.1% indicated that they had utilised student counselling services, and female gender, enrolment in a bachelor’s programme, and having more than 1 reason for utilisation were factors associated with use. The results of our research underline the need for universities to review their study conditions and to provide targeted intervention strategies and counselling services to promote students’ mental well-being.
Symptomatic Uncomplicated Diverticular Disease (SUDD): Practical Guidance and Challenges for Clinical Management

Abstract Symptomatic Uncomplicated Diverticular Disease (SUDD) is a syndrome within the diverticular disease spectrum, characterized by local abdominal pain with bowel movement changes but without systemic inflammation. This narrative review reports current knowledge, delivers practical guidance, and reveals challenges for the clinical management of SUDD. A broad and common consensus on the definition of SUDD is still needed. However, it is mainly considered a chronic condition that impairs quality of life (QoL) and is characterized by persistent left lower quadrant abdominal pain with bowel movement changes (eg, diarrhea) and low-grade inflammation (eg, elevated calprotectin) but without systemic inflammation. Age, genetic predisposition, obesity, physical inactivity, low-fiber diet, and smoking are considered risk factors. The pathogenesis of SUDD is not entirely clarified. It seems to result from an interaction between fecal microbiota alterations, neuro-immune enteric interactions, and muscular system dysfunction associated with a low-grade and local inflammatory state. At diagnosis, it is essential to assess baseline clinical and Quality of Life (QoL) scores to evaluate treatment efficacy and, ideally, to enroll patients in cohort studies, clinical trials, or registries. SUDD treatments aim to improve symptoms and QoL, prevent recurrence, and avoid disease progression and complications. An overall healthy lifestyle – physical activity and a high-fiber diet, with a focus on whole grains, fruits, and vegetables – is encouraged. Probiotics could effectively reduce symptoms in patients with SUDD, but their utility is missing adequate evidence. Using Rifaximin plus fiber and Mesalazine offers potential in controlling symptoms in patients with SUDD and might prevent acute diverticulitis. Surgery could be considered in patients with medical treatment failure and persistently impaired QoL. Still, studies with well-defined diagnostic criteria for SUDD that evaluate the safety, QoL, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of these interventions using standard scores and comparable outcomes are needed.