Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Accurate Vegetation Models with Low Computational Complexity for Ray Tracing

The frequency bands for communication standards are continuously increasing, as it can be seen from fifth generation (5G) and beyond 5G communications. This is done, to increase the capabilities of communication systems and enable new technologies, e.g. autonomous driving and wireless sensor networks. Therefore, reliable channel characterization methods, such as ray tracing, are needed to implement and guarantee the functionality of these new technologies. The effects of vegetation on ray tracing simulations are often times dismissed, due to their modeling challenges and high resulting computational overhead for simulations, as well as their generally small influence on the communication channel. However, with increasing frequencies for 5G, these effects cannot be dismissed anymore. So despite the modeling challenges, vegetation effects have to be included in ray tracing simulations for an accurate channel characterization. This paper aims to create a vegetation model with low computational complexity for ray tracing simulations, while depicting the effects of real vegetation as close as possible. It is shown, that even simple approaches to model vegetation with low computational overhead are often times sufficient to capture significant effects on the communication channel.
Fatigue accumulation in an oscillating plate

A thermodynamic model for fatigue accumulation in an oscillating elastoplastic Kirchhoffplate based on the hypothesis that the fatigue accumulation rate is proportional tothe dissipation rate, is derived for the case that both the elastic and the plasticmaterial characteristics change with increasing fatigue. We prove the existence ofa unique solution in the whole time interval before a singularity (material failure) occursunder the simplifying hypothesis that the temperature history is a priori given.
Spectral hulls: a degree of freedom reducing hp-strategy in space/time

Reducing the degrees of freedom (DOF) of modern finite element methods is investigated using a systematic hp-process. The elements are first agglomerated (h-coarsening) to form convex/concave hulls and then the polynomial degree of the hull basis, is increased (prefinement). Compared to the conventional continuous/discontinuous FEM, this mechanism yields more accurate solutions with smaller DOF. This methodology is validated throughout the dissertation using various methods including Fourier-Chebyshev collocation, Continuous Galerkin (CG), Discontinuous Galerkin (DG) and Discontinuous Least-Squares (DLS) on structured and/or arbitrary unstructured grids. The feasibility of such procedure is first investigated in time only by letting the spatial discretization to be fixed to an arbitrary spectral/finite element discretization. In this scenario, lower order time steps (elements) are agglomerated into a space-time hull. A general system of Volterra integral equation is then developed which is simultaneously applicable to ∂/∂t time dependency of the PDE. The reduction in DOF is demonstrated by validating a one-dimensional periodic convection test case and two-dimensional scattering from engineering geometries. Motivated by these results, the ideas are then generalized to space. This requires special grid generation and general polyhedral basis functions, called spectral hull basis, which are addressed in detail. In particular, a new set of basis functions are derived based on the SVD of the Vandermonde matrix which are proven to have small Lebesgue constant. Various iv theoretical results are presented including the derivation of a closed form relation for the Lebesgue constant on a polyhedron, derivation of a closed form relation for approximate Fekete points on a polyhedron and a new proof of Weierstrass approximation theorem in a polyhedral subset of d-dimensional space. One application of the proposed hull basis is to reduce the DOF of discontinuous FEM such that it can compete in practice with CG. The accuracy and efficiency of spectral hulls are demonstrated in a linear acoustics test case and a two-dimensional compressible vortex shedding problem.
Deconvolution of Microfluorometric Histograms with B Splines

Abstract We consider the problem of estimating a probability density from observations from that density which are further contaminated by random errors. We propose a method of estimation using spline functions, discuss the numerical implementation of the method, and prove its consistency. The problem is motivated by the analysis of DNA content obtained by microfluorometry, and an example of such an analysis is included.
Software Side Channel Vulnerability Detection Based on Similarity Calculation and Deep Learning

Software Side Channel Vulnerabilities (SSCVs) cause serious security threats, which introduces a big challenge to software development. With the sustaining growth of software complexity and scale, SSCV detection has become a tedious work. Existing methods suffer from efficiency, accuracy and generality problems, and ignore the detection of vulnerability variants. Applying machine learning is promising due to high efficiency and automation, but training an effective model is still an open issue due to the lack of side-channel vulnerability data. In this paper, we propose a novel two-stage SSCV detection method based on similarity calculation and deep learning. We target three types of vulnerability variants that have different degrees of similarity to original ones. The first detection stage applies Deterministic Finite Automata (DFA) and Trie tree to regularize software codes for detecting vulnerability Variants 1 and 2 through similarity calculation. The second stage uses Long Short-Term Memory and Neural Network Classifier (LSTM-NNClassifier) to discover vulnerability Variant 3. In addition, we offer a code augmentation method to construct a sufficient dataset to train the LSTM-NNClassifier for overcoming the problem of lacking training data. Extensive experiments based on real world data show the efficiency and accuracy of our detection method.
Delay in reaching health facilities and its associated factors among mothers giving birth in South Gondar zone hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia, 2020: A facility-based cross-sectional study

Background Delays in reaching health facilities are one of three models identified as major contributors to maternal mortality and morbidity in developing countries, including Ethiopia. However, little is known about the prevalence and associated factors of delays in reaching healthcare facilities in Ethiopia, particularly in rural areas. Objective The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of delays in reaching health facilities and associated factors among mothers who gave birth in South Gondar zone hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia, 2020. Methods A cross-sectional study design was used from 28 November to 25 December 2020, with 417 mothers who had recently given birth participating in the study, selected through a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a face-to-face interview with pretested structured questionnaires. The EpiData software (version 3.1) was used to record collected data and then exported to SPSS (version 23) for statistical analysis. Bivariable and multivariable analyses were conducted, and the odds ratio with 95% CI was used to identify factors associated with delays in reaching health facilities. The statistical significance was declared at p < . 05. Results The prevalence of delay in reaching health facilities among mothers who gave birth in South Gondar zone hospitals were 50.6%. Mothers who had no antenatal care (ANC) visits [adjusted odd ratio (AOR) = 3.16, 95% CI = 1.52, 6.56], an unplanned pregnancy (AOR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.16, 2.72), and a distance from home to a health facility greater than 5 km (AOR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.08, 2.65) were positively associated with delays in reaching health facilities. Conclusions The prevalence of delays in reaching health facilities was higher in the study area. Women's empowerment through health education about ANC follow-up, choice of family planning methods, and creating accessibility to health facilities are essential measures to minimize delays in reaching health facilities.
Angular dependence of the reflectance from an isotropic polydomain medium: experimental verification

Based on average reflectance and transmittance theory (ARTT) it has been shown recently that randomly oriented polydomain materials with optically large domains can exhibit an unusual behaviour of the dependence of reflectance on the angle of incidence. In contrast to isotropic polydomain media with optically small domains it was found, for example, that Rp can exceed Rs at certain angle of incidences ranges if the domains are optically uniaxial. This theoretically predicted behaviour has been proved by experimental spectra of randomly oriented polycrystalline fresnoite recorded at an angle of incidence of 70° at the high-wavenumber side of the reststrahlen region. While the correspondence between simulated Rp and Rs spectra based on the single-crystal data and the experimental spectra is quite acceptable, it was necessary to refine these single-crystal data in order to obtain a satisfactory resemblance between the simulated and experimental cross-polarization terms.
Nonparametric Item Response Function Estimation for Assessing Parametric Model Fit

Methods are developed that investigate the fit of parametric item response models by comparing them to models fitted under nonparametric assumptions. The approach is primarily graphical, but is made inferential through resampling from an estimated parametric model. The identifiability and estimation consistency of item response theory models are discussed and shown to be vital to the interpretation of differences between two fitted item response theory models. Simulation studies and real-data examples illustrate these techniques.
Bank funding diversity, risk and profitability: Evidence from Vietnam in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract This study empirically explores the effects of bank funding diversity on Vietnamese commercial banks’ profitability and risk in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The panel regression method was used to analyze quarterly data from 27 Vietnamese commercial banks from Q1-2016 to Q1-2021. The study findings demonstrate that commercial banks with diverse financing sources are more profitable and riskier. In the meanwhile, the COVID-19 outbreak did not diminish the short-term profitability of Vietnamese commercial banks, but it did increase their exposure to risk. On the basis of the empirical findings, this paper also proposes a number of strategies to assist Vietnamese commercial banks in operating more effectively and securely in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The interaction of sound with a subsonic jet issuing from a semi-infinite cylindrical pipe

The transmission of sound out of a semi-infinite circular jet pipe in the presence of subsonic flow from the pipe is investigated. An unstable cylindrical vortex layer attached to the edge of the pipe is considered across which differences in mean subsonic flow, density and temperature are included. A solution satisfying the Kutta condition and causality is found which possesses an instability wave term that dominates within a region of approximately 45° to the downstream jet axis. It is shown that when an exterior flow is imposed the noise level increases upstream whilst the instability wave weakens downstream. The stable part of the solution is shown to agree very well with some recent experimental results.
Rotational Relaxation in Nonpolar Diatomic Gases

The rotational‐translational energy transfer in collisions between homonuclear diatomic molecules and the rotational relaxation time in diatomic gases have been investigated classically. Using Parker's model for the intermolecular potential, numerical solutions were obtained for the rotational‐energy transfer in individual collisions. The method of solution for the collision trajectories has been combined with a Monte Carlo integration procedure to evaluate the transport properties for diatomic gases. The formal kinetic‐theory expressions derived by Wang Chang, Uhlenbeck, and Taxman for the transport coefficients of gases with internal energy states were used. Results are presented for the shear viscosity, thermal conductivity, and rotational relaxation time in N2 which compare favorably with experimental values. Results are included for both a coplanar and three‐dimensional collision model. Approximate solutions for the rotational‐energy transfer in coplanar collisions and the rotational relaxation time .
Stellar Populations and Dark Matter in the Milky Way Disk and in Local Group Galaxies

Abstract Our knowledge on the age structure, the chemical evolution, and the kinematics of the Galactic disk has grown substantially during the last years. Recent results on the properties of the stellar populations in the Galactic disk are summarized, and ongoing and future surveys and facilities are discussed. A short overview of recent mass estimates for the Milky Way is presented, and a brief summary of some of the key properties of the Galactic companions is given. The coming decade promises major breakthroughs in understanding our Milky Way, its disk, and the role of its satellites.
Target Antigen Attributes and Their Contributions to Clinically Approved Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) in Haematopoietic and Solid Cancers

Simple Summary Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) provide effective anti-cancer treatments. ADC development requires the identification of appropriate tumour-associated antigens that can be targeted by the ADC to effectively kill cancer cells while minimising damage to healthy cells, thus limiting systemic toxicities. In this review, we examine the attributes of the antigens targeted by the anticancer ADCs that are clinically approved, and consider how these features may contribute to the safety and effectiveness of ADC therapeutics. Abstract Antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) are powerful anti-cancer therapies comprising an antibody joined to a cytotoxic payload through a chemical linker. ADCs exploit the specificity of antibodies for their target antigens, combined with the potency of cytotoxic drugs, to selectively kill target antigen-expressing tumour cells. The recent rapid advancement of the ADC field has so far yielded twelve and eight ADCs approved by the US and EU regulatory bodies, respectively. These serve as effective targeted treatments for several haematological and solid tumour types. In the development of an ADC, the judicious choice of an antibody target antigen with high expression on malignant cells but restricted expression on normal tissues and immune cells is considered crucial to achieve selectivity and potency while minimising on-target off-tumour toxicities. Aside from this paradigm, the selection of an antigen for an ADC requires consideration of several factors relating to the expression pattern and biological features of the target antigen. In this review, we discuss the attributes of antigens selected as targets for antibodies used in clinically approved ADCs for the treatment of haematological and solid malignancies. We discuss target expression, functions, and cellular kinetics, and we consider how these factors might contribute to ADC efficacy.
Large‐Amplitude Damped Free Vibration of a Stretched String

The equations of motion of a vibrating string are derive, and it is shown that a coupling exists between the longitudinal and transverse modes of vibration. Free transverse vibration of small order, under sinusoidal initial conditions, is analyzed. Under these conditions, the equations are separable. The time‐dependent parts of the equations are solved by the method of variable amplitude and phase. It is seen that, when the vibration is nonplanar, part of the energy oscillates between the mutually perpendicular transverse components with a frequency proportional to the nonlinearity parameter α. The path of any point on the string is shown to be an ellipse with slowly rotating and shrinking axes.
Graph Neural Networks for Intelligent Transportation Systems: A Survey

Graph neural networks (GNNs) have been extensively used in a wide variety of domains in recent years. Owing to their power in analyzing graph-structured data, they have become broadly popular in intelligent transportation systems (ITS) applications as well. Despite their widespread applications in different transportation domains, there is no comprehensive review of recent advancements and future research directions that covers all transportation areas. Accordingly, in this survey, for the first time, we provide an overview of GNN studies in the general domain of ITS. Unlike previous surveys, which have been limited to traffic forecasting problems, we explore how GNN frameworks have evolved for different ITS applications, including traffic forecasting, demand prediction, autonomous vehicles, intersection management, parking management, urban planning, and transportation safety. Also, we micro-categorize the studies based on their transportation application to identify domain-specific research directions, opportunities, and challenges, which have been missing in previous surveys. Moreover, we identify unique and undiscussed research opportunities and directions, which is the result of reviewing a wide range of transportation applications. The neglected role of edge and graph learning in ITS applications, developing multi-modal models, and exploiting the power of unsupervised and reinforcement learning methods for developing more powerful GNNs are some examples of such new discussions in this survey. Finally, we have identified popular baseline models and datasets in each transportation domain, which facilitate the development and evaluation of future GNN-based frameworks.
Effect of blending ratio and fermentation time on the physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory qualities of injera from teff, pearl millet, and buckwheat flours

ABSTRACT Injera is a staple fermented food in Ethiopia and is prepared from teff (Eragrostis teff (Zucc) Trotter). However, due to the higher price of teff recently, only middle- and high-income people can afford it. Hence, this study investigated the effect of the Blending Ratio (BR) of Teff flour (TF), Buckwheat Flour (BWF), and Pearl Millet Flour (PMF) and Fermentation Time (FT) on the overall quality of injera. The prepared injera showed protein as 9.06–11.82%, crude fat as 2.60–5.10%, crude fiber as 1.97–2.56%, total ash as 1.78–2.24%, carbohydrate as 71.43–75.34%, and energy as 364.99–375.29 kcal/100 g. Injera prepared from all the blends was sensorially accepted; however, injera prepared from 20% PMF, 65% TF, and 15% BWF fermented for 72 h was the most preferred. From this study, it is concluded that up to 30% FMF, 20% BWF, and 72 h fermentation time is recommended for the preparation of nutritionally improved injera with good sensory acceptability.
Absolute stability criteria for infinite-dimensional discrete Lur'e systems with application to loaded distortionless electric RLCG-transmission line

We study absolute stability of a class of discrete Lur'e control system on an infinite-dimensional Hilbert space. Counterparts of the circle criterion and the Szegö criterion are derived using, respectively, quadratic and non-quadratic Lyapunov functionals. A link with existing finite-dimensional theory of absolute stability is shown. The results are illustrated by an example of the loaded distortionless electric RLCG-transmission line with a nonlinear static feedback. Its stability was previously investigated using the circle criterion for continuous infinite-dimensional systems with unbounded control and observation in the frame of systems in factor form.
Insufficient Representation of Patients With Obesity in Randomized Controlled Trials Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Antimicrobials for Treatment of Skin and Skin Structure Infections: A Scoping Review

Abstract Persons with obesity (PwO) represent approximately 50% of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSIs) in the United States (US). There are currently insufficient data in PwO for drugs used for ABSSSIs. We conducted a scoping review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 2000 and 2022 to describe how frequently body size measures were reported. Weight and/or body mass index (BMI) were recorded in approximately 50% of the 69 RCTs. The average weights or BMIs were lower than US averages for most RCTs reporting data. None evaluated the impact of body size on outcomes in the original publication. Only 30% of newly approved drugs mention PwO representation in the prescribing information. More representative recruitment of PwO into RCTs is needed to help clinicians evaluate efficacy in these patients. We suggest that the Food and Drug Administration require companies to submit plans to ensure adequate PwO inclusion and that authors of RCTs report subgroup results based on body size.
Managing the Heat Release of Calcium Sulfoaluminate Cement by Modifying the Ye’elimite Content

Nowadays, calcium sulfoaluminate cement (CSA) is garnering a large amount of attention worldwide and is being promoted as a sustainable alternative to Portland cement for specific applications. This study aimed to control the heat release of CSA cement paste by choosing the appropriate composition. For this purpose, different calcium sulfoaluminate clinkers with up to 75 wt. % of ye’elimite were synthetized. Then, a reactivity study on the synthesized clinkers was conducted while varying the amount of gypsum added. The heat of hydration was measured by isothermal calorimetry. The influence of the ye’elimite content on the heat release and on the compressive strength was investigated. According to the findings, the amount of ye’elimite in the cement has a direct relationship with the heat release. The heat release as well as the mechanical performance increase with the increase in the ye’elimite content in the CSA cement. An equation allowing the prediction of the total heat release after 24 h is provided. Such data can be of particular interest to consultants aiming at the reduction of thermal cracking in massive concrete.
Distinct Changes in Placental Ceramide Metabolism Characterize Type 1 and 2 Diabetic Pregnancies with Fetal Macrosomia or Preeclampsia

Disturbances of lipid metabolism are typical in diabetes. Our objective was to characterize and compare placental sphingolipid metabolism in type 1 (T1D) and 2 (T2D) diabetic pregnancies and in non-diabetic controls. Placental samples from T1D, T2D, and control pregnancies were processed for sphingolipid analysis using tandem mass spectrometry. Western blotting, enzyme activity, and immunofluorescence analyses were used to study sphingolipid regulatory enzymes. Placental ceramide levels were lower in T1D and T2D compared to controls, which was associated with an upregulation of the ceramide degrading enzyme acid ceramidase (ASAH1). Increased placental ceramide content was found in T1D complicated by preeclampsia. Similarly, elevated ceramides were observed in T1D and T2D pregnancies with poor glycemic control. The protein levels and activity of sphingosine kinases (SPHK) that produce sphingoid-1-phosphates (S1P) were highest in T2D. Furthermore, SPHK levels were upregulated in T1D and T2D pregnancies with fetal macrosomia. In vitro experiments using trophoblastic JEG3 cells demonstrated increased SPHK expression and activity following glucose and insulin treatments. Specific changes in the placental sphingolipidome characterize T1D and T2D placentae depending on the type of diabetes and feto-maternal complications. Increased exposure to insulin and glucose is a plausible contributor to the upregulation of the SPHK-S1P-axis in diabetic placentae.