Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Outcomes between Vaccinated versus Non-Vaccinated Covid-19 Patients

Objective: To compare the outcomes in term of hospital stay and mortality between vaccinated and nonvaccinated covid-19 patients. Study Design: Prospective/Observational Place and Duration: The study was conducted at Medicine department of Fauji Foundation Hospital Rawalpindi and Pak International Medical College Hayatabad Peshawar for six months duration from December 2020 to May 2021. Methodology: One hundred ten patients of either gender with covid-19 disease were enrolled. All the patients were confirmed with RT PCR. Patients were randomly divided in to two groups. Group I (vaccinated) comprised of 45 patients and group II (non-vaccinated) comprised of 65 patients. Severity of disease, hospital stay and mortality were compared between both groups. Data was analyzed by SPSS 24.0. Results: There were 74 (67.27%) males while 36 (32.73%) patients were females. Mean age of patients was 50.54±12.76 years. Mean BMI was 26.23±2.44 kg/m2. 10 (22.22%) patients in vaccinated group and 40 (61.54%) in nonvaccinated group had severe covid-19 disease, a significant difference was observed regarding severity of disease between both groups with p-value <0.05. Mortality rate and hospital stay were also high in nonvaccinated patients as compared to vaccinated (p-value <0.05). Conclusion: It is concluded that non-vaccinated patients of covid-19 had prolonged hospital stay and high rate of severity of disease and mortality as compared to vaccinated patients. Keywords: Covid-19, Vaccination, Severity, Hospital Stay, Mortality
Towards fair side-channel security evaluations

Side-channel attacks appeared for the first time in the late 90's. They rely on the observation that the physical features of a cryptographic device may reflect its internal activity which may reveal sensitive information such as encryption keys. This unintended leakage is hardly controlled, and in general cannot be totally prevented. Therefore, determining the true security level given these leakages is an important open problem in modern cryptography. In order to provide worst-case security guarantees, the evaluator needs to accurately model the leakages. Yet, in practice, various issues may be encountered and make this task challenging. For example: (i) the sensitive data is generally processed at different times, hence the leaked information is spread in the measurements, (ii) the leakage model may be biased, in which case a part of the leaked information is missed. In this thesis, we aim to contribute to the fair evaluation of cryptographic devices in three directions: (1) the leakage detection, (2) the detection of Points-Of-Interest (POIs), and (3) the leakage certification. The leakage detection determines if data-dependent leakages are present in the measurements, independent of whether they can be exploited. By contrast, the POI detection identifies the samples that can be used to recover the secret key. In the first part of the thesis, we investigate these two tasks and put forward that while having different purposes, they are also connected to a significant extent. We also propose concrete improvements for both, and show how to exploit heuristic optimization algorithms to improve the POI detection for implementations protected by side-channel attack countermeasures. In the second part of the thesis, we introduce leakage certification methods in order to test the quality of the evaluator's model. We show how the sources of error can be separately identified and quantified. Moreover, we show that the underlying information loss can be bounded.
Field test to determine frequencies of bridge stay cables

Considerable recent attention has been focussed on understanding the dynamic response of cable-stayed bridges and stay cable vibration, including rain-wind induced vibration. The Fred Hartman Bridge has experienced large-amplitude rain-wind induced vibrations that led to modeling efforts. To validate models of the stay cables developed from design drawings, a field test was conducted to determine the fundamental frequency of each of the 192 cables. This paper presents the field test, analysis of data, and results. Comparison of results for eight sets of nominally identical cables in the design shows small fundamental frequency differences in sets of long stringlike cables, but large frequency differences in sets of short beam-like cables and therefore a need for different test and analysis approaches for long and short stay cables.
Developing a Brief Method for the Simultaneous Assessment of Anaerobic and Aerobic Fitness

Abstract : The objective of the proposed effort is to develop a brief and accurate method for the simultaneous assessment of anaerobic and aerobic fitness that is practical for both field and laboratory use. We anticipate that a method requiring an assessment period of only a few minutes or less, and two brief, minimally fatiguing efforts is possible. Each subject will undergo established tests to assess their maximal aerobic power and anaerobic power, respectively. Subjects will also complete a series of all-out efforts to establish their performance capabilities for efforts of different durations. Our analysis will focus primarily on two questions. First, we will determine if the relationship between the metabolic power available and all-out performance capabilities is common or dependent upon the fitness level of the individual. Second, we will determine whether the relationship between metabolic power and performance varies with the type of physical activity in which soldiers are engaged. We hypothesize that a single relationship will generalize to: 1) different individuals regardless of fitness level, and 2) to different types of physical activity. The development of a simple, practical and accurate method for assessing metabolic fitness and performance capabilities will provide a number of benefits.
Comparative analysis of indirect, direct and hybrid cryogenic machining of Nimonic C-263 superalloy

Nickel based superalloys finds extensive usage in manufacturing of intricate part shapes in gas turbine, aircraft, submarine, and chemical industries owing their excellent mechanical property and heat resistant abilities. However, machining of such difficult-to-machine alloys up to the desired accuracy and preciseness is a complex task owing to a rapid tool wear and failure. In view of this, present work proposes an experimental investigation and optimization of process parameters of the cryogenic assisted turning process during machining of Nimonic C-263 superalloy with a multilayer CVD insert. Taguchi’s L-27 orthogonal array is used plan the experiments. Effects of input parameters viz. cutting speed (V), cutting feed (F), depth of cut (D) are studied on responses viz. surface roughness (SR), nose wear (NW) and cutting forces (CF) under indirect, direct and hybrid cryogenic (indirect+direct) machining environment. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis is carried out to explore the post- machining outcomes on the performance measures. The multiple responses are converted in to single response and ranked according to Taguchi based grey relational analysis (TGRA). Feed rate (F) is found to be the most influential parameter from the analysis of variance (ANOVA) of grey relational grade (GRG). Further, the means of GRG for each level of process parameters are used to improve the optimal process parameters. Finally, a confirmative experiment is performed on the optimum machining conditions to validate the optimization study results. It is seen that the value of GRG is improved by 9.34% when compared to the previous best result. The proposed work can be beneficial to choose ideal process conditions to enhance the performance of turning operation.
Perforation corrosion performance of autobody steel sheet in on-vehicle and accelerated tests

The Auto/Steel Partnership Corrosion Project Team has completed a perforation corrosion test program consisting of on-vehicle field exposures and various accelerated tests. Steel sheet products with eight combinations of metallic and organic coatings were tested, utilizing a simple crevice coupon design. On-vehicle exposures were conducted in St. John's and Detroit for up to seven years to establish a real-world performance standard. Identical test specimens were exposed to the various accelerated tests, and the results were compared to the real-world standard. This report documents the results of these tests, and compares the accelerated test results (including SAE J2334, GM9540P, Ford APGE, CCT-I, ASTM B117, South Florida Modified Volvo, and Kure Beach (25-meter) exposures) to the on-vehicle tests. The results are compared in terms of five criteria: extent of corrosion, rank order of material performance, degree of correlation, acceleration factor, and control of test environment. Three of the laboratory accelerated tests, namely, SAE J2334, GM9540P, and Ford APGE gave results that are reasonably consistent with on-vehicle behavior.
Vitreoretinal Lymphoma as the Initial Presentation of a Breast Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma

Purpose: We report a case of vitreoretinal lymphoma as the initial presentation of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the breast. Methods: A case report is presented. Results: A 72-year-old woman was referred for evaluation of vitritis in both eyes. Diagnostic vitrectomy and pathology workup demonstrated atypical lymphoid cells consistent with the presence of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Brain magnetic resonance imaging and lumbar puncture findings were negative for central nervous system lymphoma. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography imaging showed a mass in the left breast, and breast biopsy confirmed aggressive B-cell lymphoma. Conclusions: When vitreoretinal lymphoma is diagnosed, it is important to evaluate for other forms of systemic lymphoma in addition to central nervous system lymphoma.
A geographically partitioned cellular automata model for the expansion of residential areas

A key component of cellular automata (CA) models is the transition rules that determine the transformation of cells at each iteration. However, most previous studies use a single set of transition rules across the entire study region, and therefore do not fully account for spatial heterogeneity. In this research, a vector CA model has been implemented that calibrates transition rules by taking the entire study region and partitioned sub‐regions into consideration. The changes in residential areas were modelled for the city of Ipswich, Queensland, Australia, from 1999 to 2016. The results confirm that the spatially partitioned rules can generate more accurate and stable results compared to calibrated rules using the whole study area, with an increase of mean producer's spatial accuracy of 72.07 and 75.59% in two sub‐regions (2‐2 and 2‐3). The implementation of CA models with partitioned transition rules enables a better understanding of spatial heterogeneity in land use change.
Recycled Concrete Aggregate Coefficient of Thermal Expansion

Despite a critical shortage of virgin aggregate, the availability of demolished concrete for use as recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) is increasing. Using this waste concrete as RCA conserves virgin aggregate, reduces the impact on landfills, decreases energy consumption, and can provide cost savings. However, there are still many unanswered questions about the beneficial use of RCA in concrete pavements. This research studied the effect of RCA on the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and its impact on pavement performance. CTE is a key property of concrete and relates to the amount of expansion and contraction caused by changes in temperature. CTE testing was conducted on 16 cores containing various amounts of coarse RCA (0%, 15%, 30%, and 50%) using a simplified methodology. Testing showed that concrete performance improved as the amount of RCA increased. This result was demonstrated by a decrease in CTE; values for the CTE ranged from 7.28 × 10-6/°C for 0% coarse RCA to 4.10 × 10-6/°C for 50% coarse RCA. The variability of the CTE results was also examined to assess whether the RCA content or simplified testing methodology affected the results. Performance of the RCA concrete was simulated by using the Mechanistic–Empirical Pavement Design Guide. Average, minimum, and maximum CTE values for each RCA amount were used to investigate the sensitivity of this important property on pavement roughness, cracking, and faulting. Simulated pavement performance of all the RCA sections improved as the CTE values decreased.
Performance and history: elite school pupils’ views on assessment and their future in Sweden

ABSTRACT Historically, the Swedish school system has been designed to level out differences between pupils. There has also been scepticism about assessing pupils. However, new school reforms in Sweden centre on performance and tests. This article focuses on pupils (year 6) in Swedish elite schools and their perceptions of assessment. The pupils are in an environment radiating exclusiveness and achievement through tradition, the physical environment and social contexts. The study is based on qualitative interviews in which the pupils were asked about their vision of the future and the importance of good school results. The pupils recount extensive preparation for the tests, which technically have no bearing, something which testifies to the importance attached to high grades even though they play no role in the pupils’ future careers. But the pupils translate the ‘artefacts’ tests and grades into a resource supporting their long-term performance and future access to attractive degree programmes.
Numerical and experimental investigation of performance improvements of a cross-flow fan

Abstract : The cross-flow fan has an inherent ability to provide thrust to an airfoil as well as provide boundary layer control. The thrust can be easily vectored and usually the cross-flow fan is fully embedded within the airfoil, making its operation relatively safe. Those characteristics make it very favorable as a propulsive means for a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft. However, further design improvements are needed for competitive comparison with existing conventional aircraft propulsion methods. The baseline configuration was scaled from a 12-inch diameter, 30-bladed rotor developed by Vought Systems in the 1970s to a 6-inch rotor as a more realistic size for integration into a propulsive wing. Using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software, ANSYS CFX, previous baseline configuration models were validated at full-speed range to verify the software's prediction. Then, a model with the cross-flow fan embedded at the trailing edge was built and different configurations were examined. An attempt was made to improve the performance of the cross-flow fan embedded airfoil by thrust and thrust-to-power ratio, and lift and drag forces were calculated. CFD results have shown that a rotor with fewer blades can improve performance and a 22-bladed rotor was selected and examined experimentally. Results were compared with the baseline 30-bladed rotor.
System Dynamic and Simulation of Business Model Innovation in Digital Companies: An Open Innovation Approach

Digital companies must improve their business models evolutionarily and innovatively. Therefore, IT investment, especially for revitalizing digital capabilities for operational changes, is important. Most companies are looking to source innovation from outside organizations. Partnership assessment is a crucial problem since it is not easy to integrate internal and external capabilities. The study aims to define business model innovation based on system dynamics with partnership scenarios. Open innovation is needed to evolve to meet market expansion. Partnership and IP strategies are discussed. System Dynamics modeling is utilized to map a system structure to capture its behavior and the relationships between elements, creating a simulation over time. The study develops a BMI to show how OI variables significantly contribute to the engine of growth for digital companies. The simulation reveals that OI has a significant effect on the company’s performance, indicated by significantly growing revenue after two years. At the early stage, patenting IP is not practical since the companies involved are unclear about the detailed IP. The IP success or the partner failure rate does not affect revenue significantly. After two years, companies sharing IP find the best way to benefit from it and lead to sustainable growth.
All Social Media Is Not Created Equal: Instagram, Finsta, and Loneliness

Research on the relationships between social media use and loneliness has produced mixed findings, in part because people use social media in different ways. Finsta is a private Instagram account followed only by a small group of the user’s friends and is considered to be a more authentic form of social media. The purpose of the present study was to examine the differential associations of Instagram and Finsta use with social and emotional loneliness and to investigate off-line engagement as a potential mediator of these associations. With data from an online survey given to N = 330 emerging adults, a series of hierarchical linear regressions showed that Instagram use negatively predicted and Finsta use positively predicted social loneliness, whereas neither were associated with emotional loneliness. Furthermore, whereas Finsta use was not associated with off-line social engagement with friends (OSE-friend), Instagram use was positively associated with this variable. In addition, results showed that off-line social support with friends partially mediated the relationship between Instagram use and social loneliness. The findings imply that all social media are not created equal; even within the same platform (Instagram), differential associations were found with social loneliness depending on the type of account used.
Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index Predicts Poor Prognosis of Patients After Curative Surgery for Gastric Cancer.

Background The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) is a nutritional measure for predicting the risk of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. We evaluated the utility of the GNRI to predict the short-term and long-term outcomes after curative surgery for gastric cancer (GC). Patients and Methods Patients who underwent curative surgery for GC between 2008 and 2016 were reviewed (n=795). We classified patients into two groups according to the GNRI (high GNRI: low and no risk; low GNRI: major and moderate risk) and compared the utility of the GNRI. Results A low GNRI was an independent prognostic factor for poorer overall survival (hazard ratio=2.34, p<0.001). The GNRI tended to be a better prognostic indicator in elderly patients with GC. Low GNRI was associated with postoperative complications (odds ratio=2.27, p=0.002), especially in patients aged ≥75 (odds ratio=2.26, p=0.042). Conclusion Low GNRI was associated with poor prognosis and occurrence of postoperative complications in patients with GC, especially in elderly patients.
Working on Cognitive Functions in a Fully Digitalized Multisensory Interactive Room: A New Approach for Intervention in Autism Spectrum Disorders

The feasibility of working on cognitive functions with children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) inside Multisensory Interactive Rooms (MIRs) has been poorly investigated, even if sensory atypicalities are common in ASD and usual intervention rooms could represent a challenging sensory setting for patients with ASD. We hypothesized that the possibility to calibrate the sensory stimulation offered by this type of environment, able to promote a positive emotional state in patients with ASD, can consequently favor the interaction with the therapist and the motivation towards activities targeting cognitive functions. High- and low-functioning children and low-functioning adolescents/adults underwent five sessions in a fully digitalized MIR, working on sustained attention, selective attention, association, single inhibition, receptive communication, verbalization, and turn. We developed specific protocols calibrated for sensory stimulation and difficulty level based on the characteristics of the participants. We found statistically significant improvements in all functions, except association, in the children’s group. Therefore, a fully digitalized MIR seems suitable for intervention on cognitive functions in ASDs, but further investigations are needed to better address possible differences related to age and functioning level.
Hall-Sensor-Based Magnetic Force Modeling and Inverse Modeling for Hexapole Electromagnetic Actuation

This article presents the Hall-sensor-based magnetic force modeling and inverse modeling for the hexapole electromagnetic actuation. Whereas mathematical models are derived for a specific hexapole electromagnetic actuating system, the results can be applied to other multipole electromagnetic actuators. Previously reported current-based force modeling and inverse modeling are subject to the combined hysteresis effect of multiple electromagnetic poles, resulting in significant error when being applied to produce magnetic force. To solve the challenge via direct measurement, Hall effect sensors are integrated into the hexapole system to measure the magnetic flux associated with individual magnetic poles. A Hall-sensor-based magnetic force model is then derived analytically, and the force gain and the associated voltage-flux gain matrix are determined via experimental calibration. The improved accuracy in force modeling is experimentally validated. Inverse modeling is then derived to render force production and to enable active control using the hexapole actuating system.