Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Structure and Concentration Decay of High Pressure Jets of Natural Gas

Abstract The concentration field in compressible sonic jets of natural gas over the pressure range from 2 to 70 bar has been studied using gas chromatography. At these pressures the jet expands immediately downstream of the nozzle in order to equilibriate with ambient conditions. The behaviour of such underexpanded jets is shown to be similar to classical free jets provided that an appropriate scaling factor is employed to describe the effective size of the jet source. This notional source is referred to as the pseudo-diameter and a theroretical analysis for its derivation is presented. The experimental data support this approach, and the decay constants for the jet concentration field agree with previous measurements in incompressible jets. Comparison with results obtained from a high pressure jet of ethylene at 8 bar indicate that the effect of jet fluid density in concentration decay is the same as in classical free jets.
The convective Stefan problem: shaping under natural convection

Abstract What is the shape formed by a body that is melting or dissolving into an ambient fluid? We present a theoretical analysis of the dynamics of melting or dissolving bodies in the common situation where the transfer of heat or solute at the surface creates a thin thermal or solutal convective boundary layer along its surface. By conducting a general analysis of a mathematical model describing the shape evolution of such bodies (Pegler & Davies Wykes, J. Fluid Mech., vol. 900, 2020, A35), we reveal new phenomena relating to the emergence of fundamental similarity solutions, asymptotic transitions, tip structure and the conditions for the development of sharp versus blunted tips. A universal regime diagram is developed showing asymptotic transitions between two different classes of similarity solutions. With $t$ time, the tip of initially rectangular bodies is found to descend as $t^{4/3}$ at early times, but transitions to the considerable faster power of $t^4$ at long times, for example. Surprisingly, the tips of certain shapes, including initially rectangular bodies, sharpen continuously, whilst those of others, including initially conic bodies, blunt for all times. For the former case, the tip curvature grows rapidly as $t^{12}$, forming a needle-like shape. More general initial shapes can produce multiple transitions between sharpening and blunting. These results provide foundational understanding of buoyancy-driven fluid sculpting that underlies numerous natural and industrial applications.
Experimental and Numerical Studies in a Compact Trapped Vortex Combustor: Stability Assessment and Augmentation

Fundamental studies on a compact trapped vortex combustor indicate that cavity injection strategies play a major role on flame stability. Detailed experiments indicate that blow-out occurs for a certain range of cavity air flow velocities. An unsteady RANS-based reacting flow simulation tool has been utilized to study the basic dynamics of cavity vortex for various flow conditions. The phenomenon of flame blow-out at certain intermediate cavity air velocities is explained on the basis of transition from a cavity-stabilized mode to an opposed flow stagnation mode. A novel strategy is proposed for achieving flame stability at all conditions. This involves using a flow guide vane in the path of the main flow to direct a portion of the main flow into the cavity. This seems to result in a desirable dual vortex structure, i.e., a small clockwise vortex behind the vane and large counterclockwise vortex in the cavity. Experimental results show stable flame at all flow conditions with the flow guide vane, and pressure drop is estimated to be within acceptable limits. Cold flow simulations show self-similar velocity profiles for a range of main inlet velocities, and high reverse velocity ratios (−0.3) are observed. Such a high-velocity ratio in the reverse flow shear layer profile leads to enhanced production of turbulence imperative to compact combustors. Reacting flow simulations show even higher reverse velocity ratios (above −0.7) due to flow acceleration. The flame is observed to be stable, even though minor shear layer oscillations are present in the form of vortex shedding. Self-similarity is also observed in reacting flow temperature profiles at combustor exit over the entire range of the mainstream velocity. This indicates that the present configuration holds a promise of delivering robust performance invariant of the flow operating conditions.
Improving the mechanical performance of a resistance spot welded 1200 MPa TBF steel

Abstract In the present work different approaches to improve the mechanical properties of a resistance spot welded 1200 MPa transformation induced plasticity-aided bainitic ferrite steel are evaluated. An extension of the welding time results in coarsening of the microstructure of the outer fusion zone and the maximum force derived by the cross tension strength test did not improve significantly. A temper pulse after a long cooling time leads to pronounced softening of the fusion zone, as determined by hardness mapping, which resulted in enhanced weld properties. A recrystallization pulse modifies the shape of the prior austenite grains at the outer fusion zone, which was visualized with electron backscatter diffraction. This also resulted in a significant improvement of maximum force. For all approaches the failure mode improved, which can be attributed to an increased fraction of high angle grain boundaries at the edge of the fusion zone.
Expression of Platelet Derived Growth Factor a, Its Receptor, and Integrin Subunit Alpha V in Feline Injection-Site Sarcomas

Abstract Injection-site sarcomas are considered an important entity in veterinary oncology, especially in cats. The current study investigated the immunohistochemical expression of platelet-derived growth factor A (PDGFA), platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α (PDGFR-α), and integrin alpha subunit v in feline injection-site sarcomas (FISS). A total of 14 paraffin-embedded tissue samples previously diagnosed as soft tissue sarcomas were selected from the departmental archive and sectioned at 5µm using a microtome. Tissue sections were stained with Hematoxylin & Eosin, Alcian blue-Periodic Acid Schiff (AB-PAS), Masson’s Trichrome, and immunohistochemically for PDGFA, PDGR-α, and integrin alpha v. The majority of the tumors were fibrosarcomas (n=13/14), except one case of myxoid liposarcoma. The tumors occurred at sites commonly used for injections or vaccine administration. Histologically, tumors were characterized by peripheral infiltration of mononuclear cells mainly lymphocytes, variable sized central necrotic areas, and many multinucleated tumor giant cells. AB-PAS staining revealed the presence of myxoid or mucinous areas in (8/14) tumors while trichrome staining demonstrated a variable amount of collagenous stroma in 12/14 tumors. Vimentin immunoreactivity was observed in all the tumors while smooth muscle actin and muscle actin staining was noticed in four and two cases, respectively. PDGFA and PDGFR-α immunoexpression was observed in all 14 cases while integrin alpha v in 13/14 cases. The results of the current study indicate that fibrosarcoma is the major morphologic phenotype of FISS. The PDGFA, its receptor, and integrin alpha v immunoexpression are increased in these tumors in cats which elucidates their role in the pathogenesis of FISS.
Gastrointestinal Nematode Infections in Antelopes from Morocco: A Coprological Survey

Abstract This study examined the gastrointestinal parasitological status of three endangered Sub-Saharan antelope species (Addax nasomaculatus, Oryx dammah, Gazella dorcas) hosted at Souss-Massa National Park in Morocco. A total of 254 faecal samples (80 samples from the addax population, 81 from the oryx population and 93 from the dorcas population) were analysed to determine the prevalence and the intensity of the parasites in host faeces (expressed as the mean EPG: egg per gram), using microscopic methods (Flotation and McMaster) and the molecular identification of parasites using PCR and sequencing of the second internal transcribed spacer region of the rDNA (ITS-2). The prevalence results in the addax, oryx and dorcas gazelle were 43.7%, 2.4%, and 61.3%, respectively, for Nematodirus spp. ; 21.2%, 12.3%, and 16.13%, respectively, for Trichuris spp. ; and 36.2%, 39.5%, and 53.7%, respectively, for other, undistinguished strongylids. The means of EPG values for parasites in addax, oryx and dorcas gazelle were 8.9, 2.4, and 61.3, respectively, for Nematodirus spp. ; 4.3, 2.4, and 4.8, respectively, for Trichuris spp. ; and 18.1, 16.6, and 50.1, respectively, for other undistinguished strongylids. Sequencing of the ITS-2 rDNA region of the isolated parasites allowed the identification of Camelostrongylus mentulatus and Nematodirus spathiger in these three antelope species. We can conclude that the studied antelopes are infected at tolerating levels with the first record of Camelostrongylus mentulatus and Nematodirus spathiger in those antelopes in Morocco.
Effect of Calcination Temperature on Structural, Photoluminescence, and Thermo luminescence Properties of Y2O3:Eu3+ Nanophosphor

Red light emitting cubic Y1.95Eu0. 05O3 nanophosphors have been synthesized by a low temperature solution combustion method using ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA) as fuel. The systematic studies on the effect of calcination temperature on its structural, photoluminescence (PL), and thermoluminescence (TL) properties were reported. The crystallinity of the samples increases, and the strain is reduced with increasing calcination temperature. SEM micrographs reveal that samples lose their porous nature with an increase in calcination temperature. PL spectra show that the intensity of the red emission (611 nm) is highly dependent on the calcination temperature and is found to be 10 times higher when compared to as-formed samples. The optical band gap (E-g) was found to reduce with an increase of calcination temperature due to reduction of surface defects. The thermoluminescence (TL) intensity was found to be much enhanced in the 1000 degrees C calcined sample. The increase of PL and TL intensity with calcination temperature is attributed to the decrease of the nonradiative recombination probability, which occurs through the elimination of quenching defects. The trap parameters (E, b, s) were estimated from Chen's glow peak shape method and are discussed in detail for their possible usage in dosimetry.
Towards a better understanding of students in the entry phase of their studies

Students starting STEM courses have very heterogeneous knowledge, especially regarding computer science and mathematics. As a result, many students are struggling to keep up with the high demands of higher education institutions, and lecturers are under pressure to compensate for the lack of knowledge without lowering their standards. The struggle to keep up combined with personal worries, as well as doubts regarding studying in general, can lead to uncertainty and frustration. The MINT-KOMPASS project at our institution aims to support students of the STEM study courses during their first semesters and, therefore, tries to minimize problems early on. As part of the project, successive surveys were conducted as well as a statistical analysis of the development of the student's grades. In this paper, we present the results of both as well as two measures implemented to support the students in areas identified as problematic. With the surveys and measures, we try to better understand the needs of our students and, as a result, hope to eventually achieve our long-term goal of supporting the students and relieving the lecturers.
Toward Hijacking Bioelectricity in Cancer to Develop New Bioelectronic Medicine

Bioelectronic medicine is a treatment modality that uses electricity to treat disease by altering the body's electrical communication systems. All cells are electrically active, in that they possess bioelectric circuitry generating a resting membrane potential and endogenous electric fields that influence cell functions and communication. There is now an accepted paradigm that cancer is characterized by malfunctions in cells’ bioelectrical circuitry. This yields opportunities for bioelectronic medicine as novel treatments for cancer by manipulating its bioelectrical properties. To highlight the possibilities a bioelectrical approach can offer cancer therapy, the relevance of bioelectrical activity in cancer is reviewed and also how such activity can be hijacked in novel treatments. This includes sensing or measuring the electrical activity of cells for diagnostic and prognostic applications, controlling or altering bioelectricity including both ionic and faradaic current processes, and eliciting morphological changes using electric fields. Importantly, key links between cellular ionic and faradaic processes that contribute to cancer phenotypes are presented, which if considered and understood as a whole, can bring broad‐reaching improvements to cancer therapy.
Technology spillovers and capital gains in corporate venture capital investments: evidence from the biopharmaceutical industry

ABSTRACT Using a framework combining the real option perspective and appropriation concerns raised in the entrepreneurial finance literature, we find that technology spillovers and capital gains created by corporate venture capital (CVC) investments are positively related with each other in the biopharmaceutical industry. However, this positive relationship is significantly decreased or becomes negative when CVC investments are made with solely financial objectives or in early-stage startups. This study provides evidence that the nature of the relationship between technology spillovers and capital gains that constitute the corporate investors’ total returns created by CVC investments.
How highly creative product descriptions lead to attitude change: a dual-process model

ABSTRACT This study employs a heuristic-systematic model to examine the internal mechanisms responsible for the persuasiveness of text descriptions that are high (vs. low) in creativity, and their effect on consumers’ attitudes toward products. It also examines the moderating role of trust cues. We theorised and demonstrated via three between-subjects design experiments that text descriptions high in creativity can be perceived as providing a heuristic signal of style and systematic information regarding their content. Furthermore, perceived effort and perceived message strength mediated the persuasiveness of text descriptions high in creativity in parallel, as measured by consumers’ attitudes. Moreover, the positive valence of the mediating role depended on trust cues. The present study reveals a novel dual-process model of the persuasiveness of text descriptions high (vs. low) in creativity and identifies the boundary condition. The implications of these findings for consumer decision-making and firms seeking to manage online product presentation are discussed.
Trainee’s reactions to logger training course characteristics: data from 300 courses held in Italy

ABSTRACT Reaction surveys were collected during over 300 logger training courses issued between 2007 and 2015 in Piemonte (north western Italy). In the reaction surveys, trainees were asked to rate several course attributes, which were grouped under the following items: utility, outcome, teaching, content, and amenities. Reaction scores were intersected with participant demographics and course type, and the relationships were tested through a general model and path analysis. Results indicated a general level of satisfaction, as well as stratification of results for different participant groups. In particular, employees seemed more interested in course outcome (qualification), while logging managers placed a stronger emphasis on utility (acquiring new skills). Managers and consultants were more critical about course content, compared with employees. Consultants – generally holding a university education – were especially appreciative of teaching quality. These findings pointed to opportunities for improving course design, which may be specifically adapted to participant group. Reaction surveys can offer a good proxy for training transfer, in the absence of dedicated pre- and post-training field evaluations. Future surveys should also include a clear description of participant expectations, for a more accurate interpretation of the reaction survey.
Emotional arousal enhances the impact of long-term memory in attention

ABSTRACT Research reveals that long-term memory guides attention. However, it remains unclear how it interacts with emotional arousal to guide attention. To address this issue, we asked participants to learn the locations of a target key embedded within scenes (i.e. a training phase). On the next day, participants’ arousal was manipulated by presenting with a previously fear-conditioned tone (CS+) or a neutral tone that had not been paired with electrical stimulation (CS−), followed by the brief presentation of a scene from the training phase. Participants indicated whether the scene included the target key. The target was presented at the same location as in the training phase. Results revealed that CS+, compared with CS−, led to faster target detection, suggesting that arousal induced by CS+ enhanced the effects of long-term memory in guiding attention. These findings support our hypothesis: Arousal amplifies the effects of priority in visual search due to long-term memory.
The role of corporate venture capital on returns to acquiring firms: evidence from the biotechnology industry

ABSTRACT Corporate venture capital (CVC) firms face considerable uncertainty while investing time, capital, and other resources in their portfolio firms, typically entrepreneurial ventures. The absence of unambiguous measures of performance about the portfolio firm’s prospects for success and longevity typically is at the root of such uncertainty. Prior research, based on the literature on inter-organizational endorsements grounded in the institutional theory, focused on returns to the portfolio firms under such conditions of uncertainty. We, on the other hand, test the hypotheses that the “prominence” of a CVC firm and the presence of a “prior investment” in the portfolio firm serve as endorsements and the acquiring firms, as endorsers, earn positive financial returns. Results from a sample of biotechnology acquisitions, using an event study methodology for capturing the cumulative abnormal returns (CARs) to acquisition announcements and ordinary least squares regressions (OLS) to study the determinants of the CARs, support the hypotheses.
An oriented anchor-free object detector including feature fusion and foreground enhancement for remote sensing images

ABSTRACT Anchor-based methods, which require a large number of pre-set anchors, have been widely used for oriented object detection in remote sensing images. However, the definitions of anchors’ sizes, aspect ratios and quantities are heuristic and the use of anchors is time-consuming. In this paper, we propose an oriented one-stage anchor-free detector for aerial image object detection. Arbitrary oriented object detection is based on oriented bounding box regression. By adaptively fusing the features from the neighbour layers of the feature pyramid network (FPN), a finer adaptive feature fusion network is proposed to align the features with ground truths. The proposed network can avoid the ambiguous heuristic-guided feature selection caused by scale variations of aerial image objects. We also design a foreground enhancement module to obtain more discriminative features from the fused FPN. Experiments on remote sensing image public datasets show that our method can outperform current one-stage anchor-free methods and achieve comparable performance with state-of-the-art two-stage anchor-based methods.
The Effects of Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis on the Gut Microbiota of End-Stage Renal Disease Patients, and the Relationship Between Gut Microbiota and Patient Prognoses

Gut microbiota alterations occur in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with or without dialysis. However, it remains unclear whether changes in gut microbiota of dialysis ESRD patients result from dialysis or ESRD, or both. Similarly, there is a dearth of information on the relationship between gut microbiota and ESRD prognoses. We collected fecal samples and tracked clinical outcomes from 73 ESRD patients, including 33 pre-dialysis ESRD patients, 19 peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, and 21 hemodialysis (HD) patients. 16S rRNA sequencing and bioinformatics tools were used to analyze the gut microbiota of ESRD patients and healthy controls. Gut microbiota diversity was different before and after dialysis. Bacteroidetes were significantly deceased in HD patients. Twelve bacterial genera exhibited statistically significant differences, due to dialysis (all P < 0.05, FDR corrected). HD reversed abnormal changes in Oscillospira and SMB53 in pre-dialysis patients. Functional predictions of microbial communities showed that PD and HD altered signal transduction and metabolic pathways in ESRD patients. Furthermore, Bacteroides and Phascolarctobacterium were associated with cardiovascular mortality. Dorea, Clostridium, and SMB53 were related to peritonitis in PD patients. This study not only demonstrated differences in gut microbiota between pre-dialysis and dialysis ESRD patients, but also firstly proposed gut bacteria may exert an impact on patient prognosis.
Metagenomic Data Assembly – The Way of Decoding Unknown Microorganisms

Metagenomics is a segment of conventional microbial genomics dedicated to the sequencing and analysis of combined genomic DNA of entire environmental samples. The most critical step of the metagenomic data analysis is the reconstruction of individual genes and genomes of the microorganisms in the communities using metagenomic assemblers – computational programs that put together small fragments of sequenced DNA generated by sequencing instruments. Here, we describe the challenges of metagenomic assembly, a wide spectrum of applications in which metagenomic assemblies were used to better understand the ecology and evolution of microbial ecosystems, and present one of the most efficient microbial assemblers, SPAdes that was upgraded to become applicable for metagenomics.