Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Predicting Residence Time and Melt Temperature in Pharmaceutical Hot Melt Extrusion

Hot-melt extrusion is increasingly applied in the pharmaceutical area as a continuous processing technology, used to design custom products by co-processing drugs together with functional excipients. In this context, the residence time and processing temperature during extrusion are critical process parameters for ensuring the highest product qualities, particularly of thermosensitive materials. Within this study, a novel strategy is proposed to predict the residence time distribution and melt temperature during pharmaceutical hot-melt extrusion processes based on experimental data. To do this, an autogenic extrusion mode without external heating and cooling was applied to process three polymers (Plasdone S-630, Soluplus and Eudragit EPO) at different specific feed loads, which were set by the screw speed and the throughput. The residence time distributions were modeled based on a two-compartment approach that couples the behavior of a pipe and a stirred tank. The throughput showed a substantial effect on the residence time, whereas the influence of the screw speed was minor. On the other hand, the melt temperatures during extrusion were mainly affected by the screw speed compared to the influence of the throughput. Finally, the compilation of model parameters for the residence time and the melt temperature within design spaces serve as the basis for an optimized prediction of pharmaceutical hot-melt extrusion processes.
CANARD-WING INTERACTIONS IN SUBSONIC FLOW

Abstract– Extensive subsonic wind tunnel tests were conducted on a coplanar wing-canard configuration at various angles of attack. In these experiments, a 60° swept canard was placed upstream of a 60° swept main delta wing. This paper deals with the distribution of mean and fluctuating pressure coefficients on the upper surfaces of both the canard and the wing immersed in a variety of angles of attack. According to the results, presence of canard postpones the vortex formation and growth on the wing to higher angles of attack compared to the canard-off case. Due to the canard downwash field, the wing operates at lower effective angles of attack and therefore, its vortex breakdown is delayed. The spectral analysis of the unsteady pressure on both the canard and the wing show the existence of narrow, dominant frequency band containing the majority of the fluctuation energy. This frequency band is believed to be the natural frequency of the leading edge vortex. The results show that the dominant frequency of the wing vortex is lower than that of the canard having the same sweep angle as the wing, which is an indication of the wing vortex attenuation due to canard downwash field.
Dynamic Distribution of Skin Microorganisms in Donkeys at Different Ages and Various Sites of the Body

Simple Summary Considerable evidence suggests that skin microbiota communities are critical for maintaining health and skin homeostasis. However, to date, studies on the skin microorganisms of donkeys are surprisingly rare. Therefore, the present study investigated the dynamic changes in commensal microbial communities (bacteria and fungal composition) on the skins of healthy donkeys throughout the growing period. Alpha and beta diversity analysis showed that bacterial and fungal communities on the skin display obvious age-related variations, especially at 1 month and 48 months of the growing period. Notably, these changes are also affected by the living environment. Our data could provide insights into microbial involvement in skin disorders and give useful information for improving health management and maintaining the healthy skin of Dezhou donkeys. Abstract Considerable evidence suggests that the skin microbiota is not only important and complex in humans and other mammals but also critical for maintaining health and skin homeostasis. To date, studies on the skin microorganisms of donkeys are surprisingly rare. To investigate the dynamic changes in commensal microbial communities on the skins of healthy donkeys throughout the growing period, skin and soil samples were collected from 30 healthy Dezhou donkeys (ranging from 1, 6, 12, 24 to 48 months of age) and their corresponding breeding sheds on the farm. All samples were analysed for high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA and ITS to characterize the skin microbiota of healthy donkeys and compare the differences in skin microbiota among donkeys of different ages. There were notable differences in the proportions of various genera (including bacteria and fungi) between dorsal and abdominal skin with increasing age. The comparison of the skin microbial communities among these groups revealed that Staphylococcus was mainly enriched in the early growing stage (1 and 6 months), while the relative abundance of Streptococcus was higher in both the 1- and 48-month-old age groups. Moreover, some bacteria and commensal fungi, such as Staphylococcus and Trichosporon, were found to be positively correlated between the skin and the environment. This is the first study to investigate the dynamic changes in skin microbiota diversity and composition in donkeys of different ages and at different sites of the body. Furthermore, this study provides insights into the dynamic alterations in skin microbes during a donkey’s growth and characterizes the profiles of bacterial and fungal communities across a donkey’s body regions (dorsal and abdomen).
Analogue of Kostant's u-cohomology formula for the general linear superalgebra

We determine in an explicit form the Lie superalgebra cohomology groups of the upper triangular odd subalgebra (Glm|n)+1 of the general linear superalgebra Glm|n with coefficients in irreducible tensor modules over Glm|n. Using this, we develop a Weyl-type character formula for the irreducible tensor representations. Both in the computation of the cohomology groups and in the construction of the character formula, the Weyl group of the infinite-rank affine Kac-Moody algebra of A-type plays an essential role.
Dual Timescales Voltages Regulation in Distribution Systems Using Data-Driven and Physics-Based Optimization

A large number of electric vehicles, distributed solar, and/or wind turbine generators connected to distribution systems lead to frequent and sharp voltages fluctuations. The action rates of conventional adjustable devices and smart inverters are very different. In this context, a novel dual-timescale voltage control scheme is proposed by organically combining data-driven with physics-based optimization. On fast timescale, a quadratic programming for balanced and unbalanced distribution systems is developed based on branch flow equations. The optimal reactive power of renewable distributed generators and static VAR compensators is configured on several minutes or seconds. Whereas, on slow timescale, a data-driven Markovian decision process is developed, in which the charge/discharge power of energy storage systems, statuses/ratios of switchable capacitors reactors, and voltage regulators are configured hourly to minimize long-term discounted squared voltages magnitudes deviations using an adapted deep deterministic policy gradient deep reinforcement learning algorithm. The capabilities of the proposed method are validated with IEEE 33-bus balanced and 123-bus unbalanced distribution systems.
Alpha-Deoxyguanosine to Reshape the Alpha-Thrombin Binding Aptamer

Modification of DNA aptamers is aimed at increasing their thermodynamic stability, and improving affinity and resistance to biodegradation. G-quadruplex DNA aptamers are a family of affinity ligands that form non-canonical DNA assemblies based on a G-tetrads stack. Modification of the quadruplex core is challenging since it can cause complete loss of affinity of the aptamer. On the other hand, increased thermodynamic stability could be a worthy reward. In the current paper, we developed new three- and four-layer modified analogues of the thrombin binding aptamer with high thermal stability, which retain anticoagulant activity against alpha-thrombin. In the modified aptamers, one or two G-tetrads contained non-natural anti-preferred alpha-deoxyguanosines at specific positions. The use of this nucleotide analogue made it possible to control the topology of the modified structures. Due to the presence of non-natural tetrads, we observed some decrease in the anticoagulant activity of the modified aptamers compared to the natural prototype. This negative effect was completely compensated by conjugation of the aptamers with optimized tripeptide sequences.
Nonparametric adaptive estimation for interacting particle systems

We consider a stochastic system of N$$ N $$ interacting particles with constant diffusion coefficient and drift linear in space, time‐depending on two unknown deterministic functions. Our concern here is the nonparametric estimation of these functions from a continuous observation of the process on [0,T]$$ \left[0,T\right] $$ for fixed T$$ T $$ and large N$$ N $$ . We define two collections of projection estimators belonging to finite‐dimensional subspaces of 𝕃2([0,T]) . We study the 𝕃2 ‐risks of these estimators, where the risk is defined either by the expectation of an empirical norm or by the expectation of a deterministic norm. Afterwards, we propose a data‐driven choice of the dimensions and study the risk of the adaptive estimators. The results are illustrated by numerical experiments on simulated data.
Infrared observations of the extinct cometary candidate minor planet (3200) 1983TB

La decouverte de l'asteroide Apollo (3200) 1983 TB dans une orbite virtuellement coincidante avec le courant meteorique Geminid a laisse paraitre la possibilite qu'il pourrait s'agir d'un noyau cometaire eteint
A Multi-Level Failing-Progressive Archiving Storage With Improve Conservation Capacity

While a hierarchical database structure makes it possible to handle rich queries in a scalable manner, it is also more prone to errors. For instance, major chunks of the database may become inaccessible due to the failure of nodes that are further up in the hierarchy. Replication is used by other hierarchical systems, including DNS, to withstand similar failures. However, because DNS records are rarely modified, DNS replication is comparatively easy. Regrettably, frequent sensor reading changes make IrisNet replication more challenging. The multi-level fault-tolerant storage cluster, or MFTS, that we suggest in this work offers adjustable dependability for a variety of applications. For the purpose of directing process for altering fault-tolerance levels, i.e., i-erasure(s) and i {1, 2, . , r}, MFTS uses a reliability upper-bound i.e., Attribute r.By employing a virtual storage space to divide multi-level reliable storage, MFTS can adjust to any shifting reliability requirements of applications. We demonstrate MFTS system's implementation, which uses an intersecting zigzag sets code (IZS code) as opposed to replication or all-purpose erasure codes. Partial updates, quick reconstructions, and minimum overhead of fault-tolerance level transitions are three of our MFTS's standout characteristics. By contrasting IZS-enabled MFTS with two storage clusters outfitted with the Vandermonde and Cauchy-Reed-Solomon algorithms, we are able to measure the performance gain in our storage cluster. Outcomes of the experimentdemonstrate that: 1) 3 schemes perform similarly in terms of user response times in operational as well as degraded modes; 2) In the offline reconstruction example, MFTS performs up to 26.1% better than the other two options; and 3) In comparison to the other two systems, MFTS accelerates the online reconstruction by up to 23.7% while requiring hardly any longer user responses.
Metabolic Outcomes in Pediatric Patients One-Year Post-Total Pancreatectomy with Islet Autotransplantation after Early Pump Initiation

We previously published that insulin pump initiation immediately after IV insulin therapy was associated with improved post-surgical glycemic outcomes compared to multiple daily injections (MDI) in pediatric patients following a total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT). We investigated metabolic outcomes of this population at one-year post-TPIAT to assess if the improved outcomes in the early pump group were sustained over time. We retrospectively reviewed 40 patients post-TPIAT previously studied at 10-days post-surgery (15 used MDI and 25 used pump therapy immediately post-ICU, and all were discharged on pump therapy). Data analyzed included: demographics, islet equivalents per kilogram (IEQ/kg) transplanted, exogenous insulin use, and baseline vs. one-year (via mixed meal testing) HbA1c, fasting glucose, insulinogenic index, and the area under the curve (AUC) for insulin and c-peptide. More patients were off insulin at one year in the early pump group compared to the MDI group (45% vs. 13%, p = 0.07). Of all patients off insulin, 100% of the early pump users weaned off by six months post-TPIAT compared to 30% of the MDI users. Two known variables associated with favorable insulin outcomes, lower age and higher IEQ/kg, were not significantly different between groups. Fasting glucose was lower in the early pump group compared to the MDI group (median 97 vs. 122 mg/dL, p = 0.003), while AUC c-peptide was greater in early pump users at one-year post-TPIAT but did not reach significance (median 57.0 vs. 50.3 ng/mL × minutes, p = 0.14). Other metabolic outcomes did not differ between groups. Despite lower median age and higher IEQ/kg in the MDI group, the early pump group had a lower fasting glucose. Younger TPIAT age (p = 0.02) and early pump users (p = 0.04) were significantly associated with insulin independence at one year. This study was limited by sample size. Early pump use may have long-term benefits in post-TPIAT endogenous insulin secretion.
Estimating the Value of Information Technology in the Productivity of the Transport Sector

This paper expands a methodology, originally formulated for calculating the firm-level business value of Information Technology (IT), to that for a whole sector and applies it experimentally for the transport sector using statistical databases for several countries in Europe. The term “business value” means the quantified impact of a given technology, in this case, Information Technology, on the productivity of a sector or firm as measured by a given “yardstick” (e.g., sales, revenue, and many others). This is important to know in order to justify investments in a given technology or technological sector and for policy formulation or regulation. This paper proposes a novel methodology for calculating the business value of IT in a given sector. This is the first time that such a task is attempted because in the past most research was focused on calculating the business value at firm-level. The suggested methodology is then applied by use of panel data from the statistical records of national statistics for the transport sector. The results show that infrastructural investment in Information Technology has an impact on the transport sector’s output, in terms of its annual production value, of the order of 5–6%. Through sensitivity tests and a discussion of the results, it is estimated that the actual impact may probably be a bit higher but not much higher (in any case, something below the 10% figure). The application also shows that the suggested methodology can be applied for the estimation of the impact of any other technology or service on any given economic sector. Finally, a possible future conceptual model is presented for the expansion of the methodology to a more global and integrated level considering the interaction from other sectors as well as other technological and environmental factors.
k-ε turbulence modeling of density currents developing two dimensionally on a slope

Dense underflows developing two dimensionally on a slope are simulated numerically. The k-e model is used for the turbulence closure. The boundary-layer approximation renders the governing equations in the form of parabolic partial differential equations, which are easier to solve numerically than elliptic equations. Evolution of vertical structures of dense underflows is computed along the streamwise direction. Excellent similarity collapses of the computed vertical structures are obtained. The computed profiles of velocity and concentration are compared with measured data, resulting in good agreement. The impact of a parameter representing the stratification level in the k-e model is investigated. Appropriate values of this parameter, yielding results that are nearly identical to the integral model, are proposed. Water entrainment coefficients are estimated from computed solutions, and are observed to fall within the range of previous measurements. Finally, by using the collapsed vertical structures, pr.
Gas-Phase Structure of 3,7,9-tris(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)-3,7,9-triazabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane by GED and Theoretical Calculations

The molecular structure and conformational and rotational composition of 3,7,9-tris(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)-3,7,9-triazabicyclo[3.3. 1]nonane 1 have been investigated by synchronous gas-phase electron diffraction/mass spectrometry GED/MS and theoretical calculations (B3LYP and M06-2X with cc-pVTZ and aug-cc-pVTZ basis sets) and compared to the X-ray structure. All 16 possible conformers and rotamers were calculated, differing by the conformations of the two piperazine rings, orientation of the CF3 groups relative to these rings, and non-equivalence of the two wings of the butterfly structure. The optimized geometry of the most stable 1-c-out-2-c-out conformer coincides with that in the crystal. In contrast to only one conformer determined by X-ray, the GED analysis revealed the presence of five conformers, 1-c-out-2-c-out (I), 1-c-in-2-c-out (II), 1-c-out-2-c-in (III), 1-b-out-2-c-out (IV), 1-c-out-2-b-out (V) in the ratio of I:(II + III):IV:V = 36(10):42(6):22(10):0(10). The experimental results are better reproduced by calculations performed for 428 K (the temperature of the GED experiment) than for 298 K (standard), and most satisfactorily at the M06-2X/aug-cc-pVTZ level of theory.
Fetal Biometric Assessment and Infant Developmental Prognosis of the Tadalafil Treatment for Fetal Growth Restriction

Background and Objectives: Tadalafil is expected to treat fetal growth restriction (FGR), a risk factor for stillbirth and neonatal morbidity. This study aimed to evaluate the fetal biometric growth pattern of fetuses with FGR treated with tadalafil by ultrasonographic assessment. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study. Fifty fetuses diagnosed with FGR and treated by maternal administration of tadalafil and ten controls who received conventional treatment at Mie University Hospital from 2015 to 2019 were assessed. Fetal biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), femur length (FL), and estimated fetal weight (EFW) at the start of treatment and at two weeks and four weeks of treatment were mainly assessed by ultrasound examination. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to assess the measures. The Kyoto Scale of Psychological Development (KSPD) was used to assess the developmental prognosis on tadalafil-treated children at 1.5 years of corrected age (CA) and 3 years old. Results: The median gestational age at the start of treatment was 30 and 31 weeks in the tadalafil and control groups, respectively, and the median gestational age at delivery was 37 weeks in both groups. The Z-score of HC was significantly increased at 4 weeks of treatment (p = 0.005), and the umbilical artery resistance index was significantly decreased (p = 0.049), while no significant difference was observed in the control group. The number of cases with an abnormal score of less than 70 on the KSPD test was 19% for P-M, 8% for C-A, 19% for L-S, and 11% for total area at 1.5 years CA. At 3 years old, the respective scores were 16%, 21%, 16%, and 16%. Conclusions: Tadalafil treatment for FGR may maintain fetal HC growth and infants’ neuro-developmental prognosis.
Striation lines in intermittent fatigue crack growth in an Al alloy

Fatigue failure of crystalline materials is a difficult problem in science and engineering, and recent results have shown that fatigue crack growth can occur in intermittent jumps which have fat-tailed distributions. As fatigue crack propagation is known to leave markings -- called striations -- on the fracture surface, the distances between these should also have fat-tailed distributions, if the crack propagation is intermittent. Here, we combine macroscale crack tip tracking in fatigue crack growth measurements of aluminum 5005 samples with \emph{post-mortem} scanning electron microscopy imaging of the striation lines. We introduce two different methods for extracting the striation line spacing from the images. What we find is a similar distribution of striation spacings as jump sizes using one of our methods, but the average striation spacing does not correlate with the crack growth rate. We conclude that we observe avalanche-like crack propagation, reflected in both the macroscale crack tip tracking as well as the analysis of the fracture surfaces. Our results show that the fracture surfaces can be used to study the intermittency of fatigue crack propagation and in development of crack-resistant materials. The advantages and disadvantages of the two methods introduced are discussed.
Data-Driven Monitoring and Predictive Maintenance for Engineering Structures: Technologies, Implementation Challenges, and Future Directions

Estimating engineering structures’ health conditions and predicting their future behaviors are fundamental problems for a city’s safe and efficient operations. Data-driven solutions estimate the health conditions using statistical models generated from measurement data. They have attracted growing interest recently because advances in information and communication technologies (ICTs) have enabled numerous real-world measurement data, and the flourishing big data community has provided enormous state-of-the-art data analytics algorithms. Nevertheless, most existing studies remain in numerical simulation while neglecting their real-world implementation, restricting the extensive development of data-driven methods. In this survey, we provide a structural overview of the past decade’s data-driven structural health monitoring (SHM) systems and algorithms from the perspective of real-world implementation. Specifically, we cover various aspects of the design and implementation of monitoring systems, including sensing technologies, communication technologies, and processing software. In addition, we classify the used data sources and statistical models with fined details. Under the proposed taxonomy, their limitations and advantages are thoroughly discussed. Based on our insights into existing studies, we clarify two major implementation challenges: 1) the digressive performance in the real-world environment and 2) inefficient computing systems for real-time data analytics. Possible solutions are then proposed to mitigate those challenges and promote the implementation of data-driven methods. Finally, we raise our outlook on future trends and suggest promising directions for further investigation.