Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cross-Cultural Adaptation, Reliability, and Validity of the Greek Version of the Upper Extremity Functional Index

Introduction The Upper Extremity Functional Index (UEFI) is a region-specific questionnaire for patients with upper extremity disorders including patients with rotator cuff-related pain (RCRP). We aimed to translate and cross-culturally adapt the UEFI into Greek (UEFI-Gr) and evaluate its reliability and validity in a Greek-speaking population with RCRP. Methods Published guidelines for translation and cross-cultural adaptation of patient-rated outcome measures were followed. One hundred two patients were asked to complete the Greek versions of the UEFI; Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire; and RAND 36-Item Health Survey. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, measurement error, content validity, concurrent validity, and ceiling and floor effects were evaluated. Results Minor linguistic discrepancies were identified and adopted in the Greek language. The UEFI-Gr presented high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.93), excellent test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.91; 95% confidence interval {CI}: 0.79-0.95), and acceptable measurement error (standard error of measurement: 4.9 points; minimal detectable change {MDC}: 13.8 points). No ceiling or floor effects were detected. Strong correlations were found with the Greek versions of the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (r=0.629; p<0.001) and weak to moderate correlations with most subdomains of RAND 36-Item Health Survey (r=0.30-0.59; p<0.05). Conclusions The UEFI-Gr is a comprehensive, reliable, and valid self-reported instrument to evaluate symptoms in patients with RCRP. Further research on the responsiveness of the questionnaire is necessary.
Vortex Shedding In Rotated Square Arrays

Abstract A fundamental study has been carried out of vortex shedding in rotated square tube arrays over a range of pitch ratios from 1·21 to 2·83. The experiments were conducted in a wind tunnel with hot-wire measurements providing details for velocity distribution and flow periodicity. This work was supported by flow visualization. The results show that alternate vortex shedding occurs at distinct frequencies in the first and second tube rows for a given flow velocity. Strouhal curves are provided as a function of pitch ratio, and the data are compared with those from the literature.
Thermal hysteresis phenomena and mesoscopic phase coexistence around the neutral-ionic phase transition in TTF-CA and TMB-TCNQ

Hysteresis phenomena are investigated around the temperature-induced neutral-ionic (N-I) phase transition in the prototype compound tetrathiafulvalene-p chloranil (TFF-CA). A multistep transition is evidenced by neutron scattering, with plateau evolution of Bragg peaks characteristic of symmetry breaking, as well as by specific heat measurements revealing a multipeak structure, both in perfect agreement. A structural study reveals the coexistence of N and I phases at a mesoscopic scale during the thermal hysteresis. No gradual process with intermediate long periodicity structure based on alternating N and I planes, as theoretically suggested, takes place. These results, supported by optical microscopy studies performed on both TTF-CA and tetramethylbenzidine-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TMB-TCNQ) crystals, underline the importance of interstack elastic coupling at the temperature-induced neutral-ionic transition.
Using Nitrogen Stable Isotopes to Authenticate Organically and Conventionally Grown Vegetables: A New Tracking Framework

The demand for organic food products has increased in recent years due to them being perceived healthier, safer, and eco-friendlier by consumers, boosting the development of this industry. The higher retailing price of organic products increases the risk of fraudulent practices, making it necessary to establish control mechanisms to authenticate these products. However, the authentication of organic foodstuffs is a great analytical challenge that still requires further research. In the case of organic agriculture, regulations mainly determine the nutrient inputs that can be used by farmers, and generally prohibit the use of pesticides and/or synthetic fertilisers, aiming at maintaining soil fertility using green manures, composts, animal manures, etc. These inputs affect the final food product, and numerous analytical attempts, based on the measurement of multiple markers or complex chemical/physical profiles, have been tested over recent years. However, the high variability of these measurements due to weather condition factors reduces their efficiency and limits their use. In this sense, stable isotopes have emerged as an analytical technique with great potential for the authentication of organic agricultural products, due to their lower dependence on weather conditions and capability to reflect the origin of plant nitrogen, in the case of stable nitrogen isotopes. In this work, the feasibility was assessed using stable isotopes of bulk nitrogen for the organic authentication of four important horticultural crops (zucchini, cucumber, tomato, and pepper) produced in Almeria, southern Spain, which is the largest producing region with the highest export levels in Europe. To this end, 360 samples of vegetables were collected and their δ15N values were determined by combustion coupled to stable isotope ratio mass spectrometry (EA/IRMS). The results allowed an authentication framework to be established based on three ranges delimited by δ15N = 2‰ and δ15N = 5‰, which made it possible to detect with a high degree of confidence vegetables produced under proper organic practices (δ15N > 5‰), conventional practices (δ15N < 2‰), and samples that should be tracked over time to be considered organically produced (middle range). The results of this study demonstrated the potential of using δ15N as a single measure to authenticate organic vegetables, providing official bodies with a tool to make decisions about the organic accreditation of regularly inspected farmers.
Efficient Blockchain-Based Group Key Distribution for Secure Authentication in VANETs

This letter proposes a group key distribution scheme using smart contract-based blockchain technology. The smart contract’s functions allow for securely distributing the group session key, following the initial legitimacy detection using public key infrastructure-based authentication. For message authentication, we propose a lightweight symmetric key cryptography-based group signature method, supporting the security and privacy requirements of vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs). Our discussion examined the scheme’s robustness against typical adversarial attacks. To evaluate the gas costs associated with smart contracts functions, we implemented it on the Ethereum main network. Finally, comprehensive analyses of computation and communication costs demonstrate the scheme’s effectiveness.
Continuous-time monotone stochastic recursions and duality

A duality is presented for continuous-time, real-valued, monotone, stochastic recursions driven by processes with stationary increments. A given recursion defines the time evolution of a content process (such as a dam or queue), and it is shown that the existence of the content process implies the existence of a corresponding dual risk process that satisfies a dual recursion. The one-point probabilities for the content process are then shown to be related to the one-point probabilities of the risk process. In particular, it is shown that the steady-state probabilities for the content process are equivalent to the first passage time probabilities for the risk process. A number of applications are presented that flesh out the general theory. Examples include regulated processes with one or two barriers, storage models with general release rate, and jump and diffusion processes.
Globally convergent block-coordinate techniques for unconstrained optimization

In this paper we define new classes of globally convergent block-coordinate techniques for the unconstrained minimization of a continuously differentiable function. More specifically, we first describe conceptual models of decomposition algorithms based on the interconnection of elementary operations performed on the block components of the variable vector. Then we characterize the elementary operations defined through a suitable line search or the global minimization in a component subspace. Using these models, we establish new results on the convergence of the nonlinear Gauss–Seidel method and we prove that this method with a two-block decomposition is globally convergent towards stationary points, even in the absence of convexity or uniqueness assumptions. In the general case of nonconvex objective function and arbitrary decomposition we define new globally convergent line-search-based schemes that may also include partial global inimizations with respect to some component. Computational aspects are di.
Regularity of the Solutions for Parabolic Two-Phase Free Boundary Problems

In this paper we start to develop the regularity theory of general two-phase free boundary problems for parabolic equations. In particular we consider uniformly parabolic operators in nondivergence form and we are mainly concerned with the optimal regularity of the viscosity solutions. We prove that under suitable nondegenerate conditions the solution is Lipschitz across the free boundary.
Interstellar SiC with unusual isotopic compositions - Grains from a supernova?

Results are presented from an ion microprobe mass spectrometric analyses of five SiC grains from the Murchison carbonaceous meteorite. Unlike most interstellar SiC grains from primitive meteorites, the five grains from the Murchison meteorite show large excesses of C-12 (up to 28 times solar) and N-15 (up to 22 times solar), depletion in Si-29 and Si-30 (up to 59 percent), Al-26/Al-27 ratios between 0.1 and 0.6, and Ti-49 excesses up to 95 percent; in addition, one grain has a large Ca-44 excess (300 percent). The Ca and Ti anomalies point toward explosive nucleosynthesis in supernovae and the in situ decay of the radioactive precursors Ti-44 and V-49 in SiC grains formed in supernova ejecta. However, there is no simple formation scenario that can give a consistent explanation for the isotopic compositions of these grains.
Conditional Generalizations of Strong Laws Which Conclude the Partial Sums Converge Almost Surely

Suppose that for every independent sequence of random variables satis­ fying some hypothesis condition H, it follows that the partial sums converge almost surely. Then it is shown that for every arbitrarily-dependent sequence of random variables, the partial sums converge almost surely on the event where the conditional distributions (given the past) satisfy precisely the same condition H. Thus many strong laws for independent sequences may be immediately generalized into conditional results for arbitrarily-dependent sequences. 1. Introduction. If every sequence of independent random variables having property A has property B almost surely, does every arbitrarily-dependent sequence of random variables have property B almost surely on the set where the conditional distributions have property A? Not in general, but comparisons of the conditional Borel-Cantelli Lemmas, the condi­ tional three-series theorem, and many martingale results with their independent counter­ parts suggest that the answer is affirmative in fairly general situations. The purpose of this note is to prove Theorem 1, which states, in part, that if "property B" is "the partial sums converge," then the answer is always affIrmative, regardless of "property A. " Thus many strong laws for independent sequences (even laws yet undiscovered) may be immediately generalized into conditional results for arbitrarily-dependent sequences.
Effects of Storage Duration and Structures on Sesame Seed Germination, Mold Growth, and Mycotoxin Accumulation

Sesame is an important oil crop for the Ethiopian economy. However, the lack of adequate storage facilities results in significant losses of sesame seeds. This study was designed to compare the effects of storage conditions and the subsequent impact on sesame seed germination, mold growth, and mycotoxin accumulation over the storage period. The efficacy of two hermetic bags (1. Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) bags and 2. Super GrainPro (SGP) bags) was directly compared to sesame storage in polypropylene (PP bags) and Jute bags. Storage conditions (oxygen, carbon dioxide, temperature, moisture content and relative humidity) of samples were analyzed in the laboratory in three replicates. Results showed that the oxygen concentrations dropped to 6.9% (±0.02) in PICS bags and 8.7% (±0.06) in SGP bags at the end of 6 months of storage. In non-hermetic bags Jute and PP), oxygen levels were close to atmospheric levels at 2-, 4-, and 6-month storage periods. In non-hermetic bags throughout storage, the amount of seed infection by mold constantly increased, and seed germination decreased. Sesame seeds stored in hermetic bags had 89.7% (±0.58) to 88.3% (±2.89) germination rates versus 61.67% (±2.08) for non-hermetic storage bags over the 6-month seed storage period. All mycotoxin levels increased over the same storage period, whereas comparative levels were much lower in hermetic bags after six months. Sesame seeds stored in both hermetic bags had the lowest level of tested mycotoxins, and levels among the SGP and PICS bags were not significantly different from one another. This study provides strong evidence indicating that hermetic storage structures such as PICS and SGP significantly affect temperature, humidity, moisture content, CO2 and oxygen levels resulting in the lowering of fungal growth and mycotoxin accumulation and effectively preserving stored sesame without relying on synthetic pesticides in Ethiopia.
Evaluation of Tunisian Olive Leaf Extracts to Reduce the Bioavailability of Acrylamide in Californian-Style Black Olives

The aim of this work was analyzing the use of olive leaf extracts (OLE) obtained from two local Tunisian olive tree cultivars ‘Chemlali’ and ’Sayali’ to reduce the acrylamide in Californian-style black olives. The phenol profile, antioxidant, and antibacterial activity of the two OLE extracts were evaluated. The principal phenols found were hydroxytyrosol (1809.6 ± 25.3 mg 100 g−1), oleuropein (2662.2 ± 38 mg 100 g−1) and luteolin-7-O-glucoside (438.4 ± 38 mg 100 g−1) presented higher levels in ‘Sayali’ variety. Small differences were observed between the two kinds of extracts used; the greatest activity of OLE was observed against S. choleraesuis, with values up to 50% inhibition. The extract of ‘Chemlali’ cultivar was added to the Californian-style table olive, improving its phenol content and its antioxidant characteristics without negatively affecting its sensorial characteristics; these olives showed the highest firmness and proper quality characteristics. The gastrointestinal activity on the acrylamide concentration showed a partial degradation of this compound through the digestion, although the addition of the extract does not seem influence in its gastrointestinal digestion. These findings prove the usefulness of by-products to generate a high-quality added-value product, and this would also be relevant as a step towards a more sustainable, circular economy model.
The excitation of damped waves diffracted over a submerged circular sill

A mathematical model of rectilinear surface waves incident on a submerged circular sill is developed. The class of waves considered consists of those for which the ratio of wavelength to water depth is large but which do not necessarily belong in the longwave category. A friction damping term is introduced into the equations of motion and the solutions obtained for the regions over the sill and in the ocean are matched by assuming a continuous surface and energy flux at the sill edge. The results show large reductions in the Q-factor of the resonance peaks brought about by friction damping. It is also found that, except at low frequency, a large number of overlapping resonance peaks which are out of phase with one another occupy a relatively narrow frequency band such that these resonance peaks effectively cancel one another. Experiments were performed to determine the friction constant used in the equations of motion and, using this friction constant, the theoretical results of wave resonance are verified.
A parametric study on the diffuse auroral precipitation by resonant interaction with whistler mode chorus

[1] The diffuse aurora is generally believed to be the result of ∼keV electron precipitation from the magnetosphere, which presents an important sink of magnetospheric particles, a primary high-latitude ionospheric energy source, and a strong magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling mechanism. Resonant scattering of the plasma sheet electrons by electron cyclotron harmonic and whistler mode chorus waves is suggested to be responsible for the diffuse auroral precipitation. The dependence of quasi-linear diffusion rates and consequent diffuse auroral precipitation on the spatial position L, normal angle, and frequency distribution of both upper-band chorus (UBC) and lower-band chorus (LBC) is investigated in detail. Whistler mode chorus waves are found to be more effective in the production of diffuse aurora at larger L shells. The normal angle and frequency distribution of UBC can significantly affect the diffusion rates for ∼keV electrons and the consequent diffuse aurora precipitation. Numerical results show that the strong diffusion limit for ∼keV electrons can be reached up to large pitch angles closer to 90°, and the diffuse auroral precipitation can be remarkably enhanced when the UBC waves possessing a relatively larger normal angle range or centering higher in the band. In contrast, the diffusion rates and diffuse auroral precipitation of electrons with energies Ek < 2 keV are largely independent of the normal angle and frequency distribution of LBC waves. Enhanced precipitations of ∼5 keV electrons are found to occur when the LBC waves centering higher in the band. The current results suggest that the significant variability of wave characteristics and the variation with spatial position should be taken into account in order to identify the dominant mechanism for diffuse aurora.
Unification for nilpotent groups of class 2

We study unification for the theory of nilpotent groups of class 2. A unification algorithm for the theory of abelian groups was given by Lankford, Butler, and Brady [8]. The algorithm described here works by passing to the quotient of a free nilpotent group of class 2 by the commutator subgroup (abelianizing), applying their algorithm and lifting the solution to the whole group. Special treatment is required for words lying in the derived subgroup, where certain quadratic diophantine equations arise. We give some discussion of canonical forms for, and Solutions of, these equations. We also make some remarks about unification and equation solving in nilpotent groups of higher class and discuss work by other authors related to the same problem. 1991 Mathematics Subject Classification: 20F10, 20F18.
Optical coronal emission lines from cooling flows in elliptical galaxies and galaxy clusters

Luminosities, surface brightnesses, and line profiles of the coronal lines predicted by standard models for cooling flows in clusters of galaxies and in individual early-type galaxies are presented. The coronal line luminosities of cooling flows depend primarily on the total rate at which gas is cooling. In homogeneous cooling flow models (HMs) in which all of the gas flows into the central regions, the coronal lines are very centrally concentrated, coming mainly from a limb-brightened shell lying just within the sonic radius of the inflow. For HMs, the central surface brightnesses of the stronger coronal lines from nearby clusters with large cooling rates are expected to be about 6 x 10 to the -17th ergs/sq cm/s/sq arcsec. For inhomogeneous models (IMs) in which gas cools out of the flow at large radii, the surface brightness profiles of the coronal lines are more extended, and the central surface brightness is much lower. The integrated line profiles of the HMs are very wide and flat and the central line profiles are double-peaked. The IMs have nearly Gaussian line profiles. 33 refs.
How much crosstalk can be allowed in a stereoscopic system at various grey levels?

We have calculated a perceptual threshold of stereoscopic crosstalk on the basis of mathematical model of human vision sensitivity. Instead of linear model of just noticeable difference (JND) known as Weber's law we applied nonlinear Barten's model. The predicted crosstalk threshold varies with the background luminance. The calculated values of threshold are in a reasonable agreement with known experimental data. We calculated perceptual threshold of crosstalk for various combinations of the applied grey level. This result can be applied for the assessment of grey-to-grey crosstalk compensation. Further computational analysis of the applied model predicts the increase of the displayable image contrast with reduction of the maximum displayable luminance.
Development of Novel Whey-Mango Based Mixed Beverage: Effect of Storage on Physicochemical, Microbiological, and Sensory Analysis

The present study was aimed at developing whey-mango-based mixed beverages and characterizing their physicochemical properties. Three different formulations were prepared by varying proportions of whey and mango (sample-1 = 60:20 mL, sample-2 = 65:15 mL, and sample-3 = 70:10 mL). Prepared beverage samples during 25 days of storage revealed a significant increase in acidity (0.27 ± 0.02–0.64 ± 0.03%), TSS (17.15 ± 0.01–18.20 ± 0.01 °Brix); reducing sugars (3.01 ± 0.01–3.67 ± 0.01%); moisture (74.50 ± 0.02–87.02 ± 0.03%); protein (5.67 ± 0.02–7.58 ± 0.01%); fat (0.97 ± 0.01–1.39 ± 0.04%); and carbohydrate (18.01 ± 0.02–3.45 ± 0.02%). The sedimentation rate was only 1%. The total plate count for the prepared samples ranged from 3.32 ± 0.08 to 3.49 ± 0.15 log CFU/mL while yeast and mold counts varied between 0.48 ± 0.01 to 1.85 ± 0.11 Log CFU/mL. The coliform count was below the detection limit (<1). The overall sensory score revealed that the whey beverage with more mango juice could attain acceptable quality upon processing. Based on the findings, it may be concluded that whey can be utilized with fruits and vegetables to develop whey-based beverages.
Influence of Surface Roughness on Three-Dimensional Separation in Axial Compressors

Surface roughness on a stator blade was found to have a major effect on the three-dimensional (3D) separation at the hub of a single-stage low-speed axial compressor. The change in the separation with roughness worsened performance of the stage. A preliminary study was carried out to ascertain which part of the stator suction surface and at what operating condition the flow is most sensitive to roughness. The results show that stage performance is extremely sensitive to surface roughness around the leading edge and peak-suction regions, particularly for flow rates corresponding to design and lower values. Surface flow visualization and exit loss measurements show that the size of the separation, in terms of spanwise and chordwise extent, is increased with roughness present. Roughness produced the large 3D separation at design flow coefficient that is found for smooth blades nearer to stall. A simple model to simulate the effect of roughness was developed and, when included in a 3D Navier-Stokes calculation method, was shown to give good qualitative agreement with measurements.