Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Loss mechanisms in labyrinth seals of shrouded axial turbines

The interaction flows associated to open cavities in shrouded, high pressure tur- bines were experimentally investigated in this dissertation. For this purpose a two-stage, shrouded, axial turbine was built and commissioned. The measure- ment campaign focused on the rotor tip labyrinth seal, comprising two seal gaps, 0.3% and 0.8% blade height. The labyrinth seal consists of an open inlet cavity, closed labyrinth cavities and an open exit cavity. The size of those cav- ities is small in comparison to the main flow channel height (15% of blade height). Therefore, a new probe measurement technology of minimum block- age effect was developed. The new virtual four sensor, fast response aerody- namic probe (FRAP) resolves the deterministic, unsteady flow field up to 25kHz in terms of flow angles, velocity and total and static pressure. The inlet cavity to the labyrinth seal is subject to strong in and out flows, which involve up to four times the leakage mass with a superimposed unsteady fluc- tuation of ±70% of the leakage mass flow. The in and out flow happens in spe- cific flow regions set up by the downstream flow field of the stator. This results in unsteady fluctuations on the downstream rotor inlet flow field. A control vol- ume analysis revealed the forces which act on the fluid close to the interaction zone. The radial equilibrium of forces is applied to the inflow streamline, ex- plaining the inviscid exchange mechanism. Due to the sucking of the leakage the flow loses circumferential and axial momentum across the interaction zone, which results in a negative incidence at the rotor blade tip. A flow model is de- rived which predicts negative incidence angles of -9° for gap widths of the or- der of 1.5% blade height. The cavity flow is dominated by two toroidal vortices, which swirl around the annulus at a high tangential velocity of 82% blade tip speed. Both vortices are stretched in space and time, due to the fluctuating ve- locity gradients setup by the moving pressure fields. A small portion of losses was found to be caused by the inlet cavity flow itself, which are mainly due to wall friction effects (2.7% of stage loss). Additional losses may be induced within the rotor blade row due to the negative incidence in combination with fluctuating flow angles and velocities at the rotor tip inlet. This region is of importance to the secondary flow formation within the rotor passage. The inlet boundary conditions to the rotor tip region found in this con- figuration is discussed in detail. The exit cavity flow comprises three flow features, which interact among each other: the cavity fluid flow being a toroidal vortex, the leakage jet and the main flow. The cavity flow is mainly driven by the jet due to viscous shear. The tan- gential velocity of the cavity flow was found to depend on the strength of the
Effects of Trichoderma strigosellum in Eucalyptus urophylla Development and Leaf-Cutting Ant Behavior

Fungal endophytes can protect plants against herbivory and be used to control leaf-cutting ants. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the potential of endophytic colonization of Eucalyptus urophylla by three filamentous fungal species and their influence on the plant development and foraging behavior of Atta sexdens. The study design was completely randomized and comprised a factorial scheme of 4 × 3, three antagonistic fungal species (Escovopsis sp., Metarhizium anisopliae, and Trichoderma strigosellum) of the leaf-cutting ant, and one control and three inoculation methods (conidial suspension via foliar spray [FS] and soil drench [SD] inoculation, and seedlings inoculated with mycelium [SWM]). The SWM method allowed T. strigosellum to colonize all plant organs, and these plants exhibited higher height, leaf number, shoot dry mass, and total dry mass than the ones subjected to the other inoculation methods. The SWM method increased the plant height than the control plants and those inoculated with Escovopsis sp. and M. anisopliae. Trichoderma strigosellum, previously isolated from soil, colonized E. urophylla plants and positively influenced their development, as demonstrated by the SWM method. Trichoderma strigosellum promoted the increase in E. urophylla height compared with when the FS and SD methods were used (by 19.62% and 18.52%, respectively). Our results reveal that A. sexdens workers preferentially began cutting the leaves from plants not previously colonized by T. strigosellum. This behavior can be explained by modifications in the phenotypic traits of the eucalyptus leaves.
Effects of Hot Streak/Airfoil Ratio in a High Subsonic Single-Stage Turbine

a Speed of sound bpf Blade passing frequency / Frequency cr Critical value hs Hot streak t Stagnation quantity 1 Vane inlet quantity Ρ Static pressure P.S. Pressure surface r {r rh)/(r, rh) 2 Vane exit/rotor inlet quantity R Gas constant S.S. Suction surface Τ Static temperature u x-direction component of velocity ν ^-direction component of velocity V Magnitude of the velocity w z-direction component of velocity γ Ratio of specific heats η Total-to-total efficiency ρ Density 3 Rotor exit quantity 4 Exit duct quantity co Free stream quantity
High neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio at intensive care unit admission is associated with nutrition risk in patients with COVID‐19

Abstract Background Inflammation plays a crucial role in nutrition status and can be useful in early nutrition risk screening of patients during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. Thus, this study aimed to assess the association between systemic inflammatory markers and nutrition risk tools in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with COVID‐19. Methods Patients with confirmed COVID‐19 and ICU admission were enrolled in a retrospective, observational, cross‐sectional study. The medians of C‐reactive protein (CRP; ≥13.8 mg/dl) and the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR; ≥12.6) upon admission were used to dichotomize patients. Results Of the 73 patients, 63% were men; the average age was 56 years, and the median length of hospital stay was 10 (25th: 4; 75th: 17) days. When nutrition risk screening tools were used, 85% were at risk according to Nutritional Risk Screening (≥3 points), whereas 42% had high risk according to the Modified Nutrition Risk in the Critically Ill (mNUTRIC; ≥5 points), and 57% were moderately or severely malnourished according to the Subjective Global Assessment (B or C). Mortality was higher in the group with NLR ≥12.6 than in the group with NLR <12.6, with no difference between CRP groups. A significant association was found only between NLR and mNUTRIC, even when adjusted by sex, age, and body mass index (odds ratio, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.06–1.76; P = 0.016), but not between CRP and nutrition risk. Conclusion Although the inflammatory marker CRP is the most used in hospital clinical practice, we found that only NLR was associated with nutrition risk (NUTRIC score).
Design and implementation of vector-controlled induction motor drives using random switching technique with constant sampling frequency

Recent results have shown that random switching techniques reduce electromagnetic interference, annoying acoustic noise, and other undesirable effects. However, to incorporate random switching techniques into digital-controlled induction motor drives, it requires dynamic adjustment of the gains of controllers. This paper presents details of the design and implementation of induction motor drives using a new random switching technique. It is shown, and confirmed by experimental results in this paper, that the sampling frequency of inverter control is constant, and therefore it is not required to adjust the gains of controllers dynamically. The details of controller design of the random switching inverter-controlled vector drives are fully explored, including the controller design in the discrete-time domain and the effect of the random technique on the speed response. Moreover, the advantages and disadvantages of inverter-controlled vector drives using random switching techniques are highlighted by experimental results.
Challenges in Laboratory Diagnosis of Malaria in a Low-Resource Country at Tertiary Care in Eastern Nepal: A Comparative Study of Conventional vs. Molecular Methodologies

For ongoing malaria elimination programmes, available methods such as microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) cannot detect all malaria cases in acute febrile illness. These methods are entirely dependent on the course of infection, parasite load, and skilled technical resources. Our study objectives were to estimate the performance of light microscopy and a RDT as well as real-time PCR for the detection of the Plasmodium parasite. Altogether, 52 blood samples collected from patients with acute febrile illness were tested by microscopy, RDT, and real-time PCR. The results were compared in terms of sensitivity and specificity. Microscopy detected the malaria parasite in 5.8% of the blood samples whereas 13.5% were detected by the RDT and 27% by real-time PCR. Considering real-time PCR as the gold standard method, microscopy had a sensitivity of 21.4% and a specificity of 100%, and the RDT had a sensitivity of 28.6% and a specificity of 92.1%. Microscopy together with the RDT successfully detected malaria positive cases in blood samples of Ct value below 20, but both were unable to detect malaria cases between 26–40 Ct value ranges amplified by real-time PCR. Despite various diagnostic tools being available, microscopy still remains the method of choice for diagnosis, while the RDT is user-friendly when applied at the point of care. However, our preliminary results emphasize the need to implement the test with higher sensitivity and specificity in the context of a malaria elimination programme. Such programmes can be a crucial opportunity to understand the species prevalent in a low-endemic region. However, these results should be further verified with a large cohort study to document the submicroscopic infection.
Frequency response of beams with passively constrained damping layers and piezoactuators

We present and review methods of frequency response analysis for cantilevered sandwich beams consisting of aluminum face plates and passively constrained damping layers at the mid- plane. These analysis methods include: (1) progressive wave method, (2) assumed modes method, and (3) finite element method. The progressive wave method accounts for the frequency dependent complex modulus in analyzing the frequency response function. In the assumed mode and FEM analyses, the frequency dependent complex modulus is assumed to be a constant over the frequency range of interest (i.e. the first three modes). By selecting the value of complex modulus to nominally correspond to the second modal frequency, the error in predicted natural frequency can be minimized. However, this comes at the cost of increased error in the damping ratio predictions which are minimized by selecting the value of complex modulus corresponding to the first mode.
Vanadium Toxicity Induced Changes in Growth, Antioxidant Profiling, and Vanadium Uptake in Pepper (Capsicum annum L.) Seedlings

Heavy metal contamination is one of the current serious environmental and agricultural soil issues, and it is mainly due to anthropogenic activities. Vanadium (V) is found in low concentrations in a wide range of plants and is widely distributed in soils. The current study aimed to determine how pepper seedlings responded to various V concentrations, as well as the detrimental effects of V on growth, root morphological traits, photosynthetic performance, reactive oxygen species (ROS), osmolytes production, antioxidant enzyme activities, and V uptake. Pepper seedlings (5 weeks old) were grown in hydroponic culture with six V levels (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 mg L−1 NH4VO3). After two weeks of V treatment, low level of V (10, 20 mg L−1) enhanced the growth status, conversely higher V (30, 40, and 50 mg L−1) level reduced the growth. The leaf gas exchange elements, pigments molecules, and root growth characteristics are also affected by higher V concentrations. Moreover, V uptake was higher in roots than in the shoot of pepper seedlings. Similarly, osmolytes content, ROS production, and antioxidant enzymes activities were significantly improved under V stress. Concluding, lower V (10, 20 mg L−1) concentration positively affected pepper growth, and higher V (30, 40, and 50 mg L−1) concentration had a detrimental effect on pepper physiological and biochemical mechanisms.
Effects of Caffeine Consumption on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Treatment: A Systematic Review of Animal Studies

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity. ADHD impairments arise from irregularities primarily in dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) circuits within the prefrontal cortex. Due to ADHD medication’s controversial side effects and high rates of diagnosis, alternative/complementary pharmacological therapeutic approaches for ADHD are needed. Although the number of publications that study the potential effects of caffeine consumption on ADHD treatment have been accumulating over the last years, and caffeine has recently been used in ADHD research in the context of animal models, an updated evidence-based systematic review on the effects of caffeine on ADHD-like symptoms in animal studies is lacking. To provide insight and value at the preclinical level, a systematic review based on PRISMA guidelines was performed for all publications available up to 1 September 2021. Caffeine treatment increases attention and improves learning, memory, and olfactory discrimination without altering blood pressure and body weight. These results are supported at the neuronal/molecular level. Nonetheless, the role of caffeine in modulating ADHD-like symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity is contradictory, raising discrepancies that require further clarification. Our results strengthen the hypothesis that the cognitive effects of caffeine found in animal models could be translated to human ADHD, particularly during adolescence.
Pros and Cons of Pharmacological Manipulation of cGMP-PDEs in the Prevention and Treatment of Breast Cancer

The cyclic nucleotides, cAMP and cGMP, are ubiquitous second messengers responsible for translating extracellular signals to intracellular biological responses in both normal and tumor cells. When these signals are aberrant or missing, cells may undergo neoplastic transformation or become resistant to chemotherapy. cGMP-hydrolyzing phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are attracting tremendous interest as drug targets for many diseases, including cancer, where they regulate cell growth, apoptosis and sensitization to radio- and chemotherapy. In breast cancer, PDE5 inhibition is associated with increased intracellular cGMP levels, which is responsible for the phosphorylation of PKG and other downstream molecules involved in cell proliferation or apoptosis. In this review, we provide an overview of the most relevant studies regarding the controversial role of PDE inhibitors as off-label adjuvants in cancer therapy.
Determinants of Depression in Indonesian Youth: Findings From a Community-based Survey

Objectives This study investigated the determinants of depression in adolescents and young adults. Methods The present study analyzed data from the 2018 Indonesia Basic Health Survey (Riset Kesehatan Dasar; RISKESDAS). The study subjects were adolescents (15-17 years old) and young adults (18-24 years old). In total, 64 179 subjects were included. Univariable, bivariable, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to determine associations between youths’ characteristics, risky behavior, chronic disease, parents’ health, and youths’ depression. Results The prevalence of depression was 5.1% in adolescents and 5.6% in young adults. The risk factors for depression in adolescents were being women (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.89 to 4.30; p<0.001), an ex-smoker (aOR, 2.99; 95% CI, 2.10 to 4.25; p<0.001), or a current smoker (aOR, 2.60; 95% CI, 1.97 to 3.44; p<0.001); consuming alcohol (aOR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.33 to 3.01; p=0.001), having a chronic disease (aOR, 2.64; 95% CI, 1.41 to 4.96; p=0.002); maternal depression (aOR, 2.47; 95% CI, 1.97 to 3.09; p<0.001); and paternal depression (aOR, 2.63; 95% CI, 1.98 to 3.50; p<0.001). In young adults, the risk factors were being women (aOR, 2.23; 95% CI, 1.82 to 2.75; p<0.001) or an ex-smoker (aOR, 2.47; 95% CI, 1.67 to 3.67; p<0.001), consuming alcohol (aOR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.89 to 3.09; p<0.001), maternal depression (aOR, 3.12; 95% CI, 2.54 to 3.84; p<0.001), and paternal depression (aOR, 2.80; 95% CI, 2.17 to 3.63; p<0.001). Conclusions Being women, smoking, drinking alcohol, having a chronic disease, and having a parent with depression were crucial factors associated with youth depression. Mental health screening, prevention, and treatment should involve collaboration among primary healthcare, schools, universities, professionals, and families.
Incentives and impediments to adopting alternative shellfish testing methods in Canada

Bivalve molluscs are filter-feeders that readily accumulate toxic compounds which can severely affect the health of those who ingest them. These compounds include marine biotoxins, the metabolic byproducts of microscopic algae, which are highly toxic to humans and can lead to short-term memory loss, diarrhea, and in severe cases paralysis and even death. To protect consumers, shellfish harvesting countries monitor their shellfish beds regularly for the presence of these toxins. Canada is one of the world's largest harvesters of bivalve molluscs. To ensure the safety of its shellfish, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) manages a marine biotoxin monitoring program. Currently, CFIA uses the mouse bioassay as the gold standard for detecting biotoxins despite the existence of validated alternative methods. The purpose of this research project is to identify incentives and impediments to adopting alternative methods for regulatory shellfish toxin testing. Preliminary results from this study are presented.
Analysis of n-channel MOS-controlled thyristors

The turn-off of the n-channel MOS-controlled thyristor (NMCT) is analyzed using two-dimensional simulation. A lateral NMOS-controlled thyristor structure, LNMCT, suitable for HVIC application is also proposed. It is found that the operation of a parasitic lateral n-p-n transistor in NMCT-type structures degrades the forward voltage drop and the turn-off capability and hence should be suppressed. The maximum controllable current in the NMCT is not only a function of internal parameters, but also depends on external supply voltage. This indicates that snubberless operation of an MCT-type device is not feasible. The advantages and disadvantages of the NMCT are compared with those of conventional MCT structures. The LNMCT turn-off speed is limited by the large amount of holes existing in the substrate, resulting in a turn-off waveform similar to that of an LIGBT. >
Position Tracking of Pneumatic Actuator with Loads by Using Predictive and Fuzzy Logic Controller

This paper presented two control approaches for position control of a pneumatic actuator, which are Generalized Predictive Controller (GPC) and Proportional-Derivative Fuzzy Logic Controller (PD-Fuzzy). Both controllers are designed using MATLAB/Simulink platform. The simulation results are then validated with real-time experiment. In order to test the controller's performance, external load is used and the results for both controllers are compared and analyzed. Results for both controllers show high accuracy and fast response for position tracking.
Effectiveness of Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Visual Feedback Balance Training on Lower Limb Post-Stroke Spasticity, Trunk Performance, and Balance: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Stroke remains one of the leading causes of disability in adults, and lower limb spasticity, affected stance, and balance impact everyday life and activities of such patients. Robotic therapy and assessment are becoming important tools to clinical evaluation for post-stroke rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to determine in a more objective manner the effects of visual feedback balance training through a balance trainer system and radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT), along with conventional physiotherapy, on lower limb post-stroke spasticity, trunk control, and static and dynamic balance through clinical and stabilometric assessment. The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial. The experimental group underwent conventional physiotherapy, visual feedback balance training, and rESWT. The control group underwent conventional physiotherapy, visual feedback training and sham rESWT. The statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Software and MATLAB. Primary clinical outcome measures were The Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), passive range of motion (PROM), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and Clonus score. Secondary outcome measures were trunk performance, sensorimotor, and lower limb function. Stabilometric outcome measures were trunk control, static balance, and dynamic balance. Visual feedback training using the Prokin system and rESWT intervention, along with conventional physiotherapy, yielded statistically significant improvement both on clinical and stabilometric outcome measures, enhancing static and dynamic balance, trunk performance, sensorimotor outcome, and limb function and considerably diminishing lower limb spasticity, pain intensity, and clonus score in the experimental group.
Design studies of a high resolution PET detector using APD arrays

The authors evaluated a compact, high resolution PET detector module using avalanche photodiode (APD) arrays to replace bulky position sensitive PMTs. The newly developed APD array is a planar processed 4/spl times/4 array which has a 2/spl times/2 mm/sup 2/ pixel size with 0.4 mm gaps between pixels, about 60% quantum efficiency at 420 nm wavelength, and uniform high gain (>1000) across all channels. A 4/spl times/4 array of 2/spl times/2/spl times/10 mm/sup 3/ LSO crystals was coupled to an APD array. Different readout electronics and signal multiplexing schemes were explored. All crystals in the detector array were clearly identified in the flood source histogram, with average peak-to-valley ratios of about 12:1 using a charge sharing resistor network. The energy resolution was measured to be /spl sim/14% at 511 keV in the detector array. The measured timing resolution was 2.6 ns in coincidence with a LSO/PMT detector. By optimizing the readout electronics currently being used, it is likely that detector performance can be further improved. The authors have also determined depth-of-interaction (DOI) by reading out two APD arrays connected to the ends of a 2/spl times/2/spl times/22 mm/sup 3/ LSO crystal. Preliminary measurements show good DOI measurement capability with DOI positioning uncertainty between 4 and 6.5 mm.