Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multilayer modelling of waves generated by explosive subaqueous volcanism

Abstract. Theoretical source models of underwater explosions are often applied in studying tsunami hazards associated with subaqueous volcanism; however, their use in numerical codes based on the shallow water equations can neglect the significant dispersion of the generated wavefield. A non-hydrostatic multilayer method is validated against a laboratory-scale experiment of wave generation from instantaneous disturbances and at field-scale subaqueous explosions at Mono Lake, California, utilising the relevant theoretical models. The numerical method accurately reproduces the range of observed wave characteristics for positive disturbances and suggests a relationship of extended initial troughs for negative disturbances at low-dispersivity and high-non-linearity parameters. Satisfactory amplitudes and phase velocities within the initial wave group are found using underwater explosion models at Mono Lake. The scheme is then applied to modelling tsunamis generated by volcanic explosions at Lake Taupō, New Zealand, for a magnitude representing an ejecta volume of 0.1 km3. Waves reach all shores within 15 min with maximum incident crest amplitudes around 0.2 m at shores near the source. This work shows that the multilayer scheme used is computationally efficient and able to capture a wide range of wave characteristics, including dispersive effects, which is necessary when investigating subaqueous explosions. This research therefore provides the foundation for future studies involving a rigorous probabilistic hazard assessment to quantify the risks and relative significance of this tsunami source mechanism.
Effects of enhancing performance in fiber-wireless networks

The convergence of optical and wireless technologies has given rise to the fiber-wireless (Fi-Wi) network. This network combines the huge capacity of optical fiber with the ubiquity and mobility of wireless networks. Fiber to the premises (FTTP) combined with wireless local area network (WLAN) in home distribution is now becoming a reality. However, network congestion in the wireless access link still limits end user performance, especially in dense residential areas. Therefore, this thesis focuses on the enhancement of the wireless media in Fi-Wi networks. The thesis considers the realisation of Fi-Wi networks using the gigabit passive optical network (GPON) and the infrastructure based WLAN. The study shows the binary exponential backoff (BEB) adopted in the medium access control (MAC) pro- tocol for the IEEE 802.11 WLAN standard is the key factor inhibiting WLAN perfor- mance. The standard distributed coordination function (DCF) access method used by WLAN today provides equal chance of transmissions to all stations. This equal- ity can lead to unfairness between uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) transmissions because the number of active wireless users normally exceeds the number of access points. Generally the Fi-Wis access point (AP) requires greater media access than any of its associate wireless users (WUs) because of the predominance of downlink traffic. Thus, techniques to maximize the network throughput and provide fairness between UL and DL transmissions are proposed. Traffic information obtained from monitoring both GPON and WLAN networks is utilized in the proposed schemes.
Comparison of six approaches to predicting droplet activation of surface active aerosol – Part 1: moderately surface active organics​​​​​​​

Abstract. Surface active compounds (surfactants) are frequently found in atmospheric aerosols and droplets. As they adsorb to the surfaces of microscopic systems, surfactants can decrease aqueous surface tension and simultaneously deplete the bulk concentration. These processes may influence the activation of aerosols into cloud droplets and investigation of their role in cloud microphysics has been ongoing for decades. In this work, we have used six different models documented in the literature to represent surface activity in Köhler calculations of cloud droplet activation for particles consisting of one of three moderately surface active organics (malonic, succinic or glutaric acid) mixed with ammonium sulfate in varying mass ratios. For each of these organic acids, we find that the models predict comparable activation properties at small organic mass fractions in the dry particles, despite large differences in the predicted degree of bulk-to-surface partitioning. However, differences between the model predictions for the same dry particles regarding both the critical droplet diameters and supersaturations increase with the organic fraction in the particles. Comparison with available experimental data shows that models assuming complete bulk-to-surface partitioning of the moderately surface active component (total depletion of the bulk) do not adequately represent the droplet activation of particles with high organic mass fractions. When reduced droplet surface tension is also considered, these predictions somewhat improve. Models that consider partial bulk-to-surface partitioning of surface active components yield results comparable to experimental supersaturation data, even at high organic mass fractions in the particles, but predictions of the degree of organic bulk–surface partitioning strongly differ. This work highlights the need to use a thermodynamically consistent model framework to treat the surface activity of atmospheric aerosols and for firm experimental validation of model predictions across a wide range of droplet states relevant to the atmosphere.
Septic arthritis and osteomyelitis of the pubic symphysis – a retrospective study of 26 patients

Abstract Introduction: Septic arthritis and osteomyelitis of the pubic symphysis (SAS) are rare conditions with nonspecific symptoms leading to diagnostic delay and treatment. Aim: We draw awareness to this condition elucidating the diagnostic procedures, surgical intervention and antibiotic management. Methods: This entail a retrospective follow-up study of 26 consecutive patients, median age of 71 years (range: 48–89) surgically treated for septic arthritis of the pubic symphysis between 2009 and 2020. Patient files, diagnostic imaging and bacterial cultures were evaluated. Results: Before diagnosed with SAS, 21 of the patients had previous pelvic surgery (16 due to malign conditions, 5 due to benign conditions), while 5 of the patients were not previously operated. Median follow-up period after SAS surgery was 18.5 months (range: 8 to 144.5 months). Dominating symptoms were severe suprapubic/pubic pain ( n = 26), gait difficulties ( n = 10) and intermittent fever ( n = 9). Diagnostic delay was between 1 and 12 months. The diagnostic imaging included magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) ( n = 24), computer tomography (CT) ( n = 17) and/or PET-CT ( n = 10), predominantly displaying bone destruction/erosion of the symphysis ( n = 13), abscess ( n = 12) and/or fistula ( n = 5) in the adjacent muscles. All patients underwent surgical debridement with resection of the symphysis and received a minimum of 6 weeks antibiotic treatment. Fourteen patients presented with monocultures and 4 patients with polycultures. Five patients underwent at least one revision surgery. Twenty-three patients experienced postoperative pain relief at 6 weeks follow-up, and 19 patients were ambulant without walking aids. Conclusion: SAS are rare conditions and should be suspected in patients with infection, pubic pain and impaired gait, especially after pelvic surgery. Bone infection, abscess and fistula near the symphysis can be visualized with proper imaging, most frequently with MRI. For most patients in this cohort surgical debridement combined with a minimum of 6 weeks antibiotic treatment resulted in pain relief, improved walking ability and a low recurrence rate.
The Effect of Microbubble-Assisted Ultrasound on Molecular Permeability across Cell Barriers

The combination of ultrasound and microbubbles (USMB) has been applied to enhance drug permeability across tissue barriers. Most studies focused on only one physicochemical aspect (i.e., molecular weight of the delivered molecule). Using an in vitro epithelial (MDCK II) cell barrier, we examined the effects of USMB on the permeability of five molecules varying in molecular weight (182 Da to 20 kDa) and hydrophilicity (LogD at pH 7.4 from 1.5 to highly hydrophilic). Treatment of cells with USMB at increasing ultrasound pressures did not have a significant effect on the permeability of small molecules (molecular weight 259 to 376 Da), despite their differences in hydrophilicity (LogD at pH 7.4 from −3.2 to 1.5). The largest molecules (molecular weight 4 and 20 kDa) showed the highest increase in the epithelial permeability (3-7-fold). Simultaneously, USMB enhanced intracellular accumulation of the same molecules. In the case of the clinically relevant anti- C-X-C Chemokine Receptor Type 4 (CXCR4) nanobody (molecular weight 15 kDa), USMB enhanced paracellular permeability by two-fold and increased binding to retinoblastoma cells by five-fold. Consequently, USMB is a potential tool to improve the efficacy and safety of the delivery of drugs to organs protected by tissue barriers, such as the eye and the brain.
Simulants for Testing and Verifying Exploration Surface Activity

The 2005 Lunar Regolith Simulant Materials Workshop recommended the development of new root and derivative simulants for regolith in the lunar mare regions, lunar highland regions and lunar polar regions to support materials processing, prototype testing, dust mitigation, mining and transportation experiments and advanced life support studies in anticipation of a return to the moon. Orbital Technologies Corporation (ORBITEC), working together with Dr. James L. Carter and NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, is providing the first of many new lunar regolith simulants, JSC-1A, in 2006 for the research community. JSC-1A is a recreation of the former JSC-1 simulant and is available in three grain size distributions (standard, coarse and fine). The simulant will also be available commercially through ORBITEC’s commercial partner PLANET LLC. ORBITEC is also currently developing two different methods to create agglutinate-like particles in any lunar regolith simulant. Both methods attempt to mimic the fusion of individual grains that is observed in lunar agglutinates which make up 5% - 65% of lunar soil by volume. The goal is to produce agglutinate-like particles that exhibit as many of the unique properties of lunar agglutinates as possible since the presence of agglutinate particles has a significant impact on the mechanical properties of the lunar regolith/simulant.
Do Spatially Structured Soil Variables Influence the Plant Diversity in Tabuk Arid Region, Saudi Arabia?

Plant diversity is affected by spatial variables as well as soil physical and chemical variables. In this study, plant species and soil variables were investigated in five sites of Tabuk Province (Saudi Arabia), namely Aldesah, Alzetah, Alawz, Harra and Sharma, to understand if the spatially structured soil variables (pH, electric conductivity (EC), soil texture, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, phosphate, total organic matter (OM), bicarbonate and sodium) influence the plant diversity. A total of 163 plant species belong to 41 families and 124 genera were reported from the 5 sites. Diversity indices including the species richness (alpha), evenness, Brillouin, Menhinick, Margalef, equitability and estimated Chao-1 were significantly different among the studied sites with pronounced high values in Sharma and Aldesah. The highest value of beta diversity was reported in Aldesah (0.253) followed by Sharma (0.171). According to the principal coordinates of neighbourhood matrix (PCNM) analysis, 11 positive spatial vectors (variables) were found. However, after running the forward selection procedures (using 2 stopping criteria), only 3 spatial vectors were retained (PCNM 1 (adj–R2 = 0.043, F = 5.201, p = 0.004), PCNM 2 (adj–R2 = 0.027, F = 3.97, p = 0.006) and PCNM 3 (adj–R2 = 0.019, F = 3.36, p = 0.007)). The linear models between the selected spatial variables (PCNM vectors) and soil variables were produced to investigate their spatial structure. In the first model, the first PCNM 1 axis showed significant relationship with pH and potassium (adj–R2 = 0.175, p = 0.046). In the second model, the second PCNM 2 axis had a significant relationship with OM and sodium (adj–R2 = 0.561, p < 0.001). Lastly, sodium was the only factor significantly correlated with the third PCNM 3 axis (adj–R2 = 0.365, p = 0.002). In conclusion, the spatially structured variables of soil did not show strong influence on plant diversity except pH and potassium, which were correlated with PCNM 1, OM and sodium, which were correlated with PCNM 2, and sodium, which was correlated with PCNM 3.
Effects of Cognitive Exercise Therapy on Upper Extremity Sensorimotor Function and Activities of Daily Living in Patients with Chronic Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study investigated the effects of cognitive exercise therapy on upper extremity sensorimotor function and daily activity in patients with chronic stroke and compared these effects to those of conventional occupational therapy. The 30 patients with chronic stroke (mean age: 63.6 ± 12.7 years; height: 162.8 ± 8.1 cm; weight: 60.6 ± 7.6 kg; body mass index: 22.8 ± 1.9 kg/m2) were divided into two treatment groups with 15 patients in each. The respective interventions were provided for 30 min per day, five times weekly for 4 weeks. Manual and sensory function tests were conducted to evaluate the sensorimotor function, while the Korean-Modified Barthel Index was used to assess daily activities. All outcome variables were assessed before and after the interventions. A significant interaction was observed in sensory function (p = 0.001) but not motor function or daily activities (p > 0.05). No significant main group effects were found for any outcome variables (p > 0.05). The experimental group showed significant improvements in motor function (p < 0.001), sensory function (p < 0.001), and daily life activities (p = 0.001) after cognitive exercise therapy, whereas the control group showed significant improvement only in daily life activities post-intervention (p = 0.012). These results demonstrated the positive effects of cognitive exercise therapy on upper extremity sensorimotor function and daily life activities and the lack of improvement in motor and sensory function following conventional occupational therapy in patients with chronic stroke. Thus, the combination of cognitive exercise and conventional occupational therapies may be an effective way to improve sensory function and upper extremity motor function in patients with chronic stroke.
Ultra-Chaos: an Insurmountable Objective Obstacle of Reproducibility and Replication

In this paper, a new concept, i.e., ultra-chaos, is proposed for the first time. Unlike a normal-chaos, statistical properties such as the probability density functions (PDF) of an ultra-chaos are sensitive to tiny disturbances. We illustrate that ultra-chaos is widely existed and thus has general scientific meanings. It is found that statistical non-reproducibility is an inherent property of an ultra-chaos so that an ultra-chaos is at a higher-level of disorder than a normal-chaos. Thus, it is impossible in practice to replicate experimental/numerical results of an ultra-chaos even in statistical meanings, since random environmental noises always exist and are out of control. Thus, the ultra-chaos should be an insurmountable obstacle of reproducibility and replicability. Similar to Gödel’s incompleteness theorem, such kind of “incompleteness of reproducibility” reveals a limitation of our traditional scientific paradigm based on reproducible experiments, which can be traced back to Galileo. The ultra-chaos opens a new door and possibility to study chaos theory, turbulence theory, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), the statistical significance, reproducibility crisis, and so on. AMS subject classifications: 35N05, 65P20
Investigating the Impact of Real Options on IT Project Value: The Moderating Effect of Project Scope, Purpose and Span

While literature on information technology (IT) investment evaluation through Real Option analysis has acknowledged that different types of IT projects might encompass diverse real option value, the majority of the research treats IT projects as a homogeneous group. Little research has been conducted to empirically test and compare different IT project types and examine whether their option value varies. This study attempts to fulfill this gap. Its aim is to investigate whether the impact of three types of options (growth, stage and deferral) on the perceived IT project value is moderated by project type. Using data collected from 109 firms in a European empirical study, results indicate that Real Options are perceived by managers as significant in specific IT project types. Drawing on Real Options theory and IS classification, the study empirically compares different IT settings and examines their respective embedded option value based on managers’ views. Results show that the IT project scope, purpose and span moderate the effect that the presence of Real Options has on the project value.
Modulation of Inflammatory Cytokine Production in Human Monocytes by cGMP and IRAK3

Interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase-3 (IRAK3) is a critical checkpoint molecule of inflammatory responses in the innate immune system. The pseudokinase domain of IRAK3 contains a guanylate cyclase (GC) centre that generates small amounts of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) associated with IRAK3 functions in inflammation. However, the mechanisms of IRAK3 actions are poorly understood. The effects of low cGMP levels on inflammation are unknown, therefore a dose–response effect of cGMP on inflammatory markers was assessed in THP-1 monocytes challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Sub-nanomolar concentrations of membrane permeable 8-Br-cGMP reduced LPS-induced NFκB activity, IL-6 and TNF-α cytokine levels. Pharmacologically upregulating cellular cGMP levels using a nitric oxide donor reduced cytokine secretion. Downregulating cellular cGMP using a soluble GC inhibitor increased cytokine levels. Knocking down IRAK3 in THP-1 cells revealed that unlike the wild type cells, 8-Br-cGMP did not suppress inflammatory responses. Complementation of IRAK3 knockdown cells with wild type IRAK3 suppressed cytokine production while complementation with an IRAK3 mutant at GC centre only partially restored this function. Together these findings indicate low levels of cGMP form a critical component in suppressing cytokine production and in mediating IRAK3 action, and this may be via a cGMP enriched nanodomain formed by IRAK3 itself.
Technology Acceptance and Usability of a Virtual Reality Intervention for Military Members and Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Mixed Methods Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology Study

Background Military members and veterans exhibit higher rates of injuries and illnesses such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) because of their increased exposure to combat and other traumatic scenarios. Novel treatments for PTSD are beginning to emerge and increasingly leverage advances in gaming and other technologies, such as virtual reality. Without assessing the degree of technology acceptance and perception of usability to the end users, including the military members, veterans, and their attending therapists and staff, it is difficult to determine whether a technology-based treatment will be used successfully in wider clinical practice. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model is commonly used to address the technology acceptance and usability of applications in 5 domains. Objective Using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model, the purpose of this study was to determine the technology acceptance and usability of multimodal motion-assisted memory desensitization and reconsolidation (3MDR) on a virtual reality system in the primary user group (military members and veterans with treatment-resistant PTSD, 3MDR therapists, and virtual reality environment operators). Methods This mixed methods embedded pilot study included military members (n=3) and veterans (n=8) with a diagnosis of combat-related PTSD, as well as their therapists (n=13) and operators (n=5) who completed pre-post questionnaires before and on completion of 6 weekly sessions of 3MDR. A partial least squares structural equation model was used to analyze the questionnaire results. Qualitative data from the interviews were assessed using thematic analysis. Results Effort expectancy, which was the most notable predictor of behavioral intention, increased after a course of 3MDR with the virtual reality system, whereas all other constructs demonstrated no significant change. Participants’ expectations of the technology were met, as demonstrated by the nonsignificant differences in the pre-post scores. The key qualitative themes included feasibility and function, technical support, and tailored immersion. Conclusions 3MDR via a virtual reality environment appears to be a feasible, usable, and accepted technology for delivering 3MDR to military members and veterans who experience PTSD and 3MDR therapists and operators who facilitate their treatment.
2D Numerical Investigation of the Laminar and Turbulent Flow Over Different Airfoils Using OpenFOAM

The aim of this work is to assess the prediction capabilities of the turbulence models and the transition model kkl-ω available in OpenFOAM and to achieve a database of airfoil aerodynamical characteristics. The airfoils chosen for the simulations are FX 79-W- 15A and NACA 63-430, which are widely used in wind turbines. The numerically obtained lift and drag coefficients are compared with available experimental results. A quantitative and qualitative study is conducted to determine the influence of meshing strategies, computational time step together with interpolation and temporal schemes. Two Reynolds Averaged Navier- Stokes models (RANS models) are used, which are the k-ω SST model by Menter and the kkl-ω model (which involves transition modeling) by Walters and Davor.