Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Wall Thickness on Flame Stabilization Limits for Combustors with Wire Mesh

Article history: Received 25 March 2018 Received in revised form 6 May 2018 Accepted 22 August 2018 Available online 2 September 2018 The scarcity of energy has led to the invention of alternative solutions to the conventional power generators. Micro-power generation system is one of the potential sustainable solutions that provide better energy resource for small electronic devices as compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries. The difficulty to stabilize the flame in micro-combustors is the main obstacle faced by researchers, which is hugely caused from heat loss. Nevertheless, huge efforts towards attaining flame stabilization have been made within this few years back. In this research, the effect of combustor thickness on the flame stabilization limits of micro combustors with stainless steel wire mesh has been investigated. Numerical simulations were performed using a two-dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) steady-state model. The governing equations were solved using ANSYS Release 16.2 with Fluent capability. From the results, it is suggested that the flame stabilization limits for the combustors made of quartz tube has a direct relationship with the wall thickness. Nevertheless, the strategy of improving flame stabilization limits by increasing the wall thickness has a limited range of effectiveness.
On the performance of SDN controllers: A reality check

In the Software Defined Network (SDN) ecosystem, the controller remains the cornerstone of the architecture and the critical point of its success. That is why performance concerns have existed throughout the history of SDN and controller development. This paper aims at making a reality check on the current performance achieved by mainstream open source controllers. The measurements are carried out in a controlled environment, where each controller is tested with its own optimized configuration, on the one hand allowing measuring peak performance, while, on the other hand allowing obtaining fair and reproducible results. Furthermore, besides optimizing the controller configuration, the system wide settings have been also tuned so as to maximize performance. From this comprehensive evaluation, advice on selecting and deploying controllers in real scenarios is derived.
A framework for evaluating alternative architectures and its application to financial business processes

Architectural design is a vital phase in the development of e-business applications. A suitable compromise must be determined taking into account business requirements, quality criteria and existing constraints (e.g. presence of legacy systems). This paper adopts the view that for a particular problem context, the architectural design process can be considered as a series of choices regarding the application of a number of architectural design strategies. The problem context described in the paper is common to a category of e-business applications that arise from the e-finance domain. Given a formal representation of this context, we identify and formalise a number of applicable design strategies and show the resulting architectures. We also represent the overall design process as a decision tree and show how quality models can be used to select the most appropriate architecture. The recommendations made by the models are checked against real data from existing projects.
The playful experiences (PLEX) framework as a guide for expert evaluation

The Playful Experiences (PLEX) framework is a categorization of playful experiences based on previous theoretical work on pleasurable experiences, game experiences, emotions, elements of play, and reasons why people play. While the framework has been successfully employed in design-related activities, its potential as an evaluation tool has not yet been studied. In this paper, we apply the PLEX framework in the evaluation of two game prototypes that explored novel physical interactions between mobile devices using Near-Field Communication, by means of three separate studies. Our results suggest that the PLEX framework provides anchor points for evaluators to reflect during heuristic evaluations. More broadly, the framework categories can be used as a checklist to assess different attributes of playfulness of a product or service.
A Reformed Mathematics Education at Chalmers

Engineering education faces the challenge to reform to effectively use the new tools offered by computers. We present a program for a reformed engineering mathematics education. The full program covering the basic mathematics courses of 25–30 credit points has been implemented at Chalmers since 1999 in the “Bio Engineering” (Kb) and “Chemical Engineering with Engineering Physics” (Kf) programs with an enrollment of 90 students and it has been extended to include also the “Chemical Engineering” (K) program reaching a total of 160 students in 2001. The mathematics reform program presents a synthesis of mathematical analysis, linear algebra and computation with focus on constructive/quantitative aspects and on applications in science and engineering. The computational elements of the program open the possibility to use teaching methods with active student participation including open-ended projects connected to applications.
Role of Na+, K+, Cl−, proline and sucrose concentrations in determining salinity tolerance and their correlation with the expression of multiple genes in tomato

One of the major abiotic stresses affecting agriculture is soil salinity, which reduces crop yield. A way of improving yield in conditions of salinity stress is to breed for improved salt tolerance. In this study, we analysed physiological and genetic parameters of 23 tomato accessions in order to identify possible traits to be used by plant breeders to develop more tolerant tomato varieties. Our results suggest that, in tomato, for a particular level of tolerance to salinity, a complex relationship between Na+ concentration in the cells and tissue tolerance defines the salinity tolerance of individual tomato accessions.
An analysis of post-selection in automatic configuration

Automated algorithm configuration methods have proven to be instrumental in deriving high-performing algorithms and such methods are increasingly often used to configure evolutionary algorithms. One major challenge in devising automatic algorithm configuration techniques is to handle the inherent stochasticity in the configuration problems. This article analyses a post-selection mechanism that can also be used for this task. The central idea of the post-selection mechanism is to generate in a first phase a set of high-quality candidate algorithm configurations and then to select in a second phase from this candidate set the (statistically) best configuration. Our analysis of this mechanism indicates its high potential and suggests that it may be helpful to improve automatic algorithm configuration methods.
BARELY VISIBLE IMPACT DAMAGE DETECTION IN SANDWICH STRUCTURES USING NON-UNIFORM STRAIN ALONG OPTICAL FIBER SENSORS

Impact damage detection system for sandwich structures was developed by using a specific response of pre-pump pulse Brillouin optical time domain analysis (PPP-BOTDA) sensing system to non-uniform strain distribution along an optical fiber. The innovative PPP-BOTDA sensing system employs stimulated Brillouin scattering in the optical fiber and realizes distributed strain measurement with spatial resolution of 10 cm, sampling interval of 5 cm and sensing range of more than 1 km. First, it was revealed that strain gradient broadens a width of a Brillouin gain spectrum, which is a respondency of the PPP-BOTDA. Then the specific response of the PPP-BOTDA was employed to detect non-uniform strain distribution along a dent of the facesheet in a damaged area. As the damage became larger, the width of the Brillouin gain spectra became broader. Consequently, location and size of barely visible damage could be estimated. The developed system can be used in a first inspection of large sandwich structures in aerospace applications.
Metal-Promoted Assembly of Two Collagen Mimetic Peptides into a Biofunctional “Spiraled Horn” Scaffold

Biofunctional scaffolds for the delivery of living cells are of the utmost importance for regenerative medicine. Herein, a novel, robust “spiraled horn” scaffold was elucidated through the Co2+-promoted hierarchical assembly of two collagen mimetic peptides, NCoH and HisCol. Each “horn” displayed a periodic banding pattern with band lengths corresponding to the length of the collagen peptide triple helix. Strand exchange between the two peptide trimers resulted in failure to form this intricate morphology, lending support to a precise metal-ligand-based mechanism of assembly. Little change occurred to the observed morphology when the Co2+ concentration was varied from 0.5 to 4.0 mM, and the scaffold was found to be fully formed within two minutes of exposure to the metal ion. The horned network also displayed biological functionality by binding to a His-tagged fluorophore and associating with cells.
Deep-ocean Data Acquisition Using Underwater Sensor Networks

The traditional approach of ocean data acquisition, based on the deployment of battery operated stations with sensors for data recording during some programmed time for later recovery, has several drawbacks that may be overcome with the use of Underwater Sensor Networks (UWSN). In this work we investigate the feasibility of UWSN for deep-ocean data acquisition. The limitations of acoustic channel are discussed and taken into account to analyze the feasibility of this class of network for one important application, deep-ocean current monitoring. Also, we propose a method for UWSN synchronization based on the tide variations.
Multiuser Cognitive Relay Networks: Joint Impact of Direct and Relay Communications

In this paper, we propose a multiuser cognitive relay network, where multiple secondary sources communicate with a secondary destination through the assistance of a secondary relay in the presence of secondary direct links and multiple primary receivers. We consider the two relaying protocols of amplify-and-forward (AF) and decode-and-forward (DF), and take into account the availability of direct links from the secondary sources to the secondary destination. With this in mind, we propose an optimal solution for cognitive multiuser scheduling by selecting the optimal secondary source, which maximizes the received signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) at the secondary destination using maximal ratio combining. This is done by taking into account both the direct link and the relay link in the multiuser selection criterion. For both AF and DF relaying protocols, we first derive closed-form expressions for the outage probability and then provide the asymptotic outage probability, which determines the diversity behavior of the multiuser cognitive relay network. Finally, this paper is corroborated by representative numerical examples.
UniStore: Querying a DHT-based Universal Storage

The idea of collecting and combining large public data sets and services became more and more popular. The special characteristics of such systems and the requirements of the participants demand for strictly decentralized solutions. However, this comes along with several ambitious challenges a corresponding system has to overcome. In this demonstration paper, we present a lightweight distributed universal storage capable of dealing with those challenges, and providing a powerful and flexible way of building Internet-scale public data management systems. We introduce our approach based on a triple storage on top of a distributed hash table (DHT) overlay system, based on the ideas of a universal relation model and the resource description framework (RDF), and outline solved challenges as well as open issues.
Reversible Image Authentication with Tamper Localization Based on Integer Wavelet Transform

In this paper, a new reversible image authentication technique with tamper localization based on watermarking in integer wavelet transform is proposed. If the image authenticity is verified, then the distortion due to embedding the watermark can be completely removed from the watermarked image. If the image is tampered, then the tampering positions can also be localized. Two layers of watermarking are used. The first layer embedded in spatial domain verifies authenticity and the second layer embedded in transform domain provides reversibility. This technique utilizes selective LSB embedding and histogram characteristics of the difference images of the wavelet coefficients and modifies pixel values slightly to embed the watermark. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed scheme can detect any modifications of the watermarked image.
Chronic Antioxidant Supplementation Impairs Coronary Endothelial Function and Myocardial Perfusion in Normal Pigs

Experimental studies have shown the beneficial effects of antioxidant supplementation on endothelial function in the presence of increased endogenous oxidative stress, whereas limited data are available under normal conditions. The present study tested the hypothesis that in normal pigs long-term antioxidants would have deleterious effects on the cardiovascular system. Normal domestic pigs (V, n=6) were studied 12 weeks after dietary supplementation with vitamin E (100 IU/kg per day) and vitamin C (1 g/day) and compared with normal controls (C, n=7). Myocardial perfusion and permeability index were evaluated by electron beam computed tomography after intravenous adenosine and dobutamine. Coronary endothelial function was evaluated in vitro by organ chamber and coronary tissue studied by immunoblotting and staining. Myocardial perfusion response was lower in V than in C after adenosine (10.1±4.5 versus 53.4±5.2%; P<0.01) and dobutamine (V, 78.4±8.1; C, 193.0±39.0%; P<0.05). The permeability index increased in V after adenosine (48.8±5.1%) and dobutamine (59.9±13.6%) and did not change in C. Coronary vasodilation to bradykinin and substance P was lower in V than in C. Moreover, in V, coronary nitrotyrosine and superoxide content was significantly higher than in C. The groups had similar total monomer expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, whereas the dimerized form, reflecting coupled enzyme, was lower in V. These findings suggest that long-term experimental antioxidant vitamin supplementation in normal pigs impairs myocardial perfusion and coronary endothelial function via an increased level of oxidative stress in the arterial wall, which may be partly related to the uncoupling of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and/or the direct prooxidant effect of vitamin radicals.
Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies Testing in a Large Cohort of Unselected Greek Patients

Objective. To retrospectively evaluate ANCA testing in a cohort of unselected Greek in- and outpatients. Methods. In 10803 consecutive serum samples, ANCA were tested by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) and ELISA. ELISA in inpatients was performed only on IIF positive sera. Results. Low prevalence (6.0%) of IIF positive samples was observed. Among these samples, 63.5% presented perinuclear (p-ANCA), 9.3% cytoplasmic (c-ANCA) and 27.2% atypical (x-ANCA) pattern. 16.1% of p-ANCA were antimyeloperoxidase (anti-MPO) positive, whereas 68.3% of c-ANCA were antiproteinase-3 (anti-PR3) positive. Only 17 IIF negative outpatients' samples were ELISA positive. ANCA-associated vasculitides (AAV), connective tissue disorders and gastrointestinal disorders represented 20.5%, 23.9%, and 21.2% of positive results, respectively. AAV patients exhibited higher rates of MPO/PR3 specificity compared to non-AAV (93.8% versus 8%). Conclusions. This first paper on Greek patients supports that screening for ANCA by IIF and confirming positive results by ELISA minimize laboratory charges without sacrificing diagnostic accuracy.
A Bayesian Nonparametric Approach to Inference for Quantile Regression

We develop a Bayesian method for nonparametric model–based quantile regression. The approach involves flexible Dirichlet process mixture models for the joint distribution of the response and the covariates, with posterior inference for different quantile curves emerging from the conditional response distribution given the covariates. An extension to allow for partially observed responses leads to a novel Tobit quantile regression framework. We use simulated data sets and two data examples from the literature to illustrate the capacity of the model to uncover nonlinearities in quantile regression curves, as well as nonstandard features in the response distribution.
Mutations in an essential U2 small nuclear RNA structure cause cold-sensitive U2 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein function by favoring competing alternative U2 RNA structures

Mutations in stem-loop IIa of yeast U2 RNA cause cold-sensitive growth and cold-sensitive U2 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein function in vitro. Cold-sensitive U2 small nuclear RNA adopts an alternative conformation that occludes the loop and disrupts the stem but does so at both restrictive and permissive temperatures. To determine whether alternative U2 RNA structure causes the defects, we tested second-site mutations in U2 predicted to disrupt the alternative conformation. We find that such mutations efficiently suppress the cold-sensitive phenotypes and partially restore correct U2 RNA folding. A genetic search for additional suppressors of cold sensitivity revealed two unexpected mutations in the base of an adjacent stem-loop. Direct probing of RNA structure in vivo indicates that the suppressors of cold sensitivity act to improve the stability of the essential stem relative to competing alternative structures by disrupting the alternative structures. We suggest that many of the numerous cold-sensitive mutations in a variety of RNAs and RNA-binding proteins could be a result of changes in the stability of a functional RNA conformation relative to a competing structure. The presence of an evolutionarily conserved U2 sequence positioned to form an alternative structure argues that this region of U2 is dynamic during the assembly or function of the U2 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein.
The mediating role of manufacturing performance on the relationship between LMP and sustainability

The achievements in manufacturing performance is able to enhance a firm’s manufacturing competitive capabilities and sustainability. In fact, sustainability has turned out to be the most vital strategic of the new millennium in the manufacturing organizations. Sustainability is not just to sustain present operational levels and break through the new markets, however it is very wide-ranging. Inversely, it will go advance than that by getting growth so that a company remains in business thriving into the future and keep on sustain the competitive advantages of business. Previous literature stated that the process through which organizations go to embrace sustainability so that can increase the development of the business. Lean manufacturing practices (LMP) can lead to competitive advantage by boosted the productivity and quality and as well as reducing the cost. LMP also considered as a manufacturing philosophy that engaged to global manufacturing excellence by adopting in the organizations. However, numerous studies found that some challenging relating the orientation of lean manufacturing operations system with sustainability goals and practices. For now, abundant of researchers found that manufacturing performance can arouse sustainability in the long term. Therefore, manufacturing performance (MP) is proposed as potential mediator on LMP and sustainability in the present study.
Receptor and Transporter Imaging Studies in Schizophrenia, Depression, Bulimia and Tourette's Disorder—Implications for Psychopharmacology-

Summary: Considerable progress has been achieved over the past 15 years in uncovering the biological basis of major psychiatric disorders. To determine patterns of brain dysfunction and to uncover the mechanism of action of centrally active compounds we used single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) as well as positron emission tomography (PET) in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, depression, bulimia and Tourette's disorder. Striatal D2 and 5-HTIA receptors were studied in schizophrenia and 5-HT transporters (5-HTT) in depression and bulimia. Patients were either drug-naive or drug free, or we studied the influence of specifically acting compounds on receptor/transporter occupancy. We could demonstrate that atypical antipsychotics have a dose-dependent (with the exception of clozapine and quetiapine) lower striatal D2 receptor occupancy rate compared with typical neuroleptics, paralleling the more favourable extrapyramidal side effects of atypical antipsychotics. However, no association between striatal D2 receptor occupancy rates and antipsychotic efficacy has been found. The measurement of S-HTIA receptors in drug-naïve schizophrenic patients using the in vivo PET methodology revealed an increase of cortical 5-HTIA receptor binding potential in schizophrenia. β-CIT as a ligand for measurement of 5-HT transporter densities (5-HTT) revealed lower rates in depression compared to age-and sex-matching healthy controls, a measurement that has also been obtained for bulimia. We also documented seasonal variations in brain serotonergic function by our finding of reduced brain 5-HTT availability in winter (compared to summer) in healthy controls. Furthermore, displaceable [124I]/β-CIT binding in the area corresponding to the left striatum (representing predominantly the density of dopamine transporters) was significantly reduced in SAD patients compared to healthy controls. In depression as well as in bulimia, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors significantly decreased the β-CIT binding potential, however, no significant dose relationship has been obtained in depression. Genotyping depressed patients for the serotonin transporter promoter gene region (5-HTTLPR) did not provide evidence for in vivo functional regulation of 5-HTT availability by 5-HTTLPR in the thalamus-hypothalamus and mesencephalon-pons of healthy subjects. In patients suffering from Tourette's disorder (TD) we were unable to detect differences of dopamine transporter densities between psychotropic drug-naïve TD patients and controls. Furthermore, no difference could be found between currently treated (with antipsychotics) and psychotropic drugnaive TD patients. Our data provide insight into the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders and may guide future psychopharmacological drug developments.
A Cityscape Visualization of Video Perspectives

CMU’s Informedia project has collected and automatically processed a multi-terabyte video corpus containing 8 years of CNN broadcasts and other video sources [5]. Previous work has demonstrated multi-modal querying by text, image, time, and location, and the ability to summarize a single document or a set of documents matching a query. We now plan to organize the corpus or a subset along multiple dimensions, or perspectives, adding relevant background material, significantly expanding and accelerating the viewer’s comprehension and integration of knowledge. A perspective can provide factual background information, a history of an issue, the view of a biased source, a technical or medical perspective, or any of dozens of others. This abstract proposes a cityscape metaphor for organizing visual context in terms of perspectives.