Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
STRATEGIES FOR ULTRASOUND IMAGING USING TWO‐DIMENSIONAL ARRAYS

2D arrays are able to ‘view’ a given defect from a range of angles leading to the possibility of obtaining richer characterization detail than possible with 1D arrays. This has clear benefits as real defects and engineering structures are three‐dimensional. This paper describes different approaches to optimize 2D array design. Results are shown that illustrate the application of the proposed techniques to modeling and experimental data.
Automated detection of cerebral microbleeds on MR images using knowledge distillation framework

Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are associated with white matter damage, various neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular diseases. CMBs occur as small, circular hypointense lesions on T2*-weighted gradient recalled echo (GRE) and susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) images, and hyperintense on quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) images due to their paramagnetic nature. Accurate detection of CMBs would help to determine the CMB lesion count and distribution, which would be further useful to understand the clinical impact of CMBs and to obtain quantitative imaging biomarkers. In this work, we propose a fully automated, deep learning-based, 2-step algorithm, using structural and anatomical properties of CMBs from any single input image modality (e.g. GRE / SWI / QSM) for their accurate detection. Our method consists of an initial candidate detection step, that detects CMBs with high sensitivity and a candidate discrimination step using a knowledge distillation framework to classify CMB and non-CMB instances, followed by a morphological clean-up step. We used 4 datasets consisting of different modalities specified above, acquired using various protocols and with a variety of pathological and demographic characteristics. On cross-validation within datasets, our method achieved a cluster-wise true positive rate (TPR) over 90% with an average of less than 2 false positives per subject. Our method is flexible in terms of the input modality and provides comparable cluster-wise TPR and a better cluster-wise precision compared to existing state-of-the-art methods. When evaluated across different datasets, our method showed good generalisability with a cluster-wise TPR greater than 80% with different modalities.
Association of COVID-19 employment disruption with mental and social wellbeing: evidence from nine UK longitudinal studies

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to major economic disruptions. In March 2020, the UK implemented the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, known as furlough, to minimize the impact of job losses. We investigate associations between change in employment status and mental and social wellbeing during the early stages of the pandemic. Methods: Data from 25,670 respondents, aged 16 to 66, from nine UK longitudinal studies were analysed. Changes in employment (including being furloughed) were defined by comparing employment status pre-pandemic and during the first lockdown. Mental and social wellbeing outcomes included psychological distress, life satisfaction, self-rated health, social contact, and loneliness. Study-specific modified Poisson regression estimates, adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics and pre-pandemic outcome measures, were pooled using meta-analysis. Results: Compared to those who remained working, furloughed workers were at greater risk of psychological distress (adjusted risk ratio, ARR=1.12; 95% CI: 0.97, 1.29), low life satisfaction (ARR=1.14; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.22), loneliness (ARR=1.12; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.23), and fair/poor self-rated health (ARR=1.26; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.50), but risk ratios appear less pronounced compared to those no longer employed (e.g., psychological distress, ARR=1.39; 95% CI: 1.21, 1.59) or stable unemployed (e.g., psychological distress, ARR=1.33; 95% CI: 1.09, 1.62). Conclusions: During the early stages of the pandemic those furloughed had increased risk for poor mental and social wellbeing. However, their excess risk was lower in magnitude than those who became or remained unemployed, suggesting that furlough partly mitigated poorer outcomes.
INVESTIGATION OF NORMAL CONTACT INTERACTION BETWEEN TWO BONDED SPHERICAL PARTICLES WITH INTERFACE LAYER

Siame straipsnyje nagrinėjamas dviejų, per tarpinį sluoksnį kontaktuojancių, sferinių dalelių normalinis kontaktas. Baigtinio dydžio jungiamajam sluoksniui įvertinti, buvo pasiūlytas naujas analitinis normalinio kontakto skaiciavimo modelis, kuris jungiamojo sluoksnio dalį įvertina kaip nuoseklų elementą. Skaitiniai tyrimai buvo atliekami analitiniu būdu ir baigtinių elementų metodu (BEM) esant skirtingiems jungiamojo sluoksnio spinduliams ir skirtingoms medžiagų savybėms. Rezultatai rodo, kad atskiras jungiamojo tarpinio sluoksnio standumo įvertinimas sumažina bendrą nagrinėtos sistemos standumą, tai rodo ir BEM rezultatai. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.5755/j01.mech. 18.6. 3160
New Horizons Detection of the Local Galactic Lyman-α Background

Since 2007 the Alice spectrograph on the New Horizons (NH) spacecraft has been used to periodically observe the Lyman-α (Lyα) emissions of the interplanetary medium (IPM), which mostly result from resonant scattering of solar Lyα emissions by interstellar hydrogen atoms passing through the solar system. Three observations of IPM Lyα along a single great circle were made during the NH cruise to Pluto, and these have been supplemented by observations along six great circles (spread over the sky at 30° intervals), acquired one month before and one day after the NH flyby of Pluto, and on a further five occasions since then, out to just over 47 au from the Sun. These data indicate a distant Lyα background of 43 ± 3 Rayleigh brightness (equivalent to 56 ± 4 nW m−2 sr−1), which is present in all directions (i.e., not only in the upstream direction, as previously reported). This result is found independently by: (1) the falloff with distance from the Sun of the IPM Lyα brightness observed by NH–Alice in several directions on the sky, and (2) the residual between the observed brightness and a model brightness accounting for the resonantly scattered solar Lyα component alone. The repeated observations show that this distant Lyα background is constant and uniform over the sky, and represents the local Galactic Lyα background. The observations show no strong correlation with the cloud structure of the local IPM. The observed brightness constrains the absorption coefficient of interstellar dust at Lyα to 0.2 ± 0.01 kpc−1.
Validation of a full-plasma integrated modeling approach on ASDEX Upgrade

In this work we present the extensive validation of a refined version of the integrated model based on engineering parameters (IMEP) introduced in reference (Luda et al 2020 Nucl. Fusion 60 036023). The modeling workflow is now fully automated, computationally faster thanks to the reduced radial resolution of the TGLF calculation, and it includes the modeling of the toroidal rotation, which was still taken from experimental measurements in our previous work. The updated model maintains the same accuracy as its previous version when tested on the cases presented in the initial publication. The confined plasma, from the magnetic axis to the separatrix, is simulated without using any experimental information from profiles measurements, and the inputs of IMEP are the same engineering parameters used when programming a plasma discharge. The model validation database consists of 50 ASDEX Upgrade (AUG) stationary (over a few energy confinement time) H-mode phases, which largely cover the entire AUG operational domain. The prediction of IMEP is compared with experimental measurements and with scaling laws, such as the IPB98(y,2), the ITPA20-IL, and AUG specific regressions. This modeling framework has proven to be very accurate over the entire set of 50 cases, with a significantly lower mean relative error with respect to each of the scaling laws considered, accurately reproducing the change in pedestal and core confinement caused by a change in plasma current, heating power, fueling rate, triangularity, magnetic field, NBI voltage (i.e. the effect of a change in the core particle source), and heating mix (e.g. correctly predicting the effect on confinement caused by a change in T e/T i). Plasma confinement is correctly described by IMEP also for two particular operating regimes, such as the ITER baseline scenario, and the QCE regime (quasi continuous exhaust, also referred as type-II and small ELMs). This work clearly demonstrates the power of this approach in pulling out physics mechanisms to interpret subtle interdependencies and that a 1D integrated model can reproduce experimental results over very large parameter variations with a higher accuracy than any statistical regression. This approach has therefore the potential to improve the prediction of the fusion performance in future tokamak reactors.
Head/Disk Interface Contact Detection Using a Refined Acoustic Emission Technique

A refined technique using Acoustic Emission has been developed for use in head/disk interface contact detection. These refinements are focused on the design parameters of the Acoustic Emission electronics, amplification and filter settings, which permit accurate and repeatable contact detection measurements. A technique for determining the slider body natural frequencies is described in order that the proper filter design parameters can be determined. Experiments confirm the existence of these frequencies for a Al 2 O 3 TiC 50 percent slider are in excess of 600 KHz.
Reformulation of dairy cow diets based on rumen degradable protein and total digestible nutrient with varying levels on in vitro fermentability and digestibility

Rumen degradable protein (RDP) needs to be balanced with the adequacy of rumen undegradable protein (RUP) and energy for optimal microbial growth. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the optimal level of the RDP:RUP ratio and the energy level of dairy cattle rations using the in vitro method. The rumen inoculum used to carry out this research, was obtained from two bull rumen fistulated of Friesian Holstein. The treatments consisted of 3 levels of RDP:RUP ratio, namely 50:50, 55:45 and 60:40, while the energy levels consisted of total digestible nutrient (TDN) levels of 65.6% and 68.6%. The experimental design was a factorial randomized block, while data were analyzed using ANOVA and Duncan multi range’s test. The result showed the ratio of RDP:RUP had an effect on DMD, OMD, NH3, and rumen microbe. Furthermore, the higher TDN content increased significantly DMD, OMD, total VFA, and partial VFA. The increase in the microbial population was associated with a rise in total VFA and NH3 concentrations. This research concluded, the rations with RDP:RUP (60:40) ratio increased the population of bacteria and protozoa, while the availability of ammonia in the rumen, and the high level of TDN provided a higher supply of VFA, DMD, and OMD.
Bioimpedance Spectroscopy as a potential technique to detect label-free PCR products

PCR is a molecular technique that multiplies DNA fragments in a logarithmical way. qPCR uses fluoroscopic dyes or probes to quantify amplicons but it is a complex and expensive technique that should be performed by highly trained personnel. PCR has been used in a wide variety of disciplines such as in food sciences, organ transplant, odontology, oncology and lately, as the standard diagnostic technique for COVID-19. Even when qPCR is a reliable and robust technique, it is hardly accessible for developing countries for its complex labelling procedures and expensive instrumentation, for that, it is of big relevance to search for simpler and cheaper alternative technologies for the detection and analysis of DNA. In this work, we explore the feasibility of using multifrequency bioimpedance measurements to detect label-free PCR products as a proof of principle for the future development of a gene biosensor on the basis of PCR and bioimpedance measurements.
Shear Force Development by Pneumatic Tyres in Steady State Conditions: A Review of Modelling Aspects

SUMMARY Modelling of the generation of shear forces by pneumatic tyres under steady state conditions is reviewed. The review is placed in a practical context, through reference to the uses to which models may be put by the vehicle dynamicist and the tyre designer. It will be of interest also to the student of rolling contact problems. The subject is divided into sections, covering physically founded models which require computation for their solution, physically based models which are sufficiently simplified to allow analytical solutions and formula based, empirical models. The classes are more nearly continuous than this strict division would imply, since approximations in obtaining analytical solutions may be made, empirical correction factors may be applied to analytical results and formula based methods may take into account tyre mechanical principles. Such matters are discussed in the relevant sections. Attention is given to the important matter of choosing model parameters to best represent the beha.
In vitro nutrient digestibility, volatile fatty acids and gas production of fermented palm fronds combined with tithonia (Tithonia diversifolia) and elephant grass (Pennisetum Purpureum)

This study aims to determine the effect of the addition of phosphorus minerals to palm fronds fermented with Phanerochaete chrysosporium mold on the digestibility of nutrient invitro and to evaluate the total gas production and concentration of volatile fatty acids in fermented palm fronds combined with elephant grass (Pennisetum Purpureum) and Tithonia (Tithonia diversifolia). This research was conducted with an experimental method through 2 experimental stages. Stage 1 consisted of 3 treatment doses of mineral P with 5 replications, namely: A = 1000 ppm, B = 1500 ppm and C = 2000 ppm. Stage 2 consisted of 4 combined treatments of fermented palm fronds (FPF) with elephant grass (EG) and tithonia (T with 4 replications, namely: A = 20% FPF + 80% (EG + T), B = 40% FPF + 60% (EG + T), C = 60% FPF + 40% (EG + T) and D = 80% FPF + 20% (EG + T). The ratio of EG and T is 4: 1. The parameters measured in stage 1 were the digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, and crude fiber, while in stage 2 were gas production and total and partial VFA concentrations. The results of the research in stage 1 showed that the treatment had a significant effect (P <0.01) on the digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, and crude fiber. Gas production and total and partial VFA concentrations at stage 2 also showed significant differences (P <0.01) between treatments. This study concludes that the addition of a P dose of 2000 ppm (C) in the fermentation process provides the highest nutrient digestibility value and the combination of 20% FPF and 80% (EG + T) (D) results in the highest gas production and VFA concentration.
A packet replication algorithm for delay tolerant networks based on multi-metric

Utility function of packet is often used to decide how to replicate packet in DTN networks. But this method has more uncertainty and relies on a single performance metric. For this problem, in order to reduce the impact of a single metric uncertainty, multiple utility metrics are introduced in the new algorithm. A packet replication probability calculation method based on entropy weight is designed. By calculating the entropy weight of each metric, the algorithm obtains the replication probability of each packet and takes the probability as the priority of packet replication. Because of considering the two metrics of packet expected transmission delay and node encounter possibility, the algorithm effectively reduces the influence of encounter time distribution problem and direction prediction problem in the original algorithm, and reduces the uncertainty of utility function. Simulation results show that the algorithm reduces the packet replication number and the average delay, improves the successful packet delivery rate. The overall performance of the network is further improved.
Full and Large Scale Wave Impact Tests for a Better Understanding of Sloshing: Results of the Sloshel Project

This paper outlines the progress made within the Sloshel User Group in the analysis of unidirectional breaking wave impacts on transverse walls in flume tanks at full (1:1) and large (1:6) scales. These tests, carried out during the Sloshel project, were intended to help understanding the physics of sloshing impacts in tanks of LNG carriers and Floating LNG terminals (FLNGs). Two test campaigns were performed at full scale involving respectively the NO96 and the MarkIII containment systems. The latter was performed recently (April 2010) and the analysis is in progress. This paper describes the physical phenomena observed during the impacts on the MarkIII containment system. This helps understanding the difficulties inherent to the scaling of sloshing pressures measured during model tests. The paper also shows how important local peak pressures are for the structural response of the MarkIII system (same kind of conclusion had already been demonstrated for NO96 in Brosset, Mravak, Kaminski, Collins and Finnigan, 2009). According to very preliminary analysis, reduction of impact pressures due to hydro-elasticity with the MarkIII containment system seems to be moderated if real.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
On Packet Loss Ratio of IEEE 802.15.4 with Different Sensor Motes for Wireless Sensor Networks

– Packet Loss Ratio (PLR) is one of the key components for the performance enhancement of a Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). This paper investigates the PLR at radio receiver for the different current draw parameters: transmit mode, receive mode, sleep mode and idle mode keeping other parameters like: initial energy and power supply same for all motes. Finally this paper concludes that if the PLR is to be used for the performance enhancement then Z1 mote should be implemented in IEEE 802.15. 4 WSNs.
Does offshore NDF market influence onshore forex market? Evidence from India

The paper uses a VECM-MGARCH approach to examine the interrelationship between onshore and offshore NDF markets for the Indian Rupee in view of price discovery, mean and volatility spillovers. The empirical results suggest a stable long-run relationship between onshore and NDF markets with price discovery taking place in spot and forward markets. The sub-period analysis finds shortterm mean spillover effects from NDF markets to onshore spot, forward and futures markets during the stress period. Regarding “volatility spillover”, the analysis from the full sample indicates a unidirectional volatility spillover from spot and forward segments to NDF markets in normal circumstances, which turns bidirectional during times of depreciation pressure on the rupee. On the other hand, the existence of two-way volatility spillovers between futures and NDF segments becomes unidirectional from offshore to onshore during episodes of intensified global risks. Moreover, the magnitude of volatility spillovers from offshore to onshore markets also increases during periods of stress. Thus, a real-time monitoring of the market is essential to contain any substantial spillover from the offshore NDF markets. JEL Classification: E44; F31; G14, C32
Model of NeuroAIDS Antiretroviral Drug to the Brain in a Murine Macrophage Delivery of Nanoformulated

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) shows variable blood-brain barrier penetration. This may affect the development of neurological complications of HIV infection. In attempts to attenuate viral growth for the nervous system, cell-based nanoformulations were developed with the focus on improving drug pharmacokinetics. We reasoned that ART carriage could be facilitated within blood-borne macrophages traveling across the blood-brain barrier. To test this idea, an HIV-1 encephalitis (HIVE) rodent model was used where HIV-1-infected human monocyte-derived macrophages were stereotactically injected into the subcortex of severe combined immunodeﬁcient mice. ART was prepared using indinavir (IDV) nanoparticles (NP, nanoART) loaded into murine bone marrow macrophages (BMM, IDV-NP-BMM) after ex vivo cultivation. IDV-NP-BMM was administered i.v. to mice resulting in continuous IDV release for 14 days. Rhodamine-labeled IDV-NP was readily observed in areas of HIVE and speciﬁcally in brain subregions with active astrogliosis, microgliosis, and neuronal loss. IDV-NP-BMM treatment led to robust IDV levels and reduced HIV-1 replication in HIVE brain regions. We conclude that nanoART targeting to diseased brain through macrophage carriage is possible and can be considered in develop-mental therapeutics for HIV-associated neurological disease. The Journal of Immunology, 2009, 183: 661–669. can deliver drugs to sites of viral infection and show sustained antiretroviral activities (5, 27). Recently, we also showed that bone marrow macrophages (BMM) can cross the BBB into HIV-1-infected brain regions (6). Based on these ﬁndings, a BMM pharmacological nanoparticle (NP) delivery system (nanoART) was developed to test whether blood-borne macrophages could deliver ART directly to the brain. Our results demonstrate that BMM can serve as vehicles for indinavir (IDV) NP delivery. BMM showed consistent uptake and release of IDV-NP and free IDV while targeting areas of viral replication in a severe combined immunodeﬁcient (SCID) model of HIV-1 encephalitis (HIVE). These data support the notion that nanoART brain penetration, drug distribution, and therapeutic responses can be achieved through cell-based nanoformulation and as such lower drug-dosing intervals, adherence, and bioavailability.
Limb deformities in dogs: the role of the primary care veterinarian

Angular limb deformities are common in dogs. They are primarily seen in dogs of chondrodystrophic breeds. Chondrodystrophic dogs have a genetic make-up that leads to variable impairment of the growth of their appendicular skeleton and skull. Their axial skeleton is spared. Most chondrodystrophic dogs have symmetrically deformed forelimbs and pelvic limbs. The forelimbs of chondrodystrophic dogs initially and primarily have a premature closure of the distal ulnar physes that may lead to a valgus (ie, abaxial or lateral) deformity, caudal angulation, and slight external rotation of the distal portion of the antebrachia originating at the distal radial physes. Most likely as a consequence of that primary closure, chondrodystrophic dogs often have a varus (ie, axial or medial) deformity originating at the proximal radial physes (Figure 1).
Impact of Foreign Direct Investment on Domestic Investment in Bangladesh

This study examines the impact of foreign direct investment inflows on domestic investment in Bangladesh by using time series data for the period of 1978 to 2017. Gross Capital Formation (GCF) is used as dependent variable (which is proxy of domestic investment) and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), broad money (M2), export (EX) are used as independent variables. ADF test is used for testing stationary of taken variables in the model. Hence, some variables are stationary at level and one is at first difference, Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) estimation technique is used to accomplish the analysis. The result shows that in the long run and short run there is a positive but insignificant relation between foreign direct investment and domestic investment and relationship between export and domestic investment also positive and significant.