Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
KINETIC AND HYDRODYNAMIC SIMULATIONS OF LASER-INDUCED PLUME EXPANSION

Kinetic and hydrodynamic numerical models are developed for simulations of one-dimensional unsteady expansion of laser-induced plumes into a background gas. The hydrodynamic model is based on the finite-difference approximation of gas dynamics equations for a gas mixture and accounts for ionization in the plume and absorption of laser radiation by plasma. Both equilibrium, based on the SahaLangmuir equations, and non-equilibrium, based on the kinetic rates of ionization and recombination, plasma models are implemented in the hydrodynamic model. The kinetic model is developed based on the Direct Simulation Monte Carlo method and describes the flow of only neutral gas mixture. The developed models are used in order to study laser evaporation of a copper target into background argon under conditions typical for laser ablation of metal targets by high-power ns laser pulses. Comparison of the simulation results obtained with both model showed that the effect of gas rarefaction and non-equilibrium are important if the background gas pressure is smaller than ~0.01 bar. The hydrodynamic simulations of plasma plume expansion confirm the strong effect of double ionization of vapor atoms. NOMENCLATURE target specific heat, Jkg-1K-1 gas specific energy, Jkg-1 laser fluence, Jm-2 target thickness, m laser intensity, Wm-2 intensity of laser radiation incident to the target, Wm-2 ionization potential, eV latent heat of vaporization , Jkg-1 latent heat of fusion , Jkg-1 target reflectivity rate of ionization, kgm-3s-1
EXTENSIONS AND APPLICATIONS OF MODAL DISPERSIVE FILTERS

Dispersive delay and comb filters, implemented as a parallel sum of high-Q mode filters tuned to provide a desired frequency-dependent delay characteristic, have advantages over dispersive filters that are implemented using cascade or frequency-domain architectures. Here we present techniques for designing the modal filter parameters for music and audio applications. Through examples, we show that this parallel structure is conducive to interactive and time-varying modifications, and we introduce extensions to the basic model.
Synthesis of some pyridazine derivatives as antioxidants and antimicrobial agents

Purpose: To prepare some pyridazine derivatives as antioxidant and antimicrobial agents. Methods: The coupling of aryl diazonium salts with diethyl 2-cyano-3-methylglutaconate afforded pyridazine-5-carbonitrile derivatives (3a-e). The methyl function in the pyridazine derivatives (3a-e) reacted with cinnamonitriles to yield phthalazine derivatives (6a-h). Imino-pyridazine derivatives (9a-h) were obtained by reacting 2-aminoprop-1-ene-1,1,3-tricarbonitrile along with aryl diazonium salts (1a-h). Structure elucidation was done by spectral analysis. The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) technique was employed to assess antioxidant effect, while evaluation of antimicrobial activity was carried out by serial dilution technique. Results: Compounds, 6f (IC50 = 12.68 μg/mL; p < 0.05), 6a (IC50 = 14.23 μg/mL; p < 0.05), and 3c (IC50 = 14.34 μg/mL; p < 0.05) displayed good antioxidant activity compared to ascorbic acid (IC50 = 12.45 μg/mL; p < 0.05). Based on the zone of inhibition, compound 6c (p < 0.05) displayed higher activity than ofloxacin (p < 0.05) against E. coli. Conclusion: The presence of an oxo group and carboxylate group plays an important role in the antioxidant activity of these compounds. Compounds 6a, 6f, and 3c can potentially serve as lead compounds for the development of promising antioxidants.
Simulation of a Micro-Scale Out-of-plane Compliant Mechanism

In this work we present the simulation of a micro-scale large displacement compliant mechanism called the Tsang suspension. It consists of a flat micro-plate anchored down by two springs on either side, that can rotate out-ofplane and maintain its vertical assembly by a simple single-axis actuation. COMSOL was used to simulate these devices and extract the reaction forces of the springs throughout the process of an assembly. The effects of different design parameters were investigated to help designers understand the mechanical performance of such a structure.
COMPARISON OF TOF AND STEREO SYSTEMS AND THEIR DATA FUSION

Time-of-Flight range cameras (for simplicity just called ToF cameras from now on) and stereo vision systems (just called stereo systems from now on) are both depth acquisition devices capable to collect 3D information of dynamic scenes. In spite they can be used for similar tasks in many applications, it would not be appropriate to view the two systems as alternate or even competitive choices, since their characteristics and actual capability are markedly different. Indeed synergically combining together ToF cameras and stereo systems is a rather intriguing and useful option. This chapter firstly compares Time-of-Flight range cameras and stereo vision systems, and then addresses the problem of fusing the data produced by the two systems. Because of the many aspects involved, the comparison is all but straightforward and could be certainly organized in different ways. The proposed one represents a systematic approach.
Method of Depression Classification Based on Behavioral and Physiological Signals of Eye Movement

This paper presents a method of depression recognition based on direct measurement of affective disorder. Firstly, visual emotional stimuli are used to obtain eye movement behavior signals and physiological signals directly related to mood. Then, in order to eliminate noise and redundant information and obtain better classification features, statistical methods (FDR corrected t-test) and principal component analysis (PCA) are used to select features of eye movement behavior and physiological signals. Finally, based on feature extraction, we use kernel extreme learning machine (KELM) to recognize depression based on PCA features. The results show that, on the one hand, the classification performance based on the fusion features of eye movement behavior and physiological signals is better than using a single behavior feature and a single physiological feature; on the other hand, compared with previous methods, the proposed method for depression recognition achieves better classification results. This study is of great value for the establishment of an automatic depression diagnosis system for clinical use.
Ca-125 and ovarian cancer markers by Balasubramaniam Iyer Transcript

Objective: We have previously analyzed protein profi les using Surface Enhanced Laser Desorption and Ionization Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectroscopy (SELDI-TOF-MS) [Kozak et al. 2003, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 100:12343–8] and identifi ed 3 differentially expressed serum proteins for the diagnosis of ovarian cancer (OC) [Kozak et al. 2005, Proteomics, 5:4589–96], namely, apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), transthyretin (TTR) and transferin (TF). The objective of the present study is to determine the effi cacy of the three OC biomarkers for the detection of early stage (ES) OC, in direct comparison to CA125. Methods: The levels of CA125, apoA-I, TTR and TF were measured in 392 serum samples [82 women with normal ovaries (N), 24 women with benign ovarian tumors (B), 85 women with ovarian tumors of low malignant potential (LMP), 126 women with early stage ovarian cancer (ESOC), and 75 women with late stage ovarian cancer (LSOC)], obtained through the GOG and Cooperative Human Tissue Network. Following statistical analysis, multivariate regression models were built to evaluate the utility of the three OC markers in early detection. Results: Multiple logistic regression models (MLRM) utilizing all biomarker values (CA125, TTR, TF and apoA-I) from all histological subtypes (serous, mucinous, and endometrioid adenocarcinoma) distinguished normal samples from LMP with 91% sensitivity (specifi city 92%), and normal samples from ESOC with a sensitivity of 89% (specifi city 92%). MLRM, utilizing values of all four markers from only the mucinous histological subtype showed that collectively, CA125, TTR, TF and apoA-I, were able to distinguish normal samples from mucinous LMP with 90% sensitivity, and further distinguished normal samples from early stage mucinous ovarian cancer with a sensitivity of 95%. In contrast, in serum samples from patients with mucinous tumors, CA125 alone was able to distinguish normal samples from LMP and early stage ovarian cancer with a sensitivity of only 46% and 47%, respectively. Furthermore, collectively, apoA-I, TTR and TF (excluding CA-125) distinguished i) normal samples from samples representing all histopathologic subtypes of LMP, with a sensitivity of 73%, ii) normal samples from ESOC with a sensitivity of 84% and iii) normal samples from LSOC with a sensitivity of 97%. More strikingly, the sensitivity in distinguishing normal versus mucinous ESOC, utilizing apoA-I, TF and TTR (CA-125 excluded), was 95% (specifi city 86%; AUC 95%). Conclusions: These results suggest that the biomarker panel consisting of apoA-I, TTR and TF may signifi cantly improve early detection of OC.
Implementation of a beam hardening correction method for mono material parts using a linearization technique

Common X-ray sources for industrial computed tomography (CT) exhibit a polychromatic spectrum. While the absorption of radiation by the measurement object is dependent on the X-ray energy, the commonly used reconstruction algorithms assume an absorption coefficient under monochromatic conditions. In the context of industrial CT, the material of a measurement object is oftentimes known, which makes the application of a linearizing beam hardening correction method possible for parts made out of a single material. In this work, we present an efficient setup and data processing pipeline to determine and manage experimental X-ray absorption models for mono material parts. This pipeline estimates the correlation between attenuation and penetration length using a cone shaped specimen and subsequently corrects the grey values of the projections of a measurement object of the same material as the specimen. In contrast to commonly used step wedges, the special specimen makes it possible to sample the absorption curve with a large number of grid points, while using a standard measurement operation mode for the CT system. The correction method makes it possible to measure the tooth flanks of a steel gear wheel, which could otherwise not be measured due to beam hardening artefacts. Introduction – Beam Hardening and Correction Concepts The physical interaction of electromagnetic radiation with matter causes the radiation to be attenuated, which is described by the Lambert-Beer law in Eq. (1). I I E ⋅ e μ , , , dE (1) The intensity I of the photons is attenuated along their path through all the volume elements of a penetrated object with thickness l dependent on the attenuation coefficient μ E, ρ, Z, x , which is dependent on the energy of radiation E as well as on the density ρ and the atomic number Z of the volume elements. X-ray computed tomography (CT) in general assumes a straight-line propagation and an energy-independent absorption coefficient when applying standard reconstruction techniques like the commonly used FDK algorithm [1] for conebeam CT. The generation of monochromatic X-rays with sufficiently large intensity to be used in industrial computed tomography is currently not possible (except for rare and expensive synchrotron accelerators). Consequently, X-ray tubes are almost exclusively used to generate the radiation required for the imaging by accelerating electrons onto a target. This M or e in fo a bo ut th is a rt ic le : ht tp :// w w w . n dt . n et /? id = 24 75 6
An approach to design of effective and efficient supports of double-layer grids subject to seismic and thermal loadings

Double-layer grids are usually erected in regions which suffer from strong earthquakes. Their supporting system has to be designed in such a way to sustain the developed lateral forces, which in turn, must be carried to the substructure. In other words, some of the supports have to be laterally fixed, causing self-strained forces in the double-layer grid due to changes of the ambient temperature. In this paper, a research, approaching the design of supports that would be able to undertake the horizontal forces and simultaneously to permit the free movement of the double-layer grid, is realized. The results show a significant decrease on the magnitude of the lateral reactions, leading to savings on the material of the substructure along with an optimum design of the doublelayer grid.
The Scalable Crater Detection Using Gray-level Histogram

We propose a method of detecting craters from the image of the lunar surface captured by the small space probe. This paper assumes that our research applies to SLIM (Smart Lander for Investigating Moon) Project aiming at the pin-point landing to the lunar surface. We use the principal component analysis (PCA) to detect craters, and we apply image region segmentation as a pre-process method to limit the target area of PCA. Moreover, we estimate approximate a crater size from region’s pixel count.
The Approach to 3D Numerical Modelling in Order to Evaluate an Environmental Constraints and Assessment of Shallow Geothermal Resources in Urban Areas on the Example of Krakow, Poland

The paper address issues related to the use of Petrel software package to 3D numerical modelling and other applications of the software to shallow geothermal, including evaluation of parameters needed for resource assessment and environmental constraints encountered in densely populated areas on the example of the Krakow city. The approaches and presented solutions have been tested in Krakow pilot area, within the framework of INTERREG-CE project entitled: Shallow Geothermal Energy Planning, Assessment and Mapping Strategies in Central Europe – GeoPLASMA-CE, carried out in 2016–2019. In addition, issues related to integration and various data management rules for the purpose of 3D model preparation, aiming at assessement of geothermal potential of closed loop (CLS), as well as preparation of a geometric matrix for further hydrogeological modelling and assessment of geothermal potential of open loop systems (OLS) are presented.
DIRECT ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT OUTCOMES IN OBJECT- ORIENTED DESIGN COURSE USING RASCH MODEL ANALYSIS

Student outcomes (SOs) allow students to identify their ability for each course they registered as well as to quantify the teaching efficacy. There are two methods to assess SOs, which are the direct assessment (which typically depends on coursework) and the indirect assessment (which is typically obtained through survey). This study specifically focused on direct assessment, which considered students’ coursework according to a particular target. However, the established target may be unrealistic. Moreover, the actual achievement scores were recorded and averaged based on the average scores in the direct assessment process, which is considered inaccurate. Thus, this study aimed to examine the attainment of SOs using the Rasch model. Specifically, this study proposed a systematic process, which comprised of planning, classification, and analysis. The resultant outcome of this process was the attainment of SOs for the IS223D course. This assists teaching staff in monitoring the attainment of SOs and subsequently improves the instructed course. This study also reaffirmed the accuracy of the assessment of SOs using the Rasch model compared to the conventional approaches that are based on unrealistic target and inaccurate process of averaging the average scores.
Prediction and Learning About Credit Card Spending

Firms often offer contracts that vary by fee structures, hoping to differentiate among types of consumers. Such contracts require that consumers make estimates of their own future behavior to choose among service contracts whose prices condition on usage. We study the contract choices and service usage of credit card consumers with a choice between two possible fee structures: a card with an upfront lump-sum fee without spending requirement, and a card with an annual fee which can be waived each year if a minimum amount is charged to the card. Using panel data of over 16,000 credit card accounts, including contract choice and subsequent monthly account usage, we examine the extent to which consumers accurately predict their own credit card usage in their contract choice, and whether and how they learn from their experiences with ex-post ‘mistakes’. Compared the prior literature on fixed fee versus use-based fee contract selection, we find consumer reliance on forward-looking incentives rather than an intrinsic appeal of payment schemes with single upfront payments. Following errors made in the first year of membership, consumers showed evidence of learning according to their future monetary incentives. However, card attrition rather than spending adjustment, was the preferred margin for adjustment in the aggregate, showing an overall unwillingness of consumers to change their product usage on the intrinsic margin in response to financial penalties. We also examine the relationship between contract choice, education and financial health indicators. Consumers with lower education levels had a greater tendency towards contract selection errors, while there is a positive relationship between contract errors and negative indicators of financial health such as months of rolling debt, installment plan participation, and cash advance withdrawals. This suggests that even while the stakes are only small to moderate, contract choice errors are more generally indicative of consumers’ financial planning difficulties.
Intellectual Capital and Enterprise Performance: Empirical Study in Taiwan High-Tech Industry

Intellectual capital has been widely recognized as a critical resource for competitive advantage of firms. The purpose of this study was to research how intellectual capital will contribute towards the enterprise value of high-tech companies in Taiwan. By AMOS 17.0 maximum likelihood estimate program, empirical results show a direct and positive effect relationship between the intellectual capital and enterprise performance of 285 high-tech companies. Hence, the importance of intellectual capital cannot be overemphasized in a rapidly changing and competitive business environment.
A Data Warehousing Approach to Colour Image Retrieval

This paper describes a new approach to fast content-based color image retrieval in a wavelet-based hierarchical structure with data warehousing techniques. To tackle the key issues such as image data indexing, similarity measures, search methods and query processing in retrieval for large color image archives, we extend the concepts of conventional data warehouse and image database to image data warehouse for effective color indexing. In contrast to the existing systems which employ a ﬁxed mechanism for similarity measurement, we propose to integrate wavelet multi-resolution decomposition with data summarization for hierarchical color representation and ﬂexible similarity measurement. In addition, a guided search scheme is introduced in conjunction with data partitioning and aggregation techniques to speed up query processing. The proposed retrieval method is tested on RGB and YUV color spaces and the experimental results demonstrates its effectiveness and efﬁ-ciency for content-based color image retrieval.
IMPACT OF BIM ON BUILDING DESIGN QUALITY

Abstract During last decades, the aim of new technologies was to develop new information systems to automate manual processes. Large-scale projects in the field of construction industry need a different approach to organize and analyze data creating a database without any duplication or redundancy. Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a teamwork process using advanced technologies to generate data modeling. Based on a literature review, the present research proposes a set of hypotheses that links BIM implementation with the enhancement of information sharing capability (ISC) and collaborative decision capability (CDC) in the construction sector of the building industry. Consequently, it relates the degree of BIM use to the design quality enhancement using ISC and CDC as mediators. Towards this end, the research adopts three sets of criteria namely, functionality, form and aesthetic values, and building construction quality as indicators to design quality improvement. Finally, the research proposes a new conceptual model to set the potential relations between the different variables included in the study. Hence it offers several implications for practitioners and decision makers concerning the importance of BIM to enhance the design quality.
On the Maximum Function in Stochastic Neural Networks

Stochastic circuits (SCs) offer significant area, power and energy benefits at the cost of computational inaccuracies. They have been used for various numerical applications such as image and signal processing. They have received particular attention recently in neural networks (NNs) where arithmetic functions can be efficiently implemented by stochastic computing. Many NNs use the maximum function, e.g., in the max-poling layer of convolutional NNs, and for the ReLU activation function. However, an efficient accurate SC for the max function has been lacking, and an approximate workaround is currently employed. We propose here an SC for max that is correlation insensitive and produces an exact result.
Effects of Early Intervention with Antibiotics and Maternal Fecal Microbiota on Transcriptomic Profiling Ileal Mucusa in Neonatal Pigs

This study aimed to investigate the effects of early intervention with antibiotics and maternal fecal microbiota on ileal morphology and barrier function, and transcriptomic profiling in neonatal piglets. Piglets in the amoxicillin (AM), fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and control (CO) groups were orally administrated with amoxicillin solution (6.94 mg/mL), maternal fecal microbiota suspension [>109 colony forming unit (CFU)/mL], and physiological saline, respectively. Compared with the CO group, early intervention with AM or FMT significantly decreased ileal crypt depth on day 7 and altered gene expression profiles in ileum on days 7 and 21, and especially promoted the expression of chemokines (CCL5, CXCL9, and CXCL11) involved in the toll-like receptor signaling pathway on day 21. FMT changed major immune activities from B cell immunity on day 7 to T cell immunity on day 21 in the ileum. On the other hand, both AM and FMT predominantly downregulated the gene expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). In summary, both early interventions modulated intestinal barrier function and immune system in the ileum with a low impact on ileal morphology and development.
Introducing parametric curves with CAS

The TI-Nspire CX CAS handheld device is mandatory in every math courses at École de technologie supérieure. Our engineering students learn single-variable calculus in a oneterm course (MAT145). Students get their motivation to learn mathematical concepts through applied problems. Hence, in-house course notes [1] were written to emphasize on the applications of the syllabus material and the use of CAS. The multi-variable calculus course (MAT165) follows a classic reference textbook [2] contrary to the more hands-on approach pursued in MAT145. Many concepts can be explored and visualized with graphs of level surfaces. Plotting 3D objects is a useful feature of TINspire, but it requires the use of parametric curves and surfaces. Vector functions are a fundamental tool for the course, but students hardly conciliate the graphical representations of these functions with their algebraic definition. Moreover, the students are challenged by the general and abstract setting in which these mathematical concepts are introduced. The aim of this talk is to explore alternative ways for introducing the concept of parametric curves and vector functions using computer algebra. More focus will be given to different vector calculus concepts presented in applied problems. Software such as TI-Nspire will be used to graph and manipulate parametric curves.