Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Response of dispersed droplets to shock waves in supersonic mixing layers

The response of dispersed droplets to oblique shock waves in the supersonic mixing layer was investigated using the large eddy simulation coupled with the particle Lagrangian tracking model. The generated disturbances based on the most-unstable wave model were imposed to excite the development of supersonic shear layer. The oblique shock wave was numerically introduced in the flow field. Small- and medium-sized droplets remained their preferential distribution in the vortices after crossing the shock wave, while large-sized droplet became more dispersed. The influence of shock waves on the momentum and heat transfers from surrounding gas to droplets was analyzed by tracking droplets’ motion paths. Small-sized droplets responded easily to the shock wave. Compared with the aerodynamic response, the thermal response of droplets was slower, especially under the impaction of the shock wave. The present research conclusions are conductive to analyze the mixing of air and fuel droplets and of important academic value for further understanding the two-phase dynamics in combustors of scramjet.
Human–animal–environment dynamics and formation of pastoralism in the southern Tibetan Plateau during the Middle–Late Holocene

Abstract In this paper, we apply standard zooarchaeological methods and novel osteological approaches to analyse faunal remains from five Middle–Late Holocene sites in the southern Tibetan Plateau (STP). Framed by direct radiocarbon dates on taxonomically classified bioarchaeological remains and compared with published palaeoclimate data, our findings revealed a three-stage process of agro-pastoral development in the STP ca. 5.5 to 1.0 ka. In the first phase, habitation was restricted to the lower southeastern part of the plateau and human subsistence essentially based on foraging and low-level pig–millet farming. With the onset of colder and drier climatic conditions ca. 3.8 ka, the study area witnessed a growing human presence at higher elevations in its central and western parts, together with a shift towards bovid husbandry and barley cultivation, that is, agricultural practices that originated in west Asia; these were likely introduced to the STP following the eastern margin of the TP and/or arrived by sub-Himalayan transfer. Climate and ecological degradation might have contributed to the decline of local game in favour of cold-and-dry-tolerant pastoral livestock and crops. Our work shows that Middle–Late Holocene climate change, ecological change, human subsistence shifts, and prehistoric cultural transmissions are intimately connected.
Feasibility of graphene CRLH metamaterial waveguides and leaky wave antennas

The feasibility of composite right/left-handed (CRLH) metamaterial waveguides based upon graphene plasmons is demonstrated via numerical simulation. Designs are presented that operate in the terahertz frequency range along with their various dimensions. Dispersion relations, radiative and free-carrier losses, and free-carrier based tunability are characterized. Finally, the radiative characteristics are evaluated, along with its feasibility for use as a leaky-wave antenna. While CRLH waveguides are feasible in the terahertz range, their ultimate utility will require precise nanofabrication, and excellent quality graphene to mitigate free-carrier losses.
A flexible, small positron emission tomography prototype for resource-limited laboratories

Modern small-animal PET scanners typically consist of a large number of detectors along with complex electronics to provide tomographic images for research in the preclinical sciences that use animal models. These systems can be expensive, especially for resource-limited educational and academic institutions in developing countries. In this work we show that a small-animal PET scanner can be built with a relatively reduced budget while, at the same time, achieving relatively high performance. The prototype consists of four detector modules each composed of LYSO pixelated crystal arrays (individual crystal elements of dimensions 1 × 1 × 10 mm3) coupled to position-sensitive photomultiplier tubes. Tomographic images are obtained by rotating the subject to complete enough projections for image reconstruction. Image quality was evaluated for different reconstruction algorithms including filtered back-projection and iterative reconstruction with maximum likelihood-expectation maximization and maximum a posteriori methods. The system matrix was computed both with geometric considerations and by Monte Carlo simulations. Prior to image reconstruction, Fourier data rebinning was used to increase the number of lines of response used. The system was evaluated for energy resolution at 511 keV (best 18.2%), system sensitivity (0.24%), spatial resolution (best 0.87 mm), scatter fraction (4.8%) and noise equivalent count-rate. The system can be scaled-up to include up to 8 detector modules, increasing detection efficiency, and its price may be reduced as newer solid state detectors become available replacing the traditional photomultiplier tubes. Prototypes like this may prove to be very valuable for educational, training, preclinical and other biological research purposes.
Professional Nurses’ Experiences of Student Nurses’ Absenteeism during Psychiatric Clinical Placement in Limpopo Province, South Africa: A Qualitative Study

Psychiatric clinical placement is as essential as other placements in any discipline in nursing education as it allows student nurses to correlate theory to practice. Several research studies have been conducted on nurses’ experiences of the clinical supervision of students, but absenteeism is still a challenge globally. In this study, professional nurses’ experiences of student nurses’ absenteeism from psychiatric clinical placements in Limpopo Province, South Africa, were examined. Three designated specialty mental institutions in Limpopo Province were the sites of the study. Explorative, descriptive, and contextual designs were used in a qualitative approach. A qualitative approach was used because the study sought professional nurses to narrate their experiences through in-depth, semi-structured interviews, which could only be achieved through a qualitative approach. A total of eleven professional nurses, four from two specialized psychiatric hospitals and three from one specialized psychiatric hospital, were purposively sampled and interviewed. These nurses participated in in-depth interviews that were used to gather data, which were then thematically analyzed. One theme and three sub-themes on professional nurses’ experiences of the absenteeism of student nurses during psychiatric clinical placement were revealed. The theme was student factors leading to absenteeism, while the sub-themes were fear of mental health care users, negative attitudes towards psychiatric nursing science, and students’ lifestyles. Based on the findings, student nurses’ absenteeism can be caused by many factors. A qualitative study should be conducted to seek strategies to mitigate the absenteeism of student nurses during clinical placement in the psychiatric hospitals of Limpopo Province.
Synthesis of Large Ultrawideband Sparse Planar Arrays by Utilizing a Cooperative Coevolutionary Iterative Fourier Transform

This letter introduces a cooperative coevolutionary iterative Fourier transform (CCIFT) technique to extend the conventional iterative Fourier transform (IFT) to large ultrawideband (UWB) sparse planar array synthesis. In the proposed CCIFT, a dense initial element position grid, such as a spacing of half a wavelength at the highest frequency, is adopted to avoid the presence of grating lobes at high frequency band, and a probability-assisted element selection mechanism is presented to guarantee the obtained array layout to meet a preset minimum spacing constraint, enabling the placement of physical UWB antenna elements. In addition, a cooperative coevolutionary strategy is presented to avoid prematurity by establishing the information interaction between different excitation distributions from multiple parallel IFT procedures. Two examples are conducted and results show that the CCIFT can achieve a considerably lower peak sidelobe level than some state-of-the-art algorithms within an acceptable CPU time, which demonstrates its effectiveness and superiority.
SMC for Discrete Fuzzy Semi-Markov Jump Models With Partly Known Semi-Markov Kernel

This article investigates the sliding mode control (SMC) for discrete-time nonlinear semi-Markov jump models with a partly known semi-Markov kernel (SMK). The nonlinear system is characterized by the Takagi–Sugeno (T–S) fuzzy model, where the membership functions for fuzzy rules are designed to be related to the system mode. In view of the fact that the statistical characteristic of the SMK is difficult to fully obtain in practical engineering, the SMK is recognized to be partly known with less conservativeness than both semi-Markov jump models with completely known SMK and Markov jump models with partly known transition probabilities. On the basis of classical Lyapunov stability and fuzzy-model-based approach, novel convex mean-square stability is proposed for the underlying system by eliminating the nonlinear coupling terms with the aid of additional matrix variables. Afterward, a fuzzy SMC law strategy is constructed to guarantee the reachability of the discrete quasi-sliding mode. Finally, a robot arm model is simulated to verify the proposed fuzzy SMC strategy.
Input Validation Vulnerabilities in Web Applications: Systematic Review, Classification, and Analysis of the Current State-of-the-Art

In recent years, huge increase in attacks and data breaches is noticed. Most of the attacks are performed and focused on the vulnerabilities related to web applications. Hence, nowadays the mitigation of application vulnerabilities is an ignited research area. Thus, due to the potential high severity impacts of web application, many different approaches have been proposed in the past decades to mitigate the damages of application vulnerabilities. Static and dynamic analysis are the two main techniques used. In this paper, a new classification for web application input validation vulnerabilities is proffered. In addition, various techniques/tools that are used to detect them are analyzed and evaluated to apprehend their strengths and weaknesses. Thus, this paper provides both technical as well as literature countermeasures to input validation vulnerabilities. Moreover, various statistical distributions of the reviewed techniques were manifested and scrutinize in different aspects to reveal the perception of the prevailing techniques and the gaps in the literature. In addition, the most widespread metrics are also propounded.
Bipartite Distance-Regular Graphs of Diameter Four

Using a method by Godsil and Roy, bipartite distance-regular graphs of diameter four can be used to construct {0, α}-sets, a generalization of the widely applied equiangular sets and mutually unbiased bases. In this thesis, we study the properties of these graphs. There are three main themes of the thesis. The first is the connection between bipartite distance-regular graphs of diameter four and their halved graphs, which are necessarily strongly regular. We derive formulae relating the parameters of a graph of diameter four to those of its halved graphs, and use these formulae to derive a necessary condition for the point graph of a partial geometry to be a halved graph. Using this necessary condition, we prove that several important families of strongly regular graphs cannot be halved graphs. The second theme is the algebraic properties of the graphs. We study Krein parameters as the first part of this theme. We show that bipartitedistance regular graphs of diameter four have one “special” Krein parameter, denoted by q3,3(3). We show that the antipodal bipartite distance-regular graphs of diameter four with q3,3(3) = 0 are precisely the Hadamard graphs. In general, we show that a bipartite distance-regular graph of diameter four satisfies q3,3(3) = 0 if and only if it satisfies the so-called Q-polynomial property. In relation to halved graphs, we derive simple formulae for computing the Krein parameters of a halved graph in terms of those of the bipartite graph. As the second part of the algebraic theme, we study Terwilliger algebras. We describe all the irreducible modules of the complex space under the Terwilliger algebra of a bipartite distance-regular graph of diameter four, and prove that no irreducible module can contain two linearly independent eigenvectors of the graph with the same eigenvalue. Finally, we study constructions and bounds of {0, α}-sets as the third theme. We present some distance-regular graphs that provide new constructions of {0, α}-sets. We prove bounds for the sizes of {0, α}-sets of flat vectors, and characterize all the distance-regular graphs that yield {0, α}sets meeting the bounds at equality. We also study bipartite covers of linear Cayley graphs, and present a geometric condition and a coding theoretic condition for such a cover to produce {0, α}-sets. Using simple operations on graphs, we show how new {0, α}-sets can be constructed from old ones.
Fault‐tolerant control for wireless networked control systems with an integrated scheduler

This paper addresses a study of fault‐tolerant control (FTC) for wireless networked control systems (WNCSs) in industrial automatic processes. The WNCSs is composed of many subsystems, which operate with different sampling cycles. In order to meet the real‐time requirements and ensure a deterministic data transmission, the time division multiple access (TDMA) mechanism is adopted in WNCSs. The data in WNCSs are transmitted following a TDMA‐based scheduler. According to the periodicity, WNCSs integrated with the scheduler is first formulated as discrete linear time periodic systems (LTPSs). Afterwards, a fault estimation method for LTPSs is developed under a H∞ performance specification with a regional pole constraint. With the achieved state observer and fault estimator, an FTC strategy for LTPSs is explored. Finally, the proposed methods are verified on a physical experimental WiNC platform. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Applications of polarization in elimination of sun glitter in multi-angle remote sensing

The mirror reflectance of water surface produces the sun glitter in ocean color remote sensing.It is unable to draw water body information from the total radiation at all.The previous study showed that polarization can eliminate the sun glitter when the incidence angle is just Brewster angle of water body.But this method suffers from difficulty in rigorous conditions and being realized.The polarization state of reflected light of water and the relationship of incidence angle and degree of water polarization were deduced.The feasibility of sun glitter's elimination by polarized with non Brewster angle was set forth.The level of sun glitter's peeling-off of water at some incidence angles were calculated.The results are proved by the experiments.
Benefits in quality of life following an obstructive sleep apnea screening and treatment program in patients with acute ischemic stroke

Introduction. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been proposed as a factor that worsens stroke prognosis. Our aim was to determine if an OSA intervention could improve quality of life (QOL, first objective) and modified Rankin score (mRS, second objective). Patients and methods. The intervention group of this quasi-experimental study included patients with acute ischemic stroke <72 hours who underwent polygraphy and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and hygienic-dietary measures if required. The control group followed routine clinical practice. The Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) and mRS were applied at the sixth month after stroke in both groups. Results. Fifty-five vs. sixty-two patients were included in the intervention and control group respectively. In the intervention group, 64.71% of patients accepted the proposed CPAP (16 cases with a good adherence). An improvement in SF-36 items was detected in the intervention group: physical functioning (p = 0.008), role physical (p = 0.002), bodily pain (p = 0.008), general health (p <0.001), vitality (p = 0.001) and role emotional (p = 0.015). In a per-protocol analysis, all these improvements were verified in the group of patients treated with good CPAP adherence (p < 0.05 in all the same SF-36 items). The percentage of patients with physical component summatory ≥ 50 was higher in the intervention group (p = 0.003). There were no differences in the median of mRS (p = 0.262). Conclusions. Although more evidence is needed, a significant improvement in QOL was suggested after our OSA intervention, particularly in patients with good CPAP adherence.
Platelets promote CRC by activating the C5a/C5aR1 axis via PSGL-1/JNK/STAT1 signaling in tumor-associated macrophages

Rationale: Platelets can influence the progression and prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) through multiple mechanisms, including crosstalk with tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). However, the mechanisms underlying the crosstalk between platelets and TAMs remain unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the role of intratumoral platelets in regulating the function of TAMs and to identify the underlying mechanisms. Methods: The interaction of platelets with macrophages was assessed in the presence or absence of the indicated compounds in vivo. An azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate (AOM/DSS)-induced CRC mouse model was used to investigate the role of platelets in controlling CRC development. Multiplexed immunofluorescence staining, fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), and RNA sequence analysis were used to examine the changes in TAMs. TAMs and bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were treated with the indicated compounds or siRNA against specific targets, and the expression levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) were measured by Western blotting. The mRNA expression levels of complement 5 (C5), complement 5a receptor 1 (C5ar1), Arginase 1 (Arg1) and Il10 were measured by real-time RT-PCR, and the complement 5a (C5a) concentration was measured by ELISA. The dual-luciferase reporter assay and ChIP assay were performed to examine the potential regulatory mechanisms of platelet induction of C5 transcription in TAMs. Results: In our study, we found that an increase in platelets exacerbated CRC development, while inhibiting platelet adhesion attenuated tumor growth. Platelets signal TAMs through P-selectin (CD62P) binding to PSGL-1 expressed on TAMs and activating the JNK/STAT1 pathway to induce the transcription of C5 and the release of C5a, shifting TAMs toward a protumor phenotype. Inhibiting the C5a/C5aR1 axis or PSGL-1 significantly reduced CRC growth. Conclusions: An increase in intratumoral platelets promoted CRC growth and metastasis by CD62P binding to PSGL-1 expressed on TAMs, leading to JNK/STAT1 signaling activation, which promoted C5 transcription and activated the C5a/C5aR1 axis in TAMs. Our study examined the mechanism of the crosstalk between platelets and TAMs to exacerbate CRC development and proposed a potential therapeutic strategy for CRC patients.
Cerenkov luminescence imaging of human breast cancer: a Monte Carlo simulations study

Cerenkov luminescence imaging (CLI) is a novel molecular imaging technique based on the detection of Cerenkov light produced by beta particles traveling through biological tissues. In this paper we simulated using 18F and 90Y the possibility of detecting Cerenkov luminescence in human breast tissues, in order to evaluate the potential of the CLI technique in a clinical setting. A human breast digital phantom was obtained from an 18F-FDG CT-PET scan. The spectral features of the breast surface emission were obtained as well as the simulated images obtainable by a cooled CCD detector. The simulated images revealed a signal to noise ratio equal to 6 for a 300 s of acquisition time. We concluded that a dedicated human Cerenkov imaging detector can be designed in order to offer a valid low cost alternative to diagnostic techniques in nuclear medicine, in particular allowing the detection of beta-minus emitters used in radiotherapy.
Approaches to procedural adequacy in logic programming using connection graphs

Kowalski's connection graph method provides a representation for logic programs which allows for the incorporation of better procedural control techniques than standard logic programming languages. A proposed search strategy for visual recognition which combines top-down and bottom-up techniques has been incorporated in a connection graph implementation. The connection graph representation also allows for the natural incorporation of constraint satisfaction techniques in logic programming. Kowalski's approach to incorporating constraint satisfaction techniques in connection graphs is examined in detail. It is shown that his approach is not efficient enough to be used as a general preprocessing algorithm but that a modified version may be of use. Increased control of search and the incorporation of consistency techniques increase the procedural adequacy of logic programs for representing knowledge without compromising the descriptive capacity of the form.
Learning from Cooperatives to Strengthen Economic Bicameralism

Bicameral firms can generate societal benefits both directly, by granting representatives of labor investors voice in shaping firm decision-making, and more indirectly, by serving as a transition phase from capital investor–owned firms to worker cooperatives. However, there is room to augment these benefits by leveraging insights from research on cooperatives. This article draws lessons from three types of cooperatives—traditional worker cooperatives, multistakeholder cooperatives, and union cooperatives—to help refine Ferreras's proposal for bicameral firms. First, bicameral firms should offer labor investors more opportunities to participate in firm governance and hold their representatives to account. Second, they should create robust channels for other stakeholders to influence firm decision-making. Third, they should carefully delineate the role of labor unions vis-à-vis the Chamber of Representatives of the Labour Investors. These refinements will better position bicameral firms to achieve their direct benefits and facilitate subsequent transitions to worker cooperatives.