Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal Association between Physical Activity, Blood Lipids, and Risk of Dyslipidemia among Chinese Adults: Findings from the China Health and Nutrition Surveys in 2009 and 2015

Physical activity is needed in today’s highly sedentary society. Research into Chinese trends with respect to the longitudinal association between changes in physical activity (PA) and dyslipidemia (DL) is limited. The present study assessed PA and PA-related changes associated with the level of serum lipids, and the risk of dyslipidemia stratified by gender, via a population-based longitudinal observational study among adults (>18 years old) residing in nine provinces in China. Data of 3380 adult participants, gleaned from two surveys in 2009 and 2015 used by the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS), were analyzed. Three-level random intercept growth models were used to calculate the associations between total physical activity (TPA), the four activity subtypes, and changes in the level of blood lipids. Three-level logistic regression models were utilized to assess the association between TPA and the risk of DL. The highest level of TPA was observed to correlate with the lowest prevalence of DL. Compared with the lowest level of TPA, the highest level of TPA increases the concentration of HDL-C (β = 0.050, 95% CI = 0.005, 0.096) in males, and also reduces the risk in males of having low HDL-C by 31% (OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.52, 0.91). Occupational PA was positively associated with higher HDL-C levels in both genders (males: β = 0.004, 95% CI = 0.002, 0.007; females: β = 0.002, 95% CI = 0.000, 0.004), and leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) was negatively associated with TG levels in males. Increasing TPA benefited HDL-C levels in males, irrespective of the level of basic TPA of individuals. Physical activity (especially occupational PA) was superior in positively influencing HDL-C in males, but not in females. Leisure-time physical activity needs to be increased substantially in order to increase TPA to levels that would be beneficial to blood lipid levels and DL, irrespective of baseline TPA levels.
Gene Expression in MC3T3-E1 Cells Treated with Diclofenac and Methylprednisolone

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and glucocorticoids (GCs) are often used to treat articular-skeletal disorders. The extended use of NSAIDs and GCs have adverse effects on bone metabolism, reducing bone quality and impairing fracture healing. In the present study, we used mouse pre-osteoblast cells MC3T3-E1 to demonstrate the effects of diclofenac (DF) and methylprednisolone (MP) on cell proliferation and gene expression. Cells were incubated with three doses of DF or MP: 0.5 µM, 5 µM, and 50 µM. MP decreased cell viability even after 24 h, but DF inhibited cell viability after only seven days of treatment. The cells were lysed after one, two, three, and seven days of treatment, and gene expression was analyzed by reverse transcription and quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) assays. DF did not significantly affect the expression of the osteogenic marker genes. MP modified the expression of Osx, Runx, and Col1a1. We concluded that MP is a more potent inhibitor of mouse pre-osteoblast differentiation and viability than is DF. Our results suggest that prolonged DF treatment could be less harmful to osteoblasts than MP treatment.
Understanding movement and habitat‐use to guide reintroductions and habitat rehabilitation for a nonmigratory freshwater fish

Outcomes from restoration and reintroduction programs can be enhanced by understanding the habitat use of animals, and how likely they are to move and why? River blackfish are native to southeastern Australia where their range and abundance have declined. We reintroduced 27 river blackfish into two sites, one where rehabilitation had been undertaken (with more vegetation, instream woody habitat, and undercut banks) and an unmanipulated control site. We monitored fish for 9 months after release to assess site occupancy, habitat use, and drivers of movement. We modeled the likelihood of fish remaining at either site, their habitat use, and predictors of movement (site type, habitat, time, and river discharge). While more fish remained at the treatment site, this difference was not statistically significant. Future trials incorporating increased numbers of fish and replicate treatment and control release sites would allow a more detailed test of whether fish are more likely to remain at restored sites. Fish spent more time in deeper areas with more riparian vegetation. Habitat, flow, and time since release were significant predictors of fish movement, with fish more likely to move from release sites with less suitable habitat, during rainfall events, and during the initial stages of our study. Our results illustrate that blackfish are a suitable candidate for translocations, retaining their largely sedentary behavior and should be easily measurable if restoration has provided suitable habitat and their presence is an indicator of success. Our work is also a useful case study for translocation of other nonmigratory fish worldwide.
Simulating matched filter detection of ionized bubble around a quasar in the epoch of reionization

The recent discovery of the z = 7.085 quasar has opened up a new window to peep into the inter galactic medium during the epoch of reionization (EoR). The detection of the ionized region around such a high redshift quasar is in principle capable of constraining the neutral fraction of the IGM and the quasar's age. Here we present the possibility of detection of such an ionized region around a quasar at z = 8 using redshifted 21-cm observations of the neutral hydrogen and possible ways to constrain IGM neutral fraction and quasar's age through this detection.
Monocular Depth Estimation Using a Laplacian Image Pyramid with Local Planar Guidance Layers

It is important to estimate the exact depth from 2D images, and many studies have been conducted for a long period of time to solve depth estimation problems. Recently, as research on estimating depth from monocular camera images based on deep learning is progressing, research for estimating accurate depths using various techniques is being conducted. However, depth estimation from 2D images has been a problem in predicting the boundary between objects. In this paper, we aim to predict sophisticated depths by emphasizing the precise boundaries between objects. We propose a depth estimation network with encoder–decoder structures using the Laplacian pyramid and local planar guidance method. In the process of upsampling the learned features using the encoder, the purpose of this step is to obtain a clearer depth map by guiding a more sophisticated boundary of an object using the Laplacian pyramid and local planar guidance techniques. We train and test our models with KITTI and NYU Depth V2 datasets. The proposed network constructs a DNN using only convolution and uses the ConvNext networks as a backbone. A trained model shows the performance of the absolute relative error (Abs_rel) 0.054 and root mean square error (RMSE) 2.252 based on the KITTI dataset and absolute relative error (Abs_rel) 0.102 and root mean square error 0.355 based on the NYU Depth V2 dataset. On the state-of-the-art monocular depth estimation, our network performance shows the fifth-best performance based on the KITTI Eigen split and the eighth-best performance based on the NYU Depth V2.
EXOSAT observations of the supernova remnant G109.1−1.0 and the X-ray pulsar 1E 2259+586

Exosat observations of the SNR G109.1-1.0 and the X-ray pulsar 1E 2259+586 obtained in December 1984 show a similar spatial distribution of the X-ray emission to that found by the Einstein Observatory, but different spectra for the various source components. A pulsar period of 6.978725 s was found for this epoch. The results indicate that the remnant is in the adiabatic phase, with an age of the order of 10,000 yr, and a SN energy in the range 10 to the 51st-10 to the 52nd ergs. Interpretations for the jet emission as either thermal or nonthermal are considered. 30 references.
State-space modelling of time series sampled from continuous processes with pulses

SUMMARY A non-Gaussian time series model useful for describing the dynamics of endocrinological data is introduced by using a state-space representation. This model is applicable even when the data are sparsely sampled in comparison with time lengths of pulses. Likelihood-based methods of inference for the model are developed. By fitting the present model to partially observed hormonal time series data, we can estimate the locations and heights of the peaks of the pulses as well as their onset times. Models with different shapes of pulses are considered for a comparison of the goodness of fit.
Trends and Determinants of Birth Registration Completeness in Zimbabwe, 2005-2015

Childbirth registration in Zimbabwe has decreased over the years, yet the risk factors associated with this incompleteness have not been explored. This study investigates the trends in birth registration completeness and factors associated with the decrease in birth registration among children aged 0-5 years from 2005-2015. We use data from the, 2005-06, 2010-11 and 2015 Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey. Trends in birth registration completeness based on survey year were calculated and multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the predictors of birth registration. Birth registration completeness was 75.4 percent, 47.3 percent, and 43.8 percent in 2005, 2010, and 2015, respectively. Inequities in birth registration completeness become apparent when examined by wealth, urban/rural location, geographical region, maternal education, healthcare utilisation, and marital status. Child age, maternal education, marital status, household wealth status, residence, province, and delivery place were significant predictors of birth registration. Efforts to improve birth registration in Zimbabwe should target children born at home, children born to single and young mothers, and children whose mothers are poor and reside in rural areas.
Multi-planar image formation using NMR spin echoes

A new method of two- or three-dimensional spin density imaging by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is proposed, which exploits the properties of spin echoes in time- dependent magnetic field gradients. An analysis shows that simultaneous observation and differentiation of signals, arising from all spins distributed in a plane or set of planes within the specimen, is possible. The method is thus capable of producing visual pictures faster than previously described planar imaging methods.
General pyramid segmentation algorithm

Dual graph contraction reduces the number of vertices and of edges of a pair of dual image graphs while at the same time, the topological relations among the `surviving' components are preserved. Repeated application produces a stack of successively smaller graphs: a pair of dual irregular pyramids. The process is controlled by selected decimation parameters which consist of a subset of surviving vertices and associated contraction kernels. Equivalent contraction kernels combine two or more contraction kernels into one single contraction kernel which generates the same result in one single dual contraction. This is the basis to the proof that any segmentation can be represented in one single level of such a pyramid. Experimental results demonstrate the applicability on synthetic and real images respectively.
Comparative Analysis of CFRP and Steel Vibration Characteristics of Machine Tools Components

Vibration of manufacturing machine parts can be reduced by applying CFRP to precision machines. Recently, the use of 3D printers in manufacturing has increased. However, there are few studies on the vibration characteristics of 3D printed composite materials. The objective of this study is to analyze the vibration reduction effect of a 3D printed composite material used as a CFRP chuck adapter. The existing chuck adapter is made of steel. In this study, the vibration values for three types of CFRP, steel, and CFRP with steel chuck adapters are compared. The products were rotated at 10, 500, and 1000 rpm, and the vibration velocity and displacement were calculated as an average value after repeating each measurement 5 times. Vibration velocity was improved by up to 64% and displacement by up to 31.1%. These results can be usefully applied to other mechanical parts requiring vibration damping.
Symmetric maximum kernel likelihood estimation

We introduce an estimator for the population mean based on maximizing likelihoods formed from a symmetric kernel density estimate. Due to these origins, we have dubbed the estimator the symmetric maximum kernel likelihood estimate (smkle). A speedy computational method to compute the smkle based on binning is implemented in a simulation study which shows that the smkle at an optimal bandwidth is decidedly superior in terms of efficiency to the sample mean and other measures of location for heavy-tailed symmetric distributions. An empirical rule and a computational method to estimate this optimal bandwidth are developed and used to construct bootstrap confidence intervals for the population mean. We show that the intervals have approximately nominal coverage and have significantly smaller average width than the corresponding intervals for other measures of location.
Frequency-Domain Thermal Coupling Model of Multi-Chip Power Module

The high-power density design of the insulated gate bipolar transistor power module may lead to complicated thermal behaviors, and the thermal-coupling effect among multiple chips is a major focus in the field of thermal modeling and characterization. Unfortunately, the existing modeling methods simply describe thermal coupling effect as a superposition of temperatures caused by lateral thermal diffusion. In reality, it is not only the temperature of semiconductors which is important, but also of the heat flow characteristics in heat transfer process. In this article, the thermal coupling effect has been explained in another perspective that it is the result of the overlap between heat flow paths. Frequency domain analysis of heat flow has been first conducted by finite-element methods simulations, and a novel thermal model considering the heat flow coupling has been proposed. This approach focuses on the thermal modeling of the heat coupling effect in cooling system and greatly simplifies the thermal modeling of the heat coupling effect inside power module because it has been discovered that the coupling region is mainly contained in the section from the baseplate to the heatsink. As a result, the proposed method has the advantage of not only having some physical meaning, but also having a relatively simple modeling and characterization process when compared to existing methods. The proposed thermal coupling model is verified by both simulation and experiment, and the application for electrothermal simulation of electric machine drive complex mission profiles composed of multitimescale thermal dynamics is also provided.
Empirical Orthogonal Functions and Multiple Flow Regimes in the Southern Hemisphere Winter

Abstract We present a new empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis of winter 500 mb geopotential height anomalies in the Southern Hemisphere. An earlier EOF analysis by two of the present authors prefiltered the anomalies to exclude wavenumbers 5 and higher; we do not. The different preprocessing of data affects the results. All three distinct planetary flow regimes identified in the winter circulation of the Southern Hemisphere by a pattern correlation method are captured by the new set of EOFs; only two of those regimes were captured by the earlier set. The new results, therefore, lend further support to the idea that EOFs point to distinct planetary
Mean first passage time calculation for the random walk with random step size

We derive an expression for the mean first passage time (MFPT) for the random walk with random step size on a one-dimensional linear lattice. Here both ends of the linear lattice are reflecting boundaries whereas the absorbing boundary is situated anywhere in between. When the size of the lattice is N and the random step size is k, we show that the MFPT associated with the escape of the random walker only through a specific point that is situated anywhere in the interval [0, N] at the limit as k → ∞ is which is independent of the initial position as well as the absorbing point associated with the random walker on the linear lattice under consideration. This result has potential applications in the analysis and understanding of the fundamental processes in molecular biology such as DNA–protein and DNA–probe interactions.
Computer modeling of the electric field dependent absorption spectrum of multiple quantum well material

The authors present a simple computer model for the electric field dependence of the absorption of semiconductor multiple-quantum-well (MQW) structure that will be used to optimize the performance of MQW modulators. This model has been compared to absorption spectra derived from photocurrent measurements on a GaAs/(GaAl)As MQW p-i-n diode and it has been found that the well-established Stark shifts of the exciton and subband continua energies are significantly overestimated. This might be linked to uncertainty in knowing the electric fields over the wells; and if a drop of 1.4 V somewhere in the device is assumed, a much better match can be achieved between the theoretical and experimental shifts. Given this improved match in the shifts the reduction in the oscillator strengths and the broadening are modeled very well. It is concluded that the model is likely to prove a useful tool for optimizing electroabsorption modulator design. >
Forced solitary wave and vorticity with topography effect in quasi-geostrophic modelling

A forced KdV equation including the special topography effect is derived to describe nonlinear long wave and solitary eddy based on the quasi-geostrophic potential vorticity model. We obtain the theoretical solution of the equation and the concrete form of stream function through perturbation theory and multi-scale analysis methods. It is found that the joint effect of weak shear basic flow and topography can change the cyclone and anticyclone structure of eddy, and in the meantime topographic structure affects the East-West propagation direction of solitary wave. Finally, according to the interaction between nonlinear long wave and topography by pseudo spectral numerical method, the topographic height is related to the amplitude, wavelength and wave velocity of the excited wave train, and the topography affects not only the spatial structure of wave, but also the amplitude of wave.
Multi-contrast 3D X-ray imaging of porous and composite materials

Grating-based X-ray computed tomography allows for simultaneous and nondestructive determination of the full X-ray complex index of refraction and the scattering coefficient distribution inside an object in three dimensions. Its multi-contrast capabilities combined with a high resolution of a few micrometers make it a suitable tool for assessing multiple phases inside porous and composite materials such as concrete. Here, we present quantitative results of a proof-of-principle experiment performed on a concrete sample. Thanks to the complementarity of the contrast channels, more concrete phases could be distinguished than in conventional attenuation-based imaging. The phase-contrast reconstruction shows high contrast between the hardened cement paste and the aggregates and thus allows easy 3D segmentation. Thanks to the dark-field image, micro-cracks inside the coarse aggregates are visible. We believe that these results are extremely interesting in the field of porous and composite materials studies beca.
On Atmospheric Oscillations

1. The chief question discussed in this paper (§§ 6—12) is that of the free oscillations of an atmosphere whose temperature varies with the altitude ; and in particular the case of a uniform vertical temperature-gradient is studied in some detail. For consistency it is assumed that the expansions and contractions follow the adiabatic law. The problem is treated as a two-dimensional one, the space co-ordinates involved being horizontal and vertical; and the more definite conclusions arrived at relate to the case where the (horizontal) wave-length is somewhat large in comparison with the height of the atmosphere. The results are most easily interpreted when the temperature-gradient does not fall much below that characteristic of a state of convective equilibrium. The normal modes of oscillation then fall into well-defined types.
A Nautical Instrument Lying of the Plane in Teaching the Concepts of Chord and Arc of Circumference

Background: This work follows in the direction of research dedicated to articulating historical instruments to teach mathematics. Objectives: To analyse the use of the instrument to ﬁnd the altitude of the Sun as a didactic resource for teaching and learning the concepts of chord and arc of a circle in the education of undergraduate students in mathematics. Design: The research takes place through a university extension course that uses the theoretical and methodological foundations of the teaching guidance activity. Setting and Participants: The research environment is the training of students at the State University of Ceará. The training action was attended by 12 participants. The choice criterion was that they were studying for a degree in mathematics, and the selection took place in the order of enrollment in the activity. Data collection and analysis: From the assumptions of the teaching guidance activity, data collection was carried out with the recording of videos and audio, photographic records and students’ writings, while the analysis was based on connections and interconnections on the action of the subjects, and on the conceptual nexuses. Results: The new instrument to ﬁnd the altitude of the Sun has didactic potential to work with the concepts of arc and chord of circumference because, from it, these concepts are mobilised as practice, and it is possible to see how they relate. Conclusions: The new instrument to ﬁnd the altitude of the Sun can be explored in the interface between history and mathematics teaching as a resource to favour teaching and learning, whether in basic education or higher education.
Charge decay characteristics of silicon-oxide-nitride-oxide-silicon structure at elevated temperatures and extraction of the nitride trap density distribution

We investigated the charge decay characteristics of a silicon-oxide-nitride-oxide-silicon type nonvolatile memory at elevated temperatures. Based on the amphoteric trap model and the thermal emission model of the trapped charge, we propose an advanced charge decay model which includes the effect of the bottom oxide, and apply it to extraction of the trap density distribution in energy levels of the nitride layer. The samples prepared have nitride films deposited simultaneously and are classified into two groups according to the thickness of the bottom oxide. The trap density distributions extracted from two groups showed good consistency.