Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Propagation characteristics of airborne ultrasonic waves in porous materials

The attenuation coefficient and propagation speed of an airborne ultrasound wave are measured for highly porous open-cell polyurethane foams and fibers at frequencies from I kHz to 1.7MHz. A theoretical model is proposed to explain physically the frequency responses of the insertion loss and the speed of an air-coupled wave in porous materials. The model is derived from Biot's flow resistance and density, Lambert's bulk modulus for fluids in pores, and Zwikker and Kosten's concept for the compliance of the side holes with entrance resistance. Using measured data of static flow resistance to determine the mean pore size and the proposed model, theoretical prediction is performed for the transmission losses and sound speeds. Good agreement between theory and experiment over the entire frequency range confirms the usefulness of the present model. In addition, the model provides findings for Nagy's extra attenuation coefficient for a slow wave measured in cemented glass bead specimens and in sandstone for high-frequency ranges.
Comparative study between chronic automated red blood cell exchange and manual exchange transfusion in patients with sickle cell disease: A single center experience from Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND: Red cell transfusion remains the gold standard in managing sickle cell disease (SCD) with severe complications. Offering red blood cell exchange (RBCX) either manual exchange transfusion (MET) or automated RBCX (aRBCX) can reduce the complications of chronic transfusion and maintain target Hb thresholds. This study audits the hospital experience of overseeing adult SCD patients treated with RBCX, both automated and manual, and compares the safety and efficacy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective observational study was conducted as an audit for chronic RBCX for adult patients with SCD in 2015–2019 at King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. RESULTS: A total of 344 RBCX for 20 adult SCD patients who were enrolled in regular RBCX, (11/20) patients had regular aRBCX with a total of (157) sessions, and (9/20) patients had MET with a total of (187) sessions. The median level of HbS% post-aRBCX was significantly lower than MET (24.5.9% vs. 47.3%, P < 0.010). Patients on aRBCX had fewer sessions (5 vs. 7.5, P < 0.067) with better disease control. Although the median yearly pRBC units per patient for aRBCX was more than the double needed for MET (28.64 vs. 13.39, P < 0.010), the median ferritin level was 42 μg/L in aRBCX versus 983.7 μg/L in MET, P < 0.012. CONCLUSION: Compared to MET, aRBCX was more effective in reducing HbS, with fewer hospital visits and better disease control. Although more pRBCs were transfused, the ferritin level was better controlled in the aRBCX group without increasing alloimmunization risk.
In-beam γ -ray spectroscopy of 94 Ag

A recoil-beta-tagging experiment has been performed to study the excited T = 0 and T = 1 states in the odd–odd N = Z nucleus 94 Ag, populated via the 40 Ca( 58 Ni,1p3n) 94 Ag reaction. The experiment was con-ducted using the MARA recoil separator and JUROGAM3 array at the Accelerator Laboratory of the University of Jyväskylä. Through correlating fast, high-energy beta decays at the MARA focal plane with prompt γ rays emitted at the reaction target, a number of transitions between excited states in 94 Ag have been identiﬁed. The timing characteristics of these transitions conﬁrm that they fall within decay sequences that feed the short-lived T = 1 ground state of 94 Ag. The transitions are proposed to proceed within and between the sets of states with T = 0 and T = 1. Possible correspondence between some of these transitions from analog states in 94 Pd has been discussed, and shell-model calculations including multipole and monopole electromagnetic effects have been presented, in order to enable predictions of the decay patterns between the T = 0 and T = 1 states and
What is the motivation? The political economy of engineers regulation in Kenya

Regulation is usually justified by the public interest in theory but in practice may end up serving special interests. This paper evaluates the regulatory frameworks for engineers and engineering technologists in Kenya with the view to establishing whether they take the public interest into consideration or only other special interests. Taking public interest into account is necessary to foster development and avoid regulatory conflicts. The study used qualitative document analysis (QDA) to collect and analyze the documentary data available in relevant statutes, namely the Engineers Registration Act (1969–2012), the Engineers Act (from 2012), and the Engineering Technology Act, as well as the Auditor-General’s annual reports. The main aim of the study is to establish whether the regulators are motivated by public interest or not. The findings are that public interest is not the main goal because regulators focus on non-regulatory activities such as business investments, there is capture of regulatory instruments by the regulator, there is limited inclusion of other actors in the regulatory operations, there is engagement in extraprofessional activities with the risk of distraction from the core mandate of professional regulation, there is budgeting for excess funds, a lack of clear definition of the public interest in the relevant sections of the statute. The findings confirm pursuit of special interests by the regulators, rather than the public interest. The main contribution of the study is that in developing and African countries, regulatory mechanism of professions can be captured by the regulators to further narrow or special interests, just as it happens with the regulation of businesses.
ROSAT observations of Coma Cluster galaxies

The approximately 86 ks ROSAT Position Sensitive Proportional Counter (PSPC) image of the Coma Cluster is deeper than any previous X-ray observation of a galaxy cluster. We search for X-ray emission from 35 individual galaxies in a magnitude-limited sample, all of which lie within 20 arcmins of the optical axis in at least one of the four Coma pointings. We detect seven galaxies in the 0.4-2.4 keV band at a significance level exceeding 3 sigma, and a further four at above 2 sigma. Although we can set only upper limits on the individual flux from each of the other galaxies, we are able to measure their mean flux by stacking the observations. The X-ray luminosities of the seven detections range from 6.2 x 10(exp 40) to 1.5 x 10(exp 42) ergs/s (0.4-2.4 keV for H(sub 0) = 50 km/s/Mpc). For galaxies with a blue absolute magnitude of about -21 we find a mean X-ray luminosity of 1.3 x 10(exp 40) ergs/s. The ratio of X-ray to optical luminosity is substantially smaller for such subjects than for the brightest galaxies in the cluster. The X-ray luminosities of the four brightest galaxies are ill-defined, however, because of ambiguity in distinguishing galaxy emission from cluster emission. Each object appears to be related to significant structure in the diffuse intracluster medium. We also investigate emission in the softer 0.2-0.4 keV band where detections are less significant because of the higher background, and we discuss the properties of a number of interesting individual sources. The X-ray luminosities of the Coma galaxies are similar to those of galaxies in the Virgo Cluster and in other regions with relatively low galaxy density. We conclude that large-scale environmental effects do not significantly enhance or suppress the average X-ray emission from galaxies, but that individual objects vary in luminosity substantially in a way which may depend on the detailed history of their environment.
The signal intensity variation of multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a potential biomarker for patients’ disability: A feasibility study

Introduction Although many lesion-based MRI biomarkers in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients were investigated, none of the previous studies dealt with the signal intensity variations (SIVs) of MS lesions. In this study, the SIVs of MS lesions on direct myelin imaging and standard clinical sequences as possible MRI biomarkers for disability in MS patients were assessed. Methods Twenty seven MS patients were included in this prospective study. IR-UTE, FLAIR, and MPRAGE sequences were employed on a 3T scanner. Regions of interest (ROIs) were manually drawn within the MS lesions, and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and signal intensity ratios (SIR) were calculated from the derived values. Variations coefficients were determined from the standard deviations (Coeff 1) and the absolute differences (Coeff 2) of the SIRs. Disability grade was assessed by the expanded disability status scale (EDSS). Cortical/gray matter, subcortical, infratentorial, and spinal lesions were excluded. Results The mean diameter of the lesions was 7.8 ± 1.97 mm, while the mean EDSS score was 4.5 ± 1.73. We found moderate correlations between the EDSS and Coeff 1 and 2 on IR-UTE and MPRAGE images. Accordingly, Pearson’s correlations on IR-UTE were R = 0.51 (p = 0.007) and R = 0.49 (p = 0.01) for Coeff 1 and 2, respectively. For MPRAGE, Pearson’s correlations were R = 0.5 (p = 0.008) and R = 0.48 (p = 0.012) for Coeff 1 and 2, respectively. For FLAIR, only poor correlations could be found. Conclusion The SIVs of MS lesions on IR-UTE and MPRAGE images, assessed by Coeff 1 and 2, could be used as novel potential MRI biomarkers for patients’ disability.
Image encryption algorithm based on the synchronization of permutation and diffusion

Digital image encryption is mainly based on two basic principles:permutation and diffusion,which are used separately for an image.But a new algorithm was proposed in this paper that combines them together to achieve synchronous encryption.First,a two-dimensional logistic chaotic map,which was controlled by onedimensional Ulam-von Neuman map,was used to generate two chaotic sequences.Second,the above-mentioned sequences were utilized in the original image.According to a selected image scanning method,a permutation and then a diffusion operation in each pixel time were completed until the entire image encryption was accomplished. Compared with the existing algorithms using permutation and diffusion separately,the simulation results showed that the proposed algorithm has a larger secret-key space,higher security,faster encryption speed and stronger robustness.
Parsimonious modelling of capture―mark―recapture studies

On propose une modelisation multinomiale generale des donnees de captures-recaptures issues d'une population animale ouverte. Dans ce cadre, un certain nombre d'hypotheses possibles sont suggerees pour les probabilites de survie, d'instant de recrutement et de probabilites de capture. Pour les modeles comportant moins de parametres que celui de Jolly-Seber, les estimations doivent etre faites numeriquement
GLOBAL ENERGY TRANSITION AND ITS IMPLICATIONS ON ENERGY SECURITY IN NIGERIA: A CRITICAL REVIEW

This paper undertakes a critical review of the impact of the global energy transition on Nigerias energy security, particularly considering the goal of the National Development Plan (NDP), which aims to achieve significant economic growth and lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty, and the governments energy transition plan (ETP), which aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2060. Achieving these goals, however, requires energy security, which poses a challenge for a country heavily dependent on fossil fuels as its primary energy source. The paper discusses the need for energy diversification for a plethora of renewable energy potential while emphasising the need for energy equity as the country improves the adoption of natural gas as its transition fuel. It also underscores the global trend to gradually phase out investments in new hydrocarbon projects that pose a significant risk to Nigerias energy security. The paper concludes by emphasising the importance of energy security to Nigerias economic growth and development and the need for the government to remain committed to sound policies and programs to adopt sustainable energy sources while staying in tune with global reality. KEY WORD: Energy Transition, Energy Security, Sustainability, Economic growth, Energy Transition Plan
Wavelength-Dependent Metal-Enhanced Fluorescence Biosensors via Resonance Energy Transfer Modulation

Fluorescence can be enhanced or quenched depending on the distance between the surface of a metal nanoparticle and the fluorophore molecule. Fluorescence enhancement by nearby metal particles is called metal-enhanced fluorescence (MEF). MEF shows promising potential in the field of fluorescence-based biological sensing. MEF-based biosensor systems generally fall into two platform categories: (1) a two/three-dimensional scaffold, or (2) a colloidal suspension. This review briefly summarizes the application studies using wavelength-dependent carbon dots (UV-VIS), noble metals (VIS), and upconversion nanoparticles (NIR to VIS), representative nanomaterials that contribute to the enhancement of fluorescence through the resonance energy transfer modulation and then presents a perspective on this topic.
GENSMAC3D: a numerical method for solving unsteady three‐dimensional free surface flows

A numerical method for solving three‐dimensional free surface flows is presented. The technique is an extension of the GENSMAC code for calculating free surface flows in two dimensions. As in GENSMAC, the full Navier–Stokes equations are solved by a finite difference method; the fluid surface is represented by a piecewise linear surface composed of quadrilaterals and triangles containing marker particles on their vertices; the stress conditions on the free surface are accurately imposed; the conjugate gradient method is employed for solving the discrete Poisson equation arising from a velocity update; and an automatic time step routine is used for calculating the time step at every cycle. A program implementing these features has been interfaced with a solid modelling routine defining the flow domain. A user‐friendly input data file is employed to allow almost any arbitrary three‐dimensional shape to be described. The visualization of the results is performed using computer graphic structures such as phong shade, flat and parallel surfaces. Results demonstrating the applicability of this new technique for solving complex free surface flows, such as cavity filling and jet buckling, are presented. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sargassum@magnetite Composite EDTA-Functionalized for the Potential Removal of Mercury

Sargassum spp. affects the Caribbean shores; thus, its remotion or valorization is a priority. This work aimed to synthesize a low-cost magnetically retrievable Hg+2 adsorbent functionalized with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) based on Sargassum. The Sargassum was solubilized to synthesize by co-precipitation a magnetic composite. A central composite design was assessed to maximize the adsorption of Hg+2. The solids yield magnetically attracted mass, and the saturation magnetizations of the functionalized composite were 60.1 ± 17.2%, 75.9 ± 6.6%, and 1.4 emu g−1. The functionalized magnetic composite yielded 29.8 ± 0.75 mg Hg+2 g−1 of chemisorption after 12 h, pH 5, and 25 °C achieving 75% Hg+2 adsorption after four reuse cycles. Crosslinking and functionalization with Fe3O4 and EDTA created differences in surface roughness as well as the thermal events of the composites. The Fe3O4@Sargassum@EDTA composite was a magnetically recovered biosorbent of Hg2+.
An Ensemble CNN-Dempster Shafer based tuberculosis detection from chest x-ray images

Pulmonary Tuberculosis remains as an epidemic in the world and continues to be one of the leading causes of death according to WHO. The number of cases reported worldwide is increasing rapidly. An automated Computer Aided Diagnostic (CAD) System is required for early detection and prevention. Deep learning algorithms have emerged as popular techniques when it comes to disease detection. Though detection of tuberculosis can be done using different techniques, chest x-rays are most popular due to their availability and relatively low cost. In our proposed tuberculosis detection model, an ensemble CNN DempsterShafer based architecture is implemented. Contrast of the images are first enhanced using CLAHE method and then the training set is augmented to increase the training dataset size. The results of the experiment have shown accuracy of 94.21%. Our proposed method can detect whether an x-ray image is normal, or if it contains manifestations of tuberculosis. This model will help in timely and accurate detection of tuberculosis.
Surface imaging using optically controlled microrods

We present an imaging technique using an optically trapped silica microrod probe controlled using holographic optical tweezers. The probe is raster scanned over a surface, allowing an image to be recorded in a manner analogous to scanning probe microscopy (SPM), with closed loop feedback control provided by high-speed CMOS camera image tracking. We demonstrate a proof of principle of this technique by imaging the surface of an oil droplet. We estimate the normal force exerted on the sample during imaging to be 1 pN. The resolution is limited by the diameter of the microrod tip, thermal motion of the probe and the tracking accuracy. As our technique is not diraction limited, there is scope for signicant improvement by reducing the tip diameter, and position clamping to reduce unwanted thermal motion.
Pose Detection of Grasping Targets Based on ShuffleNet v2 with Region Proposal Networks

When robots are grasping, they often face objects with uncertain poses and irregular shapes, so it is difficult to estimate the grasping pose of the robot accurately. To address this problem, this paper proposes a robot target grasping pose detection method based on deep learning. The method is able to face different target detection with more flexibility and accuracy. This method uses a network model based on ShuffleNet v2 combined with a Region Proposal Networks(RPN) to predict the graspable region of an object. In this networks, classification labels are used to output the angle of the grasping pose, and the location parameters of the grasping are predicted using a regression method. The model was trained on the Cornell dataset and achieved the accuracy of 91.12% and 91.02% on the instance detection and object detection test sets, respectively. The processing time is within 0.07s per image. The experiments show that the model has high accuracy, robustness, and stability in detecting and locating single or multiple grasped objects in images.
Association of Oxygen Therapy with the Natural Disease Progression of Cystic Fibrosis: A Multi-State Model of the European Cystic Fibrosis Society Patient Registry

Background Association between dependence on oxygen therapy (OT) and natural disease progression in people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) has not been estimated yet. The aim of this study is to understand the prognosis for pwCF on OT, evaluating how the transition probabilities from being alive without lung transplantation (LTx) to LTx and to death, and from being alive after LTx to death change in pwCF with and without OT. Methods We used 2008–2017 data from the 35-country European CF Society Patient Registry. A multi-state model was fitted to assess the effects of individual risk factors on transition probabilities. Results We considered 48,343 pwCF aged from 6 to 50 years. OT (HR 5.78, 95% CI: 5.32–6.29) and abnormal FEV1 (HR 6.41, 95% CI: 5.28–7.79) were strongly associated with the probability of having LTx; chronic infection with Burkholderia cepacia complex (HR 3.19, 95% CI: 2.78–3.67), abnormal FEV1 (HR 5.00, 95% CI: 4.11–6.08) and the need for OT (HR 4.32, 95% CI: 3.93–4.76) showed the greatest association with the probability of dying without LTx. Once pwCF received LTx, OT (HR 1.75, 95% CI: 1.41–2.16) and abnormal FEV1 (HR 1.63, 95% CI: 1.18–2.25) were the main factors associated with the probability of dying. An association of gross national income with the probability of receiving LTx and with the probability of dying without LTx was also found. Conclusion Oxygen therapy is associated with poor survival in pwCF with and without LTx; harmonization of CF care throughout European countries and minimization of the onset of pulmonary gas exchange abnormalities using all available means remains of paramount importance.
An Integrated Scheme of Cross-FIR-LUT Harmonic Cancellation Digital Predistortion Model for Short-Wave Power Amplifier

Intermodulation distortion (IMD) and higher harmonics caused by the nonlinearity of power amplifier (PA) are the main problems of multioctave PA used in high-frequency (HF) transmitter. In this letter, the integrated structured digital predistortion (DPD) method is proposed based on the characteristics of short-wave signal systems. Based on the integrated cross-memory polynomial DPD model, the FIR structure with low-pass filtering characteristics is further employed to achieve the goal of improving baseband IMD while suppressing higher order harmonics of multioctave HF PAs. Experimental results on a real HF PA illustrate that the proposed CROSS-FIR-lookup table (LUT) improves the baseband IMD about 10 dB, while the second and third harmonics are below −55 dB, compared with the conventional MP and GMP schemes without increasing the algorithm complexity.
Posture-based Leader-follower Formation for Multiple Mobile Robot Systems Using Data-based Adaptive Iterative Learning Control

Multiple mobile robot systems (MMRSs) have great potential in various fields and their reliable application depends on accurate formation among robots. Focusing on the formation problem of MMRSs, a posture-based adaptive iterative learning control scheme (PB-AILC) is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the leader-follower formation model is built. Then PB-AILC scheme is introduced to optimize the control linear and angular velocity of follower robots at each iteration based on the robots’ global posture only, guaranteeing that followers can steadily track their leader with prescribed relative distance and orientation. Meanwhile, we analyze its feasibility mathematically. Finally, numerical simulations illustrate the validity of the PB-AILC scheme and we compare PB-AILC with an iterative learning control (ILC) method to demonstrate its superiority.
Footnote to the Titchmarsh-Linnik divisor problem

The study of Ta(x) was initiated as long ago as 1931 by Titchmarsh [2]. Since the dispersion method is exceedingly complicated, it may be of interest to record that the theorem is a simple consequence of the recent result of Bombieri [3] on the average of the error term in the prime number theorem for arithmetic progressions. For our purpose the following, weaker, form of Bombieri's theorem is sufficient: (i) There exists a positive number B such that
X-ray study of the twinning and phase transformation of phosphocristobalite (AlPO4)

Crystals of the cristobalite polymorph of AlPO4 (phosphocristobalite) up to 3 mm in breadth were grown from a V2O5 flux. In the α phase (C2221), the presence of twin domains prevents an accurate resolution of the structure as a function of temperature. The six twin components of this phase readily lead to a disordered β phase with short range correlations as suggested previously. The α–β transformation is first order with a substantial hysteresis in the transition temperature.