Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A new approximation of the dispersion relations occurring in the sound-attenuation problem of turbofan aircraft engines

The dispersion relations, appearing in the analysis of the stability of a gas flow in a straight acoustically-lined duct with respect to perturbations produced by a time harmonic source, beside the wave number and complex frequency contain the solution of a boundary value problem of the Pridmore-Brown equation depending on the wave number and frequency. For this reason, in practice the dispersion relations are rarely simple enough for carried out the zeros. The determination of zeros of these dispersion relations is crucial for the prediction of the perturbation attenuation or amplification. In this paper an approximation of the dispersion relations is given. Our approach preserves the general character of the mean flow, the general Pridmore-Brown equation and it's only in the shear flow that we replace the exact solution of the boundary value problem with its Taylor polynomial approximate. In this way new approximate dispersion relations are obtained which zero's can be found by computer.
Lavender and the Nervous System

Lavender is traditionally alleged to have a variety of therapeutic and curative properties, ranging from inducing relaxation to treating parasitic infections, burns, insect bites, and spasm. There is growing evidence suggesting that lavender oil may be an effective medicament in treatment of several neurological disorders. Several animal and human investigations suggest anxiolytic, mood stabilizer, sedative, analgesic, and anticonvulsive and neuroprotective properties for lavender. These studies raised the possibility of revival of lavender therapeutic efficacy in neurological disorders. In this paper, a survey on current experimental and clinical state of knowledge about the effect of lavender on the nervous system is given.
Design, synthesis, and pharmacological evaluation of 4'-{2-[4-[3- chloro-2-(substituted-phenyl)-4-oxo-azetidin-1-yl)-phenyl]- benzoimidazol-1-ylmethyl}-biphenyl-2-carboxylic acids

Series of non peptide angiotensin (A-II) receptor antagonist has been prepared by 4'-{2-[4-[3- chloro-2-(substituted-phenyl)-4-oxo-azetidin-1-yl)-phenyl]-benzoimidazol-1-yl-methyl}-biphenyl- 2-carboxylic acid were synthesised by 2-(4-aminophenyl) Benzimidazole (0.01 mol), substituted Benzaldehyde (0.01 mol) and a drop of acetic acid was dissolved in ethanol (25 ml) and heated on a steam bath for 45-60 min Chloroacetyl chloride (0.01mol) was added drop wise to a mixture of schiff base (0.01mol) and triethylamine (0.02 mol) in dioxane (25 ml) at room temperature Schiff bases react with biphenyl carboxylic acid with different substituents aryl group cyclocondensation with appropriate reagents. Different from the previously reported and related compounds in that they produce a potent hypertensive effect The compounds synthesised were identified by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, FAB Mass and FT-IR spectroscopic techniques. All compounds studied in this work were screened for their antihypertensive activity by tail cuff method and direct method measurement of Blood pressure.
Postpartum Hemorrhage Resulting From Uterine Atony After Vaginal Delivery: Factors Associated With Severity

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with severity of postpartum hemorrhage among characteristics of women and their delivery, the components of initial postpartum hemorrhage management, and the organizational characteristics of maternity units. METHODS: This population-based cohort study included women with postpartum hemorrhage due to uterine atony after vaginal delivery in 106 French hospitals between December 2004 and November 2006 (N=4,550). Severe postpartum hemorrhage was defined by a peripartum change in hemoglobin of 4 g/dL or more. A multivariable logistic model was used to identify factors independently associated with postpartum hemorrhage severity. RESULTS: Severe postpartum hemorrhage occurred in 952 women (20.9%). In women with postpartum hemorrhage, factors independently associated with severity were: primiparity; previous postpartum hemorrhage; previous cesarean delivery; cervical ripening; prolonged labor; and episiotomy; and delay in initial care for postpartum hemorrhage. Also associated with severity was 1) administration of oxytocin more than 10 minutes after postpartum hemorrhage diagnosis: 10–20 minutes after, proportion with severe postpartum hemorrhage 24.6% compared with 20.5%, adjusted OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.03–1.85; more than 20 minutes after, 31.8% compared with 20.5%, adjusted OR 1.86, CI 1.45–2.38; 2) manual examination of the uterine cavity more than 20 minutes after (proportion with severe postpartum hemorrhage 28.2% versus 20.7%, adjusted OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.42–2.35); 3) call for additional assistance more than 10 minutes after (proportion with severe postpartum hemorrhage 29.8% versus 24.8%, adjusted OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.23–2.12 for an obstetrician, and 35.1% compared with 29.9%, adjusted OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.14–2.00 for an anesthesiologist); 4) and delivery in a public non-university hospital. Epidural analgesia was found to be a protective factor against severe blood loss in women with postpartum hemorrhage. CONCLUSION: Aspects of labor, delivery, and their management; delay in initial care; and place of delivery are independent risk factors for severe blood loss in women with postpartum hemorrhage caused by atony. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II
FILTERED DISTANCE MATRIX FOR CONSTRUCTING HIGH-THROUGHPUT MULTIPLE SEQUENCE ALIGNMENT ON PROTEIN DATA by MUHANNAD ABDUL-QADER MOHAMMAD ABU-HASHEM Thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy

xx CHAPTER 1INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background . 1 1.2 Motivations and Research Problems . 4 1.3 Research Questions . 6 1.4 Research Objectives . 7 1.5 Research Scope . 8 1.6 Research Contributions . 8 1.7 Thesis Organization . 9 CHAPTER 2 RELATED WORK 2.
Insights From the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection: A 20-Year Experience of Collaborative Clinical Research

Acute aortic dissection (AAD) is a life-threatening condition associated with high morbidity and mortality rates, and it remains a challenge to diagnose and treat. The International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection was established in 1996 with the mission to raise awareness of this condition and provide insights to guide diagnosis and treatment. Since then, >7300 cases have been included from >51 sites in 12 countries. Although presenting symptoms and physical findings have not changed significantly over this period, the use of computed tomography in the diagnosis has increased, and more patients are managed with interventional procedures: surgery in type A AAD and endovascular therapy in type B AAD; with these changes in care, there has been a significant decrease in overall in-hospital mortality in type A AAD but not in type B AAD. Herein, we summarized the key lessons learned from this international registry of patients with AAD over the past 20 years.
Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology Experiences of the First 16 Hospitals Using Copper–silver Ionization for Legionella Control: Implications for the Evaluation of Other Disinfection Modalities

The source of hospital-acquired legionnaires' disease is the hospital water supply. Cases of legionnaires' disease have been prevented by disinfecting the water supply. 1 In a survey of 192 hospitals participating in the National Nosocomial Infections Sur veillance (NNIS) System, 20% of the hospitals completing the survey had adopted long-term disinfection measures for the prevention of hospital-acquired legionnaires' disease. 2 The percentage was even higher (50%) among hospitals that had reported cases of hospital-acquired legionnaires' disease. In 1997, the Hospital Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended only 2 disinfection modalities for controlling Legionella in hospital water systems: thermal eradication (superheating the water to 65°C and flushing outlets) or hyperchlorination (1 to 2 ppm). 3 Although copper–silver ionization had been introduced as a disinfection measure, the CDC did not recommend copper–silver ionization for Legionella in the 1997 Guidelines for Prevention of Nosocomial Pneumonia. " No Neither Dr. Stout nor Dr. Yu have any financial interest in the companies manufacturing copper–silver ionization systems. Specially, they are not officers, board members, stockholders, nor paid consultants for these companies. This survey was not supported by any of these companies and they had no input into the design or the conduct of this survey. The following individuals and hospitals were the pioneering contributors to this study: Joseph R. BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hospital-acquired legionnaires' disease can be prevented by disinfection of hospital water systems. This study assessed the long-term efficacy of cop-per–silver ionization as a disinfection method in controlling Legionella in hospital water systems and reducing the incidence of hospital-acquired legionnaires' disease. A standardized, evidence-based approach to assist hospitals with decision making concerning the possible purchase of a disinfection system is presented. DESIGN: The first 16 hospitals to install copper–silver ionization systems for Legionella disinfection were surveyed. Surveys conducted in 1995 and 2000 documented the experiences of the hospitals with maintenance of the system, contamination of water with Legionella, and occurrence of hospital-acquired legionnaires' disease. All were acute care hospitals with a mean of 435 beds. RESULTS: All 16 hospitals reported cases of hospital-acquired legionnaires' disease prior to installing the copper–sil-ver ionization system. Seventy-five percent had previously
Joint Detection/Decoding Algorithms for Nonbinary LDPC Codes over ISI Channels

This paper is concerned with the application of nonbinary low-density parity-check (NB-LDPC) codes to binary input inter-symbol interference (ISI) channels. Two low-complexity joint detection/decoding algorithms are proposed. One is referred to as max-log-MAP/X-EMS algorithm, which is implemented by exchanging soft messages between the max-log-MAP detector and the extended min-sum (EMS) decoder. The max-log-MAP/X-EMS algorithm is applicable to general NB-LDPC codes. The other one, referred to as Viterbi/GMLGD algorithm, is designed in particular for majority-logic decodable NB-LDPC codes. The Viterbi/GMLGD algorithm works in an iterative manner by exchanging hard-decisions between the Viterbi detector and the generalized majority-logic decoder(GMLGD). As a by-product, a variant of the original EMS algorithm is proposed, which is referred to as \mu-EMS algorithm. In the \mu-EMS algorithm, the messages are truncated according to an adaptive threshold, resulting in a more efficient algorithm. Simulations results show that the max-log-MAP/X-EMS algorithm performs as well as the traditional iterative detection/decoding algorithm based on the BCJR algorithm and the QSPA, but with lower complexity. The complexity can be further reduced for majority-logic decodable NB-LDPC codes by executing the Viterbi/GMLGD algorithm with a performance degradation within one dB. Simulation results also confirm that the \mu-EMS algorithm requires lower computational loads than the EMS algorithm with a fixed threshold. These algorithms provide good candidates for trade-offs between performance and complexity.
Towards Trust­-based Decentralized Ad-Hoc Social Networks

Social Media has transformed modern day society. It can be argued that one of the main drivers behind this transformation are novel ways to effectively distribute content in a highly targeted fashion and at scale. Recently, this effectiveness has come under attack based on new phenomena known as Fake News, Filter Bubble and Echo Chambers. The public debate about the impact of these phenomena on modern day society ranges from demanding a complete social media shutdown to government intervention and censorship. Furthermore, it appears that Social Media Platform providers are not sure what countermeasures are needed to address these new challenges. The main concern is that Black Mirror like scenarios will emerge simply by allowing privately held companies decide what content is conforming to public norms leading to a distortion of values. This paper presents an alternative solution by focusing on empowering meaningful relationships and not content engagement. The main motivation behind the proposed solution is to create social networks that follow a Trust by Design paradigm. This paper introduces and discusses the above-mentioned challenges and presents a novel new social media concept seeking to overcome current challenges.
Multisensory integration processes underlying speech perception as revealed by the McGurk illusion

ABSTRACT The McGurk illusion is one of the most studied illusions in the multisensory integration literature. It is based on the synchronous presentation of visual lip movement, accompanied by a different auditory syllable resulting in the perception of a third syllable. This illusion provides information regarding the unconscious integration of input from different sensory modalities involved in speech perception. Here, we present a review of the use of the McGurk illusion as a tool for the understanding of multisensory integration processes involved in speech perception. This review intends to provide a better knowledge of the McGurk illusion and the multisensory integration processes involved in speech perception. Also, considering the robustness of the illusion and the insights it provides on multisensory integration processes, we present possible uses of the illusion as a tool to investigate multisensory integration in clinical populations.
Small fibre neuropathy, fibromyalgia and dorsal root ganglia sodium channels.

ARTICLE Sir, In their elegant study, Uceyler et al. (2013) provide objective evidence of small fibre neuropathy in patients with fibromyalgia. They conclude that fibromyalgia may be a neuropathic pain syndrome (Uceyler et al. , 2013). Small fibre neuropathy is a disorder of the peripheral nerves resulting in sensory changes and sympathetic dysfunction. For years, we have proposed that fibromyalgia is a neuropathic pain syndrome based on the following three arguments: (i) fibromyalgia is a stimulus-independent pain state. There is no structural damage that could explain the pain …
Matching CT and ultrasound data of the liver by landmark constrained image registration

In navigated liver surgery the key challenge is the registration of pre-operative planing and intra-operative navigation data. Due to the patients individual anatomy the planning is based on segmented, pre-operative CT scans whereas ultrasound captures the actual intra-operative situation. In this paper we derive a novel method based on variational image registration methods and additional given anatomic landmarks. For the first time we embed the landmark information as inequality hard constraints and thereby allowing for inaccurately placed landmarks. The yielding optimization problem allows to ensure the accuracy of the landmark fit by simultaneous intensity based image registration. Following the discretize-then-optimize approach the overall problem is solved by a generalized Gauss-Newton-method. The upcoming linear system is attacked by the MinRes solver. We demonstrate the applicability of the new approach for clinical data which lead to convincing results.
Protein Profiling of Preeclampsia Placental Tissues

Preeclampsia is a multi-system disorder involved in pregnancy without an effective treatment except delivery. The precise pathogenesis of this complicated disorder is still not completely understood. The objective of this study is to evaluate the alterations of protein expression and phosphorylations that are important in regulating placental cell function in preterm and term preeclampsia. Using the Protein Pathway Array, 38 proteins in placental tissues were found to be differentially expressed between preterm preeclampsia and gestational age matched control, while 25 proteins were found to be expressed differentially between term preeclampsia and matched controls. Among these proteins, 16 proteins and their associated signaling pathways overlapped between preterm and term preeclampsia, suggesting the common pathogenesis of two subsets of disease. On the other hand, many proteins are uniquely altered in either preterm or term preeclampsia and correlated with severity of clinical symptoms and outcomes, therefore, providing molecular basis for these two subsets of preeclampsia. Furthermore, the expression levels of some of these proteins correlated with neonatal small for gestational age (PAI-1 and PAPP-A) and adverse outcomes (Flt-1) in women with preterm preeclampsia. These proteins could potentially be used as candidate biomarkers for predicting outcomes of preeclampsia.
A Linear Array for Short Range Radio Location and Application Systems

Patch array antennas have primarily been good candidates for higher performance results in communication systems. This paper comprises of linear 1x4 patch antenna array study constructed on 1.575mm thick Roggers 5880 substrate with high gain of 12.8dB and focused directivity of 12.9dBi. The array network is fed using T Junction method showing well matched input impedance results. With higher performance parameters and reflection coefficient, voltage standing wave ratio, the proposed antenna array is suited for short range radiolocation and radio services application.
Multiple robot task distribution: towards an autonomous photogrammetric system

Automation of photogrammetric tasks by means of manipulator robots is a complex problem. It involves many planning and controlling aspects that reflect on the overall system performance in terms of precision and efficiency. This paper deals with the problem of task distribution for a multiple manipulator work cell with the goal of obtaining highly accurate object measurements. Task distribution is separated into two independent combinatorial optimization problems: activity assignment and tour planning. These problems are solved simultaneously by an optimization method based on genetic algorithms. This method implements a series of restriction-based heuristics in order to utilize a simple genetic representation similar to random keys. Experiments that validate the effectiveness of our approach are presented.
Next Stop Recommender

User wandering behaviours may involve many location visits in different order. The research team has proposed an algorithm which can provide users recommendation for their next visit according to the similarity of their behaviours between each others and the connections amongst locations. In order to test the effectiveness of proposed algorithm the research team develops a mobile app - Next Stop Recommender - for Android platform. This paper focuses on the app itself and discusses the potential use of the app and the enhancement directions of the proposed algorithm.
Continuous CO 2 /CH 4 /CO measurements (2012–2014) at Beromünster tall tower station in Switzerland

Abstract. The understanding of the continental carbon budget is essential to predict future climate change. In order to quantify CO2 and CH4 fluxes at the regional scale, a measurement system was installed at the former radio tower in Beromunster as part of the Swiss greenhouse gas monitoring network (CarboCount CH). We have been measuring the mixing ratios of CO2, CH4 and CO on this tower with sample inlets at 12.5, 44.6, 71.5, 131.6 and 212.5 m above ground level using a cavity ring down spectroscopy (CRDS) analyzer. The first 2-year (December 2012–December 2014) continuous atmospheric record was analyzed for seasonal and diurnal variations and inter-species correlations. In addition, storage fluxes were calculated from the hourly profiles along the tower. The atmospheric growth rates from 2013 to 2014 determined from this 2-year data set were 1.78 ppm yr−1, 9.66 ppb yr−1 and −1.27 ppb yr−1 for CO2, CH4 and CO, respectively. After detrending, clear seasonal cycles were detected for CO2 and CO, whereas CH4 showed a stable baseline suggesting a net balance between sources and sinks over the course of the year. CO and CO2 were strongly correlated (r2 > 0.75) in winter (DJF), but almost uncorrelated in summer. In winter, anthropogenic emissions dominate the biospheric CO2 fluxes and the variations in mixing ratios are large due to reduced vertical mixing. The diurnal variations of all species showed distinct cycles in spring and summer, with the lowest sampling level showing the most pronounced diurnal amplitudes. The storage flux estimates exhibited reasonable diurnal shapes for CO2, but underestimated the strength of the surface sinks during daytime. This seems plausible, keeping in mind that we were only able to calculate the storage fluxes along the profile of the tower but not the flux into or out of this profile, since no Eddy covariance flux measurements were taken at the top of the tower.
Comparison of equations for predicting energy expenditure from accelerometer counts in children

Several prediction equations developed to convert body movement measured by accelerometry into energy expenditure have been published. The aim of this study was to examine the degree of agreement between three different prediction equations, when applied to data on physical activity in a large sample of children. We examined 1321 children (663 boys, 658 girls; mean age 9.6±0.4 years) from four different countries. Physical activity was measured by the MTI accelerometer. One equation, derived from doubly labeled water (DLW) measurements, was compared with one treadmill‐based (TM) and one room calorimeter‐based (CAL) equation (mixture of activities). Predicted physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) was the main outcome variable. In comparison with DLW‐predicted PAEE, both laboratory‐derived equations significantly (P<0.001) overestimated PAEE by 17% and 83%, respectively, when based on a 24‐h prediction, while the TM equation significantly (P<0.001) underestimated PAEE by 46%, when based on awake time only. In contrast, the CAL equation agreed better with the DLW equation under the awake time assumption. Predicted PAEE differ substantially between equations, depending on time‐frame assumptions, and interpretations of average levels of PAEE in children from available equations should be made with caution. Further development of equations applicable to free‐living scenarios is needed.
Test of Fuzzy Logic Rules for Landslide Susceptibility Assessment.

Landslide Susceptibility Assessment (LSA) is defined as the spatial probability for a landslide to be generated in an area for many environmental factors. Currently, two approaches are used: (i) the qualitative approach based on expert opinion and knowledge of the relationship between the observed phenomenon and some predisposing factors and (ii) the statistical approach based on the statistical analysis of the relationship between the observed landslide and some predisposing factors. This paper proposes an exploratory attempt to use Fuzzy Logic Rules for mapping landslide susceptibility. The technique allows to describe the role of each predisposing factor (predictive variable) and their optimal combination. The best predictive variables identified by Fuzzy Logic are then introduced in a statistical bivariate model. The simulated maps obtained by both approaches are then compared and evaluated with an expert map, build with the prescribed rules of the French PPR (Plan de Prevention des Risques) methodology, and considered as a map of reference.