Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the convergence of Kurchatov-type methods using recurrent functions for solving equations

We study a local and semi-local convergence of Kurchatov's method and its two-step modification for solving nonlinear equations under the classical Lipschitz conditions for the first-order divided differences. To develop a convergence analysis we use the approach of restricted convergence regions in a combination to our technique of recurrent functions. The semi-local convergence is based on the majorizing scalar sequences. Also, the results of the numerical experiment are given.
Design Of A Running Robot And The Effects Of Foot Placement In The Transverse Plane

Sullivan, Timothy MSME, Purdue University, December 2013. Design of a Running Robot and the Effects of Foot Placement in the Transverse Plane. Major Professor: Justin Seipel, School of Mechanical Engineering. The purpose of this thesis is to make advances in the design of humanoid bipedal running robots. We focus on achieving dynamic running locomotion because it is one metric by which we can measure how far robotic technologies have advanced, in relation to existing benchmarks set by humans and other animals. Designing a running humaninspired robot is challenging because human bodies are exceptionally complex mechanisms to mimic. There are only a few humanoid robots designed specifically for running and the existing robots are either constrained to a plane, do not yet exhibit human-like motion, or are unstable. One aspect of bipedal running dynamics that could be understood better, and could improve the performance of these robots, is the role of foot placement in the transverse plane, via rotation of the hip, in the sagittal and coronal planes. To achieve this objective, I have developed and studied a running simulation, designed and built a bipedal running robot, and then conducted an experimental study on the effects of step width on overall whole-body locomotion dynamics. The planar running simulation investigates foot placement in the sagittal plane, by changing the angle of the hip at the beginning of each stance phase. The model effectively mimics a human-like response to a horizontal or vertical velocity disturbance while running. This is achieved by implementing a controller which changes the hip angle at touch down and by using the energy of the system as control feedback. This controller effectively reduces the time required to recover from a perturbation, reduces the overall energy expended recovering from a perturbation, and allows the legged model to function at significantly lower torque values.
Josephson junctions and superconducting quantum interference devices made by local oxidation of niobium ultrathin films

We present a method for fabricating Josephson junctions and superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) which is based on the local anodization of niobium strip lines 3–6.5 nm thick under the voltage-biased tip of an atomic force microscope. Microbridge junctions and SQUID loops are obtained either by partial or total oxidation of the niobium layer. Two types of weak link geometries are fabricated: lateral constriction (Dayem bridges) and variable thickness bridges. SQUIDs based on both geometries show a modulation of the maximum Josephson current with a magnetic flux periodic with respect to the superconducting flux quantum h/2e. They persist up to 4 K. The modulation shape and depth of SQUIDs based on variable thickness bridges indicate that the weak link size becomes comparable to the superconducting film coherence length ξ which is of the order of 10 nm.
A test of the competitive ability–cold tolerance trade‐off hypothesis in seasonally breeding beetles

Closely related species that use similar resources often differ in their seasonal patterns of activity, but the factors that limit their distributions across seasons are unknown for most species. One hypothesis to explain seasonal variation in the distributions of species involves a trade‐off between competitive ability and cold tolerance, where tolerance to the cold compromises competitive ability in warmer (benign) temperatures, either at the level of the individual or population. We tested both individual‐level and population‐level mechanisms of this hypothesis in two co‐occurring species of temperate burying beetles (Silphidae: Nicrophorus sayi, N. orbicollis) that differ in their seasonal patterns of activity. We measured cold tolerance, breeding activity as a function of temperature, and competitive ability as a function of temperature and season. Consistent with our hypothesis, the mid‐season N. orbicollis was less able to function at the cold temperatures that characterise early spring, when the early‐season N. sayi is most active. The larger beetle, however, always won one‐on‐one competitive trials at warm temperatures, regardless of species, inconsistent with an individual‐level trade‐off. N. orbicollis was usually larger and successful when competing for the same carrion later in the season, mostly because of its larger population size, consistent with a trade‐off between competitive ability, and cold tolerance acting at the population level. Our findings suggest that cold temperatures limit the mid‐season N. orbicollis from earlier spring emergence, while competitive pressure from the more abundant, larger N. orbicollis constrains the early‐season N. sayi from remaining active through the summer.
Lyman-Alpha Absorption and Tidal Debris

The origin and evolution of structure in the Universe is one of the major questions occupying astronomers today. An understanding of the Lyalpha absorbers seen in QSO spectra is an important part of this program since such absorbers can be traced back to very high redshifts. Their mere existence places constraints on the physical state of the intergalactic medium. The discovery of Lyalpha absorbers at low redshift allows us to estimate for the first time what fraction of low redshift Lyalpha absorbers are (i) randomly distributed, (ii) distributed like galaxies but not physically associated with luminous objects, (iii) actually part of the halos of luminous galaxies, or (iv) tidal tails within galaxy groups. Results from the sightline to the QSO 3C273 suggest that the majority of the absorbers are not associated with galaxies, but that there is a significant subset that are. The absorbers associated with galaxies may be produced in enormous gaseous disks surrounding normal spiral galaxies, or may be tidal material bound up in small groups of galaxies
Antibacterial and Anticandidal Activities of Common Essential Oil Constituents

Essential oils and some of their oxygenated constituents are known to possess antimicrobial activity. In the last 30 years, there is a dramatic increase in the number of resistant microorganisms against available antimicrobials and a tendency towards natural products; consequently, scientists have been forced to discover new bioactive agents preferably from nature. As a result of this, so many antimicrobial screening works have been published on plant essential oils including miscellaneous screening methods and several microorganism strains. The aim of this study was to determine the MIC values of 65 monoterpenoids and 3 phenyl propanoids commonly found in essential oils, against 24 pathogenic bacteria and Candida strains, by using standard reference broth dilution methods (CLSI M7-A7 and M27-A2). According to broth microdilution test results, when compared with standard agents, monoterpene hydrocarbons generally showed weak antibacterial effects (>16 to 4 mg/mL) where the oxygenated monoterpenes inhibited the microbial growth between the concentrations of 16 to 0,03 mg/mL. Generally, tested compounds demonstrated better inhibitory effects on Candida strains then the bacteria panel. The most effective microbial growth inhibitor constituents were determined as carvacrol, thymol, cumin alcohol, terpinen-4-ol, α-terpineol, lavandulol, estragol and thymoquinone.
Optimum Approach Velocity for Twin Merging of Autonomous POD Vehicles

—Autonomous vehicles (AV) have gained ground in recent years. However, they still use the principles of traditional vehicles in terms of design and operation. This work proposes an adaptive transportation system based on autonomous POD vehicles, and investigates a major aspect of its operation. The PODs used in the proposed system can be considered a variant version of existing autonomous PODs. However, their unique design and concept of operation enable them to operate more efficiently than existing PODs. The proposed system involves docking and undocking of these PODs based on passengers’ demands. However, during the merging process, undesired collisions could happen due to unforeseen conditions. If the approach speed is high enough, it could induce damage to the vehicles. This work investigates some possible scenarios of the potential collisions that could happen between these PODs during the merging process. Based on these scenarios, the allowed safe approach speeds are determined. These speeds can help in designing the operation of the proposed transportation system. Some of the variables considered in this work include; type of body material, shell thickness, impact speed, stress, deformation, and absorbed energy. The safe design merging speeds have been determined under different conditions.
Implementation of Generalized Coarse-Mesh Rebalance in NEWTRNX for Acceleration of Parallel Block-Jacobi Transport

The NEWTRNX [1] transport module solves the multigroup, discrete-ordinates source-driven or k-eigenvalue transport equation in parallel on a 3-D unstructured tetrahedral mesh using the extended step characteristics (ESC) [2], also known as the slice-balance approach (SBA), spatial discretization. The spatial domains are decomposed using METIS [3]. NEWTRNX is under development for nuclear reactor analysis on computer hardware ranging from clusters to massively parallel machines, like the Cray XT4. Transport methods that rely on full sweeps across the spatial domain have been shown to display poor scaling for thousands of processors. The Parallel Block-Jacobi (PBJ) algorithm allows each spatial partition to sweep over all discrete-ordinate directions and energies independently of all other domains, potentially allowing for much better scaling than possible with full sweeps [4]. The PBJ algorithm has been implemented in NEWTRNX using a Gauss-Seidel iteration in energy and an asynchronous communication by an energy group, such that each partition utilizes the latest boundary solution available for each group before solving the withingroup scattering in a given group. For each energy group, the within-group scattering converges with a generalized minimum residual (GMRES) solver [5], preconditioned with beta transport synthetic acceleration (β-TSA) [6].
Tricritical points in random combinatorics: the -SAT case

The -satisfiability (SAT) problem interpolates between different classes of complexity theory and is thought to be of basic interest in understanding the onset of typical case complexity in random combinatorics. In this paper, a tricritical point in the phase diagram of the random -SAT problem is analytically computed using the replica approach and found to lie in the range . These bounds on are in agreement with previous numerical simulations and rigorous results.
Multiwavelength view of SDSS galaxies

We summarize the detection rates at wavelengths other than optical for ∼99,000 galaxies from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) Data Release 1 “main” spectroscopic sample. The analysis is based on positional cross-correlation with source catalogs from ROSAT, 2MASS, IRAS, GB6, FIRST, NVSS and WENSS surveys. We find that the rest-frame UV-IR broad-band galaxy SEDs form a remarkably uniform, nearly one parameter, family. As an example, the SDSS u and r band data, supplemented with redshift, can be used to predict K band magnitudes measured by 2MASS with an rms scatter of only 0.2 mag; when measurement uncertainties are taken into account, the astrophysical scatter appears not larger than ∼0.1 mag.To search for other articles by the author(s) go to: http://adsabs.harvard. edu/abstract_service. html
Construction and communication of evidence-based video narratives in elite sport: Knowledge translation of sports injury experiences

Abstract A knowledge-transfer ‘gap’ exists within the sport injury psychology literature. This gap has led to recent calls to translate the evidence base in more accessible, relevant, and multi-sensory formats to facilitate research uptake and impact. Heeding this recommendation and informed by narrative inquiry, the purpose of this multi-study paper was twofold: Study 1 aimed to construct videos that translated evidenced-based narratives of sports injury experiences by working collaboratively with a digital learning practitioner, videographer, and user-group (i.e., elite athletes). Study 2 explored end-users’ perspectives of these video narratives in communicating sports injury research by conducting 11 focus group interviews with 69 participants (i.e., athletes, coaches, and practitioners). A reflexive thematic analysis identified that the video narratives communicated sport injury psychology research in accessible, evocative, and relevant ways. Considerations of how to implement these video narratives into professional practice are critically discussed. Lay summary: This study addressed the knowledge-transfer gap in sport injury psychology by constructing and exploring how video narratives communicate research findings. Findings identified that the videos translated knowledge in accessible, evocative, and relevant ways. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS This study bridges the knowledge-transfer gap in sport injury psychology by constructing and exploring end-users’ perspectives of video narratives in translating and disseminating sport injury psychology research This study provides an evidence-base, methodology, and practical know-how for future researchers aiming to translate and disseminate their research to end-users in accessible and engaging ways Six video narratives are offered that can be accessed and used in professional practice
Industrial Symbiosis Dynamics, a Strategy to Accomplish Complex Analysis: The Dunkirk Case Study

Industrial symbiosis (IS) is presented as an inter-firm organizational strategy with the aim of social innovation that targets material and energy flow optimization but also structural sustainability. In this paper, we present geographical proximity as the theoretical framework used to analyse industrial symbiosis through a methodology based on System Dynamics and the underpinning use of Causal Loop Diagrams, aiming to identify the main drivers and hindrances that reinforce or regulate the industrial symbiosis’s sustainability. The understanding of industrial symbiosis is embedded in a theoretical framework that conceptualizes industry as a complex ecosystem in which proximity analysis and stakeholder theory are determinant, giving this methodology a comparative advantage over descriptive statistical forecasting, because it is able to integrate social causal rationality when forecasting attractiveness in a region or individual firm’s potential. A successful industrial symbiosis lasts only if it is able to address collective action problems. The stakeholders’ influence then becomes essential to the complex understanding of this institution, because by shaping individual behaviour in a social context, industrial symbiosis provides a degree of coordination and cooperation in order to overcome social dilemmas for actors who cannot achieve their own goals alone. The proposed narrative encourages us to draw up scenarios, integrating variables from different motivational value dimensions: efficiency, resilience, cooperation and proximity in the industrial symbiosis. We use the Dunkirk case study to explain the role of geographical systems analysis, identifying loops that reinforce or regulate the sustainability of industrial symbiosis and identifying three leverage points: “Training, workshop and education programs for managers and directors,” “Industrial symbiosis governance” and “Agreements in waste regulation conflicts. ” The social dynamics aims for the consolidation of the network, through stakeholder interaction and explains the local success and failure of every industrial symbiosis through a system dynamics analysis.
Clinical profile of small-cell lung cancer in North India: A 12-year analysis from a tertiary care center

Introduction: The small cell variant is a relatively uncommon but aggressive form of lung cancer. The present study aims to analyse the clinical characteristics, treatment outcomes and prognostic factors of an ambispectively enrolled large cohort of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) in the Indian population over a decade-long period. Materials and Methods: All patients diagnosed with SCLC between 2008 and 2020 at a tertiary care lung cancer clinic were included. The clinical details, demographics, details of investigations, treatment and survival outcomes were recorded and analysed. Results: A total of 361 patients were included. The majority were males (86.4%) with a mean (SD) age of 57.3 (12.3) years. Further, 34.9% were current smokers, with the median smoking index being 520 (interquartile range [IQR]: 260–1000). The majority had good performance status, that is, the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group scale (ECOG) 0 or 1 (65%), and Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) ≥70 (85.9%). Also, 73.3% had extensive stage disease. The median time from symptom onset to definitive diagnosis was 91 days. Treatment details were available for 179 patients: chemotherapy only (n = 128), combined chemo-radiotherapy (n = 41) and radiotherapy only (n = 10). The median (IQR) progression-free survival (PFS) was 182 (94 to 306) days and the median (IQR) overall survival (OS) was 205 (94 to 429) days. On univariate analysis, factors that significantly affected survival included smoking index and performance status. However, on multivariate analysis, only the performance status significantly affected PFS, whereas none of these factors were significant for OS. Conclusions: SCLC predominantly affects males with a heavy smoking index. The diagnosis is usually made late; survival remains poor and is predominantly affected by the performance status.
Risk of Avascular Necrosis with The Modified Dunn Procedure in SCFE Patients: A Meta-Analysis

In situ stabilization is a widely accepted treatment for slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) despite risks of avascular necrosis (AVN) and femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). The modified Dunn procedure with surgical hip dislocation attempts to maintain epiphyseal perfusion and allows anatomic epiphyseal repositioning, theoretically reducing AVN and FAI risks. We systematically evaluated the literature, elucidating overall and stability-stratified rates of AVN following the modified Dunn procedure, and revision rates in non-AVN patients. Using Ovid and MEDLINE (PubMed), studies involving the modified Dunn procedure were evaluated for age, stability, preoperative slip (Southwick) angle, ROM at follow-up, outcome metrics, and revisions. Utilizing a random effect model of proportions, we determined overall and stability-stratified AVN rates, and revision rates in patients without AVN.673 patients (688 SCFEs) who underwent modified Dunn procedure were included. Overall AVN rate was 14.3% with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI) of 9.3 to 20.2%. AVN rate in stable slips was 10.9% (95% CI: 6.0 to 17.1%) and 19.9% (95% CI: 12.8% to 28.1%) in unstable slips. Revision rate in non-AVN patients was 13.3% (95% CI: 8.3% to 19.2%). Fixation failures occurred following K-wire or small-caliber (<6.5 mm) screw fixation. Overall mean Harris Hip Score (HHS) was excellent (>90 points). Mean HHS was 98.9 points (range of means: 86 to 99 points) in stable cases, and 90.5 points (range of means: 73 to 98 points) in unstable cases. Patients undergoing modified Dunn procedure had excellent clinical outcomes and low incidences of AVN. Further studies are needed to determine if modified Dunn osteotomy with surgical hip dislocation is a viable alternative to in situ pinning for treatment of severe SCFE.
Lactucin, a Bitter Sesquiterpene from Cichorium intybus, Inhibits Cancer Cell Proliferation by Downregulating the MAPK and Central Carbon Metabolism Pathway

Lung cancer, especially adenocarcinoma, is the second most occurring and highest fatality-causing cancer worldwide. Many natural anticancer compounds, such as sesquiterpene lactones (SLs), show promising anticancer properties. Herein, we examined Lactucin, an SL from the plant Cichorium intybus, for its cytotoxicity, apoptotic-inducing, cell cycle inhibiting capacity, and associated protein expression. We also constructed a biotinylated Lactucin probe to isolate interacting proteins and identified them. We found that Lactucin stops the proliferation of A549 and H2347 lung adenocarcinoma cell lines while not affecting normal lung cell MRC5. It also significantly inhibits the cell cycle at G0/G1 stage and induces apoptosis. The western blot analysis shows that Lactucin downregulates the MAPK pathway, cyclin, and cyclin-dependent kinases, inhibiting DNA repair while upregulating p53, p21, Bax, PTEN, and downregulation of Bcl-2. An increased p53 in response to DNA damage upregulates p21, Bax, and PTEN. In an activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) analysis of A549 cell’s protein lysate using a biotinylated Lactucin probe, we found that Lactucin binds PGM, PKM, and LDHA PDH, four critical enzymes in central carbon metabolism in cancer cells, limiting cancer cells in its growth; thus, Lactucin inhibits cancer cell proliferation by downregulating the MAPK and the Central Carbon Metabolism pathway.
Ensemble Algorithm for the Selection Problem by NMR Ensemble Quantum Computers

In this paper, we present an ensemble algorithm for selection problem to find the k-th smallest element in the unsorted database. We will search the k-th smallest element by using "divide-and-conquer" strategy. We first divide D, the domain of the database, into two parts, determine which of the two parts the object element sought belongs to, and then concentrate on that part. We repeat divide that part until object element is found. The determination of which part depends on the output of ensemble counting scheme, which outputs the number of assignments satisfying the value of the oracle query function is set to one. Our algorithm modifies the ensemble counting scheme by constructing a new oracle query function g_y(j). We set g_y(j) to one if the j-th element is less than or equal to y. At first, we set y to the middle value of D and perform the ensemble counting scheme with the oracle query function g_y(.) to compute the number C, the number of j satisfying g_y(j)=1. If C>k, the object element lies in the first half of D. If C<=k, then it must be in the second half of D. We recursively apply this method by adapting y until the object element is found. Our algorithm thus requires O(ln|D|) oracle queries for adequate measure accuracy to find the k-th smallest element, where |D| denotes the size of D.