Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence functions for censored data

In this paper influence curves for censored data estimators are considered. The influence curve of the Kaplan-Meier estimate of survival time is calculated, and it is shown that the influence curve provides an alternative derivation of the asymptotic variance of this estimate. A chain rule for influence curves is established and is used to calculate the influence curves of censored data estimators that are functions of the Kaplan-Meier estimate. The robustness properties and asymptotic variances of these estimates follow directly. Some examples of this approach to calculating variances are given. In particular, it is shown how the theory developed for M-estimation and L-estimation can be extended to the censored data case. The necessary differentiability conditions are verified in the appendix.
Processing time improvement for speech enhancement based local projection using dynamic parameters

Local projection (LP) has been widely used to enhance speech by transforming noisy speech into two orthogonal subspaces: noise (S1) and signal plus small amount of noise (S2) subspace. S1 is removed and S2 is transformed into time domain resulting in the enhanced speech. Satisfactory results with significantly improved speech quality have been reported by several works although the processing time was not taken into account. Four parameters to be considered are embedding dimension (d), time delay (τ), numbers of iteration, and minimal embedding dimension. Speech quality is increased by the increase of d-parameter resulting in decrease of τ-parameter value (d⋅τ kept constant) and the dramatic increase of the processing time. The goal is to come up with the best d⋅τ parameter for each iteration, while speech quality remains almost unaffected. Rather than using a fixed d⋅τ parameter, a dynamic approach is taken. Specifically, τ is initially set to 1 and incremented by 1 for next iteration. The experimental results tested on Thai initial rhyming words corrupted by three noise types (white, car, and street) each at SNR levels of 10, 5, 0, -5dB showed that the proposed method significantly reduced the processing time for white noise by 38% (p<0.01).
Candidate stellar occultations by Centaurs and trans-Neptunian objects up to 2014

Context. We study trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) from stellar occultations. Aims. We predict stellar occultations from 2012.5 to the end of 2014 by 5 Centaurs and 34 TNOs. Methods. These predictions were achieved in two ways: first, we built catalogues with precise astrometric positions of the stellar content around the paths on the sky of these targets, as seen by a ground-based observer; second, the observed positions of the targets were determined with the help of these same catalogues so that we could improve their ephemerides and the reliability of the predictions. The reference system is the International Celestial Reference System (ICRS) as realised by the Fourth US Naval Observatory CCD Astrograph Catalog (UCAC4). All the sky paths as well as the selected targets were observed from Oct. 2011 to May 2013 with the ESO/MPG 2.2 m telescope equipped with the Wide Field Imager (WFI). All astrometric results were obtained with the platform for reduction of astronomical images automatically (PRAIA) after correcting the images for overscan, bias, and flatfield. Results. The catalogues with the stellar content around the sky path of each selected target are complete down to magnitude R = 19 and have an average positional accuracy of about 50 milliarcseconds. This same average accuracy also holds for the observed positions of the targets. In the catalogues from the sky paths, stellar proper motions for non-UCAC4 objects were derived from the combination of the current epoch WFI observations with either the 2MASS or the USNO-B1 catalogues. The offsets between the observed and (JPL) ephemeris positions of the targets frequently reach absolute values of some hundreds of milliarcseconds. Conclusions. We present here stellar occultation predictions for the selected 5 Centaurs and 34 TNOs from 2012.5 to the end of 2014. This work is also an extension of two previous prediction works by us, the first one for Pluto, Charon, Nix, and Hydra, and the second for ten other large TNOs. The use of catalogues from the observations of the sky paths in the astrometry of the TNOs and Centaurs enhanced the coherence between their positions and those of the respective occulted candidate stars. New observations of these TNOs and Centaurs are continuously used to redetermine their ephemerides.
An Adaptive Moving Objects Detection Algorithm Based on Kernel Density Estimation

The detection of moving objects are important research area for video surveillance and other video processing applications. In this paper, we propose an adaptive approach modeling background and segmenting moving object with non-parametric kernel density estimation. Unlike previous approaches to object detection which detect objects by global threshold, we use a local threshold to reflect temporal persistence. With combined of global threshold and local thresholds, the proposed approach can handle scenes containing gradual illumination variations and noise and has no bootstrapping limitations. Experimental results on different types of videos demonstrate the utility and performance of the proposed approach.
Prevalence and risk factors of loneliness among patients with hematological malignancies

To identify independent factors for predicting loneliness in patients with hematological malignancies. It is an observational cross-sectional study. 157 patients with hematologic malignancies were enrolled between March 2020 and May 2020. The sociodemographic characteristics and psychometric properties (coping styles, self-esteem, big 5 personality traits, and hope) were tested for correlation with loneliness. Multivariate hierarchical regression analysis was then utilized to identify independent risk factors for loneliness. The patients exhibited a mean global score of 36.25 that corresponded to a moderate degree of loneliness. The sociodemographic factors, including occupation, family earning, living areas, times of hospitalization, were significantly related to loneliness. In addition, the coping styles, levels of self-esteem, the big 5 personality traits, and levels of hope were significantly correlated with the degrees of loneliness. Furthermore, sociodemographic factors (occupation) and psychometric properties (coping styles and hope) were identified as independent predictors for loneliness in patients with hematological malignancies. Loneliness is highly prevalent in patients with hematological malignancies. Notably, occupation, times of hospitalization, family earning, coping styles, self-esteem, big 5 personality traits, and hope are all independent risk factors for loneliness.
Age-dependent cardiorespiratory directional coupling in wake-resting state

Objective. Cooperation in the cardiorespiratory system helps maintain internal stability. Various types of system interactions have been investigated; however, the characteristics of the interactions have mostly been studied using data collected in well-defined physiological states, such as sleep. Furthermore, most analyses provided general information about the interaction, making it difficult to quantify how the systems influenced one another. Approach. Cardiorespiratory directional coupling was investigated in different age groups (20 young and 19 elderly subjects) in a wake-resting state. The directionality index (DI) was calculated using instantaneous phases from the heartbeat interval and respiratory signal to provide information about the strength and direction of interaction between the systems. Statistical analysis was performed between the groups on the DI and independent measures of directionality (ncr: influence from cardiac system to respiratory system, and ncc: influence from the respiratory system to the cardiac system). Main results. The values of DI were −0.52 and −0.17 in the young and elderly groups, respectively (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the values of ncr and ncc were found to be significantly different between the groups (p < 0.001), respectively. Significance. Changes in both directions between the systems influence different aspects of cardiorespiratory coupling between the groups. This observation could be linked to different levels of autonomic modulation associated with ageing. Our approach could aid in quantitatively tracking and comprehending how systems interact in response to physiological and environmental changes. It could also be used to understand how abnormal interaction characteristics influence physiological system dysfunctions and disorders.
Long-Term Changes in Vertical Jump, H:Q Ratio and Interlimb Asymmetries in Young Female Volleyball Athletes

The present study aimed to examine the changes that occurred in vertical jump and isokinetic dynamometer (ISK) performances at the beginning of a preparatory period (PRE) and at the start of the competitive period (POST). Sixteen U-17 elite female volleyball players, from a national level (15.34 ± 1.19 years; 66.35 ± 7.95 kg; 169.22 ± 24.79 cm), performed bilateral squat jump (SJ), bilateral and unilateral countermovement jump (CMJ) and unilateral ISK tests for knee flexors (Fl) and extensors (Ex) both at 60°/s and at 300°/s. Peak torque (PT) and the hamstring-to-quadriceps (H:Q) ratio were assessed by concentric actions. Asymmetries were calculated by the percentage differences between dominant (DOM) and nondominant legs (NDOM). The paired Student’s t-test was used for comparisons at a level of significance of 5%. The effect size was also calculated. A significant increase was found for both SJ (15%; p = 0.004; ES = 0.82) and CMJ (12%; p = 0.017; ES = 0.62). The PT of NDOM flexors at 60°/s was significantly lower than DOM both at PRE (4.6%; p = 0.048; ES = −0.22) and POST (6.3%; p = 0.037; ES = −0.33). The NDOM extensors at 60°/s had a significantly lower PT than DOM at POST (7.0%; p = 0.048; ES = −0.23). Both DOM and NDOM flexors at 60°/s had a PT enhancement at POST related to PRE (6.7%; p = 0.031; ES = 0.51 and 5.6%; p = 0.037; ES = 0.48, respectively). The PT of NDOM extensors at 300°/s increased at POST in comparison to PRE (7.9%; p = 0.038; ES = 0.27). The NDOM at 300°/s had a H:Q ratio higher than DOM both in PRE and POST (8.6%; p = 0.041; ES = 0.37 and 11.6%; p = 0.013; ES = 0.71, respectively), and the highest H:Q ratios were lower than the reference values (<80%). The asymmetry of the unilateral CMJ was higher at POST than at PRE (102%; p = 0.03; ES = 0.81). The PT for the flexors at 300°/s and the H:Q ratio at POST exceeded 10%. In conclusion, a training program of 15 weeks increased the neuromuscular performance of young volleyball athletes, but many H:Q ratios and asymmetries remained out of the normal recommendation. Volleyball professionals should carefully apply an adequate training program to enhance physical fitness performance without increasing the risk of lower limb injuries concurrently.
Oral Side Effects in Patients with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Receiving the Antiangiogenic Agent Pazopanib—Report of Three Cases

Pazopanib is a potent multi-kinase inhibitor that hinders angiogenesis and blocks tumor growth. It has been approved for the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) and advanced soft tissue sarcoma. There is emerging evidence that bleeding is a common adverse effect of pazopanib and other targeted therapies in patients with mRCC. In addition, jaw osteonecrosis related to pazopanib was recently described in the literature. We report three cases of patients with mRCC who developed adverse oral events related to pazopanib. The first patient, treated with pazopanib as monotherapy, presented with gingival bleeding and oral burning sensation. The other two patients receiving pazopanib as monotherapy and pazopanib followed by sunitinib, respectively, presented complaining about mandibular pain; a diagnosis of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) was rendered in both cases. Gingival bleeding and MRONJ may develop as oral side effects of pazopanib use. The cases presented here aim to alert and inform health care professionals about the risk of adverse oral events in patients with mRCC receiving the antiangiogenic agent pazopanib.
Visual sensitivity-based low-bit-rate image compression algorithm

In this study, the authors present a visual sensitivity-based low-bit-rate image compression algorithm. The authors algorithm combines both visual sensitivity and compression techniques so that a higher compression rate, with satisfactory visual quality, can be achieved. In the coding process, the input image is divided into blocks, and each block is classified as an edge block (EB), a textural block (TB) or a flat block (FB). For EBs, which are most important to the subjective quality of decoded images, the standard Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) coding scheme with a tolerant quantisation step is employed so as to restrict the blocking artefacts caused by the quantisation error to an acceptable level. For FBs, a skipping scheme is employed on blocks in the compression process so as to save the bits. The coding of the skip blocks, identified by the skipping scheme, will make reference to the reconstructed regions of the image in the encoding process. Owing to the masking effects of the human visual system on high-frequency textures, standard JPEG compression coding with a greater quantisation step is employed on the down-scaled version of non-skip blocks and TBs. Experimental results show the superior performance of our method in terms of both compression efficiency and visual quality.
On one class of difference schemes for solution of Navier-Stokes equations in velocity-pressure variables

Difference methods in veldcity-pressure variables having a. num­ ber of important properties are constructed and investigated in. this paper for a two-dimensional Navier-Stokes equation. Power neutral approxima.tions of convective members and pressure gradients ensure a conservativity and abso­ lute stability of the proposed algorithms. Their stability and convergence are investigated. The existence and uniqueness of velocity components and pressure gradients is proved.
State-selective charge transfer in ion–ion interactions at intermediate and high energies

The total and state-selective cross sections for charge transfer in H++He+, He2++Li2+, He2++He+ and Li3++Li2+ collisions were calculated using the boundary corrected continuum intermediate state approximation with an energy range of 30–2000 keV amu−1. In this model, distortion in the final channel related to the Coulomb continuum states of the projectile ion and the electron in the field of the residual target is included. The sub-shell distribution of total charge transfer cross section has been reported in tabular form. Comparison of the results is made with those of other recent theoretical investigations and experimental findings. The present results are found to be in very good agreement with the available experimental findings.
ENHANCEMENT OF TURBULENT MIXING BY EMBEDDED LONGITUDINAL VORTICITY: A NUMERICAL STUDY AND EXPERIMENTAL COMPARISON

This work concerns the characterization of turbulent flow underlying the mixing phenomenon in a static mixer-reactor HEV (high-efficiency vortex). An experimental test section made of a cylindrical tube equipped with seven rows of vortex generators was designed and constructed for this purpose. Each row has four vortex generators fixed symmetrically on the tube wall. This new type of mixer generates coherent structures in the form of longitudinal counter-rotative vortices. The resulting flow enhances radial mass transfer and thus facilitates the dispersion and mixing of the particles. The energy cost of this mixer is 1000 times less than that of other mixers for a given interface area [1, 2]. The aim of this work is to study numerically and experimentally the turbulence structure of the flow generated by the mixer, in particular the more energetic structures present in the base flow. Numerical simulations of the velocity distribution and turbulence levels inside the static mixer were conducted for various turbulence models by using the commercial mesh-generator code Gambit coupled with the CFD package Fluent. Attention was focused on the evolution and distribution of the rate of turbulent kinetic energy dissipation as the underlying mechanism for turbulent mixing. Experiments were carried out on the test section in a flow loop by using LDA. Mean and turbulent quantities were measured and numerical results were compared with experimental results. This study provides a basis for understanding the physical mechanisms in the mixing and homogenising of the flow and therefore the efficiency of the mixer.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Barrier and Seal Properties of Reactive Blending of Poly(butylene succinate) Based Blends

Poly Butylene Succinate (PBS) is one of the biodegradable polymers with good physical properties but its barrier properties such as the oxygen barrier are poor. The aim of this study was to investigate the barrier and seal properties of PBS by blending with biodegradable poly hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate (PHBV). PBS and PHBV (80/20 and 70/30 %w/w) with and without reactive agents were prepared using an internal mixer. Film specimens of 100 micrometers in thickness were prepared using compression molding. The morphology, barrier properties and peel-seal strength were investigated. Morphological observations using scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed an improved dispersion of PHBV in the blends after adding the reactive agents. The oxygen barrier and water vapor barrier were determined using ASTM D3985 and ASTM E96, respectively. The results showed that the addition of PHBV into the blend films led to lower OTR and WVTR when compared to the neat PBS. The addition of reactive agents can further improve the OTR and WVTR of PBS/PHBV blends due to the compact and dense structure of the films. Peel–seal behavior of the films was examined by the different sealing temperatures, which determined the failure mechanism after peeling. The blend films with reactive agents after sealing temperature between 105 and 115°C were peeled from the substrate with adhesive and cohesive failures showing the easy peel mode.
Undesired Effect of Vancomycin Prolonged Treatment: Enhanced Biofilm Production of the Nosocomial Pathogen Candida auris

Fungal infections are often consequent to prolonged antibiotic treatments. Vancomycin (Van) is the first-choice antibiotic in the treatment of Staphylococcus aureus infections associated with colonization of catheter surfaces. We demonstrate the direct effect of Van in promoting the formation of the biofilm of the emergent yeast pathogen Candida auris, developed in the conventional polystyrene microwell plate model, as well as on silicone surfaces (22 and 28% increase in total biomass, respectively) and on an S. aures biofilm, residual after vancomycin treatment, where C. auris achieved 99% of the mixed biofilm population. The effect of Van was assessed also in vivo, in the Galleria mellonella infection model, which showed higher mortality when infected with the yeast pathogen in the presence of the antibiotic. This evidence enhances awareness of the potential risk associated with prolonged antibiotic use in promoting fungal infections.
Eosinopenia as Predictor of Poor Outcome in Hospitalized COVID-19 Adult Patients from Waves 1 and 2 of 2020 Pandemic

During SARS-CoV-2 infection, eosinopenia may reflect a hyperactive immune response. In this study of hospitalized COVID-19 patients, we aimed to better understand the prognostic value of severe eosinopenia (absolute eosinophil count = 0 G/L) and decipher its underlying mechanisms. We retrospectively analyzed the records of COVID-19 patients hospitalized from March to June 2020 in three university hospitals in Marseille, France. We assessed the association between severe eosinopenia and a composite poor outcome in these patients, including the need for oxygen supplementation at >6 L/min, ICU admission, and in-hospital death. Among the 551 COVID-19 patients included in this study, severe eosinopenia was found in 228 (51%) of them on admission to hospital and was associated with a composite poor outcome using multivariate analysis (OR = 2.58; CI95 [1.77–3.75]; p < 0.0001). We found a significant association between the presence of severe eosinopenia on admission and the elevation in C-reactive protein, ferritin, IP-10, and suPAR. The histological findings in a series of 37 autopsies from patients who died from severe COVID-19 and presented with severe eosinopenia showed no pulmonary eosinophil trapping. Severe eosinopenia can be a reliable biomarker associated with a composite poor outcome in hospitalized COVID-19 adult patients. It may reflect the magnitude of immune hyperactivation during severe-to-critical COVID-19.
Adaptive Output Feedback Stabilization of Nonholonomic Systems with Nonlinear Parameterization

This paper investigates the problem of adaptive output feedback stabilization for a class of nonholonomic systems with nonlinear parameterization and strong nonlinear drifts. A parameter separation technique is introduced to transform nonlinearly parameterized system into a linear-like parameterized system. Then, by using the integrator backstepping approach based on observer and parameter estimator, a constructive design procedure for output feedback adaptive control is given. And a switching strategy is developed to eliminate the phenomenon of uncontrollability. It is shown that, under some conditions, the proposed controller can guarantee that all the system states globally converge to the origin, while other signals remain bounded. An illustrative example is also provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Wave combustors for trans-atmospheric vehicles

A performance analysis is given of a conceptual transatmospheric vehicle (TAV). The TAV is powered by a an oblique detonation wave engine (ODWE). The ODWE is an airbreathing hypersonic propulsion system which utilizes shock and detonation waves to enhance fuel-air mixing and combustion in supersonic flow. In this wave combustor concept, an oblique shock wave in the combustor can act as a flameholder by increasing the pressure and temperature of the air-fuel mixture, thereby decreasing the ignition delay. If the oblique shock is sufficiently strong, then the combustion front and the shock wave can couple into a detonation wave. In this case, combustion occurs almost instantaneously in a thin zone behind the wave front. The result is a shorter lighter engine compared to the scramjet. The ODWE-powered hypersonic vehicle performance is compared to that of a scramjet-powered vehicle. Among the results outlined, it is found that the ODWE trades a better engine performance above Mach 15 for a lower performance below Mach 15. The overall higher performance of the ODWE results in a 51,000-lb weight savings and a higher payload weight fraction of approximately 12 percent.
Charge transfer dynamics in Cu-doped ZnO nanowires

Time resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) and transient absorption (TA) spectroscopy reveal an ultrafast charge transfer (CT) process, with an electron localization time constant 39±9 ps, between the ZnO host and the Cu dopants in Cu-doped ZnO nanowires. This CT process effectively competes with the ZnO band edge emission, resulting in the quenching of the ZnO UV emission. TRPL measurements show that the UV decay dynamics coincides with the buildup of the Cu-related green emission. TA measurements probing the state-filling of the band edge and defect states provide further support to the CT model where the bleaching dynamics concur with the TRPL lifetimes.