Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modeling the polarization of high-energy radiation from accreting black holes

Context. The high-energy emission (400 keV−2 MeV) of Cygnus X-1, which is the best-studied Galactic black hole, was recently found to be strongly polarized. The origin of this radiation is still unknown.Aims. We suggest that the emission is the result of non-thermal processes in the hot corona around the accreting compact object and study the polarization of high-energy radiation that is expected for black hole binaries. Methods. Two contributions to the total magnetic field were taken into account in our study: a small-scale random component related to the corona, and an ordered magnetic field associated with the accretion disk. The degree of polarization of gamma-ray emission for this particular geometry was estimated together with the angle of the polarization vector. Results. We obtain that the configuration of corona plus disk can account for the high degree of polarization of gamma-rays that are detected in galactic black holes and does not need to invoke a relativistic jet. We make specific predictions for sources in a low-hard state. In particular, the model is applied to the transient source XTE J1118+480. We show that if a new outburst of XTE J1118+480 is observed, then its gamma-ray polarization should be measurable by future instruments, such as ASTRO-H or the proposed ASTROGAM.
An Experimental Study on Blinking Detection via EEG Signals forHuman-Robot Interaction Purposes Based on a Spherical 2-DOF Parallel Robot

Blinking and eye movement are one of the most important abilities that most people have, even people with spinal cord problem. By using this ability these people could handle some of their activities such as moving their wheelchair without the help of others. One of the most important fields in Human-Robot Interaction is the development of artificial limbs working with brain signals. The purpose of this project consists in detecting blinking and left and right eye movements via electroencephalogram signals which is also useful in determining sleepiness. Moving Window, Fast Fourier Transform and Wavelet Transform are the methods which are used in this project. Obtained results reveal that the most reliable method to recognize blinking and eye movements is Fast Fourier Transform since it is almost insensitive and invariant to the defined variables. After recognition of blinking and eye movement, these actions are transferred to a robot which is called the spherical 2-DOFparallel robot, built first at the Laval University.
Multi-body code and software control co-simulation for the dynamic behaviour analysis of rover exploration vehicle

Since antiquity, humans have dreamed about spaceflight. When rockets became powerful enough to overcome the force of gravity and reach orbital velocities, space was opened to human exploration. Mars has always captured humankind imagination, being a source ofinspiration for explorers and scientists. A considerable number of missions have attempted to reach the Red Planet, with varying degrees of success, focused primarily on understanding the planet geology and habitability potential. In the context of planetary surface exploration, mobile robots are the main characters, due to their capability of moving in unstructured environments. ExoMars 2020 is the mission managed by the European Space Agency (ESA) intended to deliver a rover on Mars surface in search of a sign of life. The mission will send the European ExoMars rover and a Russian surface platform to the surface of Mars with the aim of performing scienticresearch looking for organic molecules and surface characterisation. When dealing with mobile robot design, multi-body software are fundamental tools supporting engineering activities. Multi-body System Simulation (MBS) is a numerical simulation method for the study of mechanical systems motion caused by external forces acting on it. One challenging activity of the Mechanical CAE (Computer Aided Engineering) group of Thales Alenia Space Italia S.p.A. , where this thesis has been developed, addresses exactly at building a dynamic model of the six-wheeled planetary rover belonging to ExoMars Mission. Moreover, the CAE group requires to drive the MBS model in order to study the rover when performing dierent manoeuvres. This can be achieved by controlling torques applied to drive and steering wheel axes. The model is built in MotionView environment, a general pre-processor for MBS simulation, and simulated through MontionSolve solver. These tools guarantee optimal performances when dealing with MBS simulation, but they are not enough to implement complex controller. In order to incorporate functions of sensing, actuation and control the Activate software tool is used.Thanks to its co-simulation interface it is possible to simulate this complex system including both the rover MBS model, simulated with MotionSolve, and the control systems, simulated with Activate. The main objective of this thesis is to develop the Activate model for co-simulation, implementing the low-level control loop of the ExoMars rover wheel actuators (DC motors) and the higher level locomotion function, which allows driving the rover given the manoeuvre commands set by the user, rather than acting on the actuator speeds and position.
Effect of Guinea Corn Husk Ash as Partial Replacement for Cement in Concrete

This paper reports an investigation on Guinea Corn Husk Ash (GCHA) as partial replacement of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) in concrete. The percent replacement levels by weight were 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% in 1:2:4 concrete mix with 0.65 water - cement ratio. The chemical constituents of the GCHA were SiO2 (78.19%), Al2O3 (1.36%), Fe2O3 (0.84%), CaO (3.34%), MgO (3.76%), K2O (7.67%), P2 O5 (2.95%) and Na2O, TiO2, SrO, Cl, MnO, S03 in trace quantities. Since SiO2, Al2O3, and Fe2O3 have a combined constituent percent in excess of 70% (i.e. 80.39%), GCHA meets the requirement of a pozzolana in accordance the relevant standards. The GCHA concrete gave compressive strength in the range of 9.5 N/mm 2 for 25% ash and 26.3 N/mm 2 for 5% ash at 28 days curing period. The 5% value was higher than that of plain concrete which was 25.5N/mm 2 . The trend shows that 10% GCHA should not be exceeded for a competitive value for compressive strength. The density of GCHA-cement concrete slightly reduced with increase of GCHA, for example it reduced by 2.27% for 25% ash at 28days curing. However it slightly increased at 5% replacement level again. Further work on the Water Absorption Capacity, permeability and durability parameters of GCHA- cement concrete is recommended.
The Sensitivity of the Greenland–Scotland Ridge Overflow to Forcing Changes

Processes that influence the volume and heat transport across the Greenland–Scotland Ridge system are investigated in a numerical model with ° horizontal resolution. The focus is on the sensitivity of cross-ridge transports and the reaction of the subpolar North Atlantic Ocean circulation to changes in wind stress and buoyancy forcing on seasonal to interannual timescales. A general relation between changes in wind stress or cross-ridge density contrasts and the overturning transport of Greenland–Iceland–Norwegian Seas source water is established from a series of idealized experiments. The relation is used subsequently to interpret changes in an experiment over the years 1992–97 with realistic forcing. On seasonal and interannual timescales there is a clear correlation between heat flux and wind stress curl variability. The realistic model suggests a steady decrease in the strength of the cyclonic subpolar gyre of the North Atlantic with a corresponding decrease in heat transport during the 1990s
Which is the best?: Re-ranking Answers Merged from Multiple Web Sources

The main motivation of this paper is to devise a way to select the best answers collected from multiple web sources. Depending on questions, we need to combine multiple QA modules. To this end, we analyze real-life questions for their characteristics and classify them into different domains and genres. In the proposed distributed QA framework, local optimal answers are selected by several specialized sub-QAs. For fining global optimal answers, merged candidates are re-ranked by adjusting confidence weights based on the question analysis. We adopt the idea of the margin separation of SVM classification algorithm to adjust confidence weights calculated by own ranking methods in sub-QAs. We also prove the effects of the proposed re-ranking algorithm based on a series of experiments. Index Terms—Re-ranking, Multiple Web sources, Question Answering
Effect of Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Mucunapruriens (fabaceae) on Lipid Profile inAlloxan-Induced Diabetic Wistar rats

Diabetes mellitus is a global health burden leading to an increase in the search for herbal hypoglycemic agents as alternative to synthetic ones. The effect of diabetes on lipid metabolism is well established. This study was aimed at evaluating the effects of ethanolic leaf extract of M. pruriens on lipid profile levels in alloxan-induced diabetic Wistarrats. Diabetes was induced by injection of Alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg b w) intraperitoneally to rats. Diabetic rats were randomly divided into the following groups (n = 6). Group I (normal control) received distilled water, Group II (diabetic control) received distilled water, group III, IV and V received 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg b w of the extract, respectively, while group VI received 250 mg/kg b w Metformin orally once daily for 21 days. At the end of the treatment period, blood samples were collected from the animals and assayed spectrophotometrically for serum concentration of TC, TG, HDL-C and LDL-C. The study showed that there was a significant reduction (p<0.05) in the serum levels TC, TG, LDL-C and increased HDL-C in alloxan-induced diabetic treated groups.However, there was a marked reduction (p<0.01) of 96.86±10.6, 106.31±7.5, 48.09±11.0 observed in the groups treated with 400 mg/kg for TC, TG, LDL-C. While a maximum increase (p<0.01) of 23.01±1.8 and 28.52±0.90 recorded in the group treated with 200 and 400 mg/kg for HDL-C. The result shows that the plant may be useful in the management of secondary complications of diabetes (dyslipidemia) associated with diabetes mellitus.
Online Manifold Regularization by Dual Ascending Procedure

We propose a novel online manifold regularization framework based on the notion of duality in constrained optimization. The Fenchel conjugate of hinge functions is a key to transfer manifold regularization from offline to online in this paper. Our algorithms are derived by gradient ascent in the dual function. For practical purpose, we propose two buffering strategies and two sparse approximations to reduce the computational complexity. Detailed experiments verify the utility of our approaches. An important conclusion is that our online MR algorithms can handle the settings where the target hypothesis is not fixed but drifts with the sequence of examples. We also recap and draw connections to earlier works. This paper paves a way to the design and analysis of online manifold regularization algorithms.
Two‐Stage Tracking Control Via Output Feedback

An algorithm is proposed combining a high‐gain control and an internal‐model control for asymptotic output tracking in the presence of non‐decaying external disturbances. The plant output is the only signal used in the feedback loops. The algorithm is divided into two stages: high‐gain control is activated in the transient phase, forcing the output to quickly approach the reference trajectory, and is then taken over by an internal‐model controller in the steady phase so that perfect output tracking can be achieved with moderate gains and smooth control efforts. Smooth transition between the two control laws is ensured through an internal‐model observer, which serves as a relaying mechanism between the high‐gain control and the internal‐model control.
Empirical Analysis of Processes underlying Various Technological Innovations

The aim of this study was to analyse systematic differences in the processes underlying different types of innovations. Innovations were differentiated according to their technological nature, which was measured by the radicalness and the complexity of the innovations. The innovations studied were divided into radical and incremental and into complex and simple innovations. Probit models were used to analyse how the development processes underlying radical versus incremental or complex versus simple innovations differ. The theoretical framework of the study was provided by the literature on different innovation theories. The components of the innovation process in focus can be divided into innovation-specific and firmor sectorspecific factors. Innovation-specific factors were related to the origin of the innovation, collaboration during the development work and the role of public subsidies in the innovation process. Firmand sector-specific factors in turn consisted of the knowledge base of the innovating firm, the size of the firm and the environment in which the innovation was developed. The starting point for the analysis was a unique innovation database collected by the VTT Technology Studies. The database consists of basic information on some 1600 Finnish innovations commercialised in Finland mainly during the 1980s and 1990s and more detailed survey data on some 800 innovations. The analysis was based on a subgroup of this survey data, consisting of 768 innovations. Patent data and firm-level information were linked to the survey data. The results indicate the importance of scientific and technological knowledge in developing radical or complex innovations. The importance of scientific
Stress Intensity Factor calculation from displacement fields

In the last two decades, visual image techniques such as Digital Image Correlation (DIC) enabled to experimentally determine the crack tip displacement and strain fields at small scales. The displacements are tracked during loading, and parameters as the Stress Intensity Factor (SIF), opening and closing loads, T-stress can be readily measured. In particular, the SIFs and the T-stress can be obtained by fitting the analytical equation of the Williamstype expansion with the experimentally-determined displacement fields. The results in terms of fracture mechanics parameters strictly depend on the dimension of the area considered around the crack tip in conjunction with the crack length, the maximum SIF (and thus the plastic tip radius), and the number of terms to be considered in the Williams-type expansion. This work focuses in understanding the accuracy of the SIF calculation based on these factors. The study is based on Finite Element Analysis simulations where purely elastic material behavior is considered. The accuracy of the estimation of the SIF is investigated and a guide-line is provided to properly set the DIC measurements. The analysis is then experimentally validated for crack closure measurements adopting the SENT specimen geometry.
Application of Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems in Flood Management: A Review

Floods are one of the most widely distributed hazards around the world and their management is an important issue of concern among all the stakeholders. The aim of this review is to synthesize the state of art literature in the application of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) techniques in all the flood management stages (pre-flood, during flood and post-flood stages). Flood types and common concepts in flood management are precisely explained. Case studies of flood management using GIS and RS are summarized. Current challenges in using GIS and RS techniques for flood management are also given. One lesson we learn from this review is that flood management is very diverse and it requires multidisciplinary involvement. It can also be deduced that RS techniques offer cheaper and faster options of accessing spatial data about the flood event even in the physically inaccessible areas. GIS techniques on the other hand facilitate hydrological models in data collection, analysis, querying and presentation of information in a more simplified format. The present review is expected to contribute to an improved understanding of the potential applications of RS and GIS techniques in flood management, especially among scientists in the developing countries where the use of these techniques particularly in flood management has generally been limited.
Concentrated solar power (CSP) innovation analysis in South Africa

South Africa aims to generate 42 per cent of its electricity from renewable energy technology sources by 2030. Concentrating solar power (CSP) is one of the major renewable energy technologies that have been prioritised by South Africa, given the abundant solar resources available in the region. Seven CSP plants have been, or are being, built; three of them are already connected to the national grid. However, the impacts of this technology on South African research, development, and innovation have not been investigated to date. This paper thus analyses the CSP technologies in South Africa in terms of the existing technology adoption models and diffusion strategies, used by government and its agencies, to improve the development and deployment of these technologies. It is found that CSP has been treated generally like other renewable energy technologies through the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP), although a tariff plan for CSP plants of the future has been made. No specific technology diffusion or adoption model for CSP was found; so this paper explores how it can be developed.
A computational model for the selection of achromatic and non-neutral colors to fill lacunae in frescoes

Many ancient paintings, in particular frescoes, have some parts ruined by time and events. Sometimes one or more non-negligible regions are completely lost, leaving a blank that is called by restaurateurs a 'lacuna'. The general restoration philosophy adopted in these cases is to paint the interior part of the lacuna with an achromatic or non-neutral uniform color carefully selected in order to minimize its overall perception. In this paper, we present a computational model, based on a well-established variational theory of color perception, that may facilitate the job of a restaurateur by providing both achromatic and non-neutral colors which minimize the local contrast with the surrounding parts of the fresco.
Modulation of the Convectively Coupled Kelvin Waves over South America and the Tropical Atlantic Ocean in Association with the Madden–Julian Oscillation

AbstractIn this study, evidence of the strong modulation of the convectively coupled Kelvin wave (CCKW) activity by the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) is presented, with a particular focus over the South America and tropical Atlantic region. The MJO impacts on CCKWs over this region, as noted in anomalous fields of rainfall as well as vertical profiles of wind, moisture, and temperature, are primarily through the modulation of Kelvin wave amplitude, with secondary effects on vertical structure, and little impact on wavenumber. CCKW activity is enhanced during MJO phases 8, 1, and 2 and damped during MJO phases 4, 5, and 6.Further analyses reveal that the strong modulation of the MJO on the CCKW activity could be largely through two factors: namely, the vertical zonal wind shear and the lower- to middle-tropospheric specific humidity. The CCKW activity tends to be enhanced during MJO phases when the easterly vertical wind shear and positive low- to midtroposphere moisture anomalies are present and vice ve.
Assessing the carbon benefits of improved land management technologies

Ensuring food security under changing climate conditions is one of the major challenges of our era. Agriculture must not only become increasingly productive, but must also adapt to climate change while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Soil carbon sequestration, the process by which atmospheric carbon dioxide is taken up by plants through photosynthesis and stored as carbon in biomass and soils, can support these goals. First, soil carbon enhances agricultural productivity, which reduces rural poverty; second, it limits greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere; and third, it reduces the impact of climate change on agricultural ecosystems. This smart lesson describes the potential benefits of selected land management technologies that sequester carbon.
The Clinicopathological Characteristics of Uterine Leiomyomas: A Tertiary Care Centre Experience in Saudi Arabia Running title: Uterine leiomyoma in Saudi Arabia

Background: Leiomyomas are very common tumours of the female genital tract. However, large cohort studies are limited for reporting the incidence and prevalence. The aim of this study is to review the clinical and pathological pattern of leiomyoma in a tertiary care centre in Saudi Arabia. Methods: We retrospectively analysed the clinical and pathological data of patients diagnosed as leiomyoma in a large tertiary care centre in Saudi Arabia in the period from 2005 to 2012. Results: A total number of 563 patients were diagnosed as uterine leiomyoma. The age range was 22 - 86 years (mean 41.8 years). Leiomyomas were more common in age groups 41 - 50 years (40.1%) ( p <0.001) followed by the age group 31 - 40 years (35.2%). Dysfunctional uterine bleeding was the presenting sympto m in 19.2% followed by pelviabdominal mass (4.6%). In 70 % of cases, the specimen sent was delivered as myomectomy while in 30% leiomyoma was diagnosed in a hysterectomy specimen. The majority of leiomyomas were ordinary leiomyoma (97.3%) ( p <0.001). Cellul ar leiomyoma constituted 2.7%. Hyaline degeneration was the commonest associated histological change (5.5%) followed by infarction (2.1%), and calcification (0.4%). The vast majority of leiomyomas were located intramural and multiple leiomyomas were signif icantly higher than single leiomyomas ( p <0.001). Discussion: The present study is consistent with previously published data and confirms that leiomyomas are common benign neoplasms of females especially in age group of 31 - 50 years which may cause considerab le morbidity. Further research and increase awareness on this tumour is required. ( Layla Abdullah, Wafaey Gomaa . The Clinicopathological Characteristics of Uterine Leiomyomas: A Tertiary Care Centre Experience in Saudi Arabia . Rep Opinion 201 3 ; 5 ( 10 ): 2 1 - 26 ). (ISSN: 1553 - 9873). http://www.sciencepub. net/report . 4