Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High Performance Liquid Chromatography of antioxidant activity of seeds some varieties of prickly pear ( Opuntia ficus-indica L .) from the Sidi-Fredj Souk Ahras Algeria

The study was conducted on seeds of three varieties of Opuntia ficus-indica ( O. ficus-indica ), harvested from different regions of Souk Ahras in north-East of Algeria (Sidi-Fredj, Taoura and Drea). The analysis consisted of antioxidants extraction, following the solid-liquid extraction with ethanol 40% (v/v), their quantification and determination of their antioxidant activity by two methods (reducing power and DPPH ( 2-2 diphenyl 1-picryl hydrazyl) Test). Results show that total phenolic content (TPC) ranged from 71,01to 90,79mg GAE (Gallic Acid Equivalent)/100g Extract. The Sidi-Fredj variety has the best rate followed by the Taoura and Drea ones. Concerning, flavonoids and tannins, the Taoura variety contains higher concentrations corresponding to 2.67 mg QE (Quercetin equivalent)/100g and 6.60mg CE (Cyanidin equivalent)/100g. Activities of extracts of three varieties show similar performance; the EC50 for the reduction of ferric iron 0.05g/mL for all extracts, whereas the EA is more important in Sidi-Fredj and Drea seeds extracts. Regarding the scavenging of DPPH, Drea and Sidi-Fredj varieties show the highest capacity equals to 0.20g/mL. Linear correlations between the different studied activities and some antioxidants (flavonoids, tannins) rates were noticed, indicating their participation in the obtained effect. Analysis of the oil by HPLC revealed the presence of phenolic compounds including gallic acid and a form of vitamin E (α-tocophérol), capable of expressing biological activities; Antioxidants and vitamins. GC (Gas Chromatography) analysis showed that prickly pear oil was a major source of essential fatty acids (C18:2 and C18:3). The anti-free radical activity of the seed was evaluated through a DPPH chemical test. The results obtained show a hight reducing activity of our extract.
Determining conductivity by boundary measurements II. Interior results

Abstract : In a recent paper the authors showed that an unknown real-analytic conductivity gamma may be determined from static boundary measurements. In this document they extend this analysis by demonstrating that a similar result holds for piecewise real-analytic conductivities. In addition, for the special case of a layered structure it is shown that a three times continuously differentiable conductivity is identifiable by boundary measurements. Originator-supplied keywords include: Inversion, Convergence, Algorithms, Estimates, Coefficients.
Experiments on shape perception in stereoscopic displays

Stereoscopic displays are increasingly used for computer-aided design. The aim is to make virtual prototypes to avoid building real ones, so that time, money and raw materials are saved. But do we really know whether virtual displays render the objects in a realistic way to potential users? In this study, we have performed several experiments in which we compare two virtual shapes to their equivalent in the real world, each of these aiming at a specific issue by a comparison: First, we performed some perception tests to evaluate the importance of head tracking to evaluate if it is better to concentrate our efforts on stereoscopic vision; Second, we have studied the effects of interpupillary distance; Third, we studied the effects of the position of the main object in comparison with the screen. Two different tests are used, the first one using a well-known shape (a sphere) and the second one using an irregular shape but with almost the same colour and dimension. These two tests allow us to determine if symmetry is important in their perception. We show that head tracking has a more important effect on shape perception than stereoscopic vision, especially on depth perception because the subject is able to move around the scene. The study also shows that an object between the subject and the screen is perceived better than an object which is on the screen, even if the latter is better for the eye strain.
FULL-THICKNESS MACULAR HOLE IN AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION PATIENTS WITH TWO DISTINCT ENTITIES

Full-thickness macular holes in age-related macular degeneration patients can be divided into tractional and degenerative subgroups. Discerning degenerative from tractional full-thickness macular holes is possible by using optical coherence tomography features including shape of the full-thickness macular holes, central macular thickness, presence of complete retinal outer retinal atrophy, pigment epithelium detachment, and epiretinal membrane. Purpose: To describe optical coherence tomography characteristics of full-thickness macular holes (FTMHs) in age-related macular degeneration patients. Methods: A multicenter, retrospective, observational case series of patients diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration and FTMHs seen between January 1, 2009, and January 3, 2020. Clinical charts and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography images were reviewed. Optical coherence tomography findings included FTMH-inverted trapezoid or hourglass appearance, central macular thickness (CMT), complete retinal pigment epithelium and complete retinal outer retinal atrophy, and presence of pigment epithelium detachment and epiretinal membrane. The mean outcome was the morphologic and functional characterization of different subtypes of FTMHs. Results: A total of 86 eyes of 85 consecutive patients, with mean age of 80.31 ± 8.06 and mean best-corrected visual acuity of 1.17 ± 0.58 logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution. Two different subtypes of FTMHs were identified: tractional and degenerative. Fifty (58%) degenerative FTMHs characterized with inverted trapezoid appearance and 36 (42%) tractional FTMHs characterized with hourglass appearance. Degenerative FTMHs presented with 66% of CMT < 240 µm, 14% of CMT > 320, and 70% of complete retinal outer retinal atrophy, in comparison with 41% of CMT < 240 µm, 42.9% of CMT > 320%, and 20% of complete retinal outer retinal atrophy in the tractional FTMH group (P = 0.002, 0.003, <0.001, respectively). The presence of epiretinal membrane and pigment epithelium detachment where significantly higher in tractional FTMHs (P = 0.02, 0.03, respectively). Conclusion: Degenerative and tractional FTMHs may be two distinct clinical entities. Discerning degenerative from tractional FTMHs is possible by using optical coherence tomography features including shape of the FTMHs, CMT, internal–external ratio of FTMHs, and presence of complete retinal outer retinal atrophy, pigment epithelium detachment, and epiretinal membrane.
The Luminosity Function of Galaxies in Clusters

By means of statistical analyses, we compute the luminosity function of galaxies in clusters and explore its dependence on cluster global properties. The data consist of two different samples of southern clusters with published redshifts, taken from the Abell cluster catalog and the APM cluster catalog. Galaxy assignment to the clusters and their corresponding apparent magnitudes were derived from the Edinburgh-Durham Southern Galaxy Catalogue. We have considered two limiting absolute magnitudes, M < -16 and M < -17, comprising 16 and 55 clusters, respectively. The galaxy luminosity function in clusters derived in this work shows a large excess of faint galaxies compared with previous field determinations. In spite of their different identification procedures, we obtain similar galaxy luminosity functions in Abell and APM clusters. A Schechter function with parameters M* ≃ -20.0 ± 0.1 and α ≃ -1.4 ± 0.1 provides a satisfactory fit to the galaxy luminosity function of the sample of 55 clusters. We also find a flatter galaxy luminosity function in poor clusters (α ≃ -1.2). We have computed errors through a Monte Carlo procedure that considers different possible background corrections and errors in the photometry. Besides providing reliable values of the uncertainties in the luminosity function fitting parameters, this method poses confident limits on the effects of possible systematics. Our results strongly argue against a universal galaxy luminosity function. The high relative frequency of faint galaxies in rich clusters reported in this work may provide constraints on models for the origin and evolution of galaxies.
A Simultaneous Probit Model

The usual formulation of probit models includes, as endogenous variables, both continuous latent variables and binary observable variables. The solution of simultaneous probit models involving only latent endogenous variables among the explanatory variables is straightforward, provided the equations are identified. In contrast, simultaneous probit models in which the binary endogenous variables appear among the explanatory variables raise problems of coherence.
Reconstruction of streamline topology, and percolation models of turbulent transport

This paper discusses in detail the percolation models of turbulent diffusion that help establish nontrivial relations among theoretical concepts used in the theories of turbulence, dynamical systems, transport, etc. This approach is particularly important due to the need to describe turbulence in the presence of coherent structures, flow reconstructions, and drift and dissipation effects. In such regimes, the conventional quasilinear description is inconsistent with experimental results, necessitating the search for fundamentally new models and approaches. Most attention is given to the scaling concept, an important and widely used tool among theoreticians and experimentalists.
Design of vector quantization networks by MDL-based principles

We develop a framework for vector quantization networks based on the minimum description length principle (MDL). This MDL framework is used to derive conditions for the removal of superfluous units from the network. Based on this we design a computationally efficient algorithm for finding the optimal number of reference vectors as well as their positions. We illustrate our approach on 2D clustering problems and present applications to image coding.
Multi-modal medical image registration based on phase congruency and quantitative-qualitative mutual information

A new approach of multi-modal medical image registration is proposed to overcome the drawbacks of mutual information as taking no consideration of the space information, taking all intensities without distinction, and being sensitive to noise. The proposed method firstly extracts the phase congruencies of the reference and floating image, secondly, it computes quantitative-qualitative mutual information with the phase congruency mappings, finally, the geometric transform is optimized by Particle Swarm Optimization. The quantitative-qualitative mutual information used in our algorithm select the pixels whose utility are larger than the threshold of 1. In addition, Mutual information incorporating phase congruency assimilates the information of both intensity and space. Experiment results show that our approach is more robust in suppressing noise and can achieve higher accuracy.
Products of Menger spaces, II: general spaces

We study products of general topological spaces with Menger's covering property, and its refinements based on filters and semifilters. Among other results, we prove that, assuming the Continuum Hypothesis, every productively Lindel\"of space is productively Menger, and every productively Menger space is productively Hurewicz. None of these implications is reversible.
Combined NDT methods for characterization of subsurface cracks in concrete

One of the most frequent problems in concrete structures is corrosion of metal reinforcement. It occurs when the steel reinforcement is exposed to environmental agents. The corrosion products occupy greater volume than the steel consumed, leading to internal expansion stresses. When the stresses exceed concrete strength, eventually lead to corrosion-induced cracking beneath the surface. These cracks do not show any visual sign until they break the surface, exposing the structure to more accelerated deterioration. In order to develop a methodology for sub-surface damage characterization, a combination of non destructive testing (NDT) techniques was applied. Thermography is specialized in subsurface damage identification due to anomalies that inhomogeneities impose on the temperature field. Additionally, ultrasonic surface waves are constrained near the surface and therefore, are ideal for characterization of near-surface damage. In this study, an infrared camera scans the specimen in order to indicate the position of potential damage. For cases of small cracks, the specimens are allowed to cool and the cooling-off curve is monitored for more precise results. Consequently, ultrasonic sensors are placed on the specified part of the surface in order to make a more detailed assessment for the depth of the crack. Although there is no visual sign of damage, surface waves are influenced in terms of velocity and attenuation. The combination of the NDT techniques seems promising for real structures assessment.
Characterization of Surface Roughness and Initial Conditions for Cylindrical Hydrodynamic and Mix Experiments

Abstract Hydrodynamic experiments in cylindrical geometry are used to study both mix (compressible, in convergent geometry) and mode coupling (impact of short wavelengths on long). For both types of experiments, knowledge of the initial conditions (the surface roughness spectrum, amplitude versus wavelength, as well as all target metrology) is very important. This paper is a discussion of the techniques and efforts to document and understand our initial conditions and their uncertainties and how well we can control them.
Active Control of Near-Wall Coherent Structures

This work aims at finding efficient means to reduce skin friction drag in a turbulent boundary layer. The argument on which the study is based is that turbulence exists near a wall because of the presence of an autonomous cycle which is maintained even in the absence of forcing from the free-stream. The central elements of this cycle are the near-wall coherent structures whose dynamics control the turbulence production. It is postulated that an action at the wall capable of disrupting the turbulent wall-cycle can yield a significant skin friction reduction. A model cycle is produced by embedding artificial, large scale streamwise vortices and streaks in a Blasius boundary layer. A control is then conceived, meant to produce an agglomeration of the streaks to hamper the cycle. The action envisaged consists in a movement of the wall, in the form of a spanwise standing or travelling wave of sufficiently long wavelength. The controllers in the present macroscopic simulation are simply cantilever beams whose movement is driven by ceramic piezo-actuators. Piezoelectric fibers realizing the same action (properly rescaled) provide, possibly, the answer to the technological challenge of the integral control of near-wall turbulence.
OptRand: Optimistically Responsive Reconfigurable Distributed Randomness

—Public random beacons publish random numbers at regular intervals, which anyone can obtain and verify. The design of public distributed random beacons has been an exciting research direction with significant implications for blockchains, voting, and beyond. Distributed random beacons, in addition to being bias-resistant and unpredictable, also need to have low communication overhead and latency, high resilience to faults, and ease of reconfigurability. Existing synchronous random beacon protocols sacrifice one or more of these properties. In this work, we design an efficient unpredictable synchronous random beacon protocol, OptRand, with quadratic (in the number n of system nodes) communication complexity per beacon output. First, we innovate by employing a novel combination of bilinear pairing based publicly verifiable secret-sharing and non-interactive zero-knowledge proofs to build a linear (in n ) sized publicly verifiable random sharing. Second, we develop a state machine replication protocol with linear-sized inputs that is also optimistically responsive, i.e., it can progress responsively at actual network speed during optimistic conditions, despite the synchrony assumption, and thus incur low latency. In addition, we present an efficient reconfiguration mechanism for OptRand that allows nodes to leave and join the system. Our experiments show our protocols perform significantly better compared to state-of-the-art protocols under optimistic conditions and on par with state-of-the-art protocols in the normal case. We are also the first to implement a reconfiguration mechanism for distributed beacons and demonstrate that our protocol continues to be live during reconfigurations.
A VLA survey of rich clusters of galaxies, III. The weaker sources: maps and identifications

We present radio and optical parameters for 737 weak sources in 60 Abell cluster fields observed with the Very Large Array (VLA) using scaled arrays at 1.5 and 4.9 GHz. The measurements extend to a lower 1.5 GHz limit of 1.0 mJy and comprise a complete sample with 1.5 GHz flux density 2.5 ≤ S1.5 −3 sr, and the cluster fields are distributed over 24 h of right ascension and between declinations +35° and −30°. Contour maps of the extended sources at 1.5 GHz are presented and source parameters such as position, angular size and spectral index are tabulated. We also derive the emitted power and linear size for those sources with published redshifts. We try to identify the radio sources with optical images on the Palomar and SERC survey plates and give their accurate optical positions, morphologies and apparent magnitudes.
Utilization of Business Intelligence in Sales Information Systems

Business intelligence is one of the concepts that can facilitate the process of processing data of a company which will later become the basis for the decision-making process of the sales process. Distributor company needs an information system that can help the company in managing and analyzing data and can make sales and profit predictions in the future. This study aims to create an information system that can visualize data analysis and the results of forecasting sales data by avocado fruit distributor companies. In this study, we will apply the concept of Business Intelligence using Power BI Desktop which is equipped with sales prediction analysis on the sales information system. The data processing process in this study uses the process of integrating Excel tools with Power BI Desktop. The dataset of sales in this study was obtained from the Kaggle site and the software development in this study using the SDLC (system development life cycle) waterfall development method. In this study, we found that the development of business intelligence in the sales information system provides convenience that can be felt by distributors, namely in terms of revenue and time. In this case, forecasting is done with the forecast feature in Power BI Desktop with a confidence interval of 95%.
Nanometer-scale analysis of current limited stresses impact on SiO2 gate oxide reliability using C-AFM

The effect of current limited stresses (CLS) on the breakdown (BD) SiO2 gate oxides has been analyzed at a nanometric scale with a Conductive Atomic Force Microscope (C-AFM). Bare oxide regions have been stresed and broken down using the tip of the C-AFM as the metal electrode of a metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) structure. Afterwards, post-BD I-V characteristics and topographical and current images of the affected areas have been obtained to analyze the post-BD conduction, the structural damage induced in the oxide and the BD propagation. The results shwo that BD phenomenon, although triggered at one point, is electrically propagated to neighbor regions. Moreover, the area affected by BD, the structural damage and the post-BD conduction depend on the breakdown hardness. In particular, it is shown that these magnitudes are smaller when the current through the structure is limited during BD transient.
On the thickness of soap films: an alternative to Frankel's law – CORRIGENDUM

Constructive conversations with Peter Howell led us to notice an error in the derivation of equation (2.2), and therefore in the calculation of film thickness h0 in (2.4). The evolution equation as developed in the derivation of (2.2) should have a minus sign due to the choice of coordinate system (with X being positive in the downward direction). As it stands, the solution given in (2.4) does not apply to extensional withdrawal of a film of fluid. Rather, the solution applies to the entrainment of a film into the bulk, where the entrainment speed is modified by surface viscosity μ∗, e.g. as similar to the case of a foam lamella draining into a Plateau border at early time when h0 is nearly constant. See also, for example, the work by Breward & Howell (2002) and Naire et al. (2001) for related problems concerning the evolution of a film after it has been formed. We note that the manner in which variations of surface properties affect ‘Frankel’s law’ for the case of a film formed by withdrawal from a bath remains an open question.
Re∞ections on Refractions

In computer graphics, it is often an advantage to calculate refractions directly, especially when the application is time-critical or when line graphics have to be displayed. We specify e-cient formulas and parametric equations for the refraction on straight lines and planes. Furthermore, we develop a general theory of refractions, with re∞ections as a special case. In the plane case, all refracted rays are normal to a characteristic conic section. We investigate the relation of this conic section and the diacaustic curve. Using this, we can deduce properties of reciprocal refraction and a virtual object transformation that makes it possible to produce 2D-refraction images with additional depth information. In the three-dimensional case, we investigate the counter image of a straight line. It is a very special ruled surface of order four. This yields results on the order of the refrax of algebraic curves and on the shading of refracted polygons. Finally, we provide a formula for the diacaustic of a circle.
StealthyIMU: Stealing Permission-protected Private Information From Smartphone Voice Assistant Using Zero-Permission Sensors

—Voice User Interfaces (VUIs) are becoming an indispensable module that enables hands-free interaction between human users and smartphones. Unfortunately, recent research revealed a side channel that allows zero-permission motion sensors to eavesdrop on the VUI voices from the co-located smartphone loudspeaker. Nonetheless, these threats are limited to leaking a small set of digits and hot words. In this paper, we propose StealthyIMU, a new threat that uses motion sensors to steal permission-protected private information from the VUIs. We develop a set of efﬁcient models to detect and extract private information, taking advantage of the deterministic structures in the VUI responses. Our experiments show that StealthyIMU can steal private information from 23 types of frequently-used voice commands to acquire contacts, search history, calendar, home address, and even GPS trace with high accuracy. We further propose effective mechanisms to defend against StealthyIMU without noticeably impacting the user experience.
Control for a class of four-dimensional chaotic systems with random-varying parameters and noise disturbance

This paper investigates the control of a class of four-dimensional chaotic systems with system parameters varying randomly under the condition of noise. Based on the sliding mode control method, the controller is designed to eliminate the chaotic behavior of a system and realize its stabilization. Numerical simulations are presented to demonstrate the validity of the proposed method. The approach proposed in this paper is simple and easy to implement and also provides reference for chaos control in relevant systems.