Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relationships between external loads, sRPE-load, and self-reported soreness across a men’s collegiate soccer season

The purpose was to examine relationships between external loads (ELs), perceived exertion, and soreness. Collegiate men soccer players (n = 19) were monitored for 72 sessions (training: n = 53; matches: n = 19). Likert scale assessments (0–6) of lower body soreness were collected prior to each session, and ELs were collected using positional monitoring technology. Session rate of perceived exertion (sRPE-load) was calculated by multiplying perceived exertion values (Borg CR-10 Scale) by respective session duration to determine internal load. Multiple analyses of variance were used to determine differences in ELs across seasons (pre-season, in-season, post-season) and sessions (training, match). Bivariate Pearson correlation coefficients and linear regression analyses were used to evaluate relationships among soreness, ELs, and sRPE-load. Greatest ELs were observed during pre-season and post-season phases (p < 0.001). Sessions with high perceived exertion and low soreness were associated with higher ELs (p < 0.05). Duration (t = 16.13), total distance (t = 9.17), sprint distance (t = 7.54), player load (t = 4.22), top speed (t = 4.69), and acceleration (t = 2.02) positively predicted sRPE-load (F = 412.9, p < 0.001, R2 = 0.75). Soreness was weakly and trivially correlated with ELs (p < 0.05). The very strong relationship between ELs and sRPE-load highlights the utility of sRPE-load as a practical means to estimate workload; however, more research into the relationship between soreness and workload is warranted.
Non-Gaussian statistical inverse problems. Part I: Posterior distributions

One approach to noisy inverse problems is to use Bayesian methods. In this work, the statistical inverse problem of estimating the probability distribution of an infinite-dimensional unknown given its noisy indirect infinite-dimensional observation is studied in the Bayesian framework. The motivation for the work arises from the fact that the Bayesian computations are usually carried out in finite-dimensional cases, while the original inverse problem is often infinite-dimensional. A good understanding of an infinite-dimensional problem is, in general, helpful in finding efficient computational approaches to the problem. The fundamental question of well-posedness of the infinite-dimensional statistical inverse problem is considered. In particular, it is shown that the continuous dependence of the posterior probabilities on the realizations of the observation provides a certain degree of uniqueness for the posterior distribution. Special emphasis is on finding tools for working with non-Gaussian noise models. Especially, the applicability of the generalized Bayes formula is studied. Several examples of explicit posterior distributions are provided.
Open-Source Intelligence for Detection of Radiological Events and Syndromes Following the Invasion of Ukraine in 2022: Observational Study

Background On February 25, 2022, Russian forces took control of the Chernobyl power plant after continuous fighting within the Chernobyl exclusion zone. Continual events occurred in the month of March, which raised the risk of potential contamination of previously uncontaminated areas and the potential for impacts on human and environmental health. The disruption of war has caused interruptions to normal preventive activities, and radiation monitoring sensors have been nonfunctional. Open-source intelligence can be informative when formal reporting and data are unavailable. Objective This paper aimed to demonstrate the value of open-source intelligence in Ukraine to identify signals of potential radiological events of health significance during the Ukrainian conflict. Methods Data were collected from search terminology for radiobiological events and acute radiation syndrome detection between February 1 and March 20, 2022, using 2 open-source intelligence (OSINT) systems, EPIWATCH and Epitweetr. Results Both EPIWATCH and Epitweetr identified signals of potential radiobiological events throughout Ukraine, particularly on March 4 in Kyiv, Bucha, and Chernobyl. Conclusions Open-source data can provide valuable intelligence and early warning about potential radiation hazards in conditions of war, where formal reporting and mitigation may be lacking, to enable timely emergency and public health responses.
Properties of hazard-based residuals and implications in model diagnostics

Abstract Model diagnostic procedures in failure time models using hazard-based residuals rely on the assumption that the residual vector closely resembles a random sample from a unit exponential distribution when the model holds. This article formally investigates the validity of this critical assumption by deriving and examining the properties of parametrically, semiparametrically, and nonparametrically estimated residuals for complete and right-censored data. The joint distribution of the residual vector is characterized, and the behavior of some tests for exponentiality when applied to the residuals is examined analytically and through Monte Carlo methods. Findings reveal that the critical assumption of approximate unit exponentiality of the residual vector may not be viable and, consequently, the model diagnostic procedures considered, which revolve on checking the approximate unit exponentiality of the residual vector (specifically, hazard plotting and the use of spacings and total-time-on-test stati.
An Improved KM Algorithm for Computing the Structural Index of DAE System

Modeling and simulation technology is widely used to design complex products in industry. The problem of solving DAEs(Differential Algebraic Equations) is a key part of modeling and simulation technology, and computing the structural index of DAEs correctly and efficiently is very important to solve DAEs. The traditional algebraic method to compute the structural index is very costly. In this paper, we firstly convert the problem of computing the structural index of DAEs into the maximum weighted matching problem of bipartite graph, reducing a mass of symbolic manipulations; and then, we present an improved KM algorithm(called as Greedy_KM in this paper) based on the properties of DAEs to solve this matching problem. In order to solve the matching problem efficiently, it firstly computes matches as much as possible using greedy strategy, and then call KM algorithm to search the matches for the unmatched vertices after the step of greedy strategy. This paper also gives a set of numerical experiments to evaluate the time performance of our method. The results show that the time performance of Greedy_KM algorithm is significantly improved compared with the traditional Gaussian elimination algorithm and classical KM algorithm.
Effects of finite-rate chemistry and detailed transport on the instability of jet diffusion flames

Abstract Local linear stability analysis has been shown to provide valuable information about the response of jet diffusion flames to flow-field perturbations. However, this analysis commonly relies on several modelling assumptions about the mean flow prescription, the thermo-viscous-diffusive transport properties, and the complexity and representation of the chemical reaction mechanisms. In this work, the effects of these modelling assumptions on the stability behaviour of a jet diffusion flame are systematically investigated. A flamelet formulation is combined with linear stability theory to fully account for the effects of complex transport properties and the detailed reaction chemistry on the perturbation dynamics. The model is applied to a methane–air jet diffusion flame that was experimentally investigated by Füri et al. (Proc. Combust. Inst., vol. 29, 2002, pp. 1653–1661). Detailed simulations are performed to obtain mean flow quantities, about which the stability analysis is performed. Simulation results show that the growth rate of the inviscid instability mode is insensitive to the representation of the transport properties at low frequencies, and exhibits a stronger dependence on the mean flow representation. The effects of the complexity of the reaction chemistry on the stability behaviour are investigated in the context of an adiabatic jet flame configuration. Comparisons with a detailed chemical-kinetics model show that the use of a one-step chemistry representation in combination with a simplified viscous-diffusive transport model can affect the mean flow representation and heat release location, thereby modifying the instability behaviour. This is attributed to the shift in the flame structure predicted by the one-step chemistry model, and is further exacerbated by the representation of the transport properties. A pinch-point analysis is performed to investigate the stability behaviour; it is shown that the shear-layer instability is convectively unstable, while the outer buoyancy-driven instability mode transitions from absolutely to convectively unstable in the nozzle near field, and this transition point is dependent on the Froude number.
Markov decision processes

A review is presented of the development over the years of the theory and practical use of Markov decision processes. To this purpose three periods are considered: before 1966, from 1966 till 1972, and after 1973. In all 3 periods there has been some contribution from the Netherlands, but particularly in the last period the research in the Netherlands on the subject has become a major stream. In this review particular emphasis is given to the work which has been done in the Netherlands, but the main line of the paper is determined by the development of the applicability of the available theory.
Theory of signal degradation in semiconductor laser amplifiers with finite facet reflectivities

An analytic expression is derived for the output signal spectrum from a semiconductor laser amplifier (SCLA) using an approach analogous to the Langevin equations of laser noise analysis. The authors present an analysis of the line broadening effects of SCLAs taking into account the effect of facet reflectivities. The signal linewidth is shown to increase with input linewidth and amplifier gain. There is an optimum facet reflectivity which gives the smallest linewidth increase. The results have significant implications in weakly coherent systems utilizing cascades of optical amplifiers. >
A Comparison of Techniques for Referencing Geostrophic Velocities

Abstract A geostrophic velocity section across the Gulf Stream and deep western boundary current near 35°N is referenced four different ways: using a POGO float (acoustically tracked transport float), shipboard acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP), and bottom current meters, and by assuming an isotherm level of no motion. The comparison between the first two techniques is emphasized because they are most easily applied. In general, reference velocities calculated using the float data agree well with those obtained from the ADCP data. However, there is disagreement at locations where the ADCP velocity is not in thermal wind balance, in which case the POGO value is deemed more accurate because the float samples deeper into the subsurface geostrophic flow. Disagreement is also caused by insufficient cross-stream POCSO spacing (although this could be avoided). The isotherm- and current meter-referenced sections, while similar to each other, both show unrealistic features. it is argued that the POGO method.
Physicochemical Characterization of Cellulose and Microcrystalline Cellulose from Cordia africana Lam. Seeds

ABSTRACT This study aims to explore Cordia africana seeds as an alternative source of cellulose and MCC due to depletion of the major commercial sources such as wood pulp, and cotton. Cellulose was extracted from Cordia africana seeds employing a chlorine-free treatment approach, followed by partial depolymerization using acid hydrolysis to obtain microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). The untreated seeds, as-extracted cellulose, and MCC were investigated for yield, chemical composition, functionality, crystallinity, morphology, diameter, and thermal stability. The cellulose content increased from 30% (w/w) in the untreated seeds to 80.2% (w/w) in cellulose and 88.1% (w/w) in the MCC. The removal of non-cellulosic constituents was confirmed by the results obtained from Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Scanning electron microscopy, and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)/Derivative thermogravimetry (DTG). The crystallinity index of as-obtained cellulose and MCC increased from 32.38% (untreated seeds) to 68.28 (cellulose) and 73.19% (MCC) with chemical treatments. The extracted samples exhibited characteristic peaks of Cellulose I at around 15°, 16°, 22°, and 34°. Th e TGA/DTG results confirmed the cellulose and MCC had higher thermal stability than the untreated seeds. This study shows that cellulose and MCC can be obtained from unexploited source, Cordia africana seeds, for promising applications in various industries.
The Spinor Expressions of Mannheim Curves in Euclidean 3-Space

In this paper, the spinor formulations of Mannheim curve pair are investigated. First of all, two spinors matching to Mannheim curve pair are given and by considering the relationships between the Frenet frames of Mannheim curve pair, the relationship between two spinors matching to this curve pair are gotten. Therefore, a geometric interpretations of spinors are obtained using the Mannheim curve pair and considering Mannheim curve as helix the spinor formulations of Mannheim curve pair are given. Moreover, the spinor formulations are also obtained for the curvatures of the Mannheim curve pair. Consequently, an example of these spinors is obtained. Therefore, it is thought that this study will make an important contribution to the mathematical analysis and geometric interpretation of spinors, which have many uses in physics.
Limit cycles with chattering in relay feedback systems

Relay feedback has a large variety of applications in control engineering. Several interesting phenomena occur in simple relay systems. In the paper, scalar linear systems with relay feedback are analyzed. It is shown that a limit cycle where part of the limit cycle consists of fast relay switchings can occur. This chattering is analyzed in detail and conditions for approximating it by a sliding mode are derived. A result on existence of limit cycles with chattering is given, and it is shown that the limit cycles can have arbitrarily many relay switchings each period. Limit cycles with regular sliding modes are also discussed. Examples illustrate the results.
E-Plane-Focused Partial Maxwell Fish-Eye Lens Antenna for Multibeam Wide-Angle Scanning

This letter presents a multibeam wide-angle scanning antenna based on the E-plane-focused partial Maxwell fish-eye (PMFE) lens operating in Ka-band. The gradient equivalent refractive index distribution of the lens is realized by the parallel-plate waveguide partially filled with dielectric material, which can support the E-plane focus. The lens is fed by a series of rectangular waveguides arranged along the straight cut line to realize the multiple beams. To improve the impedance matching, the dielectric wedges are loaded in the interface between the feeders and the lens. The E-plane broadening of waveguide feeding ports effectively alleviates the gain drop of wide-angle scanning. The measured results of the prototype show a beam scanning range more than ±90° with the aperture efficiencies between 57% and 85.7%. The good impedance matching is also obtained in the operating band. The proposed PMFE lens antenna has the application potential in the low-cost millimeter wave multibeam systems.
AN OVERVIEW OF PHOTOGRAPHIC METHODS IN MONITORING NON-AQUEOUS PHASE LIQUID MIGRATION IN POROUS MEDIUM

Over the last decades and among numerous techniques, image analysis techniques occupy a noticeable place in monitoring non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) migration in porous media. In recent years, photographic methods have been shown to be valuable and effective tools for measuring NAPL migration and characterization. This study aims to provide an overview of NAPL fate and behavior in subsurface systems. Furthermore, a review of recent literature published on using photographic methods in NAPL migration in one and two dimensions is summarized and presented in this paper. Besides the discussion of the research efforts, recommendations for future research in using photographic methods are provided. This study concluded that, although photographic methods have some limitations and drawbacks,photographic methods are still promising and valuable tools for measuring NAPL migration.
Prevalence and Demographic Distribution of Hypermobility in a Random Group of School-Aged Children in Nigeria

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of hypermobility in randomly selected healthy children, without previous trauma or disease process affecting the joints and whether other demographic variables (age, sex, BMI) had an impact on Beighton scores and range of motion (RoM) in children between 6 and 10 years of age. Results: 286 children were included; 27.3% of them had a Beighton score ≥7/9 and 72% would be classified hypermobile if we had used a Beighton cut-off score ≥4/9. Prevalence declined with increasing age. Girls were more often hypermobile (34%) than boys (20%) and this was mainly caused by increased RoM in the knees. Positive scores of finger items of the Beighton were more common than on the other items, leading to a high prevalence of peripheral hypermobility. Localized hypermobility was only found in the fifth MCP joint. A total of 15% of the children with normal mobility reached 20 excess degrees RoM of the left and right fifth MCP. Pain was present in 12 of the 239 children but was not linked to the level of mobility. Conclusion: Hypermobility is the rule in this pain-free population of children with GJH.
Synthesis of the Most Potent Isomer of μ-Conotoxin KIIIA Using Different Strategies

In the chemical synthesis of conotoxins with multiple disulfide bonds, the oxidative folding process can result in diverse disulfide bond connectivities, which presents a challenge for determining the natural disulfide bond connectivities and leads to significant structural differences in the synthesized toxins. Here, we focus on KIIIA, a μ-conotoxin that has high potency in inhibiting Nav1.2 and Nav1.4. The non-natural connectivity pattern (C1—C9, C2—C15, C4—C16) of KIIIA exhibits the highest activity. In this study, we report an optimized Fmoc solid-phase synthesis of KIIIA using various strategies. Our results indicate that free random oxidation is the simplest method for peptides containing triple disulfide bonds, resulting in high yields and a simplified process. Alternatively, the semi-selective strategy utilizing Trt/Acm groups can also produce the ideal isomer, albeit with a lower yield. Furthermore, we performed distributed oxidation using three different protecting groups, optimizing their positions and cleavage order. Our results showed that prioritizing the cleavage of the Mob group over Acm may result in disulfide bond scrambling and the formation of new isomers. We also tested the activity of synthesized isomers on Nav1.4. These findings provide valuable guidance for the synthesis of multi-disulfide-bonded peptides in future studies.
New Genotype of Coxiella burnetii Causing Epizootic Q Fever Outbreak in Rodents, Northern Senegal

In Senegal, Coxiella burnetii, which causes Q fever, has often been identified in ticks and humans near livestock, which are considered to be reservoirs and main sources of infection. We describe the emergence of C. burnetii in rodents, not previously known to carry this pathogen, and describe 2 new genotypes.
IKs Activator ML277 Mildly Affects Repolarization and Arrhythmic Outcome in the CAVB Dog Model

Long QT syndrome type 1 with affected IKs is associated with a high risk for developing Torsade de Pointes (TdP) arrhythmias and eventually sudden cardiac death. Therefore, it is of high interest to explore drugs that target IKs as antiarrhythmics. We examined the antiarrhythmic effect of IKs channel activator ML277 in the chronic atrioventricular block (CAVB) dog model. TdP arrhythmia sensitivity was tested in anesthetized mongrel dogs (n = 7) with CAVB in series: (1) induction experiment at 4 ± 2 weeks CAVB: TdP arrhythmias were induced with our standardized protocol using dofetilide (0.025 mg/kg), and (2) prevention experiment at 10 ± 2 weeks CAVB: the antiarrhythmic effect of ML277 (0.6–1.0 mg/kg) was tested by infusion for 5 min preceding dofetilide. ML277: (1) temporarily prevented repolarization prolongation induced by dofetilide (QTc: 538 ± 65 ms at induction vs. 393 ± 18 ms at prevention, p < 0.05), (2) delayed the occurrence of the first arrhythmic event upon dofetilide (from 129 ± 28 s to 180 ± 51 s, p < 0.05), and (3) decreased the arrhythmic outcome with a significant reduction in the number of TdP arrhythmias, TdP score, arrhythmia score and total arrhythmic events (from 669 ± 132 to 401 ± 228, p < 0.05). IKs channel activation by ML277 temporarily suppressed QT interval prolongation, delayed the occurrence of the first arrhythmic event and reduced the arrhythmic outcome in the CAVB dog model.
Research on Hand Gestures Tracking Based on Particle Filtering Aiming at Optimizing Time Cost

Used as basic data level,the microstructure of a state variable is described from the temporal mode,period mode of continuous deformation,mutation intensity and self-occlusion features,and the models are resulted from cognitive psychology analysis in the process of human-computer interaction.At the same time,the approach to dynamically assign the particles number over frames for reduction of the average particles number is probed into as well.The algorithm presented is implemented with VC++,and the experimental results are summarized and compared with other previous researches.By examining several real videos of moving hands,we find that our algorithm can decrease the sampled particle number more effectively than the classical particle filtering.
Novel Reduction Methods for Decision Diagrams

We propose a novel method of reduction for binary-based decision diagrams (DD) exploiting the similarities between Boolean functions. Conventional methods are able to remove redundant parts of DD that adhere to (or represent) identical structures. The proposed approach tries to take advantage of not only identical but also equivalent parts of a diagram, which produce identical results after a change in variable ordering. Basic types of DD, like Binary DD (BDD) or Functional DD (FDD) do not allow for the reduction of equivalent parts of a diagram as the notation of change in ordering would be lost. Therefore, we propose a new type of decision diagram able to incorporate different orders of variables and thus allowing the reduction of equivalent DD parts– Multi-Variable Decision Diagram (MVDD). The only remaining obstacle is the determination of equivalency, for which we also propose a new heuristic. The paper also presents reduction of Kronecker Functional DD (KFDD) and MVDD with regard to multiple parameters, where the optimization process relies heavily on evolutionary algorithms and Residual Variable (RV). The average added value of MVDD to the reduction of diagram size was 26.13% when compared to BDD and 12.27% when compared to KFDD while preserving similar values of power consumption and average path length in the diagram.