Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation Of Blast Loads On Buildings In UrbanEnvironment

This paper is concerned with an accurate prediction of the effects of adjacent structures on the blast loads on a building in an urban layout. Blast loadings on structures have typically been evaluated using empirical relationships. These relationships assume that there are no obstacles between the charge and the target. In real situations, the actual blast loads can either be reduced due to shadowing by other buildings or can be enhanced due to the presence of other buildings in the vicinity. Results of the numerical simulations presented in this study for a building in an urban environment have demonstrated significant increase in peak pressures and impulses due to the effect of partial confinement. An approach to determining the enhancement factors is described.
Experimental and Simulation Approaches: Effect of Microwave Energy on Mechanical Strength in Sugarcane

Abstract Sugarcane processing produces cane sugar (sucrose) from freshly harvested sugarcane through mechanical milling processes such as shredding and crushing. To make sugarcane more processable, we employed heat treatment of sugarcane using microwave energy to soften sugarcane prior to its mechanical processing. In this paper, we report our first simulation and experimental investigation of the influence of microwave heating on the mechanical properties of sugarcane stalk internodes. Finite-difference time-domain simulations were used to understand the microwave field distribution in the microwave-heated sugarcane specimens. Microwave-heating induced sugarcane property changes in Young’s modulus, yield strength and ultimate strength were measured using compressive testing. The results show that microwave heat treatment significantly reduces mechanical strength and stiffness of sugarcane so that treated sugarcane stalks become more processable in mechanical milling processes. This work provides preliminary data with which the sugar industry could reduce shredding and crushing forces, torques, and energy. Potential savings in energy consumption, and operation and maintenance costs would be expected.
IDENTIFICATION AND SEGMENTATION OF TOUCHING BRAHMI CHARACTERS FROM DEGRADED DIGITAL ESTAMPAGE IMAGES USING ENSEMBLE CLASSIFIER

Professor, Dr. Vishwanath Karad, MIT World Peace University, Pune India; Department of Computer Science, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune 411007, India shankar.mali@mitwpu.edu. in; shankarmali007@gmail.com Abstract Brahmi script is an ancient Indian script that requires expertise to read the written documents. OCR system can help reading and understanding the documents of Brahmi script. In the OCR systems, to recognize the symbols, accurate segmentation in earlier phase is required. If the segmentation goes wrong, it indicates the failure of the recognition process. Identification and segmentation of touching characters is a challenging task in OCR systems. In this paper, the authors have proposed an algorithm which successfully identifies and segments the touching characters from the Brahmi script documents. The algorithm uses ensemble classification technique to identify the touching characters using 9 unique features. The proposed algorithm has achieved 100% accuracy in identification and 99.16% accuracy in segmentation of touching Brahmi script characters. The results of proposed algorithm are significant to identify and correctly segment the touching Brahmi script characters from degraded digital estampage images.
Method article: an in vitro blood flow model to advance the study of platelet adhesion utilizing a damaged endothelium

Abstract In vitro flow assays utilizing microfluidic devices are often used to study human platelets as an alternative to the costly animal models of hemostasis and thrombosis that may not accurately represent human platelet behavior in vivo. Here, we present a tunable in vitro model to study platelet behavior in human whole blood flow that includes both an inflamed, damaged endothelium and exposed extracellular matrix. We demonstrate that the model is adaptable across various anticoagulants, shear rates, and proteins for endothelial cell culture without the need for a complicated, custom-designed device. Furthermore, we verified the ability of this ‘damaged endothelium’ model as a screening method for potential anti-platelet or anti-thrombotic compounds using a P2Y12 receptor antagonist (ticagrelor), a pan-selectin inhibitor (Bimosiamose), and a histamine receptor antagonist (Cimetidine). These compounds significantly decreased platelet adhesion to the damaged endothelium, highlighting that this model can successfully screen anti-platelet compounds that target platelets directly or the endothelium indirectly.
The Design of Electroporation Device Based on Dielectrophoresis with its Application on the Control of Monoplast

μTAS is aimed at applying the operation of biochemical analysis on microchips, and its advantages have drawn great attention. This paper demonstrates a different approach to realize the capture of single cells [1]. By exerting electrode on the bottom or the top of fluid piping, it can produce the non-uniform electric field required by dielectrophoresis device. As for the application, it mainly lies in three aspects: electroporation of monoplast, dynamic fostering of monoplast array, and cell graphical techniques [2].
Multi-input DC/DC converter based on the multiwinding transformer for renewable energy applications

A multi-input DC/DC power converter based on the flux additivity is proposed in this paper. Instead of combining input DC sources in the electric form, the proposed converter combines input DC sources in magnetic form by adding up the produced magnetic flux together in the magnetic core of the coupled transformer. With the phase-shifted pulsewidth-modulation (PWM) control, the proposed converter can draw power from two different DC sources and deliver it to the load individually and simultaneously. The operation principle of the proposed converter has been analyzed in detail. The output voltage regulation and power flow control can be achieved by the phase-shifted PWM control. A prototype converter with two different DC voltage sources has been successfully implemented. Computer simulations and hardware experimental results are presented to verify the performance of the proposed multi-input DC/DC power converter.
Advancements in Biosensing Technologies for the Detection of Human Immunodeficiency Virus

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is one of the major health concerns and continues to be an epidemic causing threat to a large population of the world. Despite great efforts and strategies being employed for containing its spread, it still is hard to tackle in resource-limited settings. Conventional molecular detection methods are laborious and require trained staff and well-equipped laboratory facilities. In this review we have discussed biosensors for rapid, portable and highly sensitive point-of-care detection providing timely diagnosis and monitoring of infectious agents like HIV. Different types of biosensors for the detection of HIV have been developed over the last twenty years including Electrochemical, Optical and Piezoelectric biosensors. Although biosensors provide various advantages over standard diagnostic methods still there are technical limitations that need to be addressed for their commercial implementation. Advances in Preventive Medicine and Health Care S Rafique, et al. Adv Prev Med Health Care 4: 1030. www.doi. org/10.29011/2688-996X.001030 www.gavinpublishers. com
Comparing Different CFD Methods Accuracy in Computing Local Boundary Layer Properties

Abstract In aeronautical applications wind tunnels are often not capable of producing high Reynolds numbers which are achieved at free flight conditions. Today CFD methods are often used as a tool to estimate scale effects. CFD methods are commonly used to predict flow features at Reynolds numbers higher than what the aircraft model is subject to in the wind tunnel, and at higher Reynolds number than the turbulence model has been calibrated to. The investigation of local boundary layer properties could give useful information when the wind tunnel data is scaled to free flight conditions-the question is whether the CFD methods compute these in a consistent manner when there is a large spread in Reynolds number. This work compares two different CFD solvers and two different turbulence models’ accuracy in computing local boundary layer properties compared to wind tunnel measurements.
Enhancing the Tracking of Seedling Growth Using RGB-Depth Fusion and Deep Learning

The use of high-throughput phenotyping with imaging and machine learning to monitor seedling growth is a tough yet intriguing subject in plant research. This has been recently addressed with low-cost RGB imaging sensors and deep learning during day time. RGB-Depth imaging devices are also accessible at low-cost and this opens opportunities to extend the monitoring of seedling during days and nights. In this article, we investigate the added value to fuse RGB imaging with depth imaging for this task of seedling growth stage monitoring. We propose a deep learning architecture along with RGB-Depth fusion to categorize the three first stages of seedling growth. Results show an average performance improvement of 5% correct recognition rate by comparison with the sole use of RGB images during the day. The best performances are obtained with the early fusion of RGB and Depth. Also, Depth is shown to enable the detection of growth stage in the absence of the light.
Transferability Analysis of Work-Trip-Distribution Models

An empirical study of the temporal transferability properties of entropy-type trip-distribution models, applied within a fixed geographic region, is presented. Data for the study were drawn from three travel surveys conducted in 1964, 1986, and 1996 in the Toronto region. Very long transfer periods were examined, and a wide variety of model specifications were tested. These specifications ranged from the simple proportional flow model to an occupationally stratified, doubly constrained entropy model, for which spatial separation was measured by highway travel time. These models were estimated using data from 1964 and 1986. The estimated 1964 models were transferred to 1986 and 1996 to predict the distribution of travel. The 1986 models also were transferred to 1996 to predict the distribution of travel. Results showed that the travel-time parameter was not temporally stable. However, pragmatically, the transferred models were found to provide forecasts very comparable to those generated by models estimated in the respective application contexts. Improved model specification consistently resulted in improved precision of the forecasts obtained. In particular, stratification of the data by worker occupation category resulted in models with the best fit to estimation data, as well as forecasts. However, from a decision-oriented perspective, the improvement in precision obtained from additional complexity in specification did not warrant a recommendation for use of more complex models. Thus, the simple, doubly constrained entropy model with spatial separation measured by highway travel time appears satisfactory for use in practical modeling efforts.
China’s Carbon Emission Trading Pilot Policy and China’s Export Technical Sophistication: Based on DID Analysis

This paper takes China’s carbon emission trading pilot policy as a quasi-natural experiment, and adopts a difference-in-difference approach and data from 30 provinces in China from 2008 to 2016 to empirically study the influence of this policy on China’s export technical sophistication. The empirical analysis revealed that the policy can generate a Porter effect and progressively promote China’s export technical sophistication by reinforcing carbon productivity. By analyzing the regional heterogeneity and influence channels, the policy is found to work better in the central-western region than in the eastern region. The reason for this finding is that the policy has brought innovation offset effects to the central-western region and increased carbon productivity, but the policy has not improved carbon productivity in the eastern region. By studying the effect of three measures of policy implementation on export technical sophistication, we found that restricting carbon emission quotas distributed to participating enterprises is necessary. In addition, we found that the financial punishment method for non-performance is advantageous to the enhancement of export technical sophistication. These research conclusions can provide directions and policy recommendations for upgrading the emissions trading market, as well as a learning case and some experience for countries that have not yet established carbon trading markets.
Inelastic dynamic analysis of RC bridges accounting for spatial variability of ground motion, site effects and soil–structure interaction phenomena. Part 1: Methodology and analytical tools

During strong ground motion it is expected that extended structures (such as bridges) are subjected to excitation that varies along their longitudinal axis in terms of arrival time, amplitude and frequency content, a fact primarily attributed to the wave passage effect, the loss of coherency and the role of local site conditions. Furthermore, the foundation interacts with the soil and the superstructure, thus significantly affecting the dynamic response of the bridge. A general methodology is therefore set up and implemented into a computer code for deriving sets of appropriately modified time histories and spring–dashpot coefficients at each support of a bridge with account for spatial variability, local site conditions and soil–foundation–superstructure interaction, for the purposes of inelastic dynamic analysis of RC bridges. In order to validate the methodology and code developed, each stage of the proposed procedure is verified using recorded data, finite‐element analyses, alternative computer programs, previous research studies, and closed‐form solutions wherever available. The results establish an adequate degree of confidence in the use of the proposed methodology and code in further parametric analyses and seismic design. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Universal Malicious Documents Static Detection Framework Based on Feature Generalization

In this study, Portable Document Format (PDF), Word, Excel, Rich Test format (RTF) and image documents are taken as the research objects to study a static and fast method by which to detect malicious documents. Malicious PDF and Word document features are abstracted and extended, which can be used to detect other types of documents. A universal static detection framework for malicious documents based on feature generalization is then proposed. The generalized features include specification check errors, the structure path, code keywords, and the number of objects. The proposed method is verified on two datasets, and is compared with Kaspersky, NOD32, and McAfee antivirus software. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves good performance in terms of the detection accuracy, runtime, and scalability. The average F1-score of all types of documents is found to be 0.99, and the average detection time of a document is 0.5926 s, which is at the same level as the compared antivirus software.
Use of a Novel Silicone-Acrylic Drape with Negative Pressure Wound Therapy in Four Patients with Periwound Skin Breakdown

Introduction. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is applied using a foam dressing and an adhesive acrylic drape to create a seal. Removal of this drape can be painful and may play a role in periwound skin breakdown during dressing changes. A novel silicone-acrylic hybrid drape (HA-drape) has been developed for use with NPWT to allow for repositioning after initial placement and easier removal. Objective. This retrospective case series reports on the use of HA-drape in 4 patients who experienced periwound skin breakdown. The goal was to minimize skin breakdown while maintaining a seal on the dressing. Materials and Methods. Four patients with mild to moderate periwound skin breakdown were selected to receive NPWT with HA-drape. Negative pressure wound therapy was applied using a reticulated open cell foam dressing followed by placement of HA-drape to create a seal. Negative pressure wound therapy was initiated at -125 mm Hg with dressing changes occurring every 2 days. Wound healing, periwound healing, and patient-reported pain were assessed at dressing changes. Results. All 4 patients showed significant periwound skin improvement after the first dressing change. All patients reported a decrease in pain with dressing removal. Conclusions. In these 4 patients' wounds, use of NPWT with HA-drape resulted in intact periwound with improved periwound skin healing and reduction in patient-reported pain associated with dressing changes.
A least trimmed square method for clutter removal in infrared small target detection

In this paper, a new procedure based on least trimmed square for clutter background estimation is proposed. Least trimmed square method identifies multiple outliers in the image, such as noise and target region. Then the clutter background is estimated without these outliers. The performance of this method is compared with the algorithms based on least mean square method, the results show that our method gets higher signal clutter ratio (SCR) gain in target region than other methods which use LMS filter.
Universelle Energiekennzahlen für Deutschland — Teil 2: Verbrauchskennzahlentwicklung nach Baualtersklassen

Die universellen Energiekennzahlen für Deutschland beinhalten bis dato 1/4 Million Gebäude‐Energieverbrauchskennzahlen der BRUNATA‐METRONA‐Gruppe aus den vergangenen sechs Jahren. Deren Datenaufbereitung umfasst die rückwirkende Revision respektive Normierung aller Energiekennzahlen anhand neuer ortsgenauer Klimafaktoren des Deutschen Wetterdienstes. Eine Auswahl von 110.000 Energiekennzahlen von gas‐ und ölbeheizten Gebäuden — davon etwa die Hälfte mit Baujahr nach 1977 — werden statistisch gemäß ihrer Kennzahlenentwicklung nach Baualtersklassen aufgeschlüsselt. Betrachtet wurden dabei nur nominell wärmetechnisch unsanierte Mehrfamilienhäuser bis 1994 und Neubauten ab 1995. Es wird belegt, dass die Mediane der heutigen Energiekennzahlverteilungen der bis in die 1960‐er Jahre gebauten Gebäude relativ konstant um 155 kWh/(m2a) liegen. Für diesen Bauzeitraum fallen die Energiekennzahlen für rund 90 % des Bestandes (5 bis 95 % Quantil) zwischen 100 und 260 kWh/(m2a). Seitdem fallen die Mediane stetig auf aktuell bis 85 kWh/(m2a). Der stärkste relative Rückgang ergibt sich für die Baujahre von 1994 nach 1995 mit Inkrafttreten der Wärmeschutzverordnung 1995. Die Standardabweichungen der Verteilungen haben sich gegenüber den Gebäuden aus den 1960‐er Jahren von über 50 kWh/(m2a) bis auf heute an nähernd 25 kWh/(m2a) etwa halbiert. Eine Gegenüberstellung der empirisch ermittelten Verbrauchskennzahlverteilungen mit den typischen Mindestanforderungen der vergangenen Wärmeschutzverordnungen und aktuellen Energieeinsparverordnungen schließen sich an. Mathematische Parametrierungen der empirischen Kennzahlverteilungen für Modell‐ und Hochrechnungen der Energieeffizienzentwicklung werden mitgeliefert.
The Massachusetts Community Preservation Act: factors influencing acceptance

In New England, urban sprawl creates a need for protecting open space. In 2002, residents of Southwick, MA, voted to accept the Massachusetts Community Preservation Act (CPA), which helps communities implement smart growth by providing funds for affordable housing, open space protection, and historic landmark preservation. This paper summarizes the findings of a survey administered before the town-wide CPA vote. Survey and demographic data from Southwick and other Massachusetts communities are compared in order to anticipate additional acceptance of the statewide initiative. The data suggest that communities that have higher median household incomes and more extensive housing stock are more likely to adopt the CPA.
Prediction of high-risk liver cancer patients from their mutation profile: Benchmarking of mutation calling techniques

Identification of somatic mutations with high precision is one of the major challenges in prediction of high-risk liver-cancer patients. In the past, number of mutation calling techniques have been developed that include MuTect2, MuSE, Varscan2, and SomaticSniper. In this study, an attempt has been made to benchmark potential of these techniques in predicting prognostic biomarkers for liver cancer. Initially, we extracted somatic mutations in liver-cancer patients using VCF and MAF files from the cancer genome atlas. In terms of size, the MAF files are 42 times smaller than VCF files and containing only high-quality somatic mutations. Further, machine learning based models have been developed for predicting high-risk cancer patients using mutations obtain from different techniques. The performance of different techniques and data files have been compared based on their potential to discriminate high and low risk liver-cancer patients. Finally, univariate survival analysis revealed the prognostic role of highly mutated genes. Based on correlation analysis, we selected 80 genes negatively associated with the overall survival of the liver cancer patients. Single-gene based analysis showed that MuTect2 technique based MAF file has achieved maximum HRLAMC3 9.25 with p-value 1.78E-06. Further, we developed various prediction models using selected genes for each technique, and the results indicate that MuTect2 technique based VCF files outperform all other methods with maximum AUROC of 0.72 and HR 4.50 (p-value 3.83E-15). Eventually, VCF file generated using MuTect2 technique performs better among other mutation calling techniques to explore the prognostic potential of mutations in liver cancer. We hope that our findings will provide a useful and comprehensive comparison of various mutation calling techniques for the prognostic analysis of cancer patients.
Undergraduate Students Engagement in Formal and Informal Learning: Applying the Community of Inquiry Framework

The purpose of this qualitative case study is to examine the evidence of formal and informal learning of students in an undergraduate educational technology course for preservice teachers. The research question was, “How do undergraduate students in an educational technology course bridge formal and informal learning using Twitter? ” The framework for this study was the Community of Inquiry. Directed content analysis was used on data extracted from Twitter. Key findings included, (1) evidence of cognitive, social, and teaching presence for students completing course activities using Twitter, that is, for their formal learning; and that (2) students developed competencies during formal course activities using Twitter that supported cognitive and social presence beyond the course requirements, that is, for their informal learning.
Exposure to black carbon is associated with dermographism: A population‐based study in college students

Figure S1. Individual skin cancer trends. (a) Consistently decreasing trend, N = 20. (b) Consistently increasing trend, N = 17. (c) No change, N = 6. Consistently decreasing trend is defined as a lower number of skin cancers in both follow-up intervals 12 to 24 months and 18 to 30 months, compared to the initial 0 to 12 months. Consistently increasing trend is defined as a higher number of skin cancers in both follow-up intervals 12 to 24 months and 18 to 30 months, compared to the initial 0 to 12 months. No change is defined as the same number of skin cancers, or fluctuating numbers of skin cancers in 12 to 24 month and 18to 30-month follow-up periods compared to the initial 0 to 12 months. Ordinary one-way ANOVA P-values indicate statistical significance (*P < 0.05, **P < 0.01). Supplementary Material Supplementary Material