Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Novel Method to Improve Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping with an Application for Measuring Changes in Brain Oxygen Saturation in the Presence of Caffeine and Diamox

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a widely used, non-invasive imaging technique that provides a means to reveal structural and functional information of different body tissues in detail. Susceptibility Weighted Imaging (SWI) is a field in MRI that utilizes the information from the magnetic susceptibility property of different tissues using the gradient echo phase information. Although longer echo times (TEs) have been widely used in applications involving SWI, there are a few problems related with the long TE data, such as the strong blooming effect and phase aliasing even at macroscopic levels. In this thesis, the use of very short TEs is proposed to study susceptibility mapping. The short TEs can be used to study structures with susceptibilities an order of magnitude larger (such as air and bones in and around the brain sinuses, skull and teeth) than those within soft tissue. Using the phase replacement technique that we recently developed, it becomes possible to map the geometry of such structures, which to date has proven difficult due to the lack of water content (for sinuses) or due to very short T2* (for bones). The method of phase replacement inside the sinuses proposed in this thesis provides more accurate phase information for the inversion than assuming zero or some arbitrary constant inside these structures. The first and second iterations were responsible for most of the changes in mapping out the susceptibility values. The mean susceptibility value in the sphenoid sinus is calculated as +9.3 ± 1.1ppm, close to the expected value of +9.4ppm for air. The reconstruction of the teeth in the in-vivo data provides a mean Δχ(teeth-tissue)=– 3.3ppm, thanks to the preserved phase inside the jaw. This is in agreement with the Ph.D. Thesis – Sagar Buch McMaster – School of Biomedical Engineering iv susceptibility value measured from a tooth phantom (Δχ(tooth-phantom)=–3.1ppm). The mean susceptibility inside a relatively homogeneous region of the skull bone was measured to be Δχ(bone-tissue)=–2.1ppm. Finally, these susceptibilities can be used to help remove the unwanted background fields prior to applying either SHARP or HPF. In addition, the effects of the background field gradient on flow compensation are studied. Due to the presence of these background gradients, an unwanted phase term is induced by the blood flow inside the vessels. Using a 3D numerical model and in vivo data, the background gradients were estimated to be as large as 1.5mT/m close to the air-tissue interfaces and …
THE EFFECT OF BUILDING HEIGHTS ON OUTDOOR WIND ENVIRONMENT OF THE RESIDENTIAL SECTOR / CAS OF EL EULMA CITY, Algeria

The residential open spaces microclimate especially the wind environment, is widely affected by its surrounding buildings. This paper aims to assess the influence of residential buildings on urban microclimate in the North Est region of Algeria. This assessment performed using the in-situ measurements of different microclimate’s settings, during summer and winter. Comparing between two existing city housing blocks, the present study showed that, the higher one results lower temperatures outdoor spaces in winter and summer. Furthermore, the passage under the building improves the accessibility, the ventilation in the inside corner of the city block, but may increase the wind speed so it causes pedestrians discomfort and safety issues.
The Trust in Online Shopping during COVID-19: Case Study from Kosovo

Consumer trust with online shopping is directly dependent on a few factors. There is a constant dilemma in the market related to the question which online shopping determinants affect the customer trust. Online purchasing is becoming increasingly common as a purchasing mode. This paper deals with the analysis of customer satisfaction, with the aim of utilizing the empirical research on the Kosovo market in COVID-19 period in order to determine the connection between customer trust and certain determinants of online shopping. The paper was conducted using the questionnaire instrument and there are two hundred and fifty (250) respondents from Kosovo. Moreover, in the paper three (3) hypothesis are presented the results that come out of it are very interesting. For hypothesis testing and recommendation was used Correlation Analysis.
Flash Pyrolysis of High Density PolyEthylene

The inert and oxidative flash pyrolysis of High Density Poly-Ethylene (HDPE) is studied up to 20 000 K.s-1, under pressure up to 3.0 MPa and at temperature ranging from 1000 K to 1500 K. These conditions are considered to represent those waited onboard a hybrid rocket engine using HDPE as solid fuel. Recycling applications may also find some interest. The pyrolysis products are analysed by Gas Chromatograph, Flame Ionisation Detector and Mass Spectrometer to quantify the effects of each physical parameter on the HDPE decomposition. The classical products distribution diene-alkene-alkane for each carbon atoms number is shown to be modified at such high temperature because of the pyrolysis of primary products. The pressure effect, which is generally neglected in HDPE pyrolysis studies found in open literature, is proved to be a major factor (up to one order of magnitude on the ethylene mass fraction). The heating rate presents noticeable consequences on the pyrolysis products distribution with a larger formation of light species while heavier ones are favoured under oxidative pyrolysis conditions. The experimental data should serve in the future to improve the accuracy of kinetic mechanisms for later use in numerical computing.
Investigations of Spectroscopic Characteristics of Virus-Like Nanobioparticles

Study of spectroscopic properties of virus-like particles (VLPs), virions based on computer simulation in complement with spectroscopic experiments, in purpose of determination the spectroscopic characteristics and vibrational frequencies for identification and detection of viruses, and elaboration of model and the basis of creation the viral fingerprints database are considered. Core-shell model of virion, and electromagnetic (EM) wave scattering theory applied for single-particle study based on Maxwell’s and Helmholtz’s equations, separation of variables method and boundary conditions are considered. The geometric size, namely core-shell diameters of virion, associated with morphology of its capsid and the set of fundamental oscillation frequencies of core-shell system associated with spectral signatures of capsid, nucleic-acids (DNA/RNA) as well as whole virion, related to electrical permittivities and diameters of core-shell are proposed as the main parameters determining the spectral fingerprints of VLPs, virions. Sum Frequency Generation (SFG) spectroscopy and ultrashort pulsed lasers based spectroscopic measurement methods are considered for experimental investigation of vibrational modes of VLPs as well as for studying the nature of vibration and oscillation processes.
Biochemical softening of cotton plant stalk for production of pulp and paper.

In India cotton plant stalk is treated as waste. Cotton plant stalk is rich in cellulose. The biochemical pre treatment completely replaces the conventional thermo mechanical pulping process. The cocktail of enzymes in the active system elaborated mostly by anaerobic microorganisms assisted by the presence of aerobic flora are responsible for softening the lignocellulose complex. The paper produced will be comparatively cheaper and will help in the proper utilization of this agrowaste.
The Wretched Atom

After the Second World War, the United States offered a new kind of atom that differed from the bombs that destroyed Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This atom would cure diseases, produce new foods, make deserts bloom, and provide abundant energy for all. It was an atom destined for the formerly colonized, recently occupied, and mostly non-white parts of the world that were dubbed the “wretched of the earth” by Frantz Fanon. The “peaceful atom” had so much propaganda potential that President Dwight Eisenhower used it to distract the world from his plan to test even bigger thermonuclear weapons. His scientists said the peaceful atom would quicken the pulse of nature, speeding nations along the path of economic development and helping them to escape the clutches of disease, famine, and energy shortfalls. That promise became one of the most misunderstood political weapons of the twentieth century. It was adopted by every subsequent US president to exert leverage over other nations’ weapons programs, to corner world markets of uranium and thorium, and to secure petroleum supplies. Other countries embraced it, building reactors and training experts. Atomic promises were embedded in Japan’s postwar recovery, Ghana’s pan-Africanism, Israel’s quest for survival, Pakistan’s brinksmanship with India, and Iran’s pursuit of nuclear independence. As The Wretched Atom shows, promoting civilian atomic energy was an immense gamble, and it was never truly peaceful. American promises ended up exporting violence and peace in equal measure. While the United States promised peace and plenty, it planted the seeds of dependency and set in motion the creation of today’s expanded nuclear club.
Data-Driven Analysis of Locomotion for a Class of Articulated Mobile Robots

In the recent past, the use of autonomous vehicles is becoming of relevant interest in several fields of application. In many cases, the use of articulated structures is preferred to single chassis robots for their peculiar modularity. Such vehicles are often built as an active front module and a rear one that is pulled passively or that can contribute to the vehicle traction when required. Understanding whether this contribution is convenient or not is the main matter of this paper. Two different mobile robots of different scales and purposes are taken into consideration. A dynamic model is presented and analyzed. An experimental validation of the model parameters is also presented in order to make it exploitable as a reliable analysis tool. At last, a simple yet effective actuation law is tested for both the considered robots to evaluate whether the contribution of the back module is beneficial or not to the whole machine maneuverability.
Zinc oxide nanowires‐based flexible pressure sensor

Embedding piezoelectric nanowires within a soft elastomer material should provide a supe-rior pressure sensing transducer, exploiting the piezoelectric properties of the nanowire material while maintaining ﬂexibility. Here, a ﬂexible sensor has been fabricated on a Kapton substrate and has incorporated a layer of polydimethylsiloxane with embedded zinc oxide nanowires as the pressure sensing mechanism. In response to applied compressive pressure up to 127 kPa, the device has generated a voltage, between electrodes on either side of the nanowire/polydimethylsiloxane layer, with a sensitivity of 23.6 mV/kPa, which is 100 times greater than previously reported zinc oxide nanostructure-based ﬂexible sensors.
Internal Fixation Versus Total Hip Arthroplasty in the Treatment of Displaced Femoral Neck Fracture: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background: The treatment for elderly patients with displaced femoral neck fractures differ greatly throughout the world, but mainly include internal fixation and total hip arthroplasty. However, whether internal fixation or total hip arthroplasty is more appropriate for displaced femoral neck fractures in elderly patients is still being debated. The purpose of this study is to compare, in a meta-analysis, the clinical effectiveness of internal fixation with total hip arthroplasty for treatment of displaced femoral neck fractures. Materials and Methods: We systematically searched six electronic databases (Medline, Embase, Clinical, Ovid, BIOSIS and Cochrane registry of controlled clinical trials) to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to September 2020 in which internal fixation was compared with total hip arthroplasty for the treatment of displaced femoral neck fractures. Effective data were extracted after the assessment of methodological quality of the trials. Then, we performed the meta-analysis. Results : Twelve relevant RCTs with a total of 1694 patients were included. Compared with internal fixation, total hip arthroplasty reduced the risk of the major complications (P=0.007), lower the incidence of reoperation (P<0.00001) and provided better functional recovery (P<0.00001). However, no significant difference was identified between the two groups regarding the patient mortality (P=0.55). Conclusions : The meta-analysis revealed that total hip arthroplasty can reduce the risk of major complications, the incidence of reoperation and provide better functional recovery compared with internal fixation, but it does not reduce mortality. the Treatment of Displaced Femoral Neck Fracture: Meta-Analysis of Randomized
Heats of combustion, formation, and insomerization of ten C4 hydrocarbons

The heats of combustion of ten C4 hydrocarbons were measured by combustion of t he gaseous hydrocarbon in a flame at constant pressure in a glass reaction vessel in a calorimeter. The calorimeter system was calibrated by means of electrical energy. The experimental data yielded the following values for the standard heat of combustion, t:J.Hco , at 25° C and co nstant pressure, of the gaseous hydrocarbon in gaseous oxygen to form gaseo us carbon dioxide and liquid wate r, with all t he reactants and products in their thermodynamic standard reference states, in k cal/mole : n-butane, 687 . 42 ± O.15 ; 2-methylpropane, 68S.37 ± O.11 ; I-butene, 649.33 ± O.18; cis-2-butene, 647.6S ± O.29 ; trans-2-butene, 646.90 ± O.23 ; 2-methylpropene, 645.19 ± O.2S ; 1,2-butadiene, 619.93 ± O.13 ; 1,3-butadiene, 607.16 ± O.18 ; I-butyne, 620.64 ± O.20 ; 2-butyne, 61S.84 ± O.23 . Values of hea ts of isomerization, formation, and hydrogenation were derived from these data .
Simultaneous Detection of Pathogens and Tumors in Patients With Suspected Infections by Next-Generation Sequencing

Background Differential diagnosis of patients with suspected infections is particularly difficult, but necessary for prompt diagnosis and rational use of antibiotics. A substantial proportion of these patients have non-infectious diseases that include malignant tumors. This study aimed to explore the clinical value of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) for tumor detection in patients with suspected infections. Methods A multicenter, prospective case study involving patients diagnosed with suspected infections was conducted in four hospitals in Shanghai, China between July 2019 and January 2020. Based upon mNGS technologies and chromosomal copy number variation (CNV) analysis on abundant human genome, a new procedure named Onco-mNGS was established to simultaneously detect pathogens and malignant tumors in all of the collected samples from patients. Results Of 140 patients screened by Onco-mNGS testing, 115 patients were diagnosed with infections; 17 had obvious abnormal CNV signals indicating malignant tumors that were confirmed clinically. The positive percent agreement and negative percent agreement of mNGS testing compared to clinical diagnosis was 53.0% (61/115) and 60% (15/25), vs. 20.9% (24/115) and 96.0% (24/25), respectively, for conventional microbiological testing (both P <0.01). Klebsiella pneumoniae (14.8%, 9/61) was the most common pathogen detected by mNGS, followed by Escherichia coli (11.5%, 7/61) and viruses (11.5%, 7/61). The chromosomal abnormalities of the 17 cases included genome-wide variations and local variations of a certain chromosome. Five of 17 patients had a final confirmed with malignant tumors, including three lung adenocarcinomas and two hematological tumors; one patient was highly suspected to have lymphoma; and 11 patients had a prior history of malignant tumor. Conclusion This preliminary study demonstrates the feasibility and clinical value of using Onco-mNGS to simultaneously search for potential pathogens and malignant tumors in patients with suspected infections.
An experimental study into the chemical effects of direct gasoline injection into retained residuals in a homogeneous charge compression ignition engine

Fuel injection into retained residuals and the resulting exhaust-fuel reactions appear to be an effective method for enhancing mixture reactivity in residual effected homogeneous charge compression ignition engines. Varying the extent of reactions preceding the main combustion event enables the control of auto-ignition timing and heat release. Although fuel injection during the negative valve overlap period is widely utilised, there is still insufficient amount of data on its chemical effects. This study experimentally explores the species formation as a result of negative valve overlap exhaust-fuel reactions. To collect experimental data, a single-cylinder engine with negative valve overlap and direct gasoline injection was utilised. Valving strategy of the engine was strategically set to achieve a high rate of backflows at the end of the intake process. Negative valve overlap gas, diluted by intake air, was sampled from the intake runner and passed to a Fourier transform infrared analytical system. A dedicated procedure was applied to compute degrees of fuel conversion into species from the diluted samples. The experiments were designed to acquire comprehensive data on the effects of different fuel injection timings on species formation during negative valve overlap. The results showed that exhaust-fuel reactions could produce high quantities of methane and light unsaturated hydrocarbons. At early negative valve overlap fuel injection, up to 25% of fuel was converted into species, whereas chemical changes were negligible for late fuel injection. Additionally, the effects of excess air and amounts of fuel injected during negative valve overlap were investigated.
Options for reducing uncertainty in impact classification for alien species

Impact assessment is an important and cost‐effective tool for assisting in the identification and prioritization of invasive alien species. With the number of alien and invasive alien species expected to increase, reliance on impact assessment tools for the identification of species that pose the greatest threats will continue to grow. Given the importance of such assessments for management and resource allocation, it is critical to understand the uncertainty involved and what effect this may have on the outcome. Using an uncertainty typology and insects as a model taxon, we identified and classified the causes and types of uncertainty when performing impact assessments on alien species. We assessed 100 alien insect species across two rounds of assessments with each species independently assessed by two assessors. Agreement between assessors was relatively low for all three impact classification components (mechanism, severity, and confidence) after the first round of assessments. For the second round, we revised guidelines and gave assessors access to each other’s assessments which improved agreement by between 20% and 30% for impact mechanism, severity, and confidence. Of the 12 potential reasons for assessment discrepancies identified a priori, 11 were found to occur. The most frequent causes (and types) of uncertainty (i.e., differences between assessment outcomes for the same species) were as follows: incomplete information searches (systematic error), unclear mechanism and/or extent of impact (subjective judgment due to a lack of knowledge), and limitations of the assessment framework (context dependence). In response to these findings, we identify actions that may reduce uncertainty in the impact assessment process, particularly for assessing speciose taxa with diverse life histories such as Insects. Evidence of environmental impact was available for most insect species, and (of the non‐random original subset of species assessed) 14 of those with evidence were identified as high impact species (with either major or massive impact). Although uncertainty in risk assessment, including impact assessments, can never be eliminated, identifying, and communicating its cause and variety is a first step toward its reduction and a more reliable assessment outcome, regardless of the taxa being assessed.
Viability of Bacteriophages in the Complex Hydrogel Wound Dressings in vitro

Using bacteriophages to overcome the increasing resistance of microorganisms to antibiotics is a novel research venue of clinical importance. Among other challenges, this technique is expected to create and maintain an adequate local concentration of bacteriophages at the site of application. In addition, the possibility of combining the phage preparation with antioxidants and anesthetics may provide new options for stimulating the reparative process. The aim of the study was to assess the viability and lytic activity of bacteriophages incorporated into a hydrogel-based wound dressing that contains polyvinyl alcohol, phosphate buffer, with optional additions of succinic acid and lidocaine. Materials and Methods A technique for incorporating bacteriophages into the complex hydrogel wound dressing ex tempore has been proposed. The bacteriolytic activity of phages inside the hydrogel was determined using standard microbiological techniques. Specifically, we used nutrient media with lawn cultures of Staphylococcus aureus added with the following antibacterial combinations: bacteriophages + succinic acid, bacteriophages + lidocaine, and bacteriophages + succinic acid + lidocaine. The lytic activity of bacteriophages was assessed within 1 to 7 days after the formation of the hydrogel. Results In all samples containing bacteriophages, the presence of viable and lytically active phages was noted within 1 to 7 days, as evidenced by the “negative colonies” on the culture lawns. On days 1 to 3, no secondary growth was recorded in the phage-containing samples. In hydrogel samples containing phages, succinic acid, and lidocaine, secondary bacterial colonies were detected starting from day 4 indicating some reduction in the lytic activity. Conclusion The results suggest that bacteriophages immobilized in the hydrogel maintain their viability and lytic activity, and this activity persists when the phages are combined with succinic acid and lidocaine.
Single‐source multilevel inverter based on flyback DC‐DC converter

A new multilevel inverter based on ﬂyback converter is presented in this paper. By employ-ing the DC-DC ﬂyback converter the voltage of DC-link capacitors is adjusted. In the proposed structure, the required input DC voltages are provided with a single-input multi-output ﬂyback DC-DC converter. The proposed topology can decrease total harmonics distortion (THD) of the injected grid current. Also, the proposed topology is suitable for photovoltaic (PV) applications. In addition, the proposed inverter can be connected to grid for injecting a sinusoidal current under desired power factors (leading, lagging and unity). In this case, the suggested inverter is able to control the active and reactive powers. This leads to generate a tightly controlled current with a high quality that can be injected to the grid utilizing a single renewable energy resource. It should be noted that the experimental results of the proposed inverter will be obtained when the topology is connected to the local grid. In addition, in the proposed topology by using ﬂyback converter the local grid is isolated from PV panel, so the generated leakage current can be eliminated completely. The operation modes, design consideration, comparison results and ﬁnally 620 watt built prototype results are presented.