Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
UvA-DARE (Digital Academic Repository) What determines the drop size in sprays of polymer solutions?

The effect of viscoelasticity on sprays produced from agricultural flat fan nozzles is investigated experimentally using dilute aqueous solutions of polyethylene oxide (PEO). Measurements of the droplet size distribution reveal that polymer addition to water results in the formation of overall bigger droplets with a broader size distribution. The median droplet size is found to increase linearly with the extensional relaxation time of the liquid and to be well captured by a simple empirical expression in terms of non-dimensional Weber and Deborah numbers. We show that the increase in droplet size with increasing viscoelasticity can be partly attributed to an increase of the wavelength of the flapping motion responsible for the sheet breakup, resulting in the formation of larger ligaments from which droplets are formed. We also show that droplet size distributions, rescaled by the average drop size, are well described by a compound gamma distribution with parameters 𝑛 and 𝑚 encoding for the ligament corrugation and the width of the ligament size distribution, respectively. These parameters are found to saturate to values 𝑛 = 4 and 𝑚 = 4 at sufficiently high polymer concentrations.
Toward Formal Data Set Verification for Building Effective Machine Learning Models

In order to properly train a machine learning model, data must be properly collected. To guarantee a proper data collection, verifying that the collected data set holds certain properties is a possible solution. For example, guaranteeing that the data set contains samples across the whole input space, or that the data set is balanced w.r. t. different classes. We present a formal approach for verifying a set of arbitrarily stated properties over a data set. The proposed approach relies on the transformation of the data set into a first order logic formula, which can be later verified w.r. t. the different properties also stated in the same logic. A prototype tool, which uses the z3 solver, has been developed; the prototype can take as an input a set of properties stated in a formal language and formally verify a given data set w.r. t. to the given set of properties. Preliminary experimental results show the feasibility and performance of the proposed approach, and furthermore the flexibility for expressing properties of interest.
A taxonomy of groups at risk based on reported and desired body mass index and its relationships with health

ABSTRACT This study aimed to identify groups at risk based on reported and desired Body Mass Index (BMI) and their relationships with weight satisfaction, food intake and perceived health, and to analyze gender differences. A pre-experimental observational study was conducted. 3380 individuals (mean age 20.16; 64.4% females) participated in a survey in the context of a healthy university project. Participants anonymously completed the SF-12, reported height, weight, desired weight, satisfaction and quality of intake. Reported BMI (BMI-r) and Desired BMI (BMI-d) were calculated following WHO standards. Combining BMI-r and BMI-d four groups emerged: Favorable Concordance, FC (67.40% normal weight wanting to maintain it), Unfavorable Concordance, UC (9.19% non-normal weight wanting such unhealthy condition), Favorable Discrepancy, FD (13.92% unhealthy weight wanting to move in a healthy direction), and Unfavorable Discrepancy, UD (9.49% normal or non-normal weight desiring an unhealthy condition). FD individuals showed lower levels of self-perceived physical health, poorer perception of the quality of their intake, and less satisfaction with weight. Both UD and UC groups are at risk, showing the UD group the lowest scores in mental health and healthy food intake. Higher proportions of females were found in the UD group, and wanting to lose weight. These findings suggest that health treatment, prevention and promotion programs can benefit from a taxonomy that identifies not only people at risk but the direction and adjustment (i.e. healthy vs non healthy) of their intention to change. Programs could be targeted at different groups, with specific goals and interventions, and avoid the ‘one-fits-all’ to foster a healthy weight in the young adult university population.
Uterine tumor resembling ovarian sex-cord tumor: case report and review of the literature

Abstract Background We report the clinicopathological characteristics, immunohistochemical features, ultrastructure, tissue source, differential diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of a patient with a uterine tumor resembling ovarian sex-cord tumor (UTROSCT). Case report A 40-year-old woman had a uterine myoma with enlargement for 2.5 years. An ultrasound examination showed a mixed echogenic mass at the posterior wall of the uterus and a dark cyst in the right adnexal area, which suggested a suspected uterine myoma with liquefaction and a suspected chocolate cyst. The patient underwent transabdominal tumor resection with removal of the right adnexal mass. Through postoperative pathological examination, the patient was diagnosed with UTROSCT. No recurrence was observed after a follow-up of 1 year. Conclusion Although UTROSCT is usually benign, it can relapse or metastasize, and patients with UTROSCT need comprehensive diagnosis and treatment.
Pagurus: Eliminating Cold Startup in Serverless Computing with Inter-Action Container Sharing

Serverless computing provides fine-grain resource sharing between Cloud tenants through containers. Each function invocation (action) runs in an individual container. When there is not an already started container for a user function, a new container has to be created for it. However, the long cold startup time of a container results in the long response latency of the action. Our investigation shows that the containers for some user actions share most of the software packages. If an action that requires a new container can ``borrow'' a similar warm container from other actions, the long cold startup can be eliminated. Based on the above finding, we propose Pagurus, a runtime container management system for eliminating the cold startup in serverless computing. Pagurus is comprised of an inter-action container scheduler and an intra-action container scheduler for each action. The inter-action container scheduler schedules shared containers among actions. The intra-action container scheduler deals with the management of the container lifecycle. Our experimental results show that Pagurus effectively eliminates the time-consuming container cold startup. An action may start to run in 10ms with Pagurus, even if there is not warm container for it.
Ultra‐Low Threshold Titanium‐Doped Sapphire Whispering‐Gallery Laser

Titanium doped sapphire (Ti:sapphire) is a laser gain material with broad gain bandwidth benefiting from the material stability of sapphire. These favorable characteristics of Ti:sapphire have given rise to femtosecond lasers and optical frequency combs. Shaping a single Ti:sapphire crystal into a millimeter sized high quality (Q) whispering gallery mode resonator (Q ≈ 108) reduces the lasing threshold to 14.2 mW and increases the laser slope efficiency to 34%. The observed lasing can be both multi‐mode and single‐mode. This is the first demonstration of a Ti:sapphire whispering‐gallery laser. Furthermore, a novel method of evaluating the gain in Ti:sapphire in the near infrared region is demonstrated by introducing a probe laser with a central wavelength of 795 nm. This method results in decreasing linewidth of the modes excited with the probe laser, consequently increasing their Q. These findings open avenues for the usage of whispering gallery mode resonators as cavities for the implementation of compact Ti:sapphire lasers. Moreover, Ti:sapphire whispering‐gallery laser can also be utilized as an amplifier inside its gain bandwidth by implementing a pump–probe configuration.
Phenolic Bioactives as Antiplatelet Aggregation Factors: The Pivotal Ingredients in Maintaining Cardiovascular Health

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are one of the main causes of mortality in the world. The development of these diseases has a specific factor—alteration in blood platelet activation. It has been shown that phenolic compounds have antiplatelet aggregation abilities and a positive impact in the management of CVD, exerting prominent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, cardioprotective, antihyperglycemic, and antimicrobial effects. Thus, this review is intended to address the antiplatelet activity of phenolic compounds with special emphasis in preventing CVD, along with the mechanisms of action through which they are able to prevent and treat CVD. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown beneficial effects of phenolic compound-rich plant extracts and isolated compounds against CVD, despite that the scientific literature available on the antiplatelet aggregation ability of phenolic compounds in vivo is scarce. Thus, despite the current advances, further studies are needed to confirm the cardioprotective potential of phenolic compounds towards their use alone or in combination with conventional drugs for effective therapeutic interventions.
Matrix form of nonlocal OSM for electromagnetics

The goal of the present paper is twofold. First, we revisit the derivation of the domain decomposition introduced in [Claeys&Parolin,2020] in the acoustic setting, adopting matrix based notations and remaining as explicit as possible. In addition, the presentation we give here covers Maxwell’s equations and considers the case where inductance operates over thick regions of the computational domain.
The intracellular domains of the EphB6 and EphA10 receptor tyrosine pseudokinases function as dynamic signalling hubs

EphB6 and EphA10 are two poorly characterised pseudokinase members of the Eph receptor family, which collectively serves as mediators of contact-dependent cell–cell communication to transmit extracellular cues into intracellular signals. As per their active counterparts, EphB6 and EphA10 deregulation is strongly linked to proliferative diseases. However, unlike active Eph receptors, whose catalytic activities are thought to initiate an intracellular signalling cascade, EphB6 and EphA10 are classified as catalytically dead, raising the question of how non-catalytic functions contribute to Eph receptor signalling homeostasis. In this study, we have characterised the biochemical properties and topology of the EphB6 and EphA10 intracellular regions comprising the juxtamembrane (JM) region, pseudokinase and SAM domains. Using small-angle X-ray scattering and cross-linking-mass spectrometry, we observed high flexibility within their intracellular regions in solution and a propensity for interaction between the component domains. We identified tyrosine residues in the JM region of EphB6 as EphB4 substrates, which can bind the SH2 domains of signalling effectors, including Abl, Src and Vav3, consistent with cellular roles in recruiting these proteins for downstream signalling. Furthermore, our finding that EphB6 and EphA10 can bind ATP and ATP-competitive small molecules raises the prospect that these pseudokinase domains could be pharmacologically targeted to counter oncogenic signalling.
Ebola virus protein VP40 binding to Sec24c for transport to the plasma membrane

Outbreaks of the Ebola virus (EBOV) continue to occur and while a vaccine and treatment are now available, there remains a dearth of options for those who become sick with EBOV disease. An understanding at the atomic and molecular level of the various steps in the EBOV replication cycle can provide molecular targets for disrupting the virus. An important step in the EBOV replication cycle is the transport of EBOV structural matrix VP40 protein molecules to the plasma membrane inner leaflet, which involves VP40 binding to the host cell's Sec24c protein. Though some VP40 residues involved in the binding are known, the molecular details of VP40–Sec24c binding are not known. We use various molecular computational techniques to investigate the molecular details of how EBOV VP40 binds with the Sec24c complex of the ESCRT‐I pathway. We employed different docking programs to identify the VP40‐binding site on Sec24c and then performed molecular dynamics simulations to determine the atomic details and binding interactions of the complex. We also investigated how the inter‐protein interactions of the complex are affected upon mutations of VP40 amino acids in the Sec24c‐binding region. Our results provide a molecular basis for understanding previous coimmunoprecipitation experimental studies. In addition, we found that VP40 can bind to a site on Sec24c that can also bind Sec23 and suggests that VP40 may use the COPII transport mechanism in a manner that may not need the Sec23 protein in order for VP40 to be transported to the plasma membrane.
Effect of Citric Acid Concentration on the Properties of Borate Glass Bone Cement

A novel injectable borate glass bone cement (BGBC) was prepared by using citric acid-β glycerophosphate-chitosan solution as setting solution. The effect of citric acid (H3Cit) concentration (0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 g/mL) on the properties of BGBC was investigated by using vicat apparatus, universal testing machine, XRD, FTIR, and SEM-EDS measurements. The experimental results indicate that H3Cit concentration significantly influences setting time and injectability of BGBC. At the H3Cit concentration of 0.2 g/mL, BGBC obtains the shortest setting time of (16±0.5) min and best injectability, which is almost fully injectable. It compressive strength increases with the increase of H3Cit concentration, with the maximum compressive strength up to (26.7±1.9) MPa. SEM images show that a large amount of nanoparticles are formed in the BGBC. XRD, FTIR and EDS results confirm that these nanoparticles contain borates, phosphates and phosphates. Furthermore, formation of borate crystals in the BGBC is influenced by H3Cit concentration. Immersion experiment of borate glass particles into phosphate buffer with different H3Cit concentrations shows that the degradation of borate glass is accelerated by H3Cit.
Disseminated intravascular coagulation and its immune mechanisms

This review series on immunohemostasis highlights the crosstalk between immunity and hemostasis. In the first article, Schmidt, Schrezenmeier, and Kavanagh discuss the role of activation of the terminal pathway of complement in thrombosis associated with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, atypical hemolytic-uremic syndrome, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, and other complement activating syndromes. In the second, Popescu, Lupu, and Lupu discuss the role of immune response in the initiation of disseminated intravascular coagulation through responses to pathogen-associated or host-derived damage-associated molecular pattern, and its perpetuation through other immune and inflammatory pathways. In the final article of the series, Kizhakkedathu and Conway discuss the role of immunoinflammatory pathways in the response of exposure of blood to foreign surfaces in biomaterial devices or implanted tissues.
B vitamins and prevention of cognitive decline and incident dementia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Elevation of homocysteine levels is a well‐established risk factor for dementia, yet controversy exists regarding whether B‐vitamin‐mediated reduction of homocysteine levels can benefit cognitive function. We aimed to investigate whether B vitamins can reduce the risk of cognitive decline and incident dementia.
Fruits and Vegetables and Lung Cancer Risk in Never Smokers. A Multicentric and Pooled Case-Control Study

Abstract Background The etiology of lung cancer in never smokers is partly unknown. We aimed to assess the effect of fruits and vegetables consumption on lung cancer risk in never smokers. Methods We pooled five multicenter case-control studies performed in Northwestern Spain. Cases and controls were all never smokers. All lung cancer cases had anatomopathological confirmed diagnoses. We performed a multivariate logistic regression to analyze the effect of different types of fruits and vegetables consumption on lung cancer risk. Results A total of 438 cases and 781 controls were included. We observed that a consumption from one to six times per week shows a negative association with lung cancer risk for: kiwis (OR 0.67; 95%CI 0.46-0.95), oranges (OR 0.55; 95%CI 0.37-0.80), turnip tops (OR 0.48; 95%CI 0.34-0.66), “berza gallega” (OR 0.70; 95%CI 0.51-0.97) and broccoli (OR 0.55; 95%CI 0.35-0.83) compared to less than once a week consumption. On the other hand, we found an increased risk for lung cancer with a daily consumption of tomatoes, carrots and potatoes. Conclusions Oranges, kiwis, turnip tops, berza gallega and broccoli may play a protective role on lung cancer development in never smokers while tomatoes, carrots and potatoes might have some association with this disease.
Defining oligometastatic non-small cell lung cancer: concept versus biology, a literature review

Objective In this review, the concept of (synchronous) oligometastatic disease in patients with non-oncogene-driven non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) will be placed in the context of tumor biology and metastatic growth patterns. We will also provide considerations for clinical practice and future perspectives, which will ultimately lead to better patient selection and oligometastatic disease outcome. Background The treatment landscape of metastasized NSCLC has moved from “one-size fits all” to a personalized approach. Prognosis has traditionally been poor but new treatment options, such as immunotherapy and targeted therapy, brighten future perspectives. Another emerging development is the recognition of patients with so-called “oligometastatic” state of disease. Oligometastatic disease has been recognized as a distinct clinical presentation in which the tumor is stated to be early in its evolution of metastatic potential. It is suggested that this stage of disease has an indolent course, comes with a better prognosis and therefore could be considered for radical multimodality treatment. Methods Narrative overview of the literature synthesizing the findings of literature retrieved from searches of computerized databases, hand searches, and authoritative texts. Conclusions Oligometastatic NSCLC is a broad spectrum disease, with a variable prognosis. Although the biology and behavior of “intermediate state” of metastatic disease are not fully understood, there is evidence that a subgroup of patients can benefit from local radical treatment when integrated into a multimodality regime. The consensus definition of oligometastatic NSCLC, including accurate staging, may help to uniform future trials. The preferable treatment strategy seems to sequential systemic treatment with subsequent local radical treatment in patients with a partial response or stable disease. Prognostic factors such as N-stage, number and site of distant metastases, tumor volume, performance status, age, and tumor type should be considered. The local radical treatment strategy has to be discussed in a multidisciplinary team meeting, taking into account patient characteristics and invasiveness of the procedure. However, many aspects remain to be explored and learned about the cancer biology and characteristics of intermediate state tumors.
Ranking of Drivers and Barriers for the Green Management Implementation at MSME in Banda Aceh City, Indonesia

The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) still have low involvement in being environmentally friendly. Production processes that are associated with environmental pollution, such as the use of hazardous materials, and produce waste that are not properly managed, threaten sustainability. This study aims to determine the driving and inhibiting factors of the green management implementation in the micro, small and medium industries in the city of Banda Aceh. The data used in this study were obtained from perception of 60 MSME doer which randomly selected from 208 MSMEs, according to Office of Cooperative, MSME and Trade of Banda Aceh, in 9 sub districts of Banda Aceh represent the perception of entrepreneurs. Perception of 10 employees of Office Environmental Service, Cleanliness and Beauty of Banda Aceh and also perception of 10 academics or environmental activist representing perception of government and experts. Fuzzy TOPSIS method is used to rank the driver and inhibitor factors. The study found that the five highest driver factors for green management application which are: regulation and law enforcement, employees’ awareness and motivation, ability to increase competitiveness, customer demand for environmentally friendly products, knowledge about technology and environment-friendly innovations that can be adopted. Meanwhile, the inhibiting factors are in the aspect of human resources such as low environmental knowledge of employees, lack of training for empowerment, and low ability to adopt technology. Inhibitors from the economic and organizational side are limited financial capacity and the absence of green planning.
Applications of Molten Pool Visual Sensing and Machine Learning in Welding Quality Monitoring

On-line monitoring of welding quality is very important to the realization of intelligent welding technology and has become a research hotspot in the field of welding technology. This article reviews the research results and latest research progress of welding quality on-line monitoring based on molten pool visual sensing in recent years. First, it introduces the characterization of welding quality by the two-dimensional geometric features and three-dimensional topographic features of the molten pool in detail, and then analyzes the application of machine learning and feature engineering in the online prediction of welding status; we discuss the deep neural network and welding quality at the end Convergence of online detection technology. The work done in this paper reviews the progress of online monitoring technology for welding quality and provides a basis for the follow-up work.
Increasing Bandwidth Efficiency By Means Of Analog Modulation On Top Of Digital Modulation

A method of contemporary use of digital and analog modulation on the same bandwidth is described. In this method the phase of the carrier of an analog AM modulated signal is also modulated by a digital one with a rate depending on the RF bandwidth of the analog broadcasting. Measurements and results of a full hardware implementation will show the applicability of the method.
A Qualitative Report on Diffusion based Image Inpainting Models

Diffusion equations have been successfully applied in the field of digital image processing for the past twenty years, describing the random motion of the particles in physics. Image inpainting is a significant research problem in the image processing. Its main intent is to complete the unknown parts of the image from the knowledge of known parts of the image. This research problem can be used to restore damaged photograph, random loss of wavelet coefficients during transmission, superimposed text, noise, and/or blur. According to available models on digital image inpainting, this paper attempts to make an outline of state-of-the-art diffusion based image inpainting models with corresponding mathematical representation. We also compared the state-of-the-art diffusion based inpainting techniques in terms of its main idea, type of distortion, strengths, and weaknesses.