Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Estrous response and AI pregnancy rates of 2-year-old beef heifers exposed to androgenized steers before an estrous synchronization protocol with double injection of PGF2alpha

The objective of this study was to determine if exposure of 2-year-old beef heifers to androgenized steers (AS) for 30 days before the beginning of an estrous synchronization protocol (ESP) and artificial insemination (AI) increases the estrous response and pregnancy rate. Hereford x Braford heifers were stratified by body weight and presence of a corpus luteum (CL) and assigned to be 1) exposed to AS (EAS; n = 53) or 2) not exposed to AS (NE; n = 53) for 30 days (Day 0 = first day of exposure). Proportions of heifers with a CL on Day -7 were 20.6 and 24.5% for EAS and NE, respectively. Ovaries of each heifer were scanned on Days 15 and 30 of the exposure period for a CL. On Day 30, steers were removed from the EAS heifers and two doses of a PGF2alpha analogue were administered to each heifer 11 days apart. Heifers were observed for behavioral estrus for 6 days, beginning 48 h after the last PGF2alpha injection, and inseminated 12 h after estrus detection. More EAS than NE heifers had a CL on Day 15 (54.7 and 32.1%, EAS and NE, respectively; P < 0.02), but there was no difference in the proportion of heifers that had a CL by Day 30 (73.6 and 72.0%, EAS and NE, respectively; P = 0.2). There were no differences between EAS and NE heifers for proportions that showed estrus (66.0 and 67.9%, EAS and NE, respectively; P = 0.8), conception rates (83.0 and 92.0%, EAS and NE, respectively; P = 0.3) and pregnancy rates (83.0 and 86.5%, EAS and NE, respectively; P = 0.6). Exposing 2-year-old heifers to AS under the conditions of this experiment before an ESP that included a double injection of PGF2alpha had no effects on estrous response and AI pregnancy rates.
Modeling and Characterization of High-Efficiency, High Power Cascaded Intracavity Optical Parametric Oscillators in the Mid-Infrared

We report on the modeling and demonstration of an efficient intracavity cascaded PPLN OPO which converts 20% energy from 1.064 µm to three narrow bands in the 2-5 µ wavelength range. We have fully modeled the power, pulse shape, spectrum of each wavelength involved in the cascaded optical parametric processes. Spatio-temporal numerical simulation of these processes combined with simple thermal models provide a correct estimate of the selfinduced thermal lensing and efficiency saturation.
Composting Management: a New Process Control Through O2 Feedback

A new strategy for composting has been developed, based on O2 feedback control. Experiments were carried out on composting the biodegradable fraction of municipal solid waste in a closed bioreactor, aerated by pressure ventilation. Ventilation was controlled in order to maintain the O2 level in the internal atmosphere of the composting mass between 15 and 20%. The new strategy seems to give satisfactory results in terms of process control, quality of end-product, low energy consumption, and hygienization of compost. These results were supported by analyses of: (1) the variation of the main microbial groups during composting; (2) the balance of material; (3) the gas present in the internal atmosphere (O2, NH3, CO2, H 2S); (4) phytotoxicity; and (5) pathogenic and indicator micro-organisms. The importance of carrying out these analyses to guarantee the quality of the end-product and to control the process is discussed. Finally, the new system for controlling composting is compared with the existing strategies (Beltsville and Rutgers systems).
A low-order system frequency response model

The authors present the derivation of a simple, low-order system frequency response (SFR) model that can be used for estimating the frequency behavior of a large power system, or islanded portion thereof, in response to sudden load disturbances. The SFR model is a simplification of other models used for this purpose, but it is believed to include the essential system dynamics. The SFR model is based on neglecting nonlinearities and all but the largest time constants in the equations of the generating units of the power system, with the added assumption that the generation is dominated by reheat steam turbine generators. This means that the generating unit inertia and reheat time constants predominate over the system average frequency response. Moreover, since only two time constants predominate, the resulting system response can be computed in closed form, thereby providing a simple, but fairly accurate, method of estimating the essential characteristics of the system frequency response. >
Ultrasonic Flaw Detection in Composite Materials Using SSP-MPSD Algorithm

Due to the inherent inhomogeneous and anisotropy nature of the composite materials, the detection of internal defects in these materials with non-destructive techniques is an important requirement both for quality checks during the production phase and in service inspection during maintenance operations. The estimation of the time-of-arrival (TOA) and/or time-of-flight (TOF) of the ultrasonic echoes is essential in ultrasonic non-destructive testing (NDT). In this paper, we used split-spectrum processing (SSP) combined with matching pursuit signal decomposition (MPSD) to develop a dedicated ultrasonic detection system. SSP algorithm is used for Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) enhancement, and the MPSD algorithm is used to decompose backscattered signals into a linear expansion of chirplet echoes and estimate the chirplet parameters. Therefore, the combination of SSP and MPSD (SSP-MPSD) presents a powerful technique for ultrasonic NDT. The SSP algorithm is achieved by using Gaussian band pass filters. Then, MPSD algorithm uses the Maximum Likelihood Estimation. The good performance of the proposed method is experimentally verified using ultrasonic traces acquired from three specimens of carbon fibre reinforced polymer multi-layered composite materials (CFRP).
Nonlinear Impedance Spectroscopy - Using higher harmonics response and differential impedance for electrical characterization of DC insulation materials

With the growing relevance of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) technologies comes an increased need of reliable electrical characterization of insulation materials. Electrical conduction mechanisms in insulation materials under DC voltages are rather complicated and appropriate characterization tools need to be further developed. This thesis investigates the potential of using nonlinear impedance spectroscopy(IS) for electrical characterization of insulation materials at DC fields, or at low frequency AC fields. A theoretical background is provided where it is shown for different models how nonlinear current-field dependence give rise to currents that contain amplitudes at higher frequencies than that of the exciting voltage (the fundamental frequency). Experimentally, different material systems were studied with two advanced nonlinear IS measurement techniques; higher harmonics measurements at high fields and differential conductivity measurements with small amplitude AC spectroscopy at large superimposed DC. The main results are presented in form of steady state current-field characteristics. We therefore conclude that nonlinear IS is in principle useful for electrical characterization of nonlinear insulation materials, particularly field grading materials. Limitations of the methods are related to non-robust material properties and problems with reaching a quasi-steady state at reasonable frequencies.
Miniature fiber optic pressure sensor for medical applications: an opportunity for intra-aortic balloon pumping (IABP) therapy

In this paper we present how a miniature fiber optic pressure sensor based on micro-optical mechanical systems (MOMS) could solve most of the problems associated with fluidic pressure transduction presently used for triggering purposes in IABP therapy. The small size of the MOMS (0 550 μm) allows a positioning of the sensor directly at the tip of the intra-aortic catheter, exactly where the pressure should be monitored. With outstanding performances in terms of resolution and frequency fidelity, this absolute pressure sensor can precisely detect small pressure variations such as the dicrotic notch in the intra-aortic pressure waveform, which is used as a trigger point in IABP therapy. Such technology could probably help in the development of a less invasive therapy with reduced catheter size associated with reduction of vascular complications such as ischemia. The presented optical fiber sensor has intrinsic immunity to electromagnetic fields and noise perturbations. Furthermore, the patented white-light cross-correlation technology of the signal conditioner makes it immune to optical fiber binding and highly tolerant to optical losses. Such solution is extremely well adapted for in situ pressure monitoring in many medical applications.
Local Treatments in the Unresectable Patient with Colorectal Cancer Metastasis: A Review from the Point of View of the Medical Oncologist

Simple Summary Local treatments represent a potential curative approach in the patient with liver metastases of colorectal origin. It is important for all the team involved in patient care to know and understand which patients are suitable for this approach and the expected results of these treatments. This review is intended to focus (without neglecting the technical issues of these techniques) in clinical aspects, to help other clinicians to seek the best available evidence to guide their decisions and advocate for the best possible treatment for the patient. Abstract For patients with isolated liver metastases from colorectal cancer who are not candidates for potentially curative resections, non-surgical local treatments may be useful. Non-surgical local treatments are classified according to how the treatment is administered. Local treatments are applied directly on hepatic parenchyma, such as radiofrequency, microwave hyperthermia and cryotherapy. Locoregional therapies are delivered through the hepatic artery, such as chemoinfusion, chemoembolization or selective internal radiation with Yttrium 90 radioembolization. The purpose of this review is to describe the different interventional therapies that are available for these patients in routine clinical practice, the most important clinical trials that have tried to demonstrate the effectiveness of each therapy and recommendations from principal medical oncologic societies.
A Vector-controlled Single-phase Voltage Source Inverter Based Grid Interface Suitable for Variable Frequency Operation in Autonomous Microgrids

Abstract Vector (dq) control is a powerful technique used in high dynamic performance inverters. The transformation of AC into DC quantities allows one to get zero steady-state error for AC currents and voltages with simple proportional integrator type controllers. It can easily be implemented for three-phase inverters but presents some challenges for single-phase ones. The orthogonal component (β) required for the stationary to rotating frame transformation is usually created by phase shifting the real one (α) by one-quarter of a line cycle, which deteriorates the dynamic response. The emulation of a fictive orthogonal circuit for obtaining the β current component has been shown to yield enhanced transient response. This article shows that the dynamic response of vector-controlled single-phase inverters implemented with orthogonal circuit emulation is identical to that of a three-phase inverter. This concept is then extended for operation with variable grid frequencies, a condition that can be found in photovoltaic hybrid autonomous microgrids, where the grid frequency is used for energy management purposes. The effectiveness of this technique is demonstrated by means of simulation and experimental results.
Study of differential evolution for optimal reactive power flow

Differential evolution (DE) is studied in detail for optimal reactive power flow (ORPF) problems. The concept, mechanism, and parameter setting of DE are discussed. Based on the IEEE 14-, 30- and 57-bus system test cases, DE is compared with some basic or improved evolutionary algorithms that have been applied to ORPF. It is found that DE is generally a good algorithm for ORPF and worthy of more attention. However, it is also found that DE requires relatively large populations to avoid premature convergence. The impact of this shortcoming is made clear in the IEEE 118-bus system test case. The effectiveness of parallel computing technology for speeding up the computation of DE-based ORPF is also analysed.
PERSPECTIVES ON BUILDING A CYBER FORCE STRUCTURE

This paper explores the USs cyber force structure with special em‑ phasis on the cyber workforce. To achieve that goal this paper a ddresses several issues: it characterizes the nature of the cyber security problem; it draws on insights from senior decision‑makers to identify cyber force struc‑ ture needs; it characterizes current capabilities by summarizing the key ini‑ tiatives that are being pursued by the US Services and key joint activities; and it identiﬁes a spectrum of actions to mitigate shortfalls in the existing cyber forces structure (i.e. education; higher education and recruitment; cer‑ tiﬁcation retention professional development and workforce management; exercises; and security clearance requirements. The paper concludes by iden‑ tifying actions that NATO might pursue to improve its cyber force structure (e.g. conduct realistic stressful exercises and by identifying residual issues to address (e.g. career progression; value of employingpatriotic hackers�.
Diffusion Coefficients at Infinite Dilution of Carbon Dioxide and Methane in Water, Ethanol, Cyclohexane, Toluene, Methanol, and Acetone: A PFG-NMR and MD Simulation Study

Diffusion coefficients at infinite dilution are important basic data for all processes involving mass transfer. They can be obtained from studying samplesin equilibrium using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy with pulsed field gradients (PFG-NMR), a technique which is widely used in chemistry but isonly rarely applied in engineering studies. This advantageous technique was employed here to measure the self-diffusion coefficients of diluted solutions ofcarbon dioxide and methane in the pure solvents water, ethanol, cyclohexane, toluene, methanol, and acetone at 298.15 K. For the systems (carbon dioxide +water) and (carbon dioxide + ethanol), measurements were also carried out at 308.15 K, 318.15 K and 333.15 K. Except for (methane + water) and (methane +toluene), no literature data for the methane-containing systems were previously available. At the studied solute concentrations, there is practically no differencebetween the self-diffusion coefficient and the mutual diffusion coefficient. The experimental results are compared to experimental literature data as well as toresults from semi-empirical methods for the prediction of diffusion coefficients at infinite dilution. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations were carried outfor all systems to determine the diffusion coefficient at infinite dilution based on force fields that were taken from the literature, and the results are compared tothe experimental data and those from the classical prediction methods.
A novel method for modeling coupling between several microstrip lines in MIC's and MMIC's

A technique for modeling the adjacent and nonadjacent couplings between several microstrip lines in microwave integrated circuits (MICs) and monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs) is presented. The technique assumes that the primary transmission paths in the circuit can be modeled with conventional single or coupled microstrip models. A particular four-port model is then superimposed on the existing circuit for each adjacent or nonadjacent coupling that is present. This model uses analytical equations for microstrip coupled lines and is, therefore, fast and easy to compute. >
A Study of Non-Linear Techniques for the 2D Inversion of Earth Resistivity Data

For subsurface detection applications, resistivity techniques are well established and have been used extensively in a variety of standard forms (Ward 1990). The recent development of automatic multiplexed systems is further increasing the flexibility and power of the method in that a large number and range of measurements can now be obtained over a survey area (Griffiths et al. 1990; Dahlin 1993): indeed, the entire nature of the data-set can be entirely different to the restricted form collected when using any one of the 'standard ' probe arrays along a single survey fine.
Women Extractive Activities and Environmental Degradation in Obudu LGA: A Qualitative Analysis

It has been observed that in spite of the acknowledged important role the environment plays in human sustenance and survival, there is still a discrepancy or inadequate efforts at putting it into proper use and management in order to realize the maximum benefits for present and later generations. This stems from the contention that several activities inimical to efficient and effective use and or exploitation of the environment are often embarked upon especially among women in Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State.
Experimental Investigation of Effect of Channel Doping Concentration on Random Telegraph Signal Noise

Random telegraph signal (RTS) noise has become one of the most important problems in the continuous scaling down of field-effect transistors (FETs). In this study, we investigate experimentally the relationship between RTS amplitude and channel doping concentration (NA), which is a key parameter related to threshold voltage adjustment and short-channel effects, in 393,216 n-type FETs by a high-speed measurement method. We demonstrate that NA has a significant effect on RTS amplitude even at approximately the same interface and bulk trap densities of the gate insulator films, which are evaluated by the charge pumping method, by the quasi-static capacitance–voltage method, and on the basis of 1/f noise characteristics. An increase in RTS amplitude may arise from a more advanced channel nonuniformity as NA increases.
Robust low-rank tensor reconstruction using high-order t-SVD

Abstract. Currently, robust low-rank tensor reconstruction based on tensor singular value decomposition (t-SVD) has made remarkable achievements in the fields of computer vision, image processing, etc. However, existing works mainly concentrate on third-order tensors while order-d (d ≥ 4) tensors are commonly encountered in practical applications, such as fourth-order color videos, fourth-order facial images, fifth-order light-field images and sixth-order bidirectional texture functions. Aiming at this critical issue, we establish a robust order-d tensor reconstruction framework including the model, algorithm and theory by developing a novel algebraic foundation of order-d t-SVD with any invertible linear transforms. Equipped with the newly developed framework, any order-d low-rank tensors can be accurately reconstructed from a sample of its entries corrupted by arbitrary outliers. The superiority and effectiveness of the proposed framework are substantiated in comparison with state-of-the-art alternatives by conducting experiments on both synthetic and real-world tensor data.
The Safe Distance Between Airplanes and the Complexity of an Airspace Sector

Summary We determine the minimum safe spacing between aircraft and also the complexity of the air traffic control system. Taking into account the vortex that a leading plane leaves in its wake, the distance between the tail of one plane and the nose of the next plane should be at least 5.5 km or 3.4 mi. The minimum spacing between adjacent planes either to the side, above, or below should be at least 730 m or 0.45 miles. These distances were calculated using Bernoulli’s principle, which states that the internal pressure of a fluid (such as air) decreases when its speed increases. Because the speed of a plane is very high, the pressure around the wings is low. The change in pressure associated with the Bernoulli factor, applied over the facing surface area, results in a force pushing the planes together; the force may alter the plane’s flight pattern. Finally, if two planes are heading towards each other, there must be enough space between them to perform evasive maneuvers. We find that 12 s is required; at normal flight speed, this translates to 2.9 km or 1.8 mi. We define complexity of an airspace sector as the probability of a conflict occurring during a given period of time. To determine complexity, we assume that sectors are rectangular solids and that planes fly either in parallel or antiparallel directions. We calculate the probability that a plane enters a sector either too soon after another plane, or that two planes enter the same airway going in antiparallel directions.
Feasibility trial of a brief scalable psychological intervention for Syrian refugee adolescents in Jordan

ABSTRACT Background: Most refugees are less than 18 years and at heightened risk of common mental disorders (CMDs) relative to other youth. Limited evidence exists for psychosocial programsfor youth in low-resource settings. Early Adolescent Skills for Emotions (EASE) was developed by the World Health Organization to address this gap. Objectives: This study tested the safety, feasibility, and trial procedures of the EASE intervention among Syrian refugee youth in preparation for a definitive randomized controlled trial (RCT). Methods: A feasibility RCT was conducted in Amman, Jordan with Syrian children aged 10–14 years who reported psychological distress. Following community screening, youth and their caregivers were randomized to receive either the EASE intervention or enhanced treatment as usual (ETAU). EASE comprised seven group sessions teaching children coping skills, and caregivers received three group sessions to augment the youth sessions. Assessments were conducted at baseline and 1 week following the last EASE session (8 weeks following baseline). Following the trial, a qualitative process evaluation with staff and beneficiaries took place. Primary outcomes were safety and feasibility indicators, and distress was measured by the Paediatric Symptom Checklist. Results: In November 2018, 179 children were screened; 61 (33%) met criteria for distress (34.1%), two were excluded for suicidal risk, and 59 were randomized (EASE = 33, ETAU = 26). Of those who received EASE, 26 children (79%) completed the intervention. Group attendance was high and no adverse events were reported in either arm. Psychological distress did not show signs of abating in either group over time. Conclusion: This feasibility trial demonstrated the safety and acceptability of the intervention. Important lessons were learnt regarding entry criteria into the study and engagement of caregivers in the intervention. A fully powered randomized controlled trial will be conducted to evaluate the efficacy of EASE. HIGHLIGHTS Feasibility trial of group psychological intervention (GroupPM+) in a Syrian refugee camp in Jordan. Sixty-four participants randomized; safety and cultural acceptance was observed. Positive results support the readiness for a definitive RCT to test effectiveness and cost-effectiveness.
A Decision Support System for the Operation of Vending Machine Supply Chains with Product Substitution and Varying Vehicle Speed

This paper presents a decision support system for the operation of general and smart vending machine supply chains with product substitution and varying vehicle speeds. The system supports various functions such as the determination of operation parameters, supply chain performance evaluation, CO2 analysis of delivery vehicle emissions, and more. The potential benefits of the system include the provision of guidance, solutions, and simulation environments for companies in the extensive operations of vending machine supply chains.