Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spectral Characterisation of a Terahertz QCL through Self-Mixing

The use of a single terahertz (THz) quantum cascade laser (QCL) device as both emitter and detector in a self-mixing (SM) scheme allows for the development of fast, sensitive and compact coherent systems for imaging and interferometry [1]. In this scheme, radiation re-injected to the laser cavity interferes (‘mixes’) with the intra-cavity electric field, causing small variations in the fundamental laser parameters, as described in the seminal paper by Lang and Kobashi (L–K) [2]. In particular, the voltage perturbation induced by optical feedback is described by a sinusoidal variation dependent on both the external cavity length LExt and the emission frequency under feedback ν, and is given byΔVsm ∝ cos(2 v/c). As such, interferometric fringes can be acquired in a SM system by simply changing the external cavity length and concurrently monitoring the terminal voltage of the device. In this work we demonstrate the use of SM interferometry for performing spectral characterisation of a multi-mode THz QCL in a scheme that offers much reduced experimental complexity when compared with typical Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) systems. In addition, we report the first direct measurements of the perturbation of the lasing frequency under feedback, and compare the results with predictions from the L–K model.
Utilization of aquatic weeds fibers for handmade papermaking

Increasing global paper consumption has fostered the search for new alternative non-wood fiber sources. The aquatic weeds Cyperus digitatus, Cyperus iria, and Scirpus grossus were analysed for their fiber characteristics and chemical composition, and the processed fibers were transformed into handmade paper. The selected species yielded medium-length fibers (0.92 mm to 1.03 mm), which were thin-walled with a lumen diameter (3.37 µm to 5.26 µm) wider than cell wall thickness (2.73 µm to 2.97 µm). In terms of fiber derived values, the selected species possessed a slenderness ratio of 86.5 to 113.1 (favourable, > 30) and flexibility coefficient of 35.2 to 47.6 (favourable, within the range 50 to 70), which was classified as rigid fiber. The species also contained high cellulose, 42.1% to 44.8% (favourable, > 40%) and hemicellulose content, 42.8% to 45.6% (favourable, within the range of 30% to 50%), and low lignin content, 10.6% to 11.8% (favourable, < 12%). Handmade paper of Cyperus digitatus possessed relatively high tensile strength (2.61 ± 0.15 kN/m) and breaking length (1.20 ± 0.07 km) among studied species. Comparison with other non-wood fibers indicated that the studied plants fibers can be used for production of paper plates, paperboard, and decorative paper.
Clinical Epidemiological and Pathogenic Analyses for Acute Viral Infections of Central Nervous System in Hospitalized Children of Hunan Province, China

Background: Virus infection of the central nervous system is a common disease in children. The major causes of ineffective therapy are misdiagnosis and delayed interventions. Based upon our pilot study, consecutive specimens of cerebrospinal fluid were collected and detected. Methods: From October 2012 to July 2014, a total of 161 cerebrospinal fluids samples were collected from the patients with a clinical diagnosis of viral encephalitis at our hospital. The technique of real-time fluorescence quantitative-polymerase chain reaction was employed. Results: Viruses were detected in 71 cases with an overall detection rate of 44.10%. In our cohort, the average viral load was 198.24 ± 993.61 copies/μL. And the viral loads had no obvious correlations with hospitalization duration. Enterovirus had the highest detection rate of 18.01% and occurred predominantly in spring and summer. The highest detection rate was found in the 3-6 year age group. Most cases of Human herpesviruses-6 were detected in autumn. And Adenovirus positive cases were largely restricted for rural children. Only 1 Mumps virus positive case had an enlargement of parotid gland. None of 12 Measles virus positive cases had the classic manifestations of measles. Conclusions: During the study period, 11 common viruses in cerebrospinal fluids were detected from hospitalized children of viral encephalitis. The detection rates have slightly increased as compared with earlier reports. And Measles virus and Mumps virus were increasingly detected. For positive and negative viral cases, no differences existed in gender, age, urban-rural region or clinical characteristics. And the positive cases of Enterovirus, Measles virus and Mumps virus have their unique profiles.
Effect of Sewage Sludge and Rice Straw Compost on Yield, Micronutrient Availability and Soil Quality under Rice–Wheat System

ABSTRACT There is a need to improve the way in which crop residues and industrial organic wastes are managed and also to study their potential use in agriculture for improving soil fertility and biological activity. This study evaluated the effects of integrated use of organic (sewage sludge (SS) and rice straw compost (RSC)) and inorganic fertilizers on crop yield, soil enzymes activity, macro- and micro-nutrients availability under rice–wheat cropping system after three consecutive years of cropping in a subtropical semi-arid area. Different combinations of inorganic nitrogen and two doses of organic sources (SS and RSC) were applied to the soil. The results revealed that substitution with 50% N through RSC significantly increased the yield and biochemical properties as compared to inorganic fertilizers (NPK) alone. Micronutrients availability was found increased in treatment having substitution of 50% N through SS @10 t ha−1. All the enzymatic activities viz. dehydrogenase, fluorescein diacetate (FDA), phosphatase, phytase, and urease) were found to be maximum by substitution of 50% N through RSC. Also, a significant positive correlation was found between soil enzymes (dehydrogenase and FDA) and organic carbon as well as crop yield. Thus, the study demonstrated that substitution of 50% inorganic nitrogen through organic sources will be a better alternative for improving soil quality and productivity.
EFFECT OF EXTRACTION METHOD OF SOME NATURAL EXTRACTS ON ENZYMATIC BROWNING OF APPLE JUICE

A comparative study concerning the inhibition of the enzymatic browning in apple juices stored for 24 hours at room temperature (25 o C) was carried out between the natural extract of some vegetables and Oyster mushroom with different extraction methods (water, ultra-filtration and alcoholic). The colour changes were assayed quantitatively involved % inhibition using Hunter Lab colorimeter and polyphenoloxidase activities. The results showed that higher inhibition of enzymatic browning was obtained at the end of 24 hour storage period with the extracts of squash, cucumber and pepper followed by mushroom in apple juices. Meanwhile alcoholic and UF extracts were effective in maintaining the storage quality of apple juices. They were found as effective inhibitors. The obtained results confirmed the presence of a proportional relation between the natural vegetable extracts by different extraction methods and their inhibitory effect, whereas the Oyster mushroom extracts in storage time (24 hours) showed an opposite trend. The inhibitory effect of the natural squash extract was comparable with its different extraction method and being higher than pepper and cucumber under all experimental conditions. The natural extracts derived from vegetables were more active than their counterpart derived from mushroom. However, each of them could be considered as potential natural inhibitor having technological and commercial benefits to be applied in processed fruits.
Study on mechanism of cobalt resistance in Enterobacter species

The aim of this study was to understand the mechanism of resistance in Enterobacter spp. towards cobalt toxicity. The MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) and cobalt tolerance determination was done. The cellular biochemistry of this microorganism was checked with the help of estimations of macromolecules, dehydrogenases activity, and determination of cobalt through cell fractionation. Cobalt inhibited the growth and viability of sensitive organisms. Addition of cobalt affected the growth curve phases, which was ultimately an impact of concentration of cobalt. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determined was 250 ppm in sensitive Enterobacter spp. that completely inhibited the growth, synthesis of protein, DNA, and activity of dehydrogenases of the TCA cycle. The resistant Enterobacter spp. tolerated even 500 ppm concentration of cobalt. The cobalt incorporated in to the cell wall, membrane and cytoplasm was 66%, 11% and 23% and 9%, 58% and 33% in resistant Enterobacter spp. and sensitive Enterobacter spp. respectively when 250 ppm cobalt was added in the culture flasks. The mechanism of resistance was accumulation of cobalt in the cell wall and presence of plasmid. Keywords: Cobalt, Resistant enterobacter, Sensitive enterobacter, Mechanism, Inhibition.
School of Accounting Seminar Series Semester 1 , 2015 Earnings Co-Movements and Earnings Manipulation

Several theories use variation in the degree to which firms’ earnings are correlated with the market to make predictions about the probability a firm will issue a biased signal of firm performance. Given the popularity of the theoretical construct, we investigate the empirical validity of the assumption. First, using a sample of SEC enforcement actions we show a marked decline during the manipulation period in earnings co-movements for firms that clearly manipulated their financial statements. We extend this analysis to a sample of firms that just meet/beat a benchmark where the earnings manipulation is less clear but the incentive to manipulate clearly exists, with results consistent with theory. Finally, in the most general setting we find co-movements are helpful in explaining variation in the earnings management construct of Dechow et al. (2011) and Jones (1991) discretionary accruals. Overall, we provide strong support for the use of earnings co-movements as a theoretical construct of earnings management, which critically captures the ability to manage earnings thus helping to isolate the sample of firms most likely to be biasing their signals of firm performance.
Prevalence of Mycoplasma bovis in respiratory tract of cattle slaughtered in Balochistan, Pakistan.

Received: Revised: Accepted: October 01, 2012 April 01, 2013 August 22, 2013 Cattle lungs (n=1200) obtained from abattoir of 10 districts of Balochistan were processed for isolation and identification of Mycoplasma species. A total of 156 isolates produced typical fried egg colonies on Modified Hayflick’s agar medium and 87.8% were preliminarily identified as Mycoplasma species, 12.2% species were Acholeplasmas. All the digitonin sensitive isolates were further subjected to different biochemical and PCR tests for further identification. Overall prevalence of M. bovis lungs samples obtained from slaughter house samples was 9%. Among the Mycoplasma isolates; 108 M. bovis, 29 Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. capri (Mmc) and 16 M. arginini were identified through the biochemical tests. M. bovis and Mycoplasma mycoides subcluster members were further validated through PCR and RFLP. Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies mycoides small colony type (Mmm SC) was not isolated from any of the lung samples. Among the Mycoplasma bovis species isolated, the highest number was observed from Quetta district (16%) followed by Pishin (15%), Zhob (11%) and Kalat (10%). Conversely the lowest number of M. bovis isolates was found in Bolan (2%) district followed by Jaffarabad (3%), 4%, each from Khuzdar, Mustung, Killasaifullah and 7% in Sibi district. Statistical analysis using chi square test, showed a significance difference (χ2=33.38) in the recovery of Mycoplasma bovis from the lungs of cattle slaughtered in 10 districts of Balochistan. ©2013 PVJ. All rights reserved
Evaluation of Using Caged Clams to Monitor Contaminated Groundwater Exposure in the Near-Shore Environment of the Hanford Site 300 Area

The Asiatic clam (Corbicula fluminea) has been identified as an indicator species for locating and monitoring contaminated groundwater in the Columbia River. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory conducted a field study to explore the use of caged Asiatic clams to monitor contaminated groundwater upwelling in the 300 Area near-shore environment and assess seasonal differences in uranium uptake in relation to seasonal flow regimes of the Columbia River. Additional objectives included examining the potential effects of uranium accumulation on growth, survival, and tissue condition of the clams. This report documents the field conditions and procedures, laboratory procedures, and statistical analyses used in collecting samples and processing the data. Detailed results are presented and illustrated, followed by a discussion comparing uranium concentrations in Asiatic clams collected at the 300 Area and describing the relationship between river discharge, groundwater indicators, and uranium in clams. Growth and survival, histology, and other sources of environmental variation also are discussed.
Drug resistance and plasmid profile of bacterial isolates from automated teller machine keypads in Benin city

The purpose of this study was to investigate the drug resistance and plasmid profile of bacterial isolates from automated teller machine (ATM) keypads in Benin City, Nigeria. Samples were collected from the keypads of ATMs situated in banking premises and open access areas using stratified random sampling method at 5 different locations. Isolated bacteria were characterized by extensive phenotypic and biochemical identification procedures. Antibiotic susceptibility pattern and plasmid profile of the isolates were carried out using standard methods. The bacteria isolated were: Klebsiella sp. , Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris, Escherichia coli, Micrococcus luteus, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Corynebacteria sp. , Staphylococcus epidermidis and Streptococcus pyogenes. Each isolate exhibited marked resistance to the antibiotics, with multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index > 0.2. Escherichia coli showed the highest resistance (MAR index, 1) while Micrococcus luteus exhibited the least resistance (MAR index, 0.5) to the antibiotics used. Plasmid profile of the isolates revealed the presence of plasmids in the isolates, with a reduction in antibiotic resistance after plasmid curing in some isolates. This indicated plasmid-mediated resistance among majority of the isolates. From the results obtained, it is pertinent therefore, to adopt proper measures aimed at preventing outbreak of diseases associated with these multi-drug resistant bacteria isolated from ATM keypads. Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res.54(3), 231-240, 2019
INTERDEPENDENCIES BETWEEN DEFENCE AND OFFENCE IN BASKETBALL

The aim of this investigation was to determine and explain the interdependencies between transition and positional defence and offence in elite European basketball. The sample included 24 games from the 2009/2010 Euroleague Top 16 championship season. The sample consisted of 1606 defensive plays and 1637 offensive plays. The nonstandard game-related indicators included were 8 variables related to the total number of successful and unsuccessful transition/positional defences and offences. A series of multiple regression analyses were performed separately for indicators related to successful outcomes and to unsuccessful outcomes. The results confirmed beyond doubt that offence and defence are interrelated and indivisible phases of the basketball game. More explicitly, successful transition offence appears to be based on successful positional and transition defence (R 2 =0.84). Successful transition defence begins with ball possession (in transition or positional offence) and is highly determined (R 2 =0.84) by their success. In contrast, results suggest that successful positional and transitional offence provide confidence and increase motivation in playing successful positional defence (R 2 =0.95). Furthermore, successful positional and transition defence, even in situations where a fast break is not an option, appear to facilitate successful positional offence (R 2 =0.95). Corresponding conclusions for unsuccessful outcomes were also reached. Obtained results suggest that in the situational training process one should develop tactical systems in all game phases in a balanced manner.
Temporal Coherence in Limnological Features of Two Southwestern Reservoirs

Abstract Properties of aquatic ecosystems have recently been considered in a landscape context where lakes in a geographic area are examined to identify common and long-term behavior patterns for one or more variables. Identifying such temporally coherent features should permit generalizations about lake behavior in specific regions and therefore, predictive models based upon such information should have broad applicability within a regional landscape. We considered the temporal coherence of a number of physical, chemical, and biological features of two southwestern reservoirs that differed in age, watersheds, and trophic status to identify common landscape-level predictors of behavior. We found synchronous behavior (temporal coherence) associated with particulate nutrient dynamics (organic carbon, nitrogen and phosphate (PP)), dissolved factors that force plankton dynamics (total dissolved phosphate, reactive phosphate and reactive silicate (SRSi), and with nutrient ratios used as indices of nutrient limitation in the plankton (TDN:TDP, C:P, and N:P). Algal parameters related to biomass (chlorophyll and Simpson's diversity index) did not vary coherently but algal genus richness and bacterial abundance did. Temperature was identified as a forcing function explaining synchronous variability in all cases except SRSi, PP, C:P, N:P, bacteria, and richness. The two systems, although managed for different purposes, behaved similarly with respect to several commonly measured limnological features, most notably, those involving phosphorus. We conclude that it may be possible to use such analysis to establish reference conditions for reservoirs in a given geographic region.
AntisymmetricRNN: A Dynamical System View on Recurrent Neural Networks

Recurrent neural networks have gained widespread use in modeling sequential data. Learning long-term dependencies using these models remains difficult though, due to exploding or vanishing gradients. In this paper, we draw connections between recurrent networks and ordinary differential equations. A special form of recurrent networks called the AntisymmetricRNN is proposed under this theoretical framework, which is able to capture long-term dependencies thanks to the stability property of its underlying differential equation. Existing approaches to improving RNN trainability often incur significant computation overhead. In comparison, AntisymmetricRNN achieves the same goal by design. We showcase the advantage of this new architecture through extensive simulations and experiments. AntisymmetricRNN exhibits much more predictable dynamics. It outperforms regular LSTM models on tasks requiring long-term memory and matches the performance on tasks where short-term dependencies dominate despite being much simpler.
Learning to See the Wood for the Trees: Deep Laser Localization in Urban and Natural Environments on a CPU

Localization in challenging, natural environments, such as forests or woodlands, is an important capability for many applications from guiding a robot navigating along a forest trail to monitoring vegetation growth with handheld sensors. In this letter, we explore laser-based localization in both urban and natural environments, which is suitable for online applications. We propose a deep learning approach capable of learning meaningful descriptors directly from three-dimensional point clouds by comparing triplets (anchor, positive, and negative examples). The approach learns a feature space representation for a set of segmented point clouds that are matched between a current and previous observations. Our learning method is tailored toward loop closure detection resulting in a small model that can be deployed using only a CPU. The proposed learning method would allow the full pipeline to run on robots with limited computational payloads, such as drones, quadrupeds, or Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs).
Query Term Weighting based on Query Performance Prediction

This work presents a general query term weighting approach based on query performance prediction (QPP). To this end, a given term is weighed according to its predicted effect on query performance. Such an effect is assumed to be manifested in the responses made by the underlying retrieval method for the original query and its (simple) variants in the form of a single-term expanded query. Focusing on search re-ranking as the underlying application, the effectiveness of the proposed term weighting approach is demonstrated using several state-of-the-art QPP methods evaluated over TREC corpora.
Extreme Channel Prior Embedded Network for Dynamic Scene Deblurring

Recent years have witnessed the significant progress on convolutional neural networks (CNNs) in dynamic scene deblurring. While CNN models are generally learned by the reconstruction loss defined on training data, incorporating suitable image priors as well as regularization terms into the network architecture could boost the deblurring performance. In this work, we propose an Extreme Channel Prior embedded Network (ECPeNet) to plug the extreme channel priors (i.e., priors on dark and bright channels) into a network architecture for effective dynamic scene deblurring. A novel trainable extreme channel prior embedded layer (ECPeL) is developed to aggregate both extreme channel and blurry image representations, and sparse regularization is introduced to regularize the ECPeNet model learning. Furthermore, we present an effective multi-scale network architecture that works in both coarse-to-fine and fine-to-coarse manners for better exploiting information flow across scales. Experimental results on GoPro and Kohler datasets show that our proposed ECPeNet performs favorably against state-of-the-art deep image deblurring methods in terms of both quantitative metrics and visual quality.
Extending Modular Semantics for Bipolar Weighted Argumentation (Technical Report)

Weighted bipolar argumentation frameworks offer a tool for decision support and social media analysis. Arguments are evaluated by an iterative procedure that takes initial weights and attack and support relations into account. Until recently, convergence of these iterative procedures was not very well understood in cyclic graphs. Mossakowski and Neuhaus recently introduced a unification of different approaches and proved first convergence and divergence results. We build up on this work, simplify and generalize convergence results and complement them with runtime guarantees. As it turns out, there is a tradeoff between semantics' convergence guarantees and their ability to move strength values away from the initial weights. We demonstrate that divergence problems can be avoided without this tradeoff by continuizing semantics. Semantically, we extend the framework with a Duality property that assures a symmetric impact of attack and support relations. We also present a Java implementation of modular semantics and explain the practical usefulness of the theoretical ideas.