Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimal processing of Doppler signals in OCT

Besides structural imaging, OCT can be used to estimate axial velocities of the sample resolved in depth by Doppler processing. In Fourier domain OCT (FD-OCT), this is accomplished by measuring the phase difference (i.e. phase shift) between timely separated A-scans at the same depth. In most cases, these data are disturbed by noise caused by intrinsic noise of the OCT system, specified by the SNR, and decorrelation noise caused by the transversal movement of the optical beam relative to the sample. Since the first use of Doppler methods in OCT, many methods to reduce the phase shift noise by averaging have been presented. While all these methods use a fixed set of consecutive A-scans, the best method, exhibiting no bias and having the smallest standard deviation, was questionable. Recently, Doppler processing methods depending on the mentioned noise sources and delivering the most likely phase shift and thereby axial velocity became available. The relation of these methods to previously known methods like the Kasai estimator, maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) and joint spectral and time domain OCT (jSTdOCT) will be discussed.
An Immunological Polysaccharide from Tremella fuciformis: Essential Role of Acetylation in Immunomodulation

The edible fungus Tremella fuciformis was shown to have a high molecular weight (1.87 × 103 kDa) bioactive polysaccharide, denoted as TFP-F1. Monosaccharide composition and NMR analysis of the polysaccharide and its derivatives indicated it contained fucose (Fucp), xylose (Xylp), mannose (Manp), and glucuronic acid (GlcAp) in a ratio of 0.9:1.0:3.2:1.2. Using IR, NMR, and GC-MS spectroscopic data, the structure of TFP-F1 was elucidated as {→3)-[β-D-GlcAp-(1→2)]-α-D-Manp-(1→3)-α-D-Manp-(1→3)-[α-L-Fucp-(1→2)-β-D-Xylp-(1→2)]-α-D-Manp-(1→}n, with partial acetylation of C6-OH in mannoses. Furthermore, at a concentration of 1 μg/mL, TFP-F1 was found to stimulate the secretion of TNF-α and IL-6 in J774A.1 macrophage cells in vitro via interaction with toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). The removal of O-acetyl groups led to the loss of immunomodulatory activities, demonstrating that O-acetyl groups play an essential role in enhancing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Two‐scale treatment of low‐grazing‐angle scattering from spilling breaker water waves

A two‐scale scattering analysis is applied to two series of profiles that represent the measured time evolution of the crests of spilling breaker waves that were mechanically generated and measured in a wave tank. The backscattering at microwave frequencies and low‐grazing‐angle (LGA) illumination were considered. A deterministic implementation of the perturbation theory that is the foundation of any two‐scale scattering model (TSM) is used that allows an instantaneous comparison of TSM cross sections with reference “exact” cross sections found using a numerical moment‐method‐based electromagnetic approach. TSM proved unable to model the scattering from steep features that appear on the crest both before and after the onset of breaking, even in cases where the horizontal‐to‐vertical polarization ratios are as low as −10 dB. This shows that the “fast” scattering (with Doppler speeds greater than or equal to the velocity of the breaker) associated with these features is not due to Bragg scattering in the traditional sense in these cases despite the low polarization ratios. TSM is more accurate after the steep features subside and the turbulent “scar” roughness is primarily on the front face of the breaker. However, accuracy is lost as the wave propagates and the scar roughness moves to the crest top and back face of the wave. It appears that a scattering coefficient based on the spectral content of the roughness at the Bragg‐resonant condition can provide only a rough estimate of the actual LGA scattering coefficient even after the major steep features have disappeared.
Detection of Mutations in pncA in Mycobacterium tuberculosis Clinical Isolates from Nepal in Association with Pyrazinamide Resistance

Without the proper information on pyrazinamide (PZA) susceptibility of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), PZA is inappropriately recommended for the treatment of both susceptible and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in Nepal. This study aimed to collect information regarding PZA susceptibility in MTB isolates from Nepal by analyzing pncA and its upstream regulatory region (URR). A total of 211 MTB isolates were included in this study. Sequence analysis of pncA and its URR was performed to assess PZA resistance. First-line drug susceptibility testing, spoligotyping, and sequence analysis of rpoB, katG, the inhA regulatory region, gyrA, gyrB, and rrs were performed to assess their association with pncA mutation. Sequencing results reveal that 125 (59.2%) isolates harbored alterations in pncA and its URR. A total of 57 different mutation types (46 reported and 11 novel) were scattered throughout the whole length of the pncA gene. Eighty-seven isolates (41.2%) harbored mutations in pncA, causing PZA resistance in MTB. There was a more significant association of pncA alterations in MDR/pre-extensively drug-resistant (Pre-XDR) TB than in mono-resistant/pan-susceptible TB (p < 0.005). This first report on the increasing level of PZA resistance in DR-TB in Nepal highlights the importance of PZA susceptibility testing before DR-TB treatment.
Non-Lipschitz continuous adaptive regulation of nonlinear systems with uncontrollable unstable linearization

Adaptive regulation problem is solved for a class of nonlinear systems whose Jacobian linearization may have uncontrollable modes with eigenvalues lying on the right half-plane. By proposing a continuous version of the LaSalle-Yoshizawa theorem and using the technique of adding a power integrator, we developed a constructive design tool that solves the adaptive regulation problem under continuous framework. We designed a C/sup 0/ adaptive control input, an update law for unknown parameters, and a C/sup 1/ control Lyapunov function which is positive definite and proper. A physical example is provided to illustrate the proposed adaptive control schemes.
Sequential Tests for the Mean of a Normal Distribution

Abstract : The problem of sequentially testing whether the mean of a normal distribution is positive has been approximated by the continous analogue where one must decide whether the mean drift of a Wiener-Levy process is positive or negative. The asymptotic behavior of the solution of the latter problem was studied as t approaches infinity and zero. The original (discrete) problem can be regarded as a variation of the continuous problem where one is permitted to stop observation only at the discrete time points. The results involves relating the original problem to an associated problem and studying the limiting behavior of the solution of the associated problem. This solution corresponds to the solution of a Wiener-Hopf equation. The associated problem is the following: a WienerLevy process Zt starting at a point (z,t), t is less than 0 is observed at a cost of one per unit time. If the observation is stopped before t = 0, there is no payoff. If t = 0 is reached, the payoff is the quantity squared if it is less than 0 and 0 if it is more than or equal to 0. Stopping is permitted at times t = -1, -2,. The conditional risk for the optimal procedure, given Zt=z is studied. Bounds and limiting properties are derived using Spitzer's results on the solution of certain Wiener-Hopf equations. (Author)
Congregation Shopping During the Pandemic: A Research Note

The COVID‐19 pandemic provided perhaps the perfect storm to shake up American religion. Congregations closed for a time, the majority offered services online, and people seemed willing to engage with web worship. Moreover, the country was as divided as ever, polarized around the most divisive president in the modern era. In this research note, we focus on data from the middle of the peak of the pandemic (October 2020) to assess the degree to which individuals shopped for new congregations, the degree to which politics and church closures motivated that search, and whether congregational leaving grew during this period. Congregational leaving is perhaps a third greater than normal and shopping appears much higher than normal. Notably, shoppers are not necessarily leavers, and political differences play a role, particularly in the decision to leave among marginal members. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)
A qualitative meta-synthesis examining spirituality as experienced by individuals living with terminal cancer

This review aimed to examine and synthesise literature on spirituality as experienced by individuals living with terminal cancer. Six databases were systematically searched for studies with qualitative findings relevant to spirituality and terminal cancer. Thirty-seven studies were included and thematic synthesis was used to identify themes. Analytical themes included: making sense of dying; living with dying; feeling connected; and being reflective. This review highlights how the experience of spirituality can positively impact the lives of terminal cancer patients. Further, these findings suggest that spirituality can be a transformative experience that allows individuals to experience peace at end of life.
Team Performance: Nature and Antecedents of Nonnormal Distributions

Team research typically assumes that team performance is normally distributed: teams cluster around average performance, performance variability is not substantial, and few teams inhabit the upper range of the distribution. Ironically, although most team research and methodological practices rely on the normality assumption, many theories actually imply nonnormality (e.g., performance spirals, team composition, team learning, punctuated equilibrium). Accordingly, we investigated the nature and antecedents of team performance distributions by relying on 274 performance distributions including 200,825 teams (e.g., sports, politics, firefighters, information technology, customer service) and more than 500,000 workers. First, regarding their overall nature, only 11% of the distributions were normal, star teams are much more prevalent than predicted by normality, the power law with an exponential cutoff is the most dominant distribution among nonnormal distributions (i.e., 73%), and incremental differentiation (i.e., differential performance trajectories across teams) is the best explanation for the emergence of these distributions. Second, this conclusion remained unchanged after examining theory-based boundary conditions (i.e., tournament versus nontournament contexts, performance as aggregation of individual-level performance versus performance as a team-level construct, performance assessed with versus without a hard left-tail zero, and more versus less sample homogeneity). Third, we used the team learning curve literature as a conceptual framework to test hypotheses and found that authority differentiation and lower temporal stability are associated with distributions with larger performance variability (i.e., a greater proportion of star teams). We discuss implications for existing theory, future research directions, and methodological practices (e.g., need to check for nonnormality, Bayesian analysis, outlier management).
Practical Application of a Multi-Bed Adsorbent Tube Coupled with GC-MS for Low-Level VOCs Identification to Achieve Comprehensive Odor Management

We investigated the effectiveness of a multi-sorbent tube (M-Tube) to improve the sampling method for a wide range of odor-causing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at low concentrations. The M-Tube applied in this study was a fixed tube packed with three adsorbents (Carboxen®, Carbopack™, and Tenax®-TA) in series. To verify the efficiency of the M-Tube, a comparative study was conducted against a single tube (S-Tube, Tenax®-TA). A total of 42 target compounds were selected, including eight different chemical groups: terpenes, hydrocarbons, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, esters, furans, and alkanes, to verify the effectiveness of the M-Tube. In the laboratory test, response factors, which are the ratios between output signals of gas chromatography by the sorbent-tube sample and the liquid-standard sample, for the M-Tube were higher than those for the S-Tube. The breakthrough volume of the M-Tube was higher than that of the S-Tube, indicating that the M-Tube had a relatively lower method detection limit. In the field application to the sewage treatment plant, 29 compounds were identified, and their concentration ranged from 0.3 to 98 ppbv (above MDL). The detected compounds were considered odor-causing VOCs, and the odor contribution of the compounds could be assessed. We ultimately concluded that comprehensive odor management could be established by determining trace VOCs.
Motivational Influences Affecting Middle-Aged and Elderly Users’ Participation Intention in Health-Related Social Media

Social media provide users with multi-directional dialogue for creating and sharing health information that can effectively promote the self-management of health. In regard to the ‘greying’ trend in social media, most researchers have studied the health-related social media (HRSM) acceptance status and use behavior of middle-aged and elderly people, and have explored the role of HRSM in this group. However, the continuous participation of users is the key to the successful operation of HRSM, and is an essential prerequisite for the subsequent HRSM behavior habits of middle-aged and elderly people. Therefore, we aimed to explore what motivations drive the first use of HRSM among middle-aged and older adults, and the impact of their perception of HRSM, after personal use, on their intention to use it continually. In the study, we used the partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM) to analyze data collected from online questionnaires. The results showed that a self-protection motivation and a social motivation promoted the initial participation of middle-aged and elderly individuals. In addition, these people experienced deeper levels of perceived usefulness and perceived entertainment after their initial participation. The results also revealed that these two perceptions could positively influence middle-aged and elderly individuals’ intention to continue with their participation. Our findings should help service platforms to better understand the needs of middle-aged and elderly users. This would help researchers and practitioners to gain a more complete understanding of the motivation of middle-aged and elderly people for participating in HRSM, and the related impacts this may have.
Determining the Factors Affecting a Career Shifter’s Use of Software Testing Tools amidst the COVID-19 Crisis in the Philippines: TTF-TAM Approach

The restrictions of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the downturn of various industries and in contrast a massive growth of the information technology industry. Consequently, more Filipinos are considering career changes to earn a living. However, more people still need to be upskilled. This study combines the extended Technology Acceptance Model and Task Technology Fit framework to determine factors affecting a career shifter’s use of software testing tools and its impact on perceived performance impact amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines. A total of 150 software testers voluntarily participated and accomplished an online questionnaire consisting of 39 questions. The Structural Equation Modeling and Deep Learning Neural Network indicated that Task Technology Fit had a higher effect on Perceived Performance Impact. Moreover, Task Technology Fit positively influenced Perceived Usefulness. Computer Self-Efficacy was a strong predictor of Perceived Ease of Use. Perceived Ease of Use confirmed the Technology Acceptance Model framework as a strong predictor of Actual System Use. Intention to Use, Perceived Usefulness, Actual Use, and Subjective Norm were also significant factors affecting Perceived Performance Impact. This study is the first to explore the career shifter’s use of software testing tools in the Philippines. The framework would be very valuable in enhancing government policies for workforce upskilling, improving the private sector’s training and development practices, and developing a more competitive software testing tool that would hasten users’ adaptability. Lastly, the methodology, findings, and framework could be applied and extended to evaluate other technology adoption worldwide.
Recent Advances in the Neuroprotective Properties of Ferulic Acid in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Narrative Review

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive degenerative disorder of the central nervous system, characterized by neuroinflammation, neurotransmitter deficits, and neurodegeneration, which finally leads to neuronal death. Emerging evidence highlighted that hyperglycemia and brain insulin resistance represent risk factors for AD development, thus suggesting the existence of an additional AD form, associated with glucose metabolism impairment, named type 3 diabetes. Owing to the limited pharmacological options, novel strategies, especially dietary approaches based on the consumption of polyphenols, have been addressed to prevent or, at least, slow down AD progression. Among polyphenols, ferulic acid is a hydroxycinnamic acid derivative, widely distributed in nature, especially in cereal bran and fruits, and known to be endowed with many bioactivities, especially antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic, thus suggesting it could be exploited as a possible novel neuroprotective strategy. Considering the importance of ferulic acid as a bioactive molecule and its widespread distribution in foods and medicinal plants, the aim of the present narrative review is to provide an overview on the existing preclinical and clinical evidence about the neuroprotective properties and mechanisms of action of ferulic acid, also focusing on its ability to modulate glucose homeostasis, in order to support a further therapeutic interest for AD and type 3 diabetes.
Relationship between Different Dimensions of Workplace Spirituality and Psychological Well-Being: Measuring Mediation Analysis through Conditional Process Modeling

The present study aims to identify the relationship between workplace spirituality, compassion, relationship with others at work, spiritual orientation, organizational value and alignment of personal values, and psychological well-being among universities’ teachers. Further, the mediating effect of job stress was also identified between workplace spirituality and psychological well-being. Similarly, the mediation of environmental mastery between organizational values and alignment of personal values and psychological well-being was examined. Finally, we examined the mediation of personal growth between spiritual orientation and psychological well-being. The data were collected through a structured and adapted five-point Likert scale using a purposive sampling technique, with a total sample of 873 male and female university teachers working in the private and government universities. We employed structural equation modeling to check the relationship among the considered variables for analysis purposes. The results show a strong positive relationship between the independent and dependent variables. The findings further demonstrated that the mediation analysis confirms that job stress mediates the relationship between workplace spirituality and psychological well-being, and environmental mastery mediates between organizational values and alignment of personal values and psychological well-being. Finally, personal growth mediates between spiritual orientation and psychological well-being. To maintain the excellent quality of education, educational institutes need to identify and imply the practice of workplace spirituality that will help to reduce job stress and improve the psychological well-being of universities’ teachers, thus resulting in better educational output.
The Atmosphere of Jupiter: An Analysis of Voyager Radio Occultation Measurements.

Coherently related S (2.3 GHz) and X band (8.4 GHz) signals transmitted from Voyager 1 and 2 have been used to probe the Jovian atmosphere during occultations of the spacecraft by Jupiter. The observations have yielded profiles in height of the gas refractivity, molecular number density, pressure, temperature, and microwave absorption in the troposphere and stratosphere of Jupiter at latitudes ranging from 0° to about 70°S. The data cover a pressure range from 1000 to 1 mbar over a height interval of 160 km. At the 1000-mbar level, the temperature was 165±5 K, and the lapse rate was equal to the adiabatic value of 2.1 K/km, within the resolution of the measurements. The ammonia abundance in this region of the atmosphere was about 0.022±0.008%, in approximate agreement with the value derived from cosmic abundance considerations. The tropopause, which was detected near the 140-mbar level, had a temperature of 110 K. Above the tropopause, the temperature increased with increasing altitude, reaching 160±20 K in the 10- to 1-mbar region of the stratosphere. Significant horizontal density variations were detected in the stratosphere. This may imply a nonuniform temperature and aerosol distribution across the Jovian disk or high- and low-pressure regions due to local atmospheric dynamics. The zenoid or gravity equipotential surface which best fits the 100-mbar isobaric surface has an equatorial radius of 71,541±4 km and a polar radius of 66,896±4 km.
Discovery potential for charmonium-like state Y (3940) by the meson photoproduction

In this work, we investigate the discovery potential for Y (3940) by the photoproduction process p ! Y (3940)p. The numerical result shows that the upper (lower) limit of the total cross section for p ! Y (3940)p is up to the order of 1 nb (0.1 µb). Additionally, the background analysis and the Dalitz plot relevant to the production of Y (3940) are studied. The Dalitz plot analysis of Y (3940) production indicates that Y (3940) signal can be distinguished from the background clearly. The lower limit of the number of events of Y (3940) reaches up to 10/0.02GeV 2 for 1 × 10 9 collisions of p by studying the invariant mass spectrum of J/ ! An experimental search for Y (3940) by the meson photoproduction is suggested. PACS numbers: 14.40. Lb, 13.60. Le, 12.39. Fe
Traceable calibration of a broadband seismometer down to 5 mHz

Broadband seismometers have been widely employed in geophysical observation and disaster prevention. To ensure the reliability of the measurement, traceable calibration of their sensitivities following ISO 16063-11 down to 8 mHz is required. However, the calibration accuracy generally degrades below 0.1 Hz due to tilt-coupling error. In this paper, two tilt-coupling correction methods are investigated: one is a dynamic tilt measurement method using an autocollimator, and the other is a comparison method using a reference accelerometer. These methods were introduced to the primary calibration system to calibrate a seismometer between 5 mHz and 200 Hz. As a result, the tilt-coupling error was corrected with an estimated uncertainty of less than 2% at 5 mHz, and the bandpass response of the seismometer sensitivity was confirmed with the traceable method.