Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Photonic dot-product engine for optical signal and information processing

In this paper, a novel 2 × 2 Mach–Zehnder-interferometer (MZI)-based dot-product calculator is proposed and analyzed in the silicon-on-insulator (SOI) platform. To calculate the dot product, a phase-shifted Bragg grating (PSBG) modulator is placed in each arm of the MZI for the phase modulation at the resonant wavelength, followed by a 3 dB 2 × 2 directional coupler (DC) as the output to convert the phase difference into the intensity distribution across bar and cross ports. Moreover, an electro-absorption modulator (EAM) is implemented between the PSBG and the DC to change the intensity of the passing light in both arms. Theoretical modeling shows that by adjusting the phase difference and absorption strength individually, multiplication of two input values can be achieved using the proposed design. Numerical analysis over 10 000 dot-product operations with 7 bit precision for input values reveals a mean squared error (MSE) of 2.67 × 10−5. By cascading multiple proposed designs operated at different wavelengths, vector-by-vector multiplication can be realized in parallel, leveraging the wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) scheme and the Bragg reflection mechanism, with results superior to the current and prior MZI-based processors with coherent light sources. This design paves the way for large-scale optical information processing systems with high throughput.
Analysis for the Thermal Environment of the Wooden House Room under the Sod Planted Roof

The influence on indoor thermal environment under the sod covered roof was studied. The roof was covered by the soil with a thickness of 100mm and turf grass. Continuation observation of air-temperature, globe-temperature, humidity and wind-speed has done in the room of the third floor (attic room), and the room of the first floor in the mid summer season of 2003 and 2004. The results evaluated using Fanger's PMV index shows that there is no big difference in the thermal environment of the third floor and the first floor. Since the surface of an attic cools the interior of a room effectively, indoor thermal environment of the third floor was kept comfortable. When the simulation of the difference from an ordinary roof (rock-wool slate roofing) was carried out, it turns out that the load of indoor air-conditioning becomes about 1/21.
Response surface methodology designation for optimization of lactic acid production by Streptococcus thermophilus isolated from industrial yogurt

Using inexpensive sources is a crucial point in the production of valuable compounds such as lactic acid. In the present study, the production of lactic acid by an efficient isolate of S. thermophilus was optimized using whey as a carbon source and yeast extract as a nitrogen source. MRS culture medium with 6.5 % NaCl was used for the isolation of streptococci from industrial yogurt samples and the selected isolate was identified using the 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Evaluation of lactic acid production was done by the Randox method. Lactic acid production by the selected isolate was optimized by response surface methodology (RSM) in MRS broth regarding to different concentrations of whey and yeast extract. The isolate that produced the highest amount (8.9 g.L-1) of lactic acid within 52 h growth in MRS broth was identified as a strain of S. thermophilus by molecular identification. Optimization of concentrations of carbon and nitrogen sources resulted in the induction of lactic acid production by Streptococcus thermophilus up to 24.18 g.L-1 in the presence of 3.5 % of whey and 5 % of yeast extract as external carbon and nitrogen sources in the MRS medium, which was similar to the value predicted by RSM. Yeast extract was found to be more effective on lactic acid production than whey. Optimization of lactic acid production by low-cost substrates whey and yeast extract resulted in high induction of lactic acid production by S. thermophilus compared to some other studies that used other cost-effective substrates and/or bacteria isolated from traditional dairy products.
Effects of electroconvulsive therapy on certain attention tests in patients with schizophrenia

It is known that patients with schizophrenia have positive and negative symptoms, as well as deterioration in cognitive functions. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effects of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) on certain attention tests in patients with schizophrenia. The study included 103 patients who were diagnosed with schizophrenia according to the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria (39 outpatients receiving antipsychotic treatment alone, 32 inpatients receiving ECT+antipsychotic treatment, and 32 inpatients receiving antipsychotic treatment alone) and 42 healthy volunteers. The Stroop and digit span tasks were used as attention tests. Disease severity was assessed using the Scales for the Assessment of Positive/Negative Symptoms. There was a significant deterioration in the Stroop 4 and Stroop time difference values in all the three patient groups. No significant deterioration was observed in the digit span test in any of the groups. The Stroop 4, Stroop time difference and Stroop spontaneous correction scores were found to be associated with both negative and positive symptoms in the ECT+antipsychotic treatment group. The Stroop spontaneous correction scores were associated with positive symptoms only in the group receiving antipsychotic treatment alone. The only significant improvement in the number of spontaneous corrections was observed in the ECT group after therapy compared to the baseline. However, no significant change was observed in the Stroop 4 and Stroop time difference results, which were impaired compared to the normal scores. In the group receiving only antipsychotic treatment, there were significant improvements in Stroop 4, Stroop time difference and number of spontaneous corrections after treatment. In this study, it was determined that ECT added to drug treatment had positive rather than negative effects on the patients’ performance in attention tests, although not as much as drug treatment. However, it should be considered that the group in which ECT was added to treatment consisted of more severe cases.
Mitigation of blast effects on underground structure using compressible porous foam barriers

Explosions on the ground surface induce strains on underground structures, such as tunnels and pipelines. Depending on the size of the explosion, distances involved, and the nature of the intervening material, these strains can be relatively high, thus causing severe damage to the structure. Barriers may be used to protect a structure, by reducing the strains created as a result of the explosion. The role of compressible protective barriers (made of polyurethane foam) and rigid barriers (made of concrete) in reducing the impact of a surface explosion, were studied. Results of physical model experiments, conducted on geotechnical centrifuge, are presented and analyzed to evaluate the effectiveness of different types of barriers. Numerical model analyses were also conducted to further understand the behavior of different types of protective covers compare them to a soil cover. Results of such studies can help design barrier systems capable of mitigating effects of explosions, thus protecting essential components of underground infrastructure.
Explaining Geographic Shifts of Chip Making toward East Asia and Market Dynamics in Semiconductor Global Production Networks

Abstract Few recent geographic studies have focused on how market dynamics might explain macroregional shifts in industrial production. This article examines the pivoting of semiconductor manufacturing toward East Asia during the 2010s, drawing upon proprietary data sets and interviews with leading semiconductor firms. Building on the existing conceptions of user-producer collaborations in economic geography, I conceptualize the relevance of market dynamics for explaining industrial-geographic change. In particular, I specify how customer intimacy in intermediate markets and demand responsiveness in end markets, as two critical dimensions of market dynamics, create strong demand for new chip-making capacity, and how spatial and relational proximity can strengthen interfirm collaboration and customer intimacy in semiconductor production networks. Empirically, market dynamics prompting massive growth in East Asian chip-making capacity are manifested in new product transition and chip demand from global lead firms in the information and communications technology sector and their manufacturing partners mostly located in East Asia. Demand responsiveness to new lead firms and end markets within East Asia has also induced chip design and new capacity to be colocated in the region. Customer intimacy between chip design firms and their foundry providers has led to massive growth of outsourced wafer fabrication in East Asia. Complementing supply-side explanations, such as state support and technological leveraging, this article’s core findings on demand-led market dynamics in explaining geographic shifts in semiconductor manufacturing contribute not only to the studies of global production networks in high-tech industries but also to the renewed interest among geographers in market dynamics and their consequences for uneven development.
Evidence of metal–organic coordination between Fe and flavonoid chrysin in a green anticorrosion film

ABSTRACT This work shows interesting results for a metal–organic complex as a green corrosion inhibitor. The study describes features of two passive films (PF) containing chrysin for mild steel in H2SO4 by means of electrochemical noise under a potentiostaic regime as a function of time. The features showed a current reduction due to the formation of a passive film with better stability and homogeneity when chrysin is absorbed at the optimal experimental potential. PF formed at 50 ppm presented a very high corrosion protection over seven hours reducing the current density seven orders of magnitude, and PF formed at 300 ppm showed two orders of magnitude decrease over 23 h. PF analysis by FT-IR spectra showed important stretch band shift vibrations in the carbonyl and hydroxyl groups as evidence of the presence of metal–organic complex. Moreover, the information provided by adsorption isotherms and quantum chemical calculations confirmed the coordinated bonds established by chemisorption process which correlates with the experimental results. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
A New Load-shedding Approach for Microgrids in the Presence of Wind Turbines

Abstract Following the penetration of microgrids in distribution systems, frequency deviations in contingency conditions are becoming increasingly important. Therefore, effective load shedding is necessary to regulate the frequency. This article develops a new load-shedding method for microgrids considering wind speed changes. The proposed method uses a combination of frequency and voltage data for determining load-shedding amounts in each contingency condition. For this purpose, the total required load shedding is determined first by using transient stability analysis in different contingency scenarios in microgrids. This will establish a database for an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system network to determine the total required load shedding. Then a fuzzy system is used to determine the load shedding in each step dynamically based on the severity of contingencies. The proposed method capability is compared with the conventional load-shedding method. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed method for microgrid control in contingency conditions.
High Water Contents in Zircons Suggest Water‐Fluxed Crustal Melting During Cratonic Destruction

Water is essential for the formation of granites, but its origin and role in granite generation (i.e., dehydration vs. water‐fluxed melting) remain uncertain. These issues are addressed by combining water abundances and other geochemical indices in zircons from Late Mesozoic granites generated during the destruction of the North China Craton (NCC). The water contents in zircons from the NCC Early Cretaceous granites (763 ppm, median) are much higher than those of the NCC Jurassic granites (424–513 ppm), upper mantle and continental arc magmas (92–477 ppm). More importantly, the higher water contents in the voluminous Early Cretaceous granites also have higher zircon saturation temperatures, εHf(t), and lower δ18O values. These observations suggest a predominantly mantle origin for the water, and water‐fluxed crustal melting, in which larger water ingression produced more voluminous melts. The high‐water flux was likely related to the subduction of the Paleo‐Pacific Plate, which ultimately destabilized the NCC.
Randomized controlled trial study examining positive emotions and hope in solution-focused brief therapy with substance using parents involved in child welfare system

ABSTRACT Objective This study examines whether parents involved in the child welfare system, due to substance abuse, who receive solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) counseling experience more hope and positive emotions than those receiving treatment-as-usual counseling services. Methods Randomized controlled trial design was used to evaluate the effectiveness of SFBT in primary substance use treatment services for parents (n = 123). Difference-in-Difference (DiD) estimation was used to assess the effect of SFBT intervention on hope, positive emotions, and negative emotions. Results DiD analyses showed SFBT parents had slightly worse scores on hope and emotion subscales at baseline and demonstrated slightly greater positive changes on all scales at posttest, though these findings were not statistically different from control group. Positive associations between SFBT and hope sub-scales were found; however, effects were not statistically significant. Conclusion SFBT may help increase positive emotions and hope in parents through a solution-building approach, but more research is needed.
Impact of 3D cloud structures on the atmospheric trace gas products from UV–Vis sounders – Part 1: Synthetic dataset for validation of trace gas retrieval algorithms

Abstract. Retrievals of trace gas concentrations from satellite observations are mostly performed for clear regions or regions with low cloud coverage. However, even fully clear pixels can be affected by clouds in the vicinity, either by shadowing or by scattering of radiation from clouds in the clear region. Quantifying the error of retrieved trace gas concentrations due to cloud scattering is a difficult task. One possibility is to generate synthetic data by three-dimensional (3D) radiative transfer simulations using realistic 3D atmospheric input data, including 3D cloud structures. Retrieval algorithms may be applied on the synthetic data, and comparison to the known input trace gas concentrations yields the retrieval error due to cloud scattering. In this paper we present a comprehensive synthetic dataset which has been generated using the Monte Carlo radiative transfer model MYSTIC (Monte Carlo code for the phYSically correct Tracing of photons In Cloudy atmospheres). The dataset includes simulated spectra in two spectral ranges (400–500 nm and the O2A-band from 755–775 nm). Moreover it includes layer air mass factors (layer-AMFs) calculated at 460 nm. All simulations are performed for a fixed background atmosphere for various sun positions, viewing directions and surface albedos. Two cloud setups are considered: the first includes simple box clouds with various geometrical and optical thicknesses. This can be used to systematically investigate the sensitivity of the retrieval error on solar zenith angle, surface albedo and cloud parameters. Corresponding 1D simulations are also provided. The second includes realistic three-dimensional clouds from an ICON large eddy simulation (LES) for a region covering Germany and parts of surrounding countries. The scene includes cloud types typical of central Europe such as shallow cumulus, convective cloud cells, cirrus and stratocumulus. This large dataset can be used to quantify the trace gas concentration retrieval error statistically. Along with the dataset, the impact of horizontal photon transport on reflectance spectra and layer-AMFs is analysed for the box-cloud scenarios. Moreover, the impact of 3D cloud scattering on the NO2 vertical column density (VCD) retrieval is presented for a specific LES case. We find that the retrieval error is largest in cloud shadow regions, where the NO2 VCD is underestimated by more than 20 %. The dataset is available for the scientific community to assess the behaviour of trace gas retrieval algorithms and cloud correction schemes in cloud conditions with 3D structure.
Nephrotoxicity of nickel nano and microparticles in rat- a comparative, time dependent study with special reference to antioxidant defence system

Abstract A comparative and time dependent study on the effects of nickel oxide nano and nickel oxide microparticles (5 mg/kg body weight) each, has been performed in the kidney of male Wistar rats at two intervals of 15 and 30 days. Morphological, functional changes and effects on antioxidant enzymes in the kidney were studied. Exposure to both, NiONPs and NiOMPs significantly enhanced the generation of reactive oxygen species viz. malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide in rat kidney. However, increase was higher in NiONPs treated rats than NiOMPs treated rats. Diminished values for reduced glutathione and enzymes, that is, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidise and catalase confirmed the role of oxidative stress in NiONPs induced nephrotoxicity. Increased oxidative DNA damage and histopathological changes further supported this hypothesis. Present results suggest that nanoparticles of nickel are more toxic to kidney than nickel metal ions. Reactive oxygen species are a critical factor in NiONPs induced renal toxicity in rat.
Reduction of Fe Levels in Groundwater Using Aeration-Filtration Method with Tray Aerator System

The presence of high iron (Fe) content in water consumption is a major factor that causes health and aesthetic problems. Its amount in water samples can be reduced by combining the aeration and filtration methods of water treatment. The aeration method basically involves making direct contact between air and water, which is usually done by adding both together. Subsequently, the filtration method uses porous media like sand, gravel, and activated charcoal to filter water.This research compares the effectiveness of aeration, filtration, and combined aeration-filtration methods of water treatment. For the aeration method, a form of trays aerator arranged in 6 levels with a distance of 20cm is used along with a varied contact time duration of 1, 3, and 5 hours. In addition, quartz sand, activated carbon, palm fiber, and coral were used as the media for the filtration method. The results obtained as the % value of iron (Fe) removal were varied at a contact time of 1, 3, and 5 hours for both the aeration and combined aeration-filtration method, and 46.95; 78.2; 82.48; 72.32; 81.71; 87.24; and 70.44 for the filtration method shows the working effectiveness of the tools. The combination of aeration with filtration provides maximum results when compared to using aeration alone or filtration methods alone.
Mussel‐ and Barnacle Cement Proteins‐Inspired Dual‐Bionic Bioadhesive with Repeatable Wet‐Tissue Adhesion, Multimodal Self‐Healing, and Antibacterial Capability for Nonpressing Hemostasis and Promoted Wound Healing

Massive bleeding and wound infection are the major problems often observed during severe trauma, and achieving rapid hemostasis in cases of high‐dose bleeding in arteries and viscera remains an acute clinical demand. Herein, a mussel‐ and barnacle cement proteins‐inspired dual‐bionic hydrogel is first proposed. Benefiting from abundant phenolic hydroxyl groups, a tough dissipative matrix, removal of interfacial water, as well as dynamic redox balance of phenol‐quinone, the multinetwork hydrogel achieves repeatable robust wet‐tissue adhesiveness (151.40 ± 1.50 kPa), a fast multimodal self‐healing ability, and excellent antibacterial property against both Gram‐positive/negative bacteria. For rabbit/pig models of cardiac penetration holes and femoral artery injuries, the dual‐bionic bioadhesive shows better hemostatic efficiency than commercial gauze due to the synergistic effect of strong wound sealing capability, excellent red blood cell capturing property, and activation of hemostatic barrier membrane. More interestingly, the hydrogel combined with commercial hemostatic sponge presents accelerated wound healing as well as great potential for treating deep‐wound hemorrhage in a battlefield environment. Overall, owing to these unique advantages, the novel tissue‐adhesive hemostat opens up a new avenue to rapid sealing hemostasis and wound healing applications.
Polymorphisms in CYP2C8 gene in Pakistani population and their frequencies in various ethnic groups

Cytochrome P4502C8 represents 7% of the hepatic cytochrome system and metabolizes around 5% of drugs in phase I processes. It also plays a significant role in the metabolism of endogenous compounds. More than 20 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been reported, mainly in exon 3, 5, and 8. Some of the SNP’s lead to decreased enzyme activity and may have impact on drug metabolism. This research study aims to determine the frequencies of the most common SNPs of the CYP2C8 gene (CYP2C8*2, *3, *4) in the Pakistani population. A cross-sectional study consisting of 391 healthy humans was conducted after taking informed consent. DNA was extracted using commercial kits, and allelic and genotype frequencies were determined after PCR amplification, restriction fragment length polymorphism, and gel electrophoresis. The rate of minor allele was found to be 11.64% for CYP2C8*2, 14.71% for CYP2C8*3, and 1.53% for CYP2C8*4. Comparison with the 1000 Genome project reveals that the allelic frequencies of CYP2C8*4 in Pakistani population were similar to other South Asian populations while the frequencies of CYP2C8*2 and CYP2C8*3 as significantly different from other South Asian populations. A significant interethnic variation was also observed among Pakistani ethnicities. The CYP2C8*2 allele was highest in the Sindhi population, CYP2C8*3 in the Pashtoon population and CYP2C8*4 in the Balochi population. These data suggest that the frequency of poor metabolizers of CYP2C8 is high enough in the Pakistani population to warrant further genotype-phenotype correlations studies on individual drugs metabolized by CYP2C8 enzyme.
Evaluation of Phytochemical Composition of Ginger Extracts

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) belongs to Zingiberaceae family. The used part of the plant is rhizome. This plant produces an orchid like flower with greenish yellow petals streaked with purple color. Ginger is cultivated in areas characterized by abundant rainfall. Even though it is native to southern Asia, ginger is also cultivated in tropical areas such as Jamaica, China, Nigeria and Haiti and it is an important spice crop in India [1]. Ginger, Zingiber officinalis, is a perennial herbaceous plant that is a part of the Zingiberaceae family. Ginger is an important plant with several medicinal, ethno medicinal and nutritional values (Kumar et al., 2011). Ginger is the underground rhizome of the ginger plant with a firm, striated texture. Zingiber officinale R. , commonly known as ginger belongs to family Zingiberaceae [1].