Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the structure, configuration, and sizing of Cu and Cu oxide nanoparticles generated by fs laser ablation of solid target in liquids

We report on the analysis of structure, configuration, and sizing of Cu and Cu oxide nanoparticles (Nps) produced by femtosecond (fs) laser ablation of solid copper target in liquids. Laser pulse energy ranged between 500 μJ and 50 μJ. Water and acetone were used to produce the colloidal suspensions. The study was performed through optical extinction spectroscopy using Mie theory to fit the full experimental spectra, considering free and bound electrons size dependent contributions to the metal dielectric function. Raman spectroscopy and AFM technique were also used to characterize the sample. Considering the possible oxidation of copper during the fabrication process, two species (Cu and Cu2O) arranged in two structures (bare core or core-shell) and in two configuration types (Cu-Cu2O or Cu2O-Cu) were considered for the fitting depending on the laser pulse energy and the surrounding media. For water at high energy, it can be observed that a Cu-Cu2O configuration fits the experimental spectra of the collo.
The connection technology based on high temperature silica fiber optic sensor

The connection technology between silica Fiber Bragg Grating sensors (FBGs) and ultra-high temperature ceramic composites (UHTCs) is solved to measure the temperature and strain at the same time when the structural temperature higher than 500°C in this paper. A series experiments were carried out to compare the connection properties, and then the best adhesive was selected. A lot of attempts have been made to choose the best curing process. The experiments were carried out at 500°C, and results shown that the response wavelength and the heated temperature have positive linear relationship. The wavelength will increase 0.0096nm with the temperature rise 1°C, and 1με changes will induce the response wavelength increase 0.002nm. A feasible method for high temperature measuring based fiber Bragg grating was given in this study, and the results of this study can be used as an important reference data for hot structure the thermal protection systems designing.
Effect of thermally induced microstructural changes on the mechanical properties and ballistic performance of poly (p-phenylene terephthalamide) fibers

Microstructural variations have a strong influence on the load transfer capacity of the high-performance polymeric fibers, which is also reflected in their ballistic property changes. The focus of the present study is to investigate thermally induced microstructural changes and their reflection on the mechanical properties and theoretical ballistic limit of poly (p-phenylene terephthalamide) fibers by a correlation. From the quantitative analysis of XRD, thermally induced changes in unit cell a-dimension show profound sensitivity in affecting the tenacity and modulus of the fibers. Based on the physicochemical changes in FTIR and FESEM analysis, significant surface deterioration and changes in the chemical network are observed. However, dimensional variations of the crystal structure along a-direction show a stronger influence than the chemical and morphological changes, reflecting sigmoidal responses with tenacity, modulus and theoretical V50 by correlations. As an effect of unit cell dimensional variation, changes in crystallinity are resulted and lead to the loss in theoretical ballistic limit of the fibers by following first-order kinetics. Lastly, angular separation and (200) orientation angle are determined to build a global correlation with modulus and theoretical ballistic limit for quickly decoding macro-changes in terms of micro-properties. The given correlations can help to identify crystallographic transformations upon other induction techniques and view their effect on mechanical and ballistic parameters. In addition, the given approach can be extended for different ballistic materials under any environmental conditions. Graphical Abstract
Building extreme right discourses on Twitter for non-campaign periods: insights from populist leaders across Europe

The growing success of extreme right-wing populist parties changed the political state of play in Europe, which has been widely studied by the literature. Populist parties apply a particular communication style, based on simple and non-mediated messages on social media that promote distrust in public institutions. However, the ways in which these strategies are applied for non-campaigns weeks remain little addressed by academia, as well as its development in small countries. This study examines how far-right leaders from European countries with different sizes and historical extremist backgrounds used Twitter during a non-campaign period (29 September 2020 to 28 February 2021). Specifically, we analyze the issues (issue frame), strategies (game frame), and propaganda mechanisms employed through a mixture of quantitative and qualitative approaches. The sample includes the messages posted on Twitter (n=1346) by the leaders of the main far-right parties in France (Rassemblement National), Austria (FPÖ), Germany (AfD), Spain (Vox), and Portugal (Chega! ). A manual content analysis was applied, allowing comparison of countries with different traditions regarding the Extreme Right. The results show a common pattern of anti-migration messages as the main topic for their communication style, but some differences are found in terms of agenda and propaganda. The most recent parties (AfD, Vox, and Chega! ) rarely use Twitter tools, which means leaving behind the interactive capacity of social media; meanwhile, the agenda is less thematic in the Austrian and Portuguese cases. Our research contributes to discussions about the communication practices of far-right populist parties in Europe, identifying trends by country as the binary opposition between the people and the elite is not expressed through the same type of propaganda.
Maximum Likelihood Estimation of Linear Models for Longitudinal Data with Inequality Constraints

Maximum likelihood (ML) estimation for linear models with longitudinal data under inequality restrictions is investigated. Within-subject correlations are modeled by parametric structure. Asymptotic properties of constrained ML estimates, including strong consistency, approximate representation and asymptotic distribution, are derived. Finally, the ML estimators with and without constraints are compared in terms of sample bias, sample mean-square error MSE and sample variance of the estimators by a simulation.
Sarah Waller’s Help-Seeking Model: Understanding African American Women Intimate Partner Violence Survivors’ Help-seeking Process

African American women overwhelmingly experience the poorest outcomes resulting from intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization. Despite theoretical advancements, there remain a paucity of theories that explicate this marginalized population’s comprehensive help-seeking process that includes the domestic violence service provision system and the Black church. We conducted 30 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with women who self-identified as African American. We utilized sensitizing concepts from the Transtheoretical Model of Change and Intersectionality theories, along with Agency framework and employed constructivist grounded theory methodology. Sarah’s Help-Seeking Model emerged from the data and includes nine phases: (1) Awareness, (2) Acknowledgment, (3) Assessment, (4) Enough, (5) Enlist, (6) Escalate, (7) Reject, (8) Resolve, and (9) Restoration. This is the first theory that identifies how this vulnerable and underserved population’s mental health and social support-seeking process is partially mediated by mistrust of law enforcement, disappointment in linkage to care and services, fear of death, and willingness to survive.
The evolution of disk galaxies and the S0 problem, revisited

We begin by summerizing the relevant properties of clusters of galaxies in relation to their ability to alter the course of galaxy evolution. Previous work on the effect of environment on the evolution of disk galaxies is also summerized and critiqued. The extensive data base of Bothun is then used to reexamine the issue of the role of the environment in motivating the evolution of disk galaxies. This data base consists of radio and optical observations of approx.350 galaxies in the clusters Peg I, Cancer, Pices, Coma, A1367, Z74--23, Hercules, A539, and A400. The data are portrayed in the color-gas content plane (log M/sub H//L/sub B/ vs. (B--V)/sup T//sub 0/), and theoretical evolutionary tracks have been constructed in that plane to serve as an adjunct to data interpretation. All analysis is done solely on the basis of the measurable quantities themselves, as opposed to morphological considerations. We find that spiral galaxies exhibit such a wide range in their integrated properties that attempting to force then into ''narrow'' morphological bins is neither practical or physically meaningful. With respect to the question of environmental modification of disk galaxies in clusters, we find the great majority of the data to mitigate strongly againstmore » any global environmental processes as having been important in determining the particular evolutionary history of cluster galaxies. Our basic conclusion is that initial conditions of formation and variations in star formation histories have been more important than environmental influences in determining the present-day character of spiral galaxies in clusters. The key parameter may well be the amount of neutral hydrogen remaining after star formation in the bulge component has ceased. « less
Efficacy and Safety of Warfarin Therapy: Comparison Between Specialized INR Clinic and General Medical Clinic

Background: Although warfarin is known as effective oral anticoagulant to prevent thromboembolic events, its’ narrow therapeutic index requires ambient and good follow-up to reduce its therapeutic complications. There is a continuous debate whether the best practice to accomplish this goal is in a specialized international normalized ratio clinic (INR-C) or in a general medical clinic (General-C). Few, if any, studies have been done in Sudan to compare the safety and efficacy of anticoagulant therapy in those clinics. Thus, the objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of anticoagulant therapy in INR-C and in General-C. Methods: This is a prospective hospital-based study where 200 patients were divided into two groups (group A and B) of 100 patients. Group A were in the INR-C at Ahmed Gasim specialized hospital and group B in the General-Cat AL-Shaab teaching hospital. The study was conducted from September 2019 to April 2020. All patients were on warfarin treatment and regular follow-ups were conducted. Demographic and clinical data were collected and analyzed statistically using SPSS version 20. Ethical approval was obtained from the ethical committee of the Sudanese Medical Specialization Board (SMSB). Results: Of the 200 patients, 118/59% were females and 82/41% were males. Target international normalized ratio (INR) for group (A) was achieved in 56% of the patients in the first visit, increased to 63% in the second visit, and 75% in the third follow-up, compared with 24% of the patients from group (B) in the initial and second follow-up visit, to 43% in the third visit (P value=0.05). Knowledge about drug and food interaction of coagulation agents was higher (91%) among patients in group (A) compared with group (B) (56%). Drug interaction awareness was found in 89% of the patients in group (A) compared with only 40% in group (B) (P value=0.05). Major bleeding was reported in 2% and 14% of the patients of group (A) and (B) respectively, whereas minor bleeding was seen in 4% of group (A) and 11% of group (B). Conclusion: The study showed that INR-C is more efficient and safer for patients on regular warfarin therapy compared with the General-C.
Theory of noise accumulation in linear optical-amplifier chains

The noise properties of the two main kinds of linear optical amplifier, phase-insensitive and phase-sensitive, are reviewed, with particular emphasis on their minimum-noise limits. An optical communications link is considered, in which identical sections of attenuating fiber alternate with identical linear amplifiers. The limits on the overall signal-to-noise ratios of such chains are derived. More attention is paid to the signal-to-noise ratio appropriate to phase-sensitive detection, but some results for direct detection are also given.
Traveling Wave Solutions in a Stage-Structured Delayed Reaction-Diffusion Model with Advection

AbstractWe investigate a stage-structured delayed reaction-diffusion model with advection that describes competition between two mature species in water flow. Time delays are incorporated to measure the time lengths from birth to maturity of the populations. We show there exists a finite positive number c* that can be characterized as the slowest spreading speed of traveling wave solutions connecting two mono-culture equilibria or connecting a mono-culture with the coexistence equilibrium. The model and mathematical result in [J.F. M. Al-Omari, S.A. Gourley, Stability and travelling fronts in Lotka–Volterra competition models with stage structure, SIAM J. Appl. Math. 63 (2003) 2063–2086] are generalized.
Asymptotic behavior of the eigenvalues of certain integral equations

then To is just convolution by k. However we shall not insist that this be the case. Let V(x) be a bounded non-negative function with bounded support and denote by MVI/2 the operator on L2(Ed) which is multiplication by V(x)1/2. We shall denote by 21 > A2 _> ? the positive eigenvalues of the positive semi-definite operator MVl/2ToMvI/2. In case K is the Fourier transform of an L1 function k then this is just the integral operator in equation (1). The result (Theorem II) is as
Consumers' Acceptance of Online Grocery Shopping in a Pandemic Situation: An Extended Technology Acceptance Model Perspective

This study aims to understand the mechanisms of consumers’ online grocery shopping (OGS) acceptance in the current COVID-19 pandemic. Through this perspective, an extended technology acceptance model is employed by including the fear of COVID-19 factor to reveal the extent of the Turkish consumers’ acceptance of OGS. We have tested the proposed research model on 455 survey participants living in various cities of Turkey. Structural equation modeling is employed to test the eleven research hypotheses. The results indicate that perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and attitude are valid predictors of OGS acceptance. Besides, the fear of COVID-19 negatively moderates these relationships. By revealing these empirical results, this study provides some useful insights into our understanding of the acceptance mechanisms of OGS processes in a pandemic situation. We hope to pinpoint the underlying reasons for the vast expansion of OGS among Turkish customers in pandemic times.
On the structural origins of ferroelectricity in HfO2 thin films

Here, we present a structural study on the origin of ferroelectricity in Gd doped HfO2 thin films. We apply aberration corrected high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy to directly determine the underlying lattice type using projected atom positions and measured lattice parameters. Furthermore, we apply nanoscale electron diffraction methods to visualize the crystal symmetry elements. Combined, the experimental results provide unambiguous evidence for the existence of a non-centrosymmetric orthorhombic phase that can support spontaneous polarization, resolving the origin of ferroelectricity in HfO2 thin films.
Minimally invasive surgery for lesser toe deformity: a clinical audit of a proposed treatment algorithm

Objective: There is increasing interest in the performance of minimally invasive foot surgery (MIS); however, limited evidence and treatment algorithms are available to support its use and guide surgical decision-making. The aim of this prospective clinical audit was to report the efficacy of a treatment algorithm used to treat patients presenting with lesser toe deformities using MIS techniques. Methods: A prospective clinical audit of 38 patients who underwent 55 MIS procedures for complex and simple lesser toe deformities was conducted between April 2018 and June 2022. All patients were followed up for a minimum of 12 months post operatively. The audit was conducted following the National Research Ethics Service (NRES) guidelines on clinical audit. Results: Mean pre-operative Visual Analogue Pain (VAS) score was 3.95 with a median of 5.00. The mean post-operative VAS scores improved to 0.23 after six weeks and 0.43 after 12 weeks. A Mann-Whitney U test concluded that this improvement was statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: This algorithm appears effective in treating lesser toe deformities independent of deformity classification, concomitant surgery, gender or whether the surgery was performed in a hospital or private clinical setting. Level of Evidence V; Therapeutic Study; Expert Opinion.
An electrochemical noise study of tribocorrosion processes of AISI 304 L in Cl− and media

Electrochemical noise measurements were performed to investigate the intrinsically stochastic character of the tribocorrosion process. Unidirectional sliding tests (pin-on-disc) were performed using AISI 304L stainless steel sliding against corundum. Experiments were carried out in Cl− and containing media under open-circuit and potentiostatic polarization conditions. The power spectral density (PSD) of the current and potential signals showed a strong dependence on the sliding frequency but did not depend significantly on the normal load between 5 and 20 N. The fluctuations of the tangential and normal loads were also recorded, and a critical comparison between the PSD of the electrochemical response and the PSD of the mechanical solicitation (load) is proposed. At high frequencies (f > 0.1 Hz), the PSD of current or potential fluctuations have significantly different shapes than the PSD of load signals: the electrochemical signal PSD is governed by the dynamic balance between local depassivation and repassivation which only depends on the kinetics of the electrochemical phenomena. For lower frequencies, a plateau is observed for both the electrochemical PSD and the load PSD. The electrochemical signal is then governed by the continuous depassivation induced by sliding which appears as a low frequency component. These results suggest that the electrochemical noise technique investigated in the frequency domain might be a promising electrochemical tool for successfully unfolding tribocorrosion signatures for material parings in sliding-corrosion tests.
Residents’ Location-Based Fear of Theft and Their Impact Factors in Guangzhou, China

While the fear of theft is common and is known to lead to lower satisfaction with life and subjective well-being, current literature regards the fear of theft as a stable psychological state and ignores discrepancies based on location and their influencing factors. To fill these gaps, we selected 74 typical communities and collected 1568 questionnaires throughout Guangzhou. The results show that: (1) the respondents demonstrated significant location-based differences in their fear of theft. Locations including a coach station, a railway station, a bus station, a subway station and a wholesale market had the highest associated levels of fear, whereas locations dedicated to leisure activities, especially those in high-end places, had a lower level of respondents’ fear of theft. (2) Vulnerability model, victimization model, community security and built environment can be applied to the analysis of fear of theft around different places, but interpretations of fear do vary widely from place to place.
Correlation between Instability of Blood Glucose Levels and Initial Response of Patients to Wounds to the Degree of Diabetic Foot Ulcer (DFU)

Instability of blood glucose levels is one of the problems that occur in DFU patients and the patient's initial response to the wound is associated with poor wound healing, amputations, and increased mortality. The research design is an analytic observational study with a cross-sectional approach design. The research subjects were diabetic foot ulcers patients who underwent wound care at the Independent Nursing Practice in Bone Regency. Sampling technique with Total Sampling method. To find out the respondent's blood glucose level, a measurement was carried out using a Portable Glucometer and then an observation was made of the patient's initial response to the wound. DFU degree assessment using Meggitt-Wagner. The tool used to collect data is the respondent's observation data sheet to record all respondent data. After the Spearman correlation test was carried out, the test results were obtained with a value of p = 0.008 and a value of r = 0.472 so that it can be concluded that there is a significant positive correlation between blood sugar levels and the degree of diabetic foot ulcer with moderate correlation strength and based on the results of the Spearman correlation test, the p value is obtained = 0.026 and the value of r = 0.405 so that it can be concluded that there is a significant positive correlation between the patient's initial response to the wound and the degree of diabetic foot ulcer with a weak correlation strength.
Sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease is associated with reorganization of metabolic connectivity in a pathological brain network

Although sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (sCJD) is a rare cause of dementia, it is critical to understand its functional networks as the prion protein spread throughout the brain may share similar mechanisms with other more common neurodegenerative disorders. In this study, the metabolic brain network associated with sCJD was investigated and its internal network organization was explored.
Effects of combined noise and vibration on annoyance

Abstract Four experiments were conducted to investigate the combined effects of noise and vibration on rated intensity and annoyance. Four levels of vibration and noise (none, low, medium and strong) were presented to subjects, in every possible combination. These levels were chosen according to those which were measured in the flats where the stimuli were recorded. The background noise was low to simulate the appropriate noise level. Each experiment was carried out with different subjects. Two signals with different characteristic time histories were investigated, a passing tram and a hammermill. The intensity and annoyance were measured on graphic scales ranging from 0 to 9. The results show that vibration influences the evaluation of noise annoyance, especially if one asks for the total annoyance. The assessment of the combined stimuli is dominated by the noise level, but it is also influenced by the simultaneously perceptible vibration. All of these results were highly significant. On the other hand, only the assessment of the vibration caused by the tram is significantly influenced by a simultaneous noise level ranging up to 60 dB(A). According to these experiments, the gradient for the subjective equivalence of noise and vibration is only half as high as that estimated by Howarth and Griffin in similar investigations for higher noise levels and higher magnitudes of vibration.