Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ways to stop mirrors from moving unnecessarily : design of advanced gravitational wave detectors

Now that we have entered an era of gravitational wave astronomy, gravitational wave detectors are expected to detect several events a month (or more) in the near future. The current ground based detectors are undergoing upgrades, and future gravitational wave detectors, using exotic techniques and aiming at better sensitivity with lower noise contributions, are under consideration. To maintain strain sensitivity, precise control of various interferometric degrees of freedom in the detectors is required. The core work of this thesis involves the analysis of a sensing and control scheme for a third generation gravitational wave observatory, the Einstein Telescope (ET). A novel technique that will allow us to sense all the longitudinal degrees of freedom of the interferometer independently has been proposed in this thesis. Assuming conservative servo designs, a shot noise limited displacement noise budget for the low frequency part of ET (ET-LF) has been simulated using the simulation tools Finesse and SimulinkNb. It is thus shown that the control scheme does not inject additional sensing noise from auxiliary degrees of freedom into the measured gravitational wave strain channel. The simulated demonstration of the controllability of ET-LF with the new GHz control scheme is an important finding as current detectors are limited by control noise in the low frequency (< 10 Hz) regime. The new technology should be tested thoroughly to ensure that it can be incorporated into detectors. The new sensing scheme proposed for ET-LF can be tested and tweaked for low noise operation at the AEI 10 m prototype before transferring the technology to full-scale detectors. In this thesis, a control scheme was developed to independently sense and control the three longitudinal degrees of freedom of the AEI 10 m prototype using a GHz sub-carrier. The sum of the control noise from all the loops was shown to be below the quantum noise limit predicted for the AEI 10 m prototype. The sensing scheme presented for ET-LF could also be tested in GEO600 since this detector presently suffers from signal recycling cavity length (SRCL) control noise. Different fundamental questions may be addressed by deploying the new sensing scheme at AEI 10 m prototype versus GEO600. While the scheme implemented through the input port of the interferometer at the AEI 10 m prototype would allow us to understand the influence of cavity stability parameters on control signals, the scheme implemented through the dark port of GEO600 (as proposed for ET-LF) provides answers for the mitigation of the SRCL control noise in the interferometer.
Eureka: discovery of male Turgiditarsus Schillhammer reveals its placement in Acylophorina and resolves phylogenetic relationships within the subtribe (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Staphylininae)

Turgiditarsus Schillhammer comprises some of the most bizarre and rarely encountered rove beetles in the subfamily Staphylininae. The genus is presently known from only 4 female specimens comprising three species in the eastern Oriental region. Its previous placement in Anisolinina was based primarily on superficial similarity, much before recent advances in the systematics of tribe Staphylinini. Total evidence phylogenetic analysis of a broad taxon sample within Staphylinini, including the first male specimen of Turgiditarsus, revealed that the genus should be placed in the morphologically diverse and relictual Acylophorina, a subtribe with one of the oldest crown group ages in the latest Early Cretaceous. Turgiditarsus is redescribed and two new species, T. eureka Schillhammer and Brunke sp.n. and T. vietnamensis Schillhammer and Brunke sp.n. , are described, bringing the total number to five. Amacylophorus Smetana stat.n. , a subgenus of Acylophorus Gravenhorst, is raised to genus rank and redescribed, with the following new combination: Amacylophorus pratensis (LeConte) comb.n. Stevensia Cameron and its single species, recently moved to this subtribe, are redescribed. All genera of Acylophorina are diagnosed and included in a novel world key. A species level key is updated for Turgiditarsus. Further systematic work within diverse Acylophorus is needed to re-assess the status of Acylohsellus, Paratolmerus and the remaining subgenera of Acylophorus.
Referential and lexical forces in number agreement

ABSTRACT In work on grammatical agreement in sentence production, there are accounts of verb number formulation that emphasise the role of whole-structure properties and accounts that emphasise the role of word-driven properties. To evaluate these alternatives, we carried out two experiments that examined a referential (wholistic) contributor to agreement along with two lexical-semantic (local) factors. Both experiments gauged the accuracy and latency of inflected-verb production in order to assess how variations in grammatical number interacted with the other factors. The accuracy of verb production was modulated both by the referential effect of notional number and by the lexical-semantic effects of relatedness and category membership. As an index of agreement difficulty, latencies were little affected by either factor. The findings suggest that agreement is sensitive to referential as well as lexical forces and highlight the importance of lexical-structural integration in the process of sentence production.
Wavelet Transforms, Contourlet Transforms and Block Matching Transforms for Denoising of Corrupted Images via Bi-shrink Filter

Objectives: Image Denoising refers to the recovery of an image that has been corrupted by noise due to poor quality of image acquisition and transmission. Accordingly, there is a need to reduce the noise present in the image as a consequence of the denoised image formed. Methods/Statistical Analysis: This paper presents Image denoising using Wavelet transforms, Contourlet transforms and Block Matching Transforms governed by bivariate shrinkage (Bi-shrink) filter techniques. The Wavelet transform uses up-sampling, down-sampling, low pass filter and high pass filter to perform denoising operation, the Contourlet transform uses up-sampling, down-sampling, low pass filter and high pass filter and directional filter banks to perform denoising operation, the Block Matching Transform uses Haar Transforms, Discrete cosine transforms and Karhunen Loeve transform to perform denoising operation. Findings: The performance of wavelet transforms, Contourlet transforms and Block Matching Transforms are evaluated for Reference images (such as towers, shades and ruler images) corrupted by gaussian noise and salt and pepper noise, by computing two error metrics Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR) and Execution Time (ET) with help of shrinkage function. Programming these using MATLAB R2014a by exploring its wavelet transform, Contourlet transform, image processing and signal processing toolboxes and the values are presented in tabular forms and discussed in the section 6. In this paper the block matching haar discrete cosine transform is proposed for denoising of images (especially for those images possessing detailed textures) that works through haar transform and discrete cosine transform outstrips the basic transform discrete wavelet transform and semi translation invariant contourlet transform. For the images corrupted by Gaussian noise and denoised by the proposed transform outstrips the basic transform “Discrete Wavelet Transform by PSNR = 6.71 dB, ET = 25.89 sec” and “Semi Translation Invariant Contourlet Transforms by PSNR = 5.49 dB, ET = 5.89 sec”. For the images corrupted by Salt and Pepper noise and denoised by the proposed transform outstrips the basic transform “Discrete Wavelet Transform by PSNR = 21.15 dB, ET = 0.27 sec” and “Semi Translation Invariant Contourlet Transforms by PSNR = 20.05 dB, ET = 5.80 sec”. Application/Improvements: In this paper Block Matching Haar Discrete cosine transform is proposed to overcome the limitations of wavelet transforms and Contourlet transforms, hence to attain the trade-off between high peak signal to noise ratio and less execution time. Results and Discussion section illustrates the efficacy of the proposed transform in terms of peak signal to noise ratio, execution time and visual quality of images.
Tail density estimation for exploratory data analysis using kernel methods

ABSTRACT It is often critical to accurately model the upper tail behaviour of a random process. Nonparametric density estimation methods are commonly implemented as exploratory data analysis techniques for this purpose and can avoid model specification biases implied by using parametric estimators. In particular, kernel-based estimators place minimal assumptions on the data, and provide improved visualisation over scatterplots and histograms. However kernel density estimators can perform poorly when estimating tail behaviour above a threshold, and can over-emphasise bumps in the density for heavy tailed data. We develop a transformation kernel density estimator which is able to handle heavy tailed and bounded data, and is robust to threshold choice. We derive closed form expressions for its asymptotic bias and variance, which demonstrate its good performance in the tail region. Finite sample performance is illustrated in numerical studies, and in an expanded analysis of the performance of global climate models.
Dogs Harbor Leishmania braziliensis and Participate in the Transmission Cycle of Human Tegumentary Leishmaniasis

Dogs play an important role in transmission of Leishmania infantum, but epidemiologic and clinical studies of canine tegumentary leishmaniasis (CTL) are scarce. In an endemic area of human American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL) caused by Leishmania braziliensis, we determine the prevalence and incidence of both CTL and subclinical (SC) L. braziliensis infection in dogs and evaluated if the presence of dogs with CTL or SC L. braziliensis infection is associated with the occurrence of human ATL. SC infection in healthy animals and CTL in animals with ulcers were determined by PCR on biopsied healthy skin or on ulcers or by detecting antibodies against soluble leishmania antigen. We compared the occurrence of human ATL in homes with dogs with CTL or SC infection with control homes without dogs or with dogs without CTL or SC infection. The prevalence of SC infection was 35% and of CTL 31%. The incidence of SC infection in dogs was 4.6% and of CTL 9.3%. The frequency of ATL in humans was 50% in homes with infected dogs and 13% in homes without L. braziliensis infection in dogs. CTL and SC infection is highly prevalent, and dogs may participate in the transmission chain of L. braziliensis.
Unsupervised reconstruction of a Visual Hull in space, time and light domains

This thesis presents an unsupervised image segmentation approach for obtaining a set of silhouettes along with the Visual Hull of an object observed from multiple viewpoints. The proposed approach can deal with mostly any type of appearance characteristics such as texture, similar background color, shininess, transparency besides other phenomena such as shadows and color bleeding. Compared to more classical methods for silhouette extraction from multiple views, for which certain assumptions are made on the object or scene, neither the background nor the object appearance properties are modeled. The only assumption is the constancy of the unknown background for a given camera viewpoint while the object is under motion. The principal idea of the approach is the estimation of the temporal evolution of each pixel over time which provides a stability measurement and leads to its associated background cost function. In order to cope with shadows and self-shadows, an object is captured under different lighting conditions. Furthermore, the information from the space, time and lighting domains is exploited and merged based on a Markov Random Field framework and the constructed energy function is minimized via graph-cut. Real-data experiments under different lighting condition show that the proposed approach allows for robust Visual Hull reconstruction of a variety of challenging objects such as objects made of shiny metal or glass.
Phenotypic and molecular screening of rice genotypes inoculated with three widely available pathogenic strains of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae

gene combination i.e. xa5+xa13+Xa21 was essential for maintaining stability in resistance against all the three pathogenic strains used for inoculation in the current study. A deviation from the above mentioned gene combination resulted in variable degree of pathogenesis, depending upon the Xoo strain used for inoculation. The investigation also identified the presence of dominant Xa4 gene among many of the popular cultivars in West Bengal, as well as in indigenous landraces like Kalabhat and Chamarmani; which showed strong resistance against the local Xoo strain. However, the genotypes failed to show any significant resistance against newly introduced strains indicating that the popular cultivars in West Bengal are still vulnerable towards new pathogenic strains of Xanthomonas oryzae . Thus, introgression of multiple resistance genes into popular cultivars in the region is necessary for ensuring durable resistance against the disease.
Fermi level depinning via insertion of a graphene buffer layer at the gold–2D tin monoxide contact

Two-dimensional (2D) tin monoxide (SnO) has attracted much attention owing to its distinctive electronic and optical properties, which render itself suitable as a channel material in field effect transistors (FETs). However, upon contact with metals for such applications, the Fermi level pinning effect may occur, where states are induced in its band gap by the metal, hindering its intrinsic semiconducting properties. We propose the insertion of graphene at the contact interface to alleviate the metal-induced gap states. By using gold (Au) as the electrode material and monolayer SnO (mSnO) as the channel material, the geometry, bonding strength, charge transfer and tunnel barriers of charges, and electronic properties including the work function, band structure, density of states, and Schottky barriers are thoroughly investigated using first-principles calculations for the structures with and without graphene to reveal the contact behaviours and Fermi level depinning mechanism. It has been demonstrated that strong covalent bonding is formed between gold and mSnO, while the graphene interlayer forms weak van der Waals interaction with both materials, which minimises the perturbance to the band structure of mSnO. The effects of out-of-plane compression are also analysed to assess the performance of the contact under mechanical deformation, and a feasible fabrication route for the heterostructure with graphene is proposed. This work systematically explores the properties of the Au–mSnO contact for applications in FETs and provides thorough guidance for future exploitation of 2D materials in various electronic applications and for selection of buffer layers to improve metal–semiconductor contact.
PPAR-gamma agonist pioglitazone recovers mitochondrial quality control in fibroblasts from PITRM1-deficient patients

Introduction: Biallelic variants in PITRM1 are associated with a slowly progressive syndrome characterized by intellectual disability, spinocerebellar ataxia, cognitive decline and psychosis. The pitrilysin metallopeptidase 1 (PITRM1) is a mitochondrial matrix enzyme, which digests diverse oligopeptides, including the mitochondrial targeting sequences (MTS) that are cleaved from proteins imported across the inner mitochondrial membrane by the mitochondrial processing peptidase (MPP). Mitochondrial peptidases also play a role in the maturation of Frataxin, the protein affected in Friedreich’s ataxia. Recent studies in yeast indicated that the mitochondrial matrix protease Ste23, which is a homologue of the human insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE), cooperates with Cym1 (homologue of PITRM1) to ensure the proper functioning of the preprotein processing machinery. In humans, IDE could be upregulated by Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma (PPARG) agonists. Methods: We investigated preprotein processing, mitochondrial membrane potential and MTS degradation in control and patients’ fibroblasts, and we evaluated the pharmacological effect of the PPARG agonist Pioglitazone on mitochondrial proteostasis. Results: We discovered that PITRM1 dysfunction results in the accumulation of MTS, leading to the disruption and dissipation of the mitochondrial membrane potential. This triggers a feedback inhibition of MPP activity, consequently impairing the processing and maturation of Frataxin. Furthermore, we found that the pharmacological stimulation of PPARG by Pioglitazone upregulates IDE and also PITRM1 protein levels restoring the presequence processing machinery and improving Frataxin maturation and mitochondrial function. Discussion: Our findings provide mechanistic insights and suggest a potential pharmacological strategy for this rare neurodegenerative mitochondrial disease.
Rationality: Transitivity and System 2. Individual Differences in Information Processing.

Despite a high interest in personal styles of information processing in decision research, measurements of rationality in Dual Process Theories (DPT) have not been confronted with the normative concept of rationality, e.g. obeying the transitivity axiom. Therefore, the first goal of this study is to validate Rational-Experiential Inventory (REI) and Cognitive Reflection Test (CRT) through checking its relation to the transitivity axiom. Assuming that there is a link between scores on DPT measures and the basic principles of logic, the second goal is to test the relation between thinking styles and decision strategies. The following characteristics of strategies are investigated: requirements for trade-offs, maximization vs. satisficing and option-wise vs. attribute-wise information processing, since they refer to the classical concept of rationality, bounded rationality and simple heuristics. It is expected that high scores on Rationality subscale of REI (REI-R) and in CRT is related to compensatory option-wise information processing and maximization or satisficing.Respondents have been given choices between two multi-attribute options. In Study 1, they choose between two apartments. In Study 2, they made the same choices between two abstract options described on dimensions without specific modalities. Options were designed such that the choice indicated which strategy was applied.Both REI-R and CRT have been found to be good predictors of transitive preferences. Respondents who applied compensatory strategies and the maximization criterion scored highly on REI-R and in CRT, whereas those who applied satisficing rule scored highly on REI-R but not in CRT. Attribute-wise information processing led to low scores in both measurements.
Graphs with Appended End Vertices: Laplacian Spectra, Laplacian Energy, and Laplacian Eigen-Bi-Balance

In this paper, we determine the Laplacian spectra of graphs obtained by appending Â end vertex to all vertices of a defined class of graphs called the base graph. The end vertices allow for a quick solution to the eigen-vector equations of the Laplacian matrix satisfying the characteristic equation, and the solutions to the eigenvalues of the Laplacian matrix of the base graph arise. We determine the relationship between the eigenvalues of the Laplacian matrix of the base graph and the eigenvalues of the Laplacian matrix of the new graph as constructed above, and determine that ifÂ Â is an eigenvalue of the Laplacian matrix of the base graph, thenÂ Â is an eigenvalue of the Laplacian matrix of the constructed graph. Â We then determine the Laplacian spectra for such graphs where the base graph is one of the well-known classes of graphs, namely the complete, complete split-bipartite, cycle, path, wheel and star graphs. We then use the Laplacian spectra to determine the Laplacian energy of the graph, constructed from the base graphs, for each of the above classes of graphs. We then analyse the case where only one end vertex is appended to each vertex in the base graph, and determine the Laplacian energy for large values ofÂ Â , the total number of vertices in the constructed graph.In the last section, we investigate the eigen-bi-balance of the graphs using the eigenvalues of the Laplacian matrix for graphs with appended end vertices, and consider the example of the star sun graph.
Colorism as Historical Trauma: Exploring School Racial Context, Peer Dynamics, and Counternarratives Among Black Women

In the current qualitative study, we draw upon the colorist-historical trauma framework and misogynoir theory to explore Black college women’s peer-based messages of skin tone bias in school settings. We analyzed individual interview data from 26 ethnically diverse Black women (18–22 years) with consensual qualitative research methods to explore their beliefs and perspectives on their peers’ colorist messages in K-16 education. We focused on three main themes from the women’s narratives, including the critical role of school racial context, the harmful nature of colorist comments from Black men and boys, and the affirming nature of counternarratives from Black girlfriends. Consistent with past studies, peers’ colorist messages reinforced racialized social hierarchies and Eurocentric notions of beauty by privileging lighter-toned women compared to darker-toned women. The young women described how colorist messages from peers contributed to body surveillance and physical insecurities during childhood, and how they cultivated personal and collective counternarratives on beauty and self-worth in adulthood. Authors discuss colorism as a form of trauma among Black women and girls, with particular attention to identity development.
Home literacy environment and literacy outcomes in individuals with Williams syndrome and Down syndrome

ABSTRACT Background: The home literacy environment (HLE) has rarely been examined for individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders, including individuals with Williams syndrome and Down syndrome. Method: The current study surveyed carers of individuals with Down syndrome (n = 48) and Williams syndrome (n = 18) in the United Kingdom (UK). Results: The study reports that individuals with Down syndrome were rated higher in general reading skills and writing, while the Williams syndrome group scored higher for speaking. Yet, individuals with Down syndrome were more likely to engage in informal activities than instructional activities and the frequency of informal activities related to reading outcomes for those with Down syndrome but not Williams syndrome. Additionally, this study reports that age was not related to the HLE for both groups. Conclusion: This is the first study to report on the HLE of individuals with Williams syndrome and supports the key role of the HLE in the development of literacy skills for individuals with Williams syndrome and Down syndrome.