Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relation between the short‐term variation of the Jovian radiation belt and thermosphere derived from radio and infrared observations

We report the first comprehensive observations of Jovian synchrotron radiation (JSR) and H3+ emission from the Jovian thermosphere to investigate the generation process of short‐term (days to weeks) variations in the Jovian radiation belt. The observations were made by the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope and NASA Infrared Telescope Facility during November 2011. The total flux density of JSR increased by approximately 5% between 6–9 November and 12–17 November, associated with the increased solar UV/EUV flux. From 7 to 14 November, a possible rise in the infrared H3+ emission was observed in the middle‐latitude region, corresponding to a temperature variation of approximately 10 K. These results are consistent with the scenario that the solar UV/EUV heating causes variations in the thermospheric temperature and JSR. Radio images along the equatorial region showed that the JSR intensity decreased inside 1.5 Jovian radii (RJ) and the peak position shifted outward. This implies that energetic electrons are attenuated by some internal loss process, despite the simultaneous increase in radial diffusion. A physical model for the radiation belt shows that such an internal loss process can explain the observed variation of brightness distribution. Typical loss time scale is longer than strong diffusion limit, which suggests the existence of some pitch angle diffusion process such as wave‐particle interaction. Thus, variations of the total JSR flux density and thermospheric temperature seem consistent with the scenario, and the brightness distribution of JSR can be explained by the increase in radial diffusion accompanied by internal loss processes.
Using Inertial Measurement Unit Sensor Single Axis Rotation Angles for Knee and Hip Flexion Angle Calculations During Gait

Background: Hip and knee flexion joint motions are frequently examined in clinical practice using camera based motion capture (CBMC) systems; however, these systems require elaborate setups and dedicated space. Inertial measurement unit (IMU) based systems avoid these disadvantages but require validation before widespread adoption. Moreover, it is important for clinical practice to determine the stability of these systems for prolonged evaluation periods. The purpose of this study was to assess the validity of a three-sensor inertial measurement unit system for calculating hip and knee flexion angles during gait by comparing with a gold standard CBMC system. Validity was also examined before and after a treadmill walking session. Methods: Twenty healthy participants were tested. Twenty seconds of gait at preferred walking speed were analyzed before and after thirty-two minutes of treadmill walking using previously validated CBMC methods and with a custom IMU model. Measurement validity for the IMU system was evaluated using Bland & Altman 95 percent limits of agreement, linear regression, mean absolute error and root mean square error. The effects of a measurement zeroing calibration strategy were also investigated. Results: Strong measurement agreement was observed for both hip and knee flexion angles, although overall agreement for the hip exceeded that for the knee. Linear regressions between the datasets for each participant illustrated strong (> 0.94) relationships between IMU and CBMC measurements. More significant changes between timepoints were observed for the knee than for the hip. Error values were generally reduced when zeroing calibration was implemented. Conclusion: The IMU system presented in this study is a convenient and accessible technique to measure joint angles. The protocol described in the current study can be easily applied in the clinical setting for evaluation of clinical populations. Additional development work on sensor placement and calibration methods may further increase the accuracy of such methods. Clinical translation statement: The IMU system presented in this study is a convenient and accessible technique to measure joint angles. Additional developmentwork on sensor placement and calibration methods may further increase the accuracy of such methods.
Relationships Between Resting Energy Expenditure and Transcranial Doppler Measurements in Patients With and Without Brain Death

Introduction Brain metabolism deteriorates during brain death, suggesting that cerebral metabolic measurements could serve as a prognostic factor. The application of transcranial Doppler can be useful in evaluating patients evolving to brain death. Resting energy expenditure is lower than expected in patients with brain death, and this is caused by the decrease in cerebral blood flow and consequently lower oxygen supply. The primary aim of this retrospective study is to investigate the early metabolic changes in patients with clinical criteria of brain death and examine if these changes are related to a gradual decrease in blood flow velocities in the middle cerebral artery. Methods All consecutive patients from 1st June 2018 to 30th April 2022, admitted to the ICU with brain injury and a GCS ≤ 8, were included retrospectively in the study. Patients were allocated into two groups: Group A, patients without clinical signs of brain death (n = 32), and Group B, patients with brain death (n = 34). In each group, three sets of metabolic measurements were performed concomitantly with cerebral blood flow velocities using transcranial Doppler (a) upon admission to the ICU, (b) once hemodynamic stabilization was obtained, and (c) 48 hours after their hemodynamic stabilization or when brain death was confirmed by clinical criteria. Resting energy expenditure (REE) measurements were performed using a metabolic computer. Cerebral blood flow velocities were measured after a period of 30 min using a 2-MHZ 2D ultrasound probe. Results Brain-dead patients had a significant decrease in their metabolic parameters as the cerebral blood flow velocities recorded with the transcranial Doppler deteriorated, (REE Group A = 1667.65 ± 597 vs Group B = 1376.12 ± 615, p = 0.05 and REE predicted Group A = 113.19 ± 44.9 vs Group B = 93.29 ± 41.5, p = 0.066 for measurement 1; REE Group A = 1844 ± 530.9 vs Group B = 1219.97 ± 489, p < 0.001 and REE predicted Group A = 124.38 ± 39 vs Group B = 81.35 ± 30.4, p < 0.001 for measurement 2; REE Group A = 1750.97 ± 414, p < 0.001 and REE predicted Group A = 116.38 ± 19.2 vs Group B = 56.09 ± 19.6, p < 0.001 for measurement 3). Multiple stepwise regression analysis revealed a strong relationship between age, the worsening of the blood flow velocities pattern, and the decrease in REE (multiple R = 0.264, F = 5.55, p = 0.009). Furthermore, a statistically significant correlation was found between temperature and REE (correlation coefficient = 0.500, 0.674, 0.784 for measurements 1, 2, and 3, respectively, and p < 0.001 for all measures). Conclusions In brain-dead patients, the gradual decrease in cerebral blood flow leads to a decrease in REE as well as thermogenetic control. These changes can be detected early after the patient's admission to the ICU.
Nearest stable system

Stability is a universal concept which we experience in our everyday lives. It plays a central role in the study of dynamical systems and is still the subject of intensive research by the control community. The question of finding the nearest stable system appears in system identification where one sometimes faces unstable models created from the perturbed data of a stable system. In many cases, solving the problem in the spectral space does not make sense due to the sensitivity of the poles of the system to perturbations. We thus investigate algorithms for finding a nearest stable system in the space of coefficients. Very few existing methods are available to solve the problem. This is due to the nonsmooth, nonconvex nature of the set of stable systems. Moreover, the methods that can solve the problem are not always able to actually guarantee that the solution will be stable. Our work contains the original description of two methods for matrices and two methods for polynomials which substantially expand the number of optimization methods available to the user for the resolution of the nearest stable system. These methods cover all the possible variations of the problem : for polynomials or for matrices, in continuous-time or in discrete-time, for real or complex data. We prove the convergence of the methods to a stationary point of the formulation. The various approaches proposed in the thesis will provide new tools and inspiration for the resolution of closely related problems in a field in constant evolution and full of challenges.
Management of classroom acoustics by teachers at two special needs schools in Johannesburg, South Africa

In South Africa, education is considered a basic right and our constitution calls for accessible educational contexts which ought to be conducive for learning. Even though schools are meant to be places in which learning can occur, poor classroom acoustics may threaten that basic right to education. The aim of this study was, therefore, to explore and understand how teachers in special needs schools managed classroom acoustics in their efforts to enhance learning. We report on a qualitative study using semi-structured face-to-face interviews with teachers from 2 special needs schools in Johannesburg in the Gauteng province of South Africa. A non-probability purposive sampling strategy was used to recruit participants. The results of this study confirm that classrooms in special needs schools may not be acoustically sound spaces which teachers feel may compromise effective learning. As a result, teachers reported using a variety of active and passive strategies to manage classroom acoustics in order to enhance learning. The results of this study contribute to existing knowledge on the importance of the strategies used by teachers in managing classroom acoustics. Further research is required to determine the efficacy of these and other strategies used by teachers in special needs schools.
Adaptive Nonlinear Least Squares Framework for Contactless Vital Sign Monitoring

The respiratory and heart rates are critical physiological parameters, and conventional contact-based monitoring techniques may cause discomfort and epidermal damage, being therefore inadequate for long-term monitoring. Despite recent advances, accurate contactless vital sign monitoring is still challenging in practical scenarios, especially in relation to heart rate estimation. In this work, we propose a comprehensive framework for vital sign processing in frequency-modulated continuous-wave radar systems and evaluate its performance with real data imitating common working conditions in an office environment. First, to improve the signal-to-noise ratio before estimation, we propose a novel slow-time phase correlation processing, which allows early integration of the vital sign energy at nearby range bins. Subsequently, we present an adaptive nonlinear least squares framework that explores the harmonic structure existing in the recovered displacement signal. An additional Kalman filter stage is designed to select among multiple estimates from different search regions, thus conferring adaptivity and robustness against harmonic interference and noise. This approach largely provides estimates within the predefined error intervals, being capable of tracking the true breathing and heart rate values even during continuous small body movements. The final accuracy and root mean square error values have shown enhanced estimation, outperforming conventional spectral estimation and other recently proposed methods in almost all scenarios.
A multi-method study on the barriers of the blockchain technology application in the cold supply chains

PurposeThe cold supply chain industry is still emerging and digital transformation is in the nascent stage in this industry. This paper argues that there are various barriers to implementing blockchain technology in the cold supply chain and aims to develop and validate a model for overcoming key barriers to implementing blockchain technology in the cold supply chain.Design/methodology/approachThe adoption of blockchain technology was proposed through interpretive structural modeling (ISM) and further it is validated using structural equation modeling (SEM). FindingsIn this study, ten key barriers to implementing blockchain technology in the cold supply chain were identified, modelled and analysed. Poor leadership style of top management was found to be the most important barriers to implementing blockchain technology in the cold supply chain. The results of SEM indicate that all the paths are supported. The findings showcase the barriers responsible for the lack of blockchain technology infrastructure that ultimately impacts the cold supply chains.Practical implicationsThis study highlights the fact that the fate of blockchain technology infrastructure development depends on the leadership style of top management. Demonstrating good leadership style by top management can help overcome the barriers. A good leader pulls the entire team instead of pushing the team. A good leader can guide the entire team to improve IT governance, financial investment, digital footprint, digital readiness, skills and collaboration with service providers to implement blockchain technology. Not only that, a good leader provides mental strength to the team and helps overcome the fear of implementing blockchain in the cold supply chain. A good leader demonstrates good administrative skills and focus on security and privacy policies.Originality/valueThis is a novel contribution towards analysing the key barriers to implementing blockchain technology in the South African cold supply chain using the integrated ISM–MICMAC and SEM approach.
Chemical Markers of Human Tendon Health Identified Using Raman Spectroscopy: Potential for In Vivo Assessment

The purpose of this study is to determine whether age-related changes to tendon matrix molecules can be detected using Raman spectroscopy. Raman spectra were collected from human Achilles (n = 8) and tibialis anterior (n = 8) tendon tissue excised from young (17 ± 3 years) and old (72 ± 7 years) age groups. Normalised Raman spectra underwent principal component analysis (PCA), to objectively identify differences between age groups and tendon types. Certain Raman band intensities were correlated with levels of advanced glycation end-product (AGE) collagen crosslinks, quantified using conventional destructive biochemistry techniques. Achilles and tibialis anterior tendons in the old age group demonstrated significantly higher overall Raman intensities and fluorescence levels compared to young tendons. PCA was able to distinguish young and old age groups and different tendon types. Raman intensities differed significantly for several bands, including those previously associated with AGE crosslinks, where a significant positive correlation with biochemical measures was demonstrated. Differences in Raman spectra between old and young tendon tissue and correlation with AGE crosslinks provides the basis for quantifying age-related chemical modifications to tendon matrix molecules in intact tissue. Our results suggest that Raman spectroscopy may provide a powerful tool to assess tendon health and vitality in the future.
Electron Impact Excitation of N-like Ca XIV

We present a close-coupling R-matrix calculation of the electron impact excitation of N-like Ca XIV. GRASP (general-purpose relativistic atomic structure package) was used to obtain the target states. Level energies are reported for the 272 levels of the target ion. The oscillator strengths and radiative rates were calculated for E1, E2, M1, and M2 transitions among these levels. In order to determine the collision strength, the lowest 84 levels were used as the target model, together with 40 partial waves included in the R-matrix calculation. The effective collision strengths were obtained by integrating the collision strengths over a Maxwellian electron energies distribution. Comparisons were made with our FAC and the LB results by Landi and Bhatia (2005, At. Data Nucl. Data Tables, 90, 177). Good agreements are shown for level energies, oscillator strengths and radiative rates, respectively. As to the collision strength, a mass of resonances appears in the R-matrix results, which are important in the determination of effective collision strengths. The discrepancies of the effective collision strengths between results from the R-matrix and from FAC are discussed. Finally, the effective collision strengths for transitions among the first 84 levels are reported. To test our results, we also compared the predicted line ratio with the observed values.
Issues in Uyghur phonology

This article presents an overview of several significant aspects of the phonology of Uyghur (ISO: uig; pronounced [ʊjˈʁʊr]; Turkic: China). In addition to summarising previous research, we present new data and highlight its relevance for phonological theory. The paper focuses primarily on the processes of backness harmony, rounding harmony, and vowel reduction. Particular attention is paid to the complex, and sometimes opaque, interactions between these processes, as well as the role of phonological exceptionality.
Stress Field under Slipping Rigid Wheel

A theoretical approach is used to predict the stress field under a slipping rigid wheel. The soil is considered to be in a state of limiting equilibrium. The Mohr-Coulomb criterion is assumed valid. The analysis takes into account the stress distribution in the soil mass of cohesive-frictional material in a dry, saturated or submerged state. A mathematical model is constructed to represent the pattern of soil flow underneath the wheel. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the construction of the slip lines network. The radial and tangential stress distributions at the soil-wheel interface is also presented. This method of approach predicts the critical stress state at limiting equilibrium condition.
The Impact of Political Memes: a Longitudinal Field Experiment

ABSTRACT Can political memes on social media change citizens’ political attitudes? I show with an experimental method that exposing individuals to outgroup memes increases polarization, especially among strong party identifiers. Existing observational research demonstrates that political memes have a few functions: building discourse around leaders, forming a common identity, and influencing political opinions. The current literature on political memes does not address whether political memes have a measurable effect in a natural environment. This article employs a pre-post experimental design (n = 192) deployed through Facebook to fill this gap and assess whether political memes have a persuasive or polarizing effect on individuals. Experimental participants were randomly assigned to ideological groups on Facebook. Then, they were exposed to one political meme every other day for three months to simulate a natural environment. Results suggest that memes have, in general, minimal effect but can have a backlash effect, particularly among strong party identifiers. This article contributes to the political communication field by better understanding social media dynamics and, more precisely, the literature on political memes by experimentally assessing their effects on ideology and intergroup feelings.
Impact of Biometric Patient Data, Probiotic Supplementation, and Selected Gut Microorganisms on Calprotectin, Zonulin, and sIgA Concentrations in the Stool of Adults Aged 18–74 Years

Alterations to the intestinal barrier may be involved in the pathogenesis of various chronic diseases. The diagnosis of mucosal barrier disruption has become a new therapeutic target for disease prevention. The aim of this study was to determine whether various patient demographic and biometric data, often not included in diagnostic analyses, may affect calprotectin, zonulin, and sIgA biomarker values. Stool markers’ levels in 160 samples were measured colorimetrically. The analysis of twenty key bacteria (15 genera and 5 species) was carried out on the basis of diagnostic tests, including cultures and molecular tests. The concentrations of selected markers were within reference ranges for most patients. The sIgA level was significantly lower in participants declaring probiotics supplementation (p = 0.0464). We did not observe differences in gastrointestinal discomfort in participants. We found significant differences in the sIgA level between the 29–55 years and >55 years age-related intervals groups (p = 0.0191), together with a significant decreasing trend (p = 0.0337) in age-dependent sIgA concentration. We observed complex interdependencies and relationships between their microbiota and the analyzed biomarkers. For correct clinical application, standardized values of calprotectin and sIgA should be determined, especially in elderly patients. We observed a correlation between the composition of the gut community and biomarker levels, although it requires further in-depth analysis.
Uniform asymptotic representation of solutions of the basic semiconductor-device equations

Abstract : In this paper the basic semiconductor device equations modelling a symmetric one-dimensional voltage-controlled diode are formulated as a singularly perturbed two point boundary value problem. The perturbation parameter is the normed Debye-length of the device. The authors derive the zeroth and first order terms of the matched asymptotic expansion of the solutions, which are the sums of uniformly smooth outer terms (reduced solutions) and the exponentially varying inner terms (layer solutions). The main result of the paper is that, if the perturbation parameter is sufficiently small then there exists a solution of the semiconductor device problem which is approximated uniformly by the zeroth order term of the expansion, even for large applied voltages. This result shows the validity of the asymptotic expansions of the solutions of the semiconductor device problem in physically relevant high-injection conditions.
Converging Tides Lift All Boats: Consensus in Evaluation Criteria Boosts Investments in Firms in Nascent Technology Sectors

Although previous studies show that the emergence of evaluation criteria for a new technology improves the life chances of well-performing firms, we theorize that consensus in such criteria among technology experts increases investments to all firms in the new sector. We provide a variety of supportive evidence for this claim. First, in an experiment with 80 Chinese investors (Study 1), we provide evidence of a causal relation between evaluation consensus and investments. We follow this with a second experiment with 412 U.S. participants (Study 2), showing that evaluation criteria consensus increases participants’ propensity to view a firm as technologically competent and to expect others to favor investing in the firm. Analyses of longitudinal archival data on investment in artificial intelligence technology firms in the United States (Study 3a) and China (Study 3b) support the generalizability of our findings. By exploring the social-cognitive processes that link evaluation criteria consensus to investors’ decisions to invest in firms in nascent technology fields, this paper advances the scholarly understanding of the microfoundations of the institutionalization processes in new market sectors.