Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Distortion characteristics of optical directional coupler modulators

A theoretical analysis is made of the nonlinearities of the intensity modulation response of the optical directional coupler, as a function of bias point for the case of phase-mismatch modulation, and the results are compared with those of interferometric modulators. The interferometric, standard 2*2 directional coupler and the 1*2 y-fed directional coupler modulators are shown to exhibit very similar intermodulation distortion effects. At 4% optical modulation depth, the third-order intermodulation products are -74 dB, -72 dB, and -73.6 dB respectively, below the carrier level. >
AEGIS platforms: the potential impact of open architecture in sustaining engineering

Abstract : This proof-of-concept case study analyzes the potential benefits of open architecture (QA) in the AEGIS software maintenance and upgrade process. In a multi-phased approach the Knowledge value Added/Real-Options (KVA+RO) framework was applied to sustaining engineering on specific AEGIS software processes. The KVA+RO framework provides decision-makers with a systematic approach for analyzing benefits and assessing risks of potential technological acquisitions. Results from our research indicate that implementing QA could result in substantial cost savings optimal return on investment and increased benefits.
Helminth infection modulates number and function of adipose tissue Tregs in high fat diet-induced obesity

Background Epidemiological and experimental studies have shown a protective effect of helminth infections in weight gain and against the development of metabolic dysfunctions in the host. However, the mechanisms induced by the parasite that regulate the development of metabolic diseases in the host are unclear. The present study aimed to verify the influence of Heligmosomoides polygyrus infection in early stages of high fat diet-induced obesity. Principal Findings The presence of infection was able to prevent exacerbated weight gain in mice fed with high fat diet when compared to non-infected controls. In addition, infected animals displayed improved insulin sensitivity and decreased fat accumulation in the liver. Obesity-associated inflammation was reduced in the presence of infection, demonstrated by higher levels of IL10 and adiponectin, increased infiltration of Th2 and eosinophils in adipose tissue of infected animals. Of note, the parasite infection was associated with increased Treg frequency in adipose tissue which showed higher expression of cell surface markers of function and activation, like LAP and CD134. The infection could also revert the loss of function in Tregs associated with high fat diet. Conclusion These data suggest that H. polygyrus infection can prevent weight gain and metabolic syndrome in animals fed with high fat diet associated with modulations of adipose tissue Treg cells. Author summary Helminth infections are known to modulate the immune system being responsible for protecting the host from developing allergic and autoimmune disorders (Hygiene Hypothesis). We hypothesized that the same immunomodulatory effect can have an impact on immunometabolic diseases, such as obesity and its linked diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Weight disorders have reached epidemic levels, nearly tripling since 1975 and being responsible for almost 5 million premature deaths each year. To test our hypothesis C57BL/6 male mice were fed control or high fat diet, for five weeks, in the presence or not of Heligmosomoides polygyrus infection. Weight gain, development of metabolic disorders, inflammation and cellular migration to the adipose tissue were evaluated. In accordance with our hypothesis, we found that the presence of infection prevented the exacerbated weight gain and also improved metabolic parameters in animals fed a high fat diet. This was associated with the infection’s ability to modulate parameters of a cell responsible for regulatory functions: Tregs. In the light of these findings, helminth infection could be protective against weight gain and metabolic disturbances.
The Resonant Frequency and Tuning Characteristics of a Narrow-Gap Reentrant Cylindrical Cavity

The literature concerning the reentrant cylindrical cavity is reviewed and the relative advantages and disadvantages of the various formulations of the problem are discussed. In addition, a new formulation is proposed which accurately predicts the resonant frequency of narrow-gap cavities such as those currently finding application in the construction of solid-state oscillators. This new formulation is mathematically simpler and numerically more efficient than many other formulations which are not as accurate. The paper concludes with an investigation of the toning characteristics of the cavity.
Sensitivity of Electrodermal Activity Features for Driver Arousal Measurement in Cognitive Load: The Application in Automated Driving Systems

Driver’s under-arousal occurred in automated driving systems (ADS) impairs takeover safety. This study aims to determine electrodermal activity (EDA) features’ importance for driver’s arousal quantification. A car-following simulator study was conducted with participants concurrently executing four levels of cognitive tasks, triggering four levels of arousal. Participants’ skin conductance (SC) data were collected and decomposed into tonic (skin conductance level, SCL) and phasic (skin conductance response, SCR) components. Seventeen features extracted from SC, SCL and SCR were compared. As a result, SCR-relevant features showed higher significance and larger effect size than SC and SCL features in response to cognitive load, which suggests the phasic component dominates changes in EDA under varying cognitive load. Moreover, the SCR rate TTP.nSCRs, identified by $0.03 ~\mu \text{S}$ thresholds, attained the largest effect size among all features for driver’s arousal measurement. A varying time windows (TW) analysis showed that TTP.nSCRs was the most suggested arousal metric when TW was over 20 s, whereas the sum of SCRs amplitudes TTP.AmpSum was preferred when TW was less than 20 s. For driver’s arousal quantification with multi-features, the top five suggested features were TTP.nSCRs, SC_Rate5, CDA.SCR (or CDA.ISCR), CDA.AmpSum, and TTP.AmpSum. Although male drivers showed higher values of EDA features than female drivers, the sensitivity of the proposed EDA features stands across gender and individuals. This study promotes an improved understanding of EDA changes in human cognitive process. The sensitive EDA features proposed could be used from uni- or multi-modalities in driver state management and takeover-safety prediction for ADS.
Efficacy of Vanadyl Sulfate and Selenium Tetrachloride as Anti-Diabetic Agents against Hyperglycemia and Oxidative Stress Induced by Diabetes Mellitus in Male Rats

The use of metals in medicine has grown in popularity in clinical and commercial settings. In this study, the immune-protecting effects and the hypoglycemic and antioxidant activity of vanadyl sulfate (VOSO4) and/or selenium tetrachloride (Se) on oxidative injury, DNA damage, insulin resistance, and hyperglycemia were assessed. Fifty male albino rats were divided into five groups, and all treatments were administrated at 9:00 a.m. daily for 60 successive days: control, STZ (Streptozotocin; 50 mg/kg of STZ was given to 6 h fasted animals in a single dose, followed by confirmation of diabetic state occurrence after 72 h by blood glucose estimation at >280 mg/dl), STZ (Diabetic) plus administration of VOSO4 (15 mg/kg) for 60 days, STZ (Diabetic) plus administration of selenium tetrachloride (0.87 mg/Kg), and STZ plus VOSO4 and, after 1/2 h, administration of selenium tetrachloride at the above doses. The test subjects’ blood glucose, insulin hormone, HbA1C, C-peptide, antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, myeloperoxidase, and xanthine oxidase), markers of lipid peroxidation (MDA), and histological sections of pancreatic tissues were evaluated, and a comet assay was performed. Histological sections in pancreas tissues were treated as indicators of both VOSO4 and selenium tetrachloride efficacy, either alone or combined, for the alleviation of STZ toxicity. The genotoxicity of diabetes mellitus was assessed, and the possible therapeutic roles of VOSO4 or selenium tetrachloride, or both, on antioxidant enzymes were studied. The findings show that the administration of VOSO4 with selenium tetrachloride reduced oxidative stress to normal levels, lowered blood glucose levels, and elevated insulin hormone. Additionally, VOSO4 with selenium tetrachloride had a synergistic effect and significantly decreased pancreatic genotoxicity. The data clearly show that both VOSO4 and selenium tetrachloride inhibit pancreatic and DNA injury and improve the oxidative state in male rats, suggesting that the use of VOSO4 with selenium tetrachloride is a promising synergistic potential ameliorative agent in the diabetic animal model.
Poinçonnement symétrique des dalles en béton armé

Punching of reinforced concrete and prestressed slabs is usually a critical failure mode for the design and verification of structures such as flat slabs or bridge slabs. Although codes of practice propose several rules for common cases (usually with an empirical basis), they do not provide a general tool for studying the punching strength because they are not based on a physical model. Furthermore, a better accuracy in the determination of the punching strength is needed when investigating the ultimate load of existing structures. Recently, test results from a series of 10 concrete slabs without punching reinforcement (performed within this thesis) as well as different tests performed by other researchers allowed to check and validate the application limits of a failure criterion proposed by Professor Muttoni for slabs without punching reinforcement. This failure criterion defines the punching strength mainly as a function of the radial rotation of the slab in the vicinity of the column. Even if a punching failure is predominantly a shear failure, the vertical displacements and the plate rotations before failure are governed mainly by the flexural characteristics of the slab. A computational model for the flexural behavior of concrete slabs has been developed, considering the different material non linearities and allowing also to include the effect of prestressing. Finally, both the failure criterion and the computational model are merged into a physical model which is able to determine the punching strength of symmetrical slabs, with any flexural reinforcement layout (prestressed or not). The comparison between theoretical and experimental results shows good agreement, better than provided by current codes of practice. With this physical model, it is also possible to determine the punching strength for particular cases, not covered by building codes. For instance, in the case of an inner column at a flat slab, it is possible to compute the enhanced punching strength due to the restraint effect exerted by the rest of the slab. The model can also be used to determine the failure load of a foundation plate, considering the interaction between the soil pressure and the slab displacement. Furthermore, it is possible to include temperature effects on the punching strength evaluating the loss of resistance due to fire exposure of the slab. The proposed model is very flexible and can easily be adapted to the different cases which an engineer is confronted to. It revealed itself as a very helpful tool for determining the failure load of an existing structure as well as for designing the reinforcement layout for new projects. Within this thesis, only axisymmetrical cases have been studied. To analyse border or edge columns as well as other non symmetrical cases, the model should be adapted.
Constraints in Pigeonpea Production in Maharashtra

The study was conducted to identify the constraints in pigeonpea production in Maharashtra. For this purpose a survey was conducted in Akola district of the State which was representative of the main pulses growing zone of India. Three villages were selected randomly i.e. one from Akola taluka and two from Murtizapur talukas. A sample of 135 farmers were selected, of which, 90 farmers were from adopted villages and 45 farmers from non-adopted villages. The result of the present study was observed to identify the constraints in pigeonpea production. In last five years soybean, black gram, green gram were found replacing pigeonpea (12.59 percent). It is hypothesized that some constraints in pigeonpea production must be responsible for reducing the area of pigeonpea and it is observed that major constraints in pigeonpea were non-availability of good quality seed, high seed price and lack of information about recommended variety, high incidence of pest and disease, poor test which was analyzed by Garrett ranking method.
A Review of Data Gathering Methods for Evaluating Socially Assistive Systems

Social interactions significantly impact the quality of life for people with special needs (e.g., older adults with dementia and children with autism). They may suffer loneliness and social isolation more often than people without disabilities. There is a growing demand for technologies to satisfy the social needs of such user groups. However, evaluating these systems can be challenging due to the extra difficulty of gathering data from people with special needs (e.g., communication barriers involving older adults with dementia and children with autism). Thus, in this systematic review, we focus on studying data gathering methods for evaluating socially assistive systems (SAS). Six academic databases (i.e., Scopus, Web of Science, ACM, Science Direct, PubMed, and IEEE Xplore) were searched, covering articles published from January 2000 to July 2021. A total of 65 articles met the inclusion criteria for this systematic review. The results showed that existing SASs most often targeted people with visual impairments, older adults, and children with autism. For instance, a common type of SASs aimed to help blind people perceive social signals (e.g., facial expressions). SASs were most commonly assessed with interviews, questionnaires, and observation data. Around half of the interview studies only involved target users, while the other half also included secondary users or stakeholders. Questionnaires were mostly used with older adults and people with visual impairments to measure their social interaction, emotional state, and system usability. A great majority of observational studies were carried out with users in special age groups, especially older adults and children with autism. We thereby contribute an overview of how different data gathering methods were used with various target users of SASs. Relevant insights are extracted to inform future development and research.
Effect of single- and double-layer cesarean section closure on residual myometrial thickness and isthmocele - a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: To determine the incidence of isthmocele, its effect on residual myometrial thickness (RMT), and other complications of Cesarean delivery (CD) in relation to single- and double-layer CD closure. We searched PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, MEDLINE and Cochrane Library for relevant clinical trials assessing the use of single- and double-layer uterine closure in patients undergoing cesarean sections from inception through to March 2021. Materials and Methods: Our population was women undergoing cesarean section with uterine closure by any double-layer method, compared with those undergoing uterine closure through a single-layer method. RMT (in mm) was measured at 6 weeks, niche/isthmocele existence at 6 weeks, RMT (in mm) at 6-24 months and niche/isthmocele existence at 6-24 months. In order to present the highest quality evidence, we only included clinical trials in our analysis. To perform this review, we reported dichotomous outcomes using percent and total, while continuous outcomes were reported using mean ± standard deviations, and relative 95% confidence intervals using the inverse variance method. Results: We found that the RMT in the double-layer closure group was significantly higher at six weeks [mean difference (MD)=-0.43 (-0.77, -0.09)], (p=0.01) and at 6-24 months of follow-up [MD=-1.27 (-2.28, -0.25)], (p=0.01). The incidence of isthmocele in the two groups, as well as the other investigated outcomes were similar across the different groups. Conclusion: High-quality evidence shows that double-layer closure results in a higher RMT compared with a single-layer closure, despite no significant difference in isthmocele formation.
Early Cretaceous Small-Sized Gastropods from the Shallow Marine Deposits of the Kimigahama Formation, Choshi Group, Japan

Abstract. Twelve species of small gastropods are extracted using the sodium tetraphenylborate method from the strongly lithified shallow marine deposits of the Barremian (Lower Cretaceous) Kimigahama Formation of the Choshi Group, central Japan. They belong to the following families and subfamilies; Eudaroniidae, Pseudomelaniidae, Ampezzopleurinae, Metacerithiidae, Procerithiidae, Nystiellidae, Metaxiinae, Stuoraxidae and Ebalinae, including six new species and one new genus. Pseudomelania yamadai sp. nov., Ampezzopleura barremica sp. nov., Choshipleura striata gen. et sp. nov., Metacerithium boshuae sp. nov., Antiphora aurora sp. nov. and Stuoraxis kasei sp. nov. are described as new species. Pseudomelania yamadai, Metacerithium boshuae and Cirsocerithium subspinosum are closely related to or identical with the species from the Lower Cretaceous in western Europe. Ampezzopleura barremica and Choshipleura striata are the first Cretaceous records of the subfamily Ampezzopleurinae that has hitherto been limited to the Triassic deposits. Antiphora aurora is the first record of the family Triphoridae from Mesozoic deposits, suggesting that the sinistral triphorids originated from the dextral ancestor. Stuoraxis kasei is the youngest occurrence of the heterostrophan family Stuoraxidae that has hitherto been reported from the Permian to Middle Jurassic deposits. The sodium tetraphenylborate method for finding the small molluscs from the strongly lithified deposits is an effective tool with which to reveal the true diversity of the fossil molluscan fauna.
High-frequency performance of single quantum well infrared photodetectors at high power densities

The high-frequency properties of quantum well infrared photodetectors (QWIP's) based on a double-barrier single QW structure are studied theoretically. An analytical model of the QWIP is developed. The model takes into account the main processes responsible for the QWIP operation, namely, the electron tunneling from the emitter, capture of the electrons into the QW, their photoexcitation from the QW, and electron drift or ballistic transport across the QWIP structure. Analytical expressions for the QWIP responsivity as functions of the modulation frequency of infrared radiation, its power density, and the QWIP structural parameters are obtained from the rigorous self-consistent small-signal analysis. It is shown that there are two distinct ranges where the frequency dispersion of the responsivity is strong. At low frequencies, the responsivity dispersion is associated with the inertia of the process of recharging of the QW while at very high frequencies the dispersion is due to the electron transit-time effect. The influence of the electron transit-time effect on the QWIP admittance is also evaluated. The derivation of the QWIP high-frequency performance and, in particular, the estimates of 3-dB bandwidth show that the QWIP's have a great potential for devices utilizing both infrared radiation and millimeter or submillimeter wavelength microwave signals.
Immunomodulatory effects of fish peptides on cardiometabolic syndrome associated risk factors: A review

ABSTRACT Many types of marine-derived products specifically biopeptides, among other health benefiting properties, such as anti-oxidation, anti-infection, anti-hypertension, can also positively affect the immune system through modulations of its cellular responses hence preventing and/or treating many unhealthy conditions inclusive of the metabolic syndrome and its core risk factors. These bioactivities are not solely defined for specific species and many types of fish, farmed or wild-caught, for example, generally salmon, tilapia, cod, sardine, croaker, and others, exhibit comparable health effects. Immuno-potentiating effects of fish-derived peptides on acute and chronic inflammation as well as its related diseases have repeatedly been documented over recent decades. A vast number of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines have been the subject of these analyses. However, only handful such as interleukins, prostaglandins, etc. and associated signalling pathways, which could simultaneously play pro- and/or anti-inflammatory roles in the innate and/or adaptive immunity of the host, are commonly tested. In addition to the inflammatory ailments, such as inflammatory bowel syndrome, glomerulonephritis, hepatitis and/or arthritis, many of these cytokines and chemokines are also the cause or the effect of metabolic syndrome and its linked risk factors. To date, numerous reviews on the topics of natural, food, animal, dairy and marine immunoregulatory peptides have been published, yet none explicitly has reviewed fish biopeptides. Therefore, cooperatively this document is prepared with the primary focus on the extraction, isolation and immunomodulating bio-effects of fish extracted peptides on cytokines, which are the crucial elements in development and establishment of metabolic diseases and related risk factors, for example, hypertension, obesity, insulin resistance and others. To extend the knowledge of readers on the topic and its trends, authors will briefly discuss the drug-likeness and the pharmacokinetics, as well as the predicted target proteins of fish immunomodulating peptides.
Use of social networks in emerging adults: The role of irrational beliefs

Introduction. The use of online social networks has become widespread among the young. Although it may have beneficial effects, it has been established that some people develop problematic or excessive use of social networks which may negatively impact their psychosocial functioning. Objective. The aim of the present study was to investigate social networks use among emerging adults and to explore whether irrational and rational beliefs as conceptualized within the Rational-Emotive & Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (RE&CBT) framework predict problematic social networks use. Following RE&CBT framework, we hypothesized that irrational beliefs are positively, and rational beliefs negatively related to problematic social networks use. Methods. The sample included 210 emerging adults (age range 18-26, M = 21.08, SD = 2.02), 59.0% females. Serbian version of the General Attitude and Belief Scale (SGABS) was used for the assessment of irrational and rational beliefs. Serbian version of Internet Addiction Test was adapted for the assessment of problematic social networks use. Results. The results supported the hypothesis that irrational beliefs are positively related to problematic social networks use. When controlling for intercorrelations between beliefs, demands for love and approval from others stood out as a single significant predictor of problematic social networks use. Rational beliefs were unrelated to problematic social networks use, thus not supporting the hypothesis. Conclusion. The results suggest that RE&CBT approach, which has been proven to be efficacious in prevention of various problems of psychosocial functioning may also provide framework for supporting young people to use social networks in a constructive way.