Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development of a Low-Cost Stationary Laser Scanning System for Generation of Building Information Models

This paper presents a method for developing a 3D point cloud map of any indoor and outdoor vicinities using an indigenously developed stationary scanning system comprising of a single low cost 2D laser scanner. The data logging of scanner and required inertial measurement units (IMUs) has been carried out using a Robot Operating System (ROS). Multiple divergent environments have been scanned and 3D point clouds have been developed, which have been found accurate when compared to the ground truth. In addition, the Building Information Model (BIM) of the surveyed vicinities have been developed using generated point clouds. Compared to available surveying solutions present in the local market, the developed system has been found accurate, faster, economical, and user-friendly to generate structural results of the surveyed vicinities in detail.
Young children’s representation of people who are elsewhere—Or dead

Given the legacy of John Bowlby, Attachment theory has often portrayed separation from a caregiver as likely to provoke protest, despair, and ultimately detachment in infants and young children. Indeed, the emotional challenge of separation is built into a key measurement tool of Attachment theory, the Strange Situation. However, James Robertson, one of Bowlby’s leading collaborators, voiced dissent. He argued that young children can cope with separations—even when they last for several days or weeks. They are able to keep the absent person in mind provided an alternative, familiar caregiver remains available. Observational and experimental findings lend support to Robertson’s claim. Recent analyses of natural language provide further support. Although young toddlers (ranging from 20 to 26 months) often make contact- or attachment-related comments about absent caregivers, such comments become less frequent with age whereas reflective references to absent caregivers—comments that do not express contact-related concerns about their absence—are often produced by young toddlers and remain frequent throughout early childhood. Children’s early-emerging ability to keep an absent attachment figure in mind raises intriguing questions about their responses to the permanent absence of an attachment figure—as in the case of death. Consistent with contemporary research showing that many grieving adults report continuing bonds to a deceased attachment figure—rather than a gradual process of emotional detachment—children also report such continuing bonds. By implication, children and adults are prone to construe the death of a loved one not just as a biological endpoint that terminates the possibility of any continuing relationship but instead as a departure that can be bridged by a continuation of the earlier bond in an altered form.
Partial Switching Kinetics of Ferroelectric PbZrxTi1-xO3 Thin Films Prepared by Sol-Gel Technique

Switching characteristics of ferroelectric PbZrx Ti1-x O3 thin films prepared by the sol-gel technique have been studied for “adaptive learning” metal-ferroelectric-semiconductor field effect transistor (MFSFET) applications. It is demonstrated that by applying positive short pulses to the metal-ferroelectric-metal (MFM) capacitors, the polarization of PZT films can be gradually reversed. We have also measured the switching characteristics by applying various input voltages. Experimentally measured current responses and polarization changes can be well fitted by the Kolmogorov-Avrami theory by taking into account the voltage dependence of the reversed polarization.
Interhemispheric Propagation of Stationary Rossby Waves in a Horizontally Nonuniform Background Flow

AbstractSignificant interhemispheric teleconnections are identified that span the tropical easterlies in the boreal summer 300-hPa streamfunction, such as the North Africa–Antarctic (NAA) and the North Pacific–South America (NPSA) patterns. These patterns are not supported by traditional wave theory, since stationary waves in a basic state without meridional wind would be trapped in the easterlies. To describe the interhemispheric responses more realistically, two-dimensional spherical Rossby wave theory in a horizontally nonuniform basic state is considered. Conditions sufficient for the existence of one propagating wave are obtained, and the meridional group velocity of the wave is shown to have the same direction as the meridional basic wind at the traditional critical latitude. It is concluded that stationary waves with a specific wavelength can propagate across the easterlies from south (north) to north (south) via southerly (northerly) flows. Hence, energy transport by stationary waves on a horizont.
Elastic membranes in viscous shear flow

Liquid capsules with an elastic membrane surface in simple shear flow are considered beyond the regime of small deformations. A simple model is introduced to give a mathematical description of an elastic membrane in viscous flow. The question of whether there is a steady state of a system of a single membrane in external shear flow is studied. It is found by analytical considerations that the possible steady-state flows are restricted by symmetry. The evolution of the membrane in time is found by numerical calculations. For a single spherically symmetric membrane, I find by numerical simulations, a steady-state shape and its dependence on the shear strength. For nonspherically symmetric membranes we see that there is no steady-state shape in general, but by numerical simulations I find that the shape changes can become periodic. This leads to a new alternative explanation of previous experimental results. The stress tensor of the membranes and the effective viscosity of a dilute system of elastic membrane.
Reducible amino acid based cationic lipids with a naphthalimide moiety as non-viral gene vehicles

Three basic amino acid–based cationic lipids bearing a fluorescent naphthalimide moiety and a reducible disulfide linkage are synthesized and applied as non-viral gene vehicles. Their DNA interactions are investigated by agarose-gel retardant and ethidium bromide replacement assays. The sizes and zeta potentials of the liposome/DNA complexes are measured by dynamic light scattering. The cytotoxicities of the liposome/DNA complexes are examined using HeLa and 7702 cell lines by MTT assays. The glutathione-responsive DNA release process is studied through time-dependent fluorescence assays. Luciferase gene expression showed the transfection efficiency of the liposome is dramatically increased in the presence of 10% serum. Confocal laser scanning microscopy studies corroborated that the liposome/DNA complexes are successfully uptaken into HeLa cells. These results demonstrate the promising use of amino acids and naphthalimide-containing lipids for safe and efficient gene delivery.
An illiberal welfare state emerging? Welfare efforts and trajectories under democratic backsliding in Hungary and Turkey

Mainstream western-centric welfare state research has mostly confined itself to studying social policy in consolidated democracies and tends to assume a synergy between democracy and the welfare state. This article shifts the focus to welfare states in countries with declining democratic institutions and rising right-wing populist rule to explore a complex relationship between (de)democratization and welfare state reforms. We conduct a comparative case study of two extreme cases of democratic decline, Turkey and Hungary. We employ a sequential mixed method approach. First, we assess welfare efforts in the two countries to understand which policy areas were prioritized and whether autocratizing governments retrenched or expanded their welfare states. In the second stage, we explore the trajectory of welfare reforms in Hungary and Turkey, focusing on three analytically distinguishable dimensions of social policy change: policy content, policy procedures (including timing, parliamentary procedures, veto players); and the discourses accompanying reforms. We find that democratic decline facilitates rapid welfare state change but it does not necessarily mean retrenchment. Instead we observe ambivalent processes of welfare state restructuring. Common themes emerging in both countries are the rise of flagship programmes that ensure electoral support, a transition towards top-down decision-making and the salient role of discourse in welfare governance. Overall, similarities are stronger in procedures and discourse than in the direction of reforms. Differences in spending levels and policy content do not suggest that the two cases constitute a coherent illiberal welfare state regime. Instead, we see the emergence of authoritarian features that modify their original welfare models.
Awareness, preconception, and fear of epidural analgesia among childbearing women in Saudi Arabia: An observational cross-sectional study

Background: Labor pain is one of the most excruciatingly painful sensations a woman can have. A woman's attitude toward childbirth might be influenced by her lack of understanding of the birth process and the pain she experiences throughout labor and delivery. The control of pain is an important aspect of appropriate obstetrical care. Our study aims to measure the level of awareness, preconception, and fear of epidural analgesia (EDA) among childbearing women. Methods: An observational cross-sectional, hospital-based study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire. The study included all pregnant women who were attending an obstetrical clinic for routine antenatal follow-up at King Khalid university hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, during the month of August 2022. They were asked about five main parts that tapped their awareness, preconception, and fear of EDA. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 26 using descriptive methods, including mean, frequency, and percentage, and also Pearson's correlation coefficient for regression analysis to find the correlation between socio-demographics and awareness and between awareness and fear. Results: Participants in our study included 202 childbearing women. Most women, about 113 (55.9%), participating in the study were aged between 25 and 34 years old. The majority of the participants of this study were Saudi, about 196 (97.0%). In terms of education, 120 (59.4%) of the participants graduated from university. One hundred and forty two (70.3%) of the participants had a monthly income of less than 10000. When it comes to parity, the majority of participants, about 102 (50.5%), have had more than two pregnancies. The average percentage of awareness among the participants showed 45.9%, with an insignificant very moderate correlation between parity and awareness (r = -0.088, P = 0.107); women's knowledge, income, and age were also insignificantly related to awareness. Also, the result showed a moderate level of fear with an average percentage of 44.6% among the participants, with a moderate correlation between awareness and fear with a value of (r = 0.184, P = 0.004). Conclusion: This study results demonstrate a good level of desirability toward using EDA for labor pain, yet there is a limited level of preconceptions and a low level of awareness and knowledge about EDA. In addition, the results showed that the average percentage of fear is 44.6%. Therefore, we suggest that more awareness, knowledge, and guidance about EDA should be provided to pregnant women through antenatal clinics. Furthermore, educational campaigns should be made to dispel misconceptions and fears about EDA.
One bite or two? A comparison of single bite and double bite biopsy techniques in gastrointestinal endoscopy (BITES)

Abstract Background and aim Endoscopic biopsies can be taken using either single or double bite technique. In the single bite method, intubation time may be proportionately prolonged depending upon the number of biopsies taken. In contrast to this, double bite, though a greater number of biopsies may be taken per unit time, it may influence the quality of the biopsy specimen. The aim of the study was to compare these methods and to see if taking double bite has significant effect on the histological quality of the endoscopic biopsies. Methods A prospective, randomised and partly blind study (n = 135, M: 54%, age 21–91 years) divided into two equal arms to compare 144 procedures was conducted. Specimen were compared for time taken to size, depth, crush artefacts, necrosis, fragmentation, distortion, and epithelial stripping. Time taken to collect specimens was also recorded in the upper GI procedures. Results No significant difference was observed in the histological quality of single and double bite specimens (p < 0.05). However, DB took significantly less time (M = 88.5, SD ± 28.5) as compared to SB (M = 180, SD ± 55.9) (p < 0.05). Conclusions There is no difference between the histological quality of DB and SB and the former technique takes less time, hence reducing intubation time.
Optimal storage properties of neural network models

The authors calculate the number, p= alpha N of random N-bit patterns that an optimal neural network can store allowing a given fraction f of bit errors and with the condition that each right bit is stabilised by a local field at least equal to a parameter K. For each value of alpha and K, there is a minimum fraction fmin of wrong bits. They find a critical line, alpha c(K) with alpha c(0)=2. The minimum fraction of wrong bits vanishes for alpha alpha c(K). The calculations are done using a saddle-point method and the order parameters at the saddle point are assumed to be replica symmetric. This solution is locally stable in a finite region of the K, alpha plane including the line, alpha c(K) but there is a line above which the solution becomes unstable and replica symmetry must be broken.
The minimum period and the gap in periods of cataclysmic binaries

The 81 minute cutoff to the orbital periods of hydrogen-rich cataclysmic binaries is consistent with evolution of those systems being dominated by angular momentum losses due to gravitational radiation. Unfortunately, many uncertainties, mainly poorly known atmospheric opacities below 2000 K, make is physically impossible to verify the quadrupole formula for gravitational radiation by using the observed cutoff at 81 minutes. The upper boundary of the gap in orbital periods observed at about 3 hours is almost certainly due to enhanced angular momentum losses from cataclysmic binaries which have longer periods. The physical mechanism of those losses is not identified, but a possible importance of stellar winds is pointed out. The lower boundary of the gap may be explained with the oldest cataclysmic binaries, whose periods evolved past the minimum at 81 minutes and reached the value of 2 hours within about 12 x 10/sup 9/ years after the binary had formed. Those binaries should have secondary components of only 0.02 solar masses, and their periods could be used to estimate ages of the oldest cataclysmic stars, and presumably the age of Galaxy. An alternative explanation for the gap requires that binaries should be detached while crossing the gap. A possiblemore » mechanism for this phenomenon is discussed. It requires the secondary components to be about 0.2 solar masses in the binaries just below the gap. « less
Test-retest reliability of human threat conditioning and generalization across a 1-to-2-week interval.

Given the increasing use of threat conditioning and generalization for clinical-translational research efforts, establishing test-retest reliability of these paradigms is necessary. Specifically, it is an empirical question whether the same participant evinces a similar generalization gradient of conditioned responses across two sessions with the identical contingencies and stimuli. Here, 46 human volunteers participated in an identical auditory threat acquisition and generalization protocol at two sessions separated by 1-to-2 weeks. Skin conductance responses (SCR) and trial-by-trial shock risk ratings served as primary measures. We used linear mixed effects modeling to test differential threat responses and generalization gradients, and Generalizability (G) theory coefficients as our primary formal assessment of test-retest reliability of intraindividual stability and change across time. Results showed largely invariant differential conditioning and generalization gradients across time. G coefficients indicated fair reliability for acquisition and generalization SCR. In contrast, risk rating reliabilities were mixed, and reliability was particularly low for acquisition risk ratings. Our findings generally support reliability of the threat conditioning and generalization paradigm for shorter test-retest intervals and highlight their utility for assessments of behavioral interventions in mental health research, but challenges remain and further work is needed. Threat conditioning and generalization tasks are increasingly used for translational efforts to improve behavioral interventions, and thus test-retest reliability for these tasks needs to be established. Our results support the test-retest reliability of threat conditioning and generalization over a relatively short (1-to-2 week) interval, but this depends on the measure used (physiological vs. self-report). Overall, these tasks could be appropriate for repeated testing over the course of a short-duration intervention study, but more research is needed, particularly in regard to longer-duration studies.
The white dwarf mass distribution in classical nova systems

A detailed model of white dwarf mass distribution in newly formed cataclysmic binaries produced by close binary evolution is presently used to derive the distributions for such systems' subsequent nova outbursts, in view of selection effects due to the dependences of envelope ignition mass, companion mass, and outburst luminosity on the masses of white dwarfs in nova systems. As much as 25-27 percent of observed nova outbursts should occur on O-Ne-Mg white dwarfs, with the rest occurring almost entirely on C-O white dwarfs. Some evidence of a bimodal character is noted in the empirical mass distribution for white dwarfs, as anticipated by the models. 45 refs.
Effects of Replacing Breadcrumbs with Buckwheat, Chickpea, Corn and Mil-let Flour in Gluten-Free Meatball Formulation

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different gluten-free flours on the physicochemical, textural and sensory properties of meatballs. Five different groups of meatballs were produced: C: control meatballs with breadcrumbs, Gf1: meatballs with buckwheat flour, Gf2: meatballs with chickpea flour, Gf3: meatballs with corn flour and Gf4: meatballs with millet flour. The chickpea flour increased the protein content of raw meatballs (P < 0.05). The cooking yield results were higher in gluten-free meatballs than in control samples (P < 0.05). Chickpea flour (Gf2) and corn flour (Gf3) were the most effective flours for reducing the diameter of meatballs (P < 0.05). The highest antioxidant activity was found in the meatballs with buckwheat flour (Gf1) (P < 0.05). The chickpea flour improved the texture of the meatball samples (P < 0.05), while corn and millet flour increased the hardness and chewiness values of the meatballs (P < 0.05). Millet flour decreased the flavour score compared to the control (P < 0.05), whereas the other gluten-free flours had no significant effect on all sensory properties of the meatballs (P > 0.05). This study suggests that chickpea flour had a better effect on the quality characteristics of meatballs among gluten-free flours.
Star Clusters in M33. III. The Youngest Population

We investigate the properties of young (≤108 yr) M33 star clusters from the samples presented in the first two papers of this series using far‐UV photometry. Previously, UBV colors were used to derive cluster ages, luminosities, and masses, assuming an extinction interpolated from neighboring stars. Fifteen of 44 clusters imaged in the Hubble Space Telescope WFPC2 with the F170W filter are detected. The far‐UV magnitudes provided by this filter are used to rederive young cluster ages by comparing integrated photometry with stellar evolutionary models. Overall, we find ages consistent with those from our second paper from UBV photometry. However, the addition of the F170W flux provides three major improvements over previous work: (1) This band is more sensitive to the temperature range of clusters younger than ∼108 yr. (2) UBV colors for young clusters with contaminated V‐band fluxes (from red supergiants or from line emission by surrounding excited gas) provide only an upper age limit. The addition of the far‐UV flux allows us to extract precise ages. (3) Far‐UV flux helps to constrain cluster extinction. New theoretical M/LV ratios are presented for cluster ages between 4 × 106 and 1010 yr and metallicities of (Z = 0.02, Y = 0.28), (Z = 0.008, Y = 0.25), (Z = 0.004, Y = 0.24), (Z = 0.001, Y = 0.23), and (Z = 0.0004, Y = 0.23), extracted from the recent models of C. Chiosi. These M/LV values are used to estimate cluster masses from derived ages and measured luminosities. We find young clusters to have masses in the range 6 × 102–2 × 104 M⊙. These values are smaller than the most massive old clusters in M33 (which have masses up to a few times 105 M⊙) in the sample presented in our second paper.
Molecular diagnosis and haemato-biochemical changes in Anaplasma marginale infected dairy cattle

The present study was a undertaken to diagnose Anaplasma marginale in naturally infected crossbred cows and to determine its effect on haemato-biochemical profile. Blood samples were collected from animals (200) for detection of the rickettsial organism by direct smear and direct blood PCR based techniques targeting the major surface protein 5 (MSP-5). Direct blood PCR revealed a 382-bp amplified fragment in positive control samples. When random blood samples were screened under light microscope and direct blood PCR method, 7.5% of samples were positive under microscopic examination whereas PCR analysis revealed 10.5% samples positive for A. marginale. The infected group (25) showed significantly decreased levels of TEC, Hb and PCV than healthy control animals. However, differences in the red blood cell indices were non-significant indicating normocytic normochromic anaemia in affected crossbred cattle. Serum samples (25) of infected cows showed significantly higher values of ALT, AST, BUN, creatinine and TBIL than that of healthy control. A significant decrease of TSP and albumin was also recorded in the infected cows compared to healthy control. The standardized PCR method of the present investigation may be useful for rapid and accurate diagnosis of A. marginale in subclinical/carrier animals as the whole blood could be directly used. Haemato-biochemical studies concluded that anaemia and erythrophagocytosis are considered to be the major components of this disease and adversely affect liver and soft tissue of the affected animals.
Formation of laser-induced periodic surface structures on fused silica upon multiple cross-polarized double-femtosecond-laser-pulse irradiation sequences

The formation of laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) upon irradiation of fused silica with multiple irradiation sequences consisting of five Ti:sapphire femtosecond (fs) laser pulse pairs (150 fs, 800 nm) is studied experimentally. A Michelson interferometer is used to generate near-equal-energy double-pulse sequences with a temporal pulse delay from −20 to +20 ps between the cross-polarized individual fs-laser pulses (∼0.2 ps resolution). The results of multiple double-pulse irradiation sequences are characterized by means of Scanning Electron and Scanning Force Microscopy. Specifically in the sub-ps delay domain striking differences in the surface morphologies can be observed, indicating the importance of the laser-induced free-electron plasma in the conduction band of the solids for the formation of LIPSS.