Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nanosecond-pulsed plasma actuation in quiescent air and laminar boundary layer

An experimental investigation of the working principles of a nanosecond-pulsed dielectric barrier discharge (ns-DBD) plasma actuator has been conducted. Special emphasis is given on the thermal effects accompanying the rapid deposition of energy associated with this kind of actuation. A ns-DBD plasma actuator has been operated in quiescent air conditions as well as in a flat plate laminar boundary layer, with external flow velocity of 5 and 10 m s−1. Schlieren imaging and particle image velocimetry have been used to characterize the actuation. Additionally, the back-current shunt technique has been used for current measurements, from which energy input (per pulse) is calculated. Cases of 10-, 20- and 50-pulse bursts are tested. Schlieren imaging in still air conditions shows the formation of a high-temperature region in the vicinity of the discharge volume. The spatial extent of the visible ‘hot spot’ depends upon the number of pulses within the burst, following a power law. Schlieren imaging of the span-wise effect of the plasma actuator reveals weak compression waves originating from the loci of discharge filaments. The thermal ‘hot spots’ exhibit significant three-dimensionality. Particle image velocimetry is used to measure the velocity field resulting from the ns-DBDs acting on a laminar boundary layer. The disturbance leads to formation of a Tollmien–Schlichting wave train, with spectral content in good agreement with linear stability theory. It is observed that the group length of the wave train is proportional to the number of pulses within the burst.
Enhanced De Novo Lipid Synthesis Mediated by FASN Induces Chemoresistance in Colorectal Cancer

Simple Summary Resistance to oxaliplatin threatens the prognosis in of colorectal cancer (CRC). As previous studies have aroused interest in fatty acid metabolism in cancer, we determined whether fatty acid biosynthesis contribute to oxaliplatin resistance in CRC. By leveraging the GEO databases, FASN gene signatures was correlated with the response to oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy and poor prognosis. Additionally, FASN expression was positively related with oxaliplatin resistance in vitro. Then, Orlistat, a typical FASN inhibitor, was applied to attenuate the resistance to oxaliplatin in cell culture and xenograft models. Additionally, the combination of the FASN inhibitor and oxaliplatin significantly increased cell cycle arrest and facilitated apoptosis, partly due to the diminished phosphorylation of the MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT pathways. Our study revealed that FASN enhanced resistance to oxaliplatin in CRC. Inhibition of FASN could rescue the response to oxaliplatin by regulating MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT pathways. Abstract Background: Oxaliplatin is one of the most widely used chemotherapy drugs for colorectal cancer (CRC). Resistance to oxaliplatin threatens the prognosis of CRC. Since previous studies have aroused interest in fatty acid metabolism in cancer, in this study, we determined whether fatty acid biosynthesis and the related regulating mechanism contribute to oxaliplatin resistance in CRC. Methods: The effect of the fatty acid synthase (FASN) and its inhibitor Orlistat was characterized in Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases, oxaliplatin-resistant cell lines, and xenografts. MRNA-seq and analysis identified related pathway changes after the application of Orlistat, which was verified by Western blotting. Results: By leveraging the GEO databases, FASN and closely related gene signatures were identified as being correlated with the response to oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy and poor prognosis. Additionally, FASN-upregulated expression promoted oxaliplatin resistance in CRC cell lines. We then applied Orlistat, a typical FASN inhibitor, in cell culture and xenograft models of oxaliplatin-resistant CRC, which attenuated the resistance to oxaliplatin. Additionally, the combination of the FASN inhibitor and oxaliplatin significantly increased cell cycle arrest and facilitated apoptosis, partly due to the diminished phosphorylation of the MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT pathways. In vivo studies showed that inhibiting fatty acid biosynthesis with Orlistat restrained the growth of xenograft tumors and increased the responsiveness to oxaliplatin. Conclusions: Our study revealed that FASN enhanced resistance to oxaliplatin in CRC. The inhibition of FASN could rescue the response to oxaliplatin by regulating MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT pathways.
On the north-south asymmetry of solar activity cycles

We report a study of various solar phenomena occurring in both northern and southern hemispheres of the Sun for solar cycles 8-22. We have calculated the N-S asymmetry indices for several solar phenomena and plotted them against the number of solar cycles. The study indicates that the N-S asymmetry has a trend of a long-term characteristic time scale of about 110 yr. An explanation for this N-S asymmetry period is not available; it may be due to the asymmetric internal magnetic structure of the Sun
Nonlinear evolution of thermal self‐focusing instability in ionospheric modifications at high latitudes: Aspect angle dependence

A first simulation study for the nonlinear evolution of the thermal self‐focusing instability at high latitudes to examine the dependence of the nonlinear effects on the direction of the heater beam is presented. We demonstrate that due to a local heating of the F region anisotropic plasma, field‐aligned bunch‐scale structures with a strong enhancement of the electron temperature and negative density perturbations inside these structures are developed. The electron temperature increases up to more than 200% of the background when the incident beam is near the magnetic zenith, as observed in the heating experiment at the EISCAT high‐latitude facility (Rietveld et al., 2003). The values of the simulated electron temperature enhancements show a strong dependence on the heater beam direction that is in very good agreement with the EISCAT observations.
Emerging and Promising Multifunctional Nanomaterial for Textile Application Based on Graphitic Carbon Nitride Heterostructure Nanocomposites

Nanocomposites constructed with heterostructures of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), silver (Ag), and titanium dioxide (TiO2) have emerged as promising nanomaterials for various environmental, energy, and clinical applications. In the field of textiles, Ag and TiO2 are already recognized as essential nanomaterials for the chemical surface and bulk modification of various textile materials, but the application of composites with g-C3N4 as a green and visible-light-active photocatalyst has not yet been fully established. This review provides an overview of the construction of Ag/g-C3N4, TiO2/g-C3N4, and Ag/TiO2/g-C3N4 heterostructures; the mechanisms of their photocatalytic activity; and the application of photocatalytic textile platforms in the photochemical activation of organic synthesis, energy generation, and the removal of various organic pollutants from water. Future prospects for the functionalization of textiles using g-C3N4-containing heterostructures with Ag and TiO2 are highlighted.
Broadband THz emission from gas plasmas induced by femtosecond optical pulses: From fundamentals to applications

We review the generation of broadband THz radiation from femtosecond photo‐induced gas plasmas, with an emphasis on the highly efficient “AC‐bias” case where the plasma is generated and driven by a superposition of fundamental and second‐harmonic optical fields. The dependence on experimental parameters such as pulse energy, air pressure, polarization and focusing are presented, and compared to the predictions from semi‐quantitative models for the THz generation process, namely (i) a microscopic photocurrent model and (ii) a four‐wave mixing model. We also employ these models to the case of few‐cycle pulses, where the observed THz emission is related directly to the carrier‐envelope phase of the pulses, and hence provides a mechanism with which to measure this phase. }
Left-invariant diffusions on R^3 x S^2 and their application to crossing-preserving smoothing on HARDI-images

In previous work we studied linear and nonlinear left-invariant diffusion equations on the 2D Euclidean motion group SE(2), for the purpose of crossing-preserving coherence-enhancing diffusion on 2D images. In this article we study left-invariant diffusion on the 3D Euclidean motion group SE(3) and its application to crossing-preserving smoothing of high angular resolution diffusion imaging (HARDI), which is a recent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique for imaging water diffusion processes in fibrous tissues such as brain white matter and muscles. The linear left-invariant (convection-)diffusions are forward Kolmogorov equations of Brownian motions on the space R3 o S2 of positions and orientations embedded in SE(3) and can be solved by R3 o S2-convolution with the corresponding Green’s functions. We provide analytic approximation formulae and explicit sharp Gaussian estimates for these Green’s functions. In our design and analysis for appropriate (non-linear) convection-diffusions on HARDI-data we put emphasis on the underlying differential geometry on SE(3). We write our left-invariant diffusions in covariant derivatives on SE(3) using the Cartan-connection. This Cartan-connection has constant curvature and constant torsion, and so have the exponential curves which are the auto-parallels along which our left-invariant diffusion takes place. We provide experiments of our crossing-preserving Euclidean-invariant diffusions on artificial HARDI-data containing crossing-fibers.
Development of a Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire to Estimate Macronutrient Intake among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in Malaysia

The Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) is one of the most frequently used instruments in epidemiological studies for evaluating dietary intake. Because of the variety of dietary habits within different populations, an FFQ must be tailored to the specific group. To date, no specific FFQ has been developed for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in Malaysia. In this study, we developed a semi-quantitative FFQ to estimate macronutrient intake among T2DM patients. The development of the FFQ was based on the data acquired from 150 respondents with T2DM from the southern part of Peninsular Malaysia who completed the three-day 24-h dietary recalls. The respondents were selected by convenience sampling. The mean intake from each food item and the proportions of macronutrients were calculated. The approach from a previous study was used to compile a list of foods items with a cumulative 90% macronutrient contribution that is significant for the nutrient of interest. In conclusion, we have successfully developed a new semi-quantitative FFQ with a total of 79 food items and nine food groups. The frequencies of the FFQ were divided into nine categories and this FFQ represents the usual food intake of T2DM patients in Malaysia. However, this tool has yet to be validated in patients with T2DM in Malaysia.
Fringing in tubular permanent-magnet Machines: part II. Cogging force and its minimization

In Part I of the paper, analytical field solutions, which account for the fringing flux associated with the finite length of the ferromagnetic armature core in tubular permanent-magnet machines, are established. In Part II, the technique is applied to both slotless and slotted machines, and the results are verified by finite-element calculations. The analytical field solutions enable the resultant cogging force associated with the finite length of the armature to be determined as a function of the armature displacement, for both radially and Halbach magnetized stators. Thus, they not only provide an effective means for evaluating the influence of leading design parameters on the cogging force waveform, but also facilitate its minimization.
Applications of coherence theory in microscopy and interferometry

The formulation of the theory of spatial (monochromatic) coherence is reviewed, together with some of the more immediate applications. These include the conditions for effectively coherent and incoherent illumination, the theory of stellar interferometry, and the interference microscope.A general treatment of the influence of the size of source on the visibility of the fringes in two-beam interferometers is given, together with applications. The use of coherence theory in microscopy is then summarized, and the influence of the numerical aperture of the illuminator is illustrated in special cases. These include the images of two close point apertures, a narrow slit, and a periodic structure. It is shown how the concept of an “effective source” facilitates the study of the influence of aberrations under different conditions of coherence.The paper concludes with a discussion of the theory of chromatic coherence.
Temperature and density structure of the collapsing core of G10. 6-0. 4

High-resolution aperture synthesis observations of the molecular gas surrounding the ultracompact H II region G10.6-0.4 in the (J,K) = (1,1) and (J,K) = (3,3) inversion lines of NH3 are reported. The ultracompact region is embedded in a dense molecular core whose average n(H2) density over the central 0.1 pc is 4 x 10 to the 6th/cu cm. The H II region is heating the molecular gas. Temperatures in the central 0.1 pc are in the range 95-140 K and scale outward as 1/sq rt R. The molecular core appears to be gravitationally collapsing onto the ultracompact H II region. Rotational gradient measurements suggest that between 1.5 and 0.35 pc the dynamics is consistent with Keplerian rotation and the mass distribution estimated from maps of the column density. 24 references.
Green Innovation, Self-Efficacy, Entrepreneurial Orientation and Economic Performance: Interactions among Saudi Small Enterprises

The stiff competition in the market, and continuous pressures from various stakeholders such as customers, business owners, environmental authorities, and society, in general, to produce unique products and services, protect the environment, and obtain competitive advantage continue to challenge the sustainability of enterprises in the market, especially the small ones. Accordingly, to minimize the effect of these challenges and pressures, small enterprises can improve their performance by directing their practices and processes towards developing innovative products and services that can help obtain a competitive advantage, protect the environment and better market share. Accordingly, this study aimed to explore the necessary antecedents contributing to developing innovative green products and services among small enterprises in Saudi Arabia. The study targeted a sample of 284 small entrepreneurs across various regions of Saudi Arabia. The responses were collected with a convenience sample through an online questionnaire. The data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The findings revealed that both green entrepreneurial self-efficacy (GESE) and green entrepreneurial orientation (GEO) have a positive relationship with green innovation (GI). The findings also reported that GI mediates the relationship between GESE, GEO and economic performance (EP).
Tests for the minihalo model of the Lyman alpha forest

According to the minihalo model for the Ly α forest, the absorption lines arise from photoionized gas gravitationally confined in dark matter haloes of low velocitydispersion. Possible tests for this hypothesis are analysed. The predicted column density distribution is mostly dependent on the density profile of the haloes, and is in basic agreement with the observations. At low column densities, the lines should be probing the infalling, non-virialized regions of the clouds, and they should deviate from Voigt profiles. The Gunn-Peterson absorption should also fluctuate with wavelength, and it may thus be difficult to distinguish from a superposition of many weak absorption lines
Evaluation of growth performance and feed efficiency in reciprocal crosses of Fayoumi with three exotic chicken breeds

ABSTRACT Reciprocal crosses of Fayoumi with Koekoek, Sasso, and White Leghorn chickens and the purebreds were evaluated for growth and feed efficiency traits. Birds were weighed individually at hatch and every four weeks to 20 weeks, and body weight gain was the difference between consecutive records. Feed conversion ratio was the ratio of feed consumed to weight gained by the birds. Results revealed significant differences among the genotypes in those traits. Sasso outperformed all other genotypes throughout the study period. Reciprocal crosses of Fayoumi and Sasso performed better than the remaining seven genotypes, with Koekoek and reciprocals of Fayoumi and Koekoek showing intermediate performance, but Fayoumi and White Leghorn and reciprocals involving them performed the least. In most instances, reciprocals of Fayoumi with Koekoek and White Leghorn outperformed both of their parents. Therefore, these genotypes could be used in any crossbreeding system to exploit the heterotic effects that existed in them.
PhD Thesis: String theory in the early universe

The intersection of string theory with cosmology is unavoidable in the early universe, and its exploration may shine light on both fields. In this thesis, three papers at this intersection are presented and reviewed, with the aim of providing a thorough and pedagogical guide to their results. First, we address the longstanding problem of finding a string theory realisation of the axion. Using warped compactifications in heterotic string theory, we show that the axion decay constant can be lowered to acceptable values by the warp factor. Next, we move to the subject of cosmic strings, whose network evolution could have important consequences for astrophysics and cosmology. In particular, there are quantitative differences between cosmic superstring networks and GUT cosmic string networks. We investigate the properties of cosmic superstring networks in warped backgrounds, giving the tension and properties of three-string junctions in these backgrounds. Finally, we examine the possibility that cosmic strings in heterotic string theory could be responsible for generating the galactic magnetic fields that seeded those observed today.
Asymptotics of the QMLE for Non-Linear ARCH Models

Asymptotic properties of the quasi-maximum likelihood estimator (QMLE) for non-linear ARCH(q) models -- including for example Asymmetric Power ARCH and log-ARCH -- are derived. Strong consistency is established under the assumptions that the ARCH process is geometrically ergodic, the conditional variance function has a finite log-moment, and finite second moment of the rescaled error. Asymptotic normality of the estimator is established under the additional assumption that certain ratios involving the conditional variance function are suitably bounded, and that the rescaled errors have little more than fourth moment. We verify our general conditions, including identification, for a wide range of leading specific ARCH models.
Modes of grating waveguide

Starting with the coupled‐paraxial‐wave equations for Rayleigh waves propagating under a SAW grating, modes are derived with characteristic transverse‐mode patterns. Modes exist below the first‐order Bragg frequency both within a passband (real propagation constant) and a stop band (imaginary propagation constant). Cutoff (disappearance of guided mode solutions) is reached within the stop band above the Bragg frequency. No passband is found immediately above the stop band. Guidance of the waves by the grating is due to reflection at the grating edges and not due to a velocity difference of the Rayleigh waves between the regions outside the grating and underneath the grating. We take up the study of the effect of the velocity difference and find enhancement of guidance (as expected) when the outside region has a higher Rayleigh velocity. When the outside region has a smaller velocity, guided modes do not necessarily disappear. In fact, some guidance is provided by the velocity discontinuity.
INSTRUCTIONS AND FEEDBACK EFFECTS ON SPEED AND ACCURACY WITH DIFFERENT LEARNING CURVE MODELS

Abstract This study compares powerform versus exponential learning curve models on the first ten trials of a task, using several dependent measures. Also shown are differences in instructions about speed emphasis, accuracy emphasis, and equal speed-accuracy emphasis. Empirical data were collected on human subjects performing a devised task on discovering a sequence of switch connections to lights. Learning curves of each model were fitted to the serial data and to cumulative average serial data on time, errors, and their product for each individual subject. Difficulties in fitting these models to data are reported along with supporting reasons. The quality of data fits to each model is examined for each criterion. It is shown that the exponential model exhibits more difficulties in being fitted to data, but that it provides a more accurate description of each criterion of learning in this task when the fit is good. Accuracy and speed operating characteristics are shown for each group of subjects who are g.
Local influence in null intercept measurement error regression under a student_t model

Abstract In this paper we discuss the application of local influence in a measurement error regression model with null intercepts under a Student_t model with dependent populations. The Student_t distribution is a robust alternative to modelling data sets involving errors with longer than Normal tails. We derive the appropriate matrices for assessing the local influence for different perturbation schemes and use real data as an illustration of the usefulness of the application.
Giant increase of critical current density and vortex pinning in Mn doped KxFe2−ySe2 single crystals

We report a comparative study of the critical current density ( Jc) and vortex pinning among pure and Mn doped KxFe2−ySe2 single crystals. It is found that the Jc values can be greatly improved by Mn doping and post-quenching treatment when comparing to pristine pure sample. In contrast to pure samples, an anomalous second magnetization peak (SMP) effect is observed in both 1% and 2% Mn doped samples at T = 3 K for H∥ab but not for H∥c. Referring to Dew-Hughes and Kramer's model, we performed scaling analyses of the vortex pinning force density vs magnetic field in 1% Mn doped and quenched pristine crystals. The results show that the normal point defects are the dominant pinning sources, which probably originate from the variations of intercalated K atoms. We propose that the large nonsuperconducting K-Mn-Se inclusions may contribute to the partial normal surface pinning and give rise to the anomalous SMP effect for H∥ab in Mn doped crystals. These results may facilitate further understanding of the super.