Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Micromachined Tools Using Acoustic Wave Triggering for the Interaction with the Growth of Plant Biological Systems

A plant biological system is exposed to external influences. In general, each plant has its characteristics and needs with specific interaction mechanisms adapted to its survival. Interactions between systems can be examined and modeled as energy exchanges of mechanical, chemical or electrical variables. Thus, each specific interaction can be examined by triggering the system via a specific stimulus. The objective of this work was to study a specific stimulus (mechanical stimulation) as a driver of plants and their interaction with the environment. In particular, the experimental design concerns the setting up and testing of an automatic source of mechanical stimuli at different wavelengths, generated by an electromechanical transducer, to induce a micro-interaction in plants (or in parts of them) that produces a specific behavior (hypothesis) of plants. Four different experimental setups were developed for this work, each pursuing the same objective: the analysis of the germination process induced by stimulation by sound waves in the audible range. It can be said that the introduction of sound waves as a stimulant or a brake for the growth of plants can offer significant advantages when used on a large scale in the primary sector, since these effects can be used instead of polluting chemical solutions.
Effect of Ion Temperature Anisotropy on Modulated Electrostatic Waves and Envelope Solitons in a Magnetized Plasma

The modulational instability (MI) of electrostatic waves, i.e., slow and fast electrostatic modes, is investigated in a magnetized plasma in the presence ion pressure anisotropy. The anisotropic ion pressure is defined using the double adiabatic Chew–Goldberger–Low (CGL) theory. The nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLSE) is derived to study the amplitude modulation of obliquely propagating electrostatic waves in a magnetized plasma using the Krylov-Bogoliubov–Mitropolsky (KBM) method. The dispersive and nonlinear coefficients, i.e., <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$P$ </tex-math></inline-formula> and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$Q$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, respectively, of NLSE are obtained which depends on system parameters such as plasma density, the magnetic field intensity, wave propagation angle <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\theta $ </tex-math></inline-formula>, and ion parallel and perpendicular temperatures (anisotropy effects), respectively. The modulationally unstable regions (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$PQ>0$ </tex-math></inline-formula>) of modulated slow [or ion-acoustic wave (IAW)] and fast [or ion-cyclotron wave (ICW)] electrostatic modes are investigated numerically in a magnetized plasma with ion temperature anisotropy, and the contour plots of product <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$PQ>0$ </tex-math></inline-formula> with wave propagation angle <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\theta $ </tex-math></inline-formula> and critical wave numbers are also presented. It is found that the unstable regions for modulated IAW and ICW are extended to large wave propagation angle <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\theta $ </tex-math></inline-formula> and its corresponding critical wave numbers in the presence of ion temperature anisotropy in comparison to cold ions’ case. The existence of magnetized plasma with ion pressure anisotropy in different space plasma regions and in the laboratory experiments is also pointed out.
Looking for the Wind in the Dust

The blue-shifted broad emission lines and/or broad absorption lines seen in many luminous quasars are striking evidence for a broad line region in which radiation driving plays an important role. We consider the case for a similar role for radiation driving beyond the dust sublimation radius by focussing on the infrared regime where the relationship between luminosity and the prominence of the 3-5 micron bump may be key. To investigate this further, we apply the 3D hydrodynamic wind model of Everett (2005) to predict the infrared spectral energy distributions of quasars. The presence of the 3-5 micron bump and strong, broad silicate features can be reproduced with this dynamical wind model when radiation driving on dust is taken into account.
Quantification conformément équivariante des fibrés supercotangents

Cette these comprend deux parties. 1. Quantification conformement equivariante des fibres supercotangents. Nous entendons par quantification du fibre supercotangent d'une variete M, un isomorphisme lineaire entre l'espace des superfonctions polynomiales en les fibres et l'espace des operateurs differentiels spinoriels sur M. Nous montrons qu'il existe une unique quantification pour les fibres supercotangents des varietes (M,g) conformement plates, qui soit equivariante sous l'action des transformations conformes de M. 2. Sur la geometrie projective du supercercle: une construction unifiee des super birapport et derivee schwarzienne. Nous etablissons, pour trois supergroupes agissant sur le supercercle, une correspondance entre le supergroupe, les invariants caracteristiques de son action et le 1-cocycle associe, definissant ainsi trois geometries sur le supercercle. L'invariant de la geometrie projective est le super birapport, son 1-cocycle associe etant la derivee schwarzienne.
On Sheets of Conjugacy Classes in Good Characteristic

We show that the sheets for a connected reductive algebraic group G over an algebraically closed field in good characteristic acting on itself by conjugation are in bijection with G-conjugacy classes of triples (M, Z(M)^\circ t, O) where M is the connected centralizer of a semisimple element in G, Z(M)^\circ t is a suitable coset in Z(M)/Z(M)^\circ and O is a rigid unipotent conjugacy class in M. Any semisimple element is contained in a unique sheet S and S corresponds to a triple with O={1}. The sheets in G containing a unipotent conjugacy class are precisely those corresponding to triples for which M is a Levi subgroup of a parabolic subgroup of G and such a class is unique.
Students’ Academic Achievement and Satisfaction in a Blended Learning Community of College English in China: A Quasi-experimental Study

The research aimed to make a quasi-experimental study of College English in a Chinese blended learning community environment. A mixed method was adopted to collect data about students’ academic achievement and learning satisfaction. Academic achievement consisted of obtrusive data from the final exam, and learning satisfaction data came from a unified standard questionnaire organized by the university. Utilizing quasi-experimental design, results showed that the experimental class (C1) adopting the framework of blended learning community (BLC) earned a higher level of academic achievement and satisfaction. It is concluded in this research that the BLC framework was shown to have a positive effect on students’ academic achievement and learning satisfaction than face-to-face (FTF) learning in the context of English learning in higher education. Pedagogical implications and future research recommendations were also included.
Finiteness of nonzero degree maps between 3‐manifolds

In this paper, it is shown that every orientable closed 3‐manifold maps with nonzero degree onto at most finitely many homeomorphically distinct irreducible nongeometric orientable closed 3‐manifolds. Moreover, given any nonzero integer, as a mapping degree up to sign, every orientable closed 3‐manifold maps with that degree onto only finitely many homeomorphically distinct orientable closed 3‐manifolds.
Vasovagal Syncope Is Associated with Variants in Genes Involved in Neurohumoral Signaling Pathways

Vasovagal syncope (VVS) is the most common cause of sudden loss of consciousness. VVS results from cerebral hypoperfusion, due to abnormal autonomic control of blood circulation, leading to arterial hypotension. It is a complex disease, and its development is largely associated with genetic susceptibility. Since abnormal neurohumoral regulation plays an important role in VVS development, we analyzed the association of VVS with polymorphic variants of ADRA1A, ADRB1, HTR1A, ADORA2A, COMT, and NOS3 genes, the products of which are involved in neurohumoral signaling, in patients with a confirmed VVS diagnosis (157 subjects) and individuals without a history of syncope (161 subjects). We were able to identify the associations between VVS and alleles/genotypes ADRA1A rs1048101, ADRB1 rs1801253, ADORA2A rs5751876, and COMT rs4680, as well as NOS3 rs2070744 in biallelic combination with COMT rs4680. Thus, we are the first to observe, within a single study, the role of the genes that encode α- and β-adrenergic receptors, catechol-O-methyltransferase, adenosine receptors and nitric oxide synthase in VVS development. These findings demonstrate that the genes involved in neurohumoral signaling pathways contribute to the formation of a genetic susceptibility to VVS.
Perceived Brand Relationship Orientation: Conceptual Analysis and Dimensions Identification

Abstract The literature on Perceived brand relationship orientation cannot be easily integrated due to the non-consensual designation of this concept. Moreover, managerial implications can hardly be deduced with the global unidimensional operationalizations of this concept. Then, the present research aims at (1) deepening the conceptual understanding of Perceived brand relationship orientation and associating it with a consensual and integrative definition, and (2) identifying its different dimensions through a qualitative study which used 23 semi-structured interviews and two focus groups. As result, Perceived brand relationship orientation declines into six reflexive dimensions: (1) Endeavor in relational communication, (2) Endeavor in physical and psychological proximity, (3) Endeavor to create a warm atmosphere, (4) Endeavor directed toward the mutuality of benefits, (5) Endeavor in continuous innovation, and (6) Endeavor in personalization. Therefore, it is recommended to move away from conceptualizing Perceived brand relationship orientation as a one-dimensional global perception and to exploit its multiple dimensions to adjust brand’s strategy to consumers’ expectations in term of brand relationship orientation.
Additional Smoothing Transition Autoregressive Models

In this paper we present, propose and examine additional membership functions. There is no reason why more functions cannot be proposed. More specifically, we present the tangent hyperbolic, Gaussian and Generalized bell functions. Because Smoothing Transition Autoregressive (STAR) models follow fuzzy logic approach, more functions should be tested. Furthermore, fuzzy rules can be incorporated or other training or computational methods can be applied as the error backpropagation algorithm instead to nonlinear squares. Some numerical applications are presented and MATLAB routines are provided
EXPLORING CONNECTEDNESS BETWEEN REGULATORY IDENTITY AND STRATEGIC OUTCOMES

This study aims to extend the concept of organizational identity, the soul of organizational culture, and its five characterizing attributes, namely, purpose, philosophy, priorities, processes, and projections, to the regulatory space. It has been done through a thematic review of previous articles. Although a few academic articles in the public policy arena have dealt with one or two of these attributes, there is a lack of a holistic evaluation of the regulatory framework covering all these five attributes of regulatory identity. After building an understanding of how these elements have evolved in public policy and regulation domains, we have hypothesized that processes and projections of the regulatory framework need to be aligned with the core regulatory identity (constituted by purpose, philosophy, and priorities) for achieving strategic outcomes. On the other hand, a change in the long-term strategy should trigger a reassessment of organizational priorities followed by the realignment of the core regulatory culture to guide decision-making and organizational actions. Finally, since the regulatory processes or practices, both internal and external, are the actions that keep the regulatory identity alive, therefore, they should be aligned with the core identity and culture of the regulatory framework.
lncRNA MANCR Inhibits NK Cell Killing Effect on Lung Adenocarcinoma by Targeting miRNA-30d-5p

Background. NK cells are imperative in spontaneous antitumor response of various cancers. Currently, lncRNAs are considered important modulators of the tumor microenvironment. This study investigated the molecular mechanism by which mitotically associated long noncoding RNA (MANCR) controls killing effect of NK cells on lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) in the tumor microenvironment. Methods. The interplay between MANCR and miRNA-30d-5p was analyzed by bioinformatics. Expression of MANCR mRNA and miRNA-30d-5p was examined using qRT-PCR. Dual-luciferase reporter and RIP assays were utilized to verify the targeted relationship between MANCR and miRNA-30d-5p. To investigate regulation of MANCR/miRNA-30d-5p axis in NK cell killing effect on LUAD cells, western blot tested the protein level of perforin and granzyme B. ELISA determined the level of IFN-γ. CytoTox 96 Non-Radioactive Cytotoxicity Assay kit was applied for cytotoxicity detection of NK cells. Perforin and granzyme B fluorescence intensity was measured via immunofluorescence, and cell apoptosis levels were also revealed via flow cytometry. Results. MANCR was found to be upregulated, while miRNA-30d-5p expression was downregulated in LUAD tissues. Overexpression of MANCR in LUAD cells significantly reduced NK cell IFN-γ secretion, expression of granzyme B and perforin, and NK cell killing effect. In addition, MANCR could target and downregulate miRNA-30d-5p expression, and miRNA-30d-5p overexpression reversed the inhibition of NK cell killing effect caused by MANCR overexpression. Conclusion. MANCR inhibited the killing effect of NK cells on LUAD via targeting and downregulating miRNA-30d-5p and provided new ideas for antitumor therapy based on tumor microenvironment.
Photovoltaic System for Microinverter Applications Based on a Non-Electrolytic-Capacitor Boost Converter and a Sliding-Mode Controller

This paper presents a photovoltaic (PV) system designed to reduce the DC-link capacitance present in double-stage PV microinverters without increasing the capacitor interfacing the PV source. This solution is based on a modified boost topology, which exhibits continuous current in both input and output ports. Such a characteristic enables the implementation of PV microinverters without electrolytic capacitors, which improves the reliability in comparison with solutions based on classical converters with discontinuous output current and electrolytic capacitors. However, the modified boost converter exhibits different dynamic behavior in comparison with the classical boost converter; thus, design processes and controllers developed for the classical boost converter are not applicable. This paper also introduces a sliding-mode controller designed to ensure the stable operation of the PV microinverter around the maximum power point. Moreover, this solution also rejects the voltage oscillations at double the grid frequency generated by the grid-connection. The global stability of the complete PV system is formally demonstrated using mathematical analyses, and a step-by-step design process for both the power stage and control system is proposed. Finally, the design process is illustrated using a representative application example, and the correct operation of the PV system is validated using realistic circuital simulations. The results validate the accuracy of the theoretical equations proposed for both the design and control of the novel PV system, where errors below 4.5% were obtained for the ripple prediction, and below 1% for the prediction of the dynamic behavior.
1D problems of radiation pressure on elastic solids

We treat the light-matter interaction due to radiation pressure in one dimension using the fundamental, nonrelativistic conservation principles of energy and momentum. Additionally, we assume that the center of mass-energy maintains the same uniform motion if the interaction takes place or not. Since we handle solids as elastic objects, the results are consistent with the principle of causality and agree with recent experimental observations. We analyze the problem of reflection of a light pulse from a fully-reflective mirror and show that its reflection gives rise to an elastic wave with a measurable amplitude and a correct Doppler shift of the reflected pulse. We also analyze the problem of light pulse transmission into an anti-reflection coated, non-dispersive and lossless dielectric, where an elastic wave may as well be accompanied by a mechanical wave escorting the light pulse. We show that the Balazs rigid box thought experiment can be also realized in elastic dielectrics where some of the energy of the incident light is transferred to the wave motion. It follows from our approach that the electromagnetic momentum of the light pulse in the dielectric acquires Abraham’s form only when a single type of the mechanical waves accompanies the interaction.
Rapid Quantification of Infectious Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus in Watermelon Tissues by PMA Coupled with RT-qPCR

Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV) belongs to the Tobamovirus genus and is an important quarantine virus of cucurbit crops. Seedborne transmission is one of the principal modes for CGMMV spread, and effective early detection is helpful to prevent the occurrence of the disease. Quantitative real-time reverse-transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) is a sensitive and rapid method for detecting CGMMV nucleic acids, but it cannot distinguish between infectious and noninfectious viruses. In the present work, a propidium monoazide (PMA) assisted RT-qPCR method (PMA-RT-qPCR) was developed to rapidly distinguish infectious and inactive CGMMV. PMA is a photoactive dye that can selectively react with viral RNA released or inside inactive CGMMV virions but not viral RNA inside active virions. The formation of PMA-RNA conjugates prevents PCR amplification, leaving only infectious virions to be amplified. The primer pair cp3-1F/cp3-1R was designed based on the coat protein (cp) gene for specific amplification of CGMMV RNA by RT-qPCR. The detection limit of the RT-qPCR assay was 1.57 × 102 copies·μL−1. PMA at 120 μmol·L−1 was suitable for the selective quantification of infectious CGMMV virions. Under optimal conditions, RT-qPCR detection of heat-inactivated CGMMV resulted in Ct value differences larger than 16 between PMA-treated and non-PMA-treated groups, while Ct differences less than 0.23 were observed in the detection of infectious CGMMV. For naturally contaminated watermelon leaf, fruit and seedlot samples, infectious CGMMV were quantified in 13 out of the 22 samples, with infestation levels of 102~105 copies·g−1. Application of this assay enabled the selective detection of infectious CGMMV and facilitated the monitoring of the viral pathogen in watermelon seeds and tissues, which could be useful for avoiding the potential risks of primary inoculum sources.
Interrater reliability of the BelRAI Social Supplement in Flanders, Belgium: Simultaneous rating of community-dwelling adults with care needs during COVID-19

Background The BelRAI Screener is a short-form assessment consolidating internationally validated interRAI items focusing on physical and psychological aspects of functioning and problems with activities of daily living. It was fully implemented in the Flemish home care setting as of June 2021. In a biopsychosocial model for developing a personalized and effective care plan social and contextual aspects are considered equally important to biomedical ones. Thus, a social supplement to the BelRAI Screener was collaboratively developed with stakeholders and tested to gather additional information on the social context of community-dwelling adults with care needs. Objective and methods To examine the interrater reliability of the BelRAI Social Supplement in Flanders, Belgium, an observational study was conducted using a convenience sample. The method of simultaneous rating was used due to strict COVID-19 guidelines at the time and to minimize assessment burden. Fifty two community-dwelling adults requesting home care support were simultaneously assessed by two independent assessors during home visits. Interrater reliability was tested on all 80 items of the BelRAI Social Supplement using observed agreement, kappa coefficients, and intraclass correlation coefficients. Results The kappa mean (0.74) and median (0.79) values for nominal items, show substantial agreement, while the kappa mean and median values for ordinal items were 0.81 and 0.90, which correspond to almost perfect agreement. Following the traditional cut-off points for the interpretation of the kappa statistic, reliability was almost perfect (κ > 0.81) for 49% of all items, substantial (0.60 < κ ≤ 0.80) for 33%, moderate (0.40 < κ ≤ 0.60) for 8%, and poor (κ < 0.40) for 10%. The majority of items with poor kappa value, showed a high observed agreement, reflecting homogeneity of the sample rather than poor agreement. Conclusion The strength of kappa agreement for the items in this version of the BelRAI Social Supplement is generally substantial to almost perfect, with high proportions of observed agreement. COVID-19 restrictions had a large impact on the planning and execution of the home visits. A final optimization of the instrument and accompanying manual according to the findings will result in an improved version ready for nation-wide implementation.
Active Few-Shot Learning for Sound Event Detection

Few-shot learning has shown promising results in sound event detection where the model can learn to recognize novel classes assuming a few labeled examples (typically five) are available at inference time. Most research studies simulate this process by sampling support examples randomly and uniformly from all test data with the target class label. However, in many real-world scenarios, users might not even have five examples at hand or these examples may be from a limited context and not representative, resulting in model performance lower than ex-pected. In this work, we relax these assumptions, and to recover model performance, we propose to use active learning techniques to efficiently sample additional informative support examples at inference time. We developed a novel dataset simulating the long-term temporal characteristics of sound events in real-world environmental soundscapes. Then we ran a series of experiments with this dataset to explore the modeling and sampling choices that arise when combining few-shot learning and active learning, including different training schemes, sampling strategies, models, and temporal windows in sampling.