Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Theoretical definition and experimental validation of an correction factor to standardize the absolute magnitude of simulated and clinical spatially-resolved diffuse reflectance spectra

In the context of optical biopsy for the diagnosis of skin carcinoma, spatially resolved diffuse reflectance (SR-DR) spectroscopy is widely used to discern healthy from lesional tissues. The estimation of diagnostically relevant optical properties by means of inverse problem solving is one way to exploit the acquired clinical spectra. This method requires the comparison between the latter spectra collected with a medical device (MD), and the ones generated by the photons transport numerical simulations. However, this comparison is typically limited to shape comparison (spectra are normalized before a term-by-term comparison) due to non-standardization of the experimental DR spectra, for which magnitude depends on the multifiber optics probe geometry and on a preliminary calibration measurement performed on a spectralon DR standard illuminated at a given distance. This study proposes to establish a corrective factor to overcome this dependence, and thus obtain clinical spectra whose intensity unit is identical to the simulated ones, i.e., the ratio between photons sent by the emitting fiber and captured by the collecting fibers. The photometric calculations leading to a theoretical value of this factor for various calibration measurement geometries are presented. Experimental validations performed on optical phantoms (with optical properties confirmed from double integrating sphere measurements) using an existing SR-DR MD reveal encouraging fitting between experimental and simulated calculation of such corrective factor. Those results highlight the interest of the method for the standardization of clinically acquired DR spectra i.e. their comparison in terms of absolute magnitudes.
OPTIMIZATION OF ENZYMATIC HYDROLYSIS CONDITIONS OF SEAWEED (Gracilaria fisheri) PROTEIN BY USING ALCALASE® TO OBTAIN MAXIMUM ANGIOTENSIN-I-CONVERTING ENZYME (ACE) INHIBITORY ACTIVITY

This study aimed to optimize the enzymatic hydrolysis conditions of Gracilaria fisheri protein by using Alcalase® to obtain maximum angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity. Firstly, the seaweed protein was extracted using cellulase, sonication, and ammonium sulphate treatment, before dialysis and lyophilization. The yield of lyophilized seaweed protein extract was 8.75% with a protein content of 66.4%. An optimization study for protein hydrolysis condition was performed by employing a three-level face-centered central composite design (CCD) using Design-Expert software. Four parameters used were pH (6.5 – 8.5), temperature (50 – 60°C), hydrolysis time (60 – 180 min), and Alcalase® to substrate ratio (E/S) (1.25 – 2.50%). Thirty runs of protein hydrolysis conditions with 6 center points were employed. The supernatant of the resulting protein hydrolysates was then lyophilized and analyzed for ACE inhibitory activity. This study found that the quadratic model could be used to explain the relationship between hydrolysis conditions of G. fisheri protein and ACE inhibitory activity. The optimum condition to obtain maximum ACE inhibitory activity was at pH of 7.5, the temperature of 54.6°C, hydrolysis time of 175 min, and E/S of 1.47%. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of the seaweed protein hydrolysate at optimum condition was 2.97 ± 0.37 mg/mL.
A Review of Machine Learning-based Photovoltaic Output Power Forecasting: Nordic Context

Motivated by factors such as the reduction in cost and the need for a shift towards achieving UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, PV (Photovoltaic) power generation is getting more attention in the cold regions of the Nordic countries and Canada. The cold climate and the albedo effect of snow in these regions present favorable operating conditions for PV cells and an opportunity to realize the seasonal matching of generation and consumption respectively. However, the erratic nature of PV brings a threat to the operation of the grid. PV power forecasting has been used as an economical solution to minimize and even overcome this limitation. This paper is therefore a comprehensive review of machine learning-based PV output power forecasting models in the literature in the context of Nordic climate. The impact of meteorological parameters and the soiling effect due to snow, which is unique to this climate, on the performance of a prediction model is discussed. PV power forecasting models in the literature are systematically classified into multiple groups and each group is analyzed and important suggestions are made for choosing a better model for these regions. Ensemble methods, optimization algorithms, time-series decomposition, and weather clustering are identified as important techniques that can be used to enhance performance. And notably, this work proposed two conceptual approaches that can be used to incorporate the effect of snow on PV power forecasting. Future research needs to focus on this area, which is crucial for the development of PV in these regions.
Numerical Evaluation of Fatigue Crack Growth of Structural Steels Using Energy Release Rate with VCCT

This research presents the numerical evaluation of fatigue crack growth of structural steels S355 and S960 based on Paris’ law parameters (C and m) that are experimentally determined with a single edge notched tension (SENT) specimen using optical and crack gauge measurements on an electromotive resonance machine at constant amplitude load. The sustainable technique is replacing destructive, time-consuming and expensive approaches in structural integrity. The crack propagation is modelled using the 3D finite element method (FEM) with adaptive remeshing of tetrahedral elements along with the crack initiator elements provided in simulation software for crack propagation based on linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM). The stress intensity is computed based on the evaluation of energy release rates according to Irwin’s crack closure integral with applied cyclic load of 62.5 MPa, 100 MPa and 150 MPa and stress ratios of R = 0 and 0.1. In order to achieve optimized mesh size towards load cycle and computational time, mesh and re-mesh sensitivity analysis is conducted. The results indicate that the virtual crack closure technique VCCT-based 3D FEM shows acceptable agreement compared to the experimental investigation with the percentage error up to 7.9% for S355 and 12.8% for S960 structural steel.
Absolute distance measurements based on TD SM-SLD: performances characterization and calibration

Time-Domain Low-Coherence Interferometry (TD-LCI) is a well-known optical method to perform absolute distance measurements. As an alternative to conventional TD-LCI, the Self-Mixing Super Luminescent Diode (SM-SLD) technique represents a unique approach for simplicity and compactness. The presence of optical feedback in the source cavity allows obtaining huge interference fringes, even with diffusive targets and without using high-sensitivity and low-noise detectors. In this work, we present the performances of a custom-made SM-SLD interferometer for absolute distance measurements compared with a reference incremental interferometer. Thanks to the simplified acquisition method and the resulting improved signal-to-noise ratio, the system exhibits excellent metrological performances.
Five Layered Model for Identification of Software Performance Requirements

Identification of performance requirements is important for successful development and deployment of the software product. The acceptance of the software product by the customer depends on the performance requirements which are incorporated in the software. For this, we need to identify all the performance requirements required by all stakeholders. In the literature not many approaches are available for this purpose. Hence, we have proposed a five layered model for identification of performance requirements. The proposed layered model has many advantages over non-layered approaches. As part of this model some rules are also proposed to be used in performance requirements identification process. The layered model is applied successfully on two case studies. The identified performance requirements are validated using a check list and in addition the completeness of the identified performance requirements is computed using a metric. <br>
The approximate number system and mathematics achievement: it's complicated. A thorough investigation of different ANS measures and executive functions in mathematics achievement in children

ABSTRACT The ability to represent approximate numerical magnitudes is often referred to as the approximate number system (ANS) and has regularly been proposed as foundational to mathematics achievement. However, some argue that the relation between ANS acuity and mathematics achievement ceases to exist when controlling for domain-general cognitive abilities. The current debate in the literature on whether ANS acuity remains a predictor to mathematics after strict control is applied leads to the need to simultaneously investigate domain-specific and domain-general foundational abilities in different ages. 174 Children took part in two computerised ANS tasks, two executive function tasks, a verbal skills task, two intelligence subscales, and a mathematics achievement task (i.e. global, formal, and informal mathematics achievement). Results demonstrated that, when controlling for intelligence and visuospatial memory, the relation between ANS acuity and mathematics achievement ceased to exist, and that ANS acuity might only play a predictive role in early informal mathematics.
Interplay Between Nonlinear Spectral Shift and Nonlinear Damping of Spin Waves in Ultrathin Yttrium Iron Garnet Waveguides

We use the phase-resolved imaging to directly study the nonlinear modification of the wavelength of spin waves propagating in 100-nm thick, in-plane magnetized YIG waveguides. We show that, by using moderate microwave powers, one can realize spin waves with large amplitudes corresponding to precession angles in excess of 10 degrees and nonlinear wavelength variation of up to 18% in this system. We also find that, at large precession angles, the propagation of spin waves is strongly affected by the onset of nonlinear damping, which results in a strong spatial dependence of the wavelength. This effect leads to a spatiallydependent controllability of the wavelength by the microwave power. Furthermore, it leads to the saturation of nonlinear spectral shift’s effects several micrometers away from the excitation point. These findings are important for the development of nonlinear, integrated spin-wave signal-processing devices and can be used to optimize their characteristics.
Analysis of Beam Sweeping Techniques for Cell-Discovery in Millimeter Wave Systems

Cell discovery is the procedure in which a user equipment (UE) finds a suitable base station (BS) to establish a communication link. When beamforming with antenna arrays is done at both transmitter and receiver, cell discovery in mm wave systems also involves finding the correct angle of arrival – angle of departure alignment between the UE and the detected BS. First, we consider the single BS scenario and present the mathematical model for the cell discovery problem. We present the details of the beam sweeping based techniques and explain the beam combining scheme to reduce the training overhead. We analytically characterize the performance of energy detector at the UE for both beam sweeping and beam combining methods under some channel assumptions. Further, we consider the multiple BS case where BSs transmit synchronization signals along with directional beamforming. We analyze the performance of the energy detector in this case as well. We finally present simulation studies with channels generated using generic mm wave channel emulators and draw inferences on the role of various parameters on the cell discovery performance.
The relationship between udder skin surface temperature and milk production and composition in dairy cattle (Bos taurus Linnaeus, 1758)

Abstract The aim of the present study was to determine correlations between udder skin surface temperatures and milk yield and estimated composition in dairy cows. The thermographic images of 34 Polish Holstein–Friesian black-and-white cows were taken in a milking parlor before and after milking. Partial correlation coefficients were calculated between the surface temperatures of the udder hind quarters and milk production traits controlling for age, parity, year, and milking time. Daily milk yield was weakly and nonsignificantly correlated with surface temperatures (rp ranging from −0.19 to 0.21), except for the mean and maximum temperatures of the left hind quarter after milking (rp = 0.40 and rp = 0.38, respectively). There were significant correlations of skin surface temperature with estimated fat content (rp = −0.55 to 0.48), protein content (rp = −0.39 to 0.42), fat yield (rp = −0.42 to 0.54), and protein yield (rp = 0.37 to 0.54). The estimated somatic cell count was significantly correlated with the minimum temperature (rp = −0.54 to −0.36). The estimated urea content was significantly correlated with the minimum temperature (rp = 0.52). A larger sample size is required in future research to confirm these preliminary results. Résumé Le but de la présente étude était de déterminer les corrélations entre les températures de surface de la peau du pis et le rendement et la composition estimés du lait chez les vaches laitières. Les images thermographiques de 34 vaches Holstein–Friesian black-and-white polonaises ont été prises dans une salle de traite avant et après la traite. Les coefficients de corrélation partielle ont été calculés entre la température de surface du pis de l’arrière-train et les caractéristiques de production de lait, en contrôlant pour l’âge, la parité, l’année et l’heure de traite. Il y avait une corrélation faible et non significative entre le rendement quotidien de lait et les températures de surface (rp allant de –0,19 à 0,21), sauf pour la température moyenne et maximale de l’arrière-train gauche après la traite (rp = 0,40 et rp = 0,38, respectivement). Il y avait des corrélations significatives entre la température de surface de la peau avec la teneur estimée en gras (rp = –0,55 à 0,48), la teneur en protéines (rp = –0,39 à 0,42), le rendement en gras (rp = –0,42 à 0,54) et le rendement en protéines (rp = 0,37 à 0,54). Il y avait une corrélation significative entre les estimations de numérations de cellules somatiques et les températures minimales (rp = –0,54 à –0,36). Il y avait une corrélation significative entre la teneur en urée et la température minimale (rp = 0,52). Une plus grande taille d’échantillon est nécessaire pour la recherche future afin de confirmer ces résultats préliminaires. [Traduit par la Rédaction]
Photo‐magnetic imaging: a new functional imaging modality for more accurate photothermal therapy planning

In photothermal therapy, heat generated from absorbed light energy is used to treat cancerous tissue. Thus, determining laser parameters that control temperature elevation prior to therapy is crucial for an effective outcome. These parameters can be defined by modeling the expected temperature increase via numerical simulations. The quality of these simulations highly depends on the accurate knowledge of optical properties of the treated tissue. Multi-wavelength Photo Magnetic Imaging (PMI) utilizes four laser wavelengths from the near infrared (NIR) window to induce a relatively low temperature increase, while measuring the laser-induced temperature increase using Magnetic Resonance Thermometry. These measured temperature maps are then used by the PMI image reconstruction algorithm to provide high spatial resolution absorption maps at these wavelengths. These absorption maps are then processed to recover the concentration of the main chromophores of the tissue, and consequently obtain its total optical absorption spectrum at any wavelength in the NIR region based on the Beer-Lambert law. In this paper, PMI was used to recover the absorption coefficient of a gelatin tissuesimulating phantom at four wavelengths. These spatially-resolved absorption values were used to successfully recover the concentration of the chromophores of the phantom and calculate its total absorption spectrum in the NIR spectral window with an error as low as ∼ 2.3%. Therefore, applications of photothermal therapy applied in NIR window can benefit from the absorption spectrum recovered by PMI to achieve accurate simulations and determine important laser parameters, which are key for accurate therapy planning.
Development of a portably embedded pulse signal acquisition circuit

Pulse diagnosis is an important component of the diagnosis methods in traditional Chinese medicine.In order to develop a portably embedded pulse signal acquisition circuit,this paper took the following methods:① Power:Used USB bus power supply.Without an extra power supply to reduce the size of the circuit and increase the field of application. ② Component:Used low power dissipation and small electronic component. ③ Design:Used elaborated design on software,hardware,function,size,and power dissipation,good components,excellent circuit design,and fine communication guaranteed accurately real-time signal acquisition.In conclusion,this circuit design is practical and can work well.
Effectual market creation in the cross-border e-commerce of small-and medium-sized enterprises

Cross-border e-commerce can enable smaller firms to quickly reach many foreign markets. This article examines how effectual market creation affects the international performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) engaged in cross-border e-commerce. Building upon effectuation theory, we suggest that firms can drive foreign market demand by creating new ways to interact and engage with customers in the digital space. Analysing a sample of 99 Swedish e-commerce SMEs, we find that effectual market creation has a positive effect on their international performance. We also find that this positive effect is enabled by insidership in international markets, illustrated by activities related to international marketing analytics and international networking. Through these findings, we contribute to theory development on the internationalisation of small digital firms.
Maternal Zinc, Copper, and Selenium Intakes during Pregnancy and Congenital Heart Defects

The effects of zinc, copper, and selenium on human congenital heart defects (CHDs) remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the associations of the maternal total, dietary, and supplemental intakes of zinc, copper, and selenium during pregnancy with CHDs. A hospital-based case-control study was performed, including 474 cases and 948 controls in Northwest China. Eligible participants waiting for delivery were interviewed to report their diets and characteristics in pregnancy. Mixed logistic regression was adopted to examine associations and interactions between maternal intakes and CHDs. Higher total intakes of zinc, selenium, zinc to copper ratio, and selenium to copper ratio during pregnancy were associated with lower risks of total CHDs and the subtypes, and the tests for trend were significant (all p < 0.05). The significantly inverse associations with CHDs were also observed for dietary intakes of zinc, selenium, zinc to copper ratio, selenium to copper ratio, and zinc and selenium supplements use during pregnancy and in the first trimester. Moreover, high zinc and high selenium, even with low or high copper, showed a significantly reduced risk of total CHDs. Efforts to promote zinc and selenium intakes during pregnancy need to be strengthened to reduce the incidence of CHDs in the Chinese population.
Design and optimization of simulated light delivery systems for photoacoustic assessment of peripheral nerve injury

Precise assessment of nerve injury optimizes outcomes after surgical nerve repair. Photoacoustic imaging is a promising technique for this intraoperative assessment, but is challenged by optical scattering which reduces light penetration into nerve tissue. This work investigates custom light delivery methods to enhance optical penetration into nerve tissue using Monte Carlo simulations. Light sources were positioned in four configurations surrounding the nerve using sparse activation patterns that were evenly distributed or clustered. Results indicate that a custom light delivery system with combined radial and lateral trajectory illumination maximize optical penetration into nerve tissue for intraoperative photoacoustic assessment of nerve injury.
Altitude and temperature drive anuran community assembly in a Neotropical mountain region

Understanding the spatial variation in species richness and the mechanisms that limit species range sizes along geographical gradients belong to the central research issues in macroecology. Here, we aim to test the topographic and climatic effects on anuran species richness and community composition in mountainous regions in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest biome. We used Individual‐Based Rarefaction Curve (interpolation and extrapolation), Generalized Additive Model (GAM), Midpoint method and Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCoA) to analyze the topographic and climatic effects on anuran community composition, richness, and range sizes in a global biodiversity hotspot. Our results showed that altitude and annual mean temperature and temperature seasonality were the main drivers of species altitudinal range sizes and community assembly in mountainous regions. In conclusion, Anuran community richness peaked at intermediate altitudes following thus a hump‐shaped pattern and corroborated the Rapoport's altitudinal rule as range sizes increased with altitude in mountainous regions from the Atlantic Forest biome. This study revealed new insights into the patterns and drivers of Neotropical anuran communities.
Qualifying an integrated coherent receiver for space applications

The development of space-based, free-space optical (FSO) communication systems is exciting for expanding internet connectivity worldwide. These systems will incorporate dense, low-earth constellations with short intersatellite links. Key to the performance of these satellite constellations are flexible architectures that support higher rates via complex modulation formats, with FSO data links varying between 10-100 Gb/s. However, prior efforts have designed custom modems optimized for each link, severely limiting their flexibility. An alternative is to leverage advances developed by the fiber telecom industry which offer high-rate high-sensitivity digital coherent communication systems while minimizing size, weight, and power (SWAP). These low-SWAP systems rely on commercially available microfabricated integrated coherent receivers (μICRs). Here we present data to help qualify a commercially available μICR for a space application; this data was collected through a series of environmental tests. This work thus expands the reach of coherent systems, allowing for the development of low-SWAP space-based FSO communication systems buttressed with commercially available μICRs. We achieved the space qualification of the μICR by monitoring the component’s bandwidth and electrooptical (EO) transfer function as environmental testing conditions were varied. We selected these environmental conditions to simulate a low-Earth orbit. The environmental testing included: (i) irradiation using a cobalt-60 source up to a total ionizing dose of 100 kilorads, extending qualification to all of the commercial orbits; (ii) thermal cycling with survival temperatures ranging from -40 °C to 70 °C and operational temperatures varying between -5 °C and 65 °C with the part cycled between its survival temperature range twice and its operational range an additional ten times over a 7-day period; (iii) vibration testing to 28 GRMS for 180 seconds on each axis; (iv) shock to a maximum of 1201 g; and (v) thermal vacuum testing at ∼ 6.3 × 10−6 torr. We observed no degradation in device EO performance after environmental testing.