Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Design and characterization of a balloon-borne diffraction-limited submillimeter telescope platform for BLAST-TNG

The Next Generation Balloon-borne Large Aperture Submillimeter Telescope (BLAST-TNG) is a submillimeter mapping experiment planned for a 28 day long-duration balloon (LDB) flight from McMurdo Station, Antarctica during the 2018-2019 season. BLAST-TNG will detect submillimeter polarized interstellar dust emission, tracing magnetic fields in galactic molecular clouds. BLAST-TNG will be the first polarimeter with the sensitivity and resolution to probe the ∼0.1 parsec-scale features that are critical to understanding the origin of structures in the interstellar medium. With three detector arrays operating at 250, 350, and 500 μm (1200, 857, and 600 GHz), BLAST-TNG will obtain diffraction-limited resolution at each waveband of 30, 41, and 59 arcseconds respectively. To achieve the submillimeter resolution necessary for its science goals, the BLAST-TNG telescope features a 2.5 m aperture carbon fiber composite primary mirror, one of the largest mirrors flown on a balloon platform. Successful performance of such a large telescope on a balloon-borne platform requires stiff, lightweight optical components and mounting structures. Through a combination of optical metrology and finite element modeling of thermal and mechanical stresses on both the telescope optics and mounting structures, we expect diffractionlimited resolution at all our wavebands. We expect pointing errors due to deformation of the telescope mount to be negligible. We have developed a detailed thermal model of the sun shielding, gondola, and optical components to optimize our observing strategy and increase the stability of the telescope over the flight. We present preflight characterization of the telescope and its platform.
Motor drive torque computation method and trajectory control for mechanical manipulators.

The dynamics of a mechanical manipulator are characterized by strong non-linearity and dynamic coupling between the joint motions. Accordingly, a computed torpue method in which the control input is the motor drive torque computed for a desired arm trajectory is effective in precise trajectory control. Such a method requires calculation of both joint general- ized torque and motor generalized torque. It also requires that friction loss in the torque transfer system be taken into account. This paper presents a dynamic equation that takes into account friction loss and is based on the Lagrangian method. Moreover, an effective computa-tion method for motor generalized torque is also shown using coordinate systems assigned to the link and the motor. The effectiveness of this computed torque method is verified using experimental results obtained for a five-degree-of-freedom manipulator.
Construction / Destruction Monte Carlo to Estimate the Number of Path-sets for the Reliability Measure of a Network with Diameter Constraints

Consider a network G = (V,E, T ) composed of a set V of vertices, a set E of edges, and a set T of vertices called the terminal-set. In this paper we show how the Construction/Destruction (C/D) Monte Carlo simulation methods can be applied to estimate the number of topological structures of a graph G, called path-sets (and their combinatorial dual cut-sets), which are subgraphs of G where the maximum distance between the vertices of T (i.e., the T diameter) is less than or equal to a given diameter bound d. The number of path-sets (or cut-sets) are required to calculate the Diameter-constrained reliability of a network, and since determining the number of such structures is an intractable problem, we perform computational tests on different graphs to demonstrate the accuracy of the C/D techniques.
A New Modified CNP for Autonomous Microgrid Operation Based on Multiagent System

This paper presents a new modified Contract Net Protocol (CNP) for microgrid operation based on multiagent system. The CNP is a widely used protocol for interactions among distributed problem solving. The Contract Net Interaction Protocol of the Foundation for Intelligent Physical Agents (FIPA-CNIP) is a minor modification of the original CNP for multiagent system applications. In this paper, a modified CNP (MCNP) based on the FIPA-CNIP is proposed for more specialized interactions among agents for microgrid operation. A multiagent system is designed and constructed for microgrid operation. A microgrid operation based on the multiagent system is tested to check the functionality of the proposed MCNP.
Generalized fiducial inference for wavelet regression

We apply Fisher's fiducial idea to wavelet regression, first developing a general methodology for handling model selection problems within the fiducial framework. We propose fiducial-based methods for wavelet curve estimation and the construction of pointwise confidence intervals. We show that these confidence intervals have asymptotically correct coverage. Simulations demonstrate that they possess promising empirical properties. Copyright 2009, Oxford University Press.
Isolation of Atrazine Degrading Bacteria in Semi-Salinity Medium

Background: Atrazine is a widely used herbicide. The increasing salinity of many water resources has had a negative effect on atrazine biodegradation. The aim of this study was to isolate atrazine degrading bacteria in semi-salinity media. Methods: Nine selected bacterial species were cultivated on the mineral salt broth culture medium containing atrazine (50, 100, 500 mg/L), NaCl concentration (10 g/L), and 2% (wt/vol) agar. The bacteria with higher growths in the atrazine medium (500 mg/L) were selected. Then, those with higher growths were transferred to the medium with atrazine concentration of 1000 mg/L. The atrazine biodegradation rates by Ochrobactrum oryzae and consortium bacteria (all of the nine bacteria species) were compared by cultivating separately on the mineral salt broth containing atrazine concentration of 30 mg/l, and NaCl concentration of 10 g/L in the incubation time of 10 day and HPLC analysis. Results: The results indicated that Ochrobactrum oryzae had the highest growth compared to the other investigated bacteria ( Acinetobacter radioresistens, Paenibacillus lautus , and Bacillus sp) in the mineral salt broth culture medium containing atrazine concentrations (1000 mg/L), NaCl (10 g/L), and 2% (wt/vol) agar. In the Ochrobactrum oryzae and bacterial consortium comparison, atrazine biodegradation rate in the culture medium containing NaCl, by Ochrobactrum oryzae, was higher than bacterial consortium and atrazine biodegradation rate in the culture medium with no NaCl addition, by Ochrobactrum oryzae, was lower than bacterial consortium. Conclusion: Based on the results, Ochrobactrum oryzae was significantly capable of atrazine biodegradation in the semisalinity aqueous environment.
Social Inequality and System-Justifying Function of Compensatory Judgments in Person Perception

This study addressed the system-justifying function of compensatory judgments in person perception. We hypothesized that compensatory judgments of competence and warmth would create an illusion of equality, thereby fulfilling system-justifying motives in the economically unequal society. An experimental vignette study was conducted with 188 Japanese university students. Results indicated that evaluating target persons in a compensatory manner enhanced the perceived legitimacy of the current social system when participants were led to believe that a significant economic gap exists in Japan between the rich and the poor. This suggests that compensatory judgments serve to system justification through restoring the impaired belief in equality. We discussed the implications of our results for system justification theory and the literature on compensation effects in social judgments.
Spectroscopic membership for the populous 300 Myr-old open cluster NGC 3532

Context. NGC 3532 is an extremely rich open cluster embedded in the Galactic disc, hitherto lacking a comprehensive, documented membership list. Aims. We provide membership probabilities from new radial velocity observations of solar-type and low-mass stars in NGC 3532, in part as a prelude to a subsequent study of stellar rotation in the cluster. Methods. Using extant optical and infra-red photometry we constructed a preliminary photometric membership catalogue, consisting of 2230 dwarf and turn-off stars. We selected 1060 of these for observation with the AAOmega spectrograph at the 3.9 m-Anglo-Australian Telescope and 391 stars for observations with the Hydra-South spectrograph at the 4 m Victor Blanco Telescope, obtaining spectroscopic observations over a decade for 145 stars. We measured radial velocities for our targets through cross-correlation with model spectra and standard stars, and supplemented them with radial velocities for 433 additional stars from the literature. We also measured log g, Teff, and [Fe/H] from the AAOmega spectra. Results. The radial velocity distribution emerging from the observations is centred at 5.43 ± 0.04 km s−1 and has a width (standard deviation) of 1.46 km s−1. Together with proper motions from Gaia DR2 we find 660 exclusive members, of which five are likely binary members. The members are distributed across the whole cluster sequence, from giant stars to M dwarfs, making NGC 3532 one of the richest Galactic open clusters known to date, on par with the Pleiades. From further spectroscopic analysis of 153 dwarf members we find the metallicity to be marginally sub-solar, with [Fe/H] = −0.07 ± 0.10. We confirm the extremely low reddening of the cluster, EB − V = 0.034 ± 0.012 mag, despite its location near the Galactic plane. Exploiting trigonometric parallax measurements from Gaia DR2 we find a distance of 48435−30 pc [(m − M)0 = 8.42 ± 0.14 mag]. Based on the membership we provide an empirical cluster sequence in multiple photometric passbands. A comparison of the photometry of the measured cluster members with several recent model isochrones enables us to confirm the 300 Myr cluster age. However, all of the models evince departures from the cluster sequence in particular regions, especially in the lower mass range.
An Outlook on the Research Trends of the Stability of Industrial Technology Innovation Strategic Alliance

Industrial Technology Innovation Strategic Alliance, as a new mode combining production, education and research, has attracted more and more attention. However, as the operating efficiency of the Alliance is not satisfied, the stability of the Alliance becomes the research focus. This paper, on the basis of literal review, points out the deficiency of current research and takes a look on the future research trends, which will lay a solid foundation on its theoretical and empirical study. Furthermore, it provides a reference for the steady operation and consistent development of Industrial Technology Innovation Strategic Alliance under the background of promoting China’s “Belt and Road Initiative”. Keywords—technology innovation; strategic alliance; stability; trends; outlook
Parents’ Perception of Food Insecurity and of Its Effects on Their Children in Italy Six Months after the COVID-19 Pandemic Outbreak

The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic and subsequent containment measures are causing an increase in food insecurity (FI) worldwide, with direct consequences on children’s nutrition. We aimed to investigate the effects of the lockdown imposed in Italy on FI and changes in eating habits and body weight in the pediatric population 6 months after the beginning of the pandemic through a cross-sectional online survey proposed to parents of children <18 and living in Italy. Among 5811 respondents, most of whom were Italian, living in Northern Italy, and with a wealthy household economy, 8.3% reported that their families were at risk of FI before the appearance of SARS-CoV-2 and, alarmingly, this percentage increased to 16.2% after the pandemic began, with households from Southern Italy being more at risk. Moreover, 27.3% of the parents reported that their children were eating more; an increase in “junk food” consumption was also found; 31.8% of the respondents declared an increase in children’s weight; weight loss prevailed among adolescents. Since the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is again requiring restrictions, our findings might serve as a warning to politicians to promote healthy lifestyles and provide assistance to the groups in need.
Disease Symptoms Identification In Paddy Leaf Using Image Processing

Nearly 70% of population of India depends on agriculture. The paddy leaf disease like Blast, Brown spot, Narrow Brown Spot is identified in this paper. Paddy can be infected at different stages of growth and also at neck and node. Leaf gets damage due to weather, chemical and nutritional problem. A software prototype system for rice disease detection depending on infected image of various rice plants is described in this paper. Digital camera is used to capture the images of infected leaves which are then processed using preprocessing image segmentation, feature extraction, classification of image. The possibility of human error is eliminated using completely automatic system. The future scope of the prototype has a very great potential.
Antioxidant Activity of Leaf Extracts of the Excoecaria Agallocha and Agialitis rotundifolia in Krishna District , Andhra Pradesh . , India

Antioxidants are vital substances which possess the ability to protect the body from damages caused by free radical – induced oxidative stress. A variety of free radical scavenging antioxidants are found in plants. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity of methanol, Ethyl Acetate, Chloroform and Acetone extracts of the mangrove plants. Our research indicates that India’s mangrove plants have the potential in scavenging free radicals and can be a vital source of antioxidant phytochemicals. Our results showed that plant extracts showed significant levels of antioxidants and also exhibited antioxidant capacity.
The casting process and high temperature oxidation resistance of high chromium cast iron grate bar

The solidification process of a high chromium cast iron grate bar used for sinter machine was simulated, and high temperature oxidation resistance was also investigated. The simulation result shows that sequence solidification can be achieved and no shrinkage cavity and porosity were observed. Based on the analysis of the microstructure, it could be known that the grate bar was well protected by the Fe3O4、Fe2O3 and Cr2O3 oxide films at temperatures lower than 800°C.
COMBINING SATELLITE IMAGERY AND MACHINE LEARNING TO PREDICT ATMOSPHERIC HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION

Air pollution has a significant impact on the European and Asian countries. More than nine out of 10 of the world’s population – 92%, lives in places where the air pollution exceeds safe limits, according to the research of the World Health Organization. There are a lot of regional and international environment control programs. They use different techniques and tools but, as a result, they all intend to understand what is the current situation and how does it evolve. Generally, to get some indexes, researches take samples and analyze them. For the natural reasons, sampling is carried out rarely, and the dimension of the sampling grid can be very big. In such a situation, modeling can be a right choice. In our research, we have tried to predict atmospheric heavy metal contamination combining satellite images and machine learning. Data sources for model training were satellite images from Google Earth Engine platform and sampling data from Data Management System of UNECE International Cooperative Program (ICP) Vegetation. We obtained satisfactory results in the prediction of Sb for Norway and Mn for Serbia.
Recent Advances in Carbon and Nitrogen Metabolism in C3 Plants

C and N are the most important essential elements constituting organic compounds in plants. The shoots and roots depend on each other by exchanging C and N through the xylem and phloem transport systems. Complex mechanisms regulate C and N metabolism to optimize plant growth, agricultural crop production, and maintenance of the agroecosystem. In this paper, we cover the recent advances in understanding C and N metabolism, regulation, and transport in plants, as well as their underlying molecular mechanisms. Special emphasis is given to the mechanisms of starch metabolism in plastids and the changes in responses to environmental stress that were previously overlooked, since these changes provide an essential store of C that fuels plant metabolism and growth. We present general insights into the system biology approaches that have expanded our understanding of core biological questions related to C and N metabolism. Finally, this review synthesizes recent advances in our understanding of the trade-off concept that links C and N status to the plant’s response to microorganisms.
The function of co-creation in dynamic mechanism of intersubjectivity formation among individuals

This study aims to elucidate the dynamic mechanism of formation process of intersubjectivity among individuals in various contexts: how a design process affects formation of intersubjectivity among individuals involved and also their co-creativity, motivation toward realization of the co-designed concept. The authors have defined key terms and proposed methodologies to evaluate fundamental factors of co-creation dynamics, intersubjectivity, context, and co-creativity. Then to examine them, an experimental study was conducted concerning the type of collaborative design process.
Harmonic PMU Algorithm Based on Complex Filters and Instantaneous Single-Sideband Modulation

Phasor measurement units (PMUs) have become powerful monitoring tools for many applications in smart grids. In order to address the different issues related to harmonics in power systems, the fundamental phasor estimator in a PMU has been extended to the harmonic phasor estimator by several researchers around the world. Yet, the development of harmonic phasor estimators is a challenge because they have to consider time-varying frequencies since the frequency deviation in the harmonic components is proportional to the harmonic order in a dynamic way. In this work, a new algorithm for harmonic phasor estimation using an instantaneous single-sideband (SSB) modulation is presented. Unlike other SSB-based approaches, its implementation in this work is based on concepts of instantaneous phase and instantaneous frequency. In general, the proposed algorithm is divided into two stages. Firstly, the estimation of the fundamental phasor is carried out by means of a complex finite impulse response (FIR) filter which provides the analytic signal used to compute the instantaneous magnitude, phase, and frequency. Secondly, a complex FIR filter bank is proposed for the estimation of the harmonic components, where the instantaneous SSB modulation technique is applied in order to center the harmonic components into specific narrow bands for each complex filter when an off-nominal frequency occurs. The validation of the proposed algorithm is carried out by means of the current standards of phasor measurement units, i.e., Std. C37.118. 1-2011 and C37.118. 1a-2014, which involve steady-state, dynamic, and time performance tests.
Quality of Life in Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer after a 12-Month Treatment of Lifestyle Modifications

Healthy lifestyles are associated with better health-related quality of life (HRQoL), favorable prognosis and lower mortality in breast cancer (BC) survivors. We investigated changes in HRQoL after a 12-month lifestyle modification program in 227 BC survivors participating in DEDiCa trial (Mediterranean diet, exercise, vitamin D). HRQoL was evaluated through validated questionnaires: EQ-5D-3L, EORTC-QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-BR23. Baseline changes were tested using analysis of variance. Multiple regression analyses were performed to assess treatment effects on HRQoL. Increases were observed in global health status (p < 0.001), physical (p = 0.003), role (p = 0.002) and social functioning (p < 0.001), body image (p < 0.001), future perspective (p < 0.001), well-being (p = 0.001), and reductions in fatigue (p < 0.001), nausea and vomiting (p = 0.015), dyspnea (p = 0.001), constipation (p = 0.049), financial problems (p = 0.012), sexual functioning (p = 0.025), systematic therapy side effects (p < 0.001) and breast symptoms (p = 0.004). Multiple regression analyses found inverse associations between changes in BMI and global health status (p = 0.048) and between serum 25(OH)D levels and breast symptoms (p = 0.002). A healthy lifestyle treatment of traditional Mediterranean diet and exercise may impact positively on HRQoL in BC survivors possibly through reductions in body weight while vitamin D sufficiency may improve BC-related symptoms. These findings are relevant to BC survivors whose lower HRQoL negatively affects treatment compliance and disease outcomes.
Rapid Liquid Chromatography—Tandem Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Two Urinary Oxidative Stress Biomarkers: 8-oxodG and 8-isoprostane

Human biomonitoring of oxidative stress relies on urinary effect biomarkers such as 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG), and 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-isoprostane); however, their levels reported for similar populations are inconsistent in the scientific literature. One of the reasons is the multitude of analytical methods with varying degrees of selectivity used to quantify these biomarkers. Single-analyte methods are often used, requiring multiple injections that increase both time and cost. We developed a rapid ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method to quantify both urinary biomarkers simultaneously. A reversed-phase column using a gradient consisting of 0.1% acetic acid in water and 0.1% acetic acid in methanol/acetonitrile (70:30) was used for separation. The MS detection was by positive (8-oxodG) and negative (8-isoprostane) ion-mode by multiple reaction monitoring. Very low limit of detection (<20 pg/mL), excellent linearity (R2 > 0.999), accuracy (near 100%), and precision (CV < 10%) both for intra-day and inter-day experiments were achieved, as well as high recovery rates (>91%). Matrix effects were observed but were compensated by using internal standards. Our newly developed method is applicable for biomonitoring studies as well as large epidemiological studies investigating the effect of oxidative damage, as it requires only minimal clean up using solid phase extraction.
Germany’s Ecosystem Services – State of the Indicator Development for a Nationwide Assessment and Monitoring

The obligations of the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2020 are generating a need to create national maps and monitoring systems for the state of biodiversity and ecosystem services (ES) on the basis of indicators. The paper gives an overview of the ecosystem services indicators being developed for Germany in the context of ongoing research projects. Additionally, it provides the indicator specifications, which are aligned with the EU MAES framework concepts (initiative on Mapping and Assessment of Ecosystems and their Services). We illustrate aspects of data selection, calculation and negotiation procedures, results and target values in general and by way of examples. The German indicator-based approach presents measures and sums up ES in their spatial expression and temporal change and compares them with objectives. As far as possible, this is carried out according to the demand-supply concept. A prioritization of ES classes to be processed was carried out in the framework of an expert-based assessment. The results indicated that 21 of the 48 ‡ ‡ § ‡ ‡