Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Towards a first classification of aerosol shrinkage events

This work presents for the first time a classification of shrinkage events based on the aerosol processes that precede them. To this end, 3.5 years of continuous measurements (from 2009 to 2012) of aerosol size distributions, obtained with a Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS) at an urban background site in Southern Europe, have been interpreted. 48 shrinkage events were identified and analysed, all occurring during spring and summer when the atmospheric conditions are more favourable for their development. In this study the shrinkage events took place mostly towards the end of the day, and their occurrence could be associated to atmospheric dilution conditions and a reduction in photochemical activity. The shrinkage rate (SR) varied between −1.0 and −11.1 nm h −1 (average value of −4.7 ± 2.6 nm h −1 ). Changes in particle concentrations corresponding to the nucleation and Aitken modes were detected, whereby an increase in the number of particles in the nucleation mode often coincided with a reduction in the Aitken mode. The accumulation mode did not undergo significant changes during these processes. In addition, in some cases, a dilution of the total particle number concentration in the ambient air was observed. Following the proposed methodology, three groups of events have been identified: Group I (NPF + shrinkage), Group II (aerosol growth process + shrinkage) and Group III (pure shrinkage events). The largest number of shrinkage events has been observed in the absence of prior processes, i.e. pure shrinkage events, followed by Group I events and finally Group II events. Although this analysis has confirmed that the triggering of shrinkage events is clearly linked to the atmospheric situation and the characteristics of the measurement area, this classification may contribute to a better understanding of the processes involved and the features that characterize shrinkage events.
Investigation of ReRAM Variability on Flow-Based Edge Detection Computing Using HfO2-Based ReRAM Arrays

Resistive random-access memory (ReRAM) memristors are promising candidates for various compute in memory and flow-based computing approaches. As an alternative to traditional von Neumann computation, flow-based computing avoids serial movement of data between memory and processor. In this paper, we demonstrate arrays of 1 transistor 1 ReRAM (1T1R) to detect edges between 8 bit pixels using flow-based computing, and the effects of stochastic variation of ReRAM on edge detection outputs. Three different <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\text{R}_{\mathrm {off}}/\text{R}_{\mathrm {on}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> resistance ratios (1.5:1, 2.5:1 or 28.6:1) were utilized to implement multiple flow-based edge detection computation matrices for 8 bit pixels. Edge detection was distinguishable for all <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\text{R}_{\mathrm {off}}/\text{R}_{\mathrm {on}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> ratios used, for all flow-based computing matrices. However, the binary output resistance ratio of the matrices improved 3-fold when the patterned <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\text{R}_{\mathrm {off}}/\text{R}_{\mathrm {on}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> ratio was increased to 28.6:1. A Gaussian simulation of ReRAM resistance variability validates the experimental data, with a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.9547. These results suggest a trade-off between the flow-based edge detection output ratio and the variability of the ReRAM resistance in <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\text{R}_{\mathrm {off}}/\text{R}_{\mathrm {on}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> resistance ratio.
Subcutaneous injection of interferon-α2b for COVID-19: an observational study

Background The global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection is ongoing and associated with high mortality. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous injection of interferon-α2b (IFN-α2b) combined with lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) in the treatment of COVID-19 infection, compared with that of using LPV/r alone. Methods Patients diagnosed with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection in Wuhan Red Cross hospital during the period from January 23, 2020 to March 19, 2020 were included. The length of stay, the time to viral clearance and adverse reactions during hospitalization were compared between patients using oral LPV/r and combined therapy of LPV/r and subcutaneous injection of IFN-α2b. Results A total of 22 patients were treated with LPV/r alone and 19 with combined therapy with subcutaneous injection of IFN-α2b. The average length of hospitalization in the combination group (16 ± 9.7 days) was shorter than that of LPV/r group (23±10.5 days). Moreover, the days of hospitalization in early intervention group decreased from 25 ± 8.5 days to 10 ± 2.9 days compared with delayed intervention group. Combined therapy with IFN-α2b also significantly reduced the duration of detectable virus in the upper respiratory tract. No patient in each group was transferred to intensive care unit (ICU) or died during the treatment. There was no significant difference in the adverse effect composition between two groups. Conclusion Subcutaneous injection of IFN-α2b combined with LPV/r might shorten the length of hospitalization and accelerate viral clearance in COVID-19 patients, which deserves further investigation in clinical practice.
Evolution of the One-Quadrupole Phonon 2+_1,ms Mixed-Symmetry State in 124,126,128,130,132Xe

Collective nuclei are characterized by rotational and vibrational states due to a common and therefore ``collective'' behavior of the two constituents of the nucleus: protons and neutrons. The evolution of the collectivity (spontaneous deformation) is governed by the proton-neutron interaction in the valence shell. Nuclear states that are particularly sensitive to the proton-neutron interaction in the valence shell are the so called mixed symmetry states (MSSs). In this work we trace the evolution of the fundamental MSS, i.e the one-quadrupole phonon 2+_1,ms state, in a transitional region from vibrational nuclei (134Xe) to gamma-soft nuclei reflecting the O(6)-like structure of the IBM-2 (124,126Xe). Projectile-Coulomb excitation of Xe isotopes has been performed at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) using the Gammasphere array for the detection of gamma-rays. First, our data on more than 50 absolute E2 transition rates between off-yrast low-spin states of 124,126Xe enable us to quantitatively test O(6) symmetry in these two nuclei. As a result we find that O(6) symmetry is more strongly broken in the A=130 mass region than previously thought. Then, 19 absolute E2 transition strengths have been obtained in 128Xe including the first measurement of the critical B(E2) decays from the second and third Jpi=0+ states. These data are compared with the theoretical predictions of the critical point symmetry E(5) and let us conclude that 128Xe is not an E(5) nucleus as previously suggested, leaving 130Xe as the most likely candidate amongst the xenon isotopes. Finally, the one-phonon 2+_1,ms states or at least a fragment of it have been identified in 128,130,132,134Xe. This enables us to trace the evolution of the one-phonon 2+_1,ms states in the even-even stable xenon isotopic chain from the vibrators near N=82 to the gamma-soft nuclei towards mid-shell.
Single-triangle technique for congenital ptosis repair with a frontalis sling in blepharophimosis patients

The purpose of this study was to describe the single-triangle technique for congenital ptosis repair with a frontalis sling in blepharophimosis patients. The single-triangle technique was used in 40 eyes of 20 patients of blepharophimosis syndrome. The center point of the lid is marked. The desired base length is calculated depending on the available horizontal fissure width. Two marks are inked 2 mm above the lid margin, equidistant from the central mark. A single brow mark is placed in such a way that it is directly above the center point of the lid. These are now joined to complete the triangle. In blepharophimosis patients, the mean preoperative margin reflex distance (MRD1) was 1.0 ± 1.1 mm which increased to 4.1 ± 1.6 mm after surgery. The MRD1 increased by 3.1 ± 1.7 mm. Cosmetic outcome was graded with a score of 0, 1, or 2 to indicate poor, good, and excellent results, respectively. Out of the 40 eyes that were operated, 33 eyes had a score of 2, 5 eyes had a score of 1, and 2 eyes were scored 0. The single-triangle technique has several advantages over both the Fox pentagon technique and modified Crawford technique in severe blepharophimosis patients. It is not only a much simpler procedure to perform but also has a better control over the curvature of the lid without any central focal notching, thus providing better cosmesis and esthetic results.
Automated Hotfixes for Misuses of Crypto APIs

Cryptographic (crypto) Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) play an important role in application security; unfortunately crypto APIs are difficult to use, which may lead to security vulnerabilities. Prior work have looked at detecting and fixing crypto APIs misuses at development time and in the setting of software patching. However, software patching for security vulnerabilities is not ideal for addressing vulnerability windows in servers in a timely manner. An alternative approach to software patching is hotfixing. In this paper, we present Hotfixer, a tool that performs automatic crypto API misuse hotfixing at Java application runtime. To apply its fixes, Hotfixer automatically transforms hand-crafted software patches into hotfixes that are valid to use by Java agents. We have evaluated Hotfixer on a set of 103 microbenchmarks, and a set of 27 crypto API misuses found across 7 realworld Java applications. Hotfixer detects and fixes all misuses in 95% of all benchmarks, in an identical manner compared to applying a develop-time patch. Additionally, we have empirically validated that Hotfixer preserves identical application behaviour compared to software patching in 98% of all benchmarks. Compared to software patching, the performance overhead that Hotfixer induces for all benchmarks is at most 17%.
Differential Capacitance at Au(111) in 1-Alkyl-3-methylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate Based Room-Temperature Ionic Liquids

Interfacial structures at Au(111) electrode in N2-saturated 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate room-temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) have been studied by the measurements of differential capacitances and cyclic voltammograms. Capacitance–potential (C–E) curves are found to vary significantly with changing the direction of potential scan and temperature. C–E curves measured by sweeping the potential from negative to positive direction always have lower capacitance values compared to the curves measured by reversing the direction of potential scan, and this difference is larger for the RTIL with longer alkyl group. Special arrangement of the ions at the interface in response to the starting potential, constraint in orientation, and change in the ion electrode and ion–ion interactions are presumed to be the causes for this variation. Temperature has a dramatic effect on the Au(111)|EMIBF4 interface. Capacitance around the potential of zero charge decreases with increasing the temperature at the A.
Service-Oriented Dynamic Resource Slicing and Optimization for Space-Air-Ground Integrated Vehicular Networks

In this paper, we study Space-Air-Ground integrated Vehicular Network (SAGVN), and propose an online control framework to dynamically slice the SAG spectrum resource for isolated vehicular services provisioning. In particular, at a given time slot, the system makes online decisions on the request admission and scheduling, UAV dispatching, and resource slicing for different services. To characterize the impact of those parameters, we construct a time-averaged queue stability criteria by taking queue backlogs of all services into consideration, and formulate a system revenue function which incorporates the time-averaged system throughput and UAV dispatching cost. The objective is to maximize the system revenue while stabilizing the time-averaged queue, which falls into the scope of Lyapunov optimization theory. By bounding the drift-plus-penalty, the original problem can be decoupled into four independent subproblems, each of which is readily solved. The merits of our control framework are three-fold: 1) the system is able to admit and process as many requests as possible (i.e., maximizing the time-averaged throughput); 2) the time-averaged UAV dispatching cost is minimized; and 3) service queues are stabilized in the long-term. Extensive simulations are carried out, and the results demonstrate that the control framework can effectively achieve the system revenue maximization and queueing stabilization. Moreover, it can balance the trade-off among system throughput, UAV dispatching cost, and queueing states via parameter tuning. Compared with the fixed slicing, our dynamic slicing can react to the vehicular environment rapidly and achieve an average 26% of throughput improvement.
Enhanced multiphoton emission from CdTe/ZnS quantum dots decorated on single-layer graphene

Time-resolved single-molecule spectroscopy of individual colloidal CdTe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) decorated on single-layer graphene (SLG) demonstrates significantly enhanced probability of multiphoton emission, accompanied by reduced fluorescence intensity and decreased lifetime. A rigorous analysis of time-resolved spectroscopy on individual QDs on SLG reveals a decrease in radiative decay rate and a significant enhancement (12.6 times) in nonradiative decay rate. The enhanced multiphoton emission of QDs on SLG is a consequence of the competition between the enhanced nonradiative decay and fast Auger process, as suggested by the dominant fast decay (<0.8 ns) of QDs on SLG. Our findings provide important information on the emission behavior of QDs coupled with carbon nanomaterials, such as graphene and carbon nanotubes, and will assist in the creation of effective single-photon or multiphoton sources and devices. Furthermore, this is also a possible pathway for suppressing the Auger recombination of QDs whi.
Toward an Understanding of Methane Selectivity in the Fischer-Tröpsch Process

The purpose of this research is to elucidate a better understanding of the conditions relevant to methane selectivity in the Fischer-Tröpsch (FT) process. The development of more efficient FT catalysts can result in great commercial profit. The industrially relevant FT process has long been hampered by the production of methane. Nearly 60 percent of FT capital is devoted to the removal of methane and purification of feed-stock gases through steam-reforming. Naturally, a more efficient FT catalyst would need to have a reasonable balance between catalytic activity and suppression of methane formation (low methane selectivity). Though a significant amount of work has been devoted to understanding the mechanisms involved in methane selectivity, the exact mechanism is still not well understood. Density Functional Theory (DFT) methods provide an opportunity to explore the FT catalytic process at the molecular level. This work represents a combination of various DFT approaches in an attempt to gather new insight on the conditions relevant to methane selectivity. A thorough understanding of the electronic environment involved in the surface-adsorbate interaction is necessary to the advancement of more efficient Fischer-Tröpsch catalysts. This study investigates the promotive effect of four late transition metals (Cu, Ag, Au and Pd) on three Fischer-Tröpsch catalytic surfaces (Fe, Co and Ni). The purpose of
Neo-Orientalism or Neo-Imperialism? Islamism in a Globalized World: Prayers for the Assassin as a Case Study of Contemporary American Novel

This paper deals with some aspects of neo-orientalism in the modern American novel highlighted in much conventional political and literary studies and conceptualized both as a composite of cultural studies and a western ideology. When applied to the post 9/11 American novel analysis, neo-orientalism uses terrorism as a significant aspect of a much broader reaction to Islamists' threats living in the United States and Europe. It is common in neo-orientalist discourse about extremism to refer to Islamism as a threat to nations and therefore, it is important to find how the American novel represents the Muslims and how vigorously acts with the state in its fight against terror. This paper focuses on contemporary issues on Arabs represented in Robert Ferrigno's Prayers for the Assassin (2006), such as extremism, women's rights, hostility, and identity, common themes in post 9/11 novel on the Muslims. Moreover, this study attempts to answer two questions: Has there been a change in the representation of Muslims in the American novel after nineteen years from 9/11, and has American media coverage affected the representation of the Muslims in the novel? In the analysis of Prayers for the Assassin, Muslim characters are victimers and victimized at the same time; they live out the contradiction of being victims of post 9/11 anti-Muslim representations and being arrogant and aggressive towards the non-Muslims.
THE USE OF INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE IN FLOOD DISASTER FORECASTING FOR FLOOD DISASTER RISK REDUCTION IN NORTHERN KATSINA STATE

This study investigates the use of indigenous knowledge by the communities of semi-arid areas of Katsina state in forecasting/predicting the risk of flood disaster. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with purposefully selected respondents and focus group discussions. It was found that indigenous knowledge of disaster monitoring, prediction and early warning is based on the observation of behaviors of animals, birds, insects, shrubs, trees, wind, temperature, and cloud among others. The communities of northern Katsina state faces other natural disaster challenges, flood is among the major disaster risk experienced by the population and over the years they have evolved indigenous ways that helped them not only in predicting this natural disaster but also in devising techniques and mechanism of dealing with it. Documentation of disaster risk reduction information and development of disaster risk reduction policy was recommended to deal with the situation
Continuous biohydrogen production by mesophilic anaerobic fermentation of organic solid waste = 유기성 고형폐기물의 중온 혐기성 발효를 통한 연속 바이오수소 생산

유기성 고형폐기물은 막대한 발생량과 부패성으로 인해 수집, 운반, 처리과정에서 수질, 대기, 해양, 토양 등 총체적인 문제를 야기하는 대표적인 환경 현안이다. 한 예로 음식물 쓰레기의 경우 2005 년부터 매립이 금지되면서 100% 재활용이 추진되고 있지만, 현재의 주요 재활용 산물인 퇴비와 사료가 알맞은 수요처를 찾.
Evaluation of actions of the official veterinary service to mitigate outbreaks of infectious laryngotracheitis and improve biosecurity on laying hen farms

ABSTRACT: Infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT), caused by an Alphaherpesvirus (Gallid herpesvirus-1; GaHV-1), has been noticed in the region of the Terras Altas da Mantiqueira, Minas Gerais. From 2010 to 2018, the “Serviço Veterinário Oficial” (SVO) of the “Instituto Mineiro Agropecuário” (IMA), implemented measures to prevent spread of the virus to other regions and control the disease in the area. Due to the close proximity and consequent epidemiological link among farms, the region was considered a unique epidemiological unit. To check the efficiency of the ILT control measures, we carried out: (1) a seroepidemiological survey, (2) questionnaires for evaluating biosecurity measures; and (3) an evaluation of the influence of farm population density on the occurrence of ILT. In 2016, 2017, and 2018, ILT was investigated using epidemiological and clinicopathological methods, along with GaHV-1 molecular detection. Serological survey was carried out on 24 farms in the quarantined region and on 13 farms from other regions of the state. In 2010 and 2018, questionnaires were applied to collect data and determine indicators of biosecurity practices in all farms of the quarantined area. The differences were then assessed (Wilcoxon’s p<0.05). The results indicated positive serology throughout the region, although only on four farms (16.6%) the chickens have clinical signs, macroscopic and histological lesions of ILT. The prevalence of viral infection increased from 2016 (27%) to 2017 (50%) and was higher in farms with a high stock density (p=0.033). No disease, virus or antibodies were detected in the farms outside of the quarantined area. Although the biosecurity indicators had improved on all farms in the quarantined area (p<0.05), the virus was active and circulating in the region. The contingency measures have contained the outbreak, but biosecurity practices are paramount in the control of new outbreaks. Official control will be maintained in the region, including surveillance of new cases and biosecurity procedures to mitigate the risk of the virus reaching other regions.
Between Group-Level Minimally Important Change and Individual Treatment Responders

Purpose Estimates of the minimally important change (MIC) can be used to evaluate whether group-level differences are large enough to be important. But responders to treatment have been based upon group-level MIC thresholds, resulting in inaccurate classification of change over time. This article reviews options and provides suggestions about individual-level statistics to assess whether individuals have improved, stayed the same, or declined. Methods Review of MIC estimation and an example of misapplication of MIC group-level estimates to assess individual change. Secondary data analyses to show how perceptions about meaningful change can be used along with significance of individual change. Results MIC thresholds yield over-optimistic conclusions (i.e., classify those who have not changed as responders to treatment). Individual change statistics can be used along with individual retrospective ratings of change. Conclusions Future studies need to evaluate the significance of individual change using appropriate individual-level statistics such as the reliable change index or the equivalent coefficient of repeatability.
MBSFN or SC-PTM: How to Efficiently Multicast/Broadcast

In Multimedia Broadcast/Multicast Service(MBMS), Multicast/Broadcast Single Frequency Network (MBSFN) and Single-cell Point-to-multipoint Network (SC-PTM) are two essential ways to organize networks to provide multicast services. MBSFN shows its unique advantage of enhancing signals at the boundary of two cells, however, highly requiring synchronization of symbols. SC-PTM shows the advantage of the flexibility on the network deployment. The comparison and complementarity of these two modes are explored. In this paper, we analyze the reception performance of MBSFN and SC-PTM from multiple perspectives. We first compare the successful transmission probability (STP) of MBSFN with that of SC-PTM. Then, we consider optimal power control problems in MBSFN and SC-PTM. The corresponding power control optimization problems are with fraction and max-min forms and solved by the Dinkelbach algorithm. Furthermore, we propose a joint mode-selection and power-control method in the hybrid mode of MBSFN and SC-PTM, where each cell could select the multicast mode from MBSFN and SC-PTM. This is a mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) problem and solved by the concave-convex procedure (CCCP) and the Dinkelbach algorithm. To further improve the throughput, the appropriate successful reception proportion is selected under the opportunistic multicast. Finally, the numerical simulations show the performance of our algorithms and compare the throughput of two modes, which verify our analysis.