Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On-line and post-mortem wear measurement of static counterpart in a ball-on-disk test

this paper presents an experimental evaluation of friction coefficient and wear of WC binderless ceramics. The tests were conducted at room temperature and atmospheric conditions according to the ASTM G99-95a standard. Silicon carbide (SiC) balls were used as static counterpart. The tests were performed at a rotating sliding speed of 0.3 m/s and an initial mean Hertzian contact pressure of 1.9 GPa. The disk specimens were surface finished by grinding. On-line monitoring and post-mortem analysis with two independent techniques, i.e., surface profilometry and optical microscopy, were used to elucidate the tribological characteristics of the studied material. Results of the post-mortem measurements were compared to a geometrical wear model for calculation of the volume of the worn cap of the ball. This calculation appeared to be in good agreement with the on-line wear monitoring. The first 100 m of sliding was identified as running-in period. Beyond a sliding distance of 100 m a steady stage in penetration depth was reached, while a higher fluctuation in friction coefficient was observed, which could be attributed to the interaction with wear particles and simultaneous formation and delamination of debris layer, polishing and abrasion.
Wide-angle emission grating using a supervised genetic optimization for LIDAR integration

Diffraction gratings are among the essential devices for spreading and shaping beams in a wide range of optoelectronic and photonic sensors and fiber optic communications. This has triggered an interest towards inverse design and optimization of the parameters using gradient-based optimization, heuristic algorithms, and machine learning models. Approaches based on complex models (such as deep neural networks) provide enhanced robustness and rely on a huge amount of data to achieve accuracy. However, the generation of these data and multi-parameter optimization can be laborious and time-consuming with the Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) simulation. We present an optimization approach to obtain a single grating antenna with wide-angle emission for a photonic integrated flash Light Detection And Ranging (LIDAR) system. The device is simulated using a silicon nitride material operating at a wavelength of 905 nm. Our method relies on a supervised, data-centric approach in combination with a genetic algorithm optimization. Given an optimization and several parameters, we evaluate the variables based on their correlation with the merit function and reduce the search region consequently. This approach allows faster convergence and provides a flat field of view of (56.95°, 92.82°) at Full Width Half Maximum (FWHM) in one dimension simulation.
Design of robust controllers for plants with large dead time

The robust control system design problem for plants with large dead time is analyzed. Such plants are distributed in industry. The plants are hard controlled because controllers use past state of the plant output. The control quality analysis is provided with the help of direct, integral and frequency performance indexes. The analysis results show that the best design method is SIMC for PI-controller among classic controllers. Some better result gives PIDF design of the modified PID-controller with aperiodic filter, and frequency Matlab design of PI controller using the Smith predictor modified by Huang. The design of special model predictive controllers is not efficient for the plants with large dead time.
Spatially Resolved Temperature Distribution in a Rare-Earth-Doped Transparent Glass-Ceramic

Knowing the temperature distribution within the conducting walls of various multilayer-type materials is crucial for a better understanding of heat-transfer processes. This applies to many engineering fields, good examples being photovoltaics and microelectronics. In this work we present a novel fluorescence technique that makes possible the non-invasive imaging of local temperature distributions within a transparent, temperature-sensitive, co-doped Er:GPF1Yb0.5Er glass-ceramic with micrometer spatial resolution. The thermal imaging was performed with a high-resolution fluorescence microscopy system, measuring different focal planes along the z-axis. This ultimately enabled a precise axial reconstruction of the temperature distribution across a 500-µm-thick glass-ceramic sample. The experimental measurements showed good agreement with computer-modeled heat simulations and suggest that the technique could be adopted for the spatial analyses of local thermal processes within optically transparent materials. For instance, the technique could be used to measure the temperature distribution of intermediate, transparent layers of novel ultra-high-efficiency solar cells at the micron and sub-micron levels.
Phytochemical Screening and biological potentials of Musa × paradisiaca L. leaves extract as anticancer and antioxidant agents

Background Many of these plants, have therapeutic effects and can be extracted and used in preparation of drugs, used directly or in combination with other plant extracts for medication which is a common practice in developing counties. Unfortunately, many of those who utilize these plants therapeutically do not have adequate knowledge or training in the safe use of the products. For these reasons, natural plant products need to be standardized and preliminary studies done to evaluate possible risks such as undesirable side effects, overdose and toxicity. Results Ethyl acetate extract of Musa × paradisiaca L shown anticervical carcinoma and anti-malignant melanoma activity in our study. Antioxidant activity demonstrated, that Musa × Paradisiaca L. leaves ethyl extract exhibited % inhibition at absorbance 517 nm with IC50 values = 3.70 to 45.50 at different concentration and compared with ascorbic acid as standard drug. Conclusions The present study indicates the anticancer and antioxidant activity on the basis of biological and phytochemical screening of Musa × paradisiaca L leaves extract. Ethyl acetate extract of leaves was evaluated for its anticancer activity. In vitro anticancer activity of extract were estimated by measuring significant inhibition of HeLa and A375 cell lines by MTT assay. The MTT assay clearly indicates that the inhibition or inhibitory activity of the extract was concentration dependent. Maximum inhibition of cell growth was found at the concentration of 320 µg/ml which was 54.35 and 55.97, respectively for HeLa and A375 cell lines. Therefore, 320 µg/ml concentration of extract was used to study the IC50 value that was calculated as 249.1 and 224.4, respectively. Antioxidant activity demonstrated that, plant extract exhibited percentage inhibition with IC50 values = 3.70 to 45.50 at different concentration and compared with ascorbic acid as standard drug.
Optimization of active control devices for separated turbulent flows

Active flow control strategies, such as oscillatory blowing / suction, have proved their efficiency to modify flow characteristics for various purposes (e.g. skin friction reduction, separation delay, etc.) in case of rather simple configurations. To extend this approach to industrial cases, the simulation of a large number of devices at real scale and the optimization of parameters are required. The objective of this thesis is to set up an optimization procedure to solve this category of problems. In this perspective, the organization of the thesis is split into three main parts. First, the development and validation of an unsteady compressible turbulent flow solver using the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) using a Mixed finite-Element/finite-Volume (MEV) framework is described. A particular attention is drawn on synthetic jet numerical model implementation by comparing different models in the context of a simulation over a flat plate. The second axis of the thesis describes and validates the implementation of a Gaussian Process surrogate model based global optimization method including an approach to account for some numerical errors during the optimization. This EGO (Efficient Global Optimization) method, is validated on noisy 1D and 2D analytical test cases. Finally, the optimization of two industrial relevant test cases using a synthetic jet actuator are considered: a turbulent flow over a NACA0015 for which the time-averaged lift is regarded as the control criterion to be maximized, and an incompressible turbulent flow over a Backward Facing Step for which the time-averaged recirculation length is minimized.
Characterization of second-harmonic generation in silver nanoparticles for spontaneous parametric down-conversion

Energy-time entangled photon pairs (EPPs), which are at the heart of numerous quantum light applications, are commonly generated in nonlinear crystals. Some highly sensitive quantum applications require the use of ultra-broadband entangled photons that cannot be generated in nonlinear crystals due to phase-matching requirements. Here, we investigate the possibility of using metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) as a means for generating entangled photons through spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC). MNPs are known for their strong light-matter coupling at their localized surface plasmon resonance, and since the propagation length through them is negligible relative to optical wavelengths, we consider them as excellent candidates to serve as non-phase matched sources of ultra-broadband entangled photons. To that end, we report experimental results of classical-light second-harmonic generation in silver nanotriangles and nanocubes embedded in polyvinyl alcohol. Based on the results of our experiments, performed using the reference-free hyper-Rayleigh scattering method [A. Ashkenazy et al., J. Phys. B 145401, 2019], we present an estimation of the characteristics of SPDC in MNPs. We show that, despite of the metals' centrosymmetric structure, MNPs exhibit second order nonlinearity that is mainly of an electric dipole nature, and so they are suitable for SPDC. Moreover, we show that localized surface-plasmon resonance can play a significant role in enhancing the generated EPPs flux. Finally, we compare the SPDC capabilities of MNPs to that of commonly used nonlinear crystals and show that the expected EPPs flux from MNPs is weaker but the EPPs have very large bandwidth, which could be helpful for advanced quantum sensing, spectroscopy and communication applications.
Occlusion-robust Traffic Sign Detection via Cascaded Colour Cubic Feature

The high variability of sign appearance with partial occlusions in uncontrolled environments has made the detection of traffic signs a challenging problem in computer vision. In this study, an occlusion-robust traffic sign detection framework is proposed. To achieve occlusion-robust detection, a colour cubic feature called colour cubic local binary pattern (CC-LBP) is proposed to construct a coarse-to-fine cascaded detector. The CC-LBP utilises colour information and a self-adaptive threshold to express multiclass traffic signs, which can effectively remove non-object subwindows in the cascade-based detection. The verification experiments show that the proposed CC-LBP feature performs better than the previous rectangular features in representing multiclass traffic signs, and that the proposed occlusion-robust detection method can detect multiclass partial occluded traffic signs with high accuracy in real time.
Associations of Clinical and Molecular Characteristics with the Response to Immune Checkpoint Blockade in Advanced Gastric Cancers

Purpose Immunotherapy provides a new treatment option for advanced gastric cancer (AGC). This study aims to explore the response markers of immunotherapy in AGCs. Methods Next-generation sequencing was performed on 44 AGC patients who received immune checkpoint inhibitors and the associations between their outcomes after combination immunotherapy, and the clinicopathological/molecular characteristics were analyzed. Results The current study cohort had a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 5.9 months, an overall survival (OS) of 12.1 months, and an objective response rate (ORR) of 36.4%. Through multivariable analysis of the clinical characteristics, primary tumor resection (HR = 2.66, 95% CI: 1.06–6.70, p=0.037) and increased proportion of lymphocytes after combination immunotherapy (HR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.16–0.99, p=0.048) were revealed as independent predictors for patient outcomes. All the 18 patients who underwent genetic profiling were microsatellite-stable with a median TMB of four mutations per Mb. ATM alterations, PI3K pathway mutations, increased TMB, and positive PD-L1 expression were associated with the increased trend of PFS and ORR. According to the combination of baseline lymphocyte count, ATM mutation, TMB status, and PD-L1 expression, patients were stratified into higher- and lower-risk groups, with the lower-risk group showing improved PFS (HR = 4.7e−10, 95% CI: 0–inf, p=0.02) and ORR (75% vs. 0%, p=0.007). Conclusion Several highly relevant potential biomarkers predictive of immunotherapy response in AGC patients have been identified in this research.
Extracting the reduced scattering coefficient in different optical magnifications in the blue regime: theory and experiments

Imaging inside a turbid media is range limited. In contrast, sensing the medium’s optical properties is possible in larger depths using the iterative multi-plane optical properties extraction (IMOPE) technique. It analyzes the reemitted light phase image reconstructed from the iterative multi-plane Gerchberg-Saxton (GS) algorithm. The root mean square (RMS) of the phase yields two graphs with opposite behaviors, that cross each other in μ's,cp. The graphs enable the extraction of the reduced scattering coefficient, μs', of the measured tissue. The IMOPE was originally developed for illumination of red wavelength and for biological applications and was extended to the blue regime of the electromagnetic field, which is applicable for underwater research. In this work, we aim to extend the range of μs' detection by optical magnification. We use a modified diffusion theory and show how μ's,cp shifts with the varying magnification. The theoretical results were then tested experimentally, using agar-based phantoms with varying scatterings coefficients.
COMPUTES: DEVELOPMENT OF AN INSTRUMENT TO MEASURE INTRODUCTORY STATISTICS INSTRUCTORS’ EMPHASIS ON COMPUTATIONAL PRACTICES

The influx of data and the advances in computing have led to calls to update the introductory statistics curriculum to better meet the needs of the contemporary workforce. To this end, we developed the COMputational Practices in Undergraduate TEaching of Statistics (COMPUTES) instrument, which can be used to measure the extent to which computation practices—specifically data, simulation, and coding practices—are included in the introductory statistics curriculum. Data from 236 instructors were used in a psychometric analysis to evaluate the latent structure underlying instructors’ response patterns and understand the quality of the items. We also examined whether computational practices are being emphasized differently across institutional settings. Results suggest that the latent structure is best captured using a correlated multidimensional model and that most items were contributing information to the measurement process. Across institutional settings, curricular emphasis related to data and simulation practices seem quite similar, while emphasis on coding practices differs.
Integration of Long Non-Coding RNA and mRNA Profiling Reveals the Mechanisms of Different Dietary NFC/NDF Ratios Induced Rumen Development in Calves

Simple Summary Altering carbohydrate source and form affects the development of the rumen epithelium. Calves fed diets with one of three different ratios of non-fibrous carbohydrate to neutral detergent fiber (NFC/NDF) was conducted to reveal putative mechanisms and pathways affected by and responsible for rumen development. Calves in the high NFC/NDF ratio (1.10) group had higher average daily gain, and ruminal papillae developed flatter than calves in the low NFC/NDF ratio (0.60) group. Transcriptomics identified that a large number of differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in pathways related to rumen epithelia development including focal adhesion, Wnt signaling pathway, thyroid hormone signaling pathway, regulation of actin cytoskeleton and cGMP-PKG signaling pathway. The lncRNA-mRNA network analysis revealed that some target genes including XLOC_068691 and monoamine oxidase B (MOAB), XLOC_023657 and dickkopf homolog 2 (DKK2), XLOC_064331 and protein phosphatase 1 regulatory subunit 12A (PPP1R12A) were affected by the NCF/NDF ratios fed. The pathways and affected genes may serve as markers for the further investigation into the mechanisms regulating dietary and luminal factors impacting rumen development in growing ruminants. Abstract The aim of the present study was to explore the effects of dietary non-fibrous carbohydrate to neutral detergent fiber (NFC/NDF) ratios on rumen development of calves, and to investigate the mechanisms by integrating of lncRNA and mRNA profiling. Forty-five weaned Charolais hybrid calves [body weight = 94.38 ± 2.50 kg; age = 70 ± 2.69 d] were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups with different dietary NFC/NDF ratios: 1.10 (H group), 0.94 (M group) and 0.60 (L group), respectively. The ventral sac of the rumen was sampled for morphological observation and transcriptional sequencing. The average daily gain of calves in the high NFC/NDF ratio group was significantly higher than that in other groups (p < 0.05). Papillae width was largest in high NFC/NDF ratio group calves (p < 0.05). Identified differentially expressed genes that were significantly enriched in pathways closely related to rumen epithelial development included focal adhesion, Wingless-int signaling pathway, thyroid hormone signaling pathway, regulation of actin cytoskeleton and cGMP-PKG signaling pathway. The lncRNA-mRNA network included XLOC_068691 and MOAB, XLOC_023657 and DKK2, XLOC_064331 and PPP1R12A which we interpret to mean they have important regulatory roles in calve rumen development. These findings will serve as a theoretical basis for further analysis of the molecular genetic mechanism of dietary factors affecting rumen development in calves.
Neural Networks and Connectivity among Brain Regions

As is widely understood, brain functioning depends on the interaction among several neural populations, which are linked via complex connectivity circuits and work together (in antagonistic or synergistic ways) to exchange information, synchronize their activity, adapt plastically to external stimuli or internal requirements, and more generally to participate in solving multifaceted cognitive tasks [. ].
MINIATURIZED QUAD-PORT UWB-MIMO ANTENNA WITH BAND-NOTCHED CHARACTERISTICS AT 5 GHZ

Small footprint of the multi-input-multi-output (MIMO) antenna is extremely desirable for space-constrained ultra-wideband (UWB) communication systems. Compact MIMO antennas with improved isolation and wide operating bandwidth are the significant subject of the work. Therefore, this paper presents a miniaturized four-port polarization diversity UWB-MIMO antenna operating in the frequency range of 3.1–12GHz with band-notched characteristics. Four octagon-shaped radiating elements with a common ground are placed orthogonal to each other for good isolation. Band rejection features between 4.5 and 5.5GHz were achieved by including an open-ended slot at the upper edge of the octagonal-shaped antenna. The MIMO antenna was etched on a low-cost 32.3 × 32.3 × 0.8mm3 FR-4 dielectric substrate. The antenna radiates in a quasi-omnidirectional pattern on the H-plane throughout the operational bandwidth, with higher than 15 dB isolation, low envelope correlation, and high antenna gain. As a result, this antenna is well suited for diverse applications and portable devices.
PEDOMETER-MEASURED WALKING STEPS AND LEVELS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: A STUDY IN KUALA NERUS, TERENGGANU

The Malaysia Ministry of Health introduced the 10,000 Steps Program to embrace physical activity and increase the quality of life among the Malaysian population. Thus, this cross-sectional study aims to determine the walking steps, and level of physical activity among adults in Kuala Nerus, Terengganu. A convenience sample of 90 adults aged 18 to 59 years old had their two-days walking steps assessed using an Omron HJ-320 pedometer. Meanwhile, physical activity was measured using International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The Spearman correlation coefficient is used to assess the relationship between the number of walking steps based on the pedometer, and physical activity level. The result shows that the average median steps/day of the respondents was 5096 (3744). Only 6.7% of respondents achieved the 10,000 recommended steps. The respondents were generally categorized as low active for their walking steps and physical activity level. There was a significantly low relationship between physical activity and walking (r=0.214, p=0.043). This indicates that the physical activity level among respondents was relatively related by their number of walking steps. In conclusion, a pedometer can be part of an effective tool for measuring daily physical activity. Awareness programs are strongly encouraged to increase the physical activity level among the population.
The Potential Application of Green-Synthesized Metal Nanoparticles in Dentistry: A Comprehensive Review

Orodental problems have long been managed using herbal medicine. The development of nanoparticle formulations with herbal medicine has now become a breakthrough in dentistry because the synthesis of biogenic metal nanoparticles (MNPs) using plant extracts can address the drawbacks of herbal treatments. Green production of MNPs such as Ag, Au, and Fe nanoparticles enhanced by plant extracts has been proven to be beneficial in managing numerous orodental disorders, even outperforming traditional materials. Nanostructures are utilized in dental advances and diagnostics. Oral disease prevention medicines, prostheses, and tooth implantation all employ nanoparticles. Nanomaterials can also deliver oral fluid or pharmaceuticals, treating oral cancers and providing a high level of oral healthcare. These are also found in toothpaste, mouthwash, and other dental care products. However, there is a lack of understanding about the safety of nanomaterials, necessitating additional study. Many problems, including medication resistance, might be addressed using nanoparticles produced by green synthesis. This study reviews the green synthesis of MNPs applied in dentistry in recent studies (2010–2021).
Calculation of the Rub' al Khali Sand Dune Volume for Estimating Potential Sand Sources

The Rub’ al Khali desert (or Empty Quarter) is the largest and perhaps most significant sand sea in the world. Located on the southern Arabian Peninsula, the dune field has remained largely unexplored owing to the harsh clime and difficult terrain. This study takes advantage of geospatial technology (interpolations, supervised classification, minimum focal statistic) to extract information from the data contained in global Digital Elevation Model (DEM)s, satellite imagery. The main objective here is to identify and map different dune forms within the sand sea, estimate the volume of sand and explore probable sources of sand. The analysis of dune color strongly suggests that the sand is not completely reworked and intermixed. If this is true, a spatial variability map of the mineral composition of the sand could be very revealing. The red sand is quite pronounced, the largest volume of sand (~36%) is associated with the yellow color class. Yellow sand covers most of the western part of the dunes field and seems to be a transitional color between red and white sand in the eastern part of the dune field. This suggests that the yellow sand might be derived from both local and regional sources, or it might be less oxidized, reworked, or have a different composition that represents a combination of red and white sand.