Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Picosecond ultrasonic measurements of attenuation of longitudinal acoustic phonons in silicon

We report ultrafast optical measurements of the attenuation of 50 and 100 GHz longitudinal acoustic-phonon pulses in Si. Picosecond acoustic measurements were made at temperatures 50 T 300 K on thinned 50m-thick wafers. The measured phonon lifetimes at 300 K, 5–7 ns, are an order of magnitude less than expected based on three-phonon scattering rates derived from thermal conductivity data. We find instead that relaxational damping is the dominant mechanism in this frequency and temperature range. This attenuation sets an intrinsic limit on the quality factor of nanomechanical resonators that operate near room temperature.
C-arm CT with XRIIs and digital flat panels: a review

C-arm CT first emerged as a useful high-contrast imaging modality in the late 1990s, using an XRII as the large area x-ray detector. To date, the C-arm approach to intra-procedural 3D imaging has primarily been used for high-contrast imaging tasks. The emerging goal for these systems is to extend the imaging range into the area of soft-tissue, and it is thought that digital flat-panel detectors may help. Flat panels replace the analog image intensifier, the camera optics, the pickup tube and the analog-to-digital converter with an all-digital detector. Flat panel detectors have a linear response, do not require distortion correction, do not suffer from veiling glare or blooming, and have higher dynamic range that current XRIIs. On the other hand, XRIIs have greater flexibility in FOV, and could support higher frame rates at high resolution, thereby reducing the effects of view aliasing. We have experience with a typical XRII-based C-arm imaging system and a new high-end C-arm equipped with a large flat-panel detector. Initial investigations show that when projection pixel size, acquisition geometry and focal spot size are matched, the flat-panel-based system produces reconstructions with improved MTF, primarily due to the additional interpolation step required for XRII warp correction. Investigations of artifact levels and comparison with in vivo CT images are presented.
Current Trends in Nanomaterials for Metal Oxide-Based Conductometric Gas Sensors: Advantages and Limitations—Part 2: Porous 2D Nanomaterials

This article discusses the features of the synthesis and application of porous two-dimensional nanomaterials in developing conductometric gas sensors based on metal oxides. It is concluded that using porous 2D nanomaterials and 3D structures based on them is a promising approach to improving the parameters of gas sensors, such as sensitivity and the rate of response. The limitations that may arise when using 2D structures in gas sensors intended for the sensor market are considered.
Physical Parameters of Southern B- and Be-Type Stars

In this paper we present new results on stellar fundamental parameters for early B and Be field stars observed in the southern hemisphere: effective temperature, superficial gravity, and projected stellar rotation velocity. The estimation of their projected rotation velocities is made by two successive methods. We first obtain an initial value based on Fourier transforms of the He I λ4471 line for 34 B and Be field stars with magnitudes in the range 0.5 ≤ mv ≤ 10, followed by a more accurate fitting procedure of observed lines with non-LTE model line profiles. This procedure yields stellar rotation velocity estimates that are in agreement with those of the literature. We derive also Teff and log g values by fitting equivalent widths and profiles of NLTE model spectra to the observed ones. Finally, we give estimates of stellar ages, masses, and bolometric luminosities derived from interpolations in the evolutionary tracks calculated by Schaller.
Bifunctional Edge‐Rich Nitrogen Doped Porous Carbon for Activating Oxygen and Sulfur

Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and sulfur reduction reaction (SRR) play key roles in advanced batteries. However, they both suffer from sluggish reaction kinetics. Here, an interesting nitrogen doped porous carbon material that can simultaneously activate oxygen and sulfur is reported. The carbon precursor is a nitrogen containing covalent organic framework (COF), constituting periodically stacked 2D sheets. The COF structure is well preserved upon pyrolysis, resulting in the formation of edge‐rich porous carbon with structure resembling stacked holey graphene. The nitrogen containing groups in the COF are decomposed into graphitic and pyridinic nitrogen during pyrolysis. These edge sites and uniform nitrogen doping endow the carbon product with high intrinsic catalytic activities toward ORR and SRR. The COF derived carbon delivers outstanding performances when assembling as cathodes in the Li‐S and Li‐O2 batteries. Simultaneous activation of oxygen and sulfur also enables a new battery chemistry. A proof‐of‐concept Li‐S/O2 hybrid battery is assembled, delivering a large specific capacity of 2,013 mAh g−1. This study may inspire novel battery designs based on oxygen and sulfur chemistry.
Long-term light emission measurement and imaging during the early stages of electrical breakdown in epoxy resin

An ultra-sensitive photomultiplier and large-area light collection optics were used with a high-sensitivity charge-coupled device camera to detect and image the long-term light emission behaviour during electrical tree initiation in pin-plane CT200 epoxy resin samples under constant alternating current voltage stress. The observed light emission is interpreted in terms of electroluminescence due to charge injection/extraction at the pin-tip followed by slow material degradation and eventual failure of the metal pin-resin interface. Interface failure is a prelude to formation of microchannels that result in tree initiation. High-resolution charge-coupled device imaging of the electroluminescence reveals that the maximum light emission occurs at the pin-tip and is still observable 10 mu m into the resin. Under long-term continuous electrical stress, the light emission is found to spread principally along the cone of the pin rather than into the resin.
Wall conditioning and density control in the reversed field pinch RFX-mod

In the reversed field pinch RFX-mod at the highest plasma current of 2 MA, when error fields are not effectively feedback controlled, localized thermal loads up to tens of MW m−2 can be produced. The graphite tiles withstand such high power loads, but the high hydrogen retention makes density control extremely difficult. Several wall conditioning techniques have been optimized in the last campaigns, including helium glow discharge cleaning and wall boronization by diborane glow discharges. More recently, lithium conditioning has been applied for the first time in a reversed field pinch by the evaporation technique. The main results are discussed in this paper. Lithization leads to important operational advantages: a significant improvement of the density control is obtained. Densities up to n/nG ≈ 0.5 can be produced in a controlled way. At the same value of input power, plasmas at higher densities can be sustained. However, due to the short particle confinement time, such densities are reached with high rates of gas puffing and the resulting profiles at high density are edge peaked. A lithium multipellet injector, to be applied in order to obtain a more uniform deposition, has been tested.
Application of The TPB Model in Analysising the Consumption Behavior Intentions of Organic Halal Food

The current research is mostly focused on behavioural intentions using the TPB (Theory of Planned Behaviour) model with an understanding of attitude factors. subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control (PBC). A behavioural intention is on organic halal food from the theory of planned behaviour and e-WOM as additional factors for consumers in Kediri, East Java. This study further explains the role of price as a moderating variable for the behavioural intention of organic halal food. A total of 195 responses from respondents and using confirmatory factor analysis for validation and the results were analyzed using structural equation modelling. Attitudes, subjective norms and e-WOM were found to be significant predictors of behavioural intentions of organic halal food. The findings show that price positively moderates the relationship between attitudes, subjective norms, e-WOM and behavioural intentions of organic halal food. Perceived behavioural control was found to have a weak influence on behavioural intention of organic halal food and there was a non-significant interaction between price moderation with perceived behavioural control and behavioural intention of organic halal food. This research theoretically contributes to the literature by introducing the moderating role of price. The results show that price interactions increase the effect of most of the predictors. This study provides an understanding of the consumer's perspective on consumer intentions to behave in consuming organic halal food which will help stakeholders, such as marketers, retailers, and producers, to achieve marketing strategies for the development of this organic halal food further.
Effect of Adding Matricaria recutita L., Cymbopogon citratus, or Mentha piperita L. Extracts to Fermented Orange Beverage: Sensory Evaluation, Physicochemical Characterization, and Prediction of Toxic Risks and Biological Activity In Silico

Fermentation is an important tool in producing functional beverages through agro-industrial wastes, and medicinal and aromatic plants due to the specific content of bioactive molecules. Therefore, this study evaluated the contribution of Matricaria recutita (chamomile), Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass), or Mentha piperita (peppermint) extracts to the phytochemical profile and potential biological effects of a functional fermented orange beverage in vitro and in silico. The concentrations of aromatic herbal extracts that yielded the best sensory performance for fermented beverages were selected for analyses that involved characterizing the fermented beverages. The beverages that received the extracts (2%) had the highest phenolic and flavonoid content and antioxidant potential compared to the control. Hesperidin (124–130 mg L−1), narirutin (66–70 mg L−1), chlorogenic (11–16 mg L−1), caffeic (5.3–5.5 mg L−1), and ferulic (1–1.7 mg L−1) acids were found in the different formulations. The in silico analysis suggested that the evaluated compounds do not present a toxicity risk (mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, hepatotoxicity, and ability to penetrate the blood–brain barrier). Additionally, they can contribute to the biological effects of therapeutic importance, such as antioxidant, gastroprotective, and anti-ulcerative properties, and the Mentha piperita L. extract presented the greatest potential among the evaluated herbs for use in functional fermented beverages.
Application of Piezoelectric PLLA Braided Cord as Wearable Sensor to Realize Monitoring System for Indoor Dogs with Less Physical or Mental Stress

We attempted to realize a prototype system that monitors the living condition of indoor dogs without physical or mental burden by using a piezoelectric poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) braided cord as a wearable sensor. First, to achieve flexibility and durability of the piezoelectric PLLA braided cord used as a sensor for indoor dogs, the process of manufacturing the piezoelectric PLLA fiber for the piezoelectric braided cord was studied in detail and improved to achieve the required performance. Piezoelectric PLLA braided cords were fabricated from the developed PLLA fibers, and the finite element method was used to realize an e-textile that can effectively function as a monitoring sensor. As a result, we realized an e-textile that feels similar to a high-grade textile and senses the complex movements of indoor dogs without the use of a complex computer system. Finally, a prototype system was constructed and applied to an actual indoor dog to demonstrate the usefulness of the e-textile as a sensor for indoor dog monitoring.
Robustness Optimization of Model Predictive Current Control for PMSM Drives Considering Dynamic Response Influence

In order to enhance the parameter robustness of model predictive current control (MPCC) for permanent-magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) drive, a novel robust MPCC considering dynamic response influence is proposed in this article. First, the parameter sensitivity effects on dynamic control capability of MPCC are analyzed theoretically. Second, the data acquisition methods of inductance and flux-linkage based on current errors are presented, respectively. Furthermore, the accurate parameters can be calculated by the proposed data acquisition methods and compensated into the predictive model in real time. Finally, an experimental platform is built to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method and the experimental results illustrate that the proposed method can effectively erase the destructive effect of parameter mismatches and enhance the robustness of the system ultimately.
Trends in Healthcare Resource Use Preceding Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease Dementia

Introduction An Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia diagnosis is often preceded by an extended period of cognitive decline. Few studies have examined healthcare resource use (HRU) during an extended period before AD dementia diagnosis. Methods In a historical claims-based cohort study, propensity score-matched cohorts of patients with and without AD dementia were observed for a 5-year prediagnosis period and a 1-year postdiagnosis period. Demographics, clinical characteristics, and HRU were compared between groups. Results Individuals in the AD dementia group displayed a greater level of medical complexity in the year before diagnosis of AD dementia relative to those in the matched cohort. Both all-cause and AD dementia complication-related HRU increased gradually, with a marked spike at the time of initial AD dementia diagnosis. Discussion. Further research into the natural history of patients with AD dementia is necessary to improve identification of early AD and to better understand its broader impact.
Connecting Australian Masculinities and Culture to Mental Health: Men’s Perspectives and Experiences

Masculinities and culture are intertwined and have significant implications for men’s mental health. This study aimed to explore influences of Australian masculinities and culture on men’s mental health. Five focus groups were conducted with men (N = 43) living in New South Wales, Australia. Three overarching themes were identified: (1) a history of strength and self-reliance: taketh as we are, she’ll be right, (2) social and geographical divides: surrounded by men but never actually connecting, and (3) male socialisation and generational dissidence: not getting the wisdom from the men that have gone before me. Participants’ perspectives and experiences offer a reference point and lens for understanding challenges and enhancing efforts to promote Australian men’s mental health. Gender transformative program strategies are proposed to promote men’s mental health and help-seeking.
Using accelerometers to analyse slip for prosthetic application

A slip sensor, using accelerometers, has been investigated for use in prosthetic design. The basis of this report is the characterization of this sensor including how it performs in re-gripping a falling object. The possibility of using three-axis vibration control is investigated and the limitations of this method are reported. A controller was produced to determine how reliable the sensor is when using both open- and closed-loop control methods. The conclusion is that the sensor is robust, and in addition to basic vibration, it is possible to use the sensor to calculate a reliable value for the distance of slip. Using statistical measures, a minimum grip force is given for successful re-grip without knowledge of the tangential friction forces.
Applying Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation Method to Evaluate Quality in Crisis and Emergency Management

With the development of modern society and the large usage of modern science and technology, the probability of a break out of crisis and emergency will be the highest in the history of mankind and the result will cause great suffering. Natural and political disaster can strike nearly anywhere. Therefore, people in the world now pay more attention to the effective management in crisis and emergency than ever before. This article attempts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of crisis and emergency management from the point of view of quality using the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method. The contents of this article consist of six parts: Introduction, literature review, the system of factors which might affect the quality in crisis and emergency management, modeling of evaluating quality in crisis and emergency management, a numerical example, and finally, discussions and suggestions.
Psychological Distress Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Protective Role of Hope

The COVID-19 outbreak and the worldwide lockdown measures had an impact on the global mental health and psychological well-being of the general population. Several studies attempted to investigate the protective and risk factors for psychological distress related to the pandemic. However, to date, little is known about the role of hope in this context. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between hope and psychological distress related to the COVID-19 outbreak in the general population. The sample consisted of 504 Pakistani people who completed cross-sectionally the COVID-19 Peritraumatic Distress Index (CPDI) and the Adult Hope Scale (AHS). Bivariate Pearson correlation analysis was run to measure the relationship between hope and psychological distress; hierarchical regression analysis was run to investigate the association between demographics and hope with psychological distress. Higher levels of hope predicted lower levels of psychological distress. Being female, being older, lower level of education, urban residence, being married and living in nuclear family systems were associated with higher levels of psychological distress. The study highlights the protective role of hope on psychological distress related to COVID-19, contributing to knowledge on factors promoting positive mental health during emergency times and providing useful information for implementing effective public health policies and programmes.
Editorial for the Metrologia Focus Issue on Length Metrology

This Focus Issue of Metrologia was instigated by the Consultative Committee for Length’s Working Group on Strategic Planning when it met online in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Submission of articles started closely thereafter and was closed in September 2022. Covering a wide range of topics, the issue shows that despite the Coronavirus pandemic disrupting laboratory work, length metrology researchers have continued to deliver cutting edge research. The revised definition of the metre and its Mise en Pratique, both published in 2019, have stimulated further research and opened additional opportunities for developing length metrology capabilities. Articles related to the new Mise en Pratique are included in the issue, together with a range of articles demonstrating the breadth and ingenuity of current leading edge research in length metrology. A final paper indicates how metrology, with length used as an example, may be enhanced by a transition to a digital framework for realising the SI.
Continuum Micromechanics: Survey

The foundations of classical homogenization techniques, which aim at predicting the overall behavior of heterogeneous materials from that of their constituents, are reviewed. After introductory definitions and a methodological preamble, attention is focused on linear elasticity, for which the basic principles of estimating and bounding the overall properties are introduced and illustrated. In this context, special recourse is made for that to the solution of the inclusion and inhomogeneity problems as reported by Eshelby in 1957. Approaches proposed recently to account in a better way for the structural morphology of the considered materials are briefly mentioned. The case of linear elasticity with eigenstrains is then discussed: several applications, including heterogeneous thermoelasticity, can be investigated within this framework. Finally, outlines of nonlinear micromechanics are briefly reported from a historical point of view: from rate-independent elastoplasticity to nonlinear elasticity and viscoplasticity, examples of a fruitful interaction between the search for new estimates and the derivation of rigorous bounds are given and the crucial question of the description of intraphase heterogeneity is emphasized. Viscoelastic coupling and rate-dependent effects are briefly discussed in conclusion.
Comparative Analysis of Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever Spirochaetes from Ethiopia and Nigeria

Despite increasing reports of tick-borne diseases in Africa, remarkably, reports of tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) in Nigeria are lacking. Ornithodoros savignyi from Nigeria have been reported with the relapsing fever Candidatus Borrelia kalaharica. Conversely, in Ethiopia, the agent of relapsing fever is the louse-borne relapsing fever (LBRF) spirochaete Borrelia recurrentis with no TBRF reported to occur. A total of 389 Ornithodoros ticks, Ethiopia (N = 312) and Nigeria (N = 77), were sampled, together with 350 cattle, and 200 goat sera were collected from Nigeria. Samples were screened for Borrelia spp. by RT-PCR. Reactive samples were confirmed, then sequenced using flagellin B, 16S rRNA, and 16S–23S intergenic spacer region. The prevalence of Borrelia spp. in livestock was 3.8% (21/550) and 14% (3/21) after final molecular confirmation. Of 312 ticks from Ethiopia, 3.5% (11/312) were positive for Borrelia, with 36% (4/11) by conventional PCR. Sequencing revealed that the borreliae in soft ticks was C. B. kalaharica, whilst that found in animals was Borrelia theileri. Soft ticks were confirmed by sequencing 7% (22/312) and 12% (9/77) of the Ethiopian and Nigerian ticks, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these were Ornithodoros savignyi. This is the first evidence of C. B. kalaharica in Ethiopia and demonstrates the co-existence of TBRF in a country endemic to LBRF. Important, this might cause a diagnostic challenge given that LBRF is predominantly diagnosed by microscopy, which cannot differentiate these two spirochaetes. Furthermore, we report B. theileri in ruminants in Nigeria, which may also be of veterinary and economic importance.