Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
System-level integration of active silicon photonic biosensors

Biosensors based on silicon photonic integrated circuits have attracted a growing interest in recent years. The use of sub-micron silicon waveguides to propagate near-infrared light allows for the drastic reduction of the optical system size, while increasing its complexity and sensitivity. Using silicon as the propagating medium also leverages the fabrication capabilities of CMOS foundries, which offer low-cost mass production. Researchers have deeply investigated photonic sensor devices, such as ring resonators, interferometers and photonic crystals, but the practical integration of silicon photonic biochips as part of a complete system has received less attention. Herein, we present a practical system-level architecture which can be employed to integrate the aforementioned photonic biosensors. We describe a system based on 1 mm2 dies that integrate germanium photodetectors and a single light coupling device. The die are embedded into a 16x16 mm2 epoxy package to enable microfluidic and electrical integration. First, we demonstrate a simple process to mimic Fan-Out Wafer-level-Packaging, which enables low-cost mass production. We then characterize the photodetectors in the photovoltaic mode, which exhibit high sensitivity at low optical power. Finally, we present a new grating coupler concept to relax the lateral alignment tolerance down to ± 50 μm at 1-dB (80%) power penalty, which should permit non-experts to use the biochips in a“plug-and-play” style. The system-level integration demonstrated in this study paves the way towards the mass production of low-cost and highly sensitive biosensors, and can facilitate their wide adoption for biomedical and agro-environmental applications.
Cotton RSG2 Mediates Plant Resistance against Verticillium dahliae by miR482b Regulation

Simple Summary Cotton is an important economic crop, but its production is constrained by various biotic and abiotic stresses. Verticillium wilt caused by Verticillium dahliae is a major factor limiting cotton yield, causing significant losses in both quantity and quality. In plant resistance research, miRNAs are considered important regulatory factors, and the miR482 family is closely related to plant resistance. Typically, this family can target NBS-LRR genes to participate in cotton’s defense response to Verticillium wilt, but the specific molecular mechanisms still need further study. This study revealed the mechanism of ghr-miR482b and its target gene GhRSG2 in cotton’s resistance to Verticillium wilt through molecular biology and biochemistry, providing new ideas and candidate genes for breeding cotton varieties resistant to Verticillium wilt and a reference for the disease-resistant breeding of other crops, thereby improving agricultural productivity, reducing pesticide use, and promoting sustainable agriculture. Abstract Cotton Verticillium wilt, mainly caused by Verticillium dahliae, has a serious impact on the yield and quality of cotton fiber. Many microRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified to participate in plant resistance to V. dahliae infection, but the exploration of miRNA’s function mechanism in plant defense is needed. Here, we demonstrate that the ghr-miR482b-GhRSG2 module mediates cotton plant resistance to V. dahliae infection. Based on the mRNA degradation data and GUS fusion experiments, ghr-miR482b directedly bonds to GhRSG2 mRNA to lead to its degradation. The knockdown and overexpression of ghr-miR482b through virus-induced gene silencing strategies enhanced (decreased by 0.39-fold in disease index compared with the control) and weakened (increased by 0.46-fold) the plant resistance to V. dahliae, respectively. In addition, silencing GhRSG2 significantly increased (increased by 0.93-fold in disease index) the plant sensitivity to V. dahliae compared with the control plants treated with empty vector. The expression levels of two SA-related disease genes, GhPR1 and GhPR2, significantly decreased in GhRSG2-silenced plants by 0.71 and 0.67 times, respectively, and in ghr-miR482b-overexpressed (OX) plants by 0.59 and 0.75 times, respectively, compared with the control, whereas the expression levels of GhPR1 and GhPR2 were significantly increased by 1.21 and 2.59 times, respectively, in ghr-miR482b knockdown (KD) plants. In sum, the ghr-miR482b-GhRSG2 module participates in the regulation of plant defense against V. dahliae by inducing the expression of PR1 and PR2 genes.
Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analyses Provide Insights into the Pathogenic Mechanism of the Rice False Smut Pathogen Ustilaginoidea virens

Rice false smut, caused by the fungal pathogen Ustilaginoidea virens, is a worldwide rice fungal disease. However, the molecular mechanism of the pathogenicity of the fungus U. virens remains unclear. To understand the molecular mechanism of pathogenesis of the fungus U. virens, we performed an integrated analysis of the transcriptome and metabolome of strongly (S) and weakly (W) virulent strains both before and after the infection of panicles. A total of 7932 differential expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using transcriptome analysis. Gene ontology (GO) and metabolic pathway enrichment analysis indicated that amino acid metabolism, autophagy-yeast, MAPK signaling pathway-yeast, and starch and sucrose metabolism were closely related to the pathogenicity of U. virens. Genes related to pathogenicity were significantly upregulated in the strongly virulent strain, and were ATG, MAPK, STE, TPS, and NTH genes. However, genes involved in the negative regulation of pathogenesis were significantly downregulated and contained TOR kinase, TORC1, and autophagy-related protein genes. Metabolome analysis identified 698 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs), including 13 categories of organic acids and derivatives, lipids and lipid-like molecules, organoheterocyclic compounds. The significantly enriched pathways of DAMs mainly included amino acids and carbohydrates, and they accumulated after infection by the S strain. To understand the relevance of DEGs and DAMs in the pathogenicity of U. virens, transcriptomic and metabolomic data were integrated and analyzed. These results further confirmed that the pathogenesis of U. virens was regulated by DEGs and DAMs related to these four pathways, involving arginine and proline metabolism, lysine biosynthesis, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, and starch and sugar metabolism. Therefore, we speculate that the pathogenicity of U. virens is closely related to the accumulation of amino acids and carbohydrates, and to the changes in the expression of related genes.
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) Test Instrument: Validity and Reliability Analysis With The Rasch Model

This article describes the instruments that can be used to measure students' higher order thinking skills in learning mathematics for low, medium and high difficulty levels. This study aims to estimate the validity and determine the reliability of the higher order thinking test assessment instrument in Mathematics learning based on the Rasch model. The research was conducted through a quantitative descriptive approach in two SMP Negeri 1 Gebang which had 100 respondent. The research development model used is the ADDIE model. This article describes the stages of development. The instrument used is a high-level mathematical thinking test assessment instrument which contains 20 questions and expert validation observation sheets. Mathematical higher order thinking test questions were presented to three material experts. The validity used is content validity and construct validity. Reliability was tested through the Rasch model approach. The results showed that the HOTS assessment instrument in the form of HOTS test questions consisting of 20 items of description from the material, construction, and linguistic aspects and the appearance was declared to be constructively valid and suitable for use. The results of the validity can be seen and analyzed with the Winsteps program in the Out fit order table to see the suitability of items that function in the normal category to be used as a measurement of student misconceptions. The results showed
Clinical characteristics of adults with self-reported diagnosed asthma and/or COPD: data from the BOLD Australia Study

Background Diagnosis of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the community is variable, often without spirometry. Some studies report that adults with both diagnostic labels (asthma+COPD) have worse health outcomes than those with asthma or COPD only, but data for Australian adults are limited. We investigated the relationship between clinical characteristics and self-reported diagnoses of asthma, COPD and both. Method We used data from the BOLD Australia study, which included randomly selected adults aged ≥40 years from six study sites. The BOLD questionnaires and spirometry test were used in all sites. Participants were grouped by self-reported diagnosis. Demographic and clinical characteristics and lung function were compared between groups. Results Of the study sample (n=3522), 336 reported asthma only, 172 reported COPD only, 77 reported asthma+COPD and 2937 reported neither. Fewer than half of participants with a COPD diagnosis (with or without asthma) had airflow limitation. Participants with asthma+COPD had more respiratory symptoms and greater airflow limitation than those with either diagnosis alone. Having asthma+COPD was independently associated with a higher probability of having clinically important breathlessness (modified Medical Research Council score ≥2) than asthma only (adjusted OR 3.44, 95% CI 1.86–6.33) or COPD only (adjusted OR 3.28, 95% CI 1.69–6.39). Airflow limitation (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease 2 or higher, using post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity ratio <0.7) was similar between asthma only and COPD only, but twice as prevalent in asthma+COPD (adjusted OR 2.18 and 2.58, respectively). Conclusions Adults with diagnoses of asthma+COPD have a higher symptom and disease burden than those with diagnoses of asthma only or COPD only. These patients should receive regular comprehensive reviews because of the substantially increased burden of having both diagnoses. Tweetable abstract Australian adults aged ≥40 years with self-reported asthma and COPD had more severe disease, with more frequent respiratory symptoms and greater airflow limitation, than those with self-reported asthma or COPD alone https://bit.ly/3oywWF7
Analog Circuits Based Fault Diagnosis using ANN and SVM

In this study, we provide a technique for identifying analog errors using a neural network and an SVM (SVM). The study's major objective is to produce a trustworthy diagnostic based on a technique that reduces testing durations by resolving the problem of component tolerances.The suggested strategy uses an artificial neural network and a backward propagation mechanism. The impact of methods like Principal Component Analysis on feature extraction is discussed in this work. The simulation results show that the technique is effective and efficient for fault identification in tolerant mixed-signal circuits.
Effect of mulch type on physico-chemical quality of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) in semi-arid region of India

The influence of coloured-plastic mulching on physical and biochemical characteristics of tomato fruits were investigated. During the study, tomato crop was grown in an open field under five coloured-plastic mulching, one organic mulch and a no-mulch treatment. Harvested tomato fruits were analysed for various physico-chemical post-harvest quality parameters. Results evidenced that sphericity of tomatoe fruits was non-significantly (P<0.05) affected by mulching treatment. The highest fruit sphericity (0.96) was observed under yellow mulch followed by black (0.95). Likewise, average fruit weight (57.59 g) and lycopene content (2.99 mg/100 g) was found highest under red mulch. The highest TSS content (4.97) were reported in organic mulch followed by silver (4.90), while ascorbic acid content was highest under white mulch (32.7 mg/100 g) followed by organic mulch (30.9 mg/100g). Under black mulch, the highest levels of phenolic content (59.0 μg GAE/100 g) as well as antioxidant activity (10.50 μmol TE/g) were observed. Overall results showed that black mulch performed better, followed by red and white plastic mulch treatments.
Bayesian Nonparametric Higher Order Hidden Markov Models

We consider the problem of flexible modeling of higher order hidden Markov models when the number of latent states and the nature of the serial dependence, including the true order, are unknown. We propose Bayesian nonparametric methodology based on tensor factorization techniques that can characterize any transition probability with a specified maximal order, allowing automated selection of the important lags and capturing higher order interactions among the lags. Theoretical results provide insights into identifiability of the emission distributions and asymptotic behavior of the posterior. We design efficient Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithms for posterior computation. In simulation experiments, the method vastly outperformed its first and higher order competitors not just in higher order settings, but, remarkably, also in first order cases. Practical utility is illustrated using real world applications.
Inclusive sports in Philippine higher education: Determining attitudes towards transgender students’ participation

With the increasing global awareness and recognition of transgender rights and inclusion in various fields, including sports, it is crucial to examine what sports stakeholders think about the participation of transgender people in sports competitions, especially in the Philippines where there is a lack of studies on the topic. This motivated the researcher to conduct this study. Guided by a descriptive research design and using a quantitative-qualitative research approach, this study aims to determine the attitudes towards the participation of transgender athletes in sports, starting with randomly selected athletes from Philippine Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Data were collected through a survey and structured interviews, with questions validated by experts. Findings indicate that the future of sports in Philippine colleges is likely to be inclusive, with student-athletes having positive attitudes towards the idea of allowing trans women and trans men to compete in women’s and men’s sports categories, respectively, and towards the creation of separate sports categories for trans individuals only. This study can help higher education institutions develop more inclusive and respectful athletic practices that promote diversity and equal opportunity for all students who wish to participate on athletic teams and represent their colleges or universities, regardless of gender.
An Extension of Weighted Cumulative Inaccuracy Measure Based on Doubly Truncation

In the present communication, based on two extensions of Shannon entropy cumulative entropy by Rao, et al, 2004 and Kerridge’s inaccuarcy by Kerridge, (1961), we study and obtain some properties of weighted cumulative residual (past) inaccuracy for truncated random variables. ‎ Several properties, including monotonicity, bounds and their connections to proportional (reversed) hazard model are obtained for left, right and doubly truncated random variables. ‎ ‎‎ ‎
Finite-Time $\mathcal{H}_{\infty}$ Controller Synthesis of T–S Fuzzy Systems

This paper studies the finite-time <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${\mathcal {H}}_{\infty }$ </tex-math></inline-formula> control problem of T–S fuzzy systems subject to external disturbances. A novel fuzzy control approach is developed on the basis of the control Lyapunov function technique and the finite-time Lyapunov theorem so that the closed-loop fuzzy system is finite-time stable with guaranteed <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${\mathcal {H}}_{\infty }$ </tex-math></inline-formula> performance. It is shown that the proposed control approach does not require the existence of a Lyapunov function before design of the fuzzy controller in comparison with many existing control approaches to finite-time control of nonlinear systems via the technique of control Lyapunov functions, and thus, the finite-time controller and the corresponding Lyapunov function can be designed simultaneously. The procedures on how to obtain the fuzzy controller are provided in terms of linear matrix inequalities. Moreover, an upper bound on the time taken for state trajectories to arrive at their desired targets is estimated. The effectiveness of the proposed finite-time <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${\mathcal {H}}_{\infty }$ </tex-math></inline-formula> control approach is finally illustrated via numerical simulations.
Prediction of Distant Metastases in Patients with Kidney Cancer Based on Gene Expression and Methylation Analysis

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common and aggressive histological type of cancer in this location. Distant metastases are present in approximately 30% of patients at the time of first examination. Therefore, the ability to predict the occurrence of metastases in patients at early stages of the disease is an urgent task aimed at personalized treatment. Samples of tumor and paired histologically normal kidney tissue from patients with metastatic and non-metastatic ccRCC were studied. Gene expression was analyzed using real-time PCR. The level of gene methylation was evaluated using bisulfite conversion followed by quantitative methylation-specific PCR. Two groups of genes were analyzed in this study. The first group includes genes whose expression is significantly reduced during metastasis: CA9, NDUFA4L2, EGLN3, and BHLHE41 (p < 0.001, ROC analysis). The second group includes microRNA genes: MIR125B-1, MIR137, MIR375, MIR193A, and MIR34B/C, whose increased methylation levels are associated with the development of distant metastases (p = 0.002 to <0.001, ROC analysis). Based on the data obtained, a combined panel of genes was formed to identify patients whose tumors have a high metastatic potential. The panel can estimate the probability of metastasis with an accuracy of up to 92%.
A New Approach in Automated Fingerprint Presentation Attack Detection Using Optical Coherence Tomography

Presentation attack detection (PAD) is a critical component of automated fingerprint recognition systems (AFRSs). However, existing PAD technologies based on optical coherence tomography (OCT) mainly rely on local information, ignoring the global continuity and correlation of physiological structures. Furthermore, the lack of appropriate presentation attack instruments (PAIs) that cater to the unique OCT characteristics leads to the insufficient evaluation of PAD. The identification features, including external fingerprint (EF), internal fingerprint (IF), and subcutaneous sweat pore (SSP), provide valuable information about the intrinsic connections of physiological structures. Such intrinsic connections hold potential clues for PAD. Building upon this premise, this paper proposed a novel PAD method based on three OCT hand-crafted features: EF-IF self-matching score (SMS), SSP number (SN), and SSP coincidence rate (SCR). These simple yet effective PAD features offer a more precise and detailed description of the internal physiological structure, enabling accurate distinction between presentation attack (PA) and bona-fide. The proposed method achieves a 4% Equal Error Rate (EER), significantly outperforming other existing PAD methods. Additionally, the cross-device experiment demonstrates the generalization capability of the proposed method on both our dataset and the public OCT dataset.
Search and identification of high-velocity stars by dynamical ejection and supernovae from multiple stars

The project, funded by Science Committee of RA (ARPI program), intended to search, detection, kinematic study and identification of the birth places of the high-velocity and isolated neutron stars that encountered in the past with a stellar groups (multiple stars, stellar clusters, associations, etc.) closer than 10 pc, i.e. to test the concept: a high-velocity star and a stellar group or some of its members in the past were “in the same place at the same time”. We plan to use stars with the high-quality astrometry and radial velocities from the very recently released Gaia DR3 catalogue and empirically select high-velocity candidates. Next, by using full gravitational potential of the Galaxy to calculate the motion of a stellar groups and a candidate of high-velocity star from their current positions to the proximity epoch. For numerical integration we will utilize the fast and accurate numerical integration.
The Optical Mechanics of Gravity

We have studied optical metrics via null geodesics, formulated classical mechanics in optical- mechanical terms, and described the geometry of mechanical systems with drag. Then, we apply the formulation to other solutions of Einstein's equations in spherically symmetric spaces and deduce the related Binet's equation. Finally, we review the dualities between different systems arising from conformal transformations that preserve the Jacobi metric.
Development of ANN-Based Warpage Prediction Model for FCCSP via Subdomain Sampling and Taguchi Hyperparameter Optimization

This study aims to establish an accurate prediction model using artificial neural networks (ANNs) to effectively and efficiently predict the process-induced warpage of a flip-chip chip-scale package (FCCSP). To enhance model performance, a novel subdomain-based sampling strategy and Taguchi hyperparameter optimization are proposed in the ANN algorithm. To simulate the warpage behavior the FCCSP during fabrication, a process modeling approach is proposed, where the viscoelastic behavior of the epoxy molding compound is included, in which the viscoelastic properties are determined using dynamic mechanical measurement. In addition, the temperature-dependent thermal-mechanical properties of the materials in the FCCSP are assessed through thermal-mechanical analysis and dynamic mechanical analysis. The modeled warpage results are verified by the warpage measurement. Next, warpage parametric analysis is performed to identify the key factors most affecting warpage behavior for use in the construction of the warpage prediction model. Moreover, the advantages of the proposed sampling and hyperparameter tuning approaches are proved by comparing with other existing models, and the validity of the developed ANN-based deep learning warpage prediction model is demonstrated through a validation dataset.
Formules de Matsushima, de Garland et propriété (T) pour des groupes agissant sur des espaces symétriques ou des immeubles

On explique l'origine geometrique de deux theoremes d'annulation, l'un du a Y. Matsushima concerne les varietes riemanniennes localement symetriques, l'autre, du a H. Garland, concerne les immeubles. On montre que ces formules entrainent la propriete (T) de Kazhdan.