Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PWUD Experiences of Criminal Justice Reform: Enduring Tensions Between Policing and Harm Reduction in Baltimore, MD

In this paper we explore people who use drugs (PWUD) perceptions and experiences of drug-related law enforcement in a major U.S. city. Maryland recently implemented several harm reduction policies/interventions aiming to improve PWUD-police relationships, such as the Good Samaritan Law (GSL), intended to avoid criminalizing police encounters with PWUD in cases of overdose. PWUD, though most impacted by these efforts, are seldom included in the decision making process. Data collection occurred in Baltimore City, a majority-Black city with a history of structural racism, where high overdose fatalities necessitate collaborative interventions, but where over-policing and abusive practices have generated widespread community mistrust of police. Between October 2018 and December 2019, we conducted in-depth interviews with 20 PWUD in Baltimore City to understand their perspectives of policing and its impact on harm reduction practices (specifically willingness to seek overdose assistance) in the context of the GSL. PWUD reported ongoing police mistrust, which impacted their harm reduction practices and experiences of laws such as the GSL. Results question whether police, as first responders to overdose, can ever avoid criminalizing the encounter. Findings intend to guide future public health-law enforcement collaboration efforts in the context of the current de-policing debate.
Improvement of subthreshold current transport by contact interface modification in p-type organic field-effect transistors

The charge injection efficiency of organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) is found to be a critical factor determining the subthreshold characteristics of these devices. OFETs fabricated using a wide band gap organic semiconductor and gold source/drain contacts display large threshold voltage and poor subthreshold characteristics. Insertion of a metal-oxide charge injection layer at the contact/semiconductor interface lower the injection barrier height, resulting in marked improvements in threshold voltage and subthreshold slope and strong suppression of the short-channel effect. The improved subthreshold characteristics are attributed to enhanced charge injection and the consequent promotion of charge accumulation.
How do tourists’ memorable local gastronomy experiences and their personal gastronomic traits influence destination loyalty? A fuzzy set approach

ABSTRACT This study aims to analyse how memorable local gastronomic experiences and tourists’ gastronomy-related traits influence destination loyalty and future intentions. A fuzzy set model is used to examine these intricate relationships using samples of US tourists who visited Europe and Asia. The findings reveal that dimensions of memorable local gastronomic experience and their influence on destination loyalty differ based on tourists’ personal gastronomic traits. Hospitality explained destination loyalty well when combined with social interaction, neophilia, and local gastronomy tourism-induced wellbeing. Theoretical and practical insights are provided to aid destination planning and local food marketing efforts.
The Lack of STING Impairs the MHC-I Dependent Antigen Presentation and JAK/STAT Signaling in Murine Macrophages

STING is a transmembrane ER resident protein that was initially described as a regulator of innate immune response triggered by viral DNA and later found to be involved in a broader range of immune processes. Here, we assessed its role in the antigen presentation by generating a STING KO macrophage cell line. In the absence of STING, we observed an impaired OVA-derived SIINFEKL peptide presentation together with a decreased level of MHC-I complex on the plasma membrane, likely due to a decreased mRNA expression of β2 m light chain as no relevant alterations of the peptide-loading complex (TAPs) were found. Moreover, JAK-STAT signaling resulted in impaired STING KO cells following OVA and LPS treatments, suggesting a dampened activation of immune response. Our data revealed a new molecular role of STING in immune mechanisms that could elucidate its role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders and cancer.
Monte Carlo Simulation of Active Neutron Interrogation System Developed for Detection of Illicit Materials

Nowadays, the current threat of international terrorism is set to a severe level, demanding worldwide enhanced security. Radioactive materials that could be fashioned into a radiation dispersal device typically emit gamma rays, while fissile materials such as uranium and plutonium emit both neutrons and gamma rays via spontaneous or induced fission. Therefore, the detection and identification of hazardous materials has become increasingly important. We present the results of GEANT4 Monte Carlo simulation of an active neutron interrogation system based on highly segmented neutron/gamma-ray detector and pulsed neutron generator. This system is capable of detecting and imaging radioactive and special nuclear materials, explosives and drugs. The segmented scintillation detector works as a scatter camera, allowing selection of a gamma ray events that undergo multiple interaction in detector blocks for radioactive source localization. The detector consist of blocks made of plastic scintillator which provide scattering and blocks of CsI, used as an absorber, used as an absorber, which has to be efficient to detect the characteristic gamma radiation for the identification. Because of this imaging capability background events can be significantly rejected, decreasing the number of events required for high confidence detection and thereby greatly improving its sensitivity. A scatter imager for the detection of shielded radioactive materials has been conceptualized, simulated, and refined to maximize sensitivity while minimizing cost.
Secrecy satellite‐terrestrial downlink transmissions against randomly located eavesdroppers

The satellite‐terrestrial downlink transmissions with larger coverage areas face more severe security challenges than terrestrial cellular communications due to the limitation of the satellite's power and the complexity of the channel. In this paper, the system model consists of one satellite, one legitimate user and multiple randomly distributed eavesdroppers while taking into account practical hardware impairments (HIs) at all transceivers involved. The Shadowed‐Rician fading model is adopted since it is a perfect fit for the satellite‐terrestrial channel. Besides, the full‐duplex (FD) operation is introduced in the destination where the receiver acquires the information signal and simultaneously emits the artificial noise (AN) to interfere with the nearby eavesdroppers. The maximal ratio combination scheme is applied to the destination to improve security. To facilitate evaluation of the effect of various parameters on the security performance, the closed‐form expressions of secrecy outage probability and ergodic secrecy capacity for the system are derived under the stochastic geometry framework. Finally, the simulation results show that the AN plays a pivotal role in improving the security performance, while the HIs can greatly deteriorate the performance, especially in the high transmit power regime. In addition, compared with the traditional half‐duplex receiver, the FD receiver have better security performance and can significantly alleviate the performance deterioration caused by HIs.
Towards the self-adjointness of a Hamiltonian operator in loop quantum gravity

Although the physical Hamiltonian operator can be constructed in the deparameterized model of loop quantum gravity coupled to a scalar field, its property is still unknown. This open issue is attacked in this paper by considering an operator $\hat{H}_v$ representing the square of the physical Hamiltonian operator acting nontrivially on two-valent spin networks. The Hilbert space $\mathcal{H}_v$ preserved by the graphing changing operator $\hat{H}_v$ is consist of spin networks with a single two-valent non-degenerate vertex. The matrix element of $\hat{H}_v$ are explicitly worked out in a suitable basis. It turns out that the operator $\hat{H}_v$ is essentially self-adjoint, which implies a well-defined physical Hamiltonian operator in $\mathcal{H}_v$ for the deparameterized model.
Fluorescence and Nonlinear Optical Response of Graphene Quantum Dots Produced by Pulsed Laser Irradiation in Toluene

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs), the zero dimensional (0D) single nanostructures, have many exciting technological applications in diversified fields such as sensors, light emitting devices, bio imaging probes, solar cells, etc. They are emerging as a functional tool to modulate light by means of molecular engineering due to its merits, including relatively low extend of loss, large outstretch of spatial confinement and control via doping, size and shape. In this article, we present a one pot, facile and ecofriendly synthesis approach for fabricating GQDs via pulsed laser irradiation of an organic solvent (toluene) without any catalyst. It is a promising synthesis choice to prepare GQDs due to its fast production, lack of byproducts and further purification, as well as the control over the product by accurate tuning of laser parameters. In this work, the second (532 nm) and third harmonic (355 nm) wavelengths of a pulsed nanosecond Nd:YAG laser have been employed for the synthesis. It has been found that the obtained GQDs display fluorescence and is expected to have potential applications in optoelectronics and light-harvesting devices. In addition, nonlinear optical absorption of the prepared GQDs was measured using the open aperture z-scan technique (in the nanosecond regime). These GQDs exhibit excellent optical limiting properties, especially those synthesized at 532 nm wavelength.
Electromagnetically induced left-handedness in a dense gas of three-level atoms

We discuss how a three-level system can be used to change the frequency-dependent magnetic permeability of an atomic gas to be significantly different from 1. We derive the conditions for such a scheme to be successful and briefly discuss the resulting macroscopic electrodynamics. We find that it may be possible to obtain left-handed electrodynamics for an atomic gas using three atomic levels.
The Grism Lens-Amplified Survey from Space (GLASS). XI. Detection of C iv in Multiple Images of the z = 6.11 Lyα Emitter behind RXC J2248.7–4431

The C iii] and C iv rest-frame UV emission lines are powerful probes of the ionization states of galaxies. They have furthermore been suggested as alternatives for spectroscopic redshift confirmation of objects at the epoch of reionization ( ), where the most frequently used redshift indicator, Lyα, is attenuated by the high fraction of neutral hydrogen in the intergalactic medium. However, currently only very few confirmations of carbon UV lines at these high redshifts exist, making it challenging to quantify these claims. Here, we present the detection of C ivλλ1548, 1551 Å in Hubble Space Telescope slitless grism spectroscopy obtained by GLASS of a Lyα emitter at z = 6.11 multiply imaged by the massive foreground galaxy cluster RXC J2248.7–4431. The C iv emission is detected at the 3σ–5σ level in two images of the source, with marginal detection in two other images. We do not detect significant C iii]λλ1907, 1909 Å emission implying an equivalent width Å (1σ) and (2σ). Combined with limits on the rest-frame UV flux from the He iiλ1640 Å emission line and the O iii]λλ1661, 1666 Å doublet, we put constraints on the metallicity and the ionization state of the galaxy. The estimated line ratios and equivalent widths do not support a scenario where an AGN is responsible for ionizing the carbon atoms. SED fits, including nebular emission lines, imply a source with a mass of log(M/M⊙) ∼ 9, SFR of around 10 M⊙ yr−1, and a young stellar population old. The source shows a stronger ionizing radiation field than objects with detected C iv emission at and adds to the growing sample of low-mass (log(M/M⊙) ≲ 9) galaxies at the epoch of reionization with strong radiation fields from star formation.
Shadow Imaging of Transiting Objects

We consider the problem of inferring the shape of a transiting object’s silhouette from its light curve alone, without assuming a physical model for the object. We model the object as a grid of pixels which transits a star; each pixel has an opacity, ranging from transparent to opaque, which we infer from the light curve. We explore three interesting degeneracies inherent to this problem, in which markedly different transiting shapes can produce identical light curves: (i) the “flip” degeneracy, by which two pixels transiting at the same impact parameter on opposite sides of the star’s horizontal midplane generate the same light curve; (ii) the “arc” degeneracy, by which opacity can be redistributed along the semicircular arc of pixels which undergoes ingress or egress at the same time without consequence to the light curve; and (iii) the “stretch” degeneracy, by which a wide shape moving fast can produce the same light curve as a narrow shape moving more slowly. By understanding these degeneracies and adopting some additional assumptions, we are able to numerically recover informative shadow images of transiting objects, and we explore a number of different algorithmic approaches to this problem. We apply our methods to real data, including the TRAPPIST-1c/e/f triple transit and two dips of Boyajian’s Star. We provide Python code to calculate the transit light curve of any grid and, conversely, infer the image grid which generates any light curve in the software package accompanying this paper, EightBitTransit (https://github.com/esandford/EightBitTransit).
Practices of thrift among high cultural capital consumers. When economic status gets in the way of ethics

Practices and preferences of high cultural capital consumers are being reconfigured as a consequence of their incorporated ecological and social concerns. Yet, while their status and tastes are primarily influenced by their cultural position, their consumption logics also reflect their economic situation, which tends to be relatively secure and comfortable. As the limits of ethically-labeled substitution strategies are being exposed, high cultural capital consumers are forced to reconsider their living standards. In this context, the spread of online gifting communities in rather well-off and highly-educated neighborhoods suggests that thrift practices are popularizing, while being ethicized, among advantaged individuals. How does thrift fit into these consumers’ lifestyles? To what extent does it contribute to alleviate the tensions between their ethical principles and material standards? Through an analysis of thirty-five semi-structured interviews with participants in online gifting communities, this study finds that the adoption of thrift practices by high cultural capital consumers is indeed largely motivated by anti-consumerist concerns. Yet, the extent to which these consumers incorporate them in their everyday lives is conditioned by their position within the dominant consumption field, itself partially determined by their economic status. While trash-avoiding practices are highly consistent among respondents and align with their declared aversion to material waste, consumption reduction strategies vary by income level and are influenced by conventional logics of consumption. By adapting critically-motivated practices to their existing consumption patterns, these high cultural capital consumers redefine ethical consumption from within the broader field of consumption, not simply opposing it. At the same time, they legitimize its contesting dimension, revealing a dialectical relation between ethical and conventional consumption.
The multi-outburst activity of the magnetar in Westerlund I

AB, NR, and PE are supported by an NWO Vidi Grant (PI: Rea). NR is also supported by grants AYA2015-71042-P and SGR 2014-1073. PE acknowledges funding in the framework of the project ‘Understanding the X-ray Variable and Transient Sky’ (ULTraS), ASI-INAF contract no. 2017-14-H.0. JAP acknowledges support by the Spanish MINECO/FEDER grant AYA2015-66899-C2-2-P, and the grant of Generalitat Valenciana PROMETEOII-2014-069. FCZ is supported by grants AYA2015-71042-P and SGR 2014-1073. DG acknowledges the financial support of the UnivEarthS Labex program at Sorbonne Paris Citee (ANR-10-LABX-0023 and ANR-11-IDEX-0005-02). We thank the referee for his comments and the COST Action PHAROS (CA16214) for partial support.
Changing Pattern of Employment in Nepal

Employment is for livelihood and securing the lives of people. Unemployment is most raised issue in Nepalese economy but remaining unsolved. Poverty reduction and employment creation had been raised in each past periodic plan. Study was done to assess the changing pattern of employment for analyzing the sectoral involvement of labour force, efficacy of policies, strategies and implication of policies for addressing the labour and migration issues in Nepal. Relevant secondary data from different sources were used for the study. Study shows youth unemployment rate is decreasing. About 66% of the total employment is dependent on agricultural sector which is in the decreasing rate as the slow transformation of agriculture- based economy to modern economy. Around 56% of household receives the remittance, inflow of remittance is in increasing trend to fiscal year 2016/2017 but it shrinks in 2017/2018. Bagmati and Karnali province had higher and lower number of working age population respectively.Similarly, greater unemployment rate found in Province 2. In first eight months of the Fiscal year 2017/18, 12,622 people have been provided the orientation training and 658 people have been provided skill-based training through youth and Small Entrepreneurship Self-employment Programs. Government launched Prime Minister Employment Program (PMEP) at national level in fiscal year 2019/2020. Vicious cycle of remittance, poor sectoral growth, low labor productivity, poor policy implementation are key factors for unemployment. There is urgent need for domestic job to absorb labour force. Youth and marginalized community targeted program, skill development and enhancement program should be emphasized from government level.
Irregular Expression of Cellular Stress Response Markers in the Placenta of Women with Chronic Venous Disease

Pregnancy comprises a period in a woman’s life in which the circulatory system is subjected to hemodynamical and biochemical changes. During this period, while restructuring blood vessels and exchanging maternal-fetal products there is an increased risk of developing chronic venous disease (CVD), which may have an echo in life after childbirth for both mother and child. Previously, we investigated that pregnancy-associated CVD involves changes in placental architecture at angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis and villi morphology compared with healthy controls (HC) with no history of CVD. We aimed to more deeply investigate the oxidative stress response in placenta from women with CVD versus HC through several markers (NRF2, KEAP1, CUL3, GSK-3β). An observational, analytical, and prospective cohort study was conducted on 114 women in their third trimester of pregnancy (32 weeks). A total of 62 participants were clinically diagnosed with CVD. In parallel, 52 controls with no history of CVD (HC) were studied. Gene and protein expressions of NRF2, KEAP1, CUL3, GSK-3β were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and immunohistochemistry. Nrf2 gene and protein expression was significantly greater in placental villi of women with CVD, while Keap1, CUL-3 and GSK-3β gene and protein expressions were significantly lower. Our results defined an aberrant gene and protein expression of Nrf2 and some of their main regulators Keap1, CUL-3 and GSK-3 β in the placenta of women with CVD, which could be an indicator of an oxidative environment observed in this tissue.
Implementation Methods of Controllers Designed by $H_\infty$ Loop Shaping

When the $H_\infty$ loop-shaping controller is implemented as a unity feedback system, its step responses are sometimes unsuitable for tracking control, typically, displaying large overshoots. In this article, the implementation method is studied for tracking control with small overshoots. Three implementation methods that are described by a unity feedback system, a previous simple two-degrees-of-freedom (2DoF) system, and a new simple 2DoF system proposed in this article are examined. For the closed-loop transfer function of each system, the unstable zeros are analyzed and an upper bound of the peak gains is presented. These results show that the two simple 2DoF systems have adequate properties for tracking control with small overshoots. The new 2DoF system has good features that the system is minimum phase if the plant is minimum phase, and that the resonance peak gain is one. Their tracking performances are compared in several numerical examples.
Nonlinear dynamics of a functionally graded piezoelectric micro-resonator in the vicinity of the primary resonance

This research is on the nonlinear dynamics of a two-sided electrostatically actuated capacitive micro-beam. The micro-resonator is composed of silicon and PZT as a piezoelectric material. PZT is functionally distributed along the height of the micro-beam according to the power law distribution. The micro-resonator is simultaneously subjected to DC piezoelectric and two-sided electrostatic actuations. The DC piezoelectric actuation leads to the generation of an axial force along the length of the micro-beam and this is used as a tuning tool to shift the primary resonance of the micro-resonator. The governing equation of the motion is derived by the minimization of the Hamiltonian and generalized to the viscously damped systems. The periodic solutions in the vicinity of the primary resonance are detected by means of the shooting method and their stability is investigated by determining the so-called Floquet exponents of the perturbed motions. The basins of attraction corresponding to three individual periodic orbits are determined. The results depict that the higher the amplitude of the periodic orbit, the smaller is the area of the attractor.