Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inductive detection and concentration measurement of nano sized zero valent iron in the subsurface

Nano sized zero valent iron (nZVI) can be used for the in-situ remediation of ground water contaminations by halogenated hydrocarbons or other contaminants. A novel approach is presented to detect nZVI and measure the concentration of nZVI in-situ during the remediation process. The presented inductive measurement system makes use of the magnetic material properties of nZVI. A specified magnetic field is generated locally in the aquifer and the magnetic flux density, which depends on susceptibility, is measured. Since the total susceptibility is very small, highly accurate measurements are necessary. Here, accuracy along with sensitivity is significantly improved by post-processing the measured data. Numerical simulations of magnetic fields and 3D visualisation techniques have been applied for development of the measurement technique. Finally, an experiment has been performed to verify the presented measurement method.
Collimated molecular jets from high-mass young stars: IRAS 18151-1208.

Recent near-IR images of massive star forming regions have revealed two collimated jets in the IRAS 18151-1208 re- gion, one of which is almost a parsec in length (Varricatt et al.). Follow-up high-spectral-resolution echelle spectroscopy and 2-dimensional "integral field" spectroscopy of the associated molecular shock features are presented here. From these data kinematic information and excitation maps are extracted, which show that the two jets are morphologically, kinematically and energetically similar to their counterparts from low mass protostars. The close association between the H2 emission features and the high-velocity CO emission presented by Beuther et al. also suggests that the CO represents gas entrained by these two very collimated jets. From the mass and momentum of the molecular gas, and the luminosity of the H2 features, it is clear that the flows must be powered by massive sources. To all intents and purposes, the molecular jets appear to be scaled-up versions of low-mass YSO jets. Collectively, the observations add further support to the idea that massive stars are formed through vigorous disk accretion, and that, while in their earliest stages of evolution, massive protostars drive collimated jets.
Evolution of the color indices in SN 2006aj associated with GRB 060218

Aims. We analyze the photometric properties of SN 2006aj associated with GRB 060218. We also investigate this event in relation to other supernovae. Methods. We determined the color indices from multiband photometry and investigated their time evolution by taking their time stretch factors into account. We used both the ground-based and UVOT/Swift data to ensure a coverage from the cosmic UV region (UVW1 (2510 A), UVM2 (2170 A), UVW2 (1880 A)) to the I band. Results. We find a large difference between the values and time evolution of the color indices of the early phase (t −T0 ≤ 2. 5d ) of the optical afterglow (OA) and the subsequent SN 2006aj. The clustering and small evolution of most color indices in UV in t −T0 ≤ 2. 5d resemble the behavior seen in the ensemble of OAs of long GRBs. In our interpretation, the light of the early OA comes from far above the photosphere of the progenitor and its wind. The outer layers of SN 2006aj underwent the strongest evolution among the considered supernovae of various types. We find that the adjustment of time evolution of various color indices by stretching is very helpful in searching for the proper supernova type. We attribute this evolution of SN 2006aj to the exceptionally low mass of its ejecta and the structural changes of the region producing the GRB. In our interpretation, we observed the different regions simultaneously in the complicated, asymmetric shape of SN 2006aj. The colors in the UV band can be explained if line blanketing undergoes only small variations and the UV emitting area tends to shrink during the evolution of SN 2006aj over the time interval investigated. Our approach is also of general importance for investigating supernovae in OAs.
Effectiveness and limitation of the periodic boundary approximation in the analysis of single-pass electron beam devices

The effectiveness and limitation of the periodic boundary condition (PBC) in the analysis of single-pass electron beam devices are discussed. A Cherenkov traveling-wave amplifier consisting of a dielectric-loaded parallel plate waveguide and a planar relativistic electron beam is picked up as an example of electron beam devices. The numerical results obtained without the PBC are compared with those obtained with the PBC. Then, errors caused by the approximation are found to be mainly attributed to two factors. One is caused by the initial condition, which is inherent to the analysis with the PBC. The other factor is the magnitude of the growth rate. The upper bound for the growth rate is given for which the analysis with the PBC is valid. The analysis with the PBC could be effective for estimating energy transfer efficiency because of its relatively small error and significantly low computational cost.
The pre-ejection period is a highly stress dependent parameter of paramount importance for pulse-wave-velocity based applications

Purpose The pulse-wave-velocity, is used for indirect, cuff-less, continuous blood pressure estimation. It is commonly detected by measuring the time delay between a defined point in an ECG and the arrival of the peripheral pulse wave (e.g., oxygen saturation sensor). The period between electrical stimulation of the heart (ECG) and actual blood ejection from the heart is called the pre-ejection period (PEP). This study aims at characterizing the PEP under mental and physical stress with focus on its relations to other cardiovascular parameters such as heart rate and importance for blood pressure (BP) estimation. Methods We measured the PEP in 71 young adults at rest, under mental (TSST) and physical stress (ergometer) via impedance-cardiography. Results The PEP is highly dependent on mental and physical load. It is strongly correlated with indicators of sympathetic strain (p < 0.001). At rest (mean 104.5 ms), the PEP shows a high interindividual variability but small intraindividual variability. Mental stress decreases the PEP by 16% (mean 90.0 ms) while physical stress halves PEP (mean 53.9 ms). The PEP does correlate differently with heart rate under differing circumstances (rest: R2 0.06, mental stress: R2 0.29, physical stress: R2 0.65). Subsequently, using PEP and heart rate enables the discrimination of rest, mental and physical strain with a positive predictive value of 93%. Conclusion The PEP is a cardiovascular parameter with large interindividual variability at rest and subject-depended dynamic under load which is of great importance for ECG-based pulse-wave-velocity (PWV) determination. Considering its variability and large impact on the pulse arrival time, PEP is a crucial factor in PWV based BP estimation.
SOME ASPECTS OF MODELLING AND FORECASTING MULTIVARIATE TIME SERIES

The paper describes model structures for representing multivariate time series containing stochastic trends and stochastic seasonal patterns. Methods for identification, fitting and checking these models are described. Two methods of identification are compared: using statistics calculated from (a) the unprewhitened stationary series, obtained by appropriately transforming and differencing the original series, (b) the series after prewhitening them by their univariate models. We see practical merit in using both methods of approach. A brief description is also given of the use of multivariate stochastic models for forecasting but a fuller description is to be given elsewhere, covering more general situations where the series may have to be aligned or phase-shifted relative to each other to obtain a more parsimonious representation.
Video-rate dual polarization multispectral endoscopic imaging

Cancerous and precancerous growths often exhibit changes in scattering, and therefore depolarization, as well as collagen breakdown, causing changes in birefringent effects. Simple difference of linear polarization imaging is unable to represent anisotropic effects like birefringence, and Mueller polarimetry is time-consuming and difficult to implement clinically. This work presents a dual-polarization endoscope to collect co- and cross-polarized images for each of two polarization states, and further incorporates narrow band detection to increase vascular contrast, particularly vascular remodeling present in diseased tissue, and provide depth sensitivity. The endoscope was shown to be sensitive to both isotropic and anisotropic materials in phantom and in vivo experiments.
Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton) Seeds Intake Increases Energy Expenditure and Reduces Fat Mass in Mice by Modulating Neural Circuits That Regulate Adipose Tissue Lipolysis and Mitochondrial Oxidative Metabolism in Liver and Skeletal Muscle

Cardamom seed (Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton; EC) is consumed in several countries worldwide and is considered a nutraceutical spice since it exerts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic activities. In obese individuals, EC intake also favors weight loss. However, the mechanism for these effects has not been studied. Here, we identified that EC modulates the neuroendocrine axis that regulates food intake, body weight, mitochondrial activity, and energy expenditure in mice. We fed C57BL/6 mice with diets containing 3%, 6%, or 12% EC or a control diet for 14 weeks. Mice fed the EC-containing diets gained less weight than control, despite slightly higher food intake. The lower final weight of EC-fed mice was due to lesser fat content but increased lean mass than control. EC intake increased lipolysis in subcutaneous adipose tissue, and reduced adipocyte size in subcutaneous, visceral, and brown adipose tissues. EC intake also prevented lipid droplet accumulation and increased mitochondrial content in skeletal muscle and liver. Accordingly, fasting and postprandial oxygen consumption, as well as fasting fat oxidation and postprandial glucose utilization were higher in mice fed with EC than in control. EC intake reduced proopiomelanocortin (POMC) mRNA content in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus, without an impact on neuropeptide Y (NPY) mRNA. These neuropeptides control food intake but also influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axes. Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) mRNA expression in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and circulating triiodothyronine (T3) were lower in EC-fed mice than in control. This effect was linked with decreased circulating corticosterone and weight of adrenal glands. Our results indicate that EC modulates appetite, increases lipolysis in adipose tissue and mitochondrial oxidative metabolism in liver and skeletal muscle, leading to increased energy expenditure and lower body fat mass. These metabolic effects were ascribable to the modulation of the HPT and HPA axes. LC-MS profiling of EC found 11 phenolic compounds among which protocatechuic acid (23.8%), caffeic acid (21.06%) and syringic acid (29.25%) were the most abundant, while GC-MS profiling showed 16 terpenoids among which costunolide (68.11%), ambrial (5.3%) and cis-α-terpineol (7.99%) were identified. Extrapolation of mice-to-human EC intake was performed using the body surface area normalization equation which gave a conversion equivalent daily human intake dose of 76.9–308.4 mg bioactives for an adult of 60 kg that can be obtained from 14.5–58.3 g of cardamom seeds (18.5–74.2 g cardamom pods). These results support further exploration of EC as a coadjuvant in clinical practice.
Evocations that haunt the computer interface

Although computers are rationalist, they recall the occult in answering users’ invocations with evocations. Invocations call non-humans for signs during crises. Outputs are evocative signs with affective impact and meaning. While legacy media are evocative, transporting or broadcasting signs, invocational media creates networked cybernetic relations in a lively quasi-magical communication. This article evaluates the evocative intensity of two invocational works that recall the mystical heritages of technology: Silent Hill, a horror video game series, and Ai-Da, a robot artist.
A New Approach for Broken Bar Fault Detection in Three-Phase Induction Motor Using Instantaneous Power Monitoring under Low Slip Range

The majority of research is about the detection of broken bar fault in three-phase induction motor at high slip. Thus, it becomes very interesting and demanding to detect faults in case of low slip range. In this study, a novel investigation of broken bar faults using instantaneous power is presented. The method is based on calculations and frequency analysis of partial and total instantaneous power under low slip range. The used model of squirrel cage induction machine takes into account the geometry and winding layout. This model will be used to analyze the impact of broken bar on instantaneous power spectrum. The proposed ideas in this paper are veriﬁed experimentally. The results show that broken bar fault can be more reliably detected under low slip range when using a large frequency area of both partial and total instantaneous power spectrums. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.11591/ijece.v4i1. 4611
Tislelizumab for cervical cancer: A retrospective study and analysis of correlative blood biomarkers

Background Tislelizumab is an anti-programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) monoclonal antibody engineered to minimize binding to Fcγ receptors. It has been used to treat several solid tumors. However, its efficacy and toxicity, and the predictive and prognostic value of baseline hematological parameters in patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer (R/M CC) receiving tislelizumab remain unclear. Methods We reviewed 115 patients treated for R/M CC with tislelizumab from March 2020 to June 2022 in our institute. The antitumor activity of tislelizumab was assessed using RECIST v1.1. Associations between the baseline hematological parameters and efficacy of tislelizumab in these patients were analyzed. Results With a median follow-up of 11.3 months (range, 2.2–28.7), the overall response rate was 39.1% (95% CI, 30.1–48.2) and the disease control rate was 77.4% (95% CI, 69.6–85.2). The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 19.6 months (95% CI, 10.7 to not reached). The median overall survival (OS) was not reached. Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) of any grade occurred in 81.7% of the patients and only 7.0% of the patients experienced grade 3 or 4 TRAEs. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses showed that the level of pretreatment serum C-reactive protein (CRP) was an independent risk factor for the response (complete or partial response) to tislelizumab and the PFS of R/M CC patients treated with tislelizumab (P = 0.0001 and P = 0.002, respectively). R/M CC patients with elevated baseline CRP levels had a short PFS (P = 0.0005). Additionally, the CRP-to-albumin ratio (CAR) was an independent risk factor for the PFS and OS of R/M CC patients treated with tislelizumab (P = 0.001 and P = 0.031, respectively). R/M CC patients with an elevated baseline CAR had short PFS and OS (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0323, respectively). Conclusions Tislelizumab showed promising antitumor activity and tolerable toxicity in patients with R/M CC. The baseline serum CRP levels and CAR showed potential for predicting the efficacy of tislelizumab and the prognosis of R/M CC patients receiving tislelizumab.
Use of stochastic algorithms for distributed architectures in the optimization of electromagnetic devices

This paper presents a new method for electromagnetic device optimization by stochastic algorithms (e.g. simulated annealing and evolution strategies). In order to reduce the tremendous computational effort for such a problem, we propose to control the accuracy of the objective function evaluation during the computational process. The optimally increasing accuracy is determined using a test function which preserves the essential landscape characteristics of the real objective function. Moreover, based on the coarse-grain model, the distributed architecture of the used computer network is exploited.
Understanding image quality losses due to smear in high-resolution remote sensing imaging systems

Space-based high-resolution scanning array imaging sys- tems have the potential to introduce large amounts of image smear. When designing these systems, it is useful to understand how smear will degrade image quality. A brief description of the causes of smear and a simple mathematical model are presented. A series of image simulations (for a system in which lFN/p51.0, where l is the mean wavelength for a panchromatic system, FN is the system f number, and p is the pixel pitch of the detectors) are performed in which along scan smear (ranging from 1.0 to 8.0 pixels) is introduced. Using the National Imagery Inter- pretability Rating Scale (NIIRS), expert observers rated DNIIRS differ- ence in image quality between the images with simulated smear and the original ''unsmeared'' image. The functional relationship between smear error and image quality (in units of DNIIRS) is determined. © 1999 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. (S0091-3286(99)01505-6)
Perspectives for the Use of Biogas and Biomethane in the Context of the Green Energy Transformation on the Example of an EU Country

Natural gas is the primary source of energy, accounting for around 20% of the world’s energy production. It is also a key element in reducing CO2 emissions due to its key role in stabilizing renewable energy sources. At the same time, natural gas as a fossil fuel that emits CO2 should be limited. A natural candidate that can ensure the stabilization of RES and at the same time reduce the demand for fossil fuels is biogas. Successful use of biogas requires a thorough understanding of the potential, structure, and specifics of its sources and production technology. The presented study provides a perspective and a brief overview of the existing potential of biogas production. Poland was chosen as the case study and it was shown that almost 90% of the Polish biogas potential comes from sources with a capacity below 100 Nm3/h, which is the current minimum commercially available capacity of the biogas purification and liquefaction technologies. Consequently, full utilization of these sources would require a downsizing of these technologies.
On coloring j-unit sphere graphs

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Towards the Future of Polymeric Hybrids of Two-Dimensional Black Phosphorus or Phosphorene: From Energy to Biological Applications

With the advent of a new 2D nanomaterial, namely, black phosphorus (BP) or phosphorene, the scientific community is now dedicated to focusing on and exploring this 2D material offering elusive properties such as a higher carrier mobility, biocompatibility, thickness-dependent band gap, and optoelectronic characteristics that can be harnessed for multiple applications, e.g., nanofillers, energy storage devices, field effect transistors, in water disinfection, and in biomedical sciences. The hexagonal ring of phosphorus atoms in phosphorene is twisted slightly, unlike how it is in graphene. Its unique characteristics, such as a high carrier mobility, anisotropic nature, and biocompatibility, have attracted much attention and generated further scientific curiosity. However, despite these interesting features, the phosphorene or BP poses challenges and causes frustrations when it comes to its stability under ambient conditions and processability, and thus in order to overcome these hurdles, it must be conjugated or linked with the suitable and functional organic counter macromolecule in such a way that its properties are not compromised while providing a protection from air/water that can otherwise degrade it to oxides and acid. The resulting composites/hybrid system of phosphorene and a macromolecule, e.g., a polymer, can outperform and be exploited for the aforementioned applications. These assemblies of a polymer and phosphorene have the potential for shifting the paradigm from exhaustively used graphene to new commercialized products offering multiple applications.
How Much Stress Does a Surgeon Endure? The Effects of the Robotic Approach on the Autonomic Nervous System of a Surgeon in the Modern Era of Thoracic Surgery

Simple Summary A surgeon’s feelings and his/her autonomic nervous system (ANS) response during interventions represent direct indicators of comfort, comfortability, dexterity, and stress during a surgical procedure. We evaluated the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and psychological responses to stress of surgeons during their surgical activity, comparing their robotic activity and their classical surgical activity via an open approach. For different reasons, the robotic approach led to less stimulation of the autonomic nervous system, producing less stress for the surgeons and ensuring greater comfort. Abstract (1) Objective: the purpose of this study was to evaluate and quantify the stress to which a surgeon is subjected during his/her surgical activity; we compared the individual clinical and psychological responses to stress of two surgeons during their surgical activities via robotic and open approaches. (2) Materials and methods: This was a prospective observational study in which we progressively collected data concerning the surgical performances of two different thoracic surgeons (October 2021–June 2022). We evaluated 20 lung resections performed via robot-assisted surgery and 20 lung resections performed via an open approach by each surgeon; in particular, we evaluated a panel of pre-, peri-, and postoperative data concerning the interventions, the patients, and other outcomes concerning the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and psychological responses to stress of the surgeons during their surgical activities. (3) Results: When analyzing data concerning the ANS activity of two surgeons, during robotic activity we found lower maximum, minimum, and mean heart rates; lower mean respiratory frequencies; lower body temperatures; and lower mean desaturations compared to the open approach activity for both surgeons. The psychological monitoring showed that the open approach created more physical fatigue and frustration but higher levels of satisfaction and performance evaluation. The robot-assisted surgeries showed higher levels of anxiety. (4) Conclusions: for different reasons, the robotic approach stimulated the ANS to a lesser degree, causing less stress for surgeons and ensuring greater comfort.