Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
V900 MON AND THOMMES’ NEBULA: A NEW FUor IN MONOCEROS

Detailed observations of a recently recognized eruptive variable, V900 Mon, are presented. The star is located in the small cloud L1656, a little-studied region of modest star formation activity in Monoceros, and is presently at a magnitude of r ∼ 16, surrounded by a bright compact reflection nebula, where only a 20th magnitude star was seen on the red first-epoch POSS plate. Optical spectra show a red absorption-line spectrum not later than mid-K, and the Hα line and the Na i D12 doublet display prominent P Cygni profiles with massive absorption troughs indicating a cool outflowing wind. Near-infrared spectra show deep CO bandhead absorption and pronounced molecular bands of water vapor indicative of a much cooler object. This spectral appearance is very similar to that of FU Orionis, except that V900 Mon has a much higher reddening of AV ∼ 13 mag. The energy distribution of V900 Mon, compiled from non-simultaneous observations and thus dependent on possible luminosity changes, shows that V900 Mon is a Class I protostar with a massive cool envelope. At a distance of about 1100 pc, V900 Mon has a luminosity of 106 L☉ in the range of 0.55–160 μm. These data identify V900 Mon as a new member of the rare class of FU Orionis variables.
Wendland radial basis functions applied as filters on computed tomography

Wendland radial basis functions are applied as an alternative solution to the interpolation problem when the filtered back projection algorithm is used in computed tomography. Since we have a regular grid of data points and these functions are compactly supported, the interpolation can be made as a fast filtering process rather than solving a typical linear system of equations. This allows us to apply the Error Kernel method, which gives details of the approximation quality in the frequency domain, when we make interpolation with basis functions such as the B-splines. The Error Kernel provides us a direct comparison between Wendland functions and B-splines. The comparison shows that the Wendland functions can offer the same interpolation quality of the B-splines when the support is large, but with a small support the performance is poor. We see this behavior making tomographic reconstructions with different Wendland functions and also with different supports. A numerical experiment consisting of successive image rotations to an image was performed to verify the similarities between the Wendland functions and B-splines.
Corrugated SNOM probe with enhanced energy throughput

In a previous paper we proposed a modification of metal-coated tapered-fibre aperture probes for scanning near-field optical microscopes (SNOMs). The modification consists in radial corrugations of the metal-dielectric interface oriented inward the core. Their purpose is to facilitate the excitation of surface plasmons, which increase the transport of energy beyond the cut-off diameter and radiate a quasi-dipolar field from the probe output rim. An increase in energy output allows for reduction of the apex diameter, which is the main factor determining the resolution of the microscope. In two-dimensional finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations we analyse the performance of the new type of SNOM probe. We admit, however, that the two-dimensional approximation gives better results than expected from exact three-dimensional ones. Nevertheless, optimisation of enhanced energy throughput in corrugated probes should lead to at least twice better resolution with the same sensitivity of detectors available nowadays.
Automatic Identification of Street Trees With Improved RandLA-Net and Accurate Calculation of Shading Area With Density-Based Iterative α-Shape

Street trees extraction and further acquisition of their property information is one of the current research hotspots, which can be applied in various urban management. For the processing task of automated identification of tree points from large-scale point clouds in urban road scenes, we propose an improved RandLA-Net network that takes into account both extraction accuracy and complexity. The method can eliminate the problem of insufficient feature extraction and more redundancy within the RandLA-Net model, and achieve efficient recognition of the street trees. As an application of street tree recognition results, we studied the accurate calculation method of street tree shading area and designed a density-based iterative $\alpha $ -shape algorithm. The method effectively solves the problems of large density differences among different point sets and overestimation of shading area caused by the existing convex hull algorithms’ unrefined contour reconstruction, and improves the calculation accuracy of the canopy shading area. Experiments on the Paris-Lille-3D dataset show that the improved RandLA-Net network improves the IoU of three classes by 3.19%~6.46% and reduces the model complexity by 1.4% compared to the original model. The density-based iterative $\alpha $ -shape algorithm achieves more refined contour reconstruction and solves the overestimation of shading area by 26% and 9% due to the other two convex hull algorithms. Its ability to effectively calculate accurate shading area was confirmed.
Solving the split feasibility problem without prior knowledge of matrix norms

The split feasibility problem (SFP) consists in finding a point in a given closed convex subset of a Hilbert space such that its image under a bounded linear operator belongs to a given closed convex subset of another Hilbert space. Iterative methods can be employed to solve the SFP. The most popular iterative method is Byrne’s CQ algorithm. However, to employ Byrne’s CQ algorithm, one needs to know a priori the norm (or at least an estimate of the norm) of the bounded linear operator (matrix in the finite-dimensional framework). It is the purpose of this paper to introduce a way of selecting the stepsizes such that the implementation of the CQ algorithm does not need any prior information about the operator norm. We also practise this way of selecting stepsizes for variants of the CQ algorithm, including a relaxed CQ algorithm where the two closed convex sets are both level sets of convex functions, and a Halpern-type algorithm. Both weak and strong convergence are investigated. Numerical experiments are included to illustrate the applications in signal processing of the CQ algorithm with stepsizes selected in an adaptive way.
SECONDARY PHOTOMETRIC STANDARDS FOR NORTHERN NOVA-LIKE CATACLYSMIC VARIABLES

An average of 11 B, V secondary standards per field have been established for 58 cataclysmic variable stars, most of which are nova-like variables. The standards are within a few arc minutes of the variable and are therefore well suited for CCD photometry. The standards have brightnesses of V ~ 12-17 and have a typical accuracy per standard of ±0.02 mag.
Numerical Simulation of Pressure Effects on the Gasification of Australian and Indian Coals in a Tubular Gasifier

This article presents a numerical study on the effect of pressure on the gasification performance of an entrained flow tubular gasifier for Australian and Indian coals. Gasification using a substoichiometric amount of air, with or without steam addition, is considered. The model takes into account phenomena such as devolatilization, combustion of volatiles, char combustion, and gasification. Continuous-phase conservation equations are solved in an Eulerian frame and those of the particle phase are solved in a Lagrangian frame, with coupling between the two phases carried out through interactive source terms. The numerical results obtained show that the gasification performance increases for both types of coal when the pressure is increased. Locations of devolatilization, combustion, and gasification zones inside the gasifier are analyzed using the temperature plots, devolatilization plots, and mass depletion histories of coal particles. With increase in pressure, the temperature inside the gasifier increases and also the position of maximum temperature shifts upstream. For the high-ash Indian coal, the combustion of volatiles and char and the gasification process are relatively slower than those for the low-ash Australian coal. The mole fractions of CO and H2 are found to increase with increase in pressure, in all the cases considered. Further, the effects of pressure on overall gasification performance parameters such as carbon conversion, product gas heating value, and cold gas efficiency are also discussed for both types of coals.
The nonlinear dynamics of journal bearings

The journal bearing is ubiquitous in moving mechanical systems, and is a major potential target for study in the field of lubrication theory. Despite this, theoretical understanding of its dynamic behaviour is far from complete ; in particular the essentially nonlinear interplay of rotor dynamics and fluid dynamics of the lubricant has been studied only very recently. Our own investigations have been mainly numerical, and have revealed a wide range of qualitative behaviour. They have confirmed the great importance of cavitation of the lubricant, and the sensitivity to geometrical features of the bearing. Additionally they have enabled us to identify the crucial non-dimensional parameters and their critical values. Finally they have stimulated analytical approaches (e.g. searches for Hopf bifurcations). In this paper we exploit the conceptual approach of dynamical systems theory to present many of our results in a succinct form. Our aim is to make clear not only the extent of understanding of the problem, but also the present shortcomings of theory that require further study.
Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor Panobinostat Benefits the Therapeutic Efficacy of Oncolytic Herpes Simplex Virus Combined with PD-1/PD-L1 Blocking in Glioma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma Models

Background: Combination therapy has been widely explored for oncolytic virus (OV), as it can be met with tumor resistance. The HDAC inhibitor (HDACi) panobinostat is a potent pan-deacetylase inhibitor which blocks multiple cancer-related pathways and reverses epigenetic events in cancer progression. Methods: In this study, oncolytic activity in vitro and antitumor therapeutic efficacy in vivo when combined with oHSV and panobinostat were investigated. Results: (1) Treatment with panobinostat enhanced oHSV propagation and cytotoxicity in human glioma A172 and squamous cell carcinoma SCC9 cells. (2) Combined treatment with oHSV and panobinostat enhanced virus replication mediated by the transcriptional downregulation of IFN-β- and IFN-responsive antiviral genes in human glioma A172 and squamous cell carcinoma SCC9 cells. (3) Panobinostat treatment induced upregulation of PD-L1 expression in both glioma and squamous cell carcinoma cells. (4) A significantly enhanced therapeutic efficacy was shown in vivo for the murine glioma CT-2A and squamous cell carcinoma SCC7 models when treated with a combination of oHSV, including PD-1/PD-L1 blockade and HDAC inhibition. Conclusions: Consequently, these data provide some new clues for the clinical development of combination therapy with OVs, epigenetic modifiers, and checkpoint blockades for glioma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Association of outcome with left ventricular volumes and ejection fraction measured with two- and three-dimensional echocardiography in patients referred for routine, clinically indicated studies

Objectives We sought to analyze if left ventricular (LV) volumes and ejection fraction (EF) measured by three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) have incremental prognostic value over measurements obtained from two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE) in patients referred to a high-volume echocardiography laboratory for routine, clinically-indicated studies. Methods We measured LV volumes and EF using both 2DE and 3DE in 725 consecutive patients (67% men; 59 ± 18 years) with various clinical indications referred for a routine clinical study. Results LV volumes were significantly larger, and EF was lower when measured by 3DE than 2DE. During follow-up (3.6 ± 1.2 years), 111 (15.3%) all-cause deaths and 248 (34.2%) cardiac hospitalizations occurred. Larger LV volumes and lower EF were associated with worse outcome independent of age, creatinine, hemoglobin, atrial fibrillation, and ischemic heart diseases). In stepwise Cox regression analyses, the associations of both death and cardiac hospitalization with clinical data (CD: age, creatinine, hemoglobin, atrial fibrillation, and ischemic heart disease) whose Harrel’s C-index (HC) was 0.775, were augmented more by the LV volumes and EF obtained by 3DE than by 2DE parameters. The association of CD with death was not affected by LV end-diastolic volume (EDV) either measured by 2DE or 3DE. Conversely, it was incremented by 3DE LVEF (HC = 0.84, p < 0.001) more than 2DE LVEF (HC = 0.814, p < 0.001). The association of CD with the composite endpoint (HC = 0.64, p = 0.002) was augmented more by 3DE LV EDV (HC = 0.786, p < 0.001), end-systolic volume (HC = 0.801, p < 0.001), and EF (HC = 0.84, p < 0.001) than by the correspondent 2DE parameters (HC = 0.786, HC = 0.796, and 0.84, all p < 0.001) In addition, partition values for mild, moderate and severe reduction of the LVEF measured by 3DE showed a higher discriminative power than those measured by 2DE for cardiac death (Log-Rank: χ2 = 98.3 vs. χ2 = 77.1; p < 0.001). Finally, LV dilation defined according to the 3DE threshold values showed higher discriminatory power and prognostic value for death than when using 2DE reference values (3DE LVEDV: χ2 = 15.9, p < 0.001 vs. χ2 = 10.8, p = 0.001; 3DE LVESV: χ2 = 24.4, p < 0.001 vs. χ2 = 17.4, p = 0.001). Conclusion In patients who underwent routine, clinically-indicated echocardiography, 3DE LVEF and ESV showed stronger association with outcome than the corresponding 2DE parameters.
Integration of large chemical kinetic mechanisms via exponential methods with Krylov approximations to Jacobian matrix functions

Recent trends in hydrocarbon fuel research indicate that the number of species and reactions in chemical kinetic mechanisms is rapidly increasing in an effort to provide predictive capabilities for fuels of practical interest. In order to cope with the computational cost associated with the time integration of stiff, large chemical systems, a novel approach is proposed. The approach combines an exponential integrator and Krylov subspace approximations to the exponential function of the Jacobian matrix. The components of the approach are described in detail and applied to the ignition of stoichiometric methane–air and iso-octane–air mixtures, here described by two widely adopted chemical kinetic mechanisms. The approach is found to be robust even at relatively large time steps and the global error displays a nominal third-order convergence. The performance of the approach is improved by utilising an adaptive algorithm for the selection of the Krylov subspace size, which guarantees an approximation to the matrix exponential within user-defined error tolerance. The Krylov projection of the Jacobian matrix onto a low-dimensional space is interpreted as a local model reduction with a well-defined error control strategy. Finally, the performance of the approach is discussed with regard to the optimal selection of the parameters governing the accuracy of its individual components.
External validation of the PEGeD diagnostic algorithm for suspected pulmonary embolism in an independent cohort

Key Points • Our study provides external validation of the PEGeD algorithm, which was developed to reduce CTPA in patients with suspected PE. • PEDeD safely ruled out PE, but caution is needed in patients with a negative PEGeD algorithm and D-dimer above the age-adjusted cutoff.
A COMPARISON OF EVALUATIONS AND ASSESSMENTS OBTAINED USING ALTERNATIVE STANDARDS FOR PREDICTING THE HAZARDS OF WHOLE-BODY VIBRATION AND REPEATED SHOCKS

Abstract There are three current standards that might be used to assess the vibration and shock transmitted by a vehicle seat with respect to possible effects on human health: ISO 2631/1 (1985), BS 6841 (1987) and ISO 2631-1 (1997). Evaluations have been performed on the seat accelerations measured in nine different transport environments (bus, car, mobile crane, fork-lift truck, tank, ambulance, power boat, inflatable boat, mountain bike) in conditions that might be considered severe. For each environment, limiting daily exposure durations were estimated by comparing the frequency weighted root mean square (i.e., r.m.s.) accelerations and the vibration dose values (i.e.,VDV), calculated according to each standard with the relevant exposure limits, action level and health guidance caution zones. Very different estimates of the limiting daily exposure duration can be obtained using the methods described in the three standards. Differences were observed due to variations in the shapes of the frequency weightings, the phase responses of the frequency weighting filters, the method of combining multi-axis vibration, the averaging method, and the assessment method. With the evaluated motions, differences in the shapes of the weighting filters results in up to about 31% difference in r.m.s. acceleration between the “old” and the “new” ISO standard and up to about 14% difference between BS 6841 and the “new” ISO 2631. There were correspondingly greater differences in the estimates of safe daily exposure durations. With three of the more severe motions there was a difference of more than 250% between estimated safe daily exposure durations based on r.m.s. acceleration and those based on fourth power vibration dose values. The vibration dose values provided the more cautious assessments of the limiting daily exposure duration.
Comparison of Asymptotically Distribution-Free Procedures for the Analysis of Complete Blocks

Abstract The Friedman test (or sign test when k = 2) depends entirely on within-block rankings. In a recent paper, Quade (1979) attempted to provide a test with more power than the Friedman test by considering a k-sample extension of the Wilcoxon signed ranks test. This is done by taking advantage of the between-block information. A third way to approach the problem and still retain both the within- and between-block information is first to transform all the observations to ranks from 1 to bk (b blocks and k treatments) and then to apply the parametric F test to the ranks. This approach is shown to be asymptotically distribution-free under suitable conditions. Computer simulation results indicate that this procedure is both robust and powerful for small sample sizes.
Smart Agriculture Solutions for Vietnamese Farmers

Agriculture is the back bone of Vietnam and more than 70% of people in Vietnam depend on agriculture. Nowadays, agriculture crops are affected due to many environmental changes. To overcome this problem, I design and prototype a wireless sensor and actuator network for smart agriculture application. The aim of this work is to be able to capture useful data to start predicting measurements and events that could help farmers and specialists to save time and money. I propose two solutions for smart agriculture. In the first solution, wireless sensor and actuator nodes monitor multiple environmental parameters and transmit the sensor data to a server via the internet. Users can monitor these environmental parameters from anywhere via the internet. In the second solution, wireless sensor and actuator nodes send data to a local computer. This computer is deployed in a technical room. The experiments show that both solutions operate well in real conditions.
An efficient phase analysis-based wavenumber linearization scheme for swept source optical coherence tomography systems

This letter reports an efficient phase analysis-based direct time domain resampling scheme for swept source-based optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) systems. The unwrapped phase values, representing non-linear frequency sweeping of the laser, are extracted from the calibration signal generated by a Mach–Zehnder interferometer. Equidistant wavenumber spaces are calculated by normalizing obtained phase values followed by scaling to the maximum number of sampling points. The non-uniform fractional time index values corresponding to the uniformly distributed phase values are computed directly from the linearizer coordinates in order to eliminate the use of the polynomial fitting approach that is used in existing phase-based time domain resampling methods. This proposed linearization scheme shows a significant improvement in performance in terms of accuracy and speed in comparison with the major existing schemes. The robustness of the algorithm, as well as its impact on the resolution and sensitivity, are illustrated using an in-house-developed SS-OCT system and by performing imaging of a human finger nail and an eye model as test samples.
Controlling nanowire structures through real time growth studies

In situ electron microscopy can be used to visualize the physical processes that control the growth of Si and Ge nanowires through the vapor–liquid–solid mechanism. Images and movies are recorded in a transmission electron microscope that has capabilities for depositing catalysts onto a sample and for introducing chemical vapor deposition precursor gases while the sample remains under observation. This technique allows us to measure nucleation, catalyst stability, surface structure and growth kinetics, in some cases confirming existing models and in other cases producing unexpected results and suggesting approaches toward growing novel structures. We will show that nanowire formation provides a unique window into the fundamentals of crystal growth as well as an opportunity to fabricate precisely controlled structures for novel applications.
Attitude Development of Elementary School Students with the Character Education-based Discovery Learning Model

Nowdays technological developments have had a major influence on the lives of Indonesian Muslim children. The change in attitude is going in an unexpected direction. Children tend to be negative in everyday life. The number of children who have the courage to show disrespect is increasing. In fact, violence against peers is increasingly emerging among elementary school age children. Therefore this study aims to analyze the role and influence of the character education-based discovery learning model on the development of attitudes of Indonesian Muslim children who are in elementary school. The research objective can be achieved by conducting experimental research with a two-way ANOVA test. The population of this research is fourth grade elementary school children. The research sample was taken by random sampling. The instruments used in this study were validation sheets, observation sheets, interviews, assessment sheets, student response questionnaires, and evaluation sheets among others. The research findings show that the character education-based discovery learning model has an effect on scientific thinking and the development of responsible and caring attitudes for Indonesian Muslim children. The role of the character education-based discovery learning model on the development of the attitudes of Indonesian Muslim children, namely the character education-based discovery learning model can build an attitude of responsibility and care in the learning process.