Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A fibre Bragg grating refractometer

An opto-chemical in-fibre Bragg grating (FBG) sensor for refractive index measurement in liquids has been developed using fibre side-polishing technology. At a polished site where the fibre cladding has partly been removed, a FBG is exposed to a liquid analyte via evanescent field interaction of the guided fibre mode. The Bragg wavelength of the FBG is obtained in terms of its dependence on the refractive index of the analyte. Modal and wavelength dependences have been investigated both theoretically and experimentally in order to optimize the structure of the sensor. Using working wavelengths far above the cut-off wavelength results in an enhancement of the sensitivity of the sensor. Measurements with different mode configurations lead to the separation of cross sensitivities. Besides this, a second FBG located in the unpolished part can be used to compensate for temperature effects. Application examples for monitoring fuels of varying quality as well as salt concentrations under deep borehole conditions are presented.
On Semi-Lagrangian Exponential Integrators and Discontinuous Galerkin Methods

Discontinuous Galerkin (dG) finite‐element methods are well‐known to be suitable for solving convection‐dominated convection diffusion problems. High order Runge‐Kutta methods such as the RKDG and SSP methods have been developed and tested to work quite well (see e.g., Cockburn & Shu (2001), Gottlieb et al. (2001,2009)). An issue of concern remains the strong CFL restrictions on the discretization parameters. Restelli et al. (2006) proposed combining the dG methods with the semi‐Lagrangian methods in what they called semi‐Lagragian discontinuous Galerkin (SLDG). Proposed implementations of the SLDG methods however suffer from limited spatial accuracy as opposed to the RKDG methods. We hereby propose a method in the framework of Lie‐group exponential integrators (see Cellodoni et al. [1, 2]), that uses a modified version of the SLDG method as a building block for computing compositions of convection flows, and establish high temporal accuracy while maintaining the good properties of the dG formulations.
Nonlinearity and Spatial Autocorrelation in Species Distribution Modeling: An Example Based on Weakfish (Cynoscion regalis) in the Mid-Atlantic Bight

Nonlinearity and spatial autocorrelation are common features observed in marine fish datasets but are often ignored or not considered simultaneously in modeling. Both features are often present within ecological data obtained across extensive spatial and temporal domains. A case study and a simulation were conducted to evaluate the necessity of considering both characteristics in marine species distribution modeling. We examined seven years of weakfish (Cynoscion regalis) survey catch rates along the Atlantic coast, and five types of statistical models were formulated using a delta model approach because of the high percentage of zero catches in the dataset. The delta spatial generalized additive model (GAM) confirmed the presence of nonlinear relationships with explanatory variables, and results from 3-fold cross-validation indicated that the delta spatial GAM yielded the smallest training and testing errors. Spatial maps of residuals also showed that the delta spatial GAM decreased the spatial autocorrelation in the data. The simulation study found that the spatial GAM over competes other models based on the mean squared error in all scenarios. That indicates that the recommended model not just works well for the NEAMAP survey but also for other cases as in the simulated scenarios.
Rosmarinic Acid Production from Origanum dictamnus L. Root Liquid Cultures In Vitro

In the present work Origanum dictamnus L. was studied as a suitable in vitro adventitious root culture system for the production of important bioactive molecules, such as rosmarinic acid (RA). Callus culture was initiated from leaf, petiole and root explants on solid MS medium supplemented with either 5 μM NAA + 5 μM kinetin (ODK3) or 5 μM NAA + 0.5 μM kinetin (ODK4). New roots formed from leaf, petiole and root calluses were aseptically transferred into Erlenmeyer flasks containing 100 mL liquid medium and shaken at 120 rpm in the dark. The liquid medium used was the MS supplemented either with 35 μM IBA + 2.5 μM kinetin (ODY1) or 5 μM NAA + 0.5 μM kinetin (ODY2). Biomass production parameters, RA content (%) and yield index (YI) were recorded for each treatment explant type, medium composition and incubation period. Results showed, in every case, the production of RA in vitro. Between the two liquid media (ODY1, ODY2) and the different culture periods, the ODY1 medium and the longest 200-day-culture period were more effective for RA and biomass production, regardless of the initial explant type used. The combination of ODK4-ODY1 resulted in higher RA (5.1% and 4.7%), fresh biomass production (19.0 g and 11.6 g), mean YI (93.7 mg and 51.4 mg) and YI per explant (3.75 mg and 2.06 mg) for roots derived from leaf calluses and root calluses, respectively. However, the solid ODK3 (200 days)–liquid ODY1 (40 days) transition treatment was more beneficial for roots derived from petiole calluses leading to an 18.8-fold increase in fresh biomass growth rate. RA accumulation and YIs were also significantly influenced by explant type, with the highest value produced from root petiole calluses (6.6% RA dry weight, 115.3 mg mean YI and 4.61 mg YI per explant) after 240 days.
Effects of Glyceryl Monolaurate on Production Performance, Egg Quality, Oviduct Cytokines and Intestinal Microflora of 66 Weeks Old Laying Hens

Simple Summary It has been proved that glyceryl monolaurate is a safe and green additive in food and feed. The purpose of this experiment was to study the potential application value of glyceryl monolaurate in the diet of laying hens in the late laying period. Our results indicate that the dietary supplementation of glyceryl monolaurate could significantly improve laying performance and egg quality, reducing inflammation, promoting immune function and intestinal barrier function as well as regulating the intestinal flora of laying hens. Abstract The principal purpose of this research was to study the effects of glycerol monolaurate (GML) on the production performance; egg quality; health state of the oviduct, ovary and ileum; and gut microbiota of laying hens in the later stage. The laying hens were randomly assigned to two groups: a control group and an experiment group, for which 1000 mg/kg of GML was added to a control diet. The results showed that GML increased the laying rate, average egg weight, albumen height, yolk color and Haugh unit and decreased the feed conversion ratio and defective eggs (p < 0.05). GML increased the intestinal villi height and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth (p < 0.05). Moreover, GML improved the contents of cytokines in the oviduct, ovary and ileum mucosa; ameliorated the expression of TLR2, TLR4, MyD88, IL-4, IL-1β and TNF-α; and increased the expression of Occludin and Muc-2 in the ileal mucosa. The supplementation of GML increased the volatile fatty acids in the cecal contents, such as acetic acid and propionic acid, and up-regulated Bacteroides (p < 0.01) and Alistipes (p < 0.05) richness in the cecal contents. In summary, GML improved production performance, egg quality and immunity; ameliorated the health status of the oviduct, ovary and ileum; enhanced the intestinal barrier function; improved the content of intestinal volatile fatty acids; and regulated the abundance of cecal flora.
Detection of small-size planetary candidates with CoRoT data

Abstract With the discovery of CoRoT-7b, the first transiting super-Earth, the CoRoT space mission has shown the capability to detect short-period rocky planets around solar-like stars. By performing a blind test with real CoRoT light curves, we want to establish the detection threshold of small-size planets in CoRoT data. We investigate the main obstacles to the detection of transiting super-Earths in CoRoT data, notably the presence of short-time scale variability and hot pixels.
Low-resistance and transparent ohmic contacts to p-type GaN using Zn–Ni solid solution/Au scheme

High-quality Zn–Ni solid solution(8 nm)/Au(8 nm) ohmic contacts on p-GaN (5×1017 cm−3) have been investigated by means of current–voltage (I–V) measurements and x-ray photoemission spectroscopy. The as-deposited contact shows nonlinear I–V characteristics. However, oxidizing the contacts at 530 °C for 1 min in air ambient gives rise to considerable improvement in their I–V behaviors, yielding a specific contact resistance of 5.2×10−5 Ω cm2. The light transmittance of the annealed Zn–Ni solid solution/Au contacts is measured to be better than 74% at a wavelength of 470 nm. Green light-emitting diodes (LEDs) fabricated with the annealed Zn–Ni solid solution/Au contacts give a forward-bias voltage of 3.39 V at an injection current of 20 mA, which is better than that of the LEDs with the oxidized Ni/Au contacts.
10-W reliable 90-μm-wide broad area lasers with internal grating stabilization

Broad area (BA) diode lasers with narrow, temperature-stable spectral lines are required for pumping narrow spectral lines in solid state lasers and for dense spectral multiplexing in direct applications. Two device technologies in particular have reached a high performance level, based on development work at the Ferdinand-Braun-Institut (FBH). Firstly, etched surface gratings can be used to form the rear facet reflector, in distributed Bragg-reflector (DBR) format. Secondly, gratings can be buried within the semiconductor using etch and overgrowth technology, to form distributed feedback (DFB) lasers. In this case, the rear facet has a high reflectivity coating, and the DFB operates effectively as the low reflectivity out-coupler. For both technologies, BA diode lasers with 90-100μm stripes operating at 975nm deliver peak continuous wave (CW) powers of over 12W within a spectral width of < 1nm (with 95% power content). Recently, reliable operation has been confirmed for CW powers of 10W, and power conversion efficiency of up to 63% has been demonstrated. However, the two technologies have different strengths. For example, DBR-BA lasers have low sensitivity to external feedback and are insensitive to the onset of spectral side-modes. In contrast, DFB-BA lasers achieve the highest reported power conversion efficiencies. A comparison of the relative merits of the two technologies for different high power laser applications is presented.
Mapping DNA Conformations Using Single-Molecule Conductance Measurements

DNA is an attractive material for a range of applications in nanoscience and nanotechnology, and it has recently been demonstrated that the electronic properties of DNA are uniquely sensitive to its sequence and structure, opening new opportunities for the development of electronic DNA biosensors. In this report, we examine the origin of multiple conductance peaks that can occur during single-molecule break-junction (SMBJ)-based conductance measurements on DNA. We demonstrate that these peaks originate from the presence of multiple DNA conformations within the solutions, in particular, double-stranded B-form DNA (dsDNA) and G-quadruplex structures. Using a combination of circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, computational approaches, sequence and environmental controls, and single-molecule conductance measurements, we disentangle the conductance information and demonstrate that specific conductance values come from specific conformations of the DNA and that the occurrence of these peaks can be controlled by controlling the local environment. In addition, we demonstrate that conductance measurements are uniquely sensitive to identifying these conformations in solutions and that multiple configurations can be detected in solutions over an extremely large concentration range, opening new possibilities for examining low-probability DNA conformations in solutions.
Árboles de clasificación para el análisis de gráficos de control multivariantes

In statistical quality control, one of the most widely used tools are the control charts. The main problem of the multivariate control charts lies in that they only indicate that a change in the process has happened, but they do not show which variable or variables are the source of this change. In the specialized literature there are many approaches to tackle this problem, although the most usual consists on the decomposition of the T2 statistic. In this research, we propose an alternative method through the application of classification trees. The results show that this method constitutes a good tool to help to interpret the multivariate control charts. Keywords: Statistic Process Control, T2 Hotelling, Classification trees.
Meaningful Engagement of Persons Affected by Leprosy in Research: An Exploration of Its Interpretation, Barriers, and Opportunities

Despite the growing interest in public and patient involvement in research, best practices in the leprosy context have yet to be explored. This mixed-method study aimed to explore the interpretation, barriers and opportunities of meaningful engagement of persons affected by leprosy in research through: (i) an exploratory phase consisting of key informant interviews with experts in public and patient involvement (n = 2) and experts-by-experience (i.e., persons affected by leprosy; n = 4), and (ii) an in-depth phase among leprosy researchers consisting of an online survey (n = 21) and key informant interviews (n = 7). Qualitative data were thematically analyzed. Basic descriptive statistics were used to summarize the survey data. Key informant interviewees unanimously agreed to the importance of engagement in research. Survey results indicated that the level of engagement differed across research stages. Identified barriers included a lack of skills for or awareness of engagement among both experts-by-experience and researchers, stigma and limited time and resources. Opportunities included capacity strengthening, creating a shared understanding, building rapport, and establishing a safe environment. In conclusion, this exploratory study emphasized the importance of engagement of experts-by-experience in leprosy research and identified ways forward that include, but are not limited to, the acknowledgement of its value and creating a shared understanding.
Emission through one of two metal electrodes of an organic light-emitting diode via surface-plasmon cross coupling

We report strong surface emission from an organic light-emitting diode in which the luminescent material resides between two nearly opaque metal electrodes. Experimental and theoretical analyses indicate that cross coupling between surface plasmons on opposite sides of the metal cathode layer enables the transmission of electroluminescence through the practically opaque metal. The application of this physical process has the potential to expand the range of device structures possible for organic light-emitting diodes and other electroluminescent devices.
Requirements on localized current drive for the suppression of neoclassical tearing modes

A heuristic criterion for the full suppression of an NTM was formulated as ηNTM ≡ jCD,max/jBS ⩾ 1.2 (Zohm et al 2005 J. Phys. Conf. Ser. 25 234), where jCD,max is the maximum in the driven current density profile applied to stabilize the mode and jBS is the local bootstrap current density. In this work we subject this criterion to a systematic theoretical analysis on the basis of the generalized Rutherford equation. Taking into account only the effect of jCD inside the island, a new criterion for full suppression by a minimum applied total current is obtained in the form of a maximum allowed value for the width of the driven current, wdep, combined with a required minimum for the total driven current in the form of wdepηNTM, where both limits depend on the marginal and saturated island sizes. These requirements can be relaxed when additional effects are taken into account, such as a change in the stability parameter Δ′ from the current driven outside the island, power modulation, the accompanying heating inside the island or when the current drive is applied preemptively. When applied to ITER scenario 2, the requirement for full suppression of either the 3/2 or 2/1 NTM becomes wdep ≲ 5 cm and wdepηNTM ≳ 5 cm in agreement with (Sauter et al 2010 Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion 52 025002). Optimization of the ITER ECRH Upper Port Launcher design towards minimum required power for full NTM suppression requires an increase in the toroidal injection angle of the lower steering mirror of several degrees compared with its present design value, while for the upper steering mirror the present design value is close to the optimum.
Tip-sample interaction in a “shear-force” near-field scanning optical microscope

The interaction between the tip of a near-field scanning optical microscope (NSOM) and the sample it scans is analyzed and compared to a simple tapping model. The approach curves acquired with the NSOM are in excellent agreement with the model, and additional experiments strongly point against a noncontact interaction (such as shear force). Based on this model we are also able to explain the oscillations pattern of the feedback loop. We conclude that our straight-fiber tip, operating under “shear-force” control, intermittently contacts the surface it is scanning, in a way similar to the tapping mode in atomic force microscope.
Complete mitochondrial genome of the sea-pen, Cavernularia obesa (Valenciennes, 1850) (Octocorallia: Veretillidae)

Abstract Here, we sequenced and annotated the complete mitochondrial genome for the sea-pen, Cavernularia obesa (Valenciennes, 1850). The complete mitogenome of C. obesa is 18,641 bp, with 34.7% of GC ratio. The mitogenome comprises 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and a non-coding region. Phylogenomic analysis based on 19 in-group taxa belonging to the orders Alcyonacea and Pennatulacea has congruent with published phylogenetic relationship for Octocorallia, which C. obesa was grouped to members of the Pennatulacea. This mitogenome resource will be useful for future phylogenetic studies of water fleas.
Physics in metal cutting

This review considers the three major aspects of metal machining: the physical characteristics of chip formation, the properties and operating conditions of cutting tools, and the condition of the final product. There is a brief account of specialized metal-removal techniques and numerical and computer control of modern lathes and milling machines. The contributions of applied physics to metal cutting are emphasized throughout. The dependence of chip formation on the deformation and fracture behaviour of the workpiece and the friction conditions between chip and tool are described. Because of these extreme conditions the choice of tool materials is very restricted.
Fuzzy Algorithmic Modeling of Economics and Innovation Process Dynamics Based on Preliminary Component Allocation by Singular Spectrum Analysis Method

In this article, the authors propose an algorithmic approach to building a model of the dynamics of economic and, in particular, innovation processes. The approach under consideration is based on a complex algorithm that includes (1) decomposition of the time series into components using singular spectrum analysis; (2) recognition of the optimal component model based on fuzzy rules, and (3) creation of statistical models of individual components with their combination. It is shown that this approach corresponds to the high uncertainty characteristic of the tasks of the dynamics of innovation processes. The proposed algorithm makes it possible to create effective models that can be used both for analysis and for predicting the future states of the processes under study. The advantage of this algorithm is the possibility to expand the base of rules and components used for modeling. This is an important condition for improving the algorithm and its applicability for solving a wide range of problems.
Cusp and magnetopause locations in global MHD simulation

We use the global MHD code Grand Unified Magnetosphere Ionosphere Coupling Simulation (GUMICS-4) to simulate the location and motion of the magnetospheric cusp and the subsolar magnetopause under various interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) directions and solar wind dynamic pressures. We identify the cusp in the simulation from the location of the open/closed field line boundary (OC boundary, equatorward edge of the cusp), determined by direct field line tracing, and several MHD parameters that are expected to react to the entry of the magnetosheath fluid. These parameters include the location of the maximum internal energy density and maximum diamagnetic depression and are collectively called the plasma proxies of the cusp. The simulation results show that with increasingly southward IMF the OC boundary and the plasma proxies move equatorward, as expected. During northward IMF, however, the plasma proxies are located equatorward of the OC boundary and thus on closed field lines. The GUMICS-4 OC boundary location and the statistical plasma cusp location from Polar satellite observations are in good quantitative agreement during southward IMF, but during northward IMF the observed cusp is again several degrees equatorward from the simulated OC boundary. Therefore we conclude that during northward IMF the cusp identification from either the OC boundary or the plasma proxies may become problematic in MHD simulations and discuss the possible physical reasons. The simulation results further indicate that increasing solar wind dynamic pressure shifts the high-altitude cusp slightly equatorward. Furthermore, the increasing pressure also pushes the magnetopause clearly earthward, as expected, while the same field line in the ionosphere shifts only slightly equatorward, implying changes in the field line shape as the pressure changes. In other respects, the simulated magnetopause is in quantitative agreement with the empirical model of Shue et al. [1998].
Hyperspectral analysis and target detection system for the Adaptive Spectral Reconnaissance Program (ASRP)

A multiprocessor version of the ORASIS hyperspectral analysis program has been implemented in support of the ASRP. In brief, the long-term technical objectives of the ASRP are to demonstrate the feasibility and military utility of real-time target detection from uncrewed air vehicles using hyperspectral data. This paper presents a preliminary assessment of ORASIS performance and describes the ORASIS development effort designed to meet the ASRP goals. Real-time performance of the analysis program and its potential effectiveness as a target detection method are demonstrated.
Waveband Switching in a Fiber Ring Laser Incorporating a Polarization-Independent Interleaving Filter Based on a Polarization-Diversity Loop Structure

In this paper we demonstrate an interleaved waveband switching in a fiber ring laser incorporating a semiconductor optical amplifier as a gain medium and a polarization-independent interleaving filter based on a polarization-diversity loop structure as a wavelength-selective element. The interleaver consists of a polarization beam splitter, high birefringence fibers, and half-wave plates. By employing the interleaver, multiwavelength switching operation of up to 19 laser lines with the signal to noise ratio over 30 dB and 0.8 nm wavelength spacing, whose switching displacement was 0.4 nm, has been successfully demonstrated at room temperature.