Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multiscale Fuzzy Entropy Analysis of Balance: Evidences of Scale-Dependent Dynamics on Diabetic Patients With and Without Neuropathy

Postural control is usually assessed by examining the fluctuations of the center of pressure (COP). Balance maintenance is based on sensory feedback and neural interactions, deployed over multiple temporal scales and producing less complex outputs with aging and disease. This paper aims to investigate postural dynamics and complexity on diabetic patients, since diabetic neuropathy (DN) affects the somatosensory system and impairs postural steadiness. A multiscale fuzzy entropy (MSFEn) analysis, over a wide range of temporal scales, was performed on COP timeseries during unperturbed stance in a group of diabetic individuals without neuropathy and two groups of DN patients, with and without symptoms. A parameterization of the MSFEn curve is also proposed. A significant loss of complexity was recognized for the medial-lateral direction in DN groups with respect to non-neuropathic population. For the anterior-posterior direction, symptomatic DN group showed a lowered sway complexity for longer time scales with respect to non neuropathic and asymptomatic patients. The MSFEn approach and the related parameters highlighted that the loss of complexity might be attributed to different factors depending on sway direction, i.e. related to the presence of neuropathy along the medial-lateral axis and to a symptomatic state on the anterior-posterior direction. Results of this study support the use of the MSFEn for gaining insights into balance control mechanisms for diabetic patients, in particular when comparing non neuropathic with neuropathic asymptomatic patients, whose identification by posturographic analysis would be of great value.
Statistical patterns in ground-based transit surveys

Abstract As the number of known transiting planets from ground-based surveys passes the 100 mark, it is becoming possible to perform meaningful statistical analyses on their physical properties. Caution is needed in their interpretation, because subtle differences in survey strategy can lead to surprising selection effects affecting the distributions of planetary orbital periods and radii, and of host-star metallicity. Despite these difficulties, the planetary mass-radius relation appears to conform more or less to theoretical expectations in the mass range from Saturns to super-Jupiters. The inflated radii of many hot Jupiters indicate that environmental factors can have a dramatic effect on planetary structure, and may even lead to catastrophic loss of the planetary envelope under extreme irradiation. High-precision radial velocities and secondary-eclipse timing are yielding eccentricity measurements of exquisite precision. They show some hot Jupiters to be in almost perfectly circular orbits, while others remain slightly but significantly eccentric.
With or without the Mask: Age Differences in Perceived Trustworthiness and Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic and the obligation to wear surgical face masks have affected social interactions. Wearing a mask can cause impairments in face identification, emotion recognition, and trait impressions. The present study investigated, during the COVID-19 period, age-related differences in perceived trustworthiness (Study 1) and health (Study 2) when viewing faces with or without masks. Younger (YAs, 18–35 years) and older (OAs, over 65 years) adults’ ratings were compared. Through a web-based platform, a series of neutral younger and older faces (YFs vs. OFs) were presented, on a computer screen, with or without a mask (Mask vs. No-Mask), and participants were asked to rate them on a 7-point scale. Furthermore, data collected during the pandemic (Mask and No-Mask conditions) were compared with ratings obtained before it (Pre-COVID condition). Perceived trustworthiness was lower in the No-Mask condition for both age groups compared to Mask and Pre-COVID conditions, which did not differ. For health ratings, no differences emerged for OAs between the conditions, whereas YAs’ ratings were lower in both the Mask and No-Mask conditions compared to the Pre-COVID condition. The fear of contracting COVID-19 affected both trustworthiness and health ratings. Wearing a surgical face mask affects trait impressions for YAs and OAs, partly due to the fear of COVID-19. Trait impressions are also influenced by the age of the face to be evaluated.
FG-MOS neuron for binary CNN

This paper presents a neuron implementation based on floating-gate MOSFET (FG-MOS) structure. The computation is performed by charge distribution at the input of FG-MOS inverter determining the cell state. There is no current-flow through the interconnections after processing is completed, thus a significant reduction in DC power consumption can be achieved. Such neuron can be used to build a capacitively coupled cellular neural/nonlinear network (CNN) for processing black and white (B/W) images. Although the coupling coefficients are basically implemented with capacitances, this approach provides them with 1-bit programmability. Also the neuron's threshold level can be digitally programmed to four different values. The templates operating on the B/W images can be modified to have only binary-valued {0,1} terms or can be split into such (sequentially run) simple subtasks. Therefore, the presented neuron structure is able to perform the evaluation of almost all B/W templates proposed so far. Exploration of FG-MOS structures can help to understand the implementation problems of capacitively coupled CNNs. Such a situation appears, e.g., in nanoelectronic CNNs composed of single-electron tunneling (SET) transistors, which also deal with B/W images only. Moreover, the binary programmability approach utilized here should help to develop an effective programming scheme for future SET or CMOS-SET hybrid CNN implementations. Along with the neuron structure, its operation description and simulation results of the 8 x 8 network are presented.
Spatially resolved characterization of electrostatic fluctuations in the scrape-off layer of the CASTOR tokamak

The poloidal distribution of turbulence in the scrape-off layer (SOL) of the CASTOR tokamak is studied by means of a ring of 32 electric probes covering the whole perimeter of the poloidal cross section. Analysis of floating potential fluctuations in a SOL created in the top part of the machine by shifting the plasma downwards reveals a dominant periodic structure that propagates poloidally in the direction of the Er × B drift. Its poloidal mode number is found to be equal to the local safety factor q. Correlation and pulse propagation analyses show that this high m mode is a signature of a single long flute-like structure that is aligned with the magnetic field and snakes around the torus several times before terminating on the limiter.
Stability and mixing of a vertical plane buoyant jet in confined depth

A plane turbulent buoyant jet discharging vertically into a two-dimensional channel of confined depth is considered. The channel opens at both ends into a large outside reservoir, thus defining a steady symmetrical flow field within the channel. The analysis is aimed at two aspects, the stability and the bulk mixing characteristics of the discharge. A stable discharge configuration is defined as one in which a buoyant surface layer is formed which spreads horizontally and does not communicate with the initial buoyant jet region. On the other hand, the discharge configuration is unstable when a recirculating cell exists on both sides of the jet efflux. It is shown that discharge stability is only dependent on the dynamic interaction of three near-field regions, a buoyant jet region, a surface impingement region and an internal hydraulic jump region. The buoyant jet region is analysed with the assumption of a variable entrainment coefficient in a form corresponding to an approximately constant jet-spreading angle as confirmed by different experimental sources. The properties of surface impingement and internal jump regions are determined on the basis of control volume analyses. Under the Boussinesq approximation, only two dimensionless parameters govern the near-field interaction; these are a discharge densimetric Froude number and a relative depth. For certain parameter combinations, namely those implying low buoyancy and shallow depth, there is no solution to the conjugate downstream condition in the hydraulic jump which would satisfy both momentum and energy conservation principles. Arguments are given which interpret this condition as one which leads to the establishment of a near-field recirculation cell and, thus, discharge instability. The far-field boundary conditions, while having no influence on discharge stability, determine the bulk mixing characteristics of the jet discharge. The governing equations for the two-layered counterflow system in the far field are solved. The strength of the convective transport, and hence the related dilution ratio, is governed by another non-dimensional parameter, the product of the relative channel length and the boundary friction coefficient. Experiments in a laboratory flume, covering a range of the governing parameters, are in excellent agreement with the theoretical predictions, both the stability criterion and the bulk mixing characteristics.
Play-based learning and assessment practices in early years: methodological explorations

ABSTRACT Background Teachers’ perspectives provide crucial insights into classroom practice in early childhood education settings. Although many kindergarten programmes emphasise play and assessment to support children’s learning and development, recent research suggests that there are some disparities between teachers’ articulated role of play and what they report assessing during periods of play. As a range of research designs can be used in efforts to probe the complex relationships between perspectives and practice, it is important to consider which methodological approach, or combination of approaches, may prove optimal in early years contexts. Purpose The study sought to explore the relative merits of using (1) semi-structured interview and (2) video-elicitation interview approaches to gain deeper understanding of the connections between teachers’ perspectives and practices within kindergarten education. Methods An in-depth, qualitative enquiry was undertaken. This included classroom observations, semi-structured interviews, and video-elicitation interviews from 20 kindergarten classrooms in Ontario, Canada. Interview data were thematically analysed. Findings The analysis indicated that video-elicitation interviewing influenced the structure and content of participants’ responses when compared with semi-structured interviews, providing additional and valuable insights into the ever-present negotiation between perspectives and practice. Conclusion The study highlights how semi-structured and video-elicitation interview approaches each offer particular strengths and limitations, and can be used independently or in combination to gain a deeper understanding of the connection between teachers’ perspectives and their classroom practices. The selection of one approach, or combination of approaches, needs to be carefully aligned with the overarching research goals of a study.
Neutron/Gamma Radial Shielding Design of Main Vessel in a Small Modular Molten Salt Reactor

The SM-MSR (small modular molten salt reactor) has a good prospect for development with regards to combining the superiority of the molten salt reactor and modularization technologies, showing the advantages of safety, reliability, low economic cost and flexibility of site selection. However, because its internal structural parts are not easily replaced, and the outer shielding structure is limited, the lifespan of the reactor vessel and its in-reactor shielding design needs to be addressed. In order to find an optimal shielding model with both high fuel efficiency and strong radiation shielding capability, five different design schemes were proposed in this work, which varied in thickness and boron concentration in inner-shielding materials. The neutron/gamma flux and DPA (displacements per atom)/helium production rates were evaluated to obtain an appropriate scheme. Several beneficial results were obtained. Considering the above factors and the actual manufacturing process, 20 cm-thick boron graphite with a 5 wt% Boron-10 concentration combined with a 1 cm-thick Hastelloy barrel was chosen as the in-reactor shielding structure. Outside the reactor, the neutron flux was reduced to 8.33 × 1010 cm−2 s−1, and the gamma flux was decreased to 1.13 × 1011 cm−2 s−1. The vessel/barrel material could maintain a lifespan of more than 10 years, while the burnup depth was 6.25% lower than that of a model without inner-shielding. The conclusions of this research can provide important references for the shielding design and parameter selections of small molten salt reactors in the future.
Impact of perception and assessment of consumers on willingness to pay for upgraded fresh pork: An experimental study in Vietnam

Traditional pork shops play an essential role in delivering pork, the most popular food in Vietnam, to consumers. Studies have shown the need for investment in training and equipment to improve the safety of pork sold at traditional shops. However, it remains unclear how consumers perceived improvement to the hygiene in pork shops and if they are ready to pay premium prices for safer products. This study used an experimental approach to determine consumers' perception and assessment of improved pork shops and their willingness to pay (WTP) for pork products. A total of 152 respondents in two provinces in Vietnam joined in a Becker–DeGroot–Marschak (BDM) mechanism experiment to collect data on WTP for pork from typical and upgraded pork shops. A questionnaire was used to record consumers' perceptions and assessments of the pork shops and products. Overall, consumers were willing to pay 20% more for upgraded fresh pork than for what is currently available on the market. Consumers trusted in the effectiveness of the upgraded intervention and the quality of pork at the pork shop, which increased their WTP for the upgraded pork. Concerns about contaminated pork had a negative impact on the WTP for typical pork, while the high frequency of pork consumption and the existence of elderly family members led to higher WTP for both products. The findings indicate the potential economic benefit of upgrading pork shops, which would be an important driver to motivate sellers to improve food safety.
Template bank for gravitational waveforms from coalescing binary black holes: Nonspinning binaries

Gravitational waveforms from the inspiral and ring-down stages of the binary black-hole coalescences can be modeled accurately by approximation/perturbation techniques in general relativity. Recent progress in numerical relativity has enabled us to model also the nonperturbative merger phase of the binary black-hole coalescence problem. This enables us to coherently search for all three stages of the coalescence of nonspinning binary black holes using a single template bank. Taking our motivation from these results, we propose a family of template waveforms which can model the inspiral, merger, and ring-down stages of the coalescence of nonspinning binary black holes that follow quasicircular inspiral. This two-dimensional template family is explicitly parametrized by the physical parameters of the binary. We show that the template family is not only effectual in detecting the signals from black-hole coalescences, but also faithful in estimating the parameters of the binary. We compare the sensitivity of a search (in the context of different ground-based interferometers) using all three stages of the black-hole coalescence with other template-based searches which look for individual stages separately. We find that the proposed search is significantly more sensitive than other template-based searches for a substantial mass range, potentially bringing about remarkable improvement in the event rate of ground-based interferometers. As part of this work, we also prescribe a general procedure to construct interpolated template banks using nonspinning black-hole waveforms produced by numerical relativity.
Plasma hormone levels in the green turtle Chelonia mydas reared under captivity as a tool to predict mating and oviposition

Circulating estradiol (E2), testosterone (T) and progesterone (P4) concentrations, and blood chemistry were monitored in the female green turtle Chelonia mydas over continuous seasons at the Israel sea turtle breeding facility. The tested factors were analyzed with regard to the female`s nesting activity in the subsequent nesting season: Future nesters (FN) and Non-nesters (NN). Our analysis showed significant changes in all three sex steroids, E2, T, P4, and in 13 blood biochemical parameters between the two females` groups. All females presented consistent E2 profiles from year to year, with a single elevation in September in FN females. P4 concentrations in nesting females were high in April (mating) and higher towards the beginning of June due to oviposition, females that presented concentrations above 1ng/ml had successful oviposition (8 females: 1 female in 2018, 5 in 2019 and 2 in 2020). T profiles were high at the onset of vitellogenesis towards November and again high during April. We were able to predict which females would undergo oviposition with a specific profile seen only in FN females - elevated P4 concentrations from February to June and the elevation of metabolites electrolytes and Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) concentrations toward November. This will facilitate selectively choice mating pairs to ensure that the Mediterranean population genetic variability is maintained. Clutches per female were between 2 and 6, with 25 in total. Females laid an average of 91 ± 7 eggs (range 39-139 eggs) per nest with emergence rate of ~10% (0-58%). Overall, the same trend in circulating steroid concentrations was revealed over the years in the females reaching oviposition only when a certain threshold was achieved. In this study all the factors mentioned above can indicate an upcoming oviposition at least 6 months prior to nesting as seen in the PCA analysis. This information can contribute to the success of green sea turtle breeding programs in captivity and will hopefully help the Israeli Rescue Center predict and prepare for nesting activities in the years ahead.
RG-I Domain Matters to the In Vitro Fermentation Characteristics of Pectic Polysaccharides Recycled from Citrus Canning Processing Water

Canned citrus is a major citrus product that is popular around the world. However, the canning process discharges large amounts of high-chemical oxygen demand wastewater, which contains many functional polysaccharides. Herein, we recovered three different pectic polysaccharides from citrus canning processing water and evaluated their prebiotic potential as well as the relationship between the RG-I domain and fermentation characteristics using an in vitro human fecal batch fermentation model. Structural analysis showed a large difference among the three pectic polysaccharides in the proportion of the rhamnogalacturonan-I (RG-I) domain. Additionally, the fermentation results showed that the RG-I domain was significantly related to pectic polysaccharides’ fermentation characteristics, especially in terms of short-chain fatty acid generation and modulation of gut microbiota. The pectins with a high proportion of the RG-I domain performed better in acetate, propionate, and butyrate production. It was also found that Bacteroides, Phascolarctobacterium, and Bifidobacterium are the main bacteria participating in their degradation. Furthermore, the relative abundance of Eubacterium_eligens_group and Monoglobus was positively correlated with the proportion of the RG-I domain. This study emphasizes the beneficial effects of pectic polysaccharides recovered from citrus processing and the roles of the RG-I domain in their fermentation characteristics. This study also provides a strategy for food factories to realize green production and value addition.
Virtual Mechanical Equipment Model Smoothing

We present a system to remove noise or smooth three dimensional (3D) virtual mechanical equipment models. Our system works not in well-known Euclidean space, but in Laplacian space [1, 2]. We transform the model from its global representation into the local representation. Then we manipulate the local property with the Laplacian Coordinates [1]. Our whole system can be modeled as a huge sparse linear system which can be solved very fast by state-of-art numerical solver [3].
Decolonizing internationalization initiatives in Brazilian universities

ABSTRACT Universities across the globe are implementing internationalization programs. These programs often focus on language development, study abroad programs, and developing the international reputations of professors. In this paper, we present data from interviews and ethnographic observations of university internationalization trainings in Brazil. We asked: How (do) professors in Brazil make sense of the national/organizational internationalization initiative? Drawing on decolonial theories and scholarship about organizational paradoxes, we found two primary paradoxes arise in internationalization directives: the paradox of relying on the English language and the paradox of mobility. Ultimately, we argue that university internationalization is a highly political communicative act, which perpetuates systems of oppression and dominance and can cultivate discursive and material violence. We suggest that internationalization projects must take perspectives from a variety of global locations into account in order to roll out decolonized programs that are more equitable and attainable across the globe.
Collective Thomson scattering for studying plasma instabilities in electric thrusters

Collective (or coherent) Thomson scattering has recently emerged as an important tool for identifying and characterizing certain instabilities in Hall thrusters. Plasma instabilities in electric thrusters are implicated in diverse phenomena, including reduced efficiency, lifetime and anomalous particle transport. This work discusses the main features of the collective scattering diagnostic PRAXIS, and recent applications of the diagnostic to study the nature of microturbulence at different thruster operating regimes. Early measurements show the presence of a small-scale azimuthal instability may be linked with regimes of unstable thruster operation.
Effect of poling conditions on the dielectric and piezoelectric characteristics of PZT ceramics

Two kinds of PZT ceramics: hard-type and soft-type, are studied in this paper. When the poling temperature is low (50°C), no matter how high is the poling field and how long is the poling time, the hard-type PZT ceramics cannot reach the optimum status. But when the poling temperature raises to 100°C or higher, the ceramics can reach the optimum status with lower poling field and shorted poling time, and the planar electromechanical coupling factor is higher than 0.60. For soft-type PZT, no matter how higher is the poling field and how long is the poling time, the ceramics can reach the optimum status, and the planar electromechanical coupling factor can reach higher than 0.60 for low temperature poling.