Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Covered Rutile-TiO2 Nanoparticles Enhance Tomato Yield and Growth by Modulating Gas Exchange and Nutrient Status

Nanotechnology has developed materials that can increase food production while reducing the use of conventional fertilizers. In this study, the effect of two forms of application (foliar and drench) as well as covering or non-covering of the surface of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nTiO2) with maltodextrin (MDX) at 1500 ppm was investigated on tomato plants. The results show that treatment of tomato with nTiO2 increased yield (+21%), while covering the surface of the NPs resulted in a further yield increase (+27%). Similar trends were observed in the dry weight of vegetative plant parts. Fruit firmness (+33%) and total soluble solids (+36%) were enhanced by MDX-covered nTiO2. Application of nTiO2 resulted in enhanced SPAD index, photosynthesis rate, NO3−, K, and Ca concentration in the petiole sap, whereas in the fruits there was an increase in P and K in MDX-covered nTiO2. Considering the dilution effect due to the higher fruit yield, N, P, Mg, Cu, and B increased in plants treated with nTiO2. Covering the surface with MDX resulted in an enhanced response to nTiO2, as fruit yield and quality increased compared to plants treated with non-covered nTiO2.
Ultrastructural localisation and functional implications of Corticotropin releasing factor, Urocortin and their receptors in cerebellar neuronal development

Corticotropin releasing factor (CRF)-like proteins act via two G-protein coupled receptors (CRF-R1 and CRF-R2) playing important neuromodulatory roles in stress responses and synaptic plasticity. Cerebellar expression of CRF-like ligands have been well documented, but not their receptor localisation. This is the first combination light microscopy ultrastructural study to localize CRF receptors immunohistologically (im) in the developing rat cerebellum. Both CRF-R1 and R2 were expressed in climbing fibres from early stages (postnatal day 3) to the adult but CRF-R2im was only prominent in throughout the molecular layer in the posterior cerebellar lobules. CRF-R1im was concentrated in apical regions of Purkinje cell (PC) somata and later in primary dendrites exhibiting a diffuse cytoplasmic appearance. In PC’s, CRF-R1im was never membrane bound postsynaptically in dendritic spines while CRF-R2im was found on plasmic membranes of PC from postnatal day 15 onwards. We conclude that the localisation of these receptors in cerebellar afferents implies their control of the presynaptic release of CRF-like ligands, impacting on the sensory information being transmitted from afferents. Furthermore, the fact that CRF-R2 is membrane bound at synapses, while CRF-R1 is not, suggests that ligands couple to CRF-R2 via synaptic transmission and to CRF-R1 via volume transmission. Finally, the distinct expression-profiles of receptors along structural domains of PC’s suggest that the role for these receptors is to modulate afferent inputs.
Physics‐Informed Gas Lifting Oil Well Modelling using Neural Ordinary Differential Equations

Modelling of oil well systems is important for a wide range of petroleum scientific and oil industrial processes. Considering the uncertainty of the measurements and the demand for empirical knowledge, a purely first‐principle model and a black‐box model based on data are not sufficient for accurately describing an oil well system. Thus, there is a growing body of literature that recognizes the importance of data‐driven methods combined with physical knowledge. However, the application of combination methods for dynamic nonlinear systems is still challenging. In this work, we demonstrate the application of a physics‐informed neural network to a gas lifting oil well system. The neural ordinary differential equation is the main tool for the modeling and the simulation is examined in Julia programming language. The advantage and drawbacks of the physics‐informed data‐driven method are analyzed.
Strontium‐promoted Ni/ZrO2–Al2O3 catalysts for dry reforming of methane

Dry reforming of methane (DRM) is an established process that utilizes CH4 and CO2 to produce syngas, which is subsequently used to produce liquid fuel. Developing an optimized catalyst with favorable physicochemical properties is essential to enhance the effectiveness of the DRM process. In this study, we report novel findings on Ni/ZrO2 + Al2O3 catalyst performance promoted with strontium (Sr) for DRM reaction. The characteristics of fresh and spent catalysts were evaluated via a suite of analytical characterization techniques, including physisorption analysis, temperature‐programmed reduction, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffractometry, Raman spectroscopy, temperature‐programmed desorption, temperature‐programmed oxidation, and thermogravimetric analysis before actual DRM performance analysis. The integration of Sr essentially enhanced the basicity, imparted CO2 adsorption stability, and improved the reducibility of the catalyst. An optimal concentration of 3.0 wt% Sr promoted on the catalyst afforded the highest CH4 and CO2 conversions. The work presented in this contribution affords an understanding of optimum Sr loading and provides insights into the synergistic role of Sr on catalytic performances as applied to the DRM process.
A New Extended Approach to Reduce Admission Time in Hospital Operating Rooms Based on the FMEA Method in an Uncertain Environment

Operating rooms (ORs) are one of the essential hospital resources and optimal management can result in efficient OR usage. The admission time reduction before surgery in the ORs can lead to on-time surgery and efficient use of ORs. This study addresses this issue by identifying the main failure modes that cause delays in ORs. The conventional methodology known as Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) represents one of the prevailing techniques utilized for the purpose of ascertaining failure modes within a given process. This involves the assignment of numerical scores to each failure mode, with the intention of utilizing the resultant Risk Priority Number (RPN) to facilitate the identification of said failure modes. However, RPN scoring has been criticized for some deficiencies. This study proposes a three-phase approach to address some of the shortcomings of the FMEA method. The initial stage involves utilizing the FMEA approach to recognize failure modes and assess the crucial elements of RPN. Following this, the second stage employs the Z-BWM technique and expert insights to determine the weights of the five essential factors. Lastly, in the third phase, risks are prioritized using the proposed Z-ARAS method based on the outputs of the previous phases. This approach considers the uncertainty in the determining factors and assigns different weights to them, while also taking into account the reliability of the risks through the Z-Number theory. Finally, comparing the proposed approach with other traditional approaches, reinforces the usefulness of the proposed method in evaluating failure modes in OR management.
Merging application models in a MDA based runtime environment for enterprise information systems

The issue of merging source code based applications is very problematic, particularly when involving code from disparate sources, due to the typical unsuitability of available source code for software merging. The relatively recent field of model driven architecture is primely involved in the definition and development of the source model structures for model based applications and in developing transformations from the abstract models to various executable formats. The authors are also involved in these MDA activities in the development of their G2 prototype system targeted at the specific domain of enterprise information system style applications. They have reviewed various methods for merging application models within this domain and describe the fundamentals of three application model integration methods from their G2 system; standard element referencing, virtual data element mapping and element envelopment that can be used to provide practical and simple application model merging at both the design time and runtime of a model based production system, to produce a working integrated merged application.
Ontology-Based Knowledge Representation for a P2P Multi-agent Distributed Intrusion Detection System

Many research efforts on application of ontology in network security have been done in the past decade. However, they mostly stop at initial proposal or focus on framework design without detailed representation of intrusion or attack and relevant detection knowledge with ontology. In this paper, the design and implementation of ontology-based knowledge representation for a peer-to-peer multi-agent distributed intrusion detection system (ontology-based MADIDS) are introduced. An example which demonstrates the representation of an attack with ontology and the relevant detection process is also presented. In ontology-Based MADIDS, ontology technique enables peers in the system and agents in one peer to share common understanding of information. In addition, benefited from agent technology and P2P architecture, agents in ontology-based MADIDS not only detect attacks on a single host but also in a distributed domain. These features make the ontology-based MADIDS more flexible and robust.
Attenuation of High-Frequency PWM-Ripples in a Two-Level Voltage Source Inverter

The article is devoted to the two-loop control system design with a modified current controller. In the inner loop of the automatic control system a proportional-integral controller with a filter is used. It allows to significantly reduce the ripple component in the controller output signal, which is transmitted to the PWM input. The application of this approach makes it possible to eliminate the PWM saturation mode and improve the performance of the power converter. A procedure for calculating the parameters of a modified PI controller based on the time-scale separation method is proposed. The implementation of the proposed method was carried out for the design of a two-loop automatic control system for a three-phase voltage source inverter in the power supply system of an AC aircraft, with a constant frequency of 400 Hz and the value of the first harmonic of the output voltage of 115 V. The synthesis of the parameters of the control system for the converter was carried out in accordance with the requirements of GOST R 54073–2017. The efficiency of the designed control system was verified by simulation modeling in the Matlab/Simulink environment.
Not a Student, Not an Athlete, a Person

College athletics can place immense demands on athletes in terms of time commitment, physical conditioning, and pressure to perform. However, one important but less visible dimension affected by participation is one’s identity. College athletes hold multiple identities (Sturm et al., 2011) and these identities are further refined through their experiences (Chang et al., 2018). However, much less is known about athletes’ cognitive awareness of others’ perceptions and how those opinions influence athletes’ sense of self. In the present work, 52 Division I collegiate basketball players took part in a qualitative survey focused on understanding their athletic experience based on interactions with others. Responses revealed that athletes had dichotomous beliefs when addressing their perceptions of self and how they believed others viewed them, primarily based on the influence of sport. Conversely, athletes had more differing thoughts when discussing their aspirations and wishes for their future and often discussed professional goals, personality traits, and connections to others. Taken together, these results corroborate the desire (and need) for athletes to foster identities beyond their sport world (Stokowski et al., 2019) and for those who shape the sport experience to proactively work on behalf of athletes in this domain.
Catheter misplacement from an implantable central venous access port into the internal thoracic vein: a case description

An implantable central venous access port (CVport) has the advantages of a low risk of infection, long-term use, unrestricted daily activities, and avoidance of peripheral phlebitis and vascular sclerosis. In recent years, CVports have been increasingly used in patients undergoing chemotherapy, and they have been shown to improve the quality of life of patients with cancer. However, CVports are also associated with complications such as infection, pneumothorax, thrombosis, catheter misplacement, and rupture (1). The right internal jugular vein is the most commonly used approach for CVport placement (2). Catheter misplacement is an early complication of CVport implantation and often occurs in the internal jugular vein, brachiocephalic vein, subclavian vein, azygos vein, or right atrium (3). Catheter misplacement into the internal thoracic vein (ITV) is rare (4). On February 10, 2023, a patient in our hospital underwent implantation of a CVport via the right internal jugular vein, and the catheter became misplaced and entered the right ITV. We herein summarize our diagnosis and treatment experience with a review of the literature.
Metamorphic Testing For Machine Learning: Applicability, Challenges, and Research Opportunities

The wide adoption and growth of Machine Learning (ML) have made tremendous advancements in revolutionizing a number of fields i.e., manufacturing, transportation, bio-informatics, and self-driving cars. Its ability to extract patterns from a large set of data and then use this knowledge to make future predictions is beyond the human imagination. However, the complex calculations internally performed in them make these systems suffer from the oracle problem; thus, hard to test them for identifying bugs in them and enhancing their quality. An application not properly tested can have disastrous consequences in the production environment. Metamorphic Testing (MT) has been widely accepted by researchers to address the oracle problem in testing both supervised and unsupervised ML-based systems. However, MT has several limitations (when used for testing ML) that the existing literature lacks in capturing them in a centralized place. Applying MT to test ML-based critical systems without prior knowledge/understanding of those limitations can cost organizations a waste of time and resources. In this study, we highlight those limitations to help both the researchers and practitioners to be aware of them for better testing of ML applications. Our efforts result in making the following contributions in this paper, i) providing insights into various challenges faced in testing ML-based solutions, ii) highlighting a number of key challenges faced when applying MT to test ML applications, and iii) presenting the potential future research opportunities/directions for the research community to address them.
Elucidation of the Mechanism of Occasional Anterior Longitudinal Ligament Rupture with Posterior Correction Procedure for Adult Spinal Deformity Using LLIF–Finite Element Analysis of the Impact of the Lordotic Angle of Intervertebral LLIF Cage

Background and Objectives: There are several advantages of using lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) for correction surgeries for adult spinal deformity (ASD); however, we currently have unresolved new issues, including occasional anterior longitudinal ligament (ALL) rupture during the posterior correction procedure. When LLIF was initially introduced, only less lordotic cages were available and ALL rupture was more frequently experienced compared with later periods when more lordotic cages were available. We performed finite element analysis (FEA) regarding the mechanism of ALL rupture during a posterior correction procedure. Methods: A spring (which mimics ALL) was introduced at the location of ALL in the FEA and an LLIF cage with two different lordotic angles, 6 and 12 degrees (6DC/12DC), was employed. To assess the extent of burden on the ALL, the extension length of the spring during the correction procedure was measured and the location of the rotation center was examined. Results: We observed a significantly higher degree of length extension of the spring during the correction procedure in the FEA model with 6DC compared with that of 12DC. We also observed that the location of the rotation center was shifted posteriorly in the FEA model with 6DC compared with that of 12DC. Conclusions: It is considered that the posterior and rostral edge of the less lordotic angle cage became a hinge, and the longer lever arm increased the burden on ALL as the principle of leverage. It is important to use an LLIF cage with a sufficient lordotic angle, that is compatible with the degree of posterior osteotomy in ASD correction.
AC/DC Four-Switches Boost Buck Converter for EV Battery Charging

Nowadays, the on-board battery charger is a high dominant trend in research. For the AC/DC stage, many topologies are proposed worldwide without having true benchmarks among these different structures. Conventional single switch buck-boost converters were utilized earlier in various applications. However, it could not meet the requirements of the on-board battery charger due to higher component stresses and low reliability in high-power applications. Thus, AC/DC four switches boost buck converters are desirable, in which the boost cascaded with buck is superior because of the primary benefit of having a continuous input current. Moreover, they are more reliable, highly efficient, and have a significant operating capability as buck or boost mode according to the battery state of charge. This paper will examine four different kinds of four switches boost buck by comparing their input current ripple and magnet design. Furthermore, the lowest input current ripple converter will be selected for modeling and validate it experimentally.
First light of DESHIMA on ASTE: on-chip filterbank spectrometer for submillimeter wave astronomy (Conference Presentation)

An ultra-wideband, large field-of-view (sub)millimeter wave imaging spectrometer is imperative for uncovering the evolution of dust-enshrouded cosmic star formation rate, galaxy evolution, and structure formation, over cosmic time. Here we report the first on-sky demonstration of DESHIMA. DESHIMA (Deep Spectroscopic High-redshift Mapper) is a new type of submillimeter wave spectrometer, which uses a superconducting filterbank on a chip to achieve a very wide instantaneous bandwidth. Compared to an optical spectrometer with equivalent performance, such an on-chip spectrometer is not only compact, but also offers a higher degree of potential scalability to multiple spatial pixels. On the filterbank spectrometer chip of DESHIMA, the signal captured by the lens-antenna travels through a coplanar waveguide made of superconducting NbTiN, from which planar NbTiN bandpass filters branch out to divide the signal into frequency channels. At the output of each filter is a NbTiN/Al hybrid kinetic inductance detector (KID). These KIDs are operated at 120 mK with a 2-stage adiabatic demagnetization refrigerator (ADR), and their response is read out using the SpaceKIDs readout electronics. Being in its phase-1 configuration, DESHIMA currently covers the 330-370 GHz band with 49 spectral channels, offering a spectral resolution F/dF = 400, or dV = 700 km/s. This design is intended as a scalable prototype towards the phase-2 DESHIMA instrument, which targets at 240-720 GHz instantaneous band coverage with a resolution of F/dF = 500 (dV = 600 km/s), and >2 spatial pixels. In the laboratory, the sensitivity and frequency response of DESHIMA was characterized using a black-body calibration source and a THz photo-mixer source, respectively. The sensitivity is photon-noise limited at a detector loading power of ~1 pW, with a photon-noise limited optical Noise Equivalent Power of 1-2 x 10^-16 W Hz^-0.5. From October to November 2017, DESHIMA was installed on the Atacama Submillimeter Telescope Experiment (ASTE), a 10 m diameter antenna in the Atacama Desert of Chile. The sensitivity of DESHIMA measured inside the ASTE cabin is similar to lab results. At the time of submission of the abstract, DESHIMA has successfully detected multiple astronomical sources, in both continuum and line emission. At the conference we will report the lessons learned in the first actual operation of an on-chip filterbank spectrometer on a telescope, including the influence of thermal cycles on the filters, system susceptibility to telescope environment and motion, on-sky beam pattern, and sensitivity to continuum and line emission.
Study Of Mri Signal In The Presence Of Discrete Spherical Magnetic Particles

STUDY OF MRI SIGNAL ARISING FROM DISCRETE SPHERICAL PARTICLES by PAUL KOKENY December 2018 Co-Advisor: Dr. Yu-Chung Norman Cheng Co-Advisor: Dr. E Mark Haacke Major: Biomedical Engineering (imaging dual title) Degree: Doctor of Philosophy Simulating signal behavior in Magnetic Resonance imaging (MRI) is often a necessary step in being able to understand how signal relates to certain physiological parameters. One such parameter of interest in the body is magnetic susceptibility since it is related to iron content. The bulk magnetic susceptibility of an object is a property that describes how magnetized it becomes when placed in an external magnetic field. When the bulk susceptibility of an object arises from the presence of discrete magnetic inclusions, the MRI phase signal inside the object can no longer be determined analytically by assuming it has a continuous susceptibility. This phase will depend on the microstructure of the inclusions and requires either simulations or some other analytical modeling which makes assumptions about the microstructure. Under static dephasing conditions, if the discrete inclusions are spherical particles and randomly dispersed, then a known frequency shift will affect the phase signal. It has also recently been shown that this shift can vary depending on the volume fraction and clustering of the particles. The main focus dissertation is to demonstrate
Responses of the microbial community and the production of extracellular polymeric substances to sulfamethazine shocks in a novel two-stage biological contact oxidation system

Introduction The biological contact oxidation reactor is an effective technology for the treatment of antibiotic wastewater, but there has been little research investigating its performance on the sulfamethazine wastewater treatment. Methods In this study, a novel two-stage biological contact oxidation reactor was used for the first time to explore the impact of sulfamethazine (SMZ) on the performance, microbial community, extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), and antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs). Results The chemical oxygen demand (COD) and ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N) removal efficiencies kept stable at 86.93% and 83.97% with 0.1–1 mg/L SMZ addition and were inhibited at 3 mg/L SMZ. The presence of SMZ could affect the production and chemical composition of EPS in the biofilm, especially for the pronounced increase in TB-PN yield in response against the threat of SMZ. Metagenomics sequencing demonstrated that SMZ could impact on the microbial community, a high abundance of Candidatus_Promineofilum, unclassified_c__Anaerolineae, and unclassified_c__Betaproteobacteria were positively correlated to SMZ, especially for Candidatus_Promineofilum. Discussion Candidatus_Promineofilum not only had the ability of EPS secretion, but also was significantly associated with the primary SMZ resistance genes of sul1 and sul2, which developed resistance against SMZ pressure through the mechanism of targeted gene changes, further provided a useful and easy-implement technology for sulfamethazine wastewater treatment.