Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Graphene-supported tunable waveguide structure in the terahertz regime

The tunable waveguide properties of the graphene supporting structure Si–SiO2–graphene–dielectrics–graphene–SiO2–Si (SiSiO2GDGSiO2Si) have been investigated in the terahertz regime by using the finite element method (FEM) and transfer matrix method (TMM). The study shows that the numerical results obtained from FEM and TMM agree well. The contour results show that as the frequency increases, the effective index increases, and the loss shows a peak; with the increase in the Fermi level, the effective index decreases, and the loss decreases. With a smaller effective mode area, the confinement of the SiSiO2GDGSiO2Si structure is much better than that of the Si–dielectrics–graphene–dielectrics–Si structure. The propagation properties of the structure can be modulated by using the applied gate voltage. The modulation depth of the propagation losses can reach more than 90%. The results are helpful to the design of tunable graphene optoelectronic devices, such as polarizers, modulators, and metamaterial devices.
Management Food Waste in Municipality Schools: An Analysis from a Circular Economy Perspective

Background: Food waste is a situation that triggers certain controversy, considering that there is still a significant number of people who do not have access to healthy and nutritious food every day. The management of food leftovers from school lunches depends on the creation of measurement mechanisms. Thus, current characteristics of schools should be identified in order to mitigate and better manage these leftovers. This study addresses this gap, that is, it seeks to understand how food waste management is carried out in schools from a circular economy perspective. Methods: Focusing on the management of school lunches in municipal schools, this study aims to build an inductive interpretive theory in order to understand how schools promote food waste management. Results: Loss estimates and their monetization were identified and explained, and alternatives for waste recovery using the ReSOLVE framework were proposed. Conclusions: Therefore, it was assumed that the perspective of circularity is a possible and viable way to manage food waste in school lunches. Stakeholder engagement and awareness raising become necessary premises for success in the food circularity journey.
Differential x-ray phase contrast imaging using a shearing interferometer

An x-ray interferometer has been developed that uses two transmission phase gratings to analyze wave front distortions in the hard x-ray range. The interferometer is insensitive to mechanical drift and vibrations, and it is tunable over a wide range of photon energies. This setup was used for differential phase contrast imaging of low-absorbing test objects. We obtained micrographs with moire fringes of good visibility, which revealed the local phase shift gradient caused by the objects. A comparison with numerically simulated images indicates that quantitative analysis of unknown phase objects is possible.
Stress and Coping among College Students during a COVID-19 Red Alert Status on Campus

ABSTRACT Background High rates of stress have been found among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic and research on students’ use of coping strategies during the pandemic is needed, particularly during periods of extensive restrictions on campus. Purpose The current study examined stress and coping during a campus red alert at a mid-sized U.S. university. Methods Data collected from an online survey sent out to undergraduate students 30 days after a COVID-19 red alert status (akin to a campus lockdown) was instituted on a college campus in the Fall of 2020 were analyzed. The survey included scales assessing coping strategies and perceived stress. Results Regression analyses indicated that stress during the red alert was associated with several maladaptive coping strategies, such as denial, substance use and behavioral disengagement. Whereas stress was inversely associated with positive coping strategies, such as active coping, planning, and acceptance. Discussion Health education efforts during campus lockdowns should include screening for stress, increased access to mental health services, coping skills-related informational workshops, and virtual recreational and social opportunities. Translation to Health Education Practice The study highlights how assessing stress and coping among college students during public health events can guide health education activities for college students.
Domain decomposition, boundary integrals, and wavelets

We present a domain decomposition procedure for solving the Dirichlet problem for the Laplace equation in the union of two intersecting discs in R2. Each subdomain problem is solved using the boundary integral technique, at each iteration integrating the product of the prior solution multiplied by the normal derivative of the Green's function. The subdomain problems are solved in parallel, in a Jacobi fashion. Numerically, they correspond to multiplying dense matrices by vectors of boundary values. We use DAUB4 wavelets to replace the dense matrices by their sparse approximations, thus reducing the computational complexity. The procedure iterates in `wavelet space', on the wavelet transform of the solution at `internal' boundary points, i.e. at subdomain boundary points not part of the full domain boundary. When the convergence criterion is met, an inverse wavelet transform is applied, and each subdomain problem is solved in full to yield the complete solution. Numerical results are presented.
Superpixel-based 3D warping using view plus depth data from multiple viewpoints

This paper presents a method of virtual view synthesis using view plus depth data from multiple viewpoints. Intuitively, virtual view generation from those data can be easily achieved by simple 3D warping. However, 3D points reconstructed from those data are isolated, i.e. not connected with each other. Consequently, the images generated by existing methods have many holes that are very annoying due to occlusions and the limited sampling density. To tackle this problem, we propose two steps algorithm as follows. In the first step, view plus depth data from each viewpoint is 3D warped to the virtual viewpoint. In this process, we determine which neighboring pixels should be connected or kept isolated. For this determination, we use depth differences among neighboring pixels, and SLIC-based superpixel segmentation that considers both color and depth information. The pixel pairs that have small depth differences or reside in same superpixels are connected, and the polygons enclosed by the connected pixels are inpainted, which greatly reduces the holes. This warping process is performed individually for each viewpoint from which view plus depth data are provided, resulting in several images at the virtual viewpoint that are warped from different viewpoints. In the second step, we merge those warped images to obtain the final result. Thanks to the data provided from different viewpoints, the final result has less noises and holes compared to the result from single viewpoint information. Experimental results using publicly available view plus depth data are reported to validate our method.
Fertility-preservation laparoscopic management of an intact broad ligament abdominal ectopic pregnancy: a case report

This study reports a rare case of broad ligament abdominal ectopic pregnancy (EP). Interventions included preoperative transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasonography and operative laparoscopy. Successful extraction of the EP, followed by suturing of the mesosalpinx, was performed. Laparoscopic fertility-preservation treatment of broad ligament EP is valuable for women during the childbearing period.
Synthesis and in Silico Investigation of Organoselenium-Clubbed Schiff Bases as Potential Mpro Inhibitors for the SARS-CoV-2 Replication

Simple Summary The coronavirus was declared a worldwide pandemic for the first time in December 2019. Although vaccination reduces the risk of severe illness and death, no vaccine is 100% foolproof. Recently, the COVID-19 primary protease has become a promising therapeutic target. During the preceding three years, many low molecular weight chemical libraries were tested for their potent antiviral potency against SARS-CoV-2. Many studies focused on organoselenium compounds due to their potential antiviral activities. Herein, new organoselenium-based Schiff bases were successfully synthesized and evaluated for their potential to inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro main protease, which is essential for virus replication. Abstract Since the first report of the organoselenium compound, ebselen, as a potent inhibitor of the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro main protease by Z. Jin et al. (Nature, 2020), different OSe analogs have been developed and evaluated for their anti-COVID-19 activities. Herein, organoselenium-clubbed Schiff bases were synthesized in good yields (up to 87%) and characterized using different spectroscopic techniques. Their geometries were studied by DFT using the B3LYP/6–311 (d, p) approach. Ten FDA-approved drugs targeting COVID-19 were used as model pharmacophores to interpret the binding requirements of COVID-19 inhibitors. The antiviral efficiency of the novel organoselenium compounds was assessed by molecular docking against the 6LU7 protein to investigate their possible interactions. Our results showed that the COVID-19 primary protease bound to organoselenium ligands with high binding energy scores ranging from −8.19 to −7.33 Kcal/mol for 4c and 4a to −6.10 to −6.20 Kcal/mol for 6b and 6a. Furthermore, the docking data showed that 4c and 4a are good Mpro inhibitors. Moreover, the drug-likeness studies, including Lipinski’s rule and ADMET properties, were also assessed. Interestingly, the organoselenium candidates manifested solid pharmacokinetic qualities in the ADMET studies. Overall, the results demonstrated that the organoselenium-based Schiff bases might serve as possible drugs for the COVID-19 epidemic.
Genome-Scale Analysis of the Grapevine KCS Genes Reveals Its Potential Role in Male Sterility

Very long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA) synthesis in plants, is primarily rate-limited by the enzyme 3-ketoacyl CoA synthase (KCS), which also controls the rate and carbon chain length of VLCFA synthesis. Disruption of VLCFA during pollen development, may affect the pollen wall formation and ultimately lead to male sterility. Our study identified 24 grapevine KCS (VvKCS) genes and provided new names based on their relative chromosome distribution. Based on sequence alignment and phylogenetic investigation, these genes were grouped into seven subgroups, members of the same subgroup having similar motif structures. Synteny analysis of VvKCS genes, showed that the segmental duplication events played an important role in expanding this gene family. Expression profiles obtained from the transcriptome data showed different expression patterns of VvKCS genes in different tissues. Comparison of transcriptome and RT-qPCR data of the male sterile grape ‘Y−14’ and its fertile parent ‘Shine Muscat’, revealed that 10 VvKCS genes were significantly differentially expressed at the meiosis stage, which is a critical period of pollen wall formation. Further, joint analysis by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), revealed that five of these VvKCS (VvKCS6/15/19/20/24) genes were involved in the fatty acid elongation pathway, which may ultimately affect the structural integrity of the pollen wall in ‘Y−14’. This systematic analysis provided a foundation for further functional characterization of VvKCS genes, with the aim of grapevine precision breeding improvement.
Flow Measurements in a Matched-Index-of-Refraction Aortic Arch Model for Endothelial Cell Culture

Flow details such as wall shear stress, hemodynamic pressure, and separation can play an important role in the development and progression of inflammation and cardiovascular disease, such as atherosclerosis. Clinical evidence correlating blood vessel locations exhibiting atherosclerosis and plaque buildup to flow disturbances and separation is significant. Prevalence of atherosclerosis in cardiovascular patients is noticed in vessels exhibiting geometric features such as bifurcation, arching, and stenosis. The bending vessel geometry is interesting for the wealth and variety of flow physics that it incorporates. An in vitro flow loop system for the study of cardiovascular disease is described. The system incorporates an aortic arch vessel model that permits endothelial cell culturing, sampling, and imaging on the aortic lumen. The model was designed to allow imaging of the internal flow by choice of the clear model material and the optically compatible working fluid. Particle image velocimetry measurements were acquired at different locations on the arch, for time-averaged inlet Reynolds number range of 2000 to 4400. It was found that the peristaltic pump introduced significant pulsatility to the flow particularly at the low rpm. The flow behavior in the arch is discussed with emphasis on separation and recirculation zones.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Understanding the Masking-Shadowing Function in Microfacet-Based BRDFs

We provide a new presentation of the masking-shadowing functions (or geometric attenuation factors) in microfacet-based BRDFs and answer some common questions about their applications. Our main motivation is to define a correct (geometrically indicated), physically based masking function for application in microfacet models, as well as the properties that function should exhibit. Indeed, several different masking functions are often presented in the literature and making the right choice is not always obvious. We start by showing that physically based masking functions are constrained by the projected area of the visible micro-surface onto the outgoing direction. We use this property to derive the distribution of visible normals from the microsurface, whose normalization factor is the masking function. We then show how the common form of microfacet-based BRDFs emerges from this distribution. As a consequence, the masking function is related to the correct normalization of microfacet- based BRDFs. However, while the correct masking function satisfies these normalization constraints, its explicit form is can only be determined for a given microsurface profile. Our derivation emphasizes that under the assumptions of their respective microsurface profiles, both Smith's function and the V-cavity masking function are correct. However, we show that the V-cavity microsurface yields results that miss the effect of occlusion, making it analogous to the shading of a normal map instead of a displacement map. This observation explains why the V-cavity model yields incorrect glossy highlights at grazing view angles. We also review other common masking functions, which are not associated with a micro-surface profile and thus are not physically based. The insights gained from these observations motivate new research directions in the field of microfacet theory. For instance, we show that masking functions are stretch invariant and we show how this property can be used to derive the masking function for anisotropic microsurfaces in a straightforward way. We also discuss future work such as the incorporation of multiple scattering on the microsurface into BRDF models.
Psychotherapy with Psilocybin for Depression: Systematic Review

Depression is a common mental health issue that affects 280 million people in the world with a high mortality rate, as well as being a leading cause of disability. Psychopharmacological therapies with psychedelics, particularly those with psilocybin, are showing promising potential for the treatment of depression, among other conditions. Some of their benefits include a rapid and exponential improvement in depressive symptoms and an increased sense of well-being that can last for months after the treatment, as well as a greater development of introspective capacity. The aim of this project was to provide experimental evidence about therapeutic procedures along with psilocybin for the treatment of major depressive disorder. The project highlights eight studies that examined this condition. Some of them dealt with treatment-resistant depression while others dealt with depression due to a life-threatening disease such as cancer. These publications affirm the efficiency of the psilocybin therapy for depression, with only one or two doses in conjunction with psychological support during the process.
Performance of Six-Layered Cross Laminated Timber of Fast-Growing
 Species Glued with Tannin Resorcinol Formaldehyde

The aim of this study were to evaluate tannin resorcinol formaldehyde (TRF) for the preparation of cross-laminated timbers (CLTs) made from fast-growing tree species and to analyze the physical and mechanical properties of CLTs. TRF copolymer resin was prepared by using the bark extracts of Swietenia mahagoni (L.) Jacq. It was observed that the TRF adhesive possessed less solid content (23.59%), high viscosity (11.35 poise), and high pH values (10.0) compared to the standard phenol resorcinol formaldehyde. The TRF adhesive was applied to produce CLTs with the addition of 15% tapioca and flour as an extender. The six-layered CLTs were produced from sengon ( Falcataria moluccana Miq.), jabon [ Anthocephalus cadamba (Roxb) Miq. ], coconut ( Cocos nucifera L.), and the combination of coconut-jabon and coconut-sengon wood. The analysis of variance revealed that the layer composition of CLT significantly affected the physical and mechanical properties of the beam. While the modulus of rupture met the standard, the moisture content and modulus of elasticity values did not fulfill JAS 1152-2007. All of the CLTs produced in this study demonstrated low formaldehyde emission, ranging from 0.001 mg/L to 0.003 mg/L, thereby satisfying the JAS 1152 for structural glue laminated timber.
Investigation of Thermal Distortion of The Twenty Five-Meter Inflatable Reflect Antenna

Gossamer space structures are relatively large, flimsy, and lightweight. As a result, they are more easily affected or distortion by space thermal environments compared to other space structures. This study examines the structural integrity of a 25m Ka-Band Inflatable/Self-Rigidizable Reflect Antenna under space thermal environments. A new type of deployable antenna was investigaed. Temperature field analysis method of the developable antenna reflector on orbit environment is presented , which simulates physical characteristic of developable antenna reflector with a high precision. The different kinds of analysis denote that different thermal elastic characteristics of different materials. We use PCL language to make a programme, which can be used to link the data for transient temperature field and distortion analysis. The three-dimension multi-physics coupling transient thermal distortion equations for the antenna are founded based on the Galerkins method . A detailed mechanical design, thermal analysis, and thermal distortion of the antenna are discussed in this article. For a reflector on geosynchronous orbit, the transient temperature field results from this method are compared with these from ordinary FEM softwares. It follows from the analysis that the precision of this method is high. Results reveal that the temperature levels of the developable antenna reflector alternate greatly in the orbital period, which is about±120°C when considering solar flux, earth radiating flux and albedo scattering flux. The distortion of the antenna is lower than ordinary deployable antenna.
Planification et exécution de mouvements pour un robot bi-guidable: une approche basée sur la platitude différentielle

This dissertation addresses the problem of planning and executing motions for a special class of four-wheel robot with double steering axles: we call bi-steerable car a vehicle capable of steering its rear wheels in function of the front steering angle. The differential equations describing the control system set new problems of motion planning and control in mobile robotics. The methodology employed to solve these problems is framed within the theory of Nonlinear Control and in particular differential flatness. The objective is to find state and control transformations, putting the system in normal forms with structural properties convenient for control design purposes. This dissertation shows first that the bi-steerable car is flat. For these systems, effective solutions can be found in the literature and resort to the structural properties of the flat or linearizing output. Notwithstanding, the major difficulty, and open problem in the general case, is to find transformations yielding a flat output of the system. Hence we first establish theoretical results framed in the theory of Pfaffian systems and in particular those concerned by the Engel's theorem. For such systems, we propose a systematic approach leading to a necessary condition on the coordinates transformations yielding a linearizing output. We apply this approach to the bi-steerable car. We consider the symmetries of our problem in order to effectively compute a flat output. We make this result effective by proposing the first complete motion planner for this kind of mechanical structure. We next establish results in the framework of flatness and feedback linearization regarding the bi-steerable car. This allowed us to fully linearize the system and to synthesize a simple control law to solve the trajectory tracking problem. Experimental results validate these theoretical issues.
Advances in optical network design with p-cycles: joint optimization and pre-selection of candidate p-cycles

We address two open and inter-related issues about the design of p-cycle based networks. One of these is to reduce the complexity of solving optimal p-cycle design problems, making it practical to continually re-optimize a p-cycle based network in service, adapting to changing demand patterns. The second advance is a first research use of the above solution technique to study how the efficiency of a p-cycle network increases under joint optimization of the working path routes with p-cycle placement.
Design of Event-Triggered Asynchronous H∞ Filter for Switched Systems Using the Sampled-Data Approach

The design of networked switched systems with event-based communication is attractive due to its potential to save bandwidth and energy. However, ensuring the stability and performance of networked systems with event-triggered communication and asynchronous switching is challenging due to their time-varying nature. This paper presents a novel sampled-data approach to design event-triggered asynchronous <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mathcal {H}_{\infty} $ </tex-math></inline-formula> filters for networked switched systems. Unlike most existing event-based filtering results, which either design the event-triggering scheme only or co-design the event-triggering condition and the filter, we consider that the event-triggering policy is predefined and synthesize the filter. We model the estimation error system as an event-triggered switched system with time delay and non-uniform sampling. By implementing a delay-dependent multiple Lyapunov method, we derive sufficient conditions to ensure the global asymptotic stability of the filtering error system and an <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mathcal {H}_{\infty} $ </tex-math></inline-formula> performance level. The efficacy of the proposed design technique and the superiority of the filter performance is illustrated by numerical examples and by comparing the performance with a recent result.