Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ice breaking by a collapsing bubble

This work focuses on using the power of a collapsing bubble in ice breaking. We experimentally validated the possibility and investigated the mechanism of ice breaking with a single collapsing bubble, where the bubble was generated by underwater electric discharge and collapsed at various distances under ice plates with different thicknesses. Characteristics of the ice fracturing, bubble jets and shock waves emitted during the collapse of the bubble were captured. The pattern of the ice fracturing is related to the ice thickness and the bubble–ice distance. Fractures develop from the top of the ice plate, i.e. the ice–air interface, and this is attributed to the tension caused by the reflection of the shock waves at the interface. Such fracturing is lessened when the thickness of the ice plate or the bubble–ice distance increases. Fractures may also form from the bottom of the ice plate upon the shock wave incidence when the bubble–ice distance is sufficiently small. The ice plate motion and its effect on the bubble behaviour were analysed. The ice plate motion results in higher jet speed and greater elongation of the bubble shape along the vertical direction. It also causes the bubble initiated close to the ice plate to split and emit multiple shock waves at the end of the collapse. The findings suggest that collapsing bubbles can be used as a brand new way of ice breaking.
Mixed Noise Removal with External Parameter in Image Denoising

In this study, a new method has been developed on noise removal, one of the most important parts in image processing. In particular, a new noise removal filter has been developed to removes noise from images the mix of µ and σ values. In this method, a new approach is proposed to remove noise when μ value increases while σ value is constant. The filter has particularly proven to be more successful on all of µ values. PSNR have been used to compare the results of the study. The newly developed method has been compared with the median, wiener2, Bayesian shrink, bilateral, median+bilateral, BM3D, KSVD methods. For example, when µ-0.10 and σ-0.01 added to Lena image, other algorithms’ PSNR results are 19.23-19.35, 18.90, 18.73, 19.60, 19.81, 19.70 while they are 27.06 in our new method.
Ensuring Reliability for LoRa Networks Using a Reinforcement-Learning-Assisted Time Division Duplex Protocol

Long range (LoRa) is one of the most widespread members of the low-power wide area network technologies family. Its ability to cover long distances combined with the robustness to radio frequency propagation effects make it an ideal solution in the deployment of low-cost sensor networks. However, two of the most critical issues that LoRa networks have to deal with are their scalability and reliability. The default medium access mechanism is the Pure-Aloha, which while ensuring low-energy consumption in end devices (EDs), due to its distributed and simple operation, does not offer any protection to packet collisions. As a result, the contention-based Pure-Aloha offers satisfactory operation in situations of low- and medium-offered load, while when the interconnected devices and the offered load increase, the number of collisions increases as well, resulting in a decrease of transmissions reliability. In this article we present a novel reinforcement learning (RL) assisted time division duplex protocol for LoRa networks. The operation of the proposed protocol is based on a combination of mechanisms and techniques that ensure the reliability required based on a predetermined value, combined with low-energy consumption for the EDs. The more important employed operating elements of the proposed protocol are the time division separation between uplink and downlink transmissions, the use of the channel activity detection mechanism, as well as the implementation of an RL mechanism to adjust basic parameters of the network operation. The effectiveness of the proposed protocol was evaluated through a number of simulation scenarios, where the results showed a significant improvement both in the reliability and fairness, as well as in the energy consumption of the EDs, compared to the existing and other relevant protocols from the literature.
A Review of the Antibacterial, Fungicidal and Antiviral Properties of Selenium Nanoparticles

The resistance of microorganisms to antimicrobial drugs is an important problem worldwide. To solve this problem, active searches for antimicrobial components, approaches and therapies are being carried out. Selenium nanoparticles have high potential for antimicrobial activity. The relevance of their application is indisputable, which can be noted due to the significant increase in publications on the topic over the past decade. This review of research publications aims to provide the reader with up-to-date information on the antimicrobial properties of selenium nanoparticles, including susceptible microorganisms, the mechanisms of action of nanoparticles on bacteria and the effect of nanoparticle properties on their antimicrobial activity. This review describes the most complete information on the antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal effects of selenium nanoparticles.
Dimension reduction regressions with measurement errors subject to additive distortion

ABSTRACT In this paper, we propose several dimension reduction methods when the covariates are measured with additive distortion measurement errors. These distortions are modelled by unknown functions of a commonly observable confounding variable. To estimate the central subspace, we propose residuals-based dimension reduction estimation methods and direct estimation methods. The consistency and asymptotic normality of the proposed estimators are investigated. Furthermore, we conduct some simulations to evaluate the performance of our proposed method and compare with existing methods, and a real data set is analysed for illustration.
Third-Order Quadrature Oscillator With Arbitrary Phase Shift Generation and Amplitude Modulation Using MDXCCCTA

This work presents the realization of an electronically tunable third-order quadrature oscillator (TOQO) employing a current mode (CM) block, modified dual-X current controlled current conveyor transconductance amplifier (MDXCCCTA), and three grounded passive capacitors. The oscillator simultaneously provides two quadrature voltage outputs, two high-impedance quadrature current outputs, and one high-impedance current output with controllable amplitude. Further, the proposed circuit works as an arbitrary phase shift generator from 0 to ±90°. In addition, the realization generates amplitude modulation (AM) or amplitude shift keying (ASK) signals with controllable amplitude without affecting the condition of oscillation (CO) and frequency of oscillation (FO). The CO and FO are electronically tunable and can be controlled independently; moreover, an automatic control method is proposed to stabilize the CO and FO against the variation in relative amplitudes of quadrature signals when TOQO works as an arbitrary phase shift generator. It exhibits low phase error (0.22°), low % THD (0.78–0.88), low phase noise (−180 to −240 dBc), low sensitivity (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${ < }0.45{\%}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>), and low power consumption (1.08 mW); moreover, the circuit is vastly robust against tolerances in passive components and process, voltage, and temperature (PVT) corners as the deviations from nominal values are small (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${ < }0.8{\%}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>). The TOQO, furthermore, occupies a comparatively small layout chip area (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$7810 ~\mu \text{m}^{2}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>). It is a compact module providing quadrature, arbitrary phase shifted, and AM signals from the same realization. The proposed design can, therefore, be a handy module for instrumentation, measurement, and communication systems. Experimental results are presented to verify simulation and theoretical analyses.
Parallelization of a 3D FDTD code and physics studies of electromagnetic wave propagation in fusion plasmas

Numerical codes for electromagnetic wave propagation in magnetized plasmas are mainly based on frequency-domain asymptotic methods, which provide a fast solution and are thus valuable for experiment design and control applications. However, in several cases of practical interest (e.g. mode conversion), these tools run close to their limits of validity and should be compared to full-wave solutions. The code RFFW solves Maxwell's equations with the finite-difference time-domain method in 3D geometry, for scenarios involving high-frequency waves with arbitrary electric field spectrum in plasmas with axisymmetric equilibrium. In fusion-related problems, the code may conduct investigations of wave propagation and absorption relevant to auxiliary plasma heating and current drive, reflectometry and instability control. The code has been parallelized with a hybrid OpenMP-MPI scheme, which has allowed exploiting the much larger processing power and memory of current-day supercomputers. In this work, we present the main aspects of the physics implemented in the code, and also refer shortly to the parallelization scheme. Furthermore, we show results that exhibit the strong scaling performance of the code, and examine cases of electron-cyclotron heating application in medium-sized tokamaks.
Socio-Demographics of Initial Substance Use Exposure and Its Relation to Progression: A Cross-Sectional Study in Saudi Arabia

Introduction: Empirical evidence on substance use in Saudi Arabia is lacking. This quantitative study is aimed at describing the socio-demographics of initial exposure to substance use and its relation to substance abuse progression. Method: A questionnaire about socio-demographics during initial exposure to substance use was completed by 379 participants. Results: For most participants, the commencement of substance abuse occurred at the age range of 19‒23 years, and while in high school, they first started taking drugs with school friends. The two psychoactive substances most commonly taken for the first time were hashish and alcohol. The two main reasons for first drug exposure were teenage curiosity and joy-seeking. The chi-square test revealed statistically significant differences between substance abuse progression by sex, current age, father’s education level, parent’s marital status, and one’s company in substance use. Female participants were more likely to continue taking drugs. Conclusion: Young people must be educated about the risks and consequences of substance use from early adolescence.
An Interdisciplinary Assessment of Biochemical and Antioxidant Attributes of Six Greek Vicia sativa L. Varieties

Common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) is one of the most cultivated feed crops with extensive agricultural diversity and numerous cultivars. This study concerns the first-time investigation of the dry plant biomass and grains of six vetch cultivars to define the detailed fingerprint of their phenolic and fatty acid content, along with their respective antioxidant potencies. The results revealed a substantial variation in the feed quality traits among the tested Vicia sativa varieties, highlighting the crucial role and influence the genotype plays in the achievement of high-quality livestock nutrition. Among the six varieties tested, Istros and M-6900 displayed a particularly intriguing phytochemical profile characterized by elevated phenolic content, significant antioxidant potency and remarkably high fatty acid indices. These findings are indicative of the great potential of these varieties to function as suitable candidates for incorporation into farm animal diets either in the form of dry biomass (hay) or as a grain feed additive.
GRASP: Grocery Robot's Adhesion and Suction Picker

We present a solution to the separate challenges faced by suction cups and gecko adhesives for one-sided grasping of heavy, irregular items. The gripping technology combines suction with adhesion for grasping and placing a wide range of objects in packed spaces. Applications include shopping and restocking in retail and warehouse settings where products vary in size and weight and are packed tightly, which limits access. A single suction cup is compact enough to reach and grasp the smallest items (down to 5 cm in size) but cannot provide the shear force needed for handling bulky items. Gecko-inspired adhesion provides extra lifting capability for objects up to 2.3 kg, using a 7.6 × 12.7 cm adhesive swatch −2.5x heavier than with suction alone. The adhesive is fabricated on a flexible nylon fabric. A small fan blows gently to help the fabric conform to irregular surfaces prior to lifting.
Internet of Medical Things Healthcare for Sustainable Smart Cities: Current Status and Future Prospects

The concept of smart and connected healthcare has emerged in response to the growing demand for the improvement of healthcare systems and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases. Looking towards the future, smart healthcare holds great potential to transform the healthcare industry by providing more efficient, personalized, and accessible healthcare services. This paper delves into the concept of intelligent, interconnected, and customized healthcare systems within the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) framework. It explores the utilization of cutting-edge technologies, including the IoMT, in conjunction with big data, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and blockchain to provide healthcare services that are not only more efficient but also more convenient and personalized. It draws on existing literature, bibliometric data, and global marketing analysis to gain a deeper understanding of these technologies and their impact on the healthcare system. We have explored several upcoming features of the Healthcare 5.0 paradigm, which represents the next evolution in healthcare systems focusing on a more personalized and patient-centric approach. We introduce a healthcare architecture specifically designed for the IoMT that prioritizes the security considerations associated with devices. Finally, we have focused on addressing open research challenges, particularly those related to fundamental social needs, such as ensuring equitable access to smart and connected healthcare systems.
Norwegian Version of the Chelsea Critical Care Physical Assessment Tool (CPAx-NOR): Translation, Face Validity, Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Inter-Rater Reliability

Background: Assessment of physical and respiratory function in the intensive care unit (ICU) is useful for developing an individualized treatment plan and evaluating patient progress. There is a need for measurement tools that are culturally adapted, reliable and easy to use. The Chelsea Critical Care Physical Assessment Tool (CPAx) is a valid measurement tool with strong psychometric properties for the intensive care population. This study aims to translate, adapt and test face validity and inter-rater reliability of the Norwegian version of CPAx (CPAx-NOR) for use in critically ill adult patients receiving prolonged mechanical ventilation. Method: CPAx-NOR was forward backward translated, culturally adapted and tested by experts and patients for face validity. Thereafter tested by 10 physiotherapists in five hospitals for inter-rater reliability. Results: The experts and pilot testers reached consensus on the translation and face validity. Patients were tested at time point A (n = 57) and at time point B (n = 53). The reliability of CPAx-NOR at “A” was 0.990 (0.983–0.994) and at “B” 0.994 (0.990–0.997). Based on A+B combined and adjusted, the ICC was 0.990 (95% CI 0.996–0.998). Standard error of measurement (SEM) was 0.68 and the minimal detectable change (MDC) was 1.89. The Bland–Altman plot showed low bias and no sign of heteroscedasticity. CPAx-NOR changed with a mean score of 14.9, and showed a moderate floor effect at the start of physiotherapy and low ceiling effects at discharge. Conclusion: CPAx-NOR demonstrated good face validity and excellent inter-rater reliability. It can be used as an assessment tool for physical function in critically ill adults receiving prolonged mechanical ventilation in Norway.
Nonlinear System Identification by Pareto RBF Network Ensemble Based on Evolutionary Multiobjective Optimization

Radial 凶 isfunction (RBF) network's str叫 uredetermination method by using multiobjective evolutionary algorithms is considered and an ensemble network constructed by the Pareto optimal networks is also proposed in this paper. The candidates of RBF network structure are encoded into the binary coded chromcト somes. Then, they evolve toward Pareto optimal front which is defined by the several objective functions corresponding to the model accuracy and model complexity. The application to the nonlinear system identification is studied by numerical simulations, the applicability of the proposed approach is discussed.
High pulsed current density β-Ga2O3 MOSFETs verified by an analytical model corrected for interface charge

We report on Sn-doped β-Ga2O3 MOSFETs grown by molecular beam epitaxy with as-grown carrier concentrations from 0.7 × 1018 to 1.6 × 1018 cm−3 and a fixed channel thickness of 200 nm. A pulsed current density of >450 mA/mm was achieved on the sample with the lowest sheet resistance and a gate length of 2 μm. Our results are explained using a simple analytical model with a measured gate voltage correction factor based on interface charges that accurately predict the electrical performance for all doping variations.
High-Efficiency and Reliable Value Geometric Standard: Integrated Periodic Structure Reference Materials

Integrated periodic structure reference materials are crucial for calibration in optical instruments and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), yet they face limitations concerning a restricted measurement range, a single pattern type, and a single calibration parameter. In this study, we address these challenges by developing integrated periodic structure reference materials with an expanded measurement range, diverse pattern types, and multiple calibration parameters through a combination of photolithography and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) etching process. These reference materials facilitate high-efficiency and multi-value calibration, finding applications in the calibration of optical instruments and micro-CT systems. The simulations were conducted using MATLAB (R2022b) to examine the structure-morphology changes during the single-step ICP etching process. The variation rules governing line widths, periods, etching depths, and side wall verticality in integrated periodic structure reference materials were thoroughly evaluated. Linewidths were accurately extracted utilizing an advanced image processing algorithm, while average period values were determined through the precise Fast Fourier Transform method. The experimental results demonstrate that the relative errors of line widths do not exceed 17.5%, and the relative errors of periods do not exceed 1.5%. Furthermore, precise control of the etching depth was achieved, ranging from 30 to 60 μm for grids with line widths 2–20 μm. The side wall verticality exhibited remarkable consistency with an angle of 90° ± 0.8°, and its relative error was found to be less than 0.9%.
Research Progress of Neural Synapses Based on Memristors

The memristor, characterized by its nano-size, nonvolatility, and continuously adjustable resistance, is a promising candidate for constructing brain-inspired computing. It operates based on ion migration, enabling it to store and retrieve electrical charges. This paper reviews current research on synapses using digital and analog memristors. Synapses based on digital memristors have been utilized to construct positive, zero, and negative weights for artificial neural networks, while synapses based on analog memristors have demonstrated their ability to simulate the essential functions of neural synapses, such as short-term memory (STM), long-term memory (LTM), spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP), spike-rate-dependent plasticity (SRDP), and paired-pulse facilitation (PPF). Furthermore, synapses based on analog memristors have shown potential for performing advanced functions such as experiential learning, associative learning, and nonassociative learning. Finally, we highlight some challenges of building large-scale artificial neural networks using memristors.
All-optical logic gates in plasmonic metal–insulator–metal nanowaveguide with slot cavity resonator

Abstract. We demonstrate the compact all-optical logic XOR and OR gates in subwavelength plasmonic metal–insulator–metal waveguides with slot cavity resonators, especially for telecommunication wavelengths, with an extinction ratio of 25 dB, which can provide nanoscale logic integrated circuits. The gates behavior is based on suppression or enhancement of resonant modes in a slot cavity resonator induced by a change in position of input ports. The performance of the gates is discussed analytically and verified by the numerical method of finite-difference time-domain (FDTD).
H∞‐output regulation of linear heterogeneous multiagent systems over switching graphs

In this paper, we analyze H∞‐output regulation of linear heterogeneous multiagent systems. The agents are subject to modeled and unmodeled disturbances and communicate over a switching graph. We derive a sufficient condition that guarantees H∞ output regulation for the mentioned setup. This sufficient condition places requirements on both the single‐agent systems and the switching graph. The requirement on the single‐agent systems is an H∞‐criterion that should be satisfied by a proper design of the controller. Meanwhile, the switching graph needs to be maximally connected. Moreover, we derive an upper bound for the overall L2 ‐gain of the output synchronization error with respect to the unmodeled disturbances over a fixed communication graph. We illustrate our technical developments by a simulation example.
Uncovering the role of Rad51 in homologous recombination-mediated antigenic diversification in the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum

The human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum maintains the chronicity of infections through antigenic variation, a well-coordinated immune evasion mechanism. The most prominent molecular determinant of antigenic variation in this parasite includes the members of the var multigene family. Homologous recombination (HR)-mediated genomic rearrangements have been implicated to play a major role in var gene diversification. However, the key molecular factors involved in the generation of diversity at var loci are less known. Here, we tested the hypothesis that PfRad51 could carry out recombination between var genes that are not homologous but homeologous in nature. We employed the whole-genome sequencing (WGS) approach to investigate recombination events among var sequences over 100 generations and compared the rate of sequence rearrangement at the var loci in both PfRad51-proficient and -deficient parasite lines. This brief report provides evidence that the loss of the key recombinase function renders the parasite with inefficient HR and results in fewer recombination events among the var sequences, thereby impacting the diversification of the var gene repertoire.