Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fast fiber Bragg grating interrogation system with scalability to support monitoring of large structures in harsh environments

Fiber optic sensor systems can alleviate certain challenges faced by electronics sensors faced when monitoring structures subject to marine and other harsh environments. Challenges in implementation of such systems include scalability, interconnection and cabling. We describe a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor system architecture based that is scalable to support over 1000 electromagnetic interference immune sensors at high sampling rates for harsh environment applications. A key enabler is a high performance FBG interrogator supporting subsection sampling rates ranging from kHz to MHz. Results are presented for fast dynamic switching between multiple structural sections and the use of this sensing system for dynamic load monitoring as well as the potential for acoustic emission and ultrasonic monitoring on materials ranging from aluminum and composites to concrete subject to severe environments.
Fast spectral color image segmentation based on filtering and clustering

This paper proposes a fast approach to spectral image segmentation. In the algorithm, two popular techniques are extended and applied to spectral color images: the mean-shift filtering and the kernel-based clustering. We claim that segmentation should be completed under illuminant F11 rather than directly using the original spectral reflectance, because such illumination can reduce data variability and expedite the following filtering. The modes obtained in the mean-shift filtering represent the local features of spectral images, and will be applied to segmentation in place of pixels. Since the modes are generally small in number, the eigendecomposition of kernel matrices, the crucial step in the kernelbased clustering, becomes much easier. The combination of these two techniques can efficiently enhance the performance of segmentation. Experiments show that the proposed segmentation method is feasible and very promising for spectral color images.
The comparison of photogrammetric and terrestrial laser scanning methods in the documentation of small cultural heritage object – case study

Nowadays, 3D models are commonly used to protect, manage and preserve cultural heritage objects and sites. Two methods are widely used: close-range photogrammetry and terrestrial laser scanning. Both those methods are burdened by the errors caused by the measurement system and physical properties of the object being under development. This investigation aimed to present the potential and limitations of using the photogrammetric and terrestrial laser scanning methods to document small cultural heritage objects. The object is a water pumping station building located in the Museum of King John III's Palace at Wilanów. It is situated near Lake Wilanowskie; hence the access to one wall was considerably limited. Data were acquired by the Terrestrial Laser Scanner Z+F 5006h and full-frame camera Canon 5D Mark II with the focal length - 17, 24, 28, 35 mm. The close-range images were processed in the Agisoft Metashape program, and the Structure-from-Motion with MultiView Stereo approach was utilised for the dense point cloud generation. The extended quality assessment analysis was conducted in the CloudCompare program, and the comparison between point clouds and cross-sections derived from the dataset was compared. The result of performed investigation shows that the point cloud generated from photos taken with a lens with a focal length 35 mm is characterised by the highest accuracy.
Multispectral image fusion method based on intensity-hue-saturation and nonsubsampled three-channels non-separable wavelets

A new multispectral image fusion method based on intensity-hue-saturation (IHS) transform and three-channel non-separable wavelets whose dilation matrix is [2,1;-1,1] is proposed. The multi-resolution decompositions of the intensity of multispectral image and panchromatic image are performed in nonsubsampled mode using the three-channel non-separable wavelet filter bank. The approximation images and the detail images of the multi-resolution pyramids are fused. The experimental results show that this method has good visual effect. The performance outperforms the IHS fusion method, the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) fusion method, and the IHS-DWT fusion method in preserving spectral quality and high spatial resolution information.
DNA Damage Response and Repair in Boron Neutron Capture Therapy

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is an approach to the radiotherapy of solid tumors that was first outlined in the 1930s but has attracted considerable attention recently with the advent of a new generation of neutron sources. In BNCT, tumor cells accumulate 10B atoms that react with epithermal neutrons, producing energetic α particles and 7Li atoms that damage the cell’s genome. The damage inflicted by BNCT appears not to be easily repairable and is thus lethal for the cell; however, the molecular events underlying the action of BNCT remain largely unaddressed. In this review, the chemistry of DNA damage during BNCT is outlined, the major mechanisms of DNA break sensing and repair are summarized, and the specifics of the repair of BNCT-induced DNA lesions are discussed.
Complete Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition for Seismic Time-Frequency Analysis

Summary Time frequency analysis plays a significant role in seismic data processing and interpretation. Complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition (CEEMD) decomposes a seismic signal into a sum of intrinsic oscillatory components, with guaranteed positive and relatively smooth instantaneous frequencies. Combined calculation of the instantaneous frequency with CEEMD can apply on seismic time frequency analysis. The numerical example shows our proposed method has higher spectral-spatial resolution than the short-time Fourier transform or wavelet transform. Application on field data highlights the geology structures, which is beneficial for seismic interpretation.
The Thurston norm and 2-handle addition

Suppose a 2-handle is attached to a compact orientable 3-manifold M along an annulus A contained in a subsurface N of 9M. If N is compressible in M, but N A is not, then the Thurston norm is unaffected. This generalizes a series of results due to Przytycki, Jaco, and Johannson. Following Thurston [Th], define the complexity x(S) of an oriented surface S to be -x(C), where C is the union of all nonsimply connected components of S and x(C) is its Euler characteristic. Hence X(S) > 0. For M a compact oriented 3-manifold and N a (possibly empty) surface in d9M, assign to any homology class a in H2 (M, N; Z) the minimum complexity v of all oriented imbedded surfaces whose fundamental class represents a. , Thurston shows that there is a unique continuous extension of v to H2(M, N; R). It is a pseudo-norm and, if the fundamental class of every embedded sphere, torus, disk, and annulus is trivial in H2 (M, N), it is a norm. Any continuous map p: (X, Y) -(M, N) induces a pseudo-norm p* (v) on H2(X, Y) defined by p*(v)( (a) = v(p*l(a)). If p: (M', N') -+ (M, N) is an inclusion of 3-manifolds, then clearly p*(v) < V/. Let M+ be the 3-manifold obtained from M by attaching a 2-handle to M along an annulus A in N. This alters N by a surgery to yield a surface N+ in d3M+. Inclusion induces an epimorphism p: H2 (M, N A) -H2 (M+, N+). THEOREM. Let M+ be the 3-manifold obtained from a compact oriented 3manifold M by attaching a 2-handle along an annulus A in a (possibly empty) surface N in d9M. If N is compressible but N A is not, then p*(v+) = V. As a special case we have the main theorem of [Joh]: COROLLARY. Suppose M+ is obtained from the d9-reducible 3-manifold M by attaching a 2-handle along an annulus A for which d9M A is incompressible. If there is an incompressible, nonseparating surface S+ in M+ then there is an incompressible nonseparating surface S in M+ which is entirely contained in M and with complexity less than S+. PROOF OF THE COROLLARY. Let a+ be the fundamental class of S+ in H2 (M+, d9M+). Since p is an epimorphism, there is a class a in H2 (M, aM A) such that p(a) = a+. By the Theorem, v(a) = v+(a+) < x-(S+), so there is a surface S in M which is homologous to S+ (and hence nonseparating in M+) and with X-(S) < X-(S+). fl Received by the editors May 22, 1985. 1980 Matihematics Suject CGssfication (1985 Revision). Primary 57N10; Secondary 57M35. Research supported in part by a National Science Foundation Grant. (? )1987 American Mathematical Society 0002-9939/87 $1.00 + $. 25 per page
A method for the inhibition of carbon-film formation in hidden areas of the divertor for tritium inventory control in tokamak

Carbon fibre composites (CFCs) planned to be used in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) divertor can be eroded due to hydrogen species from the plasma and the resulting hydrocarbons can be redeposited in other locations. Tritium retention in redeposited materials is the major concern due to the limits imposed for safety reasons by the nuclear licensing authorities. The scavenging effect has already been proposed to decrease the carbon redeposited materials using nitrogen as a scavenger. To date, only fairly limited data are available on the use of NH3 as a scavenger. In this brief communication, the possibility of performing the inhibition of carbon-film formation using NH3 was examined.
Bayesian Inference for the Jump-Diffusion Model with M Jumps

In this article, we propose a new class of models—jump-diffusion models with M jumps (JD(M)J). These structures generalize the discretized arithmetic Brownian motion (for logarithmic rates of return) and the Bernoulli jump-diffusion model. The aim of this article is to present Bayesian tools for estimation and comparison of JD(M)J models. Presented methodology is illustrated with two empirical studies, employing both simulated and real-world data (the S&P100 Index).
Preparation of pseudopure state in nuclear spin ensemble using CNOT gates combination

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is one of the experimental schemes for quantum computation. Most initial state of quantum algorithm in NMR computation is the pseudopure state. Until now, there are several methods to prepare pseudopure state. This note, based on the idea of controlled-not (CNOT) gates combination, has analyzed the characteristics of this method in the odd- and even-qubit system. Also, we have designed the pulse sequence for a 4-qubit sample to obtain pseudopure state, and realized it in the experiment. This method reduces the complexity of experiment and gives a high signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio.
Reproducibility of Health Claims in Meta-Analysis Studies of COVID Quarantine (Stay-at-Home) Orders

The coronavirus pandemic (COVID) has been an extraordinary test of modern government scientific procedures that inform and shape policy. Many governments implemented COVID quarantine (stay-at-home) orders on the notion that this nonpharmaceutical intervention would delay and flatten the epidemic peak and largely benefit public health outcomes. The overall research capacity response to COVID since late 2019 has been massive. Given a lack of research transparency, only a small fraction of published research has been judged by others to be reproducible before COVID. Independent evaluation of published meta-analysis on a common research question can be used to assess the reproducibility of a claim coming from that field of research. We used a p-value plotting statistical method to independently evaluate reproducibility of specific research claims made in four meta-analysis studies related to benefits/harms of COVID quarantine orders. Research claims that these meta-analyses covered included: mortality, mental health symptoms, incidence of domestic violence, and suicidal ideation (thoughts of killing yourself). Three of the four meta-analysis studies that we evaluated (mortality, mental health symptoms, incidence of domestic violence) raise further questions about benefits/harms of this form of intervention. The fourth meta-analysis study (suicidal ideation) is judged to be unreliable. Given lack of research transparency and irreproducibility of published research, independent evaluation of meta-analysis studies using p-value plotting is offered as a way to strengthen or refute (falsify) claims made in COVID research.
A study to improve the van der Waals component of the interaction in water clusters

A portable model potential, representing the intermolecular interaction of water as a combination of a few effective components given in terms of the polarizability and dipole moment values of the molecular partners, is here proposed as a building block of the force field of water clusters in molecular dynamics simulations. In this spirit, here, we discuss the key properties of the model potential and its application to water dimers, trimers and tetramers with the purpose of extrapolating the results to very large clusters mimicking the liquid phase. The suitability of the model potential for dynamics investigations is checked by comparing on one hand the value of the second virial coefficient calculated for the gaseous dimer with experimental data measured over a wide range of temperature (273–3000 K) and, on the other hand, the calculated radial distribution functions and density with those obtained from experiments performed using liquid water.
Simulating the Diffusion of Residential Rooftop Photovoltaic, Battery Storage Systems and Electric Cars in Italy. An Exploratory Study Combining a Discrete Choice and Agent-Based Modelling Approach

Rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems could significantly contribute to renewable energy production and reduce domestic energy costs. In Italy, as in other countries, the current incentives generate a modest annual increase after the generous fiscal incentives that kick-started the PV market in the 2008–2013 period. Several factors are, however, at play that can speed up the installation process, such as the improvements in PV technology at declining prices, the increased availability of battery-storage (BS) systems, the growing use of electric appliances, the uptake of electric cars, and the increased environmental awareness. We integrate two research methodologies, discrete choice modeling and agent-based modeling, to understand how these factors will influence households’ decisions regarding PV and BS installations and how agents interact in their socioeconomic environment. We predict that in Italy, given the preference structure of homeowners, the continuing decline in costs, and the social interaction, 40–45% of homeowners will have PV or PV and BS installed by 2030, thanks to the existing investment tax credit policy.
Interpretation of A1C measurement in sub-Saharan Africa beyond the global A1C-Derived Average Glucose (ADAG) equation

Introduction optimal metabolic control is crucial for prevention of diabetes associated complications. HbA1c is a correlate of chronic hyperglycemia and is associated with long-term diabetes complications. We investigate the relationship between A1C and estimated average blood glucose (eAG) from the multicenter A1C-Derived Average Glucose (ADAG) study, in a sub-Saharan African population. Methods forty-seven patients with diabetes mellitus and ten normoglycemic individuals were consecutively recruited from a tertiary reference hospital in Cameroon. This observational study was conducted in the framework of the ADAG study. eAG was derived from single values obtained from self-monitored blood glucose (SMBG) and from continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Spearman correlation coefficient was used to examine the relationship between eAG and A1C levels. Results there was a strong linear relationship between eAG using SMBG with A1C level; eAG (mmol/l) =1.22 x A1C (%) - 0.25; R2 = 0.58; p<0.001. This suggests that a one percent increase in A1C corresponds to a 1.22 mmol/l increment of eAG. A similar relationship was found between A1C level and eAG from the continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) measurements albeit with a smaller accretion; eAG (mmol/l) =0.95 x A1C (%) + 1.52; R2 = 0.52; p<0.001. The bias of the global ADAG equation was lower than 5% below A1C level of 7% and progressively increased with higher values of A1C. Conclusion consistent with previous reports, using a population specific equation, A1C can be better derived from eAG in individuals from sub-Saharan African origin.
Early Regional Patterning in the Human Prefrontal Cortex Revealed by Laminar Dynamics of Deep Projection Neuron Markers

Early regional patterning and laminar position of cortical projection neurons is determined by activation and deactivation of transcriptional factors (TFs) and RNA binding proteins (RBPs) that regulate spatiotemporal framework of neurogenetic processes (proliferation, migration, aggregation, postmigratory differentiation, molecular identity acquisition, axonal growth, dendritic development, and synaptogenesis) within transient cellular compartments. Deep-layer projection neurons (DPN), subplate (SPN), and Cajal–Retzius neurons (CRN) are early-born cells involved in the establishment of basic laminar and regional cortical architecture; nonetheless, laminar dynamics of their molecular transcriptional markers remain underexplored. Here we aimed to analyze laminar dynamics of DPN markers, i.e., transcription factors TBR1, CTIP2, TLE4, SOX5, and RBP CELF1 on histological serial sections of the human frontal cortex between 7.5–15 postconceptional weeks (PCW) in reference to transient proliferative, migratory, and postmigratory compartments. The subtle signs of regional patterning were seen during the late preplate phase in the pattern of sublaminar organization of TBR1+/Reelin+ CRN and TBR1+ pioneering SPN. During the cortical plate (CP)-formation phase, TBR1+ neurons became radially aligned, forming continuity from a well-developed subventricular zone to CP showing clear lateral to medial regional gradients. The most prominent regional patterning was seen during the subplate formation phase (around 13 PCW) when a unique feature of the orbitobasal frontal cortex displays a “double plate” pattern. In other portions of the frontal cortex (lateral, dorsal, medial) deep portion of CP becomes loose and composed of TBR1+, CTIP2+, TLE4+, and CELF1+ neurons of layer six and later-born SPN, which later become constituents of the expanded SP (around 15 PCW). Overall, TFs and RBPs mark characteristic regional laminar dynamics of DPN, SPN, and CRN subpopulations during remarkably early fetal phases of the highly ordered association cortex development.
Impact of European structural and investment funds absorption on the regional development in the EU-12 (new member states)

Research background: European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) as the main instruments of cohesion policy (CP) in the EU, provide a broad source of financing opportunities for the EU member states. The biggest amount in the CP budget is oriented to convergence NUTS 2 regions that have GDP p.c. below 75% of the EU average. The new members of the EU (accessed in 2004 and 2007) had available 176.3 billion EUR in the period 2007? 2013 and 217 billion EUR in the period 2014? 2020. Even the absorption rate (in 2007? 2013) of available ESIFs is high (above 90%), the real implications on their economies don? t come automatically and they represent the area for examination. Purpose of the article: The research aims to analyse the impact of ESIFs absorption in EU new member states in the period 2008? 2016 on their GDP p.c. Methods: As the sample has time and cross-sectional dimension, the panel data in static and dynamic form is employed. The analysis covers the major part of the financial framework 2007? 2013 and a part of financial perspective 2014? 2020 (depending on the available data). Findings & value added: The results indicate that increase in ESIF p.c. for 1% will contribute to the GDP p.c. increase for 0.0053 to 0.0064 % (static model) and for 0.008% (dynamic model). Although the impact of ESIFs is significant and positive, it is quite (and unexpectedly) small, and consequently new EU member states should not rely too much on them as the source of economic progress. It is necessary that countries should focus on channeling funds into specific segments (sectors, policies) that will result in increased competitiveness of their economies. The contributions lie in creating GDP p.c. determination function; in including all new EU member states; in including more recent available data and by observing ESIFs as a part of growth model.
Secretomic Insights into the Pathophysiology of Venturia inaequalis: The Causative Agent of Scab, a Devastating Apple Tree Disease

Apple scab, caused by Venturia inaequalis, is one of the world’s most commercially significant apple diseases. The fungi have a catastrophic impact on apples, causing considerable losses in fruit quality and productivity in many apple-growing locations despite numerous control agents. Fungi secrete various effectors and other virulence-associated proteins that suppress or alter the host’s immune system, and several such proteins were discovered in this work. Using state-of-the-art bioinformatics techniques, we examined the V. inaequalis reference genome (EU-B04), resulting in the identification of 647 secreted proteins, of which 328 were classified as small secreted proteins (SSPs), with 76.52% of SSPs identified as anticipated effector proteins. The more prevalent CAZyme proteins were the enzymes engaged in plant cell wall disintegration (targeting pectin and xylanase), adhesion and penetration (Cutinases/acetyl xylan esterase), and reactive oxygen species formation (multicopper oxidases). Furthermore, members of the S9 prolyl oligopeptidase family were identified as the most abundant host defense peptidases. Several known effector proteins were discovered to be expressed during the V. inaequalis infection process on apple leaves. The present study provides valuable data that can be used to develop new strategies for controlling apple scab.
Distinct xylem responses to acute vs. prolonged drought in pine trees.

Increasing dryness challenges trees' ability to maintain water transport to the leaves. Most plant hydraulics models use a static xylem response to water stress. Yet in reality, lower soil moisture and warmer temperatures during growing seasons feed back onto xylem development. In turn, adjustments to droughts in the newly built xylem influence future physiological responses to droughts. In this study, we investigate the annual variation of anatomical traits in branch xylem in response to different soil and atmospheric moisture conditions and tree stress levels, as indicated by seasonal predawn leaf water potential (ΨL,pd). We used a six-year field experiment in southwestern USA with three soil water treatments applied to Pinus edulis trees-ambient, drought (45% rain-reduction) and irrigation (15-35% annual water addition). All trees were also subject to a natural one-year acute drought (soil and atmospheric) that occurred during the experiment. The irrigated trees showed only moderate changes in anatomy-derived hydraulic traits compared to the ambient trees, suggesting a generally stable, well-balance xylem structure under un-stressed conditions. The artificial prolonged soil drought increased hydraulic efficiency but lowered xylem construction costs and decreased tracheid implosion safety ([t/b]2), suggesting that annual adjustments of xylem structure follow a safety-efficiency tradeoff. The combination of acute and prolonged drought resulted in vulnerable and inefficient new xylem, disrupting the stability of the anatomical tradeoff observed in the rest of the years. The xylem hydraulic traits showed no consistent direct link to ΨL,pd. In the future, changes in seasonality of soil and atmospheric moisture are likely to have a critical impact on the ability of Pinus edulis to acclimate their xylem to warmer climate. Furthermore, the increasing frequency of acute droughts might reduce hydraulic resilience of Pinus edulis by repeatedly creating vulnerable and less efficient anatomical structure.