Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An optimization method for depletion-based silicon optical modulators

A new optimization method is described and performed on high-speed silicon optical modulators based on carrier depletion in a p-i-n junction. Quantitative results on the geometry of the waveguide and doping concentrations of the pand n-doped regions are presented at the end of the optimization. General rules can thus be applied to design high performances optical modulators in term of modulation efficiency and insertion loss. Complete electro-optical simulations have been performed on optimal designs to evaluate the corresponding Figures of Merit and theoretical limits on performances have been exhibited. VπLπ as low as 1.25 V.cm has been obtained at best for the p-n configuration, for a bias of 5 V and for a rib height of 400 nm. A strong dependence of the total optical loss with the geometry of the waveguide has also been demonstrated with an optimal value of 3 dB.
A Family of Integrated Cascade Multiport Converters for Centralized Equalization Systems: Derivation, Analysis, and Verification

To achieve simultaneous balancing of multiple battery cells, the existing centralized equalization methods need to configure multiple converters, which results in large size and high cost that limit the application of such methods. In this article, a systematic approach for deriving integrated cascade multiport converters (ICMPC) is proposed, and the limitations of the existing centralized methods are addressed by the derived family of converters. In the ICMPC-based method, the energy exchange between multiple unbalanced cells and battery string can be realized by configuring only one converter, which greatly improves the power density and cost benefit. Besides, the ICMPC features high voltage gain, high efficiency, and easily expandable ports, which further enhances its application potential. In order to better understand the derived converters, the half-bridge-based ICMPC with voltage dividing capacitors is thoroughly studied, covering its operation principle, control strategy, parameter selection, and soft-switching analysis. Finally, a test prototype for equalizing a battery string consisting of two seven-cell modules is built to validate the theoretical analysis. Also, an in-depth comparative evaluation is carried out to confirm the superiority of the ICMPC-based equalization system.
Some conditions which make the constantly scaled H∞ control synthesis problems convex

In this paper, we present some computationally tractable conditions which make the constantly scaled H∞ control synthesis problem convex. If one of the conditions proposed in this paper holds, the constantly scaled H∞ control synthesis problem can be solved efficiently as an LMI problem. The results presented here include the existing results such as the state feedback and the full information problems as special cases. In addition, the results are generalized to the case that some of state variables are exactly available. Owing to this generalization, a larger class of problems can be reduced to convex problems, while reduced order controllers can be obtained. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of the propagation characteristics of Bessel, Bessel–Gauss, and Gaussian beams diffracted by a circular aperture

We use the scalar Kirchhoff–Huygens diffraction integral to obtain analytic expressions for both axial and transverse intensity distributions, assuming normal incidence on a circular aperture for four types of incident field: (1) plane wave, (2) Bessel beam, (3) Gaussian beam, and (4) Bessel–Gauss beam. We use the Fresnel approximation to obtain the axial intensity as a function of distance from the aperture. We consider both Fresnel and Fraunhofer diffraction for the case of the transverse intensity distributions. For the axial case, we find that the Bessel–Gauss beam performs worse than the Bessel beam, in terms both of the magnitude of intensity and of its ability to extend a distance from the aperture. In the transverse case, we find that the Bessel–Gauss beam performance in terms of remaining nearly diffraction free over a given distance is highly dependent on the relationship among the aperture radius, the beam waist parameter, and the transverse wave number.
A CRISPR-Cas and Tat Peptide with Fluorescent RNA Aptamer System for Signal Amplification in RNA Imaging

We reported on an efficient RNA imaging strategy based on a CRISPR-Cas and Tat peptide with a fluorescent RNA aptamer (TRAP-tag). Using modified CRISPR-Cas RNA hairpin binding proteins fused with a Tat peptide array that recruits modified RNA aptamers, this simple and sensitive strategy is capable of visualizing endogenous RNA in cells with high precision and efficiency. In addition, the modular design of the CRISPR-TRAP-tag facilitates the substitution of sgRNAs, RNA hairpin binding proteins, and aptamers in order to optimize imaging quality and live cell affinity. With CRISPR-TRAP-tag, exogenous GCN4, endogenous mRNA MUC4, and lncRNA SatIII were distinctly visualized in single live cells.
EWMA Control Charts for Monitoring Optimal Portfolio Weights

Abstract The distribution of the asset returns is subject to structural breaks. These breaks may lead to changes in the optimal portfolio weights. A fast detection of any change in the optimal portfolio weights is of great relevance for a portfolio investor. In this paper we introduce several control charts for the weights of the global minimum variance portfolio. All charts are based on exponential smoothing. The charts are compared with each other using the average and median run length performance criteria. The proposed methodology is applied to empirical data.
Lagrangian Multipliers, Saddle Points, and Duality in Vector Optimization of Set-Valued Maps☆☆☆

Abstract This paper establishes an alternative theorem for generalized inequality-equality systems of set-valued maps. Based on this, several (Lagrange) multiplier type as well as saddle point type necessary and sufficient conditions are obtained for the existence of weak minimizers in vector optimization of set-valued maps. Lagrange type duality theorems are also derived.
Selection of Autochthonous Yeasts Isolated from the Intestinal Tracts of Cobia Fish (Rachycentron canadum) with Probiotic Potential

Some yeast strains have been proposed as probiotics to improve the health of cultured fish. Cobia is a tropical benthopelagic fish species with potential for marine aquaculture; however, one of the main limitations to its large-scale production is the high mortality of fish larvae. In this study, we evaluated the probiotic potential of autochthonous yeasts from the intestines of cobia. Thirty-nine yeast isolates were recovered from the intestinal mucosa of 37 adult healthy cobia by culture methods. Yeasts were identified by sequencing of the ITS and D1/D2 regions of the 28S rRNA gene and typed by RAPD-PCR using the M13 primer. Yeast strains with unique RAPD patterns were characterized in terms of their cell biomass production ability; anti-Vibrio, enzymatic, and hemolytic activity; biofilm production; hydrophobicity; autoaggregation; polyamine production; safety; and protection of cobia larvae against saline stress. Candida haemuloni C27 and Debaryomyces hansenii C10 and C28 were selected as potential probiotics. They did not affect the survival of larvae and showed biomass production >1 g L−1, hydrophobicity >41.47%, hemolytic activity γ, and activity in more than 8 hydrolytic enzymes. The results suggest that the selected yeast strains could be considered as potential probiotic candidates and should be evaluated in cobia larvae.
CFD simulations to study bed characteristics in gas–Solid fluidized beds with binary mixtures of Geldart-B particles: A qualitative analysis

The bed dynamics of unary and binary fluidized beds play a key role in understanding the pressure drop and hence provides an opportunity for performance improvement of the beds. In the present work, characteristics of fluidized beds with binary mixtures of Geldart-B particles were investigated using CFD simulations. The phenomena of segregation and mixing using simulations were studied, both qualitatively and quantitatively, at a range of superficial gas velocities (0.3–0.6 m/s) and two different bed heights. The study was divided into two parts. In Part I, the current study, a qualitative analysis of flow patterns for seven different binary mixtures, is presented. The quantitative analysis, including particle and gas velocity profiles, particle volume fraction profiles, and correlations for minimum fluidization velocity and pressure drop, will be presented in Part II of this work. A mathematical model consisting of an Eulerian-Eulerian model with RNG k-ε model and KTGF model to capture the bubble dynamics was used. The standardized values of coefficients and plastic stresses have been used for all simulations. The CFD model was validated using experimental data from the literature. Qualitative predictions of volume fraction profiles of small-sized particles showed that, for mixtures within a range of 40%–60% Geldart-B type large particles, the bubble and solid particle dynamics were different from those of single particles of the superficial gas velocities considered. In contrast to the single particles in the given superficial gas velocity range that were in bubbling regime, the binary particles showed a transition from bubbling to slugging to turbulent regime, as demonstrated by qualitative analysis. A homogeneous regime was observed for lower superficial gas velocities for mixtures consisting of 0%–20% large particles.
Improving Performance, Reliability, and Feasibility in Multimodal Multitask Traffic Classification with XAI

The promise of Deep Learning (DL) in solving hard problems such as network Traffic Classification (TC) is being held back by the severe lack of transparency and explainability of this kind of approaches. To cope with this strongly felt issue, the field of eXplainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) has been recently founded, and is providing effective techniques and approaches. Accordingly, in this work we investigate interpretability via XAI-based techniques to understand and improve the behavior of state-of-the-art multimodal and multitask DL traffic classifiers. Using a publicly available security-related dataset (ISCX VPN-nonVPN), we explore and exploit XAI techniques to characterize the considered classifiers providing global interpretations (rather than sample-based ones), and define a novel classifier, Distiller-Evolved, optimized along three objectives: performance, reliability, feasibility. The proposed methodology proves as highly appealing, allowing to much simplify the architecture to get faster training time and shorter classification time, as fewer packets must be collected. This is at the expenses of negligible (or even positive) impact on classification performance, while understanding and controlling the interplay between inputs, model complexity, performance, and reliability.
A reevaluation of the 20-micron magnitude system

The 20-micron infrared magnitude system is reexamined by observing primary infrared standards and seven A V stars. The purpose is to determine whether Alpha Lyr has colors consistent with the average of A0 stars and to determine the relative magnitude of the primary standards to that of Alpha Lyr. The data presented are consistent with the interpretation that the spectrum of Alpha Lyr is a blackbody and that it is a viable flux standard at 10 and 20 microns. The absolute flux density scale, the physical quantity of interest, is found to be consistent with an extrapolation of the Alpha Lyr spectrum from the near infrared on the basis of the comparison of stars to Mars and asteroids. Adoption of a 0.0 magnitude for Alpha Lyr requires that the magnitudes given by Morrison and Simon (1973) and by Simon et al. (1972) be revised downward by 0.14 mag.
Biochemical and genetic examination of two aminotransferases from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus kodakarensis

The hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus kodakarensis utilizes amino acids as a carbon and energy source. Multiple aminotransferases, along with glutamate dehydrogenase, are presumed to be involved in the catabolic conversion of amino acids. T. kodakarensis harbors seven Class I aminotransferase homologs on its genome. Here we examined the biochemical properties and physiological roles of two Class I aminotransferases. The TK0548 protein was produced in Escherichia coli and the TK2268 protein in T. kodakarensis. Purified TK0548 protein preferred Phe, Trp, Tyr, and His, and to a lower extent, Leu, Met and Glu. The TK2268 protein preferred Glu and Asp, with lower activities toward Cys, Leu, Ala, Met and Tyr. Both proteins recognized 2-oxoglutarate as the amino acceptor. The TK0548 protein exhibited the highest kcat/Km value toward Phe, followed by Trp, Tyr, and His. The TK2268 protein exhibited highest kcat/Km values for Glu and Asp. The TK0548 and TK2268 genes were individually disrupted, and both disruption strains displayed a retardation in growth on a minimal amino acid medium, suggesting their involvement in amino acid metabolism. Activities in the cell-free extracts of the disruption strains and the host strain were examined. The results suggested that the TK0548 protein contributes to the conversion of Trp, Tyr and His, and the TK2268 protein to that of Asp and His. Although other aminotransferases seem to contribute to the transamination of Phe, Trp, Tyr, Asp, and Glu, our results suggest that the TK0548 protein is responsible for the majority of aminotransferase activity toward His in T. kodakarensis. The genetic examination carried out in this study provides insight into the contributions of the two aminotransferases toward specific amino acids in vivo, an aspect which had not been thoroughly considered thus far.
PEST: Efficient Estimates on Probability Functions

An adaptive procedure for rapid and efficient psychophysical testing is described. PEST (Parameter Estimation by Sequential Testing) was designed with maximally efficient trial‐by‐trial sequential decisions at each stimulus level, in a sequence which tends to converge on a selected target level. An appendix introduces an approach to measuring test efficiency as applied to psychophysical testing problems.
A hybrid method for pricing European options based on multiple assets with transaction costs

The problem of pricing European options based on multiple assets with transaction costs is considered. These options include, for example, quality options and options on the minimum of two or more risky assets. The value of these options is the solution of a nonlinear parabolic partial differential equation subject to a final condition given by the payoff function associated with the option. A computationally efficient method to solve this final-value problem is proposed. This method is based on an asymptotic expansion of the required solution with respect to the parameters related to the transaction costs followed by the numerical solution of the linear partial differential equations obtained at each order in perturbation theory. The numerical solution of these linear problems involves an implicit finite-difference scheme for the parabolic equation and the use of the fast Fourier sine transform to solve the resulting elliptic problems. Numerical results obtained on test problems with the method proposed here are shown and discussed.
Increased Bone Formation and Accelerated Bone Mass Accrual in a Man Presenting with Diffuse Osteosclerosis/High Bone Mass Phenotype and Adenocarcinoma of Unknown Primary

A 71‐year‐old man was referred for evaluation of incidental generalized osteosclerosis. He was found to have a high bone mass (HBM) with an elevated lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) Z‐score of +5.3. Over an 18‐month period, his lumbar spine BMD measured by dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) had increased by +64% from 1.09 to 1.79 g/cm2 and femoral neck by +21% from 0.83 to 1.01 g/cm2. Biochemical markers of bone turnover were markedly increased (serum propeptide of type 1 collagen and urine telopeptides greater than 10‐times normal). The high bone formation and increased skeletal calcium acquisition resulted in profound hypocalcemia (low serum calcium 1.88 mmol/L) and hypocalciuria (low urinary calcium <0.2 mmol/day). Positron emission tomography (PET) with 2‐deoxy‐2‐[fluorine‐18] fluoro‐D‐glucose (FDG) confirmed diffuse osteosclerosis without focal areas of abnormal FDG uptake in the skeleton or elsewhere to suggest either an underlying primary malignancy or metastatic disease. Bone biopsy showed markedly sclerotic woven and lamellar bone. The marrow space was devoid of typical bone cells and adipocytes and instead was filled by fibromyxoid stroma, infiltrated by small clusters of tumor cells. Bone histomorphometry and micro–computed tomography demonstrated an elevated trabecular bone volume and trabecular plate thickness. The bone disorder in this case is unique and raises the possibility of a new yet undefined novel anabolic paracrine factor (or factors) secreted by an adenocarcinoma of unknown primary that resulted in dramatic increases in BMD, HBM, and radiological osteosclerosis. The differential diagnosis and potential mechanisms responsible for the HBM are discussed. © 2023 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
A Simple Method for the Assessment of the Cloud Cover State in High-Latitude Regions by a Ground-Based Digital Camera

Abstract This work describes the development of a simple method of field estimating the sky cloud coverage percentage for several applications at the Brazilian Antarctic Station, Ferraz (62°05′S, 58°23.5′W). The database of this method was acquired by a digital color camera in the visible range of the spectrum. A new algorithm was developed to classify each pixel according to a criteria decision process. The information on the pixel contamination by clouds was obtained from the saturation component of the intensity, hue, and saturation space (IHS). For simplicity, the images were acquired with a limited field of view of 36° pointing to the camera’s zenith to prevent direct sunlight from reaching the internal charge-coupled device (CCD) on the camera. For a priori–classified clear-sky images, the accuracy of the method was superior to 94%. For overcast-sky conditions, the corresponding accuracy was larger than 99%. A comparison test was performed with two human observers and our method. The results for the.
High‐Resolution, Basin‐Scale Simulations Reveal the Impact of Intermediate Zonal Jets on the Atlantic Oxygen Minimum Zones

Eastward zonal jets at intermediate depths of 300–800 m connect the oxygen‐rich western boundary of the Atlantic basin with the oxygen minimum zones (OMZs) on the eastern boundary. They are not well represented in climate models because the low horizontal resolution of these models yields excessive viscosity. We use two physical‐biogeochemical model configurations of the Tropical Atlantic to show that the increase in resolution results in more robust intermediate zonal jets and a better representation of the OMZs. The OMZ structure is distorted at low‐resolution as surface, westward jets advect low‐oxygen waters from the eastern boundary much further west than in the climatology. The emergence of robust eastward jets in the high‐resolution run alleviate this problem and reproduce the Atlantic OMZs more accurately. The asymmetry between westward and eastward jets occurs because the former are associated with homogenous potential vorticity regions originating in the eastern boundary while the latter are associated with potential vorticity gradients. Intermediate, eastward jets constrain the westward expansion of the OMZs by supplying oxygen to their western edge. Within the OMZs, higher resolution allows a better representation of the boundary current system and eddying processes at depth which redistribute of low oxygen values from the productive eastern boundary. Basin‐scale, high‐resolution simulations reproduce more accurately the transfer of energy across scales that results in robust zonal jets as well as their impact on the ocean biogeochemistry. Accurate model predictions provide a pathway to disentangle natural and anthropogenic causes of ocean deoxygenation.
Bioconversion of Different Waste Streams of Animal and Vegetal Origin and Manure by Black Soldier Fly Larvae Hermetia illucens L. (Diptera: Stratiomyidae)

Simple Summary The worldwide waste problem has large environmental impacts and huge efforts have been made to mitigate this problem. Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSFL) were proposed as an efficient way to get rid of organic waste, acting by converting the waste into a protein- and lipid-rich biomass suitable for various purposes such as animal feed, biodiesel and chitin. This article studies larval growth and development and waste reduction and conversion indexes of BSFL when reared on six different waste streams and a control substrate (chicken feed): pig manure slurry mixed with roadside silage grass, the organic wet fraction of municipal household waste, secondary sludge from slaughter waste, fast food waste, mushroom stems and pig manure solids. In addition, the larval fatty acid profile and the chemical composition of the frass were also analyzed. The larval growth as well as the waste reduction index and the efficiency of conversion of ingested substrate were highest in the fast food waste (FFW) substrate. The larvae reared on FFW had high fat content and produced fat-rich frass with high dry matter content. Slaughter waste, pig manure and mushroom stems also showed good potential for bioconversion and led to protein-rich larvae. Abstract Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) are considered a commercially viable solution for global organic waste problems. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of rearing BSFL on a wide range of low-value waste streams and its potential to transform them into high-quality animal feed and fertilizer. Six waste streams of different origins were selected and each tested in triplicate. Several parameters were analysed: growth performance, waste reduction index (WRI), conversion efficiency (ECI) and larval composition. Frass composition was also analysed. Larvae reared on fast food waste (FFW) had the highest ECI and WRI and the lowest values when reared on pig manure slurry mixed with silage grass (PMLSG) and slaughter waste (SW). The highest protein content was found for larvae reared on mushroom stems (MS) although this substrate had the lowest protein content. Moreover, the frass nutritional profile was proportionally related to the substrate’s nutritional profile: the protein-rich substrate (SW) resulted in protein-rich frass and the low-protein substrate (MS) resulted in protein-poor frass. The same was true for the lipid content. In conclusion, this study showed that BSFL can be successfully reared on a wide range of waste streams that can affect the larval and frass chemical compositions.