Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
First on-sky results of a Fabry-Perot Instrument for Oxygen Searches (FIOS) prototype

The upcoming Extremely Large Telescopes (ELTs) are expected to have the collecting area required to detect potential biosignature gases such as molecular oxygen, $\mathrm{O_2}$, in the atmosphere of terrestrial planets around nearby stars. One of the most promising detection methods is transmission spectroscopy. To maximize our capability to detect $\mathrm{O_2}$ using this method, spectral resolutions $\mathrm{R}\geq 300,000$ are required to fully resolve the absorption lines in an Earth-like exoplanet atmosphere and disentangle the signal from telluric lines. Current high-resolution spectrographs typically achieve a spectral resolution of $\mathrm{R}\sim100,000$. Increasing the resolution in seeing limited observations/instruments requires drastically larger optical components, making these instruments even more expensive and hard to fabricate and assemble. Instead, we demonstrate a new approach to high-resolution spectroscopy. We implemented an ultra-high spectral resolution booster to be coupled in front of a high-resolution spectrograph. The instrument is based on a chained Fabry Perot array which generates a hyperfine spectral profile. We present on-sky telluric observations with a lab demonstrator. Depending on the configuration, this two-arm prototype reaches a resolution of R=250,000-350,000. After carefully modeling the prototype's behavior, we propose a Fabry Perot Interferometer (FPI) design for an eight-arm array configuration aimed at ELTs capable of exceeding R=300,000. The novel FPI resolution booster can be plugged in at the front end of an existing R=100,000 spectrograph to overwrite the spectral profile with a higher resolution for exoplanet atmosphere studies.
Toxic Elements in Beans from Zhejiang, Southeast China: Distribution and Probabilistic Health Risk Assessment

This study described the distribution of As, Cd, Cr, Hg, and Pb in 692 bean samples from Zhejiang province, southeast China, and estimated the health risk using Monte Carlo simulation. The average levels of As, Cd, Cr, Hg, and Pb were 0.0349, 0.0379, 0.246, 0.0019, and 0.0246 mg kg−1. Correlation analyses showed very strong positive correlations for Cd-Pb in kidney beans and mung beans, Cd-As in black beans, and Pb-As in red beans. The target hazard quotients (THQs) were adopted for non-carcinogenic risk assessment, and THQs at the 50th percentile were all less than 1, indicating that there are no deleterious effects from rice exposure to these elements. When evaluating THQ for multiple elements, the certainty with a hazard index (HI) greater than 1 for children was 12.64%, for teens 11.54%, and for adults 1.01%. The sensitivity analysis reveals that the concentration of Cd in beans and ED (exposure duration) are the main principal factors that contributed to the total risk. The mean carcinogenic risks for children, teens, and adults were all less than 1 × 10−4, indicating no potential carcinogenic risk. Despite that, the routine monitoring of these elements, especially for Cd should be continued.
Application of the regional flow estimation method in the Himalayan region

The regional flow estimation method (RFEM) has been used in the UK and Europe for many water resources planning applications. The method, which is based on the fact that the temporal variability of flows at any point in a river is controlled by the physical characteristics of the upstream basin, provides an estimate of the flow-duration curve at ungauged sites. This paper describes the adaptation of the method in Nepal and the Indian state Himachal Pradesh; a region typified by high mountains and a monsoon-dominated climate and having relatively sparse hydrometric and meteorological observations. By relating the observed river flow data to pertinent basin characteristics, regional statistical models, capable of describing the flow regime at any location in the study area, were derived. Though the data available to the project was limited, the results were generally satisfactory, comparing favourably with those from similar studies in Europe.
Quantitative 3D Characterization of Pore Structure in Malan Loess from Different Regions of the Loess Plateau

The micro pores in loess show regional variation in structure on the Loess Plateau and greatly influence the physical properties and macro behaviors of loess. In this study, the 3D microstructures of Malan loess from Lanzhou (LZ), Qingyang (QY), Hengshan (HS) and Jingyang (JY) were established based on μ-CT scanning, and the corresponding microstructural parameters were compared and analyzed quantitatively. The results indicate that the LZ and HS loess both show overall homogeneous structures with dominant inter-particle pores, while the QY and JY loess have more intra-aggregate and constricted pores. Overall, the LZ loess has the largest pore size, followed by the JY loess, QY loess and HS loess, which is consistent with the throat sizes of the four loess samples. The average coordination numbers (CNs) of the LZ and HS loess are lower than those of the QY and JY loess, while the throat lengths of the former two loess are larger than those of the latter two loess. Analysis of the correlation between the micropore parameters and macro behaviors of the loess suggests that the void ratio is the precondition for loess collapse, but it shows weak relevance to collapsibility; meanwhile, the size of pores contributing to the major pore space presents a strong positive correlation. The throat length representing the pore structure is more closely related to loess permeability compared with the void ratio, average CN and throat size.
The Influence of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) on Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) Plasma Level in Patients with Schizophrenia—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The main aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to establish whether there is a correlation between the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) level and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) treatment and the reduction in psychotic symptoms in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. A systematic search of PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus and Embase was conducted up to March 2023. Inclusion criteria: studies in which adult patients with schizophrenia treated with antipsychotic medication received ECT therapy and had the BDNF level measured before and after ECT treatment. Exclusion criteria: animal and in vitro studies or studies not involving complete information about the treatment and concentration of BDNF in plasma. The risk of bias was assessed using Egger’s regression-based test for meta-analysis with continuous outcomes. Six studies comprising 248 individuals with schizophrenia were included. A statistically significant increase in BDNF levels after ECT treatment was observed only in two studies (p < 0.001 and p < 0.027, respectively), whereas in four other studies, an upward trend without statistical significance was noticed. The estimated overall size effect revealed that ECT therapy caused a slight change in the BDNF level but without statistical significance (ES = −0.328). Different numbers of ECT procedures (4-10), final measurement of the BDNF level made at a different time point, using bilateral or unilateral electrode positioning during ECT and treatment with different combinations of typical or atypical antipsychotic medications may be potential reasons for the lack of statistical significance in the changes in BDNF levels after treatment. Data regarding the measurement of BDNF levels pre and post ECT therapy in patients with schizophrenia are very limited without an extended follow-up period and evaluation of mental health change. Our meta-analysis showed that treatment with ECT therapy and antipsychotic medication increases serum BDNF levels in patients with drug-resistant schizophrenia compared to patients treated with medication only; however, this effect is not statistically significant.
Erysiphe thuemenii causing powdery mildew on Potentilla indica in China

Abstract In August 2017, severe powdery mildew was observed on Potentilla indica in Minhe, Qinghai province, China. The identification of fungal species was performed by morphological study using an optical microscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM), supplemented by sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA. Based on a combination of morphology, ITS sequence, and host, the powdery mildew on Potentilla indica was identified as Erysiphe thuemenii, a species belonging to the E. aquilegiae complex. This is the first report of E. thuemenii causing powdery mildew on a new host species, P. indica, in China and also worldwide.
Functional Assay for Measuring Bacterial Degradation of Gemcitabine Chemotherapy

Drug biotransformation by the host microbiome can impact the therapeutic success of treatment. In the context of cancer, drug degradation can take place within the microenvironment of the targeted tumor by intratumor bacteria. In pancreatic cancer, increased chemo-resistance against the frontline chemotherapy gemcitabine is thought to arise from drug degradation by the tumor microbiome. This bacterial–drug interaction highlights the need for developing rapid assays for monitoring bacterial gemcitabine breakdown. While chemical approaches such as high-performance liquid chromatography are suitable for this task, they require specialized equipment and expertise and are limited in throughput. Functional cell-based assays represent an alternate approach for performing this task. We developed a functional assay to monitor the rate of bacterial gemcitabine breakdown using a highly sensitive bacterial reporter strain. Our method relies on standard laboratory equipment and can be implemented at high throughput to monitor drug breakdown by hundreds of strains simultaneously. This functional assay can be readily adapted to monitor degradation of other drugs. Key features Quantification of gemcitabine breakdown by incubating bacteria that degrades the drug and subsequently testing the growth of a reporter strain on filtered supernatant. Use of an optimized reporter strain that was genetically engineered to be a non-degrader strain and highly sensitive to gemcitabine. A high-throughput assay performed in microplates that can be adjusted for identifying bacteria with a fast or slow gemcitabine degradation rate. The assay results can be compared to results from a standard curve with known drug concentrations to quantify degradation rate.
Childhood growth in the Neolithic: a detailed case study of Çatalhöyük

The main aim of this project is to provide an insight into childhood experiences in the Neolithic Near East and to investigate the variation in skeletal and dental growth patterns within the context of the profound social and environmental changes taking place during this time period. Detailed archaeological information is available for the Neolithic site of Catalhoyuk, Turkey (7400−7100 BC to 6200−5900 BC) as well as a considerable sample of immature human remains, which is unique for this time period and area of the world. In order to better understand the lives of the Catalhoyuk children, a two−fold methodology based on osteological and dental analysis of growth and development is utilised and results are interpreted using archaeological evidence. Tooth enamel does not remodel during life and teeth are well recovered from archaeological sites, making tooth crowns an important archive of an individual’s development. Using a newly developed 3D technique, a detailed investigation into the variation in the expression of dental growth disturbances (furrow−form enamel hypoplasia) is carried out. The relationship between dental development and skeletal growth is analysed by comparing the enamel hypoplasia dataset to skeletal growth patterns which are considered to be more influenced by environmental factors than dental development. In order to capture differences in growth occurring throughout the child’s life, skeletal growth trajectories are explored by quantitative assessments of skeletal variables representing different functional regions (cranium, mandible and postcranial bones) which grow at different rates. Together, the data outline a life history for each child, and are used to reveal the pattern of growth disruptions experienced by children buried in different houses and in different time periods. Results show that growth disruptions affect skeletal and dental growth in different ways, suggesting that interpretations based solely on enamel hypoplasia or skeletal growth patterns might obscure the level of disruption experienced by children in past populations. This study also indicates that there are no consistent differences in the level of growth disruptions affecting the dental and skeletal development of children buried in different houses. In contrast, there are consistent differences in skeletal growth patterns between children buried in different time periods, with individuals buried in the later occupation phase displaying smaller skeletal sizes for their ages than individuals buried in the earlier occupation phase. As this later phase is also the time in which the population size declined at Catalhoyuk, it is suggested that smaller support groups provided less buffering against growth disruptions during this later period.
Asian option pricing under sub-fractional vasicek model

This paper investigates the pricing formula for geometric Asian options where the underlying asset is driven by the sub-fractional Brownian motion with interest rate satisfying the sub-fractional Vasicek model. By applying the sub-fractional $ {\rm{It\hat o}} $ formula, the Black-Scholes (B-S) type Partial Differential Equations (PDE) to Asian geometric average option is derived by Delta hedging principle. Moreover, the explicit pricing formula for Asian options is obtained through converting the PDE to the Cauchy problem. Numerical experiments are conducted to test the impact of the stock price, the Hurst index, the speed of interest rate adjustment, and the volatilities and their correlation for the Asian option and the interest rate model, respectively. The results show that the main parameters such as Hurst index have a significant influence on the price of Asian options.
Machine Learning Applied to Software Testing: A Systematic Mapping Study

Software testing involves probing into the behavior of software systems to uncover faults. Most testing activities are complex and costly, so a practical strategy that has been adopted to circumvent these issues is to automate software testing. There has been a growing interest in applying machine learning (ML) to automate various software engineering activities, including testing-related ones. In this paper, we set out to review the state-of-the art of how ML has been explored to automate and streamline software testing and provide an overview of the research at the intersection of these two fields by conducting a systematic mapping study. We selected 48 primary studies. These selected studies were then categorized according to study type, testing activity, and ML algorithm employed to automate the testing activity. The results highlight the most widely used ML algorithms and identify several avenues for future research. We found that ML algorithms have been used mainly for test-case generation, refinement, and evaluation. Also, ML has been used to evaluate test oracle construction and to predict the cost of testing-related activities. The results of this paper outline the ML algorithms that are most commonly used to automate software-testing activities, helping researchers to understand the current state of research concerning ML applied to software testing. We also found that there is a need for better empirical studies examining how ML algorithms have been used to automate software-testing activities.
Large-Scale Circulation Features Typical of Wintertime Extensive and Persistent Low Temperature Events in China

Abstract A pair of northeast-southwest-tilted midtropospheric ridges and troughs on the continental scale was observed to be the key circulation feature common among wintertime extensive and persistent low temperature events (EPLTE) in China. During the persistence of such anomalous circulations, the split flow over the inner Asian continent and the influent flow over the southeastern coast of China correspond well to the expanded and amplified Siberian high with tightened sea level pressure gradients and hence, a strong, cold advection over southeastern China. The western Pacific subtropical high tends to expand northward during the early stages of most EPLTEs.
Business modeling under adversity: Resilience in international firms

This study employs resilience theory and examines the dynamics of business modeling in international firms that enable them to resist environmental shocks under the adverse conditions of a global pandemic. Our multiple‐case study shows that firms develop various dynamic states of their business models (BMs) during the resilience process; each state differs in terms of the scope of BM change and the concurrent degree of BM innovativeness. Shifts in dynamic states result from attaining certain resilience capabilities. We contribute to the dynamic view on BMs, and the process perspective on organizational resilience; we also advance BM research in the context of internationalization.Under conditions of extreme disruptions that take the form of long‐lasting adversity, international firms need to continuously adjust their BMs to brave force majeure and remain resilient. This study takes a dynamic perspective on business modeling and examines how international firms develop different dynamic states of their BMs to stay resilient under extreme uncertainty; each state differs in terms of the scope of BM change, concurrent degree of BM innovativeness and the attained resilience capabilities. We show that business modeling is a continuous task of international firms that allows them not only to resist adversity but also to open new markets.
Exploring Health Behaviours, Attitudes and Beliefs of Women and Men during the Preconception and Interconception Periods: A Cross-Sectional Study of Adults on the Island of Ireland

Preconception health is increasingly seen as a key target for improving population health in the UK and Ireland, yet little is known about the attitudes and beliefs of adults regarding preconception care strategies. This online cross-sectional survey aimed to explore the health behaviours, attitudes and beliefs of adults of reproductive age in regard to preconception health and care. The survey was developed by reviewing the previous literature and engaging with those from the target group. It is one of the first surveys to assess the attitudes and beliefs of adults of reproductive age across the Island of Ireland regarding preconception health and care. Results from 386 individuals with a mean age of 29.9 ± 10.3 years were included. A variety of health behaviours, attitudes and beliefs were investigated, with differences being identified between women and men and between participants with or without children (i.e., in the preconception or interconception stage). The majority of respondents held beliefs that preconception care was important, but there was greater emphasis on women than men in terms of the need to engage in health-promoting preconception health behaviours. This study highlights the need to improve preconception health awareness in women and men in the preconception and interconception stage. Findings indicate that efforts to improve preparation for pregnancy among adults of childbearing age are needed, to ensure optimal engagement in preconception health behaviours, with efforts being tailored based on sex and parental status.
Efficient Optimal and Suboptimal Joint Access Point Association and Radio Resource Allocation in WLANs

The centralized joint access point (AP) association and radio resource allocation problem in time-sharing based dense WLANs with heterogeneous station (STA) throughput demands and identical AP transmission power is considered in this paper. The problem is formulated as an NP-hard single non-zero programming (SNZP) optimization problem with three different throughput-based objective functions, including the maximal aggregate (MA) throughput, the max-min fair (MMF) throughput and the proportionally fair (PF) throughput. To solve the NP-hard SNZP problem, based on the optimal branch-and-bound (BnB) searching approach, two novel efficient algorithms, the optimal BnB and the suboptimal depth-first BnB (DF-BnB) algorithms, are proposed, which can be used as convenient performance benchmarks in the study of the problem considered. The complexity of the proposed algorithms is analyzed theoretically. Numerical results are presented to investigate and compare the performance and complexity of the proposed algorithms under the three different design criteria, which can help in choosing an appropriate cost function objective in practical system design.
A Genetically Encoded Dark-to-Bright Biosensor for Visualisation of Granzyme-Mediated Cytotoxicity

Granzyme B (GZMB) is a key enzyme released by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and natural killer (NK) cells to induce apoptosis in target cells. We designed a novel fluorogenic biosensor which is able to assess GZMB activity in a specific and sensitive manner. This cleavage-responsive sensor for T cell activity level (CRSTAL) is based on a fluorescent protein that is only activated upon cleavage by GZMB or caspase-8. CRSTAL was tested in stable cell lines and demonstrated a strong and long-lasting fluorescence signal upon induction with GZMB. It can detect GZMB activity not only by overexpression of GZMB in target cells but also following transfer of GZMB and perforin from effector cells during cytotoxicity. This feature has significant implications for cancer immunotherapy, particularly in monitoring the efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells. CAR-T cells are a promising therapy option for various cancer types, but monitoring their activity in vivo is challenging. The development of biosensors like CRSTAL provides a valuable tool for monitoring of CAR-T cell activity. In summary, CRSTAL is a highly sensitive biosensor that can detect GZMB activity in target cells, providing a means for evaluating the cytotoxic activity of immune cells and monitoring T cell activity in real time.
Laser Ignition of an IC Engine Using an Nd: YAG Laser

The use of laser energy to ignite gas and liquid based fuel-air mixtures has been the subject of a number of studies and laboratory experiments at a fundamental level over the past 30 years. The practical implementation of this laser application has still to be fully realized in a commercial automotive application. Laser Ignition (LI), as a replacement for Spark Ignition (SI) in the Internal Combustion (IC) engines of automotive vehicles, offers several potential advantages including extending lean burn capability, reducing the cyclic variants between combustion cycles and reducing the overall ignition package costs, weight and energy requirements. This paper reports on the current research being undertaken which examines the effects of engine combustion performance and stability when specific laser parameters (beam energy, minimum spot size and focal length/volume) are varied. A Q-switched Nd: YAG laser operating at the fundamental wavelength 1064 nm was used to ignite gasoline and air mixtures.