Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Identification of Stable Areas in Unreferenced Laser Scans for Deformation Measurement

A current aim of ongoing research in the field of deformation measurement is to automatically determine geometric changes between several epochs with data captured by terrestrial laser scanners. A critical component within the process chain of deformation measurement is the transformation of captured point clouds into a reference coordinate system. This contribution proposes a surface‐based alignment methodology that does not require artificial targets or extracted geometric primitives. A diagnostic method reveals deformations that occurred in between epochs and rejects them from the computation of transformation parameters that would otherwise cause erroneous registrations. The novel approach has been successfully tested on two practical cases where the highest degree of deformation extended to 65% of the total surface area.
Combination of Ketepeng Cina (Cassia alata Linn) And Lidah Buaya Buaya (Aloe vera) As Antibacterial Agent Against Staphylococcus aureus And Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Infection is one of the biggest health problems in Indonesia. Infection can be caused by pathogenic microorganisms such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Treatment with antibiotics is the primary choice to manage infections caused by bacteria. Previous research showed that many plants have been tested for their antibacterial activity such as ketepeng cina (Cassia alata) and lidah buaya (Aloe vera). Cassia alata and Aloe vera alkaloids, flavonoids, anthraquinones, saponins, tannins contain similar active compounds as antimicrobials. Based on this, the purpose of this study was to determine the antibacterial activity of the combination of methanol extracts of C. alata and A. vera against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa bacteria. The antibacterial activity test was carried out using the Kirby-Bauer method. The single extract of C. alata and A. vera had the greatest antibacterial activity against S. aureus at a concentration of 10 mg/disk with zones of inhibition of 29.5±0.7 mm and 21.5±1.4 mm, respectively. The single antibacterial activity test of both extracts against P. aeruginosa bacteria showed no inhibition zone. The test results showed that the combination of 10 mg/disk C. alata methanol extract and 10 mg/disk Aloe vera could inhibit the growth of S. aureus with an average inhibition zone of 30.75±1.7 mm. However, the lower ratio of both extracts resulted in a likely antagonistic effect against S. aureus. Phytochemical screening tests showed that these two extracts had the same compounds, namely phenolics, flavonoids, anthraquinones. Contact bioautography showed that mainly phenolics, flavonoids, and anthraquinones were responsible in the antibacterial properties.
Measuring Heart Rate in Freely Moving Mice

Measuring autonomic parameters like heart rate in behaving mice is not only a standard procedure in cardiovascular research but is applied in many other interdisciplinary research fields. With an electrocardiogram (ECG), the heart rate can be measured by deriving the electrical potential between subcutaneously implanted wires across the chest. This is an inexpensive and easy-to-implement technique and particularly suited for repeated recordings of up to eight weeks. This protocol describes a step-by-step guide for manufacturing the needed equipment, performing the surgical procedure of electrode implantation, and processing of acquired data, yielding accurate and reliable detection of heartbeats and calculation of heart rate (HR). We provide MATLAB graphical user interface (GUI)–based tools to extract and start processing the acquired data without a lot of coding knowledge. Finally, based on an example of a data set acquired in the context of defensive reactions, we discuss the potential and pitfalls in analyzing HR data. Key features • Next to surgical steps, the protocol provides a detailed description of manufacturing custom-made ECG connectors and a shielded, light-weight patch cable. • Suitable for recordings in which signal quality is challenged by ambient noise or noise from other recording devices. • Described for 2-channel differential recording but easily expandable to record from more channels. • Includes a summary of potential analysis methods and a discussion on the interpretation of HR dynamics in the case study of fear states.
Descriptions of Barley Genetic Stocks for 2012

This volume of the Barley Genetics Newsletter (BGN) includes an updated compilation of the Barley Genetic Stock (BGS) descriptions. At the workshops of the 11th International Barley Genetics Symposium held 15-20 April 2012 at Hangzhou, China, it was recommended that existing BGS descriptions be published in one volume. This action was taken because many descriptions lacked updated information on where seed stocks are held and some difficulties existed in rapidly locating the latest revision for each description. Revised symbolizations for barley chromosomes, loci and alleles were approved at the 7th International Barley Genetics Symposium held 30 July to August 6 1996 at Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The changes were applied in the compilation of BGS descriptions published in Volume 26 in the BGN (Davis et al. 1997). Since then more new and revised BGS descriptions have been published in different volumes of BGN. The BGS descriptions included in Volume 42 of the BGN were modified to identify current sources of seed stocks with its GSHO number and/or NGB number. The GSHO stocks are held in the USDA-ARS Barley Genetic Stocks collection at the National Small Grains Collection, U.S. Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service, National Small Grains Germplasm Research Facility, 1691 S 2700 W, Aberdeen, ID 83210, USA. The NGB and Bowman backcross-derived (BW) stocks are held in the Nordic Genetic Resource Center (Nordgen), P.O. Box 41, SE-230 53 Alnarp, Sweden.
Rapid techniques for zircon separation and the application for U-Pb dating

This report provides the rapid separation techniques of zircons and an example of U-Pb dating of the zircons using LA-ICP-MS. Zircons have been commonly separated from a sample using heavy liquid. However, previous reports have pointed out the inefficiency, harmful effect and high cost of the heavy liquid method. In this report, we provide the rapid techniques for zircon separation without using heavy liquid, and procedures just before zircon analysis, including separation, hand picking, mounting, and observation under cathodoluminescence image. In the method introduced here, the zircons can be separated only for 30 minutes per one sample just by panning with a beaker and watch glass. Therefore, this method is more efficient, quicker, lower cost and safer compared with heavy liquid separation.
The design of rotary-mill liners, and their backing materials

An evaluation was made of the wear and performance characteristics of litter bars, and the cost-life effectiveness of backing materials for rotary-mill liners. In a large run-of-mine mill in which the litter bars were mounted on grid liners of austenitic manganese steel (AMS), the liners had an average life that was five to six times that of equivalent unprotected liners. For a single mill, this is equivalent to annual savings in the cost of materials of up to R320 000, and to a downtime of 100 hours. Of the five materials tested in a large pebble mill grinding quartzitic ore, AMS grids and 'white iron' blocks performed best on a cost-life basis, with possibly improved performance from a real white cast iron. (The 'white iron' was shown by microstructural analysis to contain flake graphite and pearlite, being in reality a grey cast iron.) The high-chromium white iron had by far the longest predicted life, with mild steel a surprising second. Rubber was shown to last well in this type of mill. The wear rates of liners change during their lifetimes. The protective effect of litter bars was clearly illustrated by the reduction of over 40 per cent in the wear rates of the liners when the lifter bars were renewed to a height of 80 mm from a fully worn height of 35 mm.
Baby engagement within the traditional ulama of the Madurese ethnicity: a Maṣlaḥa analysis

This study delves into the practise of infant betrothals within the traditional Madurese ulama’s lineage, designed to preserve the clerical lineage. However, practical application reveals discrepancies where not all betrothals align with the initially arranged intentions. Instances of mismatches arise due to potential rejection by the children involved. This phenomenon is analysed through the lens of maṣlaḥah-mafsadah. This analysis unveils a nuanced perspective on the Madurese ulama’s tradition of infant betrothal, highlighting its significance beyond local custom to encompass its associated benefits and risks. Employing qualitative methods, this research draws upon in-depth interviews using purposive sampling techniques with Madurese community leaders well-versed in the region’s marital customs. This study finds underscore that infant engagement practises, within Islamic law, do not contravene sharia provisions. The infant betrothal tradition, conducted by the Madurese ethnic ulama’s lineage, aims to fortify kinship bonds among ulama families and identify optimal partners for children, considering familial background and religious erudition. Nevertheless, the study emphasises the imperative to prioritise the interests and preferences of the child throughout the engagement and marriage process.
Vegetative Cell and Spore Proteomes of Clostridioides difficile Show Finite Differences and Reveal Potential Protein Markers

Clostridioides difficile-associated infection (CDI) is a health-care-associated infection mainly transmitted via highly resistant endospores from one person to the other. In vivo, the spores need to germinate in to cells prior to establishing an infection. Bile acids and glycine, both available in sufficient amounts inside the human host intestinal tract, serve as efficient germinants for the spores. It is therefore, for better understanding of Clostridioides difficile virulence, crucial to study both the cell and spore states with respect to their genetic, metabolic and proteomic composition. In the present study, mass spectrometric relative protein quantification, based on the 14N/15N peptide isotopic ratios, has led to quantification of over 700 proteins from combined spore and cell samples. The analysis has revealed that the proteome turnover between a vegetative cell and a spore for this organism is moderate. Additionally, specific cell and spore surface proteins, vegetative cell proteins CD1228, CD3301 and spore proteins CD2487, CD2434 and CD0684 are identified as potential protein markers for C. difficile infection. Abstract graphic For Table of Contents Only
Anteater: Advanced Persistent Threat Detection With Program Network Traffic Behavior

Recent stealth attacks cleverly disguise malicious activities, masquerading as ordinary connections to popular online services through seemingly innocuous applications. These methods often evade detection by traditional network monitoring or signature-based techniques, as attackers frequently hide Command and Control (C&C) servers within well-known cloud service providers, making the traffic anomalies appear normal. In this paper, we introduce an application-level monitoring system, Anteater. Anteater constructs a detailed profile for each legitimate software’s network traffic behavior, outlining the expected traffic patterns. By scrutinizing a program’s network traffic configuration, Anteater efficiently pinpoints and intercepts the IP addresses associated with abnormal program access. Implemented in a real-world enterprise environment, Anteater was tested on a dataset containing over 400 million real-world network traffic sessions. The evaluation results demonstrate that Anteater achieves a high detection rate for malware injections, boasting a true positive rate of 94.5% and a false positive rate of less than 0.1%.
Informed participation? An investigation of the relationship between exposure to different news channels and participation mediated through actual and perceived knowledge

Previous studies have found that different media channels have varying potentials for informed participation. Exposure to newspaper and TV news exposure has been shown to increase actual knowledge and participation, while social media is associated with participation based on perceived knowledge, without changes in actual knowledge. In light of these findings, we conducted an online survey (N = 1,670) in Germany to investigate the (mediated) relationships between news consumption, knowledge (perception), and participation. The study revealed that exposure to quality newspaper and public service TV news was linked to both actual and perceived knowledge, thereby impacting participation. However, tabloid newspapers and news from private TV channels were not found to be related to participation. In the case of social media, we found a relationship with online participation on social media and offline participation, but this relationship was only mediated through an increase in perceived knowledge. In other words, our findings suggest that social media use creates an illusion of knowledge that is linked to higher levels of participation. These findings highlight the democratic importance of traditional media channels, particularly public service broadcasting media. They also demonstrate how social media can lead to a false feeling of knowing, which can hinder participation processes.
In Silico Identification of a Potential TNF-Alpha Binder Using a Structural Similarity: A Potential Drug Repurposing Approach to the Management of Alzheimer's Disease

Introduction Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with no conclusive remedy. Yohimbine, found in Rauwolfia vomitoria, may reduce brain inflammation by targeting tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), implicated in AD pathogenesis. Metoserpate, a synthetic compound, may inhibit TNFα. The study is aimed at assessing the potential utility of repurposing metoserpate for TNFα inhibition to reduce neuronal damage and inflammation in AD. The development of safe and effective treatments for AD is crucial to address the growing burden of the disease, which is projected to double over the next two decades. Methods Our study repurposed an FDA-approved drug as TNFα inhibitor for AD management using structural similarity studies, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations. Yohimbine was used as a reference compound. Molecular docking used SeeSAR, and molecular dynamics simulation used GROMACS. Results Metoserpate was selected from 10 compounds similar to yohimbine based on pharmacokinetic properties and FDA approval status. Molecular docking and simulation studies showed a stable interaction between metoserpate and TNFα over 100 ns (100000 ps). This suggests a reliable and robust interaction between the protein and ligand, supporting the potential utility of repurposing metoserpate for TNFα inhibition in AD treatment. Conclusion Our study has identified metoserpate, a previously FDA-approved antihypertensive agent, as a promising candidate for inhibiting TNFα in the management of AD.
Morphological expression of bedforms formed by supercritical sediment density flows on four fjord‐lake deltas of the south‐eastern Canadian Shield (Eastern Canada)

High‐resolution swath bathymetry data collected in fjord‐lakes Pentecôte, Walker and Pasteur (eastern Québec, Canada) allowed imaging in great detail the deltas of four rivers in order to understand the factors controlling the formation and downslope evolution of bedforms present on their slopes. The morphometry and morphology of 199 bedforms reflect the behaviour of sediment density flows. The shape of the bedforms, mostly crescentic, and the relationships between their morphological properties indicate that they were formed by supercritical density flows and that they are cyclic steps. The crescentic shape suggests an upslope migration while the aspect ratios and increasing wavelengths with distance from the shore (and decreasing slopes) are compatible with a cyclic step origin. At the rollover point, the acceleration of the density flows on steep slopes produces tightly spaced hydraulic jumps and favours short wavelength and symmetrical bedforms. Further downslope, decreasing slopes and increasing specific discharge increase the wavelength and asymmetry of the bedforms. The wavelength and asymmetry are increased because density flows require longer distances to become supercritical again on lower slopes after each successive hydraulic jump. Bedform morphometry and morphology are used to reconstruct density flow behaviour downslope. Froude numbers are high near the rollover point and gradually decrease downslope as the slope becomes gentler. Conversely, the specific discharge and flow depth are low near the rollover point and gradually increase downslope as the flow either erodes sediments or becomes more dilute due to sediment deposition and water entrainment. The supercritical density flows are believed to be triggered mainly by hyperpycnal flows but some evidence of delta‐front slope failures is also observed. The differences in delta morphology and bedform development between the four deltas are linked to basin morphology and watershed hydrology, but also mainly to the fjord heritage of the lakes that allowed the focusing of sediment at the delta front.
Assessing the Impact of English Language Skills and TOEIC Performance on Career Development

This study investigates the impact of English language skills, as assessed by TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) performance, on career development and the transition to professionalism and understanding how individuals with varying levels of English language proficiency face specific challenges and how these challenges impact their career trajectories. The study utilized and approached mixed methods, combining quantitative analysis of TOEIC scores and career development indicators and qualitative analysis of challenges individuals face. The sample comprised 75 participants from diverse professional backgrounds, representing a range of English language proficiency levels. The sample averaged 720 TOEIC points, indicating moderate English proficiency. Career progression markers included skill acquisition or credentials (1.3), greater responsibility (3.9), and broader job scope (3.7). Ethical behavior, effective communication, leadership, problem-solving, adaptability, and devotion to continual learning were above 4 in the transition to professionalism, indicating a positive trend. As judged by TOEIC scores (r = 0.8, p < 0.05, 0.525, p 0.001), English language skills were strongly connected with work promotions, pay increases, and job satisfaction. These findings suggest that TOEIC performance affects professional advancement. The thematic study revealed language barriers, global resources, professional networks, and cross-cultural collaboration.
Optimization of Soursop (Annona muricata L.) Leaf Extract in Nanoemulgel and Antiacnes Activity Test Against Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis Bacteria

Soursop leaf extract (Annona muricata L.) has antibacterial activity with active components of alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, and saponins. This research aims to optimize the use of VCO, Tween 80, and PEG 400 in the nanoemulsion system, which will be added Carbopol 940 as a gelling agent to form a nanoemulgel and to determine antibacterial activity. By utilizing the simplex lattice design method in Design Expert 13.0, the nanoemulsion formula has been successfully optimized involving a mixture of VCO, Tween 80, and PEG 400. A total of 14 different nanoemulsion formulas were produced through this process. The process of making nanoemulsion is carried out by mixing extracts, oils, surfactants and cosurfactants, homogenized using a vortex, then sonicated. Evaluation of % transmittance, emulsification time, and pH were carried out to determine nanoemulsion physical properties. The nanoemulsion optimal formula was evaluated for particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential and made into nanoemulgel with the addition of Carbopol 940. The optimal formula has a composition of 10.86% VCO, 67.33% Tween 80, 21.81% PEG 400 form homogeneous and clear nanoemulsion with % transmittance of 91.97±1.11%, emulsification time of 56.42±0.72 seconds, and pH of 5.67±0.24. Particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential of the optimal formula were 229.47±38.79 nm, 0.41±0.10, and -39.13±0.19 mV, respectively. Evaluation of nanoemulgel physical properties showed homogeneous, pH value of 5.83±0.24, spreadability of 5.57±0.25 cm, adhesive force of 3.80±0.25 seconds, viscosity of 11479.33±167.49 cP, antibacterial activity against P. acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis with inhibition zone diameters of 9.67±0.47 mm, 7.33±0.47 mm, and 5.67±0.47 mm. respectively. Nanoemulgel soursop leaf extract has suitable physical properties, and antibacterial activity is in the medium category.
A Self-Decoupling Wide-Angle Scanning Pattern Reconfigurable Antenna Array Using Parasitic Comb Structures

A self-decoupling wide-angle scanning pattern reconfigurable antenna array (PRAA) is proposed in this article. The problem of active element pattern deviation caused by coupling in PRAA has been solved, thereby improving the PRAA’s ability for wide-angle scanning. The pattern reconfigurable antenna (PRA) in the PRAA is composed of a driving dipole antenna with parasitic elements integrated with p-i-n diodes. The comb structures (CSs) are used as parasitic elements of the PRA to achieve self-decoupling in the PRAA. The working mechanism of the CSs is investigated by characteristic mode analysis (CMA) theory. The results indicate that CSs can reduce the coupling between adjacent parasitic elements as well as the coupling between PRAs in the PRAA. Compared to the PRAA composed of traditional parasitic rectangular structures, the proposed PRAA exhibits a maximum reduction of approximately 17.3 dB in sidelobes and a maximum increase of approximately 2.5 dB in gain during beam scanning. A proposed $1\times4$ PRAA is fabricated and measured. The results confirm that the proposed PRAA can achieve scanning from −60° to 60°, with gain fluctuations less than 2 dB and sidelobes lower than −7.31 dB. Additionally, the proposed PRAA eliminates the degradation of cross-polarization caused by increasing scanning angles. Within the ±60° scanning range, the cross-polarization remains below −28 dB. When the beam scans within ±40°, the cross-polarization performance is optimal, reaching approximately −36.23 dB.