Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dynamic interactions between anterior insula and anterior cingulate cortex link perceptual features and heart rate variability during movie viewing

Abstract The dynamic integration of sensory and bodily signals is central to adaptive behaviour. Although the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the anterior insular cortex (AIC) play key roles in this process, their context-dependent dynamic interactions remain unclear. Here, we studied the spectral features and interplay of these two brain regions using high-fidelity intracranial-EEG recordings from five patients (ACC: 13 contacts, AIC: 14 contacts) acquired during movie viewing with validation analyses performed on an independent resting intracranial-EEG dataset. ACC and AIC both showed a power peak and positive functional connectivity in the gamma (30–35 Hz) frequency while this power peak was absent in the resting data. We then used a neurobiologically informed computational model investigating dynamic effective connectivity asking how it linked to the movie’s perceptual (visual, audio) features and the viewer’s heart rate variability (HRV). Exteroceptive features related to effective connectivity of ACC highlighting its crucial role in processing ongoing sensory information. AIC connectivity was related to HRV and audio emphasising its core role in dynamically linking sensory and bodily signals. Our findings provide new evidence for complementary, yet dissociable, roles of neural dynamics between the ACC and the AIC in supporting brain-body interactions during an emotional experience.
The Gamma Astrometric Measurement Experiment (GAME)

The GAME mission concept is aimed at very precise measurement of the gravitational deflection of light by the Sun, by an optimized telescope in the visible and launched in orbit on a small class satellite. The targeted precision on the γ parameter of the Parametrized Post-Newtonian formulation of General Relativity is 10-6 or better, i.e. one to two orders of magnitude better than the best current results. Such precision is suitable to detect possible deviations from unity value, associated to generalized Einstein models for gravitation, with potentially huge impacts on the cosmological distribution of dark matter and dark energy. The measurement principle is based on differential astrometric signature on the stellar positions, i.e. on the spatial component of the effect rather than the temporal component as in recent experiments using radio link delay timing. Exploiting the observation strategy, it is also possible to target other interesting scientific goals both in the realm of General Relativity and in the observations of extrasolar systems. The instrument is a dual field, multiple aperture Fizeau interferometer, observing simultaneously two regions close to the Solar limb. The diluted optics approach is selected for efficient rejection of the solar radiation, while retaining an acceptable angular resolution on the science targets. We describe the science motivation, the proposed mission profile, the payload concept and the expected performance from recent results.
Evaluating the Efficiency of Epoxy Injection Technique for Repairing Normal and High Strength Concrete Beams - A Critical Review

Concrete deficiency is a very common issue and has several forms, including cracks in a plastic or hardened state. Various materials and methods are used nowadays for repairing because repairing is cost-effective, can rehabilitate deteriorated structures, and increases the overall structural life cycle. Epoxy injection is one technique used for repairing cracks with 0.05mm width. The main objective of this review is to evaluate the efficiency of this technique for normal and high-strength concrete beams and investigate the factors that affect the improvement ratio of repaired samples, such as; the depth of the beam, the number of drilled holes for injection, reinforcement distribution, the viscosity of the epoxy and width of the crack. The results proved that epoxy injection is an effective method for restoring the original structure and stiffness if sufficient repairing procedures are followed. A low viscosity epoxy is preferred as it can penetrate easily into the crack depth and restore strength. On the other hand, beams with smaller depth had a higher percentage of improvement, and the number of drilled holes for injection directly affects the results, fewer holes better the strength improvement.
Phytosociological study of weeds associated with carrot crops in two municipalities of Boyacá

With the purpose of knowing the phytosocilogy of weeds associated to a carrot crop (Daucus carota L.) under conditions of the municipalities of Ventaquemada and Jenesano-Boyacá, one lot per municipality destined to carrot cultivation was selected and a W-shaped layout was made covering an area of 500 m2. Relative density, relative frequency, relative dominance and the importance value index (IVI) were calculated, as well as the Alpha and Beta diversity indices for the sampled areas. A total of 6 families and 11 species were counted, of which 63.64% were represented by annual plants and 36.36% by perennial plants. The class Liliopsida (Monocotyledon) was represented by the Poaceae family. The Magnoliopsida class (Dicotyledon) was represented by the following families: Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, Boraginaceae, Leguminosaceae, Polygonaceae, the last one being the one with the highest number of species. The species R. crispus and P. nepalense were the ones with the highest values of Importance Value Index (IVI) with 0.953 and 0.959, respectively. According to the Shannon-Wiener diversity and Simpson’s dominance indices, the evaluated areas presented a low species diversity and a high probability of dominant species. The results obtained can serve as a basis and tool for carrot growers in the evaluated areas to define management plans for the associated weeds and thus optimize yields in this crop.
Tomographic full-waveform inversion (TFWI) by combining FWI and wave-equation migration velocity analysis

Convergence of full waveform inversion can be improved by extending the velocity model along either the subsurface-offset axis or the time-lag axis. The extension of the velocity model along the time-lag axis enables us to linearly model large time shifts caused by velocity perturbations. The extension is based on a new linearization of the scalar wave equation where the extended-velocity perturbation is convolved in time with the Laplacian of the background wavefield. This linearization is accurate for both reflected events and transmitted events and, in particular, for diving waves recorded at large offsets. The modeling capabilities of the proposed linearization enable the simultaneous inversion of reflections and diving waves even when the starting velocity model is far from being accurate. We solve the resulting optimization problem with a nested algorithm. The inner iterations are based on the proposed linearization and on a mixing of scales between the short- and long-wavelength components of the v.
The role of social factors in access to and equity in higher education for students with low socioeconomic status: A case study from Indonesia

This study investigates the role of social factors in the access to and equity in higher education (HE) for students with a low socioeconomic status (SES) in Indonesia, from multiple stakeholder perspectives. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the students, lecturers, and support staff at a large Indonesian university. Focus group discussions were organised to validate the interview results. Family and mentoring programmes appear to play a major role in accessing HE, while lecturers and peers play a significant role in equity. This study highlights the importance of mentoring programmes that guide students to continue their study at the university level. The result provides insights into programmes at the university itself that should focus on developing social skills. This study illustrates the necessity of social support factors, including family, peers, mentor programs, teachers, and lecturers, in supporting access to and equity in HE.
Arsenic doping and diffusion in CdTe: a DFT study of bulk and grain boundaries

The doping of CdTe with As is a method which is thought to increase cell efficiency by increasing electron hole concentrations. This doping relies on the diffusion of As through CdTe resulting in AsTe substitution. The potential effectiveness of this is considered through kinetic and electronic properties calculations in both bulk and Σ3 and Σ9 grain boundaries using Density Functional Theory. In bulk zinc-blende CdTe, isolated As diffuses with barriers <0.5 eV and with similar barriers through wurtzite structured CdTe, generated by stacking faults, suggesting that As will not be trapped at the stacking faults and hence the transport of isolated As will be unhindered in bulk CdTe. Substitutional arsenic in bulk CdTe has little effect on the band gap except when it is positively charged in the AX-centre position or occurring as a di-interstitial. However in contrast to the case of chlorine, arsenic present in the grain boundaries introduces defect states into the band gap. This suggests that a doping strategy whereby the grain boundaries are first saturated with chlorine, before single arsenic atoms are introduced, might be more beneficial.
The Logit Model in Economics

This paper reviews aspects of the application of logit models in economics. We consider some economic models that lead to a simple or a multinomial logit specification. A detailed account is given of the possible specifications of the multinomial model. We stress the relationship between distributional assumptions and functional form assumptions. Some (mis)specification tests with individual data are discussed. Moreover, we present a new test. We also consider grouping of continuously recorded data, and the biases introduced by an inappropriate grouping.
Relation between carrier mobility and cell performance in bulk heterojunction solar cells consisting of soluble polythiophene and fullerene derivatives

The effect of carrier mobility on the cell performance was examined in the bulk heterojunction solar cells consisting of soluble polythiophene (PHTh) and fullerene derivatives (PCBM). The hole mobility decreased from 6.3×10−3cm2V−1s−1 in the pure PHTh by blending PCBM, while the electron mobility decreased from 2.4×10−2cm2V−1s−1 in the pure PCBM by blending the PHTh. When blending ratio R=PHTh∕(PHTh+PCBM) by weight was 0.5–0.85, ambipolar carrier conduction was possible, showing the best-balanced ambipolar carrier mobility of ca. 10−4cm2V−1s−1 at R=0.7. The power conversion efficiency (η) of the PHTh:PCBM bulk heterojunction solar cells under AM1.5, 85mWcm−2 illumination significantly depended on the blending ratio R and the maximum η of 2.6% was observed at R=0.7, where both electrons and holes are conducting well. Thus, it was concluded that the ambipolar carrier conduction limits the performance of PHTh:PCBM bulk heterojunction solar cells.
Assist the VR Trainer – Real-Time Dashboard and After-Action Review for Police VR Training

Training in virtual reality is becoming increasingly relevant for several target groups. This is especially valid when it comes to simulating a challenging environment that is not or only with drawbacks feasible in a real-life training session, involves too many risks for trainees, or is associated with high setup and/or execution costs. Therefore, a relevant target group for VR training are Law Enforcement Agencies. For the police application domain, VR training offers the possibility to train scenarios in a safe environment, capture, record, and analyze trainee behavior and performance, and measure and visualize physiological signals on trainee’s state simultaneously. Through this real-time measuring, recording and visualization, it is possible for the trainers to react immediately to the performance (behaviour, physiological condition) of the trainees and to adapt the training. The advantages of this assistance system are usable and quick access to pre-calculated data, and direct options to individualize the scenario to the trainee’s needs to enhance feedback and learning processes. This work presents how an assistance system can support police trainers in VR training. It also provides Key Performance Indicators of how the assistance system can be applied in the operational police VR training domain.
Dietary Supplement Intake and Fecundability in a Singapore Preconception Cohort Study

Subfertility is a global problem affecting millions worldwide, with declining total fertility rates. Preconception dietary supplementation may improve fecundability, but the magnitude of impact remains unclear. This prospective cohort study aimed to examine the association of preconception micronutrient supplements with fecundability, measured by time to pregnancy (TTP). The study was conducted at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore, between February 2015 and October 2017, on 908 women aged 18-45 years old, who were trying to conceive and were enrolled in the Singapore PREconception Study of long-Term maternal and child Outcomes (S-PRESTO). Baseline sociodemographic characteristics and supplement intake were collected through face-to-face interviews. The fecundability ratio (FR) was estimated using discrete-time proportional hazard modelling. Adjusting for potentially confounding variables, folic acid (FA) (FR 1.26, 95% confidence interval 1.03–1.56) and iodine (1.28, 1.00–1.65) supplement users had higher fecundability compared to non-users. Conversely, evening primrose oil supplement users had lower fecundability (0.56, 0.31–0.99) than non-users. In this study, preconception FA and iodine supplementation were associated with shortened TTP, while evening primrose oil use was associated with longer TTP. Nonetheless, the association between supplement use and the magnitude of fecundability changes will need to be further confirmed with well-designed randomised controlled trials.
Delineation of Irregularly Shaped Disease Clusters Through Multiobjective Optimization

Irregularly shaped spatial disease clusters occur commonly in epidemiological studies, but their geographic delineation is poorly defined. Most current spatial scan software usually displays only one of the many possible cluster solutions with different shapes, from the most compact round cluster to the most irregularly shaped one, corresponding to varying degrees of penalization parameters imposed on the freedom of shape. Even when a fairly complete set of solutions is available, the choice of the most appropriate parameter setting is left to the practitioner, whose decision is often subjective. We propose quantitative criteria for choosing the best cluster solution, through multiobjective optimization, by finding the Pareto-set in the solution space. Two competing objectives are involved in the search: regularity of shape and scan statistic value. Instead of running sequentially a cluster-finding algorithm with varying degrees of penalization, the complete set of solutions is found in parallel, employing a genetic algorithm. The cluster significance concept is extended for this set in a natural and unbiased way, being employed as a decision criterion for choosing the optimal solution. The Gumbel distribution is used to approximate the empirical scan statistic distribution, speeding up the significance estimation. The multiobjective methodology is compared with the genetic mono-objective algorithm. The method is fast, with good power of detection. We discuss an application to breast cancer cluster detection. The introduction of the concept of Pareto-set in this problem, followed by the choice of the most significant solution, is shown to allow a rigorous statement about what is a “best solution,” without the need of any arbitrary parameter.
On nonlinear physics of shear Alfvén wavesa)

Shear Alfven waves (SAW) are electromagnetic oscillations prevalent in laboratory and nature magnetized plasmas. Due to their anisotropic nature, it is well known that the linear wave propagation and dispersiveness of SAW are fundamentally affected by plasma nonuniformities and magnetic field geometries, such as the existence of continuous spectrum, spectral gaps, and discrete eigenmodes in toroidal plasmas. This work discusses the pure Alfvenic state and demonstrates the crucial roles that finite ion compressibility, non-ideal kinetic effects, and geometry play in breaking it and, thereby, the nonlinear physics of SAW wave-wave interactions.
An analysis of the superluminous star HR 8752.

A model atmosphere--curve of growth analysis of HR 8752 is presented. An effective temperature of 4000 K is derived from 1973 spectra and is shown to be consistent with photometric data. Gravity-dependent abundances are given, and it is determined that a log gapprox. = -2 yields the most consistent results. The metal abundances have solar-system values to within the uncertainties; no evidence of s-processing is found in the derived abundances. Non-LTE effects are suggested to be important in Na i, O i, and possibly N i. (AIP)
How Did I Get From There to Here?

In this memoir I trace the trajectory from childhood to a career in physical oceanography. The trajectory was not based on a well thought out plan, but I had a sense of my interest in the ocean and atmosphere. One is faced with many career opportunities in life, choosing the best for you depends on your interest and talents. The better you understand them, the better you recognize “opportunity,” but be flexible, opportunity is never likely to be a perfect fit (it might actually be better fit to your “passion”). My research quest, as an observationalist, is to develop a clearer, conceptual, picture of ocean, how it “works,” with a tilt toward its role in the climate system. I have worked in the cold southern polar regions to the hot tropics, and in‐between; from the top to the bottom of the water column. Here I discuss a few discoveries that led to new insight into interocean exchange and deep ocean ventilation, which are now widely explored: Southern ocean: two modes of convection, along the margins of Antarctica and in the open ocean of the Weddell Sea; Agulhas Leakage: Indian Ocean invades the Atlantic, essential to the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation; The Indonesian Throughflow: tropical Pacific water spreads into Indian Ocean, part of the global interocean thermocline exchange.
Young Supernova Remnants in Nonuniform Media

We investigate the dynamics of young supernova remnants (SNRs) in the presence of a nonuniform external density such as might be present at the edge of a molecular cloud. Using a two-dimensional, Total Variation Diminishing, hydrodynamic code, we perform high-resolution (1024 by 2048) simulations in cylindrical symmetry of explosions in the vicinity of a smooth density transition. We improve upon previous calculations by including the inertia and kinetic energy of the stellar ejecta. The evolution is followed until the outer blast wave has swept up roughly 20 times the initial ejected mass We (14.5 M☉). and that the presence of the density transition has important dynamical effects on the remnant during the pre-Sedov-Taylor evolution. When the remnant is smaller than the width of the density transition, the apparent SNR center shifts while maintaining a nearly circular shape. At this stage, the morphology of such a SNR would be difficult to distinguish from one expanding in a uniform medium. Once the remnant size exceeds the transition width, it expands as distinct lobes into the high- and low-density regions. The radii of these lobes, as measured from the explosion center, approach the self-similar Sedov-Taylor solution appropriate for the gas density that is local to each lobe. The nonuniform density also creates a pressure imbalance in the SNR interior that drives gas from the high-density side to the low-density side. This sets up asymmetric, nonradial flows in the remnant interior, which may be directly observable. At early stages, the nonspherical motions should serve as a better indicator of a nonuniform external density than the morphology.
Mental Well-Being and General Health in Adolescents With Asthma: The Prevention and Incidence of Asthma and Mite Allergy Birth Cohort Study

Objectives To assess whether adolescents with asthma experience a lower mental well-being and lower general health than their peers without asthma. Study design Data from the Prevention and Incidence of Asthma and Mite Allergy study were used. At the ages of 11, 14, 17, and 20 years, 2651, 2522, 2094, and 2206 participants, respectively, completed questionnaires. Their parents completed questionnaires at the ages of 11 (n = 2660), 14 (n = 2338), and 17 years (n = 1872). Asthma was deﬁned according to the Mechanisms of the Development of Allergy criteria. Mental well-being was measured using the Mental Health Index-5 and was reported by the adolescents. General health, measured on a 4-point Likert scale, was reported by the adolescents and their parents. We estimated associations of asthma with mental well-being and perceived general health using generalized estimating equations. Results At ages 11, 14, 17, and 20 years, 6.7%, 6.9%, 5.0%, and 6.6%, respectively, of the adolescents had asthma. Adolescents with asthma did not score differently on the Mental Health Index than their peers without asthma. Adolescents with asthma were less likely to experience good or excellent health than their peers without asthma (aOR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.26-0.51 for intermittent asthma and 0.33; 95% CI, 0.25-0.41 for persistent asthma). These results remain similar across the different ages. Conclusions The mental well-being of adolescents with asthma is similar to that of their peers without asthma, although adolescents with asthma are less likely to perceive a good or excellent general health. (J Pediatr 2021;233:198-205) .
An Integrated Artificial Intelligence of Things Environment for River Flood Prevention

River floods are listed among the natural disasters that can directly influence different aspects of life, ranging from human lives, to economy, infrastructure, agriculture, etc. Organizations are investing heavily in research to find more efficient approaches to prevent them. The Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT) is a recent concept that combines the best of both Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things, and has already demonstrated its capabilities in different fields. In this paper, we introduce an AIoT architecture where river flood sensors, in each region, can transmit their data via the LoRaWAN to their closest local broadcast center. The latter will relay the collected data via 4G/5G to a centralized cloud server that will analyze the data, predict the status of the rivers countrywide using an efficient Artificial Intelligence approach, and thus, help prevent eventual floods. This approach has proven its efficiency at every level. On the one hand, the LoRaWAN-based communication between sensor nodes and broadcast centers has provided a lower energy consumption and a wider range. On the other hand, the Artificial Intelligence-based data analysis has provided better river flood predictions.
Fibre Bragg gratings fabricated using a wavelength tuneable laser source and a phase mask based interferometer

Arrays of in-fibre Bragg gratings (IFBGs) are increasingly being employed to measure strain in a variety of structures. To maximize the number of IFBGs that can be multiplexed from a broad band source requires accurate control and reproducibility of the Bragg centre wavelength. In this communication we demonstrate that the combination of a phase mask based interferometer and tuneable UV writing wavelength can provide high resolution control over the Bragg centre wavelength. The interferometer is shown to have two regimes of operation, offering a high resolution (0.03 nm) or a large spectral range (51 nm). The technique is compared to previous writing methods and is demonstrated experimentally.