Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Separating Radar Signals From Impulsive Noise Using Atomic Norm Minimization

We consider the problem of corrupted radar super-resolution, a generalization of compressed radar super-resolution in which one aims to recover the continuous-valued delay-Doppler pairs of moving objects from a collection of corrupted and noisy measurements. The received signal in this type consists of contributions from objects, outlier and noise. While this problem is ill-posed in general, tractable recovery is possible when both the number of objects and corrupted measurements are limited. In this brief, we propose an atomic norm optimization in order to find the delay-Doppler pairs and the outlier signal. The objective function of our optimization problem encourages both sparsity in the continuous delay-Doppler domain and the sparsity of perturbations in the outlier signal. We show that the associated problem can be solved via semidefinite programming (SDP). Moreover, we provide a reasonably fast and efficient algorithm for solving this SDP based on the alternating method of multipliers (ADMM). Simulations results verify the superior performance of our proposed problem and the high accuracy and low computational complexity of our algorithm.
Pareto-optimization of MSF-OT/TVC desalination plant using surface response methodology and genetic algorithm

This paper describes an optimization approach of a novel configuration of a once-through multistage flash (MSF-OT) desalination plant. The system integrates a thermal vapor compression (TVC) unit within the conventional MSF-OT configuration. Three objectives controlling the operating cost of the installation were considered. The first is to maximize plant capacity production. The second is to minimize thermal energy consumption. The third is to minimize the feed seawater flow rate, which reduces electrical energy and chemical additives consumption. Solving the multi-objective optimization problem, using solvers of MATLAB software, led to obtaining a large number of optimal operating parameters of the MSF-OT/TVC plant. The comparison between the current operating state of the desalting installation using the MSF-OT process, and optimal operating states of the studied installation, showed a significant improvement in parameters controlling the operating cost of the installation. This improvement corresponded to a reduction of feed flow rate and motive steam flow rate of 23% and 7.3%, respectively.
The Role of Fe2+ Ions on the Photocatalytic Reaction of Ag3PO4 for Rhodamine B Degradation

The Ag3PO4 crystal with 200-600 nm in diameter was successfully synthesized using co-precipitation method with AgNO3 and Na2HPO4.12H2O as starting materials. The product was characterized using XRD, DRS, FTIR and SEM. The photocatalytic activities were evaluated under blue light irradiation assisted by Fe2+. The 1 mL of Fe2+ aqueous solutions consisted of 1.00, 0.10, 0.01, 0.001 and 0.0001 mM Fe2+ was added into a 100 mL solution of Rhodamine B, and the photocatalytic oxidation of Rhodamine B was carried out under visible light irradiation. The highest photocatalytic activity was observed when 1 ml of 0.001 mM of Fe2+ aqueous solution was added in the Rhodamine B solution. The result inferred the possibility of in-situ peroxide generation during the photocatalysis reaction.
Modulating stability and mechanical properties of silica–gelatin hybrid by incorporating epoxy-terminated polydimethylsiloxane oligomer

Silica-gelatin hybrids, particularly GT-G hybrids prepared by crosslinking gelatin (G) with γ-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GT), have attracted much attention in tissue engineering for diverse applications in hard or soft tissue regeneration; however, scaffolds with tunable properties are needed to meet specific requirements. In this work, a silica-gelatin hybrid (ES/GT-G) was synthesized by incorporating epoxy-terminated polydimethylsiloxane oligomer (ES) to modulate the properties of GT-G hybrid. The ES/GT-G hybrid sponge presented a 3D network structure with porosity 86.4% ± 0.9%, determined by the liquid displacement method, and average pore size 340 ± 36 μm, determined by SEM observation. Compared with GT-G hybrid material, the prepared ES/GT-G hybrid wet film showed a decrease of tensile strength from 2.79 ± 0.04 MPa to 1.87 ± 0.12 MPa, with an increase of elongation at break from 19.96 ± 0.66% to 29.86 ± 0.87%, and the ES/GT-G hybrid sponge exhibited a decline of compressive yield strength from 1.21 ± 0.04 MPa to 0.72 ± 0.06 MPa, based on the tensile and compression tests respectively. The introduction of ES enhanced the thermal denaturing temperature of GT-G by 5°C as determined by a DSC study, and increased in vitro biodegradation slightly, without significantly changing surface wettability and swelling behavior. These findings suggest that silica-gelatin hybrids with tunable properties are promising for applications from hard to soft tissue regeneration. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43059.
Mass flux of organic chemicals through polyethylene geomembranes

Lining of waste storage and disposal sites is a common practice to prevent hazardous waste constituents from migrating out of the facility into the surrounding environment. Recently, geomembranes have been widely used to line the waste storage and disposal sites and are expected to be even more common in the future. However, there are not enough data available on the mass transport oforganic chemicals through geomembranes by the physicochemical process of partition and diffusion. In this study, partition and diffusion coefficients were measured using a gravimetric method for high-density polyethylene (HDPE) geomembrane in acetone, chlorobenzene, ethyl acetate, ethylbenzene, n-hexane. methylene chloride (MC), n-octane, toluene, trichloroethylene (TCE), and m-xylene
Effect of Different Chemical Compounds on Leaf Chlorophyll Content and Postharvest Quality of Lilium

The effects of different chemicals treatment on postharvest cut flower quality of hybrid lily cultivar ‘Eyeliner’ were investigated. Lily stems were harvested when the first flower bud showed full colour. A whole stem (leaf and bud) sprayed with water (control) and with a growth regulator solutions containing TDZ (1 & 2 ppm), BA (25 ppm), GA 3 (25 ppm), BA (50 ppm), GA 3 (50 ppm), BA + GA 3 (25 ppm + 25 ppm), BA + GA 3 (50 ppm + 50 ppm), SAMRAS (2&4 ml · L -1 ), Agri-Herbo-99 (1 & 2 ml · L -1 ) and Super Gibbre (1 & 2 ml · L -1 ). After the treatments, each stem was then maintained for postharvest evaluation in an individual 500 ml conical flask with 300 ml of normal tap water. Within each treatment, the numbers of buds per stem were kept constant as possible for ease of data recording. In general, BA alone or in combination with GA 3 treatments significantly delayed the flower bud opening. Leaf yellowing and flower senescence was substantially delayed up to one week when cut flowers were sprayed with a solution containing TDZ (2 ppm). Application of BA @ 50 ppm significantly delayed total chlorophyll (a + b) degradation after 6 and 9 days. After 3 days sharp increase in total chlorophyll content was found when cut stems were sprayed with 1 ppm TDZ and slightly declined after 6 and 9 days. In conclusion, TDZ @ 2 ppm not only delayed leaf yellowing but also reduced onset of petal senescence in Lilium cut flowers. BA was able to delay the chlorophyll degradation.
Smart Monitoring of Electrical Circuits for Distinction of Connected Devices through Current Pattern Analysis using Machine Learning Algorithms

Energy Monitoring is a crucial activity in Energy Efficiency, which involves the study of techniques to supervise the energy consumption in a power grid, regarding the main purpose is to assure a good level of detail, to achieve consumption quotas for each connected device, for a low infrastructure cost. This paper presents the evaluation of different Machine Learning models to classify electric current patterns to identify and monitor electric charges present in circuits with a single sensing device. The models were trained and validated by a database created from signal samples of 4 electrical devices: Notebook Charger, Refrigerator, Blender and Fan. The models that presented the best metrics achieved, respectively, 97% and 100% Accuracy and 98% and 100% F1-Score, surpassing results obtained in related researches.
Effective one-body dynamics in Multiple-Quantum NMR

A suitable NMR experiment in a one-dimensional dipolar coupled spin system allows one to reduce the natural many-body dynamics into effective one-body dynamics. We verify this in a polycrystalline sample of hydroxyapatite (HAp) by monitoring the excitation of NMR many-body superposition states: the multiple-quantum coherences. The observed effective one-dimensionality of HAp relies on the quasi-one-dimensional structure of the dipolar coupled network that, as we show here, is dynamically enhanced by the quantum Zeno effect. Decoherence is also probed through a Loschmidt echo experiment, where the time reversal is implemented on the double-quantum Hamiltonian, ${\mathcal{H}}_{DQ}\ensuremath{\propto}{I}_{i}^{+}{I}_{j}^{+}+{I}_{i}^{\ensuremath{-}}{I}_{j}^{\ensuremath{-}}$. We contrast the decoherence of adamantane, a standard three-dimensional system, with that of HAp. While the first shows an abrupt Fermi-type decay, HAp presents a smooth exponential law.
COVID-19 Propagation Prediction and Assessment Method with Imported Cases and Infection Generations: Shanxi Province as a Case

When everyone focuses on 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Hubei province, the epidemic in other province cannot be ignored, which also has an impact on the epidemic in the whole country. The most distinctive epidemic characteristic in all regions except Wuhan is that the most of confirmed cases are imported cases from Wuhan, and the propagation chain is relatively clear. Based on detailed contact tracing information of confirmed cases, combined with first-order outbreak response measures, we establish a disease transmission dynamical model to describe the infection propagation chain among the human population. Using Shanxi province as a case, modeling results indicate that the epidemic peak in Shanxi province occurred in February 2. In addition, our model suggests that according to the current development trend, COVID-19 will disappear in February with the final epidemic number of approximately 175 cases. It is verified that the most effective outbreak control measures in Shanxi include home isolation of people, surveillance and isolation of second-generation cases, contact tracing and management of contacts. With the end of the holiday, if the average number of contacts per person per day is less than 6 , it has little impact on the incidence of COVID-19, and even if third- and fourth-generation cases occur, the epidemic will be under control, no later than late March with a finial outbreak size of 220 cases. However, if the average number of contacts per person per day is greater than 6, the number of COVID-19 cases will continue to be reported resulting in another epidemic peak. Through the forecast and evaluation of COVID-19 in Shanxi, it is verified that the model with infection generations is more accurate to describe the spread mode and can be extended to regions with imported cases.
Analysis of the epizootic situation and improvement of the scheme for the specific prevention of anthrax

The article shows the epizootic situation for three periods (decades): from 1990 to 1999, from 2000 to 2009 and from 2010 to 2019. As a result of the studies, it has been established that since 1990, the 26 sporadic outbreaks of anthrax have occurred in the territory of the republic, 13 of them in territories where the disease was not previously recorded, which indicates the spread of the pathogen in the environment. Due to the special situation of anthrax, which consists of a large number of unidentified anthrax cattle burial grounds, as well as high density and activity of dysfunctional sites, the republican veterinary service recommended vaccinating an adult cattle population twice a year with an interval of 6 months: in spring and autumn, to create the maximum percentage of immune animals. In addition, a method has been introduced in the republic for assessing specific prophylaxis of anthrax, based on the detection of specific antibodies in the blood serum of an immunized livestock by an indirect hemagglutination test. This method allows the detection of animals that were skipped during vaccination and tolerant animals. Thanks to the joint work of veterinarians and scientists who improved the specific scheme for the prevention of anthrax, the republic managed to reduce the number of outbreaks of infection by 15 times, which allows us to predict further improvement in the epizootic situation for this infection.
Interaction between chemical and biological degradation of chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons

This study aimed at monitoring the dynamics of phylogenetic and catabolic genes of a dechlorinating enrichment culture before, during, and after complete dechlorination of chlorinated compounds. More specifically, the effect of 23 μmol trichloroethene/bottle (TCE) and 5.6 mM lactate on 16S rRNA and RDase gene abundances and activity of an enrichment culture was investigated for 40 days. The results revealed that total ATP concentrations increased from 2 to 5 ng/mL after the addition of TCE and lactate. Although tceA and vcrA gene copy numbers were relatively stable in DNA extracts over time, tceA and vcrA mRNA abundances were up-regulated from undetectable levels to 2.96 × 10 transcripts/mL and 6.33 × 10 transcripts/mL, respectively, upon exposure to TCE and lactate. While tceA gene transcripts decreased over time with TCE dechlorination, the vcrA gene was expressed steadily even when the concentration of vinyl chloride was at undetectable levels. In addition, ratios between catabolic and phylogenetic genes indicated that tceA and vcrA gene carrying organisms dechlorinated TCE and produced cDCE and VC, while vcrA gene was mainly responsible for the dechlorination of VC in the later stage of TCE degradation. Chapter redrafted after: Doğan-Subaşı E, Bastiaens L, Leys N, Boon N, Dejonghe W (2013). Quantitative and functional dynamics of Dehalococcoides spp. and its tceA and vcrA genes under TCE exposure. Biodegradation, DOI 10.1007/s10532-013-9676-8 Chapter 3. Long term dynamics of Dehalococcoides spp. under TCE exposure
Chauffage par effet plasmon pour la désorption localisée de cellules capturées sur une biopuce

This work proposes a miniaturized system able to perform multiple cell capture followed by cell-type selective release from a biochip surface. Unlabeled lymphocytes are first specifically captured onto a DNA array by antibody-DNA conjugates. The immobilized cells are subsequently released under spatio-temporal control within local heating generated by intense Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) produced by laser illumination.
Association between stigma and depression among urban refugees in Mbarara Municipality, Southwestern Uganda

Background: More than half of the world’s refugees reside in non-camp settings, including urban areas. Refugees in urban areas often face acculturation challenges, stigma, overcoming stereotypes, and living in fear of being repatriated. Depression is one of the most frequent mental disorders experienced by refugee populations as a result of such challenges. In Uganda, the prevalence of mental disorders among urban refugees in general remains unknown and there is little epidemiological data to inform practice and policy in relation to the refugees’ mental health needs in urban areas. The aim of the present study was to examine the association between stigma and depression among urban refugees.Methods: Using snowball sampling method, we conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study among 343 refugees residing in Mbarara Municipality, Southwestern Uganda. The Discrimination and Stigma Scale and the Patient Health Questionnaire were used to assess stigma and depression respectively. Using SPSS, means, standard deviations and ranges were calculated to determine the prevalence of stigma and depression. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the associations between stigma and depression.Results: Participants in our study experienced high levels of enacted stigma (n=293, 85%) and internalized stigma (n=239, 70%). Most of the participants experienced both internalized and enacted stigma (n=288, 84%). The overall prevalence of depression was 96% (n=329) of which 16% (n=53) was mild, 17% (n=59) was moderate, 41% (n=141) was moderately severe and 22% (n=76) was severe depression. There was a significant positive correlation between stigma and depression (β= 0.37, p<.001). Conclusions: Urban refugees experience high levels of both enacted and internalized stigma. There is a strong association between stigma and depression. Interventions aimed at reducing stigma could subsequently reduce depression among refugees living in urban areas.
ERβ-induced MFN2 inhibits the migration and invasiveness of breast cancer cells by inhibiting the P-AKT signaling pathway

Background Mitofusin 2 (MFN2) is localized on the outer membrane of mitochondria and is closely related to the migration of malignant tumor cells. Estrogen receptor β (ERβ) plays an anticancer role in breast cancer. Our previous experiments showed that ERβ can induce MFN2 expression, which then inhibits breast cancer cell migration. However, the exact mechanism by which ERβ-induced MFN2 inhibits breast cancer cell migration is unknown. Methods In this study, immunohistochemistry was first used to detect the expression of MFN2 in breast cancer tissues, and its relationship with the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of breast cancer patients was analyzed. MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells were transfected with ERβ and MFN2 knockdown or expression plasmids. Western blot was used to detect the effects of ERβ on MFN2 and MFN2 on P-AKT473 and MMP2; the P-AKT pathway inhibitor LY294002 was administered to cells transfected with MFN2 knockdown plasmids, Western blot, immunocytofluorescence, and a wound healing assay revealed the effect of MFN2 on its downstream signaling pathway and the migration of breast cancer cells. Results This study found that the expression of MFN2 is related to the molecular type and prognosis of breast cancer patients ( P <0.05). The positive expression rate of MFN2 in triple-negative breast cancer was significantly lower than that in the HER2 + and luminal types. However, MFN2 expression was unrelated to age, tumor size, lymph node metastasis, TNM stage, histological type and grade ( P >0.05); ERβ positively regulated MFN2 expression and reduced the migration of both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, while MFN2 knockdown increased the expression of P-AKT473 and MMP2. In contrast, the overexpression of MFN2 inhibited the expression of P-AKT473 and MMP2. These results showed that in MFN2 knockdown cells treated with LY294002, P-AKT473 and MMP2 expression levels were reversed. The reversal of P-AKT473 and MMP2 expression levels inhibits the invasiveness of human breast cancer cells. Conclusion MFN2 is related to the molecular subtype and prognosis of breast cancer. In human breast cancer MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, ERβ-induced MFN2 can inhibit the P-AKT pathway, which inhibits the invasiveness and migration of both breast cancer cell lines.
Scoparia dulcis Role in Neutrophils Functions of Wistar Albino Rats after a Sub-acute Noise Exposure

Abstract The objective of this study is to find out 1) sub-acute noise stress effects on neutrophil functions and 2) to examine the effect of Scoparia dulcis as an immunomodulatory and anti-stressor agent. Four groups of rats were used control, control fed with Scoparia, noise-stress exposed, noise-stress exposed fed with Scoparia. Blood was used for the assessment of Nitro blue tetrazolium reduction test (NBT), Neutrophil adhesion test (NAT), Phagocytic index (PI), avidity index (AI), corticosterone, LTB4. Respiratory burst enzymes (CAT, SOD), GSH, Vit-C, LPO, and NO measurement also done after the isolation of neutrophil from blood. Results1) Rats exposed to sub-acute noise stress showed a significant increase in NBT, corticosterone, LTB4, LPO, NO whereas NAT, PI, AI, antioxidant enzymes of neutrophils were markedly decreased. Hence, the administration of Scoparia dulcis prevents the sub-acute noise stress induced changes in neutrophil functions and antioxidant status and concludes that it protects the natural immunity.
STUDY OF THE METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF PEGANUM SEEDS ON CONVULSION INDUCED BY STRYCHNINE IN SWISS MICE

Objectives: Some kinds of epilepsy are refractory to treatment with standard antiepileptic drugs. Several plant species are used in the treatment of convulsions. In this study we attempted to extract and evaluate the protective effect Peganum harmala on convulsion induced by strychnine in mice. Method: After collection of Peganum harmala seeds and ground to obtain powder. The methanolic extract was prepared. Albino Swiss male mice were orally pretreated dose dependently (15, 30 and 45mg/kg) with Peganum harmala (Methanolic extract), for a period of 15 days, also a group of animals received phenytion (30 mg/kg i.p). After eight hours the animals were injected intraperitoneally single dose of strychnine 1.7 µg/kg. Results: The convulsion was observed on strychnine treated animals. The convulsion was significantly decreased among those animals pretreated with phenytoin (p< 0.05). However, the protective effect of, Peganum harmala was evident at the dose of 45 mg/kg and the starting of convulsion time along with its duration were delayed in comparison to control group, the respiratory arrest time were also delayed. Increased survival rate were observed on Peganum harmala/phenytoin treated animals. Conclusion: The results obtained from the present study indicate that the Peganum harmala at the doses of 15 and 30 mg/kg were not effective against strychnine induced convulsion. However, Peganum harmala was effective at the dose of 45 mg/kg and its effect was comparable with phenytoin. It seems that the Peganum harmala seeds inhibits convulsion in mice by modulating the glycine and NMDA receptors. However, the exact mechanism Peganum harmala seeds on convulsion induced by strychnine remains elusive and needs further experimentation.
Chemical evolution of organic molecules under Mars-like UV radiation conditions simulated in the laboratory with the MOMIE setup

The search for organic carbon at the surface of Mars, as clues of past habitability or remnants of life, is a major science goal of Mars' exploration. Understanding the chemical evolution of organic molecules under current Martian environmental conditions is essential to support the past, present and future analyses performed in situ. What molecule can be preserved? What is the timescale of organic evolution at the surface? Here we present laboratory work addressing these questions. c