Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Epreuves reversibles donnant la sensation du relief

HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access archive for the deposit and dissemination of scientific research documents, whether they are published or not. The documents may come from teaching and research institutions in France or abroad, or from public or private research centers. L’archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, émanant des établissements d’enseignement et de recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires publics ou privés. Épreuves réversibles donnant la sensation du relief G. Lippmann
Inhibition of nitrite-induced toxicity in channel catfish by calcium chloride and sodium chloride

Abstract Environmental chloride has been shown to inhibit methemoglobin formation in fish, thereby offering a protective effect against nitrite toxicity. Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) were simultaneously exposed to various environmental nitrite and chloride levels (as either CaCl2 or NaCl) in dechlorinated tap water (40 mg/L total hardness, 47 mg/L alkalinity, 4 mg/L chloride, pH = 6.9-7.1, and temperature 21-24°C). Methemoglobin levels in fish simultaneously exposed to 2.5 mg/L nitrite and up to 30 mg/L chloride as either CaCl2 or NaCl were similar but significantly lower than in unprotected fish. Exposure to 10 mg/L nitrite and 60 mg/L chloride resulted in methemoglobin levels similar to those of the controls; most unprotected fish died. Fish exposed to 10 mg/L nitrite had significantly lower methemoglobin levels when protected with 15.0 mg/L chloride as CaCl2 than with NaCl. Fish exposed to nitrite in the presence of 60 mg/L chloride (as either CaCl2 or NaCl) had similar 24-h LC50 values that w.
Structure, vibrational spectrum, and energetics of the CH+5 ion. A theoretical investigation

A set of large‐scale ab initio molecular orbital calculations on the CH+5 potential energy surface is presented. The final calculations were done with very large polarized basis sets and correlation corrections were included at the CI(SDQ) level. The geometries were gradient optimized, while the harmonic force fields and infrared intensities were also determined analytically at the SCF level. None of the modes are predicted to have an extremely large intensity. The frequency of the torsional mode for rotation of the H2 about the pseudo threefold axis of the CH+3 group is found to be extremely low. This makes the exact energy content of the ion difficult to define precisely. The proton affinity of CH4 has been calculated at the CI(SDQ) level including zero point energy and thermodynamic corrections. The calculated value is 129.0 kcal/mol as compared to an experimental value of 132.4 kcal/mol. It is suggested that the experimental value is somewhat too high.
Four-Dimensional Sparse Data Structures for Representing Text Data

A R T I C L E I N F O A B S T R A C T Article history: Received: 12 July, 2020 Accepted: 24 August, 2020 Online: 10 September, 2020 This paper focuses on a string encoding algorithm, which produces sparse distributed representations of text data. A characteristic feature of the algorithm described here, is that it works without tokenizing the text and can avoid other data preparation steps, such as stemming and lemmatization. The text can be of arbitrary size, whether it is a single word or an entire book, it can be processed in the same way. Such approaches to text vectorization are not common in the machine learning literature. This sets the presented encoder apart from conventional text vectorizers. Two versions of the encoding algorithm are described and compared the initial one and an improved version. The goal is to produce a robust data preparation procedure, capable of handling highly corrupted texts.
The pros and cons of lignin valorisation in an integrated biorefinery

This short critical review outlines possible scenarios for using lignin as a feedstock in a biorefinery environment. We first explain the position of biomass with respect to fossil carbon sources and the possibilities of substituting these in tomorrow's transportation fuels, energy, and chemicals sectors. Of these, the conversion of biomass to chemicals is, in our opinion, the most worthy. Focusing on lignin, we describe the four main processes for its industrial separation (the Sulfite, Soda, Kraft, and Organosolv processes). Then, we detail several short- and long-term perspectives for its valorisation to aromatics, polymers and materials, as well as new products and in-the-pipeline processes. Finally, we examine the limitations in current lignin valorisation and suggest possible ways forward. Combining the chemical aspects with up-to-date data from economic analyses gives a pragmatic and realistic overview of the commercial applications and possibilities for lignin in the coming decades, where biomass will join shale gas and crude oil as a valid and economical carbon source.
Effects of Surrounding Temperature on Antimicrobial Air Filters Coated with Sophora flavescens Nanoparticles

Bioaerosols, such as bacterial and fungal cells and their spores, are components of indoor airborne particulate matter and have been associated with human health problems as well as various environmental issues. Natural antimicrobial products have been used in air filters for bioaerosol control. However, natural products may lose some function due to their sensitivity to environmental factors such as temperature and humidity. In this study, we investigated the effects of temperature on antimicrobial fiber filters coated with nanoparticles of a natural product, namely, Sophora flavescens extract. Inactivation efficiency decreased with increasing temperature and treatment time. A quantitative chemical analysis of the filters revealed that the quantities of antimicrobial compounds decreased noticeably, with a consequent decrease in antimicrobial activity. In addition, the S. flavescens nanoparticles on the filter fiber surface melted gradually as treatment time increased at temperatures >100°C. This change in nanoparticle morphology in turn affected the pressure and filtration efficiency of filters, both of which decreased with increasing temperature and treatment time. These results could provide a scientific basis for the improvement of indoor air-quality control using antimicrobial air filters coated with S. flavescens nanoparticles. Copyright 2014 American Association for Aerosol Research
Hydrogen passivation of polycrystalline silicon thin films

The influence of post-hydrogenation on the electrical and optical properties of solid phase crystallized polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si) was examined. The passivation of grain-boundary defects was measured as a function of the passivation time. The silicon dangling-bond concentration decreases with increasing passivation time due to the formation of Si-H complexes. In addition, large H-stabilized platelet-like clusters are generated. The influence of H on the electrical properties was investigated using temperature dependent conductivity and Hall-effect measurements. For poly-Si on Corning glass, the dark conductivity decreases upon hydrogenation, while it increases when the samples are fabricated on silicon-nitride covered Borofloat glass. Hall-effect measurements reveal that for poly-Si on Corning glass the hole concentration and the mobility decrease upon post-hydrogenation, while a pronounced increase is observed for poly-Si on silicon-nitride covered Borofloat glass. This indicates the formation of.
Accurate frequencies of molecular transitions used in laser stabilization: the 3.39‐μm transition in CH4 and the 9.33‐ and 10.18‐μm transitions in CO2

The frequencies of three lasers stabilized to molecular absorptions were measured with an infrared‐frequency synthesis chain extending upwards from the cesium frequency standard. The measured values are 29.442 483 315 (25) THz for the 10.18‐μm R(30) transition in CO2, 32.134 266 891 (24) THz for the 9.33‐μm R(10) transition in CO2, and 88.376 181 627 (50) THz for the 3.39‐μm P(7) transition in CH4. The frequency of methane, when multiplied by the measured wavelength reported in the following letter, yields 299 792 456.2(1.1) m/sec for the speed of light.
Topology and Control of Four-Quadrant Dual-DC-Port Dual-Buck Inverters For Semi-Two-Stage DC–AC Power Conversion

A method to derive topologies of four-quadrant dual-dc-port dual-buck inverter (DDP-DBI) is proposed in this article. A new family of DDP-DBIs is obtained by replacing one of the switching legs in a four-quadrant dual-buck half-bridge switching cell with a dual-input buck type switching leg. With the proposed DDP-DBIs, both the low voltage dc source and the high voltage intermediate dc-bus can be used as the inputs of the inverter. Therefore, in comparison with the conventional two-stage dc–ac power system, a semi-two-stage dc–ac power conversion system with reduced power losses and enhanced conversion efficiency is achieved. A unipolar sinusoidal pulse width-modulation strategy is presented for the DDP-DBI. In each line cycle, all the power devices and filter inductors only operate within half line cycle, and only one active switch is operated at high frequency. Moreover, no freewheeling current flows through the body diodes of the active switches. As a result, the conversion efficiency of the overall dc–ac power conversion system is improved. Operation principles, characteristics, modulation and control strategies of one of the proposed DDP-DBI are analyzed in detail. Effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed DDP-DBI are verified with experimental results.
Four-type of Masks and its Effectiveness Based on Reduced Level of Expiratory Carbon-monoxide

Introduction: Carbon-monoxide (CO) is a major component of motor-vehicles related air pollution. Motor-vehicles emissions are a major source of air pollution in urban areas and give significant adverse effects on human life. Aim: This study aimed to assess the change of expiratory carbon-monoxide levels after using four-type of masks in people around Universitas Sumatera Utara. Methods: This was an experimental study with a consecutive sampling technique involved 100 non-smoker subjects. They were divided into four groups based on masks given: fabric, surgical, carbon, and an N95 mask. Expiratory CO was measured by a smokerlyzer device. Data were analyzed using SPSS software with Wilcoxon and Kruskal Wallis Test. Results: There was a significant change of carbon-monoxide mean level after using the mask for 8 hours in a surgical mask, N95 mask, and carbon mask (p-value: 0.002; 0.000; 0.000). After analyzed using Kruskal Wallis Test, there was a significant difference in the change of mean of pre and post wearing mask (ΔCO) among four-type of masks with p-value < 0.001. Post Hoc Analysis showed the significant difference was in the comparison between N95 mask vs Fabric Mask and Carbon Mask vs Fabric Mask (p-value: 0.002; 0.021). Conclusion: All three type of masks such as surgical mask, N95 mask, and carbon mask was effective to reduce CO levels from air pollution with the most significant was N95 and carbon mask. Fabric mask has the poorest protection from CO levels.
Big Data Evaluation Scorecard

This study seeks to examine the evolution of issues that have been espoused by both junior and senior scholars to aggregate out of literature, a criterion that can guide firms in evaluating their Big data analytic (BDA) projects. The systematic review approach took stock of varied socio-technical understanding, requirements, and capabilities used in addressing Big data issues and synthesized these issues for value accruals. The study strongly argues that Big data benefits accrue to firms whose economic activities require distributed collaborative effort, operational visibilities, cost, and time-sensitive decisions who adopt and implement the concept in their strategic, tactical, and operational levels. Though the trend shows steady growth in scholars’ interests and expectations in BDA, a significant percentage of the reviewed studies were not informed by any theory. The study contributes to BDA literature by affording scholars issue gaps and for practitioners, an analytical competency and evaluation scorecard that links strategic business goals to operational outcomes.
Effects of Dynamic Strength Training to Prevent Lower Limb Injuries Among Novice Long Distance Runners: An Experimental Study

Background/Purpose: Novice long distance runners may contribute to develop common lower limb injuries related to running. Strengthening hip or knee alone does not appear to prevent these injuries. Correction of running mechanics along with proper plan of regime for strengthening of lower limb is needed. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effects of 6 weeks dynamic strength training to prevent lower limb injuries among novice long distance runners. Methods: This was an experimental study including novice runners (n=30, 18-60 years old, <2 years running experience) to evaluate the effects of dynamic strength training program specially designed under the supervision of expert physiotherapists to minimize lower limb injuries and pain. Participants were engaged in a 6-week extensive training program, three times per week using guided program comprising of various forms of exercises to strengthen their lower limb for prevention of common running injuries. Pre and Post “Knee Outcome Survey (KOS)” was measured to evaluate outcome. Results: Knee Outcome Survey Activities of Daily Living Scale (ADLS) pre training mean score was found to be 24.29 ± 5.9 whereas post training effects was 39.19 ± 2.45 with significant p-value of 0.000. In ADLS of KOS Pain variable outcome measure asked symptom that affects activity moderately the responses were 36.7% in pre whereas 0% after training. Weakness was responded mostly affecting activity moderately in 30% patients while after training it was reduced to 0%. Conclusion: A six-week dynamic strength training program may help to reduce lower limb injuries among novice long distance runners under the supervision of skilled physical therapist.
An Overview of Biomass Pyrolysis

The pyrolysis is degradation of biomass by heat in the absence of oxygen, which results in the production of charcoal, liquid, and gaseous products. The pyrolysis process can be divided into three subclasses: conventional pyrolysis, fast pyrolysis, and flash pyrolysis. The hemicelluloses break down first at temperatures of 470 to 530 K, cellulose follows in the temperature range 510 to 620 K, and lignin is the last component to pyrolyze at temperatures of 550 to 770 K. If the purpose is to maximize the yield of liquid products resulting from biomass pyrolysis, a low temperature, high heating rate, short gas residence time process would be required. For a high char production, a low temperature, low heating rate process would be chosen. If the purpose was to maximize the yield of fuel gas resulting from pyrolysis, a high temperature, low heating rate, long gas residence time process would be preferred.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Electro-Optic Properties of Novel Bent-Core Mesogens Based on Cinnamoyloxy Derivatives

The new series of bent-core molecules based on a 3,4′-biphenyldiol central core has been synthesized. The influence of the central core as well as that of a fluorine and chlorine substituent on the diphenyl rings in the bent-core compound has also been examined. A few novel series of bent-core compounds containing cinnamoyloxy or α-methylcinnamoyloxy groups in the side arms have been synthesized, and the mesophases exhibited by them have been compared. The mesophases under discussion were investigated by means of polarizing microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, as well as electro-optical experiments. The influence of the molecular structure on the occurrence of the SmCP phase was investigated. Finally, the electro-optical properties of the SmCP phase, such as voltage-transmittance effect, tilt angle, dielectric permittivity, and switching behavior, were also measured. As a consequence, the correlation between their electro-optical properties and chemical structures of these compounds is investigated.
Design and Implementation of A Micro-force Sensing Instrument for Ophthalmic Surgery

In the Ophthalmic microsurgery, as the contact forces between tool and tissue are too small to perceive and the excessive operating force might lead to tissue damage, an FBG-based two-dimensional micro-force sensor is developed. After the force-wavelength relationship is determined and the temperature effect to the wavelength is discussed, an algorithm is developed to cancel the temperature effect. A calibration experiment is performed on a self-developed micro-force sensor calibration platform (the measuring accuracy is 0.42 mN). The sensor is integrated to the end of an ophthalmic surgical forceps, which was used to perform continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC) on isolated pig eyeballs to obtain the force-time curves. By analyzing 19 sets of data, the average value of the maximum capsular force was 22.43 mN. The research laid the foundation for precise operation of ophthalmic surgery and micro-force control of surgical robots.
Heat transfer and entropy generation for natural convection by adiabatic obstacles inside a cavity heated on the left side

By using finite difference method, the problem of heat transfer and entropy generation for natural convection of a fluid inside a square cavity with inner adiabatic bodies has been investigated numerically. Calculations have been made for Rayleigh numbers ranging from 10 to 5·10 for two obstacles with different heights. Results are presented as streamlines, isotherm contours and Nusselt number for Prandtl number of 0.71 (assuming the cavity is filled with air). The obtained results demonstrate the effects of pertinent parameters on the fluid flow, thermal fields and heat transfer inside the cavity. The results show that the heat transfer rates generally increase with the shrink of the obstacle size and with the increase of Rayleigh number. The entropy generation is higher at locations with large temperature gradients. Excellent agreement is obtained with previous results in the literature.
Participatory Variety Selection for Enhanced Promotion and Adoption of Improved Potato (Solanumtuberosum L) Varieties in Southwest Ethiopia

Participatory variety selection is an approach which provides a wide choice of varieties to farmers to evaluate in a given varieties for their own environment to increase production. It enhances farmers’ access to diverse crop varieties, increases production and ensures food security and helps faster dissemination and adoption of released varieties. It allows varietal selection in targeted areas at cost-effective and timely manner and helps promotion of community seed production and seed banks. This experiment was designed to conduct potato participatory variety evaluation and selection at southwestern Ethiopia on farmers’ farm land to overcome production problem supplying three newly released potato varieties namely; Belete, Gera and Shankala. At different locations, each variety performed differently. Accordingly, farmers selected according to their performance in their areas setting growth habit, stem thickness, maturity period and disease tolerance as main selection criteria. Therefore, a variety developed through participatory variety selection usually meets the demand of different stakeholders. Besides, from the experiment, the main bottleneck in potato production was identified to be lack of technology supply and extension besides of participatory evaluation and selection. So, it calls researchers to participate users while variety development and technologies extension.
Ficções porno-políticas do corpo (a partir) de Preciado

Resumo: Partindo dos escritos de Preciado, este artigo propõe uma problematização contradisciplinar das representações do corpo enquanto produto epistemológico e enquanto laboratório político. A primeira parte, dedicada ao tópico central do Manifesto contrassexual (plasticidade dos sexos e sexos de plástico), discute o sentido de Natureza e a ruptura epistemológica com o discurso sobre uma ordem natural que precede e constitui o humano. A segunda parte centra-se nas noções do corpo como laboratório, introduzidas em Testo yonki. Combinando ficção autopolítica, autoteoria e ensaio corporal, Testo yonki relata um protocolo de intoxicação voluntária à base de testosterona sintética. Essa experimentação corporal, que permite a Preciado ficcionar-se como hacker-sexual ou pirata-dosexo, apresenta-se como um meio de renovação do sentido de si. No seu conjunto, este artigo pretende contribuir para uma análise preciadista de Preciado, isto é, uma análise do sujeito (biografia) que é feita a partir das próprias categorias criadas pelo autor (bibliografia), fazendo de Preciado simultaneamente fonte e objeto de teorização. Trata-se, desse modo, de um ensaio biópico, no qual procuro explorar e combinar as dimensões de produção biográfica e bibliográfica de Preciado. Palavras-chave: Preciado; sexopolítica; regime farmacopornográfico; ensaio biópico; queer.
Use of New Narratives for COVID-19 Reporting: From 360º Videos to Ephemeral TikTok Videos in Online Media

The disruptive evolution of technology has impacted on all aspects of commu­nication. Consequently, various alterna­tives are being developed for storytelling, delivering messages, and connecting to people. The evolution of social media and mul­timedia technologies is evident. Since 2014, we have witnessed changes both in the concept of immersion over the 360o format and virtual reality. Such changes aim at much closer proximity between user and content, strengthen­ing possible empathic bonds. Even so, emerging audiences, especial­ly Generation Z, spend time in digital environments that do not support this type of content. As a consequence, their interactions and multimedia behavior focus on vertical, ephemeral content, rendering TikTok as an innovative alter­native with a significant growth trend. This study proposes a review of media outlets and journalists’ work report­ing on the COVID-19 pandemic using 360o multimedia narratives and Tik­Tok. Research shows evidence of the limited use of the immersive multime­dia format and the increase of produc­tions in the ephemeral vertical format of TikTok —whose audience reach has grown significantly. Keywords: COVID-19, 360 video, ephemeral video, journalism, Genera­tion Z.
A 60-GHz SiGe Power Amplifier With Three-Conductor Transmission-Line-Based Wilkinson Baluns and Asymmetric Directional Couplers

A compact, 60-GHz high-power, wideband balanced power amplifier, implemented in a 90-nm SiGe BiCMOS technology, is demonstrated. A three-conductor transmission-line-based asymmetric coupled-line directional coupler is used to achieve impedance transformation and quadrature power combining simultaneously. A Wilkinson balun based on a three-conductor transmission line structure is implemented to achieve a four-way series–parallel power combining. Analyses of the three-conductor asymmetric coupler and the Wilkinson balun combiner are provided in this article. The design achieved 17.3-dB small-signal gain, with 41.8-GHz 3-dB bandwidth, from 28.1 to 69.9 GHz. A 24.4-dBm saturated output power (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$P_{\mathrm{ SAT}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>) was measured at 60 GHz with a 22-GHz 1-dB <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$P_{\mathrm{ SAT}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> bandwidth, covering 45–67 GHz. The circuit showed a peak power-added efficiency (PAE) of 14.2% at 60 GHz, and the peak PAE is above 11.5% across the 1-dB <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$P_{\mathrm{ SAT}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> bandwidth. The proposed eight-way power combining scheme achieves 0.077-mm<sup>2</sup> per-way area consumption and 449-mW/mm<sup>2</sup> power density.