Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hybrid Silicon Nitride Photonic Integrated Circuits Covered by Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Films

The integration of low-dimensional materials with optical waveguides presents promising opportunities for enhancing light manipulation in passive photonic circuits. In this study, we investigate the potential of aerosol-synthesized single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) films for silicon nitride photonic circuits as a basis for developing integrated optics devices. Specifically, by measuring the optical response of SWCNT-covered waveguides, we retrieve the main SWCNT film parameters, such as absorption, nonlinear refractive, and thermo-optic coefficients, and we demonstrate the enhancement of all-optical wavelength conversion and the photoresponse with a 1.2 GHz bandwidth.
Multi-modal functional sensorless adaptive optics for small animal retinal imaging

The proposed preclinical study investigates pathological characteristics of retinal diseases such as Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) with transgenic small animal models using a multi-modal functional small animal retinal imaging system. For characterizing the animal models, we visualize the melanin concentration, lipofuscin accumulation, and choriocapillaris using a single imaging system. The system implements Polarization-Sensitive Optical Coherence Tomography (PS-OCT), fluorescence Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope (fSLO), and Sensorless Adaptive Optics (SAO) for the visualizations of pathological features. As preliminary data, we acquired three different mice models and visualized the outer retinal thickness and melanin concentration. The newly developing system is expected to provide multilateral perspectives for further studies in AMD, enabling vision scientists to investigate the correlations between melanin, lipofuscin, and choriocapillaris for the root cause of AMD.
REMOVAL OF Cr (VI) from NORKRAN’S LIQUID MEDIUM USING Aspergillus fumigatus and Rhizopus sp.

Soil and water pollution caused by heavy metals can result in health challenges such as cancer. Therefore, this study was aimed at testing the ability of Aspergillus fumigatus and Rhizopus sp. isolated from cassava grinding mill environment to reduce, bio-accumulate and tolerate Cr (VI) in Norkran’s medium. Fungal isolates were obtained from soil samples using 2 % malt extract agar. Cr (VI) reduction potential of the fungal cells was done using shake flask method. The tolerance of fungal isolates to the different concentrations of Cr (VI) used for the bio-sorption experiment was determined by collecting 1 ml of Norkran’s sample from each experimental flask on days 0, 5, 10 and 20 followed by inoculation in 2 % malt extract agar plates. The ability of fungal isolates to adapt to increasing Cr (VI) concentrations was ascertained by inoculating mycelial ball on 2 % malt extract agar amended with 16.1 mg/L of Cr (VI). There were reductions of Cr (VI) for all the treatments amended with A. fumigatus and Rhizopus sp. at 16.1, 8.1, 4.0 and 2.0 mg/L concentrations of Cr (VI) while 50 % decrease in Cr (VI) concentrations was observed for treatments inoculated with Rhizopus sp. on days 20, 10 and 5 at concentrations of 8.1, 4.0 and 2.0 mg/L respectively. The amounts of Cr (VI) observed at a concentration of 16.1 mg/L on day 20 for treatments inoculated with Rhizopus sp. were observed to be significantly less than (P<0.05) those of A. fumigatus. The fungal tolerance assay demonstrated increase in fungal abundance throughout the experimental period for all the treatments indicating that the different concentrations of Cr (VI) used were not toxic to the fungal species. Induce-tolerance assay suggested that Cr (VI) was able to induce metal tolerance potential in these fungal species. Findings from this investigation revealed that these fungi can be further explored biotechnologically to clean-up chromium contaminated environment
Portfolio Selection Strategies in Bursa Malaysia Based on Quadratic Programming

The study aims to select the efficient portfolio on stock listed in Bursa Malaysia by using the quadratic programming method. It can help the investors to gain expected returns from the diversification portfolio. However, there are some problems that should be considered such as the measurement of inputs for Mean-Variance Models (MVM), use of portfolio models through time and consistency with management objectives in the portfolio. These problems will affect the performance of selected portfolio and cause the loss problem. Therefore, this study implements a quadratic programming approach to select an efficient portfolio on stocks listed in Bursa Malaysia. The study will choose 15 potential companies which have the best performance in the Bursa Malaysia. Quadratic programming (QP) model can solve any type of mathematical optimisation problem in the study. Therefore, investors can optimise the investment portfolio returns by using QP methods. However, we can observe the efficient frontier which is a graph that representing a list of portfolios that optimising expected return for a different level of portfolio risk so can help the investors make a good decision. The findings of this study will give important inputs, especially to the investors to maximise their portfolio return at different level of risks.
Changes in the Fibrinolytic System of Patients Infected with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2

Introduction: In this study, coagulation and fibrinolysis parameters and their association with disease severity were investigated in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients. Materials and Methods: COVID-19 patients (n = 446) admitted to our institute between 21 February 2021 and 17 March 2022, were recruited. Clinical data and staging were collected from all patients. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for several parameters of fibrinolysis and coagulation, including alpha-2-antiplasmin(α2AP) and plasminogen, thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI), tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), D-dimer, and fibrinogen levels. Results: The TAFI, fibrinogen, and tPA levels were significantly higher in participants who died compared to that of patients who recovered (p < 0.001). However, PAI-1, tPA, and TAFI were significantly higher in patients admitted to the ICU than those of the healthy controls (p < 0.001 for PAI-1 and tPA; p = 0.0331 for TAFI). Our results showed that stage C and D COVID-19 patients had significantly higher levels of PAI-1 (p = 0.003). Furthermore, stage D COVID-19 patients had significantly higher tPA and TAFI values (p = 0.003). Conclusions: Hypofibrinolysis was the most prevalent condition among patients with severe COVID-19. In this study, several coagulation markers were elevated, making them suitable prognostic markers for hypofibrinolysis.
Functional Verification of the Four Splice Variants from Ajania purpurea NST1 in Transgenic Tobacco

Ajania purpurea is a small semi-shrub in the Asteraceae family. Its corolla is purplish red from the middle to the top, and its leaves and flowers are all fragrant. It can be introduced and cultivated as ornamental plants. In order to survive adversity, plants actively regulate the expression of stress response genes and transcripts. Alternative splicing is a common phenomenon and an important regulation mode of eukaryotic gene transcription, which plays an important role in various biological processes. In this study, four splice variants of the NST1 gene were identified from A. purpurea, and the molecular mechanism of NST1 alternative splice variants involved in abiotic stress was explored through bioinformatics, transgenics and paraffin sectionalization. The analysis of amino acid sequences showed that ApNST1.1 had alternative 5′splicing, ApNST1.2 had alternative 3′splicing and ApNST1 had the two splicing types. The main conclusions from studying transgenic tobacco seedlings and adult seedlings under abiotic stress were as follows: ApNST1, ApNST1.1 and ApNST1.3 showed salt tolerance at seedling stage, especially ApNST1.3. At the mature seedling stage, the stem height of ApNST1.1 increased significantly, and ApNST1.1 showed obvious salt tolerance, while ApNST1.2 showed obvious cold resistance. Compared to Super35S::GFP, the xylem of ApNST1 thickened by 94 μm, and the cell wall thickened by 0.215 μm. These results are of great significance to the breeding and application of ApNST1 to select splice variants with more resistance to abiotic stress, and to future study in this area. At the same time, they provide a new direction for A. purpurea breeding, and increase the possibility of garden applications.
EFFECT OF VITAMIN C (ASCORBIC ACID) SUPPLEMENTATION ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE, ECONOMIC INDICES, HAEMATOLOGY, SERUM BIOCHEMISTRY AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTIC OF WEANER PIGS

Seven weeks old weaned pigs (Yorkshire x Landrace, n = 32, mean weight = 12.32 ± 0.59 kg) were allotted to 4 treatments (diets) consisting of 8 replicates each: diet A − basal diet; diet B − basal + ascorbic acid at 1 g.kg-1 diet; diet C − basal + ascorbic acid at 2 g.kg-1 diet; and diet D − basal + ascorbic acid at 3 g.kg-1 diet. Growth performance, economic indices, haematological parameters, serum biochemistry and carcass characteristics were measured. After 49 days, the pigs on diet with ascorbic acid at 2 g.kg-1 had significantly higher daily feed intake (1.54 kg per pig) (p < 0.05). The feed cost per kg increased significantly (p < 0.05) across the diets from the control (Nigerian naira, ₦ 97.60) to basal + ascorbic acid at 3 g.kg-1diet (₦ 103.50). Significantly higher (p < 0.05) red blood cell, haemoglobin, haematocrit and mean corpuscular volume values were recorded in pigs fed ascorbic acid at 2 g.kg-1 diet, while pigs fed ascorbic acid at 3 g.kg-1 diet had the highest cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose, creatinine, urea, total protein and globulin (p < 0.05) levels. Pigs offered ascorbic acid had significantly higher bleed weight, carcass weight, belly, abdominal fat, back fat thickness and whole and empty stomach weight than those fed the control diet. It can be concluded that vitamin C supplementation (up to 3 g.kg-1) had no negative impact on the growth performance and economic indices (except the feed cost) of the pigs, while it improved the haematological parameters and carcass weight and also enhanced fat deposition.
Distribución del valor generado en cadenas globales de mercancías (CGM): el caso de melón, chayote y café. (SDT 002-2008)

The aim of this working paper is to develop a methodological proposal for the analysis of income distribution along the commodity chain. For such purposes a theoretical review is developed to design a calculation proposal in order to clarify some factors that determine income distribution in the value creation process. By this way agent ́s share in income distribution may be estimated and consequences of their competitiveness may be clarified. The methodology was applied to melon, squash and coffee agro chains of Costa Rica, studied in the context of the Project "Improved Sustainability of Agro-Food Chains in Central America”. In which extensive fieldwork was developed that permitted to established various scenarios for the analysis. The document shed light about various factors that determine income distribution along the chain. Calculations show that growers obtain the lower participation on generated value. Nevertheless some strategies may improve income of growers, such as: stronger integration and coordination levels (both horizontal and vertical), better agriculture practices, and commercialization activities. * Los autores son investigadores del Centro Internacional de Política Económica (CINPE) de la Universidad Nacional.
ISO science legacy : a compact review of ISO major achievements

Foreword, Catherine Cesarsky and Alberto Salama General Crystalline Silicates, Frank Molster and Ciska Kemper Water in Space - The Water World of ISO, Jose Cernicharo and Jacques Crovisier Molecular Hydrogen, Emilie Habart, Malcolm Walmsley, Laurent Verstraete, Stephanie Cazaux, Roberto Maiolino, Pierre Cox, Francois Boulanger, Guillaume Pineau des Forets Understanding galaxy formation with ISO deep surveys, David Elbaz Solar System The planets and Titan observed by ISO, Thierry Fouchet, Bruno Bezard, Therese Encrenaz Comets, Asteroids and Zodiacal Light as seen by ISO, Thomas G. Muller, Peter Abraham, Jacques Crovisier Stars and circumstellar matter ISO observations of Pre-Stellar Cores and Young Stellar Objects, Brunella Nisini, Anlaug Amanda Kaas, Ewine F. van Dishoeck, Derek Ward-Thompson Pre-Main Sequence Stars seen by ISO, Dario Lorenzetti Debris discs around stars: The 2004 ISO legacy, Marie Jourdain de Muizon Late stages of Stellar Evolution, Joris A.D.L. Blommaert, Jan Cami, Ryszard Szczerba, Michael J. Barlow Interstellar Medium The Cool Interstellar Medium, Alain Abergel, Laurent Verstraete, Christine Joblin, Rene Laureijs, Marc-Antoine Miville-Deschenes High excitation ISM and gas, Els Peeters, Nieves Leticia Martin-Hernandez, Nemesio J. Rodriguez-Fernandez, Xander A.G. G.M. Tielens The Ice Survey Opportunity of ISO, Emmanuel Dartois Our local Universe. Normal Nearby Galaxies, Marc Sauvage, Richard J. Tuffs, Cristina C. Popescu Obscured Activity: AGN, Quasars, Starbursts and ULIGs observed by the Infrared Space Observatory, Aprajita Verma, Vassilis Charmandaris, Ulrich Klaas, Dieter Lutz, Martin Haas . and beyond The European Large Area ISO Survey, Seb Oliver and Francesca Pozzi ISO's Contribution to the Study of Clusters ofGalaxies, Leo Metcalfe, Dario Fadda, Andrea Biviano
Géochimie isotopique des gaz rares dans les roches sédimentaires et les eaux souterraines de l'est du bassin parisien : contribution aux transferts massiques intrabassinaux

Dans le cadre de l'implantation d'un laboratoire souterrain de recherche dans la Meuse visant a definir les possibilites de stockage des dechets radioactifs, l'ANDRA a initie de nombreuses etudes afin d'acquerir une meilleure connaissance des proprietes naturelles de la zone cible. La geochimie isotopique des gaz rares, les isotopes stables de l'eau et l'activite 14c appliques aux fluides et aux sediments de l'est du bassin parisien permettent de discuter des transferts massiques intrabassinaux. Dans les roches sedimentaires, la mobilite des elements traces est extremement variable : si Ar est retenu quantitativement, He migre tres facilement. Cependant, He restant dans la roche est moins mobile puisqu'il est extrait par paliers de temperature. Cette difference de cinetique s'explique par des sites de diffusion distincts, caracterises par des coefficients de diffusion et des energies d'activation propres. Ces sites ont ete documentes via la caracterisation des d de l'eau extraite lors de paliers de deshydratation de la roche et en examinant les traces de fission laissees lors de l'irradiation des echantillons. Les eaux souterraines du dogger constituent un melange d'eaux meteoriques et d'eaux des horizons inferieurs. Le trias concentre, en plus, des fluides d'origine mantellique impliquant des transferts convectifs de grande ampleur a l'echelle de la croute. Les temps de residence associes s'echelonnent entre 2 et 30 000 ans, d'ou des vitesses de l'ordre de 2. 5 m/an. Les eaux du dogger, plus anciennes (1 MA), circuleraient plus lentement (0. 05 m/an). Les transferts d'elements traces entre le dogger et le trias etant quantitativement limites, les argiles du lias constitueraient une barriere isolante efficace entre ces deux formations. La validite de ces resultats a ete eprouvee par comparaison avec une approche numerique. La bonne coherence entre les deux outils a permis d'apporter des informations complementaires sur les transferts diffusifs et hydrodynamiques.
Learning Preference Models with Sparse Interactions of Criteria

Multicriteria decision making requires defining the result of conflicting and possibly interacting criteria. Allowing criteria interactions in a decision model increases the complexity of the preference learning task due to the combinatorial nature of the possible interactions. In this paper, we propose an approach to learn a decision model in which the interaction pattern is revealed from preference data and kept as simple as possible. We consider weighted aggregation functions like multilinear utilities or Choquet integrals, admitting representations including non-linear terms measuring the joint benefit or penalty attached to some combinations of criteria. The weighting coefficients known as Möbius masses model positive or negative synergies among criteria. We propose an approach to learn the Möbius masses, based on iterative reweighted least square for sparse recovery, and dualization to improve scalability. This approach is applied to learn sparse representations of the multilinear utility model and conjunctive/disjunctive forms of the discrete Choquet integral from preferences examples, in aggregation problems possibly involving more than 20 criteria.
Microbial Secondary Metabolites via Fermentation Approaches for Dietary Supplementation Formulations

Food supplementation formulations refer to products that are designed to provide additional nutrients to the diet. Vitamins, dietary fibers, minerals and other functional compounds (such as antioxidants) are concentrated in dietary supplements. Specific amounts of dietary compounds are given to the body through food supplements, and these include as well so-called non-essential compounds such as secondary plant bioactive components or microbial natural products in addition to nutrients in the narrower sense. A significant social challenge represents how to moderately use the natural resources in light of the growing world population. In terms of economic production of (especially natural) bioactive molecules, ways of white biotechnology production with various microorganisms have recently been intensively explored. In the current review other relevant dietary supplements and natural substances (e.g., vitamins, amino acids, antioxidants) used in production of dietary supplements formulations and their microbial natural production via fermentative biotechnological approaches are briefly reviewed. Biotechnology plays a crucial role in optimizing fermentation conditions to maximize the yield and quality of the target compounds. Advantages of microbial production include the ability to use renewable feedstocks, high production yields, and the potential for cost-effective large-scale production. Additionally, it can be more environmentally friendly compared to chemical synthesis, as it reduces the reliance on petrochemicals and minimizes waste generation. Educating consumers about the benefits, safety, and production methods of microbial products in general is crucial. Providing clear and accurate information about the science behind microbial production can help address any concerns or misconceptions consumers may have.
European option pricing under model involving slow growth volatility with jump

In this paper, we suggest a new model for establishing a numerical study related to a European options pricing problem where assets' prices can be described by a stochastic equation with a discontinuous sample path (Slow Growth Volatility with Jump SGVJ model) which uses a non-standard volatility. A special attention is given to characteristics of the proposed model represented by its non-standard volatility defined by the parameters α and β. The mathematical modeling in the presence of jump shows that one has to resort to a degenerate partial integro-differential equation (PIDE) which the resolution of this one gives a price of the European option as a function of time, price of the underlying asset and the instantaneous volatility. However, in general, an exact or closed solution to this problem is not available. For this reason we approximate it using a finite difference method. At the end of the paper, we present some numerical and comparison results with some classical models known in the literature.
Relation-enhanced DETR for Component Detection in Graphic Design Reverse Engineering

It is a common practice for designers to create digital prototypes from a mock-up/screenshot. Reverse engineering graphic design by detecting its components (e.g., text, icon, button) helps expedite this process. This paper first conducts a statistical analysis to emphasize the importance of relations in graphic layouts, which further motivates us to incorporate relation modeling into component detection. Built on the current state-of-the-art DETR (DEtection TRansformer), we introduce a learnable relation matrix to model class correlations. Specifically, the matrix will be added in the DETR decoder to update the query-to-query self-attention. Experiment results on three public datasets show that our approach achieves better performance than several strong baselines. We further visualize the learnt relation matrix and observe some reasonable patterns. Moreover, we show an application of component detection where we leverage the detection outputs as augmented training data for layout generation, which achieves promising results.
Incorporating Heterogeneous Features into the Random Subspace Method for Bearing Fault Diagnosis

In bearing fault diagnosis, machine learning methods have been proven effective on the basis of the heterogeneous features extracted from multiple domains, including deep representation features. However, comparatively little research has been performed on fusing these multi-domain heterogeneous features while dealing with the interrelation and redundant problems to precisely discover the bearing faults. Thus, in the current study, a novel diagnostic method, namely the method of incorporating heterogeneous representative features into the random subspace, or IHF-RS, is proposed for accurate bearing fault diagnosis. Primarily, via signal processing methods, statistical features are extracted, and via the deep stack autoencoder (DSAE), deep representation features are acquired. Next, considering the different levels of predictive power of features, a modified lasso method incorporating the random subspace method is introduced to measure the features and produce better base classifiers. Finally, the majority voting strategy is applied to aggregate the outputs of these various base classifiers to enhance the diagnostic performance of the bearing fault. For the proposed method’s validity, two bearing datasets provided by the Case Western Reserve University Bearing Data Center and Paderborn University were utilized for the experiments. The results of the experiment revealed that in bearing fault diagnosis, the proposed method of IHF-RS can be successfully utilized.