Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Finite Element Methods for the Solution of RF Radiation And Scattering Problems

ABSTRACT This paper presents the methods and results of using partial differential equation techniques for the solution of RF radiation and scattering problems. Specifically, frequency domain finite elements coupled with absorbing boundary conditions are extensively covered. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional formulations and computational results are presented. The two-dimensional formulation uses standard finite elements with either the Engquist-Majda or Bayliss-Turkel absorbing boundary conditions. The three-dimensional formulation also uses absorbing boundary conditions and finite elements, however, new, non-standard finite element basis functions specifically developed for vector field problems are used. These vector finite element basis functions are known as “edge-elements. ” [1]
New integrable quantum chains combining different kinds of spins

A general procedure to generate new integrable Hamiltonians combining to any kind of spins distributed arbitrarily on the line is given. As a concrete application, anisotropic chains formed by spin-1/2 and spin-1 operators at alternating sites are presented and solved exactly by the Bethe ansatz (BA). The authors compute the ground-state and excitation energies and momentum. The higher-order BA equations are derived. Depending on the choice, these new Hamiltonians exhibit, or not, conformal invariance in their low energy spectrum.
The governing electrodynamic equations of electromagnetic acoustic transducers

This paper presents the governing electrodynamic equations of electromagnetic acoustic transducers (EMATs) and extends them to the derivation of the magnetic- and acoustic-field equations in terms of the magnetic vector potential (MVP) and the acoustic wave particle displacement vector (PDV), respectively. It also provides formulations for calculating forces and current densities in the case of two-dimensional (2D) models of EMAT configurations in Cartesian coordinates. Existing methods solve the governing electrodynamic equations for field quantities to analyze EMATs. However, they ignore skin and proximity effects and rely on simple 2D configurations for EMAT coils. Taking into account skin and proximity effects in complex 2D EMAT coil configurations requires the application of the finite element method (FEM). The FEM can be applied to solve the equations stated in terms of the MVP and PDV in the modeling of EMATs. These formulations and expressions facilitate the development and presentation of the FEM.
Optimal lift force on vesicles near a compressible substrate

The dynamics of vesicles near a compressible substrate mimicking the glycocalyx layer of the internal part of blood vessels reveals the existence of an optimal lift force due to an elasto-hydrodynamic coupling between the counter flow and the deformation of the wall. An estimation of the order of magnitude of the optimal elastic modulus reveals that it lies within the physiological range, which may have important consequences for the dynamic of blood cells (leucocytes or red blood cells).
The Relationship Between Hearing Experiences, Music-Listening Behaviors, and Chord-Discrimination Abilities for Cochlear Implant Users

The main pre-implant factors that relate to speech perception outcomes in adults with cochlear implants (CIs) are well known. However, it is not clear if these same factors are related to music perception and enjoyment. This study explored the relationship between self-reported pre-implant hearing and music experiences, and post-implant chord discrimination and music enjoyment. An online platform was used to deliver the Munich Music Questionnaire (MUMU), run a chord-discrimination task, and obtain demographic information. The chord-discrimination task involved detection of an upward change of one, two or three semitones in the third note, or a downward change of one, two, or three semitones in the middle note of a three-note major chord, using synthesized harmonic tones. Twenty-five CI users participated, aged 29–86 years. Exploratory factor analysis revealed three hearing-related variables (duration of hearing difficulty, age characteristics, and years of hearing with a CI), and three music-related variables (music quality from the CI, extent of music engagement, and music-listening habits). Chord-discrimination scores increased with increasing frequency change of the varying note. It was likely that some CI users used beats between tones as a discrimination cue. Chord discrimination was also better for individuals listening via loudspeakers and headphones than for those listening via Bluetooth streaming, perhaps because of artifacts produced by the latter. Chord-discrimination was better for older participants with longer experience of hearing with an implant. Those with longer duration of hearing difficulty who liked the sound quality of their CIs had higher music enjoyment scores.
Interprofessional education day 2019 – a qualitative participant evaluation

Objective: Interprofessional education (IPE) is when two or more students from different professions learn with, from, and about each other to improve collaboration and quality of healthcare. In October 2019, a first interprofessional education (IPE) day was held in the canton of Zurich with the aim of teaching interprofessional skills to participating students. Methodology: The IPE day was developed by an interprofessional team of students. After a short introduction, the roles and tasks of the professional groups involved were discussed. This was followed by two case studies with simulation persons and reflection rounds. For the evaluation of the day, 15 semi-structured interviews with students and lecturers were conducted and qualitatively evaluated by means of thematic analysis. Results: The students and lecturers had a very positive experience of the IPE day. Especially the participation of medical and pharmacy students, the practical case studies with simulation persons and the informal exchange during the breaks were appreciated. There was room for improvement in the development of role models. Through an open attitude and good communication, the students learned to know and appreciate the competencies of the other professional groups. All those interviewed wished for more interprofessional teaching opportunities and the students felt encouraged to apply what they had learned in their later professional practice. Conclusion: The IPE day could be carried out successfully and the didactic concept worked largely well. The evaluation provided subjective evidence that the students were able to improve the interprofessional competencies of teamwork, communication, openness, appreciation and reflectiveness. In the future, the IPE day should be anchored in the curricula.
A novel Oprm1-Cre mouse maintains endogenous expression, function and enables detailed molecular characterization of μ-opioid receptor cells

Key targets of both the therapeutic and abused properties of opioids are μ-opioid receptors (MORs). Despite years of research investigating the biochemistry and signal transduction pathways associated with MOR activation, we do not fully understand the cellular mechanisms underlying opioid addiction. Given that addictive opioids such as morphine, oxycodone, heroin, and fentanyl all activate MORs, and current therapies such as naloxone and buprenorphine block this activation, the availability of tools to mechanistically investigate opioid-mediated cellular and behavioral phenotypes are necessary. Therefore, we derived, validated, and applied a novel MOR-specific Cre mouse line, inserting a T2A cleavable peptide sequence and the Cre coding sequence into the MOR 3’UTR. Importantly, this line shows specificity and fidelity of MOR expression throughout the brain and with respect to function, there were no differences in behavioral responses to morphine when compared to wild type mice, nor are there any alterations in Oprm1 gene expression or receptor density. To assess Cre recombinase activity, MOR-Cre mice were crossed with the floxed GFP-reporters, RosaLSLSun1-sfGFP or RosaLSL-GFP-L10a. The latter allowed for cell type specific RNA sequencing via TRAP (Translating Ribosome Affinity Purification) of striatal MOR+ neurons following opioid withdrawal. The breadth of utility of this new tool will greatly facilitate the study of opioid biology under varying conditions.
Cardio-selective versus non-selective β-blockers for cardiovascular events and mortality in long-term dialysis patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Trials in patients receiving dialysis have demonstrated that β-blockers reduce all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events. However, differences still exist within-class comparative effectiveness studies of the therapeutic benefits of β-blockers in dialysis patients. Objective The purpose of this systematic review is to examine whether cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality differed between dialysis patients receiving cardio-selective and non-selective agents. Methods A comprehensive search of relevant articles from the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register and ClinicalTrials.gov was performed up to September 4, 2022, we included adults receiving β-blockers to evaluate the effects of cardio-selective versus non-selective agents on mortality and cardiovascular events in the dialysis population. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were examined for the negative outcomes of cardiovascular events and death for any reason. The risk of bias in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was assessed using Cochrane’s risk of bias tool and the risk of bias in observational studies was assessed using a table designed according to the ROBINS-I tool, the evidence grade was assessed using the GRADE guideline. For all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events, the RevMan software (version 5.3) was used to calculate pooled HRs with 95% CI. The heterogeneity (I2) in statistics was used to examine the degree of heterogeneity among studies. Results Four observational studies, including 58, 652 long-term dialysis patients, were included in the meta-analysis. Compared to dialysis patients who took non-selective β-blockers, who took cardio-selective β-blockers was probably associated with fewer cardiovascular events (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.81, 0.89, heterogeneity [I2] = 0%, three trials, 52,077 participants, moderate-quality evidence) and may have lower all-cause mortality (HR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.69, 0.99, I2 = 91%, four trials, 54,115 participants, low-quality evidence). Conclusions This systematic review showed that cardio-selective β-blockers are probably associated with fewer cardiovascular events and may have lower all-cause mortality in long-term dialysis patients than non-selective β-blockers. The present study results need to be replicated using randomized controlled trials with longer observation durations.
Seasonal Prediction of Killing-Frost Frequency in South-Central Canada during the Cool/Overwintering-Crop Growing Season

AbstractSeasonal killing-frost frequency (KFF) during the cool/overwintering-crop growing season is important for the Canadian agricultural sector to prepare and respond to such extreme agrometeorological events. On the basis of observed daily surface air temperature across Canada for 1957–2007, this study found that more than 86% of the total killing-frost events occur in April–May and exhibit consistent variability over south-central Canada, the country’s major agricultural region. To quantify the KFF year-to-year variations, a simple index is defined as the mean KFF of the 187 temperature stations in south-central Canada. The KFF variability is basically dominated by two components: the decadal component with a peak periodicity around 11 yr and the interannual component of 2.5–3.8 yr. A statistical method called partial least squares (PLS) regression is utilized to uncover principal sea surface temperature (SST) modes in the winter preceding the KFF anomalies. It is found that most of the leading SST m.
Breaking the cycles of violence with narrative exposure: Development and feasibility of NETfacts, a community-based intervention for populations living under continuous threat

Background Interpersonal violence damages mental health and frequently leads to aggressive defence strategies. If survivors are subsequently blamed for the events, both consequences worsen. Stigma flourishes, especially when survivors are silenced so that details of the trauma remain unknown. Breaking the secrecy both at the individual and collective level is key to enable the healing and reconciliation of individuals and communities living under continuous threat. Method The NETfacts health system is a stepped care model with three components: (1) Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET), an evidence-based trauma therapy that includes survivor testimony (2) NET for Forensic Offender Rehabilitation (FORNET) acknowledges that perpetrators are frequently also victims and assists in reducing aggression and the attraction to violence, and (3) a community intervention disseminating and discussing Facts derived from NET treatment (NETfacts) to challenge the collective avoidance of atrocities and other traumatic material. The intervention was piloted in a community with 497 adult residents in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The willingness of clients to consent to sharing their anonymised testimonies (with a focus on sexual violence survivors and ex-combatants) was investigated, together with other components of feasibility including security and clinical safety, extent of support of respected local authorities and participation rates. As secondary outcomes, clinical and social measures were assessed before and post NETfacts among 200 village residents of whom 160 self-enrolled and 40 had not participated in any form of treatment. Results Implementation was feasible with 248 clients from a partner project giving consent to use their testimonies and high support of respected local authorities and participation rates (56% of residents self-enrolled in NETfacts). Immediate beneficial effects were shown for posttraumatic stress and rejection of rape myths among NETfacts participants who experienced multiple traumatic events in their own past. Attitudes towards ex-combatants improved and the perceived lack of social acknowledgement after trauma increased independent from participation. No significant change was observed for depressive symptoms. Conclusion NETfacts is a feasible and promising approach to challenge the culture of secrecy surrounding trauma, suppression and social exclusion. Long term effectiveness requires further evaluation.
Hysteresis force loss and damping properties in a practical magnet–superconductor maglev test vehicle

In order to investigate the feasible application of a permanent magnet–high-temperature superconductor (PM–HTS) interaction maglev system to a maglev train or a space vehicle launcher, we have constructed a demonstration maglev test vehicle. The force dissipation and damping of the maglev vehicle against external disturbances are studied in a wide range of amplitudes and frequencies by using a sine vibration testing set-up. The dynamic levitation force shows a typical hysteresis behavior, and the force loss is regarded as the hysteresis loss, which is believed to be due to flux motions in superconductors. In this study, we find that the hysteresis loss has weak frequency dependence at small amplitudes and that the dependence increases as the amplitude grows. To analyze the damping properties of the maglev vehicle at different field cooling (FC) conditions, we also employ a transient vibration testing technique. The maglev vehicle shows a very weak damping behavior, and the damping is almost unaffected by the trapped flux of the HTSs in different FC conditions, which is believed to be attributed to the strong pinning in melt-textured HTSs.
Spin nematics meet spin liquids: Exotic quantum phases in the spin-1 bilinear-biquadratic model with Kitaev interactions

Spin liquid crystals are magnetic analogs of liquid crystals, possessing properties of both liquids and solids, a typical example of which are spin nematics. Spin nematics share many features with spin liquids, and the interplay between them is a promising, but little explored, route to uncovering new phases of matter. Here, we address this question in the context of a spin-$1$ magnet on the honeycomb lattice, by considering a model with both biquadratic interactions, favouring spin-nematic states, and Kitaev-like interactions, supporting spin liquids. Accompanying these, where dipole and quadrupole moments compete, we find a plethora of exotic phases, including multiple-$q$ states with nonzero scalar spin chirality; a quasi-one-dimensional coplanar phase; a twisted conical phase; and a noncoplanar order state which gives way to a chiral spin liquid at finite temperature. The implication of these results for experiment is discussed.
Normalized Stochastic Gradient Descent Training of Deep Neural Networks

In this paper, we introduce a novel optimization algorithm for machine learning model training called Normalized Stochastic Gradient Descent (NSGD) inspired by Normalized Least Mean Squares (NLMS) from adaptive ﬁltering. When we train a high-complexity model on a large dataset, the learning rate is signiﬁcantly important as a poor choice of optimizer parameters can lead to divergence. The algorithm updates the new set of network weights using the stochastic gradient but with (cid:96) 1 and (cid:96) 2 -based normalizations on the learning rate parameter similar to the NLMS algorithm. Our main difference from the existing normalization methods is that we do not include the error term in the normalization process. We normalize the update term using the input vector to the neuron. Our experiments present that the model can be trained to a better accuracy level on different initial settings using our optimization algorithm. In this paper, we demonstrate the efﬁciency of our training algorithm using ResNet-20 and a toy neural network on different benchmark datasets with different initializations. The NSGD improves the accuracy of the ResNet-20 from 91.96% to 92.20% on the CIFAR-10 dataset.
Out-of-sample scoring and automatic selection of causal estimators

Recently, many causal estimators for Conditional Average Treatment Effect (CATE) and instrumental variable (IV) problems have been published and open sourced, allowing to estimate granular impact of both randomized treatments (such as A/B tests) and of user choices on the outcomes of interest. However, the practical application of such models has been hampered by the lack of a valid way to score the performance of such models out of sample, in order to select the best one for a given application. We address that gap by proposing novel scoring approaches for both the CATE case and an important subset of instrumental variable problems, namely those where the instrumental variable is customer access to a product feature, and the treatment is the customer’s choice to use that feature. Being able to score model performance out of sample allows us to apply hyperparameter optimization methods to causal model selection and tuning. We implement that in an open source package that relies on DoWhy and EconML libraries for implementation of causal inference models (and also includes a Transformed Outcome model implementation), and on FLAML for hyperparameter optimization and for component models used in the causal models. We demonstrate on synthetic data that optimizing the proposed scores is a reliable method for choosing the model and its hyperparameter values, whose estimates are close to the true impact, in the randomized CATE and IV cases. Further, we provide examples of applying these methods to real customer data from Wise.
HST imaging of quasi-stellar objects with WFPC2

Early images were taken with the optically corrected WFPC2 camera of the Hubble Space Telescope of the low-redshift quasars(QSOs) 1229+204 and 2141+175, which are radio-quiet and radio-loud, respectively. We discuss image restoration on the data. The objects were chosen on the basis of structure seen with 0.5 sec resolution with the Canada-France-Hawaii-Telescope (CFHT) high-resolution camera (HRCAM). 1229+204 was known to be a barred spiral with an asymmetrical extra blue feature: this is now resolved into a ring of knots which are probably young stellar populations in the tidal debris of a small gas-rich companion. There are also shell-like structures along the bar. 2141+175 has a faint smooth curved tidal arm without knots which extends on both sides of a compact elliptical-shaped central galaxy. There is also a short jetlike feature emerging from the nucleus. We discuss the properties and implications of these morphological details.
Software Ecosystems: A Tertiary Study and a Thematic Model

A software ecosystem (SECO) is an interaction, communication, cooperation, and synergy among a set of players. Depending on the actors type of interaction with others, each one can play a different role. These interactions provide a set of positive relationships (symbiosis) between actors who work together around a common technology platform or a service. SECO has been explored in several studies, some related to their general characteristics and others focusing on a specific topic (e.g., requirements, governance, open-source, mobile). There are many literature reviews of different natures (e.g., systematic literature reviews and systematic mapping studies). This study presents the status of the SECO field motivated by analyzing several secondary studies published over the years. To do so, we conducted a tertiary study. From an initial set of 518 studies on the subject, we selected 22 studies. We identified the theoretical foundations used by researchers and their influences and relationships with other ecosystems. We performed a thematic synthesis and identified one high-order theme, 5 themes, 10 subthemes, and 206 categories. As a result, we proposed a thematic model for SECO containing five themes, namely: social, technical, business, management, and an evaluation theme named Software Ecosystems Assessment Models (SEAM). Our main conclusion is that relationships between SECO themes should not be seen in isolation, and it must be interpreted in a holistic approach, given the number of implications to other themes mainly related to the distinction of governance and management activities in the SECO interactions. Finally, this work provides an overview of the field and points out areas for future research, such as the need of SECO community to further investigate the results from other ecosystems, mainly from the Digital Ecosystem and Digital Business Ecosystem communities.