Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transient luminous event phenomena and energetic particles impacting the upper atmosphere: Russian space experiment programs

[1] In Russia several space missions are now planned to study transient luminous events in the atmosphere and high-energy charged particles at satellite altitudes. The experimental goal is to investigate the origin of the high-energy electrons and gamma ray quanta for specific transient luminous events (TLEs) and their role in the ionosphere-magnetosphere system. Simultaneous measurements of electrons at the orbit of the satellite and TLE atmospheric radiation in many wavelength bands will be performed in two missions, Tatiana-2 and RELEC. In the TUS mission UV transient event detection will be accompanied by measurements of the weak UV emission from the “seed” electrons of extensive air showers of extremely high-primary energies.
Combustion Instability and Emission Control by Pulsating Fuel Injection

Open-loop control methodologies were used to suppress symmetric and helical thermoacoustic instabilities in an experimental low-emission swirl-stabilized gas-turbine combustor. The controllers were based on fuel (or equivalence ratio) modulations in the main premixed combustion (premixed fuel injection (PMI)) or, alternatively, in the secondary pilot fuel. PMI included symmetric and asymmetric fuel injection. The symmetric instability mode responded to symmetric excitation only when the two frequencies matched. The helical fuel injection affected the symmetric mode only at frequencies that were much higher than that of the instability mode. The asymmetric excitation required more power to obtain the same amount of reduction as that required by symmetric excitation. Unlike the symmetric excitation, which destabilized the combustion when the modulation amplitude was excessive, the asymmetric excitation yielded additional suppression as the modulation level increased. The NO x emissions were reduced to a greater extent by the asymmetric modulation. The second part of the investigation dealt with the control of low frequency symmetric instability and high frequency helical instability by the secondary fuel injection in a pilot flame. Adding a continuous flow of fuel into the pilot flame controlled both instabilities. However, modulating the fuel injection significantly decreased the amount of necessary fuel. The reduced secondary fuel resulted in a reduced heat generation by the pilot diffusion flame and therefore yielded lower NO x emissions. The secondary fuel pulsation frequency was chosen to match the time scales typical to the central flow recirculation zone, which stabilizes the flame in the burner. Suppression of the symmetric mode pressure oscillations by up to 20 dB was recorded. High frequency instabilities were suppressed by 38 dB, and CO emissions reduced by using low frequency modulations with 10% duty cycle.
Shock-induced collapse of single cavities in liquids

A two-dimensional method was used to observe the interactions of plane shock waves with single cavities. This allowed study of processes occurring within the cavity during collapse. Results were obtained from high-speed framing photography. A variety of collapse shock pressures were launched into thin liquid sheets either by firing a rectangular projectile or by using an explosive plane-wave generator. The range of these shock pressures was from 0.3 to 3.5 GPa. Cavities were found to collapse asymmetrically to produce a high-speed liquid jet which was of approximately constant velocity at low shock pressures. At high pressures, the jet was found to accelerate and crossed the cavity faster than the collapse-shock traversed the same distance in the liquid. In the final moments of collapse, high temperatures were concentrated in two lobes of trapped gas and light emission was observed from these regions. Other cavity shapes were studied and in the case of cavities with flat rear walls, multiple jets were observed to form during the collapse.
Reduced Time to Procedure for Gastrointestinal Bleeding After Warfarin Reversal With Four-Factor Complex Concentrate as Compared to Plasma

Background Bleeding is a serious adverse effect of vitamin K antagonists (VKAs). Anticoagulation reversal is required in some acute cases. This is usually accomplished by plasma transfusion or four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F-PCC). The aim of this study was to gain insight into the clinical course of patients with gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding who require VKA reversal. Methods Medical records were collected from two centers from patients who presented to the emergency department (ED) for GI bleeding and received 4F-PCC or plasma for VKA reversal between January 2015 and December 2020. ED, hospital, intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS) as well as time from admission to GI procedure were determined. Results 4F-PCC patients (n = 49) as compared to plasma (n = 63) patients were found to have a greater number of comorbidities (average of 4.2 vs. 2.7 comorbidities/patient) and more ICU admissions (47% vs. 21%). Time to GI procedure was significantly decreased in the 4F-PCC group (median (interquartile range (IQR)) 19.47 (9.23 - 30.25) vs. 27.88 (21.38 - 45.00) h; P = 0.01). When adjusting for comorbidities, differences in time to GI procedures were also significant in favor of 4F-PCC regardless of any comorbidities (P = 0.014), in atrial fibrillation (P = 0.045) and in hypertension (P = 0.02). The 4F-PCC patients had shorter LOS in the ED and ICU. Conclusions Our study demonstrated that compared to plasma, 4F-PCC was utilized in more acutely ill patients with higher rates of comorbidities and ICU admission. Nevertheless, the patients who received 4F-PCC had faster access to GI procedure and shorter ED and ICU LOS.
Comparative study of the chemical composition of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. essential oil

Fenugreek is a well-known aromatic plant. Its leaves and seeds are commonly used for their many health benefits and the species is cultivated worldwide. For the first time, essential oils (EOs) from seeds of the Bulgarian and Indian populations were obtained by secondary distillation of hydrolat to extract the residual essential oil therein. They were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and the chemical composition of the two samples was compared. Thirty-six compounds were identified and although the results showed some differences in the component composition of the two essential oils, the major constituents identified in both oils were cubenol, γ -n-amylbutyrolactone and palmitic acid. Moreover, oxygenated sesquiterpenes were the predominant fraction in Bulgarian and Indian seeds oils. Information is limited regarding menthol and γ-n-amylbutyrolactone, which were found in the present study in both oils. The performed analysis confirmed the presence of phytol in fenugreek seeds regardless of the extraction method of the essential oil.
Carbon and Nitrogen Allocation between the Sink and Source Leaf Tissue in Response to the Excess Excitation Energy Conditions

Plants are inevitably exposed to extreme climatic conditions that lead to a disturbed balance between the amount of absorbed energy and their ability to process it. Variegated leaves with photosynthetically active green leaf tissue (GL) and photosynthetically inactive white leaf tissue (WL) are an excellent model system to study source–sink interactions within the same leaf under the same microenvironmental conditions. We demonstrated that under excess excitation energy (EEE) conditions (high irradiance and lower temperature), regulated metabolic reprogramming in both leaf tissues allowed an increased consumption of reducing equivalents, as evidenced by preserved maximum efficiency of photosystem II (ФPSII) at the end of the experiment. GL of the EEE-treated plants employed two strategies: (i) the accumulation of flavonoid glycosides, especially cyanidin glycosides, as an alternative electron sink, and (ii) cell wall stiffening by cellulose, pectin, and lignin accumulation. On the other hand, WL increased the amount of free amino acids, mainly arginine, asparagine, branched-chain and aromatic amino acids, as well as kaempferol and quercetin glycosides. Thus, WL acts as an important energy escape valve that is required in order to maintain the successful performance of the GL sectors under EEE conditions. Finally, this role could be an adaptive value of variegation, as no consistent conclusions about its ecological benefits have been proposed so far.
Husk-like Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Induce Apoptosis through ROS Generation in Epidermoid Carcinoma Cells: Effect of Incubation Period on Sol-Gel Synthesis and Anti-Cancerous Properties

This study effectively reports the influence of experimental incubation period on the sol-gel production of husk-like zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZNPs) and their anti-cancerous abilities. The surface morphology of ZNPs was studied with the help of SEM. With the use of TEM, the diameter range of the ZNPs was estimated to be ~86 and ~231 nm for ZNPA and ZNPB, prepared by incubating zinc oxide for 2 and 10 weeks, respectively. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) investigation showed that ZNPs had a pure wurtzite crystal structure. On prolonging the experimental incubation, a relative drop in aspect ratio was observed, displaying a distinct blue-shift in the UV-visible spectrum. Furthermore, RBC lysis assay results concluded that ZNPA and ZNPB both demonstrated innoxious nature. As indicated by MTT assay, reactive oxygen species (ROS) release, and chromatin condensation investigations against the human epidermoid carcinoma (HEC) A431 cells, ZNPB demonstrated viable relevance to chemotherapy. Compared to ZNPB, ZNPA had a slightly lower IC50 against A431 cells due to its small size. This study conclusively describes a simple, affordable method to produce ZNP nano-formulations that display significant cytotoxicity against the skin cancer cell line A431, suggesting that ZNPs may be useful in the treatment of cancer.
Observation of the critical ionization velocity effect in the interstellar medium

Summary form only given. The concept of a critical ionization velocity (CIV) was first introduced by Alfven (1942) as a necessary ingredient of his theory of the formation of the Solar System. As a neutral gas moves through a magnetized plasma, a strong interaction and a rapid ionization of the neutrals takes place if the relative velocity exceeds a certain critical threshold. This "critical velocity" /sup V/c was given by the velocity at which the neutral gas particles with mass M have a kinetic energy equal to their ionization energy /sup eV/i. The observation that the so-called 'clouds' of galactic neutral hydrogen (0.0001 degree of ionization) are actually filamentary in high resolution radiotelescope data led to the discovery that the linewidths of the atomic species in the presence of the self-field of the current-conducting filaments (cosmic z-pinches) fall precisely where predicted by the CIV effect. The H I emission linewidths of the Leiden-Dwingeioo 1996 Survey are figured. Moreover, the infall of neutral gases and their subsequent ionization forces the newly ionized plasma to flow and brake along the magnetic field lines. The subsequent thermalization should then be apparent in the band linewidths at a filament and this is what is observed in the data.
A boundary-integral method applied to water coning in oil reservoirs

Abstract In oil reservoirs, the less-dense oil often lies over a layer of water. When pumping begins, the oil-water interface rises near the well, due to the suction pressures associated with the well. A boundary-integral formulation is used to predict the steady interface shape, when the oil well is approximated by a series of sources and sinks or a line sink, to simulate the actual geometry of the oil well. It is found that there is a critical pumping rate, above which the water enters the oil well. The critical interface shape is a cusp. Efforts to suppress the cone by using source/sink combinations are presented.
Knowledge of and Testing Rate for Hepatitis C Infection among the General Public of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: The Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia has announced a plan to eradicate hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. This study sought to evaluate the knowledge levels and testing rate among the general population of Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using data collected from an online, self-administered survey. Multivariable analysis was conducted using multiple binary logistic regression models to identify factors associated with low knowledge levels as well as predictors of HCV testing. Results: A total of 689 participants completed the survey. While most participants (88%) have heard of HCV infection, less than half (47.3%) understood that HCV is curable with medications. More than half of the participants (53.7%) have low knowledge about HCV infection. Testing for HCV was reported by 123 respondents (17.8%), and the odds of testing for HCV were significantly lower among residents of the Makkah region (OR = 0.59 [95% CI: 0.36–0.97]) and those with low knowledge level (OR = 0.47 [95% CI: 0.29–0.74]). HCV diagnosis was reported by nine respondents (1.3%), of whom only four reported receiving treatment (44%). Conclusions: Our study indicates inadequate knowledge levels and relatively low testing rate. These findings underscore the need for national awareness campaigns and more effective strategies for HCV screening.
Investigation of the Optical Properties of CdSe/ZnS Core/Shell Quantum Dot Embedded in an MEH-PPV Polymer Matrix

In this work, the role of poly[2-méthoxy-5-(2-éthyl-hexyloxy)-1,4-phénylène-vinylène] (MEH-PPV) as conducting polymer on the optical properties of the composite CdSe/ZnS core-shell quantum dots has been investigated. The optical properties of MEH-PPV polymer coated CdSe/ZnS composites are found to be dependent on the size of the quantum dot. A smaller CdSe quantum dot ensures a high exciton energy and smaller radiative lifetime. We found that the radiative lifetime in CdSe/ZnS embedded in MEH-PPV polymeric matrix is higher than that in CdSe/ZnS core-shell quantum dot. We also investigate the temperature dependence of the radiative lifetime over a temperature range from 100K to 300K; the temperature dependence of the radiative lifetime follows a quasi-exponential law. Consequently, the increasing temperature reduces the optical gap of MEH-PPV(CdSe/ZnS) polymer-CSQD. We found that the greater radiative lifetime corresponded to the larger values of temperatures.
Design Preferences for a Serious Game–Based Cognitive Assessment of Older Adults in Prison: Thematic Analysis

Background Serious games have the potential to transform the field of cognitive assessment. The use of serious game–based cognitive assessments in prison environments is particularly exciting. This is because interventions are urgently needed to address the rapid increase in the number of currently incarcerated older adults globally and because of the heightened risks of dementia and cognitive decline present in this population. Game-based assessments are assumed to be fun, engaging, and suitable alternatives to traditional cognitive testing, but these assumptions remain mostly untested in older adults. This is especially true for older adults in prison, whose preferences and needs are seldom heard and may deviate from those previously captured in studies on cognition and serious games. Objective This study aimed to understand the design preferences of older adults in prison for a game-based cognitive assessment. Methods This study used reflexive thematic analysis, underpinned by critical realism, and applied the technique of abduction. Overall, 4 focus groups with a total of 20 participants were conducted with older adults (aged ≥50 years; aged ≥45 years for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) across 3 distinct prison environments in Australia. Results Self-determination theory was used as a theoretical foundation to interpret the results. Overall, 3 themes were generated: Goldilocks—getting gameplay difficulty just right through optimal challenge (the first theme emphasizes the participants’ collective desire for an individualized optimal level of difficulty in serious gameplay), Avoiding Childish Graphics—gimmicky gameplay can be condescending (the second theme raises the importance of avoiding immature and childlike gameplay features, as some older end users in prison felt that these can be condescending), and A Balanced Diet—meaningful choice and variety keeps game-based assessments fun (the third theme highlights the strong user preference for meaningful choice and variety in any serious game–based cognitive assessment to maximize in-game autonomy). Conclusions The collection of these themes provides novel insights into key game design preferences of marginalized older adults.
Lowest mutual coupling between closely spaced loop antennas

The conditions for zeroing the mutual flux between two closely spaced coil antennas are examined. The analysis is expanded to examine the case of multiple linear antenna coils. Array antennas are used in many areas including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Theoretical and experimental results are presented and compared. Good agreement between theory and measurements has been confirmed. A two-dimensional receiving array antenna is proposed. >
Ultrabroadband detection of multi-terahertz field transients with GaSe electro-optic sensors: Approaching the near infrared

Field-resolved detection of ultrabroadband infrared pulses is implemented with GaSe crystals. Via phase matching, we extend the detectable frequency range toward the near infrared (λ=2.5μm) and directly record transform-limited pulses as short as 28fs with a 3dB bandwidth of 41THz. The continuous tunability of the center frequency over a wide interval ranging from 31THz to the far-infrared is demonstrated using thick sensors.
Self focusing in inhomogeneous media with time reversal acoustic mirrors

Focusing on a reflective target in an inhomogenous medium is difficult. In order to obtain good focusing properties, the concept of optical phase-conjugate mirrors, valid for monochromatic signals, is extended to large-bandwidth pulses such as those used in ultrasound echography. The transducer's linear response to the acoustic pressure allows replacement of the phase conjugation by a time-reversal operation on the pulse echo signals. The time-reversal mirror is an array of transmit-receive transducers. A first incident wave is reflected by the target. The received signals are stored in shift registers, reversed in times and then reemitted. The major advantage of this process is that the waves distorted by the aberrating medium are corrected by the mirror operation and the back propagation through the medium. When the medium contains several reflectors, this time-reversal process can be iterated in order to focus on the most-reflective one. <<ETX>>
Primitive Oligomeric RNAs at the Origins of Life on Earth

There are several theories on the origin of life, which differ by choosing the preponderant factor of emergence: main function (autocatalysis versus replication), initial location (black smokers versus ponds) or first molecule (RNA versus DNA). Among the two last ones, the first assumes that an RNA world involving a collaboration of small RNAs with amino-acids pre-existed and the second that DNA–enzyme–lipid complexes existed first. The debate between these classic theories is not closed and the arguments for one or the other of these theories have recently fueled a debate in which the two have a high degree of likelihood. It therefore seems interesting to propose a third intermediate way, based on the existence of an RNA that may have existed before the latter stages postulated by these theories, and therefore may be the missing link towards a common origin of them. To search for a possible ancestral structure, we propose as candidate a small RNA existing in ring or hairpin form in the early stages of life, which could have acted as a “proto-ribosome” by favoring the synthesis of the first peptides. Remnants of this putative candidate RNA exist in molecules nowadays involved in the ribosomal factory, the concentrations of these relics depending on the seniority of these molecules within the translation process.
A Hidden Markov Model for Condition Monitoring of Time Series Data in Complex Network Systems

Time series data are ubiquitous in complex network systems, where each component of the system is treated as a vertex and has sequentially collected autocorrelated observations for condition monitoring. In many cases, components transit between different states, such as “normal,” “degrading,” “failure,” etc., and under different states their distributions vary, resulting in the mixture marginal distribution of each vertex's time series data. Moreover, states of different components influence each other through the system's network topology, i.e., the state of a component itself and its neighbors jointly affect its data distribution. For efficient condition monitoring, it is important to capture the state evolution of all vertices as a whole over time. However, the state-switching may be unobservable, which complicates the modeling. Hence, this article proposes a hidden Markov model for networked time series data with mixture marginal distributions. The Markov transition rule for latent states captures the state-switching behavior and the AR model reveals the temporal dependence of vertices. The states of different vertices further influence each other through the network topology structure. The Baum–Welch algorithm is used to estimate the parameters of the proposed model, allowing for state inference and data fitting. Extensive numerical studies as well as real case studies demonstrate the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed model.
High displacement, high force piezoelectric actuator and sensor

A piezoelectric actuator and sensor which develops unusually high forces and displacements, and which is very rugged and durable, was invented by NASA at the Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia. Face International Corporation, under license from NASA Langley, has furthered the development of this actuator/sensor technology, and has successfully brought it to commercial production. Trade‐named THUNDER, the device derives its improved performance from two unique features. First, THUNDER is composed of a piezoelectric ceramic core which is enclosed in a sandwich having metal foil faces. The metal faces are bonded with a very strong hot‐melt adhesive which enables the actuator, operating as a unimorph, to develop large displacements and support heavy loads without failure. Second, through unique design features, the ceramic core of THUNDER is subjected to thermal expansion during manufacture. The thermal effects place the faces of the ceramic in compression so that it can undergo severe bending without cracking. The combination of the described design features of THUNDER permit its operation as a sensitive motion sensor and voltage generator as well as making it a superior solid state actuator.