Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quasiguided surface plasmon excitations in anisotropic materials

We present a theoretical study of surface plasmon polaritons in a configuration where a metal layer is bounded by a homogeneous anisotropic dielectric. We consider uniaxial and biaxial dielectrics with the optical axis lying in the plane defined by the metal/dielectric interface. Through a systematic study of the in-plane surface plasmon dispersion relation we confirm the existence of several propagation regimes for different values and signs of the birefringence. We report the discovery of the existence of quasiguided surface plasmon polaritons characterized by non-null radiative components. We identify the conditions for the existence of such modes, and explain their peculiar properties in terms of the hybridization of radiative and guided modes.
Particle Size Tailoring of Quercetin Nanosuspensions by Wet Media Milling Technique: A Study on Processing and Formulation Parameters

Background A large number of new substances have insufficient biopharmaceutical properties for oral administration caused by their slow dissolution rate and poor solubility. Objective The purpose of our experiment was to improve the physicochemical properties of a hydrophobic drug, quercetin, by the nanomilling approach. Methods Quercetin nanosuspensions were prepared using a wet-milling method followed by lyophilization. Stabilizer type and ratio, drug content, milling time, and bead size were identified as critical variables, and their impacts on quercetin particle size were assessed. The optimized nanocrystal was characterized by its morphology, crystallinity, molecular interactions, saturation solubility, and dissolution properties. Results At optimized process conditions of milling at 500 rpm for 18 cycles of grinding with 0.3 - 0.4 mm zirconium oxide beads, minimum particle size, and PDI values were 281.21 nm and 0.22, respectively. Nanocrystals showed rod-like nanostructures, and XRD scans confirmed a decrease in drug crystallinity. The optimized formulation showed increased solubility and dissolution rate, as well as good physical stability. Conclusions Particle size reduction by media milling technique was an efficient method for the solubility enhancement of hydrophobic drugs.
Coherent surface and bulk vibrations induced by femtosecond laser excitation of the Gd(0001) surface state

Excitation of the $\mathrm{Gd}(0001)$ surface state by $800\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{nm}$ femtosecond laser pulses initiates transient coherent surface and bulk vibrations. These are investigated by time-resolved second harmonic and linear reflectivity probing simultaneously the motion of the surface layer and its coupling to bulk modes localized near the surface. Initially, the surface vibration frequency of $2.8\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{THz}$ lies $\ensuremath{\sim}18%$ below the frequency detected in linear reflectivity. Within the first $3\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{ps}$ the surface vibration frequency is found to increase while the bulk one decreases. Both types of vibrations persist only during nonequilibrium between electron and lattice temperature and are damped within the electron-phonon relaxation time. We conclude that the observed frequency shifts cannot be accounted for by anharmonic effects but originate from time-dependent changes of the potential energy at and near the surface due to nonequilibrium electron distributions.
Numerical analysis of reaction kinetic accompanying flow and dispersion in structured
 ZSM
 ‐5@
 SiC
 open‐cell foam catalyst

Chaotic ﬂow inside porous media accelerates the transport, mixing, and reaction of molecules and particles in widespread natural and factitious processes. Current macroscopic models based on the average pore-scale variations show obvious limitations in the prediction of many chemical processes. In this paper, we reconstruct microscopic foam structures using Micro Computed Tomography to simulate ﬂuid ﬂow in structured ZSM-5@SiC foam catalyst. Moreover, we propose a conceptual model based on the microscopic mean square displacement theory to characterize the eﬀective dispersion inside an open-cell foam. This model will explain the ﬂow characteristics of conﬁned ﬂuid inside the porous media from ﬂuid elements perspective. Particularly, dispersion factor and structure factor, as key parts of this model, perfectly interpret the driving characteristics of pressure drop, velocity diﬀerent, and reaction in continuous foam media ﬂow. This work also provides a unique means of predicting reaction kinetics of conﬁned ﬂuid in structured foam catalyst
Analysis of physical and mechanical characteristics of tropical natural fibers for their use in civil engineering applications

ABSTRACT Natural fibers investigated in this study are mainly waste from agro industry. The importance of natural fibers in building composites is increasing, as they partially replace nonrenewable natural resources acting as reinforcement in composite materials such as concrete, mortar and earth bricks. Their recycling requires a detailed analysis of the physical, chemical, and mechanical characteristics of the fibers. In this study, tropical natural fibers i.e., palm oil flower fibers (POFL), palm oil fruit fibers (POFR), sugarcane bagasse (Sc), coconut coir (Cn), and banana spine (Bs) were investigated, and their characteristics such as cross-section, density, water absorption, thermogravimetry, chemical composition, and tensile strength of fibers were determined. The area of these fibers ranges from 0.03 mm2 to 0.07 mm2. POFL fibers have highest density (1.36 g/cm3), while Cn fibers have lowest density (0.79 g/cm3). Chemical composition of fibers shows that cellulose content of tropical fibers ranges from 37–54%, followed by hemicellulose 5–27%, and lignin and cutins content 5–25%. Mechanical characteristics of tropical fibers show that tensile strength of these fibers fluctuates between 119–347 MPa. Tensile load-deflection behavior of Cn, Bs, POFL, and POFR fibers is elastoplastic with hardening, while the behavior of Sc fibers is pseudo elastic.
User-Centered Design (UCD) of Time-Critical Weather Alert Application

—Weather alert applications can save precious lives in time-critical risk situations; however, even the most widely used applications may fall short in intuitive interface and content design, possibly due to limitations in the users participation in the design process and in the users range considered. The objective of this study was to investigate whether the application of UCD principles and usability guidelines can improve the use of and satisfaction of time-critical weather alert apps by the public and or expert users. A prototype of a UCD-based weather alert application was developed and evaluated. Initially, thirty-two voluntaries participated in the identification of the important features that lead to the development of the porotype, and then the prototype was tested with another eighty participants (40 young and 40 elderly). The prototype includes five enhancements: auto-suggested location search, an all-inclusive interface for weather forecasts, message alert, visual and intuitive map settings, and minimalism-oriented alert settings. The enhanced functionality was compared to similar functionality in existing commercial weather applications. Effectiveness (completion rate, error count, error severity, and error cause), efficiency (time to completion), and satisfaction (post-task and post-test surveys) were measured. The results showed the enhancements significantly improved performance and satisfaction across both age groups compared to equivalent functionality in the existing app. The Mann-Whitney U test showed a statistically significant difference (p<0.001) in task satisfaction and number of errors between the two apps for all tasks. The Mann-Whitney U test showed a significant difference (p<0.001) in the across all tasks between the two apps Also, overall, young people with existing apps outperformed elderly, and both young and elderly with enhanced apps performed very high. Therefore, the enhancements implemented through the UCD process and usability guidelines significantly improved performance and satisfaction across both age groups to facilitate timely action necessary during a crisis.
Effects of Interlaminar Failure on the Scratch Damage of Automotive Coatings: Cohesive Zone Modeling

Interlaminar failure caused by scratches is a common damage mode in automotive coatings and is considered the potential trigger for irreversible destruction, i.e., plowing. This work strives to numerically investigate the mechanisms responsible for the complex scratch behavior of an automotive coating system, considering the interfacial failure. A finite element model is developed by incorporating a large deformation cohesive zone model for scratch-induced debonding simulation, where the mass scaling technique is utilized to minimize computational burden while ensuring accuracy. The delamination phenomenon of the automotive coating is reproduced, and its effects on scratch damage behavior are analyzed. Accordingly, it is revealed that the interlaminar delamination would produce significant stress redistribution, which leads to brittle and ductile damage of the coating and consequently affects the formation of plowing. Eventually, parametric studies on the effects of interfacial properties are performed. They demonstrate that the shear strength and shear fracture energy dominate scratch-induced delamination.
Essential Self-Adjointness of a Sublaplacian via Heat Equation

The essential self-adjointness of a sublaplacian is studied. It is shown that if the manifold has pseudo-0 negligible boundary, then the sublaplacian is essentially self-adjoint. Especially if the manifold is complete, then the sublaplacian is essentially self-adjoint.
Adolescents’ lived experiences of substance abuse in the Greater Giyani Municipality

Background Adolescence is a unique and distinct stage of development that involves changes in the physical, psychological and social aspects of adolescents. It is a critical transition into adulthood whereby heightened risk-taking and sensation-seeking takes place, such as substance abuse. In a South African context, this transition sometimes occurs under economic stress, poverty, unemployment, high levels of crime and political instability. This can place adolescents at risk of substance abuse. Objectives To explore and describe the lived experiences of adolescents abusing substances in the Greater Giyani Municipality in the Limpopo province, South Africa. Method A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design with a phenomenological approach was used. Data were collected through individual, in-depth, phenomenological interviews and field notes. Thematic coding was utilised to analyse the collected data, and literature was reviewed to support the findings. Moreover, measures to ensure trustworthiness and ethical principles were applied throughout the research process. Results Five themes were identified: substance abuse behaviour among adolescents, adolescents’ motivation for continuing substance abuse, the effects of substance abuse on the lives of adolescents, factors affecting adolescents’ discontinuation of substance abuse and a need to discontinue substance abuse. Conclusion The study concluded that adolescents abusing substances in the Greater Giyani, Limpopo province, experience loss of control, broken relationships, poor academic performance, stigma attached to mental illness and negative emotions. The adolescents foresaw their future as uncertain and without direction. It is recommended that mental healthcare professionals introduce and implement interventions that will assist the adolescents who abuse substances in the Greater Giyani, Limpopo province. Contribution The findings in this study could add knowledge in developing and implementing of strategies for psychiatric nurses to support adolescents abusing substances in the Greater Giyani, Limpopo province.
Controllability along a trajectory: a variational approach

This paper unifies and improves most sufficient conditions of local controllability both along a trajectory and at a point. This is accomplished by defining high-order variations that can be continuously summed. The peculiar property of these variations is that they may be generated by thin conditions as relations in the Lie algebra associated with a control system. This property leads to a variational interpretation of Sussmann-type sufficient conditions of local controllability (neutralization of obstructions), and it allows the use of different weights for neutralization.
Hard x-ray calibration facility design for JEM-X detector on board INTEGRAL

The x-ray monitor JEM-X will be flown aboard the ESA mission INTEGRAL for gamma-ray astronomy. It has been conceived to furnish images of celestial sources in fields of the sky 9.1 deg wide in the 3 - 100 keV extended energy band. Careful on- ground calibrations are needed to verify the spectral capabilities of the JEM-X detector. These operations in the 20 - 100 keV energy band are planned to be performed using a hard x-ray (15 - 140 keV) facility operated at University of Ferrara (Italy). We present the apparatus that will be used to carry out these calibrations. In particular we describe a double-reflection fixed-exit system of monochromatization based on silicon crystals that are implemented in the facility.
Encystment of Free-Living Amoebae, So Many Blind Spots to Cover

Due to frequent variations in environmental conditions, free-living amoebae adapt through differentiation into different states. Hence, favorable conditions enable the formation of a feeding and proliferative form named “Trophozoïte” whereas unfavorable situations drive differentiation into resting and resistant single forms such as cysts, spores, or multicellular structures. Transformation into cyst, named “encystment” or “encystation”, is a common feature found in testate, naked, or flagellated free-living amoebae. Although much effort has been made to understand encystment, several blind spots are still present. This short opinion paper highlights some difficulties impeding a better understanding of encystment.
Turbulent Effects on the Settling Velocity of Suspended Sediment

The mean settling velocities of suspended sediments in turbulence have been examined. The settling velocities in a flume are directly measured by using an acoustic Doppler velocimeter. The results indicate the same trend as previous work in homogeneous isotropic turbulence. In addition to the flume experiment, the numerical experiments were conducted in the velocity field of homogeneous isotropic turbulence simulated by Kraichnan’s technique. The experimental and numerical results show that at high turbulence intensity the relative settling velocity increases with the increasing relative turbulence intensity regardless of the Stokes number. At intermediate turbulence intensity, it seems that the settling data bifurcate, i.e., the particles at the large Stokes number tend to be slowed, whereas the settling velocity of particles is increased at the small Stokes number.
Spin noise spectroscopy in semiconductors: from a billion down to single spins

Spin noise spectroscopy in semiconductors has matured during the past nine years into a versatile and well developed technique being capable to unveil the intrinsic and unaltered spin dynamics in a wide range of semiconductor systems. Originating from atom and quantum optics as a potential true quantum non-demolition measurement technique, SNS is capable of unearthing the intricate dynamics of free or localized electron and hole spins in semiconductors being eventually coupled to the nuclear spin bath as well. In this contribution, we review shortly the major steps which inspired the success of spin noise spectroscopy in semiconductors and present the most recent extensions into the low-invasive detection regime of the spin dynamics for the two extreme limits of very high and extremely low rates of spin decoherence, respectively. On the one hand, merging ultrafast laser spectroscopy with spin noise spectroscopy enables the detection of spin noise with picosecond resolution, i.e., with THz bandwidths yielding access to otherwise concealed microscopic electronic processes. On the other hand, we present very high sensitivity SNS being capable to measure the extremely long spin coherence of single holes enclosed in individual quantum dots venturing a step forward towards true optical quantum non-demolition experiments in semiconductors. In addition, higher-order spin noise statistics of, e.g., single charges can give information beyond the linear response regime governed by the fundamental fluctuationdissipation theorem and thereby possibly shed some light on the nested coupling between electronic and nuclear spins.
Expression patterns and prognostic value of miR-210, miR-494, and miR-205 in middle-aged and old patients with sepsis-induced acute kidney injury.

Septic patients suffer a 'cytokine storm' from proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines and other inflammatory mediators, resulting in acute kidney injury (AKI) and death. The purpose of the present study was to determine the expression patterns of microRNA-210 (miR-210), miR-494, and miR-205 in middle-aged and old patients with sepsis-induced AKI and to evaluate their association with patient prognosis. Serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr) and cystatin C levels were determined in peripheral venous blood collected from 110 patients with sepsis-induced AKI and 110 healthy controls. The expression profile of miRNAs was analyzed by TaqMan low-density array (TLDA) in plasma samples from patients and controls. Association of miRNAs with prognosis and survival of patients was analyzed by Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, Cox multivariate analysis, and ROC curve analysis. TILDA analysis showed 11 upregulated and 11 downregulated miRNAs in patients with sepsis-induced AKI. MiR-210 and miR-494 were the most upregulated and miR-205 was the most downregulated miRNA. High expression of miR-210 and miR-494 was positively correlated with BUN, Cr and cystatin C levels of patients, while low expression of miR-205 was negatively correlated. MiR-210 and miR-494 expression was significantly decreased and miR-205 expression was increased in survivors with sepsis-induced AKI (28-day survival, n = 68) vs. non-survivors (n = 42). BUN, Cr and miR-205 were independent risk factors for prognosis in sepsis-induced AKI. Our study showed the predictive value of miR-210, miR-494, and miR-205 in prognosis and survival of patients with sepsis-induced AKI. MiR-205 is an independent risk factor for sepsis-induced AKI and its decreased expression is associated with shorter patient survival.
Allophylus africanus Stem Bark Extract Modulates the Mitochondrial Apoptotic Pathway in Human Stomach Cancer Cells

The present work aimed to detail the mechanisms elicited by Allophylus africanus P. Beauv. stem bark extract in human stomach cancer cells and to identify the bioactives underlying the cytotoxicity. MTT reduction and LDH leakage assays allowed characterizing the cytotoxic effects in AGS cells, which were further detailed by morphological analysis using phalloidin and Hoechst 33258. Proapoptotic mechanisms were elucidated through a mitochondrial membrane potential assay and by assessing the impact upon the activity of caspase-9 and -3. The extract displayed selective cytotoxicity against AGS cells. The absence of plasma membrane permeabilization, along with apoptotic body formation, suggested that pro-apoptotic effects triggered cell death. Intrinsic apoptosis pathway activation was verified, as mitochondrial membrane potential decrease and activation of caspase-9 and -3 were observed. HPLC-DAD profiling enabled the identification of two apigenin-di-C-glycosides, vicenin-2 (1) and apigenin-6-C-hexoside-8-C-pentoside (3), as well as three mono-C-glycosides-O-glycosylated derivatives, apigenin-7-O-hexoside-8-C-hexoside (2), apigenin-8-C-(2-rhamnosyl)hexoside (4) and apigenin-6-C-(2-rhamnosyl)hexoside (5). Isovitexin-2″-O-rhamnoside (5) is the main constituent, accounting for nearly 40% of the total quantifiable flavonoid content. Our results allowed us to establish the relationship between the presence of vicenin-2 and other apigenin derivatives with the contribution to the cytotoxic effects on the presented AGS cells. Our findings attest the anticancer potential of A. africanus stem bark against gastric adenocarcinoma, calling for studies to develop herbal-based products and/or the use of apigenin derivatives in chemotherapeutic drug development.
Iterative Nonlinear Fuzzy Modeling of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Electric vehicles (EVs), in their pure and hybrid variants, have become the main alternative to ensure the decarbonization of the current vehicle fleet. Due to its excellent performance, EV technology is closely linked to lithium-ion battery (LIB) technology. A LIB is a complex dynamic system with extraordinary nonlinear behavior defined by electrical, thermal and electrochemical dynamics. To ensure the proper management of a LIB in such demanding applications as EVs, it is crucial to have an accurate mathematical model that can adequately predict its dynamic behavior. Furthermore, this model must be able to iteratively adapt its parameters to accommodate system disturbances during its operation as well as performance loss in terms of efficiency and nominal capacity during its life cycle. To this end, a methodology that employs the extended Kalman filter to iteratively improve a fuzzy model applied to a real LIB is presented in this paper. This algorithm allows to improve the classical Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy model (TSFM) with each new set of data obtained, adapting the model to the variations of the battery characteristics throughout its operating cycle. Data for modeling and subsequent validation were collected during experimental tests on a real LIB under EVs driving cycle conditions according to the “worldwide harmonised light vehicle test procedure” (WLTP) standard. The TSFM results allow the creation of an accurate nonlinear dynamic model of the LIB, even under fluctuating operating conditions, demonstrating its suitability for modeling and design of model-based control systems for LIBs used in EVs applications.
Amorphous selenium direct detection CMOS digital x-ray imager with 25 micron pixel pitch

We have developed a high resolution amorphous selenium (a-Se) direct detection imager using a large-area compatible back-end fabrication process on top of a CMOS active pixel sensor having 25 micron pixel pitch. Integration of a-Se with CMOS technology requires overcoming CMOS/a-Se interfacial strain, which initiates nucleation of crystalline selenium and results in high detector dark currents. A CMOS-compatible polyimide buffer layer was used to planarize the backplane and provide a low stress and thermally stable surface for a-Se. The buffer layer inhibits crystallization and provides detector stability that is not only a performance factor but also critical for favorable long term cost-benefit considerations in the application of CMOS digital x-ray imagers in medical practice. The detector structure is comprised of a polyimide (PI) buffer layer, the a-Se layer, and a gold (Au) top electrode. The PI layer is applied by spin-coating and is patterned using dry etching to open the backplane bond pads for wire bonding. Thermal evaporation is used to deposit the a-Se and Au layers, and the detector is operated in hole collection mode (i.e. a positive bias on the Au top electrode). High resolution a-Se diagnostic systems typically use 70 to 100 μm pixel pitch and have a pre-sampling modulation transfer function (MTF) that is significantly limited by the pixel aperture. Our results confirm that, for a densely integrated 25 μm pixel pitch CMOS array, the MTF approaches the fundamental material limit, i.e. where the MTF begins to be limited by the a-Se material properties and not the pixel aperture. Preliminary images demonstrating high spatial resolution have been obtained from a frst prototype imager.