Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lianas Significantly Reduce Aboveground and Belowground Carbon Storage: A Virtual Removal Experiment

Lianas are structural parasites of trees that cause a reduction in tree growth and an increase in tree mortality. Thereby, lianas negatively impact forest carbon storage as evidenced by liana removal experiments. In this proof-of-concept study, we calibrated the Ecosystem Demography model (ED2) using 3 years of observations of net aboveground biomass (AGB) changes in control and removal plots of a liana removal experiment on Gigante Peninsula, Panama. After calibration, the model could accurately reproduce the observations of net biomass changes, the discrepancies between treatments, as well as the observed components of those changes (mortality, productivity, and growth). Simulations revealed that the long-term total (i.e., above- and belowground) carbon storage was enhanced in liana removal plots (+1.2 kgC m–2 after 3 years, +1.8 kgC m–2 after 10 years, as compared to the control plots). This difference was driven by a sharp increase in biomass of early successional trees and the slow decomposition of liana woody tissues in the removal plots. Moreover, liana removal significantly reduced the simulated heterotrophic respiration (−24%), which resulted in an average increase in net ecosystem productivity (NEP) from 0.009 to 0.075 kgC m–2 yr–1 for 10 years after liana removal. Based on the ED2 model outputs, lianas reduced gross and net primary productivity of trees by 40% and 53%, respectively, mainly through competition for light. Finally, model simulations suggested a profound impact of the liana removal on the soil carbon dynamics: the simulated metabolic litter carbon pool was systematically larger in control plots (+51% on average) as a result of higher mortality rates and faster leaf and root turnover rates. By overcoming the challenge of including lianas and depicting their effect on forest ecosystems, the calibrated version of the liana plant functional type (PFT) as incorporated in ED2 can predict the impact of liana removal at large-scale and its potential effect on long-term ecosystem carbon storage.
FIBROSIS QUÍSTICA ATÍPICA Y ENFERMEDAD DEL CFTR: A PROPÓSITO DE UN CASO DE TRAQUEOBRONCOPATÍA OSTEOCONDROPLÁSTICA

La fibrosis quística (FQ), enfermedad genética frecuente de la raza blanca, es causada por la mutación del gen que codifica para la proteína reguladora de transmembrana (CFTR). Produce principalmente una enfermedad respiratoria progresiva e insuficiencia pancreática. La FQ atípica representa el 2% de los casos. Aparece en adolescentes y adultos con suficiencia pancreática, test del sudor normal o dudoso o solo un sistema afectado: sinusitis crónica, poliposis nasal, pancreatitis, cirrosis biliar, hipertensión portal o azospermia obstructiva. La heterogeneidad clínica depende de la cantidad de CFTR funcionante, la que está influenciada por el tipo de mutación. Otros genes o la exposición ambiental podrían modificar el fenotipo. Cuando existe un órgano comprometido se la ha llamado enfermedad relacionada CFTR; en casos leves es el término FQ atípica. Esta revisión describe un paciente con traqueobroncopatía osteocondroplástica como forma de presentación de FQ atípica o de enfermedad relacionada a CFTR.
Reciprocity between retrograde signal and putative metalloprotease reconfigures plastidial metabolism and structure

Reconfiguration of the plastidial proteome in response to environmental inputs is central to readjustment of its metabolic and structural states. This is necessary for the functionality of this metabolic hub, and the maintenance of organismal integrity. This report establishes the role of the plastidial retrograde signaling metabolite, MEcPP, in increasing the abundance of the putative plastidial metalloprotease (VIR3), and the ensuing decline of VIR3 target enzymes, ascorbate peroxidase and glyceraldehyde 3-phophate dehydrogenase B. The decreased abundance of these enzymes is linked to increased levels of their substrates: H2O2, an elicitor of salicylic acid production and stromule formation; and G3P the substrate for MEcPP synthesis. High-light treatment of wild type plants recapitulated the VIR3-associated reconfiguration of the plastidial metabolic and structural states. These results identify a previously unrecognized link between the stress-induced plastidial retrograde signaling metabolite and a putative zinc-binding metalloprotease. Moreover, the data reveal that the reciprocity between these two components, results in the reconfiguration of the metabolic and structural states of the plastid, deemed necessary to maintain cellular integrity and to shape adaptive responses.
Regularity results of solutions to elliptic equations involving mixed local and nonlocal operators

<abstract><p>In this paper, we study the summability of solutions to the following semilinear elliptic equations involving mixed local and nonlocal operators</p> <p><disp-formula> <label/> <tex-math id="FE1"> \begin{document}$ \left\{ \begin{matrix} - \Delta u(x)+{{(-\Delta )}^{s}}u(x)=f(x), & x\in \Omega , \\ u(x)\ge 0,~~~~~ & x\in \Omega , \\ u(x)=0,~~~~~ & x\in {{\mathbb{R}}^{N}}\setminus \Omega , \\ \end{matrix} \right. $\end{document} </tex-math></disp-formula></p> <p>where $ 0 < s < 1 $, $ \Omega\subset \mathbb{R}^N $ is a smooth bounded domain, $ (-\Delta)^s $ is the fractional Laplace operator, $ f $ is a measurable function. </p></abstract>
Optical intersatellite links - Application to commercial satellite communications

Application of optical intersatellite links for commercial satellite communications services is addressed in this paper. The feasibility of commercialization centers around basic issues such as the need and derived benefits, implementation complexity and overall cost. In this paper, commercialization of optical ISLs is assessed in terms of the services provided, systems requirements and feasibility of appropriate technology. Both long- and short-range ISLs for GEO-GEO, GEO-LEO and LEO applications are considered. Impact of systems requirements on the payload design and use of advanced technology in reducing its mass, power, and volume requirements are discussed.
A Tactile Display Using Ultrasonic Elastic Waves in a Metal Tapered Membrane

The purpose of the study is the development of a tactile display which can control a spatial pattern of friction on a metal surface by using ultrasonic elastic waves in a tapered membrane (a membrane whose width decreases gradually). It is reported that, a surface of a vibrating object with ultrasonic frequency feels smooth by air lubrication called squeeze effect. In this paper, we show two properties of elastic waves in the tapered membrane. First, waves can be localized on the surface. Second, the localized vibrating area can be freely controlled (enlarged or reduced) by changing the frequency of the wave. Therefore, by generating ultrasonic elastic waves in the metal tapered membrane, we can construct a tactile display, where the localized smooth area can be moved on the metal surface. In an experimental display employing a brass-tapered membrane vibrated by a Langevin-type ultrasonic vibrator, validity of our method is confirmed.
Educating in pandemic times: is it something possible?

Este artigo, escrito na forma de um ensaio, retrata parcialmente o momento vivido como docentes durante a pandemia da covid-19. O texto se apresenta em três instâncias: (1) Recupera-se o início do isolamento social como momento de ruptura de um crescente desenvolvimento pedagógico realizado por uma perspectiva (autonomeada) progressista; (2) Lamenta-se o presente vivido de excessivo trabalho remoto em prol de uma resposta imediatista de manutenção de status quo; (3) Assenta-se sobre um futuro de esperança a partir de uma visão otimista, utópica e sonhadora de Paulo Freire, mas que poderia muito bem revelar-se no devir da educação escolar.
Surface reconstruction and extrapolation from multiple range images for automatic turbine blades repair

This paper reports on the results of an ongoing European research project aiming to develop an integrated mechatronics system for turbine blades repair using advanced 3D sensing and multi-axis NC milling technology. The essence of the system is its capability of generating NC milling paths adaptively for turbine blades which can significantly vary from their nominative dimensions and shapes. The path generation is based on an reconstruction and extrapolation algorithm that automatically reconstructs the ideal geometric model of blades from multiple range images and is described in details.
A 10-kW SOFC low-Voltage battery hybrid power conditioning system for residential use

This paper proposes a 10-kW power conditioning system for a 5-kW solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) low-voltage battery hybrid power generation that has been developed for participation in the 2003 Future Energy Challenge Competition organized by the U.S. Department of Energy and the IEEE. The objective of the competition was to develop a fuel cell inverter with minimum requirement for cost of $40/kW and efficiency of 90%. The proposed power conditioning system consists of the front-end dc-dc converter, the dc-ac inverter and the bidirectional dc-dc converter. Practical issues such as component rating calculation, high-frequency transformer design, heat sink design, and protection are detailed aiming at the cost and efficiency targets. A low-cost implementation of controllers is discussed along with current-mode control, output voltage regulation with capacitor balancing and an SOC control for battery management. A 10-kW hardware prototype was successfully built and tested in the steady-state as well as in the transient-state. Experimental performances are compared to minimum target requirements of the fuel cell inverter. The cost analysis is done based on the spreadsheets evaluation forms provided in the competition.
A strategy for using cooperating missiles for missile defence

: We are interested in exploring the concept of using a team of low-cost defending missiles instead of a single high-cost defending missile to intercept a high-performance incoming missile. The low-cost defending missiles will have reduced seeker performance or reduced range or manoeuvrability compared to a high-cost defending missile, but will cooperate with each other to seek and intercept the incoming missile. This paper presents a cooperative control strategy for a team of cooperating defending missiles. The objective is to minimise the probability of missing the incoming missile. We formulate a method to predict possible paths of the incoming missile from a known initial state to a known target, and introduce the concepts of a seek region and intercept region that can be used to determine points for the defending missiles to aim towards before operating their on-board seekers. These aim points are placed such that the defenders are able to maximise their coverage of the seek and intercept regions within the incoming missile’s manoeuvrability range. We demonstrate a simple method for calculating aim points with a couple of examples.
Replacement of Hand Function

In recent years, thanks to the advancement of robotics and mechatronics, new and more effective devices for the restoration and replacement of sensory-motor function in disabled people have been developed. In all these systems, user acceptability is strictly connected to several issues such as the residual abilities of the subject, the mechatronic characteristics of the robot, and also the interface chosen to link them. It is possible to figure out different Bhumaninterface-device[ combinations [also defined as Bhybrid bionic systems[ (HBSs)] characterized by different properties in terms of level of hybridness, connection, and augmentation. In particular, in HBSs the interface has to be customized according to the characteristics of the robotic artefact to be controlled and to the desires and needs of the final users. In this paper, our attention has been focused on the problem of the replacement of hand function after amputation. Three HBSs characterized by different levels of complexity, dexterity, and sensorization are presented in order to show the possibility of developing acceptable and effective systems by choosing different levels of connection and hybridness (i.e., different interfaces) for different devices and applications. The following case studies are presented: 1) the use of invasive interfaces to the peripheral nervous system to control a dexterous and highly sensorized hand prosthesis; 2) the use of electromyographic signals recorded using surface electrodes to control a compliant adaptive prosthesis; and 3) the use of a foot interface to control a twodegrees-of-freedom The preliminary results achieved so far seem to confirm the idea that the correct choice of the proper interface while developing an HBS can increase effectiveness and usability.
Fiber optic monitoring system ready for 4-20mA industrial control standard

The proposed work has the aim to design a full analog electrical circuitry to convert the wavelength-encoded signal coming from a generic Optical Fiber Sensor (OFS) into a monotonic electrical current. The electrical circuitry, related to the single OFS, is composed by one or more Sensing Circuit in function of the dynamic range or if a compensate measurement is needed. The mentioned circuit has the key strength to be robust and reliable: it avoids any kind of digital processing unit; it is completely protected from internal leakage currents due to an optical isolator which has also the aim to reduce noise; then the electrical module has also the capability to restore the output if a source fluctuation occurs or if a loss increment happens; if a loop interruption occurs for a connection or a device breaks down, the output current automatically raise to a threshold value. The proposed concept has been validated with experimental measurement, sensing a temperature deviation of more than 20°C with two different Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors, as a possible scenario in which it can be employed.
On-Site Evaluation of BESS Fire Prevention System Considering the Environmental Factors

Recently, a large-capacity battery energy storage system (BESS) has been installed to maximize the efficiency of power use, increase the utilization of new and renewable energy, and stabilize the power supply system. However, many fires in BESS are occurring due to various causes, which is becoming a big social issue. Electrolyte off-gas (EOG) of lithium ion batteries (LiB) is known to be released first before a fire occurs due to thermal runaway. This paper intends to analyze the causes of fires in BESS and LiB, and study the relationship between the causes of fires and the environment and conditions of BESS installation site. A gas sensor-based EOG detection module to detect the EOG before thermal runaway of LiB is developed and its performance is examined. The EOG detection module is integrated into the BESS to build a fire prevention system and on-site evaluation is performed.
On the Coexistence Between LTE-V2X Sidelink and ITS-G5

This paper investigates several methods for LTE-V2X sidelink and ITS-G5 to coexist in the same channel. The channel access schemes of the two technologies are fundamentally different which makes coexistence in the same channel very challenging. The methods presented in this contribution are based on time sharing of both technologies. To improve the performance of ITS-G5 in such a situation, a packet delay method for ITS-G5 is proposed, which significantly reduces the packet collisions. Simulation results for the investigated methods show that the approach based on a semi-static time division performs best. Still, there is always a price to pay to enable co-channel coexistence since modifications to both technologies are required, and the packet reception ratio is still degraded compared to operating a single technology within the channel. Therefore, avoiding co-channel coexistence and using dedicated channels for each technology is preferred.
Towards Environmental RF-EMF Assessment of mmWave High-Node Density Complex Heterogeneous Environments

The densification of multiple wireless communication systems that coexist nowadays, as well as the 5G new generation cellular systems advent towards the millimeter wave (mmWave) frequency range, give rise to complex context-aware scenarios with high-node density heterogeneous networks. In this work, a radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure assessment from an empirical and modeling approach for a large, complex indoor setting with high node density and traffic is presented. For that purpose, an intensive and comprehensive in-depth RF-EMF E-field characterization study is provided in a public library study case, considering dense personal mobile communications (5G FR2 @28 GHz) and wireless 802.11ay (@60 GHz) data access services on the mmWave frequency range. By means of an enhanced in-house deterministic 3D ray launching (3D-RL) simulation tool for RF-EMF exposure assessment, different complex heterogenous scenarios of high complexity are assessed in realistic operation conditions, considering different user distributions and densities. The use of directive antennas and MIMO beamforming techniques, as well as all the corresponding features in terms of radio wave propagation, such as the body shielding effect, dispersive material properties of obstacles, the impact of the distribution of scatterers and the associated electromagnetic propagation phenomena, are considered for simulation. Discussion regarding the contribution and impact of the coexistence of multiple heterogeneous networks and services is presented, verifying compliance with the current established international regulation limits with exposure levels far below the aforementioned limits. Finally, the proposed simulation technique is validated with a complete empirical campaign of measurements, showing good agreement. In consequence, the obtained datasets and simulation estimations, along with the proposed RF-EMF simulation tool, could be a reference approach for the design, deployment and exposure assessment of the current and future wireless communication technologies on the mmWave spectrum, where massive high-node density heterogeneous networks are expected.
Improved spectral characteristics of 980 nm broad area slotted Fabry-Perot diode lasers

A novel broad area slotted Fabry-Perot diode laser is designed and fabricated. Using a new semi- analytical method, we introduce effective refractive index perturbations in the form of etched slot features into a conventional 980 nm broad area Fabry-Perot cavity, and the spectral characteristics of the device are expected to be noticeably improved. A low density of slot features is formed by using standard optical lithography and induc- tively coupled plasma dry etching. The experimental results show that the full spectral width at half-maximum is less than 0.4 nm, meanwhile, the thermal shift of the emission spectrum is decreased from 0.26 to 0.07 nm/ C over a temperature range of 10 to 60 C. The improved spectral characteristics of the device are proved to be attributed to such slotted Fabry-Perot laser structures.
Effect of Temperature and Strain Rate on Mechanical Properties of 63Sn/37Pb Solder Alloy

In this study, tensile tests of 63Sn/37Pb solder were carried out at various strain rates from 10 s to 10 s over a wide temperature range from – 40 C to 125 C to study the effect of strain rate and testing temperature on the mechanical properties in a systematic manner. Based on these experimental data, a set of empirical formulae was derived by a statistical method to describe the effect of temperature and strain rate in a quantitative manner and explain the variation in the mechanical properties published in other reports. It is concluded that the empirical formulae can be used to characterize the mechanical properties of 63Sn/37Pb over a wide range of temperatures and strain rates.
Mathematical simulation of fiber optic ring resonator for optical add/drop multiplexing

A key device in all optical networks is the optical filter. There are different types of optical filters, for examples, Bragg grating, thin film filter, and arrayed waveguide grating. The use of fiber-optic filters based optical Add/Drop multiplexing (OADM) can process the optical wideband signals in the optical network. In this paper, the designed and simulated filtering characteristics of a serially coupled triple ring optical resonator (STRR) are modeled and investigated. The mathematical relations of the coupling coefficients with the transmission characteristics of the STRR filter are expressed by Z-transform analysis. The transmission spectra of the through port and the drop port of each input of the four-port STRR configuration are simulated. Results are presented on the characteristics of the output as a function of wavelength for various values of the coupling coefficients. With the derived approximate formulas, it is shown that the coupling of the ring fiber system can be changed and thus that the transmission properties of the filter can be controlled and used.
Diversity-Multiplexing Tradeoff of the

Diversity-multiplexing tradeoff (DMT) is a coarse high SNR approximation of the fundamental tradeoff between data rate and reliability in a slow fading channel. In this paper, we characterize the fundamental DMT of the two-user single antenna Gaussian interference channel. We show that the class of multilevel superposition coding schemes universally achieves (for all fading statistics) the DMT for the two-user interference channel. For the special case of symmetric DMT, when the two users have identical rate and diversity gain requirements, we characterize the DMT achieved by the Han-Kobayashi scheme, which corresponds to two level superposition coding. Index Terms—Diversity-multiplexing tradeoff (DMT), interfer- ence channel, multilevel superposition coding, outage capacity, slow fading.
Health monitoring of civil infrastructures

Reliable health monitoring, including nondestructive evaluation, is an essential part of the feedback and monitoring system for infrastructures. The goal of this paper is to provide a summary of recent research activities that will act as a catalyst to expand interest in the development of new health monitoring technologies. The paper describes the motivation for developing innovative tools for monitoring the health of the USA’s infrastructure. An overview of initiatives sponsored by the National Science Foundation to develop new technologies is presented. The paper includes a review of the state-of-the-art stress-wave methods for the evaluation of structural materials and pavements at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Finally, efforts at the Federal Highway Administration to develop new technologies for the assessment of the nearly 500 000 bridges along the USA’s roads and highways are described.
Arc-furnace model for the study of flicker compensation in electrical networks

This paper presents an arc-furnace model consisting of nonlinear, time varying resistance where time-variation laws of arc length are considered. One consists of a periodic, sinusoidal law, the other of a band-limited white-noise law. The arc-furnace model is implemented by EMTP, referring to actual electric-plant configurations. Simulations are reported where the values of flicker sensation and short-term flicker severity P/sub ST/, are determined according to UIE specifications. The results show that the model based on the sinusoidal time-variation law can be useful for worst-case approximations, while the model using white-noise law is able to fit flicker measurements made in electric plants supplying arc furnaces. The models are used to investigate the effect on flicker compensation of the insertion of series inductors at the supply side of the furnace transformer. It is shown that considerable reduction of P/sub ST/ is obtained at the point of common coupling by series inductor installation at constant furnace active power. >