Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Independent components of spatial-temporal structure of chlorophyll a patterns in the upper layer of the north-western shelf of the Black Sea

In the present study, the results of independent component decomposition of satellite-derived chlorophyll a (Chla) patterns for the north-western part of the Black Sea are presented. The study has been carried out on the basis of the DINEOF-reconstructed dataset of 8-day average log-transformed Chla (alChla) patterns for 1997-2016. The alChla patterns were decomposed into six independent components of its spatio-temporal variability in the north-western shelf of the Black Sea. The independent components reflect the spatial distribution of alChla anomalies which are likely to be formed under the influence of sea circulation factors driven by wind. The paper presents the results of the analysis of the intra-annual variability of independent components. The interpretation of the patterns of intra-annual independent components variability is given, taking into account the seasonal variability of the wind factor, the flow of the Danube, the Dnieper and Southern Bug rivers and the fact of modulation of independent components dynamics by seasonal phytoplankton succession.
Determination of Detection Probability and Localization Accuracy for a Guided Wave-Based Structural Health Monitoring System on a Composite Structure

The capabilities of detection and localization of damage in a structure, using a guided wave-based structural health monitoring (GWSHM) system, depend on the damage location and the chosen sensor array setup. This paper presents a novel approach to assess the reliability of an SHM system enabling to quantify localization accuracy. A two-step technique is developed to combine multiple paths to generate one probability of detection (POD) curve that provides information regarding the detection capability of an SHM system at a defined damage position. Moreover, a new method is presented to analyze localization accuracy. Established probability-based diagnostic imaging using a signal correlation algorithm is used to determine the damage location. The resultant output of the localization accuracy analysis is the smallest damage size at which a defined accuracy level can be reached at a determined location. The proposed methods for determination of detection probability and localization accuracy are applied to a plate-like CFRP structure with an omega stringer with artificial damage of different sizes at different locations. The results show that the location of the damage influences the sensitivity of detection and localization accuracy for the used detection and localization methods. Localization accuracy is enhanced as it becomes closer to the array’s center, but its detection sensitivity deteriorates.
Closed loop tests of the NASA sapphire phase stabilizer

A cryogenic sapphire phase stabilizer (SPS) has been developed to meet microwave oscillator phase noise requirements. The SPS uses a high-Q, X-band sapphire dielectric whispering-gallery mode resonator as a discriminator to stabilize a quartz crystal oscillator. At an untuned frequency of 7.9449 GHz with a loaded Q of 6 million, an "open loop" discriminator noise floor (referred to 100 MHz) of approximately S/sub phi/(f) = -110 dB/f/sup 3/(/Hz) was previously reported for offset frequencies from 1 Hz to 1 kHz. Precise tuning of the sapphire resonant frequency now allows implementation of simplified control loops together with suppressed-carrier phase sensing circuitry. These improvements make possible an ultralow-noise demonstration of closed-loop SPS performance. From 1 Hz to 1 kHz a comparison of the SPS with a quartz crystal reference oscillator of the highest quality showed only the noise of the reference oscillator. These results appear to represent the lowest phase noise in a closed-loop or active sapphire oscillator to date at temperatures achievable with liquid nitrogen (77 K or higher). <<ETX>>
Natural history of inflammatory bowel disease: a comparison between the East and the West

Over the past decades, there has been a rapid increase in the incidence and prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Asia. The natural history of IBD in Asian patients could be different from that in Western patients due to variations in disease phenotypes and genotypes as well as the healthcare environment between the 2 populations. To adequately cope with this disease, it is important to fully understand the potential differences in its natural history among different populations. In this review, we evaluated the differences in the clinical course of IBD between Asian and Western patients with regards to phenotypic progression, hospitalization, major surgery, risk of colorectal cancer, and mortality, mainly based on the results of population-based studies. The findings of our narrative review suggest that the clinical course of Asian patients with IBD, especially ulcerative colitis, is better than that of Western patients, as indicated by the lower rates of major surgery and hospitalization. In addition, similar to Western patients, the clinical course of Asian patients with IBD has been improving as evidenced by the decreasing rates of disease behavior progression (in Crohn’s disease), hospitalization, and major surgery.
Prevalence of acanthosis nigricans and its association with physical activity in adolescents – School-based analytical cross-sectional study from Kochi, Kerala

Introduction: Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a brown to black, poorly defined velvety hyperpigmentation of the skin. It is a predisposition factor for Type 2 diabetes, malignancies and various endocrinopathies. The available data regarding AN from Kerala is limited. Our study aims to estimate the prevalence of AN and to examine its association with physical activity among the adolescents of age 13–14 years. Methodology: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in two grades of a school in Ernakulam district between June and December 2018 among 400 adolescents of age 13–14 years. The study proforma and the Physical activity questionnaire, Adolescents (PAQ-Adolescents), were self-administered to the students and the data were collected. The principal investigator verified the presence of AN by observation in the neck, elbow and knuckles and recorded in the study proforma. Statistical analysis of the data collected was done using SPSS Software program (version 21). Results: The mean age of the group was found to be 13.31 ± 0.46 years. The prevalence of AN was 14.5% in the study population. AN was most prevalent among obese adolescents (61.54%), adolescents with low exercise rate (23.94%), having family history of diabetes (21.18%), family history of hypertension (21.86%) and family history of both diabetes and hypertension (26.32%). The risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, family history of diabetes, family history of hypertension and family history of both diabetes and hypertension had a positive association with AN had a negative association with physical activity with p=0.0001. In adolescents with increased exercise rate, there were no reported cases of AN. Conclusion: The results of our study show that there is a strong association between AN and children with obesity, family history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and low physical activity. Regular adequate physical activity can prevent the onset of AN and thereby reduce the early onset of diabetes, metabolic syndrome, polycystic ovarian syndrome, coronary artery diseases and certain types of malignancies.
Influences of aspirations and expectations on contest performance at the National FFA Agricultural Mechanics Career Development Event, 2001-2006

Influences of Aspirations and Expectations on Contest Performance at the National FFA Agricultural Mechanics Career Development Event, 2001-2006. (December 2007) Travis Scott Clark, B.S., Texas A&M University Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Gary Briers The purpose of this study was to examine how performance expectations influence contest performance at the National FFA Agricultural Mechanics Career Development Event. The population for this study included all participants at the national contest in the years 2001 through 2006 with a total response of 976 participants. Data were collected using a 20 item questionnaire administered after the contest. The questionnaire included questions to measure current educational status, aspired education and career, contest expectations, evaluations of contest relatedness to previous coursework and difficulty, preparation, and interest in agriculture and agricultural mechanics. Contest scores were used to quantify participant performance. Career Development Events are an important component to a complete FFA program used to enhance student learning. Expectations and aspirations may have an effect on student learning. Of the respondents, 61.7% had not graduated from high school. In addition, 86.4% planned to pursue education after high school, and 30.2% planned to pursue a career related to agricultural mechanics while another 40.4% planned to pursue a
IOT BASED MOLECULAR MARKERS FOR DISEASE RESISTANCE STUDIES IN RICE - STRATEGY AND CHALLENGES

Rice production is constrained by diseases of fungal, bacterial and viral origin. The Internet of Things (IoT) â€“ network of interconnected devices - is an application for disease related uses, collection of data, processing for testing and monitoring. This review article aims about how IoT can track and allows disease resistance studies in in Oryza species. Among them Xanthomonas oryzae, Magnaporthe grisea, RYMV (Rice yellow mottle virus), and brown planthopper causes the high yield losses. Disease resistance genes are identified and they are screened by the SSR (simple sequence repeats), RAPD (Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA) and RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphisms) analysis.
Zinc finger E-Box binding homeobox 2 (ZEB2)-induced astrogliosis protected neuron from pyroptosis in cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury

ABSTRACT Ischemia injury can cause cell death or impairment of neuron and astrocytes, and thus induce loss of nerve function. central nervous systems injury induces an aberrant activation of astrocytes called astrogliosis. Pyroptosis, which is a kind of programmed cell death, was proved play an important role in ischemia injury. Zinc Finger E-Box Binding Homeobox 2 (ZEB2) promoted neuron astrogliosis, which play a protected role in neuron regeneration. However, its precise mechanism remains unclear. This study investigated the mechanism of ZEB2 on astrogliosis and neuron regeneration after cerebral ischemia reperfusion condition. To confirm our hypothesis, Neurons and astrocytes were isolated from fetal Sprague Dawley rats, in vivo Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) rat model and in vitro oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R)-treated astrocytes and neurocytes model were constructed. Our results showed that ZEB2 was expressed in nucleus of astrocyte and upregulated after OGD/R induction, ZEB2 promoted astrogliosis. Further upregulation of ZEB2 promoted the astrogliosis, which promoted neuron proliferation and regeneration by decreased pyroptosis. Moreover, this finding was further confirmed in vivo MCAO/R rat model. Overexpression of ZEB2 promoted astrogliosis, which decreased infarct volume and accumulated recovery of neurological function by alleviated pyroptosis. This finding revealed that ZEB2 was a regulator of the astrogliosis after ischemia/reperfusion injury, and then astrogliosis promoted neuron regeneration via decreased neuron pyroptosis. Therefore, ZEB2 may be a potential therapeutic target for ischemia/reperfusion injury.
Substation automation high speed network communication platform based on MMS+TCP/IP+Ethernet

Ethernet, which is gradually being used in the process bus in the communication of automation devices, has become the focus of manufacturers and customers. In order to fulfill the requirements, IEC TC57 will publish the IEC61850 standard for substation automation network communication. All evidences show that network communication technology, based on manufacturing message specification (MMS), TCP/IP and Ethernet, is the trend of the next substation automation communication system. The above communication platform will have many benefits for manufacture and system integration. This paper firstly gives the basic principles of the network communication platform integration frame for substation automation, including software and hardware platform. It then studies the real-time performances and priority of Ethernet and the MMS, TCP/IP protocols used over Ethernet. This paper also discusses the real-time network communication models of client/server and peer-peer in substations and gives simulation results of event-driven data transfer.
A Lightweight Keypoint Matching Framework for Morphometric Landmark Detection

Geometric morphometrics has become an important approach in insect morphology studies because it capitalizes on advanced quantitative methods to analyze shape. Shape could be digitized as a set of landmarks from specimen images. However, the existing tools mostly require manual landmark digitization, and previous works on automatic landmark detection methods do not focus on implementation for end-users. Motivated by that, we propose a novel approach for automatic landmark detection, based on visual features of landmarks and keypoint matching techniques. While still archiving comparable accuracy to that of the state-of-the-art method, our framework requires less initial annotated data to build prediction model and runs faster. It is lightweight also in terms of implementation, in which a four-step workflow is provided with user-friendly graphical interfaces to produce correct landmark coordinates both by model prediction and manual correction. The utility iMorph is freely available at https://github.com/ha-usth/WingLanmarkPredictor, currently supporting Windows, MacOS, and Linux.
ANYway: Measuring the Amplification DDoS Potential of Domains

DDoS attacks threaten Internet security and stability, with attacks reaching the Tbps range. A popular approach involves DNS-based reflection and amplification, a type of attack in which a domain name, known to return a large answer, is queried using spoofed requests. Do the chosen names offer the largest amplification, however, or have we yet to see the full amplification potential? And while operational countermeasures are proposed, chiefly limiting responses to ‘ANY’ queries, up to what point will these countermeasures be effective? In this paper we make three main contributions. First, we propose and validate a scalable method to estimate the amplification potential of a domain name, based on the expected ANY response size. Second, we create estimates for hundreds of millions of domain names and rank them by their amplification potential. By comparing the overall ranking to the set of domains observed in actual attacks in honeypot data, we show whether attackers are using the most-potent domains for their attacks, or if we may expect larger attacks in the future. Finally, we evaluate the effectiveness of blocking ANY queries, as proposed by the IETF, to limit DNS-based DDoS attacks, by estimating the decrease in attack volume when switching from ANY to other query types. Our results show that by blocking ANY, the response size of domains observed in attacks can be reduced by 57%, and the size of most-potent domains decreases by 69%. However, we also show that dropping ANY is not an absolute solution to DNS-based DDoS, as a small but potent portion of domains remain leading to an expected response size of over 2,048 bytes to queries other than ANY.
Polyvinylidene fluoride - based MEMS tactile sensor for minimally invasive surgery

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) procedures have been growing rapidly for the past couple of decades. In MIS operations, endoscopic tools are inserted through a small incision on human's body. Although these procedures have many advantages such as fast recovery time, minimum damage to human body and reduced post operative complications, it does not provide any tactile feedback to the surgeon. This thesis reports on design, finite element analysis, fabrication and testing of a micromachined piezoelectric endoscopic tactile sensor. Similar to the commercial endoscopic graspers, the sensor is teeth like in order to grasp slippery tissues. It consists of three layers; the first layer is a silicon layer of teeth shapes on the top and two supports at the bottom forming a thin plate and a U-Channel. The second layer is a patterned Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) film, and the third layer is a supporting Plexiglas. The patterned PVDF film was placed on the middle between the other two layers. When a concentric load is applied to the sensor, the magnitude and the position of the applied load are obtained from the outputs of the sensing elements which are sandwiched between the silicon supports and the Plexiglas. In addition, when a soft object/tissue is place on the sensor and load is applied the degree of the softness/compliance of the object is obtained from the outputs from the middle PVDF sensing elements, which are glued to the back of the thin silicon plate. The outputs are related to the deformation of the silicon plate which related to the contacting object softness. The sensor has high sensitivity and high dynamic range as a result it can potentially detect a small dynamic load such as a pulse load as well as a high load such as a firm grasping of a tissue by an endoscopic grasper. The entire surface of the tactile sensor is also active, which is an advantage in detecting the precise position of the applied point load on the grasper. The finite element analysis and experimental results are in close agreement with each other. The sensor can potentially be integrated with the gasper of a commercially available endoscopic grasper
Periodic and chaotic behaviour of the autonomous impact resonator

This paper describes the resonance characteristics of the autonomous impact resonator, a self resonating silicon resonator consisting only of a capacitive microbridge, a resistor and a d.c.-source. Since the oscillation is based on large vibrational amplitudes and on non-linear effects, the autonomous impact oscillator exhibits periodic as well as chaotic behaviour. An electromechanical model and a general mathematical description is given. The model is experimentally verified and the results are compared with simulations. The experimental results address the influence of the d.c.-voltage, the effect of the charging and discharging resistors, the influence of air damping and of the parasitic capacitance.
Coupling matrix synthesis of cross-coupled microwave filters using a hybrid optimisation algorithm

A hybrid optimisation algorithm that synthesises coupling matrices for cross-coupled microwave filters is presented. A binary encoded genetic algorithm is combined at regular intervals with a sequential quadratic programming local search method to form a hybrid, exploiting the speed of the local search, while maintaining diversity with the genetic algorithm. The genetic algorithm uses the stochastic uniform selection technique and a multiple point crossover operator. A compact, efficient cost function requiring only the determinant and a cofactor of the coupling matrix is used as the basis of the optimisation algorithm. Optimisation algorithms simplify the process of synthesising coupling matrices, compared with analytical synthesis. However, algorithms that use only local search methods cannot be guaranteed to find a global minimum. This hybrid method aims to extend the range of coupling matrices that can be synthesised by optimisation, while maintaining the speed of search. A coupling matrix for a tenth order coupling matrix for a dual band symmetric filter and a seventh order asymmetric filter are synthesised to verify the method.
Silicon bulk micromachined accelerometer with simultaneous linear and angular sensitivity

A silicon bulk micromachined accelerometer structure has been fabricated and characterized, that combines linear and angular sensitivity in a single device. Unlike micromachined gyro-scopes no vibratory motion is involved for the detection of rotation, but the direct effect of linear and angular acceleration is detected by simultaneous monitoring of the displacement and tilt of the seismic mass. One axis of linear and up to two axes of angular acceleration can be measured. This combination has practical relevance for single-point sensing of the complete motion of a car body with a minimum number of sensors in applications like vehicle dynamic control or crash detection.
Electromagnetic Precursors in Complex Layered Media

The dynamical evolution of an ultrawideband electromagnetic pulse as it propagates through a temporally dispersive and attenuative medium is a classical problem in electromagnetic wave theory with considerable practical importance dating back to seminal works conducted in 1914. With the use of modern asymptotic theory and numerical techniques, propagation of canonical pulses into complex (attenuative and dispersive) media have been analyzed and recently extended to nonlinear materials. The materials of interest for this research are modeled after realistic biological tissues. The mathematically rigorous and more accurate physical model of electromagnetic energy transfer into the biological materials modeled will be used as input to the FitzHugh-Nagumo circuit equivalent model for an excitable neuron. This detailed analysis will provide a new point of view to working groups and standardization committees in the field of non-ionizing radiation safety that is based on so-called athermal effects.
Maximum likelihood azimuth estimation applied to SSR/IFF systems

A conventional (nonmonopulse) secondary surveillance radar (SSR) is significantly cheaper than a monopulse SSR but exhibits much greater azimuthal error, especially when some of the replies are missing. Estimation techniques and their performance are discussed with special reference to SSR applications, and a novel estimator for conventional SSR is described. The proposed technique is a close approximation of the maximum-likelihood estimator (MLE), taking into account the receiver characteristics as well as the missed replies. Estimator performance obtained by analysis and computer simulation is compared with that of conventional estimators that are based on the leading and trailing edges of binary sequences and shows significantly improved accuracy. >
An outdoor test facility for the large-scale production of microalgae

The goal of the US Department of EnergySolar Energy Research Institute's Aquatic Species Program is to develop the technology base to produce liquid fuels from microalgae. This technology is being initially developed for the desert Southwest. As part of this program an outdoor test facility has been designed and constructed in Roswell, New Mexico. The site has a large existing infrastructure, a suitable climate, and abundant saline groundwater. This facility will be used to evaluate productivity of microalgae strains and conduct large-scale experiments to increase biomass productivity while decreasing production costs. Six 3-m/sup 2/ fiberglass raceways were constructed. Several microalgae strains were screened for growth, one of which had a short-term productivity rate of greater than 50 g dry wt m/sup /minus/2/ d/sup /minus/1/. Two large-scale, 0.1-ha raceways have also been built. These are being used to evaluate the performance trade-offs between low-cost earthen liners and higher cost plastic liners. A series of hydraulic measurements is also being carried out to evaluate future improved pond designs. Future plans include a 0.5-ha pond, which will be built in approximately 2 years to test a scaled-up system. This unique facility will be available to other researchers and industry for studies on microalgae more » productivity. 6 refs., 9 figs., 1 tab. « less