Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Thin film characterization by atomic force microscopy at ultrasonic frequencies

We present a technique in which atomic force microscopy at ultrasonic frequencies is used to determine the thickness of thin films. In this technique, the resonance frequency of a flexural mode of an atomic force microscope cantilever is used to determine the tip-sample contact stiffness. This allows the film thickness to be determined, provided that the tip and sample elastic moduli and radii of curvature are known. We report experimental results for thin metal and polymer films deposited on silicon substrates and compare them with the predictions of a theoretical model.
Initial layers and zero‐relaxation limits of multidimensional Euler–Poisson equations

In this paper, we consider zero‐relaxation limits for periodic smooth solutions of the time‐dependent Euler–Poisson system. For well‐prepared initial data, we construct an approximate solution by an asymptotic expansion up to any order. For ill‐prepared initial data, we construct initial layer corrections in an explicit way. In both cases, the asymptotic expansions are valid in a time interval independent of the relaxation time, and their convergence is justified by establishing uniform energy estimates. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fast 3D kernel computation method for positron range correction in PET

Objective. The positron range is a fundamental, detector-independent physical limitation to spatial resolution in positron emission tomography (PET) as it causes a significant blurring of underlying activity distribution in the reconstructed images. A major challenge for positron range correction methods is to provide accurate range kernels that inherently incorporate the generally inhomogeneous stopping power, especially at tissue boundaries. In this work, we propose a novel approach to generate accurate three-dimensional (3D) blurring kernels both in homogenous and heterogeneous media to improve PET spatial resolution. Approach. In the proposed approach, positron energy deposition was approximately tracked along straight paths, depending on the positron stopping power of the underlying material. The positron stopping power was derived from the attenuation coefficient of 511 keV gamma photons according to the available PET attenuation maps. Thus, the history of energy deposition is taken into account within the range of kernels. Special emphasis was placed on facilitating the very fast computation of the positron annihilation probability in each voxel. Results. Positron path distributions of 18F in low-density polyurethane were in high agreement with Geant4 simulation at an annihilation probability larger than 10−2 ∼ 10−3 of the maximum annihilation probability. The Geant4 simulation was further validated with measured 18F depth profiles in these polyurethane phantoms. The tissue boundary of water with cortical bone and lung was correctly modeled. Residual artifacts from the numerical computations were in the range of 1%. The calculated annihilation probability in voxels shows an overall difference of less than 20% compared to the Geant4 simulation. Significance. The proposed method is expected to significantly improve spatial resolution for non-standard isotopes by providing sufficiently accurate range kernels, even in the case of significant tissue inhomogeneities.
Combined particle swarm optimization and heuristic fuzzy inference systems for a smart home one-step-ahead load forecasting

This article presents a hybrid approach that combines particle swarm optimization (PSO) and heuristic fuzzy inference system (HFIS) for smart home one-step-ahead load forecasting. Smart home load forecasting is an important issue in the development of smart grids. Generally, the electricity consumption of a household is inherently nonlinear and dynamic and heavily dependent on the habitual nature of power demand, activities of daily living and on holidays or weekends, so it is often difficult to construct an adequate forecasting model for this type of load. To address this problem, a hybrid model, consisting of two phases, is proposed in this article. In the first phase, the popular PSO algorithm is used to determine the locations of fuzzy membership functions. Then, the proposed HFIS technique is used to develop the one-step-ahead load forecasting model in the second phase. Because of the robust nature of the proposed HFIS technique, which does not need to retrain or re-estimate model parameters, it is very suitable for smart home load forecasting. The proposed method was verified using two different households’ load data. Simulation results indicate that the proposed method produces better forecasting accuracy than existing methods.
Development of metal?carbon high-temperature fixed-point blackbodies for precision photometry and radiometry

High-temperature fixed-point blackbodies based on Re–C and TiC–C metal–carbon eutectic alloys are being investigated for use as radiance and irradiance sources for precise measurements in radiometry, photometry and radiation thermometry above the conventionally assigned values of temperatures on the ITS-90 scale. Graphite crucibles having inner diameters varying between 4 mm and 10 mm were used to prepare the metal–carbon and metal carbide–carbon eutectics; the cells were designed and manufactured at VNIIOFI, Russia using high-purity materials. The melting and solidification temperatures of the cells were measured. Their reproducibility was investigated. The radiance reproducibility of the Re–C and TiC–C fixed points was found to be from 0.01% to 0.03% at 650 nm wavelength depending on the cell. Preliminary investigations of ZrC–C fixed-point reproducibility have been carried out. The radiance of all measured cells agreed at the solidification point within 0.02%.
Physical mobility determinants among older adults: a scoping review of self-reported and performance-based measures

Abstract Objective To synthesise the available evidence on physical factors, such as muscle strength and power, body mass index and their association with older adults’ self-reported and performance-based mobility outcomes. Method This review followed the Askey and O'Malley framework. We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, PsychINFO, Web of Science, AgeLine, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature databases, from Jan. 2000 to Jan. 2022. Teams of two reviewers independently conducted title, abstract, full-text screening, and data extraction using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Result A total of 239 quantitative articles, mostly cross-sectional design, conducted in 32 countries were included in this review. We identified 18 physical factors significantly associated with mobility outcomes in the expected direction. Muscle strength, body composition, falls (number and history of), and chronic conditions (number of and type) were the most studied physical factors. Conclusion Older adults with muscle weakness, weight concerns, history of falls, and chronic conditions had poorer mobility outcomes, such as slower gait speed, poor balance, limited community mobility and poor driving outcomes compared to their counterparts. Studies exploring the role of physical factors on the use of an assisted device, transportation, or driving, are limited.
THE ESTIMATION OF THE FREQUENCY OF BINARY STARS IN OPEN CLUSTER S-A COMPARISON OF METHODS

The frequency of binary stars in open clusters is estimated by analyzing the effect of a secondary star on the combined magnitude and color of a given system with respect to the main sequence. Frequencies of about 50% are derived. Although this method and one presented by another investigator in 1975 are similar in principle, our frequencies are typically twice those obtained in the 1975 work. A comparison of the two methods and an analysis of our results are presented. Key words: galactic clusters - binary stars - stellar statistics
A Proposal for the Revival of the Vietnamese Economy through the Usage of an Economic Mechanism: Government Backed Venture Capital

Is it possible for the government’s public investment sector to have a venture capital subsidiary? This paper is meant to explore the feasibility of this policy idea. The intent of this research is to explore possible options to make it feas-ible for the government to have a venture capital subsidiary. This is a partic-ularly potent policy for low GDP economies to stimulate their growth. This paper also explores the interconnectedness between financial policies dealing with governmental investments in startups and economic growth
Improving Extraseasonal Summer Rainfall Prediction by Merging Information from GCMs and Observations

Abstract A new prediction approach for summer (June–August) rainfall in China was designed by considering both preceding observations and numerically predicted summer rainfall through a multivariate linear regression analysis. First, correlation analyses revealed close relationships between summer rainfall in parts of China with the Antarctic Oscillation (AAO), the Arctic Oscillation (AO), and sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in the preceding winter (December–February). The Huang-Huai Valley, two subregions of the Jiang-Huai Valley, the southern Yangtze River, south China, and southeastern Xinjiang were then chosen as targets for their regional climate characteristics. Following this, an extraseasonal (one season in advance) regression prediction model for regionally averaged summer rainfall was constructed by using these three climate factors and a 3-month lead-time forecast of summer rainfall, undertaken by an atmospheric general circulation model (GCM) forced by observed SSTs, as predictors region by re.
Robust Global Attitude Control: Random Reset Rule

In this article, we propose a new random reset rule for attitude control systems, where a new Lyapunov–Foster function implies the robust global attitude control without adding any constraints on the random reset rule, except the support domain for the involved random variables. Compared with deterministic binary logic variables, random variables introduce an automatically adjusted hysteresis half-width for each reset process, thus bring a flexible tradeoff between the hysteresis-induced inefficiency for avoiding unwinding phenomenon and the robustness to measurement noise. A benchmark case for the attitude tracking control of a miniature quadrotor prototype verifies the designed random reset rule.
Modification of the second-order optical nonlinearities in AlGaAs asymmetric multiple quantum well waveguides by quantum well intermixing

We demonstrate that a quantum well intermixing technique can be used to control the second-order nonlinearity χzzz(2) in an AlGaAs asymmetric coupled quantum well waveguide structure at 1.52 μm. Photoluminescence measurements also indicate that the spatial resolution of the impurity-free vacancy disordering process used for quantum well intermixing is better than 1.5 μm which should be sufficient for first-order quasiphase-matched second harmonic generation.
Heralded multiphoton GHZ-type polarization entanglement generation from parametric down-conversion sources

We propose a scheme to generate an N-photon GHZ-type polarization-entangled state from 2N − 1 parametric down-conversion sources, by using only linear optical elements and projective measurements. Successful preparation is heralded by detecting 3N − 2 photons with ideal number-resolving photon detectors.
MEM-FLIM: all-solid-state camera for fluorescence lifetime imaging

We have built an all-solid-state camera which is directly modulated at the pixel level for frequency domain fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) measurement. This novel camera eliminates the need for an image intensifier through the use of an application-specific CCD design, which is being used in a frequency domain FLIM system. The first stage of evaluation for the camera has been carried out. Camera characteristics such as noise distribution, dark current influence, camera gain, sampling density, sensitivity, linearity of photometric response, and contrast modulation transfer function have been studied through experiments. We are able to do lifetime measurement using MEM-FLIM cameras for various objects, e.g. fluorescence plastic test slides, fluorescein solution, fixed GFP cells, and GFP - Actin stained live cells.
Stereospecific Self-Assembly Processes of Porphyrin-Proline Conjugates: From the Effect of Structural Features and Bulk Solvent Properties to the Application in Stereoselective Sensor Systems

Conjugating the porphyrin ring with an amino acid via amide linkage represents a straightforward way for conferring both amphiphilicity and chirality to the macrocycle. Proline residue is a good choice in this context since its conformational rigidity allows for porphyrin assembling where molecular chirality is efficiently transferred and amplified using properly honed aqueous environments. Herein, we describe the evolution of the studies carried out by our group to achieve chiral systems from some porphyrin-proline derivatives, both in solution and in the solid state. The discussion focuses on some fundamental aspects reflecting on the final molecular architectures obtained, which are related to the nature of the appended group (stereochemistry and charge), the presence of a metal ion coordinated to the porphyrin core and the bulk solvent properties. Indeed, fine-tuning the mentioned parameters enables the achievement of stereospecific structures with distinctive chiroptical and morphological features. Solid films based on these chiral systems were also obtained and their recognition abilities in gaseous and liquid phase are here described.
Mechanisms of stop‐consonant release for different places of articulation

The burst interval (i.e., VOT) following release of a voiceless unaspirated stop consonant has a duration that is somewhat longer for alveolars than for labials, and substantially longer for velars than for either. In the case of velars, the burst often consists of a sequence of two or more pulses. These facts may be explained in terms of a model which describes the effects of constriction geometry and articulatory kinematics, specific to different places of articulation, on aerodynamic events immediately following stop release. Calculations derived from this model suggest that Bernoulli forces may act on the surface of a compliant occluding articulator as closure is released. Presumably these forces cause a delay in the opening movement of the articulator, and a tendency for its surface to vibrate, that is greater for velars than for alveolars and labials. Measurements of VOT for stop consonants in different languages are described, with detailed data on the incidence of two or more release bursts and the temporal characteristics of those bursts. [Research supported by grants from NINCDS. ]
Lévy measures of infinitely divisible random vectors and Slepian inequalities

We study Slepian inequalities for general non-Gaussian infinitely divisible random vectors. Conditions for such inequalities are expressed in terms of the corresponding Levy measures of these vectors. These conditions are shown to be nearly best possible, and for a large subfamily of infinitely divisible random vectors these conditions are necessary and sufficient for Slepian inequalities. As an application we consider symmetric $\alpha$-stable Ornstein-Uhlenbeck processes and a family of infinitely divisible random vectors introduced by Brown and Rinott.
Definitions of randomness

Randomness is a fundamental but elusive concept in mathematics and physics. Even for the elementary case of a random binary sequence, a generally accepted and operational definition is lacking. However, when ensembles are used for the foundation of probability theory, randomness has to be identified with uncorrelatedness, a neglected notion that yet solves many puzzles surrounding randomness. In any single sequence, a definite amount of correlation is unavoidable. At best, the remaining correlations are of high order or cover a large distance. This is the case for properly defined well‐tempered pseudorandom sequences. Reliable algorithms for the generation of pseudorandom bits at rates of 1 GHz result.
Gamma-ray-irradiation effects on the leakage current and reliability of sputtered TiO2 gate oxide in metal–oxide–semiconductor capacitors

The leakage current and reliability characteristics of γ-ray-irradiated sputtered titanium dioxide (TiO2) thin films have been systematically investigated. Analytical results revealed that the inferior polycrystallinity and the larger leakage current of the anatase structure of unirradiated TiO2 thin film could be effectively improved by raising the irradiation dose at low γ-ray doses [≦10 kGy(TiO2)]. However, any higher dose [>10 kGy(TiO2)] causes undesirable deterioration of the film crystallinity, yielding an increased leakage current. The optimal dose of γ-rays [10 kGy(TiO2) in this work] not only provides a proper energy transfer to the TiO2 film, but also reduces the oxygen deficiency and/or Si-diffusion contamination, resulting in a superior crystallinity, and thus causing the reduced leakage current. The excellent agreement between the E model (thermochemical-breakdown model) and the time-dependent-dielectric-breakdown data suggested strongly that the best long-term reliability of metal–oxide–semi.
Airborne Spectrophotometry of SN 1987A from 1.7 to 12.6 Microns: Time History of the Dust Continuum and Line Emission

Spectrophotometric observations (1.7-12.6 μm) of SN 1987A from the Kuiper Airborne Observatory are presented for five epochs at 60, 260, 415, 615, and 775 days after the explosion. A variety of emission lines is seen, including members of the hydrogen Humphreys, Pfund, Brackett, and Paschen series, fine-structure lines of metals (including (Ni II] 6.634 μm, (Ni I] 7.507 μm, (Ar II] 6.985 μm, and [Co II] 10.521 μm), and CO and SiO molecular bands. The temporal evolution of the seven strongest H lines follows case C recombination theory and yields large values of τ(Hα) at 260 and 415 days. A mass of ∼ 2 × 10 −3 M ○. is derived for stable nickel, and the ratio of the [Ni I] 7.507 μm and [Ni II] 6.634 μm line intensities yields a high ionization fraction of 0.9 in the nickel zone
Gravitons, the Speed of Gravity, and the Generalized Newton Gravitational Law

In many publications and web forum discussions the claims are constantly being made that in order for the orbits of planets around the Sun to be stable the gravity must propagate at much higher speeds than the speed of light c. In this paper it is shown on a simple and extreme example of two stars orbiting around each other in a circular orbit that this is not the case and that the assumption about the necessity for the large speed of gravity is unfounded. The explanation is based on the recognition that the Newton gravitational force has two components that are not necessarily collinear. This new fundamental finding is supported by modeling the field by gravitons that mediate the force of the field. This model finally leads to the generalization of Newton gravitational law that correctly accounts for the finite speed of gravity. From this result it is also found that the gravitational aberration angle is identical with the aberration angle of light, but is aiming in the opposite direction, lagging behind the source of the gravitational attraction. Keywords1: speed of gravity, aether, dark matter, stability of planetary orbits, Newton third law of action and reaction, gravitons, generalized Newton gravitational law, aberration of gravity, barycenter
Nonlinear multiferroic phase shifters for microwave frequencies

A nonlinear microwave phase shifter based on a planar multiferroic composite has been studied. The multiferroic structure is fabricated in the form of a bilayer consisting of yttrium iron garnet and barium strontium titanate. The principle of operation of the device is based on the linear and nonlinear control of the phase shift of the hybrid spin-electromagnetic waves propagating in the bilayer. The linear control is realized with magnetic and electric fields. The nonlinear control is provided by the input power of microwave signal. The device showed a nonlinear phase shift up to 250°, electric field induced phase shift up to 330°, and magnetic field induced phase shift of more than 180°.
Invariance of talkers' choral spectra

The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not amplitude spectra of the “choral” speech [T. Tarnocsy, “Determination du spectra de la parole avec une methode nouvelle,” Acustica 8, 352–358 (1958)] of a talker maintain some relative invariance, irrespective of the language spoken and the occasion the speaker recorded. The algorithm used to make this determination was the HICLUS, which implements Johnson's hierarchical clustering algorithm on the CDC 6500 computer at the Michigan State University [S. C. Johnson, “Hierarchical Clustering Schemes,” Psychometrika 32, 241–254 (1967)]. All pairs of amplitude spectra from a total of 180 were compared, using as a similarity measure the sum of the absolute differences between amplitudes of the same frequencies. In approximately 75% of the cases, the processed data clustered according to subject before clustering according to language or occasion of recording. This suggests that the choral spectra of each speaker have unique characteristics independent of.
A complementary heuristic for the unbounded knapsack problem

As a solution algorithm for Unbounded Knapsack Problem, the performance analysis of density-ordered greedy heuristic, weight-ordered greedy heuristic, value-ordered greedy heuristic, extended greedy heuristic and total-value heuristic has been done. Empirical experiments on different test problems have been analysed and reported. Problem instances with a very large number of undominated items were generated in addition to the types of instances suggested by Martello and Toth (1990). Theoretically, the lower bound on the performance for total-value heuristic is better than the corresponding lower bounds for the densityordered greedy heuristic and the extended greedy heuristic as discussed by White (1992) and Kohli and Krishnamurti (1992). The computational tests fail to show clear superiority of any particular heuristic algorithm, although each heuristic produces good quality solutions. If the combination of the density-ordered greedy and the total-value greedy heuristics are considered then the combination shows complementary effect. A new heuristic algorithm incorporating the structural properties of the density-ordered greedy heuristic and the total-value greedy heuristic is developed and its complementary effect studied. It was found that the combination of the density-ordered greedy heuristic, the extended greedy heuristic, the total-value greedy heuristic and the new complementary heuristic gives a better performance result than the single best heuristic in the combination.
Constructing Territories of Deterritorialization–Reterritorialization in Clarice Lispector Novels

The importance of geography and literature, as producers of knowledge for society, is undeniable. Both areas are structural pillars for the explanation of contemporary territorial phenomena. In this article, we intend to reflect on the importance of literature for understanding migration, focusing on the deterritorialization–reterritorialization process. Through geographic lenses, we will perform a content analysis of several fictional works by Clarice Lispector, who was hereself a migrant, in several moments of her life. We can consider that this writer’s contribution made a deep contribution to (re)think conceptual and theoretical frames in the geography of migration.