Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Label free, capillary-scale blood flow mapping in vivo reveals that low intensity focused ultrasound evokes persistent dilation in cortical microvasculature

Non-invasive, low intensity focused ultrasound (FUS) is an emerging neuromodulation technique that offers the potential for precision, personalized therapy. An increasing body of research has identified mechanosensitive ion channels that can be modulated by FUS and support acute electrical activity in neurons. However, neuromodulatory effects that persist from hours to days have also been reported. The brain’s ability to provide targeted blood flow to electrically active regions involve a multitude of non-neuronal cell types and signaling pathways in the cerebral vasculature; an open question is whether persistent effects can be attributed, at least partly, to vascular mechanisms. Using a novel in vivo optical approach, we found that microvascular responses, unlike larger vessels which prior investigations have explored, exhibit persistent dilation. This finding and approach offers a heretofore unseen aspect of the effects of FUS in vivo and indicate that concurrent changes in neurovascular function may partially underly persistent neuromodulatory effects.
Association between mitochondrial DNA copy number and production traits in pigs

Mitochondria are essential organelles in the regulation of cellular energetic metabolism. Mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA_CN) can be used as a proxy for mitochondria number, size, and activity. The aims of our study are to evaluate the effect of mtDNA_CN and mitochondrial haploblocks on production traits in pigs, and to identify the genetic background of this cellular phenotype. We collected performance data of 234 pigs and extracted DNA from skeletal muscle. Whole-genome sequencing data was used to determine mtDNA_CN. We detected positive correlations of muscle mtDNA_CN with backfat thickness at 207 d (+0.14; p-value = 0.07), and negative correlations with carcase loin thickness (–0.14; p-value = 0.03). Pigs with less mtDNA_CN had greater loin thickness (+4.1 mm; p-value = 0.01) and lower backfat thickness (–1.1 mm; p-value = 0.08), which resulted in greater carcase lean percentage (+2.4%; p-value = 0.04) than pigs with high mtDNA_CN. These results support the hypothesis that a reduction of mitochondrial activity is associated with greater feed efficiency. Pork from pigs with less mtDNA_CN may also tend to have lower ultimate pH (correlation: +0.19; p-value < 0.01). We found no association of the most frequent mitochondrial haploblocks with mtDNA_CN or the production traits, but several genomic regions that harbour potential candidate genes with functions related to mitochondrial biogenesis and homeostasis were associated to mtDNA_CN. These regions provide new insights into the genetic background of this cellular phenotype but it is still uncertain if such associations translate into noticeable effects on the production traits.
Predicting Machine Translation Performance on Low-Resource Languages: The Role of Domain Similarity

Fine-tuning and testing a multilingual large language model is a challenge for low-resource languages (LRLs) since it is an expensive process. While previous studies have predicted the performance of natural language processing (NLP) tasks using machine learning methods, they primarily focus on high-resource languages, overlooking LRLs and shifts across domains. Focusing on LRLs, we investigate three factors (the size of the fine-tuning corpus, domain similarity between fine-tuning and testing corpora, and language similarity between source and target languages), which can potentially impact the model performance by using classical regression models. Our results indicate that domain similarity has the most important impact on predicting the performance of Machine Translation models.
Distributed Generalized Nash Equilibria Seeking Algorithms Involving Synchronous and Asynchronous Schemes

This paper considers a class of noncooperative games in which the feasible decision sets of all players are coupled together by a coupled inequality constraint. Adopting the variational inequality formulation of the game, we first introduce a new local edge-based equilibrium condition and develop a distributed primal-dual proximal algorithm with full information. Considering challenges when communication delays occur, we devise an asynchronous distributed algorithm to seek a generalized Nash equilibrium. This asynchronous scheme arbitrarily activates one player to start new computations independently at different iteration instants, which means that the picked player can use the involved out-dated information from itself and its neighbors to perform new updates. A distinctive attribute is that the proposed algorithms enable the derivation of new distributed forward-backward-like extensions. In theoretical aspect, we provide explicit conditions on algorithm parameters, for instance, the step-sizes to establish a sublinear convergence rate for the proposed synchronous algorithm. Moreover, the asynchronous algorithm guarantees almost sure convergence in expectation under the same step-size conditions and some standard assumptions. An interesting observation is that our analysis approach improves the convergence rate of prior synchronous distributed forward-backward-based algorithms. Finally, the viability and performance of the proposed algorithms are demonstrated by numerical studies on the networked Cournot competition.
WSN Energy Minimisation by Hybrid BFO-PSO

An energy efficient topology control using hybrid bio inspired algorithm based cluster head selection is presented in this work. A two tier architecture of WSN which consists of nodes and cluster heads is considered for simulation purpose. Residual Energy, Bandwidth and Memory Capacity are used as selection criteria for cluster head by proposed algorithm. A hybrid combination of bacterial foraging optimisation (BFO) and particle swarm optimisation (PSO) is used to select cluster head. Later on energy efficient route selection form any node to elected cluster head is also designed. Network is divided into number of clusters, which we have taken as 5% of the total numb er of no des of a network. No des are assigned to the cluster having minimum distance to the cluster head having maximum energy. The distance is calculated using Euclidean Distance Formula.
Risk assessment and technological options for contaminated sediments — a geochemical perspective

The effective long-term remediation of contaminated sediments presents a particular challenge, since the large volume and the often diverse range of contaminants in these materials makes many of the traditional remediation techniques uneconomic. Future risk assessments of contaminated sediments should focus on assessing possible chemical changes in the stored sediment (e.g. redox changes and acid production) that could lead in the long term to contaminant remobilization. New biological criteria of contaminated sediments are also needed. These risk assessments must be undertaken with the potential remediation methods in mind. Priority needs to be given to the application of new geochemical engineering techniques, including chemical stabilization by additives and storage under permanent anoxic conditions, that optimize the long-term chemical stability of contaminated sediments.
Impact of nutritional sovereignty of red meat on water consumption in the agricultural sector

Given the dependency of red meat production on water-depleting fodder crops, this research aimed to measure the impact of the nutritional sovereignty of red meat on water consumption in the agricultural sector. The most important findings of this study reveal that the total water used in the production of red meat amounted to 46.68 billion cubic meters, representing 10.14% of the total water consumption in the agricultural sector during the period 1995 to 2022. The volume of water used in red meat production depends on several factors; with the most significant being the ratio of the area dedicated to fodder crops to the total cropped area and the ratio of the area of green fodder to the total area of fodder crops. Additionally, a 10% increase in the estimated amount of water used in red meat production results in a marginal 0.22% increase in overall water usage in the agricultural sector. This is attributed to a reduction in the area of green fodder and the Agricultural Development Fund's adoption of initiatives to enhance sheep multiplication and improvement. To achieve sustainable development goals in the face of water scarcity, the following actions are required: (1) persisting in the cessation of green fodder cultivation to conserve water for future generations, (2) leveraging virtual water obtained from imports and Saudi agricultural investments
Implementation of multiple operating systems in visualized platform for hybrid Cloud computing

Virtualization is critical to cloud computing because it simplifies the delivery of services by providing a platform for optimizing complex IT resources in a high performance manner, which is what makes cloud computing so cost effective. Virtualization can be applied very broadly to just about everything you can imagine including virtual memory, virtual networks, virtual storage, hardware, virtual operating systems and virtual applications.
Lupus Hepatitis: A Rare Manifestation Revealing Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a rare disease in children but is more severe than in adults. SLE may be associated with various non-specific hepatic manifestations, but subacute lupus hepatitis remains unusual and is rarely a mode of revelation. Diagnosis is based on a combination of clinical, laboratory, and histological findings after ruling out other causes of hepatitis, notably autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). We report the case of a young girl with undiagnosed SLE, which first revealed itself as liver involvement and progressed well on corticosteroid therapy. During the course of her illness, she presented with other manifestations that led us to think of SLE with lupus hepatitis.
Abdeckung und Aktualität des Suchdienstes Google Scholar

The paper discusses the new Google search service Google Scholar. This search engine, which is intended for searching exclusively scholarlydocuments, will bedescribed with its most important functionality and then empirically tested. The study is based on queries against different journal lists: journalsfrom Thomson Scientific, Open Access journals (DOAJ) and journals of the German social sciences literature database SOUS as well as the analysis of result data from Google Scholar. The study shows deficiencies in the coverage and'up-to-dateness of the Google Scholar index. Furthermore, the study points up which web servers are the most important data providers for this search service and which information sources are represented. We conclude that Google Scholar has some interesting potentials (e.g. citation analysis) but can not be seen as a substitute for the use of special literature databases due to a couple of weaknesses (e.g. transparency).
$8\times8\,\,Ka$ -Band Dual-Polarized Array Antenna Based on Gap Waveguide Technology

This paper describes an <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$8 \times 8$ </tex-math></inline-formula> fully metallic high-efficiency dual-polarized array antenna working at the <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$Ka$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-band, based on the gap waveguide (GW) concept. The radiating element is a circular aperture backed by two stacked cylindrical cavities, which are orthogonally fed to achieve a dual-polarized performance. Both feeding layers consist of a GW corporate network to reach all the cavities backing each radiating element. Cavities are naturally integrated within the bed of nails hosting grooves and ridges for the guiding electromagnetic (EM) field, leading to a low-profile dual-polarized array in the <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$Ka$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-band. The experimental results present good agreement with simulations. The measured radiation patterns agree well with the simulation and the antenna provides an average gain over 27 dBi within its operating bandwidth (29.5–31 GHz).
Radial anisotropy beneath northeast Tibet, implications for lithosphere deformation at a restraining bend in the Kunlun fault and its vicinity

Three‐dimensional shear wave velocity and radial anisotropy models of the crust and upper mantle beneath the NE Tibetan plateau are constructed from new measurements of Love wave dispersions (20–77s) and previously obtained Rayleigh wave dispersions (20–87s) using a two‐plane‐wave method. The mid‐lower crust is characterized with positive anisotropy (VSH > VSV) with large strength beneath the Qinling and Qilian Mountains and small values beneath the Anyemaqen Mountain. The large positive anisotropy can be explained by horizontal alignment of anisotropic minerals in the mid‐lower crust due to crustal flow. The mantle lithosphere above 90 km is largely isotropic while weak positive anisotropy appears beneath 90 km, which probably marks the lithosphere‐asthenosphere boundary (LAB). A low shear wave velocity anomaly and relatively negative radial anisotropy are imaged in the entire lithosphere beneath the restraining bend in the eastern Kunlun fault, consistent with a weak lithosphere experiencing vertical thickening under horizontal compression. The asthenosphere at the restraining bend is characterized by significant low velocity and positive radial anisotropy, reflecting that the asthenosphere here is probably hotter, has more melts, and deforms more easily than the surrounding region. We propose that the lithosphere at the restraining bend was vertically thickened and subsequently delaminated locally, and induced asthenosphere upwelling. This model explains the observations of velocity and anisotropy anomalies in the lithosphere and asthenosphere as well as geological observations of rapid rock uplift at the restraining bend of the Kunlun fault.
DYNAMIC OF THE PHYTOPLANKTON COMMUNITY IN EUTROPHIC FISHPONDS

Research was conducted in three fishponds, located in the area of the municipalities Šumice and Pohořelice in South Moravian region, in period from April to September 2015. Samples for phytoplankton analyses were collected twice a month, using plankton net and sampling bottles. At same time, by using portable field devices and Secchi disk, water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity and transparency were measured. A total of 153 taxa of the phytoplankton (27 taxa of cyanobacteria and 126 of algae) were documented in the studied ponds. The most abundant phytoplankton was in Šumický horní pond, in which big fluctuation in abundance was recorded over the study period. Cyanobacteria, over the entire year, were the most dominant group in this pond. Main representatives were from genera Microcystis. In Šumický dolní pond the most numerous were the green algae, with the genera Desmodesmus, Pediastrum, Scenedesmus and Crucigenia tetrapedia, which was the most abundant species in July and August. In Pohořelický pond, after a short period at the beginning of the season when low diversity and number of phytoplankton was documented, a dominance of green algae occurred, subsequently followed by the dominance of trichal cyanobacteria Planktothrix agardhii, Cuspidothrix issatschenkoi and Aphanizomenon flos-aqua. In all three ponds algae and cyanobacteria which correlated with the eutrophic and hypertrophic water systems were registered.
Tilførselsprogrammet: 2010 Passive air and water sampling at Andøya, Bjørnøya and Jan Mayen, 2009-2010

As part of the Climate and Pollution Agency (Klif) monitoring programme on fluxes of contaminants in the Barents Sea, Norwegian Sea and North Sea, passive sampling was undertaken at Andøya, Bjørnøya and Jan Mayen to measure levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorines (OCs) and polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs) in air and water. Semipermeable membrane devices and silicone strips were deployed in water for periods of 10-12 months. PAH levels in water were low, but mostly quantifiable. PCB levels were mostly below limits of detection (LOD), the latter being in the low picogram/litre range. LODs were adequate for pentachlorobenzene and hexachlorobenzene, while concentrations of hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (-HCH and -HCH) and p,p’-DDE were closer to the LOD. PBDE-47 and PBDE-99 were consistently detected. For certain compounds, it was possible to compare dissolved water concentrations to levels in the sediment and in cod liver. Results from polyurethane foam samplers (PUFs) deployed in the air are broadly consistent with results from past findings and active air samplers, yet also revealed difficulties when applying passive sampling methods in the harsh Arctic climatic conditions. Contaminant levels in air were successfully measured at the three sites using PUF air samplers. Some recommendations regarding further work are provided. 4 keywords, Norwegian 4 keywords, English 1. Passive prøvetaking 1. Passive sampling 2. Arktisk overvåking 2. Arctic monitoring 3. Luft og vann prøvetaking 3. Air and water sampling 4. Organiske miljøgifter 4. Organic pollutants Norman Green Torgeir Bakke Bjørn Faafeng Project Manager Research Manager Senior Adviser ISBN 978-82-577-5923-0 Tilførselsprogrammet 2010. Passive prøvetaking ved Andøya, Bjørnøya og Jan Mayen, TA-2808/2011 Tilførselsprogrammet 2010: Passive air and water sampling at Andøya, Bjørnøya and Jan Mayen
Bioactivity of Hirsutanolol, Oregonin and Genkwanin, Isolated from the Seeds of Alnus Glutinosa (Betulaceae)

The antibacterial and free radical scavenging activity, and the general toxicity of two diarylheptanoids, hirsutanolol (1) and oregonin (2), and a flavonoid, genkwanin (3), isolated from the methanol extract of the seeds of Alnus glutinosa, were assessed by the 96 well-based serial dilution antibacterial assay using resazurin as an indicator of cell growth, the DPPH assay, and the brine shrimp lethality assay, respectively.
A Real Test for the Georgia Drought Management Plan - Drought Indicators at Work and Georgia’s Response to the 2006-2008 Drought

Georgia Drought Management Plan (Drought Plan), which was approved by Georgia Department of Natural Resources Board On March 26, 2003, experienced the first comprehensive test by the 2006-2008 drought. Signs of drought conditions first appeared in the spring of 2006. With the exception of a short period of relatively healthy precipitation in the fall of 2006, hydrologic conditions deteriorated in the next year and half, reaching a height in late 2007. The impacts of the drought lingered on through 2008 and early 2009, before heavy precipitation ended this dry period. Georgia Environmental Protection Division has been monitoring the drought indicators prescribed by the Drought Plan. A suite of measures was put in place as responses to lessen the impacts of the drought. Conditions in 2010 seem to resemble those in 2006, raising the potential that another dry period is down the road.
Measurement of Kerr rotation and ellipticity in magnetic thin films by MOKE magnetometry

When polarized light is incident on a magnetic material, the magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE) rotates the polarization and induces ellipticity in the reflected light, which allows the magnetization direction to be probed optically. The Kerr rotation and ellipticity determine the magnitude of the effect and are usually measured using dedicated ellipsometers. Here, we demonstrate a simple method for extracting Kerr rotation and ellipticity in magnetic thin films using a conventional MOKE magnetometer consisting of two polarizers and a quarter waveplate. Using this technique, we report the longitudinal Kerr angle of BiYIG, GdCo, and TbCo. We additionally observe a linear decrease in polar complex Kerr angle magnitude in 3 nm GdCo films as the atomic fraction of Gd is increased.
A systematic literature review on renewable energy technologies for energy sustainability in Nepal: Key challenges and opportunities

Energy security is getting louder globally as there are growing concerns about the risk of climate change from using traditional non-renewable energy sources. This systematic literature review is conducted to identify the current state of renewable energy technologies in Nepal supporting the energy sustainability issue, opportunities, and challenges. The peer-reviewed journal articles published in Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were searched with specified search strings. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis(PRISMA) framework was utilized to search and screen the relevant literature published from 2012 to 2023 related to renewable energy development in Nepal. The Biblioshiny () function of the R-tool was utilized to conduct the meta-analysis of the identified literature. The result shows that the majority of articles were produced after 2019 and among them 50% of the research were conducted on mixed renewables, 19.4% on hydro, 14.5% solar, 8.1% wind, and 8.1% bio-energy. Renewable energy, climate change, sustainability, and policy interventions were identified as major themes in the research. Biomass (66.4%) still dominates the total energy mix and hydropower dominates in electricity generation. This review has explored how the studies were conducted on energy sustainability and renewable energy technologies in the context of Nepal. The review also provides challenges faced by Nepal’s renewable energy sectoral development and the underlined opportunities towards energy sustainability.
Co-seismic and post-seismic displacements in Andaman and Nicobar Islands from GPS measurements

We calculate the displacements of four sites in Andaman and Nicobar islands from Diglipur (13.16°N) to Car Nicobar (9.22°N), using GPS measurements made at these sites in September 2003 and repeated in February 2005, assuming that the inter-seismic displacements at all these sites can be represented by the 14 ′ 2 mm/yr convergence between CARI near Port Blair and Bangalore, reported earlier on the basis of GPS measurements made by us between 1996 and 1999. Since the latest measurements were made after about a month of the great Sumatra event of 26 December 2004, and several moderate earthquake ruptures had since occurred adding to the co-seismic surface displacements, the values reported here also represent the contributions of aftershocks. Rigorous analysis of the two epoch GPS data-sets from these sites yields precise displacement vectors, among which the one at Car Nicobar has the largest horizontal magnitude (6.49 ′ 0.009m to the WSW) with a significant 1.1 m subsidence. The horizontal displacement at Chatham Island near Port Blair is also similarly oriented, but smaller (3.53 ′ 0.010 m) with reduced subsidence. Further northeast of Port Blair, the Havelock Island site shows an even smaller horizontal displacement (1.6 ′ 0.013 m) to SW and nothing significant in the vertical while Diglipur, the northernmost Andaman site shows a much larger horizontal displacement (4.78 ′ 0.008 m) to the SW, and a significant uplift of ∼0.6 m. While these results are broadly consistent with the largely thrust component of earthquake fault slips reported by several workers on the basis of seismic fault mechanism studies, the southern components in the displacements of the northern sites require significant dextral slip contributions that may have been made by some of the moderate aftershocks or by slower ones or by aseismic strike-slip movements along the northern subduction boundary.