Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multifrequency radio observations of Cygnus A - Spectral aging in powerful radio galaxies

A detailed analysis of the radio spectrum across the lobes of Cygnus A is presented in order to critically test the synchroton spectral aging theory. The results are in good agreement with the jet model for powerful radio galaxies, involving particle acceleration at the hot spots and outflow into the radio lobes, with subsequent energy loss due to synchrotron radiation. The hot spot spectra are well represented by a spectral aging model involving continuous injection of relativistic particles. Both hot spots have spectral break frequencies around 10 GHz. An injection index of 0.5 is found for both hot spots, consistent with diffusive shock acceleration at a strong nonrelativistic shock in a Newtonian fluid. The LF hot spot emission spectrum falls below the injected power law. This effect is isolated to the hot spots, and is best explained by a low-energy cutoff in the particle distribution.
The three-dimensional structure of confined swirling flows with vortex breakdown

In a recent experimental study, Spohn, Mory & Hopfinger (1998) investigated in detail the flow in a closed cylindrical container with a rotating bottom for Reynolds numbers in the steady and unsteady regimes. Their visualization photographs revealed that the stationary vortex breakdown bubbles, which form along the container axis within a range of governing parameters, are open, with inflow and outflow, and asymmetric at their downstream end. For Reynolds numbers within the unsteady regime, visualizations of the limiting streamlines on the cylindrical wall showed that the Stewartson layer separates asymmetrically along stationary spiral convergence lines that form below the top cover. We study numerically the container flow, by solving the unsteady, three-dimensional Navier–Stokes equations, in order to clarify the origin and elucidate the underlying physics of these complex, three-dimensional flow features. The stationary vortex breakdown bubbles we simulate exhibit all the asymmetries observed in the laboratory. By analysing the Lagrangian characteristics of the calculated flow fields, we explain the origin of these asymmetries, clarify the experimentally documented filling and emptying mechanisms, and show that the flow in the interior of stationary vortex breakdown bubbles exhibits chaotic particle paths. We also show that the spiral separation lines observed by Spohn et al. (1998) inside the Stewartson layer at high Reynolds numbers are due to the growth of pairs of counter-rotating, spiral vortices and the interaction of these vortices with the stationary-cover boundary layer.
Randomization of dust-ejecta motions and the observed morphology of cometary heads

The computer code that has been used over years to study the dust-coma morphology of comets and to generate their synthetic images is upgraded by introducing two categories of random perturbations into the motions of dust particles ejected from discrete sources of activity on the nucleus surface. The new technique is applied to three types of morphological features: multiple concentric halos, a system of spiral jets, and a sunward fan-shaped coma. The results indicate that inclusion of random perturbations substantially enhances the capability for generating synthetic images that faithfully simulate the observed appearance of dust comets
The influence of digitalisation on the role of quality professionals and their practices

Abstract Studies suggest that quality management professionals need a range of skills to simultaneously exploit current operational models and explore digital transformation. However, there is limited research on the impact of digitalisation on improvement work, associated practices and the skills and competencies of quality management professionals. To contribute to this gap, this study draws on a framework based on a conceptual combination of the principles of quality management and the field of occupational competence. The study aims to understand how digitalisation influences the role of quality management professionals, by assessing its influence on the professionals’ improvement practices. The study employs a multiple cross-case research design with data from interviews with nine interviewees, and two focus groups. The results show a so far nascent and limited influence of digitalisation on improvement practices, a need for explorative and team-based practices. Moreover, nine needed skills areas to enhance the professionals’ potential to benefit from digitalisation in improvement work are suggested. These are Integrator, Pragmatic approach based on a good understanding of possibilities, Change management, Process management, General project management, Improvement analysis, Predictive and proactive approach in QM, General IT and Big data proficiency.
Radiotherapy with beams of carbon ions

In cancer treatment, the introduction of MeV bremsstrahlung photons has been instrumental in delivering higher doses to deep-seated tumours, while reducing the doses absorbed by the surrounding healthy tissues. Beams of protons and carbon ions have a much more favourable dose-depth distribution than photons (called ‘x-rays’ by medical doctors) and are the new frontiers of cancer radiation therapy. Section 2 presents the status of the first form of hadrontherapy which uses beams of 200–250 MeV protons. The central part of this review is devoted to the discussion of the physical, radiobiological and clinical bases of the use of 400 MeV µ−1 carbon ions in the treatment of radio-resistant tumours. These resist irradiation with photon as well as proton beams. The following section describes the carbon ion facilities that are either running or under construction. Finally, the projects recently approved or proposed are reviewed here.
Prediction of cogging torque level in PM motors due to assembly tolerances in mass‐production

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to estimate the sensitivity of cogging torque in permanent magnet (PM) motor designs due to PM assembly tolerance and/or PM imperfections and to evaluate how such faults can be reliably detected in simulated and measured cogging torque signals.Design/methodology/approach – PM motors exhibit inherent cogging torque, which creates torque ripple and prevents smooth rotation of the rotor, resulting in undesirable vibration and noise. While cogging torque minimization is necessary to improve PM motor performance, several FEM models have been developed to study and present data demonstrating the sensitivity of cogging torque to PM assemblies and/or PM imperfections. Some procedures that would predict and evaluate cogging torque components relative to measured PM positions on assembled PM motors were proposed.Findings – On the basis of numerous performed simulations using different FEM models and experimental results on rotors from mass‐production, it was found and proved t.
Solution-grown thin polystyrene films. I. DC electrical conduction

The variation of electrical conduction with applied voltage and temperature has been studied in solution-grown pure and iodine-doped (PS) films 2500 AA thick. The study of the conductivity variation with the polymer thickness and with its temperature shows that only the Poole-Frenkel effect can explain the experimental results. Also, hysteresis and polarisation effects were observed in the I-V characteristics. The resistivity of the PS films was about 1015 Omega cm at room temperature and at a field of 105 V cm-1. An increase of about 102-103 orders of magnitude in conductivity was observed due to the doping of iodine in PS at room temperature. This is interpreted on the basis of the formation of charge transfer complexes in the film. The activation energy for conduction decreased from 0.79 to 0.67 eV at temperatures below Tg and from 1.0 to 0.89 eV above Tg on doping PS films with iodine (0.2 g of iodine per 100 ml PS solution).
Quantum size effects in Raman spectra of Si nanocrystals

First order Raman spectra of Si nanocrystals exhibit large shift and width, strongly exceeding the theoretical calculated values. The disagreement between theory and experiment is dramatically increasing for the smallest nanocrystal sizes. Here, we present a novel theoretical approach showing one-, two-, or three-dimensional quantum effects, due to the limited size of the corresponding coordinate of the quantum structure. The method can be applied to nanosized layers, quantum wires and/or quantum dots. The agreement of the present theory with experimental data is dramatically improved.
A Linear Approach for Parameters Estimation of Multivariable Models in a Parameter Matrix Form

Abstract When a model output is a linear function of the model parameters, the estimation process is significantly simplified, since the optimal estimates can be determined without the usage of a numerical optimization method. Moreover, some types of nonlinear models w.r. t. their parameters can be interpreted as linear (obviously introducing a discrepancy). This is the main premise behind the linear approach for parameter estimation, where the Least Squares (LS) method is used for parameters estimation. As this assumption contradicts with the non-linear parameterized model structure, the estimation process becomes iterative. In spite of this, the linear approach is frequently preferable due to the reduced number of computations, compared with the non-linear approach, where the model is correctly considered as non-linear. Moreover, some issues with the starting point selection, stuck at a local minima, etc., natural for the non-linear approach, are avoided. In this paper estimators are presented, based on the linear approach, for both MIMO linear and non-linear parameterized models in a parameter matrix form. The representatives of the first group are LS and Weighted LS (WLS). For non-linear models, this approach is presented in terms of Extended LS (ELS). The topic regarding the efficient realizations of the estimators is also discussed
RNAi as a tool to inhibit the angiogenic potential of human Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells in malignancy*

Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells (MSCs) have an active role in supporting the maintenance of a dynamic and homeostatic tissue microenvironment by secretion of a broad range of biologically active molecules. Upon interaction with cancer cells, MSCs become active participants in tumour development namely by promoting angiogenesis through the secretion of pro-angiogenic molecules, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Since tumour angiogenesis is one of the hallmarks of cancer progression, targeting this mechanism by using a genetic engineering approach, such as by RNA interference (RNAi) technology, seems a promising strategy to slow down tumour growth. In this regard, this project involves the transfection of bone marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs) with small-interfering RNA (siRNA), chemically synthetized or expressed as a short-hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) from a minicircle (MC) vector, that target VEGF expression. Overall, RT-qPCR results revealed a VEGF-mRNA knockdown of approximately 50% after synthetic siRNA transfection of BM-MSCs. Similarly, ELISA results indicate a decrease in VEGF secretion. Regarding transfection results with MC vector, similar results were expected, however, increased VEGF expression was consistently found at mRNA and protein levels after BM-MSCs transfection. Although further studies are required, these discrepancies appear to be related to the incorrect processing of the transcribed shRNA into a functional RNAi. In conclusion, this study provides important insights regarding the implementation of an RNAi-based system that targets VEGF expression, aiming at slowing down tumour angiogenesis.
Reduction in required magnetic field to induce twin-boundary motion in ferromagnetic shape memory alloys

Tensile and compressive loading experiments were conducted at room temperature on a thin slab (1 mm) of Ni50Mn33Ga17 single crystal ferromagnetic shape memory alloy while subjected to cyclic magnetic field (up to 550 kA/m). Tensile loads ranged from 0.4 MPa to 0.8 MPa while compressive loads ranged from 0.4 MPa to 2.2 MPa, with increasing compressive loads resulting in a reduced overall strain. Results indicate that magnetic field produces significant strains (over 4%) within the material. Experimental data also show that a tensile load reduces the required magnetic field for actuation by almost 80%.
Inter-tissue communication of mitochondrial stress and metabolic health

Mitochondria function as a hub of the cellular metabolic network. Mitochondrial stress is closely associated with aging and a variety of diseases, including neurodegeneration and cancer. Cells autonomously elicit specific stress responses to cope with mitochondrial stress to maintain mitochondrial homeostasis. Interestingly, mitochondrial stress responses may also be induced in a non-autonomous manner in cells or tissues that are not directly experiencing such stress. Such non-autonomous mitochondrial stress responses are mediated by secreted molecules called mitokines. Due to their significant translational potential in improving human metabolic health, there has been a surge in mitokine-focused research. In this review, we summarize the findings regarding inter-tissue communication of mitochondrial stress in animal models. In addition, we discuss the possibility of mitokine-mediated intercellular mitochondrial communication originating from bacterial quorum sensing.
Image vectorization using blue-noise sampling

Current image vectorization techniques mainly deal with images with simple and plain colors. For full-color photographs, many difficulties still exist in object segmentation, feature line extraction, and color distribution reconstruction, etc. In this paper, we propose a high-efficiency image vectorization method based on importance sampling and triangulation. A set of blue-noise sampling points is first generated on the image plane by an improved error-diffusion sampling method. The point set well preserves the features in the image. Then after triangulation on this point set, color information can be recorded on the mesh vertices to form a vector image. After certain image editing, e.g. scaling or transforming, the whole image can be reconstructed by color interpolating inside each triangle. Experiments show that the method has high performing efficiency and abilities in feature-preserving. It will bring benefits to many applications, e.g. image compressing, editing, transmitting and resolution enhancement.
Analysis of Unbalanced-Magnetic-Pulls in hard disk drive spindle motors using a hybrid method

In spindle motor design and analysis, calculation of the torque and force is an essential step for the performance prediction. A method for the calculation of the Unbalanced-Magnetic-Pull (UMP) is proposed in this paper. As the method is based on the combination of the strength of analytical and numerical methods, it can yield more accurate results than traditional methods, and can be conveniently implemented in the computer aided design/analysis softwares for spindle motors.
Distortion Coefﬁcients of the ˛ -Grushin Plane

We compute the distortion coefﬁcients of the α -Grushin plane. They are expressed in terms of generalised trigonometric functions. Estimates for the distortion coefﬁcients are then obtained and a conjecture of a measure contraction property condition for the generalised Grushin planes is suggested
A simple quantum mechanical treatment of scattering in nanoscale transistors

We present a computationally efficient, two-dimensional quantum mechanical simulation scheme for modeling dissipative electron transport in thin body, fully depleted, n-channel, silicon-on-insulator transistors. The simulation scheme, which solves the nonequilibrium Green’s function equations self consistently with Poisson’s equation, treats the effect of scattering using a simple approximation inspired by the “Buttiker probes,” often used in mesoscopic physics. It is based on an expansion of the active device Hamiltonian in decoupled mode space. Simulation results are used to highlight quantum effects, discuss the physics of scattering and to relate the quantum mechanical quantities used in our model to experimentally measured low field mobilities. Additionally, quantum boundary conditions are rigorously derived and the effects of strong off-equilibrium transport are examined. This paper shows that our approximate treatment of scattering, is an efficient and useful simulation method for modeling electron.
Percolation of Estimates for ¯ @ by the Method of Alternating Projections

The method of alternating projections is used to examine how regularity of operators associated to the ¯ ∂ -Neumann problem percolates up the ¯ ∂ -complex. The approach revolves around operator identities—rather than estimates—that hold on any Lipschitz domain in C n , not necessarily bounded or pseudoconvex. We show that a geometric rate of convergence in von Neumann’s alternating projection algorithm, applied to two basic projection operators, is equivalent to ¯ ∂ having closed range. This implies that compactness of the ¯ ∂ -Neumann operator percolates up the ¯ ∂ -complex whenever ¯ ∂ has closed range at the corresponding form levels.
Triple-biprism electron interferometry

Triple-biprism electron interferometry has been developed to flexibly control all interference parameters, i.e., interference region (size and shape), fringe spacing, and fringe angle. Each filament electrode of the upper and middle electron biprisms is installed in the individual image planes of the objective and first magnifying lenses, respectively. One more filament electrode of the lower biprism is set between the crossover plane and image plane behind the second magnifying lens. The azimuth angle between the upper and middle filaments is set at 90°, and lower filament is set at about 45° for both of the above filaments. Among many possible optical setups, we chose the setup with the easiest and most flexible control of all the interference parameters through theoretical investigation and experimental confirmation. The interferometer was constructed in a 1×106V field emission electron microscope, and the overall performance was demonstrated and investigated experimentally.
Fiber laser strain sensor device

We present a fiber laser strain sensor (FLSS) with noise-equivalent sensitivity equal to or better than 80? p? rms? (Hz)? 1/2 at very low frequencies, from 100? mHz to several hundreds of hertz. The strain affects the fiber laser emission wavelength, and an imbalanced Mach? Zender interferometer (MZI) converts wavelength variations into phase-amplitude variations. The sensor has been also tested in the time domain by applying sinusoidal strain bursts: the device also shows a good signal-to-noise ratio at the lowest burst frequencies.
FAINT UBVRI STANDARD STAR FIELDS

High-quality CCD-based UBVRI photometry is presented for ∼45, 000 stars distributed among 60 different fields centered on the celestial equator and at δ ≈ −50°. This photometry has been calibrated to the standard Johnson UBV and Kron–Cousins RI systems via observations of the UBVRI standard stars presented in the works of Landolt. The majority of the stars in our photometric catalog fall in the magnitude range 12 ≲ V ≲ 22 and in the color range −0.3 ≲ (B − V) ≲ 1.8. Each star averages 67 measures in each UBVRI filter from data taken on 250 different photometric nights over a period of ∼6.5 yr from two different telescopes. Our final photometric database effectively extends the UBVRI standard star network defined by Landolt to much fainter magnitudes and increases the number density of stars within pre-existing standard fields. Hence, these new, fainter standards serve as suitable calibrators for investigators who employ either small or large-aperture telescopes for their observational projects.
Experimental observations of behaviour of heterogeneous soils

Triaxial tests have been performed on mixtures of kaolin clay and a coarse uniform sand (d50∼2 mm). Drained and undrained compression tests have been performed on isotropically normally consolidated and overconsolidated samples. It has been found that the mechanical behaviour of the mixture is dominated by the mechanical behaviour of the clay matrix until the clay content falls below 40 per cent and the volume fraction of the granular constituent reaches about 0.45. Pore pressures in undrained tests are unaffected by the presence of the sand. Volumetric strains in the clay matrix in drained tests are virtually identical to those seen in pure clay. Calculations of mechanical response of mixtures have been made using a theoretical analysis, developed for the behaviour of composites: it is found that this analysis overestimates the effect of the granular material. Numerical analyses using a finite element program lie closer to the experimental observations but still overestimate the influence of the sand.
Enzyme and Reactive Oxygen Species–Responsive Dual-Drug Delivery Nanocomplex for Tumor Chemo-Photodynamic Therapy

Introduction Combination therapy is a promising approach to promote the efficacy and reduce the systemic toxicity of cancer therapy. Herein, we examined the potency of a combined chemo-phototherapy approach by constructing a hyaluronidase- and reactive oxygen species-responsive hyaluronic acid nanoparticle carrying a chemotherapy drug and a photosensitizer in a tumor-bearing mouse model. We hypothesized that following decomposition, the drugs inside the nanocomplex will be released in the tumors to provide effective tumor treatment. We aimed to design a smart drug delivery system that can improve traditional chemotherapy drug delivery and enhance the therapeutic efficacy in combination with photodynamic therapy. Methods Hydrophilic hyaluronic acid (HA) was covalently modified with a hydrophobic 5β-cholanic acid (CA) via an ROS-cleavable thioketal (tk) linker for a targeted co-deliver of 10-Hydroxy camptothecin (HCPT) and Chlorin e6 (Ce6) into tumors to improve the efficiency of combined chemo-photodynamic therapy. Results The obtained HA-tk-CA nanoparticle carrying HCPT and Ce6, named HTCC, accumulated in the tumor through the enhanced permeable response (EPR) effect and HA-mediated CD44 targeting after intravenous administration. Upon laser irradiation and hyaluronidase degradation, HTCC was disrupted to release HCPT and Ce6 into the tumors. Compared to the monotherapy approach, HTCC demonstrated enhanced tumor growth inhibition and minimized systemic toxicity in a tumor-bearing mouse model. Conclusion Our results suggested that controlled dual-drug release not only improved tumor drug delivery efficacy, but also reduced systemic side effects. In addition to HCPT and Ce6 delivery, the HA-tk-CA nanocomplex can be used to deliver other drugs in synergistic cancer therapy. Since most current combined therapy uses free drugs with distinct spatiotemporal distributions, the simultaneous co-delivery of dual drugs with a remote on-demand drug delivery nanosystem provides an alternative strategy for drug delivery design.
Assembling social determinants of health: COVID-19 vaccination inequities for international students in Canada

In this article, we apply theories of non-citizenship assemblage to conceptualise the dynamic relationship of social determinants of health for international students in Canada who face barriers to accessing COVID-19 vaccines and verifying their vaccination status. Social workers’ roles in responding to and reducing these inequities are also discussed with attention to micro practice, meso service integration, and macro public policy advocacy. Through theorising assembled inequities emerging from Canada’s COVID-19 vaccination policies, this article offers guidance for future social work research and practice towards promoting justice and equity for transnational populations who are often excluded from domestic social welfare programmes.