Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Broad View on Robot Self-Defense: Rapid Scoping Review and Cultural Comparison

With power comes responsibility: as robots become more advanced and prevalent, the role they will play in human society becomes increasingly important. Given that violence is an important problem, the question emerges if robots could defend people, even if doing so might cause harm to someone. The current study explores the broad context of how people perceive the acceptability of such robot self-defense (RSD) in terms of (1) theory, via a rapid scoping review, and (2) public opinion in two countries. As a result, we summarize and discuss: increasing usage of robots capable of wielding force by law enforcement and military, negativity toward robots, ethics and legal questions (including differences to the well-known trolley problem), control in the presence of potential failures, and practical capabilities that such robots might require. Furthermore, a survey was conducted, indicating that participants accepted the idea of RSD, with some cultural differences. We believe that, while substantial obstacles will need to be overcome to realize RSD, society stands to gain from exploring its possibilities over the longer term, toward supporting human well-being in difficult times.
Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of Essential Oils from Origanum vulgare Genotypes Belonging to the Carvacrol and Thymol Chemotypes

The remarkable biological activities of oregano essential oils (EOs) have recently prompted a host of studies aimed at exploring their potential innovative applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. The chemical composition and biological activities of EOs from two Origanum vulgare genotypes, widely cultivated in Sicily and not previously studied for their biological properties, were characterized. Plants of the two genotypes, belonging to the carvacrol (CAR) and thymol (THY) chemotypes and grown in different cultivation environments, were considered for this study. The chemical profiles, including the determination of enantiomeric distribution, of the EOs, obtained by hydrodistillation from dried leaves and flowers, were investigated by GC–MS. Biological activity was evaluated as antimicrobial properties against different pathogen indicator strains, while intestinal barrier integrity, reduction in pathogen adhesion and anti-inflammatory actions were assayed in the intestinal Caco-2 cell line. The chemical profile of the CAR genotype was less complex and characterized by higher levels of the most active compound, i.e., carvacrol, when compared to the THY genotype. The enantiomeric distribution of chiral constituents did not vary across genotypes, while being markedly different from that observed in Origanum vulgare genotypes from other geographical origins. In general, all EOs showed high antimicrobial activity, both in vitro and in a food matrix challenge test. Representative EOs from the two genotypes resulted not altering epithelial monolayer sealing only for concentrations lower than 0.02%, were able to reduce the adhesion of selected pathogens, but did not exert relevant anti-inflammatory effects. These results suggest their potential use as control agents against a wide spectrum of foodborne pathogens.
Combined Exposure to Multiple Metals and Kidney Function in a Midlife and Elderly Population in China: A Prospective Cohort Study

[Background] Metal exposure is suspected to be correlated to kidney function. However, the combined effects of co-exposing to multiple metals, especially both toxic and protective metals, have not been completely evaluated. [Method] A prospective cohort study was conducted with the “135” cohort for the evaluation of how plasma metal levels are correlated to kidney function in a midlife and elderly community in southern China. An amount of 1368 subjects without kidney disease at baseline were enrolled in the final analysis. By using linear regression and logistic regression models, the correlation of individual metal values with renal function parameters was assessed. Measuring of the multiple metal exposure level was performed by principal component analysis (PCA). [Results] Diminished renal function, as evaluated based on fast kidney function decline, or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, was positively associated with the plasma concentrations of chromium and potassium, but it was negatively associated with selenium and iron (p < 0.05). In multiple-metal analyses, linear and logistic regression models showed that the iron and chromium exposure pattern had a protective effect on renal function, whereas the sodium and potassium exposure pattern and the cadmium and lead exposure pattern increased the risk for fast kidney function decline, and eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. [Conclusions] Certain metals, including chromium, potassium, selenium, and iron, were correlated with kidney function in a midlife and elderly community in China. In addition, the potential combined influences of co-exposing to multiple metals were observed.
Prospects and challenges of quantitative phase imaging in tumor cell biology

Quantitative phase imaging (QPI) techniques provide high resolution label-free quantitative live cell imaging. Here, prospects and challenges of QPI in tumor cell biology are presented, using the example of digital holographic microscopy (DHM). It is shown that the evaluation of quantitative DHM phase images allows the retrieval of different parameter sets for quantification of cellular motion changes in migration and motility assays that are caused by genetic modifications. Furthermore, we demonstrate simultaneously label-free imaging of cell growth and morphology properties.
A Dynamic Heat Pump Model for Indoor Climate Control of a Broiler House

Environment control systems in broiler houses utilize non-renewable electricity and fuels as energy sources, contributing to the increase in greenhouse gases, while not providing optimal conditions. The heat pump (HP) is an energy-efficient technology that can continuously regulate the indoor temperature and relative humidity by combining different operation modes (heating, cooling, and dehumidifying). The current study presents an analytical numerical model developed in Simulink, capable of simulating the thermal loads of a broiler house and the dynamic operation of three heat pumps to cover its needs. Outdoor climatic conditions and broilers’ heat production are used as inputs, while all the heat exchange mechanisms with the external environment are considered. The study investigates the energy use and performance of each HP mode under different environmental conditions. A total of 7 different production periods (PPs) are simulated for a 10,000-broiler house in northern Greece, showing total energy consumption of 18.5 kWh/m2, 43.4 kWh/m2, and 58.7 kWh/m2 for heating, cooling, and dehumidifying, respectively. The seasonal coefficient of performance (SCOP) reaches above 3.1 and 4.8 for heating and dehumidifying, respectively, while the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) for cooling is above 3.7. Finally, focusing on the two warmer periods, a comparison between cooling with and without evaporative pads was performed, showing similar energy consumption.
Detection of Emotions in Artworks Using a Convolutional Neural Network Trained on Non-Artistic Images: A Methodology to Reduce the Cross-Depiction Problem

This research is framed within the study of automatic recognition of emotions in artworks, proposing a methodology to improve performance in detecting emotions when a network is trained with an image type different from the entry type, which is known as the cross-depiction problem. To achieve this, we used the QuickShift algorithm, which simplifies images’ resources, and applied it to the Open Affective Standardized Image (OASIS) dataset as well as the WikiArt Emotion dataset. Both datasets are also unified under a binary emotional system. Subsequently, a model was trained based on a convolutional neural network using OASIS as a learning base, in order to then be applied on the WikiArt Emotion dataset. The results show an improvement in the general prediction performance when applying QuickShift (73% overall). However, we can observe that artistic style influences the results, with minimalist art being incompatible with the methodology proposed.
William Jackson Schull and mutation studies on human cohorts

COPYRIGHT © 2023 Steen. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms. William Jackson Schull and mutation studies on human cohorts
On the role of magnetic fields in H I rotation curves

The importance of large-scale magnetic fields in H I rotation curves of spiral galaxies is investigated. In contrast to other papers that try to render dark matter unnecessary, we assume that galaxies are embedded within a modified isothermal dark halo. The NGC 1560 magnetic field is derived from a simple prescription suggested recently by Sanchez-Salcedo for large luminous spirals. The detailed shape of the observed rotation curve fits reasonably well with a magnetic field strength -1 /-LG. This magnetic fit is as good as that for modified Newtonian dynamics (MOND). We conclude that prominent structure in the rotation curves of dwarf galaxies is compatible with dominant dark haloes.
Preparation and Properties of Bimetallic Chitosan Spherical Microgels

The aim of this work was to prepare bimetallic chitosan microgels with high sphericity and investigate the influences of metal-ion type and content on the size, morphology, swelling, degradation and biological properties of microgels. Amino and hydroxyl groups of chitosan (deacetylation degree, DD, of 83.2% and 96.9%) served as ligands in the Cu2+–Zn2+/chitosan complexes with various contents of cupric and zinc ions. The electrohydrodynamic atomization process was used to produce highly spherical microgels with a narrow size distribution and with surface morphology changing from wrinkled to smooth by increasing Cu2+ ions’ quantity in bimetallic systems for both used chitosans. The size of the bimetallic chitosan particles was estimated to be between 60 and 110 µm for both used chitosans, and FTIR spectroscopy indicated the formation of complexes through physical interactions between the chitosans’ functional groups and metal ions. The swelling capacity of bimetallic chitosan particles decreases as the DD and copper (II) ion content increase as a result of stronger complexation with respect to zinc (II) ions. Bimetallic chitosan microgels showed good stability during four weeks of enzymatic degradation, and bimetallic systems with smaller amounts of Cu2+ ions showed good cytocompatibility for both used chitosans.
High-Capacity IM-DD Transmission in O-Band Using Advanced Maximum Likelihood Sequence Estimation Methods

We propose advanced maximum likelihood sequence estimation (MLSE) methods for increasing the capacity of short-reach intensity-modulated direct detection (IM-DD) transmissions for economically realizing next generation Ethernet such as 800 GbE or 1.6 TbE. It is particularly important to conquer the traffic growth in data center networks, which has become a major issue. In this article, we introduce a method for reducing the complexity of the Viterbi algorithm, which is a problem in the actual implementation of MLSE, by using a penalty-less truncated trellis diagram with temporal decision results. Next, we introduce a method for improving the demodulation performance by precisely emulating the nonlinear response of the transmission system with low-cost devices using a nonlinear filter. Finally, we introduce a method for reducing the computational complexity with a decision feedback function. Transmission experiments in the O-band with transmission rates of 200 Gbps/lane or higher using each of the proposed methods are also presented. Finally, we present a 200 Gbps/lane 4-LAN-WDM 800 G 2 km transmission experiment using a 4-channel LAN-WDM TOSA designed for 400 G transmission.
Gastrointestinal Polyparasitism in Bushmeat in Zadie Department in Northeast Gabon

Simple Summary Wildlife is an important source of infectious pathogens, including parasites. Intestinal parasites are among the parasites associated with outbreaks of foodborne disease. This article analyses gastrointestinal parasites in fecal and intestine samples from wild animals used as bushmeat in the Zadie Department, Gabon. Identified parasites belonged to Fifteen taxa of gastrointestinal parasites, some of which are pathogenic for the human being. Gastrointestinal parasite detected in fecal samples from wildlife poses risks to humans, animal, and agricultural production due to the possibility of direct contact with feces. Much care should be given when manipulating games, particularly offal. In conclusion, monitoring wildlife parasites should be conducted in the One Health approach, which recognizes the close link between human, animal, plant, and ecosystem health. Abstract Wild animals harbor pathogens that can be infectious agents for humans, including parasites. This study aimed to identify gastrointestinal parasites and assess their prevalence and the potential risk for humans associated with consuming these animals. The research was conducted from August to December 2019. Parasitological analyses were carried out on the feces and intestines of 113 wild animals, including antelopes (24), duikers (58), porcupines (18), small monkeys (Cercopithecus) (8), nandinia (2), pangolin (1), genet (1), and a crocodile (1), from the Zadié Department in the province of Ogooué-Ivindo in the northeast of Gabon. The results revealed 15 taxa of gastrointestinal parasites, including nine nematodes: Strongylids (61/113), Strongyloides spp. (21/113), Ascaris spp. (21/113), Trichuris spp. (39/113), Capillaria spp. (9/113), Protostrongylus spp. (5/113), Enterobius spp. (8/113), Toxocara spp. (7/113) and Mammomonogamus spp. (5/113); three species of protozoa, namely Balantidium spp. (12/113), Eimeria spp. (17/113), and Entamoeba spp. (9/113); two species of trematodes, namely Fasciola spp. (18/113) and Paramphistomum spp. (21/113); and cestode species, Taenia spp. (1/113). The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitism in these animals was 85.84% (97/113). In addition, among these parasitic taxa, some are potential pathogens for humans, such as Ascaris spp. , Balantidium spp. , Entamoeba spp. , and Taenia spp. The consumption of games, particularly offal, infested by these parasites, could threaten human health.
Properties of polybutylene succinate and polybutylene succinate -polycaprolactone based composite reinforced with coconut shell particles

ABSTRACT In order to increase the interfacial adhesion between polybutylene succinate and coconut shell particles, two kinds of chemical treatment of coconut shell particle were carried out. Firstly, a 5% sodium hydroxide treatment and secondly, a 2% sodium hydroxide plus silane coupling agent treatment. The possibility of increasing matrix adhesion has also been explored through addition of polycaprolactone to polybutylene succinate as a matrix. Composites were produced using extrusion prior to injection moulding. The results show that, compared with neat polybutylene succinate, composites with low percentage of particle loading have a higher tensile strength and strain at break despite their lower elastic modulus. A higher elastic modulus can be obtained for composites with higher particle loadings through sacrifice of their ductility. The same trend is observed for composites with the polymer-blend matrix. Scanning electron micrographs show good adhesion between particle and matrix for particles that undergo the second treatment. At low percentage of particle addition, the crystallinity of the composites is higher than the neat polybutylene succinate, however melting temperature is less affected by the addition of reinforcement. Rheological properties such as storage modulus, loss modulus and complex viscosity of the composites are higher than for neat polybutylene succinate. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Alternans by non-monotonic conduction velocity restitution, bistability and memory

Conduction velocity (CV) restitution is a key property that characterizes any medium supporting traveling waves. It reflects not only the dynamics of the individual constituents but also the coupling mechanism that mediates their interaction. Recent studies have suggested that cardiac tissues, which have a non-monotonic CV-restitution property, can support alternans, a period-2 oscillatory response of periodically paced cardiac tissue. This study finds that single-hump, non-monotonic, CV-restitution curves are a common feature of in vitro cultures of rat cardiac cells. We also find that the Fenton–Karma model, one of the well-established mathematical models of cardiac tissue, supports a very similar non-monotonic CV restitution in a physiologically relevant parameter regime. Surprisingly, the mathematical model as well as the cell cultures support bistability and show cardiac memory that tends to work against the generation of an alternans. Bistability was realized by adopting two different stimulation protocols, ‘S1S2’, which produces a period-1 wave train, and ‘alternans-pacing’, which favors a concordant alternans. Thus, we conclude that the single-hump non-monotonicity in the CV-restitution curve is not sufficient to guarantee a cardiac alternans, since cardiac memory interferes and the way the system is paced matters.
Stochastic modeling of statistically unsteady processes

We develop a stochastic model describing Rayleigh–Taylor (RT) turbulent mixing with uniform and non-uniform accelerations. The process is statistically unsteady, so that the mean values of the flow quantities vary with time, and there are also time-dependent fluctuations around these means. The randomness of the dissipation process in RT mixing is accounted for with a set of stochastic nonlinear differential equations with multiplicative noise. An extensive study of the parameter regime is conducted. We show that for power-law asymptotic solutions describing the mixing process the exponent is relatively insensitive and the pre-factor is sensitive to fluctuations. The statistically unsteady process has an invariant measure. For uniform and non-uniform accelerations, with and without turbulent diffusion accounted for, the ratio between the rates of loss and gain of specific momentum is the statistically steady value.
OPTICAL-INFRARED AND HIGH-ENERGY ASTRONOMY COLLABORATION AT HIROSHIMA ASTROPHYSICAL SCIENCE CENTER

The Hiroshima Astrophysical Science Center (HASC) was founded in 2004 at Hiroshima University, Japan. The main mission of this institute is the observational study of various transient objects including gamma-ray bursts, supernovae, novae, cataclysmic variables, and active galactic nuclei by means of multi-wavelength observations. HASC consists of three divisions; the optical-infrared astronomy division, high-energy astronomy division, and theoretical astronomy division. HASC is operating the 1.5m optical-infrared telescope Kanata, which is dedicated to follow-up and monitoring observations of transient objects. The high-energy division is the key operation center for the Fermi gamma-ray space telescope. HASC and the high-energy astronomy group in the department of physical science at Hiroshima University are closely collaborating with each other to promote multi-wavelength time-domain astronomy. We report the recent activities of HASC and some science topics pursued by this multi-wavelength collaboration.
Geodetic strain and the deformational history of the North Island of New Zealand during the late Cainozoic

The subduction zone under the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand comprises, from east to west, a frontal wedge, a fore-arc basin, uplifted basement forming the arc and the Central Volcanic Region. Reconstructions of the plate boundary zone for the Cainozoic from seafloor spreading data require the fore-arc basin to have rotated through 60° in the last 20 Ma which is confirmed by palaeomagnetic declination studies. Estimates of shear strain from geodetic data show that the fore-arc basin is rotating today and that it is under extension in the direction normal to the trend of the plate boundary zone. The extension is apparently achieved by normal faulting. Estimates of the amount of sediments accreted to the subduction zone exceed the volume of the frontal wedge: underplating by the excess sediments is suggested to be the cause of late Quaternary uplift of the fore-arc basin. Low-temperature—high-pressure metamorphism may therefore be occurring at depth on the east coast and high-temperature—low-pressure metamorphism is probable in the Central Volcanic Region. The North Island of New Zealand is therefore a likely setting for a paired metamorphic belt in the making.
Kinetic energy in a system of particles with a nonreciprocal interaction

We present a theoretical model for the description of the heating mechanism and the redistribution of kinetic energy in a system of particles with nonreciprocal interactions that occur in disperse systems of different nature. To verify the theory, we carried out the numerical simulations of two-particle systems with a nonreciprocal “quasi-dipole–dipole” interaction that is similar to the interaction due to the effect of ion focusing in a laboratory complex plasma under experimental conditions. The proposed model of heating can explain various features of dust dynamics in anisotropic complex plasma.
Fractal signatures for complex natural textures recognition

Random textures can be considered fractal sets under certain circumstances. The main parameter of a fractal set is its dimension. The description of the fractal dimension over the spatial scale is called fractal signature. Some methods for defining the fractal dimension are described, with special emphasis on the Hausdorff and box counting. Fractal signatures are defined based on two viewpoints: upside view, from the brightest pixels, and downside view, for the darkest ones. Signatures' geometry is compared for different textures. Natural images are taken as fractals, and their signatures evaluated as features for texture recognition. Cork-agglomerated images with defects, and patches of office and CRAFT paper images were taken as fractal sets and their signatures were analysed. Results were discussed and some conclusions were drafted.