Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fiber Bragg grating inscription in novel highly strains sensitive microstructured fiber

Microstructured optical fibers (MOF) sometimes also referred to as photonic crystal fibers (PCF) have been a subject of extensive research for over a decade. This is mainly due to the fact that by changing the microstructure geometry (e.g. distribution and size of the air-holes) fiber properties can be significantly modified to better fit specific applications. In this manuscript we present a novel fiber design with three large air-holes neighboring the core and report on how the air-hole diameter influences the effective refractive index strain sensitivity. As direct measurement of the effective refractive index change may be complex and challenging, we propose to use fiber Bragg gratings (FBG) in our sensing set up. The Bragg wavelength is a function of the effective refractive index, hence the external strain changes can be monitored through the Bragg wavelength shift with a simple optical spectrometer. Furthermore we also include an analysis of the fibers temperature sensitivity.
Molecular Regulatory Mechanism of the Iron-Ion-Promoted Asexual Sporulation of Antrodia cinnamomea in Submerged Fermentation Revealed by Comparative Transcriptomics

Antrodia cinnamomea is a precious edible and medicinal fungus with activities of antitumor, antivirus, and immunoregulation. Fe2+ was found to promote the asexual sporulation of A. cinnamomea markedly, but the molecular regulatory mechanism of the effect is unclear. In the present study, comparative transcriptomics analysis using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and real time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) were conducted on A. cinnamomea mycelia cultured in the presence or absence of Fe2+ to reveal the molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying iron-ion-promoted asexual sporulation. The obtained mechanism is as follows: A. cinnamomea acquires iron ions through reductive iron assimilation (RIA) and siderophore-mediated iron assimilation (SIA). In RIA, ferrous iron ions are directly transported into cells by the high-affinity protein complex formed by a ferroxidase (FetC) and an Fe transporter permease (FtrA). In SIA, siderophores are secreted externally to chelate the iron in the extracellular environment. Then, the chelates are transported into cells through the siderophore channels (Sit1/MirB) on the cell membrane and hydrolyzed by a hydrolase (EstB) in the cell to release iron ions. The O-methyltransferase TpcA and the regulatory protein URBS1 promote the synthesis of siderophores. HapX and SreA respond to and maintain the balance of the intercellular concentration of iron ions. Furthermore, HapX and SreA promote the expression of flbD and abaA, respectively. In addition, iron ions promote the expression of relevant genes in the cell wall integrity signaling pathway, thereby accelerating the cell wall synthesis and maturation of spores. This study contributes to the rational adjustment and control of the sporulation of A. cinnamomea and thereby improves the efficiency of the preparation of inoculum for submerged fermentation.
Extended target correlation tracking algorithm based on moment invariants in complex environment

A new correlation algorithm for tracking extended target in complex environment is proposed in this per. The moment invariants are chosen as the tracking feature since the size, shape and orientation of the extended target would change distinctly during movement. The improved dynamic threshold segmentation is introduced to remove edges of the background within the tracking window. Then we calculate the moment invariants based on edge region of the local target, through which the computation quality is reduced drastically. Based on these moment invariants, a new fast correlation algorithm is proposed, in which the multistage and subsample are adopted to improve the matching efficiency. Experimental results indicated the validity and stability of our algorithm for tracking the extended target in the conditions of complex environment, high noise, rotation and size variance.
Bolometric temperatures of young stellar objects

We propose the bolometric temperature T bol as a measure of the circumstellar obscuration and evolutionary development of a young stellar object (YSO). T bol is the temperature of a blackbody having the same mean frequency as the observed continuum spectrum. A log-log plot of bolometric luminosity L bol versus T bol has the same main sequence as the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram, but for YSOs T bol can have much lower values (∼30 K) than can the photospheric temperature T eff (∼2800 K)
Spherically symmetric solutions in f(R) theories of gravity obtained using the first order formalism

The solutions of a class of theories obtained when we apply the first order formalism are studied. In the linear approximation we obtain the Green function and we prove that the field is independent of the size and internal stresses of the source. We show that the solutions of the field equations for a mass point are also the exterior solutions for an arbitrary spherically symmetric mass distribution. We construct the solutions of the field equation, without any approximation, for the spherically symmetric matter distribution, and prove that the exterior solutions match correctly with the interior solutions. We also prove that one of the exterior solutions is always the Schwarzschild solution. Finally, in the same case, we show that Birkhoff's theorem is satisfied. All the above results are quite similar to general relativity but are very different from the results of the fourth order theories; then we have shown that the first order formalism theories have better classical properties than fourth order theories.
On the decomposition of the Schutz coefficient: an exact approach with an application

Decomposing inequality indices across household groups are useful in estimating the contribution of each component to total inequality. Decomposing relative inequality index for the Schutz coefficient (S-coefficient) is not simple since the functional form of inequality indices is not additively separable in incomes. In this article, the decomposition of Schultz coefficient across sub-groups is derived where it has a general form of decomposition as between-groups term, within-groups term and error term. Moreover, the error analysis is used t o obtain the exact decomposition for the Schutz coefficient by dividing the error term to within-groups and between-groups terms. The final two main component types that we obtained are the exclusive within-groups and between-groups terms. Several examples are given that illustrate the benefits of the proposed method.
Fault detection in rolling element bearings using wavelet-based variance analysis and novelty detection

Fractal signal processing and novelty detection are used for fault detection in rolling element bearings. The former applies the concept of self-similarity based on wavelet variance, and the latter is based on machine learning and utilises artificial neural networks. The method is demonstrated using simulated and experimental vibration data. The work presented involves validation both on laboratory test rig data and industrial wind turbine data. The results show that the method can be used successfully for automated fault detection in ball bearings under real operational conditions.
Dust-enshrouded asymptotic giant branch stars in the solar neighborhood

Using available infrared catalogs, an inventory is taken of the AGB star losing large amounts of mass within about 1 kpc of the sun. A surface density of these stars is estimated of about 25/sq kpc projected onto the plane of the Galaxy. Of these stars, about one-half are oxygen-rich while the other half are carbon-rich. The total mass-loss rate from AGB stars into the interstellar medium is probably between 3 and 6 x 10 to the -4th solar mass/sq kpc/yr. Within the uncertainties, this is in reasonable agreement with an estimated net loss rate of about 8 x 10 to the -4th solar mass/sq kpc/yr for main-sequence stars with initial masses between 1 and 5 solar masses as they evolve to white dwarfs. However, it is possible that there are important sources of mass loss which have not yet been identified. In the solar neighborhood, about one-half of all about 1.2 solar mass main-sequence stars spend greater than 30,000 yr in a carbon-star phase where they lose 1-2 x 10 to the -5th solar mass/yr and then become white dwarfs with about 0.7 solar mass. 56 refs.
The Hilbert Transform as an Average of Dyadic Shift Operators

In this thesis we discuss Petermichl’s characterization of the Hilbert transform as an average of dyadic shift operators following the presentation by Thomas Hytonen [Hyt]. A linear and bounded operator T in L(R) that commutes with translations, dilations and anticommutes with reflections must be a constant multiple of Hilbert transform; T = cH. Using this principle Stefanie Petermichl showed that we can write H as a suitable average of dyadic operators [Pet]. Each Dyadic Shift Operator does not have the symmetries that characterize the Hilbert transform, but an average over all random dyadic grids do.
Electrostatic instabilities driven by currents perpendicular to an external magnetic field

High-frequency (ω ⪆ ωci) electrostatic instabilities driven by an electron-ion relative drift velocity across an external magnetic field are discussed for an inhomogeneous plasma. The presence of a density gradient perpendicular to the magnetic field has been found to greatly reduce critical velocities for the onset of several instabilities such as lower hybrid oscillations and ion cyclotron harmonic waves. It has been also shown that the lower hybrid instability can be caused by some positive dissipation mechanism such as Landau damping due to thermal ions and a finite electron collision rate. Some applications have been made to turbulent heating experiments in plasmas in which cross-field currents are present.
Ground‐based infrared thermometry reveals seasonal evapotranspiration patterns in semiarid rangelands

Detailed assessment of small‐scale heterogeneity in local surface water balance is essential to accurate estimation of evapotranspiration in semiarid climates. However, meteorological approaches are often impractical to implement in sites with sparse and diverse vegetation composition, especially with seasonally variable leaf canopy features. Ground‐based infrared thermometry (TIR) provides spatially and temporally continuous resolution of surface skin temperature that can be directly related to the land surface energy balance. We made repeated measurements with a portable TIR camera to capture seasonal replicates for patch scale heat images for four sagebrush communities. The heat images near peak foliage and near the end of the growing season were compared by computation of surface energy fluxes from TIR sensing to surface energy balance (SEB) and Bowen ratio (BR). Estimates of sensible (H) and latent heat flux (LE) were evaluated with eddy covariance measurements to disaggregate the expression of seasonal phenology of sagebrush species across wetness and elevation. Estimations showed reasonable agreement with ground‐based LE observations for most cases (r2 = 0.59–0.76 for SEB and 0.22–0.72 for BR; root mean squared error = 73.4–106.4 W m−2 for SEB and 109.9–204.0 W m−2 for BR). Predictability declined as the fraction of senescent foliage increased in dry conditions. The field trials suggest the methods have the potential for monitoring land surface energy fluxes and plant health at a very fine spatial scale. The ability to partition heat fluxes from various plant communities over a range of moisture availability will provide valuable information associated with the consumptive water use and phenological processes in the semiarid West.
Automated Virtual Fencing Can Effectively Contain Sheep: Field Trials and Prospects

Simple Summary Virtual fencing technology uses on-animal devices to communicate boundaries via a warning audio tone and electrical pulse signals. There are limited virtual fencing studies on sheep. This study used modified cattle eShepherd® virtual fencing neckbands to enable automated trials with small sheep groups. The first 5-day trial with six Dorper crossbred sheep was conducted in an experimental paddock setting, with a second 5-day trial conducted with 10 Ultra White sheep on a commercial farm. The animals across both trials were contained in the inclusion zone for 99.8% and 92.2% of the trial period, and most of the cues they received were audio tones, indicating they were learning the warning audio tone meant to stop or turn around. In the second trial, sheep crossed over into the exclusion zone on the third night and remained there until they were walked out for their daily yard check in the morning. These preliminary trial results indicate automated technology can work on sheep, but devices need to be designed specifically for sheep, including algorithms adapted to better herd a group of sheep back out of an exclusion zone. A collar device may only be applicable to some sheep breeds with reduced wool. Abstract Virtual fencing technology uses on-animal devices to communicate boundaries via a warning audio tone and electrical pulse signals. There is currently limited validation work on sheep. This study used modified cattle eShepherd® virtual fencing neckbands on reduced-wool sheep with clipped necks to enable automated trials with small groups across both day and night. The first 5-day trial with six Dorper crossbred sheep was conducted in an experimental paddock setting, with a second 5-day trial conducted with 10 Ultra White sheep on a commercial farm. The animals across both trials were contained in the inclusion zone for 99.8% and 92.2% of the trial period, with a mean percentage (±SD) of total audio cues as audio only (i.e., not followed by an electrical pulse) being 74.9% ± 4.6 in the first trial, and 83.3% ± 20.6 for the second trial. In the second trial, sheep crossed over into the exclusion zone on the third night and remained there until they were walked out for their daily yard check in the morning. These preliminary trial results are promising for the use of automated technology on sheep, but suitable devices and algorithms still need to be designed specifically for sheep in the long term.
Examination of the Social Skills Levels of Students Participating in Recreative Activities

People are social beings and therefore they interact with each other in society. While interacting, their social skill level is also very important in terms of expressing themselves. The aim of this study is to determine the social skill levels of secondary school students who participate in recreational activities. The population of the study consists of students studying at secondary school in the central district of Çorum province. The sample consists of 361 students participating in recreational activities determined by simple random sampling method. The data collection tool consists of two parts. In the first part, the "Personal Information Form" was used by the researcher to determine the demographic information of the students. In the second part, there is the "Social Skills Assessment Scale for Children", which was developed by Matson, Rotatory and Hessel in 1983 and adapted into Turkish by Bacanlı and Erdoğan in 2003. The Social Skills Assessment Scale for Children is a 5-point Likert-type scale consisting of 47 items and two sub-dimensions. Its sub-dimensions are 'positive social behavior' and 'negative social behavior'. Considering the results of the analysis, no significant difference was found between the students' gender, licensed sports status, and the educational status of their parents and their social skill levels. There was a significant difference in the "Negative Social Behavior" sub-dimension according to the age and class variables. While it was seen that the age and class variable of the students participating in recreational activities affected their social skill levels, it was concluded that the status of doing licensed sports, gender and parental education did not have an effect. In the light of this information, it can be concluded that the level of social skills in secondary school students does not change according to demographic characteristics in general.
Prevalence of Antimicrobial Resistance and Clonal Relationship in ESBL/AmpC-Producing Proteus mirabilis Isolated from Meat Products and Community-Acquired Urinary Tract Infection (UTI-CA) in Southern Brazil

The present study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance and clonal relationships in Proteus mirabilis isolated from chicken meat, beef, pork, and community-acquired urinary tract infections (UTI-CA). Chicken meat isolates showed the highest multidrug resistance (MDR), followed by those from pork and UTI-CA, whereas beef had relatively few MDR strains. All sources had strains that carried blaCTX-M-65, whereas blaCTX-M-2 and blaCMY-2 were only detected in chicken meat and UTI-CA isolates. This indicates that chicken meat should be considered an important risk factor for the spread of P. mirabilis carrying ESBL and AmpC. Furthermore, ESBL/AmpC producing strains were resistant to a greater number of antimicrobials and possessed more resistance genes than non-producing strains. In addition, the antimicrobial resistance genes qnrD, aac(6′)-Ib-cr, sul1, sul2, fosA3, cmlA, and floR were also found. Molecular typing showed a genetic similarity between chicken meat and UTI-CA isolates, including some strains with 100% similarity, indicating that chicken can be a source of P. mirabilis causing UTI-CA. It was concluded that meat, especially chicken meat, can be an important source of dissemination of multidrug-resistant P. mirabilis in the community.
Thermodynamics of an anisotropic boundary of a two-dimensional Ising model

We consider a semi‐infinite two‐dimensional Ising model with its spins on the boundary row having a different interaction energy E′1 from the ferromagnetic bulk. We find that the boundary specific heat has two divergent terms: one of which diverges linearly at the bulk critical temperature Tc, and the other, logaritmically. The linearly divergent term is independent of E′1, and the coefficient of the logaritmically divergent term is a decreasing function of E′1. There is a boundary latent heat at Tc, which is identical to McCoy and Wu's result. The boundary spins, which can be either ferromagnetic or antiferromagnetic, are aligned for temperature lower than Tc. The boundary spontaneous magnetization approaches zero in the form of A(E′1)(1−T/Tc)1/2, and the boundary zero field magnetic susceptibility diverges at Tc in the form −B (E′1)ln|1−T/Tc|, where A(E′1) and B(E′) are increasing functions of E′1.
Sentiment Computation of UK-Originated COVID-19 Vaccine Tweets: A Chronological Analysis and News Effect

This study aimed to analyse public sentiments of UK-originated tweets related to COVID-19 vaccines, and it applied six chronological time periods, between January and December 2021. The dates were related to six BBC news reports about the most significant developments in the three main vaccines that were being administered in the UK at the time: Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Oxford-AstraZeneca. Each time period spanned seven days, starting from the day of the news report. The study employed the bidirectional encoder representations from transformers (BERT) model to analyse the sentiments in 4172 extracted tweets. The BERT model adopts the transformer architecture and uses masked language and next sentence prediction models. The results showed that the overall sentiments for all three vaccines were negative across all six periods, with Moderna having the least negative tweets and the highest percentage of positive tweets overall while AstraZeneca attracted the most negative tweets. However, for all the considered time periods, Period 3 (23–29 May 2021) received the least negative and the most positive tweets, following the related BBC report—’COVID: Pfizer and AstraZeneca jabs work against Indian variant’—despite reports of blood clots associated with AstraZeneca during the same time period. Time periods 5 and 6 had no breaking news related to COVID vaccines, and they reflected no significant changes. We, therefore, concluded that the BBC news reports on COVID vaccines significantly impacted public sentiments regarding the COVID-19 vaccines.
Neural-network-based scheme for sensor failure detection, identification, and accommodation

This paper presents a neural-network-based approach for the problem of sensor failure detection, identification, and accommodation for a flight control system without physical redundancy in the sensors. The approach is based on the introduction of on-line learning neural network estimators. For a system with n sensors, a combination of a main neural network and a set of n decentralized neural networks achieves the design goal. The main neural network and the ith decentralized neural network detect and identify a failure of the ith sensor, whereas the output of the ith decentralized neural network accommodates for the failure by replacing the signal from the failed ith sensor with its estimate. The on-line learning for these neural network architectures is performed using the extended back-propagation algorithm. The document describes successful simulations of the sensor failure detection, identification, and accommodation process following both soft and hard sensor failures. The simulations have shown remarkable capabilities for this neural scheme.
Drug-Eluting Stents: Technical and Clinical Progress

Drug-eluting stents (DES) demonstrated superior efficacy when compared to bare metal stents and plain-old balloon angioplasty and are nowadays used in almost all percutaneous revascularization procedures. The design of the stent platforms is constantly improving to maximize its efficacy and safety. Constant development of DES includes adoption of new materials used for scaffold production, new design types, improved overexpansion abilities, new polymers coating and, finally, improved antiproliferative agents. Especially nowadays, with the immense number of available DES platforms, it is crucial to understand how different aspects of stents impact the effect of their implantation, as subtle differences between various stent platforms could impact the most important issue—clinical outcomes. This review discusses the current status of coronary stents and the impact of stent material, strut design and coating techniques on cardiovascular outcomes.