Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Isolation and screening of Thermoactinomycetaceae family members as an extremophilic poor investigated and promising natural source of antimicrobial substances

Background and Objectives: Recent evidences have shown that methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) can cause severe infections and is resistant to almost all commercially available antibiotics. Therefore, screening unknown sources of biological compounds such as the Thermoactinomycetaceae family as extremophilic bacteria may be helpful to find new antimicrobial agents. Materials and Methods: Various samples were collected from different ecosystems, including desert, volcano, compost, and forest. They were cultured on Soil extract agar and Water agar. The antimicrobial activity of the isolates was evaluated using agar overlay and well diffusion methods. Members of the Thermoactinomycetaceae family were selected for further study: Their ability to grow at different temperatures, NaCl concentrations, and pH values, enzyme production ability, antimicrobial secondary screening, fractionation of their supernatants and so on. Results: According to molecular identification of active isolates against MRSA, three strains, including Laceyella sacchari UTMC 2705, Thermoactinomyces sp. UTMC 2721, and Laceyella sp. UTMC 2731, belonged to Thermoactinomycetaceae were identified. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of their extracts were tested against some pathogenic bacteria, showing their antimicrobial activity with a broad spectrum. The results of TLC bioautography of the extracts showed that the most active fractions were semi-polar. Also, the results of HPLC analysis showed the existence of several UV-active compounds in their extracts. Conclusion: The present study highlighted the importance and potential of Thermoactinomycetaceae members as a less-known source of antibiotics against pathogenic bacteria.
Power Indexed Adaptive Modulation to Improve Spectral Efficiency

This letter proposes a novel transmission scheme, named power-indexed adaptive modulation (PIAM), to improve the spectral efficiency in fading channels, where the power index modulation (PIM) is integrated with the adaptive modulation (AM) and two data streams are simultaneously conveyed in a symbol transmission. The first data stream is mapped onto conventional constellations and the modulation order is adapted according to the instantaneous channel state. The second data stream is conveyed by the selection of transmit power within the interval between the minimum transmit power required by the error performance and the maximum transmit power of the system. In this way, the delivery of the second data stream does not affect that of the first one, while improving the spectral efficiency without any consumption of communication resources. Theoretical analysis and simulation results are provided to substantiate the effectiveness of our proposed scheme.
An adaptive covariance relaxation method for ensemble data assimilation

For ensemble filters, accounting for unrepresented errors by inflating the ensemble perturbations can help improve filter performance. However, tuning the inflation factor can be costly, thus demanding adaptive covariance inflation (ACI) algorithms that give an online estimate of a temporally varying inflation factor. Additionally, a spatially varying inflation factor should be used to account for an irregular observation network. Anderson's adaptive inflation method offers a spatially and temporally varying inflation factor estimated from innovation statistics using a hierarchical Bayesian approach. In this study, we propose an alternative adaptive covariance relaxation (ACR) method that estimates a relaxation parameter online. Instead of treating inflation parameters as spatially varying random variables as in Anderson's method, the relaxation‐to‐prior‐spread method provides an ensemble spread reduction term that serves as a spatial mask to account for an irregular observation network. We demonstrate with a set of experiments using the 40‐variable Lorenz model that the ACR method is able to improve filter performance with the presence of sampling/model errors over a range of severity. Its reliability and ease of implementation suggest potential for future applications with atmospheric models.
Photoluminescence of SiV centers in single crystal CVD diamond in situ doped with Si from silane

Homoepitaxial single crystal diamond layers with bright photoluminescence (PL) of silicon‐vacancy (SiV) color centers at 738 nm wavelength have been grown on (100) diamond substrates by a microwave plasma CVD using a controlled Si doping via adding silane to CH4H2 reaction gas mixture in the course of the deposition process. In the range of the silane concentrations SiH4/CH4 explored, from 0 to 2.4%, the SiV PL intensity shows a nonmonotonic behavior with silane addition, with a maximum at 0.6%SiH4/CH4, and a rapid PL quenching at higher Si doping. The maximum SiV concentration of ≈450 ppb in the samples has been determined from optical absorption spectra. It is found that the SiV PL intensity can strongly, an order of magnitude, increase within non‐epitaxial inclusions in single crystal diamond film.
Theory of EM wave propagation through tunnels

A rather ingenious communication technique is being developed for use in Belgian coal mines. The idea is to use a two-wire transmission line or equivalent loosely braided coaxial cable that can be suspended from the upper wall. A transmitter placed in the vicinity of the line excites a strongly unbalanced mode that normally would propagate like a coaxial or TEM mode with relatively high attenuation. The key step in the Belgian system, and the closely related French system, is to convert this unbalanced mode to a balanced mode that is much less attenuated because the return current flows mostly in the second wire rather than through the surrounding rock. The physical basis of this system has many similarities with the leaky feeder device described by Martin and used in British coal mines. We summarize the analysis of the propagation characteristics for an idealized mine tunnel of circular cross section. The extension to a rectangular tunnel is also considered. Some comparison is made with relevant experimental data. Actually, we deal only with the twin open wire pair that is the basic ingredient of the so-called INIEX/Deryck system. However, as suggested above, the leaky braided cable system and the slotted cylindrical shielded cables have common features. The important point is that propagation modes which depend on current flow in the tunnel walls will suffer excessive attenuation while modes which utilize the second conductor as a return current path will have less attenuation.
“Microviscoelasticity” of colloidal dispersions

We study the motion of a Brownian probe particle subjected to a small amplitude oscillatory external force and immersed in a colloidal dispersion, as a theoretical benchmark for particle-tracking microrheology experiments. The application of an external force on the probe drives the microstructure of the dispersion out of equilibrium; opposing this is the Brownian diffusion of the probe and colloidal “bath” particles. The degree to which the microstructure is driven away from equilibrium is given by the nondimensional external force on the probe, or Peclet number, Pe. The nonequilibrium microstructure of the dispersion is calculated for small departures from equilibrium, i.e., to first order in Pe, and to leading order in the bath particle volume fraction, accounting for excluded volume and hydrodynamic interactions between particles. The nonequilibrium microstructure is used to calculate the average velocity of the probe, from which one may infer the complex microviscosity (or modulus) of the dispersion .
Role of Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Characterization of Mediastinal Lymphadenopathy

Background: To assess the diagnostic performance of diffusion-weighted (DW) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the characterization of mediastinal lymph nodes and compare them with morphological parameters. Methods: A total of 43 untreated patients with mediastinal lymphadenopathy underwent DW and T2 weighted MRI followed by pathological examination in the period from January 2015 to June 2016. The presence of diffusion restriction, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value, short axis dimensions (SAD), and T2 heterogeneous signal intensity of the lymph nodes were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and forward step-wise multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: The ADC of malignant lymphadenopathy was significantly lower (0.873 ± 0.109 × 10−3 mm2/s) than that of benign lymphadenopathy (1.663 ± 0.311 × 10−3 mm2/s) (p = 0.001). When an ADC of 1.0955 × 10−3 mm2/s was used as a threshold value for differentiating malignant from benign nodes, the best results were obtained with a sensitivity of 94%, a specificity of 96%, and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.996. A model combining the other three MRI criteria showed less sensitivity (88.9%) and specificity (92%) compared to the ADC-only model. Conclusion: The ADC was the strongest independent predictor of malignancy. The addition of other parameters failed to show any increase in sensitivity and specificity.
Monolithically Integrated Tunable Three- Section All-Active DBR Laser Diodes With 30 nm Tuning Range

We present a monolithically integrated three-section all-active AlGaInAs/InP tunable distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) ridge waveguide laser diode that uses thermal tuning mechanism and mode-hopping tuning principle to achieve wide-range wavelength tuning. It is similar to the traditional three-section DBR laser structure, including a gain section, a phase section, and a DBR grating section. The difference is that the phase section and the DBR section incorporate the same active quantum well structure as the gain section. In this case, weak effective refractive index changes of the three active sections affected by the current injection will occur since the carrier density is clamped by the threshold gain condition of the DBR laser diode. Despite this limitation, a noncontinuous tuning up to ∼30 nm (1564–1594 nm) can be observed using only current injection at a constant temperature of 25 °C. Significant thermal effects occurred during the tuning process. In addition, a discontinuity is introduced in the tuning because it does not contain a passive region for phase adjustment. However, the device still provides a stable single longitudinal mode output with nine channels, a wavelength spacing of about 4 nm, and a side mode suppression ratio (SMSR) of more than 30 dB. Furthermore, the DBR laser diode can be easily fabricated utilizing the conventional distributed feedback laser diode fabrication process without secondary epitaxy and heater metal. The all-active DBR laser diode will be expected to be applied in the coarse wavelength division multiplexing (CWDM) systems with the advantage of low cost.
Super asymptotic giant branch stars. I – Evolution code comparison

We present an extensive set of detailed stellar models in the mass range 7.7-10.5 Mover the metallicity range Z = 10 −5 -0.02. These models were produced using the Monash University version of the Mount Stromlo Stellar Structure Program (MONSTAR) and follow the evolution from the pre-main sequence to the first thermal pulse of these super asymptotic giant branch stars. A quantitative comparison is made to the study of Siess. Prior to this study, only qualitative comparisons and code validations existed in this critical mass range, and the large variations in the literature were largely unexplained. The comparison presented here is particularly detailed due to the standardization of the input physics, where possible. The minimum initial mass of star which ignites carbon, Mup, was found to agree within 0.2 M� between the codes over the entire metallicity range. We find exceptional agreement in the model results between these two codes for all stages of evolution up to and including carbon burning. For additional comparison, we also present results from the EVOLVE code, a modified version of the IBEN code as described in Gil-Pons, Guti´ errez & Garcfor some important variables during the carbon burning phase. Several numerical tests showed that the carbon burning phase is weakly dependent on the spatial resolution but that inadequate temporal resolution alters the behaviour of the convective zones. We also discovered that stars just below Mup may experience a carbon flash that is not followed by the development of the flame. Such aborted carbon burning models thus preserve a CO core surrounding by a 0.2-0.3 Mshell of partially burnt carbon material. We present a simplified algorithm for calculating carbon burning that only relies on tracking two species, 12 C and 16 O, but which tests show works quite accurately for the a wide range of initial masses and compositions.
Comparison of OPC models with and without 3D-mask effect

OPC models with and without thick mask effect (3D-mask effect) are compared in their prediction capabilities of actual 2D patterns. We give some examples in which thin-mask models fail to compensate the 3D-mask effect. The models without 3D-mask effect show good model residual error, but fail to predict some critical CD tendencies. Rigorous simulation predicts the observed CD tendencies, which confirms that the discrepancy really comes from 3D-mask effect.
Journal of Quantitative Analysis in Sports Differentiating the Top English Premier League Football Clubs from the Rest of the Pack : Identifying the Keys to Success

This paper develops a robust, statistically significant, six independent variable multiple regression model that accounts for the relative success of English Premier League football clubs based on an array of twenty-four pitch actions collected during the 2007-2008 season (p<0.0000). Additionally, one-way ANOVA is used to identify those specific pitch actions that statistically separate the top 4 clubs from (1) the dozen clubs forming the middle of the pack and, (2) by a greater contrast, the bottom 4 clubs. Thirteen pitch actions yield statistically significant differences among these three tiers of clubs using this second method of analysis.
Would consumers help achieve sustainable development in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau with a forage–livestock balance certification label?

PurposeThe contradiction and conflict between grassland conservation and economic development are prominent in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP) with its fragile environment and ecosystem. How to promote sustainable grazing in the plateau without hurting the economic welfare of local residents is a key challenge facing the Chinese government. This study explores the potential of market-based grassland conservation policies by evaluating consumer preferences and valuations for forage–livestock balance certification labeled yak products.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts a choice experiment with four attributes of yak meat, including forage–livestock balance certification, feeding type, age at slaughter and price. A sample size of 2,999 respondents from Beijing, Shanghai, Wuhan, Guangzhou and Chengdu was collected by a professional online survey company.FindingsThe result reveals that urban Chinese consumers are willing to pay highest price premiums for forage–livestock balance certified yak meat, followed by grass-fed claim labeled meat. Consumers on average place negative valuations for grain-fed claims, meat from yak slaughtered above 2 and 4 years old. Heterogeneous analysis indicates that individuals who are female, younger, married, and better educated, and with above median income, Tibet travel or yak consumption experience, are more receptive to the forage–livestock balance certification.Originality/valueIt is the first study to explore demand-driven mechanisms for grassland conservation by focusing on consumer valuation for the forage–livestock balance certification.
A simple neutrally buoyant sensor for direct measurement of particle velocity and intensity in water

Acoustic particle velocity is commonly inferred from measurement of pressure or pressure gradient; however, in water, direct measurement is simple. A moving‐coil sensor embedded in a neutrally buoyant package produces a voltage directly proportional to the particle velocity in the surrounding fluid for frequencies above the mass‐spring resonance. Leslie et al. [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 28, 711–715 (1956)] built such a sensor by mounting a moving‐coil element inside a hollow brass sphere. The sensor described in this paper is identical in principle but is considerably easier to fabricate. Useful from tens of hertz to several kilohertz, this sensor consists of a glass‐ microballoon‐and‐epoxy composite cast around a small, commercial geophone. The sensor is inexpensive, rugged, and has good immunity to interference. In conjunction with a pressure hydrophone, acoustic intensity can be measured without the errors associated with subtraction of nearly equal signals (as in the two‐hydrophone method).
An Interleaved High Step-Up DC/DC Converter-Based Three-Winding Coupled Inductors With Symmetrical Structure

This article proposes an interleaved high step-up converter based on three-winding coupled inductor (TW-CI) with symmetrical structure. By utilizing the TW-CI along with a voltage multiplier cell, the proposed converter achieves high power transfer ability as well as minimized voltage stress across power switches and diodes. The converter has significantly improved the voltage gain by integrating two TW-CIs with the passive clamp circuit. The leakage inductor energy of the TW-CI is recycled to improve the voltage gain and efficiency while facilitating the soft switching condition for the power switches. Additionally, the voltage stress across the power switches is decreased with the help of the clamping capacitors. Therefore, low-voltage-rated semiconductors with small on-resistance can be chosen which reduce conduction losses and improve the overall performance. Moreover, two series-connected capacitors of the primary side are introduced, which effectively balance the voltage between the power switches and the capacitors during steady and dynamic states. Finally, a 400 W experimental prototype with 24–400 V is built to verify the accuracy of the proposed converter.
Multigraph learning for parallelism discovery in sequential programs

Parallelization is an optimization technique that is playing an increasingly vital role in software applications. Discovering the potential parallelism in sequential programs is of primary importance for parallelization. To this end, various tools have been created to obtain parallelizable targets by analyzing the dependencies in sequential programs. However, the majority are constructed based on manually designed dependence analysis rules. Consequently, they must follow some constraints, which limit the scope of their program analysis capability. Furthermore, constructing a dependency analysis rule is a complicated and highly sophisticated endeavor. In this study, we exploit the fact that neural network models can learn the potential features of programs to tackle the parallelism discovery task in an end‐to‐end manner. Specifically, we developed a multigraph learning architecture on top of multiple abstract code representations in a complementary manner. In the architecture, we equip code representations with different neural network models in a targeted manner, including a deep convolutional neural network for analyzing both control and data flows and a novel neural network for learning the abstract syntax trees. Experimental results obtained on a common parallelism discovery dataset indicate that the developed multigraph learning architecture can learn potential parallelism patterns in sequential programs with high accuracy and efficiency.
The exact minimum likelihood estimation of ARFIMA processes and model selection criteria: A Monte Carlo study

We propose a detailed Monte Carlo study of model selection criteria when the exact maximum likelihood (EML) method is used to estimate ARFIMA processes. More specifically, our object is to assess the performance of two automatic selection criteria in the presence of long-term memory: Akaike and Schwarz information criteria. Two special processes are considered: a pure fractional noise model (ARFIMA(0,d,0)) and an ARFIMA(1,d,0) process. For each criterion, we compute bias and root mean squared error for various d and AR(1) parameter values. Obtained results suggest that the Schwarz information criterion frequently selects the right model. Moreover, this criterion outperforms the other one in terms of bias and RMSE, for both pure fractional noise and ARFIMA processes. (This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)
Human-centricity in AI governance: A systemic approach

Human-centricity is considered a central aspect in the development and governance of artificial intelligence (AI). Various strategies and guidelines highlight the concept as a key goal. However, we argue that current uses of Human-Centered AI (HCAI) in policy documents and AI strategies risk downplaying promises of creating desirable, emancipatory technology that promotes human wellbeing and the common good. Firstly, HCAI, as it appears in policy discourses, is the result of aiming to adapt the concept of human-centered design (HCD) to the public governance context of AI but without proper reflection on how it should be reformed to suit the new task environment. Second, the concept is mainly used in reference to realizing human and fundamental rights, which are necessary, but not sufficient for technological emancipation. Third, the concept is used ambiguously in policy and strategy discourses, making it unclear how it should be operationalized in governance practices. This article explores means and approaches for using the HCAI approach for technological emancipation in the context of public AI governance. We propose that the potential for emancipatory technology development rests on expanding the traditional user-centered view of technology design to involve community- and society-centered perspectives in public governance. Developing public AI governance in this way relies on enabling inclusive governance modalities that enhance the social sustainability of AI deployment. We discuss mutual trust, transparency, communication, and civic tech as key prerequisites for socially sustainable and human-centered public AI governance. Finally, the article introduces a systemic approach to ethically and socially sustainable, human-centered AI development and deployment.
Film-coupled nanoparticles by atomic layer deposition: Comparison with organic spacing layers

Film-coupled nanoparticle systems have proven a reliable platform for exploring the field enhancement associated with sub-nanometer sized gaps between plasmonic nanostructures. In this Letter, we present a side-by-side comparison of the spectral properties of film-coupled plasmon-resonant, gold nanoparticles, with dielectric spacer layers fabricated either using atomic layer deposition or using organic layers (polyelectrolytes or self-assembled monolayers of molecules). In either case, large area, uniform spacer layers with sub-nanometer thicknesses can be accurately deposited, allowing extreme coupling regimes to be probed. The observed spectral shifts of the nanoparticles as a function of spacer layer thickness are similar for the organic and inorganic films and are consistent with numerical calculations taking into account the nonlocal response of the metal.