Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Design and fabrication of 2×2 InP/InGaAsP optical switch

An InGaAsP/InP 2×2 Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) optical switch based on multimode interference (MMI) couplers was presented. The switch characteristics were simulated using a three-dimensional beam propagation model. The switch structure was designed to be single mode operation and insensitive to polarization. The light signal can be switched from cross port to bar port with an injection current of 43mA by carrier modulation on the principle of injection free carriers, bend-filling effects and bandgap shrinkage. The measured crosstalk is -19.2dB and -14.3dB at the on and off state, respectively. This optical switch can be easily integrated with other active devices and has potential application in future DWDM and OXC systems.
Methodology and Implementation of an Architecture for Egocentric Manual Interactivity in Monocular Augmented Reality

Investments in Augmented Reality (AR) have grown considerably in recent years. This advance is due to the increased use of AR in areas such as education, training, games and medicine. In addition, technological advances in hardware enable devices that, a few years ago, were unthinkable. A popular example is Microsoft Hololens 2, which allows the user to use their own hands as a means of interacting with an AR experience. However, a disadvantage from this device is its high cost due to several sensors. Thus, this project offers an AR architecture that uses only a monocular RGB camera as a sensor, allowing the user to interact with an AR experience using their hands to perform gestures similar to the Microsoft Hololens 2 architecture, where it is possible to handle a virtual object in the same way that a real object would be manipulated. The results obtained are promising, where the verification of the interaction of the hand with the virtual object worked in approximately 80% of the tests carried out, respecting the path defined by hand movement.
Activity Chains Modelling of Travellers by Using Logit Models Based on the Utility Function

Transportation planning plays an essential role in improving the transportation system. Therefore, planners should have the ability to forecast the response of transportation demand to changes in the characteristics of the travellers. This has led researchers to work on more effective behavioural models by updating conventional models and replacing them with activity-based modelling to describe the daily activity chains performed by travellers. So, this study uses the activity model to model and analyse daily activity to identify the factors affecting the activity chain. This study aims to use logit models based on the utility function for modelling the activity chains of travellers in Budapest city. At the same time, we identify the effects of various characteristics related to the traveller, trip and location in the activity chains. This paper presents the relationships between the two aspects of travel behaviour and activity chains by providing two different causal structures. The results showed that the location attribute, activity duration and activity purpose were most influential on the activity chains. This study provides good insights into activity chains behaviour of travellers. It also extends the need to incorporate activity model behaviour within these complicated processes and household and individual decision making of daily activity.
Single and split nitrogen application on the forage yield, morphogenesis, chemical composition, and tissue nitrogen fractions of Cynodon nlemfuensis under mob grazing

The aim of this study was to evaluate the forage production, nutritional value (including protein fractions), and morphogenic characteristics of African star grass on nitrogen fertilizer in a single application and split applications of two and four, under mob grazing. The study was conducted on a 1.5 ha area with well-established African star grass (Cynodon nlemfuensis). The area was divided into 18 paddocks of 400 m2. for three treatments and six replications that were assigned through a randomized block design. The treatments were: Nap1 =Single N application; Nap2= split into two N applications; and Nap4: split into four N applications. Fertilizer application was 200 kg ha-1 of N in topdressing. Pasture was monitored weekly by sward height. Grazing began when the forage reached between 25 and 30 cm in height and ceased at 10 cm. In almost all months evaluated, Nap1 recorded the highest forage production, daily accumulation rate and available forage mass. Some morphogenic characteristics changed between the fertilization strategies, particularly in the months with greater water availability. The chemical composition did not fluctuate between treatments. African star grass can be fertilized with a single application of nitrogen at 200 kg ha-1 to attain greater forage mass and proportion of leaves, without any changes to the chemical composition and nitrogen fractions. These components were modified by the vegetative phase of the forage.
Phosphodiester Silybin Dimers Powerful Radical Scavengers: A Antiproliferative Activity on Different Cancer Cell Lines

Silibinin is the main biologically active component of silymarin extract and consists of a mixture 1:1 of two diastereoisomeric flavonolignans, namely silybin A (1a) and silybin B (1b), which we call here silybins. Despite the high interest in the activity of this flavonolignan, there are still few studies that give due attention to the role of its stereochemistry and, there is still today a strong need to investigate in this area. In this regard, here we report a study concerning the radical scavenger ability and the antiproliferative activity on different cell lines, both of silybins and phosphodiester-linked silybin dimers. An efficient synthetic strategy to obtain silybin dimers in an optical pure form (6aa, 6ab and 6bb) starting from a suitable building block of silybin A and silybin B, obtained by us from natural extract silibinin, was proposed. New dimers show strong antioxidant properties, determined through hydroxyl radical (HO●) scavenging ability, comparable to the value reported for known potent antioxidants such as quercetin. A preliminary screening was performed by treating cells with 10 and 50 μM concentrations for 48 h to identify the most sensitive cell lines. The results show that silibinin compounds were active on Jurkat, A375, WM266, and HeLa, but at the tested concentrations, they did not interfere with the growth of PANC, MCF-7, HDF or U87. In particular, both monomers (1a and 1b) and dimers (6aa, 6ab and 6bb) present selective anti-proliferative activity towards leukemia cells in the mid-micromolar range and are poorly active on normal cells. They exhibit different mechanisms of action in fact all the cells treated with the 1a and 1b go completely into apoptosis, whereas only part of the cells treated with 6aa and 6ab were found to be in apoptosis.
Structure dependence of oscillation characteristics of structure-simplified resonant-tunneling-diode terahertz oscillator

A structure-simplified resonant tunneling diode (RTD) oscillator eliminates metal–insulator–metal capacitors, resulting in a simple and brief fabrication process. However, the structure dependence of oscillation characteristics has not been identified. We revealed the structure dependence and obtained an oscillation frequency of up to ∼1 THz using a short antenna. We found that an increase in radiation conductance using offset-fed structure combined with coplanar stripline antennas is effective for high output power, and achieved up to ∼220 μW of output power at 500 GHz. We also clarified the dependence of the oscillation frequency on the stabilization resistor.
The Impact of Student Teachers’ Pre-Existing Conceptions of Assessment on the Development of Language Assessment Literacy within an LTA Course

The paper proposes the preparation of a new generation of assessment literate teachers. The issues of student assessment literacy and, more specifically, prospective language teacher assessment literacy have not been sufficiently investigated as of yet, although research into the topic seems to have gained momentum. Recent studies state that the assessment literacy of teachers is essentially affected by their pre-existing conceptions of assessments), and teacher education should integrate shaping such conceptions into courses; the process of shaping conceptions is quite long and, because it is time-consuming, it may deter assessment literacy building. The current study explores the conceptions of the assessments shaped by prospective teachers within a general English course. The two major conceptions of assessment, relevant for the framework of teaching general English to second-year student teachers of English, are the understanding of feedback and knowledge of assessment construct and criteria. The findings of the study in this cohort of students of the particular course in language assessment shows that the students’ progress was considerably higher than that of a comparison group in the previous 2020 study. The author suggests two types of AL, i.e., student and prospective teacher assessment literacy.
High-Resolution Transect Sampling and Multiple Scale Diversity Analyses for Evaluating Grassland Resilience to Climatic Extremes

Diversity responses to climatic factors in plant communities are well understood from experiments, but less known in natural conditions due to the rarity of appropriate long-term observational data. In this paper, we use long-term transect data sampled annually in three natural grasslands of different species pools, soils, landscape contexts and land use histories. Analyzing these specific belt transect data of contiguous small sampling units enabled us to explore scale dependence and spatial synchrony of diversity patterns within and among sites. The 14-year study period covered several droughts, including one extreme event between 2011 and 2012. We demonstrated that all natural grasslands responded to droughts by considerable fluctuations of diversity, but, overall, they remained stable. The plant functional group of annuals showed high resilience at all sites, while perennials were resistant to droughts. Our results were robust to changing spatial scales of observations, and we also demonstrated that within-site spatial synchrony could be used as a sensitive indicator of external climatic effects. We propose the broad application of high-resolution belt transects for powerful and adaptive vegetation monitoring in the future.
Holographic 3D Imaging through Random Media: Methodologies and Challenges

Imaging through random media continues to be a challenging problem of crucial importance in a wide range of fields of science and technology, ranging from telescopic imaging through atmospheric turbulence in astronomy to microscopic imaging through scattering tissues in biology. To meet the scope of this anniversary issue in holography, this review places a special focus on holographic techniques and their unique functionality, which play a pivotal role in imaging through random media. This review comprises two parts. The first part is intended to be a mini tutorial in which we first identify the true nature of the problems encountered in imaging through random media. We then explain through a methodological analysis how unique functions of holography can be exploited to provide practical solutions to problems. The second part introduces specific examples of experimental implementations for different principles of holographic techniques, along with their performance results, which were taken from some of our recent work.
Isolation of Lactobacillus spp. in African Catfish Clarias gariepinus as probable probiotics in aquaculture

This research sought to isolate probiotic bacteria from cultured African Catfish Clarias gariepinus to be used against bacterial fish pathogens. Lactobacillus spp. were successfully isolated from the intestine of C. gariepinus , identified using biochemical characters. Pathogenic bacteria were also isolated from the same species such as Escherichia coli , Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Aeromonas hydrophila . The isolated Lactobacillus spp. was assessed in vitro for its antagonistic activity against isolated bacterial pathogens using disc diffusion method. Two impregnated paper discs of Lactobacillus spp. , one antibiotic (Amoxicillin), and one blank disc were placed in each plate of cultured pathogenic bacteria. Results showed that Lactobacillus spp. is comparable to the antibiotic (Amoxicillin) on their antagonistic activity, quantified by measuring the zone of inhibition against E. coli , V. parahaemolyticus and A. hydrophila . The highest zone of inhibition of Lactobacillus spp. was shown against A. hydrophilla (8.5 mm) and lowest zone (7.25 mm) against E. coli . Antagonistic activity of antibiotic (Amoxicillin) showed highest zone of inhibition against E. coli 14 mm and the lowest was V. parahaemolyticus 7 mm. Based on the results of the study, Lactobacillus spp. was successfully isolated from the intestine of catfish. The present work highlights the isolated candidate can be a promising probiotic to be used in aquaculture feeding, because of its high potential activity against aquatic pathogenic bacteria in vitro .
Human Placental Intracellular Cholesterol Transport: A Focus on Lysosomal and Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Oxidative Stress

The placenta participates in cholesterol biosynthesis and metabolism and regulates exchange between the maternal and fetal compartments. The fetus has high cholesterol requirements, and it is taken up and synthesized at elevated rates during pregnancy. In placental cells, the major source of cholesterol is the internalization of lipoprotein particles from maternal circulation by mechanisms that are not fully understood. As in hepatocytes, syncytiotrophoblast uptake of lipoprotein cholesterol involves lipoprotein receptors such as low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI). Efflux outside the cells requires proteins such as the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters ABCA1 and ABCG1. However, mechanisms associated with intracellular traffic of cholesterol in syncytiotrophoblasts are mostly unknown. In hepatocytes, uptaken cholesterol is transported to acidic late endosomes (LE) and lysosomes (LY). Proteins such as Niemann–Pick type C 1 (NPC1), NPC2, and StAR related lipid transfer domain containing 3 (STARD3) are required for cholesterol exit from the LE/LY. These proteins transfer cholesterol from the lumen of the LE/LY into the LE/LY-limiting membrane and then export it to the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, or plasma membrane. Although the production, metabolism, and transport of cholesterol in placental cells are well explored, there is little information on the role of proteins related to intracellular cholesterol traffic in placental cells during physiological or pathological pregnancies. Such studies would be relevant for understanding fetal and placental cholesterol management. Oxidative stress, induced by generating excess reactive oxygen species (ROS), plays a critical role in regulating various cellular and biological functions and has emerged as a critical common mechanism after lysosomal and mitochondrial dysfunction. This review discusses the role of cholesterol, lysosomal and mitochondrial dysfunction, and ROS in the development and progression of hypercholesterolemic pregnancies.
Design of Terahertz Waveguide Filters for Hybrid Manufacturing based on CNC Milling and Laser Micro-Machining

This paper presents the design of terahertz waveguide filters, operating in the WR-3 frequency range of 220-325 GHz, which are ideally suited to a hybrid manufacturing platform. The platform considered in this research combines the capabilities of CNC milling and laser micro-machining to produce components that incorporate meso and micro scale features. The functional filtering features of the waveguide devices are micro size and require a higher dimensional accuracy and good surface integrity. Therefore, these features were designed for laser micro-machining with a dimensional accuracy better than 10 µm. At the same time other features used to assemble the device were made sufficiently large, meso scale, and thus to produce them using CNC milling with much higher material removing rates. By designing THz waveguide filter that incorporate micro and meso scale features it was possible to combine the capabilities of these two technologies and reduce the production time significantly while a higher resolution and dimensional accuracy was achieved for the filter structure. The design for manufacturing analysis of a WR-3 4 th -order filter was carried by using a 2 nd -order filter to demonstrate and assess the advantages of applying a hybrid manufacturing approach for its production. In particular, to validate the design, the 2 nd -order filter was fabricated from a copper workpiece and its microwave performance was assessed. The results showed a relatively good agreement with the simulation results. Several factors which may impact the filter’s microwave performance were identified and discussed. The feasibility study demonstrated the suitability of the proposed filter structure for hybrid manufacturing of small to medium size batches of THz waveguide devices with high design flexibility.
Examination between the measured and estimated parameters of the participants in the Hungarian Defence Forces Body Composition Program

Introduction: The aim of the research was to analyze the - Introduced in 2015 as a new force protection capability - Hungarian Defence Forces Body Composition Program (HDF BCP) participants’ pattern of the measurement parameters and their relationship to each other, furthermore, to create a measurement protocol that can be used with large number of elements, which allows the estimation of strength and fat-free mass in the following.Methods: The examination was carried out between 2017 and 2020. Within the HDF BCP, the measured and estimated parameters of 283 volunteers between the ages of 18 and 67 years old. A total of 709 measures were made. A Premium Body Impedance Analyzer 500 (BIA) instrument was used for the examinations. In addition, a DYNA 16 strength meter (DYNA) was used which makes it possible to measure the grip strength of both hands at the same time. Statistical calculations are performed with R-Studio program.Results: An increase in the phase angle is accompanied by an increase in the maximum hand grip strength (p < 0.001). The full body strength increases with weight gain regarding both sexes in all age groups tested (p < 0.001). Our linear regression model is suitable for estimating maximum hand grip strength using body weight, fat-free mass, age, and gender values (R2 = 0,74) and to estimate fat-free mass percentage based on body weight, maximum hand grip strength, and gender values (R2 = 0,78). Conclusion: The use of phase angle is an important indicator of a lifestyle change program. In the created linear regression model we will be able to estimate body fraction in significant numbers with high accuracy after measuring minimum parameters.
Epileptic seizure–related changes in electrocorticogram, cortical temperature, and cerebral hemodynamics obtained via an implantable multimodal multichannel probe during preoperative monitoring: illustrative case

BACKGROUND Electrocorticography (EcoG) plays an essential role in the preoperative evaluation of epilepsy, despite its high invasiveness. Brain temperature and cerebral hemodynamics also reflect brain activity. This study examined whether a multimodal multichannel probe that simultaneously records EcoG, cortical temperature, and cerebral hemodynamics can contribute to improving the assessment of epileptic seizures. After preoperative monitoring was performed in a patient with epilepsy, three generalized seizures and two focal seizures were observed. OBSERVATIONS A short-term power increase in the alternating current spectrogram, high-amplitude slow waves in direct current potential, an increase in cortical temperature, an increase in oxyhemoglobin (HbO2) concentration and total hemoglobin (HbT) concentration, and a decrease in deoxyhemoglobin (HHb) concentration, followed by a decrease in HbO2 and HbT concentrations and an increase in HHb concentration, were observed in generalized seizures. However, no changes in these pathophysiological signals were observed in focal seizures. LESSONS Seizure-related changes regarding generalized seizures were consistent with the results of previous studies. The results of generalized and focal seizures indicate that epileptic brain activity propagated from the epileptic focus in the right frontal lobe to the measurement area near the motor cortex in generalized seizures but not in focal seizures.
Relative Age Effects in Male Cricket: A Personal Assets Approach to Explain Immediate, Short-Term, and Long-Term Developmental Outcomes

The purpose of this study was to adopt the Personal Assets Framework (PAF) to examine the immediate, short-term, and long-term developmental outcomes associated with relative age effects (RAEs) in male cricket. As such, this study was comprised of three aims: (a) examine the birth quarter (BQ) distribution of players throughout the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) national talent pathway (i.e., Regional U15, Regional U17, England U19, England Lions, England T20, England ODI, and England Test; n = 1800; immediate timescale), (b) explore the youth-to-senior transitions based on BQ and skill-set (i.e., batters and bowlers; short-term timescale), and (c) analyse the average number of games played at senior levels based on BQ and skill-set (i.e., long-term timescale). A chi-square goodness of fit test, Cramer’s V, odds ratios, and 95% confidence intervals were used to compare the BQ distributions of each cohort against the expected BQ distributions. In the immediate timescale, results showed that relatively older players were overrepresented throughout all the youth levels (p < 0.05, V = 0.16–0.30), whereas there were no differences at senior levels (p > 0.05, V = 0.05–0.15). In the short-term timescale, when the senior cohorts were compared to the expected BQ distributions based on the Regional U15 cohort, relatively younger players were more likely to transition from youth to senior levels (p < 0.05, V = 0.22–0.37). In the long-term timescale, relatively older batters were selected for more games (p < 0.05, V = 0.18–0.51), whereas relatively younger bowlers were selected for more games (p < 0.05, V = 0.17–0.39). Moving forward, it is important for researchers and practitioners to better understand how (bi)annual-age grouping shapes developmental outcomes in across different timescales (i.e., immediate, short-term, and long-term), as well as consider alternative grouping strategies and RAE solutions.