Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Post-Processing Trimming of Silicon Photonic Devices Using Femtosecond Laser

Fabrication errors inevitably occur in device manufacturing owing to the limited processing accuracy of commercial silicon photonic processes. For silicon photonic devices, which are mostly processing-sensitive, their performances usually deteriorate significantly. This remains an unsolved issue for mass production, particularly for passive devices, because they cannot be adjusted once fixed in processes. This study presents a post-processing trimming method to compensate for fabrication errors by changing the cladding equivalent refractive indices of devices with femtosecond lasers. The experimental results show that the resonant wavelengths of micro-ring resonators can be regularly shifted within their free spectral range via tuning the illuminating area, focusing position, emitting power, and scanning speed of the trimming femtosecond laser with an acceptable loss increase. These experiments, as well as the trimming experiments in improving the phase balance of Mach-Zehnder interferometer switches, indicate that the femtosecond laser trimming method is an effective and fast method for silicon photonic devices.
Quasi-Market Regulation in Early Childhood Education and Care: Does a Nordic Welfare Dimension Prevail?

Until about 25 years ago, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Iceland and Finland used a bureaucratic-professional governance model to reach common welfare goals in ECEC, something that arguably constituted a Nordic dimension. Since then, the countries have introduced post-bureaucratic governance models such as evaluation and quasi-markets in varying degrees. Differences in the timing of policy changes and saturation of demand have resulted in variations in the use of quasi-market instruments and divergence in the composition of public, for-profit and non-profit providers. However, common welfare goals, such as inclusion and language learning, have been strengthened. We base our analysis on existing research, statistics and policy papers.
E-IDEAL QUASI-REGULAR SEMIGROUPS

This paper defines a kind of quasi-regular semigroups and the so-called E-ideal quasiregular semigroups and gives some of its characteristics and its two special cases (E-left regular quasi-regular semigroups, E-semilattice quasi-regular semigroups), thus estabishing a structure theorem for it, and as corollaries, obtaining a construction for a left regular band and the known construction for bands (Petrich, 1967).
The Combination of Baicalein and Memantine Reduces Oxidative Stress and Protects against β-amyloid-Induced Alzheimer’s Disease in Rat Model

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neuronal condition causing progressive loss of memory and cognitive dysfunction particularly in elders. An upsurge in the global old age population has led to a proportionate increase in the prevalence of AD. The current treatments for AD are symptomatic and have debilitating side effects. A literature review and current research have directed scientists to explore natural products with better safety and efficacy profiles as new treatment options for AD. Baicalein, belonging to the flavone subclass of flavonoids, has been reported for its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, AChE enzyme inhibitory activity and anti-amyloid protein aggregation activity, which collectively demonstrates its benefits as a neuroprotective agent. Presently, memantine, a NMDAR antagonist, is one of the important drugs used for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. The current study aims to investigate the effect of baicalein in combination with memantine in β-amyloid-induced AD in albino Wistar rats. Baicalein (10 mg/kg) alone, 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg in combination with memantine (20 mg/kg) was administered for 21 days. Treatment with baicalein in combination with memantine showed significant improvement in behavioural studies. The combination treatment decreased oxidative stress, β-amyloid plaque formation and increased the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the brain. From the results, it can be concluded that treatment with baicalein and memantine could be beneficial for reducing the progression of neurodegeneration in rats. Baicalein has an additive effect in combination with memantine, making it a potential option for the treatment of AD.
Application of a core genome sequence typing (cgMLST) pipeline for surveillance of Clostridioides difficile in China

Introduction Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) is a nosocomial bacterial pathogen that causes antibiotic-associated diarrhea mediated by cellular exotoxins secreted into the intestine during bacterial growth. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and PCR ribotyping are the main molecular typing for C. difficile. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) was developed for genetic evolution and outbreak investigation of C. difficile with higher precision and accuracy. Methods A total of 699 whole (complete and draft) genome sequences of distinct C. difficile strains were used in this study to identify core gene set (2469 core genes) and the cgMLST scheme for the phylogeny analysis of C. difficile. This cgMLST pipeline was then carried the Chinese Pathogen Identification Net (China PIN) for surveillance of C. difficile in China. Within the China PIN, 195 WGS of C. difficile and an outbreak of CDI with 12 WGS of C. difficile were used to evaluate the cgMLST pipeline. Results The result displayed that mostly tested C. difficile isolates could be successfully divided into 5 classic clades and the outbreak event was also successfully identified. Discussion The results are meaningful and offer a practicable pipeline for a national-wide surveillance of C. difficile in China.
Discovery of Non-Thermal X-Rays from the Northwest Shell of the New SNR RX J1713.7-3946: The Second SN 1006?

We report on the ASCA results of a featureless X-ray spectrum from RX J1713.7—3946, a new shell-like SNR discovered with the ROSAT all-sky survey. The northwest part of RX J1713.7-3946 was in the field of the ASCA Galactic Plane Survey Project, and was found to exhibit a shell-like structure. The spectrum, however, shows neither line emission nor any signature of a thermal origin. Instead, a power-law model with a photon index of 2.4-2.5 gives a reasonable fit to the spectrum, suggesting a non-thermal origin. Together with the similarity to SN 1006, we propose that RX J1713.7—3946 is the second example, after SN 1006, of synchrotron X-ray radiation from a shell of SNRs. Since the synchrotron X-rays suggest the existence of extremely high energy charged particles in the SNR shell, our discovery should have a strong impact on the origin of cosmic X-rays.
Results concerning the generalized partially linear single-index model

The central topic of this article is the estimation of parameters of the generalized partially linear single-index model (GPLSIM). Two numerical optimization procedures are presented and an S-plus program based on these procedures is compared to a program by Wand in a simulation setting. The results from these simulations indicate that the estimates for the new procedures are as good, if not better, than Wand's. Also, this program is much more flexible than Wand's since it can handle more general models. Other simulations are also conducted. The first compares the effects of using linear interpolation versus spline interpolation in an optimization procedure. The results indicate that by using spline interpolation one gets more stable estimates at a cost of increased computational time. A second simulation was conducted to assess the performance of a method for estimating the variance of alpha. A third set of simulations is carried out to determine the best criterion for testing that one of the elements of alpha is equal to zero. The GPLSIM is applied to a water quality data set and the results indicate an interesting relationship between gastrointestinal illness and turbidity (cloudiness) of drinking water.
Multi-granularity Cross-Domain Temporal Regression Network for Remaining Useful Life Estimation of Aero Engines

Remaining useful life (RUL) prediction is a crucial task for predictive maintenance of industrial equipment. Benefiting from advanced sensing and artificial intelligence technologies, data-driven RUL prediction methods based on multimodal data analytics achieved rapid development in recent years. However, traditional RUL prediction methods often fail to meet the demand and challenge of data distribution discrepancy under different working conditions. To solve this issue, a novel aero-engine RUL estimation approach is proposed based on multi-sensor fusion and deep transfer learning. First, a multi-granularity cross-domain temporal regression (MCDTR) network is constructed to learn effective degradation information via fusing a coarse-grained learn strategy executed on the source domain and a fine-grained update strategy applied to the target domain. With such a multi-granularity transfer strategy, this network can exploit robust temporal features for accurate RUL prediction. In addition, the uncertainty quantification of predictive results based on the bootstrap method is also examined to improve the reliability and stability of RUL prediction for industrial aero engines. Related comparative experiments on the N-CMAPSS 2021 Challenge Dataset suggest the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed approach, which provides a valuable reference for prognostics and health management in industrial applications.
NiTi fatigue behavior

New data are reported which show that the cycles to failure for NiTi are related exponentially to cyclic strain extent (difference between maximum and minimum cyclic strain) to at least 2×105 cycles. The relationship is apparently insensitive to thermodynamic cycle type or to stress/strain mode, but does show strong dependence on the NiTi martensite transition temperature.
PREDICTING DENTIST’S WILLINGNESS TO TREAT HIV INFECTED PATIENTS – A QUESTIONNAIRE BASED STUDY.

T. Priadarsini. Evaluating the response of dental health care professionals (staff and students) in willingness to provide treatment to HIV/AIDS patients was the main objective.Dentists have an ethical responsibility to provide treatment to HIV-infected patients, particularly because oral lesions are common among them.Also, people with HIV infection require increasingly competent and compassionate health care, including oral health care. As access to oral health care is extremely important for those infected with HIV, oral findings can lead to early detection and management of HIV infection.According to this survey based study, 77% of the Dentists have opted to treat HIV patients willingly. This will improve the health of HIV infected patients both physically and mentally.
Impact of channel thickness on Single-Event Transient in InAs Quantum Well n-MOSFETs

In this paper, we investigate the effect of radiation in terms of total charge collection, charge collection efficiency, FWHM, rise time and pulse width of the transients for InAs quantum-well N-MOSFET with raised source/drain architecture having channel thicknesses of 4 nm, 7 nm and 10 nm at channel length of 14 nm under off-state condition. Our study reveals that a device with the narrower channel thickness is more radiation tolerant compared to a thicker channel device.
Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Fish Protein Concentrate Wild Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Using 90% Ethanol Solvent

- Wild tilapia is a pest in the ponds of milkfish and shrimp cultivators and has not been widely used by pond farmers so that small wild tilapia is just thrown away. Utilization of wild tilapia meat as a raw material for protein preparations such as protein concentrate is the right target so as to optimize the potential of wild tilapia. Protein concentrates can be extracted using organic solvents such as ethanol. The aim of this study was to extract protein concentrate from wild tilapia using ethanol as a solvent and to analyze its physico-chemical properties. The stages of this research consisted of fat extraction with 90% ethanol and analysis of its physico-chemical properties. The data are discussed descriptively. The FPC yield obtained was around 19.11% with a protein content of 86.51%, a fat content of 0.55%, whiteness of 86.9% and a moisture content of 10.14%. These results indicate that the FPC of wild tilapia which is extracted for fat using 90% ethanol solvent is almost classified as FPC type A because the FPC water content of wild tilapia is slightly higher. The results of this study are considered not optimal so it is necessary to modify the fat extraction method to obtain better FPC quality.
A Feasibility Study of Functional Lung Volume Preservation during Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy Guided by Gallium-68 Perfusion PET/CT

Simple Summary Lung stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) has become a real alternative treatment for inoperable stage I-II non-small cell lung cancer and lung oligometastases with a high local tumor control rate. However, SBRT remains associated with significant pulmonary toxicity. Perfusion positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) with 68Ga-macroaggregated albumin (68Ga-perfusion) is a very attractive imaging tool for functional lung avoidance during radiotherapy planning. This single-center prospective study shows the feasibility of significantly decreasing the doses delivered to the lung functional volumes in the lung SBRT using 68Ga-perfusion PET/CT while still respecting target volume coverage and doses to other organs at risk. Abstract The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of sparing functional lung areas by integration of pulmonary functional mapping guided by 68Ga-perfusion PET/CT imaging in lung SBRT planification. Sixty patients that planned to receive SBRT for primary or secondary lung tumors were prospectively enrolled. Lung functional volumes were defined as the minimal volume containing 50% (FV50%), 70% (FV70%) and 90% (FV90%) of the total activity within the anatomical volume. All patients had a treatment planning carried out in 2 stages: an anatomical planning blinded to the PET results and then a functional planning respecting the standard constraints but also incorporating “lung functional volume” constraints. The mean lung dose (MLD) in functional volumes and the percentage of lung volumes receiving xGy (VxGy) within the lung functional volumes using both plans were calculated and compared. SBRT planning optimized to spare lung functional regions led to a significant reduction (p < 0.0001) of the MLD and V5 to V20 Gy in all functional volumes. Median relative difference of the MLD in the FV50%, FV70% and FV90% was −8.0% (−43.0 to 1.2%), −7.1% (−34.3 to 1.2%) and −5.7% (−22.3 to 4.4%), respectively. Median relative differences for VxGy ranged from −12.5% to −9.2% in the FV50%, −11.3% to −7.2% in the FV70% and −8.0% to −5.3% in the FV90%. This study shows the feasibility of significantly decreasing the doses delivered to the lung functional volumes using 68Ga-perfusion PET/CT while still respecting target volume coverage and doses to other organs at risk.
Genome-wide identification and comparative analyses of key genes involved in C4 photosynthesis in five main gramineous crops

Compared to C3 species, C4 plants showed higher photosynthetic capacity as well as water and nitrogen use efficiency due to the presence of the C4 photosynthetic pathway. Previous studies have shown that all genes required for the C4 photosynthetic pathway exist in the genomes of C3 species and are expressed. In this study, the genes encoding six key C4 photosynthetic pathway enzymes (β-CA, PEPC, ME, MDH, RbcS, and PPDK) in the genomes of five important gramineous crops (C4: maize, foxtail millet, and sorghum; C3: rice and wheat) were systematically identified and compared. Based on sequence characteristics and evolutionary relationships, their C4 functional gene copies were distinguished from non-photosynthetic functional gene copies. Furthermore, multiple sequence alignment revealed important sites affecting the activities of PEPC and RbcS between the C3 and C4 species. Comparisons of expression characteristics confirmed that the expression patterns of non-photosynthetic gene copies were relatively conserved among species, while C4 gene copies in C4 species acquired new tissue expression patterns during evolution. Additionally, multiple sequence features that may affect C4 gene expression and subcellular localization were found in the coding and promoter regions. Our work emphasized the diversity of the evolution of different genes in the C4 photosynthetic pathway and confirmed that the specific high expression in the leaf and appropriate intracellular distribution were the keys to the evolution of C4 photosynthesis. The results of this study will help determine the evolutionary mechanism of the C4 photosynthetic pathway in Gramineae and provide references for the transformation of C4 photosynthetic pathways in wheat, rice, and other major C3 cereal crops.
Wideband Multi-Port Multi-Mode 3D-Printed Cylindrical Dielectric Resonator Antennas

Two wideband 3D-printed multi-port cylindrical dielectric resonator antennas (DRAs) are presented. The first antenna is designed with a central probe feed and a slot coupling feed, which excite an omnidirectional and a broadside mode, respectively. In the second design, one more slot coupling feed is added to expand the antenna functionality further and achieve tri-polarization. Relatively wide bandwidths of 27.0% and 26.4% corresponding to the dual-port and the tri-port antennas are achieved by using a 3D-printed cylindrical dielectric resonator (DR) with three concentric layers of various permittivities. The dual-port antenna is fabricated and measured while the tri-port antenna is simulated to validate the design concepts.
The Impact of Beehive Proximity, Human Activity and Agricultural Intensity on Diptera Diversity in a Mediterranean Mosaic of Agroecosystems, with a Focus on Pest Species

Simple Summary Diptera are rich in species, contribute significantly to plant diversity, and have the potential to assess habitat health. They also include many agricultural and forestry pests. Our study provides baseline information on Diptera and Vespidae diversity in the Mediterranean mosaic of agroecosystems. Additionally, we summarized the information on the importance of human influence on Diptera diversity. We carried out an inventory of Diptera in Croatia using a set of traps placed in the proximity of honeybee hives. We determined the presence of pests and newly introduced species. A total of 94 species belonging to 24 families were recorded, including 7 important agricultural and forest pests of Diptera and 17 new records for Croatia. Results pointed out that total insect species richness, pest species richness, and the first findings depend on human activities. Furthermore, the number of honeybee colonies was negatively correlated with total species richness, while anthropogenic influence was positively correlated with pest species richness. Abstract Diptera, with their participation in pollination, significantly contribute to the maintenance of plant diversity, and they also have great potential for assessing habitat health and preserving it. A decline in their abundance and diversity has been recorded worldwide as a consequence of biotic, abiotic, and anthropic alterations. In addition to pollinators, these orders include agricultural and forestry pests, which are a threat to both cultivated and wild plants that are very important to the economy. Many pests have escaped from their native areas, and it is important to monitor their spread to implement sustainable means of control. Our study provides baseline information on Diptera and Vespidae diversity in the Mediterranean mosaic of agroecosystems, giving information on the importance of human influence on insect diversity. We carried out an insect inventory in Istria, Croatia, using a set of traps placed in the proximity of beehives. This study was also important in determining the presence of pests and newly introduced species. A total of 94 species from 24 families were recorded—7 important agricultural pests of Diptera and 17 new records for Croatia. The correlation between species diversity and environmental and anthropogenic factors leads to the conclusion that total insect species richness, pest species richness, and the first findings depend on human activities. The number of honeybee colonies negatively correlated with species richness, while anthropic influence positively affected total and pest species richness.
Strengthening adaptive capacity of rural farming communities in Southeast Asia: Experiences, best practices and lessons for scaling-up

This article highlights the experiences, contributions, and lessons generated from the ten selected APN capacity development programmes implemented from 2011-2019 and focused on enhancing the resilience and adaptive capacity of rural farming communities in Southeast Asia. These capacity development projects employed varying strategies and approaches. Some projects centred on training and building the technical capabilities of service providers, while others have directly trained and built the capacities of the farming communities. Some projects emphasised the promotion of nature-based and sustainable farming techniques such as agroforestry, conservation farming, rainwater harvesting, and indigenous agricultural practices that helped farming communities cope and adapt to climate change impacts. At the core of these capacity development programmes are collaboration and partnerships that were built and institutionalised among different sectors, such as academia, local government units, and the farming communities. These multisectoral collaborations hastened the project implementation and generation of project outputs and gave way to the sustainability of the project initiatives. These projects have generated numerous outputs that paved the way for enhanced social and human capital development of various stakeholders, science-based decision-making by policymakers; adoption of sustainable farming techniques and technologies; and knowledge generation and advancement of science. More importantly, these projects have developed a model for enhancing the adaptive capacity and resilience of rural farming communities in Southeast Asia.