Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Origin of Diffuse X-Ray Emission from the Galactic Ridge. II. Nonequilibrium Emission Due to In Situ Accelerated Electrons

The origin of the Galactic ridge X-ray emission has been investigated from various points of view, such as the iron K line, the hard part of the continuum, and energetics. We propose a ridge plasma model based on stochastic particle acceleration in the interstellar medium to explain the properties of the soft and hard X-rays consistently. In situ accelerated electrons form a spectrum that consists of three components: bulk thermal (Maxwellian), quasi-thermal, and nonthermal (power law) through diffusion in momentum space. For the bulk temperature of a few hundred eV, the quasi-thermal component extends up to a few tens of keV. While nonthermal electrons are collisionless, so as to stay in the acceleration regime, quasi-thermal electrons interact with the bulk electrons through Coulomb collisions. Thus, the interaction with the bulk plasma significantly alters the X-ray emission, and the resultant spectrum can explain the observed features that resemble the emission from a multitemperature or nonequilibrium plasma of order of keV. From a comparison of the model predictions with the observed spectrum, we found that the Galactic ridge X-ray emission is explained by electron acceleration in interstellar gas with temperature 0.3-0.6 keV and density (6.5–3.4) × 10-3 cm-3, which can be bound by Galactic gravity. This model can also solve the energetics problem: since a substantial part of the X-ray flux is accounted for by nonequilibrium emission due to quasi-thermal electrons of a small fraction of the medium, we need neither hot plasmas of the order of keV nor higher rates of supernova explosion in the Galaxy to explain the ridge X-ray emission.
Excitonic structure and absorption coefficient measurements of ZnO single crystal epitaxial films deposited by pulsed laser deposition

The optical properties of high quality single crystal epitaxial zinc oxide thin films grown by pulsed laser deposition on c-plane sapphire substrates were studied. It was found that annealing the films in oxygen dramatically improved the optical and electrical properties. The absorption coefficient, band gap, and exciton binding energies were determined by transmission measurements and photoluminescence. In both the annealed and the as-deposited films excitonic absorption features were observed at both room temperature and 77 K. In the annealed films the excitonic absorption peaks were substantially sharper and deep level photoluminescence was suppressed.
Proactive Multi-Camera Collaboration For 3D Human Pose Estimation

This paper presents a multi-agent reinforcement learning (MARL) scheme for proactive Multi-Camera Collaboration in 3D Human Pose Estimation in dynamic human crowds. Traditional fixed-viewpoint multi-camera solutions for human motion capture (MoCap) are limited in capture space and susceptible to dynamic occlusions. Active camera approaches proactively control camera poses to find optimal viewpoints for 3D reconstruction. However, current methods still face challenges with credit assignment and environment dynamics. To address these issues, our proposed method introduces a novel Collaborative Triangulation Contribution Reward (CTCR) that improves convergence and alleviates multi-agent credit assignment issues resulting from using 3D reconstruction accuracy as the shared reward. Additionally, we jointly train our model with multiple world dynamics learning tasks to better capture environment dynamics and encourage anticipatory behaviors for occlusion avoidance. We evaluate our proposed method in four photo-realistic UE4 environments to ensure validity and generalizability. Empirical results show that our method outperforms fixed and active baselines in various scenarios with different numbers of cameras and humans.
Agent-based Collaborative Random Search for Hyper-parameter Tuning and Global Function Optimization

Hyperparameter optimization is one of the most tedious yet crucial steps in training machine learning models. There are numerous methods for this vital model-building stage, ranging from domain-specific manual tuning guidelines suggested by the oracles to the utilization of general purpose black-box optimization techniques. This paper proposes an agent-based collaborative technique for finding near-optimal values for any arbitrary set of hyperparameters (or decision variables) in a machine learning model (or a black-box function optimization problem). The developed method forms a hierarchical agent-based architecture for the distribution of the searching operations at different dimensions and employs a cooperative searching procedure based on an adaptive width-based random sampling technique to locate the optima. The behavior of the presented model, specifically against changes in its design parameters, is investigated in both machine learning and global function optimization applications, and its performance is compared with that of two randomized tuning strategies that are commonly used in practice. Moreover, we have compared the performance of the proposed approach against particle swarm optimization (PSO) and simulated annealing (SA) methods in function optimization to provide additional insights into its exploration in the search space. According to the empirical results, the proposed model outperformed the compared random-based methods in almost all tasks conducted, notably in a higher number of dimensions and in the presence of limited on-device computational resources.
Investigating the contribution of authors and papers characteristics to predict the scholars h-index

Evaluation of researchers’ output is vital for hiring committees and funding bodies, and it is usually measured via their scientiﬁc productivity, citations, or a combined metric such as h-index. Assessing young researchers is more critical because it takes a while to get citations and increment of h-index. Hence, predicting the h-index can help to discover the researchers’ scientiﬁc impact. In addition, identifying the inﬂuential factors to predict the scientiﬁc impact is helpful for researchers and their organizations seeking solutions to improve it. This study investigates the eﬀect of author, paper and venue-speciﬁc features on the future h-index. For this purpose, we used machine learning methods to predict the h-index and feature analysis techniques to advance the understanding of feature impact. Utilizing the bibliometric data in Scopus, we deﬁned and extracted two main groups of features. The ﬁrst relates to prior scientiﬁc impact, and we name it ’prior impact-based features’ and includes the number of publications, received citations, and h-index. The second group is ’non-impact-based features’ and contains the features related to author, co-authorship, paper, and venue characteristics. We explored their importance in predicting h-index for researchers in three diﬀerent career phases. Also, we examine the temporal dimension of predicting performance for diﬀerent feature categories to ﬁnd out which features are more reliable for long- and short-term prediction. We referred to the gender of the authors to examine the role of this author’s characteristics in the prediction task. Our ﬁndings showed that gender has a very slight eﬀect in predicting the h-index. We found that non-impact-based features are more robust predictors for younger scholars than seniors in the short term. Also, prior impact-based features lose their power to predict more than other features in the long-term
QED calculation of the resonant Stark effect

Quantum electrodynamic calculations involving the resonant Stark effect are reported. By including the effects of multiple spontaneous emissions for a two-level atom in a resonant applied field solutions are obtained which are valid over many radiative lifetimes. The resonance fluorescence spectrum is also calculated as a function of the detuning parameter. The theoretical results are in agreement with the experimentally observed long term fluorescence spectrum.
Developing the Reliable Shallow Supervised Learning for Thermal Comfort using ASHRAE RP-884 and ASHRAE Global Thermal Comfort Database II

The artificial intelligence (AI) system designer for thermal comfort faces insufficient data recorded from the current user or overfitting due to unreliable training data. This work introduces the reliable data set for training the AI subsystem for thermal comfort. This paper presents the control algorithm based on shallow supervised learning, which is simple enough to be implemented in the Internet of Things (IoT) system for residential usage using ASHRAE RP-884 and ASHRAE Global Thermal Comfort Database II. No training data for thermal comfort is available as reliable as this dataset, but the direct use of this data can lead to overfitting. This work offers the algorithm for data filtering and semantic data augmentation for the ASHRAE database for the supervised learning process. Overfitting always becomes a problem due to the psychological aspect involved in the thermal comfort decision. The method to check the AI system based on the psychrometric chart against overfitting is presented. This paper also assesses the most important parameters needed to achieve human thermal comfort. This method can support the development of reinforced learning for thermal comfort.
Application of the LAURA code for slender-vehicle aerothermodynamics

Application of a three-dimensional thin-layer Navier-Stokes code (LAURA) to compute the laminar and turbulent perfect gas aerothermodynamics of slender vehicles is demonstrated in this paper. Comparison of solutions with experimental data enabled an assessment of the code's aerodynamic heating prediction capabilities. The results show radial grid refinement to a wall cell Reynolds number of 2 to be accurate for predicting aerodynamic heating to a slender cone. Additional comparisons for an 80-deg slab-delta wing, a generic aero-space plane vehicle, and an all-body configuration show the method to be generally accurate using this radial cell spacing. Discrepancies between the predicted and measured heating in a region of crossflow separation on the generic aero-space plane geometry are noted, which indicates the need for further study. Although additional applications and comparisons are required to fully test the LAURA program, the results of this study demonstrate the current level of confidence and the engineering utility of this particular code for slender-vehicle applications.
Global structure of an elliptic fibration

∂-etale topology is introduced for analytic spaces with boundary as an analog of etale topology for schemes. A locally projective elliptic fibration is bimeromorphically considered as a torsor in the ∂-etale topology of the associated basic elliptic fibration. The related ∂-etale cohomology groups have much information on the structure of elliptic fibrations. In particular, an answer to Ueno's extension problem, a relation to Tate-Shafarevich groups and their finiteness properties, characterizations of projective and Kahler elliptic fibrations, and a generalization of logarithmic transformation to arbitrary dimension are obtained. This article is a revised version of [N5].
Polo-like kinase 1 promotes Cdc42-induced actin polymerization for asymmetric division in oocytes

Polo-like kinase I (Plk1) is a highly conserved seronine/threonine kinase essential in meiosis and mitosis for spindle formation and cytokinesis. Here, through temporal application of Plk1 inhibitors, we identify a new role for Plk1 in the establishment of cortical polarity essential for highly asymmetric cell divisions of oocyte meiosis. Application of Plk1 inhibitors in late metaphase I abolishes pPlk1 from spindle poles and prevents the induction of actin polymerization at the cortex through inhibition of local recruitment of Cdc42 and Neuronal Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome protein (N-WASP). By contrast, an already established polar actin cortex is insensitive to Plk1 inhibitors, but if the polar cortex is first depolymerized, Plk1 inhibitors completely prevent its restoration. Thus, Plk1 is essential for establishment but not maintenance of cortical actin polarity. These findings indicate that Plk1 regulates recruitment of Cdc42 and N-Wasp to coordinate cortical polarity and asymmetric cell division.
Endoscopic submucosal dissection techniques and technology: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Technical Review

Abstract ESGE suggests conventional endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD; marking and mucosal incision followed by circumferential incision and stepwise submucosal dissection) for most esophageal and gastric lesions. ESGE suggests tunneling ESD for esophageal lesions involving more than two-thirds of the esophageal circumference. ESGE recommends the pocket-creation method for colorectal ESD, at least if traction devices are not used. The use of dedicated ESD knives with size adequate to the location/thickness of the gastrointestinal wall is recommended. It is suggested that isotonic saline or viscous solutions can be used for submucosal injection. ESGE recommends traction methods in esophageal and colorectal ESD and in selected gastric lesions. After gastric ESD, coagulation of visible vessels is recommended, and post-procedural high dose proton pump inhibitor (PPI) (or vonoprazan). ESGE recommends against routine closure of the ESD defect, except in duodenal ESD. ESGE recommends corticosteroids after resection of > 50 % of the esophageal circumference. The use of carbon dioxide when performing ESD is recommended. ESGE recommends against the performance of second-look endoscopy after ESD. ESGE recommends endoscopy/colonoscopy in the case of significant bleeding (hemodynamic instability, drop in hemoglobin > 2 g/dL, severe ongoing bleeding) to perform endoscopic hemostasis with thermal methods or clipping; hemostatic powders represent rescue therapies. ESGE recommends closure of immediate perforations with clips (through-the-scope or cap-mounted, depending on the size and shape of the perforation), as soon as possible but ideally after securing a good plane for further dissection.
Finite size effects on the quantum spin Hall state

We theoretically study the helical edge states in the quantum spin Hall (QSH) effect based on an effective 4-band tight-binding model for HgTe/CdTe quantum wells. We microscopically describe the spatial dependence of the helical edge modes in the QSH state. It is found that the helical edge states are gapped when the width of sample narrows. This is because the edge states on the opposite boundary of the sample overlap each other, and then the backward scattering channel opens up.
Confined quantum systems: spectral properties of the atoms helium and lithium in a power series potential

The potential energy curve and the electron density distribution for low-lying electronic states of the helium and lithium atoms confined by an anisotropic harmonic oscillator potential have been studied for different confinement parameters (ωx, ωy, ωz) by using the quantum chemical configuration interaction (CI) method employing a Cartesian anisotropic Gaussian basis set supplemented by a quantum chemical standard Cartesian Gaussian basis set, respectively. In the case of the helium atom full CI wavefunctions have been used, and in the case of the lithium atom multi-reference CI wavefunctions have been employed. The results for the two confined quantum systems are compared to each other: parabolic-and non-parabolic-type potential energy curves are observed for states of both atoms in different type harmonic oscillator confinement. The non-parabolic potentials always appear in pairs, one with a double minimum and the other with a sharp edge at the minimum. They result from the interaction of energetically nearby states of the same symmetry. The electron density distributions of the states of the two atoms show deformation from spherical symmetry according to the symmetry and strength of the confining potential at the position of the atoms. The electron distribution of the states having non-parabolic potential energy curves is strongly deformed and occasionally shows curvilinear nodal planes of parabolic shape.
Computation of non-stationary shock-wave/cylinder interaction using adaptive-grid methods

Abstract A numerical study of shock wave propagation over a cylinder is presented. Hybrid, structured-unstructured adaptive grids are employed for the numerical solution of the Euler and Navier-Stokes equations. A second-order Godunov-type scheme is employed for the discretization of the inviscid fluxes, while central differences are used for the viscous terms. The time integration is obtained by a second-order prediction-corrector scheme. Simulation of the unsteady gasdynamic phenomena around the cylinder is obtained at different incident-shock Mach numbers. The shock-wave diffraction over the cylinder is investigated by means of various contour plots, as well as pressure and skin friction distributions. The calculations reveal that the Euler solutions are very close to the Navier-Stokes ones in the first half of the cylinder, but large differences between the two solutions exist in the second half of the cylinder and the wake of the flow field, where strong viscous-inviscid interaction occurs.
Ground-based gamma-ray observations with H.E.S.S.: status and future

Ground based gamma-ray telescopes are providing currently key observations to explore the non-thermal universe. The High Energy Stereoscopic System (H.E.S.S.) is a recently commissioned system of four air Cherenkov telescopes observing mainly the southern sky from Namibia at very high energies (VHE) of 100 GeV and above. The data taken during the first two years of operation have unveiled a rich and diverse population of gamma-ray emitters including Pulsar Wind nebulae, the environment of the super-massive black hole in the heart of the Galaxy, shell type supernova remnants, an X-ray binary, so far unidentified Galactic sources, and extragalactic objects mainly of the type of so-called TeV blazars. The extension of H.E. S.S. (Phase II) is already under construction and is scheduled to begin operation in 2007: A large (35 m diameter) Cherenkov telescope is added to the existing 12 m diameter telescopes. The new telescope will extend the energy range towards 20 GeV closing the so far unobserved gap in the energy range between 10 and 100 GeV.
The Effect of a Training Video With Audio Description on the Breast Self-Examinations of Women With Visual Impairments

Introduction: Breast cancer is a significant health problem affecting the health of women globally. Breast self-examination is a procedure applied for the early detection of breast cancer. Given the barriers that women with visual impairments face to access health care and health education, there is a need to develop materials for breast self-examination training as a skills-based practice for this group. This study evaluated the effect of a training video with an audio description on the breast self-examination of women who were visually impaired. Methods: The universe of this quasi-experimental study comprised women who were visually impaired (N = 70) who were registered members of the Manisa Altinokta Blind Association in Turkey. The women who participated in the study volunteered and met the selection criteria (n = 60). They were divided into two groups by lot. The audio description group listened to a breast self-examination training video with an audio description (n = 30). The control group listened to the training video accompanied by typical sound, without audio description (n = 30). Before and after a training video, all women performed breast self-examination on a female mannequin torso. The skills of women in breast self-examination were evaluated using a checklist by a midwife who was non-researcher. Results: The skills differed significantly between the two groups after the video training (p < 0.05). The audio description group correctly performed most of the skills required for breast self-examination. None of the women in the groups were able to apply steps for such self-examination before the training. Discussion: A breast self-examination training video with audio description can improve the self-examination skills of women with visual impairments. Implications for Practitioners: Women with visual impairments benefit from watching a breast self-examination training video with an audio description before performing self-examinations. Training videos with audio descriptions should, therefore, be prepared for the health education of individuals who are visually impaired.
Leading Pedestrian Intervals at Urban Crosswalks: Effects on Safety for Travelers Who Are Blind

Introduction: The use of leading pedestrian intervals (LPIs) creates safer street crossings for typical pedestrians, giving them a head-start into the crosswalk. The LPI, however, delays the onset of the traditional traffic sound cue that pedestrians who are blind use to initiate crossing streets. LPIs can create situations where pedestrians who are blind will frequently begin or end crossings or both against the pedestrian signal. Methods: The researchers conducted two sets of observations in an urban environment. They measured the seconds from the initiation of the vehicular circular green signal to the front of the first vehicle passing through the center of the intersection (n = 40) to calculate the average driver's delay. Pedestrians who are blind, to confirm a straight-through surge of parallel traffic (i.e. not turning vehicles), listen for a vehicle to reach the roadway center to know it is the appropriate time to initiate a crossing. In the second set of observations (n = 40), the researchers recorded the length of the Walk, Flashing Don’t Walk, and LPI to calculate average impacts on crossing. Results: The average time for vehicles to reach the center of the intersection was 6.0 s. When there was an LPI, on average the clearance for pedestrians after reaching the far corner was 0.49 s; for Walk intervals, there was an average of 3.35 s margin of time to begin crossing. Discussion: These observational studies verify the crossing latencies for pedestrians who are blind. At crosswalks with LPI, pedestrians can be expected to cross after the Walk sign has expired 15 to 38% of the time and end their crossing 40 to 82% of the time when the visual display says Don’t Walk. Implications for Practitioners: Orientation and mobility specialists should instruct students on how to identify intersections with LPI to assist in decision making. Traffic management remediation is the installation of an accessible pedestrian signal (APS); specialists should advocate for the installation of APS where LPIs are implemented and teach students how to use APS.
Critical finite-size corrections for the Sherrington-Kirkpatrick spin glass

Starting from the effective Lagrangian of the Sherrington-Kirkpatrick spin glass near the critical temperature the authors investigate the finite-size effects for the free energy and the propagator above and at Tc=1. They perform the calculation going up to the three-loop diagrams. For T to Tc the cubic vertex only gives the leading term, the inclusion of the quartic vertex gives the following terms. The numerical coefficients in these terms are established by the different methods of the partial summation of perturbation series. The comparison with numerical simulations is done.
Variation in Crystallite Size and Particle Size of Strontium Doped Bismuth Ferrite Thin Films

Abstract The pure and strontium doped bismuth ferrite thin films are fabricated using spray pyrolysis technique. The occurrence of strontium, bismuth and ferrous particles are confirmed by EDAX spectra. The crystallite size of the fabricated thin films is determined from WH plot method and it is found that crystallite size decreased with increase in dopant concentration. The particle size calculation is done for the FESEM images revealed the decrement in particle size with strontium dopant. The variation of crystallite size and particle size with strontium doping on Bismuth ferrite thin films are considered in this analysis.