Hardware-agnostic framework for general-purpose data acquisition systems

Modern data acquisition systems in physics experiments of various scales rely heavily on precise time synchronization of electronic components used for digitizing analog signals generated by detectors. Scientific collaborations often develop custom, in-house solutions designed for particular use cases that form ecosystems of compatible hardware platforms, protocols, and standards. In this work, we present and evaluate a set of gateware and software components that enable the implementation of complete data acquisition systems with synchronization, data transport, and control functionalities over multi-gigabit transceivers. The components can be organized to form a logical system structure, including the master, data concentrators, and endpoint modules, on virtually any hardware platform equipped with a Field-Programmable Gate Array with an exposed transceiver. The system allows for a rapid deployment of complete measurement systems with facilitated integration of new elements on both commercially available and custom-designed platforms

On the dimension of orbits of matrix pencils under strict equivalence

We prove that, given two matrix pencils and , if belongs to the closure of the orbit of under strict equivalence, then the dimension of the orbit of is smaller than or equal to the dimension of the orbit of , and the equality is only attained when belongs to the orbit of . Our proof uses only the majorization involving the eigenstructures of and which characterizes the inclusion relationship between orbit closures, together with the formula for the codimension of the orbit of a pencil in terms of its eigenstruture

Vibrational spectroscopy methods reveal biochemical changes associated with the glial scar formation after traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious clinical and social problem. Millions of TBI cases, that require hospitalization and consequently burden social security systems, are reported each year. Analysis of the time course of changes that occur in the brain after primary injury may help indicate therapeutic goals and treatment directions that will minimize severe secondary effects of TBI. Existing animal models simulating the development of TBI in human are divided into two main groups, namely into diffuse and local models. Diffuse injury models are ideal for studying concussions and long-term effects of TBI, as they replicate global changes occurring in brain. Local injury models excel in examining focal brain damage and testing region-specific therapies, they also offer greater control and reproducibility. In our study local induction of TBI enabled better control of the extent of the damage and thus reduced the number of animals needed for the experiment. As part of the work, Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy and complementary Raman microscopy were used to track the time course of biochemical changes that occur in the rat cerebral cortex as a result of its local mechanical damage. Comparative studies, carried out for the injury site and microscopically unaffected area of the cerebral cortex, indicated some anomalies in the accumulation and structure of organic compounds, including a reduction of the level of cholesterol/cholesterol esters (approx. 30 % in first two examined periods after TBI) and the compounds containing phosphate groups (approx. 25 %), as well as the conformational changes of proteins and lipids in the injury site comparing to unchanged cortex tissue. The comparison of the glial scar development in male and female rats showed only a very subtle differences between sexes. Among them it is necessary to mention the diminished unsaturation degree of lipids within the scar in case of female rats that was not found in males. The obtained results substantiated that vibrational microspectroscopy methods represent powerful, non-destructive tool of high-resolution biomolecular analysis of brain tissue. These techniques enable the identification of biochemical alterations linked to glial scarring following TBI, allow for the monitoring of the dynamics of this process, and provide insights into the sex-dependence of the recorded anomalies. This knowledge could prove instrumental in identifying potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of TBI, as well as in the development of new therapeutic strategies for managing this condition

Conclusion : old and new paths of resilience

The conclusions challenge the prevailing neoliberal view of resilience as an individual responsibility, highlighting instead how Poland, Germany, and Ukraine have embraced predominantly state-centred approaches, attempting to influence civil engagement and bottom-up initiatives during crises. The analysis reveals a complex interplay between state-led initiatives and citizen agency, with the Ukrainian case showcasing resilience as essential self-defence against aggression, contrasting with the more preparatory, risk-management approaches of Germany and Poland. The points of departure for analysed courtiers are indeed very different. While Ukraine is threatened in its very existence by the Russian attack, Poland and Germany have developed their resilience strategies under the impression of different subsequent and overlapping crises and what seems to be an increasingly uncertain future. Ultimately, the chapter argues for a nuanced understanding of resilience, acknowledging its potential for emancipation, not only empowerment but also constraint, and advocating for a critical examination of its underlying governmental practices, values, and ethical implications within varying socio-political contexts

Polish trajectories of resilience : exploring discourses on security and crisis response

Poland formally acknowledged resilience as a constituent of its National Security Strategy and crisis-response approach in 2020, signifying its recent integration into the national policy framework. Its path towards resilience is intricate, guided by conservative and state-centric approach and the notion of resistance to shocks rather than flexibility and adaptability. This chapter employs policy frame analysis to delve into resilience-centred rhetorical frames embedded within Polish security discourse. Initially, the chapter outlines the key characteristics of Poland’s resilience approach, shedding light on the distinctive features of Polish resilience thinking. Moreover, the analysis explores the practical implementation of these conceptualisations within the broader contexts of national security and crisis-response policies. By closely examining the rhetoric and the underlying policy structures, this chapter seeks to provide a nuanced understanding of Poland’s evolving stance on resilience. It unravels the intricacies of integrating resilience into the nation’s strategic and crisis management landscape, offering valuable insights into the complexities of this relatively recent addition to Poland’s policy paradigm