High-Rise Window Cleaning System

The high-rise window cleaning system is an automated system which cleans the exterior surfaces of buildings without the use of window cleaning professionals directly at the cleaning site. The system consists of three modules: the cleaning module, which cleans and washes the building exterior, the mobility module, which allows for movement of the cleaning module across different surfaces, and the control module, which allows user input to control both the cleaning and mobility modules

Genomic screening of 16 UK native bat species through conservationist networks uncovers coronaviruses with zoonotic potential

There has been limited characterisation of bat-borne coronaviruses in Europe. Here, we screened for coronaviruses in 48 faecal samples from 16 of the 17 bat species breeding in the UK, collected through a bat rehabilitation and conservationist network. We recovered nine complete genomes, including two novel coronavirus species, across six bat species: four alphacoronaviruses, a MERS-related betacoronavirus, and four closely related sarbecoviruses. We demonstrate that at least one of these sarbecoviruses can bind and use the human ACE2 receptor for infecting human cells, albeit suboptimally. Additionally, the spike proteins of these sarbecoviruses possess an R-A-K-Q motif, which lies only one nucleotide mutation away from a furin cleavage site (FCS) that enhances infectivity in other coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2. However, mutating this motif to an FCS does not enable spike cleavage. Overall, while UK sarbecoviruses would require further molecular adaptations to infect humans, their zoonotic risk warrants closer surveillance

The effects of the cluster environment on the galaxy mass-size relation in MACS J1206.2-0847

The dense environment of galaxy clusters strongly influences the nature of galaxies. Their abundance and diversity is imprinted on the stellar-mass–size plane. Here, we study the cause of the size distribution of a sample of 560 spectroscopic members spanning a wide dynamical range down to 108.5 M (log (M)-2) in the massive CLASH cluster MACSJ1206.2-0847 at z=0.44. We use Subaru SuprimeCam imaging covering the highest-density core out to the infall regions (3 virial radii) to look for cluster-specific effects on a global scale. We also compare our measurements to a compatible large field study in order to span extreme environmental densities. This paper presents the trends we identified for cluster galaxies divided by their colors into star forming and quiescent galaxies and into distinct morphological types (using Sérsic index and bulge/disk decompositions). We observed larger sizes for early-type galaxies and smaller sizes for massive late-type galaxies in clusters in comparison to the field. We attribute this to longer quenching timescales of more massive galaxies in the cluster. Our analysis further revealed an increasing importance of recently quenched transition objects (“red disks”), where the correspondence between galaxy morphology and color is out of sync. This is a virialized population with sizes similar to the quiescent, spheroid-dominated population of the cluster center, but with disks still in-tact, and found at higher cluster-centric radii. The mass-size relation of cluster galaxies may therefore be understood as the consequence of a mix of progenitors formed at different quenching epochs. We also investigate the stellar-mass–size relation as a representation of galaxy sizes smoothly decreasing as a function of bulge fraction. We find that at an identical bulge-to-total ratio and identical stellar mass, quiescent galaxies are smaller than star forming galaxies. This is likely because of a fading of the outskirts of the disk, which we saw in comparing sizes of their disk-components. Ram-pressure stripping of the cold gas and other forms of more gradual gas starvation are likely responsible for this observation

Garip aileler

Fazlı Necip'in Yeni Asır'da tefrika edilen Garip Aileler adlı romanıArşivdeki eksikler nedeniyle tefrika yarım kalmıştır. Ancak tefrikanın tamamlandığı bilinmektedir

An Open Resource for Non-human Primate Imaging.

Non-human primate neuroimaging is a rapidly growing area of research that promises to transform and scale translational and cross-species comparative neuroscience. Unfortunately, the technological and methodological advances of the past two decades have outpaced the accrual of data, which is particularly challenging given the relatively few centers that have the necessary facilities and capabilities. The PRIMatE Data Exchange (PRIME-DE) addresses this challenge by aggregating independently acquired non-human primate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) datasets and openly sharing them via the International Neuroimaging Data-sharing Initiative (INDI). Here, we present the rationale, design, and procedures for the PRIME-DE consortium, as well as the initial release, consisting of 25 independent data collections aggregated across 22 sites (total = 217 non-human primates). We also outline the unique pitfalls and challenges that should be considered in the analysis of non-human primate MRI datasets, including providing automated quality assessment of the contributed datasets

Search for eccentric black hole coalescences during the third observing run of LIGO and Virgo

Despite the growing number of confident binary black hole coalescences observed through gravitational waves so far, the astrophysical origin of these binaries remains uncertain. Orbital eccentricity is one of the clearest tracers of binary formation channels. Identifying binary eccentricity, however, remains challenging due to the limited availability of gravitational waveforms that include effects of eccentricity. Here, we present observational results for a waveform-independent search sensitive to eccentric black hole coalescences, covering the third observing run (O3) of the LIGO and Virgo detectors. We identified no new high-significance candidates beyond those that were already identified with searches focusing on quasi-circular binaries. We determine the sensitivity of our search to high-mass (total mass M>70 M⊙) binaries covering eccentricities up to 0.3 at 15 Hz orbital frequency, and use this to compare model predictions to search results. Assuming all detections are indeed quasi-circular, for our fiducial population model, we place an upper limit for the merger rate density of high-mass binaries with eccentricities 0<e≤0.3 at 0.33 Gpc−3 yr−1 at 90\% confidence level

Ultralight vector dark matter search using data from the KAGRA O3GK run

Among the various candidates for dark matter (DM), ultralight vector DM can be probed by laser interferometric gravitational wave detectors through the measurement of oscillating length changes in the arm cavities. In this context, KAGRA has a unique feature due to differing compositions of its mirrors, enhancing the signal of vector DM in the length change in the auxiliary channels. Here we present the result of a search for U(1)B−L gauge boson DM using the KAGRA data from auxiliary length channels during the first joint observation run together with GEO600. By applying our search pipeline, which takes into account the stochastic nature of ultralight DM, upper bounds on the coupling strength between the U(1)B−L gauge boson and ordinary matter are obtained for a range of DM masses. While our constraints are less stringent than those derived from previous experiments, this study demonstrates the applicability of our method to the lower-mass vector DM search, which is made difficult in this measurement by the short observation time compared to the auto-correlation time scale of DM

Assessing the basis of anatomical connectivity in the relationship of subcortical ischemic leukoaraiosis and cortical atrophy in magnetic resonance imaging

Uncertainty about the pathogenic linkage between subcortical white matter lesions, leukoaraiosis, and cortical atrophy may be in part due to the lack of in vivo methodology to study the anatomical basis for this relationship. Proposed is a framework to which one may assess the spatial basis for lesion-associated cortical changes. Several image-processing algorithms were adapted or modified into an integrated pipeline for assessing the relevance of lesion location on changes to cortical thickness. Over 1000 MRI datasets of elderly subjects from the Japanese Human Brain Project were processed and analyzed. The results demonstrate that (i) there is a correlation between the extent of white matter lesions and overall cortical thickness, and (ii) that downstream cortical atrophy depends on the location of lesions from afferent white matter fibre tracts. Furthermore, the data reveals that the association fibre networks are most vulnerable to cortical atrophy as a result of lesions to white matter pathways.L'incertitude entourant le lien pathogénique entre les lésions subcorticales de la substance blanche, la leucoaraiose et l'atrophie corticale pourrait être le résultat de l'absence de méthodologie in vivo pour étudier la base anatomique de cette relation. Un cadre est proposé afin d'évaluer les changements corticaux associés aux lésions et causés par des perturbations anatomiques des voies de la substance blanche. Plusieurs algorithmes de traitement d'image ont été adaptés ou modifiés dans le cadre proposé afin d'évaluer l'importance de la localisation des lésions par rapport aux changements corticaux. Les résultats de l'analyse statistique montrent que la perte d'intégrité des faisceaux de fibres causée par des lésions se traduisent par une atrophie du tissu cortical innervé. Il a également été démontré que les changements dans le cortex cérébral causés par les lésions correspondait aux connexions anatomiques sous-jacentes

An investigation into the feasibility of Bring Your Own Container program at the new Student Union Building : a triple bottom line assessment

The construction of the new Student Union Building (SUB) at the University of British Columbia (UBC) provides a perfect opportunity to make changes to the existing food container system. UBC strives to reduce solid waste and carbon footprint in order to establish a more sustainable campus. Alma Master Society (AMS) is proposing their eleven food outlets to implement the Bring Your Own Container (BYOC) concept in the new SUB. The BYOC is a system in which customers are required to bring their own reusable container instead of the store providing disposable take-out containers. The program aims to reduce the solid waste produced by disposable containers. For the investigation, it is assumed that the food outlets will only supply food to customers who bring reusable containers. A triple bottom line analysis for sustainability is conducted to determine the feasibility of adopting the BYOC program in the new SUB. A survey is created to collect the opinions of students around the campus for the social aspect. The economic and environmental aspect is investigated by studying the similar programs that currently exists in UBC and other universities. The reusable containers have an apparent positive impact on the environment. However, they take more energy to produce, so the reusable containers must be used at least a specific amount of time before it generates a net benefit on the environment. Customers benefit from the BYOC containers economic wise; conversely, food outlets have to subsidize the discount program creating a negative impact on stores. Overall, the economic aspect can be considered as having a neutral effect. The social aspect has a neutral standpoint in the sustainability analysis. Data from the survey suggests that a majority of survey candidates are neutral for willingness to participate in the BYOC program. It is recommended that food outlets should still provide disposable take-out container, but with a surcharge. This option will not drive the customers away to purchasing elsewhere that supplies disposable containers. In addition, the new SUB should have facilities to accommodate the demands for washing the reusable containers. By taking the recommendations into consideration, it is practical to launch the BYOC program in the new SUB. Disclaimer: “UBC SEEDS provides students with the opportunity to share the findings of their studies, as well as their opinions, conclusions and recommendations with the UBC community. The reader should bear in mind that this is a student project/report and is not an official document of UBC. Furthermore readers should bear in mind that these reports may not reflect the current status of activities at UBC. We urge you to contact the research persons mentioned in a report or the SEEDS Coordinator about the current status of the subject matter of a project/report.”Applied Science, Faculty ofUnreviewedUndergraduat