Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Starch-grafted-polypropylene/kenaf fibres composites. Part 2: thermal stability and dynamic-mechanical response

Kenaf fibres of different aspect ratios (L/D = 30 and 160) were melt compounded in an internal mixer with two types of starch-grafted-polypropylene matrices (G906PF and G906PJ) at various loadings, i.e. 10, 20 and 30 wt%. The compound was then compression-moulded into plaques of 1-mm thickness. Thermal, rheological and dynamic mechanical properties of the composite samples were investigated by several techniques involving differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, melt flow index, Vicat softening point and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. The results indicated that both thermal and mechanical properties of the composites were remarkably improved by kenaf fibres. Loss modulus and loss factor showed a shift of peak transitions to higher temperatures. Finally, the properties of the investigated composite materials were not affected by the fibre aspect ratio.
Comment on Physically based hydrologic modeling: 2, Is the concept realistic? by R. B. Grayson, I.

In the first of two companion papers, Grayson et al. [1992a] described the application of a relatively detailed "terrain-based" model to two quite different catchments. One is in Australia, characterized by both surface and subsurface runoff generation mechanisms, and the other is a catchment in southern Arizona with exclusively surface runoff processes. The second paper [Grayson et al., 1992b], which is the subject of this comment, is an extensive and critical discussion of results of the first paper. It includes a rather pessimistic assessment of the results of this model exercise, but consists primarily of opinions concerning the use of "physically based" models "intended for use as hydrologic components of sediment and nutrient transport models" (p. 2659). Hereafter we refer to these two papers as paper 1 and paper 2. It is our view that the authors' assessment of their results is overly pessimistic, and many of their rather sweeping generalizations therefrom are unwarranted. While some good points were made by the authors (they have mostly been made before), it is hard not to conclude after reading their philosophizing that the authors came to their exercise of detailed "physically based" modeling with unrealistic expectations. Much similar philosophy has appeared recently on physi cally based model applicability [Beven, 1989; Dunne, 1982; Klemes, 1988;Loague and Freeze, 1985], and most of that is referenced in the subject manuscript. The work by Loague and Freeze [1985] is a classic example of apples versus oranges, in which calibrated empirical models were indi cated to be apparently better than uncalibrated physically based models, and has often been cited to cast doubt on physically based models. In reading all the philosophical criticisms of the "failures" and limitations of "physically based" models, it seems clear that some have indeed ex pected such models to be exact mimics of nature. But one also wonders whether such expectations have resided more in model developers or in model users, and one wonders how many model users have shared such unrealistic expecta
Risk factors for drug nonadherence in antidepressant-treated patients and implications of pharmacist adherence instructions for adherence improvement

Background The aim of this study was to determine the characteristics of drug adherence in antidepressant-treated versus antidepressant-naïve patients using Drug Attitude Inventory (DAI)-10 scores for nonadherence, to examine the contribution of patient variables such as age, gender, education, prescription contents, side effects, and type of depression (melancholic, nonmelancholic, bipolar) to the reported DAI-10 score, and to examine the efficacy of pharmacist adherence instruction on adherence with antidepressant therapy. Methods The subjects were 71 antidepressant-treated inpatients (17 with melancholic depression, 35 with nonmelancholic depression, and 19 with bipolar depression) and 80 antidepressant-naïve inpatients. In the antidepressant-treated patients, self-management of drug intake and pharmacist adherence instruction was initiated after depressive symptoms were in remission, and pharmacist adherence instruction was conducted until the day of discharge. Results There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between antidepressant-naïve and antidepressant-treated patients. In antidepressant-treated patients, the mean DAI-10 total score was significantly lower and awareness of side effects was significantly higher than in antidepressant-naïve patients who have never taken antidepressants, nor been referred to psychiatry services (according to pharmacist interviews and medical records). On the first day of self-management of drug intake, the DAI-10 total score in patients with melancholic and bipolar depression was significantly lower than that in patients with nonmelancholic depression. On the day of discharge, there was a significant improvement of DAI-10 total score in all antidepressant-treated patients, and the DAI-10 total score in patients with melancholic depression was significantly lower than that in patients with nonmelancholic depression. The limitation of the study was the small sample size and the fact that we followed only acute phase inpatients. However, the findings seem particularly robust in view of this. Conclusion Risk factors for nonadherence included side effects of antidepressant treatment and type of depression. The results presented here suggest that patients with melancholic depression may be more vulnerable to nonadherence, and that pharmacist adherence instruction may improve nonadherence in antidepressant-treated patients according to type of depression.
Effects of Daily Intake of Calcium and Vitamin D-Enriched Milk in Healthy Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized, Controlled, Double-Blind Nutritional Study.

OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of the daily intake of calcium and vitamin D-enriched milk (with or without fructooligosaccharides [FOS]) on vitamin D, bone metabolism, and cardiovascular risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS Two-year randomized controlled study, including 500 healthy postmenopausal women, assigned to 500 mL/day of skimmed milk to one of three groups: Low-dose (L): (120 mg/100 mL calcium, vitamin D3 30 UI/100 mL), group A: calcium and vitamin D (180 mg/100 mL and 120 UI/100 mL), and group B: calcium and vitamin D (180 mg/100 mL and 120 UI/100 mL) and FOS (5 g/L). We evaluated serum 25(OH)D, bone mineral density (BMD) by Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry, and biochemical data of glucose and lipid metabolism. RESULTS After 24 months, vitamin D concentrations did not change in the control group, but increased in group A and group B, p < 0.001. We observed an increase in femoral neck BMD and an improvement in fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B 100. CONCLUSIONS Daily intake of milk enriched with calcium and vitamin D in postmenopausal healthy women induces a significant improvement in vitamin D status, a significant increase in BMD at femoral neck, and also favorable effects on glucose and lipid profile.
The skin is a significant but overlooked anatomical reservoir for vector-borne African trypanosomes

The role of mammalian skin in harbouring and transmitting arthropod-borne protozoan parasites has been overlooked for decades as these pathogens have been regarded primarily as blood-dwelling organisms. Intriguingly, infections with low or undetected blood parasites are common, particularly in the case of Human African Trypanosomiasis caused by Trypanosoma brucei gambiense. We hypothesise, therefore, the skin represents an anatomic reservoir of infection. Here we definitively show that substantial quantities of trypanosomes exist within the skin following experimental infection, which can be transmitted to the tsetse vector, even in the absence of detectable parasitaemia. Importantly, we demonstrate the presence of extravascular parasites in human skin biopsies from undiagnosed individuals. The identification of this novel reservoir requires a re-evaluation of current diagnostic methods and control policies. More broadly, our results indicate that transmission is a key evolutionary force driving parasite extravasation that could further result in tissue invasion-dependent pathology. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.7554/eLife.17716. 001
Band Gap of Semiconducting High Pressure Phase of Boron

The partially ionic high pressure phase of boron γ-B28 was synthesized at 12 GPa 1500oC using a multi-anvil press. The crystal structure of γ-B28 was confirmed by x-ray diffraction. The γ-B28 phase is metastable at ambient condition. Upon grinding, the sample back transform to α-B12 phase. Optical absorption was conducted to investigate the γ-B28 sample. The optical absorption edge was observed at a wavelength of 725nm indicating a band gap of 1.7 eV for this semiconducting high pressure phase, in a good agreement with theoretical calculation (1.5-1.7 eV).
A Non-Linear Approach to Spacecraft Formation Control in the Vicinity of a Collinear Libration Point

An expanding interest in mission design strategies that exploit libration point regions, demands the continued development of enhanced, efficient, control algorithms for station-keeping and formation maintenance. Linear control strategies have been developed for station-keeping. However, their region of stability is bounded by the assumptions required for linearizing the governing equations of motion. For example, reference [I] discusses the development of a linear control design for maintaining a halo orbit about the Earth-Moon L2 libration point. Trial runs indicated the trajectory was unstable for starting points exceeding 45,000 km from the L2 point. Also, there was significant growth in the control effort required to maintain the orbit as the nominal radius increased. This result is a consequence of the increased influence of the system non-linearities, as the trajectory deviated from the linearization point, L2. As an alternative, this paper presents the development of a non-linear control strategy, based on a Hamiltonian formulation of the equations of motion. The control strategy is applied to the problem of formation maintenance, rather than simple station
Use of an elasto-plastic model and strain measurements of embedded fibre Bragg grating sensors to detect Mode I delamination crack propagation in woven cloth (0/90) composite materials

Mode I fracture analysis being employed to study delamination damage in fibre-reinforced composite structures under in-plane and out-of-plane load applications. However, due to the significantly low yield strength of the matrix material and the infinitesimal thickness of the interface matrix layer, the actual delamination process can be assumed as a partially plastic process (elasto-plastic). A simple elasto-plastic model based on the strain field in the vicinity of the crack front was developed for Mode I crack propagation. In this study, a double cantilever beam experiment has been performed to study the proposed process using a 0/90-glass woven cloth sample. A fibre Bragg grating sensor has embedded closer to the delamination to measure the strain at the vicinity of the crack front. Strain energy release rate was calculated according to ASTM D5528. The model predictions were comparable with the calculated values according to ASTM D5528. Subsequently, a finite element analysis on Abaqus was performed using ‘Cohesive Elements’ to study the proposed elasto-plastic behaviour. The finite element analysis results have shown a very good correlation with double cantilever beam experimental results, and therefore, it can be concluded that Mode I delamination process of an fibre-reinforced polymer composite can be monitored successfully using an integral approach of fibre Bragg grating sensors measurements and the prediction of a newly proposed elasto-plastic model for Mode I delamination process.
Alumina Matrix Composites with Non-Oxide Nanoparticle Addition and Enhanced Functionalities

The addition of SiC or TiC nanoparticles to polycrystalline alumina matrix has long been known as an efficient way of improving the mechanical properties of alumina-based ceramics, especially strength, creep, and wear resistance. Recently, new types of nano-additives, such as carbon nanotubes (CNT), carbon nanofibers (CNF), and graphene sheets have been studied in order not only to improve the mechanical properties, but also to prepare materials with added functionalities, such as thermal and electrical conductivity. This paper provides a concise review of several types of alumina-based nanocomposites, evaluating the efficiency of various preparation methods and additives in terms of their influence on the properties of composites.
ICA FILTER BANK FOR SEGMENTATION OF TEXTURED IMAGES

Independent component analysis (ICA) of textured images is presented as a computational technique for creating a new data dependent filter bank for use in texture segmentation. We show that the ICA filters are able to capture the inherent properties of textured images. The new filters are similar to Gabor filters, but seem to be richer in the sense that their frequency responses may be more complex. These properties enable us to use the ICA filter bank to create energy features for effective texture segmentation. Our experiments using multi-textured images show that the ICA filter bank yields similar or better segmentation results than the Gabor filter bank.
State of the Art on 3D Reconstruction with RGB‐D Cameras

The advent of affordable consumer grade RGB‐D cameras has brought about a profound advancement of visual scene reconstruction methods. Both computer graphics and computer vision researchers spend significant effort to develop entirely new algorithms to capture comprehensive shape models of static and dynamic scenes with RGB‐D cameras. This led to significant advances of the state of the art along several dimensions. Some methods achieve very high reconstruction detail, despite limited sensor resolution. Others even achieve real‐time performance, yet possibly at lower quality. New concepts were developed to capture scenes at larger spatial and temporal extent. Other recent algorithms flank shape reconstruction with concurrent material and lighting estimation, even in general scenes and unconstrained conditions. In this state‐of‐the‐art report, we analyze these recent developments in RGB‐D scene reconstruction in detail and review essential related work. We explain, compare, and critically analyze the common underlying algorithmic concepts that enabled these recent advancements. Furthermore, we show how algorithms are designed to best exploit the benefits of RGB‐D data while suppressing their often non‐trivial data distortions. In addition, this report identifies and discusses important open research questions and suggests relevant directions for future work.
Effects of rock fragments incorporated in the soil matrix on concentrated flow hydraulics and erosion

Rock fragments can act as a controlling factor for erosional rates and patterns in the landscape. Thus, the objective of this study is to better understand the role that rock fragments incorporated into the soil matrix play in concentrated flow hydraulics and erosion. Laboratory flume experiments were conducted with soil material that was mixed with rock fragments. Rock fragment content ranged from 0 to 40 per cent by volume. Other treatments were slope (7 and 14%) and flow discharge (5·7 and 11·4 l min−1). An increase in rock fragment content resulted in lower sediment yield, and broader width of flow. Rock fragment cover at the soil surface, i.e. surface armour, increased with time in experiments with rock fragments. Flow energy was largely dissipated by rock fragment cover. For more turbulent flow conditions, when roughness elements were submerged in the flow, hydraulic roughness was similar for different rock fragment contents. In experiments with few or no rock fragments a narrow rill incised. Flow energy was dissipated by headcuts. Total sediment yield was much larger than for experiments with rock fragments in the soil. Adding just a small number of rock fragments in the soil matrix resulted in a significant reduction of sediment yield. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
“ It ’ s So Touching ” : Emotional Value in Distal Contact

Introduction In this article we shall seek to delineate the general relational structure of contacts relationships which are touching, independently of any particular emotional contents that may be involved. Our hypothesis is that touch, both as a perceptual modality and as a modality of bodily interaction, can provide the general type of this relation; and that this is so even though " moving " interpersonal contacts can quite well occur without any physical contact. In classical studies of emotion, whether they involve evolutionary, psychological or neuroscientific approaches, the question is treated in an essentially internal fashion According to this account, a situation or an event triggers an internal cognitive or neurophysiological process of rapid and possibly unconscious evaluation via sensory systems; this internal process then triggers a series of actions or dispositions to act, then an emotional experience, and finally ending up with specific facial expressions. In the study presented here, with the aim of delineating the basic structure of touching contact, we will rather focus our attention on emotional interactions, which will lead us to adopt a primarily externalist stance according to which emotion is first and foremost a question of bodily movements (James, 1884) and perceptual dispositions (Sartre, 1938). Thus, we shall not seek to propose a theory of solitary, individual emotions; rather, we shall try to understand how, and under what conditions, one can be touched by the signs left by another person, and how a form of emotional understanding can occur. The following sequence of theoretical considerations will be based both on phenomenological descriptions and on some results from experimental psychology. For this, we will employ an original technical device that makes it possible to produce contact at a distance via digital network connections. Thus, this work aims at providing some guiding principles for the design of interfaces and structures of interaction that allow for emotional contacts at a distance Definition The word " touching " is used to designate something which touches a person's sensitivity, which arouses sympathy, compassion, which provokes a feeling of moved compassion. A voice, an image, a face can be touching. One speaks of a story, of a letter, which are touching. " I am touched by your attention ". As often as not this emotional relation can be produced at a distance – by looks, by a telephone call – and thus in the absence of any direct bodily contact. …
Genetic Markers for Differentiating Aspirin-Hypersensitivity

Aspirin-induced asthma (AIA) and aspirin-induced urticaria/angioedema (AIU) are two major aspirin-related allergies. We summarize recent findings related to their molecular genetic mechanisms in order to identify genetic susceptibility markers for differentiating AIU and AIA. The overproduction of cysteinyl leukotriene has been suggested as a mechanism in both AIU and AIA. Increased expression of CYSLTR1 with CYLSTR1 and CYSLTR2 polymorphisms are new findings in AIA, while the ALOX5 promoter polymorphism has been noted in AIU. An HLA study suggested that DPB1*0301 is a strong genetic marker for AIA, and that HLA DRB1*1302 and DQB1*0609 are markers for AIU susceptibility. Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the promoters of EP2, TBX21, COX-2, FcεRIβ, and TBXA2R were associated with AIA, while an FcεRIα promoter polymorphism was associated with AIU. The functional studies of the key genes involved in AIA and AIU are summarized. The identification and functional study of genetic markers for AIA and AIU susceptibility would further elucidate the pathogenic mechanisms and facilitate the development of early diagnostic markers to establish therapeutic targets.
DIETARY SURVEYS AND NUTRITIONAL EPIDEMIOLOGY Dietary energy density and its association with the nutritional quality of the diet of children and teenagers

Abstract To examine the relationship between dietary energy density (DED) and the nutritional quality of the diet, using data from the Irish National Children’s Food Survey (NCFS) and the National Teens’ Food Survey (NTFS), two cross-sectional studies of food consumption were carried out between 2003 and 2006. Data from the NCFS and NTFS were used to examine the intakes of nutrients and foods among those with low(NCFS <7·56, NTFS <7·65 kJ/g), medium(NCFS 7·56–8·75, NTFS 7·66–8·85 kJ/g) and high-energy-dense diets (NCFS >8·75, NTFS >8·85 kJ/g). A 7-d food diary was used to collect food intake data from children (n 594) and teenagers (n 441). DED (kJ/g) was calculated including food alone and excluding beverages. Participants with lower DED consumed more food (weight) but not more energy. They also consumed less fat and added sugars and more protein, carbohydrates, starch and dietary fibre and had higher intakes of micronutrients. Participants with lower DED had food intake patterns that adhered more closely to food-based dietary guidelines. Low DED was associated with multiple individual indicators of a better nutritional quality of the diet, including higher intakes of dietary fibre and micronutrients and a generally better balance of macronutrients, as well as being associated with food intake patterns that were closer to healthy eating guidelines. Taken together, these findings support the conclusion that a low DED may be an indicator of a better nutritional quality of the diet.