Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization of temperature-dependent biophysical properties during laser mediated cartilage reshaping

Laser radiation can be used to reshape cartilage tissue into new morphologic configurations. When a critical temperature is attained, mechanically deformed cartilage becomes malleable and may be reshaped into new geometric configurations that harden as the tissue cools. This temperature dependent process results in mechanical stress relaxation and is characteristic of a phase transformation. The principal advantages of using laser radiation for the generation of thermal energy in tissue are precise control of both the space-time temperature distribution and time-dependent thermal denaturation kinetics. We illustrate the utility of laser mediated cartilage reshaping in ex vivo porcine model of reconstructive nasal and laryngeal surgery, and attempt to determine the temperature range in which accelerated stress relaxation occurs during laser mediated cartilage reshaping. Optimization of the reshaping process requires identification of the temperature dependence of this phase transformation and its relationship to observed changes in cartilage optical (diffuse scattering), mechanical (internal stress), and thermodynamic properties (heat capacity). Light scattering, infrared radiometry, and modulated differential scanning calorimetry were used to measure temperature-dependent changes in the biophysical properties of cartilage tissue during fast (laser mediated) and slow heating (conventional calorimetric beating). Our studies using MDSC and laser probe techniques have identified changes in tissue thermodynamic and optical properties suggestive of a phase transformation occurring near 60/spl deg/C. Clinically, reshaped cartilage tissue can be used to recreate the underlying cartilaginous framework of structures in the head and neck such as the ear, larynx, trachea, and nose.
Derived Models for the Prediction of Cole’s and Dip Parameters for Velocity Gradients Determination in Open Natural Channels

Measurement of vertical velocity in open channel hydraulics is a very reasonable exercise that attracts peculiar results in stream flow. Observations were made on set of values obtained from calibration of models on continuous longitudinal stream flow. They showed that, there emanated effects of eddy currents. The exercise is characterized by downward trend in the velocity gradient resulting in a dip. However, at the early stage of flow development, a stage corresponding to the bed region, where little or no flow occurs, there had been what should be referred to as hypothetic zero flow region. There is vertical relationship between flow pattern developing and the position from the bed and free surface. Local scouring is induced around structural elements such as a bridge pier, an abutment at the lower region eddies and adjourning loose embankment areas. Occurrence is as a result of interaction between turbulent flow and sediment particles at the bed. The entrainment of sediment particles from the bed is probabilistic and definitely dependent upon flow characteristics and strongly influenced by instantaneous shear stresses developed along stream movement. The computed values of Cole's and Dip parameters for vertical velocities estimation were 0.77 and 0.78 respectively. For accurate measurement of vertical velocity profiles, a constant (א) has been introduced in models for velocity gradient determinationא) . ) This coefficient has the estimated value of 3.6 - using mathematical iteration methods advanced by Jacobi and Hardy Cross. The proposed models (PIDMWLEL and PIDMWLL) are recommended to be most suitable for predicting velocity profile in open channels, when aspect ratios are greater than five (5) and ten (10). Keywords: Appearance; calibration; channel; flow velocity
Impact of Inflation on Import: An Empirical Study

Inflation is associated with rising price. It is a situation in which there is a sustained, inordinate (excessive), and general increase in prices. The increase in prices must last for a reasonable period of time. If prices go up during this period and fall in the next, then it is mere price fluctuation. The increase in price must be excessive by that country's experience. Inflation is the rise in average price of all goods that we buy and not just of one item. After analyzing the trend of inflation rate, number of L/C and value of L/C opened in Prime Bank Limited, Khulna Branch in the last five years, it is seen that there is a minimum or very insignificant correlation between inflation and import trade. Theoretically, there is a positive correlation between domestic inflation and import. This study also shows a positive correlation, but the correlation is very insignificant. Obviously, there are some reasons behind this insignificance. We should remember that, inflation is not the only factor that can affect the import trade. There are many other factors that can influence the import trade of a country. In case of Bangladesh, the reasons are the massive pressure on the demand of goods available, exchange rate fluctuation, huge population, frequent natural disasters of Bangladesh, different government policies, relationship with the exporting country, inflation rate of the exporting country etc. As so many factors are influencing the import of a country, that’s why inflation cannot create a huge pressure on the import.
A quantitative analysis to objectively appraise drought indicators and model drought impacts

Abstract. Drought monitoring and early warning is an important measure to enhance resilience towards drought. While there are numerous operational systems using different drought indicators, there is no consensus on which indicator best represents drought impact occurrence for any given sector. Furthermore, thresholds are widely applied in these indicators but, to date, little empirical evidence exists as to which indicator thresholds trigger impacts on society, the economy, and ecosystems. The main obstacle for evaluating commonly used drought indicators is a lack of information on drought impacts. Our aim was therefore to exploit text-based data from the European Drought Impact report Inventory (EDII) to identify indicators that are meaningful for region-, sector-, and season-specific impact occurrence, and to empirically determine indicator thresholds. In addition, we tested the predictability of impact occurrence based on the best-performing indicators. To achieve these aims we applied a correlation analysis and an ensemble regression tree approach, using Germany and the UK (the most data-rich countries in the EDII) as test beds. As candidate indicators we chose two meteorological indicators (Standardized Precipitation Index, SPI, and Standardized Precipitation Evaporation Index, SPEI) and two hydrological indicators (streamflow and groundwater level percentiles). The analysis revealed that accumulation periods of SPI and SPEI best linked to impact occurrence are longer for the UK compared with Germany, but there is variability within each country, among impact categories and, to some degree, seasons. The median of regression tree splitting values, which we regard as estimates of thresholds of impact occurrence, was around −1 for SPI and SPEI in the UK; distinct differences between northern/northeastern vs. southern/central regions were found for Germany. Predictions with the ensemble regression tree approach yielded reasonable results for regions with good impact data coverage. The predictions also provided insights into the EDII, in particular highlighting drought events where missing impact reports may reflect a lack of recording rather than true absence of impacts. Overall, the presented quantitative framework proved to be a useful tool for evaluating drought indicators, and to model impact occurrence. In summary, this study demonstrates the information gain for drought monitoring and early warning through impact data collection and analysis. It highlights the important role that quantitative analysis with impact data can have in providing "ground truth" for drought indicators, alongside more traditional stakeholder-led approaches.
When Does Leverage Hurt Firm Performance? An Endogenous Threshold Analysis

The paper aims to bridge the gap between the literature on optimal capital structure and the wider macro literature on finance-growth nexus. On the basis of the trade-off theory of capital structure, we posit a non-linear relationship between leverage and productivity growth at the firm level. We test this hypothesis using a threshold regression model of Hansen (2000). Estimates for a sample of Central and Eastern European countries confirm that TFP growth increases with leverage until the latter reaches a critical threshold beyond which leverage becomes "excessive" and lowers TFP growth. This result points to the existence of an optimal leverage ratio where the net benefits of debt in terms of productivity gains are exhausted. Despite some variation depending on the sample and the measure of leverage, the estimates seem quite robust.
Total Lipid Profile, Faecal Cholesterol, very Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (VLDL-C), Atherogenic Index (A.I) and Percent Atherosclerosis with Aqueous Fruit Extract of Solanum macrocarpum in Chronic Triton-Induced Hyperlipidemic Albino Rats

Studies were undertaken to investigate the effect of the aqueous fruit extract of Solanum macrocarpum on the total lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and low density liprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)), faecal cholesterol, very low density lipoprotein- cholesterol (VLDL-C), atherogenic index (A.I) and percent atherosclerosis on chronic titron-induced hyperlipidemic rats. The increase in HDL-C was dose-dependent and statistically significant (p 0.05) with increase in extract dose for both total cholesterol and triglycerides throughout the period of study while the decrease in LDL-C was significant (p 0.05). The results shows that the plant may be capable of reducing circulating lipids in chronic triton-induced hyperlipidemic rats probably by reducing absorption of lipids, thus, reducing hyperlipidemia. At the same time, the aqueous fruit extract probably has the potential to reduce the risk of development of heart diseases since VLDL-C has been shown to be beneficial and indicative of a lower risk of coronary heart diseases. Also, a reduction in percent atherosclerosis is desirable as this implies that atherosclerosis is reduced.
Benefits and drawbacks of energetic valorisation of Eucalyptus Globulus stumps by thermochemical processes

In the pulp and paper industry in Iberian Peninsula there is an intensive use of eucalyptus globulus that has a fast growth and a high productivity. There are large areas of forest dedicated to its growth. After 9 to 12 year rotation cycles trees are cut and the stumps are left in the fields. After 2 or 3 harvesting cycles these tree stumps are removed from the fields and considered low value biomass wastes. This corresponds to depletion on organic matter and of valuable minerals related to soil fertility. The use of these biomass wastes in thermochemical conversion processes like gasification or combustion may be a valuable alternative solution as it allows taking profit of these wastes energetic content. The solid by-products obtained by thermal conversion (ashes) may be incorporated in soils to return the valuable minerals and to ensure a good forest management system. Stumps removed from eucalyptus stands were used in combustion trials to improve the burning conditions and in gasification tests with different experimental conditions to obtain syngas suitable to be used in furnaces (chemical recover) of pulp industries. Stumps combustion and gasification processes were compared in terms of stumps energetic valorisation, gaseous emissions and gasification gas utilisation.
The Effect of Red Ginger Extract on Reduced Hormone Levels of Prostaglandin and Menstrual Pain Score in Adolescents with Dysmenorrhea

1 Poltekkes Kemenkes Semarang, Semarang, Indonesia 2 RSUP dr. Kariadi, Semarang, Indonesia *Coressponding Author Friska Adiani Email: Frisk108aem@gmail.com ABSTRACT Background: Dysmenorrhea (pain during menstruation) causes adolescents to experience restrictions on daily activities such as decreased learning concentration and increased absenteeism. One way to handle dysmenorrhea is to use herbal remedies that are red ginger. Objective: To determine the effect of the red ginger extract on prostaglandin hormone levels and menstrual pain score in the adolescent with dysmenorrhea. Methods:The design of this study used quasi experiments with a pretest-posttest control group design. With a simple random sampling technique, 36 students were selected from the population, consisting of 18 students in the treatment group given red ginger extract with a dose of 1.5 grams/capsule, 3x1 daily and 18 students in the control group given mefenamic acid with a dose of 500 mg/capsule 3x1 daily during first and second menstrual period. Data analysis with paired t test and independent sample t test. Results: red ginger extract and mefenamic acid significantly reduced prostaglandin hormone levels and menstrual pain scale, and by comparing two interventions, mefenamic acid may decrease prostaglandin hormone levels greater than red ginger extract, 177.35 pg/ml for Mefenamic acid and 124.55 pg/ml for red ginger. Conclusion: red ginger extract can be used as an alternative intervention in treatment of adolescents with dysmenorrhea
GPS and gravity constraints on continental deformation in the Alborz mountain range, Iran

A network of 54 survey GPS sites, 28 continuous GPS stations and three absolute gravity (AG) observation sites have been set up in the Alborz mountain range to quantify the present-day kinematics of the range. Our results allow us to accurately estimate the motion of the South Caspian block (SCB) for the first time, and indicate rotation of the SCB relative to Eurasia, accounting for the left lateral motion in the Alborz range. In light of these new results, it clearly appears that deformation rates vary along the range, the eastern part accommodating mainly left lateral strike slip (2 mm yr(-1) south of the range and 5 mm yr(-1) north of the range) with a very low range normal shortening rate on the Khazar thrust fault (similar to 2 mm yr(-1)), and the western part accommodating range normal shortening (similar to 6 mm yr-1) on the Khazar thrust fault with a left lateral component of similar to 2 mm yr(-1) north of the range and 1 mm yr(-1) south of the range. These present-day kinematics agree with geomorphologic estimated slip rates, but not the long-term deformation, corroborating the idea that the kinematics of the range have changed recently due to the change of SCB motion. ;Modelling of the interseismic deformation suggests a deep locking depth on the central-western segment of the Khazar fault (similar to 30 km) in agreement with the Baladeh earthquake rupture and aftershock ranging between 10 and 30 km. Given this unusual deep locking depth and the 34 degrees dip of the thrust, a large part of the Alborz range is located above the seismically coupled part of the fault. Based on our AG measurements this part of the range seems to uplift at a rate of 1-5 mm yr(-1), in agreement with terrace uplift.
Synaptic plasticity-basedmodel for epileptic seizures

In this paper, a new dynamic model describing the epileptic seizures initiation through transition from interictal to ictal state in a brain predisposed to epilepsy is suggested. The model follows Freeman’s approach where the brain is viewed as a network of interconnected oscillators. The proposed nonlinear model is experimentally motivated and relies on changes in synaptic strength in response to excitatory spikes. This model exhibits a threshold beyond which a bifurcation towards a short-term plasticity state occurs leading to seizure onset. A resulting explanatory assumption is that when considering epilepsy, brain regions are characterized by abnormally low thresholds towards short-term synaptic plasticity. It is shown by simulation that the proposed model enables some experimentally observed qualitative features to be reproduced. Moreover; a preliminary discussion on the impact of the underlying assumptions on the fundamental issue of seizure control is proposed through an EEG-based feedback control scheme.
Contrasting characteristics of pulsed and sinusoidal cold atmospheric plasma jets

Pulsed excitation of cold atmospheric plasmas is commonly believed to offer valuable benefits compared to the mainstream sinusoidal excitation. However, direct comparison of pulsed and sinusoidal atmospheric plasmas remains few, if any, thus casting an uncertainty of whether pulsed excitation facilitates any significant advantage. In this letter, we report a comparison study of pulsed and sinusoidal cold atmospheric plasma jets through electrical characterization, gas temperature measurement, and optical detection of reactive plasma species. An example of pulsed excitation is shown to reduce the electrical energy consumption by a factor of 12 for producing the same amount of oxygen atoms.
Cosmological Constant from Condensation of Defect Excitations

A key challenge for many quantum gravity approaches is to construct states that describe smooth geometries on large scales. Here we define a family of (2+1)-dimensional quantum gravity states which arise from curvature excitations concentrated at point like defects and describe homogeneously curved geometries on large scales. These states represent therefore vacua for three-dimensional gravity with different values of the cosmological constant. They can be described by an anomaly-free first class constraint algebra quantized on one and the same Hilbert space for different values of the cosmological constant. A similar construction is possible in four dimensions, in this case the curvature is concentrated along string-like defects and the states are vacua of the Crane-Yetter model. We will sketch applications for quantum cosmology and condensed matter.
EFFICACY OF DIATOMACEOUS EARTH AND TEMPERATURE TO CONTROL THE MAIZE WEEVIL IN STORED MAIZE EFICÁCIA DE TERRA DE DIATOMÁCEA E TEMPERATURA PARA O CONTROLE DO GORGULHO-DO-MILHO EM MILHO ARMAZENADO

Treatment with diatomaceous earth (DE) is an efficient insect control technique in integrated pest management programs of stored grain. Its main advantages are: low toxicity to mammals and long lasting efficacy. The objective of this research was to evaluate the efficacy of DE under different doses and temperatures to control Sitophilus zeamais in stored maize. In vials with 100 g of clean and dry corn kernels, 30 non-sexed 7-14 day-old adults of S. zeamais were submitted to the following treatments in three replicates: DE (Keepdry ® ) at 500, 750 and 1000 mg kg -1 , at 15, 25 and 30 °C. The mortality was evaluated from the 1st to the 28th day. After this period, the adults were removed and the progeny was kept until the 56th day, when the insects were counted and the grain moisture content evaluated. The effect of temperature on S. zeamais mortality was significant for the three DE doses. The 750 and 1000 mg kg-1 doses caused the highest mortality at 25 °C and 30 °C, but with no significant difference between them. The progeny development was significantly higher in the control compared to the treatments with DE; there was no significant difference in the number of progeny among the three DE doses at any of the temperatures studied. The results support the use of DE as an effective grain protectant against S. zeamais in stored corn. Key-words: inert dust; integrated pest management; Sitophilus zeamais; grain protectant.
The case for cases B and C: intrinsic hydrogen line ratios of the broad-line region of active galactic nuclei, reddenings, and accretion disc sizes

Low-redshift active galactic nuclei (AGNs) with extremely blue optical spectral indices are shown to have a mean, velocity-averaged, broad-line H$\alpha$/H$\beta$ ratio of $\thickapprox 2.72 \pm 0.04$, consistent with a Baker-Menzel Case B value. Comparison of a wide range of properties of the very bluest AGNs with those of a luminosity-matched subset of the Dong et al. blue AGN sample indicates that the only difference is the internal reddening. Ultraviolet fluxes are brighter for the bluest AGNs by an amount consistent with the flat AGN reddening curve of Gaskell et al.(2004). The lack of a significant difference in the GALEX (FUV--NUV) colour index strongly rules out a steep SMC-like reddening curve and also argues against an intrinsically harder spectrum for the bluest AGNs. For very blue AGNs the Ly$\alpha$/H$\beta$ ratio is also consistent with being the Case B value. The Case B ratios provide strong support for the self-shielded broad-line model of Gaskell, Klimek & Nazarova. It is proposed that the greatly enhanced Ly$\alpha$/H$\beta$ ratio at very high velocities is a consequence of continuum fluorescence in the Lyman lines (Case C). Reddenings of AGNs mean that the far-UV luminosity is often underestimated by up to an order of magnitude. This is a major factor causing the discrepancies between measured accretion disc sizes and the predictions of simple accretion disc theory. Dust covering fractions for most AGNs are lower than has been estimated. The total mass in lower mass supermassive black holes must be greater than hitherto estimated.
Prompt thermal emission in gamma-ray bursts

Context. Gamma-ray burst (GRB) spectra globally appear non-thermal, but recent observations of a few bursts with Fermi GBM have confirmed previous indications from BATSE of the presence of an underlying thermal component. Photospheric emission is indeed expected when the relativistic outflow emerging from the central engine becomes transparent to its own radiation, with a quasi- blackbody spectrum in absence of additional sub-photospheric dissipation. However, its intensity strongly depends on the acceleration mechanism - thermal or magnetic - of the flow. Aims. We aim to compute the thermal and non-thermal emissions (light curves and spectra) produced by an outflow with a variable Lorentz factor, where the power u Eiso injected at the origin is partially thermal (fractionth ≤ 1) and partially magnetic (fraction 1− � th). The thermal emission is produced at the photosphere, and the non-thermal emission in the optically thin regime. Apart from the value ofth, we want to test how the other model parameters affect the observed ratio of the thermal to non-thermal emission. Methods. We followed the adiabatic cooling of the flow from the origin to the photosphere and computed the emitted radiation, which is a sum of modified black bodies at different temperatures (as the temperature strongly depends on the Lorentz factor of each shell at transparency). If the non-thermal emission comes from internal shocks, it is obtained from a multi-shell model where a fraction of the energy dissipated in shell collision is transferred to electrons and radiated via the synchrotron mechanism. If, conversely, the non-thermal emission originates in magnetic reconnection, the lack of any detailed theory for this process forced us to use a very simple parametrisation to estimate the emitted spectrum. Results. If the non-thermal emission is made by internal shocks, we self-consistently obtained the light curves and spectra of the thermal and non-thermal components for any distribution of the Lorentz factor in the flow. If the non-thermal emission results from magnetic reconnection we were unable to produce a light curve and could only compare the respective non-thermal and thermal spectra. In the different considered cases, we varied the model parameters to see when the thermal component in the light curve and/or spectrum is likely to show up or, on the contrary, to be hidden. We finally compared our results to the proposed evidence for the presence of a thermal component in GRB spectra. Focussing on GRB 090902B and GRB 10072B, we showed how these observations can be used to constrain the nature and acceleration mechanism of GRB outflows.