Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ONE-DIMENSIONAL SCALAR FIELD EQUATIONS INVOLVING AN OSCILLATORY NONLINEAR TERM

In this paper we study the equation $-u''+V(x)u=W(x)f(u),\ x\in\mathbb{R},$ where the nonlinear term $f$ has certain oscillatory behaviour. Via two different variational arguments, we show the existence of infinitely many homoclinic solutions whose norms in an appropriate functional space which involves the potential $V$ tend to zero (resp. at infinity) whenever $f$ oscillates at zero (resp. at infinity). Unlike in classical results, neither symmetry property on $f$ nor periodicity on the potentials $V$ and $W$ are required.
Taxonomy and Medicinal Uses of Euphorbiaceae (Spurge) Family of Rajshahi, Bangladesh

Taxonomy and medicinal uses of the family Euphorbiaceae growing throughout the Rajshahi city, Bangladesh were studied during September 2012 to August 2013. A total of 16 species under 8 genera belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae were collected and identified. Out of the total number of species Acalypha indica L. , Euphorbia hirta L. , Euphorbia thymifolia L. , Euphorbia tirucalli L. , Euphorbia pulcherrima L. , Euphorbia cotinifolia L. , Croton bonplandianum Baill. , Codiaeum variegatum (L.) A. Juss. , Jatropha gossypifolia L. , Jatropha curcas L. , Manihot esculenta L. , Ricinus communis L. were common and Acalypha hispida Burm. f. , Euphorbia helioscopia L. , Euphorbia milii L. , Putranjiva roxburghii L. were rare species in the study area. For each species botanical name, local name, habit, habitat, flower colour, flowering season, chromosome number and medicinal uses have been mentioned. The findings of this study could be used to enhance folk medicine for the betterment of rural or indigenous livelihoods.
Male Sexual Dysfunction and Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Systematic Review and Metaanalysis

Objective. No consensus has been reached on sexual dysfunction in men with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Our study aimed to derive a more precise estimation of the sexual function and its clinical correlations in men with AS. Methods. A metaanalysis was performed and the related literature were searched in PubMed, Elsevier Science Direct, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and in reference lists of articles and systematic reviews. Score of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) was used as the outcome measurement, and standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% CI were calculated. Results. Eleven studies were included, including 535 men with AS and 430 male controls. Each domain of the IIEF score (erectile function: SMD −0.52, 95% CI −0.68 – −0.37; orgasmic function: −0.72, −1.03 – −0.42; sexual drive: −0.40, −0.62 – −0.18; intercourse satisfaction: −0.86, −1.15 – −0.56; and overall satisfaction: −0.61, −0.91 – −0.32) were lower in men with AS than in controls. In the subgroup analysis, the results did not change except for the sexual drive in the Asians group (−0.15, −0.42–0.13). At metaregression, no study characteristics were significantly associated with effect size of the IIEF score. Conclusion. Sexual function is impaired in male patients with AS and further studies are necessary to better understand risk factors for sexual dysfunction in this population.
The Role of Servant Leadership in Organizational Agility: A Case Study in Fars Social Security Organization

The present study examined the role of servant leadership in organizational agility. This research method was in this study was a descriptive-survey method. The results of analyzing the data obtained from research questionnaires by the use of LISREL and SPSS Software Packages suggested that the components of servant leadership (e.g. service delivery, love, trust, reliability, and humility and modesty) affect organizational agility. Besides, among the components of servant leadership; reliability was received the highest priority while service delivery, humility and modesty, and finally love were classified as the next higher priority components.
Solar cycle and seasonal variations of the GPS phase scintillation at high latitudes

We present the long-term statistics of the GPS phase scintillation in the polar region (70°–82° magnetic latitude) by using the GPS scintillation data from Ny-Alesund for the period 2010–2017. Ny-Alesund is ideally located to observe GPS scintillations modulated by the ionosphere cusp dynamics. The results show clear solar cycle and seasonal variations, with the GPS scintillation occurrence rate being much higher during solar maximum than during solar minimum. The seasonal variations show that scintillation occurrence rate is low during summer and high during winter. The highest scintillation occurrence rate is around magnetic noon except for December 2014 (solar maximum) when the nightside scintillation occurrence rate exceeds the dayside one. In summer, the dayside scintillation region is weak and there is a lack of scintillations in the nightside polar cap. The most intriguing features of the seasonal variations are local minima in the scintillation occurrence rate around winter solstices. They correspond to local minima in the F2 peak electron density. The dayside scintillation region migrates equatorward from summer to winter and retreats poleward from winter to summer repetitively in a magnetic latitude range of 74°–80°. This latitudinal movement is likely due to the motion of the cusp location due to the tilt of the Earth’s magnetic field and the impact of the sunlight.
Successive Fractionations of Hemicelluloses and Lignin from Sorghum Stem by Sodium Hydroxide Aqueous Solutions with Increased Concentrations

Sorghum stem, an agricultural solid waste discarded in large amounts, was effectively fractionated into its chemical components to achieve value-added utilization. The stem was successively extracted using water at 80 °C and alkali aqueous solutions with increased concentrations (1% NaOH; 60% ethanol containing 1% NaOH, 3% NaOH, 5% NaOH, and 8% NaOH) at 50 °C, which yielded hemicellulose and lignin fractions as well as a cellulose-rich residue. The hemicellulose and lignin fractions were characterized in terms of yield, sugar components, alkaline nitrobenzene, and oxidation analysis. In addition, the molecular weights were determined by gel permeation chromatography and the structures were further identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The results indicated that the hemicelluloses yielded from the alkali aqueous solution had a linear xylan structure. The alkali lignin had a typical guaiacyl/syringyl/p-hydroxypheny structure and low amounts of contaminating sugars (less than 2%). A high concentration of alkali aqueous solution led to the release of lignin with a large molecular weight, whereas increasing the alkali concentration resulted in lignin degradation. The residual stem after the successive extractions was rich in cellulose and had a low crystallinity. In sum, mild successive extractions are a promising way to fractionate sorghum stem waste for further conversion.
Ethylene biosynthesis enzyme activities in the pulp and peel of partially ripe 1-MCP-treated Bananas

Purpose: The study of effects of 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on ripening of bananas is still an important issue for commercial application of 1-MCP on bananas. Research Method: Mature green bananas were treated with ethylene only (100 µL L-1 for two consecutive days) and ethylene the same treatment followed by 1-MCP (300 nL L-1) for 24 h to evaluate the ethylene and 1-MCP effects on ethylene biosynthesis enzyme activities. Ethylene production of whole banana fruit, ACC synthase (ACS) and ACC oxidase (ACO) activities in the pulp and peel of samples were measured. Findings: The result showed that ethylene production rate by the control fruit was significantly greater than the ethylene production rate by the 1-MCP-treated fruit at days 4, 8 and 10. However, changes in ethylene production were similar in both control and 1-MCP-treated bananas. The banana peel and pulp show different patterns of ethylene production during ripening. At the onset of ripening pulp tissues showed higher levels of ACS, and lower levels of ACO activity than peel. Assays of ACO and ACS activities in ethylene-treated fruit showed that the peel had higher levels of ACO activity than the pulp. The ACO and ethylene production were inhibited by 1-MCP treatment whereas ACS increased following 1-MCP application. Research limitations: Evaluation of ACS and ACO activities during different seasons. Originality/value: Pulp and the peel of bananas respond differently to ethylene and 1-MCP treatment with a greater impact on peel than the pulp. The findings of this study allow 1-MCP to be used in a more commercially reliable manner.
Learning styles as predictors of Iranian EFL Children’s self-esteem and anxiety

The present study was conducted to investigate learning styles (Visual, auditory, kinesthetic, tactile, individual, and group) as predictors of self-esteem and anxiety. The participants were 90 male and female young EFL learners studying English at a language institute in Qazvin, Iran. The instruments included Young Learners English Starter test (YLE), Young EFL Learners’ Learning Style Questionnaire, Self-Esteem Inventory, and Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS). Data were analyzed through correlation coefficient and multiple regression analyses. Results indicated that auditory style had predictive power on self-esteem, but none of the six learning styles could predict anxiety. There was also a significant correlation between learners’ self-esteem and anxiety. The present study can have implications for teachers, syllabus designers, material developers, and researchers.
The relation between acute changes in the systemic inflammatory response and plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations after elective knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND Studies indicate that low plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] is associated with a range of disease processes, many of which are inflammatory. However, other lipid-soluble vitamins decrease during the systemic inflammatory response, and this response may confound the interpretation of plasma 25(OH)D. OBJECTIVE The objective was to examine whether plasma 25(OH)D concentrations change during evolution of the systemic inflammatory response. DESIGN Patients (n = 33) who underwent primary knee arthroplasty had venous blood samples collected preoperatively and postoperatively (beginning 6-12 h after surgery and on each morning for 5 d) for the measurement of 25(OH) D, vitamin D-binding protein, parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, C-reactive protein, and albumin. A final sample was collected at 3 mo. RESULTS Preoperatively, most patients were 25(OH)D deficient (<50 nmol/L) and had secondary hyperparathyroidism (PTH > 5 pmol/L). Age, sex, body mass index, season, medical history, and medication use were not associated with significant differences in preoperative plasma 25(OH)D concentrations. By day 2 there was a large increase in C-reactive protein concentrations (P < 0.001) and a significant decrease in 25(OH)D of ≈40% (P < 0.001). C-reactive protein, 25(OH)D, and calculated free 25(OH)D had not returned to preoperative concentrations by 5 d postoperatively (all P < 0.001). At 3 mo, 25(OH)D and free 25(OH)D remained significantly lower (20% and 30%, respectively; P < 0.01). CONCLUSION Plasma concentrations of 25(OH)D decrease after an inflammatory insult and therefore are unlikely to be a reliable measure of 25(OH)D status in subjects with evidence of a significant systemic inflammatory response.
An Unusual Red-Tide Event of Noctiluca Scintillans (Macartney) in the Southeastern Black Sea

An intense Noctiluca scintillans bloom is reported for the first time in the southeastern coast of the Black Sea. During the present study, surface water samples were collected in the vicinity of the port of Rize between 18 and 20 April 2011. The bloom appeared as a sudden increase in cell number (6.81x10 cells l) and persisted during three days. The bloom led to a red-tide event with typical streaks and patches of reddish viscous surface waters. The abundance of Noctiluca was higher than other previous reports in the Black Sea. During the bloom, sea surface temperature ranged between 9.9-11.7°C and salinity ranged between 15.04-17.7 ‰. Nitrite+nitrate, silicate and phosphate concentrations ranged between 0.59 - 7.13 μM l, 3.6910. 92 μM l and 0.04-0.19 μM l, respectively. Meteorological data showed light precipitation and low wind speed before and during the red-tide, indicating a stable stratified surface environment, optimum for the red-tide initiation. Light onshore winds may have caused accumulation of cells near the coast and possibly also contributing for triggering the red-tide. The abundance of N. scintillans correlated positively with chl-a concentration (R= 0.83) and an intense bloom of diatom Melosira spp. (5x10 cells l) was found concomitantly with N. scintillans red-tide. Microscopic examination of live cells from the N. scintillans red-tide revealed the presence of high number of Melosira spp. within the N. scintillans body, confirmating its grazing on these microalgae. The occurrence of this anomalous event may indicate a shift in the planktonic food web as a result of natural variability or anthropogenic influences like eutrophication.
Stellar disc streams as probes of the Galactic potential and satellite impacts

Stars aligned in thin stream-like features (feathers), with widths of $\delta\sim1-10^{\circ}$ and lengths as large as $\Delta l\sim180^{\circ}$, have been observed towards the Anticenter of our Galaxy and their properties mapped in abundances and phase-space. We study their origin by analysing similar features arising in an N-body simulation of a Galactic disc interacting with a Sagittarius-like dwarf spheroidal galaxy (Sgr). By following the orbits of the particles identified as contributing to feathers backwards in time, we trace their excitation to one of Sgr's previous pericentric passages. These particles initially span a large range of phase-angles but a tight range of radii, suggesting they provide a probe of populations in distinct annuli in the outer Galactic disc. The structures are long lived and persist after multiple passages on timescales of $\sim4 \,\rm{Gyrs}$. On the sky, they exhibit oscillatory motion that can be traced with a single orbit mapped over much of their full length and with amplitudes and gradients similar to those observed. We demonstrate how these properties of feathers may be exploited to measure the potential, its flattening, as well as infer the strength of recent potential perturbations.
On Optimal Truncated Biharmonic Current Waveforms for Class-F and Inverse Class-F Power Amplifiers

In this paper, two-parameter families of periodic current waveforms for class-F and inverse class-F power amplifiers (PAs) are considered. These waveforms are obtained by truncating cosine waveforms composed of dc component and fundamental and either second or third harmonic. In each period, waveforms are truncated to become zero outside of a prescribed interval (so-called conduction angle). The considered families of waveforms include both discontinuous and continuous waveforms. Fourier series expansion of truncated waveform contains an infinite number of harmonics, although a number of harmonics may be missing. Taking into account common assumptions that for class-F PA the third harmonic is missing in current waveform and for inverse class-F PA the second harmonic is missing in current waveform, we consider the following four cases: (i) (ii) , (iii) and (iv) , We show that, in each of these cases, current waveform enabling maximal efficiency (optimal waveform) of class-F and inverse class-F PA is continuous for all conduction angles of practical interest. Furthermore, we provide closed-form expressions for parameters of optimal current waveforms and maximal efficiency of class-F (inverse class-F) PA in terms of conduction angle only. Two case studies of practical interest for PA design, involving suboptimal current waveforms, along with the results of nonlinear simulation of inverse class-F PA, are also presented.
Foraging Activity and Trophic Spectrum of Red Ant Pogonomyrmex barbatus Smith, 1858, in Productivity-Contrasted Microenvironments

Foraging strategies can be influenced by many factors such as abundance, availability, and toxicity of the resources. In arid zones, the distribution and productivity of plants also act as additional factors that affect foraging strategies. Twenty colonies of Pogonomyrmex barbatus ants were studied in an arid zone of central Mexico to evaluate the trophic niche breadth in two sites with contrasting productivities in terms of their diversity and amount of resources during two seasons. The results suggest that when the resources are abundant as in the rainy season, the trophic niche breadth is reduced in sites with high productivity and, in the same sites, the trophic niche breadth increases when the resources are limited as in the dry season. In contrast, the trophic niche breadth is similar in both conditions of resource availability (i.e., rainy and dry seasons) at sites with low productivity. During the dry season, populations of P. barbatus showed a similar foraging behavior in sites with high and low productivity. Thus, the particular characteristics of a site can significantly affect the foraging strategies of the ants in those environments.
Kobe University Repository : Kernel タイトル Tit le Joint Associat ion of Neighborhood Environment and Fear of Falling on Physical Act ivity Among Frail Older Adults

This study examined associations between perceived neighborhood environment and physical activity among frail older adults and whether these associations are moderated by fear of falling. Participants were 238 frail older adults. Daily step counts and duration of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity were measured using an accelerometer. Participants completed the abbreviated Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale; fear of falling and demographic and health-related factors were measured by a questionnaire. The interaction between crime safety and fear of falling was significantly associated with step count (p = 0.009) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (p = 0.018) in multiple regression analysis. Stratified according to fear of falling, crime safety was significantly associated with steps (p = 0.007) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (p = 0.030) in the low fear of falling group. The results suggest that crime safety is associated with physical activity among frail older adults, and this association is moderated by fear of falling.
Empirical Evidence For a Relationship Between Business Growth and the Use of Structured Marketing Information Amongst Food and Drink SMEs

SMEs present peculiar characteristics that make their marketing distinctive from larger companies. We suggest the lack of resources in SMEs is a barrier to effective marketing and therefore to business growth. SMEs marketing decision-making is affected by whether the SME manages to acquire, analyse and utilise formalised marketing information. This paper analyses the relationship between business growth potential and the use of marketing information in food and drink SMES. The analysis was conducted using multivariate data analysis techniques, specifically PCA and binary logistic regression, on a sample of approximately 300 food and drink SMEs. The logistic regression was significant for both a model (R=0.18) using the predictors direct effect on growth probability and a model (R=0.30) using interaction terms. The hypothesised relationships on business growth probability and the use of information have been tested and significant effects have been identified on the interaction amongst the predictors of growth (23% of correlations were significant). Use of formalised marketing information was found to play an important role in generating SME growth in food and drink SMEs. However, SME characteristics played an important role in the way information was used and this affected
Novel Method for Noninvasive Sampling of the Distal Airspace in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Rationale: A major barrier to a more complete understanding of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) pathophysiology is the inability to sample the distal airspace of patients with ARDS. The heat moisture exchanger (HME) filter is an inline bacteriostatic sponge that collects exhaled moisture from the lungs of mechanically ventilated patients. Objectives: To test the hypothesis that HME filter fluid (HMEF) represents the distal airspace fluid in patients with ARDS. Methods: Samples of HMEF were collected from 37 patients with acute pulmonary edema (either from ARDS or hydrostatic causes [HYDRO; control subjects]). Concurrent undiluted pulmonary edema fluid (EF) and HMEF were collected from six patients. HMEF from 11 patients (8 ARDS and 3 HYDRO) were analyzed by liquid chromatography‐coupled tandem mass spectometry. Total protein (bicinchoninic acid assay), MMP‐9 (matrix metalloproteinase‐9), and MPO (myeloperoxidase) (ELISA) were measured in 29 subjects with ARDS and 5 subjects with HYDRO. SP‐D (surfactant protein‐D), RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation end‐products) (ELISA), and cytokines (IL‐1&bgr;, IL‐6, IL‐8, and tumor necrosis factor‐&agr;) (electrochemiluminescent assays) were measured in six concurrent HMEF and EF samples. Measurements and Main Results: Liquid chromatography‐coupled tandem mass spectrometry on concurrent EF and HMEF samples from four patients revealed similar base peak intensities and m/z values indicating similar protein composition. There were 21 significantly elevated proteins in HMEF from patients with ARDS versus HYDRO. Eight proteins measured in concurrent EF and HMEF from six patients were highly correlated. In HMEF, total protein and MMP‐9 were significantly higher in ARDS than in HYDRO. Conclusions: These data suggest that HMEF is a novel, noninvasive method to accurately sample the distal airspace in patients with ARDS.
Applications of Peter Hall's martingale limit theory to estimating and testing high dimensional covariance matrices

Martingale limit theory is increasingly important in modern probability theory and mathematical statistics. In this article, we give a selected overview of Peter Hall’s contributions to both the theoretical foundations and the wide applicability of martingales. We highlight his celebrated coauthored book, Hall and Heyde (1980) and his ground-breaking paper, Hall (1984). To illustrate the power of his martingale limit theory, we present two contemporary applications to estimating and testing high dimensional covariance matrices. In the first, we use the martingale central limit theorem in Hall and Heyde (1980) to obtain the simultaneous risk optimality and consistency of Stein’s unbiased risk estimation (SURE) information criterion for large covariance matrix estimation. In the second application, we use the central limit theorem for degenerate U-statistics in Hall (1984) to establish the consistent asymptotic size and power against more general alternatives when testing high-dimensional covariance matrices.