Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Force–Velocity Relationship in Cycling and Arm Cranking: A Comparison of Men and Women

This study was aimed at comparing the force–velocity relationship during cycling and arm cranking in males and females. Thirty-two male and twenty-two female healthy volunteers performed a force–velocity test on a cycle ergometer and a cranking ergometer in a randomly selected order. The theoretical values of the maximum force at zero speed (F0) and the maximum velocity at zero braking force (v0) for the lower and upper limbs were determined, and the maximum anaerobic power (Pmax) was calculated from the individual force–velocity relationship. The Pmax and F0 of the upper limbs related to the lower limbs correspond to 78.2 ± 14.3% and 80.1 ± 17.3% in men and 65.5 ± 12.5% and 74.5 ± 6.5% in women, respectively. The theoretical maximum velocity v0 of the upper limbs to the lower limbs attained 129.1 ± 29.0% in men and 127.4 ± 26.4% in women. The results of the study can serve as reference data for the force–velocity characteristics of the upper and lower limbs of male and female athletes. The results can be used both in training and rehabilitation programs, where the starting point is the objectification of possible strength deficits in various areas of the force–velocity characteristic spectrum of the muscles of the upper and lower limbs.
Relating Antimicrobial Resistance and Virulence in Surface-Water E. coli

The role of the environment in the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is being increasingly recognized, raising questions about the public health risks associated with environmental AMR. Yet, little is known about pathogenicity among resistant bacteria in environmental systems. Existing studies on the association between AMR and virulence are contradictory, as fitness costs and genetic co-occurrence can be opposing influences. Using Escherichia coli isolated from surface waters in eastern North Carolina, we compared virulence gene prevalence between isolates resistant and susceptible to antibiotics. We also compared the prevalence of isolates from sub-watersheds with or without commercial hog operations (CHOs). Isolates that had previously been evaluated for phenotypic AMR were paired by matching isolates resistant to any tested antibiotic with fully susceptible isolates from the same sample date and site, forming 87 pairs. These 174 isolates were evaluated by conventional PCR for seven virulence genes (bfp, fimH, cnf-1, STa (estA), EAST-1 (astA), eae, and hlyA). One gene, fimH, was found in 93.1% of isolates. Excluding fimH, at least one virulence gene was detected in 24.7% of isolates. Significant negative associations were found between resistance to at least one antibiotic and presence of at least one virulence gene, tetracycline resistance and presence of a virulence gene, resistance and STa presence, and tetracycline resistance and STa presence. No significant associations were found between CHO presence and virulence, though some sub-significant associations merit further study. This work builds our understanding of factors controlling AMR dissemination through the environment and potential health risks.
Recurrent geomagnetic activity: Evidence for long-lived stability in solar wind structure

The simple index described clearly shows periods of current geomagnetic behavior. The index is based on half-day values of the geomagnetic aa index for 1868 through 1983, which reveal rather lengthy periods when geomagnetic activity patterns are faithfully repeated every 27 days. It is shown that these recurrent periods occur at the end of each sunspot cycle; that they end fairly abruptly with the beginning of a new sunspot cycle; that they tend to last significantly longer when associated with even-numbered sunspot cycles; and that the effect is clearly centered on a 27-day repetition rate. The 27-day recurrence index indicates those regularly occurring times when the solar wind structure remains relatively stable boyond 1 AU for periods of 1 1/2 to 5 years. Correlations have been reported between the index and auroral heights and even the global albedos of Titan and Neptune.
The Causal Link between Financial Incentives and Weight Loss: An Evidence‐Based Survey of the Literature

Obesity and overweight are linked to diseases that cost society a significant amount of resources. While behavior modification can reduce the problem, instigating such lifestyle changes is an uneasy task. One potential way to reduce the problem is through the use of financial incentives. In this survey, we review the available evidence, properly emphasizing studies that credibly yield meaningful estimates of the effect of financial incentives on weight loss. We find that the scientific literature on the subject has not yet satisfactorily settled whether such a mechanism is effective at eliciting the desired behavioral and health outcomes. We therefore advocate a rigorous large-scale randomized experiment to provide reliable estimates of the effect.
Compact Physics Hot-Carrier Degradation Model Valid over a Wide Bias Range

We develop a compact physics model for hot-carrier degradation (HCD) that is valid over a wide range of gate and drain voltages (Vgs and Vds, respectively). Special attention is paid to the contribution of secondary carriers (generated by impact ionization) to HCD, which was shown to be significant under stress conditions with low Vgs and relatively high Vds. Implementation of this contribution is based on refined modeling of carrier transport for both primary and secondary carriers. To validate the model, we employ foundry-quality n-channel transistors and a broad range of stress voltages {Vgs,Vds}.
Major Adverse Cardiac and Cerebrovascular Events in Geriatric Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea: An Inpatient Sample Analysis

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with an increased risk of major cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). However, data on the burden and predictors of MACCE in geriatric patients with OSA (G-OSA) remain limited. Methods: Using the National Inpatient Sample from 2018, we identified G-OSA admissions (age ≥ 65 years) and divided them into non-MACCE vs. MACCE (all-cause mortality, stroke, acute myocardial infarction, and cardiac arrest). We compared the demographics and comorbidities in both cohorts and extracted the odds ratio (multivariate analysis) of MACCE and associated in-hospital mortality. Results: Out of 1,141,120 geriatric obstructive sleep apnea G-OSA admissions, 9.9% (113,295) had MACCE. Males, Asians, or the Pacific Islander/Native American race, and patients from the lowest income quartile revealed a higher MACCE rate. Significant clinical predictors of MACCE in elderly OSA patients on multivariable regression analysis in decreasing odds were pulmonary circulation disease (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.31–1.66), coagulopathy (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.35–1.50), peripheral vascular disease (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.28–1.40), prior sudden cardiac arrest (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.11–1.62), prior myocardial infarction (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.22–1.33), fluid and electrolyte imbalances (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.20–1.29), male sex (OR 1.22, 95% CI-1.18–1.26), hyperlipidemia (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.16–1.24), low household income (OR 1.19, CI 1.13–1.26), renal failure (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.12–1.19), diabetes (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.10–1.17), metastatic cancer (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.03–1.25), and prior stroke or TIA (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.07–1.17) (All p value < 0.05). Conclusions: This study emphasizes the significant association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and major cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) in the geriatric population. Among the elderly OSA patients, a substantial 9.9% were found to have MACCE, with specific demographics like males, Asian or Pacific Islander/Native American individuals, and those from the lowest income quartile being particularly vulnerable. The study sheds light on several significant clinical predictors, with pulmonary circulation disease, coagulopathy, and peripheral vascular disease topping the list. The highlighted predictors provide valuable insights for clinicians, allowing for better risk stratification and targeted interventions in this vulnerable patient cohort. Further research is essential to validate these findings and inform how tailored therapeutic approaches for geriatric OSA patients can mitigate MACCE risk. Clinical Implications: Elderly individuals with a high risk for MACCE should undergo routine OSA screening using tools like the sensitive STOP-BANG Questionnaire. Implementing CPAP treatment can enhance cardiovascular outcomes in these patients.
TOR Complex 1: Orchestrating Nutrient Signaling and Cell Cycle Progression

The highly conserved TOR signaling pathway is crucial for coordinating cellular growth with the cell cycle machinery in eukaryotes. One of the two TOR complexes in budding yeast, TORC1, integrates environmental cues and promotes cell growth. While cells grow, they need to copy their chromosomes, segregate them in mitosis, divide all their components during cytokinesis, and finally physically separate mother and daughter cells to start a new cell cycle apart from each other. To maintain cell size homeostasis and chromosome stability, it is crucial that mechanisms that control growth are connected and coordinated with the cell cycle. Successive periods of high and low TORC1 activity would participate in the adequate cell cycle progression. Here, we review the known molecular mechanisms through which TORC1 regulates the cell cycle in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae that have been extensively used as a model organism to understand the role of its mammalian ortholog, mTORC1.
The use of cone beam computed tomography by brazilian endodontists: A questionnaire-based survey

Background This study aimed to assess the knowledge of Brazilian endodontists regarding the use of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in endodontic therapy. Material and Methods An invitation to participate in the research was sent to 3256 professionals through class groups on social networks and via email. Participants answered an online questionnaire consisting of 11 questions about the clinical situations in which they used CBCT and whether they had any knowledge of the technical protocols such as parameters of field of view (FOV) and voxels of the CBCT equipment. The questionnaire was answered by 742 endodontists who represented 22.7% of the invited professionals. Results The data obtained indicate that 76.7% of the participants use or have used CBCT during endodontic treatments. The most often reported clinical conditions for using the CBCT were: root fractures (64%), locating the canals (58.7%), perforations (53.9%), and root resorption (42.1%). More than 60% of the participants stated that they do not have information about the voxel, FOV, and the CBCT system used in their requests. Only 34.1% reported using CBCT to the performed endodontic treatments follow-up. Conclusions CBCT was a tool widely utilized by the participants, with root fracture being the clinical condition with the highest indication for CBCT. Many professionals were unaware of the technical protocol used in the exams. Key words:Endodontics, Cone Beam Computed Tomography, Endodontic Therapy.
Transition from stromatolite to thrombolite fabric: potential role for reticulopodial protists in lake microbialites of a Proterozoic ecosystem analog

Prior observations suggest that foraminiferan protists use their reticulopodia (anastomosing pseudopodia) to alter sediment fabric by disrupting laminations of subtidal marine stromatolites, erasing the layered structures in an experimental setting. Because microbialites and foraminifera are found in non-marine settings, we hypothesized that foraminifera living in lakes could also disrupt layered microbialite fabric. With this aim and using a variety of multidisciplinary approaches, we conducted field surveys and an experiment on microbialites from Green Lake (GL; Fayetteville, New York State, United States), which has been studied as a Proterozoic ecosystem analog. The lake is meromictic and alkaline, receiving calcium sulfate-rich water in the monimolimnion; it supports a well-developed carbonate platform that provides access to living and relict microbialites. The living microbialites grow from early spring to autumn, forming a laminated mat at their surface (top ~5 mm), but a clotted or massive structure exists at depth (> ~ 1 cm). We observed a morphotype of “naked” foraminiferan-like protist in samples from GL microbialites and sediments; thus, considered the possibility of freshwater foraminiferan impact on microbialite fabric. Results of an experiment that seeded the cultured freshwater foraminifer Haplomyxa saranae onto the GL microbialite surface indicates via micro-CT scanning and anisotropy analysis that the introduced foraminifer impacted uppermost microbialite layering (n = 3 cores); those cores with an added inhibitor lacked changes in anisotropy for two of those three cores. Thus, it remains plausible that the much smaller, relatively common, native free-form reticulate protist, which we identified as Chlamydomyxa labyrinthuloides, can disrupt microbialite fabrics on sub-millimeter scales. Our observations do not exclude contributions of other possible causal factors.
Natural resource use conflict in Bale Mountains National Park, Southeast Ethiopia

2 = 8.083, DF = 2, P = 0.018). However, majority (63.5%) of the respondents had a positive attitude and the remaining (36.5%) had a negative attitude towards the park conservation. To reduce this conflict, different options were suggested by stakeholders: local community should be involved in the management of the park, compensation scheme should be made for crop raiding and livestock predation by wild fauna, government and NGOs should take initiatives in bringing developmental projects for local communities, and awareness creation of local community should also be made.
THE CONTROLS ON THE PRESERVATION OF STRUCTURAL COLOR IN FOSSIL INSECTS

Abstract The colors of many animals arise from ordered nanometer-scale variations in tissue structure. Such structural colors—especially those with metallic optical effects—are widespread among modern insects but are preserved rarely in insect fossils. This suggests that a specific set of taphonomic circumstances is required for preservation of structural colors. Here we present the results of the first systematic investigation of the controls on the preservation of structurally colored tissues in fossil insects. Approximately 700 specimens of beetle taxa known to exhibit metallic structural colors were studied from seven Lagerstätten: Randecker Maar (early Miocene), Clarkia (early Miocene), Enspel (late Oligocene), Florissant (late Eocene), Eckfeld (middle Eocene), Messel (middle Eocene), and Green River (middle Eocene). The quality of preservation of metallic colors varies among, and within, these biotas; colors are well preserved in most specimens from Clarkia, Enspel, Eckfeld, and Messel, but are typically poorly preserved in specimens from Randecker Maar and absent in Florissant and Green River. These differences are independent of taxonomy and the age and depositional context of the biotas. Instead, variation among biotas is attributed to differences in their late diagenetic history, in particular the maximum depth to which sediments were buried and the nature of fluid flow, as well as recent weathering. Variations in the quality of structural color preservation among specimens from individual biotas are independent of precise stratigraphic and sedimentological context. These intrabiota variations usually result from differences in the extent of microbial degradation of the cuticle and of recent weathering, but also the mode of curation of specimens. The last of these has important implications for curatorial practice.
Combining Genetic and Transcriptomic Approaches to Identify Transporter-Coding Genes as Likely Responsible for a Repeatable Salt Tolerance QTL in Citrus

The excessive accumulation of chloride (Cl−) in leaves due to salinity is frequently related to decreased yield in citrus. Two salt tolerance experiments to detect quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for leaf concentrations of Cl−, Na+, and other traits using the same reference progeny derived from the salt-tolerant Cleopatra mandarin (Citrus reshni) and the disease-resistant donor Poncirus trifoliata were performed with the aim to identify repeatable QTLs that regulate leaf Cl− (and/or Na+) exclusion across independent experiments in citrus, as well as potential candidate genes involved. A repeatable QTL controlling leaf Cl− was detected in chromosome 6 (LCl-6), where 23 potential candidate genes coding for transporters were identified using the C. clementina genome as reference. Transcriptomic analysis revealed two important candidate genes coding for a member of the nitrate transporter 1/peptide transporter family (NPF5.9) and a major facilitator superfamily (MFS) protein. Cell wall biosynthesis- and secondary metabolism-related processes appeared to play a significant role in differential gene expression in LCl-6. Six likely gene candidates were mapped in LCl-6, showing conserved synteny in C. reshni. In conclusion, markers to select beneficial Cleopatra mandarin alleles of likely candidate genes in LCl-6 to improve salt tolerance in citrus rootstock breeding programs are provided.
Development of Novel Polysaccharide Membranes for Guided Bone Regeneration: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluations

Introduction: Guided bone regeneration (GBR) procedures require selecting suitable membranes for oral surgery. Pullulan and/or dextran-based polysaccharide materials have shown encouraging results in bone regeneration as bone substitutes but have not been used to produce barrier membranes. The present study aimed to develop and characterize pullulan/dextran-derived membranes for GBR. Materials and methods: Two pullulan/dextran-based membranes, containing or not hydroxyapatite (HA) particles, were developed. In vitro, cytotoxicity evaluation was performed using human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs). Biocompatibility was assessed on rats in a subcutaneous model for up to 16 weeks. In vivo, rat femoral defects were created on 36 rats to compare the two pullulan/dextran-based membranes with a commercial collagen membrane (Bio-Gide®). Bone repair was assessed radiologically and histologically. Results: Both polysaccharide membranes demonstrated cytocompatibility and biocompatibility. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) analyses at two weeks revealed that the HA-containing membrane promoted a significant increase in bone formation compared to Bio-Gide®. At one month, similar effects were observed among the three membranes in terms of bone regeneration. Conclusion: The developed pullulan/dextran-based membranes evidenced biocompatibility without interfering with bone regeneration and maturation. The HA-containing membrane, which facilitated early bone regeneration and offered adequate mechanical support, showed promising potential for GBR procedures.
Concentrations of Sea-Spray Droplets at Various Wind Velocities: Separating Productions through Bubble Bursting and Wind Tearing

Abstract There are two sets of comprehensive measurements of sea spray: de Leeuw and Smith et al. Their data are interpreted to describe similar productions of film and jet drops by bursting bubbles. For measurements of Smith et al., those droplets associated with the second peak at large sizes of the production spectrum are shown to be spume drops generated by the wind tearing of wave crests. Together with physical understanding, representations of field data are deduced for film and jet drops and are discussed for spume drops.
ResNeXt+: Attention Mechanisms Based on ResNeXt for Malware Detection and Classification

Malware detection and classification are crucial for protecting digital devices and information systems. Accurate identification of malware enables researchers and incident responders to take prompt measures against malware and mitigate its damage. With the development of attention mechanisms in the field of computer vision, attention mechanism-based malware detection techniques are also rapidly evolving. The essence of the attention mechanism is to focus on the information of interest and suppress the useless information. In this paper, we develop different plug-and-play attention mechanisms based on the ResNeXt tagging model, where the designed model is trained to focus on the malware features by capturing the malware image channel perception field of view and is also able to provide more helpful and flexible information than other methods. We have named this designed neural network ResNeXt+, and its core modules are built with different plug-and-play attention mechanisms. Extensive experimental results show that ResNeXt+ is effective and efficient in malware detection and classification with high classification accuracy. The proposed methods outperform the state-of-the-art techniques with seven benchmark datasets. Cross-dataset experiments conducted on the Windows and Android datasets, with an accuracy of 90.64% on cross-dataset detection of the android. Ablation experiments are also conducted on seven datasets, which demonstrate that attention mechanisms can improve malware detection and classification accuracy.
Wild Ungulates Constitute the Basis of the Diet of the Iberian Wolf in a Recently Recolonized Area: Wild Boar and Roe Deer as Key Species for Its Conservation

Simple Summary We conducted a study in central Spain to understand the dietary habits of the Iberian wolf. Our aim was to evaluate the extent to which they prey on domestic ungulates. We analyzed the composition of their diet by examining prey hairs found in 671 wolf scat samples collected between 2017 and 2021. The wolves predominantly consumed wild ungulates rather than domestic ones. Among their preferred prey were wild boar and roe deer. Although their diet varied with seasons, years, and forest regions, a preference for wild ungulates over domestic ones remained consistent. Abstract The Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus) is recolonizing historical distribution areas after decades of absence. As in other human-dominated landscapes, finding a balance to protect this species by favoring recolonization and mitigating human–wildlife conflicts is a challenge. Since wolves are often generalist opportunistic predators, we studied their diet composition in central Spain to evaluate the consumption of domestic ungulates and provide reliable data that could help local authorities to deal with the current wolf–cattle ranchers conflict and coexistence. Diet composition (% prey occurrence, % prey ingested biomass) was analyzed through the identification of prey hairs present in 671 scats collected between 2017 and 2021. The wolves fed more on wild ungulates (82% occurrence) than domestic ones (18%). Wild boar (Sus scrofa, 44% occurrence) and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus, 35%) were the most consumed prey. The wolves positively selected these two species. The wolves’ diets varied between seasons, years, and forest regions, but a diet based on wild ungulates predominated over domestic ones. Food niche breadth showed variations depending on seasons and years. Preserving the availability and diversity of wild ungulates may favor reducing livestock attacks and would be an achievable goal that would help to conserve this species and reduce conservation conflicts.