Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Sixteen Gridded Precipitation Datasets over the Caribbean Region Using Gauge Observations

The existence of several gridded precipitation products (GPP) has facilitated studies related to climate change, climate modeling, as well as a better understanding of the physical processes underpinning this key variable. Due to complexities in estimating rainfall, gridded datasets exhibit different levels of accuracy across regions, even when they are developed at relatively high resolution or using sophisticated procedures. The performance of 16 GPP are evaluated over the Caribbean region, which includes the Caribbean Islands, and portions of Central South America. Monthly data for sixty weather stations are used as a reference for the period 1983–2010. The 16 GPP include six products based on station data only, two that combine ground station and satellite information, two merging station and reanalysis information, four based on reanalysis, and two using multisource information. The temporal resolution of the GPP ranged between daily and monthly and spatial resolution from 0.033° to 0.5°. The methodological approach employed combined a comparison of regional and sub-regional precipitation annual cycles, the Kling–Gupta efficiency (KGE) index, as well as several metrics derived from the standardized precipitation index (SPI). Overall, the best performances were obtained from GPCC025 and MSWEP2, likely reflecting the positive impact of the large number of station data utilized in their development. It is also demonstrated that a higher spatial resolution does not always mean better accuracy. There is a need for this kind of assessment when undertaking climate studies in regions like the Caribbean where resolution is a significant consideration. ERA5 performed best among the reanalyses analyzed and has the potential to be used to develop regionally based GPP by applying bias correction or downscaling techniques. The methodological approach employed provides a comprehensive and robust evaluation of the relative strengths and weaknesses of GPP in the Caribbean region.
Observation of Shubnikov–de Haas Oscillations, Planar Hall Effect, and Anisotropic Magnetoresistance at the Conducting Interface of EuO–KTaO3

The momentum‐dependent splitting of spin‐bands in an electronic system is known as the “Rashba effect. ” Systems with the Rashba effect possess a Dirac point in momentum space, which may act as a source of Berry's phase for the conduction electrons of such system. Herein, the Shubnikov–de Haas oscillations (SdH) at the conducting interface of EuO–KTaO3 (KTO) are reported. The observed SdH oscillations suggest the presence of two Fermi surfaces. For both Fermi surfaces, the presence of a Berry's phase is seen. Strong spin–orbit coupling is also observed in this system. The existence of two Fermi surfaces with Berry's phase along with the signature of strong spin–orbit coupling suggest the formation of Rashba spin‐split bands. As in topological insulators, two‐fold planar Hall effect and anisotropic magnetoresistance are also observed in EuO–KTO. Analyzing the SdH, Hall, and magnetoresistance data, the authors draw a possible band diagram near the Fermi surface.
Ionization yields, total absorption, and dissociative photoionization cross sections of CH4 from 110 to 950 Å

Absolute absorption and photoionization cross sections of methane have been measured with an accuracy of about 2% or 3% over most of the wavelength range from 950 to 110 A. Also, dissociative photoionization cross sections were measured for the production of CH+4 , CH+3 , CH+2 , CH+, and C+ from their respective thresholds to 159 A, and for H+ and H+2 measurements were made down to 240 A. Fragmentation was observed at all excited ionic states of CH4.
Gender Dynamics in Crowdfunding (Kickstarter): Evidence on Entrepreneurs, Backers, and Taste-Based Discrimination*

This study focuses on the launch phase of the leading reward-based crowdfunding market—Kickstarter. It documents the behavior of male and female entrepreneurs in raising early stage capital. We find that women share as entrepreneurs in the platform (34.7%) does not equal to their share in the overall population, and they are concentrated in stereotyped sectors, both as entrepreneurs and as backers. We also find that women do not set lower funding goals than men, they enjoy higher rates of success than men, even after controlling for project categories and funding goals, and that backers of both genders have a tendency to fund entrepreneurs of their own gender. Our survey of Kickstarter backers finds evidence of taste-based discrimination by male backers.
Negative index materials: at the frontier of macroscopic electromagnetism

The notions of negative refraction and negative index, introduced by V. Veselago more than 50 years ago, have appeared beyond the frontiers of macroscopic electromagnetism and purely formal during 30 years, until the work of J. Pendry in the late 1990s. Since then, the negative index materials and the metamaterials displayed extraordinary properties and spectacular effects which have tested the domain of validity of macroscopic electromagnetism. In this article, several of these properties and phenomena are reviewed. First, mechanisms underlying the negative index and negative refraction are briefly presented. Then, it is shown that the frame of the time-harmonic Maxwell’s equations cannot describe the behavior of electromagnetic waves in the situations of the perfect flat lens and corner reflector due to the presence of essential spectrum at the perfect −1 index frequency. More generally, it is shown that simple corner structures filled with frequency dispersive permittivity have a whole interval of essential spectrum associated with an analog of “black hole” phenomenon. Finally, arguments are provided to support that, in passive media, the imaginary part of the magnetic permeability can take positive and negative values. These arguments are notably based on the exact expression, for all frequency and wave vector, of the spatially-dispersive effective permittivity tensor of a multilayered structure. Résumé. Les notions de réfraction négative et d’indice négatif, imaginées par V. Veselago il y a plus de 50 ans, ont semblé au-delà des frontières de l’électromagnétisme macroscopique et sont restées purement formelles pendant 30 ans, jusqu’aux travaux de J. Pendry à la fin des années 1990. Depuis lors, les matériaux à indice négatif et les métamatériaux ont montré des propriétés extraordinaires et des effets spectaculaires qui ont mis à l’épreuve le domaine de validité de l’électromagnétisme macroscopique. Dans cet article, plusieurs de ces propriétés et phénomènes sont passés en revue. Tout d’abord, les mécanismes sous-jacents aux indices négatifs et à la réfraction négative sont brièvement présentés. Ensuite, il est montré que le cadre des équations de Maxwell harmoniques en temps ne peut pas décrire le comportement des ondes électromagnétiques dans les situations de la lentille plate et du réflecteur en coin parfaits en raison de la présence de spectre essentiel à la fréquence où l’indice prend la valeur −1. Plus généralement, il est montré que de simples structures en coin remplies d’une permittivité dispersive en fréquence ont un intervalle entier de spectre essentiel associé à un analogue du phénomène de « trou noir ». Enfin, des arguments sont fournis pour soutenir que, dans les milieux passifs, la partie imaginaire de la perméabilité magnétique peut prendre des valeurs positives et négatives. Ces arguments reposent notamment sur l’expression exacte, pour toutes les fréquences et tous les vecteurs d’onde, du tenseur de permittivité effective avec dispersion spatiale d’une structure multicouche.
Practical and efficient recyclable oxidative system for the preparation of symmetrical disulfides under aerobic conditions

ABSTRACT An efficient and practical oxidative coupling of thiols to symmetrical disulfides is developed at room temperature under aerobic conditions. The commercially available sodium methoxide solution 30 wt. % in methanol together with the air was used as a retrievable promoter system and green oxidant, respectively, for the preparation of symmetrical disulfides. The desired products were obtained in good to high yields by an economical procedure. No overoxidation of the symmetrical disulfides was observed, and various functional groups were well tolerated in the current protocol. Moreover, the new reagent reduces the generation of hazardous waste due to its high reusability. The reaction proceeded in the absence of light, and it was not inhibited by TEMPO. Also, the low yield of TEMPO-benzyl thiol adduct was detected under these conditions. Based on our experiments, a possible mechanism was proposed in the absence and presence of TEMPO. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Kinetics of Nitrate Hydrogenation in Water on Alumina and Niobia Supported Palladium-Copper Catalysts

Abstract The kinetics of nitrate hydrogenation in water over niobia- and alumina-supported Pd-Cu catalysts were examined. A Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetic model fitted concentration data, providing consistent kinetic and thermodynamic parameters. The kinetic model assumed a bimolecular surface reaction as the rate-determining step, with two types of sites. Pd-Cu/gamma-Al2O3 was active and selective under the reaction conditions. However, Pd-Cu/Nb2O5 deactivated during time on stream, and a deactivation function was added to the kinetic model to best fit the experimental data.
Confronting the caliphate? Explaining civil resistance in jihadist proto-states

Research has shown the potential of nonviolent civil resistance in challenging autocratic state regimes (e.g. Sharp, 1973; Chenoweth and Stephan, 2011). Yet, little is known about its applicability in jihadist proto-states, that is, territories governed by militant jihadist groups. We argue that civil resistance is more likely to occur when jihadists impose a rule that local populations perceive as alien and when organizational structures capable of collective nonviolent mobilization are activated. We develop this argument through a comparative analysis of three jihadist proto-states: one in which manifest and organized civil resistance occurred (Islamic Emirate of Azawad in Mali in 2012), and two in which it did not: the Islamic State of Iraq (2006–2008) and the Islamic Principality of al-Mukalla in Yemen (2015–2016). Whereas the former was met with mainly armed resistance (the Sunni Awakening campaign), the latter saw neither armed nor unarmed organized and collective resistance by locals under its rule. We demonstrate how variation in the jihadists’ governing strategies (especially the degree of adaptation to local conditions) as well as in the social structures for mobilization (i.e. whether opposition was channeled through civil society networks or tribal networks) created different conditions for civil resistance. This study adds to a growing research discussion on civil resistance against rebel governance (e.g. Arjona, 2015; Kaplan, 2017). More broadly, our study is an innovative first attempt to bridge research on terrorism, rebel governance, and civil resistance, three fields that have been siloed in previous research.
Topological Structures via Interval-Valued Neutrosophic Crisp Sets

In this paper, we introduce the new notion of interval-valued neutrosophic crisp sets providing a tool for approximating undefinable or complex concepts in real world. First, we deal with some of its algebraic structures. We also define an interval-valued neutrosophic crisp (vanishing) point and obtain some of its properties. Next, we define an interval-valued neutrosophic crisp topology, base (subbase), neighborhood, and interior (closure), respectively and investigate some of each property, and give some examples. Finally, we define an interval-valued neutrosophic crisp continuity and quotient topology and study some of each property.
The Fungi Concerned in Fiber Deterioration

A review of the literature and certain new findings are presented which relate to the types of fungi which occur on cellulosic textile fibers under various practical exposure conditions. Numerous observations, some original and others assem bled from the literature, indicate that the following fungi are commonly found growing on fibers in particular types of situations : Alternaria, Cladosporium herbarum, and Fusarium (especially F. moniliforme) on cotton which has undergone weathering in the field before harvest; Alternaria and Cladosporium herbarum on cotton fabric in relatively short- term moderate- or high-light weather exposures, with Phoma and related forms, Leptosphaeria and related forms, and Pullularia pullulans appearing after longer periods under the same conditions; Alternaria, Cladosporium herbarum, Pul lularia pullulans, and, under some conditions, Fusarium on dew-retting flax and hemp; species of Aspergillus, Peni cillium, Stachybotrys, Chaetomium, and probably other fungi on cotton and other natural fibers in unprocessed or in textile form in humid storage; Aspergillus fumigatus on jute which has undergone microbiological damage in the bale; Halo phiobolus and certain other unusual salt-water-adapted forms on decaying cordage in marine exposures. Fungi other than the above-named may occur commonly under the conditions mentioned, but if they do this appears not to have been reported frequently or in any detail in the literature. Soil- contact exposures are believed to involve a very wide range of fungus forms, including numerous genera and species which have not been observed to occur commonly in mod erate- or high-light above-ground exposures. Information is presented which indicates that resistance on the part of the fungus to sunlight is an important factor in determining which fungi grow on fibers in different types of exposures. Differences among the fungi in moisture requirements and in temperatures favorable for growth are also important.
The Application of Pulsed Radiofrequency to Dorsal Root Ganglion Ameliorates Neuropathic Pain by Reducing CCL2 Expression in the Early Stage After Sciatic Nerve Injury in Rats

Background: Neuropathic pain (NP) can be treated effectively using pulsed radiofrequency (PRF). NP development and maintenance involves the essential neurotransmitter chemokine c-c motif ligand 2 (CCL2). The present study aimed to determine whether PRF regulated CCL2 expression in sciatic nerve injury (SNI) model rats.Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into a sham group, an SNI group, and a PRF group. In the PRF group, L5 dorsal root ganglia received PRF treatment. After paw withdrawal mechanical threshold (PWMT) was examined, the expression levels of CCL2 and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in spinal dorsal horn were determined.Results: The PWMT in PRF group increased significantly compared with that of the SNI group (P < 0.05). The CCL2 and NF-κB expression levels in the PRF group were significant lower than those in the SNI group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: NP was effectively alleviated by PRF-mediated reductions in CCL2 expression via inhibition of NF-κB activation in the spinal cord of SNI model rats.
A double-blinded randomised controlled trial to establish whether testosterone treatment combined with exercise improves muscle strength and function and quality of life in men affected by inclusion body myositis

Introduction Inclusion body myositis (IBM) is the most common acquired skeletal muscle disease associated with aging, and includes both muscle degeneration and autoimmune attack. Several studies have shown a relationship between exercise and improved outcomes in IBM, and one study not involving exercise has shown a modest benefit of the testosterone analogue oxandrolone compared to placebo. No placebo-controlled studies have explored the effect of testosterone added to exercise in IBM. Methods and Analysis We describe the design and methods of a double-blinded, two-arm crossover randomised controlled pilot study to test whether testosterone on a background of exercise training will improve measures of muscle strength and physical activity and improve quality of life in men affected by IBM, over and above exercise alone. We hypothesised that a combination of exercise training and testosterone treatment would improve muscle strength and physical activity in males affected by IBM, more than exercise alone.
Pattern of Ocular Manifestations among People Living with HIV/AIDS on Highly Active Anti Retroviral Therapy

Aim: To determine the pattern of ocular manifestations in people living with HIV/AIDS on highly active retroviral therapy (HAART). Study Design: A descriptive hospital based cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Presidential Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) clinics of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital and Central Hospital, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Between 1st July 2018 and 31st October 2019. Methodology: Four hundred and fifty one (451) patients living with HIV/AIDS on HAART were the subjects of this study. An interviewer administered questionnaire was used. They all had a comprehensive eye examination done. General examination including their height, weight and blood pressure were done. Original Research Article Ukponmwan et al.; IJTDH, 41(19): 11-21, 2020; Article no.IJTDH. 62957 12 Results: There were 451 patients (104 males and 347 females with a male to female ratio of 0.3:1), the age range was 14 to 75 years with a mean age of 46.55 ± 10.77 years. Most of them, 305 (67.6%) were married. A Majority 210 (46.6%) of them had a CD4 count of 500 cells /microliter and more. Ocular morbidity was present in 385 (85.1%) respondents. The most common ocular morbidity was an uncorrected refractive error in 262 patients with presbyopia being the most common type. Other morbidities seen were cataract followed by allergic conjunctivitis and glaucoma. Ocular manifestations of HIV/AIDS occurred in 32 patients (7.1%). The most common was dry eyes in 15 (46.9%) of these patients followed by posterior uveitis secondary to presumed Toxoplasmosis in 9 (28.1%) patients. Other types of HIV associated ocular morbidities seen were conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma, retinal detachment, optic neuritis and Herpes Zoster ophthalmicus. Conclusion: There is a reduction in the prevalence and a change in the type of ocular manifestations in people living with HIV/AIDS on HAART. They are more prone to developing other ocular morbidities due to their increased lifespan. Eye health care programs should be established for people living with HIV/AIDS.
Utilizing the Health Belief Model to move post-secondary students toward flourishing mental health

ABSTRACT Factors related to the ‘typical university experience,’ such as high levels of perceived stress and a lack of sleep, negatively affect student mental health. The present study analyzes mental health risk and protective factors from 2,472 respondents gathered through the National College Health Assessment-II survey to inform the development of a mental health program for post-secondary students at an institution in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. Students who reported symptoms or diagnoses of anxiety and depression, above or below average stress, and few nights of restful sleep were more likely to be languishing than moderately mentally healthy, while students who reported average levels of stress and three or more restful nights of sleep per week were more likely to be flourishing than moderately mentally healthy. This work draws on the Health Belief Model in developing effective wellness programs to help students move along the mental health continuum toward flourishing.
The Validity of Student Worksheets and Student Textbooks Inquiry Training Model on The Colligative Properties of Solution

This study is development research of student worksheets and student textbooks using the inquiry training model to support the learning of the colligative properties of solution. The purpose of this study was to produce valid student worksheets and student textbooks. Student worksheets and student textbooks are developed using the ADDIE (Analyze, Design, Development, Implement, and Evaluate) design. The validity measured includes construct validity and content validity. The validity of the device was assessed by three validators using a validation sheet. The validation result data were analyzed descriptively quantitative and descriptive qualitative. The results of data analysis show that the student worksheets and student books developed have reached a valid category with the mode of score ranging from 3 to 4.
Simplified electrostatic model for the thermodynamic excess potentials of binary strong electrolyte solutions with size-dissimilar ions

Modern theories of electrolyte solutions are physically accurate but difficult to apply for real-life systems; a need therefore exists to theoretically derive simplified and practically useful mathematical expressions for thermodynamic excess functions. This can be done by incorporating ion-size dissimilarity into the classical Debye-Hückel model [Physik Z. 24, 185 (1923)], under conditions at which non-electrostatic contributions are negligible. If the contact distance between the central (β) ion and a cloud (α) ion is a for counter-ions and b for co-ions, two basic cases exist, b < a and b > a. In both, a ‘smaller-ion shell’ (SiS) at the edge of the ionic cloud, bordered by the spherical surfaces of radius b and a, admits only the smaller α ions [Thomlinson and Outhwaite, Mol. Phys. 47, 1113 (1982)]. In the b < a case, the SiS contributes an ionic repulsion effect and the overall extra-electrostatic potential energy, Ψ b < a (κ) − κ, reciprocal screening length–exhibits a minimum. For b > a, the SiS contributes an ‘extra ionic attraction’ and the overall extra-electrostatic energy, Ψ b > a (κ) declines monotonically with increasing κ. The entire Ψ contribution, Ψ±, is a linear combination of the Ψs of the two counter β ions. The effectiveness of Ψ± is demonstrated for real-life electrolyte systems, based on experimental mean ionic activity coefficients and their concentration dependencies. Fitting theory with experiment generates ion-size parameters that represent realistic interionic collision distances in solution, unlike parallel parameters based on other simplified theories.
Incidences of Atonic Postpartum Hemorrhage and Related Risk Factors at a Tertiary Hospital in Saudi Arabia

Background: In 2017, there were 295,000 maternal deaths worldwide from preventable causes related to birth. The leading cause of maternal mortality is obstetric hemorrhage. In Saudi Arabia, a paucity of evidence about incidences of atonic Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH) and related risk factors exists. Therefore, aims were to (a) identify incidences of atonic PPH from 2015 to 2018 (b) determine risk factors of atonic PPH in vaginal birth. Methods: Retrospective chart review with purposive sampling conducted revealed 386 charts, 220 (57%) vaginal birth and 166 (43%) caesarian section (CS). Logistic regression analysis was used. Results: Incidences of atonic PPH were 2.5% from 2015 to 2017, with the rate increasing by 12% from 2017 to 2018. In vaginal birth, significant associations between the severity of blood loss with epidural (F = 6.314, df = 1, p = 0.013), episiotomy (F = 4.38, df = 1, p = 0.038), induction of labor (IOL) (F = 1.224, df = 1, p = 0.004), and Interaction between IOL, AUG, and epidural (F = 7.24, df = 1, p = 0.041) found. Discussion: Increasing rate of atonic PPH confirmed. Epidural, episiotomy, induction of labor, and induction with augmentation are factors associated with severe atonic PPH in vaginal birth.