Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multi-Windows Spectral Transparency and Slow Light Effect Induced by Complex Near Field Mode Coupling in Microwave Metasurface

A asymmetrical metasurface unit cell with multi-windows slow light effect is presented and studied. The metasurface unit cell is composed of one cut wire resonator and three patch form resonators of the same size. It is demonstrated by numerical modelling method the five transparency windows in transmission spectra can be induced. This effect is owing to the complex near field coupling of several bright, dark and quasi-dark modes excited in the asymmetrical metasurface unit cell. The impacts of structure parameters on transparency windows are also studied. Our results of microwave range show high group delay times $\tau\approx 27.9$ ns, delay bandwidth product $DBP=3.26$ and the quality factor $Q\approx 3\times 10^{3}$.
A POSSIBLE AGNATHAN PLATE FROM THE LOWER ARENIG (LOWER ORDOVICIAN) OF SOUTH BOLIVIA

A possible representative of the early vertebrates is reported for the first time from a graptolite-dated Lower Ordovician (lower Arenig) siliciclastic sequence in the Eastern Cordillera of southern Bolivia. The specimen is preserved as a natural mold of an exoskeleton plate in a fine-grained and deeply weathered sediment and shows a “fingerprint” like surface ornamentation. Based on several morphological characteristics, the plate is assigned to the early agnathans and described herein as Pircanchaspis rinconensis, gen. et sp. nov. The supposed taxonomic placement of the fossil is critically discussed in the context of the probably related Early Paleozoic agnathans.
The Power of Opaque Products in Pricing

We study the power of selling opaque products, that is, products where a feature (such as color) is hidden from the customer until after purchase. Opaque products, which are sold with a price discount, have emerged as a powerful vehicle to increase revenue for many online retailers and service providers that offer horizontally differentiated items. In the opaque selling models we consider, all of the items are sold at a single common price alongside opaque products that may correspond to various subsets of the items. We consider two types of customers, risk-neutral ones, who assume they will receive a truly random item of the opaque product, and pessimistic ones, who assume they will receive their least favorite item of the opaque product. We benchmark opaque selling against two common selling strategies: discriminatory pricing, where one explicitly charges different prices for each item, and single pricing, where a single price is charged for all the items. We give a sharp characterization of when opaque selling outperforms discriminatory pricing; namely, this result holds for situations where all customers are pessimistic or the item valuations are supported on two points. In the latter case, we also show that opaque selling with just one opaque product guarantees at least 71.9% of the revenue from discriminatory pricing. We then provide upper bounds on the potential revenue increase from opaque selling strategies over single pricing and describe cases where the increase can be significantly more than that of discriminatory pricing. Finally, we provide pricing algorithms and conduct an extensive numerical study to assess the power of opaque selling for a variety valuation distributions and model extensions. This paper was accepted by Gabriel Weintraub, revenue management and market analytics.
The prevalence and pattern of complementary and alternative medicine use among cancer patients in a tertiary oncology center: a cross-sectional study

Background: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is widely used nationally and internationally for multiple medical conditions, including different stages of cancer. It is used by the patients for multiple purposes, including to cure diseases or resolve symptoms, as patients have the misconception that natural remedies are safer than radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Objectives: The aim of this research is to investigate the prevalence, pattern, and purpose of CAM use by cancer patients at Princess Noorah Oncology Center (PNOC), King Abdulaziz Medical City, in Jeddah (KAMC-JD). Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that examined 293 patients (selected through random computerized sampling) who were seen at PNOC during the study period. To be eligible for the study, participants had to be cancer patients over the age of 18 who were seen at PNOC. The authors excluded patients who had privacy requests or did not fit our inclusion criteria. Results: Of the sample, 52.9% [95% confidence interval (CI), 47.0–58.7] used CAM. Only 5.8% of patients delayed their medical treatment to use CAM. A significantly higher proportion of females used CAM than males (61.8% vs. 40.0%, P<0.001). The most common types of CAM were Zamzam water (67.7%), Quran recitation (42.6%), water read upon Quran (41.3%), and black seed (Nigella sativa) (41.3%). The most frequently reported reasons for CAM use were to treat cancer (53.5%), increase immunity (34.2%), and religious beliefs (23.9%). Generally, 57.4% of CAM users felt improvement with CAM modalities. Conclusion: In conclusion, more than 50% of our sample used CAM; 5.8% of patients delayed the medical treatment to use CAM. The most common type of CAM was Zamzam water, and the most frequently reported reason for CAM use was to treat cancer. Of CAM users, 57.4% felt improvement with CAM modalities. Further studies that involve qualitative designs and include a more diverse sample are recommended in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to understand CAM utilization patterns.
Numerical prediction of wave transformation, velocity, and bottom stress in the inner surf and swash zone

A physical model study was conducted in a narrow wave flume to verify a previously developed numerical model for predicting the hydrodynamic response to irregular waves on a rough impermeable slope. In the physical model study, one case was run using a narrow banded TMA spectrum and a rough impermeable composite slope. The composite slope consisted of a 1:10 slope fronted by a 1:35 slope. The incident and reflected waves were resolved at 13 locations along the 1:35 slope using a three gage array. In addition, the free surface was measured along the 1:10 slope at 15 locations. A vertical stack of three capacitance sunup gages was used to measure the waterline oscillation along the 1:10 slope. Also, velocities were measured using a laser Doppler velocimeter (LDV) at 11 horizontal locations along the 1:10 slope at several elevations. A logarithmic profile was shown to exist for many phases of the onshore and offshore flows in the surf zone. Inside the swash zone, the logarithmic profile was more clearly established during the offshore flow. The measured and computed hydrodynamic responses were compared to evaluate the capability of the model in predicting the flow on a rough slope in the swash zone. The incident wave time series at two locations was specified at the seaward boundary of the numerical model. The measured and computed time series of both the reflected wave time series at the seaward boundary and the water line oscillation on the slope were plotted. The ability of the model to predict the detailed time varying quantities as well as the general wave characteristics of wave reflection, sunup, and flow velocity on the rough impermeable slope indicate that the model could be used to predict the swash zone hydrodynamics. The model showed a strong sensitivity to changes in the friction factor along the 1:10 slope. Improvements in the estimation of the bottom friction factor are needed to better predict the bed stress in the swash zone.
Enablers and barriers to the construction of motives for learning at the university: The student’s perspective

The massification of higher education and the migration to online formats imply changes that affect the ways that people learn and their motivation for learning. In this sense, the motivational orientation of the student can make a difference in learning. This article aims to describe the enablers and barriers to students’ motivation for learning from the perspective of Chilean University students in the areas of health and education. The study was conducted through virtual group interviews. The analysis was carried out on the participants’ accounts from a constructivist approach to grounded theory. The results showed a valuation of the practical and altruistic motives as a structuring motivational axis. In line with the self-determination theory, the existence of a protected space in the classroom appears as an essential motivational enabler of learning, and virtuality is a critical motivational barrier.
The role of triggering by static stress transfer during geothermal reservoir stimulation

[1] During creation of an Enhanced Geothermal System, massive fluid injections are conducted to induce fracture shear which generates reservoir permeability. In this study we analyze coseismic static stress transfer caused by induced seismic events during a stimulation at the European research project at Soultz-sous-Forets (Alsace, France). For this purpose we developed an efficient method to calculate coseismic static stress changes from an elliptical slip distribution on a circular fracture using superposition of rectangular sources, which enables us to apply an analytical solution for fast computation. This method is applied on a data set of 715 focal mechanisms derived from seismic recordings of the stimulation of the well GPK2 to calculate temporal evolution of static stress transfer. We find that the resulting structure of coseismic stress changes can be divided into three parts: a quiet zone where no spreading of seismicity occurs, an active zone within the created reservoir with ongoing fracturing and a process zone where the growth of the reservoir occurs. Static stress changes in the active zone are of the order of 1 MPa, both positive and negative, but may exceed this value considerably on a local scale. Analysis of stress changes from a cluster of events that occurred after shut-in lets us conclude that triggering by coseismic static stress changes is possible for some events. Our analysis shows that triggering by static stress transfer plays a minor role for injection induced seismicity in a volumetric reservoir, whereas it can be quite effective for rupture propagation along single large fault zones.
Grades of university and college students decrease during the transition from high school to tertiary education: a latent change analysis of the 2 × 2 model of perfectionism

Abstract Academic performance tends to deteriorate during the transition from high school to post-secondary education. In this study, our goal was to investigate whether the degree of this performance deterioration differs across the four subtypes of perfectionism from the 2 × 2 model of perfectionism. Samples of 392 university students and 946 college students completed a perfectionism questionnaire. Their high school and first semester grades were obtained through the office of the registrar. Results of latent change analyses revealed that the grades of students decreased during the transition to university (–12%) and college (–4%). The four subtypes of perfectionism were associated with a different degree of performance deterioration and supported the four hypotheses of the 2 × 2 model of perfectionism. Both university and college students with pure socially prescribed perfectionism experienced the strongest decrease in academic performance and should be closely monitored during their transition into post-secondary education.
Invasive and Non-Invasive Human Salmonellosis Cases Admitted between 2015 and 2021 in Four Suburban Hospitals in the Metropolitan Area of Milan (Italy): A Multi-Center Retrospective Study

Non-Typhoidal Salmonellas (NTSs) are diffused worldwide. In Italy, more than 3500 cases are notified each year, but despite this, data about salmonellosis are scarce. Our multi-center, retrospective, descriptive study selected 252 patients with positive cultures for Salmonella spp. (feces 79.8%, blood 8.7%, feces and blood 7.5%), aiming to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of this population. Bacteremic infections constituted 16.3% (41/252) of patients. Extreme ages (≤12 and ≥65 years old) accounted for 79.7%, but only elder ages were strongly associated with bacteremic infections (aOR 5.78). Invasive infections had a 7-fold higher mortality rate than non-invasive disease (9.8% vs. 1.4%, p = 0.013), with an overall rate of 2.8%. The two more represented serogroups were O:4 (52.8%) and O:9 (22.2%). The O:9 serogroup was strongly associated with a higher frequency of invasive infection (aOR 2.96, 95% CI 1.17–7.63). In particular, S. napoli, an emerging serovar in Europe, accounted for 31.7% of bacteremic infections and only 9.5% of non-bacteremic ones (p < 0.001). Antibiotic microbial resistance (AMR) observed a steep increasing trend and was detected in 60.4% of cases (122/202): amoxicillin/clavulanate, ampicillin, and gentamicin were most commonly involved (26.7%, 21.8%, 14.3%, respectively), while TMP/SMX, ciprofloxacin, and ceftriaxone were <10%. Resistance was, in general, less common in the O:9 serogroup, while amikacin resistance was significantly more common. Factors associated with an MDR Salmonella acquisition were time (OR 1.37 per year more), O:4 serogroup (OR 2.67), and being a woman (OR 2.11). The most frequent symptoms were diarrhea (90.5%) and fever (81.7%). In conclusion, our study highlights a high burden of NTS infections, leading to severe or fatal outcomes in frail patients. Furthermore, AMR shows an increasing trend with a concerning high prevalence of cephalosporine resistance compared to the rest of Europe.
Clinical outcomes related to portal pressures before and after embolization of large portosystemic shunts in cirrhosis

Objectives: Embolization of large portosystemic shunts effectively controls gastric variceal bleeding and prevents hepatic encephalopathy. The significance of dynamic changes in hepatic venous pressure gradient before and after embolization on clinical events and patient outcomes remains unknown. Methods: In this retrospective single-center series, 46 patients with gastric variceal bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy, or both undergoing embolization (January 2018 to October 2020) were included, and dynamic changes in portal pressures were analyzed against patient outcomes. Results: Males predominated. The most common portosystemic shunt syndrome was the lienorenal shunt. In all, 34 patients underwent embolization for hepatic encephalopathy and 11 for gastric variceal bleeding. The proportion of patients surviving at the end of 12 and 32 months was 86.96 and 54.35%, respectively. The hepatic venous pressure gradient before shunt embolization was 13.4 ± 3.2 and 16.9 ± 3.7 mm Hg after occlusion (p < 0.001). Bleeding from varices on overall follow-up was notable in five patients (10.9%), and overt hepatic encephalopathy in four (N = 42, 9.5%) patients at 6–12 months. The development of infections within 100 days and beyond the first year was associated with the risk of dying at the end of 12 and 32 months, respectively. Elevation of hepatic venous pressure gradient by >4 mm Hg from baseline and an absolute increase to >16 mm Hg immediately post-procedure significantly predicted the development of early- and late-onset ascites, respectively. Conclusion: Close monitoring for the development of infections and optimization of beta-blockers and diuretics after shunt embolization may improve clinical outcomes and help identify patients who will benefit from liver transplantation pending prospective validation.
Effects of the North American Bullfrog on Native California Amphibians: A study at Blue Oak Ranch Reserve and Joseph D. Grant County Park

The North American Bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana, is an invasive species in California. However, the effects of its presence on populations of native amphibians in the central Diablo Range (located east of San Jose, California) are not known. I collected data from 18 ponds in two protected areas in the Diablo Range to see how R. catesbeiana affected local amphibian populations over a one-year period. I identified and counted larvae in each pond, recorded pond area, depth, turbidity, and vegetation cover, and made subsequent observations for the rest of the year of the interactions between adults. I found that R. catesbeiana larvae are confined to perennial ponds and these ponds had fewer individuals of other species, but that not every perennial pond contained R. catesbeiana larvae. Pacific tree frog larval populations were negatively related to R. catesbeiana populations. All other larval species populations were either significantly related to other measured factors or not related to any measured factors. As adults, R. catesbeiana migrated between ponds and likely displaced native species to occupy the best territory surrounding the pond: the pond’s edge. Species such as the Pacific tree frog and California toad coexisted as adults. The California red-legged frog occupied the same area as an adult as R. catesbeiana, but the two species were not found in the same pond. As larvae, California toads were significantly affected by area and turbidity, California tiger salamanders were observed almost exclusively in ephemeral ponds, and California newts were not affected by any measured factors.
Measurements of Erosion of Undisturbed Bottom Sediments with Depth

A unique flume that measures the erosion of sediments at high shear stresses and with sediment depth has been designed, constructed, and used. Experiments in this flume, Sedflume, can be done either with reconstructed sediments or with relatively undisturbed sediments from the field. With either kind of sediment, two different types of experiments can be conducted. The first type determines the critical stress for erosion of the sediment as a function of depth, while the second type determines the erosion rate of the sediment as a function of both shear stress and depth. Measurements of the erosion rates of sediments from the Trenton Channel of the Detroit River in Michigan and the Lower Fox River in Wisconsin were made by use of Sedflume at sediment depths up to 2 m. Representative results of these measurements are presented here. These results demonstrate the capabilities of Sedflume and also illustrate the large differences in erosion rates at different sites and the large variations in erosion rates with depth and as a function of shear stress.
Soil carbon storage and physical protection according to tillage and soil cover practices (Antsirabe, Madagascar)

Direct seeding on permanent soil cover (DSPSC) systems can produce a large amount of residues to improve crop yields and soil properties, such as soil organic carbon (SOC) storage and soil aggregation. A long-term (11 years) trial, located in Antsirabe (subtropical climate, 16°C, 1300 mm.y-1) on a clayey andic dystrustept, has been used in order to study SOC storage, soil aggregate stability and SOC physical protection against microbial mineralization. The treatments were: (i) control (CT): annual rotation of maize (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max) with conventional tillage (hand ploughing), (ii) the same rotation with no tillage (NTm), (iii) a maize/maize rotation with legume (Desmodium uncinatum) permanent cover crop, and no-tillage (NTd), (iv) and a common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)/soybean rotation with kikuyu grass (Pennisetum clandestinum) permanent cover crop, and no-tillage (NTk). No residues were exported in DSPSC systems and they were removed for CT system. Soil C content was significantly greater in NTm, NTd and NTk than in CT for only the 0-5 cm layer. Storage of organic soil C (in equivalent soil mass of 0-20 cm layer) was significantly greater in NTd and NTm than in NTk and CT. The annual rate of soil C storage for NTm and NTd were respectively 0.69 and 1.01 Mg C.ha-1 year-1. Water-stable macroaggregates (200-2000 [mu]m) were significantly greater in NTm, NTk and NTd than in CT at 0-5 and 5-10 cm layers. Macroaggregates were significantly correlated with soil C content. However, the C physically protected from mineralization was only about 50 and 200 [mu]gC g-1 soil in CT and NTm respectively, and not significantly between these two systems. The results showed that the tested systems, through the increase of organic inputs and the decrease of C loss, can significantly increase SOC stocks and soil aggregate stability. The stored C was physically protected against microbial mineralization by its localization into macroaggregates but at a low level. Thus, the stored C in DSPSC systems might be physico-chemically or chemically protected. (Resume d'auteur)
Plant species diversity of homegardens in humid and semiarid Cuba and its importance for self-sufficiency of households 1

The cultivation of different plants in homegardens for self-sufficiency has a long tradition in Cuba, but knowledge about homegardens in Cuba is small. To analyse this more deeply, cultivated plants of 31 homegardens were surveyed in three villages in eastern Cuba in 2001. Two of the study villages were located in a humid area with an annual precipitation of about 2200 mm. The third village was situated in a semiarid area with about 450 mm precipitation. The plants studied in the homegardens included those for human consumption such as fruits, vegetables, tubers and cereals as well as spices and medicinal plants. In total, 101 different plant species were found with an average number of 18 to 24 species per homegarden for the three villages. A broad range of species was found in all villages, because irrigation is used under semiarid conditions, which lead to a relative high similarity in species composition between the villages. But, also differences due to the climatic situation became evident, particularly with the medicinal plants. In general, homegarden production provided a broad and diverse basis for selfsufficiency of the households. Although homegarden production showed to be only a small source of income, it is particularly important because of low-paid outside work and minimal food provision of the state.