Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Surface Properties and Interactions: Coupling the Land and Atmosphere within the ARM Program

It is well known that the exchange of heat and moisture between the surface and atmosphere plays a key role in the earth’s climate system (e.g., Randall et al. 2007). Science questions related to land–atmosphere interactions have remained an active topic of research, both inside and outside of the ARM Program, for a considerable period of time (e.g., Betts et al. 1996; Betts 2003, 2004; Dirmeyer et al. 2006; Betts 2009; Santanello et al. 2009; Betts and Silva Dias 2010). Given the sustained interest by the scientific community in regards to the impacts of land–atmosphere interactions on both the climate and the hydrologic cycle, this focus is likely to remain for the foreseeable future. The ARM Program has played an important role in the research community by collecting data relevant for understanding land–atmosphere interactions and by supporting research efforts designed to address questions related to the coupling of land and atmosphere. At the start of the ARM Program, Stokes and Schwartz (1994) listed three different projects that were related to land surface processes: point–area relationships for global climate modeling led by Chris Doran; arearepresentative estimates of surface heat flux led by Richard Coulter; and remote sensing of surface fluxes important for cloud development led by Fairley Barnes. Two additional projects related to boundary layer clouds were led by Steve Ghan and the team of Ronald Stull (of which the lead author of this chapter was a member). The ARM Program’s research efforts have since grown from these original projects to include diverse teams of scientists working atNational Laboratories, academia, andprivate industry. Most of this chapterwill focus on two research areas inwhich the ARM Program has made significant progress:
Scaling Analysis of Pier-Scouring Processes

AbstractThis study presents a scaling analysis of the time development of clear-water scour depth at bridge piers. It shows that the widely-used exponential formula can be theoretically derived with scaling arguments. The derivation provides connections between the physical pier-scouring process and two empirical constants used in the formula. The dependence of the two constants on sediment coarseness is calibrated using published laboratory data with scour duration ranging from 49 to 1094 h. The analysis presented is restricted to conditions, including steady flow, clear-water scour, narrow circular cylindrical pier, and uniform sediment with low coarseness.
Variation in Yield, Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of Essential Oil of Three Curcuma Species: A Comparative Evaluation of Hydrodistillation and Solvent-Free Microwave Extraction Methods

The essential oils of three medicinally important Curcuma species (Curcuma alismatifolia, Curcuma aromatica and Curcuma xanthorrhiza) were extracted using conventional hydro-distillation (HD) and solvent free microwave extraction (SFME) methods. The volatile compounds from the rhizome essential oils were subsequently analysed by GC–MS. The isolation of essential oils of each species was carried out following the six principles of green extraction and comparison was made between their chemical composition, antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase and anticancer activities. SFME was found to be more efficient than HD in terms of energy savings, extraction time, oil yield, water consumption and waste production. Though the major compounds of essential oils of both the species were qualitatively similar, there was a significant difference in terms of quantity. The essential oils extracted through HD and SFME methods were dominated by hydrocarbon and oxygenated compounds, respectively. The essential oils of all Curcuma species exhibited strong antioxidant activity, where SFME was significantly better than HD with lower IC50 values. The anti-tyrosinase and anticancer properties of SFME-extracted oils were relatively better than that of HD. Further, among the three Curcuma species, C. alismatifolia essential oil showed the highest rates of inhibition in DPPH and ABTS assay, significantly reduced the tyrosinase activity and exhibited significant selective cytotoxicity against MCF7 and PC3 cells. The current results suggested that the SFME method, being advanced, green and fast, could be a better alternative for production of essential oils with better antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase and anticancer activities for application in food, health and cosmetic industries.
Short Warm Distribution Tails Accelerate the Increase of Humid‐Heat Extremes Under Global Warming

Humid‐heat extremes threaten human health and are increasing in frequency with global warming, so elucidating factors affecting their rate of change is critical. We investigate the role of wet‐bulb temperature (TW) frequency distribution tail shape on the rate of increase in extreme TW threshold exceedances under 2°C global warming. Results indicate that non‐Gaussian TW distribution tails are common worldwide across extensive, spatially coherent regions. More rapid increases in the number of days exceeding the historical 95th percentile are projected in locations with shorter‐than‐Gaussian warm side tails. Asymmetry in the specific humidity distribution, one component of TW, is more closely correlated with TW tail shape than temperature, suggesting that humidity climatology strongly influences the rate of future changes in TW extremes. Short non‐Gaussian TW warm tails have notable implications for dangerous humid‐heat in regions where current‐climate TW extremes approach human safety limits.
Awareness and Hesitancy of COVID-19 and other Vaccines among People Living with HIV/AIDS Attending Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Center in North India

Introduction: Approximately 40 years have passed since we first learned about the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), but several people living with HIV (PLHIV) in developing countries such as India cannot avail treatments. This makes preventive measures, such as vaccinations, critical in these persons to avoid vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs). However, little is known about the willingness and perceptions of PLHIV regarding these vaccines. Therefore, we explored vaccine awareness and hesitancy, especially during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Objectives: The primary objective was to determine the uptake of the Covid-19 vaccine and other VPD's among PLHIV and factors affecting the same in Antiretroviral therapy (ART) centers in a tertiary care hospital in North India. Research Design and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of HIV patients who attended our Antiretroviral Therapy center (ART). Clinical data were collected using a questionnaire on general profile, disease information, knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding vaccinations, and vaccination status for different VPDs. Results/Findings: We enrolled 300 subjects and found that 82% of the patients attending our ART center were aware of vaccinations, most of whom were aware of the polio vaccine (n=91, 30.33%), followed by tuberculosis (n=61, 20.33%), and the majority of them were not aware of vaccines indicated in PLHIV. We also found that the majority (n= 240, 80.23%) of patients had vaccine hesitancy, especially regarding the new COVID-19 vaccine. Conclusion: There is a need to create awareness among people about the benefits and uses of vaccination to achieve the greater goal of reduced morbidity and mortality among PLHIV. There is a need for free vaccination programs for VPDs in PLHIV patients.
Microphysics of Marine Stratocumulus Clouds with Two Drizzle Modes

Abstract This observational study looks at the distribution of some cloud microphysical properties measured from the University of Washington's aircraft in mostly unbroken stratocumulus (Sc) clouds in the vicinity of the Azores Islands during ASTEX. The average behavior of the Sc includes the presence of two drizzle modes. In 85% of the Sc the amount of drizzle LWC (liquid water content in droplets with radius r > 20 µm) is less than 0.01 g m−3, while in the rest, drizzle LWC is much larger than 0.01 g m−3. The microphysics of light-drizzle Sc approach classical conditions, because measured and adiabatic LWC profiles are similar, and droplet spectral dispersions decrease with height. The lognormal function fits approximately measured droplet spectra of light-drizzle Sc. Standard deviations of these spectra remain about constant with height, vary over a small range, and average 1.74-µm radius. Drizzle LWC > 0.01 g m−3 is found on the average in Sc with spectra that have effective radii re &ge 16 µm. This h.
Linear and non-linear electro-optical measurements in the study of polar liquid crystal phases

ABSTRACT The article shows that the recently presented technique based on the temperature dependence of the characteristic peak frequency (fext) of the real part of second harmonic electro-optic (EO) response can be complementary to the Debye type relaxation method, usually used to study the dynamical behaviour of liquid crystals (LCs). The most important advantages of this method are the sensitivity – no pretransitional effects observed, and simplicity – no fitting procedure necessary. The problem is illustrated with the experimental first and second harmonic EO spectra recorded for LC material with broad temperature range of the helical smectic subphases. The obtained values of the frequency rate of each characteristic response of every polar phase are correlated with the particular collective modes. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Association of Spinal Alignment and Abdominal Circumference with Sarcopenia Status and Fall Risk in Patients with Osteoporosis: A Retrospective Study

Since vertebral kyphosis and abdominal circumference are thought to influence sarcopenia and fall risk in osteoporosis, we evaluated sarcopenia and fall risk in patients with different measurements of abdominal circumference and sagittal longitudinal axis (SVA). In this post hoc study, 227 patients aged 65 years or more who visited an outpatient osteoporosis clinic were included in the analysis. Sarcopenia was determined from lean body mass, grip strength, and walking speed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry; SVA (median 40 mm) and abdominal circumference (median 80 cm) were compared between the four groups, each divided into two groups. Nutritional management, falls, and fall anxiety scores were also examined. The incidence of sarcopenia was significantly increased in those with abdominal circumference < 80 cm in both the SVA < 40 mm and SVA ≥ 40 mm groups (p < 0.05). Nonetheless, the fall scores of those with SVA < 40 mm were lower than those of individuals with SVA ≥ 40 mm (p < 0.01). Based on the results of this study, SVA and abdominal circumference values may predict the risk of sarcopenia and falls. More research is needed before our results can be translated into clinical practice.
Effects of Whole-Body Cryostimulation on Pain Management and Disease Activity in Active Rheumatic Polymyalgia: A Case-Report

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is the most common inflammatory rheumatic disease among people over 50 and occurs with symptoms such as musculoskeletal pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, and hips. To date, corticosteroids represent the cornerstone of PMR treatment. However, it is well known that their prolonged use is associated with several adverse effects, making it crucial to find therapeutic alternatives. The purpose of this case report was to describe the effectiveness of 10 whole-body cryostimulation (WBC) sessions on a 74-year-old woman suffering from PMR. An improvement in disease impact, fatigue, pain, quality of sleep, and total physical activity was observed after WBC. Moreover, the patient reduced her daily drug intake by 67% following WBC treatments. Given the increasing prevalence of PMR and considering the side effects that drug treatments can lead to, WBC could represent a valuable adjuvant and well-tolerated alternative for treating PMR.
Disagreement Motivated Trading: The Bright Side of Share Pledges

ABSTRACT We study the impact on stock liquidity of share pledges by controlling shareholders. Using 2SLS and a regulatory change that exogenously increases pledging activities, we document a positive causal link between pledging and stock liquidity. These baseline results are robust to a variety of tests using alternative data frequency, variable definitions, model specifications, and sample selection. Further, we find that the channel of dispersion of opinions among investors explains the findings. In further discussion, our study finds that share pledging is also associated with lower liquidity risk. Our empirical findings contradict the regulatory concern that share pledges by controlling shareholders will deteriorate the company’s information environment.
The Effects of a Very-Low-Calorie Ketogenic Diet on the Intestinal Barrier Integrity and Function in Patients with Obesity: A Pilot Study

The very-low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) is effective and safe for obese individuals, but limited information exists on its impact on the intestinal barrier. This study analyzed the effects of 8 weeks of VLCKD on 24 obese patients (11M/13F). Carbohydrate intake was fixed at 20–50 g/day, while protein and lipid intake varied from 1–1.4 g/kg of ideal body weight and 15–30 g per day, respectively. Daily calorie intake was below 800 kcal. The lactulose–mannitol absorption test assessed small intestinal permeability. Multiple markers, such as serum and fecal zonulin, fatty acid-binding protein, diamine oxidase concentrations, urinary dysbiosis markers (indican and skatole), and circulating lipopolysaccharide levels, were analyzed. Inflammation markers (serum interleukin 6, 8, 10, and tumor necrosis factor-α concentrations) were also evaluated. The results showed significant reductions in weight, BMI, and waist circumference post-diet. However, the lactulose–mannitol ratio increased by 76.5%, and a significant increase in dysbiosis markers at the end of the diet occurred. This trend was particularly evident in a subgroup of patients. Despite initial benefits, the VLCKD might negatively affect the intestinal barrier function in obese patients, potentially worsening their compromised intestinal balance.
Industry 4.0 Framework for Sustainable Manufacturing Sector in Jordanian Rural Areas

Received: 16 December 2022 Accepted: 14 April 2023 Developing countries are facing increasing pressure to remain competitive in the global economy and markets. Industry 4.0 provides improved concepts to enhance manufacturing companies' productivity, efficiency, and sustainability. This study investigates how the Industry 4.0 factors influence the sustainability strategies of manufacturing companies in rural areas in Jordan taking into consideration the adoption and barriers of entry to Industry 4.0. Our study modifies the current model factors of technological, organizational, and environmental context by introducing Industry 4.0 adoption as a moderator, and barriers to adopting Industry 4.0 as a mediator to the sustainability outcomes. The results confirm that the three factors, the technological factor, the organizational factor, and the environmental factor, had a positive impact on the sustainability of rural manufactories in Jordan. Results show a negative moderating effect of Industry 4.0 adoption on the relationship between the TOE framework factors and sustainability, it also shows a partial mediating role of barriers for using Industry 4.0 on the relationship between the TOE framework factors and sustainability. This study fills the gap in the scientific literature to better understand how developing countries can take advantage of Industry 4.0 concepts and increase their competitiveness in the domestic and international economies.
RECENT RESULTS ON THE CONTROLLABILITY OF LINEAR COUPLED PARABOLIC PROBLEMS: A SURVEY

This paper tries to summarize recent results on the controllability of systems of (several) parabolic equations. The emphasis is placed on the extension of the Kalman rank condition (for finite dimensional systems of differential equations) to parabolic systems. This question is itself tied with the proof of global Carleman estimates for systems and leads to a wide field of open problems.
Locating Medical Information during an Infodemic: Information Seeking Behavior and Strategies of Health-Care Workers in Germany

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a flood of—often contradictory—evidence. HCWs had to develop strategies to locate information that supported their work. We investigated the information-seeking of different HCW groups in Germany. Methods: In December 2020, we conducted online surveys on COVID-19 information sources, strategies, assigned trustworthiness, and barriers—and in February 2021, on COVID-19 vaccination information sources. Results were analyzed descriptively; group comparisons were performed using χ2-tests. Results: For general COVID-19-related medical information (413 participants), non-physicians most often selected official websites (57%), TV (57%), and e-mail/newsletters (46%) as preferred information sources—physicians chose official websites (63%), e-mail/newsletters (56%), and professional journals (55%). Non-physician HCWs used Facebook/YouTube more frequently. The main barriers were insufficient time and access issues. Non-physicians chose abstracts (66%), videos (45%), and webinars (40%) as preferred information strategy; physicians: overviews with algorithms (66%), abstracts (62%), webinars (48%). Information seeking on COVID-19 vaccination (2700 participants) was quite similar, however, with newspapers being more often used by non-physicians (63%) vs. physician HCWs (70%). Conclusion: Non-physician HCWs more often consulted public information sources. Employers/institutions should ensure the supply of professional, targeted COVID-19 information for different HCW groups.
Factors Influencing the Control of Hypertension According to the Gender of Older Adults

(1) Background: This study aimed to identify factors associated with hypertension control among older adults with hypertension based on their socio-demographic and health characteristics. (2) Methods: The sample consisted of a total of 1824 with hypertension and was obtained from the Eighth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (VIII-1, VIII-2). (3) Results: As the factors associated with hypertension control among older men, 65–74 years old (OR = 1.76, CI = 1.04–2.96), a lower education level (OR = 2.23, CI = 1.17–4.28), with obesity (OR = 2.05, CI = 1.13–2.05), and under-treatment of hypertension (OR = 22.07, CI = 6.54–7.45) increased the likelihood of rating hypertension control. As the factors associated with hypertension control among older women, trying to weight maintain (OR = 1.70, CI = 1.01–2.85) and under-treatment of hypertension (OR = 12.16, CI = 3.65–40.46) increased the likelihood of rating hypertension control. (4) Conclusion: The factor affecting the control of hypertension differed between the two genders. To improve the control of hypertension, the guidelines for treatment interventions should be gender-specific for the early elderly. There is a need to increase control of hypertension by having health-related behavioral modifications such as reducing obesity for older men and trying weight maintenance for older women.
Phytochemical Characterization of Saudi Mint and Its Mediating Effect on the Production of Silver Nanoparticles and Its Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities

The green synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) is attracting enormous attention as a new area of study that encompasses the development and discovery of new agents for their utilization in different fields, such as pharmaceuticals and food. Nowadays, the use of plants, particularly medicinal plants, for the creation of NPs has emerged as a safe, ecofriendly, rapid, and simple approach. Therefore, the present study aimed to use the Saudi mint plant as a medicinal plant for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and to evaluate the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of AgNPs compared to mint extract (ME). A phenolic and flavonoid analysis that was conducted by using HPLC indicated the presence of numerous compounds in the ME. Through an HPLC analysis, chlorogenic acid at a concentration of 7144.66 µg/mL was the main detected component in the ME, while catechin, gallic acid, naringenin, ellagic acid, rutin, daidzein, cinnamic acid, and hesperetin were identified in varying concentrations. AgNPs were synthesized by using ME and were confirmed via UV–visible spectroscopy at 412 nm of the maximum absorption. The mean diameter of the synthesized AgNPs was measured by TEM to be 17.77 nm. Spectra obtained by using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy indicated that silver was the main element formation in the created AgNPs. The presence of various functional groups, analyzed by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), indicated that the mint extract was responsible for reducing Ag+ to Ag0. The spherical structure of the synthesized AgNPs was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Furthermore, the ME showed reduced antimicrobial activity (a zone of inhibition of 30, 24, 27, 29, and 22 mm) compared with the synthesized AgNPs (a zone of inhibition of 33, 25, 30, 32, 32, and 27 mm) against B. subtilis, E. faecalis, E. coli, P. vulgaris, and C. albicans, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the AgNPs was lower than that of the ME for all of the tested micro-organisms, except for P. vulgaris. The MBC/MIC index suggested that the AgNPs revealed a higher bactericidal effect compared to the ME. The synthesized AgNPs exhibited antioxidant activity with a reduced IC50 (IC50 of 8.73 µg/mL) compared to that of the ME (IC50 of 13.42 µg/mL). These findings demonstrate that ME could be applied as a mediator for AgNPs synthesis and natural antimicrobial and antioxidant agents.