Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative Computational Study of NP(V) and U(VI) Adsorption on (110) Edge Surfaces of Montmorillonite

Sorption of U(VI) on clay and related minerals has been inspected experimentally and computationally because of its central role in safety considerations of geological repositories for highly radioactive waste. Np(V), which also has long half-life isotopes, has received considerably less attention. The purpose of the present study was to investigate computationally the adsorption of Np(V) on a clay-mineral surface and to compare it to adsorption of U(VI). As a sample case study, adsorption of Np(V) at the (110) edge surface of the common clay mineral montmorillonite was modeled. The density functional approach and periodic supercell models were applied. Mono- and bidentate adsorption complexes with coordination numbers 4 and 5 were inspected and compared to corresponding U(VI) species. While U(VI) prefers bidentate adsorption complexes with varying coordination numbers, Np(V) is more stable when monodentate-coordinated with a coordination number of four. In line with its smaller hydrolysis constant in aqueous solution, Np(V) shows a lower tendency to form monohydroxides on the mineral surface compared to U(VI). As no experimental geometry parameters are available for Np(V) adsorbed on montmorillonite, the results were compared tentatively to EXAFS data for adsorption at kaolinite and good agreement for the geometry changes due to adsorption was found for the more preferred adsorbed species.
Disease Burden, Risk Factors, and Recent Trends of Liver Cancer: A Global Country-Level Analysis

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the updated disease burden, risk factors, and temporal trends of liver cancer based on age, sex, and country. Methods: We estimated the incidence of liver cancer and its attribution to hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) in 2018 based on the Global Cancer Observatory and World Health Organization (WHO) Cancer Causes database. We extracted the prevalence of risk factors from the WHO Global Health Observatory to examine the associations by weighted linear regression. The trend analysis used data from the Cancer Incidence in Five Continents and the WHO mortality database from 48 countries. Temporal patterns of incidence and mortality were calculated using average annual percent change (AAPC) by joinpoint regression analysis. Results: The global incidence of liver cancer was (age-standardized rate [ASR]) 9.3 per 100,000 population in 2018, and there was an evident disparity in the incidence related to HBV (ASR 0.2–41.2) and HCV (ASR 0.4–43.5). A higher HCV/HBV-related incidence ratio was associated with a higher level of alcohol consumption (β 0.49), overweight (β 0.51), obesity (β 0.64), elevated cholesterol (β 0.70), gross domestic product (β 0.20), and Human Development Index (HDI; β 0.45). An increasing trend in incidence was identified in many countries, especially for male individuals, population aged ≥50 years, and countries with a higher HCV/HBV-related liver cancer incidence ratio. Countries with the most drastic increase in male incidence were reported in India (AAPC 7.70), Ireland (AAPC 5.60), Sweden (AAPC 5.72), the UK (AAPC 5.59), and Norway (AAPC 4.87). Conclusion: We observed an overall increasing trend of liver cancer, especially among male subjects, older individuals, and countries with a higher prevalence of HCV-related liver cancer. More efforts are needed in enhancing lifestyle modifications and accessibility of antiviral treatment for these populations. Future studies should investigate the reasons behind these epidemiological changes.
Two‐stage magmatism and mineralization of Tulaergen nickel‐copper deposit in eastern Tianshan, North‐west China: Evidence from bulk rock geochemistry and in situ mineral chemistry

The Tulaergen magmatic Ni–Cu deposit is related to mafic‐ultramafic rocks of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. The ore‐host rocks are lherzolite and websterite and the major ore types are net‐textured and sparsely disseminated ores. The disseminated ores host high‐Fo (82–85) olivine and hornblende with low‐Al contents, high‐rare earth element (REE) abundances and negative Eu anomalies. The net‐textured mineralized lherzolite contains low‐Fo (74–82) olivine and high‐Al hornblende, the latter characterized by low REE concentrations and no Eu anomaly. The contrasting composition of olivine and hornblende suggests two stages of magmatism. In situ analysis of pentlandite, chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite shows that platinum‐group elements contents in sulphides are low. Contrasting Ni, Co, Se, Ag, Cd, and Pb contents in sulphides from net‐textured and in disseminated ores also supports two pulses of magmas, each with a distinct chemical composition. High‐Mg basaltic magma characterized the first stage, followed by a second‐stage less basic magma with a high H2O content. Whole‐rock Sr and Nd isotopic signatures suggest that about 4–6% crustal materials were added to the depleted mantle source. The fractional crystallization of olivine and crustal contamination play important roles in sulphur segregation at Tulaergen based on sulphur content at sulphide saturation modelling. Injection of magma enriched in H2O further enhanced sulphide aggregation and deposit forming. It is proposed that two pulses of magma injections occurred at the Tulaergen deposit, with the products of the first pulse settling at the base, and of the second one with dense mineralization laying at the top of the deposit.
Influence of Temperature on Dielectric Breakdown Voltage of Epoxy Resin with Fillers

Influence of Temperature on Dielectric Breakdown Voltage of Epoxy Resin with Fillers Mitsuo Ruike, Member (Hachinohe National College of Technology), Shigetaka Fujita, Member (Hachinohe Institute of Technology), Fumitoshi Noto, Member (Akita Prefectural Industry Technology Center), Takao Sakai, Member (Musashi Institute of Technology) Using epoxy resin with the various quantities and diameters of alumina, dielectric breakdown characteris-
Effects of LED and HPS lighting on the growth, seedling morphology and yield of greenhouse tomatoes and cucumbers

In an experiment with tomato and cucumber transplants, light units equipped with purpose-built LED arrays were compared with HPS sodium lamps with a power of 600 W and a voltage of 230 V. For both the LED and HPS lamps, the same PAR radiation level was used at the plant height, which was about 70–80 μmol/m2/s in conditions without daylight. The supplementary lighting was carried out for 8 to 24 hours and was switched on during the day when the solar radiation outside the greenhouse was lower than 200 W/m2. The supplementary lighting with the LED and HPS lamps did not have a significant impact on the growth of the tomato and cucumber seedlings and the fresh and dry mass of the tomato and cucumber plants. The plants grown without the additional artificial lighting were significantly smaller in height, had fewer leaves, a smaller spread and produced lower fresh and dry weights. The tomato and cucumber plants grown under the LED lamps had a higher chlorophyll index than those grown under the HPS lamps and without any lighting. The supplementary lighting with the LED lamps increased the early yield of the tomatoes compared to the HPS and control plants but has no effect on the early yield of the cucumbers. Both the LED and HPS lighting significantly increased the total and marketable yield of the tomatoes and cucumbers.
The Potential Contribution of VOCs on Ambient Air Odor

In order to evaluate the potential contribution of VOCs on ambient air odor in roadside, urban, suburban and mountainous environments, the odor activity values (OAVs) of 66 VOCs were calculated using the environmental concentrations and the odor detection threshold values. The OAVs were less than one, but were not small, considering previous reports on odor concentrations in urban ambient air. The OAVs from roadside and urban areas were nearly identical, indicating that automobile exhaust gas does not have an important role in the potential odor. Acetaldehyde, which is directly emitted from anthropogenic sources and is also formed as a byproduct of photochemical reactions in the air, appears to be the most important substance contributing to the potential odor in each area. We also found that the contribution of biogenic VOCs was large in mountainous regions. In order to determine more precise OAVs, further work is required to generate more reliable odor detection threshold values.
A study of pyrochlore and betafite

Pyrochlore and betafite were investigated from several types of Canadian occurrences. Nine new analyses for 20 constituents and 11 analyses for 8 constituents are presented. A general formula A 16 -xB 16 (O,OH) 48 (F,OH) 8 is proposed for the pyrochlore-betafite series with x representing vacant sites in the unit cell. Differential thermal and thermogravimetric curves indicate 2 states of water. Betafite and thorian pyrochlore are metamict, but recrystallization can begin well below the exothermic reaction indicated on D.T. A. curves. The cell edge of ignited minerals tends to decrease as Ti and Fe increase. Molecular weights derived from density-cell edge data correspond qualitatively to those calculated from analyses. Observed X-ray intensities agree with calculated values, but the role of Fe is uncertain. Frequency diagrams suggest a natural division of pyrochlore and betafite at 15% U.
Internet Banking Services User Adoption in Ghana: An Empirical Study

ABSTRACT Despite the numerous benefits that customers can reap from internet banking, the existing literature indicates that its adoption remains limited. Therefore, this paper proposes and examines a conceptual framework that clarifies the salient factors that drive customers’ intention to adopt internet banking. The proposed model was built on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology. This was extended by incorporating trust, word of mouth, perceived enjoyment, and users’ internet experience. A total of 490 valid responses collected via the intercept approach from bank customers in Ghana were analyzed employing structural equation modeling. The analysis demonstrates that performance expectancy, trust, perceived enjoyment, word of mouth, and users’ internet experience significantly influence behavioral intention to adopt internet banking. However, the study finds no support for effort expectancy and social influence. The study concludes with several useful implications for theory and practice.
The late Oligocene xenarthran fauna of Quebrada Fiera (Mendoza, Argentina) and its implications for sloth origins and the diversity of Palaeogene cingulates

The late Oligocene mammalian fauna of Quebrada Fiera is one of the most diverse of the Deseadan SALMA (South American Land Mammal Age). We describe its endemic xenarthran assemblage, represented by 13 species, consisting of 2 stem sloths and 11 armoured cingulates. The rare folivoran material confirms the presence of Octodontotherium, one of the early known mylodontids, and suggests the existence of a new, small, non‐megalonychid megatherioid, Similhapalops nivis. The lumbar vertebrae of Octodontotherium sp. provide the oldest evidence of xenarthry for the order. The presence at the knee joint of an ossified meniscus and cyamo‐fabella strongly suggests a plantigrade ancestral condition in Mylodontidae. Armoured xenarthrans are represented by the armadillos Eutatini (Meteutatus sp., M. lagenaformis, and Stenotatus ornatus), an undetermined Euphractinii, the ‘horned’ peltephilids Peltephilus sp. and P. undulatus, and the palaeopeltid Palaeopeltis inornatus; an undetermined Glyptodontidae, the glyptatelines Glyptatelus cf. tatusinus and Clypeotherium sp. , and an undetermined propalaehoplophorine. The xenarthrans represent one‐third of the mammals of the Quebrada Fiera fauna, one of the most varied at the end of the Palaeogene in South America. This vertebrate fauna is represented by a mix of endemic taxa and other species of high latitude (Patagonian) origin, but few from low latitude faunas. A detailed study of this mammalian assemblage, complemented by detailed geological and petrographical studies, suggests the existence of strong volcanic activity, and the presence of braided rivers and lagoonal environments in open habitats under a temperate or hot climate, with savannas and/or grasslands and isolated forests during the late Oligocene at the foot of the proto‐Andes.
A Reference Spectrum Model for Estimating Source Levels of Marine Shipping Based on Automated Identification System Data

Underwater sound mapping is increasingly being used as a tool for monitoring and managing noise pollution from shipping in the marine environment. Sound maps typically rely on tracking data from the Automated Information System (AIS), but information available from AIS is limited and not easily related to vessel noise emissions. Thus, robust sound mapping tools not only require accurate models for estimating source levels for large numbers of marine vessels, but also an objective assessment of their uncertainties. As part of the Joint Monitoring Programme for Ambient Noise in the North Sea (JOMOPANS) project, a widely used reference spectrum model (RANDI 3.1) was validated against statistics of monopole ship source level measurements from the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority-led Enhancing Cetacean Habitat and Observation (ECHO) Program. These validation comparisons resulted in a new reference spectrum model (the JOMOPANS-ECHO source level model) that retains the power-law dependence on speed and length but incorporates class-specific reference speeds and new spectrum coefficients. The new reference spectrum model calculates the ship source level spectrum, in decidecade bands, as a function of frequency, speed, length, and AIS ship type. The statistical uncertainty (standard deviation of the deviation between model and measurement) in the predicted source level spectra of the new model is estimated to be 6 dB.
Treatment Outcomes in a Partial Hospital Program for Patients with Social Anxiety Disorder: The Effects of Comorbid Major Depression

Although previous studies have examined the impact of comorbid major depressive disorder (MDD) on social anxiety disorder (SAD), the results have been somewhat mixed. Furthermore, most studies have been conducted in inpatient or outpatient settings. Given the large body of literature that suggests that this particular comorbidity can have negative effects on treatment efficacy and outcomes, it is important to continue to explore its impact. The present study aims to clarify contradictions in the literature and expands on previous studies by examining patients in a partial hospitalization setting. Patients at Rhode Island Hospital with a diagnosis of SAD were compared to those with comorbid SAD and MDD on pre-treatment and post-treatment measures of anxiety and depression. The results indicated that while the comorbid group showed significantly less improvement post-treatment on anxiety symptoms and constructs related to remission from depression, they did not show significantly less improvement on depression symptoms. The implications of these results for clinical practice are discussed. KEYWORDS: Social Anxiety Disorder; Major Depressive Disorder; Comorbid Anxiety Disorders; Comorbid Mood Disorders; Treatment Outcomes; Partial Hospitalization Program
Nutrition knowledge of elite and non-elite Gaelic footballers

ABSTRACT Dietary intake plays a significant role in athletic performance and is influenced by several factors, including nutrition knowledge. Gaelic footballers are amateur athletes who conduct high-intensity, intermittent activity during training and competition, and have previously demonstrated insufficient dietary intake. This study aimed to examine nutrition knowledge in elite and non-elite Gaelic footballers. An online survey was distributed to competitive Gaelic footballers, examining nutrition knowledge using the Abridged Nutrition for Sport Knowledge Questionnaire. Total, general, and sport nutrition knowledge were compared between elite and non-elite athletes, and those who had and had not previously received nutrition education, using Mann-Whitney U-tests. A total of 190 participants (15.3% women) completed the survey. No differences between elite and non-elite athletes in nutrition knowledge were identified (p > 0.05). Athletes with previous nutrition education scored higher than those without previous nutrition education in total (54.0 ± 4.9% vs 46.8 ± 9.6%; p = 0.002) and sport (51.9 ± 12.5% vs 43.4 ± 11.8%; p = 0.005) nutrition knowledge. Findings suggest an importance of nutrition education at all levels of athletic competition to improve nutrition knowledge, which may empower athletes to make appropriate dietary decisions to support training and competition demands.
Animation of virtual medical system under the background of virtual reality technology

Virtual reality technology is a technology that uses a variety of scientific technologies such as computer systems, image displays, and sensors to perform human–computer interaction. Since the advent of virtual reality technology, the virtual reality + medical model has been highly expected. At present, three‐dimensional (3D) animation technology can be used in combination with virtual reality technology in medical systems. 3D animation technology can transform the transformed human medical image into a 3D character model, and animate the corresponding bones, and observe the model on the screen and operate the model like real surgery, completing virtual medical content learning, virtual medical skill training, virtual surgery preview. Applying 3D animation technology to virtual reality surgery training can effectively bypass the limitations of traditional surgery training modes, form multiple interactive real‐time effects, and bring a rich perceptual experience to the audience. Based on the above background, the research content of this article is the study of virtual medical system animation under the background of virtual reality technology. This paper analyzes the feasibility of virtual reality technology and 3D animation modeling, and designs a virtual medical system based on this. Finally, through experimental simulations, the results show that the gap h is getting larger and larger after the first approximation, and the gap between the Euler explicit method and the true value is larger, while the implicit method is more stable, and the gap does not increases too quickly with the increase of h. Hence choosing the implicit method to calculate Δt to obtain a larger value will not affect the stability of the solution.
Inter-Individual Differences in Ornamental Colouration in a Mediterranean Lizard in Relation to Altitude, Season, Sex, Age, and Body Traits

Animals frequently show complex colour patterns involved in social communication, which attracts great interest in evolutionary and behavioural ecology. Most researchers interpret that each colour in animals with multiple patches may either signal a different bearer’s trait or redundantly convey the same information. Colour signals, moreover, may vary geographically and according to bearer qualities. In this study, we analyse different sources of colour variation in the eastern clade of the lizard Psammodromus algirus. Sexual dichromatism markedly differs between clades; both possess lateral blue eyespots, but whereas males in the western populations display strikingly colourful orange-red throats during the breeding season, eastern lizards only show some commissure pigmentation and light yellow throats. We analyse how different colour traits (commissure and throat colouration, and the number of blue eyespots) vary according to body size, head size (an indicator of fighting ability), and sex along an elevational gradient. Our findings show that blue eyespots function independently from colour patches in the commissure and throat, which were interrelated. Males had more eyespots and orange commissures (which were yellow or colourless in females). Throat colour saturation and the presence of coloured commissures increased in older lizards. The number of eyespots, presence of a coloured commissure, and throat colour saturation positively related to head size. However, while the number of eyespots was maximal at lowlands, throat colour saturation increased with altitude. Overall, our results suggest that this lizard harbours several colour signals, which altitudinally differ in their importance, but generally provide redundant information. The relevance of each signal may depend on the context. For example, all signals indicate head size, but commissure colouration may work well at a short distance and when the lizard opens the mouth, while both throat and eyespots might work better at long distance. Meanwhile, throat colouration and eyespots probably work better in different light conditions, which might explain the altitudinal variation in the relative importance of each colour component.
Improved ECG based Stress Prediction using Optimization and Machine Learning Techniques

INTRODUCTION: ECG have emerged as the most acceptable and widely used technique to infer mental health status using cardiac signals thereby resolving major challenge of Mental Health Assessment protocols. OBJECTIVES: Authors mainly aimed at identification of stressed signals to distinguish subjects exhibiting stress ECG signals. METHODS: Authors have taken advantage of three optimization techniques namely, Genetic Algorithm (GA), Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) and improved Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) that further improves the classification accuracy of Multi-kernel SVM. RESULTS: The simulation analysis confer that the proposed work outperforms the existing works while demonstrating an average accuracy, precision, recall and specificity of 98.93%, 96.83%, 96.83% and 96.72%, respectively when evaluated against dataset comprising of 1000 ECG samples. CONCLUSION: It is observed that the proposed stress prediction based on improved VMD and Improved SVM outperformed the existing work that comprised of traditional VMD and SVM.
Mapping the Market Segments for the Consumers of Greek Cooperative Food Products

The purpose of this study was to illustrate and understand how consumers of cooperative food products could be segmented in the region of Western Greece. For this purpose, a questionnaire survey was undertaken involving almost 500 consumers in the selected region. Consumers were segmented on the basis of their consumption of cooperative products and in association with their attributes and beliefs regarding cooperatives’ products. Τhe performed cluster analysis grouped participants into four distinct groups with different characteristics and perceptions regarding cooperatives’ products. The consumer groups were called “skeptics”, “cooperative”, “passively sensitive”, and “indifferent”. According to the results, in general, participants considered cooperative food products as a safe choice with excellent value for money and contributing to the local society, economy, and sustainability. Segmentation could allow agricultural cooperatives to focus only on those segments of consumers that are willing to pay for cooperative products by allocating all available resources in serving them. The results of this research, even with its limitations, can help directors and marketing executives of agricultural cooperatives to better understand that operating in a specific market could be more effective when targeted at specific segments to help not only the viability of agricultural cooperatives but also their economic development and growth.