Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Identification of Nonlinear Soil Properties from Downhole Array Data Using a Bayesian Model Updating Approach

An accurate seismic response simulation of civil structures requires accounting for the nonlinear soil response behavior. This, in turn, requires understanding the nonlinear material behavior of in situ soils under earthquake excitations. System identification methods applied to data recorded during earthquakes provide an opportunity to identify the nonlinear material properties of in situ soils. In this study, we use a Bayesian inference framework for nonlinear model updating to estimate the nonlinear soil properties from recorded downhole array data. For this purpose, a one-dimensional finite element model of the geotechnical site with nonlinear soil material constitutive model is updated to estimate the parameters of the soil model as well as the input excitations, including incident, bedrock, or within motions. The seismic inversion method is first verified by using several synthetic case studies. It is then validated by using measurements from a centrifuge test and with data recorded at the Lotung experimental site in Taiwan. The site inversion method is then applied to the Benicia–Martinez geotechnical array in California, using the seismic data recorded during the 2014 South Napa earthquake. The results show the promising application of the proposed seismic inversion approach using Bayesian model updating to identify the nonlinear material parameters of in situ soil by using recorded downhole array data.
Constructing Stationary Time Series Models Using Auxiliary Variables With Applications

Here we present a novel method for modeling stationary time series. Our approach is to construct the model with a specified marginal family and build the dependence structure around it. We show that the resulting time series is linear with a simple autocorrelation structure. We construct models that parallel existing structures, namely state-space models, autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (ARCH) models, and generalized ARCH models. We use Bayesian techniques to estimate the resulting models. We also demonstrate that the models perform well compared with competing methods for the applications considered, count models and volatility models.
Role of organic selenium in resisting oxidative stress during tropical summer in broiler chicken

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of selenium supplementation on the oxidative status of hepatic tissue during heat stress in broilers. The study was conducted in two phases, one during autumn and the other during summer with a total of 300 birds. During the first phase, 60 chicks were divided into six replicates with 10 birds in each and during the second phase, 240 chicks were divided into four groups with six replicates containing 10 birds in each. The experimental rations given to different groups were control (Basal ration), HS I (Basal ration), HS II (Basal ration + 0.3 ppm Se, HS III (Basal ration + 0.6 ppm Se) and HS IV (Basal ration + 0.9 ppm Se). Hepatic tissues collected at 21 and 42d were analyzed for oxidative status. HS-induced oxidative stress was revealed by the significant elevation in lipid hydroperoxides, MDA and protein carbonyl levels which in turn triggered the activities of anti-oxidant enzymes, i.e GPx, GST, SOD and G6PD in the hepatic cytosol. The total antioxidant capacity and glutathione concentration were significantly altered due to HS. Selenium at 0.3 ppm was effective in counteracting the oxidative stress at 21d while 0.6 ppm of Se was more effective at 42d. Se supplementation at 0.6 ppm improved the activities of antioxidant enzymes and G6PD. The total antioxidant capacity and GSH concentrations were better improved with 0.6 ppm of Se compared to other treatments.
Gas Phase Production of Complex Hydrocarbons, Cyanopolyynes, and Related Compounds in Dense Interstellar Clouds

The pseudo-time-dependent gas-phase model of Herbst and Leung (1986) for the chemistry of dense interstellar clouds is extended to include hydrocarbons as complex as C9H2 and CH3C6H, and organonitrogen compounds as complex as HC9N and CH3C7N. About 600 reactions are added to the model. Most of the reaction rate coefficients and product branching ratios are estimated based on analogous reactions involving smaller species or on theoretical considerations. Calculated abundances are compared with observations in TMC-1, showing generally good agreement. It is found that the observed C(n)H abundances in TMC-1 can be understood in terms of gas-phase production schemes, although the model contains predictions at early time that are too large. The calculated peak abundances for cyanopolyynes show a small but increasing tendency to be low compared with observation as molecular size increases. 72 references.
Histopathological Changes in Lungs and Tracheas of Broiler Chickens Infected With Infectious Bronchitis Virus

Infectious bronchitis is an acute extremely infectious respiratory illness caused by the avian gamma-corona virus. Infection with the infectious bronchitis virus predisposes the bird to secondary bacterial infection, worsening the situation. The infection causes severe morbidity and variable mortality in broilers, as well as a significant decrease in the layer production of eggs. This study was conducted to evaluate the pathological changes that occur in natural infection with the infectious bronchitis virus. Samples were collected from clinical cases submitted for necropsy at local veterinary clinics in Anbar province, Iraq. Tissues for molecular detection included tracheas, lungs, and kidneys. Samples confirmed infection by PCR used in the histopathological study. Histopathological sections from samples that tested positive showed variable lesions from one farm to another. In some cases, there was mild heterophilic infiltration and some times accompanied by deciliation and sometimes accompanied by subepithelial edema. In more severe cases there was congestion of blood vessels along heterophilic infiltration along with desquamation of the epithelial layers. The histopathological section in a lung of infected birds showed inflammatory cells infiltration consisting mainly of heterophils in the interstitial tissue. In some samples, there was extensive hemorrhage filling the atrial lumen and infiltration of eosinophils and heterophils along with interstitial hemorrhage. From this study, we concluded that viruses circulating in Iraq causes more pulmonary lesions when compared to lesions in the trachea.
Intense plasma wave emissions associated with Saturn's moon Rhea

Measurements by the Cassini spacecraft during a close flyby of Saturn's moon Rhea on March 2, 2010, show the presence of intense plasma waves in the magnetic flux tube connected to the surface of the moon. Three types of waves were observed, (1) bursty electrostatic waves near the electron plasma frequency, (2) intense whistler‐mode emissions below one half of the electron cyclotron frequency, and (3) broadband electrostatic waves at frequencies well below the ion plasma frequency. The waves near the electron plasma frequency are believed to be driven by a low energy (∼35 eV) electron beam accelerated away from Rhea. Their bursty structure is believed to be due to a nonlinear process similar to the three‐wave interaction that occurs for Langmuir waves in the solar wind. The whistler‐mode emissions are propagating toward Rhea and are shown to be generated by the loss‐cone anisotropy (at parallel cyclotron resonance energies around 230 eV) caused by absorption of electrons at the surface of the moon. Scattering by these whistler‐mode waves may be able to explain previously reported depletions of energetic electrons in the vicinity of the moon. The low‐frequency waves may play a role in nonlinear three‐wave interactions with the bursty electrostatic waves.
Amentoflavone-Enriched Selaginella rossii Protects against Ultraviolet- and Oxidative Stress-Induced Aging in Skin Cells

Selaginellaceae plants are used in cosmetics to limit skin aging. This study is the first to investigate the anti-aging effects of Selaginella rossii (SR) on ultraviolet B (UVB)- and oxidative stress-induced skin cells. The 95% ethanol extract of Selaginella rossii (SR95E) contained much higher amounts of amentoflavone (AMF), an active compound, than other Selaginellaceae plants and was more effective in inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 expression in CCD-986sk fibroblasts. SR95E significantly decreased UVB-induced MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3 and MMP-9 expression and enhanced procollagen type I C-peptide content and mRNA expression of collagen type I alpha (COL1A)1 and COL1A2 in CCD-986sk fibroblasts. In HaCaT keratinocytes, SR95E treatment also dose-dependently decreased UVB-induced MMP-1 concentration and MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3 and MMP-9 mRNA expression. Moreover, SR95E treatment markedly inhibited UVB-induced c-Jun N-terminal kinase and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling and nuclear factor kappa-B signaling in HaCaT cells. Furthermore, SR95E and AMF markedly regulated the 2,2′-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH)-induced expression of cellular senescence-related markers, including p16, p21 and LMNB1, in HaCaT cells. Overall, this study indicates that SR may have potential as a functional material on preventing UVB- and AAPH-induced skin aging and wrinkles.
Designing a Peer Assessment for Identification of Students’ Group Work Problems

Group projects are part of the core educational experience in higher education, but many students report bad experiences. Group problems may undermine learning and cause stress and frustration. This may be prevented by monitoring and supporting groups, but this is often not feasible for teachers, who lack time and resources. This research aims to find a method for early identification of group work problems via computer-supported assessment. First, interviews and focus groups provided insights into the most common group problems and which visual features students preferred in a peer assessment. Next, two assessment versions were created: a simple, time-efficient version, and a more engaging, interactive one. We also created an initial version of E-Mate, a virtual agent that provides initial feedback on the assessment. These were tested in a field study. Most students reported a positive experience with the peer assessment, regardless of the visualization used. Teachers were also positive about its usefulness. The research also supports the use of five attributes to assess group collaboration.
The Antarctic First Regional Observing Study of the Troposphere (FROST) Project

Abstract An account is given of the Antarctic First Regional Observing Study of the Troposphere (FROST) project, which has been organized by the Physics and Chemistry of the Atmosphere Group of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research. The goals of FROST are to study the meteorology of the Antarctic, to determine the strengths and weaknesses of operational analyses and forecasts over the continent and in the surrounding ocean areas, and to assess the value of new forms of satellite data that are becoming available. FROST is based around three one-month Special Observing Periods (S0Ps)—July 1994, 16 October-15 November 1994, and January 1995 for which comprehensive datasets have been established of model fields and in situ and satellite observations. High quality manual surface and upper-air analyses are being prepared for these periods to determine the extent to which non-Global Telecommunications System data can improve the interpretation of the synoptic situation. Over the ocean areas during SOP-1.
Solar cycle variation in the heliosphere

Variations in interplanetary plasma and magnetic field parameters over the course of a solar cycle affect a broad range of physical phenomena, such as planetary magnetospheres, cosmic ray modulation, and the interaction of the solar wind with the local interstellar medium. For more than 3 decades a succession of spacecraft have provided in situ measurements of these parameters. These measurements span a range of heliocentric distances from 0.3 to 61 AU and provide an explicit picture of the three-dimensional structure of the inner and outer heliosphere in the vicinity of the ecliptic plane. In addition, ground-based interplanetary scintillation measurements and observations from the Ulysses spacecraft have extended our knowledge to smaller heliocentric distances and higher heliographic latitudes. The structure of the heliosphere varies dramatically over the course of a solar cycle. Much of this variation can be related to the changes in the structure and inclination of the coronal magnetic field. The coronal neutral line, which separates the Sun's magnetic hemispheres, is associated with a belt of low-speed and high-density solar wind. Its inclination varies over the course of a solar cycle, from a low value near solar minimum to a high value near solar maximum. When the inclination of the coronal neutral line is low, its signature is evident in observations near the solar equator. When the inclination of the coronal neutral line is high, the heliosphere at moderate heliographic latitudes is swept by a succession of high- and low-speed streams and is shaped by their interactions.
THE COMPARISON OF THE PERFORMANCE OF ISLAMIC COMMERCIAL BANKS BEFORE AND DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The World Bank estimates that the global economic outlook during the COVID-19 pandemic will change and have an impact on the short and long term. Monetary policy supports a reduction in the recession caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Islamic banks with good financial performance will be able to carry out their functions properly. comparing the current ratio with the past can be used as a predictive tool for banking in the future. This study analyzes the comparison of financial performance before and during the covid-19 pandemic using the following ratios: ROA, FDR, NPF, BOPO. The research is a comparative research. The sample in this study were 14 Islamic Commercial Banks. The research data is in the form of secondary data, namely quarterly financial ratio. The data analysis method uses the normality test and the difference test. The results of the study are that there is no difference in the performance of ROA, FDR, NPF and BOPO between before the 2019 pandemic and when the covid 19 pandemic occurred in 2020. Sharia banking during the Covid 19 pandemic in 2020 still performed well because it had a performance predicate that was not worse than in 2020.
Vicagrel is hydrolyzed by Raf kinase inhibitor protein in human intestine

As an analog of clopidogrel and prasugrel, vicagrel is completely hydrolyzed to intermediate thiolactone metabolite 2‐oxo‐clopidogrel (also the precursor of active thiol metabolite H4) in human intestine, predominantly by AADAC and CES2; however, other unknown vicagrel hydrolases remain to be identified. In this study, recombinant human Raf kinase inhibitor protein (rhRKIP) and pooled human intestinal S9 (HIS9) fractions and microsome (HIM) preparations were used as the different enzyme sources; prasugrel as a probe drug for RKIP (a positive control), vicagrel as a substrate drug of interest, and the rate of the formation of thiolactone metabolites 2‐oxo‐clopidogrel and R95913 as metrics of hydrolase activity examined, respectively. In addition, an IC50 value of inhibition of rhRKIP‐catalyzed vicagrel hydrolysis by locostatin was measured, and five classical esterase inhibitors with distinct esterase selectivity were used to dissect the involvement of multiple hydrolases in vicagrel hydrolysis. The results showed that rhRKIP hydrolyzed vicagrel in vitro, with the values of Km, Vmax, and CLint measured as 20.04 ± 1.99 μM, 434.60 ± 12.46 nM/min/mg protein, and 21.69 ± 0.28 ml/min/mg protein, respectively, and that an IC50 value of locostatin was estimated as 1.24 ± 0.04 mM for rhRKIP. In addition to locostatin, eserine and vinblastine strongly suppressed vicagrel hydrolysis in HIM. It is concluded that RKIP can catalyze the hydrolysis of vicagrel in the human intestine, and that vicagrel can be hydrolyzed by multiple hydrolases, such as RKIP, AADAC, and CES2, concomitantly.
Variations on a theme by a singing wineglass

A "singing wineglass" is a glass which generates a more or less pure tone when one rubs its rim with a wet finger. The frequency of this tone is lowered when water or wine is poured into the glass. One usually associates this downward frequency shift with an effective mass contributed by the liquid to the vibrating wineglass. We present experimental work and simplified theoretical models to show that this idea requires modifications for a couple of counter-intuitive phenomena.
Formation of Bose–Einstein magnon condensate via dipolar and exchange thermalization channels

Thermalization of a parametrically driven magnon gas leading to the formation of a Bose–Einstein condensate at the bottom of a spin-wave spectrum was studied by time- and wavevector-resolved Brillouin light scattering spectroscopy. Two distinct channels of the thermalization process related on dipolar and exchange parts of a magnon gas spectrum are clearly determined. It has been found that the magnon population in these thermalization channels strongly depends on applied microwave pumping power. The observed magnon redistribution between the channels is caused by the downward frequency shift of the magnon gas spectrum due to the decrease of the saturation magnetization in the course of injection of parametrically pumped magnons.
A unified version of efficient partition of unity algorithms for meshless interpolation

In this paper we give a unified presentation of efficient algorithms for meshless interpolation on a general domain K. In particular, here we focus on two specific cases: the former considers as interpolation domain the unit square, i.e. K = [0,1]2⊆R2, whereas the latter is given by the unit two-sphere, namely K = S2⊆R3. Such algorithms are based on a partition of unity method, which is characterized by the use of radial or zonal basis functions as local interpolants. These procedures are implemented by using efficient searching techniques, exploiting suitable and optimal partitions of the domain in strips or spherical zones. Some numerical tests show accuracy and efficiency of the considered algorithms.
Immigrants’ Life Satisfaction in Intermarriages with Natives: A Family Life Course Perspective

What role do intermarriages (i.e., interethnic marriages) play in immigrants’ life satisfaction? Only a few studies have addressed this question. While intermarriages are associated with upward mobility for immigrants, they are more likely to get divorced than intramarriages (i.e., marriages among co-ethnics), which suggests either a positive or negative association between intermarriage and immigrants’ life satisfaction. Drawing on data from the German Socio-Economic Panel (1984–2018), we estimate three-level hybrid models to investigate immigrants’ life satisfaction in inter- compared to intramarriages across the family life course. After controlling for socioeconomic characteristics, we find that intermarried immigrants had lower life satisfaction, especially after the birth of their first child. This result suggests that the socialization of children might be a more contentious issue in intermarriages. Overall, these findings illustrate that marriage types and the life course should be considered in future studies on immigrants’ life satisfaction and integration.
Evaluation of the Antioxidant, Antidiabetic and Hypolipidemic Potential of Garcinia kola Seed Tincture in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Albino Wistar Rats

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant, antidiabetic and hypolipidemic potential of Garcinia kola seed tincture in streptozotocin-induced diabetic albino Wistar rats. Study Design: This study is a non-randomized experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Animal House of the Department of Applied and Environmental Biology, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria, between August and December, 2019. Methodology: A total of 46 male Albino rats were used. Garcinia kola seed was bought and 10g of the seed was macerated with 50 mL of 43% alcoholic Gordon and stored at 4°C. Six rats were used for the pilot study to determine the concentration of streptozotocin that could induce diabetes, the remaining 40 rats were divided into 8 groups of 5 rats each, with different experimental treatments. “Streptozotocin diabetes” was achieved by intraperitoneally injecting the rats with 45 mg/kg streptozotocin, glibenclamide and metformin doses were extrapolated from human doses and rats treated with Garcinia kola seed tincture were separately given low (1 ml/kg), high (3 ml/kg) of the tincture or in combination with the either glibenclamide or metformin once per day for 30 days. Rat ELISA kits were used to determine the levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS) and malondaldehyde (MDA). An autoanalyzer was used to assay for fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), HDL-cholesterol, while oxidative stress indices (OSI) and LDL-cholesterol were calculated. SPSS version 22.0 for Windows was used for statistical analysis and P<. 05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The results showed that there were significantly higher (P<.001) MDA, TOS, OSI and FBG levels after streptozotocin induction. On treatment with G. kola seed tincture, values were observed to have significantly reduced. Only TG level was significantly higher after induction and a significant lower TG level was also observed only in the group of rats treated with the higher dose of the tincture. Liver enzyme activities did not show any significantly higher values after induction, but values were significantly raised after treatment with tincture and alcohol separately. Conclusion: From the results, we conclude that Garcinia kola seeds tincture has both hypoglycemic and antioxidant attenuating effects in “streptozotocin diabetes” albino wistar rats.
Multimodal mechanisms of political discourse dynamics and the case of Germany's nuclear energy phase-out

The 2011 policy pivot of the German government, from extending nuclear power plants terms to securing their shutdown for 2022, cannot be explained without looking at how the German political discourse network shifted in the months following Fukushima. This paper seeks to model and identify mechanisms that help explain how the two-mode network of political actors’ support for claims developed. We identify possible mechanisms to explain discourse dynamics from literature on political discourse and discourse networks, and extend homophily mechanisms to two-mode networks as “tertius” effects. We then introduce and employ a multimodal extension of dynamic network actor models to answer two questions key to how the discourse has evolved: which actors support claims more frequently and which claims they support. Our results indicate that mechanisms vary according to the discursive phase, but that powerful actors participate in the discourse more often, and actors tend to support claims that have already found support by cross-party coalitions. These are the two most prominent mechanisms that help to explain the dramatic nuclear policy change in Germany after Fukushima.