Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of thermocouple insertion depth in multiple directions on temperature measurements

Detailed computational fluid dynamics models of mineral insulated metal sheath thermocouples are discussed, and thermocouple readings in clean flames are verified against experimental thermocouple data for a Hencken burner flame available in the literature. Computational results present thermocouple temperature readings as a function of thermocouple insertion depth in three-dimensional directions. Computational temperature correlations are plotted against nondimensional insertion depth and insertion height above the burner. Overall predictions showed excellent agreement with experimental data. Deviations occurred as the thermocouple tip was moved further away from burner edges due to axial heat losses.
An Empirical Study of Perceptual Factors Underlying Customer Reactions for New Product Positioning in Notebook Industry

Customer reactions to products are an important way to explore trends in new product development. The reputation of a brand represents the perceived corporate image that is held by its ultimate customers. Complaints from the ultimate customers to brands are messages that can be used to obtain their true demands with regard to products. Therefore, this research depicts the mental simulation of customer cognition for brands and creates a product positioning model based on cognitive psychology and the theory of reflexivity. The perceptual factors as a pioneering examination used to analyze customer complaints, include appearance, function, and cosmetic elements, are used for the measurement of the trend of future product positioning.
On the Resonant Frequency of a Reentrant Cylindrical Cavity

A new efficient method determining the resonant frequency of a reentrant cylindrical cavity is suggested. The method is based on solving the Helmholtz equation within two cavity regions and matching the solutions across the boundary surface. Contrary to similar formulations published previously, the continuity conditions on the boundary are imposed in a rigorous way. As a result the solution is obtained in a form of succesive approximations converging to the exact resonant frequency when a number of iterations tend toward infinity. Numerical examples are given for a few reentrant cavities of typical dimensions. Comparison is also made with experimental data as well as other theoretical results.
Fungal Keratitis; New Horizons

For an ophthalmologist, fungi should be classified on the basis of microscopic characteristics, which make it easy to understand and remember. On microscopy, fungi can be seen as unicellular yeasts or as multicellular molds which are in the form of filaments/hyphae/mycelium or branches. Most common fungi are fusarium and aspergillus (both molds) in developing countries with candida (yeast) as less common while in developed countries candida is more common because of contact lens use. In following classification first three are multicellular molds and fourth one is the unicellular yeast.
Sustainability Psychology of Disruption: Attitude towards Water Purification Technology Can Be Predicted by Cultural Value Orientation and Personality Traits

The clean water crisis, particularly drinking water, is an issue that is strongly tied to water sustainability. The availability of disruptive technology that is cheaper and easy to use, such as a water purifier, is one answer to the ongoing crisis. Unfortunately, a disparity exists in the attitudes of Indonesia’s society toward this technology. Five cultural orientations are set as predictors, each hypothesized as able to predict such attitudes as mediated by relevant personality traits. This study applied a correlational-predictive design toward 244 individuals (112 males and 132 females, Mage = 23.766 years old, SDage = 6.196 years) residing in Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital city. The main results were: (1) uncertainty avoidance can predict attitudes toward water purification technology through the conscientiousness trait; (2) power distance is unable to predict attitudes through neuroticism; (3) collectivism can predict attitudes through agreeableness; (4) masculinity is unable to predict attitudes through extraversion; and (5) long-term orientation can predict attitudes toward water purification technology through the openness trait. Prior studies have generally employed culture and personality as two separate predictors, yet this study might be the first in setting culture and personality as socio-psychological processes that shape a person’s attitude toward water purification technology in a single theoretical model.
Integrating GIS-based FAHP and WaTEM/SEDEM for identifying potential RWH areas in semi-arid areas

Abstract Rainwater harvesting (RWH) is an alternative technique to potentially overcome the increasing need for water. However, identifying suitable sites for RWH remains a complex task. The present study offers an approach that can enable water managers to use the Water and Tillage Erosion Model and Sediment Delivery Model (WaTEM/SEDEM) as a spatially soil erosion and sediment delivery model, Geographic Information System (GIS) and Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) method to identify potential RWH sites. For this purpose, several data sources were employed to generate needful thematic layers. Five criteria: land use/land cover (LULC), slope, soil texture, drainage density and runoff were used. The Soil Conservation Service-Curve Number (SCS-CN) method was utilized for preparing a yearly runoff potential map. Then, the thematic layers were weighted for generating RWH suitability map. The results show that the average annual runoff is 248 mm. Moreover, approximatly 76.1% of the study area falls within slight soil erosion class. The classified RWH suitability map showed that 6.9% of the watershed falls within an extremely suitable category. Prediction accuracy of the developed map of RWH suitability showed an area under the curve value (AUC) of 59.6% for FAHP method in this study. It is concluded that involving a spatial soil erosion and sediment delivery model with GIS-based FAHP represents a valuable approach for locating suitable RWH sites. So, this method can be used in other parts of the world.
Effects of Plant-Based Diets on Weight Status in Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials

Excessive adiposity is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes (T2D), and dietary patterns are important determinants of weight status. Plant-based dietary patterns (PBDs) are known for their therapeutic effects on T2D. The aim is to systematically review RCTs to investigate the effects of various PBDs compared to regular meat-eating diets (RMDs), in individuals who normally consume a RMD on body weight, BMI, and waist circumference in T2D. RCTs investigating PBDs and body weight, BMI, WC for ≥6 weeks in adults with T2D since 1980 were eligible for inclusion. Seven trials (n = 269) were included in the meta-analysis using random-effects models and expressed as MD (95%Cls). Compared to RMDs, PBDs significantly lowered body weight (−2.35 kg, 95% CI: −3.51, −1.19, p < 0.001), BMI (−0.90 kg/m2, 95% CI: −1.42, −0.38, p = 0.001) and WC (−2.41 cm, 95% CI: −3.72, −1.09, p < 0.001). PBDs alone significantly reduced body weight by 5.1% (−4.95 kg, 95% CI: −7.34, −2.55, p < 0.001), BMI by 5.4% (−1.87 kg/m2, 95% CI: −2.78, −0.95, p < 0.001) and WC by 4.3%(−4.23, 95% CI: −6.38, −2.07, p < 0.001). Interventions not limiting energy intake led to a significant reduction in body weight (−2.54 kg, 95% CI: −4.16, −0.92, p < 0.005) and BMI (−0.91 kg/m2, 95% CI: −1.56, −0.25, p < 0.005). Trials ≥16 weeks had a pronounced reduction in body weight (−2.93 kg, 95% CI: −5.00, −0.87, p = 0.005) and BMI (−1.13 kg/m2, 95% CI: −1.89, −0.38, p < 0.005). These findings provide evidence for the implementation of PBDs for better management of central adiposity in individuals with T2D.
Bank profile of threshold channels : A simplified approach

A simplified model is presented for the computation of shape and dimensions of the cross section of a self-formed straight threshold channel with noncohesive uniform sediments. The model is based on the equilibrium of the individual sediment particles lying on the channel bed under the threshold condition, due to the hydrodynamic force acting on it. The transverse momentum diffusion, caused by the Reynolds stresses, is assumed as a function of the transverse distance from the center. Channel dimensions predicted by this model are in agreement with those obtained from previous models. However, the model slightly underestimates the experimental data.
Shallow P - and S -Wave Velocities and Site Resonances in the St. Louis Region, Missouri-Illinois

As part of the seismic hazard–mapping efforts in the St. Louis metropolitan area we determined the compressional and shear-wave velocities (Vp and Vs) to about a 40-m depth at 17 locations in this area. The Vs measurements were made using high-resolution seismic refraction and reflection methods. We find a clear difference in the Vs profiles between sites located on the river floodplains and those located in the upland urban areas of St. Louis. Vs30 (average Vs to 30-m depth) values in floodplain areas range from 200 to 290 m/s (NEHRP category D) and contrast with sites on the upland areas of St. Louis, which have Vs30 values ranging from 410 to 785 m/s (NEHRP categories C and B). The lower Vs30 values and earthquake recordings in the floodplains suggest a greater potential for stronger and more prolonged ground shaking in an earthquake. Spectral analysis of a M3.6 earthquake recorded on the St. Louis–area ANSS seismograph network indicates stronger shaking and potentially damaging S-wave resonant frequencies at NEHRP category D sites compared to ground motions at a rock site located on the Saint Louis University campus.
The Dressing Down

This paper is concerned with the practice(s) of dressing nonhuman animals. Indeed, while many anthropological commentators have recognised that certain domesticated animals constitute accessories or markers of cultural or individual identity, the process of accessorising animals themselves has received little attention. This paper seeks to address the void and in the process will argue that the topic is of immense significance for anthropologists and material culturists who seek to understand what it means to be human. The act of clothing animals, in the case of this paper, horses, can be regarded as a way of exerting control over the ‘animality’ of the nonhuman, while the converse, the removal of clothing and material paraphernalia can, in some contexts, be seen as a recognition of animal agency and personhood as human owners seek to cultivate a relationship based on respect of ‘animal nature’ as opposed to domination over it.
Methods for determination of the coefficient of consolidation and field observations of time rate of settlement — an overview

Abstract The main objective of this paper is to review the state-of-the-art for determining coefficient of consolidation (cv), which is required for predicting the rate of settlement of structures founded on cohesive soil deposits in order to check the settlement criteria of foundation design. In the past five to six decades, attempts have been made to propose methods for determining more reliable values of cv. All these methods are critically reviewed in this paper in terms of their limitations and practical use. It is found that most of the current methods attempt to fit the characteristic features of average degree of consolidation (U) versus time factor (T) relationship from the Terzaghi consolidation theory to the observed compression versus time data obtained in the laboratory oedometer test with incremental loading. The two conventional methods, namely the Casagrande logarithm of time fitting and the Taylor square root of time fitting methods, are still having much greater acceptance and use in geotechnical engineering practice as the standard methods in spite of their limitations. Other alternative methods such as inflection point (Cour, 1971), velocity (Perkin, 1978), rectangular hyperbola fitting (Sridharan and Rao, 1981) and revised logarithm of time fitting (Robinson and Allam, 1996) methods are also based on rational approaches and have potential for predicting reliable values, sometimes even better than the values obtained by standard methods. Mainly, due to lack of comparisons with field observations of time rate of settlement, and also to some extent because of more data reduction effort and sophistication of the method, the alternative methods have not been found suitable for routine applications. These alternative methods do not appear to offer apparent advantages as expected in geotechnical engineering at the cost of extra effort. Among the methods available for estimating the field values of cv, the Asaoka method is preferred, mainly because of its rational and simple procedures. A comparison of cv values obtained from the laboratory data and the field observations are required for assessing the suitability of all the proposed methods, but unfortunately it has not been reported extensively. However, the limited comparisons in this paper clearly show that cv from the field is an order of magnitude higher than that from the laboratory. This overview will be useful to engineering students and practicing engineers, and at the same time, it highlights the need for further research.
COVID‐19 pandemic‐related stressors and posttraumatic stress: The main, moderating, indirect, and mediating effects of social support

Abstract The COVID‐19 pandemic has created a variety of stressors, some of which have been linked to intense stress reactions, such as posttraumatic stress (PTS)‐like symptoms. However, we have limited knowledge on cumulative effects of pandemic‐related stressors on PTS or on variables that may mitigate the effects of these stressors. We aimed to address some of these knowledge gaps by testing three models to examine the interrelationships among pandemic‐related stressors, perceived social support, coping flexibility, and pandemic‐related PTS. The sample of this cross‐sectional correlational study is comprised of 2291 adults from the United States who completed an online survey between 22 May 2020 and 15 July 2020. Results indicated that greater exposure to secondary stressors, but not COVID‐19‐related stressors, was associated with increased PTS. After controlling for COVID‐19‐related and secondary stressors, social support had negative direct and indirect (via coping flexibility) effects on PTS. In addition, social support mediated the effects of COVID‐19‐related and secondary stressors on PTS. Our findings highlight the complexity of the role of social support in relation to pandemic‐related stressors and PTS, and suggest that early interventions that target social support and coping flexibility may help reduce pandemic‐related PTS.
Diel Movement by White Suckers (Catostomus commersonii) in Connected Northern Lakes

Abstract - Consistently repeated daily habitat shifts by fish can expose or protect individuals from a variety of threats and influence nutrient transport between systems, yet logistical constraints make individual horizontal movement difficult to study on short time scales. As a result, diel movements by fish are often poorly documented. Suckers (Catostomidae) are a key group of fish that have been frequently examined with this in mind, as many species are large, long-lived, and comprise a large proportion of biotic biomass in many waters. Previous studies in rivers have shown that multiple sucker species exhibit complex, diel movement. We investigated the prevalence of short-term movement by the widely distributed Catostomus commersonii (White Sucker) in an interconnected, remote lake system within New York's Adirondack region using PIT telemetry. These 2 lakes were in a remote setting of New York's Adirondacks, and our tracking studies indicated a subset of the sucker population regularly traveled back and forth daily through a short, shallow channel. Direction of movement was strongly associated with time of day, and larger individuals were far more likely to engage in this repetitive behavior. Overall, these findings highlight the potential for extensive, yet generally unobserved, movement by White Suckers within connected lake systems.
Appalachian Hardwood Product Exports: An Analysis of the Current Chinese Market

A mail survey of Appalachian hardwood product exporters was conducted in the fall of 2008 to analyze the export practices for Appalachian hardwood products, specifically the volume of hardwood products exported to the Chinese market, their preferred species, and potential and existing trade barriers between US producers and Chinese customers. Results of the survey showed that the most frequent export destinations of Appalachian hardwood products were Europe, China, Canada, Mexico, and Japan. In 2007, approximately 11.4 million board feet (MMBF, Doyle scale) of hardwood logs and 145.3 MMBF of hardwood lumber were exported to China by the respondents. Approximately 37 percent of the respondents who exported hardwood products to China exported red oak logs, followed by white oak, black walnut, black cherry, and hard (sugar) maple. The top species of hardwood lumber exported to China were red oak, white oak, yellow poplar, black walnut, hickory, cherry, hard maple, and soft maple. Respondents indicated that transportation freight costs and payments are the limiting factors when considering expanding business overseas. The continued decreasing hardwood price has put more pressure on hardwood products exporters to maintain profit margins. Because of the current economic downturn, hardwood production in the Appalachian hardwood region has declined by more than 40 percent. Exports of hardwood products to China will be affected to some extent. However, it is expected that China will remain an important overseas market in the near future.
Wound Leakage With the Use of Calcium Sulphate Beads in Prosthetic Joint Surgeries: A Systematic Review

Since its first use as a bone void filler at the end of the 19th century, calcium sulphate products have been adapted in different ways to aid orthopaedic surgeons. Calcium sulphate local antibiotic delivery systems offer a promising solution in the delivery of high antibiotic concentrations locally for an extended period of time. Over the years, multiple centres have reported side effects such as wound drainage, heterotrophic ossification and hypercalcaemia. This study was carried out to assess the risk of wound drainage in prosthetic joints after implantation of antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulphate beads. Two reviewers searched the literature in three online databases using the Cochrane methodology for systematic reviews. The search of databases yielded 182 articles. The studies without reported post-operative complications, mainly drainage outcomes, were excluded. After screening, seven articles were deemed suitable and selected. Out of the 1,112 cases identified, 43 joints developed wound drainage after calcium sulphate bead placement. This complication was resolved in all these cases by either conservative or operative approaches. The factors implicated in the development of wound drainage include the volume of the product used, procedural placement and host factors. The result of this systematic review shows that calcium sulphate products can be used for treatment and prophylaxis in prosthetic joints with a risk of post-procedural wound drainage. This risk, however, is lesser with the use of synthetic calcium sulphate products as compared with conventional calcium sulphate products.
Impact of substrate thickness on single-event effects in integrated circuits

The effects of substrate and epitaxial-layer thickness on the single-event upset and single-event latchup response of integrated circuits are studied using experiments and three-dimensional device simulations. Reducing substrate thickness can be an effective method for improving single-event upset and latchup immunity, but only if devices are thinned beyond their epitaxial-layer thickness. Increases in overall single-event upset threshold linear energy transfer of more than a factor of two are predicted after thinning to a wafer thickness of 0.5 /spl mu/m. Simulations predict that the single-event latchup performance of a thinned integrated circuit will be similar to that of the same integrated circuit fabricated on an epitaxial substrate of equivalent thickness. By combining wafer thinning with backside contact formation, more significant improvements in the single-event latchup threshold can be obtained.
Monoamine Oxidase-B Inhibitor Reduction in Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines Mediated by Inhibition of cAMP-PKA/EPAC Signaling

Mucosal epithelial cell integrity is an important component of innate immunity and it protects the host from an environment rich in microorganisms. Virulence factors from Gram-negative bacteria [e.g. lipopolysaccharide (LPS)] induce significant pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors reduce cytokine expression in a variety of inflammatory models and may therefore have therapeutic potential for a number of inflammatory diseases. We tested the anti-inflammatory therapeutic potential of a recently developed reversible MAO-B inhibitor (RG0216) with reduced transport across the blood–brain barrier. In an epithelial cell culture model, RG0216 significantly decreased LPS-induced interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β gene and protein expression and was as effective as equimolar concentrations of deprenyl (an existing irreversible MAO-B inhibitor). Hydrogen peroxide and modulating dopamine receptor signaling had no effect on cytokine expression. We showed that LPS-induced expression of IL-6 and IL-1β was cAMP dependent, that IL-6 and IL-1β expression were induced by direct cAMP activation (forskolin) and that RG0216 and deprenyl effectively reduced cAMP-mediated cytokine expression. Targeted protein kinase A (PKA) and Exchange Protein Activated by cAMP (EPAC) activation regulated IL-6 and IL-1β expression, albeit in different ways, but both cytokines were effectively decreased with RG0216. RG0216 reduction of LPS-induced cytokine expression occurred by acting downstream of the cAMP-PKA/EPAC signaling cascade. This represents a novel mechanism by which MAO-B selective inhibitors regulate LPS-induced IL-6 and IL-1β expression.
Iturin A Induces Resistance and Improves the Quality and Safety of Harvested Cherry Tomato

The soft rot disease caused by Rhizopus stolonifer is an important disease in cherry tomato fruit. In this study, the effect of iturin A on soft rot of cherry tomato and its influence on the storage quality of cherry tomato fruit were investigated. The results showed that 512 μg/mL of iturin A could effectively inhibit the incidence of soft rot of cherry tomato fruit. It was found that iturin A could induce the activity of resistance-related enzymes including phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POD), glucanase (GLU), and chitinase (CHI), and active oxygen-related enzymes including ascorbate peroxidases (APX), superoxide dismutases (SOD), catalases (CAT), and glutathione reductase (GR) of cherry tomato fruit. In addition, iturin A treatment could slow down the weight loss of cherry tomato and soften the fruit. These results indicated that iturin A could retard the decay and improve the quality of cherry tomato fruit by both the inhibition growth of R. stolonifera and the inducing the resistance.