Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Subjective and Objective Needs Analysis of Mandarin Learners

Needs analysis for language courses has to be carried out continuously to keep up with global changes and the needs of learners. This mixed-method study aims to describe the subjective and objective needs of the Mandarin learners in Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Malaysia, and to check if these needs correspond with each other. Targetting at 120 learners and two instructors, a questionnaire survey was distributed, and complemented by qualitative data derived from focus group interviews. Result shows that learners’ subjective needs correspond with objective needs for motivational orientation, textbook, and cultural exposure. Statistically insignificant differences were found in the expected skills to learn, lecture-activities ratio, and teaching-learning activities. The study concludes that flexibility, student-centeredness and practicality are elements to look into for course improvement. Future research can explore learners’ needs in mastering writing skill, as well as the needs differences among learners across different levels. The study complements the understanding and knowledge of needs analysis in regard to Mandarin learning outside of China.
A Spontaneously Occurring African Swine Fever Virus with 11 Gene Deletions Partially Protects Pigs Challenged with the Parental Strain

African swine fever (ASF) is an infectious Suidae disease caused by the ASF virus (ASFV). Adaptation to less susceptible, non-target host cells is one of the most common techniques used to attenuate virulent viruses. However, this may induce many mutations and large-scale rearrangements in the viral genome, resulting in immunostimulatory potential loss of the virus in vivo. This study continuously maintained the virulent ASFV strain, Armenia2007 (Arm07), to establish an attenuated ASFV strain with minimum genetic alteration in a susceptible host cell line, immortalized porcine kidney macrophage (IPKM). A mutant strain was successfully isolated via repeated plaque purification in combination with next-generation sequencing analysis. The isolated strain, Arm07ΔMGF, which was obtained from a viral fluid at a passage level of 20, lacked 11 genes in total in the MGF300 and MGF360 regions and showed marked reduction in virulence against pigs. Moreover, all the pigs survived the challenge with the parental strain when pigs were immunized twice with 105 TCID50 of Arm07ΔMGF, although viremia and fever were not completely prevented after the challenge infection. These findings suggest that this naturally attenuated, spontaneously occurring ASFV strain may provide a novel platform for ASF vaccine development.
Phytochemical Analysis and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Acanthus mollis L. Rhizome Hexane Extract

The rhizomes of Acanthus mollis have traditionally been used for the treatment of several ailments involving inflammation. However, to the best of our knowledge, their chemical composition and pharmacological properties have not been studied until now. As a first approach, this study analyses the A. mollis rhizome hexane extract phytochemistry and its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacities in HepG2 and RAW 264.7 cell culture assays. Chemical profiling was performed with gas chromatography mass spectrometry without the modification of native molecules. Free phytosterols (such as β-sitosterol) account for 70% of detected compounds. The anti-inflammatory capacity of the rhizome extract of A. mollis is mediated by the decrease in the NO production in RAW 264.7 that has previously been stimulated with lipopolysaccharide in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, HepG2 pre-treatment with the rhizome extract prevents any damage being caused by oxidative stress, both through ROS scavenge and through the antioxidant cellular enzyme system. In this respect, the extract reduced the activity of glutathione peroxidase and reductase, which were stimulated under oxidative stress conditions. Our results suggest that the extract from the rhizomes of A. mollis may constitute a potential source of natural products with anti-inflammatory activity and could validate the traditional use of A. mollis.
Incidental Diagnosis of Urothelial Bladder Cancer: Associations with Overall Survival

Simple Summary Bladder cancer prognosis is strictly related to the disease stage at diagnosis, suggesting that early detection could lead to improved treatment results. We retrospectively investigated for a possible association between incidental bladder tumor diagnosis and survival. We managed to demonstrate that patients who had been diagnosed incidentally, compared to non-incidentally diagnosed cases, tended to have improved survival, especially if the bladder lesion was first visualized with an ultrasound. However, although we did note marked survival benefit with incidental diagnosis in the subgroup of patients with a muscle-invasive disease, our results show that improved survival in the overall group of patients might have been caused by low-grade cancer overdiagnosis. This study serves as important evidence in the discussion on the possible role of screening for bladder cancer. Abstract Background: We investigated whether an incidental diagnosis (ID) of bladder cancer (BC) was associated with improved survival. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data of consecutive patients with no prior diagnosis of urothelial cancer who underwent a primary transurethral resection of bladder tumor (pTURBT) between January 2013 and February 2021 and were subsequently diagnosed with urothelial BC. The type of diagnosis (incidental or non-incidental) was identified. Overall, relative, recurrence-free, and progression-free survival rates (OS, RS, RFS, and PFS) after pTURBT were evaluated using the Kaplan–Meier curves and long-rank tests. A multivariable Cox regression model for the overall mortality was developed. Results: A total of 435 patients were enrolled. The median follow-up was 2.7 years. ID cases were more likely to be low-grade (LG) and non-muscle-invasive. ID vs. non-ID was associated with a trend toward an improved 7-year OS (66% vs. 49%, p = 0.092) and a significantly improved 7-year OS, if incidental cases were limited to ultrasound-detected tumors (75% vs. 49%, p = 0.013). ID was associated with improved survival among muscle-invasive BC (MIBC) patients (3-year RS: 97% vs. 23%, p < 0.001), but not among other subgroups stratified according to disease stage or grade. In multivariable analysis, only age, MIBC, and high-grade (HG) cancer demonstrated an association with mortality. PFS and RFS among non-MIBC patients did not differ in regard to the type of diagnosis. Conclusions: Incidental diagnosis may contribute to an improved survival in BC patients, most probably in the mechanism of the relative downgrading of the disease, including the possible overdiagnosis of LG tumors. Nevertheless, in the subgroup analyses, we noted marked survival benefits in MIBC cases. Further prospective studies are warranted to gain a deeper understanding of the observed associations.
Finite element approximation of the parabolic p -Laplacian

In this paper the authors consider the continuous piecewise linear finite element approximation in space of the following problem: Given $p \in (1,\infty )$, f and $u_0 $; find u such that \[ \quad \begin{gathered} u_t = \nabla \cdot \left( {|\nabla u|^{p - 2} \nabla u} \right) + f\ {\text{in}}\ \Omega \times ( {0,T} ], \hfill \\ u = 0\quad {\text{on}}\quad \partial \Omega \times ( {0,T} ], \hfill \\ u(x,0) = u_0 (x)\forall x \in \Omega , \hfill \\ \end{gathered} \] where $\Omega \subset {\bf R}^d ,d = 1{\text{ or }}$. The authors analyse the semidiscrete approximation and a fully discrete approximation using the backward Euler time discretisation, obtaining error bounds which improve on those in the literature.
Direct numerical simulation of homogeneous turbulence in combination with premixed combustion at low Mach number modelled by the $G$-equation

We consider the direct numerical simulation (DNS) of a homogeneously turbulent flow in combination with a premixed flame. The combustion takes place in the flamelet regime which means that combustion occurs in a very thin layer, called the flame front. The position of the flame front is modelled by means of the $G$-equation, in which the flame front is represented by an isosurface $G_0$ of a scalar field $G({\bm x},t)$. The flow is described by the Navier–Stokes equations in the low-Mach-number limit, which allows for the inclusion of gas expansion due to the temperature increase by the combustion. The advantage of the low-Mach-number approximation is that efficient numerical methods, used for incompressible flows, can be applied to solve the discretized equations. The calculations are carried out in a box with homogeneous isotropic turbulence. In addition, a uniform mean velocity is imposed with a inflow boundary condition at $x\,{=}\,0$. The inflow velocity is adjusted such that the mean position of the flame is stabilized at a fixed position. This allows us to use time averaging to obtain accurate statistics, which are very difficult to obtain when the flame is allowed to propagate. In the $y$- and $z$-direction, periodic boundary conditions are applied. The numerical code has been checked with a well-known theoretical result, the so-called Darrieus–Landau instability of a thin flame front. The results show a good agreement between the computed growth rate and the theoretical value when the thickness of the flame front is much smaller than the wavelength of the disturbance. When this condition is not met, the growth rate becomes lower than the theory in agreement with the restriction under which the theory is valid. For the computations in homogeneous turbulence, the results show an increase in the turbulent flame speed with increasing turbulent intensity at the position of the flame front. This is in good agreement with experimental data and theory. The turbulent flame speed shows also an increase as a function of the heat release parameter. This is because disturbances on the flame front, induced by the turbulence, are enhanced by the Darrieus–Landau instability. The budgets of the turbulent kinetic energy and the enstrophy show that the expansion of the gas across the flame front suppresses the turbulence. At higher expansion rates, turbulence in the direction of the mean velocity increases and as a result turbulence becomes strongly anisotropic. The increase is due to two processes. The first is the influence of the Darrieus–Landau instability already mentioned. The second is the baroclinic production of vorticity owing to the flame front density and pressure gradients not being aligned.
A Machine Learning Model to Estimate Toxicokinetic Half-Lives of Per- and Polyfluoro-Alkyl Substances (PFAS) in Multiple Species

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a diverse group of man-made chemicals that are commonly found in body tissues. The toxicokinetics of most PFAS are currently uncharacterized, but long half-lives (t½) have been observed in some cases. Knowledge of chemical-specific t½ is necessary for exposure reconstruction and extrapolation from toxicological studies. We used an ensemble machine learning method, random forest, to model the existing in vivo measured t½ across four species (human, monkey, rat, mouse) and eleven PFAS. Mechanistically motivated descriptors were examined, including two types of surrogates for renal transporters: (1) physiological descriptors, including kidney geometry, for renal transporter expression and (2) structural similarity of defluorinated PFAS to endogenous chemicals for transporter affinity. We developed a classification model for t½ (Bin 1: <12 h; Bin 2: <1 week; Bin 3: <2 months; Bin 4: >2 months). The model had an accuracy of 86.1% in contrast to 32.2% for a y-randomized null model. A total of 3890 compounds were within domain of the model, and t½ was predicted using the bin medians: 4.9 h, 2.2 days, 33 days, and 3.3 years. For human t½, 56% of PFAS were classified in Bin 4, 7% were classified in Bin 3, and 37% were classified in Bin 2. This model synthesizes the limited available data to allow tentative extrapolation and prioritization.
Accuracy of p16 IHC in Classifying HPV-Driven OPSCC in Different Populations

Simple Summary p16 IHC is the HPV detection method suggested by the current version of the TNM (AJCC 8th edition) for oropharyngeal squamocellular carcinoma. However, its reliability has been extensively discussed, and its applicability in every context, especially the enrollment of patients in de-intensification protocols, is debatable. Here, we discuss its limits, especially in populations with a low prevalence of HPV-driven oropharyngeal squamocellular carcinoma, and suggest the possible actions to be taken to overcome such limitations. Abstract High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a defined etiopathogenetic factor in oropharyngeal carcinogenesis with a clear prognostic value. The P16 IHC (immunohistochemistry) is a widely accepted marker for HPV-driven carcinogenesis in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC); in the present paper, we discuss its reliability as a standalone marker in different populations. The literature suggests that rates of p16 IHC false positive results are inversely correlated with the prevalence of HPV-driven carcinogenesis in a population. We propose a formula that can calculate such a false positive rate while knowing the real prevalence of HPV-driven OPSCCs in a given population. As it has been demonstrated that p16 positive/HPV negative cases (i.e., false positives at p16 IHC) have the same prognosis as p16 negative OPSCC, we conclude that despite the valuable prognostic value of p16 IHC, relying only on a p16 IHC positive result to recommend treatment de-intensification could be risky. For this aim, confirmation with an HPV nucleic acid detection system, especially in areas with a low prevalence of HPV-related OPSCCs, should be pursued.
Modern post-Keynesian approaches: continuities and ruptures with monetary circuit theory

Abstract Stock-flow-consistent models (SFC) and modern monetary theory (MMT) are growing in popularity. Both are part of post-Keynesian theory and provide it with a modeling tool for the former and political proposals for the latter. However, these new modern post-Keynesian approaches share features with monetary circuit theory: their accounting framework, the hierarchy of agents and economic flows, and the importance of the Keynes’s finance motive. This article examined the fundamental elements of these new approaches to establish their links with monetary circuit theory.
Potential models for ionic oxides

The authors present a systematic approach to the derivation of empirical potential parameters for binary oxides; they also consider their modification for use in mixed oxide systems. Shell-model potentials are used but, unlike the case of the alkali halides within which polarisability and short-range interaction parameters can be transferred, modifications must be introduced when transferring potential parameters between different oxides. The anion polarisability varies with structure and with the nature of the host cation, and changes in cation coordination are reflected in the short-range repulsive cation-anion interaction. Parameters are derived for a range of oxides, and trends in these parameters are discussed. They discuss successful applications of the potentials to the calculation of perfect lattice properties. Equal success is enjoyed when defect and surface properties are considered; in particular the models correctly predict the activation energies for dopant diffusion in NiO, and to a large extent model the surface rumpling of MgO.
Ferroelectric Nanomaterials Properties Allowing for Surface Tension and Depolarization Field

The theory of size effects in nanocrystalline ferroelectric ceramics or nanoparticle powder allowing for surface tension and depolarization field is proposed. Surface tension was included into free energy functional and extrapolation length was expressed via surface tension coefficient. The latter was shown to be dependent on temperature due to its relation to the dielectric permittivity of the nanoparticles. The depolarization field effect was calculated in the model taking into account the space charge layer on the surface. Euler-Lagrange equation for inhomogeneous polarization was solved analytically both in paraelectric and ferroelectric phases. Temperature and size dependence of nanomaterials spontaneous polarization and dielectric susceptibility were obtained. The comparison with available experimental data is performed.
Calibration of a silicon crystal for absolute nuclear spectroscopy

To tie the wavelengths of γ-rays to a visible standard is a key element of accurate determinations of the Planck constant and of tests of the Einstein mass–energy equivalence. This link is achieved via small diffraction angle measurements and perfect single crystals, the lattice parameter of which is determined by combined X-ray and optical interferometry. The present paper concerns the lattice parameter measurement of an Si crystal, of a natural isotopic composition, designed to be used both as the analyser crystal of an X-ray interferometer and the reference grating of a γ-ray spectrometer.
Application of Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) in Environmental Biosystems

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are crystalline materials that are formed by self-assembling organic linkers and metal ions with large specific areas and pore volumes. Their chemical tunability, structural diversity, and tailor-ability make them adaptive to decorate many substrate materials, such as biomass-derived carbon materials, and competitive in many environmental biosystems, such as biofuel cells, bioelectrocatalysts, microbial metal reduction, and fermentation systems. In this review, we surmised the recent progress of MOFs and MOF-derived materials and their applications in environmental biosystems. The behavior of MOFs and MOF-derived materials in different environmental biosystems and their influences on performance are described. The inherent mechanisms will guide the rational design of MOF-related materials and lead to a better understanding of their interaction with biocomponents.
Discrete-time Markovian-jump linear quadratic optimal control

This paper is concerned with the optimal control of discrete-time linear systems that possess randomly jumping parameters described by finite-state Markov processes. For problems having quadratic costs and perfect observations, the optimal control laws and expected costs-to-go can be precomputed from a set of coupled Riccati-like matrix difference equations. Necessary and sufficient conditions are derived for the existence of optimal constant control laws which stabilize the controlled system as the time horizon becomes infinite, with finite optimal expected cost.
Low Froude number limiting dynamics for stably stratified flow with small or finite Rossby numbers

Abstract Recent numerical simulations reveal remarkably different behavior in rotating stably stratified fluids at low Froude numbers for finite Rossby numbers as compared with the behavior at both low Froude and Rossby numbers. Here the reduced low Froude number limiting dynamics in both of these situations is developed with complete mathematical rigor by applying the theory for fast wave averaging for geophysical flows developed recently by the authors. The reduced dynamical equations include all resonant triad interactions for the slow (vortical) modes, the effect of the slow (vortical) modes on the fast (inertial gravity) modes, and also the general resonant triad interactions among the fast (internal gravity) waves. The nature of the reduced dynamics in these two situations is compared and contrasted here. For example, the reduced slow dynamics for the vortical modes in the low Froude number limit at finite Rossby numbers includes vertically sheared horizontal motion while the reduced slow dynamics i.
Women, Who Climb - A Corpus Linguistic Tour Description with Potential Danger Zones

: This paper explores novel ways in which Corpus Linguistics, Critical Discourse Studies (DHA – the discourse-historical approach), and Feminist Linguistics can be fruitfully combined and thus contribute to a new awareness and knowledge concerning language and gender in discourse. For the paper a large heritage corpus of texts on mountaineering ( Alpenwort – Corpus of the Austrian Alpine Club Journal ) is explored, which constitutes a type of discourse that has yet rarely been studied in the abovementioned fields. The corpus was used to analyse gendered nomination with the following questions in mind: What frequently occurring patterns and typical ways of producing gendered nomination can be observed? How are the binary categories ‘female’ and ‘male’ linguistically produced and reinforced in these texts? These questions are answered using standard corpus linguistic methods: for example, gendered key items are determined via historical keyness-analysis; the concept of c-collocates and the method UFA (Usage Fluctuation Analysis) are used to trace how the meaning of such key items develops over time. These procedures reveal salient patterns of gender referencing that are then interpreted with the background of the DHA framework and can thus contribute to the investigation of gender bias in sports/leisure discourse.
A two-scale hydromagnetic dynamo experiment

The Karlsruhe Dynamo experiment is aimed at showing that an array of columnar helical vortices in liquid sodium, confined in a cylindrical container, can generate a magnetic field by self-excitation. In three test series it has been demonstrated that magnetic self-excitation occurs and a permanent magnetic saturation field develops which oscillates about a well-defined mean value for fixed flow rates. Dynamo action is observed as an imperfect bifurcation from a seed magnetic field of the environment. Two quasi-dipolar magnetic fields of opposite direction have been realized. A transition between these two states can be enforced through imposition of a sufficiently strong external magnetic perturbation on the existent dynamo field. These perturbations were induced with the aid of two Helmholtz coils. A time series analysis of the magnetic field fluctuations shows several characteristic dynamic features, which are in agreement with theoretical predictions from turbulence models available in the literature.