Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Laser Short-Pulse Interaction of Aluminum and Silicon Films

In the present study, laser short-pulse heating of an aluminum film surface which is attached to a silicon film is examined. The two-equation model including the phonon diffusion is used to determine electron and phonon temperatures in the aluminum film while radiative phonon transport is incorporated to determine equilibrium temperature in the silicon film. Since electron diffusion from the aluminum film interface to the silicon film interface doesnottakeplace,onlythephonontransportisconsideredacrosstheinterface.Thethermalboundaryresistanceat the interface is incorporated in the analysis. The transfer matrix method is used to determine the photon absorption in the aluminum film due to the laser irradiation pulse. It is found that phonon temperature decays sharply in the aluminum film toward the interface due to the presence of the thermal boundary resistance. The reflected radiative phonons from the back surface of the silicon film modify temperature distribution in the neighborhood of the silicon film interface.
Comparison of three measures of QT dispersion

QT dispersion quantifies the variability of QT intervals observed in the 12-lead ECG. The standard measure is the range of the QT intervals from the collection of the 12 ECG leads. The authors investigated the relationship between the standard measure, Range, and two alternative measures, standard deviation (SD) and interquartile range (IQR). The measures were assessed for their ability to differentiate between normal and two pathological groups. SD was highly correlated to Range in all subject groups. Weaker correlations were found between IQR and Range in the pathological groups and a very small correlation for the normal group. Of the measures considered, the current standard measure of QT dispersion was found to be the least effective in differentiating between normal and pathological subject groups. IQR appears to be a more discriminant measure of QT dispersion.
INDONESIAN YOUTH CULTURE : PERFORMING THE SELF IN THE DIGITAL AGE BY

This project focuses on two topics of major relevance to social scientists (anthropologists, sociologists, psychologists, etc.) and scholars from a range of disciplines: social networking and personal identity. Relying heavily on the theoretical framework of Erving Goffman, this exploratory study investigates cutting edge, rapidly changing modern phenomena in Indonesia: how youth use social media to develop and present their self-identities in social networking. Part 1 of the study examines selfpresentation patterns found in visual images on Facebook. Part 2 of the study presents the results of in-depth interviews concentrating on these issues. Overall, there were no significant gender discrepancies found in the data collected for this study and while the majority of participants expressed that profile photos were an important component of their pages, none felt that their profile photos were the most important part of their profiles that communicate who they are. This study was a first step in exploring this topic of social networking sites and identity performance in Indonesia and strongly indicates a need for further research in this area.
Investigating cognitive neuroscience theories of human intelligence: A connectome‐based predictive modeling approach

Central to modern neuroscientific theories of human intelligence is the notion that general intelligence depends on a primary brain region or network, engaging spatially localized (rather than global) neural representations. Recent findings in network neuroscience, however, challenge this assumption, providing evidence that general intelligence may depend on system‐wide network mechanisms, suggesting that local representations are necessary but not sufficient to account for the neural architecture of human intelligence. Despite the importance of this key theoretical distinction, prior research has not systematically investigated the role of local versus global neural representations in predicting general intelligence. We conducted a large‐scale connectome‐based predictive modeling study (N = 297), administering resting‐state fMRI and a comprehensive cognitive battery to evaluate the efficacy of modern neuroscientific theories of human intelligence, including spatially localized theories (Lateral Prefrontal Cortex Theory, Parieto‐Frontal Integration Theory, and Multiple Demand Theory) and recent global accounts (Process Overlap Theory and Network Neuroscience Theory). The results of our study demonstrate that general intelligence can be predicted by local functional connectivity profiles but is most robustly explained by global profiles of whole‐brain connectivity. Our findings further suggest that the improved efficacy of global theories is not reducible to a greater strength or number of connections, but instead results from considering both strong and weak connections that provide the basis for intelligence (as predicted by the Network Neuroscience Theory). Our results highlight the importance of considering local neural representations in the context of a global information‐processing architecture, suggesting future directions for theory‐driven research on system‐wide network mechanisms underlying general intelligence.
Detection of bovine herpes virus (BOHV-1) infection in respiratory tract of bovines

Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) is considered commonest form of BoHV-1 respiratory tract infection. The current work was designed to study the incidence of IBR using molecular technique and antigen detection sandwich ELISA. In the present study, nasal swab samples (100) and tracheal lavages (6) were collected from bovines, which were showing respiratory symptoms from clinics of College of Veterinary Science, GADVASU, Ludhiana. Four lung tissues were also collected from dead animals. All nasal samples were tested for IBR virus antigen by using commercial sandwich ELISA kit. The antigenic incidence of BoHV-1 was reported to be 1% in tested animals. For molecular detection of BoHV-1 in respiratory tract, the DNA was extracted from all samples (nasal swabs, tracheal lavages and lung tissues) and subjected to gI gene specific PCR by using published primers. The overall incidence of BoHV-1 in nasal swabs of animals with the history of respiratory symptoms was found to be 3% and rest of the samples were found negative for IBR virus in PCR. Species wise evaluation of BoHV-1 infection revealed that out of 75 cattle, 3 (4.0%) cattle were found positive in PCR where as none of the buffaloes were found positive in present study. The animals older than 3 year of age showed the higher incidence (4.2%) than animal up to 3 years of age (2.8%). In this study, all positive cattle were crossbred females. According to sex wise status, it was observed that females are more prone to infection, which may be because of production stress in female animals.
Phytate degradation in composite wheat/cassava/sorghum bread: Effects of preincubation of Pichia kudriavzevii TY13 and presence of yeast extract

Diet based on whole cereal flours is associated with a high prevalence of iron deficiency anemia and zinc deficiency in low/middle-income countries. Such flours contain high content of phytate that chelates minerals such as iron and zinc, making them unavailable for absorption by humans. To improve the mineral absorption, a phytate:iron molar ratio <1 and a phytate:zinc molar ratio <5 is needed to be achieved. This study aimed to improve the phytate degradation in composite wheat-cassava-whole sorghum flour bread by adding a phytase releasing yeast Pichia kudriavzevii TY13 in baking, preincubated or not, with addition of yeast extract. The phytate and mineral contents were measured by high-performance ion chromatography. Addition of P. kudriavzevii TY13 to the composite flour dough and fermentation for 2 h at room temperature resulted in a 98% phytate degradation. However, the same phytate reduction in the composite bread was achieved after 1 h fermentation at room temperature with addition of preincubated P. kudriavzevii TY13 plus yeast extract. Increasing the fermentation temperature to 30°C, the phytate content was equally low after fermentation for 1 h with P. kudriavzevii TY13 (preincubated or not) plus yeast extract. In conclusion, a faster reduction of phytate in composite bread was obtained by increasing the fermentation temperature, and addition of P. kudriavzevii TY13 (preincubated or not) with added yeast extract. The phytate to iron molar ratio was then 0.2 and the phytate to zinc molar ratio 0.6, which strongly indicates an improved bioavailability of both minerals from such a bread.
Learning-to-Learn to Guide Random Search: Derivative-Free Meta Blackbox Optimization on Manifold

Solving a sequence of high-dimensional, nonconvex, but potentially similar optimization problems poses a computational challenge in engineering applications. We propose the first meta-learning framework that leverages the shared structure among sequential tasks to improve the computational efficiency and sample complexity of derivative-free optimization. Based on the observation that most practical high-dimensional functions lie on a latent low-dimensional manifold, which can be further shared among instances, our method jointly learns the meta-initialization of a search point and a meta-manifold. Theoretically, we establish the benefit of meta-learning in this challenging setting. Empirically, we demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm in two high-dimensional reinforcement learning tasks
Consumer Attitudes and Acceptability of Wheat Pancakes with the Addition of Edible Insects: Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor), Buffalo Worm (Alphitobius diaperinus), and Cricket (Acheta domesticus)

The aim of this study was to determine the degree of acceptability of wheat pancakes with the addition of 10%, 20%, and 30% meal from three edible insect species (Alphitobius diaperinus, Tenebrio molitor, Acheta domesticus, respectively). Both consumer attitudes and the acceptability of the test samples were analysed. The study results show that the amount of additive had a statistically significant effect on all of the organoleptic evaluation’s distinguishing features, while the type of additive did not have such a significant effect on the level of consumer acceptability. Both the type and amount of the additive only had a statistically significant effect on the structure of the pancakes. Of all the variants, the sample with the addition of 30% crickets (Pref-2.51) was given the lowest score. An increase in the insect meal content of the products resulted in decreased scores for all the parameters under assessment. The key element that influenced the overall preference was the flavour. Even though the respondents declared positive attitudes towards the idea of consuming pancakes with the addition of insects and entomophagy in general, they were still reluctant to include insects in their diets.
Using Bond Valence sums as restraints in XAFS analysis

The Bond Valence model gives a simple, accurate relationship between the bond distance, co-ordination number, and formal valence of ions in many systems. This empirical model thus gives complementary information to EXAFS and XANES, and has been used as an independent check of XAFS results by many workers. More generally, the Bond Valence represents prior knowledge of the system that can be used to constrain the XAFS analysis itself. Since Bond Valence sums are not perfectly satisfied, their use as exact constraints in XAFS analysis may not be warranted and they are probably best suited as restraints – inexact conditions placed on the analysis that act as additional data or prior knowledge of the system. The practical use of Bond Valence sums as constraints and restraints in EXAFS analysis is demonstrated for iron oxides, and the use of Bond Valence sums as prior knowledge that can be applied to a wide-range of XAFS analyses is discussed.
Risk Management Practices in Agricultural Financing in Developing Countries: Experience from Selected Commercial Banks in Tanzania

This study examines risk management tools to mitigate agricultural financing risks. The study analyses risks that lenders face, tools for managing the risks and the correlation between agricultural lending and risk mitigation tools. The used data come from a sample of 55 employees from three selected banks, which is analysed using frequency tables and Chi-square. The findings show that banks face production risks in terms of variability in outputs due to drought and diseases. Tools for managing the risks include collateral, appraisal techniques, diversification of agricultural activities, group liability, guarantee/cash deposits, loan structuring and warehouse receipts. The Chi-square test finds a correlation between risk mitigation tools and agricultural lending; hence, mitigation tools enhance lending to the agricultural sector. Therefore, to manage agricultural risks, banks should deploy these tools optimally. Additionally, exposing farmers to free market practices will enable them to cover costs of their operations, and to repay the loans.
Mechanism and Experimental Verification of the Use of Rhodiola crenulata to Cytokine Storm Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking

Objective: To identify the potential biological mechanisms by which Rhodiola crenulata (RC) treats cytokine storm (CS) using network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental verification. Methods: The ingredients and targets of RC were collected from the Organchem database. CS-related genes were collected using the GeneCards and OMIM databases. Cytoscape 3.7. 2 software was used to construct the RC-CS network diagram. These data were inputted into the STRING database to construct a protein–protein interaction network. we performed gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis using DAVID and R software. Molecular docking of the active ingredient and pathway-related targets was carried out using AutoDock Vina and PyMOL, and then a CS model was established in rats induced by lipopolysaccharide for in vivo experimental verification. Results: The network pharmacology results showed that kaempferol was the most important active component of RC in the treatment of CS, and IL6 and STAT3 were identified as key targets. Molecular docking results showed that RC active components kaempferol had a good binding ability to IL6/STAT3. At the same time, compared with the model group, different doses of kaempferol could down-regulate the expression of inflammatory factors (P < .05), and protect against systemic inflammatory response multiple organ damage. Conclusion: This study preliminarily revealed that RC can prevent and treat CS by regulating the expression of inflammatory factors, inhibiting the systemic inflammatory response induced by lipopolysaccharide, and providing a theoretical basis for the study of its pharmacodynamic material basis and mechanism of action.
Fluorescence lifetime imaging of induced pluripotent stem cells

The multiphoton FLIM tomograph MPTflex with its flexible scan head, articulated arm, and the tunable femtosecond laser source was employed to study cell monolayers and 3D cell clusters. FLIM was performed with 250 ps temporal resolution and submicron special resolution using time-correlated single photon counting. The autofluorescence based on NAD(P)H and flavins/flavoproteins has been measured in mouse embryonic fibroblasts, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) originated from mouse embryonic fibroblasts and non-proliferative mouse embryonic fibroblasts.
Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization, biological activity, and conducting properties of functionalized Ni(II) dithiocarbamate complexes with solvent extraction studies of the ligands

A series of new nickel(II) dithiocarbamate complexes of general formula [M L2], (where L = benzyl(4-fluorobenzyl)carbamodithioate (L1), benzyl(4-cyanobenzyl)carbamodithioate (L2), ethyl(4-methylbenzyl)carbamodithioate (L3), (4-methoxybenzyl) (naphthalen-1-ylmethyl)carbamodithioate (L4) and ethyl(4-methoxybenzyl)carbamodithioate (L5)) have been synthesized, and characterized via elemental analysis, FT-IR, electronic spectra, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, Mass spectrometry and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The continuous variation method (Job's method) was used to determine the stoichiometry of the complexes. TGA was used to analyze the thermal decomposition behavior of metal complexes in nitrogen atmosphere. As a result of the thermal decomposition process, all of the complexes produced NiS as the final product. X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies confirm the formation of NiS nanomaterial. Crystalline size of NiS was obtained between 19.97 to 21.35 nm range by applying the Scherrer equation using XRD. Solid-state electrical conductivities reveal that all the complexes behave as a semiconductor at room temperature. All the synthesized dithiocarbamate ligands and complexes were screened against five human bacterial pathogens (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Aeromonas hydrophila, and Shigella boydii) by disc diffusion method. Solvent extraction studies show that the ligand has strong extractability towards metal ions in a basic medium (pH = 10). GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Gene Expression Profiles of the Immuno-Transcriptome in Equine Asthma

Simple Summary The clinical importance and the great economic impact of equine asthma (EA), classified as mild (MEA) and severe (SEA), have led to several studies to better understand its features; however, the fragmented information available does not allow researchers to fully describe the pathophysiology of this disease. Transcriptomic analysis can help in understanding the biological mechanisms underlying equine asthma. To date, the great majority of gene expression studies on equine airway diseases have focused on the analysis of only a few candidate genes, hampering robust conclusions about EA pathogenesis. In the present study, the employment of an immune-specific horse array on SEA and MEA-affected horses helped to comprehensively define their transcriptomic fingerprints. For both diseases, findings suggest that the increased amount of mucus in the airways is due to mucociliary clearance reduction rather than mucus hypersecretion. In addition, excessive complement activation might be responsible for tissue injury. Other biological pathways, mainly those involved in the perpetuation of chronic inflammation and tissue remodeling similar to human asthma, are characteristic of SEA. Abstract Background: Mild equine asthma (MEA) and severe equine asthma (SEA) are two of the most frequent equine airway inflammatory diseases, but knowledge about their pathogenesis is limited. The goal of this study was to investigate gene expression differences in the respiratory tract of MEA- and SEA-affected horses and their relationship with clinical signs. Methods: Clinical examination and endoscopy were performed in 8 SEA- and 10 MEA-affected horses and 7 healthy controls. Cytological and microbiological analyses of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were performed. Gene expression profiling of BAL fluid was performed by means of a custom oligo-DNA microarray. Results: In both MEA and SEA, genes involved in the genesis, length, and motility of respiratory epithelium cilia were downregulated. In MEA, a significant overexpression for genes encoding inflammatory mediators was observed. In SEA, transcripts involved in bronchoconstriction, apoptosis, and hypoxia pathways were significantly upregulated, while genes involved in the formation of the protective muco-protein film were underexpressed. The SEA group also showed enrichment of gene networks activated during human asthma. Conclusions: The present study provides new insight into equine asthma pathogenesis, representing the first step in transcriptomic analysis to improve diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for this respiratory disease.
Origin and Maintenance of the Long-Lasting, Outer Mesoscale Convective System in Typhoon Fengshen (2008)

AbstractOuter mesoscale convective systems (OMCSs) are long-lasting, heavy rainfall events separate from the inner-core rainfall that have previously been shown to occur in 22% of western North Pacific tropical cyclones (TCs). Environmental conditions accompanying the development of 62 OMCSs are contrasted with the conditions in TCs that do not include an OMCS. The development, kinematic structure, and maintenance mechanisms of an OMCS that occurred to the southwest of Typhoon Fengshen (2008) are studied with Weather Research and Forecasting Model simulations. Quick Scatterometer (QuikSCAT) observations and the simulations indicate the low-level TC circulation was deflected around the Luzon terrain and caused an elongated, north–south moisture band to be displaced to the west such that the OMCS develops in the outer region of Fengshen rather than spiraling into the center. Strong northeasterly vertical wind shear contributed to frictional convergence in the boundary layer, and then the large moisture flux.
Coupled flutter of parallel plates

Experimental visualizations of the coupled flutter of an assembly of two, three, and four flexible parallel cantilevered plates immersed in an axial uniform flow are presented. Depending on the flow velocity, on the interplate distance, and on the plate length, different coupled modes are observed. Selected modes and the associated thresholds and frequencies are compared with the results of a linear stability analysis.
Magnetic resonance imaging findings and the clinical characteristics of children with cerebral palsy at a public sector hospital in Gauteng Province, South Africa

Background. Cerebral palsy (CP) is a common cause of physical impairment in children. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can define different neuropathological patterns of brain injury in CP. There are limited data available on MRI findings of children with CP in Africa. Objective. To describe the clinical characteristics, risk factors and MRI findings of children with CP attending a developmental clinic at a tertiary hospital in South Africa; and to assess possible associations between the clinical characteristics and pathogenic neuro-imaging patterns. Methods. This was a retrospective cross-sectional study. The cohort of 112 children was identified from the clinic’s REDcap database. Clinical information was obtained from existing medical records of the patients. Findings from brain MRI reports were classified according to the MRI classification system (MRICS) for CP. The MRI reports were rated independently by two study investigators. A descriptive analysis was conducted. Results. A total of 112 patient files and MRI brain reports were reviewed. Spastic CP was the most common type of CP (n=75%). The most common perinatal risk factors included prematurity (31%) and low birthweight (28%). Nineteen (17%) children acquired CP after the neonatal period. CP sub-type showed a significant association with functional motor impairment classified as per the gross motor function classification system (GMFCS), p<0.001. Predominant grey matter injury (PGMI) was the most common pathogenic MRI pattern identified (30%). The radiological findings (per MRICS) had a significant association with both the CP sub-type (p<0.005) and functional impairment according to the GMFCS (p<0.001). Conclusion. Standardised classification of neuro-imaging findings can assist in defining the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of CP.