Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Case study of polar cap scintillation modeling using DE 2 irregularity measurements at 800 km

Although a satellite-borne irregularity sensor obviously cannot measure scintillations, we address the question of what contribution such a sensor can make to model or predict scintillations. To pursue the problem, we have utilized the Dynamics Explorer 2 (DE 2) ionospheric electron density irregularity data obtained at approximately 800 km altitude in the winter polar cap during sunspot maximum conditions. During this period an all-sky imaging photometer located at Thule, Greenland, within the polar cap, detected the presence of convecting ionization patches, and polar beacon satellite measurements detected several discrete, intense scintillation structures associated with these patches (E. J. Weber et al., 1984). The electron density deviation (ΔN) obtained by combining irregularity amplitudes (ΔN/N)rms processed over successive 8-s intervals and the in situ density (N) data acquired by the DE 2 satellite also showed the presence of spatially discrete structures. These irregularity structures, both in N and ΔN, had spatial extents of ∼1000 km in the N-S direction. The density associated with these structures, even at 800 km, showed a twofold to threefold increase in comparison to the background, and irregularity amplitudes (ΔN/N)rms as large as 20% were observed at the edges of the patches. It is shown that the observed scintillation parameters can be successfully modeled only when the satellite sensor irregularity data are combined with additional and vital information regarding maximum ionization density, irregularity anisotropy, and layer thickness in the framework of scintillation theory. We conclude that within the context of other measurements and an appropriate scintillation model, the irregularity sensor data may serve as a valuable input.
Nonparametric estimation of residual variance revisited

SUMMARY Several difference-based estimators of residual variance are compared for finite sample size. Since the introduction of a rather simple estimator by Gasser, Sroka & JennenSteinmetz (1986) other proposals have been made. Here the one given by Hall, Kay & Titterington (1990) is of particular interest. It minimizes the asymptotic variance. Unfortunately it has severe problems with finite sample bias, and the estimator of Gasser et al. (1986) proves still to be a good choice. A new estimator is introduced, compromising between bias and variance.
Damage Effects of Shaped Charges on Concrete Piles

Concrete piles are a common obstacle in an antilanding obstacle field. To research the damage ability of concrete piles with different shaped charges, penetration tests of concrete piles with different standoff distances (SODs) were carried out with explosively formed projectiles (EFPs) and jetting projectile charges (JPCs). The pressure was measured at different positions inside the concrete piles during the penetration process, and the failure mechanism and damage characteristics of the concrete piles were analyzed. The penetration velocity of the JPC was measured by placing reticular targets inside the concrete pile. The results show that the damage ability of JPCs to concrete piles is stronger than that of EFPs. When the SOD is in the range of 20∼50 cm, an EFP causes slight damage to a concrete pile. With the increase in SOD, the penetration capacity of JPCs increases, but the damage ability of JPCs decreases. When the SOD is 15 cm, a JPC causes severe damage to a concrete pile, and when the SOD is in the range of 20∼40 cm, a JPC causes moderate damage. When attacking targets with obvious side boundary effects, such as concrete piles, the SOD that results in the strongest damage is not the SOD that results in the strongest penetration ability.
Characterization of bone microstructure using photoacoustic spectrum analysis

Osteoporosis is a progressive bone disease that is characterized by a decrease in bone mass and deterioration in microarchitecture. This study investigates the feasibility of characterizing bone microstructure by analyzing the frequency spectrum of the photoacoustic signals from the bone. Modeling and numerical simulation of photoacoustic signals and their frequency-domain analysis were performed on trabecular bones with different mineral densities. The resulting quasilinear photoacoustic spectra were fit by linear regression, from which spectral parameter slope can be quantified. The modeling demonstrates that, at an optical wavelength of 685 nm, bone specimens with lower mineral densities have higher slope. Preliminary experiment on osteoporosis rat tibia bones with different mineral contents has also been conducted. The finding from the experiment has a good agreement with the modeling, both demonstrating that the frequency-domain analysis of photoacoustic signals can provide objective assessment of bone microstructure and deterioration. Considering that photoacoustic measurement is non-ionizing, non-invasive, and has sufficient penetration in both calcified and noncalcified tissues, this new technology holds unique potential for clinical translation.
Prospective, Randomized, Multicenter Trial of Peroneal Electrical Transcutaneous Neuromodulation vs Solifenacin in Treatment-naïve Patients With Overactive Bladder

Purpose: We investigated the safety and efficacy of peroneal electrical transcutaneous neuromodulation using the URIS neuromodulation system in a home-based setting in comparison with standard treatment using solifenacin in treatment-naïve female patients with overactive bladder. Materials and Methods: A total of 120 patients were screened, of whom 77 were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to 12 weeks of treatment with daily peroneal electrical transcutaneous neuromodulation or solifenacin 5 mg. The primary endpoint was safety; efficacy assessments included proportion of responders, defined as subjects with ≥50% reduction in bladder diary–derived variables; Overactive Bladder-Validated 8-question Screener, and European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions questionnaire; and treatment satisfaction after 12 weeks of therapy. Results: Seventy-one out of 77 randomized patients completed the study. In the peroneal electrical transcutaneous neuromodulation group 6/51 (12%) patients reported a treatment-related adverse event vs 12/25 (48%) in the solifenacin group (P < .001). No clinically significant changes were observed in any other safety endpoint. The proportions of responders in the peroneal electrical transcutaneous neuromodulation group vs the solifenacin group were 87% vs 74% with respect to Patient Perception of Intensity of Urgency Scale grade 3 urgency episodes, 87% vs 75% with respect to grade 3+4 urgency episodes, and 90% vs 94% with respect to urgency incontinence episodes. In post hoc analyses we observed significant improvement over time in multiple efficacy variables in both treatment arms. Conclusions: Peroneal electrical transcutaneous neuromodulation is a safe and effective method for overactive bladder treatment associated with a significantly lower incidence of treatment-related adverse events compared to solifenacin and a considerably better benefit-risk profile.
Reliability of Ductile Systems With Random Strengths

A technique is proposed for determining the reliability of redundant ductile framed structures. A nonlinear structural analysis program and incremental load procedure are used to find the limit state function in load space for fixed structural properties. The failure probability of this deterministic structure is then computed by integrating the joint distribution function of loads over the failure region in load space. The procedure is extended to include randomness in the strength of the structure by introducing a random resistance variable unique to each load path. The statistics of this variable can be found by relating magnitudes of the load vector to successive component failure. The load space formulation of system reliability appears applicable to realistic structures of reasonable complexity.
Correlation between structure and physical properties of chalcogenide glasses in the AsxSe1-x system

Physical properties of chalcogenide glasses in the AsxSe1−x system have been measured as a function of composition including the Young's modulus E, shear modulus G, bulk modulus K, Poisson's ratio ν, the density ρ, and the glass transition Tg. All these properties exhibit a relatively sharp extremum at the average coordination number ⟨r⟩=2.4. The structural origin of this trend is investigated by Raman spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance. It is shown that the reticulation of the glass structure increases continuously until x=0.4 following the "chain crossing model" and then undergoes a transition toward a lower dimension pyramidal network containing an increasing number of molecular inclusions at x>0.4. Simple theoretical estimates of the network bonding energy confirm a mismatch between the values of mechanical properties measured experimentally and the values predicted from a continuously reticulated structure, therefore corroborating the formation of a lower dimension network at high As content. The evolution of a wide range of physical properties is consistent with this sharp structural transition and suggests that there is no intermediate phase in these glasses at room temperature.
Healthcare University Courses Fail to Improve Opinions, Knowledge, and Attitudes toward Vaccines among Healthcare Students: A Southern Italy Cross-Sectional Study

(1) Background: Healthcare providers have a crucial role in contrasting vaccine hesitancy (VH). We aimed to investigate opinions, knowledge, and attitudes toward vaccines in healthcare students (HS) at the University of Catania (Italy). (2) Methods: A survey was conducted from 1 October 2019 to 31 January 2020. Data on the opinions, knowledge, and attitudes of HS toward vaccinations were collected using an anonymous self-administered questionnaire. The opinion answers were added to calculate the VH index (<18 = low, 19–22 = medium, >23 = high). Data were summarized by the VH index, degree, year of study, and sex differences, using descriptive statistics. (3) Results: A total of 1275 students (53.7% females) participated in the study, with a median (IQR) age of 21 (19–22) years. The median level of VH was 20 (17–23), with slightly higher values in males. We found an inverse trend between VH and opinions, knowledge, and attitudes toward vaccines. The same trend was confirmed in all study courses. Furthermore, the comparison between sexes revealed a higher level of knowledge in women. (4) Conclusions: The results highlight a lack of knowledge about vaccines, as well as contrasting opinions and attitudes among future health professionals. Therefore, future interventions on these topics in the preparation of future healthcare providers are needed.
Effect of sintering procedures on optical properties, chemical composition, and grain size of monolithic zirconia ceramic at different thicknesses after hydrothermal aging: An in vitro study

Aim: The purpose of the present study was to examine the optical properties, chemical composition, and grain size (GS) of monolithic zirconia (MZ) ceramic at different thicknesses sintered using different procedures after hydrothermal aging. Settings and Design: An in vitro study. Materials and Methods: Forty MZ discs (0.5-mm thickness [Group-0.5] and 1-mm thickness [Group-1]; 12 mm diameter) were milled and divided according to standard (Group-ST) and speed (Group-SP) sintering procedures. All specimens were hydrothermally aged at 134°C after sintering. Translucency (TP), opalescence (OP), and fluorescence (ΔEabFNx01-FL) parameters were calculated using the color coordinates (LFNx01, aFNx01, bFNx01, respectively) of the discs. The chemical composition and the GS of the specimens were characterized using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and a scanning electron microscopy, respectively. Statistical Analysis Used: TPs and ΔEabFNx01-FLs were analyzed using independent samples t-tests and Mann–Whitney U-tests while a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for OPs. Results: Group-1 showed significantly lower TP than Group-0.5 (P < 0.001) but a significantly higher OP (P = 0.014). Group-SP showed significantly higher OP (P = 0.00003) and ΔEabFNx01-FL (P = 0.0026) values than Group-ST without considering the thickness. Group-SP (0.29 ± 0.119 μm) had a smaller GS than Group-ST (0.306 ± 0.142 μm). Compared to Group-ST, Group-SP had a lower percentage of Y2O3 and a higher percentage of Al2O3. Conclusion: The effect of the sintering procedure on TP and OP of MZ was not perceived by the naked eye. The speed sintering procedure may increase Δ EFNx01ab-FL of MZ to higher values than natural teeth when compared with standard sintering. The speed sintering may cause minor changes in GS and the chemical composition of MZ.
Cost of Debt Determinant

This study aims to analyze the cost of debt which is influenced by family ownership and institutional ownership. The total population of 193 manufacturing companies listed on the IDX in 2016 and 2020 with a sample size of 108 through purposive sampling. Data collection uses documentation, namely published and audited reports in the form of annual reports at www.idx. co.id. The research findings of the cost of debt are positively and significantly influenced by family ownership and institutional ownership.
Antenatal screenings and maternal diagnosis among pregnant women in Sao Tome & Principe—Missed opportunities to improve neonatal health: A hospital-based study

Newborn mortality and adverse birth outcomes (ABOs) in Sao Tome & Príncipe (STP) are overwhelmingly high, and access to quality-antenatal care (ANC) is one of the strategies to tackle it. This study aimed to fill the gaps in ANC screenings with a focus on how to improve neonatal outcomes. We conducted a retrospective hospital-based study in which ANC pregnancy cards were reviewed. Screenings were described and compared according to the total number of ANC contacts: 1–3 (inadequate), 4–7 (adequate), and ≥8 (complete). The collected data were entered into QuickTapSurvey and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Statistical significance was considered at a p-value ≤0.05. A total of 511 ANC pregnancy cards were reviewed. Mothers’ mean age was 26.6 (SD = 7.1), 51.7% had a first trimester early booking, 14.9% (76) had 1–3 ANC contacts, 46.4% (237) had 4–7 and 38.7% (198) ≥8. Screening absence was found in 24%-41%, lack of money was registered in 36%. Pregnant women had no screening performed for HIV in 4.5%, syphilis in 8.8%, HBV 39.3%, malaria 25.8%, hemoglobin 24.5%, blood glucose 45.4%, urine 29.7%, stool exams 27.8% and 41.1% had no ultrasound. Screening completion for blood group, HIV, malaria, urine, hemoglobin, and coproparasitological exam were found to have a statistically significant difference (p<0.001) for the complete ANC group when compared to other groups. Antenatal problems identified were: 1) bacteriuria (43.2%); 2) maternal anemia (37%); 3) intestinal parasitic infections (59.2%); 4) sickle cell solubility test positive (13%); and 5) a RhD-negative phenotype (5.8%). Missed-ANC treatments were up to 50%. This study reveals a coverage-quality gap in STP since no pregnant woman is left without ANC contact, although most still miss evidence-based screenings with an impact on neonatal outcomes. Strategies such as implementing a total free ANC screening package in STP would enhance maternal diagnosis and prompt treatments.
A study using a canine hydrotherapy treadmill at five different conditions to kinematically assess range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine in dogs

Abstract Background Incline treadmill and underwater treadmill (UWTM) exercises are common canine rehabilitation modalities , which are often used in isolation in dogs recovering from spinal surgery. Early use of an incline during UWTM exercise may have the potential to improve rehabilitation outcomes in dogs, but, it is hypothesised that dorsoventral movement of the spine may be excessive meaning it is unsuitable in some circumstances. Objectives The purpose of this study was to identify changes in canine spinal kinematics in dogs when using a dry treadmill at different angles of incline compared to an underwater treadmill using the same inclines. Methods Eight dogs were encouraged to walk on a dry, horizontal, underwater treadmill as well as under the same conditions with both a 10% and 20% incline. This was then repeated at a 10% and 20% incline with the addition of water to hock level. Data were collected using reflective anatomical markers placed at the occipital protuberance, T1, T13, L3, L7 and sacral apex, captured by a high‐speed camera facing the lateral aspect of the treadmill. Dorsoventral motion of the spine as well as flexion, extension and range of motion (ROM) of T1, T13, L3 and L7 were recorded. Results We found significant differences in dorsoventral spinal ROM at T1, L3 and L7, but no significant differences in T13 ROM. No significant differences were found in flexion and extension of any of the joints assessed when comparing dry conditions to the use of water (P>0.05). Conclusions The lack of significant differences in joint flexion and extension at T1, T13, L3 and L7 indicates the potential safe use of combining underwater treadmill and incline exercise in canine rehabilitation. However, a lack of uniformity in results makes distinguishing any patterns of significance difficult. More research is needed to establish the effects of these exercises in additional planes of motion before a treatment protocol can be established.
The depth of semantic processing modulates cross‐language pattern similarity in Chinese–English bilinguals

Previous studies have investigated factors related to the degree of cross‐language overlap in brain activations in bilinguals/multilinguals. However, it is still unclear whether and how the depth of semantic processing (a critical task‐related factor) affects the neural pattern similarity between native and second languages. To address this question, 26 Chinese–English bilinguals were scanned with fMRI while performing a word naming task (i.e., a task with shallow semantic processing) and a semantic judgment task (i.e., a task with deep semantic processing) in both native and second languages. Based on three sets of representational similarity analysis (whole brain, ROI‐based, and within‐language vs. cross‐language semantic representation), we found that select regions in the reading brain network showed higher cross‐language pattern similarity and higher cross‐language semantic representations during deep semantic processing than during shallow semantic processing. These results suggest that compared to shallow semantic processing, deep semantic processing may lead to greater language‐independent processing (i.e., cross‐language semantic representation) and cross‐language pattern similarity, and provide direct quantitative neuroimaging evidence for cognitive models of bilingual lexical memory.
Measurement of interstitial velocity of homogeneous bubbly flows at low to moderate void fraction

We develop a new methodology to examine the conditional and unconditional vertical velocity induced by high-Reynolds-number bubbles rising in a uniform flow, at low to moderate void fraction α (up to 15%). These statistics provide a local description of the perturbation of the liquid velocity around a test bubble in the swarm. In particular, the attenuation of the length of the wakes with increasing void fraction is measured for a large range of void fraction. The strong attenuation of the wakes is related to wake intermingling mechanisms. The methodology also enables a definition of the interstitial liquid flow. The velocity of the fluid averaged over all the interstitial volume far away from the bubbles is introduced. It is a useful concept, in particular to define the relative velocity, or for drift models. Our experimental results allow a discussion of the predictions of irrotational drift models. For low void fraction (α≤2%), potential flow models provide practical estimates of the interstitial velocity field. At higher void fractions, the effect of vorticity is important. A simple phenomenological model is proposed to include the effect of the flow generated by the bubble wakes.
A conservative scheme for the shallow‐water system on a staggered geodesic grid based on a Nambu representation

A conservative spatial discretization scheme is constructed for a shallow‐water system on a geodesic grid with C‐type staggering. It is derived from the original equations written in Nambu form, which is a generalization of Hamiltonian representation. The term ‘conservative scheme’ refers to one that preserves the constitutive quantities, here total energy and potential enstrophy. We give a proof for the non‐existence of potential enstrophy sources in this semi‐discretization. Furthermore, we show numerically that in comparison with traditional discretizations, such schemes can improve stability and the ability to represent conservation and spectral properties of the underlying partial differential equations. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
A Serial Mediation Model Predicting Covid-19 Vaccines Acceptance in Portugal: The Critical Role of Conspiracy Theories in the Wake of Perceived Quality of Government Communication and National Stereotypes

Ever since the Covid-19 vaccination rollout, governments have aimed for herd immunity. Yet, many countries are far from achieving this goal mainly due to vaccine refusal. Previous research has pointed to conspiracy beliefs and the role of trust in governments as predictors of vaccine acceptance, yet a more comprehensive explanatory model is still missing. Using data from a convenience sample of 377 residents in Portugal ( M age = 33.56, SD = 13.67), the present study extends previous research by proposing a serial mediation model in the prediction of vaccine acceptance. The results confirm the critical role of conspiracy beliefs mediating the link between perceived quality of government communication and general vaccine acceptance (Model 1) as well as national stereotypes and acceptance of the Sinovac vaccine from China (Model 2). The implications are discussed considering that Portugal is currently ranked the second country in the world with the highest vaccination rate.
DUAL RESONANCE THEORY WITH NONLINEAR TRAJECTORIES.

A dual resonance model with nonlinear trajectories which includes the Veneziano model as a limiting case is discussed. Rules are given for constructing the $N$-point function in such a model, and an explicit expression for the $N$-point planar tree graph is derived. A conjectured rule for loop diagrams is also presented. Representations of four-point-function satellite terms which admit straightforward generalization to the $N$-point function are derived.
Solution-processed zinc–tin oxide thin-film transistors with low interfacial trap density and improved performance

Solution-processed amorphous oxide semiconductors are attractive channel materials in thin-film transistors (TFTs) for low-cost electronics. We demonstrate improved performance and uniformity of solution-processed zinc–tin oxide (ZTO) TFTs by optimizing the prebake process for the ZTO precursor film. ZTO prebake process prearranges the dielectric/semiconductor interface and minimizes the performance variation caused by the uneven thermal distribution during annealing process. Prearranging the interface also reduces interfacial trap density and results in improved performance. A mobility of 27.3 cm2/V s, an on/off ratio of ∼107, and a subthreshold swing of 122 mV/decade have been obtained. Significant improvement in operational stability has also been observed.