Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ingestão de flúor por crianças pela água e dentifrício

OBJETIVO: Determinar a dose total de fluor proporcionada por dieta (liquidos e solidos) e escovacao com dentifricios fluoretados a criancas na idade critica para o desenvolvimento da fluorose dental em uma regiao de agua fluoretada. METODOS: Para realizacao de um estudo-piloto, foram selecionadas 39 criancas (20 a 30 meses de idade) de uma creche de Piracicaba, SP, Brasil. Elas bebiam agua fluoretada de abastecimento e comiam alimentos preparados com ela. Foi feita a coleta da dieta-duplicada e dos produtos da escovacao por dois dias seguidos, em quatro periodos do ano. A concentracao de fluor nas amostras foi determinada utilizando-se eletrodo especifico. Foi realizada analise de variância (Anova) com nivel de 5% de significância. RESULTADOS: A dose total media encontrada foi de 0,090 mg F/dia/kg, tendo a dieta contribuido com 45%, e o dentifricio, com 55%. CONCLUSOES: Aceitando-se o limite de 0,07 mg F/kg para exposicao sistemica ao fluor, conclui-se que as criancas estao expostas a uma dose total de risco em termos de fluorose dental clinicamente aceitavel. Entre as varias medidas de precaucao que poderiam ser tomadas para diminuir a ingestao de fluor, a reducao da quantidade de dentifricio utilizada para escovar os dentes foi considerada a mais apropriada, contemplando risco/beneficio para a saude publica.
Ultrafast Carrier Dynamics in ZnO Epitaxial Thin Films Studied by Optical Kerr Gate Luminescence Spectroscopy

Time-resolved luminescence spectra of ZnO epitaxial thin films have been measured by the optical Kerr gate luminescence spectroscopy under resonant excitation of the excitonic state. At moderate excitation density, a luminescence band (P band) which is attributed to an exciton-exciton collision process was observed. With increasing the excitation density, the P band disappears while a new luminescence band (EHP band) due to radiative recombination of electrons with holes in an electron-hole plasma appears. The EHP band has a rise time of ~1 ps, and shifts to lower energy with time and then finally shifts to higher energy. The rise time of the EHP band shows a transition time from a high density excitonic state to an unbound electron-hole system due to the screening of Coulomb interaction. The red shift of the EHP band comes from the reduced band-gap effect, while the blue shift to the EHP band is mainly attributed to recovery of the renormalized band-gap, which occurs with decreasing the carrier density due to the radiative recombination of electrons with holes.
The Triple Phase Boundary A Mathematical Model and Experimental Investigations for Fuel Cells

A mathematical model is developed which describes the nature, properties, and scaling of the triple phase boundary (TPB) for a Pt/Nafion polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) system. The model incorporates coupled reaction and diffusion phenomena, leading to a concept of the TPB not as a singularity, but rather as having an "effective width. " The "effective width" of the TPB depends on the interplay between the relative rates of the reaction and diffusion processes at the Pt/Nafion interface. Implications of the model for PEMFC catalyst layer design are explored. Additionally, scaling predictions of the model are compared with kinetic observations from geometrically well-defined Pt-microelectrode/Nafion experiments and are shown to match favorably with experimental results.
How to put users in control of their data in federated top-N recommendation with learning to rank

Recommendation services are extensively adopted in several user-centered applications as a tool to alleviate the information overload problem and help users in orienteering in a vast space of possible choices. In such scenarios, data ownership is a crucial concern since users may not be willing to share their sensitive preferences (e.g., visited locations) with a central server. Unfortunately, data harvesting and collection is at the basis of modern, state-of-the-art approaches to recommendation. To address this issue, we present FPL, an architecture in which users collaborate in training a central factorization model while controlling the amount of sensitive data leaving their devices. The proposed approach implements pair-wise learning-to-rank optimization by following the Federated Learning principles, originally conceived to mitigate the privacy risks of traditional machine learning. The public implementation is available at https://split.to/sisinflab-fpl.
Chronic Pain Protective Behavior Detection with Deep Learning

In chronic pain rehabilitation, physiotherapists adapt physical activity to patients’ performance based on their expression of protective behavior, gradually exposing them to feared but harmless and essential everyday activities. As rehabilitation moves outside the clinic, technology should automatically detect such behavior to provide similar support. Previous works have shown the feasibility of automatic protective behavior detection (PBD) within a specific activity. In this article, we investigate the use of deep learning for PBD across activity types, using wearable motion capture and surface electromyography data collected from healthy participants and people with chronic pain. We approach the problem by continuously detecting protective behavior within an activity rather than estimating its overall presence. The best performance reaches mean F1 score of 0.82 with leave-one-subject-out cross validation. When protective behavior is modeled per activity type, performance achieves a mean F1 score of 0.77 for bend-down, 0.81 for one-leg-stand, 0.72 for sit-to-stand, 0.83 for stand-to-sit, and 0.67 for reach-forward. This performance reaches excellent level of agreement with the average experts’ rating performance suggesting potential for personalized chronic pain management at home. We analyze various parameters characterizing our approach to understand how the results could generalize to other PBD datasets and different levels of ground truth granularity.
Modeling Linear Inequality Constraints in Quadratic Binary Optimization for Variational Quantum Eigensolver

This paper introduces the use of tailored variational forms for variational quantum eigensolver that have properties of representing certain constraints on the search domain of a linear constrained quadratic binary optimization problem solution. Four constraints that usually appear in several optimization problems are modeled. The main advantage of the proposed methodology is that the number of parameters on the variational form remain constant and depend on the number of variables that appear on the constraints. Moreover, this variational form always produces feasible solutions for the represented constraints differing from penalization techniques commonly used to translate constrained problems into unconstrained one. The methodology is implemented in a real quantum computer for two known optimization problems: the Facility Location Problem and the Set Packing Problem. The results obtained for this two problems with VQE using 2-Local variational form and a general QAOA implementation are compared, and indicate that less quantum gates and parameters were used, leading to a faster convergence.
The Physicochemical Evaluation and Applicability of Landolphia owariensis latex as a Release Modulating Agent in its Admixture with Carbosil® in Ibuprofen-loaded Self-Emulsifying Oil Formulations

Summary: The need to address the problematic gastric irritation side effects and inconsistent bioavailability of most poorly soluble drugs has drawn the attention of researchers to self emulsifying drug delivery system as one of the possible solutions to these problems. Secondly self emulsifying oil formulations good as they may be could be associated with leakage from their hard gelatin capsules. This further motivated the introduction of gelling agents to address this problem. The objective of this work was to investigate some preliminary properties of Landolphia owariensis latex, including its applicability as a release modulating agent when admixed with Carbosil ® , a gelling agent in Ibuprofen-loaded Palm Kernel oil (PKO)-based self-emulsifying oil formulations (SEOFs). Purification and precipitation were carried out on the oil and the latex respectively. Some physicochemical properties of the latex were also determined. SEOFs were formulated using varying concentrations of PKO, Tween 80 and Span 85 and thereafter tested for isotropicity. Drug-loaded SEOFs with or without Landolphia owariensis latex (LOL) and Carbosil-LOL admixture respectively were evaluated for stability, emulsification time, drug release, aqueous dilution, freeze thaw and drug precipitation tests. Results showed that LOL contained some phytocostituents, had a reasonable adhesive strength, and could retard aqueous permeation. Three out of nine batches of the SEOFs passed the isotropicity test, witnessed no phase separation when emulsified and diluted, and could resist drug precipitation after dilution. LOL did not at all delay drug release from SEOFs unlike LOL-Carbosil admixture. LOL-Carbosil admixture significantly (p<0.05) reduced emulsification time. There was no consistent trend in the dynamic viscosity result. Stability of the SEOFs was maintained at refrigeration temperature of 2 0 C. The above results indicated that LOL, an oil-soluble latex possesses excipient usefulness when incorporated into SEOFs and can therefore be used to modulate the drug retarding effect of Carbosil in their SEOF formulations while retaining Carbosil’s gelling property. Industrial relevance: The major challenge confronting the biopharmaceutical properties of some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and poorly water soluble drugs include gastric irritation and poor GIT solubility/unpredictable bioavailability respectively. Self-emulsifying oil formulation is a lipid-based drug delivery system that addresses the above two challenges by fine globule-drug entrapment/solubilisation. In the GIT the o/w emulsion formed fortifies the drug enough for avoidance of direct drug-mucosal surface irritation and/ or erosion and better absorption profile cum consistent bioavailability. The industrial translation of SEOF is very easy; this is because it involves very
Learning Vocabulary in Another Language

Vocabulary is now well recognized as an important focus in language teaching and learning. Now in its third edition, this book provides an engaging, authoritative guide to the teaching and learning of vocabulary in another language. It contains descriptions of numerous vocabulary learning strategies, which are supported by reference to experimental research, case studies, and teaching experience. It also describes what vocabulary learners need to know to be effective language users. This new edition has been updated to incorporate the wealth of research that has come out of the past decade. It also includes a new chapter on out of-classroom learning, which explores the effect of the Internet and electronic resources on learning. This vital resource for all vocabulary researchers shows that by taking a systematic approach to vocabulary learning, teachers can make the best use of class time and help learners get the best return for their learning effort.
Isolation of nine novel tetranucleotide microsatellites in Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus)

Nine tetranucleotide microsatellite loci developed for Atlantic herring are presented. Loci were isolated using a magnetic bead hybridization selection protocol that yielded an 80% enrichment for tetranucleotide microsatellites. Fifty Atlantic herring from each of a North-west and North-east Atlantic spawning group were screened at each locus. Loci were polymorphic (12–56 alleles per locus) and exhibited high levels of observed heterozygosity (0.66–0.98). These loci are therefore suitable for population studies and the analysis of mating systems.
Effect of Temperature, Soil Water Potential and Osmoconditioning on Germination and Seedling Elongation of Corn and Soybeans

Germination and seedling elongation of maize (Dekalb XL 72B), and soybeans (Williams) were measured at two temperatures (15 and 35), three soil water potentials (-1.50, -0.5, and -0.05 MPa), and four polyethy-lene glycol 8000 (PEG) levels (0, 20, 30, and 50 percent). Twenty conditioned seeds of each cultivar were treated with 0.2% thiram and planted 2 cm deep in sterilized Mexico silt loam soil which was subsequently compacted to a bulk density of 1.20 g/㎤. Seedling moisture content, dry weight, and length were measured for each treatment combination. Osmoconditioning with PEG showed little effect at high temperature or low soil water potential conditions. Soybeans had higher seedling moisture content than corn and both crops in-creased moisture uptake as soil water potential and temperature increased. Seedling length of corn was longer than soybeans at 35 but shorter at 15. Seedling dry weight of corn decreased at 35 and that of soybeans decreased as soil water potential increased.
Mechanism(s) of 3-Trifluoromethyl-4-Nitrophenol (TFM) Toxicity in Sea Lamprey ( Petromyzon marinus ) & Rainbow Trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss )

The pesticide, 3-trifluoromethyl-4-nitrophenol (TFM), has been extensively used over the last 50 years to control invasive sea lamprey (P. marinus) populations in the Great Lakes, but its mechanism of toxicity is unresolved. Due to its structural similarity to phenolic compounds known to inhibit mitochondrial ATP production, one hypothesis on the mode of action of TFM is that it impairs mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. A second hypothesis is that TFM targets the gill, interfering with gill ion uptake. Exposure of larval sea lamprey and rainbow trout (O. mykiss), to each animal's respective 12-h TFM LC50, resulted in marked disturbances to internal fuel stores, but not ion balance. In the brain and liver, glycogen levels decreased by more than 50% in both species in response to TFM exposure, suggesting that a mismatch between ATP supply and ATP demand occurred. These findings support the hypothesis that death in lamprey and trout exposed to TFM is due to a depletion of ATP and ATP-generating fuels (glycogen). Experiments with isolated mitochondria demonstrated that TFM uncouples mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Impairment of mitochondrial oxidative ATP production was most likely the result of TFM-induced reductions in the proton-motive force, which is needed to drive H flow through the ATP-synthase. In lamprey, TFM caused no disturbances in Na uptake, suggesting that it does not compromise lamprey gill function. In trout, TFM exposure resulted in a 60% reduction in Na uptake, which may have been caused by a shortfall in ATP supply for gill Na/K ATPases. The knowledge that TFM uncouples mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and the effects that it has on energy stores in lamprey and trout could help better predict target and non-target sensitivity to TFM.
E-tailers versus retailers: which factors determine consumer preferences

Abstract The growth of Internet technology and electronic commerce has not been matched by theoretically guided social science research. Clear and well-designed consumer research is needed to describe, explain, and predict what will happen to this changing landscape. The primary purpose of this study is to investigate the structure for consumer preferences to make product purchases through three available retail formats—store, catalog, and the Internet. Conjoint analysis was used to assess the structure of the decision and the importance of the attributes in the decision-making process. The results from this study noticeably show that the structure of the consumer decision-making process was found to be primarily one of choosing the retail format (store, catalog, or Internet) and price of product (set at low, medium, or high) desired. The strength of the retail store format suggests that fears that the Internet will take over the retail arena seem, at least at this point in time, overblown and exaggerated. However, there seems to be an identifiable segment of customers that has a preference for the Internet as a retail shopping alternative.
On the Constancy of the Solar Diameter. II.

The Michelson Doppler Imager instrument on board SOHO has operated for most of a solar cycle. Here we present a careful analysis of solar astrometric data obtained with it from above the Earth's turbulent atmosphere. These data yield the most accurate direct constraint on possible solar radius variations on timescales from minutes to years and the first accurate determination of the solar radius obtained in the absence of atmospheric seeing.
Are People Willing to Pay to Reduce Others' Incomes?

This paper studies utility interdependence in the laboratory: subjects can pay to reduce ("burn") other subjects' money. Most of them do. The price elasticity of burning is mostly less than unity. There is a strong correlation between wealth, or rank, and the amounts by which subjects are burnt. Many burners, especially disadvantaged ones, care about whether another person "deserves" the money he has. Deservingness is not simply a matter of relative payoff.
Indeterminacy Under Constant Returns to Scale in Multisector Economies

The purpose of this paper is to characterize the possibility of indeterminacy in multisector growth models that exhibit constant marginal returns to scale at the social level, with empirically realistic small external effects. Our results demonstrate that indeterminacy does not require increasing returns to scale, large external effects, or close to linear utility functions. A small divergence between the social and private returns is sufficient for multiple equilibria.
Resíduos de deltametrina em grãos de trigo e em seus produtos processados, determinados por cromatografia gasosa

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a degradacao/persistencia do inseticida piretroide deltametrina em graos de trigo e em seus produtos processados, a saber: farelo, farinha branca, farinha integral e pao. Os graos foram tratados de modo a alcancar a concentracao teorica de 0,35 mg kg-1 do piretroide. As amostras foram tomadas a zero, 15, 30, 60 e 90 dias apos a aplicacao. Houve tendencia de concentracao do piretroide no farelo de trigo e um menor acumulo nas farinhas, sendo que apos o processo de cozimento do pao observou-se perda do inseticida.
Frequency dependence of macromolecular activation

Biological processes occurring in living organisms involve a number of interactions between proteins and their targets such as other proteins, DNA regulatory segments or small molecules. Each of these processes involves an energy transfer between the interacting molecules and these molecular interactions are highly selective. This selectivity is defined within the protein primary structure. The physical nature of these interactions is not well understood as yet. However, there is much evidence that biological processes can be induced or modulated by light of particular characteristic frequencies, via changes of energy states of macromolecules, proteins in particular. Such frequency selective effects of light on biological processes of protein activation imply that protein activation involves energies of the same order and nature as the electromagnetic irradiation of light. These phenomena have been analyzed previously in terms of the resonant recognition model (RRM) [1,2] which proposes that protein activities (interactions) are based on resonant electromagnetic energy transfer in a range of infra-red (IR) and visible light. In this study we are interested to see if proteins or DNA molecules may be activated by much lower frequencies, particularly by the frequencies in the microwave range (109 to 1010 Hz).
Lineage sorting accounting for the disassociation between chloroplast and mitochondrial lineages in oaks of southern France

Dumolin-Lapegue et al. (Mol. Biol. Evol. 15: 1321-1331. 1998) suggested that recurrent inversions of a 4-bp sequence of the mtDNA nad4-1/2 locus due to intramolecular recombination were responsible for the disassociation of chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes of French oaks. Based on their PCR-RFLP (PCR - restriction fragment length polymorphism) data obtained from three noncoding spacers, a minimum spanning network representing the phylogeny of the cpDNA was reconstructed. The mapping of alleles b and c of the mtDNA nad4-1/2 locus on the cpDNA net- work revealed a nonrandom distribution, which contradicted the expected patterns when repeated, and ongoing inver- sions had been occurring. The fact that polymorphisms (a mixed c+d type) were mostly restricted to the interior nodes of the network, which represented ancient haplotypes and geographically coincided with probable glacial refugia in southern Europe, agreed with a migrant-pool model. Evidence of a widespread pattern of polymorphism distribution indicated that mtDNA haplotypes were likely to be more ancient than the cpDNA haplotypes. Lineage sorting, due to relative age of cpDNA vs. mtDNA, plus the specific migratory mode, which recruited colonists from a random sample of resource populations during glacial expansion (thereby extending the lineage sorting period, LSP), may have resulted in the disassociation of chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes in oaks.
Strain-Dependent Cheese Spoilage Potential of Clostridium tyrobutyricum

Clostridium tyrobutyricum, a Gram-positive, anaerobic, spore-forming bacterium, is considered as one of the main causative agents for spoilage of hard and semihard cheeses. Growth of C. tyrobutyricum in cheese is critically influenced by ripening temperature and time, pH, salt and lactic acid concentration, moisture and fat content, and the presence of other microorganisms. Previous studies revealed high intraspecies diversity of C. tyrobutyricum strains and variable tolerance toward pH, temperatures, and salt concentrations. These findings indicate that strain-dependent characteristics may be relevant to assess the risk for cheese spoilage if clostridial contamination occurs. In this study, we aimed to compare the phenotypes of 12 C. tyrobutyricum strains which were selected from 157 strains on the basis of genotypic and proteotypic variability. The phenotypic analysis comprised the assessment of gas production and organic acid concentrations in an experimental cheese broth incubated at different temperatures (37, 20, and 14 °C). For all tested strains, delayed gas production at lower incubation temperatures and a strong correlation between gas production and the change in organic acid concentrations were observed. However, considering the time until gas production was visible at different incubation temperatures, a high degree of heterogeneity was found among the tested strains. In addition, variation among replicates of the same strain and differences due to different inoculum levels became evident. This study shows, that, among other factors, strain-specific germination and growth characteristics should be considered to evaluate the risk of cheese spoilage by C. tyrobutyricum.