Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Palmer ice core as a candidate Global boundary Stratotype Section and Point for the Anthropocene series

The remote Antarctic continent, distant from human industrial activity, should be one of the last places on Earth to capture Anthropogenic change. Hence, stratigraphic evidence of pollution and nuclear activity in the Antarctic provides proof of the global nature of the Anthropocene epoch. We propose an Antarctic Peninsula ice core candidate for the Global boundary Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) to the onset of the Anthropocene. The Palmer ice core captures the first evidence of spheroidal carbonaceous fly ash particles (SCPs), resulting from high temperature combustion deposited in Antarctic ice. SCPs first appear in 1936 CE, preceding the rise in plutonium (239+240Pu) concentrations from 1945 CE onwards. GSSP 1952 CE occurs at a depth of 34.9 m, coincident with the peak in 239+240Pu the primary marker for this site.
Asymptotic theory of thermal convection in rapidly rotating systems

An asymptotic theory of marginal thermal convection in rotating systems is constructed for the limit of rapid rotation. Many self-gravitating astronomical bodies, including the major planets, the Sun, and the Earth's liquid core, correspond to this limit. In the laboratory, an analogous system can be constructed with a very rapidly rotating apparatus, in which the centrifugal force plays the role of self-gravitation. The formulation is offered in such a way that both these geophysical systems and laboratory analogues are included as special cases. When the inclination of the outer boundaries relative to the equatorial plane is considered weak, the two types of system are identical at leading order. In this limit, the asymptotic analysis is profoundly simplified, because the system satisfies the Taylor-Proudman theorem to leading order. Nevertheless the system contains a very peculiar property: the mode defined by a conventional WKBJ theory implicitly assuming a locality of convection in the radial direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation cannot be accepted as a correct marginal mode, because a modulation equation gives an exponential growth in the radial direction, which contradicts an implicit initial assumption. The erroneous behaviour is traced to a spatial dispersion of thermal Rossby waves, which governs the marginal mode. The difficulty is resolved by extending the analysis to a complex plane of the radial coordinate of the point where convection amplitude attains its maximum. Such a complex radial distance is defined as the point where the wave dispersion disappears locally. The projection of the solution onto the real axis results in an inclination of the Taylor columns with respect to the radial direction. This is in good agreement with the most recent numerical studies. The isolation of convective Taylor columns in the radial direction weakens and the spiralling gets stronger as the Prandtl number decreases, as a result of the need to displace the critical radial distance further from the real axis.
Peanut Allergenicity: An Insight into Its Mitigation Using Thermomechanical Processing

Peanuts are the seeds of a legume crop grown for nuts and oil production. Peanut allergy has gained significant attention as a public health issue due to its increasing prevalence, high rate of sensitization, severity of the corresponding allergic symptoms, cross-reactivity with other food allergens, and lifelong persistence. Given the importance of peanuts in several sectors, and taking into consideration the criticality of their high allergic potential, strategies aiming at mitigating their allergenicity are urgently needed. In this regard, most of the processing methods used to treat peanuts are categorized as either thermal or thermomechanical techniques. The purpose of this review is to provide the reader with an updated outlook of the peanut’s allergens, their mechanisms of action, the processing methods as applied to whole peanuts, as well as a critical insight on their impact on the allergenicity. The methods discussed include boiling, roasting/baking, microwaving, ultrasonication, frying, and high-pressure steaming/autoclaving. Their effectiveness in alleviating the allergenicity, and their capacity in preserving the structural integrity of the treated peanuts, were thoroughly explored. Research data on this matter may open further perspectives for future relevant investigation ultimately aiming at producing hypoallergenic peanuts.
Augmented Lagrangian method for a mean curvature based image denoising model

High order derivative information has been widely used in developing variational models in image processing to accomplish more advanced tasks. However, it is a nontrivial issue to construct efficient numerical algorithms to deal with the minimization of these variational models due to the associated high order Euler-Lagrange equations. In this paper, we propose an efficient numerical method for a mean curvature based image denoising model using the augmented Lagrangian method. A special technique is introduced to handle the mean curvature model for the augmented Lagrangian scheme. We detail the procedures of finding the related saddle-points of the functional. We present numerical experiments to illustrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed numerical method, and show a few important features of the image denoising model such as keeping corners and image contrast. Moreover, a comparison with the gradient descent method further demonstrates the efficiency of the proposed augmented Lagrangian method.
Surface-binding-energy shifts for sodium, magnesium, and aluminum metals

The core-level binding-energy shifts for surface atoms relative to bulk atoms ("surface shifts") have been measured for the $2p$ levels of Na (220 meV) and Mg (140 meV) using synchrotron-radiation-excited photoelectron spectroscopy. For Al, both a surface shift and a broadening are considered. The sign and magnitude of these shifts are compared with calculated values based on surface energies. The mean free path of the photoelectrons is determined by evaluation of the intensity ratio $\frac{{I}_{\mathrm{bulk}}(2p)}{{I}_{\mathrm{surface}}(2p)}$.
Swedish exchange students’ alcohol use, drug use, risky sexual behaviour, mental health, and self-rated health: A follow-up study

Aims: To follow up on exchange students’ alcohol use, drug use, mental health, self-rated health, and risky sexual behaviour after a semester abroad and to compare them with students who remained on campus. Methods: The study design was a follow-up study based on a previous baseline survey of 114 prospective exchange students and 451 campus students. Of the original 565 students, 48 (42.1%) prospective exchange students and 209 (43.3%) campus students responded to the follow-up. Both the baseline survey and the follow-up survey included the General Health Questionnaire 12, one single item from Self-Rated Health, and nine items from Knowledge, Attitudes and Sexual Behaviour in Young People in Sweden. Results: We found a statistically significant increase in the weekly consumption of alcohol among exchange students after their semester abroad. A larger proportion of exchange students had sex with a new partner and sex with more than three partners during their semester abroad compared to follow-up campus students. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that exchange students consume alcohol more frequently during their semester abroad and indulge in sexually risky behaviour. Exchange students’ use of alcohol and sexually risky behaviour could be associated with even greater risks due to them being in an unknown environment, unfamiliar culture, and with limited support from family and friends. This highlights the need for further research on exchange students’ experiences, especially concerning alcohol use and sex while abroad.
A Climatological Comparison of Radar and Ground Observations of Hail in Finland

Abstract Two approaches to producing a hail climatology for Finland are compared. The first approach is based on 70 yr of hail reports from different sources (newspapers, storm spotters, and other volunteers). The second is derived primarily from radar data. It is shown that a selection of newspaper articles of hail damage covering a period of 70 yr provides a good overview of the typical monthly and diurnal distribution of hail occurrence over the country. Radar data covering five summers (2001–05) provide another data source, but with different potential sources of errors. The two distinct methods compared in this paper give roughly the same results in describing the hail climatology of Finland, which gives additional confidence in each of the methods. On the basis of both methods, most hailstones are observed in the afternoon, 1400–1600 local time. The hail “season” extends from May to early September with maximum occurrences in June, July, and August. This means that hail is most frequently observed w.
Dietary Fats and Cognitive Status in Italian Middle-Old Adults

The increase in life expectancy led to a significant rise in the prevalence of age-related neurological diseases, such as cognitive impairment, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. Although genetics certainly play a role, nutrition emerged as a key factor in maintaining optimal cognitive function among older adults. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate whether specific categories and subcategories of dietary fats, based on carbon-chain length, are associated with cognitive status in a cohort of 883 Italian participants over the age of 50. Methods: The intake of total, single class of dietary fat, such as saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), and also single fatty acids grouped according to carbon-chain length, were evaluated by food frequency questionnaires (FFQs). Cognitive health was assessed using the short portable mental status questionnaire (SPMSQ). Results: After adjustment for potential confounding factors subjects with a moderate consumption of both short-chain SFA (for Q2 vs. Q1, OR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.08, 0.66) and middle-chain SFA specifically lauric acid (C12:0) intake (for Q2 vs. Q1, OR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.09, 0.77) were less likely to suffer from cognitive impairment. Among single MUFAs, erucic acid (C22:1) intake resulted in an inverse association, in a linear way, with cognitive impairment (for Q4 vs. Q1, OR = 0.04, 95% CI: 0.00, 0.39). Conversely, moderate intake of linoleic acid (C18:2) was associated with cognitive impairment (Q3 vs. Q1, OR = 4.59, 95% CI: 1.51, 13.94). Regarding other PUFAs, individuals consuming moderate intake alpha linolenic acid (C18:3) were less likely to have cognitive impairment (for Q3 vs. Q1, OR = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.06, 0.64). Conclusions: Total SFA intake appeared to be inversely associated with cognitive impairment. Regarding specific subtypes of fatty acids, the results mostly referred to short- and middle-chain SFA. Further studies are needed to validate the results of the present study.
A Burst of Herbig-Haro Flows in NGC 1333

We report the discovery of over 20 groups of new Herbig-Haro (HH) objects in the NGC 1333 region of the Perseus molecular cloud, including some highly collimated jets. Our images contain over 30 groups of HH objects driven by over a dozen active outflow sources. Several of the new jets appear to be driven by optically visible stars, including HH 333, HH 334, and possibly HH 335 and HH 336. A spectacular jet, HH 333, lies nearly in the plane of the sky and has a length-to-width ratio exceeding 100 and may exhibit S-shaped point symmetry about a faint Hα emission-line star. HH 336 is located toward the cloud edge and is also centered on a visible star. A large number of new HH objects lie to the south of the concentration of known young stellar objects near SVS 13. We use published millimeter-wavelength CO and near-infrared H2 maps and images to associate HH objects, H2 emitting shocks, and CO outflows with more than a dozen potential driving sources. The high density of objects results in source confusion that limits the extent to which this can be done. Some HH objects are seen toward low-extinction regions far from the opaque cloud cores and may trace parts of parsec scale outflows from embedded sources. The large number of collisionally excited nebulae in this young stellar cluster requires a nearly coeval microburst of star formation.
Statistical analysis and degradation pathway modeling of photovoltaic minimodules with varied packaging strategies

Degradation pathway models constructed using network structural equation modeling (netSEM) are used to study degradation modes and pathways active in photovoltaic (PV) system variants in exposure conditions of high humidity and temperature. This data-driven modeling technique enables the exploration of simultaneous pairwise and multiple regression relationships between variables in which several degradation modes are active in specific variants and exposure conditions. Durable and degrading variants are identified from the netSEM degradation mechanisms and pathways, along with potential ways to mitigate these pathways. A combination of domain knowledge and netSEM modeling shows that corrosion is the primary cause of the power loss in these glass/backsheet PV minimodules. We show successful implementation of netSEM to elucidate the relationships between variables in PV systems and predict a specific service lifetime. The results from pairwise relationships and multiple regression show consistency. This work presents a greater opportunity to be expanded to other materials systems.
Linear stability analysis of a shear layer induced by differential coaxial rotation within a cylindrical enclosure

Abstract The generation of distinct polygonal configurations via the instability of a Stewartson shear layer is numerically investigated. The shear layer is induced using a rotating cylindrical tank with differentially forced disks located at the top and bottom boundaries. The incompressible Navier–Stokes equations are solved on a two-dimensional semi-meridional plane. Axisymmetric base flows are consistently found to reach a steady state for a wide range of flow conditions, and details of the vertical structure are revealed. An axially invariant two-dimensional flow is ascertained for small $\vert \mathit{Ro}\vert $ , which substantiates the Taylor–Proudman theorem. Sufficient increases in $\vert \mathit{Ro}\vert $ forcing develops flow features that break this quasi-two-dimensionality. The onset of this breaking occurs earlier with increasing $\vert \mathit{Ro}\vert $ for $\mathit{Ro}\gt 0$ compared with $\mathit{Ro}\lt 0$ . The thickness scaling of the vertical Stewartson layers are in agreement with previous analytical results. Growth rates of the most unstable azimuthal wavenumber from a global linear stability analysis are obtained. The threshold between axisymmetric and non-axisymmetric flow follows a power law, and both positive- and negative- $\mathit{Ro}$ regimes are found to adopt the same threshold for instability, namely $\vert \mathit{Ro}\vert \geq 18. 1{E}^{0. 767} $ . This relationship corresponds to a constant critical internal Reynolds number of ${\mathit{Re}}_{i, c} \simeq 22. 5$ . A review of reported critical internal Reynolds number and their characteristic length scales yields a consistent instability onset given by $\vert \mathit{Ro}\vert / {E}^{3/ 4} = 15. 4{\unicode{x2013}} 16. 6$ ; here we find $\vert \mathit{Ro}\vert / {E}^{3/ 4} = 15. 8$ . At the onset of linear instability, the initially circular shear layer deforms, resulting in a polygonal structure consistent with barotropic instability. Dominant azimuthal wavenumbers range from $3$ to $7$ at the onset of instability for the parameter space explored. Empirical relationships for the preferential wavenumber have been obtained. Additional instability modes have been discovered that favour higher wavenumbers, and these exhibit structures localized to the disk–tank interfaces.
Observable signatures of general relativistic dynamics in compact binaries

The effects of general relativity (GR) in astrophysical systems are often difficult to calculate, but they can have important consequences for observables. This thesis considers the impact of previously-ignored GR effects in two different types of compact binary systems. The first is the coalescence of massive black holes in high-redshift galaxies. The gravitational waves (GWs) from these systems can be detected by the proposed low-frequency gravitational wave detector LISA and used to determine the various parameters which characterize the binary. Most studies of LISA’s parameter estimation capability have ignored a significant piece of physics: the relativistic precession of the binary’s angular momentum vectors. In the first two-thirds of this thesis, we show how including precession effects in the waveform model helps to break various degeneracies and improve the expected parameter errors. We give special attention to the localization parameters, sky position and distance. When distance is converted to an approximate redshift, these parameters define a “pixel” on the sky in which astronomers can search for an electromagnetic counterpart to the GW event. The final third of this thesis focuses on stellar-mass compact binaries in which at least one member is a neutron star. The measurement of tidal effects in these systems may shed some light on the poorly understood high-density equation of state. We first calculate the point at which a neutron star tidally disrupts in the field of a black hole. Previous calculations of this effect have used Newtonian self-gravity, which is inappropriate for a neutron star; we correct this by using relativistic perturbation theory. We then turn to small tidal distortions of neutron stars, which can be characterized by a quantity known as the Love number. We calculate relativistic Love numbers for a wide variety of equations of state and investigate their impact on the GWs from neutron star-neutron star binaries. Thesis Supervisor: Scott A. Hughes Title: Associate Professor of Physics
Exploring Leadership Learning Through Short-term Study Abroad Experiences

Pre COVID-19 there were a growing number of opportunities for study abroad across higher education in the United States, (Rosch & Haber-Curran, 2013, Martinez, 2012). This paper aims to examine phenomena surrounding outcomes of student abroad experiences while centering students' leadership learning. Centering leadership learning as a framework, findings indicate participants in the study grew in the of areas of leadership efficacy and capacity through the short-term study abroad.
Key Changes in Benefit–Risk Assessment Guidelines and Implications for Data Analysis in Drug Development

ABSTRACT The number and complexity of regulatory and legislative policy initiatives for benefit–risk (B-R) assessments and the challenges associated with operationalizing and integrating these initiatives in the drug development process have increased exponentially in the last 10 years. Although there are some similarities in the approaches being used among regions, there are no unifying principles for a consistent approach to address various regulatory agency requirements. Therefore, some sponsors might end up with marketing authorization in one region but not in another, in spite of using the same available benefits and risks evidence without obvious differences between regions. Fortunately, however, there has been a recent global effort by the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) to develop guidance which provides greater specificity on the format and structure of B-R evidence that is submitted with marketing applications in Module 2 of the Common Technical Document (CTD). The guidance was finalized in June 2016. This article highlights some of the more notable proposed revisions to the ICH guidance for the B-R conclusions (Section 2.5.6) that was recently made public and some germane points to consider, particularly as it relates to effort to minimizing uncertainties associated with the B-R assessment. The discussion speaks to the dynamic nature and attendant imbalances between the pre- and post-market settings in the sources, timing and nature of the information we collect on favorable (benefits) and unfavorable (risks) effects of medicinal products, characterization of these products' attributes including the emerging role of patient input in product development, and the need to better integrate clinical trial findings and real-world clinical data to enhance our understanding of the expected performance of medical products in the intended patient population.
Malignant ascites in pancreatic cancer: Pathophysiology, diagnosis, molecular characterization, and therapeutic strategies

Malignant ascites is the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneum as a result of advanced cancer and often signifies the terminal phase of the disease. Management of malignant ascites remains a clinical challenge as symptom palliation is the current standard of cure. Previously, studies examining malignant ascites largely focused on ovarian and gastric cancer. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in research on malignant ascites in pancreatic cancer. Malignant ascites is usually diagnosed based on positive cytology, but cytology is not always diagnostic, indicating the need for novel diagnostic tools and biomarkers. This review aims to summarize the current understanding of malignant ascites in pancreatic cancer and the recent advances in the molecular characterization of malignant ascites fluid from patients with pancreatic cancer including analysis of soluble molecules and extracellular vesicles. Current standard of care treatment options such as paracenteses and diuretics are outlined along with new emerging treatment strategies such as immunotherapy and small-molecule based therapies. New potential investigative directions resulting from these studies are also highlighted.
Hyperfocus symptom and internet addiction in individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder trait

Background Hyperfocus symptom is the intense concentration on a certain object. It is a common but often overlooked symptom in those with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Hyperfocus disrupts attention control and results in a focus on inappropriate behaviors. It allows individuals to focus on internet use and make them use internet excessively. This excessive internet use can lead to an addiction. This study investigated the status of IA and hyperfocus, the mediation effect of hyperfocus in relation to IA, and the relationship between ADHD subtypes and hyperfocus in those with ADHD symptoms. Methods This web-based cross-sectional study included 3,500 Japanese adults who completed internet-based questionnaires, which included the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS), Internet Addiction Test (IAT), and Hyperfocus Scale (HFS) to assess ADHD symptoms, internet dependence, and hyperfocus symptoms, respectively. The mediating role of HFS in the relationship between ASRS and IAT was assessed by mediation analysis. To analyze the relationship between hyperfocus symptoms and ADHD subtypes, we compared the correlation of HFS with the Inattention and Hyperactive Scores of ASRS. Results ADHD traits were associated with higher IAT scores (p < 0.001) and higher HFS scores (p < 0.001). Mediation analysis and bootstrap testing showed that HFS significantly mediated the association between ASRS and IAT. Analyses of ADHD subtypes demonstrated that HFS was significantly correlated with the Inattention (R = 0.597, p < 0.001) and Hyperactive (R = 0.523, p < 0.001) Scores. The correlation between HFS and the Inattention Score was significantly higher than that between HFS and the Hyperactive Score (p < 0.001). Conclusion Our findings suggest that hyperfocus may play an important role in addictive behavior in ADHD as a manifestation of attentional control malfunction.