Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modeling of Magnetoelectric Microresonator Using Numerical Method and Simulated Annealing Algorithm

A comprehensive understanding of the linear/nonlinear dynamic behavior of wireless microresonators is essential for micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) design optimization. This study investigates the dynamic behaviour of a magnetoelectric (ME) microresonator, using a finite element method (FEM) and machine learning algorithm. First, the linear/nonlinear behaviour of a fabricated thin-film ME microactuator is assessed in both the time domain and frequency spectrum. Next, a data driven system identification (DDSI) procedure and simulated annealing (SA) method are implemented to reconstruct differential equations from measured datasets. The Duffing equation is employed to replicate the dynamic behavior of the ME microactuator. The Duffing coefficients such as mass, stiffness, damping, force amplitude, and excitation frequency are considered as input parameters. Meanwhile, the microactuator displacement is taken as the output parameter, which is measured experimentally via a laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV) device. To determine the optimal range and step size for input parameters, the sensitivity analysis is conducted using Latin hypercube sampling (LHS). The peak index matching (PIM) and correlation coefficient (CC) are considered assessment criteria for the objective function. The data-driven developed models are subsequently employed to reconstruct/predict mode shapes and the vibration amplitude over the time domain. The effect of driving signal nonlinearity and total harmonic distortion (THD) is explored experimentally under resonance and sub-resonance conditions. The vibration measurements reveal that as excitation levels increase, hysteresis variations become more noticeable, which may result in a higher prediction error in the Duffing array model. The verification test indicates that the first bending mode reconstructs reasonably with a prediction accuracy of about 92 percent. This proof-of-concept study demonstrates that the simulated annealing approach is a promising tool for modeling the dynamic behavior of MEMS systems, making it a strong candidate for real-world applications.
A HYPOTHESIS ABOUT FACTORS THAT AFFECT MAXIMUM SUMMER STREAM TEMPERATURES ACROSS MONTANE LANDSCAPES 1

ABSTRACT: Temperature is an important variable structuring lotic biotas, but little is known about how montane landscapes function to determine stream temperatures. We developed an a priori hypothesis that was used to predict how watershed elements would interact to affect stream temperatures. The hypothesis was tested in a series of path analyses using temperature data from 26 sites on second‐order to fourth‐order streams across a fifth‐order Rocky Mountain watershed. Based on the performance of the first hypothesis, two revised versions of the hypothesis were developed and tested that proved to be more accurate than the original hypothesis. The most plausible of the revised hypotheses accounted for 82 percent of the variation in maximum stream temperature, had a predicted data structure that did not deviate from the empirical data structure, and was the most parsimonious. The final working hypothesis suggested that stream temperature maxima were directly controlled by a large negative effect from mean basin elevation (direct effect = ‐0.57, p < 0.01) and smaller effects from riparian tree abundance (direct effect = ‐0.28, p = 0.03), and cattle density (direct effect = 0.24, p = 0.05). Watershed slope, valley constraint, and the abundance of grass across a watershed also affected temperature maxima, but these effects were indirect and mediated through cattle density and riparian trees. Three variables included in the a priori hypothesis ‐ watershed aspect, stream width, and watershed size ‐ had negligible effects on maximum stream temperatures and were omitted from the final working hypothesis.
Brain MRI Biomarkers in Isolated Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder: Where Are We? A Systematic Review

The increasing number of MRI studies focused on prodromal Parkinson’s Disease (PD) demonstrates a strong interest in identifying early biomarkers capable of monitoring neurodegeneration. In this systematic review, we present the latest information regarding the most promising MRI markers of neurodegeneration in relation to the most specific prodromal symptoms of PD, namely isolated rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (iRBD). We reviewed structural, diffusion, functional, iron-sensitive, neuro-melanin-sensitive MRI, and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy studies conducted between 2000 and 2023, which yielded a total of 77 relevant papers. Among these markers, iron and neuromelanin emerged as the most robust and promising indicators for early neurodegenerative processes in iRBD. Atrophy was observed in several regions, including the frontal and temporal cortices, limbic cortices, and basal ganglia, suggesting that neurodegenerative processes had been underway for some time. Diffusion and functional MRI produced heterogeneous yet intriguing results. Additionally, reduced glymphatic clearance function was reported. Technological advancements, such as the development of ultra-high field MRI, have enabled the exploration of minute anatomical structures and the detection of previously undetectable anomalies. The race to achieve early detection of neurodegeneration is well underway.
Numerical Model of Wave Run-Up, Overtopping, and Regeneration

A numerical model of wave run-up, overtopping, and regeneration is presented. The model (called OTT) is based on the one-dimensional nonlinear shallow water equations on a sloping bed, including the effects of bed shear stress. These equation are solved using a finite-volume technique incorporating a Roe-type Riemann solver. The main advantage of this approach over previously used finite difference solvers is that no special shoreline-tracking algorithm is required, so that noncontiguous flows can easily be simulated. Hence, this model can be used to simulate the transmission of waves over water surface-piercing obstacles. The numerical scheme and boundary conditions are described, and several existing data sets used to test the ability of the model to simulate wave transformation, run-up, and overtopping. Experiments of random wave (unimodal and bimodal) overtopping, presented here for the first time, indicate that the model performs much better than empirical formulas in predicting average overtopping rates, and that it provides good estimates for the number of overtopping events. Experiments of overtopping of a sea wall by solitary wave are also presented, including measurements of wave regeneration in lee of the dike. The model does a reasonable job of reproducing the water depths on top of the dike, and performs well in simulating the initial height of the regenerated waves.
Vertical Structure of Precipitation and Related Microphysics Observed by NOAA Profilers and TRMM during NAME 2004

Abstract In support of the 2004 North American Monsoon Experiment (NAME) field campaign, NOAA established and maintained a field site about 100 km north of Mazatlan, Mexico, consisting of wind profilers, precipitation profilers, surface upward–downward-looking radiometers, and a 10-m meteorological tower to observe the environment within the North American monsoon. Three objectives of this NOAA project are discussed in this paper: 1) to observe the vertical structure of precipitating cloud systems as they passed over the NOAA profiler site, 2) to estimate the vertical air motion and the raindrop size distribution from near the surface to just below the melting layer, and 3) to better understand the microphysical processes associated with stratiform rain containing well-defined radar bright bands. To provide a climatological context for the profiler observations at the field site, the profiler reflectivity distributions were compared with Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Precipitation Radar (PR) .
Antioxidant and Anti-Aging Phytoconstituents from Faucaria tuberculosa: In Vitro and In Silico Studies

Research targeting natural cosmeceuticals is now increasing due to the safety and/or limited side effects of natural products that are highly valued in cosmetology. Within a research program exploring botanical sources for valuable skincare antioxidant components, the current study investigated the phytochemical content and the biological potential of Faucaria tuberculosa. Phytochemical investigation of F. tuberculosa extract resulted in purification and characterization of six phytoconstituents, including a new one. The structure of the new constituent was elucidated as (-) catechin-(2→1′,4→2′)-phloroglucinol (4). The structural identity of all isolated compounds were confirmed on the basis of extensive physical and spectral (1D, 2D-NMR and HRESIMS) investigations. The ethanolic extract exhibits a rich content of total phenolics (TPC) and total flavonoids (TFC), estimated as 32 ± 0.034 mg GAE/g and 43 ± 0.004 mg RE/g, respectively. In addition, the antioxidant (ABTS and FRAP), antihyaluronidase and antityrosinase activities of all purified phytoconstituents were evaluated. The results noted (-) catechin-(2→1′,4→2′) phloroglucinol (4) and phloroglucinol (1) for their remarkable antioxidant activity, while isorhamnetin 3-O-rutinoside (3) and 3,5-dihydroxyphenyl β-D-glucopyranoside (2) achieved the most potent inhibitory activity against tyrosinase (IC50 22.09 ± 0.7 µM and 29.96 ± 0.44 µM, respectively) and hyaluronidase enzymes (IC50 49.30 ± 1.57 µM and 62.58 ± 0.92, respectively) that remarkably exceeds the activity of the standard drugs kojic acid (IC50 = 65.21 ± 0.47 µM) and luteolin, (IC50 = 116.16 ± 1.69 µM), respectively. A molecular docking study of the two active compounds (3 and 2) highlighted their high potential to bind to the active sites of the two enzymes involved in the study.
Lactobacillus helveticus Isolated from Raw Milk Improves Liver Function, Hepatic Steatosis, and Lipid Metabolism in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Mouse Model

Here, we show that Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP158 (LP158), Lactobacillus helveticus HY7804 (HY7804), and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei LPC226 (LPC226) isolated from raw milk alleviate non-alcoholic fatty acid disease (NAFLD) in a C57BL/6 mouse model. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were screened for their ability to inhibit fatty acid accumulation in palmitic acid (PA)-treated HepG2 cells, and three strains were selected based on the results. We also investigated hemolytic activity and antibiotic resistance of the three strains. LP158, HY7804, and LPC226 suppressed expression of mRNA encoding genes related to lipogenesis, and increased expression of genes related to β-oxidation, in a PA-induced HepG2 cell model. Moreover, when LP158, HY7804, and LPC226 were administered at 109 CFU/kg/day for 8 weeks to mice with dietary-induced NAFLD, they all modulated blood biochemistry markers and reduced steatosis in liver tissue. Also, all three strains significantly reduced expression of mRNA encoding lipogenesis genes (Fasn, Acaca, and Srebp-1c) and inflammatory factors (Tnfα and Ccl-2) and fibrosis factors, and increased expression of a β-oxidation gene (Acox1) in the liver. In particular, HY7804 showed the strongest effects both in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, HY7804, LP158, and LPC226 can be proposed as potential supplements that can improve NAFLD through anti-steatosis, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic effects.
Seasonal apportionment of the sources of ambient air particulates in the city of Trieste

A PCA/APCS model was applied to PM2.5 data, which were collected for the Svevo and Muggia districts of the City of Trieste. The sampling campaigns covered the winter and summer periods of 2006. The set of investigated species comprised major inorganic ions, organic and elemental carbon and several Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) that were considered as probable or possible carcinogens by internationally recognised health and environmental agencies. Identified pollution sources included vehicle engine combustion ('traffic'), 'secondary emission', 'domestic combustion processes' and 'sea spray'. 'Secondary emission and combustion' dominated, with a total contribution over 74%. The traffic contribution was quantified as 2? 16%, while sea spray was 4? 13%. In general, possible or probable carcinogenic PAHs were related to the 'traffic' source. The high correlation coefficient (R² > 0.90) between the measured and predicted values proves that the PCA/APCS modelling is an efficient tool for the estimation of pollution sources' contribution to PM2.5 composition.
Imagery Processing in the Verification of Topographical Cross‐sections

ABSTRACT Eighteen university student volunteers, each having completed at least two years of university geography, performed tasks requiring the verification of topographical cross‐section diagrams. Each task required first the study of a contour map of a single topographical feature with a cross‐section line drawn across it. When ready, the subject was shown a cross‐section diagram and was required to respond yes or no as to whether the diagram was correct for the map stimulus just studied. A non‐constant relationship was found between map study time and the orientation of the cross‐section line on the map. Also, response times for yes judgments were longer than those for no, although both yes and no response times were constant with respect to initial cross‐section line orientation. The findings were interpreted as supporting an imagery based strategy rather than one based on serial encoding.
The bivalve faunas as a basis for reconstruction of the Middle Miocene history of the Paratethys

The paper deals with the Paratethyan bivalve fauna recorded in Middle Miocene marine shallow-water sandy facies. Of the 429 recognized species, 343 occur in the Lower Badenian, 71 in the Chokrakian, 316 in the Upper Badenian, and 97 in the Konkian. Bivalve faunas are analyzed in order to determine the degree of similarity of contemporaneous assemblages from the Central and Eastern Paratethys, as well from Mediterranean and Atlantic bioprovinces. The study of Lower Badenian and Chokrakian bivalve faunas (isochronous with the Langhian fauna of the Mediterranean) reveals that the Eastern Paratethys was cut off intermittently from communication with the Central Paratethys. Biogeographic affinities and the geographic pattern of Chokrakian bivalve assemblages indicates that the south-eastern part of the Eastern Paratethys was connected with the world ocean by a passage towards the East Mediterranean named the Middle Araks Straight. The species composition of Lower Badenian bivalve assemblages indicates a wide connection between the Central Paratethys and the Mediterranean. Apart from the western passage named the Transtethyan Trench Corridor, The East Mediterranean connection is postulated. Comparision of the species composition of Konkian and Upper Badenian bivalve assemblages (isochronous with the lower Serravallian assemblages of the Mediterranean) suggests active faunal interchange between the Eastern and Central Paratethys. The distributional pattern of the Konkian bivalve fauna also indicates a seawy connection towards the East Mediterranean throught the re-opened Middle Araks Straight. The strong similarity between the Upper Badenian fauna from the Central Paratethys and the Middle Miocene fauna of the Mediterranean and Atlantic bioprovinces shows the existence of open marine connection and faunal interchange despite the closure of the Transtethyan Trench Corridor.
Geochemical confirmation of the Kula-Farallon slab window beneath the Pacific Northwest in Eocene time

Plate tectonic models indicate subduction of the Kula-Farallon spreading ridge, and thus imply formation of the Kula-Farallon slab window, beneath western North America from Late Cretaceous to middle Eocene time. Seafloor magnetic anomalies, however, pro- vide few constraints on the configuration of the subducted ridge and the location of the slab window. We use geochemical data from Eocene igneous rocks to provide an estimate of the slab window's position at 50 Ma. Contouring of the trace element ratios K 2O/SiO2, Rb/Zr, and Ta/Ce for lavas of the Eocene Challis-Kamloops volcanic belt demonstrates a southward trend toward enriched geochemical character. This trend is consistent with a Pacific Northwest position for the slab window; this is supported by the presence of adak- ites (slab melts) near the Canada-United States border, and by ca. 51 Ma forearc intru- sions and volcanic rocks on Vancouver Island that are regarded as products of ridge subduction. A new reconstruction of the slab window's geometry over time indicates that its chemically defined position is kinematically viable.
Reflections of American and Turkish Fulbright alumni: An International context in language teaching assistantship

With the increasing global change and as a consequence of internationalization, the prestige of international educational exchange programs has heightened with bilateral agreements among countries. In parallel, plenty of research in academia has resided on Fulbright language assistantship programs whereas most have been designed on pre-service teachers, and a limited number centred on in-service teachers only from one country context. However, almost no studies have been done on international alumni from two countries to compare the perceived impact of this program through their lenses. Hence, six Turkish FLTAs and six American ETAs were incorporated into this qualitative case study to determine the influence(s) of their personal background information on this cross-cultural experience, and the effects they sensed on their teaching profession with Fulbright. Having conducted semi-structured interviews and sifted data through content analysis, the researcher noted its effects on the personal, linguistic, cultural, social, and contextual understandings of scholars. Moreover, professional growth, student-oriented active learning, and dynamic perspectives were described as themes outlining its reflections on their teaching profession. ETAs felt they cultivated “pedagogical content knowledge”, “soft skills”, “enhancing student motivation” and “adjusting teaching to supply student needs” more, whereas FLTAs reported a higher sense of development in “critical thinking skills”.
Field Guide for Mapping Post-Fire Soil Burn Severity

Following wildfires in the United States, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of the Interior mobilize Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) teams to assess immediate post-fire watershed conditions. BAER teams must determine threats from flooding, soil erosion, and instability. Developing a postfire soil burn severity map is an important first step in the rapid assessment process. It enables BAER teams to prioritize field reviews and locate burned areas that may pose a risk to critical values within or downstream of the burned area. By helping to identify indicators of soil conditions that differentiate soil burn severity classes, this field guide will help BAER teams to consistently interpret, field validate, and map soil burn severity.
Deficits in Key Brain Network for Social Interaction in Individuals with Schizophrenia

Individuals with schizophrenia (SZ) show impairment in social functioning. The reward network and the emotional salience network are considered to play important roles in social interaction. The current study investigated alterations in the resting-state (rs-) amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF), fractional ALFF (fALFF), regional homogeneity (ReHo) and functional connectivity (fc) in the reward network and the emotional salience network in SZ patients. MRI scans were collected from 60 subjects, including 30 SZ patients and 30 matched healthy controls. SZ symptoms were measured using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). We analyzed the ALFF, fALFF and ReHo in key brain regions in the reward network and emotional salience network as well as rs-fc among the bilateral amygdala, lateral orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), medial OFC and insula between groups. The SZ patients demonstrated increased ALFF in the right caudate and right putamen, increased fALFF and ReHo in the bilateral caudate, putamen and pallidum, along with decreased fALFF in the bilateral insula. Additionally, reduced rs-fc was found between the right lateral OFC and the left amygdala, which simultaneously belong to the reward network and the emotional salience network. These findings highlight the association between impaired social functioning in SZ patients and aberrant resting-state ALFF, fALFF, ReHo and fc. Future studies are needed to conduct network-based statistical analysis and task-state fMRI, reflecting live social interaction to advance our understanding of the mechanism of social interaction deficits in SZ.
BEHAVIOR OF LUBRICATION LAYERS OF PLATENS IN ELEMENT TESTS

The results of a series of direct shear tests on lubrication layers and other related tests performed to get a better insight into the methods of lubrication between the sand samples and the platens are described. The lubrication layers used consist of grease and latex disc. To get a good quality of lubrication, it is first needed that the grease has an enough resistance against squeezing out when compressed. The inclusion of fine solid fillers in the grease increases this resistance, while as a result lubrication when not squeezed out becomes less effective with the increase in the amount of fillers as well. The quality of lubrication depends on the following factors at least; (1) the quality of grease (the viscosity of the base silicone oil and the amount of fine solid fillers included in the grease), (2) the normal stress, (3) the composition concerning latex disc and silicone grease. For the lubrication at low normal stresses, the following composition may be recommended; (1) the grease should be composed of low viscosity silicone oil and an appropriate amount of fillers, and (2) a smooth surface should be facing the grease layer. For the lubrication at high normal stresses the following composition may be recommended; (1) the grease should be composed of high viscosity silicone oil and an appropriate amount of fine fillers, and (2) a composition with which stress concentrations in the grease layer are reduced. By using an appropriate method of lubrication the apparent angle of friction for a lubrication layer placed between a fine angular sand mass and a steel platen can be much smaller than 1 degree for normal stresses of 150∼670 kN/m2 at least.
Finding Playing Styles of Badminton Players Using Firefly Algorithm Based Clustering Algorithms

Cluster analysis can be defined as applying clustering algorithms with the goal of finding hidden patterns or groupings in a dataset. Different clustering methods provide different solutions for the same dataset. Traditional clustering algorithms are popular, but handling big data sets is beyond the ability of such methods. We propose three big data clustering methods, based on the Firefly Algorithm (FA). Three different fitness functions were defined on FA using inter cluster distance, intra cluster distance, silhouette value and Calinski-Harabasz Index. The algorithms find the most appropriate cluster centers for a given data set. The algorithms were tested with four popular synthetic data sets and later applied on two badminton data sets to identify different playing styles of players based on physical characteristics. The results specify that the firefly algorithm could generate better clustering results with high accuracy. The algorithms cluster the players to find the most suitable playing strategy for a given player where expert knowledge is needed in labeling the clusters. Comparisons with a PSO based clustering algorithm (APSO) and traditional algorithms point out that the proposed firefly variants work similarly as the APSO method and surpass the performance of traditional algorithms.