Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Thermally Induced Surface Structure and Morphology Evolution in Bimetallic Pt-Au/HOPG Nanoparticles as Probed Using XPS and STM

Bimetallic nanoparticles expand the possibilities of catalyst design, providing an extra degree of freedom for tailoring the catalyst structure in comparison to purely monometallic systems. The distribution mode of two metal species defines the structure of surface catalytic sites, and current research efforts are focused on the development of methods for their controlled tuning. In light of this, a comprehensive investigation of the factors which influence the changes in the morphology of bimetallic nanoparticles, including the elemental redistribution, are mandatory for each particular bimetallic system. Here we present the combined XPS/STM study of the surface structure and morphology of bimetallic Pt-Au/HOPG nanoparticles prepared by thermal vacuum deposition and show that thermal annealing up to 350 °C induces the alloying process between the two bulk-immiscible metal components. Increasing the treatment temperature enhances the extent of Pt-Au alloying. However, the sintering of nanoparticles starts to occur above 500 °C. The approach implemented in this work includes the theoretical simulation of XPS signal intensities for a more meticulous analysis of the compositional distribution and can be helpful from a methodological perspective for other XPS/STM studies of bimetallic nanoparticles on planar supports.
Penalized Maximum Likelihood Based Localization for Unknown Number of Targets Using WSNs: Terrestrial and Underwater Environments

This paper proposes a multiple targets localization scheme using a clustered wireless sensor network (WSN) for terrestrial and underwater environments. In the considered system, sensors measure the total energy emitted by the targets and transmit quantized versions of their measurements to a data central device (DCD) with the assistance of intermediate cluster-heads (CHDs), which employ decode-and-forward relaying (DFR). Upon data collection from the sensors, the DCD performs the localization process, which involves estimating the number and positions of the targets. The data transmission from the sensors to the CHDs takes place through an imperfect medium, which is characterized by a Rician fading model. The penalized maximum likelihood estimator (PMLE), also known as regularized maximum likelihood estimation (MLE), is applied at the DCD to provide optimal estimates for the number and locations of targets. Furthermore, a suboptimal estimator is derived from PMLE, which can oﬀer comparable performance under certain operating conditions with signiﬁcantly reduced computational complexity. Cramer-Rao lower bound (CRLB) is derived to serve as an asymptotic benchmark for the root mean square error (RMSE) of the estimators in addition to the centroid-based localization benchmark. Monte Carlo simulation is used to evaluate the performance of the proposed estimation techniques under various system conditions. The results show that PMLE is an eﬀective tool for estimating the number and locations of the targets. Additionally, it is demonstrated that the RMSE of the proposed estimation approaches the CRLB for a large number of sensors and high signal-to-noise ratio.
Characterising the present-day stress regime of the Georgina Basin

ABSTRACT The onshore Georgina Basin in northern Australia is prospective for unconventional hydrocarbons; however, like many frontier basins, it is underexplored. A well-connected hydraulic fracture network has been shown to be essential for the extraction of resources from the tight reservoirs that categorise unconventional plays, as they allow for economic flows of fluid from the reservoir to the well. One of the fundamental scientific questions regarding hydraulic stimulation within the sub-surface of sedimentary basins is the degree to which local and regional tectonic stresses act as a primary control on fracture propagation. As such, an understanding of present-day stresses has become increasingly important to modern petroleum exploration and production, particularly when considering unconventional hydrocarbon reservoirs. This study characterises the regional stress regime in the Georgina Basin using existing well data. Wellbore geophysical logs, including electrical resistivity image logs, and well tests from 31 petroleum and stratigraphic wells have been used to derive stress magnitudes and constrain horizontal stress orientations. Borehole failure features interpreted from wellbore image and caliper logs yield a maximum horizontal stress orientation of 044°N. Integration of density log data results in a vertical stress gradient of 24.6 MPa km–1. Leak-off and mini-fracture tests suggest that this is the minimum principal stress, as leak-off values are generally shown to be at or above the magnitude of vertical stress. The maximum horizontal stress gradient is calculated to be in the range of 31.3–53.9 MPa km–1. As such, a compressional stress regime favouring reverse/reverse–strike-slip faulting is interpreted for the Georgina Basin.
The Effect of the Housing Crisis on Interstate Migration in the Counties of Florida, 2008–2009 and 2013–2014

For the latter half of the twentieth century Florida was noted as a preferred destination for interstate migrants. However, during 2008–09, Florida had a net loss of 31,000 interstate migrants. This loss of interstate migrants followed the economic recession and housing collapse of 2007–08. This paper explores the effect of the housing collapse on in-, out-, and net interstate migration for the counties of Florida for 2008–09 and 2013–14 using the Internal Revenue Service Migration Files. Ordinary Least Squares Regression was applied to determine the variables that affected interstate in-, out-, and net migration for the two time periods. Net migration rates revealed that counties with the greatest housing value declines and the greatest loss in employment lost migrants during 2008–09. This loss could be attributed to the out-migration of interstate migrants from counties experiencing the housing crisis and the reluctance of interstate migrants to select counties that experienced the brunt of housing collapse. For 2013–14, the highest net migration rates accrued to counties experiencing the lowest housing value increases. This suggests that in the case of Florida, net migration favors counties that are less likely to experience rapid increases (as in 2013–14) and rapid decreases (2008–09) in housing values.
Latex Allergy in Children

Notwithstanding the efforts made in the last decades to mitigate the consequences of natural rubber latex allergy, this disease continues to be a major health problem, especially in developing countries. The categories of patients with greater and frequent exposure to latex (such as health care professionals and, in the pediatric field, subjects who undergo repeated surgery, e.g., those suffering from spina bifida and urogenital malformations) have an increased risk of developing sensitization and allergy to latex. Herein we provide an overview of the current knowledge and practical recommendations with a focus on epidemiology, diagnostics, and management (including both prevention and therapy) in order to guide a correct recognition and containment of this potentially fatal condition.
Possible Production of Genome-Edited Animals Using Gene-Engineered Sperm

CRISPR/Cas9 is widely used for genome editing in a variety of organisms, including mammals, fishes, and plants. In mammals, zygotes are considered an appropriate target for gene delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 components [Cas9 endonuclease and a single-guide (sgRNA)] via microinjection or in vitro electroporation. However, these approaches require ex vivo handling of zygotes, which is necessary for egg transfer to recipient females to allow the treated zygotes to develop full-term. These procedures are often laborious, time-consuming, and use numerous mice. In our previous experiments, the plasmid DNA encapsulated by liposomal reagent introduced into the internal portion of a testis can be transferred to the mature sperm present in the epididymal ducts, and is finally transferred to oocytes via fertilization. Although it was not integrated into their genome, this approach would be useful for creating genome-edited animals, since CRISPR/Cas9 can be performed by transient interaction of Cas9 and sgRNA, whereby chromosomal integration of the CRISPR components is not a prerequisite. Here, we will review past achievements concerning in vivo transfection of immature/mature sperm and present experimental proposals for possible genome editing via gene-engineered sperm based on recent findings.
DIMENSIONS OF DISTRIBUTIVE FAIRNESS RELATED TO IS RESOURCES AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH USER SATISFACTION WITH THE IS DEPARTMENT

Distributive fairness plays an important role in the MIS context in determining user attitudes. This paper investigates the different dimensions of distributive fairness, and their impact on the IS quality issues and users’ satisfaction with the IS department. Drawing from prior literature, this paper identifies and empirically validates three dimensions of distributive fairness in the IS context: fairness in resource allocation (RA), fairness in process outcomes (PO), and fairness in information access design (IAD). Results confirm that these dimensions are distinct, and they influence users’ perception of IS quality dimensions and user satisfaction with the IS department (USISD) to different degrees. Especially, PO is found to be the most important factor that influences IS success dimensions. In addition, the results reveal that system quality and service quality directly affect USISD, but information quality influences USISD indirectly through system quality. Overall, the proposed model is found to explain 68% of USISD, which is quite good for behavioral studies. The results also highlight the important role of IS professionals in acting fairly and responsively to user needs as well as endeavoring to build good quality systems to achieve greater USISD.
U-Pb SHRIMP dating of zircons from Duobaoshan granodiorite in Heilongjiang and its geological significance

SHRIMP U-Pb dating of zircons from Duobaoshan granodiorite is 479.5±4.6 Ma. According to Re-Os isotopic isochron age(506±14 Ma)for molybdenite in Duobaoshan and Tongshan copper(molybdenum)deposit,as well as the regional geological data,it is considered that the emplacement age of Duobaoshan granodiorite is in pre-Ordovician. Meanwhile,the age of wall rocks,main metallogenic stage,ore-control structures and host structures in Duobaoshan deposit all belong to pre-Ordovician. Duobaoshan granodiorite formed in volcanic arc tectonic setting or active continental margin structural environment,and the magma source mainly came from mantle with partial crustal substance.
Palaeoliths from the Thames headwaters in Gloucestershire and North Wiltshire

The aim of this paper is to stimulate research into the region of the Thames headwaters in Gloucestershire and north Wiltshire, which is regarded as having been only sporadically visited during the Palaeolithic due to its distance from sources of flint and other suitable lithic materials. Conventional opinions on raw material procurement and transportation in the Upper Thames are considered, and it is suggested that research into the headwaters might challenge these. The Lower and Middle Palaeolithic resource of the region is reviewed, with previously unpublished material added, and it is suggested that current and potential resources are greater than previously expected. In view of this review, raw material provisioning in the region is reassessed and alternative sources of material proposed. Reference: Weston, L.R. 2008. Palaeoliths from the Thames headwaters in Gloucestershire and North Wiltshire. Lithics: The Journal of the Lithic Studies Society 29: 36–54. Keywords: Thames headwaters, Lower and Middle Palaeolithic research, flint, raw material provisioning, handaxes
Effect of Technology Driven Built Environments on Mental Health: Assessing
Human Attitudes Towards Virtual Realities in Architecture

The model and quality of housing, the neighborhood in which one lives, and community social structures all affect one’s physical and mental health. The exploratory research conducts a quantitative evaluation of surroundings’ preferences to different individuals following two models the current reality and Virtual reality Grounded on semi-structured interviews with 29 number of complete responses, the researcher assessed which model contributed further to individuals’ sense of home and overall well-being. Areas of thematic analysis included three themes: (1) Attitude towards current reality 2) Attitude towards Environment Effect on Wellbeing and Quality of life; (3) Attitude towards Futuristic and Virtual Reality where respondents answered how the emerging terrain whether real or virtual affected their productivity, mental health, physical health and overall wellbeing. This study questions whether the way to human evolution and wellbeing is to proceed in the road of virtuality and artificial intelligences.
Evaluation of Physical Restraint Practices and Their Neurovascular Effect on Intensive Care Unit Patients

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to examine the characteristics of restraints applied in intensive care units and the neurovascular effects on patients to whom physical restraints are applied. Material and Methods: The cross-sectional observational study was conducted between April 2018 and September 2018 in the internal and surgical intensive care units of a state hospital. The study included 120 patients to whom physical restraints were applied. The data were collected using a data collection form developed in accordance with the literature through a review of patient records in addition to observation and interview methods. The patients under restraint were observed and the nurses responsible for patient care were interviewed. Approval for the study was granted by the Local Ethics Committee, permission was obtained from the institution and informed consent from the relatives of the intensive care units patients in the study. Data obtained in the study were analysed statistically using SPSS vn 22.0 software and descriptive statistics, the Cochran Q test, Chi-square test, Friedman test and the Kruskal Wallis test. Results: A statistically significant increase was observed in oedema and colour change in the region below the physical restraint in a 5-day observation period and pulse strength was determined to have decreased (p<0.05). No significant change was determined in the temperature and capillary filling time of the restrained area in the 5-day observation period (p>0.05). No significant difference was determined between the restraining materials used in respect of oedema and pulse strength. A statistically significant difference was determined between the restraining materials used in respect of colour change, capillary filling time and temperature parameters on the second and third days of the restricted area (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results of the study showed that in physical restraint, which is mostly preferred in intensive care units, an increase in the period of physical restraint increases the possibility of neurovascular complications and the use of special restraint equipment could reduce the potential development of neurovascular complications.
Systematic review of the genus Skolithos

The trace fossil genus Skolithos Haldeman, 1840, included species, and related genera placed in synonymy, are reviewed. From among the 35 nominal species in this group, five distinctive species of Skolithos are recognized: Skolithos linearis Haldeman, S. verticalis (Hall), S. magnus Howell, S. ingens Howell, and S. annulatus (Howell). Specimens of Skolithos, vertical burrows made by such animals as annelids and phoronids, commonly in sandy sediments, are widely distributed in Lower Paleozoic and younger rocks, and are indicative of shallow water.
Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: an analysis of 2315 eyes over a six-year period

Background: Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) is a form of retinal detachment caused by passage of fluid from the vitreous cavity into the space between the neurosensory retina and the retinal pigment epithelium via a retinal break or full-thickness defect. At our tertiary referral center, we evaluated the clinical and epidemiological features of RRD, and we herein report the frequency of related risk factors. Methods: In this retrospective study, we reviewed the records of patients with a final diagnosis of RRD at an academic ophthalmological referral center in Isfahan, Iran, over a six-year period. We retrieved and reviewed data from the medical records of all eligible participants, including sex, age, laterality, lens status, macular status, type of RRD, location and number of breaks, type of surgery, rate of re-operation during the first year after initial surgery, and documented clinical risk factors for RRD. Clinical risk factors were categorized as the presence of myopic refractive error, ocular trauma, history of cataract surgery, history of other ocular surgeries, history of uveitis, or undetermined. Results: We included 2315 eyes of 2229 patients with a mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of 51.1 (16.9) years and a male-to-female ratio of 1.8:1. The most common quadrants containing retinal breaks were the superotemporal quadrant (34.1%), inferotemporal quadrant (23.4%), and superonasal quadrant (10.7%). Macula-involved RRD was seen in 90% of eyes (n=2083 eyes). The most frequently identified risk factors were cataract surgery (32.9%) and myopia (22.3%) in adults, and myopia (35.0%) and ocular trauma (27.4%) in the pediatric group. Most eyes underwent pars plana vitrectomy (51.3%), whereas pneumatic retinopexy (0.7%) was the least commonly selected. Conclusions: Our results indicate that cataract surgery and myopia are the most common risk factors for RRD in adults. Myopia and ocular trauma are the most common risk factors in pediatric patients. As observed in many studies, the characteristics of the study population, including middle age, male sex, myopia, and ocular trauma, may be associated with RRD at different rates. Further population-based longitudinal studies with larger sample sizes are required to verify these preliminary observations.
Understanding Bartonella-Associated Infective Endocarditis: Examining Heart Valve and Vegetation Appearance and the Role of Neutrophilic Leukocytes

Background. The endocardium and cardiac valves undergo severe impact during infective endocarditis (IE), and the formation of vegetation places IE patients at a heightened risk of embolic complications and mortality. The relevant literature indicates that 50% of IE cases exhibit structurally normal cardiac valves, with no preceding history of heart valve disease. Gram-positive cocci emerge as the predominant causative microorganisms in IE, while Gram-negative Bartonella spp. , persisting in the endothelium, follow pathogenic pathways distinct from those of typical IE-causing agents. Employing clinical as well as advanced microbiological and molecular assays facilitated the identification of causative pathogens, and various morphological methods were applied to evaluate heart valve damage, shedding light on the role of neutrophilic leukocytes in host defense. In this research, the immunohistochemical analysis of neutrophilic leukocyte activation markers such as myeloperoxidase, neutrophil elastase, calprotectin, and histone H3, was performed. A distinct difference in the expression patterns of these markers was observed when comparing Bartonella spp. -caused and non-Bartonella spp. -caused IE. The markers exhibited significantly higher expression in non-Bartonella spp. -caused IE compared to Bartonella spp. -caused IE, and they were more prevalent in vegetation than in the valvular leaflets. Notably, the expression of these markers in all IE cases significantly differed from that in control samples. Furthermore, we advocated the use of 16S rRNA Next-Generation Sequencing on excised heart valves as an effective diagnostic tool for IE, particularly in cases where blood cultures yielded negative results. The compelling results achieved in this study regarding the enigmatic nature of Bartonella spp. IE’s pathophysiology contribute significantly to our understanding of the peculiarities of inflammation and immune responses.
Learning Spatial Affordances From 3D Point Clouds for Mapping Unseen Human Actions in Indoor Environments

Many indoor robots operate in environments designed to support human activities. Understanding probable human actions in such surroundings is crucial for facilitating better human-robot interactions. This article presents an innovative approach to map unseen human actions in indoor environments by leveraging spatial affordances learned from geometric features extracted from point clouds captured by 3D cameras. Instead of directly observing real people to understand human context, the method utilizes virtual human models and their interactions with the environment to uncover hidden human affordances. This approach proves to be efficient for learning the affordance map, even when dealing with highly imbalanced datasets. To achieve this, we employ a supervised learning model optimized for the F1 score, using the Structured-SVM (S-SVM) architecture. We conducted experiments with actual 3D scenes, evaluating various affordance types both qualitatively and quantitatively. The results show that the proposed S-SVM-based method outperforms other models, demonstrating its effectiveness in efficiently mapping human context in indoor environments. The S-SVM-based method outperformed other models, demonstrating efficient human context mapping in indoor environments.
Fabrication and Performance of Continuous 316 Stainless Steel Fibre-Reinforced 3D-Printed PLA Composites

This study investigates the feasibility of 3D printing continuous stainless steel fibre-reinforced polymer composites. The printing study was carried out using 316L stainless steel fibre (SSF) bundles with an approximate diameter of 0.15 mm. This bundle was composed of 90 fibres with a 14 μm diameter. This fibre bundle was first coated with polylactic acid (PLA) in order to produce a polymer-coated continuous stainless steel filament, with diameters tailored in the range from 0.5 to 0.9 mm. These filaments were then used to print composite parts using the material extrusion (MEX) technique. The SSF’s volume fraction (Vf) was controlled in the printed composite structures in the range from 4 to 30 Vf%. This was facilitated by incorporating a novel polymer pressure vent into the printer nozzle, which allowed the removal of excess polymer. This thus enabled the control of the metal fibre content within the printed composites as the print layer height was varied in the range from 0.22 to 0.48 mm. It was demonstrated that a lower layer height yielded a more homogeneous distribution of steel fibres within the PLA polymer matrix. The PLA-SSF composites were assessed to evaluate their mechanical performance, volume fraction, morphology and porosity. Composite porosities in the range of 2–21% were obtained. Mechanical testing demonstrated that the stainless steel composites exhibited a twofold increase in interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and a fourfold increase in its tensile strength compared with the PLA-only polymer prints. When comparing the 4 and 30 Vf% composites, the latter exhibited a significant increase in both the tensile strength and modulus. The ILSS values obtained for the steel composites were up to 28.5 MPa, which is significantly higher than the approximately 13.8 MPa reported for glass fibre-reinforced PLA composites.