Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Correlating Hydration of Alkali-Activated Slag Modified by Organic Additives to the Evolution of Its Properties

This study investigates the relationships between the hydration kinetics of waterglass-activated slag and the development of its physical-mechanical properties, as well as its color change. To modify the calorimetric response of alkali-activated slag, hexylene glycol was selected from various alcohols for in-depth experiments. In presence of hexylene glycol, the formation of initial reaction products was restricted to the slag surface, which drastically slowed down the further consumption of dissolved species and slag dissolution and consequently delayed the bulk hydration of the waterglass-activated slag by several days. This allowed to show that the corresponding calorimetric peak is directly related to the rapid evolution of the microstructure and physical-mechanical parameters and to the onset of a blue/green color change recorded as a time-lapse video. Workability loss was correlated with the first half of the second calorimetric peak, while the most rapid increase in strengths and autogenous shrinkage was related to the third calorimetric peak. Ultrasonic pulse velocity increased considerably during both the second and third calorimetric peak. Despite the modified morphology of the initial reaction products, the prolonged induction period, and the slightly reduced degree of hydration induced by hexylene glycol, the overall mechanism of alkaline activation remained unchanged in the long-term perspective. It was hypothesized that the main issue of the use of organic admixtures in alkali-activated systems is the destabilizing effect of these admixtures on soluble silicates introduced into the system with an activator.
On the injection laser contribution to mode partition noise in fiber telecommunication systems

The injection laser can initially turn on in a side mode rather than in the main mode when the risetime of the driving current is short compared to the electron lifetime, causing mode partition noise in digital transmission systems which have wavelength dispersion between the laser and the receiver. It is shown that increased differential loss between the main mode and side modes reduces both the incidence and duration of side-mode turn-ons and is the most desirable approach to reducing mode partition noise. The needed differential loss is a strong inverse function of the signal pulse width. Gain compression has a lesser influence on the rate of occurrence of side-mode turn-ons. Quantitative results from a computer model indicate that significant numbers of such turn-ons occur even when the side-mode power during quiescent bias conditions never exceeds the main-mode power. Biasing slightly above threshold will always increase the pulse rate at which a given laser can be operated and provides an attractive goal for designers of laser transmitter packages. >
In Vivo Effect of a Nisin–Biogel on the Antimicrobial and Virulence Signatures of Canine Oral Enterococci

Periodontal disease is a relevant oral disease in dogs and nisin–biogel has been previously proposed to be used in its control. Enterococci, as inhabitants of the oral cavity with a high genetic versatility, are a reliable bacterial model for antimicrobial studies. Our goal was to evaluate the in vivo influence of the long-term dental application of the nisin–biogel on the virulence and antimicrobial signatures of canine oral enterococci. Twenty dogs were randomly allocated to one of two groups (treatment group—TG with nisin–biogel dental application, or control group—CG without treatment) and submitted to dental plaque sampling at day 0 and after 90 days (T90). Samples were processed for Enterococcus spp. isolation, quantification, identification, molecular typing and antimicrobial and virulence characterization. From a total of 140 enterococci, molecular typing allowed us to obtain 70 representative isolates, mostly identified as E. faecalis and E. faecium. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed in the virulence index of the isolates obtained from samples collected from the TG and CG at T90. At T90, a statistically significant difference (p = 0.0008) was observed in the antimicrobial resistance index between the isolates from the TC and CG. Oral enterococci were revealed to be reservoirs of high resistant and virulent phenotypes.
Molecular peanut sensitization patterns in Lithuanian children with suspected allergic symptoms

Introduction There are no in-depth studies describing the peanut sensitization molecular patterns in Lithuanian children. Aim To investigate the age-related patterns of molecular peanut sensitization profiles in Lithuanian children with suspected allergic symptoms. Material and methods We performed a retrospective analysis of peanut sensitization profiles in 576 Lithuanian children with possible allergic symptoms. Patient data were categorized according to age groups: 0–2, 3–6, 7–12, and 13–18 years. Specific immunoglobulin E levels to peanut molecular components: Ara h 1, Ara h 2, Ara h 3, Ara h 6, Ara h 8, Ara h 9, Ara h 15, and birch major allergen component Bet v 1 were analyzed. Results Sensitization to at least one peanut protein was observed in 148 (25.7%) children. In children aged ≤ 2 years, most children were sensitized to Ara h 1 – 11 (12.1%). In children aged from 3 to 6 years, the sensitization to Ara h 1 remained the most prevalent in 40 (16.6%) children. The most prevalent sensitization in children aged from 7 to 12 years was to Ara h 8 in 39 (24.5%) of them. In children aged ≥ 13 years, Ara h 8 remained the most prevalent sensitizer in 21 (24.7%) of them. Conclusions One-fourth of children with suspected allergic symptoms are sensitized to at least one peanut molecular component in Lithuania. Infants and preschool children are most commonly sensitized to seed storage proteins, while school-age children to Ara h 8 allergen.
Living with Endometriosis: A Narrative Analysis of the Experiences of Kenyan Women

Despite the high global prevalence of endometriosis, little is known about the experiences of women living with the disease in low- and middle-income contexts, including in Kenya and other countries across sub-Saharan Africa. This study captures the perspectives and recommendations of Kenyan women living with endometriosis through written narratives about the impact of the disease on their daily lives and their journeys through diagnosis and treatment. Thirty-seven women between the ages of 22 and 48 were recruited from an endometriosis support group in Nairobi and Kiambu, Kenya (February–March of 2022) in partnership with the Endo Sisters East Africa Foundation. Narrative data (written anonymous stories submitted through Qualtrics) were analyzed using a deductive thematic analysis methodology. Their stories revealed three themes related to their shared experiences with endometriosis: (1) stigma and disruption to quality of life, (2) barriers to acceptable healthcare, and (3) reliance on self-efficacy and social support to cope with the disease. These findings demonstrate a clear need for improved social awareness of endometriosis in Kenya and the establishment of clear, effective, and supportive pathways, with trained, geographically and financially accessible health care providers, for endometriosis diagnosis and treatment.
ON THE POPULATION OF H-I DWARF GALAXIES

We report results from a 21 cm survey of fields in the Perseus-Pisces supercluster and a foreground void, which was designed to find gas-rich dwarf galaxies or optically faint H I clouds with masses M(HI) greater-than-or-similar-to 10(8) M. We detected 16 objects in the supercluster, nine of them previously uncataloged. We found no objects in the void fields, an indication that H I dwarf galaxies follow the spatial structure defined by bright galaxies, although our results do not rule out a moderate "bias" between dwarfs and bright galaxies. The number of galaxies detected is smaller than expected from a simple extrapolation of the optical luminosity function. These data leave no room for a substantial population of H I dwarfs or gas-rich, low surface brightness giants that could have been missed by conventional, optical galaxy catalogs.
Pricing Options Under a Generalized Markov-Modulated Jump-Diffusion Model

Abstract We consider the pricing of options when the dynamics of the risky underlying asset are driven by a Markov-modulated jump-diffusion model. We suppose that the market interest rate, the drift and the volatility of the underlying risky asset switch over time according to the state of an economy, which is modelled by a continuous-time Markov chain. The measure process is defined to be a generalized mixture of Poisson random measure and encompasses a general class of processes, for example, a generalized gamma process, which includes the weighted gamma process and the inverse Gaussian process. Another interesting feature of the measure process is that jump times and jump sizes can be correlated in general. The model considered here can provide market practitioners with flexibility in modelling the dynamics of the underlying risky asset. We employ the generalized regime-switching Esscher transform to determine an equivalent martingale measure in the incomplete market setting. A system of coupled partial-differential-integral equations satisfied by the European option prices is derived. We also derive a decomposition result for an American put option into its European counterpart and early exercise premium. Simulation results of the model have been presented and discussed.
High-order soliton breakup and soliton self-frequency shifts in a microstructured optical fiber

Ultrashort pulse propagation in a polarization-maintaining microstructured fiber (with 1 μm core diameter and 1.1 m length) is investigated experimentally and theoretically. For an 80 MHz train of 130 fs pulses with average powers up to 13.8 mW launched into the lowest transverse mode of the fiber, the output spectra consist of discrete, multiple solitons that shift continuously to lower energies. The number of solitons and the amount that they shift both increase with the launched power. All of the data are quantitatively consistent with solutions of the nonlinear Schrodinger equation, but only when the Raman nonlinearity is treated without approximation, and self-steepening is included. These results remove any ambiguity as to the nature of these multiple solitons; they arise owing to the breakup of high-order solitons in the presence of nonlinear processes beyond self-phase modulation.
New beam-combination Techniques at IOTA

New beam combination techniques, using two and three telescopes, have been the focus of activity at IOTA during the past two years since our last update. In particular, we have added a third telescope, made closure-phase measurements, demonstrated two- and three-beam combination with integrated optics combiners, demonstrated two-beam combination with an asymmetric coupler, and made simultaneous JHK visibility measurements with an image-plane combiner.
Ductal Hyperkeratinization and Acinar Renewal Abnormality: New Concepts on Pathogenesis of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a functional and morphological disorder of the meibomian glands which results in qualitative or quantitative alteration in meibum secretion and is the major cause of evaporative dry eye (EDE). EDE is often characterized by tear film instability, increased evaporation, hyperosmolarity, inflammation, and ocular surface disorder. The precise pathogenesis of MGD remains elusive. It has been widely considered that MGD develops as a result of ductal epithelial hyperkeratinization, which obstructs the meibomian orifice, halts meibum secretion, and causes secondary acinar atrophy and gland dropout. Abnormal self-renewal and differentiation of the acinar cells also play a significant role in MGD. This review summarizes the latest research findings regarding the possible pathogenesis of MGD and provides further treatment strategies for MGD-EDE patients.
Moments of pseudoscalar meson distribution amplitudes from the lattice

Based on lattice simulations with two flavors of dynamical, O(a)-improved Wilson fermions we present results for the first two moments of the distribution amplitudes of pseudoscalar mesons at several values of the valence quark masses. By extrapolating our results to the physical masses of up/down and strange quarks, we find the first two moments of the K{sup +} distribution amplitude and the second moment of the {pi}{sup +} distribution amplitude. We use nonperturbatively determined renormalization coefficients to obtain results in the MS scheme. At a scale of 4 GeV{sup 2} we find a{sub 2}{sup {pi}}=0.201(114) for the second Gegenbauer moment of the pion's distribution amplitude, while for the kaon, a{sub 1}{sup K}=0.0453(9)(29) and a{sub 2}{sup K}=0.175(18)(47)
Wide-band E-shaped patch antennas for wireless communications

This paper presents a novel single-patch wide-band microstrip antenna: the E-shaped patch antenna. Two parallel slots are incorporated into the patch of a microstrip antenna to expand it bandwidth. The wide-band mechanism is explored by investigating the behavior of the currents on the patch. The slot length, width, and position are optimized to achieve a wide bandwidth. The validity of the design concept is demonstrated by two examples with 21.2% and 32.3% bandwidths. Finally, a 30.3% E-shaped patch antenna, resonating at wireless communication frequencies of 1.9 and 2.4 GHz, is designed, fabricated and measured. The radiation pattern and directivity are also presented.
Evaluation of the lignocellulose degradation potential of Mediterranean forests soil microbial communities through diversity and targeted functional metagenomics

The enzymatic arsenal of several soil microorganisms renders them particularly suitable for the degradation of lignocellulose, a process of distinct ecological significance with promising biotechnological implications. In this study, we investigated the spatiotemporal diversity and distribution of bacteria and fungi with 16S and Internally Trascribed Spacer (ITS) ribosomal RNA next-generation-sequencing (NGS), focusing on forest mainland Abies cephalonica and insular Quercus ilex habitats of Greece. We analyzed samples during winter and summer periods, from different soil depths, and we applied optimized and combined targeted meta-omics approaches aiming at the peroxidase-catalase family enzymes to gain insights into the lignocellulose degradation process at the soil microbial community level. The microbial communities recorded showed distinct patterns of response to season, soil depth and vegetation type. Overall, in both forests Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria were the most abundant bacteria phyla, while the other phyla and the super-kingdom of Archaea were detected in very low numbers. Members of the orders Agaricales, Russulales, Sebacinales, Gomphales, Geastrales, Hysterangiales, Thelephorales, and Trechisporales (Basidiomycota), and Pezizales, Sordariales, Eurotiales, Pleosporales, Helotiales, and Diaporthales (Ascomycota) were the most abundant for Fungi. By using optimized “universal” PCR primers that targeted the peroxidase-catalase enzyme family, we identified several known and novel sequences from various Basidiomycota, even from taxa appearing at low abundance. The majority of the sequences recovered were manganese peroxidases from several genera of Agaricales, Hysterangiales, Gomphales, Geastrales, Russulales, Hymenochaetales, and Trechisporales, while lignin -and versatile-peroxidases were limited to two to eight species, respectively. Comparisons of the obtained sequences with publicly available data allowed a detailed structural analysis of polymorphisms and functionally relevant amino-acid residues at phylogenetic level. The targeted metagenomics applied here revealed an important role in lignocellulose degradation of hitherto understudied orders of Basidiomycota, such as the Hysterangiales and Gomphales, while it also suggested the auxiliary activity of particular members of Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, and Gemmatimonadetes. The application of NGS-based metagenomics approaches allows a better understanding of the complex process of lignocellulolysis at the microbial community level as well as the identification of candidate taxa and genes for targeted functional investigations and genetic modifications.
Responses of Nitrous Oxide Emissions and Bacterial Communities to Experimental Freeze–Thaw Cycles in Contrasting Soil Types

Nitrous oxide (N2O) pulse emissions are detected in soils subjected to freeze–thaw cycles in both laboratory and field experiments. However, the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are poorly understood. In this study, a laboratory incubation experiment that included freeze–thaw cycles (FTC), freezing (F) and control (CK) treatments was performed on three typical Chinese upland soils, namely, fluvo-aquic soil (FS), black soil (BS) and loess soil (LS). A higher similarity in soil properties and bacterial community structure was discovered between FS and LS than between FS and BS or LS and BS, and the bacterial diversity of FS and LS was higher than that of BS. FTC significantly increased the denitrification potential and the proportion of N2O in the denitrification gas products in FS and LS but decreased the denitrification potential in BS. Accordingly, with the increasing number of freeze–thaw cycles, the bacterial community composition in the FTC treatments in FS and LS diverged from that in CK but changed little in BS. Taxa that responded to FTC or correlated with denitrification potential were identified. Taken together, our results demonstrated that the effects of FTC on N2O emissions are soil-type-dependent and that the shift in the microbial community structure may contribute to the elevated N2O emissions.
How Mass Public Shooters Use Social Media: Exploring Themes and Future Directions

This mixed-methods study examines social media use among public mass shooters in the United States as an extension of a comprehensive database of 170 mass shooters from 1966 to 2021. Here, we report findings from a systematic content analysis of public data and detailed timelines that were constructed for 44 mass shooters’ social media habits and changes to those habits during the period of time leading up to their shooting. The paper also presents as a case study, a sentiment analysis, and term-linkage network for one perpetrator’s total 3,000 tweets. Several themes were found in the data—there were shooters who changed their posting habits and in some cases, stopped using social media entirely in the lead up to their crime; shooters who used hate speech and were “radicalized” to violence online; shooters with a demonstrable interest in violence, who referenced past mass shooters in their own communications; shooters who exhibited signs of mental illness and suicidality; shooters who were already known to authorities; and shooters who like those described above, actively posted while shooting, presumably to boost their own celebrity status. The findings from this study provide insight into commonalities among mass shooters in terms of their social media usage, which could lead to new pathways for prevention and intervention.
On the Mandelbrot set for pairs of linear maps

A Mandelbrot set for pairs of complex linear maps was introduced by Barnsley and Harrington in 1985. Bousch proved that is locally connected, and Odlyzko and Poonen studied the related set of all complex roots of polynomials with coefficients 0 and 1. We give an algorithm to construct this set and study its geometric structure. In contrast to the Mandelbrot set for quadratic maps, it is shown that is not simply connected.
Near-infrared optical parametric oscillation in an organomineral crystal

Efficient singly resonant oscillation near 1.3 μm and pump wavelength tuning are demonstrated for what is believed to be the first time in an organomineral crystal. An oscillation threshold of 6 MW cm-2 and a total conversion efficiency of 8% are achieved in a doubly noncritical configuration with respect to the crystal orientation and the signal wavelength. The performance and buildup time of the optical parametric oscillator have been considered and have been shown to benefit from injection seeding.
The Crossover Cooperation Mode and Mechanism of Green Innovation between Manufacturing and Internet Enterprises in Digital Economy

Under the background of the digital economy, manufacturing seeks to improve green manufacturing and the level of greenness of products through digital empowerment. However, there exists a certain degree of technical difficulty and cost pressures for independent transformation to enhance green innovation performance through digitalization. How to conduct crossover cooperation with Internet enterprises needs to be explored. Taking automobile manufacturing enterprises as the case background, this paper constructs an evolutionary game model of green innovation crossover cooperation between traditional automobile manufacturing and Internet enterprises in the context of carbon credit policy. From the perspective of the extra effort cost of manufacturing enterprises and the excess income of Internet enterprises, this paper analyzes the mode selection strategy of green innovation crossover cooperation between the two types of subjects, and also analyzes the crossover cooperation mechanism of green innovation from three aspects: income distribution mechanism, carbon credit trading mechanism, and R&D subsidy mechanism. The results show that (1) Reducing the cost of digital green innovation transformation in manufacturing and the excess returns obtained under the free-riding behavior of Internet enterprises will help promote in-depth cooperation among crossover entities. (2) The benefit distribution dominated by manufacturing enterprises is helpful to evolve toward the direction of the alliance cooperative innovation mode and improve the benefits of green innovation cooperation. (3) Under the government’s single weak intervention management mechanism, optimizing carbon credit accounting and assessment standards can effectively guide manufacturers and Internet companies to conduct alliance green innovation cooperation, but they still need to be matched with appropriate R&D subsidies to form a compound strong intervention guidance mechanism to obtain higher social and ecological benefits.
Extraction and Characterization of Pepsin- and Acid-Soluble Collagen from the Swim Bladders of Megalonibea fusca

There is a growing demand for the identification of alternative sources of collagen not derived from land-dwelling animals. The present study explored the use of pepsin- and acid-based extraction protocols to isolate collagen from the swim bladders of Megalonibea fusca. After extraction, these acid-soluble collagen (ASC) and pepsin-soluble collagen (PSC) samples respectively were subjected to spectral analyses and sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) characterization, revealing both to be comprised of type I collagen with a triple-helical structure. The imino acid content of these ASC and PSC samples was 195 and 199 residues per 1000 residues, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that samples of freeze-dried collagen exhibited a compact lamellar structure, while transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy confirmed the ability of these collagens to undergo self-assembly into fibers. ASC samples exhibited a larger fiber diameter than the PSC samples. The solubility of both ASC and PSC was highest under acidic pH conditions. Neither ASC nor PSC caused any cytotoxicity when tested in vitro, which met one of the requirements for the biological evaluation of medical devices. Thus, collagen isolated from the swim bladders of Megalonibea fusca holds great promise as a potential alternative to mammalian collagen.