Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Superhydrophobic drag reduction in high-speed towing tank

Abstract As far as plastron is sustained, superhydrophobic (SHPo) surfaces are expected to reduce skin-friction drag in any flow conditions including large-scale turbulent boundary-layer flows of marine vessels. However, despite many successful drag reductions reported using laboratory facilities, the plastron on SHPo surfaces was persistently lost in high-Reynolds-number flows on open water, and no reduction has been reported until a recent study using certain microtrench SHPo surfaces underneath a boat (Xu et al., Phys. Rev. Appl., vol. 13, no. 3, 2020, 034056). Since scientific studies with controlled flows are difficult with a boat on ocean water, in this paper we test similar SHPo surfaces in a high-speed towing tank, which provides well-controlled open-water flows, by developing a novel $0.7\ \textrm {m} \times 1.4\ \textrm {m}$ towing plate, which subjects a $4\ \textrm {cm} \times 7\ \textrm {cm}$ sample to the high-Reynolds-number flows of the plate. In addition to the 7 cm long microtrenches, trenches divided into two in length are also tested and reveal an improvement. The skin-friction drag ratio relative to a smooth surface is found to be decreasing with increasing Reynolds number, down to 73 % (i.e. 27 % drag reduction) at $Re_x\sim 8\times 10^6$, before starting to increase at higher speeds. For a given gas fraction, the trench width non-dimensionalized to the viscous length scale is found to govern the drag reduction, in agreement with previous numerical results.
Solar Photocatalysis for Emerging Micro-Pollutants Abatement and Water Disinfection: A Mini-Review

This mini-review article discusses the critical factors that are likely to affect the performance of solar photocatalysis for environmental applications and, in particular, for the simultaneous degradation of emerging micro-pollutants and the inactivation of microbial pathogens in aqueous matrices. Special emphasis is placed on the control of specific operating factors like the type and the form of catalysts used throughout those processes, the intriguing role of the water matrix, and the composition of the microbial load of the sample in each case. The interplay among the visible responsive catalyst, the target pollutants/pathogens, including various types of microorganisms and the non-target water matrix species, dictates performance in an unpredictable and case-specific way. Case studies referring to lab and pilot-scale applications are presented to highlight such peculiarities. Moreover, current trends regarding the elimination of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and resistance genes by means of solar photocatalysis are discussed. The antibiotic resistance dispersion into the aquatic environment and how advanced photocatalytic processes can eliminate antibiotic resistance genes in microbial populations are documented, with a view to investigate the prospect of using those purification methods for the control-resistant microbial populations found in the environment. Understanding the interactions of the various water components (both inherent and target species) is key to the successful operation of a treatment process and its scaling up.
Available Dissolved Organic Carbon Alters Uptake and Recycling of Phosphorus and Nitrogen from River Sediments

Concurrent with nutrient pollution, agriculture has significantly impacted the quantity, composition, and bioavailability of catchment-derived dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in stream ecosystems. Based on the stoichiometric theory, we tested the hypothesis that bioavailable DOC will stimulate the heterotrophic uptake of soluble reactive P (SRP) and inorganic nitrogen in stream sediments. In a simplified laboratory column flow-through study, we exposed stream sediments to additions of glucose, nitrate, and phosphate alone and in combination (+C, +NP, +CNP), and calculated gross and net changes in DOC and nutrients via a mass balance approach. Our results show that glucose-C increased nutrient uptake, but also that NP additions resulted in the enhanced consumption of both native and added organic C. The effects of C addition were stronger on N than P uptake, presumably because labile C stimulated both assimilation and denitrification, while part of the P uptake was due to adsorption. Internal cycling affected net nutrient uptake due to losses of dissolved organically-complexed P and N (DOP and DON). Overall, our study shows that increases in the stoichiometric availability of organic carbon can stimulate N and P sequestration in nutrient-polluted stream sediments. Future studies are required to assess the effects of complex organic carbon sources on nutrient uptake in stream sediments under different environmental conditions, and whether these stoichiometric relations are relevant for ecosystem management.
Indirect Effects of Grazing on Wind-Dispersed Elm Seeds in Sparse Woodlands of Northern China

Grazing leads to the reduction of biomass and plays a critical role in land degradation in arid and semiarid lands. However, the indirect effects of grazing on the ecosystem, e.g., the effect on seed dispersal, have not been well understood. In this study, we built an agent-based model (ABM) to simulate how grazing intensity affects the seed dispersal of elm trees, one of the native vegetation species of temperate woodlands in semiarid lands. The simulated results from the ABM and observed data from the real world were compared to assess the accuracy and validity of the ABM. The results show that elm seed densities in non-grazing, light, moderate, and heavy grazing lands were 74.97 ± 1.44, 57.63 ± 0.89, 37.73 ± 0.95, and 0.97 ± 0.05 seeds m−2, respectively—an apparently decreasing trend. Moreover, as grazing intensity increased, the values of nugget, sill, and partial sill decreased and the value of the ratio of nugget to sill increased. This study indicates that the grazing indirectly leads to the reduction of elm seed density and the increase of spatial heterogeneity of elm seed on the ground in sparse elm woodlands. Moreover, values of geostatistical indices from the ABM were not significantly different from field observation data except for the ratio of nugget to sill. It shows that ABMs can reasonably replicate the spatial pattern of elm seed densities in the field and thus are useful for simulating long-distance seed dispersal in sandy lands. This finding suggests that the indirect effects of grazing should be considered to effectively protect sparse elm woodlands.
Global synchrony in biospheric variations and influence on soil pH

Data collected from 1968 through 1997 showed a globally synchronous annual increase in soil acidity during the period June through August which was highly correlated with progressively decreasing geomagnetic field strength despite periodic local alterations in electromagnetic activity at the planetary boundary layer. Monthly determinations of soil pH for periods of one or more years at sites in Australia, South America, North America, Scotland, and Germany showed pH values to be consistently and significantly correlated with the monthly average geomagnetic field strength and the auroral electrojet values recorded during the time period covered by the data. Unweighed simple and multiple least squares linear regressions of soil pH on geomagnetic D, H, and Z, and the auroral electrojet gave r2 and p values as high as r2 = 0.9997, p = 0.0000. These relationships were subject to modifications in soil pH by telluric currents and electromagnetic events, such as thunderstorms and accompanying acid rain, occurring at the planetary boundary layer. Short-term variations in electrical conductivity of soil, in situ plant-available soil moisture, availability of soil mineral nutrient elements for plant uptake, soil pH, and the pH of fresh and stored samples of soil diluted 1:5 in water, rainwater, and other solutions, and Rn levels in soil and air were highly correlated with ambient telluric currents and with atmospheric electrical discharges. Decreasing soil pH values were consistently associated with decreased availability of soil mineral nutrients for plant uptake, lower foliar mineral element content in growing plants, and reduced health status, fertility, and productivity of herbivores. Rising pH values were accompanied by increases in available soil mineral nutrient elements and improvements in plant and animal health and productivity.
The X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy of Surface Films Formed During the ASTM D-130/ISO 2160 Copper Corrosion Test

The surfaces of ISO 2160 copper strips tested in iso-octane with elemental sulfur, aliphatic, cyclic and aromatic thiols, diphenyl sulfide, and diphenyl disulfide individually or in combination were studied using XPS. Aliphatic thiols bonded through the sulfur, whereas elemental sulfur formed a cuprous sulfide layer. Aromatics bonded partially through the sulfur with the rings oriented horizontally due to π orbital interactions, accounting in part for their inhibitory effects in the test. The test rating was not directly related to the sulfur concentration in solution or on the surface, and certain combinations of species resulted in higher levels of sulfur at the surface than found individually.
Pandapipes: An Open-Source Piping Grid Calculation Package for Multi-Energy Grid Simulations

The increasing complexity of the design and operation evaluation process of multi-energy grids (MEGs) requires tools for the coupled simulation of power, gas and district heating grids. In this work, we analyze a number of applicable tools and find that most of them do not allow coupling of infrastructures, oversimplify the grid model or are based on inaccessible source code. We introduce the open source piping grid simulation tool pandapipes that—in interaction with pandapower—addresses three crucial criteria: clear data structure, adaptable MEG model setup and performance. In an introduction to pandapipes, we illustrate how it fulfills these criteria through its internal structure and demonstrate how it performs in comparison to STANET®. Then, we show two case studies that have been performed with pandapipes already. The first case study demonstrates a peak shaving strategy as an interaction of a local electricity and district heating grid in a small neighborhood. The second case study analyzes the potential of a power-to-gas device to provide flexibility in a power grid while considering gas grid constraints. These cases show the importance of performing coupled simulations for the design and analysis of future energy infrastructures, as well as why the software should fulfill the three criteria.
Effects of maternal singing during kangaroo care on maternal anxiety, wellbeing, and mother-infant relationship after preterm birth: a mixed methods study

ABSTRACT Introduction Preterm birth may disturb the typical development of the mother–infant relationship, when physical separation and emotional distress in the neonatal intensive care unit may increase maternal anxiety and create challenges for early interaction. This cluster-randomized controlled trial examined the effects of maternal singing during kangaroo care on mothers’ anxiety, wellbeing, and the early mother–infant relationship after preterm birth. Method In the singing intervention group, a certified music therapist guided the mothers (n = 24) to sing or hum during daily kangaroo care during 33–40 gestational weeks (GW). In the control group, the mothers (n = 12) conducted daily kangaroo care without specific encouragement to sing. Using a convergent mixed methods design, the quantitative outcomes included the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) at 35 GW and 40 GW to assess the change in maternal-state anxiety levels and parent diaries to examine intervention length. Post-intervention, the singing intervention mothers completed a self-report questionnaire consisting of quantitative and qualitative questions about their singing experiences. Results The mothers in the singing intervention group showed a statistically significant decrease in STAI anxiety levels compared to the control group mothers. According to the self-report questionnaire results, maternal singing relaxed both mothers and infants and supported their relationship by promoting emotional closeness and creating early interaction moments. Discussion Maternal singing can be used during neonatal hospitalization to support maternal wellbeing and early mother–infant relationship after preterm birth. However, mothers may need information, support, and privacy for singing.
Impact of the first COVID-19 pandemic wave on the Scottish Multiple Sclerosis Register population

Background: The impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on people with multiple sclerosis (MS) is a major current concern, in particular the risk of death. Here we describe the impact of the first wave of COVID-19 infections (Mar 2020-July 2020) on the Scottish MS Register (SMSR) population, a cohort of 4702 individuals with MS, all newly diagnosed in the past decade. Methods: We established a clinician alert system, linking the SMSR with the Electronic Communication of Surveillance in Scotland (ECOSS). This allows identification of patients within this cohort who had a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test. The SMSR was also linked to death records from National Records Scotland. Results: Of 4702 people with MS, 246 severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) PCR tests were performed, of which 17 were positive. The proportion of positive tests were similar to the general Scotland population (Observed PCR confirmed cases = 17, expected = 17.5, O/E = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.60 – 1.56, p=.90). Between 1 st March – 31 st July 2020 12 individuals on the SMSR died, 5 of which were linked to COVID-19 (1 PCR confirmed, 4 clinical diagnoses without PCR confirmation). This number of COVID-19-related deaths was higher than expected (observed deaths = 5, expected deaths = 1.2, O/E = 4.03, 95% CI = 1.48 – 8.94, p=.01). All COVID-19-related deaths in the SMSR occurred in individuals with advanced disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale ≥7), and no deaths occurred in patients receiving disease modifying therapy (DMT) therapies. Conclusion: In this nationally comprehensive cohort of MS patients diagnosed in Scotland within the past 10 years, we observed similar rates of PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to the general Scottish population, but a small number of excess COVID-19 related deaths. These deaths occurred in individuals with advanced disability who were not receiving DMTs.
Water Use in Renewable and Conventional Electricity Production

Water withdrawal and consumption from rivers, lakes and oceans in the United States is greatest in the electricity sector. Until recently, most analysis in this area has focused on thermoelectric and hydroelectric plants. However, proposals to increase renewable electricity sources have generated interest in the water impacts of solar, wind, geothermal and other renewables. The data are put on a per unit energy output basis for comparability. Renewables can have water use, per unit energy, comparable to conventional systems like coal and nuclear, when the entire cycle, including possible backup, is considered. Of those systems using freshwater, hydro has the highest water withdrawal and consumption.
Greta Thunberg’s iconicity: Performance and co-performance in the social media ecology

Greta Thunberg’s meteoric rise from lonely school striker in August 2018 to global icon is one of the most remarkable political phenomena in recent decades, and one full of paradoxes. Thunberg started out with no resources, a child of 15 with limited experience and a history of Asperger’s. Thunberg’s iconic performance seems to have been able to turn these weaknesses into strengths. To understand how this happened, we must situate her analysis within the social media ecology. Two things distinguish this environment from previous phases: iconic protagonists now have wide degrees of control over their own performance, and audiences are no longer mere receptors of iconic performance, but active co-performers. Greta Thunberg is one of the first major political icons to have been fully formed within the new social media ecology. This article provides the first systematic analysis of this dynamic.
Risk Factors for the Occurrence of Desmopathy of the Collateral Ligaments of the Distal Interphalangeal Joint in Equines – A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Desmopathy of the collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint (CL-DIPJ) has been increasingly relevant in equine sports medicine. However, the risk factors for the development of such desmopathy are not well established. In the literature, what has been described about it, is based on the clinical conditions observed in animals diagnosed with this disorder. Considering this scenario, the aim of this study was to verify which possible extrinsic or intrinsic risk factors may influence the occurrence of disorders in the collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint in polo horses. Twenty-five horses from the same equestrian team, all competing in polo, were evaluated via ultrasonography. The outcome was defined as changes in echogenicity and/or boundaries of the CL-DIPJ of the thoracic limbs of the horses evaluated. The intrinsic factors considered in this study were age, the presence of angular deviations and gender. As extrinsic factors, the parameters taken into consideration were the handicap in which the animals played and the type of training to which these horses were previously submitted in their professional athletic career. The prevalence ratio was used to verify the association between risk factor and outcome. The result of this evaluation was considered significant when the confidence interval value did not involve the value 1. Positive and significant association was observed only for age. Playing in different handicaps did not influence the presence of ligament disorders. The other factors evaluated revealed a positive but not significant association. Thus, it was concluded that animals aged nine years or older present a higher risk of CL-DIPJ disorders.
Diversity, Economic Value and Regional Distribution of Plant Food Products at Local Tropical Markets: A Samoa Case Study

Local markets are still an integral part of the food system in developing economies of tropical regions including Samoa. This small South Pacific country is largely dependent on the production of crops in village agriculture, where traditional markets play an important role in sustainability of food supply. Similarly as many small island developing economies, Samoa is currently facing several challenges such as food security and high dependence on food imports. Therefore, we decided to monitor the diversity of plant foods on Samoan local markets and their economic and geographic indicators through interviews with the vendors. Our results suggest that assortment and economical value of plant food products have potential to increase sustainable food security of the local population and support economic growth of the region. For example, underutilized crops available at local markets are prospective species for development of new food products with beneficial nutritional and health properties. Moreover, certain commodities (e.g., papaya, kava and Samoan cocoa) seem to be promising for export. In addition, our findings suggest that development of appropriate processing technologies and the optimization of the logistics of crop products sold at local markets can contribute to an increase in efficiency of the regional agricultural sector.
Influence of Some Cultural Practices on the Incidence and Severity of Leaf Spot Disease of Telfairia occidentalis in Dschang

Fungi diseases are major diseases of Telfairia occidentalis (fluted pumpkin) in the major growing areas of the crop in Cameroon. This study was conducted between March and June in the cropping seasons of 2019 and 2020 to determine the effect of some cultural strategies viz.: tillage and no till, variation of sowing date and removal of diseased leaves on the incidence and severity of leaf spot disease caused by Phoma sorghina. There were four sowing dates, and two tillage systems with no variation in planting distance in the two cropping seasons. The design used was Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. There were three plots for each sowing date within each replication. Seeds were sown at the rate of 1 m × 1 m, with four seeds per experimental unit. Data for disease incidence and severity was recorded every fortnight, commencing three weeks after emergence (WAE) and for a period of eight weeks for each sowing date. Disease incidence and severity was determined using Microsoft Excel 2010 and the data was subjected to statistical analysis and the means separated by Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 95% confidence interval. In addition, the relationship between disease incidence and disease severity was also determined using Pearson correlation. Analysis of variance showed that there was no significant difference in leaf spot disease incidence at till and no-till units within this study period irrespective of sowing date. However, significant differences in leaf spot disease incidence and severity was recorded between the two cropping seasons. Sowing date four recorded the highest disease severity (1.611 ± 0.73) compared to sowing date two and three which was significant but comparable to sowing date one. The lowest disease severity (1.257 ± 0.697) was documented at sowing date two compared to sowing date one and four but comparable to sowing date three. Pearson correlation analysis revealed that there was a significant positive correlation (+0.560) between leaf spot disease incidence and severity which was statistically significant at α = 0.01 (p In order to enhance production of Telfairia occidentalis leaves with reduced disease incidence and severity, sowing dates two and three (first and second weeks of April respectively) coupled with removal of disease leaves every fortnight could regardless of tillage systems well manage leaf spot disease compared to sowing dates one and four.
Inoculation of Stigma-Colonizing Microbes to Apple Stigmas Alters Microbiome Structure and Reduces the Occurrence of Fire Blight Disease

Flowers secrete nutrient-rich exudates that support the growth of an assemblage of microorganisms, including both beneficial and pathogenic members, most of which belong to the phylum Proteobacteria. Given the potential role of the microbiome in plant health, manipulating the microbiome to promote growth of beneficial members holds promise in controlling plant diseases. In this study, we inoculated four different bacterial strains that were originally isolated from apple stigmas, alone or in mixtures of increasing complexity, onto apple flowers during bloom. We tested whether such treatments would influence fire blight occurrence, a disease caused by Erwinia amylovora, and whether we could detect a shift in the structure of the microbiome due to the treatments. We show that various inoculations did influence the occurrence of fire blight, although the level of disease suppression was dependent upon specific bacterial strains. Furthermore, treatments using different strains or strain mixtures predominantly resulted in increased representation of the inoculated strains, suggesting that disease suppression was due to an alteration of the stigma microbiome structure. Compared with treatments using single strains, a Pantoea–Pseudomonas strain mixture produced a homogeneous microbiome structure with less interflower variability. Findings from this study suggest that the microbiome on the flower stigma can be manipulated through microbial inoculation. Due to flowers’ short life span yet important role in plant disease infection, even a short-term influence on microbiome composition may result in significant decreases in disease susceptibility.