Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Sewage Sludge as a Pre-treatment for Dark Fermentation

For many years, sewage sludge has been processed for methane production in anaerobic digestion reactors at wastewater treatment plants around the world. Sewage sludge is produced in large quantities and is rich in biodegradable organic materials, from which sugars (e.g., glucose) can be produced, recovered and used as a substrate to support hydrogen production through the Dark Fermentation (DF) process. DF is one of several methods used for bio-hydrogen production, whereby fermentative bacteria are used to hydrolyse organic substrates to produce hydrogen gas. Carbohydrates (sugars) is one of the main fermentable substrates for hydrogen production, and they are considered the most favourable substrate for fermentative bacteria (e.g., Clostridium bacteria). Although sewage sludge is rich in organic materials, still the complexity of its structure and low carbon/nitrogen ratio limits the bio-hydrogen production via DF processes. Therefore, this paper addresses the impact of Enzymatic Hydrolysis (EH) as a pre-treatment of sewage sludge on enhancing the biodegradability and glucose content in sewage sludge. The result shows that using the EH process as pre-treatment for sewage sludge, enhanced the glucose content in sewage sludge and converted some of the macro sewage flocs to easy digestible micro flocs (glucose). Therefore, the substrate being more favourable and easier to digest by bacteria in the DF reactor, enhanced the production of hydrogen and VFAs. More research needs to be done to find the optimum enzyme dosage, initial substrate concentration and operation temperature (especially when the enzyme is used inside the DF reactor).
Massive prestellar molecular core and adjacent compression front in the Rho Ophiuchi cloud

Emission maps from a variety of molecules identify two adjacent, unusual regions in the star-forming Rho Oph cloud. The first is a region of intense DCO(+) emission that arises in a compact (0.26 x 0.10 pc), dense (about 500,000/cu cm), massive (40 solar masses), yet cold (less than 20 K) core. The second is a separate region of rare 2 cm H2CO emission at slightly blueshifted velocities bordering the southwestern tip of the DCO(+) emission region. This second (0.15 x 0.03 pc) region has a density greater than 10 to the 6th/cu cm and a mass of at least 18 solar masses and is warmer than the first region. There is sufficient mass in this core complex to form a massive star, but, unlike other similar, more distant, massive cores, there is no evidence for any embedded massive or high-luminosity stars. The dramatic differences between the spatial distributions of these unusual molecular emission regions suggests that the second region traces a high-density, warmed compression front propagating into the first region, a remnant of the original cloud. 52 references.
Toward Ocean Hindcasts in Earth System Models: AMOC Variability in a Partially Coupled Model at Eddying Resolution

While forced ocean hindcast simulations are useful for a wide range of applications, a key limitation is their inability to simulate ocean‐atmosphere feedbacks. As a consequence, they need to rely on artificial choices such as sea surface salinity restoring and other corrections affecting the surface freshwater fluxes. Fully coupled models overcome these limitations, but lack the correct timing of variability due to weaker observational constraints. This leads to a mismatch between forced and coupled models on interannual to decadal timescales. A possibility to combine the advantages of both modeling strategies is to apply a partial coupling (PCPL), that is, replacing the surface winds stress in the ocean component by wind stress derived from reanalysis. To identify the capabilities, limitations and possible use cases of partial coupling, we perform a fully coupled, two partially coupled and an ocean‐only experiment using an all‐Atlantic nested ocean configuration at eddying resolution in a global climate model. We show that the correct timing of Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) variability in PCPL experiments is robust on timescales below 5 years. Mid‐latitude wind stress curl changes contribute to decadal AMOC variability, but North Atlantic buoyancy fluxes are not significantly altered by incorporating reanalyzed wind stress anomalies, limiting the success of PCPL on this timescale. Long term trends of the AMOC in PCPL mode are consistent with fully coupled model experiments under historic atmospheric boundary conditions, suggesting that a partially coupled model is still able to simulate the important ocean‐atmosphere feedbacks necessary to maintain a stable AMOC.
Negotiating the Beginning of Care: A Grounded Theory Study of Health Services for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

A range of professional figures are needed to preserve the quality of life of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This study aimed to explore the beginning of the care process as negotiated by people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, their caregivers, and healthcare professionals. We designed the study according to the constructivist Grounded Theory method, collecting data through open-ended, semi-structured interviews, employing theoretical sampling and constant comparison, and performing conceptual coding as data analysis. By naming the core category “off-beat interfacing”, we were able to show how the demands of the professionals concerned did not correspond to the ability of people with ALS and their proxies to process information, deal with requests, and be at ease in making decisions at the beginning of the shared care pathway. Three categories were generated: (i) navigating different paths, (ii) offering and experiencing a standard, non-personalized pathway, and (iii) anticipating decisions. The network of services must be organized according to guidelines, but must also contemplate a patient-family-centered approach that permits more personalized assistance.
Implicit approximate-factorization schemes for the efficient solution of steady transonic flow problems

Implicit approximate-factorization algorithms (AF) are developed for the solution of steady-state transonic flow problems. The performance of the AF solution method is evaluated relative to that of the standard solution method for transonic flow problems, successive line over-relaxation (SLOR). Both methods are applied to the solution of the nonlinear, two-dimensional transonic shall-disturbance equation. Results indicate that the AF method requires substantially less computer time than SLOB to solve the nonlinear finite-difference matrix equation for a transonic flow field. This increase in computational efficiency is achieved with no appreciable increase in computer storage or coding complexity.
PAMELA and indirect dark matter searches

We present a review of the experimental results obtained by PAMELA in measuring the and e± abundance in cosmic rays. In this context, we discuss the interpretation of the observed anomalous positron excess in terms of the annihilation of dark matter particles as well as in terms of standard astrophysical sources. Moreover we show the constraints on dark matter models from data.
Diffraction by slender bodies

The scattering of high-frequency sound waves by two-dimensional curved boundaries has received much attention over the past few decades, with particular interest in the effects of tangential ray incidence. In the event that the radius of curvature is not small, an analysis near the point of tangency gives rise to the Fock–Leontovič equation for the local field amplitude which, in turn, matches the creeping field of Keller's geometrical theory of diffraction. If the radius of curvature is sufficiently small, however, then this analysis is not valid and it is necessary to solve the full Helmholtz equation in the presence of a parabolic boundary. Under these conditions, which are canonical for diffraction by a sufficiently slender body, results are presented for the case of a plane wave impinging upon an acoustically hard parabolic cylinder. This diffraction process engenders a creeping field at one tip of the slender body, which then propagates around the body to the other tip. Here its energy is partially reflected, partially transmitted and partially radiated out in a detached field. A full description of this is given, along with a discussion of the ‘blunt’ limit in which we show that not only do we get the traditional creeping field of Keller's geometrical theory of diffraction, but also an exponentially small backward-propagating creeping field not predicted by traditional ray methods.
Loss of the Synuclein Family Members Differentially Affects Baseline- and Apomorphine-Associated EEG Determinants in Single-, Double- and Triple-Knockout Mice

Synucleins comprise a family of small proteins highly expressed in the nervous system of vertebrates and involved in various intraneuronal processes. The malfunction of alpha-synuclein is one of the key events in pathogenesis of Parkinson disease and certain other neurodegenerative diseases, and there is a growing body of evidence that malfunction of other two synucleins might be involved in pathological processes in the nervous system. The modulation of various presynaptic mechanisms of neurotransmission is an important function of synucleins, and therefore, it is feasible that their deficiency might affect global electrical activity detected of the brain. However, the effects of the loss of synucleins on the frequency spectra of electroencephalograms (EEGs) have not been systematically studied so far. In the current study, we assessed changes in such spectra in single-, double- and triple-knockout mice lacking alpha-, beta- and gamma-synucleins in all possible combinations. EEGs were recorded from the motor cortex, the putamen, the ventral tegmental area and the substantia nigra of 78 3-month-old male mice from seven knockout groups maintained on the C57BL/6J genetic background, and 10 wild-type C57BL/6J mice for 30 min before and for 60 min after the systemic injection of a DA receptor agonist, apomorphine (APO). We found that almost any variant of synuclein deficiency causes multiple changes in both basal and APO-induced EEG oscillation profiles. Therefore, it is not the absence of any particular synuclein but rather a disbalance of synucleins that causes widespread changes in EEG spectral profiles.
Effect of compatibilization on the breakup of polymeric drops in shear flow

A block copolymer may be added as a compatibilizer during polymer processing in order to promote intimate mixing of thermodynamically immiscible homopolymers. The action of this compatibilizer can only partially be attributed to its effect on the interfacial tension between the immiscible homopolymers. Here the additional contributions of the compatibilizer are directly probed by measuring the capillary number during coalescence experiments. Model blends consisting of polyisobutylene (PIB) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), compatibilized with various amounts of a PIB–PDMS diblock copolymer, are used for this purpose. The mean capillary number of the droplets is determined from the mechanical frequency response of the blends. With increasing amounts of compatibilizer, a systematic increase in steady shear capillary number is seen, to values well above the critical capillary number for droplet breakup of uncompatibilized systems. This indicates that a simple decrease in interfacial tension is not the only effect of adding the compatibilizer to these immiscible blends. Past simulations suggest that these results are associated with gradients in interfacial tension (Marangoni stresses) induced by the gradients of compatibilizer concentration due to flow. Direct evidence of the presence of such interfacial tension gradients along the surface of compatibilized drops was obtained by optical microscopy.A block copolymer may be added as a compatibilizer during polymer processing in order to promote intimate mixing of thermodynamically immiscible homopolymers. The action of this compatibilizer can only partially be attributed to its effect on the interfacial tension between the immiscible homopolymers. Here the additional contributions of the compatibilizer are directly probed by measuring the capillary number during coalescence experiments. Model blends consisting of polyisobutylene (PIB) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), compatibilized with various amounts of a PIB–PDMS diblock copolymer, are used for this purpose. The mean capillary number of the droplets is determined from the mechanical frequency response of the blends. With increasing amounts of compatibilizer, a systematic increase in steady shear capillary number is seen, to values well above the critical capillary number for droplet breakup of uncompatibilized systems. This indicates that a simple decrease in interfacial tension is not the only ef.
The role of grain boundaries in solid-state Li-metal batteries

Despite the potential advantages promised by solid-state batteries, the success of solid-state electrolytes has not yet been fully realised. This is due in part to the lower ionic conductivity of solid electrolytes. In many solid superionic conductors, grain boundaries are found to be ionically resistive and hence contribute to this lower ionic conductivity. Additionally, in spite of the hope that solid electrolytes would inhibit lithium filaments, in most scenarios their growth is still observed, and in some polycrystalline systems this is suggested to occur along grain boundaries. It is apparent that grain boundaries affect the performance of solid-state electrolytes, however a deeper understanding is lacking. In this perspective, the current theories relating to grain boundaries in solid-state electrolytes are explored, as well as addressing some of the challenges which arise when trying to investigate their role. Glasses are presented as a possible solution to reduce the effect of grain boundaries in electrolytes. Future research directions are suggested which will aid in both understanding the role of grain boundaries, and diminishing their contribution in cases where they are detrimental.
A generalized geometrical representation of coupled mode theory

The evolution of a general two-level system under arbitrary operators is cast in a three-dimensional form. An earlier geometrical representation is generalized to include contradirectional, parametric, and skew-Hermitian coupling as well as systems with loss or gain. A formal connection to the theory of rigid body dynamics is made and explicit linearity and transformation properties are rigorously established in a coordinate-free form. The connection with mechanics is shown to permit transformations to rotating coordinate systems, a useful technique in analyzing typical guided wave systems.
Thermal Post-Buckling of Laminated Plates Comprising Functionally Graded Materials With Temperature-Dependent Properties

This paper presents thermal buckling and post-buckling analyses for moderately thick laminated rectangular plates that contain functionally graded materials (FGMs) and subjected to a uniform temperature change. The theoretical formulation employs the first-order shear deformation theory and accounts for the effect of temperature-dependent thermoelastic properties of the constituent materials and initial geometric imperfection. The principle of minimum total potential energy, the differential quadrature method, and iterative algorithms are used to obtain critical buckling temperatures and the post-buckling temperature-deflection curves. The results are presented for both symmetrically and unsymmetrically laminated plates with ceramic/metal functionally graded layers, showing the effects of temperature-dependent properties, layup scheme, material composition, initial imperfection, geometric parameters, and boundary conditions on buckling temperature and thermal post-buckling behavior.
Abnormal Visual Function: An Under-recognized Risk Factor of Road Traffic Injuries

Abstract Purpose To determine the relationship between road accidents with visual acuity, refractive errors, visual field, and contrast sensitivity. Methods This population-based case–control study was conducted on roads leading to Tehran Province, Iran. The case group comprised drivers who had met with accidents and were at fault for the accident. The cases were selected in an ongoing manner (incidence cases). The controls were drivers who were the opposing victims in the same. After an initial interview, optometric and ophthalmic examinations including the measurement of visual acuity, refraction, visual field assessment, contrast sensitivity measurement, and slit lamp biomicroscopy were performed for all study participants. Results In this study, 281 and 204 individuals were selected for the case and control groups. The mean uncorrected visual acuity was 0.05 ± 0.12 and 0.037 ± 0.10 logMAR in the case and control groups, respectively (P = 0.095). Of the participants in the case and control groups, 32.8% and 23% had a visual field defect in at least one eye, respectively (adjusted odds ratios [aOR] = 1.63, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08–2.48; P = 0.021). Moreover, 16.2% of the cases and 8.3% of the controls had visual field defects in both eyes (aOR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.17–3.86; P = 0.012). Contrast sensitivity was worse in the case group in all spatial frequencies under non-glare conditions. However, under glare conditions, the contrast sensitivity was significantly worse in the case group only in the spatial frequency of 12 cycles per degree (cpd). Conclusion Reduced contrast sensitivity, especially under non-glare conditions, and visual field defects are risk factors that influence the prevalence of road accidents. It is strongly advised that special attention be paid to these visual functions in legal assessments to apply the necessary interventions in individuals with these types of disorders.
A Homology Theory for Smale Spaces

The author develops a homology theory for Smale spaces, which include the basics sets for an Axiom A diffeomorphism. It is based on two ingredients. The first is an improved version of Bowen's result that every such system is the image of a shift of finite type under a finite-to-one factor map. The second is Krieger's dimension group invariant for shifts of finite type. He proves a Lefschetz formula which relates the number of periodic points of the system for a given period to trace data from the action of the dynamics on the homology groups. The existence of such a theory was proposed by Bowen in the 1970s.
New closed-form expressions for the MGFs of generalised η − μ and κ − μ fading channels

This letter considers the moment generating functions (MGFs) of generalised fading channels. More specifically, new closed-form expressions in terms of Meijer’s G-function are offered for the η − μ and κ − μ fading cases. Note that, the MGFs of some special fading distributions such as Nakagami-m, Nakagami-q and Rice can be deduced using our results. To validate the accuracy of our mathematical analysis, we compare our simulation results to those reported in the literature. The results agree very well for all simulation scenarios.
A Chance Mechanism of the Variation in the Number of Births Per Couple

Under certain assumptions a probability distribution for the variation in the number of births per couple has been derived. The distribution involves several parameters. A procedure to find the B.A.N. [best asymptotically normal] estimates of the parameters is outlined. One example of the application of the distribution is discussed in some detail.
Lifestyle Factors and Their Influence on Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Narrative Review

In recent years, a possible association of lifestyle factors with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has attracted increasing public interest. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the extent and the limitations of current evidence regarding lifestyle factors and RA. The PubMed medical database was screened for epidemiological and prospective studies investigating the contribution of lifestyle factors to the development and the course of the disease. Large epidemiological studies have identified smoking, unhealthy diet and adiposity, as well as a low educational level and low socioeconomic status, as factors that increase the incidence of RA. In addition, several lifestyle habits influence the response of RA to antirheumatic drugs. Among others, smoking, obesity and poor physical activity are associated with a worse treatment outcome. Methodological problems often impair firm conclusions with respect to the causal role of these factors in the risk and the course of RA. However, current evidence is sufficient to recommend a healthy diet, the prevention of obesity, the cessation of smoking and the maintenance of a high level of physical activity to support the effectivity of modern antirheumatic medication.
The primary and secondary instabilities of flow generated by an oscillating circular cylinder

Two- and three-dimensional instabilities of the two-dimensional symmetric flow generated by a circular cylinder oscillating with simple harmonic motion in quiescent fluid, or, alternatively, by oscillatory flow past a stationary cylinder at low Keulegan-Carpenter and Stokes numbers are investigated via Floquet analysis and direct numerical simulation. Previous experimental visualization has found that the flows produced at low amplitudes and frequencies of motion can be grouped by their visual characteristics into a number of distinct regimes. At low values of Keulegan-Carpenter and Stokes numbers, the flow is two-dimensional and has a reflection symmetry about the axis of oscillation, in addition to a pair of spatio-temporal symmetries. This study isolates and classifies the symmetry-breaking instabilities from these two-dimensional basic states as functions of these control parameters. It is found that while the initial bifurcations produced by increasing the parameters can be to three-dimensional flows, much of the behaviour can be explained in terms of two-dimensional symmetry-breaking instabilities. These have two primary manifestations: at low Stokes numbers, the instability is synchronous with the imposed oscillation, and gives rise to a boomerang-shaped mode, while at higher Stokes numbers, the instability is quasi-periodic, with a well-defined second period, which becomes infinite as Stokes numbers are reduced along the marginal stability boundary, ‘freezing’ the quasi-periodic mode into a synchronous one. These two-dimensional modes are, with further small increase in control parameter, unstable to three-dimensional secondary instabilities, and these are the flows which have been reported in previous experimental studies. In contrast, the mode first reported by Honji (J. Fluid Mech. vol. 107, 1981, p. 509), which arises at high Stokes numbers, and lower Keulegan-Carpenter numbers than the two-dimensional quasi-periodic mode, has a three-dimensional primary instability arising directly from the symmetrical two-dimensional basic state.