Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Eating Compulsivity in Inpatients with Severe Obesity and the General Population: The Italian Version of the Measure of Eating Compulsivity (MEC10-IT)

This study aimed to validate and investigate the psychometric properties of the Italian version of the Measure of Eating Compulsivity-10 (MEC10-IT) in a sample of inpatients with severe obesity (Study 1), and to test the measurement invariance of the measure across non-clinical and clinical samples (Study 2). In the first study, a confirmatory factorial analysis (CFA) was conducted among 452 patients in order to confirm the factorial structure of the MEC10-IT. In the second study, the psychometric properties of the MEC10-IT were tested on 453 inpatients with severe obesity and a community sample of 311 participants. The CFA confirmed the factorial structure of the MEC10-IT among an Italian sample of adult inpatients with severe obesity (Study 1). The MEC10-IT was also demonstrated to be invariant between the clinical and the community sample and to possess good psychometric properties, as well as excellent screening abilities for classifying individuals with problematic eating behaviors (Study 2). In conclusion, the MEC10-IT could be considered as a valid and reliable tool for the assessment of compulsive eating in both non-clinical and clinical samples and represents a psychometrically sound measure for clinical and research purposes.
Biodiversity and Spatial Distribution of Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Kurdistan Province, Western Iran

Background: Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) have always been considered as the vector/s of viral and parasitic diseases. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive survey on the species composition, spatial distribution, and biodiversity indices of mosquitoes in Kurdistan Province, western Iran. Methods: This study was carried out in 10 counties of Kurdistan Province. The immature stages of mosquitoes were collected monthly from June to September. ArcGIS software was used to spatial analysis and create maps. Alpha diversity indices were calculated using the related formula. Results: Totally, 5831 larvae belonging to the family Culicidae were collected. Twelve species were identified including: Anopheles claviger, An. maculipennis s.l, An. superpictus s.l, Culiseta. longiareolata, Cs. subochrea, Culex hortensis, Cx. mimeticus, Cx. perexiguus, Cx. pipiens, Cx. theileri, Cx. modestus and Cx. territans. Based on this analysis, the high-risk areas of the province are determined as Anopheles in the west, Culex in the north, and the Culiseta in the south of the province. Analyzing the Alpha biodiversity indices showed Baneh and Sarabad had the maximum and Bijar had the minimum mosquito biodiversity. Conclusion: The western counties of the province are regarded as the hotspots for anopheline mosquitos. Moreover, reporting of malaria cases in the past, bordering with Iraq and the high traffic of travelers have made these areas as potential foci for malaria transmission. So that, routine entomological inspections are proposed to detect any suspicious vector or case entrance.
A simplified analytic model for gain saturation and power extraction in the flowing chemical oxygen-iodine laser

This paper describes the development of a simplified saturation model (SSM) for predicting power extraction from a chemical oxygen-iodine laser (COIL). Using the Fabry-Perot gain saturation assumption, analytic expressions for COIL extraction efficiency are presented for both constant-density and variable-density cavity conditions. The model treats mirror scattering, nonsaturable distributed losses, and diffractive losses from the mode-limiting aperture and is shown to be in excellent agreement with experimental COIL power extraction data. A comparison of the model with the Rigrod power extraction model is presented showing that the Rigrod model accurately predicts COIL extraction efficiency only in the limit that the COIL device no longer behaves as a transfer laser.
Novel three-axis beam waveguide feed for space-based millimeter-wave applications

A novel three-axis beam waveguide that has been developed for millimeter-wave satellite link applications is described. A breadboard model has been fabricated and RF measurements at 60 GHz have been performed. The breadboard model was equipped with adjustable mirrors and feeds to simulate component misalignments due to fabrication errors and the space environment. The effects of misalignments on system performance have been measured and results are reported and comparisons with theory are made.
Effect of Lanthanum Sorption on the Behavior of Rarely Crosslinked Acidic and Basic Polymer Hydrogels during Remote Interaction

This present study is targeted at the complex investigation of the behavior of interpolymer systems based on acidic rarely crosslinked polymeric hydrogels (polyacrylic acid hydrogel (hPAA); polymethacrylic acid hydrogel (hPMAA)) and basic rarely crosslinked polymeric hydrogels (poly-4-vinylpyridine hydrogel (hP4VP), specifically the poly-2-methyl-5-vinylpyridine hydrogel (hP2M5VP)) either in an aqueous medium or lanthanum nitrate solution. We found that the transition of the polymeric hydrogels in the developed interpolymer systems (hPAA-hP4VP, hPMAA-hP4VP, hPAA-hP2M5VP, and hPMAA-hP2M5VP) into highly ionized states leads to significant changes in electrochemical, conformational, and sorption properties of the initial macromolecules. The subsequent mutual activation effect demonstrates strong swelling of both hydrogels in the systems. The sorption efficiency of lanthanum by the interpolymer systems is 94.51% (33%hPAA:67%hP4VP), 90.80% (17%hPMAA-83%hP4VP), 91.55% (67%hPAA:33%hP2M5VP), and 90.10% (50%hPMAA:50%hP2M5VP). An advantage of the interpolymer systems (compared to individual polymeric hydrogels) is the strong growth of their sorption properties (up to 35%) due to high ionization states. Interpolymer systems can be considered new-generation sorbents for further application in the industry for highly effective sorption of rare earth metals.
Influences of fern and vine coverage on the above-ground biomass recovery in a Bornean logged-over degraded secondary forest

ABSTRACT Tropical secondary forests are widespread in the anthropogenically modified landscapes. Because tropical secondary forests were known to show a steady rate of above-ground biomass (AGB) recovery, they were expected to play a crucial role in carbon sequestration. However, in a preliminary survey of logged-over forests in Borneo, some patches covered with ferns and vines do not seem to recover steadily despite the fact that several decades have passed since the last logging. The presence and abundance of fern/vine thickets may affect the AGB recovery, but few studies have investigated the effects of the thickets. We established a total of seventeen 20-m radius circular plots in logged-over forests, Sabah, Malaysia, with a varying degree of fern/vine coverage, and tested the hypothesis that the greater fern/vine coverage would retard the AGB recovery. The net AGB accumulation rate from 2014 to 2019 was lower in the forests with a higher fern/vine coverage. Our lower bound of the accumulation rate was much lower than the previously reported rates elsewhere. The number of newly recruited and small-diameter trees was lower, and the mortality of remnant trees was higher with increasing fern/vine coverage. The growth rate of the extant pioneer trees, which are expected to significantly contribute to the initial build-up phase of the secondary succession, was inhibited when ferns and vines covered the canopy. Our study suggests that the secondary succession is arrested and the recoverability of forest stands is lower than formerly predicted when they are covered by thick ferns and vines.
Acute ventilatory responses to swimming at increasing intensities

Background Physical exercise is a source of stress to the human body, triggering different ventilatory responses through different regulatory mechanisms and the aquatic environment imposes several restrictions to the swimmer, particularly regarding the restricted ventilation. Thus, we aimed to assess the acute ventilatory responses and to characterize the adopted breathing patterns when swimming front crawl at increasing intensity domains. Methods Eighteen well-trained swimmers performed 7 × 200 m front crawl (0.05 m∙s−1 velocity increments) and a maximal 100 m (30 s rest intervals). Pulmonary gas exchange and ventilation were continuously measured (breath-by-breath) and capillary blood samples for lactate concentration ([La−]) analysis were collected at rest, during intervals and at the end of the protocol, allowing the identification of the low, moderate, heavy, severe and extreme intensity domains. Results With the swimming velocity rise, respiratory frequency (fR), [La−] and stroke rate (SR) increased ([29.1–49.7] breaths∙min−1, [2.7–11.4] mmol∙L−1, [26.23–40.85] cycles; respectively) and stroke length (SL) decreased ([2.43–2.04] m∙min−1; respectively). Oxygen uptake (VO2), minute ventilation (VE), carbon dioxide production (VCO2) and heart rate (HR) increased until severe ([37.5–53.5] mL∙kg−1∙min−1, [55.8–96.3] L∙min−1, [32.2–51.5] mL∙kg−1∙min−1 and [152–182] bpm; respectively) and stabilized from severe to extreme (53.1 ± 8.4, mL∙kg−1∙min-1, 99.5 ± 19.1 L∙min−1, 49.7 ± 8.3 mL∙kg−1∙min−1 and 186 ± 11 bpm; respectively) while tidal volume (VT) was similar from low to severe ([2.02–2.18] L) and decreased at extreme intensities (2.08 ± 0.56 L). Lastly, the fR/SR ratio increased from low to heavy and decreased from severe to the extreme intensity domains (1.12 ± 0.24, 1.19 ± 0.25, 1.26 ± 0.26, 1.32 ± 0.26 and 1.23 ± 0.26). Conclusions Our findings confirm a different ventilatory response pattern at extreme intensities when compared to the usually evaluated exertions. This novel insight helps to understand and characterize the maximal efforts in swimming and reinforces the importance to include extreme efforts in future swimming evaluations.
Multi-view infrared small target recognition based on YOLOv5

In order to improve the recognition accuracy of small infrared targets in complex environment, a SyluInfrared dataset is built by taking multi-view infrared images with the Frock TiX600 infrared thermal imager. Seven image enhancement algorithms including image brightening, contrast adjustment, image blurring, image flipping and image scaling are designed to improve the image quality of small infrared targets. The YOLOv5 deep learning model is used to identify small infrared targets with multiple views to improve the recognition accuracy of small infrared targets. The experimental results show that the accuracy of multi-view infrared small target recognition model for YOLOv5 deep network is 97.7%, which is 6.6% higher than that of single-view infrared small target recognition model based on YOLOv5. The multi-view target recognition strategy significantly improves the infrared small target recognition performance.
Numerical simulation of 3D free surface flows, with multiple incompressible immiscible phases. Applications to impulse waves

A numerical method for the solution to the density‐dependent incompressible Navier–Stokes equations modeling the flow of N immiscible incompressible liquid phases with a free surface is proposed. It allows to model the flow of an arbitrary number of liquid phases together with an additional vacuum phase separated with a free surface. It is based on a volume‐of‐fluid approach involving N indicator functions (one per phase, identified by its density) that guarantees mass conservation within each phase. An additional indicator function for the whole liquid domain allows to treat boundary conditions at the interface between the liquid domain and a vacuum. The system of partial differential equations is solved by implicit operator splitting at each time step: first, transport equations are solved by a forward characteristics method on a fine Cartesian grid to predict the new location of each liquid phase; second, a generalized Stokes problem with a density‐dependent viscosity is solved with a FEM on a coarser mesh of the liquid domain. A novel algorithm ensuring the maximum principle and limiting the numerical diffusion for the transport of the N phases is validated on benchmark flows. Then, we focus on a novel application and compare the numerical and physical simulations of impulse waves, that is, waves generated at the free surface of a water basin initially at rest after the impact of a denser phase. A particularly useful application in hydraulic engineering is to predict the effects of a landslide‐generated impulse wave in a reservoir. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the Advanced Microstructural Characterisation of Additively Manufactured Alumina-Zirconia Based Eutectic Ceramics: Overview and Outlook

Recently, there have been a number of reports on the fabrication of Alumina-Zirconia (Al 2 O 3 - ZrO 2 (AZ))-based eutectic ceramics using laser additive manufacturing (AM) techniques owing to the exceptional creep and oxidation resistance coupled with excellent microstructural stability in these materials. Moreover, a number of interesting microstructural features (in these materials) have been reported to be formed by the variation of process parameters (especially, laser scanning speed) associated with the aforementioned AM techniques. The present review provides an overview of the present state of research in the area of laser AM AZ-based eutectic ceramics and highlights the challenges and future outlooks in this avenue of research. In addition, the requirement of employing correlative microstructural characterisation in these materials has been highlighted in the outlooks section.
Worst-case moments under partial ambiguity

Abstract The model uncertainty issue is pervasive in virtually all applied fields but especially critical in insurance and finance. To hedge against the uncertainty of the underlying probability distribution, which we refer to as ambiguity, the worst case is often considered in quantifying the underlying risk. However, this worst-case treatment often yields results that are overly conservative. We argue that, in most practical situations, a generic risk is realized from multiple scenarios and the risk in some ordinary scenarios may be subject to negligible ambiguity so that it is safe to trust the reference distributions. Hence, we only need to consider the worst case in the other scenarios where ambiguity is significant. We implement this idea in the study of the worst-case moments of a risk in the hope to alleviate the over-conservativeness issue. Note that the ambiguity in our consideration exists in both the scenario indicator and the risk in the corresponding scenario, leading to a two-fold ambiguity issue. We employ the Wasserstein distance to construct an ambiguity ball. Then, we disentangle the ambiguity along the scenario indicator and the risk in the corresponding scenario, so that we convert the two-fold optimization problem into two one-fold problems. Our main result is a closed-form worst-case moment estimate. Our numerical studies illustrate that the consideration of partial ambiguity indeed greatly alleviates the over-conservativeness issue.
Corinthian Currants Supplementation Restores Serum Polar Phenolic Compounds, Reduces IL-1beta, and Exerts Beneficial Effects on Gut Microbiota in the Streptozotocin-Induced Type-1 Diabetic Rat

The present study aimed at investigating the possible benefits of a dietary intervention with Corinthian currants, a rich source of phenolic compounds, on type 1 diabetes (T1D) using the animal model of the streptozotocin-(STZ)-induced diabetic rat. Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into four groups: control animals, which received a control diet (CD) or a diet supplemented with 10% w/w Corinthian currants (CCD), and diabetic animals, which received a control diet (DCD) or a currant diet (DCCD) for 4 weeks. Plasma biochemical parameters, insulin, polar phenolic compounds, and inflammatory factors were determined. Microbiota populations in tissue and intestinal fluid of the caecum, as well as fecal microbiota populations and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), were measured. Fecal microbiota was further analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing. The results of the study showed that a Corinthian currant-supplemented diet restored serum polar phenolic compounds and decreased interleukin-1b (IL-1b) (p < 0.05) both in control and diabetic animals. Increased caecal lactobacilli counts (p < 0.05) and maintenance of enterococci levels within normal range were observed in the intestinal fluid of the DCCD group (p < 0.05 compared to DCD). Higher acetic acid levels were detected in the feces of diabetic rats that received the currant diet compared to the animals that received the control diet (p < 0.05). Corinthian currant could serve as a beneficial dietary component in the condition of T1D based on the results coming from the animal model of the STZ-induced T1D rat.
Simulated Microgravity Alters P-Glycoprotein Efflux Function and Expression via the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway in Rat Intestine and Brain

The drug efflux transporter permeability glycoprotein (P-gp) plays an important role in oral drug absorption and distribution. Under microgravity (MG), the changes in P-gp efflux function may alter the efficacy of oral drugs or lead to unexpected effects. Oral drugs are currently used to protect and treat multisystem physiological damage caused by MG; whether P-gp efflux function changes under MG remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the alteration of P-gp efflux function, expression, and potential signaling pathway in rats and cells under different simulated MG (SMG) duration. The altered P-gp efflux function was verified by the in vivo intestinal perfusion and the brain distribution of P-gp substrate drugs. Results showed that the efflux function of P-gp was inhibited in the 7 and 21 day SMG-treated rat intestine and brain and 72 h SMG-treated human colon adenocarcinoma cells and human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells. P-gp protein and gene expression levels were continually down-regulated in rat intestine and up-regulated in rat brain by SMG. P-gp expression was regulated by the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway under SMG, verified by a pathway-specific agonist and inhibitor. The elevated intestinal absorption and brain distribution of acetaminophen levels also confirmed the inhibited P-gp efflux function in rat intestine and brain under SMG. This study revealed that SMG alters the efflux function of P-gp and regulates the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in the intestine and the brain. These findings may be helpful in guiding the use of P-gp substrate drugs during spaceflight.
Bounds for the determinant of the sum of hermitian matrices

Best possible lower and upper bounds for the determinant of the sum of two hermitian matrices in terms of the eigenvalues of both matrices are obtained. It is the main purpose of this note to prove the following THEOREM. Let A and B be hermitian n Xn matrices with eigenvalues a, 2a * . * a. and I1 > 2> . * . *. On respectively. Then ( ) min II~ (ai + #pi) 0 (which is certainly true if both A and B are positive semidefinite) then
Double-Fermented Soybean Meal Totally Replaces Soybean Meal in Broiler Rations with Favorable Impact on Performance, Digestibility, Amino Acids Transporters and Meat Nutritional Value

Simple Summary The presence of anti-nutritional factors (ANFs) in soybean meal (SBM) is considered the main question that motivates the poultry feed industry to develop its traditional processing techniques. Phytate and trypsin inhibitors are the prominent ANFs in SBM that inhibit nutrient digestion and absorption. One of the most recent and effective processing methods is fermentation of SBM with different fermentative microorganisms. Applying double stages of microbial fermentation of SBM, utilizing Asperigillus oryzae and Bacillus subtilis, was proven to be a highly effective method in eradication of most ANFs, such as phytate and trypsin inhibitors, while simultaneously improving SBM protein and amino acid content. Inclusion of double-fermented soybean meal (DFSBM) in broiler rations triggered better feed efficiency, nutrient digestibility, and amino acid transporters that improved the birds’ weight gain and muscle nutritional value. Abstract Inclusion of microbial fermented soybean meal in broiler feed has induced advantageous outcomes for their performance and gastrointestinal health via exhibiting probiotic effects. In this study, soybean meal (SBM) was subjected to double-stage microbial fermentation utilizing functional metabolites of fungi and bacteria. In broiler diet, DFSBM replaced SBM by 0, 25, 50 and 100%. DFSBM was reported to have higher protein content and total essential, nonessential and free amino acids (increased by 3.67%, 12.81%, 10.10% and 5.88-fold, respectively, compared to SBM). Notably, phytase activity and lactic acid bacteria increased, while fiber, lipid and trypsin inhibitor contents were decreased by 14.05%, 38.24% and 72.80%, respectively, in a diet containing 100% DFSBM, compared to SBM. Improved growth performance and apparent nutrient digestibility, including phosphorus and calcium, and pancreatic digestive enzyme activities were observed in groups fed higher DFSBM levels. In addition, higher inclusion levels of DFSBM increased blood immune response (IgG, IgM, nitric oxide and lysozyme levels) and liver antioxidant status. Jejunal amino acids- and peptide transporter-encoding genes (LAT1, CAT-1, CAT-2, PepT-1 and PepT-2) were upregulated with increasing levels of DFSBM in the ration. Breast muscle crude protein, calcium and phosphorus retention were increased, especially at higher inclusion levels of DFSBM. Coliform bacteria load was significantly reduced, while lactic acid bacteria count in broiler intestines was increased with higher dietary levels of DFSBM. In conclusion, replacement of SBM with DFSBM positively impacted broiler chicken feed utilization and boosted chickens’ amino acid transportation, in addition to improving the nutritional value of their breast meat.
A longitudinal evaluation of a biopsychosocial model predicting BMI and disordered eating among young adults

ABSTRACT Objective This study examined the utility of a biopsychosocial model to explain both higher body mass index (BMI) and disordered eating. The study was designed to examine the predictors of higher BMI and a number of measures of disordered eating (dietary restraint, drive for muscularity, drive for thinness, binge eating, and compensatory behaviour). Method Young adults (N = 838) recruited from seven countries, grouped into four regions (Europe, North American countries, Australia, Japan), completed an online survey, with each completion being 12 months apart. The survey included assessments of BMI and disordered eating, and a range of biological, psychological and sociocultural factors expected to predict both outcomes. Results Results revealed unique patterns of association between predictors and BMI as well as different measures of disordered eating in the four geographical regions. Conclusions The findings identify the specific nature of biopsychosocial factors that predict both higher BMI and different aspects of disordered eating. They also demonstrate that caution needs to be exercised in generalising findings from one country to other countries. Key Points What is already known about this topic: The literature has already identified various aspects of the biopsychosocial model that predicts disordered eating and higher weight. These studies have primarily focused on disordered eating in cross-sectional studies among adolescents. Obesity and disordered eating have been shown to be related What this topic adds: The study identified the biopsychosocial factors that predict higher BMI and disordered eating among young adults over a 12-month period. The study examined all components of the biopsychosocial model in the one study. The study was conducted across seven countries and identified how these relationships vary from one country to another.