Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Irrigation with primary wastewater alters wood anatomy and composition in willow Salix miyabeana SX67

Traditional treatment of wastewaters is a burden for local governments. Using short rotation coppice willow (SRCW) as vegetal filter has several environmental and economic benefits. Here, we investigated the effect of primary wastewater irrigation on wood structure and composition of the willow cultivar Salix miyabeana ‘SX67’ following two years of growth. Compared to unirrigated plants (UI), stem sections of plants irrigated with primary wastewater (WWD) showed an unexpected decrease of hydraulic conductance (KS) associated with a decrease in vessel density but not vessel diameter. The majority (86%) of vessels had diameters range groups [20-30[, [30-40[and [40-50[µm and contributed to > 75% of theoretical KS, while the group class [50-60[µm (less than 10% of vessels) still accounted for > 20% of total KS regardless irrigation treatments. WWD significantly alters the chemical composition of wood with an increase of glucan content by 9 to 16.4% and a decrease of extractives by 35.3 to 36.4% when compared to UI or to plants irrigated with potable water (PW). The fertigation did also increase the proportion of the tension wood which highly correlated with glucan content. In the context of energetic transition and mitigation of climate change, such results are of high interest since WWD effectively permit the phytofiltration of large amounts of organic contaminated effluents without impairing SRCW physiology.
Psychological and Physiological Acoustics Session 3 pPP : Multimodal Influences on Auditory Spatial Perception 3 pPP 1 . Spatial sound and its effect on visual quality perception and task performance within a virtual environment

Immersive 3D virtual environments such as simulations and serious games for education and training are typically multimodal, incorporating at the very least both visual and auditory cues, each of which may require considerable computational resources, particularly if high fidelity environments are sought. It is widely accepted that sound can influence the other modalities. Our own previous work has shown that sound cues (both contextual and non-contextual with respect to the visual scene) can either increase or decrease (depending on the sound) visual fidelity (quality) perception in addition to the time required to complete a simple task (task completion time) within a virtual environment. However, despite the importance and benefits of spatial sound (sound that goes far beyond traditional stereo and surround sound techniques, allowing users to perceive the position of a sound source at an arbitrary position in three-dimensional space), our previous work did not consider spatial sound cues. Here we will build upon our previous work by describing the results of an experiment that will be conducted to examine visual fidelity (quality) perception and task performance in the presence of various spatial sound cues including acoustical reverberation and occlusion/diffraction effects, while completing a simple task within a virtual environment.
Carbapenem-Resistant and ESBL-Producing Enterobacterales Emerging in Central Texas

Purpose Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) are subject to intense global monitoring in an attempt to maintain awareness of prevalent and emerging resistance mechanisms and to inform treatment and infection prevention strategies. CRE and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales are not usually examined collectively in regards to their shared pool of resistance determinants. Here, we genetically and phenotypically assess clinical isolates of CRE and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales in the growing region of Central Texas, where CRE are emergent and occurrence of non-carbapenemase-producing-CRE (non-CP-CRE) infections is increasing. Methods CRE (n=16) and ESBL-producing Enterobacterales (n=116) isolates were acquired from a regional hospital in Central Texas between December 2018 and January 2020. Isolates were assessed genetically and phenotypically using antibiotic susceptibility testing, targeted PCR, and whole genome sequencing. Results CRE infections are increasing in incidence in Central Texas, and Klebsiella pneumoniae is causing the majority of these infections. Moreover, K. pneumoniae sequence type (ST) 307 is commonly found among both non-CP-CRE and EBSL-producing strains. Isolates carry similar plasmids harboring the gene for the ESBL CTX-M-15 and belong to the global lineage, rather than the Texas lineage, of ST307. Antibiotic resistance profiles, sequence data, and clinical records suggest that porin mutations may promote the transition of ST307 isolates from ESBL-producing to non-CP-CRE. In addition to antibiotic resistance mechanisms, several CRE isolates harbor active colicinogenic plasmids, which might influence the competitiveness of these bacteria during patient colonization. Conclusion K. pneumoniae of the global ST307 lineage is circulating in Central Texas and is responsible for both non-CP CRE and ESBL-producing Enterobacterales infections. Enhanced surveillance is needed to understand the possible routes for the emergence of non-CP-CRE from EBSL-producing strains.
Orientus ishidae (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae): Biology, Direct Damage and Preliminary Studies on Apple Proliferation Infection in Apple Orchard

Simple Summary A recent outbreak of the mosaic leafhopper (MLH), Orientus ishidae, in an apple orchard in Trentino made it urgent to assess the actual capability of this insect to cause damage to this crop. During the biennium from 2020–21, experiments were conducted both in field and semi-field conditions to ascertain whether MLH can (1) Complete the entire life cycle on cultivated apple trees; (2) Cause direct damage by feeding; and (3) Acquire the phytoplasma responsible of the Apple Proliferation (AP) disease. Our results proved that apple trees are suitable host plants for MLH, and that severe direct foliar damage is associated to its trophic activity. Such damage consists of diffuse chlorosis followed by necrosis that eventually take to leaf fall. The ability of MLH to acquire AP was confirmed in field trials. Our conclusions are that MLH is potentially a new pest of apple, although its role as a vector of AP must be confirmed with transmission bioassays. It will also be important to monitor this species in the apple orchards of other regions to prevent future outbreaks and consequent damage to production. Abstract The mosaic leafhopper, Orientus ishidae (Matsumura), is an Asian species widespread in Europe that can cause leaf damage in wild trees and transmit disease phytoplasmas to grapevines. Following an O. ishidae outbreak reported in 2019 in an apple orchard in northern Italy, the biology and damage caused by this species to apples were investigated during 2020 and 2021. Our studies included observations on the O. ishidae life cycle, leaf symptoms associated to its trophic activity, and its capability to acquire “Candidatus Phytoplasma mali,” a causal agent of Apple Proliferation (AP). The results indicate that O. ishidae can complete the life cycle on apple trees. Nymphs emerged between May and June, and adults were present from early July to late October, with the peak of flight between July and early August. Semi-field observations allowed for an accurate description of leaf symptoms that appeared as a distinct yellowing after a one-day exposure. In field experiments, 23% of the leaves were found damaged. In addition, 16–18% of the collected leafhoppers were found carrying AP phytoplasma. We conclude that O. ishidae has the potential to be a new apple tree pest. However, further studies are required to better understand the economic impact of the infestations.
Advocacy lessons from Chi Sigma Iota’s heroes

ABSTRACT Advocacy is a cornerstone of the counseling profession allowing its advancement while promoting human dignity, prevention, and wellness for the clients and communities we serve. Using qualitative content analysis methodology, we examined the interviews of 44 CSI Heroes/Heroines, collected and publicly available on the CSI website, to gain insight into professional advocacy practices, narratives, and experiences. Implications for teaching and practice, and suggestions for future research are provided.
Human Monkeypox Experience in a Tertiary Level Hospital in Milan, Italy, between May and October 2022: Epidemiological Features and Clinical Characteristics

Background: Monkeypox virus (mpxv) started to spread to Europe and North America at the beginning of the current outbreak in May 2022, and the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Human Monkeypox (mpox) as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) in July 2022. The aim of this observational analysis is to describe demographical data, symptoms presentation and clinical course till outcome of individuals diagnosed with mpox, between May and October 2022, at our open-access Sexual Health Clinic in IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital in Milan, Italy. Methods: Among people who accessed our Sexual Health Clinic, we considered, as suspected diagnosis of mpox, individuals with consistent symptoms and epidemiological criteria. Following the physical examination, oropharyngeal, anal, genital and cutaneous swabs, plus plasma, urine and seminal fluid were collected as biological materials to detect mpxv DNA. We also performed a screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Results: Overall, 140 individuals with mpox were included in this study. Median age was 37 (interquartile, IQR 33, 43) years old. Males were 137 (98%) and men who have sex with men (MSM) were 134 (96%). As risk factors, we detected travels abroad in 35 (25%) individuals and close contact with mpox cases in 49 (35%). There were 66 (47%) people living with HIV (PLWH). Most frequent symptoms were fever (59%), lymphadenopathy (57%), cutaneous (77%), genital (42%), anal (34%) and oral (26%) lesions, proctitis (39%), sore throat (22%) and generalized rash (5%). At mpox diagnosis, we also observed N. gonorrhoeae in 18 (13%) cases, syphilis in 14 (10%) and C. trachomatis in 12 (9%). Two (1%) people received a concomitant diagnosis of HIV infection. We attended to 21 (15%) complications, with nine (6%) cases of hospitalization including six (IQR 3,7) median hospital days. Forty-five (32%) patients were treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), 37 (26%) with antibiotics and eight (6%) with antiviral drugs. Conclusions: Similarly to other international cohorts, sexual transmission was most frequently present, and concomitant STIs were common. Symptoms were heterogenous, self-resolving and responsive to therapy. Hospitalization was necessary in few patients. There is uncertainty about the future development of mpox and further studies (e.g., potential disease reservoirs, other possible means of transmission, predictors of severe disease) are still needed.
Assessment of soluble skin surface protein levels for monitoring psoriasis vulgaris in adult psoriasis patients using non-invasive transdermal analysis patch: A pilot study

To improve the care of patients with chronic inflammatory skin conditions, such as psoriasis, there is a need for diagnostic methods that can facilitate personalized medicine. This exploratory pilot study aimed to determine whether non-invasive measurements of inflammation-related proteins from psoriatic skin can be sampled using the FibroTx Transdermal Analysis Patch (TAP) to assess disease severity and monitor pharmacodynamic changes. Ten healthy volunteers and 44 psoriasis vulgaris patients were enrolled in the exploratory pilot study. Skin surface protein measurements for healthy and lesional skin were performed using TAP. Patients’ scores of psoriasis activity and severity (PASI) were documented, and differences in the thickness of skin layers were determined using sonography. The study assessed the skin surface protein levels of psoriasis patients undergoing whole-body treatment with narrow-band UVB to evaluate whether the levels of the skin surface proteins IL-1α, IL-1RA CXCL-1/2, and hBD-1 were associated with the disease activity and severity measurements. Using TAP technology, it was observed that there were clear differences in levels of IL-1α, IL-1RA, CXCL-1/2, and hBD-1 between psoriasis lesional and non-lesional skin. In addition, a positive correlation between CXCL-1/2 and desquamation, and between CXCL-1/2 and SLEB thickness was observed. During UVB treatment, the TAP measurements revealed a clear reduction of IL-1RA, CXCL 1/2, and hBD-1 on lesional skin. Further, skin surface measurements of IL-1RA and CXCL-1/2 displayed a different profile than those achieved by visual scoring of local inflammation, thus indicating that measuring the ‘molecular root’ of inflammation appears to have value as an objective, non-invasive biomarker measurement for scoring disease severity.
Asynchronous LQG control and filtering and its relation to Kalman-Bucy filters

The problem of H/sub 2/ optimization for sampled-data systems with asynchronous sample and hold devices with partial state information is considered in this paper. A linear minimum mean squared error filter is derived for a linear system with asynchronous samples and is used for H/sub 2/ optimization with output feedback. The asynchronous noise to the system is modeled as a Poisson driven Markov process. A energy characterization is used to derive a filter. Its relation to the standard Kalman-Bucy filters for white Gaussian noise is studied.
A multimodal approach for modeling engagement in conversation

Recently, engagement has emerged as a key variable explaining the success of conversation. In the perspective of human-machine interaction, an automatic assessment of engagement becomes crucial to better understand the dynamics of an interaction and to design socially-aware robots. This paper presents a predictive model of the level of engagement in conversations. It shows in particular the interest of using a rich multimodal set of features, outperforming the existing models in this domain. In terms of methodology, study is based on two audio-visual corpora of naturalistic face-to-face interactions. These resources have been enriched with various annotations of verbal and nonverbal behaviors, such as smiles, head nods, and feedbacks. In addition, we manually annotated gestures intensity. Based on a review of previous works in psychology and human-machine interaction, we propose a new definition of the notion of engagement, adequate for the description of this phenomenon both in natural and mediated environments. This definition have been implemented in our annotation scheme. In our work, engagement is studied at the turn level, known to be crucial for the organization of the conversation. Even though there is still a lack of consensus around their precise definition, we have developed a turn detection tool. A multimodal characterization of engagement is performed using a multi-level classification of turns. We claim a set of multimodal cues, involving prosodic, mimo-gestural and morpho-syntactic information, is relevant to characterize the level of engagement of speakers in conversation. Our results significantly outperform the baseline and reach state-of-the-art level (0.76 weighted F-score). The most contributing modalities are identified by testing the performance of a two-layer perceptron when trained on unimodal feature sets and on combinations of two to four modalities. These results support our claim about multimodality: combining features related to the speech fundamental frequency and energy with mimo-gestural features leads to the best performance.
Electron emission induced modifications in amorphous tetrahedral diamondlike carbon

The cold-cathode electron emission properties of amorphous tetrahedral diamondlike carbon are promising for flat-panel display and vacuum microelectronics technologies. The onset of electron emission is, typically, preceded by “conditioning” where the material is stressed by an applied electric field. To simulate conditioning and assess its effect, we combined the spatially localized field and current of a scanning tunneling microscope tip with high-spatial-resolution characterization. Scanning force microscopy shows that conditioning alters surface morphology and electronic structure. Spatially resolved electron-energy-loss spectroscopy indicates that the predominant bonding configuration changes from predominantly fourfold to threefold coordination.
Subsonic and supersonic combustion using noncircular injectors

Nonreacting and combustion tests were performed for subsonic, sonic, and supersonic conditions using noncircular injectors in a gas generator combustor. The noncircular injectors, including square, equilateral-, and isosceles-triangular nozzles, were compared to a circular injector. The flowfields of the jets were mapped with hot-wire anemometry and visualized using spark schlieren photography. The combustion characteristics were visualized by high-speed photography and thermal imaging, and the temperature distribution was measured by a rake of thermocouples . The present tests conducted at high Reynolds and Mach numbers confirmed earlier results obtained for the low range of these numbers, i.e., the combination of large-scale mixing at the flat sides with the fine-scale mixing at the vertices is beneficial for combustion. Large-scale structures provide bulk mixing between the fuel and air, whereas fine-scale mixing contributes to the reaction rate and to better flameholding characteristics.
The Association between Dysbiosis and Neurological Conditions Often Manifesting with Chronic Pain

The prevalence of neurological conditions which manifest with chronic pain is increasing globally, where the World Health Organisation has now classified chronic pain as a risk factor for death by suicide. While many chronic pain conditions have a definitive underlying aetiology, non-somatic conditions represent difficult-to-diagnose and difficult-to-treat public health issues. The interaction of the immune system and nervous system has become an important area in understanding the occurrence of neuroinflammation, nociception, peripheral and central sensitisation seen in chronic pain. More recently, however, the role of the resident microbial species in the human gastrointestinal tract has become evident. Dysbiosis, an alteration in the microbial species present in favour of non-beneficial and pathogenic species has emerged as important in many chronic pain conditions, including functional somatic syndromes, autoimmune disease and neurological diseases. In particular, a decreased abundance of small chain fatty acid, e.g., butyrate-producing bacteria, including Faecalibacterium, Firmicutes and some Bacteroides spp. , is frequently evident in morbidities associated with long-term pain. Microbes involved in the production of neurotransmitters serotonin, GABA, glutamate and dopamine, which mediate the gut-brain, axis are also important. This review outlines the dysbiosis present in many disease states manifesting with chronic pain, where an overlap in morbidities is also frequently present in patients.
Intermittent water supply and self-rated health in rural China's karst region

Introduction With rapid economic and social development, surging demand for domestic water, and the increasing shortage of water resources, the applications of intermittent water supply systems have become more common in rural China and other developing countries. The accompanying hygiene risks require our more attention. Methods Based on the Grossman model, this paper conducted an IV-Oprobit model to investigate whether and how intermittent water supply affect rural residents' self-rated health status. Our data came from “China Karst Rural Economic Survey (CKRS)”, which covers 8 provinces and 641 villages in rural China's karst region. Results and discussion We found that: (1) Intermittent water supply has adverse effects on the self-rated health status of rural residents. Compared with the rural residents under continuous water supply, the probability of “fair” health status under intermittent water supply significantly increases by 18.2%, while the probability of “excellent” significantly reduces by 58.8%. (2) Residents' water storage behavior and sanitary water habit are important mechanisms for intermittent water supply to affect residents' self-rated health status; (3) Intermittent water supply has a greater impact on the self-rated health of females and the groups with lower education levels. The results of our study have the following policy implications: relevant departments should make a rational plan about water supply methods and improve related supporting measures; we should strengthen health education for rural residents on water behavior to standardize their water storage and sanitary water behavior; government should enhance the pertinence of policy implementation and favor specific measures to specific populations.
Electrochemical Reaction in a High Gravity Field Vertical to an Electrode Surface-Analysis of Diffusion Process with a Gravity Electrode

With a new type of electrode system that utilizes the radial component of the centrifugal force instead of the real gravity force, the effect of the promoted gravity field on the diffusion process of ions was examined. First, the diffusion equation was derived in the case when the gravity field is imposed vertically onto an electrode surface. Then, it was theoretically clarified that numerous minute convection cells with sizes of the order of the diffusion layer thickness appear through a self-organization process from a top-heavy distribution of fluid density arising from the electrode reactions. The equation predicted that the diffusion current density is proportional to the 1/3rd order of the gravity acceleration and the 1st order of the difference between the bulk and surface concentrations. Then, we attempted to confirm this prediction by using the redox reaction of a ferricyanide–ferrocyanide system, and found that all of the experimental results exhibits good agreement with the predictions. Finally, the dependences of the diffusion coefficients of ferrocyanide and ferricyanide ions on the enhanced gravity fields were measured. However, for the gravity fields up to 650g, it was concluded that no remarkable dependence of the diffusion coefficient on the gravity is observed.
DESIGNING FISHERY MODELS: A PERSONAL ADVENTURE

ABSTRACT. This paper describes my experiences designing fishery models, starting from a mathematical background in the differential equations of theoretical physics. Three examples from my early research, cited by Quinn in the lead article for this issue, illustrate a historical approach to model design. Although such analytical results provide useful tools for thought, they sometimes gloss over important assumptions and limitations. I describe the series of questions that led me from simple models to a more complete statistical framework, involving state space models and Bayes statistics. Modern fishery models often grow into complex structures that depend on numerous arbitrary choices about underlying deterministic processes, process error, and measurement error. Given this inherent ambiguity and uncertainty, I discuss scientific limits to quantitative fishery models and future prospects for devising robust management algorithms.
Evaluation of nematic liquid-crystal director-orientation using shear horizontal wave propagation

The nematic liquid-crystal director-orientation in the vicinity of the interface between a liquid-crystal layer and a glass substrate is evaluated in various orientations under an applied electric field, using shear horizontal (SH) wave propagation. The measured acoustic phase delay is related to numerical analysis of the propagation characteristics of the SH wave in a trilayer structure containing a nematic liquid-crystal layer (4-cyano-4′-pentylbiphenyl: 5CB) between two glass plates. This technique using SH wave propagation in a liquid-crystal cell is promising for evaluating the nematic liquid-crystal director angle in the vicinity of the interface.