Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Undernutrition and associated factors among internally displaced lactating mothers in Sekota camps, northern Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

Background Undernutrition is the term used to describe when a person consumes insufficient amounts of nutrients and energy to meet their needs for maintaining health. Despite substantial progress, undernutrition remains a serious public health concern in many low and middle-income nations, including Ethiopia. Women and children are, in reality, the most nutritionally vulnerable individuals, particularly in times of crisis. In Ethiopia, 27 percent of lactating women are thin or malnourished, and 38% of children are stunted. Although the issue of undernutrition may worsen in times of emergency, like war, there are limited studies available in Ethiopia that show the nutritional status of lactating mothers in humanitarian settings. Objectives The main aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and investigate the factors associated with undernutrition among internally displaced lactating mothers in Sekota camps, in northern Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study through a simple random sampling technique was conducted among 420 randomly selected lactating mothers in Sekota Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and anthropometric measurements. Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify independent factors associated with maternal undernutrition. Results Using a cut-off mid-upper arm circumference <23 cm, the prevalence of undernutrition among internally displaced lactating mothers was 54.8%. Large family size [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 4.35; 95% CI: 1.32, 10.22], short birth interval (AOR = 4.85; 95% CI: 1.24, 10.00), low maternal daily meal frequency (AOR = 2.54; 95% CI: 1.12, 5.75), and low dietary diversity score (AOR = 1.79; 95% CI: 1.03, 3.10) were all significantly associated with undernutrition. Conclusion The prevalence of undernutrition among internally displaced lactating mothers is relatively high. Governments and other concerned organizations involved in providing care and support to Sekota IDP camps should increase their efforts to improve the nutritional status of lactating mothers
Modified constant modulus algorithm: blind equalization and carrier phase recovery algorithm

The modified constant modulus algorithm (MCMA) that accomplishes blind equalization and carrier phase recovery simultaneously is proposed. Since the constant modulus algorithm (CMA) converges independently of carrier recovery, at convergence an output constellation has a phase error. With modification of the CMA, the proposed algorithm can solve this problem. Furthermore, the new algorithm results in the performance enhancement of convergence speed and residual ISI compared to the CMA. In addition, the proposed algorithm achieves a performance as good as that of a joint CMA and decision-directed (DD) phase recovery scheme with reduction in computational complexity. Simulation results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm in removing ISI and correcting carrier phase error at the same time.
Stability of galactic discs: finite arm-inclination and finite-thickness effects

A modified theory of the Lin–Shu density waves, studied in connection with the problem of spiral pattern of rapidly and differentially rotating disc galaxies, is presented for both the axisymmetric and non-axisymmetric structures in highly flattened galaxies resulted from the classical Jeans instability of small gravity perturbations (e.g. those produced by a spontaneous disturbance). A new method is provided for the analytical solution of the self-consistent system of the gas-dynamic equations and the Poisson equation describing the stability of a three-dimensional galactic disc composed of stars or gaseous clouds. In order to apply the method, the modifications introduced for the properties of the gravitationally unstable, that is to say, amplitude-growing density waves are considered by removing the often used assumptions that the gravity perturbations are axisymmetric and the disc is infinitesimally thin. In contrast to previous studies, in this paper these two effects – the non-axial symmetry effect and the finite thickness effect – are simultaneously taken into account. We show that nonaxisymmetric perturbations developing in a differentially rotating disc are more unstable than the axisymmetric ones. We also show that destabilizing self-gravity is far more ‘dangerous’ in thin discs than in thick discs. The primary effect of small but finite thickness is a reduction of the growth rate of the gravitational Jeans instability and a shift in the threshold of instability towards a longer wavelength (and larger wavelength will include more mass). The results of this paper are in qualitative agreement with previous analytical and numerical estimations of the effects. The extent to which our results on the disc’s stability can have a bearing on observable spiral galaxies, including the Milky Way, is also discussed.
Resonant and Nonresonant Electron Cyclotron Heating at Densities above the Plasma Cutoff by O-X-B Mode Conversion at the W7-As Stellarator

The extension of the experimentally accessible plasma densities with electron cyclotron heating beyond the plasma cutoff density and the removal of the restriction to a resonant magnetic field, both via mode conversion heating from an O-wave to an X-wave and, finally, to an electron Bernstein (O-X-B) wave, was investigated and successfully demonstrated at the W7-AS stellarator. In addition to the heating effect, clear evidence for both mode conversion steps was detected for the first time. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
The nucleation of vorticity by ions in superfluid 4He I. Basic theory

A theory is developed of vortex nucleation by an ion moving in superfluid helium at a low temperature. It is shown that production of a vortex loop attached to the side of the ion becomes energetically possible when the velocity of the ion exceeds a critical value, but that nucleation is impeded by the presence of a small potential barrier. The predicted critical velocity is close to that observed experimentally, at least at high pressure. Nucleation of an encircling vortex ring, considered some years ago by Schwarz & Jang (Phys.Rev. A8,3199 (1973)), probably becomes possible only at a higher velocity, and it is impeded by a large potential barrier. It is shown that for vortex loops the potential barrier can probably be overcome at a rate consistent with experiment either by quantum tunnelling at the lowest temperatures or thermally, by absorption of a single roton, at higher temperatures. Possible explanations of the recent observation by Bowley et al. {Phil. Trans. R. Soc. Lond. A307, 201 (1982)) that at high pressure the rate of vortex nucleation falls off at very high velocities are discussed.
Research progress on the immunomodulatory mechanism of acupuncture in tumor immune microenvironment

With the constantly deeper understanding of individualized precision therapy, immunotherapy is increasingly developed and personalized. The tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) mainly consists of infiltrating immune cells, neuroendocrine cells, extracellular matrix, lymphatic vessel network, etc. It is the internal environment basis for the survival and development of tumor cells. As a characteristic treatment of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture has shown potentially beneficial impacts on TIME. The currently available information demonstrated that acupuncture could regulate the state of immunosuppression through a range of pathways. An effective way to understand the mechanisms of action of acupuncture was to analyze the response following treatment of the immune system. This research reviewed the mechanisms of acupuncture regulating tumor immunological status based on innate and adaptive immunity.
A Review of HYDRUS 2D/3D Applications for Simulations of Water Dynamics, Root Uptake and Solute Transport in Tree Crops under Drip Irrigation

Orchards with tree crops are of critical importance to the global economy and to the environment due to their ability to be productive for many years without the need for replanting. They are also better adapted to extreme climatic conditions compared to other crops. However, new challenges are emerging as climate change threatens both tree production and water supply. Drip irrigation (surface and subsurface) is an irrigation method that has the potential to save water and nutrients by placing water directly into the root zone and minimizing evaporation. Many irrigation designs and strategies have been tested to best perform drip irrigation for any given soil, crop and/or climate conditions. The researchers’ need to find the optimal combination of irrigation management and design in the most economical and effortless way led to the use of comprehensive numerical models such as HYDRUS 2D/3D. HYDRUS 2D/3D is a widely used mathematical model for studying vadose zone flow and transport processes. A review of HYDRUS 2D/3D applications for simulations of water dynamics, root uptake and solute transport under drip irrigation in the four most common categories of tree crops (citrus, olive, avocado and deciduous fruit/nuts) is presented in this study. The review promotes a better understanding of the effect of different drip irrigation designs and treatments, as well as the reliability provided by HYDRUS 2D/3D in the evaluation of the above. This manuscript also indicates gaps and future challenges regarding the use of the model in simulations of drip irrigation in tree crops.
Inertial instabilities of fluid flow in precessing spheroidal shells

As a model for the precession-driven motion in the Earth's core, the flow of incompressible fluid inside a spheroidal shell with imposed rotation and precession is investigated by direct numerical simulation. In one set of simulations, free-slip boundary conditions are used in order to isolate inertial instabilities. These occur as triad resonances involving pairs of inertial modes which have the form of columnar vortices. The simulations reproduce the phenomenon of ‘resonant collapses’ in which the excited modes periodically grow and suddenly decay into turbulence. The experiments of Malkus (1968) are simulated using a hyperviscosity. A hysteretic transition towards developed turbulence observed in one of these experiments can be interpreted as a feature of the basic laminar flow rather than the instability itself. A similar transition can be excluded for Earth's parameters.
Differentiability and local rotundity

Abstract The concept of very weak local uniform rotundity (very WLUR) is introduced. It is shown that if a Banach space E is WLUR, very WLUR, or LUR then its dual E* is smooth, very smooth, or Fréchet differentiable, respectively, on a norm dense subset. This leads to examples of nonreflexive spaces which are Fréchet differentiable at every nonzero point of a (relatively) norm dense subset of the embedding of E** in the fourth dual. When E is reflexive, necessary and sufficient conditions for E and E* to be WLUR and LUR are given. Subject classification (Amer. Math. Soc. (MOS) 1970): 46 B 99.
Shared e-scooter micromobility: review of use patterns, perceptions and environmental impacts

ABSTRACT Recently, a new shared micromobility service has become popular in cities. The service is supplied by a new vehicle, the e-scooter, which is equipped with a dockless security system and electric power assistance. The relatively unregulated proliferation of these systems driven by the private sector has resulted in numerous research questions about their repercussions. This paper reviews scientific publications as well as evaluation reports and other technical documents from around the world to provide insights about these issues. In particular, we focus on mobility, consumer perception and environment. Based on this review, we observe several knowledge needs in different directions: deeper comprehension of use patterns, their function in the whole transport system, and appropriate policies, designs and operations for competitive and sustainable shared e-scooter services.
Nonparametric estimation of mean and covariance structures for longitudinal data

In this article we propose a novel nonparametric regression method to model the mean and covariance structures for longitudinal data. A modification of local linear smoothing estimation techniques is used to estimate the parameters and unknown functions in the model. Theoretical properties including uniform consistency and asymptotic normality are studied under certain mild conditions. Simulation studies are carried out to evaluate the efficacy of the proposed method, and real data analysis is provided for illustration. The Canadian Journal of Statistics 41: 557–574; 2013 © 2013 Statistical Society of Canada
A connection between nonlinear evolution equations and ordinary differential equations of P‐type. II

It is known through the inverse scattering transform that certain nonlinear differential equations can be solved via linear integral equations. Here it is demonstrated ’’directly,’’ i.e., without the Jost‐function formalism that the solution of the linear integral equation actually solves the nonlinear differential equation. In particular, this extends the scope of inverse scattering methods to ordinary differential equations which are found to be of Painleve type. Some global properties of these nonlinear ODE’s are obtained rather easily by this approach.
The relationship of sperm DNA integrity with serum vitamin levels (folate and cobalamin) and food consumption in infertile men

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships of serum folate (vitamin B9), cobalamin (vitamin B12) levels and diet with semen parameters (semen standard parameters [SSP] and DNA fragmentation index [DFI]) in infertile men. Methods Sperm samples were assessed for SSP and DFI (using the sperm chromatin dispersion test). Serum vitamin concentrations were measured with an immuno-electrochemiluminescence assay, and men completed a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Results Serum folate levels were positively correlated with sperm progressive motility and DFI. A comparison of SSP between two groups of patients according to serum folate concentration (B9 <4.840 ng/mL and B9 ≥4.840 ng/mL) showed significantly higher sperm concentration and sperm progressive motility in the latter group. However, there was no difference between these groups regarding DFI. Interestingly, serum folate levels were significantly higher in patients with a high DFI (using the cut-offs of 30% or 18%). FFQ data showed that the consumption of fruits and egg yolk correlated positively with sperm concentration and sperm motility, respectively. Conclusion Serum folate levels showed significant associations with sperm concentration and sperm progressive motility. However, the positive association of serum folate with DFI raises the need for careful prescription of folate supplements.
Observed Score and True Score Equating Procedures for Multidimensional Item Response Theory

The purpose of this research was to develop observed score and true score equating procedures to be used in conjunction with the multidimensional item response theory (MIRT) framework. Three equating procedures—two observed score procedures and one true score procedure—were created and described in detail. One observed score procedure was presented as a direct extension of unidimensional IRT (UIRT) observed score equating and is referred to as the “Full MIRT Observed Score Equating Procedure. ” The true score procedure and the second observed score procedure incorporated unidimensional approximation procedures to equate exams using UIRT equating principles. These procedures are referred to as the “Unidimensional Approximation of MIRT True Score Equating Procedure” and the “Unidimensional Approximation of MIRT Observed Score Equating Procedure,” respectively. Three exams were used to conduct UIRT observed score and true score equating, MIRT observed score and true score equating, and equipercentile equating. The equipercentile equating procedure was conducted for the purpose of comparison because this procedure does not explicitly violate the IRT assumption of unidimensionality. Results indicated that the MIRT equating procedures performed more similarly to the equipercentile equating procedure than the UIRT equating procedures, presumably due to the violation of the unidimensionality assumption under the UIRT equating procedures.
Effects of phosphorus application on soil phosphorus forms and phoD-harboring microbial communities in an alpine grassland on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

Phosphorus (P) application to terrestrial ecosystems affects not only aboveground plants but also soil P forms and phosphatase-associated microbes. The phoD gene is widespread in soil and plays an important role in P transformation. However, it is still unclear how phoD-harboring microbial communities respond to different P application rates, and the relationships between soil properties and phoD-harboring microbial community need to be better understood. In this study, the impacts of seven P application rates [0 (P0), 10 (P10), 20 (P20), 30 (P30), 40 (P40), 50 (P50), and 60 (P60) g⋅m–2⋅a–1] on the soil physicochemical properties, P forms, and phoD-harboring microbial communities were assessed. As the results, inorganic P (i.e., Resin-Pi, NaHCO3-Pi, NaOH-Pi, and HCl-Pi) and Bio-P increased firstly and then decreased with increasing P application rate, with the highest values in the P30 treatment. Soil phoD-harboring microbial community structures in low-P (P0∼P30) treatments were significantly different from that in high-P (P40∼P60) treatments. Soil phoD-harboring microbial Shannon and Simpson diversity increased firstly and then decreased with increasing P application rate, and there was a tipping point at the P application rate of 30 g⋅m–2⋅a–1. The Mantel test and structural equation modeling (SEM) revealed that Bio-P, TC (total carbon), Fe, NaOH-organic P (NaOH-Po), and soil pH were strongly related to the soil phoD-harboring microbial community structure. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that P application affected soil P forms and phoD-harboring microbes in an alpine grassland on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, and there was a P application threshold for optimistic growth of phoD-harboring microbes in an alpine grassland on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.
Application of a locally conservative Galerkin (LCG) method for modelling blood flow through a patient‐specific carotid bifurcation

In the present work, blood flow through a patient‐specific carotid bifurcation is thoroughly analysed. A locally conservative Galerkin spatial discretization is applied along with an artificial compressibility and characteristic‐based split scheme to solve the 3D incompressible Navier–Stokes equations. Boundary layer meshes are introduced to accurately resolve high near‐wall velocity gradients inside a patient‐specific carotid bifurcation. A total of six haemodynamic wall parameters have been brought together to analyse the regions of possible atherogenesis within the domain. The results show that wall shear stress (WSS) is high (6–15 Pa) near the apex, along with a small region where WSS exceeded 20 Pa. This peak WSS region is close to the inner wall of the external carotid artery (ECA). It is also clear from the results that low WSS occurred in the common carotid artery (CCA). High oscillatory shear occurred in the CCA distal to a local narrowing of the internal carotid artery and along the outer wall, indicating a potential region of atherogenesis. The highest values of wall shear stress angle deviation and wall shear stress angle gradient occur at the apex. The wall shear stress temporal gradient reached 4000 Pa/s near the apex, closer to the ECA. Wall shear stress spatial gradient distribution corresponded with the WSS distribution, with a maximum occurring at the apex. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The transmission of surface waves through a gap in a vertical barrier

Abstract The two-dimensional configuration is considered of a fixed, semi-infinite, vertical barrier extending downwards from a fluid surface and having, at some depth, a gap of arbitrary width. A train of surface waves, incident on the barrier, is partly transmitted and partly reflected. The velocity potential of the resulting fluid motion is determined by a reduction procedure and also by an integral equation formulation. It is shown that the two methods lead to the same Riemann–Hilbert problem. Transmission and reflexion coefficients are calculated for several values of the ratio gap width/mean gap depth.
Comprehensive Comparative Analysis Sheds Light on the Patterns of Microsatellite Distribution across Birds Based on the Chromosome-Level Genomes

Simple Summary Detailed studies of bird microsatellite distribution patterns are scarce compared to other eukaryotes. Hence, we performed a comprehensive comparative analysis of microsatellite distribution patterns for 53 birds from 16 orders. We also explored the function of genes contained in microsatellites. Our results revealed that the distribution patterns of microsatellites were subject to weak phylogenetic constraints. The comprehensive analysis of microsatellites indicated that the abundance and diversity of perfect microsatellites were affected by their lengths. Finally, we found that perfect microsatellites were enriched at the ends of genes, and these genes were associated with signal transduction and cellular process. Abstract Microsatellites (SSRs) are widely distributed in the genomes of organisms and are an important genetic basis for genome evolution and phenotypic adaptation. Although the distribution patterns of microsatellites have been investigated in many phylogenetic lineages, they remain unclear within the morphologically and physiologically diverse avian clades. Here, based on high-quality chromosome-level genomes, we examined the microsatellite distribution patterns for 53 birds from 16 orders. The results demonstrated that each type of SSR had the same ratio between taxa. For example, the frequency of imperfect SSRs (I-SSRs) was 69.90–84.61%, while perfect SSRs (P-SSRs) were 14.86–28.13% and compound SSRs (C-SSRs) were 0.39–2.24%. Mononucleotide SSRs were dominant for perfect SSRs (32.66–76.48%) in most bird species (98.11%), and A(n) was the most abundant repeat motifs of P-SSRs in all birds (5.42–68.22%). Our study further confirmed that the abundance and diversity of microsatellites were less effected by evolutionary history but its length. The number of P-SSRs decreased with increasing repeat times, and longer P-SSRs motifs had a higher variability coefficient of the repeat copy number and lower diversity, indicating that longer motifs tended to have more stable preferences in avian genomes. We also found that P-SSRs were mainly distributed at the gene ends, and the functional annotation for these genes demonstrated that they were related to signal transduction and cellular process. In conclusion, our research provided avian SSR distribution patterns, which will help to explore the genetic basis for phenotypic diversity in birds.