Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A new species of snake of the genus Oligodon Boie in Fitzinger, 1826 (Reptilia, Serpentes) from the Western Himalayas

A new species of Oligodon Fitzinger, 1826 is described based on specimens collected from Churah Valley of Himachal Pradesh. The new species is related to O. arnensis based on molecular as well as morphological data, however differs from it in several aspects. The new species shows a pairwise sequence divergence of 6–20% from congeners for mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. Lack of pterygoid and palatine teeth of the new species suggests that the diet may largely comprise of eggs. Discovery of the new species is not surprising, as the Western Himalayas has been poorly explored in terms of its herpetofaunal diversity. Considerable genetic divergence in the sampled sequence suggests Oligodon arnensis is a species complex, likely represents multiple species and a revision of the group would be desirable.
LES of the Flow Past an Inclined 6:1 Prolate Spheroid

Flows around maneuvering ships, submarines and underwater vehicles are usually quite complicated, and often experience three-dimensional open flow separation resulting in unsteady forces and moments that may be detrimental to ship performance. The objective of this investigation is to support more applied maneuvering studies by investigating the computational model performance with respect to approaches to flow simulation methodologies, turbulence modeling, grid resolution and the effects of tripping devices often used in experimental studies. To study these issues simulations are performed of the flow past a 6:1 prolate spheroid, tripped at the nose, and experimentally studied in a series of papers by Simpson et al. Here, we compare predictions from Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes (RANS), Detached Eddy Simulation (DES) and Large Eddy Simulation (LES) models with experimental data. For the LES computations, different subgrid models are utilized and since the experimental study is carried out using a tripped model, a simple trip model is also developed and tested together with the LES models. Large scatter between the predictions is found, with the DES model and one of the trip-ped LES model showing very good agreement with the data. For LES, the modeling of the trip, which is usually not considered, appears as important as that of the near wall handling and modeling in wall-modeled LES.
Engineering design motivations : a qualitative and quantitative analysis of university students

xvii 1. Background 1 1.1 Intrinsic Motivation 1 1.2 Achievement Motivation 2 1.3 Gender Influences 3 1.4 Educational Influences 5 1.4. 1 Educational Influences 5 1.4. 2 Topical Knowledge: Sustainability 5 1.4. 3 Character Development: Cultural Awareness 6 1.5 Engineering Design Motivation 7 1.6 Purpose of Study 8 1.7 Research Questions 8 1.7. 1 Quantitative Hypotheses 8 1.7. 2 Qualitative Hypotheses 9 2. Assessment Methods 11 2.1 Quantitative Methodology: Assessment Instruments 12 2.1.1 Readiness to Serve: Readiness Inventory 12 2.1.2 Intercultural Awareness: Intercultural Development Inventory 12 2.1.3 Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes: Impacts of Service on Engineering Students Survey 13 2.1.4 Sustainable Engineering Knowledge: SESL 14 2.1.5 Motivations Narratives: Frequency Analysis 14 2.1.6 Interview Protocol: Frequency Analysis 14 2.2 Qualitative Methodology 15 2.2.1 Ethnographic Methodology 15 2.2.2 Word Cloud 15 2.2. 3 Motivational Narratives 16 2.2. 4 Interview Protocol 16
Association of Serum High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol with High Blood Pressures at Checkup: Results of Kanagawa Investigation of Total Checkup Data from the National Database-9 (KITCHEN-9)

Background: although high-density lipoprotein has cardioprotective effects, the association between serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and hypertension is poorly understood. Therefore, we investigated whether high and low concentrations of HDL-C are associated with high blood pressure (HBP) using a large healthcare dataset. Methods: in a community-based cross-sectional study of 1,493,152 Japanese people (830,669 men and 662,483 women) aged 40–74 years who underwent a health checkup, blood pressures automatically measured at healthcare center were investigated in nine HDL-C groups (20–110 mg/dL or over). Results: crude U-shaped relationship were observed between the nine HDL-C and blood pressures in both men and women. Logistic regression analysis showed left-to-right inverted J-shaped relationships between HDL-C and odds ratios for HBP (≥140/90 mmHg and/or pharmacotherapy), with lower limits of 90–99 mg/dL in both sexes, which were unchanged after adjusting for confounding factors. However, further adjustment for body mass index and serum triglyceride concentration revealed positive linear associations between HDL-C and HBP, although blunt U-shaped associations remained in nonalcohol drinkers. Conclusion: both low and extremely high HDL-C concentrations are associated with HBP. The former association might be dependent on excess fat mass concomitant with low HDL-C, whereas the latter association may be largely dependent on frequent alcohol consumption.
The behavioural immune system and pandemic psychology: the evolved psychology of disease-avoidance and its implications for attitudes, behaviour, and public health during epidemic outbreaks

ABSTRACT This article provides an overview of the “behavioural immune system” – a suite of psychological mechanisms that complements immunological defences by motivating pre-emptive behavioural responses to infection threats – and summarises research documenting its implications for social attitudes and social behaviour. This summary focuses on four domains of phenomena: interpersonal interactions, stigma and prejudice, conformity, and political attitudes. Then, drawing on this conceptual and empirical background, the article discusses consequences that disease outbreaks (such as the COVID-19 pandemic) may have for individuals’ attitudes and actions, and the further consequences that these attitudes and actions might plausibly have for population-level epidemiological and public health outcomes.
Cosmogenic nuclide and solute flux data from central Cuba emphasize the importance of both physical and chemical denudation in highly weathered landscapes

Abstract. We consider measurements of both in situ produced cosmogenic nuclides and dissolved load flux to characterize the processes and pace of landscape change in central Cuba. The tropical landscape of Cuba is losing mass in multiple ways, making it difficult to quantify total denudation rates and thus to assess the impact of agricultural practices on rates of contemporary landscape change. Long-term sediment generation rates inferred from 26Al and 10Be concentrations in quartz extracted from central Cuban river sand range from 3.7–182 tons km−2 yr−1 (mean = 62, median = 57). Rock dissolution rates (24–154 tons km−2 yr−1; mean = 84, median = 78) inferred from stream solute loads exceed measured cosmogenic nuclide-derived sediment generation rates in 15 of 22 basins, indicating significant landscape-scale mass loss not reflected in the cosmogenic nuclide measurements. 26Al / 10Be ratios lower than that of surface production are consistent with the presence of a deep, mixed, regolith layer in the five basins that have the greatest disagreement between rock dissolution rates (high) and sediment generation rates inferred from cosmogenic nuclide concentrations (low). Our data show that accounting for the contribution of mineral dissolution at depth in calculations of total denudation is particularly important in the humid tropics, where dissolved load fluxes are high, and where mineral dissolution can occur many meters below the surface, beyond the penetration depth of most cosmic rays and thus the production of most cosmogenic nuclides. Relying on cosmogenic nuclide data or stream solute fluxes alone would both lead to underestimates of total landscape denudation in the central Cuba, emphasizing the importance of combining these approaches to fully capture mass loss in tropical landscapes.
Destructive Reliability Analysis of Electromagnetic MEMS Micromirror Under Vibration Environment

Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) micro-mirrors have shown great potential in consumer applications, such as Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) devices and portable laser projectors. The LiDAR based on electromagnetic MEMS micro-mirror is usually exposed to vibration loads for autonomous vehicles, which results in the necessity for the destructive reliability assessment of micromirrors under vibration environment, but such studies are rarely reported. This paper explores the destructive reliability of electromagnetic MEMS micromirror under vibration environment according to the JESD22-B103B standard. The reliability evaluation is conducted by experimental tests, finite element stress analysis and theoretical dynamic response analysis. Micromirrors are tested under sweep excitation, and they are failed with the vibration level of around 33 g. The failure and stress analysis demonstrate that the crack fracture is located at the root of the slow axis. The nonlinear relationship between the peak displacement of the balance frame and acceleration levels is investigated through theoretical analysis. The nonlinearity of stiffness hardening is induced by the axial tensile strain of the beam, which contributes to the displacement-reduction of the gimbal. This work provides some valuable suggestions for the optimization design of MEMS micromirrors to improve the acceleration tolerance level in vibration environment.
The Usability of a Robot as an Educational Assistant in a Kindergarten and Young Children's Perceptions of their Relationship with the Robot

The purpose of this study was to examine the usability of a robot in kindergartens and the children's perceptions of that robot. In order to answer these questions, a field study, picture drawing and interviews were conducted over twelve days in a kindergarten located in Seoul. Our results indicated that children were likely to use the robot in a group and girls tended to use it more than boys. Children's affection towards the robot was positive and they perceived the robot mostly in terms of a friend. Finally, the picture drawing activity differed according to the usability level. Children who were in the high usability level grouping engaged more with educational content and storytelling while the low usability level grouping utilized the robot for singing in a large group.
Tailored Systemic Therapy for Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases

Liver metastases are the most common site of metastatic spread in colorectal cancer. Current treatment approaches involve effective systemic therapies in combination with surgical and/or interventional strategies. Multimodal strategies greatly improved clinical outcomes of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer over the last decades. Identification of predictive and prognostic biomarkers helped to comprehensively refine individual targeted treatment approaches and resulted in median overall survival rates of 30 months or longer. Current guidelines, thus, recommend treatment selection according to patients’ performance status, tumor localization and stage as well as the tumor’s molecular and genetic status. Here, we outline the latest developments in molecular decision-making for patients with upfront resectable, potentially or initially unresectable and non/never-resectable colorectal cancer liver metastases.
Assessment of Factors Affecting Building Maintenance and Defects of Public Buildings in Penang, Malaysia

This study focuses on the assessment of factors affecting maintenance and defects of public buildings in Penang. The summary of ten relevant factors surveyed from related literatures were tabled and questioned to whom involved in the building maintenance sectors: targeted Public Works Department (PWD) personnel and contractors. SPSS software was used to determine the significance of each factors based on the respondent’s rating. From the analysis study; lack of preventive maintenance, insufficient funds to maintain the building, lack of building maintenance standard, non-availability of replacement part and components and not responded to maintenance request within the 1st to 5th ranking rating of major reasons. While the factors of building defect were also ranked as the most significant factors; i.e. lack of building maintenance, overlooked site conditions, defective material, environment conditions and moisture from wet areas.
A Morphological Analysis of Akan Honorific and Title Names for God

This study is motivated by our observation that earlier works have looked at Akan personal names either from sociolinguistics or non-linguistic perspectives; however, a critical morphological analysis of the structure of Akan honorific and title names for God has eluded researchers in linguistics. It is based on this background that we conduct a thorough morphological investigation into Akan honorific and title names for God, with the aim of addressing the morphological processes that account for their derivation. Drawing on data from both primary and secondary sources, the analysis reveals that Akan honorific and title names ascribed to God have complex nominals and this is manifested through affixation, compounding and reduplication. It further shows that some of the names are recursive in nature and are therefore derived through nominalization of sentences or clauses, especially those that undergo compounding.
Application of Gene Expression Programming (GEP) in Modeling Hydrocarbon Recovery in WAG Injection Process

Water alternating gas (WAG) injection has been successfully applied as a tertiary recovery technique. Forecasting WAG flooding performance using fast and robust models is of great importance to attain a better understanding of the process, optimize the operational conditions, and avoid high-cost blind tests in laboratory or pilot scales. In this study, we introduce a novel correlation to determine the performance of the near-miscible WAG flooding in strongly water-wet sandstones. We conduct dimensional analysis with Buckingham’s π theorem technique to generate dimensionless numbers using eight key parameters. Seven dimensionless numbers are employed as the input variables of the desired correlation for predicting the recovery factor of a near-miscible WAG injection. A verified mathematical model is used to generate the required training and testing data for the development of the correlation using a gene expression programming (GEP) algorithm. The provided data points are then separated into two subsets: training (67%) to develop the model and testing (33%) to assess the models’ capability. Conducting error analysis, statistical measures and graphical illustrations are provided to assess the effectiveness of the introduced model. The statistical analysis shows that the developed GEP-based correlation can generate target data with high precision such that the training phase leads to R2 = 92.85% and MSE = 1.38 × 10−3 and R2 = 91.93% and MSE = 4.30 × 10−3 are attained for the testing phase. The relative importance of the input dimensionless groups is also determined. According to the sensitivity analysis, decreasing the oil–water capillary number results in a significant reduction in RF in all cycles. Increasing the magnitudes of oil to gas viscosity ratio and oil to water viscosity ratio lowers the RF of each cycle. It is found that oil to gas viscosity ratio has a higher impact on RF value compared to oil to water viscosity ratio due to a higher viscosity gap between the gas and oil phases. It is expected that the GEP, as a fast and reliable tool, will be useful to find vital variables including relative permeability in complex transport phenomena such as three-phase flow in porous media.
Development of Whiplash associated Disorders for adult and child occupants in cars launched since the 1980s in different impact directions

Studies have shown that crashworthiness of cars addressing fatal and serious injuries has generally improved over time. However, the development regarding injuries leading to medical impairment has not been shown to the same extent. The objective was to investigate the development of Whiplash associated Disorders (WAD) leading to long-term consequences for adult front seat occupants and for children 0-12 years of age in cars introduced at different year intervals and in different impact directions separated for gender. Long-term consequences were defined as occupants with WAD symptoms at least one month and those resulting in medical impairment. The developments were studied for cars divided into intervals according to year of introduction and for frontal, side and rear-end impacts. All adult occupants (35 611) and 76% of all children (973) reporting WAD between 1998 and 2008 were selected. Approximately 2% of the children reporting initial symptoms sustained medical impairment. The corresponding figure for adult occupants was approximately 10%. Between the introduction years 1980-84 and 2000-04 the proportions of adult occupants with medical impairment dropped by approximately 70% (both males and females) in frontal and rear-end crashes, while the reduction in lateral impacts appears to be somewhat lower. For children there is a tendency that the proportion of WAD increases in newer models in frontal collisions. The result indicates that protecting children facing forward deserves more attention from the automotive industry and governmental bodies.
Characteristics of joint heavy precipitation and high sea level events on the Finnish coast in 1961–2020

Abstract. Simultaneous heavy precipitation with high sea level can lead to more severe flooding than if the hazards occur individually. In recent years, the significance of compound flooding has gained attention in many coastal areas, but studies on compound flooding in Finland are still lacking. In this paper, we investigate the co-occurrence of heavy precipitation and high sea level events (hereafter compound events) on the Finnish coast, because the simultaneous occurrence of these events can be considered as an indicator for compound flooding. We use daily sea level observations from tide gauges and gridded precipitation data to extract the days when both sea level and precipitation are extreme on the same day. Reanalysis data is used to derive composite maps of the compound events, and these maps are then qualitatively compared to the maps of non-compound events (i.e. when only one of the two variables is extreme alone). Finally, the dependence of the compound events on monthly indices of different atmospheric circulation patterns such as North Atlantic Oscillation is studied with correlation analysis. Our results show that the occurrence of the compound events is mostly controlled by sea level variability, with climatologically the most compound events taking place in autumn and winter. In addition to a large inter-annual variability of the compound events, statistically significant increasing trends were observed at some tide gauges, especially in the Bothnian Bay. The composite maps of meteorological variables indicate that the compound events are associated with strong extratropical cyclones which bring moisture and push the storm surge towards the coast. In average, the compound events are associated with stronger winds near the tide gauges than those events when only sea level or precipitation is extreme alone. Finally, we found that a negative phase of Scandinavian pattern (i.e. upper-level through over Scandinavia) is the most favorable atmospheric circulation pattern for the occurrence of compound events, in particular during autumn.
Event Related Potential Signal Capture Can Be Enhanced through Dynamic SNR-Weighted Channel Pooling

Background: Electroencephalography (EEG)-derived event-related potentials (ERPs) provide information about a variety of brain functions, but often suffer from low inherent signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). To overcome the low SNR, techniques that pool data from multiple sensors have been applied. However, such pooling implicitly assumes that the SNR among sensors is equal, which is not necessarily valid. This study presents a novel approach for signal pooling that accounts for differential SNR among sensors. Methods: The new technique involves pooling together signals from multiple EEG channels weighted by their respective SNRs relative to the overall SNR of all channels. We compared ERP responses derived using this new technique with those derived using both individual channels as well as traditional averaged-based channel pooling. The outcomes were evaluated in both simulated data and real data from healthy adult volunteers (n = 37). Responses corresponding to a range of ERP components indexing auditory sensation (N100), attention (P300) and language processing (N400) were evaluated. Results: Simulation results demonstrate that, compared to traditional pooling technique, the new SNR-weighted channel pooling technique improved ERP response effect size in cases of unequal noise among channels (p’s < 0.001). Similarly, results from real-world experimental data showed that the new technique resulted in significantly greater ERP effect sizes compared to either traditional pooling or individual channel approach for all three ERP components (p’s < 0.001). Furthermore, the new channel pooling approach also resulted in larger ERP signal amplitudes as well as greater differences among experimental conditions (p’s < 0.001). Conclusion: These results suggest that the new technique improves the capture of ERP responses relative to traditional techniques. As such, SNR-weighted channel pooling can further enable widespread applications of ERP techniques, especially those that require rapid assessments in noisy out-of-laboratory environments.