Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the Influence of Surface Roughness on Measurement of Ultrasonic Nonlinearity Parameter Using Contact-Type Transducer

The ultrasonic nonlinearity parameter is used to evaluate the nonlinear elasticity of a material, which is determined from the displacement amplitude of the fundamental and second-order frequencies components in an ultrasonic wave propagating through a material. However, the displacement amplitude of the second-order harmonic component generated during propagation through a material is very weak because it is easily affected by measurement conditions such as surface roughness. In this study, we analyzed the influence of surface roughness on the measurement of the ultrasonic nonlinearity parameter. For this purpose, Al6061-T6 and SUS304 specimens were prepared with different surface roughness ranging from 0.5 to 2.9 μm. Then, the absolute and relative ultrasonic nonlinearity parameter measurements were conducted using a through-transmission technique involving two cases: both surfaces being rough, and one being a rough surface and the other being a smooth surface. The experimental results showed that the surface roughness had a lesser influence on the absolute measurement than on the relative measurement and that the transmission surface was less affected by the reception surface. These results were similar regardless of the types of specimens. Therefore, to perform accurate measurements, it is desirable to measure the nonlinearity parameter after polishing the material surface.
Worry and perceived risk of contagion during the COVID-19 quarantine in the Jalisco population: Preliminary Study

Introduction. Preventive measures taken during periods of health crisis, specifically in pandemics, have consistently been associated with detrimental effects on mental health. Isolation and loneliness are indirect effects of these preventive measures. Given these premises, monitoring the behavior of the population in the face of these eventualities becomes important. Worry as an indirect measure of anxiety and stress enables one to recognize subjects who are vulnerable to phenomena of high uncertainty, since measures taken to avoid excessive contagion can have high costs for this population. This phenomenon has been consistently observed in other pandemics such as H1/N1 influenza. Objective. To determine the prevalence of worry and perceived risk of contagion in the Guadalajara population during the COVID-19 quarantine and to identify differentiating effects. Method. A total of 255 people from western Mexico (Guadalajara, Jalisco) voluntarily participated by answering the Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ) adapted to Mexican population. The average age of the respondents, aged between 18 and 70 years, was 31.71 (± 5.19). A total of 170 women and 85 men participated in the study. Results. 40.12% of the population scored high levels of worry, making them vulnerable to mental health conditions. Subjects favored the prevention of a contagion regardless of whether they were self-isolated. The only variable that had a differential effect was sex ( p < .05), and there were no differences in educational attainment, occupational demandingness, and isolation between the groups. Discussion and conclusion. A preventive attitude was observed among the participants, and so it is important to implement strategies that will prevent mental health costs in those who express excessive worry to avoid saturating mental health services.
Effects of Pretreatment and Drying on Composition and Bitterness of High-Dietary-Fiber Powder from Lime Residues

Lime residues after juice extraction were used as a starting raw material to produce high-dietary-fiber powder. The effects of pretreatment—i.e., blanching and ethanol soaking (55–95% v/v)—and hot air drying at 60–100°C on the proximate composition and limonin, a substance responsible for bitterness in citrus fruits, were evaluated. Hydration properties—i.e., water retention capacity and swelling capacity—and visual color were also determined. It was found that using selected pretreatments in combination with the drying process caused significant effects on dietary fiber contents and visual color. The higher reduction in limonin contents was observed for the samples having subjected to higher ethanol concentration and higher drying temperature. Blanching and ethanolic pretreatment also improved the water retention and swelling properties of the final product.
On the optimality conditions for D.C. vector optimization problems

In this paper, by using the notions of approximate pseudo-dissipativity, strong subdifferential and epsilon-subdifferential, we present sufficient optimality conditions for an epsilon-weak local Pareto minimal solution and an epsilon-local Pareto minimal solution of a vector optimization problem, where its objective function and constraint set are in the form of differences of two vector-valued convex maps, respectively. Then, an application of the given result is obtained for vector fractional programming. Also, some comments are given on two recently published papers presented by Guo and Li [Optimality conditions for vector optimization problems with difference of convex maps. J Optim Theory Appl. 2014;162:821–844] and Gadhi and Metrane [Sufficient optimality condition for vector optimization problems under D.C. J Glob Optim. 2004;28:55–66].
Copper supported on acid-activated vermiculite as an efficient and recyclable catalyst for the Biginelli reaction: a green approach

Abstract The synthesis of copper citrate complex supported on acid-activated vermiculite was investigated with a view to preparing an efficient, mild, robust and recyclable catalyst for the Biginelli reaction. The new catalyst was characterized by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Copper citrate supported over activated vermiculite (AAVrm-Cu2) showed good catalytic activity in the synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrimidinones. The catalyst can be separated easily from the reaction mixture by filtration and retains its catalytic activity for up to five cycles of reaction with no apparent decrease in yield.
Molecular Profiling of Decompensated Cirrhosis by a Novel MicroRNA Signature

Noninvasive staging of decompensated cirrhosis is an unmet clinical need. The aims of this study were to characterize and validate a novel microRNA (miRNA) signature to stage decompensated cirrhosis and predict the portal pressure and systolic cardiac response to nonselective beta‐blockers (NSBBs). Serum samples from patients with decompensated cirrhosis (n = 36) and healthy controls (n = 36) were tested for a novel signature of five miRNAs (miR‐452‐5p, miR‐429, miR‐885‐5p, miR‐181b‐5p, and miR‐122‐5p) identified in the secretome of primary human hepatocytes and for three miRNAs (miR‐192‐5p, miR‐34a‐5p, and miR‐29a‐5p) previously discovered as biomarkers of chronic liver disease. All patients had ascites, which was refractory in 18 (50%), and were placed on NSBBs for variceal bleeding prophylaxis. In all patients, serum miRNAs, hepatic venous pressure gradient, and an echocardiogram study were performed before and 1 month after NSBBs. Patients with cirrhosis had lower serum levels of miR‐429, miR‐885‐5p, miR‐181b‐5p, miR‐122‐5p, miR‐192‐5p, and miR‐29a‐5p (P < 0.05). Baseline serum miR‐452‐5p and miR‐429 levels were lower in NSBB responders (P = 0.006). miR‐181b‐5p levels were greater in refractory ascites than in diuretic‐sensitive ascites (P = 0.008) and correlated with serum creatinine. miR‐452‐5p and miR‐885‐5p were inversely correlated with baseline systemic vascular resistance (ρ = −0.46, P = 0.007; and ρ = −0.41, P = 0.01, respectively) and with diminished systolic contractility (ρ = −0.55, P = 0.02; and ρ = −0.55, P = 0.02, respectively) in patients with refractory ascites after NSBBs. Conclusion: Analysis of a miRNA signature in serum discriminates between patients with decompensated cirrhosis who show more severe systemic circulatory dysfunction and compromised systolic function after beta‐blockade and those more likely to benefit from NSBBs.
Molecular Structure, Pathophysiology, and Diagnosis of COVID-19

Recently, a new coronavirus, named Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has emerged in Wuhan, Hubei province, China. SARS-CoV-2 caused a global epidemic (COVID-19), which continues to kill thousands of people around the world today. With an exclusively interhuman transmission mode, in the absence of a vaccine, the spreading of this new coronavirus is accelerating remarkably. With the studies of the molecular biology of the virus, molecular and serological diagnostic tests are implemented. However, the pathophysiology is not well understood and variable, which gives different symptoms, with a significant mortality rate. Indeed, several organs such as the lungs, brain, kidneys, immune system, and heart are affected directly and/or indirectly.
Managing groundwater for building resilience for sustainable agriculture in South Asia

South Asia's heavy reliance on groundwater for irrigated agricultural production supports the livelihoods of tens of millions of smallholder farmers but is being undermined by rampant overexploitation of groundwater. Without major intervention, this is expected to be further exacerbated by growing demand and climate change. Groundwater management, scientific and evidence‐based, can make an important contribution to managing unsustainable groundwater use and strengthening the climate resilience of farmers due to groundwater's unique storage characteristics. This study brings together a set of strategies and solutions to better manage groundwater that cover the augmentation of groundwater recharge through managed aquifer recharge, management of groundwater demand through participatory groundwater management and other methods, and the harnessing synergies of co‐dependent sectors. The opportunities, constraints and available evidence for each are analysed and the boundaries, barriers and specificities identified to establish entry points for positive change through policies and implementation programmes.
Comparison of three techniques for genetic estimation of effective population size in a critically endangered parrot

Understanding the current population size of small, spatially aggregating populations of species is essential for their conservation. Reliable estimates of the effective population size (Ne) can be used to provide an early warning for conservation managers of the risks to genetic viability of small populations. Critically endangered, migratory swift parrots Lathamus discolor exist in a single panmictic population in Australia. In their Tasmanian breeding range, they are at severe risk of predation by introduced sugar gliders, exacerbated by deforestation. We used three genetic approaches to estimate Ne using DNA samples genotyped by microsatellite markers and existing life‐history data of swift parrots. Based on all samples, we revealed small contemporary Ne estimates across methods (range: 44–140), supporting the need to urgently address threatening processes. Using the 0.5 Ne/N ratio calculated from demographic data suggests that the minimum potential contemporary population size is below 300 individual swift parrots. This is considerably lower than the published estimates derived from expert elicitation, and accords with modeled estimates of extinction risk in this species. Our study has important implications for other threatened species with unknown population sizes and demonstrates that by utilizing available genetic data, reasonable estimates of Ne can be derived.
The effects of ovariectomy on the behavioral and physiological responses to constant light in C57BL6/J Mice

ABSTRACT Circadian disruptions, including exposure to constant light, are known to produce behavioral and physiological issues. However, sex differences exist in how those problems manifest, as males tend to have increased susceptibility to the negative consequences of circadian disruption. As gonadal hormones play a role in circadian timekeeping, we decided to investigate whether ovariectomized C57BL6/J mice would exhibit increased behavioral and physiological sensitivity to constant light compared to female mice with intact estrogen circulation. Mice, half of which underwent an ovariectomy and the other half received sham surgery, were then placed in either constant light or a 12:12 light-dark cycle. After six weeks of photoperiod exposure, we measured their circadian locomotor activity, anxiety-like behaviors and physiological responses. Mice which underwent ovariectomy and placed into constant light experienced altered glucose levels and reduced robustness of the circadian rhythm, with some becoming arrhythmic, compared to sham surgery animals in constant light. Additionally, ovariectomy led to delayed circadian activity onsets and reduced both home-cage and novelty-induced activity. Meanwhile, constant light produced increases to ambulatory activity in the behavioral assays and reduced circadian home-cage activity. These results indicate that removal of the ovaries can mediate the circadian, behavioral, and physiological responses to continuous light.
Microbial biocontrol of post-harvest fungal rot in apples: Current state of the science

Article history Received: 28 June 2020 Accepted: 19 August 2020 Published Online: 30 November 2020 Our study consists of a careful literature review carried out with the aim of better understanding the models developed in the field of biocontrol of postharvest fungal rot in apples (PHFRA) over the past two decades. It aims, more specifically, to shed light on the progress made by examining the products developed, their nature, their target pathogens, their effectiveness, theirs modes of action and the stage of their development. The post-harvest biocontrol of apples has made remarkable progress during the last twenty years of research. Several products (yeasts, bacteria, filamentous fungi and actinomycetes) have been selected. Some, are already marketed, others are at different stages of development. However, several points limit the optimal use of microbial antagonists in the bio-management of post-harvest apple rots as an alternative to chemicals. It is, in fact, still necessary to develop appropriate formulations of these microbial biocontrol agents, to better study their mechanisms of action, to test them under commercial conditions and against a broad spectrum of pathogens and hosts. However, although sometimes considered less effective than chemical treatments, biocontrol products based on microorganisms have major advantages for an application in an integrated post-harvest apple protection strategy.
Neural correlates of the processing of self-adaptors, emblems, and iconic gestures with speech: an fMRI study

ABSTRACT Various types of arm-and-hand movements co-occurring with speech give rise to diverse cross-modal semantic relations. This study investigated how the brain processes self-adaptors, emblems, and iconic gestures with the same speech by using fMRI. Gestures with speech evoked bilateral fusiform gyrus and left supramarginal gyrus in visual and multisensory processing. These regions were involved in processing conventional forms and meanings in emblems with speech. Iconic gestures uniquely activated right supramarginal gyrus associated with spatial processing of unconventional configurations of event knowledge of lexical concepts. Self-adaptors without meaning particularly involved the left superior parietal lobule in directing spatial attention to hand movements and processing spatio-motoric attributes with motor representations. Without gestures, bilateral superior temporal gyrus and calcarine sulcus were engaged in processing sounds and meanings of audiovisual speech. The overall results demonstrate the brain’s sensitivity to gesture-speech semantic variation, and reveal the nature of knowledge in the involved neural regions.
Effect of replacing conventional Italian ryegrass by organic nitrogen source systems on chemical soil properties

Aim of study: To evaluate agronomic performance and changes on soil chemical properties in two types of managements: conventional or sustainable.Area of study: Principality of Asturias, Spain.Material and methods: On a sandy-clay-loam texture soil, three winter forage legumes (faba bean, red clover and white lupin), in monoculture or mixed with Italian ryegrass and with organic fertilization (sustainable management) versus Italian ryegrass in monoculture and inorganic fertilization (conventional management) were evaluated during three consecutive years. After the harvest in spring, the rotations were completed with maize crop with the purpose to evaluate the effect of the sustainable management on forage yield and soil chemical parameters.Main results: The results showed that faba bean and red clover in monoculture and mixed with Italian ryegrass had better edaphic quality than Italian ryegrass in monoculture, and white lupin in monoculture or mixed with Italian ryegrass. Faba bean in monoculture and mixed with Italian ryegrass, both with organic fertilization, could be competitive crops since both had yields comparable to Italian ryegrass in monoculture with inorganic fertilization.Research highlights: Current agricultural practice could be changed for a more sustainable management system, including organic fertilization and legume crops.
Beyond Uniform Equivalence between Answer-set Programs

This article deals with advanced notions of equivalence between nonmonotonic logic programs under the answer-set semantics, a topic of considerable interest, because such notions form the basis for program verification and are useful for program optimisation, debugging, and modular programming. In fact, there is extensive research in answer-set programming (ASP) dealing with different notions of equivalence between programs. Prominent among these notions is uniform equivalence, which checks whether two programs have the same semantics when joined with an arbitrary set of facts. In this article, we study a family of more fine-grained versions of uniform equivalence, viz. relativised uniform equivalence with projection, which extends standard uniform equivalence in terms of two additional parameters: one for specifying the input alphabet and one for specifying the output alphabet for programs. In particular, the second parameter is used for projecting answer sets to a set of designated output atoms. Answer-set projection, in particular, allows to compare programs that make use of different auxiliary atoms, which is important for practical programming aspects. We introduce novel semantic characterisations for the program correspondence problems under consideration and analyse their computational complexity. In the general case, deciding these problems lies on the third level of the polynomial hierarchy. Therefore, this task cannot be efficiently reduced to propositional answer-set programs itself (under the usual complexity-theoretic assumptions). However, reductions to quantified Boolean formulas (QBFs) are feasible. Indeed, we provide efficient (in fact, linear-time constructible) reductions to QBFs and discuss simplifications for certain special cases. These QBF reductions yield the basis for a prototype implementation, the system cc ⊤, for deciding correspondence problems by using off-the-shelf QBF solvers. We discuss an application of cc ⊤ for verifying the correctness of solutions by students drawn from a laboratory course on logic programming and knowledge representation at the Technische Universität Wien, employing relativised uniform equivalence with projection as the underlying program correspondence notion.
Investigation on Productivity Enhancement of a Solar Still With Transparent Polythene Film Cover and Cylindrical Hollow Fins for Heat Storage

This paper discussed the experimental performance of a solar still with cylindrical hollow fins that were integrated to a black painted stainless-steel basin. The cover of the solar still was made of transparent polythene film, while the frame was made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Mild steel cylindrical hollow pipes of 0.035 m diameter were used as fins in the solar still. The performance of this solar still (PSSCHF) was compared with the performance of a conventional solar still (PSS1) which was made of similar fabrication materials, but without using fins in its basin. Each solar still basin contained water with the depth of 1 cm that was collected from a pond located at the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) campus. Both PSSCHF and PSS1 solar stills were exposed to similar climatic conditions within the same locality at USM during the experiments. The purpose of using the fins in the basin of PSSCHF was to absorb more heat from solar irradiance. The PSSCHF attained a maximum productivity of 4.49 l/m2·d, whereas the PSS1 obtained a maximum water production of 3.97 l/m2·d. The quality of fresh water produced from the solar stills met the World Health Organization potable water standards.
Comparison of Three Micronutrient Soil-Test Extractants in Three Greek Soil Types

The purpose of the present study was to compare the ability of three micronutrient soil-test extractants [diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), Mehlich 3, and Soltanpour and Schwab] to determine plant-available concentrations of manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) in three soils (from parent material Marl, Gneiss schist, and Peridotite) from central Macedonia, northern Greece. In black plastic bags containing 3 kg of air-dried soil, self-rooted olive plants (cv. Chondrolia Chalkidikis) were grown for about 5 months and irrigated with distilled water during the experimental period. At the end of the experimental period, the three extractants were evaluated, based on correlation analysis among leaf micronutrient concentrations, total plant micronutrient content of olive plants, and soil micronutrient concentrations determined by each extractant. The largest extractable concentrations of Mn, Fe, and Zn were determined by Mehlich 3, compared to the other two soil-test extractants. However, for the correlation analysis, the greatest correlation coefficient between leaf Mn (and total plant Mn content) and soil extractable Mn was achieved when DTPA was used (varying from 0.76 to 0.88, depending on soil type). Therefore, it is concluded that DTPA was a better extractant to determine plant-available Mn than the other extractants for the three soils studied. For correlations between leaf Fe and Zn concentrations and also for total plant Fe and Zn content, and soil extractable concentrations, the type of extractant and soil type play a very important role in determining the best correlation. This means that in each soil type the greatest correlation was achieved with the use of other extractant. For example, for Fe in the Marl and Peridotite soils the best correlation was found for Mehlich 3, whereas in the Gneiss schist the best correlation was achieved for DTPA (R = 0.72–0.94). For Zn, in the Gneiss schist soil the best extractant in determining plant available concentration was Soltanpour and Schwab (R = 0.49–0.60), whereas in the other two soil types DTPA was found to be the most reliable extractant (R = 0.51–0.78). Therefore, soil type should be carefully and thoroughly studied by the researchers in similar future experiments.