Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Molecular identification of shark species commercialised in the ‘17 de Diciembre’ market, Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas-Ecuador

ABSTRACT This is the first study to determine the main shark species being sold in the ‘17 de Diciembre’ market, in Santo Domingo de Los Tsáchilas, Ecuador. A total of 150 samples were collected and molecularly identified through a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with species-specific primers based on the ribosomal region ITS2. As a result, we found that the shark sales are made up by five main species. The pelagic thresher (Alopias pelagicus) was the most common species, followed by the silky shark (Carcharhinus falciformis), the scalloped hammerhead shark (Sphyrna lewini), the blue shark (Prionace glauca) and the shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus). Of the analyzed samples, 93.24% (n = 138) correspond with species that are in one of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) threat categories and Appendix II of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The study highlights the need for this molecular tool to be implemented in strategic control points, as well as other measures that better ensure traceability. Key policy insights Four of the five identified species are in Appendix II of CITES. 93.24% of the identified individuals are found in one of the threat categories of IUCN. The shark meat in the ‘17 de Diciembre’ market is cheaper in comparison with most bony fishes that are commercialized.
Quiver varieties and the character ring of general linear groups over finite fields

Given a tuple (X1;:::; Xk) of irreducible characters of GLn(Fq) we define a star-shaped quiver together with a dimension vector v. Assume that (X1;:::; Xk) is generic. Our first result is a formula which expresses the multiplicity of the trivial character i n the tensor productX1��� X k as the trace of the action of some Weyl group on the intersection cohomology of some (non-affi ne) quiver varieties associated to ( ; v). The existence of such a quiver variety is subject to some condition. Assuming that this condition is satisfied, we prove our second result: The m ultiplicityhX 1��� X k; 1i is non-zero if and only if v is a root of the Kac-Moody algebra associated with . We conjecture that this remains true independently from the existence of the quiver variety. This is somehow similar to the connection between Horn’s problem and the representation theory of GL n(C) [20, Section 8].
Closed-form expressions to Gompertz-Makeham life expectancies: a historical note

Results well known in the actuarial community about closed-form expressions to Gompertz and Gompertz-Makeham life expectancies for a person aged x are still being independently rediscovered to this day. This note seeks to acknowledge previous results about closed-form expressions to Gompertz-Makeham life expectancies, especially in the actuarial science field, hoping to stimulate interdisciplinarity and provide the background for further developments, especially since the derivation of closed-form expressions for life expectancy (and annuities) based on particular mortality laws are matters of interest for multiple fields such as actuarial science, biology, demography, statistics among others.
Bitsliced Implementation of Non-Algebraic 8×8 Cryptographic S-Boxes Using ×86-64 Processor SIMD Instructions

The article is devoted to software bitsliced implementation of randomly generated $8\times 8$ S-Box block ciphers, focused on the use of logical SIMD instructions from the SSE, AVX and AVX-512 extensions in ×86-64 processors. A heuristic algorithm for minimizing non-algebraic S-Boxes in three logical bases is proposed: universal—based on logical instructions AND, OR, XOR, NOT, which allows implementation on any 8/16/32/ 64-bit processors; extended—based on the instructions AND, OR, XOR, NOT, AND-NOT, which allows implementation on ×86-64 processors; ternary—based on ternary logic instructions, for implementation on ×86-64 processors with AVX-512 support. On average, bitsliced representations of non-algebraic S-Boxes in these logical bases require 400/380/200 logical instructions, respectively. The performance of bitsliced implementations of the S-Box cipher “Kalyna” using logical instructions SSE/AVX/ AVX-512 for the Intel Xeon Skylake-SP processor was measured. A fast alternative—non-bitsliced approach to the bytesliced SubBytes operation based on the AVX-512VBMI extension, resistant to timing and cache attacks—is proposed.
Weathering of a Nonwoven Polypropylene Geotextile: Field vs. Laboratory Exposure

Like other plastic materials, geosynthetics can undergo changes in their properties due to weathering. These changes must be known and, if necessary, duly accounted for in the design phase. This work evaluates the resistance of a nonwoven polypropylene geotextile to weathering, both in the field (under natural degradation conditions) and in the laboratory (under accelerated degradation conditions). The damage experienced by the geotextile in the field weathering tests was evaluated by monitoring changes in its physical (mass per unit area and thickness), mechanical (tensile, tearing and puncture behaviour) and hydraulic (water permeability normal to the plane) properties. Microscopic damage was assessed by scanning electron microscopy. In the laboratory weathering tests, only the tensile behaviour of the geotextile was monitored. The results showed that all geotextile properties were affected by weathering. The mechanical strength of the geotextile decreased in the field weathering tests. Microscopic transverse cracks were found in the weathered polypropylene fibres, which may explain the reduction in mechanical strength. The accumulation of dirt on the nonwoven structure altered the physical and hydraulic properties of the geotextile. Comparing the field and laboratory weathering tests, the reduction in tensile strength found after 24 months outdoors (roughly 30%) was very similar to that observed after 4000 h in the laboratory. This relationship may not be valid for other geotextiles or other exposure locations.
Positive Mental Health and Mental Health Literacy of Informal Caregivers: A Scoping Review

Positive mental health and mental health literacy are two main concepts to ensure an individual and social state of mental health and well-being. A scoping review of the scientific literature published in the field of health sciences was conducted to identify the relationship between mental health literacy and the positive mental health of family caregivers. A research expression was used to search for articles in health databases, respecting the main topics of the Participants/Concept/Context (PCC) framework. A total of eight articles were included from the 2830 initially identified using the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) process. It was noticeable that none of the studies related positive mental health and mental health literacy of caregivers. Nevertheless, it was possible to identify predictors of mental health and self-efficacy, such as burden and a lack of information about and support in the process of care. Caregivers’ quality of life, self-esteem and confidence are also important positive mental health predictors that are closely related to health literacy. The knowledge of these factors can contribute to the reduction in negative determinants of mental health of caregivers and the resolution of strategies to meet caregivers’ needs.
Dual beta-lactam treatment: Pros and cons

Abstract The battle against microscopic pathogens has always baffled the scientific community. Nowadays, multidrug-resistant microorganisms lead to high in-hospital mortality, increased hospital stays, and high health-related costs. Treating infections due to these high-resistance pathogens with a low number of antibiotic molecules creates the need for new strategies. Although some already think of a “postantibiotic era” with bacteriophages as the main futuristic weapon in antibacterial armament, others rethink the usage of the already existent drugs. Dual beta-lactam therapy has been used for quite some time as an empirical therapy for some severe infections such as endocarditis or meningitis. However, studies regarding the use of a beta-lactam combination stopped being made a long time ago, and it seems the scientific community has no interest in evaluating this as a treatment option. Could this strategy be applied to treat infections due to multidrug-resistant bacteria? Could this be the answer while waiting for the “postantibiotic era”? What kind of pathogens could we fight using dual beta-lactams? What are the downsides of this strategy? These are some of the questions the authors try to answer in this review. In addition, we try to convince our peers to turn once more into researching beta-lactam combinations and exploring its potential benefits.
Direct and Indirect Effects of Strength-Based Parenting on Depression in Chinese High School Students: Mediation by Cognitive Reappraisal and Expression Suppression

Purpose A growing amount of research has been dedicated to the protective role of strength-based parenting in psychological distress. Strength-based parenting is a style of parenting in which parents are conscious of their children’s strengths, and encourage them to develop and make use of those strengths. However, the mechanisms linking strength-based parenting to depression are not well known. Drawing on the social–emotional learning model, this study examined the association between strength-based parenting and depression and the indirect role of emotion regulation (ie, cognitive reappraisal and expression suppression). Materials and Methods A total of 750 Chinese middle school students from two middle schools completed questionnaires comprising the Strength-based Parenting Scale, the Emotion Regulation Scale, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depressive Scale, and sociodemographic characteristics. A total of 695 students provided accurate responses to the two validity check questions, and were thus retained in the final study sample. Of the final sample, 348 (50.1%) were girls, and the respondents overall had an average age of 16.22 years. The direct and indirect paths from strength-based parenting to depression were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results The results showed that strength-based parenting negatively predicted depression and cognitive reappraisal, while strength-based parenting positively predicted depression. Strength-based parenting indirectly predicted depression through cognitive reappraisal and expression suppression. Conclusion These findings suggest an underlying process by which high strength-based parenting resists depression by increasing cognitive reappraisal and decreasing expression suppression. It is necessary to implement a comprehensive intervention strategy that focuses on strength-based parenting and emotion regulation (eg, cognitive reappraisal).
Reproducibility of the German and Slovakian Versions of the Dietary Habits and Nutrition Beliefs Questionnaire (KomPAN)

Purpose. The aim of this study was to assess the reproducibility and reliability of the KomPAN questionnaire among two groups of university students from Germany and Slovakia. Methods. A total of 422 individuals (mean age 21.4 years, SD 4.0), including 197 from Slovakia (men 26.2%) and 225 from Germany (men 22.3%), were tested using the self-administered (SA-Q) version of the KomPAN questionnaire and then retested two weeks later. A cross-classification analysis, kappa coefficients, Cronbach’s ɑ coefficients, and a test-retest result comparison were conducted separately for each group of students to assess the reproducibility and reliability of the questionnaire. Results. The cross-classification values were higher than 46.2% among the German students and higher than 55.8% among the Slovakian students. The kappa coefficients ranged from 0.21 to 0.90 in the German students and from 0.38 to 0.94 in the Slovakian students. Cronbach’s ɑ ranged from 0.58 to 0.78. Conclusion. The questionnaire displayed a moderate to very good reproducibility, which was slightly higher in the Slovakian group than in the German group. Therefore, the questionnaire can be recommended for further analysis and comparison of the dietary habits among Germans and Slovakians on a larger scale.
AKARI Far-Infrared Source Counts in the Lockman Hole

We report initial results of far-infrared observations of the Lockman hole with Far-Infrared Surveyor (FIS) onboard the AKARI infrared satellite. On the basis of slow scan observations of a 0.6 deg × 1.2 deg contiguous area, we obtained source number counts at 65, 90 and 140 µm down to 77, 26 and 194 mJy (3�), respectively. The counts at 65 and 140 µm show good agreement with the Spitzer results. However, our 90 µm counts are clearly lower than the predicted counts by recent evolutionary models that fit the Spitzer counts in all the MIPS bands. Our 90 µm counts above 26 mJy account for about 7% of the cosmic background. These results provide strong constraints on the evolutionary scenario and suggest that the current models may require modifications.
Characterizing Sex Differences in Clinical and Functional Outcomes Among Military Veterans With a Comprehensive Traumatic Brain Injury Evaluation: A Million Veteran Program Study

Using a diverse sample of military veterans enrolled in the Veteran Affairs (VA) Million Veteran Program (N = 14,378; n = 1,361 females [9.5%]; all previously deployed), we examined sex differences on the Comprehensive Traumatic Brain Injury Evaluation (CTBIE), a structured traumatic brain injury (TBI) interview routinely administered in VA health centers. Confirmed TBI diagnoses were more frequent among males than females (65% vs. 58%). In addition, compared with females, a greater proportion of males with CTBIE-confirmed TBI histories experienced blast-related injuries and were employed. In contrast, a greater proportion of females reported experiencing falls, sustaining a TBI since deployment, and having more severe neurobehavioral symptoms (particularly affective-related symptoms). Results indicate that males and females experience differential clinical and functional outcomes in the aftermath of military TBI. Findings underscore the need to increase female representation in TBI research to increase understanding of sex-specific experiences with TBI and to improve the clinical care targeted to this vulnerable population.
Using MEPED observations to infer plasma density and chorus intensity in the radiation belts

Efforts to model and predict energetic electron fluxes in the radiation belts are highly sensitive to local wave-particle interactions. In this study, we use multi-point measurements of precipitating and trapped electron fluxes to investigate the dynamic variation of chorus wave-particle interactions during the 17 March 2013 storm. Quasilinear theory characterizes the chorus wave-particle interaction as a diffusive process, with the diffusion coefficients depending on the particle energy and pitch angle, as well as the background plasma parameters such as the wave intensity and plasma density. These plasma parameters in the radiation belts are spatially localized and time-varying, so we construct event-specific diffusion coefficients using MEPED (onboard POES/MetOp) measurements of electron fluxes at low Earth orbit. This new method provides realistic diffusion coefficients for chorus waves that account for changes in the wave intensity, the plasma density, and the magnetic field strength in the outer radiation belt. We show that the inferred chorus intensity is significantly lower than previous estimates that use MEPED observations since the same amount of increased precipitation by 30–300 keV electrons can be explained by a change in the plasma density. This technique therefore allows for us to create time varying, global maps of the plasma-gyrofrequency ratio (fpe/fce), and therefore plasma density, in the outer radiation belts using the MEPED measurements. The global density estimates compare reasonably well to in situ density measurements from RBSP-B.
Cooperative Operational Planning Model for Distributed Energy Resources With Soft Open Point in Active Distribution Network

In this paper, optimal cooperative operational planning of distributed energy resources (DER) in an active distribution network (ADN) with soft open points (SOP) has been investigated. To do so, a new two-layer coordinated optimization framework ADN has been proposed considering SOP. In the upper layer, the location and sizing of the DERs and SOPs has been optimised. While inner layer executes simultaneous optimal functioning of volt/var control (VVC) devices, remote controlled switches (RCS), DERs, and SOPs. The main objective of proposed methodology is to reduce total investment cost of DERs and SOPs as well as operating costs of the system over the planning horizon. Besides, objective function considers the cost of energy not served (ENS), the cost of substation-purchased electricity, and the cost of carbon emissions. Meanwhile, a stochastic module has been employed to address high-level uncertainties associated to renewables and load demands. Besides, the effects of distribution network reconfiguration (DNR) and conservation voltage reduction (CVR) have been taken into account. For various instances, the suggested framework was implemented on an IEEE 119-bus distribution system and solved using a proposed hybrid optimization solver. The efficacy of proposed DER with SOP methodology has been validated on various cases and also tested on sudden external disturbances such as under voltage and over voltage problem conditions. When compared to standard planning schemes, the test results show that it is beneficial in boosting system efficiency, increasing reliability, and lowering the carbon footprint of distribution systems.
Effect of Heat Treatment Schedule on the Properties of Lead Titanate Based Glass Ceramic

The lead titanate based glass samples were prepared by conventional quenching technique. The Tg, Tc and density of the glass samples were measured. The glass samples were converted to glass ceramics by two stage heat treatment schedule. The dielectric constant has been studied for the glass and glass ceramics. The glass ceramic sample obtained by optimized heat treatment schedule exhibited maximum density and dielectric constant due to precipitation of crystalline PbTiO3 phase.
Postoperative Complications of Esophageal Atresia and Role of Endoscopic Balloon Dilatation in Anastomotic Strictures

Purpose Esophageal atresia (EA) with or without tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is a congenital anomaly that can cause frequent digestive and nutritional problems, even after repair. The most common complication is anastomotic stricture, for which reoperation or balloon dilatation is performed. This study aimed to evaluate the postoperative complications of EA and the role of endoscopic balloon dilatation (EBD) in cases of anastomotic stricture. Methods We retrospectively analyzed patients diagnosed with EA with or without TEF between January 2000 and February 2021. Patients’ baseline characteristics, associated anomalies, and postoperative complications were reviewed. Results Among 26 patients, 14 (53.8%) were male, 12 (46.2%) had coexisting anomalies, and the median follow-up was 6.1 years (range, 1.2–15.7 years). In univariate analysis, prematurity, low birth weight, and long-gap EA were associated with postoperative complications in 12 (46.2%) patients. Among the 10 (38.5%) patients with anastomotic stricture, nine (90.0%) required EBD. Regarding the first EBD, it was performed at a median of 3.3 months (range, 1.2–7.6 months) post-repair, while the average patient weight was 4.6 kg. The mean diameter ranged from 3.3 to 9.1 mm without major complications. In univariate analysis, long-gap EA alone was significantly associated with EBD. Conclusion Approximately half of the patients experienced complications after EA repair. In particular, patients with a long-gap EA had a significantly increased risk of complications, such as anastomotic strictures. EBD can be safely used, even in infants.
CFD calculation of a mixed flow pump characteristic from shutoff to maximum flow

The behavior of the flow in a vertical semi-axial mixed flow pump has been analyzed by numerical flow simulations of the entire stage, and the results have been compared to test data. As the flow is expected to be unsteady at part load in such a pump, the steady-state simulations were complemented with unsteady flow simulations of the entire machine at one part load operating point. Pressure measurements at different locations in the casing of the pump provided valuable data for the validation of the calculated pressure head. This paper shows that the pump characteristic can be quite accurately predicted from full load to part load by modern numerical tools. Simulations of the unsteady flow which use much more computer resources, are also feasible in an industrial environment and yield detailed information about the flow patterns and pressure fluctuations in the pump.
Artin Groups and Iwahori-Hecke algebras over finite fields

In this doctoral thesis, we will determine the image of Artin groups associated to all finite irreducible Coxeter groups inside their associated finite Iwahori-Hecke algebra. This was done in type $A$ by Brunat, Magaard and Marin. The Zariski closure of the image was determined in the generic case by Marin. It is suggested by strong approximation that the results should be similar in the finite case. However, the conditions required to use are much too strong and would only provide a portion of the results. We show in this thesis that they are but that new phenomena arise from the different field factorizations. The techniques used in the finite case are very different from the ones in the generic case. The main arguments come from finite group theory. In high dimension, we will use a theorem by Guralnick-Saxl which uses the classification of finite simple groups to give a condition for subgroups of linear groups to be classical groups in a natural representation. In low dimension, we will mainly use the classification of maximal subgroups of classical groups determined by Bray, Holt and Roney-Dougal for the complicated cases. We find some new $W$-graphs in types $H_4$, $E_6$ and $E_8$ which provide different information from the usual ones. They are all associated in a natural way to a bilinear form which is very complicated to obtain in the previous models. In this model, the bilinear form is obtained using only the two-colorability and its matrix in a well chosen basis is anti-diagonal. The uniqueness properties can probably be extended in a more general setting and understanding which setting this is may be worth considering.
Perpetuants: A Lost Treasure

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the classical, and forgotten, notion of perpetuants, see Definition 2.13, and in particular to exhibit a basis of these elements in Theorem 4.9, thus closing an old line of investigation started by J. J. Sylvester in 1882. In order to do this we also give a proof of the classical Theorem of Stroh computing their dimensions.
Magneto-Optic Trapping of β-Decaying 38Km, 37K From an On-Line Isotope Separator

), have negligible source thickness, and can be optically pumped to achieve close to 100% atomic and nuclear polarization. These conditions are favorable for carrying out experiments to study weak interaction symmetries in b decay [1–3], and to measure isotopic dependence of parity nonconservation (PNC) in heavy atoms [2,4– 6]. Here we measure nuclear properties of ground and isomeric states of the trapped atoms.