Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Instability of O(5) multicritical behavior in SO(5) theory of high-T-c superconductors

We study the nature of the multicritical point in the three-dimensional O(3)+O(2) symmetric Landau-Ginzburg-Wilson theory, which describes the competition of two order parameters that are O(3) and O(2) symmetric, respectively. This study is relevant for the SO(5) theory of high-Tc superconductors, which predicts the existence of a multicritical point in the temperature-doping phase diagram, where the antiferromagnetic and superconducting transition lines meet. We investigate whether the O(3)+O(2) symmetry gets effectively enlarged to O(5) approaching the multicritical point. For this purpose, we study the stability of the O(5) fixed point. By means of a Monte Carlo simulation, we show that the O(5) fixed point is unstable with respect to the spin-4 quartic perturbation with the crossover exponent $\phi_{4,4}=0.180(15)$, in substantial agreement with recent field-theoretical results. This estimate is much larger than the one-loop $\epsilon$-expansion estimate $\phi_{4,4}=1/26$, which has often been used in the literature to discuss the multicritical behavior within the SO(5) theory. Therefore, no symmetry enlargement is generically expected at the multicritical transition. We also perform a five-loop field-theoretical analysis of the renormalization-group flow. It shows that bicritical systems are not in the attraction domain of the stable decoupled fixed point. Thus, in these systems--high-Tc cuprates should belong to this class--the multicritical point corresponds to a first-order transition.
Eye-Movement Deficits in Seniors with Hearing Aids: Cognitive and Multisensory Implications

In recent years, there has been a growing body of literature highlighting the relationship between presbycusis and consequences in areas other than hearing. In particular, presbycusis is linked to depression, dementia, and cognitive decline. Among this literature, the effect of hearing aids, currently the most common method of treating presbycusis, is also a growing research topic. This pilot study aims to explore the effects of hearing aids on the cognitive and multisensory consequences of presbycusis. To that purpose, saccades and vergences eye movements were studied, towards visual and audiovisual targets, of a presbycusis population wearing hearing aids for an average of two years. These measurements were done whether or not participants were wearing their hearing aids. Eye-movement characteristics, particularly latencies (the reaction time taken to initiate an eye movement), allows one to measure attentional and multisensory characteristics. Previous studies showed that presbycusis was linked with an increase of saccade latencies and an improvement in audiovisual interaction capacities, i.e., latencies for audiovisual targets are shorter than those for visual targets. Eye movements are measured and analyzed with REMOBI and AIDEAL technologies. Results show a shortening, with hearing aids, of right saccade latencies to visual targets, suggesting an increase in attention and/or engagement. Yet, saccade latencies are not shorter for audiovisual vs. visual targets alone, neither when wearing hearing aids, nor without. Moreover, convergence latencies are particularly slow for any type of target and with or without hearing aids. The results suggest deficits for audiovisual interactions and the initiation of convergences in that population. These deficits could be part of the factors triggering the need to wear hearing aids. These results therefore show interesting relationships between hearing-aid wearing in a presbycusis population and oculomotricity and invite further research in this area.
Effect of noise in Principal Component Analysis

This paper demonstrates the effect of independent noise in principal components of k normally distributed random variables defined by a population covariance matrix. We prove that the principal components determined by a joint distribution of the original sample affected by noise can be essentially different in comparison with those determined from the original sample. However when the differences between the eigenvalues of the population covariance matrix are sufficiently large compared to the level of the noise, the effect of noise in principal components proved to be negligible. We support the theoretical results by using simulation study and examples. We also compare the results about the eigenvalues and eigenvectors in the two dimensional case with other models examined before. This theory can be applied in any field for the decomposition of the time series in multivariate analysis.
Asymmetric concentration dependence of segregation fluxes in granular flows

We characterize the local concentration dependence of segregation velocity and segregation flux in both size and density bidisperse gravity-driven free-surface granular flows as a function of the particle size ratio and density ratio, respectively, using discrete element method (DEM) simulations. For a range of particle size ratios and inlet volume flow rates in size-bidisperse flows, the maximum segregation flux occurs at a small particle concentration less than 0.5, which decreases with increasing particle size ratio. The segregation flux increases up to a size ratio of 2.4 but plateaus from there to a size ratio of 3. In density bidisperse flows, the segregation flux is greatest at a heavy particle concentration less than 0.5 which decreases with increasing particle density ratio. The segregation flux increases with increasing density ratio for the extent of density ratios studied, up to 10. We further demonstrate that the simulation results for size driven segregation are in accord with the predictions of the kinetic sieving segregation model of Savage and Lun.
Characterization of Experimental Nanoparticulated Dental Adhesive Resins with Long-Term Antibacterial Properties

Experimental adhesives with functional nitrogen-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles (N_TiO2) have been shown to display improved properties. However, these materials have not been characterized regarding their degree of conversion (DC), biaxial flexure strength (BFS), surface roughness (SR), elastic modulus (EM), and long-term antibacterial functionalities. Experimental adhesives were synthesized by dispersing N_TiO2 (10%, 20%, or 30%, v/v%) into OptiBond Solo Plus (OPTB, Kerr Corp., USA). Unpolymerized adhesives (volume = 50 μL/drop, n = 3/group) were individually placed onto a heated (37 °C) attenuated total reflectance (ATR) monolithic diamond crystal (Golden Gate, Specac). The spectra of composites were obtained with a Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer (Nicolet IS50; 500–4500 cm−1; resolution = 4 cm−1, 10 internal scans/spectrum) before and after polymerization. Disk-shaped specimens (diameter = 6.0 mm, thickness = 0.5 mm) for BFS (n = 12/group), SR and EM (n = 3/group), and for antibacterial testing (n = 18/group/time-point) were fabricated and photopolymerized (1 min each; 385–515 nm, 1000 mW/cm2; VALO). DC values (%) were calculated from pre- and post-polymerization spectra using the two-frequency method and tangent-baseline technique. BFS was assessed using a universal testing machine (Instron 68TM-5, crosshead speed = 1.27 mm/min, 25 °C). SR and EM were investigated using an atomic force microscope (Multimode 8) with aluminum-coated silicon probes (8 nm pyramidal tip, spring constant 40 N/m, Bruker). Antibacterial testing was performed by growing Streptococcus mutans biofilms (UA159-ldh, 37 °C, microaerophilic) on the surfaces of specimens for 24 h and then measuring the relative luminescence units (RLU) with a Biotek Synergy HT multi-well plate reader. Results demonstrate that experimental materials containing 10%, 20%, and 30% of N_TiO2 displayed higher levels of DC, had better mechanical properties, and were able to exert strong and durable antibacterial properties without visible light irradiation and after extended periods of simulated shelf-life and aging in PBS. The reported experimental materials are expected to increase the service lives of polymer-based bonded restorations by decreasing the incidence of secondary caries.
The Use of Kappa Free Light Chains to Diagnose Multiple Sclerosis

Background: The positive implications of using free light chains in diagnosing multiple sclerosis have increasingly gained considerable interest in medical research and the scientific community. It is often presumed that free light chains, particularly kappa and lambda free light chains, are of practical use and are associated with a higher probability of obtaining positive results compared to oligoclonal bands. The primary purpose of the current paper was to conduct a systematic review to assess the up-to-date methods for diagnosing multiple sclerosis using kappa and lambda free light chains. Method: An organized literature search was performed across four electronic sources, including Google Scholar, Web of Science, Embase, and MEDLINE. The sources analyzed in this systematic review and meta-analysis comprise randomized clinical trials, prospective cohort studies, retrospective studies, controlled clinical trials, and systematic reviews. Results: The review contains 116 reports that includes 1204 participants. The final selection includes a vast array of preexisting literature concerning the study topic: 35 randomized clinical trials, 21 prospective cohort studies, 19 retrospective studies, 22 controlled clinical trials, and 13 systematic reviews. Discussion: The incorporated literature sources provided integral insights into the benefits of free light chain diagnostics for multiple sclerosis. It was also evident that the use of free light chains in the diagnosis of clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) and multiple sclerosis is relatively fast and inexpensive in comparison to other conventional state-of-the-art diagnostic methods, e.g., using oligoclonal bands (OCBs).
Robot-Assisted versus Trans-Umbilical Multiport Laparoscopic Ureteral Reimplantation for Pediatric Benign Distal Ureteral Stricture: Mid-Term Results at a Single Center

Objective: Robot-assisted laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation (RALUR) and trans-umbilical multiport laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation (TMLUR) are both minimally invasive procedures for benign distal ureteral stricture (DUS). However, TMLUR has rarely been reported in published research, thus the difference in mid-term outcome of these two procedures warrants investigation. Methods: Patients who underwent RALUR or TMLUR for pediatric DUS from April 2017 to November 2020 at our institution were retrospectively analyzed and 56 patients were included in this retrospective comparison. Demographic characteristics, perioperative data and follow-up results were collected and analyzed in RALUR and TALUR groups. Results: RALUR and TMLUR were successfully performed in children aged from 12.0 to 142.0 months, without conversion to open ureteral reimplantation. RALUR took shorter operative time than TMLUR (p = 0.005) with less blood loss (p = 0.001). Meanwhile, patients receiving RALUR encountered a greater financial burden (p < 0.001) with less cosmetic satisfaction than TMLUR. The mean mid-term follow-up time for RALUR and TMLUR was 18.29 months and 24.64 months, respectively. Mid-term follow-up data showed that DUS was relieved with improved renal function after surgery in both groups, with no significant difference. Conclusions: RALUR and TMLUR are both safe and efficient for DUS treatment and achieve comparable mid-term outcomes in children. RALUR can reduce operative time and operative blood loss benefiting from its prominent technical superiority, but may currently bring about greater financial burden, with cosmetic satisfaction remaining to be improved.
Development of a smart IoT‐based drip irrigation system for precision farming

Precision irrigation scheduling using real‐time sensors has the potential to boost water use efficiency while maximizing resource utilization. Traditional farming is adversely affected by improper resource management. To overcome a farmer's efforts, an IoT‐based drip irrigation system was developed and tested for system performance. It was compared with an ETc‐based drip irrigation system for brinjal crops grown in planter beds filled with vertisols. The developed system, consisting of sensors and microcontrollers, records the environmental parameters, namely, soil moisture content, soil temperature, and relative humidity and temperature. Irrigation scheduling was programmed using upper (field capacity) and lower thresholds (50% plant available water). Irrigation applications were triggered when the soil moisture value reached the lower threshold (33%) and ended after the field capacity was attained (46%). The information captured by the sensors is wirelessly uploaded to the cloud server using IoT technology, which can be accessed from anywhere in the world. It was observed that the IoT‐based drip irrigation testing plant grew 1.3 cm taller than the ETc‐based drip irrigation testing plant. The length and width of brinjal plant leaves also increased more than the ETc‐based drip irrigation treatments. The IoT‐based drip irrigation treatments improved pump operating time, leaf length and width by 85 min, 4.4 cm and 3.1 cm, respectively, compared to 125 min, 3.7 cm and 2.4 cm for the ETc‐based drip irrigation treatment. During a period of 31 days, water savings of 35% were observed compared to ETc‐based drip irrigation. The developed system was rugged, and a water‐resistant enclosure allowed its use in outdoor agriculture fields.
Comparison of fungal diversity on woods with different fungal susceptibility during above-ground exposure

Sequential fungal changes that occur on three types of wood are described, namely naturally durable wood, preservative-treated wood, and radiata pine (considered as untreated wood) for above-ground use, during a four-year survey period. The surveys were conducted thrice at 1, 2, and 4 years of exposure. During the first and second years of exposure, both total fungal isolates and species diversity were low in each wood sample, with ascomycetes being the most prevalent. Additionally, the predominant species displayed a trivial impact on wood decay. However, after two years of exposure, the number of fungal communities increased sharply, accompanied by a considerable shift in the diversity of basidiomycetes, some of which established themselves as dominant species. The survey provides a snapshot of the initial stages of wood decay. Further, it reiterates that while fungal communities on wood are influenced by spores or hyphae in the surrounding air, colonization is further modulated by fungal susceptibility on the basis of durability. An expanded study is necessary for better comprehension of the processes involved in wood decay in their entirety.
Socio-demographic variables and utilization of ict among members of staff of university libraries in cross-river and akwa-ibom state nigeria

This study investigated the influence of socio-demographic variables such as age, level of education, belief, and gender on the utilization of ICT among library staff in university libraries in Cross-River and Akwa-Ibom States, Nigeria. To carry out this study, three research objectives that were later translated to hypotheses were generated on the basis of age, gender, level of education, and belief, to guide the research. Literature relating to the variables selected were reviewed to cover both conceptual and empirical sources. The Ex-post facto research design was utilized for the study. A sample of 461 respondents was drawn from six university libraries using the purposive (census) sampling technique. A structured questionnaire titled, ‘Socio-demographic Variables and Utilization of Information and Communication Technology for Library services (SDVUICTLS)’ was used as the main instrument for data collection. The tool was subjected to face and content validation by experts in Test, Measurement and Evaluation Faculty of Education, University of Calabar. The reliability coefficient ranged from 0.75 to . 88 and was established through Cronbach’s Alpha method. The hypotheses were tested at . 05 alpha levels. The data analysis techniques used were One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and independent t-test. The results of data analyses revealed that age (F=8.195), level of education (F = 5.232), belief (F = 4.242), significantly influenced utilization of ICT by library staff in the university libraries, while there was no significant influence of gender t=. 252) on the utilization of ICT by library staff for library services. Based on these findings, it was recommended that library management/ parent institutions should embark on aggressive training and retraining of staff especially those that are 40 years and above with special reference to utilization of ICT for provision of services in the libraries. The study equally recommended that Librarians should make personal effort to train themselves with or without the assistance of the management because this will make them to be more relevant and effective in delivering library services to the library users
Deceleration in the Expansion of SN 1993J

A rarity among supernova, SN 1993J in M81 can be studied with high spatial resolution. Its radio power and distance permit VLBI observations to monitor the expansion of its angular structure. This radio structure was previously revealed to be shell-like and to be undergoing a self-similar expansion at a constant rate. From VLBI observations at wavelengths of 3.6 and 6 cm in the period 6-42 months after explosion, we have discovered that the expansion is decelerating. Our measurement of this deceleration yields estimates of the density profiles of the supernova ejecta and circumstellar material in standard supernova explosion models.
Siamese Pumpkin Juice (Sechium Edule (Jacq.) Sw) To Decreased Blood Pressure Of Postpartum Mother's Hypertension

Background: Postpartum hypertension is Indonesia's second-highest cause of maternal death. The abundant Siamese pumpkin, commonly consumed and containing potassium (167.1 mg) and flavonoids, has a role as an antihypertensive. The proper, easy, and correct dosage must be found to utilize postpartum maternal hypertension therapy. Methods: Quay's experiment research, randomized pretest-posttest with control group design, consisted of 3 research groups, consisting of 2 intervention groups and 1 control group. Intervention I juiced 501.3 mg once daily plus antihypertensive drugs, Intervention II juiced 584,85 mg once daily plus antihypertensive drugs, and control consumed antihypertensive drugs. The sampling technique used total samples with a retrieval time of 1.5 months and obtained 16 respondents in each group. The intervention begins on the first to the fifth day of the puerperium. Bivariate analysis of systolic and diastolic blood pressure using Repeated Measure Anova. Results: The intervention group I significant decrease in systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure (p-value 0.000) and intervention group II significant decrease in systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure (p-value 0.000). Conclusion: Formula Siamese pumpkin juice (584,85 mg) effectively decreased blood pressure in postpartum hypertension patients.
Conducting Virtual Youth-Led Participatory Action Research (YPAR) During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Youth-led participatory action research (YPAR) is an applied research methodology in which youth work in collaboration with adult stakeholders to conduct research projects. YPAR has been traditionally conducted in person, with virtual forums typically serving as ways to share resources and ideas across independent YPAR teams or collecting data. The COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the closure of most public spaces where youth congregate (including schools) and requirements to socially distance, led to translating YPAR projects into completely virtual formats. This paper aims to provide promises and challenges of conducting virtual YPAR during the COVID-19 pandemic. It describes how a team of university faculty, college students, and youth from two community-based youth organizations navigated a YPAR experience during the 2020-2021 academic year. We provide reflections on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on (a) the research setting, (b) the building of collaborative relationships, (c) YPAR methodology, (d) youth engagement, and (e) conceptualization of community action and engagement. We end with the implications for the future of YPAR for practitioners.
Intraspecific Leaf Trait Variation across and within Five Common Wine Grape Varieties

Variability in traits forming the Leaf Economics Spectrum (LES) among and within crop species plays a key role in governing agroecosystem processes. However, studies evaluating the extent, causes, and consequences of within-species variation in LES traits for some of the world’s most common crops remain limited. This study quantified variations in nine leaf traits measured across 90 vines of five common wine grape (Vitis vinifera L.) varieties at two growth stages (post-flowering and veraison). Grape traits in these varieties covary along an intraspecific LES, in patterns similar to those documented in wild plants. Across the five varieties evaluated here, high rates of photosynthesis (A) and leaf nitrogen (N) concentrations were coupled with low leaf mass per area (LMA), whereas the opposite suite of traits defined the “resource-conserving end” of this intraspecific LES in grape. Variety identity was the strongest predictor of leaf physiological (A) and morphological traits (i.e., leaf area and leaf mass), whereas leaf chemical traits and LMA were best explained by growth stage. All five varieties expressed greater resource-conserving trait syndromes (i.e., higher LMA, lower N, and lower Amass) later in the growing season. Traits related to leaf hydraulics, including instantaneous water-use efficiency (WUE), were unrelated to LES and other resource capture traits, and were better explained by spatial location. These results highlight the relative contributions of genetic, developmental, and phenotypic factors in structuring trait variation in the five wine grape varieties evaluated here, and point to a key role of domestication in governing trait relationships in the world’s crops.