Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Permeability, Form Drag Coefficient and Heat Transfer Coefficient of Porous Copper

Abstract The water permeability, form drag coefficient and heat transfer coefficient of porous copper samples manufactured by the Lost Carbonate Sintering process were measured and analyzed. The permeability increased and the form drag coefficient decreased with increasing porosity and decreasing pore size. There existed an empirical relationship between the form drag coefficient and the permeability. The highest heat transfer coefficient was observed at an optimum porosity of 60%, where heat removal by conduction and convection was balanced. Larger pore sizes led to higher heat transfer coefficients due to increased tortuosity and enhanced heat transfer by convection. The best overall heat transfer performance with a combination of high Nusselt number and low friction factor was achieved at the porosity of 65%.
Studying the surface of UHMWPE films modified with graphene nanoplatelets using a Raman mapping method

Abstract This article discusses the nature of the distribution of intact polyaniline-functionalized graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) in the surface layer of nanomodified films of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) using a Raman mapping method. On the Raman maps, D, G, and 2D peaks can be observed for the 0.1 wt. % GNPs content in the UHMWPE. In the surface layer of the films containing 1.0 wt. % GNPs, these signals are not detected, thereby indicating the displacement of the nanomodifier into the polymer bulk. In contrast, the polyaniline-functionalized GNPs tend to migrate to the surface of the UHMWPE nanocomposite film and evenly distribute in the surface layer as the concentration increases from 0.1 to 2.0 wt. %.
Correlation of financial burden with severity of asthma in children

Introduction: The economic impact of asthma in children has been steadily increasing and it needs to be recognised as a health priority in the developing countries. Aims and objectives: To correlate the financial burden of disease costs with asthma classification. Methods: It was a prospective study of 38 patients; 25(65.8%) males and 13(34.2%) females. Details were entered in a predesigned proforma and ethical approval was taken. Quantitative statistical analysis using mean, standard deviation and one way ANNOVA test was applied. Results: The frequency of intermittent, mild and moderate persistent asthma was 8(21.05%), 21(55.26%) and 9(23.68%) respectively. The socioeconomic status majorly involved the upper middle class 19(50%). The direct mean costs per annum in all severities ranged between INR 5700-7500(€81.42-107)for general practitioner consultation, INR 3550-10300(€50.71-147)for emergency visits, INR 4400-9000(€ 62.85-128.57)on investigations and INR 7000-13700(€100-195.7)on medications. The indirect costs per annum ranged between INR 9000-19800(€128.57-282.85)for work absenteeism, INR 2800-8700(€40- 124.28)on travel and INR 1700-3200(€24.28-45.71) on food. Extra classes due to school absenteeism was INR 3100-5700(€ 44.28-81.42) and miscellaneous expenses were INR 2000-8300(€28.57-118.57). A sizeable amount of the annual income was spent on asthma i.e 28.76% on intermittent, 40.99% on mild persistent and 60.64% on moderate persistent. Conclusion: Early referral, diligent counselling, physician and parents education along with good compliance would impart effective control and thereby reduce the economic burden.
Identification of the First Oomycete Mating-type Locus Sequence in the Grapevine Downy Mildew Pathogen, Plasmopara viticola


Mating types are self-incompatibility systems that promote outcrossing in plants, fungi and oomycetes. Mating-type genes have been widely studied in plants and fungi, but have yet to be identified in oomycetes, eukaryotic organisms closely related to brown algae that cause many destructive animal and plant diseases. We identified the mating-type locus of Plasmopara viticola, the oomycete responsible for grapevine downy mildew, one of the most damaging grapevine diseases worldwide. Using a genome-wide association approach, we identified a 570 kb repeat-rich non-recombining region controlling mating types, with two highly divergent alleles. We showed that one mating type was homozygous, whereas the other was heterozygous at this locus. The mating-type locus encompassed 40 genes, including one encoding a putative hormone receptor. Our findings have fundamental implications for our understanding of the evolution of mating types, as they reveal a unique determinism involving an asymmetry of heterozygosity, as in sex chromosomes and unlike other mating-type systems. This identification of the mating-type locus in such an economically important crop pathogen also has applied implications, as outcrossing facilitates rapid evolution and resistance to harsh environmental conditions.
Genomic Risk Prediction of Coronary Artery Disease in 480,000 Adults Implications for Primary Prevention

BACKGROUND Coronary artery disease (CAD) has substantial heritability and a polygenic architecture. However, the potential of genomic risk scores to help predict CAD outcomes has not been evaluated comprehensively, because available studies have involved limited genomic scope and limited sample sizes. OBJECTIVES This study sought to construct a genomic risk score for CAD and to estimate its potential as a screening tool for primary prevention. METHODS Using a meta-analytic approach to combine large-scale, genome-wide, and targeted genetic association data, we developed a new genomic risk score for CAD (metaGRS) consisting of 1.7 million genetic variants. We externally tested metaGRS, both by itself and in combination with available data on conventional risk factors, in 22,242 CAD cases
Identifying the Frequency Dependent Interactions between Ocean Waves and the Continental Margin on Seismic Noise Recordings

This study presents an exploration into identifying the interactions between ocean waves and the continental margin in the origination of double-frequency (DF, 0.1–0.5 Hz) microseisms recorded at 33 stations across East Coast of USA (ECUSA) during a 10-day period of ordinary ocean wave climate. Daily primary vibration directions are calculated in three frequency bands and projected as great circles passing through each station. In each band, the great circles from all stations exhibit largest spatial density primarily near the continental slope in the western North Atlantic Ocean. Generation mechanisms of three DF microseism events are explored by comparing temporal and spatial variations of the DF microseisms with the migration patterns of ocean wave fronts in Wavewatch III hindcasts. Correlation analyses are conducted by comparing the frequency compositions of and calculating the Pearson correlation coefficients between the DF microseisms and the ocean waves recorded at selected buoys. The observations and analyses lead to a hypothesis that the continental slope causes wave reflection, generating low frequency DF energy and that the continental shelf is where high frequency DF energy is mainly generated in ECUSA. The hypothesis is supported by the primary vibration directions being mainly perpendicular to the strike of the continental slope.
A Boundary Forcing Sensitivity Analysis of the West African Monsoon Simulated by the Modèle Atmosphérique Régional

The rainfall regime of West Africa is highly variable over a large range of space and time scales. With rainfall agriculture being predominent in the region, the local population is extremely vulnerable to intraseasonal dry spells and multi-year droughts as well as to intense rainfall over small time steps. Were this variability to increase, it might render the area close from becoming unhabitable. Anticipating any change is thus crucial from both a societal and a scientific perspective. Despite continuous efforts in Global Climate Model (GCM) development, there is still no agreement on the sign of the future rainfall regime change in the region. Regional Climate Models (RCMs) are used for more accurate projections of future changes as well as end-user-oriented impact studies. In this study, the sensitivity of the Modèle Atmosphérique Régional (MAR) to homogeneous perturbations in boundary forcing air temperature and/or SST is assessed with the aim to better understand (i) the thermodynamical imprint of the recent rainfall regime changes and (ii) the impact of errors in driving data on the West African rainfall regime simulated by an RCM. After an evaluation step where the model is proved to satisfactorily simulate the West African Monsoon (WAM), sensitivity experiments display contrasted, sizable and robust responses of the simulated rainfall regime. The rainfall responses to the boundary forcing perturbations compare in magnitude with the intrinsic model bias, giving support for such an analysis. A physical interpretation of the rainfall anomalies provides confidence in the model response consistency and shows the potential of such an experimental protocol for future climate change downscalling over this region.
Endothelial function assessed by peripheral arterial tonometry is not related to cardiovascular risk score in healthy subjects

Background: The majority of first cases of myocardial infarction stem from those classified as intermediate- or low-risk in CV risk prediction calculators. Risk prediction models need to be refined in their capacity to discriminate high-risk from low-risk. Peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT) is a non-invasive method to assess peripheral endothelial function that could potentially improve primary prevention of CVD. We investigated the relation of PAT results to CV risk factors and risk score in a healthy cohort. Methods: PAT measurements were performed on 102 individuals, with no previous history of CAD, attending a Risk Preventive Clinic. Traditional CV risk factors were evaluated and integrated into a CV risk score calculator. Outcome was expressed as absolute and relative 10-year risk of developing CVD. Results: PAT results of reactive hyperemia index (RHI) and augmentation index (AI) had no statistically significant relation to risk score while baseline pulse amplitude was positively correlated with both absolute ( p = 0.02) and relative ( p = 0.02) 10-year risk of developing CVD. Among CV risk factors only heart rate was significantly associated with RHI (r = - 0.24, R 2 = 0.06, p = 0.01). AI and baseline pulse amplitude both correlated with several risk factors. Conclusions: Endothelial dysfunction, as measured by PAT, was not associated with an increased 10-year risk of developing CVD. The relation between endothelial dysfunction and established CV risk factors was limited. Further clinical end point studies are needed to fully comprehend the diagnostic and predictive value of PAT measurements in healthy subjects.
The effect of personalized feedback on listening and reading skills in the learning of EFL

Abstract The present study firstly assesses how students can develop and improve the skills of listening and reading through personalized feedback. Secondly, it evaluates the motivational effects of the use of Audience Response Systems (ARS) in English lessons in comparison with the lessons where these electronic devices are not used. In three sessions, 68 sixth-grade students did exercises of reading and listening based on their errors, while other 68 students–the control group–completed generic activities working on those skills. Clickers, ARS devices, were used in both groups as a tool for gathering students’ answers, and the Reduced Instructional Materials Motivation Survey (RIMMS) was employed to evaluate their influence on students’ motivation in the English subject. The results show that both groups were more motivated with the use of clickers and that the group with personalized feedback improved their receptive skills more than the control one, especially in the general information variables.
Low-frequency hiss-like whistler-mode waves generated by nonlinear three-wave interactions outside the plasmasphere

Whistler-mode waves play an important role in the inner magnetospheric particle dynamics. The direction and efficiency of energy transfer between waves and particles strongly depend on the wave frequency distribution characteristics. Recent observations have drawn attention to the low-frequency whistler-mode chorus waves below 0.1 times the equatorial gyrofrequency f ce of electrons outside the plasmasphere. Here, on the basis of the analysis of the Van Allen Probes wave data, we describe a new type of low-frequency hiss-like whistler-mode wave around or below 0.1 f ce. We show that two normal chorus wave bands split by the 0.5 f ce gap can produce the low-frequency hiss-like whistler-mode waves through the nonlinear three-wave interaction.Whistler-mode waves play an important role in the inner magnetospheric particle dynamics. The direction and efficiency of energy transfer between waves and particles strongly depend on the wave frequency distribution characteristics. Recent observations have drawn attention to the low-frequency whistler-mode chorus waves below 0.1 times the equatorial gyrofrequency f ce of electrons outside the plasmasphere. Here, on the basis of the analysis of the Van Allen Probes wave data, we describe a new type of low-frequency hiss-like whistler-mode wave around or below 0.1 f ce. We show that two normal chorus wave bands split by the 0.5 f ce gap can produce the low-frequency hiss-like whistler-mode waves through the nonlinear three-wave interaction.
Tomato wall-associated kinase SlWak1 acts in an Fls2- and Fls3-dependent manner to promote apoplastic immune responses to Pseudomonas syringae

Wall-associated kinases (Waks) are known to be important components of plant immunity against various pathogens including Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst) although their molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. In tomato, SlWak1 has been implicated in immunity because its transcript abundance increases significantly in leaves after treatment with the flagellin-derived peptides flg22 and flgII-28, which activate the receptors Fls2 and Fls3, respectively. We generated two SlWak1 tomato mutants (Δwak1) using CRISPR/Cas9 and investigated the role of SlWak1 in tomato-Pst interactions. PTI activated in the apoplast by flg22 or flgII-28 was compromised in Δwak1 plants but PTI at the leaf surface was unaffected. The Δwak1 plants developed fewer callose deposits than wild-type plants but retained the ability to generate reactive oxygen species and activate MAPKs in response to flg22 and flgII-28. The induction of Wak1 gene expression by flg22 and flgII-28 was greatly reduced in a tomato mutant lacking Fls2 and Fls3 but induction of Fls3 gene expression by flgII-28 was unaffected in Δwak1 plants. After Pst inoculation, Δwak1 plants developed disease symptoms more slowly than Δfls2. 1/fls2.2/fls3 mutant plants, although both plants ultimately were similarly susceptible. SlWak1 co-immunoprecipitated with both Fls2 and Fls3 independently of flg22/flgII-28 or Bak1. These observations suggest that SlWak1 acts in a complex with Fls2/Fls3 and plays an important role at later stages of the PTI in the apoplast.
Mutual Improvement of 2D Object Detection and 3D Tracking in Optical Navigation

This thesis investigates a combination of visual 3D object trackers and 2D object detectors for mutual improvement in accuracy and runtime. In the light of an application in the field of optical navigation, requirements such as high reliability, real-time capability and general applicability are pursued for the implementation. The combined application builds on the framework of the Integrated Positioning System - a multi-sensor system primarily used for self-localization and environment reconstruction. The developed object tracker approach works on point clouds, represents objects through Intrinsic Shape Signatures and Color Signature of Histograms of Orientations and locates objects using an advanced particle filter. As object detector, the Deep Learning based method YOLOv3 is employed. The semantics and the localization of the object detections are used to restrict the search space during object tracking. In return, the object tracking result is projected back onto the image, to additionally supplement object detections and enhance their precision. The combined method is compared to each separate method using established metrics. The experiments are based on complementary datasets from the real world and 3D simulations. Within both datasets, parameter setups, object classes and environmental scenarios are varied according to different attributes. The results show a faster and more accurate object tracking through the object detections. However, due to lower reliability, the proposed object tracker is not suitable for improving YOLOv3 detections.
Changes in Growth and Photosynthetic Parameters and Medicinal Compounds in Eleutherococcus senticosus Harms under Drought Stress

In this investigation, changes in growth and photosynthetic parameters were used to explain the effects of drought stress on morphology and photosynthesis of Eleutherococcus senticosus. Liquid chromatography (LC)-mass spectroscopy (MS) was used to determine the content of eleutheroside B, eleutheroside E, isofraxidin, hyperoside, rutin, and kaempferol under different drought stress conditions to explain the effects of drought stress on secondary metabolism of Eleuthero. Growth and photosynthetic physiological parameters showed that drought stress could inhibit the growth and photosynthesis of Eleuthero. The compounds studied showed the same cumulative trend in various organs of Eleuthero under different drought stress conditions, with the highest content in the moderate drought stress group and the lowest in the severe drought stress group. Among them, the content of eleutheroside B was found to be higher in the 5-year-old stem. The content of eleutheroside E was higher in the 3-year root. The content of isofraxidin was highest in the 5-year-old root. The content of hyperoside, rutin, and kaempferol were higher in the 3-year-old leaves. The results show that a wet soil environment was beneficial to growth and photosynthesis of Eleutherococcus senticosus, and moderate drought stress is conducive to the accumulation of its active ingredients.
The effect of voice hygiene advices on Imams’ voice during Ramadan

Background Professional voice users are a group of people using their voice for earning of their income. One such important profession is that of the Imams of mosques who excessively recite Quran, especially during Ramadan. This excessive reciting during Ramadan puts them in a great risk for vocal problems. The Imams need an assessment and management for their voice to protect them from the expected voice disorders. Aim The aim of this study was to assess the voice of Imams before and after Ramadan and to study the effect of following the voice hygiene advices during Ramadan on their voice. Study design This was a cross-sectional study conducted to assess the voice of Imams before and after Ramadan. Patients and methods The study included 34 Imams. They were divided into two groups: the first group included 17 Imams who received voice hygiene advices before Ramadan, and the second group included 17 Imams who did not receive voice hygiene advices (the control group). All candidates were subjected to two types of assessment: examination using the VHI (the Arabic modification of voice handicapped index) and multidimensional voice program. Results The group that received voice hygiene advices showed better scores of multidimensional voice program and VHI compared with the control group voice parameters, and some parameters were significantly better or toward normal in post-Ramadan compared with pre-Ramadan assessment. Conclusion and recommendation Voice hygiene advices should be given to a wide scale of Imams as a protective tool for their voices. Voice hygiene advices should be included in any program of voice therapy.
Handbook of Learning from Multiple Representations and Perspectives

This chapter examines comparative studies of experts and novices as a research paradigm that contributed to and benefitted from advances in psychology and the design of educational environments. Specifically, it examines the use of multiple representations and their features by experts and novices in science, technology, engineering, and mathematic (STEM) domains. The chapter looks at ways that multiple representations and representational competence contribute to the understanding and practice of scientists, as well as the ways they present challenges to students of these disciplines. Finally, the chapter draws implications from these studies for the design of educational environments, psychological theory, and future research on the features, function, and use of multiple representations to support understanding and practice.
In vivo assessment of protein quality and safety of meat derived from broilers fed diet supplemented with probiotics used as substitute to antibiotics

In recent years, consumer request for healthy, safe and environmentally friendly produced meat products has put demand on producers [1]. To meet this challenge, attention has been directed toward the use of antibiotics as growth promoters. However, due to growing concern expressed by the public over possible residual effects of antibiotics and the development of drug-resistant bacteria, antibiotics growth promoters have been prohibited and several natural alternative such as probiotics have been evaluated to improve food quality and provide additional health benefits to consumers [2,3].
Theory of Multicomponent Phenomena in Cation-Exchange Membranes: Part II. Transport Model and Validation

Author(s): Crothers, AR; Darling, RM; Kusoglu, A; Radke, CJ; Weber, AZ | Abstract: © 2020 The Author(s). Published on behalf of The Electrochemical Society by IOP Publishing Limited. Multicomponent mass-transport in cation-exchange membranes involves the movement of multiple species whose motion is coupled one to another. This phenomenon mediates the performance of numerous electrochemical and water purification technologies. This work presents and validates against experiment a mathematical model for multicomponent mass transport in phase-separated cation-exchange membranes (e.g., perfluorinated sulfonic-acid ionomers). Stefan-Maxwell-Onsager theory describes concentrated-solution transport. Hydrodynamic theory provides constitutive relations for the solute/solvent, solute/membrane, and solvent/membrane friction coefficients. Classical porous-medium theories scale membrane tortuosity. Electrostatic relaxation creates friction between ions. The model uses calculated ion and solvent partitioning between the external solution and the membrane from Part I of this series and incorporates the corresponding ion speciation into the transport coefficients. The proposed transport model compares favorably to properties (e.g., membrane conductivity, transference numbers, electroosmosis, and permeability) measured in dilute and concentrated aqueous binary and ternary electrolytes. The results reveal that the concentration and type of ions in the external solution alter the solvent volume fraction and viscosity in the hydrophilic pathways of the membrane, changing macroscale ionomer conductivity, permeability, and transference numbers. This work provides a physicochemical framework to predict ion-exchange-membrane performance in multicomponent systems exhibiting coupled transport.