Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Compounds Extracted from Wood on the Quality of Alcoholic Beverages

The production of some alcoholic beverages very often requires the use of wood from various tree species to improve the quality parameters (smell, taste, and color) of the drink. The review discusses the types of wood used in the production of wines, beers, and flavored vodkas. Changes occurring in wood during the process of toasting barrels or wood chips are described. The compounds derived from wood that shape the aroma, taste, and color of alcoholic beverages are presented. Depending on their origin, they were classified into compounds naturally occurring in wood and those formed as a result of the thermal treatment of wood. Next, the influence of the presence of wood on the quality of alcoholic beverages was described, with particular emphasis on wine, beer, whisky, and brandy. The final part of the article presents innovative techniques using wood to impart qualitative features to alcoholic beverages.
A theory of the interstellar medium - Three components regulated by supernova explosions in an inhomogeneous substrate

Supernova explosions in a cloudy interstellar medium produce a three-component medium in which a large fraction of the volume is filled with hot, tenuous gas. In the disk of the galaxy the evolution of supernova remnants is altered by evaporation of cool clouds embedded in the hot medium. Radiative losses are enhanced by the resulting increase in density and by radiation from the conductive interfaces between clouds and hot gas. Mass balance (cloud evaporation rate=dense shell formation rate) and energy balance (supernova shock input=radiation loss) determine the density and temperature of the hot medium with (n, T) = (10/sup -2.5/, 10/sup 5.7/) being representative values. Very small clouds will be rapidly evaporated or swept up. The outer edges of ''standard'' clouds ionized by the diffuse UV and soft X-ray backgrounds provide the warm (approx.10/sup 4/ K) ionized and neutral components. A self-consistent model of the interstellar medium developed herein accounts for the observed pressure of interstellar clouds, the galactic soft X-ray background, the O VI absorption line observations, the ionization and heating of much of the interstellar medium, and the motions of the clouds. In the halo of the galaxy, where the clouds are relatively unimportant, we estimate (n, T)more » = (10/sup -3.3/, 10/sup 6.0/) below one pressure scale height. Energy input from halo supernovae is probably adequate to drive a galactic wind. « less
Bio-Guided Optimization of Cystoseira abies-marina Cosmeceuticals Extraction by Advanced Technologies

Cystoseira abies-marina (reclassified as Gongolaria abies-marina) is a brown seaweed species rich in meroterpenoids, presenting interesting antioxidant, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory activities. However, there is still a lot to uncover regarding the bioactive potential of this species, as evidenced by the lack of records of antiaging activities from Cystoseira abies-marina, making this macroalga an excellent candidate for studies of its cosmeceutical potential. Ultrasound-(UAE) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) are advanced sustainable technologies that are very efficient in enhancing bioactive compound extraction. Applying these extraction techniques to a new biological matrix often calls for optimizing the parameters toward the best extraction yield. Since Cystoseira abies-marina is a new matrix for both UAE and MAE techniques, the present work proposes the optimization of the extraction process, using a novel approach: instead of only focusing on increasing the yield, the goal of this work is to determine the parameters for UAE and MAE that lead to extracts with better antiaging activities. For this bio-guided approach, several Cystoseira abies-marina extracts were prepared by UAE and MAE under varying conditions of solvent, time, and algae/solvent ratios. Their antiaging activities were then determined, and all the results combined to unveil the conditions yielding extracts with higher cosmeceutical potential. Using statistical tools, it was found that, for UAE, the best conditions were ethyl acetate, 15 min, and a ratio of 1:4, which led to an extract with high yield, and causing the strong inhibition of tyrosinase and elastase. In turn, ethanol, 10 min, and a ratio of 1:4 were the best conditions for MAE, leading to the extract with the best antioxidant activity. The results show that the proposed bio-guided approach was effective in obtaining extracts with high cosmeceutical potential, unveiling the possibility of modulating an extract’s activity by changing the extraction method.
Problematika Implementasi Kurikulum Merdeka di SMP Negeri 5 Padang Panjang

This research was conducted with the aim of knowing and describing the problems of implementing the independent curriculum that occurred at SMPN 5 Padang Panjang. This research departs from the background of the many phenomena surrounding the implementation of the independent curriculum and various policies regarding the independent curriculum. The research question raised is how the problems of implementing the independent curriculum at SMPN 5 Padang Panjang are problematic. The research was conducted with a qualitative type of field research. Data was collected by interviewing school principals, curriculum representatives, and teacher councils as well as making observations at SMPN 5 Padang Panjang. The results of these interviews were analyzed and then presented in a descriptive form. The results of this analysis can answer the questions formulated in the research questions. The results of this analysis are in the form of problems in the implementation of the independent curriculum originating from the government in the form of less than optimal guidance and assistance in the implementation of the independent curriculum. In addition, there are also problems originating from teachers in the form of a lack of teacher ability to utilize independent teaching platforms and utilize technology to learn and understand independent curriculum.
The Predictive Factors of Hospital Bankruptcy—An Exploratory Study

The United States healthcare industry has witnessed a number of hospitals declare bankruptcy. This has a meaningful impact on local communities with vast implications on access, cost, and quality of care available. In our research, we seek to determine what contemporary structural and operational factors influence a bankruptcy outcome, and craft predictive models to guide healthcare leaders on how to best avoid bankruptcy in the future. In this exploratory study we performed, a single-year cross-sectional analysis of short-term acute care hospitals in the United States and subsequently developed three predictive models: logistic regression, a linear support vector machine (SVM) model with hinge function, and a perceptron neural network. Data sources include Definitive Healthcare and Becker’s Hospital Review 2019 report with 3121 observations of 32 variables with 27 observed bankruptcies. The three models consistently indicate that 18 variables have a significant impact on predicting hospital bankruptcy. Currently, there is limited literature concerning financial forecasting models and knowledge detailing the factors associated with hospital bankruptcy. By having tailored knowledge of predictive factors to establish a sound financial structure, healthcare institutions at large can be empowered to take proactive steps to avoid financial distress at the organizational level and ensure long-term financial viability.
Modeling Students' Self-Efficacy in Mathematics during the Covid-19 Pandemic

Self-efficacy in learning mathematics helps the student to overcome difficulties and challenges in problem-solving during unprecedented times. This article aims to measure the level of students' self-efficacy and its determinants during the COVID-19 pandemic in learning mathematics online. The study considered primary data from 233 students selected in a non-random approach at Visayas State University, Baybay City, Leyte, Philippines through the aid of an online survey. The data were analyzed using some descriptive statistics calculation and regression analysis was used to model the students' self-efficacy and its factors. Results showed that, on average, the students' self-efficacy level is considered "moderate" amidst the pandemic. This means that most of these students are still having mathematical anxiety and experiencing hindrances in achieving good academic performance in mathematics online. The statistical model revealed that the demographic and learning profile of students is not significantly influencing the level of self-efficacy. In addition to that, the mathematics teachers' intervention has shown also an insignificant influence on the students' self-efficacy. In conclusion, students during the pandemic are having difficulty adopting a new type of learning (distant/online) due to their moderate level of self-efficacy. Hence, the study recommends that teachers must make the learning environment exciting and interesting to boost the students' motivation and self-efficacy in doing their mathematics tasks. Furthermore, teachers must give mathematics activities that are suitable and doable for online learning that enhances students' creative thinking.
Neutral hydrogen observations of a large sample of galaxies.

A sample of 1787 nearby galaxies has been observed in the 21 cm line with the NRAO 91 m and 43 m telescopes and the Bonn 100 m telescope. A total of 1171 galaxies were detected. The radio observations provide an accurate heliocentric velocity, an H I flux, and a line profile width for each detection. Literature optical magnitudes, dimensions, and morphological types are reduced to common systems and tabulated. Intrinsic luminosities, dimensions, H I masses, and total masses are determined, assuming distances derived from redshifts.
Exponential stabilization for carbon nanotubes modeled as Timoshenko beams with thermoelastic effects

In this article we consider the problem of heat conduction in carbon nanotubes modeled like Timoshenko beams, inspired by the work of J. Yoon \textit{et al.} (Composites Part B: Engineering, \textbf{35}(2), 87--93. 2004). Using the theory of semigroups of linear operators, we prove the well-posedness of the problem and the exponential stabilization of the total energy of the system of differential equations, partially damped, without assuming the known relationship of equality of wave velocities. Furthermore, we analyze the fully discrete problem using a finite difference scheme, introduced by a spatiotemporal discretization that combines explicit and implicit integration methods. We show the construction of numerical energy and simulations that prove our theoretical exponential decay results and display the convergence rates.
Can Anthropomorphic Slogans Awaken Tourists’ Environmental Responsibility Behavior? Experimental Study Based on Frame Effect Perspective

The sustainable development of scenic spots have attracted much attention in academic circles, and the influence mechanism of anthropomorphic information framework to guide tourists to enhance environmental responsibility behavior is not clear. Based on the framework theory and prospect theory, the study constructed a theoretical model of anthropomorphic information framework acting on environmental responsibility behavior. The results of three experimental studies showed that: (1) The anthropomorphic information framework could significantly improve tourists’ environmental responsibility behavior, and compared with the positive anthropomorphic information framework, the negative anthropomorphic information framework can significantly improve tourists’ environmental responsibility behavior. (2) Natural empathy played an intermediary role between anthropomorphic information framework and tourists’ environmental responsibility behavior. (3) Self-construal moderated the relationship between anthropomorphic information framework and tourists’ environmental responsibility behavior. Among the interdependent tourists, compared with the positive anthropomorphic information framework, the negative anthropomorphic information framework was more likely to produce stronger environmental responsibility behavior and natural empathy. Among independent tourists, tourists’ environmental responsibility behavior and natural empathy generated by negative anthropomorphic information and positive anthropomorphic information were not significant. Through the above findings, we hope to improve the management level of tourist attractions.
Epichloë Endophytes Shape the Foliar Endophytic Fungal Microbiome and Alter the Auxin and Salicylic Acid Phytohormone Levels in Two Meadow Fescue Cultivars

Plants harbor a large diversity of endophytic microbes. Meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis) is a cool-season grass known for its symbiotic relationship with the systemic and vertically—via seeds—transmitted fungal endophyte Epichloë uncinata, yet its effects on plant hormones and the microbial community is largely unexplored. Here, we sequenced the endophytic bacterial and fungal communities in the leaves and roots, analyzing phytohormone concentrations and plant performance parameters in Epichloë-symbiotic (E+) and Epichloë-free (E-) individuals of two meadow fescue cultivars. The endophytic microbial community differed between leaf and root tissues independent of Epichloë symbiosis, while the fungal community was different in the leaves of Epichloë-symbiotic and Epichloë-free plants in both cultivars. At the same time, Epichloë symbiosis decreased salicylic acid and increased auxin concentrations in leaves. Epichloë-symbiotic plants showed higher biomass and higher seed mass at the end of the season. Our results demonstrate that Epichloë symbiosis alters the leaf fungal microbiota, which coincides with changes in phytohormone concentrations, indicating that Epichloë endophytes affect both plant immune responses and other fungal endophytes. Whether the effect of Epichloë endophytes on other fungal endophytes is connected to changes in phytohormone concentrations remains to be elucidated.
Biocompatibility and Antimicrobial Activity of Electrospun Fibrous Materials Based on PHB and Modified with Hemin

The effect of the hemin (Hmi) on the structure and properties of nanocomposite electrospun materials based on poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) is discussed in the article. The additive significantly affected the morphology of fibers allowed to produce more elastic material and provided high antimicrobial activity. The article considers also the impact of the hemin on the biocompatibility of the nonwoven material based on PHB and the prospects for wound healing.
Removal of single dye and dye mixture from aqueous solution with alginate-coated calcined layered double hydroxide and illite clay composite beads

ABSTRACT Alginate-coated calcined layered double hydroxide and illite clay (Alg@CLDH@ Illite) composite beads were fabricated and tested for single and mixture dye adsorption from aqueous solution. Adsorption characteristics of the as-fabricated beads were assessed by using Methylene Blue (MB) and Congo Red (CR) as adsorbates. As-prepared samples were characterised by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetry/Differential Scanning Calorimetry (TG–DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and point of zero charge (pHpzc). The characterisations demonstrated that the incorporation of CLDH powder/clay mixture can not only enhance thermal stability but also can improve the adsorption performance. The adsorption kinetics of dyes onto composite beads followed the linear form of pseudo-second-order model and their equilibrium data were fitted well to the Freundlich model. The results showed that the Alg@CLDH@Illite composite is able to adsorb anionic and cationic dyes from a binary dye mixture with high sorption capacities in short time 50 min.
Continuous streamflow prediction in ungauged basins: long short-term memory neural networks clearly outperform traditional hydrological models

Abstract. This study investigates the ability of long short-term memory (LSTM) neural networks to perform streamflow prediction at ungauged basins. A set of state-of-the-art, hydrological model-dependent regionalization methods are applied to 148 catchments in northeast North America and compared to an LSTM model that uses the exact same available data as the hydrological models. While conceptual model-based methods attempt to derive parameterizations at ungauged sites from other similar or nearby catchments, the LSTM model uses all available data in the region to maximize the information content and increase its robustness. Furthermore, by design, the LSTM does not require explicit definition of hydrological processes and derives its own structure from the provided data. The LSTM networks were able to clearly outperform the hydrological models in a leave-one-out cross-validation regionalization setting on most catchments in the study area, with the LSTM model outperforming the hydrological models in 93 % to 97 % of catchments depending on the hydrological model. Furthermore, for up to 78 % of the catchments, the LSTM model was able to predict streamflow more accurately on pseudo-ungauged catchments than hydrological models calibrated on the target data, showing that the LSTM model's structure was better suited to convert the meteorological data and geophysical descriptors into streamflow than the hydrological models even calibrated to those sites in these cases. Furthermore, the LSTM model robustness was tested by varying its hyperparameters, and still outperformed hydrological models in regionalization in almost all cases. Overall, LSTM networks have the potential to change the regionalization research landscape by providing clear improvement pathways over traditional methods in the field of streamflow prediction in ungauged catchments.
Prevalence and Management of Phytopathogenic Seed-Borne Fungi of Maize

Seed-borne fungi are solemn and deleterious pathogens capable of causing significant losses of quantity and quality losses in maize seeds and seedlings. They infect the crop at all points of the production chain from farms to stores. A yield loss of up to 50% can be encountered. Currently, chemical control of the disease is being implemented, though it is accompanied by several negative effects. This study aimed at identifying seed-borne fungi of maize and effective management options. A deep-freezing blotter method and morphological identification of the fungal species were implemented. The seed-borne fungi detected were Fusarium verticillioides, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium spp. , Rhizopus spp. , and Curvularia spp. However, in farmer-saved seeds, fungal incidences were significantly higher (p < 0.01) than in certified seeds. To identify more effective management options, the efficacy of water and ethanol-extracted bio-fungicides from three plant species, namely, neem (Azadirachta indica), ginger (Zingiber officinale), and coffee (Coffea arabica) were evaluated. From in vitro assays, ethanol-extracted bio-fungicides have a 100% inhibitory effect on fungal growth, whilst the inhibitory effects of water-extracted bio-fungicides are 55.88% (Azadirachta indica) and 46.31% (Zingiber officinale), followed by 5.15% (Coffea arabica). For the case of an in vivo assay, maize seeds treated with water-extracted bio-fungicides have higher seed germination and seedling vigor percentages. For germination, seeds treated with water-extracted bio-fungicides have higher percentages (neem and ginger (90%) followed by coffee (72.5%)) than ethanol-extracted bio-fungicides (neem (0%), ginger (2.5%), and coffee (0%)). A similar observation is made for seedling weight. Therefore, the tested water-extracted bio-fungicides can be used in treating seeds before sowing them. Further studies on effective methods of extracting bioactive compounds, and improving their shelf life, are recommended.
Do Large Estates Benefit Smallholder Neighbours? Evidence from Malawi

Abstract We examine spillovers from agricultural estates to Malawian smallholders within an econometric counterfactual framework. We consider economic spillovers such as income, as well as agrarian spillovers such as yields, harvests, and crop diversity. We identify long-run effects of large agricultural investments on small-scale farmers. For the location of large estates, we use a novel OpenStreetMap dataset, while data on smallholder’s stems from a household survey. We provide evidence for the importance of the distance threshold for spillovers, and explore multiple thresholds. In proximity to estates we find higher groundnut and pigeon pea yields and increased crop diversity. In very close proximity, incomes are also higher. Area under cultivation in total and for maize are smaller for nearby households, while maize yields are not significantly different. Overall, our results suggest that policies should aim to leverage the increased crop diversity and groundnut yields while mitigating potential detrimental effects arising from reduced cultivated land.
Role of Trailing-Edge Vortices on the Hawkmothlike Flapping Wing

A time-course force measurement and time-resolved particle image velocimetry study were conducted to investigate the unsteady characteristics of an insect wing. In most cases, the tendencies of the aerodynamic forces in the stroke phase were extremely similar to the stroke velocity profiles, which indicated the appositeness of the steady aerodynamic model. The time-course forces showed that the wing–wake interaction appeared in temporally and spatially restricted sections right after the stroke reversal. The time-resolved particle image velocimetry taken near the stroke reversal demonstrated the vortex-dominated flowfields including the leading-edge vortex and the trailing-edge vortices. This was in contrast to the middle of the stroke, which only had a stable leading-edge vortex. The results showed that the unsteadiness was highly associated with the trailing-edge vortex structures. In particular, the wing–wake interaction were substantially influenced by the behavior of the number 2 trailing-edge vortex.
Nondestructive testing of externally reinforced structures for seismic retrofitting using flax fiber reinforced polymer (FFRP) composites

Natural fibers constitute an interesting alternative to synthetic fibers, e.g. glass and carbon, for the production of composites due to their environmental and economic advantages. The strength of natural fiber composites is on average lower compared to their synthetic counterparts. Nevertheless, natural fibers such as flax, among other bast fibers (jute, kenaf, ramie and hemp), are serious candidates for seismic retrofitting applications given that their mechanical properties are more suitable for dynamic loads. Strengthening of structures is performed by impregnating flax fiber reinforced polymers (FFRP) fabrics with epoxy resin and applying them to the component of interest, increasing in this way the load and deformation capacities of the building, while preserving its stiffness and dynamic properties. The reinforced areas are however prompt to debonding if the fabrics are not mounted properly. Nondestructive testing is therefore required to verify that the fabric is uniformly installed and that there are no air gaps or foreign materials that could instigate debonding. In this work, the use of active infrared thermography was investigated for the assessment of (1) a laboratory specimen reinforced with FFRP and containing several artificial defects; and (2) an actual FFRP retrofitted masonry wall in the Faculty of Engineering of the University of L’Aquila (Italy) that was seriously affected by the 2009 earthquake. Thermographic data was processed by advanced signal processing techniques, and post-processed by computing the watershed lines to locate suspected areas. Results coming from the academic specimen were compared to digital speckle photography and holographic interferometry images.