Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Geoarchaeology: Where Geosciences Meet the Humanities to Reconstruct Past Human–Environment Interactions. An Application to the Coastal Areas of the Largest Mediterranean Islands

The study of past Human–Environment interactions has long been seen at a very local scale, that of sites of human occupation. Geoarchaeology differs from the traditional concepts of Environmental Archaeology and Landscape Archaeology in this respect since it adopts a different spatial resolution based on the development of multidisciplinary research at the scale of geographical, geological or geomorphological features. In this paper, we aim to contribute to the definition of coastal geoarchaeology where environmental holistic studies can be developed, thus integrating both continental and marine dynamics. A specific application is realized here for the largest Mediterranean islands where heterogeneity can be observed in research over the last decades. For this reason, we divide the Mediterranean Basin into four areas in order to review the main works conducted. In general, investigating coastal environments represents an exciting opportunity to reconstruct past landscapes and to evidence the long-term history of human occupation and land use by employing a wide range of proxies. We focus in particular on the coastal wetlands of Corsica, where a large number of lagoons have been cored since the early 2010s. Multiproxy laboratory analyses reveal a history of the complex relationships between past human societies and their environments which is complementary to existing archaeological studies.
A Survey of Hypersonic Near Wake Studies

The complicated time-dependent flow in the wake of a blunt based body at low speeds is a well known phenomenon, but drastic changes in the wake structure occur as speeds increase. Somewhere in the transonic regime, the periodic vortex shedding ceases, and at supersonic Mach numbers a steady flow pattern is established. The boundary layer on the body separates to form a free shear layer, the two layers from opposite sides of the body meeting at the so-called neck of the wake. Downstream of this point, the viscous wake persists for many hundreds of body diameters, and the term “far wake” is usually taken to refer to downstream distances greater than about ten body diameters. The neck of a hypersonic wake occurs typically one or two diameters from the base, and marks the downstream end of what is often known as the base flow region; this region includes a low speed, recirculating flow bounded by the shear layers and the base wall. Between the base and somewhere a few body diameters beyond the neck, the flow field is known as the near wake, and forms the subject of this survey.
Assessment of Effect of Load Models on Loss-of-Life Calculation of a Transformer Using a Point Estimation Method

Abstract The study of the impact of load models on transformer insulation life is essential for the truthful aging calculation. In most of the studies related to the assessment of transformer aging, distribution loads are treated as constant power type. However, the practical loads are of mix type (combination of constant power, constant current, constant impedance). Moreover, the residential, commercial, and industrial loads comprise the different percentages of constant power, constant current, and constant impedance loads. In this article, different load models are investigated to quantify their impact on the aging calculation of a transformer under various loading scenarios and environmental conditions. The study includes different classes of the loads with corresponding load shapes, ambient temperatures, determined for a typical week of each season. It considers highly unbalanced transformer loading conditions and network configurations. The study also considers the effect of harmonics on the transformer aging. Aging acceleration rate and percentage loss of life of the substation transformer connected to IEEE 13-bus system have been calculated for different loading and climatic conditions. The same procedure has been adopted for the modified IEEE 123-bus system, and the trends of the results have been compared with the IEEE 13-bus system. It has been shown that the load models make a considerable effect on life calculation of a transformer. Therefore, selection of an appropriate load model is important for accurate estimation of aging of a transformer.
Classical command of quantum systems via rigidity of CHSH games

Can a classical system command a general adversarial quantum system to realize arbitrary quantum dynamics? If so, then we could realize the dream of device-independent quantum cryptography: using untrusted quantum devices to establish a shared random key, with security based on the correctness of quantum mechanics. It would also allow for testing whether a claimed quantum computer is truly quantum. Here we report a technique by which a classical system can certify the joint, entangled state of a bipartite quantum system, as well as command the application of specific operators on each subsystem. This is accomplished by showing a strong converse to Tsirelson's optimality result for the Clauser-Horne-Shimony-Holt (CHSH) game: the only way to win many games is if the bipartite state is close to the tensor product of EPR states, and the measurements are the optimal CHSH measurements on successive qubits. This leads directly to a scheme for device-independent quantum key distribution. Control over the state and operators can also be leveraged to create more elaborate protocols for reliably realizing general quantum circuits.
Objective Bayesian Variable Selection for Censored Data

The aim of survival analysis is to explain and predict the survival, usually defined along the time domain. In this work we study it by means of regression models. In statistical data analysis it is common to consider the regression set up in which a given response variable depends on some factors and/or covariates. The model selection problem mainly consists in choosing the covariates which better explain the dependent variable in a precise and hopefully fast manner. This process usually has several steps: the first one is to collect considerations from an expert about the set of covariates, then the statistician derives a prior on model parameters and constructs a tool to solve the model selection problem. We consider the model selection problem in survival analysis when the response variable is the time to event. Under an objective Bayesian approach, some commonly used tools in literature are the Intrinsic Bayes factor (IBF) and the Fractional Bayes factor (FBF). In this thesis we deal with the variable selection problem for censored data.
Investigation of a Practical Convex-Optimization-Based Sensorless Scheme for IPMSM Drives

This paper presents a practical convex-optimization-based sensorless scheme for interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM) drives. The proposed sensorless scheme simplifies the optimization process that employs only one variable as compared with two variables in the existing optimization-based methods. The reduction in variables substantially reduces the computational burden in the proposed scheme and, hence, is suitable for practical applications. Additionally, the proposed algorithm is able to estimate the rotor position regardless of the pattern of the high-frequency (HF) injected signal under low-speed conditions. This characteristic has been investigated in this paper where three typical HF injection patterns are compared. The performance of the proposed scheme is experimentally validated.
Recent Advances in PGPR and Molecular Mechanisms Involved in Drought Stress Tolerance

Increased severity of droughts, due to anthropogenic activities and global warming has imposed a severe threat on agricultural productivity ever before. This has further advanced the need for some eco-friendly approaches to ensure global food security. In this regard, application of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) can be beneficial. PGPR through various mechanisms viz. osmotic adjustments, increased antioxidant, phytohormone production, regulating stomatal conductivity, increased nutrient uptake, releasing Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and Exo-polysaccharide (EPS) production, etc not only ensures the plant’s survival during drought but also augment its growth. This review, extensively discusses the various mechanisms of PGPR in drought stress tolerance. We have also summarized the recent molecular and omics-based approaches for elucidating the role of drought responsive genes. The manuscript presents an in-depth mechanistic approach to combat the drought stress and also deals with designing PGPR based bioinoculants. Lastly, we present a possible sequence of steps for increasing the success rate of bioinoculants.
Personalizing Direct Oral Anticoagulant Therapy for a Diverse Population: Role of Race, Kidney Function, Drug Interactions, and Pharmacogenetics

Oral anticoagulants (OACs) are commonly used to reduce the risk of venous thromboembolism and the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. Endorsed by the American Heart Association, American College of Cardiology, and the European Society of Cardiology, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have displaced warfarin as the OAC of choice for both conditions, due to improved safety profiles, fewer drug–drug and drug–diet interactions, and lack of monitoring requirements. Despite their widespread use and improved safety over warfarin, DOAC‐related bleeding remains a major concern for patients. DOACs have stable pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics; however, variability in DOAC response is common and may be attributed to numerous factors, including patient‐specific factors, concomitant medications, comorbid conditions, and genetics. Although DOAC randomized controlled trials included patients of varying ages and levels of kidney function, they failed to include patients of diverse ancestries. Additionally, current evidence to support DOAC pharmacogenetic associations have primarily been derived from European and Asian individuals. Given differences in genotype frequencies and disease burden among patients of different biogeographic groups, future research must engage diverse populations to assess and quantify the impact of predictors on DOAC response. Current under‐representation of patients from diverse racial groups does not allow for proper generalization of the influence of clinical and genetic factors in relation to DOAC variability. Herein, we discuss factors affecting DOAC response, such as age, sex, weight, kidney function, drug interactions, and pharmacogenetics, while offering a new perspective on the need for further research including frequently excluded groups.
Interventions for attempted suicide

Purpose of review Suicide is a major, global, public health issue. Those who attempt suicide represent a high-risk subgroup for eventual death by suicide. We provide an update on emerging evidence for interventions for attempted suicide to reduce subsequent suicidal behavior. Recent findings Major approaches that have been examined recently include pharmacological, psychosocial, brief active contact and outreach interventions, and digitally driven interventions. Notwithstanding the limited evidence base for most of these approaches, brief contact and follow-up interventions appear to have more robust effects on reduction of repeat suicidal behavior, including attempts; such approaches may have especial significance in emergency settings because of their brevity. Digital interventions for self-harm appear promising in the short-term whereas the evidence for pharmacological and psychosocial strategies remain inconclusive. Summary Although current evidence supports the use of brief interventions, contact, and outreach for reducing risk of subsequent suicide attempts and suicidal behavior, there are large gaps and limitations in the evidence base related to trial design, lack of long-term efficacy data, and implementational challenges. More robustly designed long-term trials that examine integrated intervention approaches with well defined outcomes are needed to develop recommendations in this area.
Disruption of vitamin A homeostasis by the biocide tetrakis(hydroxymethyl) phosphonium sulphate in pregnant rabbits

The biocide tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium sulphate (THPS) and other members of the tetrakis(hydroxymethyl) phosphonium salts (THPX) family are associated with liver toxicity in several mammalian species and teratogenicity in rabbits. Malformations include skeletal changes and abnormalities in eye development and are very similar to those seen with vitamin A deficiency or excess. For this reason, it was hypothesized that teratogenicity of THPS(X) might be attributed to disturbances in retinol availability and/or metabolism as a result of maternal toxicity, for example, either due to insufficient dietary intake by the mothers or due to liver toxicity. Therefore, in the present study, liver toxicity and vitamin A homeostasis were studied in pregnant rabbits that were exposed to 13.8 or 46.0 mg/kg THPS during organogenesis and in precision‐cut liver slices of rats and rabbits exposed to 0–70 μM THPS. Results show that in vivo exposure to THPS leads to a marked reduction of food intake, increased plasma concentrations of γ‐glutamytransferase, degenerative changes in the liver and to changes in retinoid content in liver and plasma in the rabbits during organogenesis. In addition, THPS, both in vivo and ex vivo, caused a change in expression of proteins related to vitamin A metabolism and transport. Together, these observations could explain the birth defects observed in earlier teratogenicity studies.
Evaluation of an Anhydrous Permeation-Enhancing Vehicle for Percutaneous Absorption of Hormones

The efficiency and safety of hormone delivery through the skin partly depend on the appropriate choice of vehicle and the type of formulation. The present study reports the skin cytotoxicity, irritancy, and safety of a newly developed anhydrous permeation-enhancing base (APEB) and the percutaneous absorption of progesterone, testosterone, estriol, and estradiol in APEB formulations. Using the human skin EpiDerm model, cell death was not observed after 4 h of exposure to APEB and was 48% after 24 h, indicating its mild to non-irritating property. APEB did not change the expression level of skin cell proliferation markers including PCNA, MCL-1, iNOS, and NFκB proteins, and apoptosis was minimal after 8-h exposure. The in vivo skin irritation and sensitization evaluation of APEB using a Human Repeat Insult Patch Test showed no adverse reaction of any kind during the course of the study. These results indicate the safety of APEB on skin tissues. The hormone percutaneous absorption was performed using human cadaver abdomen skin tissues and the Franz diffusion system, and hormone concentrations were determined by ELISA. Absorption was observed as early as 2 h of application and accumulated after 24 h to 2851 ± 66 ng/cm2, 2338 ± 594 ng/cm2, 55 ± 25 ng/cm2, and 341 ± 122 ng/cm2 for progesterone, testosterone, estriol, and estradiol, respectively. A steady flux rate of absorption of the hormones was observed within 24 h of application. These results suggest that APEB can be used as a vehicle to deliver these hormones through the skin and into the bloodstream for hormone replacement therapy.
Safety and efficacy of molnupiravir in SARS‐CoV‐2‐infected patients: A real‐life experience

Since the start of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) pandemic, several treatments have been proposed to cure coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) and prevent it. Molnupiravir is a ribonucleoside prodrug of N‐hydroxycytidine with an in vitro and in vivo activity against SARS‐CoV‐2. We conducted a retrospective cohort study that included all people treated with molnupiravir between January 10, 2022, and March 31, 2022, at the University Hospital of Sassari. Molnupiravir was prescribed, according to the Italian Agency of Drug indications, to patients with recent symptom onset (≤5 days), no need for oxygen supplementation, and with a high risk of disease progression for the presence of chronic diseases. We included 192 people with a mean age of 70.4 ± 15.4 years, with 144 (75%) patients over 60 years. During the follow‐up, 20 (10.4%) patients showed a disease progression. At the multivariate analysis, older age, having neurological disease, having dyspnea at the onset of the symptoms, and acquiring SARS‐CoV‐2 infection during hospital admission were associated with an increased risk of progression. In contrast, an early start of treatment was associated with a reduced risk of disease progression. Molnupiravir was also extremely safe since 13 (6.8%) adverse events were reported, with only one interruption. Our study shows that monlupiravir confirmed its efficacy and safety in a real‐life cohort that included a high percentage of elderly people with a high comorbidity burden.
Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emission Component Behavior as a Function of Primary Frequency Ratio and Primary Level

Objectives: Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) are composed of distortion and reflection components. Much is known about the influence of the stimulus frequency ratio (f2/f1) on the overall/composite DPOAE level. However, the influence of f2/f1 on individual DPOAE components is not as well examined. The goals of this pilot study were to systematically evaluate the effects of f2/f1 on DPOAE components in clinically normal-hearing young adult ears. To extend the limited reports in the literature, this examination was carried out over an extended frequency range using two stimulus-level combinations. Design: DPOAEs were recorded from seven normal-hearing, young adult ears for f2 frequencies between 0.75 and 16 kHz over a range of f2/f1 using two stimulus-level combinations. The distortion (DPOAED) and reflection (DPOAER) components were separated using an inverse fast Fourier transform algorithm. Optimal ratios for the composite DPOAE and DPOAE components were determined from smoothed versions of level versus ratio functions in each case. Results: The optimal ratio for the composite DPOAE level increased with stimulus level and decreased as a function of frequency above 1 kHz. The optimal ratios for the DPOAE components followed a similar trend, decreasing with increasing frequency. The optimal ratio for DPOAED was generally higher than that for DPOAER. The overall level for DPOAED was greater than that of DPOAER, both decreasing with increasing frequency. DPOAER, but not DPOAED, became unrecordable above the noise floor at the higher frequencies. Conclusions: DPOAE components behave similarly but not identically as a function of f2/f1. The ear canal DPOAE is generally dominated by DPOAED. The behavior of DPOAED as a function of f2/f1 is entirely consistent with known properties of cochlear mechanics. The behavior of DPOAER is more variable across ears, perhaps reflective of the increased number of parameters that influence its final form. Attempting to use an f2/f1 that would allow a greater bias of the ear canal DPOAE toward one component or the other does not appear to be practical.
Birth Center Breastfeeding Rates

Abstract Introduction: Breastfeeding rates in the United States fall short of national targets and are marked by racial and ethnic disparities. Birth centers are associated with high rates of breastfeeding initiation and duration, yet no systematic review has compiled reported birth center breastfeeding data. Methods: A PRISMA-guided literature review was conducted in CINAHL, PubMed, and Web of Science to retrieve quantitative studies that reported breastfeeding data in birth centers. Inclusion criteria focused on English language studies published since 2011 with breastfeeding outcomes from birth centers in the United States. Results: Ten studies were included for analysis. Breastfeeding rates that exceeded actual and target national breastfeeding rates were reported among all 10 studies. Characteristics about breastfeeding outcomes were reported heterogeneously across the studies, which included a range of breastfeeding timepoints (immediately postpartum up to 6 weeks postpartum) and definitions of breastfeeding. Discussion: Although breastfeeding rates reported in birth centers are higher than national breastfeeding rates and targets, authors of the included studies did not explore or analyze these rates in-depth. Developing standard definitions and data collection may enhance research about breastfeeding outcomes in birth centers. Clinical Implications: Giving birth in a birth center is associated with higher than national breastfeeding rates. Breastfeeding rates in the United States fall short of national targets and are marked by racial and ethnic disparities. There are limited data on birth center breastfeeding rates. In this PRISMA-guided literature review, breastfeeding rates that exceeded actual and target national breastfeeding rates were reported among all studies of birth centers. Giving birth in a birth center is associated with higher than national breastfeeding rates.
IgM‐enriched immunoglobulin as adjuvant therapy for heart transplant after infection of left ventricular assist devices

Patients undergoing heart transplantation (HTx) with active infection of left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) are at high risk for postoperative infections. Between 2021 and 2022, five (P1–P5) of a total of n = 44 patients underwent HTx in our department while suffering from LVAD infection. Postoperatively, patients received adjuvant IgM‐enriched human intravenous immunoglobulin (IGM‐IVIG), consisting of 76% IgG, 12% IgM, and 12% IgA as a novel approach to prevent infective complications. While in P1, P2, and P4, LVAD driveline infection was known before HTx; in P3 and P5, abscess of device pocket was found incidentally during HTx. After a single dose of IGM‐IVIG, all patients showed adequate rise in serum immunoglobulins. In the postoperative course, no patient developed infective complications. All patients were successfully discharged and in good condition at the last follow‐up. Therefore, IGM‐IVIG seems to be an effective adjuvant treatment for patients undergoing HTx with LVAD infections.
Interaction of graphene with Au n clusters: a first-principles study

The interaction between Au n (n = 1–6) clusters and graphene is studied using first-principles simulations, based on density functional theory. The computed binding energy between Au n and graphene depends on the number of atoms in the cluster and lies between −0.6 eV and −1.7 eV, suggesting (weak) chemisorption of the clusters on graphene, rather than physisorption. Overall, the electronic properties, spin–orbit interaction and spin texture, as well as the transport properties of graphene strongly depend on the precise size of the Au n clusters. Doping of graphene is predicted for clusters with an odd number of Au atoms, due to overlap between Au s and carbon pz states close to the Fermi level. On the other hand, there is no charge transfer between even size Au clusters and graphene, but a gap is formed at the Dirac cone, due to the breaking of the pseudo spin inversion symmetry of graphene’s lattice. The adsorbed Au n clusters induce spin–orbit interactions as well as spin and pseudo spin interactions in graphene, as indicated by the splitting of the electronic band structure. A hedgehog spin texture is also predicted for adsorbed clusters with an even number of Au atoms. Ballistic transport simulations are performed to study the influence of the adsorbed clusters on graphene’s electronic transport properties. The influence of the cluster on the electron transmission across the structure depends on the mixing of the valence orbitals in the transport energy window. In the specific case of the Au3/graphene system, the adsorbed clusters reduce the transmission and the conductance of graphene. The Au3 clusters act as ‘scattering centers’ for charge carriers, in agreement with recent experimental studies.