Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Welded Lap Joints Using Ultrasonic Guided Waves

Welded lap joints play a vital role in a wide range of engineering structures such as pipelines, storage tanks, pressure vessels, and ship hulls. This study aims to investigate the propagation of ultrasonic guided waves in steel welded lap joints for the baseline-free inspection of joint defects using the mode conversion of Lamb waves. The finite element method was used to simulate a single lap joint with common defects such as corrosion and disbonding. To identify the propagating wave modes, a wavenumber–frequency analysis was conducted using the 2D fast Fourier transform. The power loss of the transmitted modes was also determined to identify damage in the lap joints. The results indicate that the A0 incident in pristine conditions experienced significant transmission losses of about 9.5 dB compared to an attenuation of 2.8 dB for the S0 incident. The presence of corrosion was found to reduce these transmission losses by more than 28%. In contrast, introducing disbonding in the lap joint increased the transmission loss of the S0 incident, while a negligible loss was observed for the A0 incident. The mode-converted S0 (MC-S) and mode-converted A0 (MC-A0) incidents were found to exhibit a unique sensitivity to the presence of corrosion and disbonding. The results indicate that MC-S0 and MC-A0 as well as Lamb mode incidents interact differently in terms of corrosion and disbonding, providing a means to identify damage without relying on baseline signals.
The relationship between nature exposure and depression among Chinese prisoners: a moderated mediation model

Aim This study examined the association between self-reported nature exposure and depression among Chinese prisoners, as well as the mediating and moderating effects of meaning in life and callous-unemotional (CU) traits, respectively. Background Prisoners are more likely to experience depression than any other mental illness. Exposure to nature has been proposed as a highly cost-effective method of treating their depressive symptoms. However, the mechanism underlying the link between nature exposure and depression among prisoners needs further investigation, as the findings may provide new insights into how to address depression in incarcerated populations. Method Data were collected through a survey conducted in four prisons in southern China from April to May 2022. The participants were 574 prisoners who anonymously completed four questionnaires about nature exposure, meaning in life, depression, and CU traits. Results The results show that: (1) meaning in life significantly mediates the association between nature exposure and depression, and (2) CU traits moderate the connection between nature exposure and meaning in life. Conclusion The current study uncovered that prisoners who contact more with the natural environment have a higher meaning in life and lower depression, and individuals with higher CU traits can benefit more from nature exposure.
Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes and Prognostic Factors in Hepatitis B Virus Patients with Intrahepatic Cholestasis During Pregnancy

Background : We conducted this study to investigate adverse pregnancy outcomes of hepatitis B virus infection coexistng with intra-hepatic cholestasis in pregnant women, along with identifying associated risk factors. Methods : We retrospectively collected study data from Beijing Youan Hospital in China spanning January 2014 to December 2021. The study included 220 patients, divided into two groups: Group I consisted of 110 patients with hepatitis B virus infection and intrahepatic cholestasis during pregnancy, while Group II comprised 110 patients with hepatitis B virus infection alone. Maternal demographics, laboratory values, obstetric complications, and adverse pregnancy outcomes were collected and analyzed between Groups I and II. To investigate the features of hepatitis B virus infection with intrahepatic cholestasis in pregnancy patients further, we also evaluated risk factors of adverse pregnancy outcomes in Group I. Results : Adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth ( < 37 weeks (w)), postpartum hemorrhage, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, neonatal asphyxia, neonate intensive care unit admission and small for gestational age rates were significantly increased for Group I compared with Group II ( p < 0.05). In hepatitis B virus infection patients with intrahepatic cholestasis during pregnancy, elevated total serum bile acids independently correlated with six adverse pregnancy outcomes. Conclusions : Pregnant patients with both hepatitis B virus infection and intrahepatic cholestasis experienced a higher occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes compared to those with Hepatitis B virus infection alone. Total serum bile acids were an independent risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes in Hepatitis B virus infection with intrahepatic cholestasis during pregnancy. Clinical Trial Registration : The study was registered with https://classic.clinicaltrials. gov/ (no.: zx10201201).
Plasma free fatty acid levels in cervical cancer: concurrent chemoradiotherapy improves abnormal profile

Background: Epidemiology has demonstrated that plasma free fatty acids (FFAs) can prevent the development of cancer. Our study sought to evaluate the relationship between plasma (FFA) levels and cervical cancer. Methods: In recent years, metabolomics-based approaches have been recognized as an emerging tool, so we examined the plasma FFA profiles of 114 patients with cervical cancer and 151 healthy people using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methods. Results: The data results were analyzed by multifactorial binary logistic regression analysis, and it was found that palmitic acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and total ω-3 fatty acids were negatively correlated with the risk of cervical cancer; whereas tetracosanoic acid was positively correlated with the risk of cervical cancer (OR, 1.026; 95% CI, 1.013–1.040; p < 0.001). Dynamic follow-up of 40 cervical cancer patients who successfully completed CCRT revealed that most fatty acid levels tended to increase after the end of treatment, except for palmitic and stearic acid levels, which were lower than before treatment. Conclusion: Plasma FFA profiles were altered in cervical cancer patients, which may be related to abnormal fatty acid metabolism in cervical cancer. The described changes in fatty acid profiles during CCRT may be related to the good functioning of CCRT. Further studies on plasma FFA composition and its changes due to CCRT in patients with cervical cancer are warranted.
Grades and Glory: A Qualitative Investigation into Business Program’s Academic Success at Public Sector University

The research aims to explore the perspective of outstanding learners of the business administration department of a public sector university. The study delves into the factors influencing academic success, the learning methodologies employed by students in the pursuit of excellence, and the significance of grades in shaping their academic journeys. This study involved a qualitative case study approach by using in-depth interviews with six students who attained higher academic standing, providing insights into their distinct opinions and experiences. The results depict a positive influence between students' academic performance and their approach to learning. The study emphasizes the public university's proactive encouragement for students to aim for higher grades, aligning with broader trends in academic institutions. The evolving industrial landscape amplifies the demand for skilled professionals, prompting business schools to underpin the importance of academic achievement. The findings emphasize the dedication of business administration department students to maintaining high grades and actively enhancing their proficiency.
Autochthonous Fermentation as a Means to Improve the Bioaccessibility and Antioxidant Activity of Proteins and Phenolic Compounds of Yellow Pea Flour

This study focused on evaluating the potential of the natural fermentation of pea flour to improve the release of antioxidant compounds. Preliminary fermentations of 36.4% w/w flour dispersions were performed in tubes under different conditions (24 and 48 h, 30 and 37 °C). Finally, fermented flours (FFs) were obtained in a bioreactor under two conditions: 1: 36.4% w/w, 24 h, 30 °C (FF1); 2: 14.3% w/w, 24 h, 37 °C (FF2). The pH values decreased to 4.4–4.7, with a predominance of lactic acid bacteria. As in the fermentations in tubes, an increment in the proteolysis degree (TNBS method) (greater for FF2), polypeptide aggregation and a decrease in their solubility, an increase in <2 kDa peptides, and an increase in the Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity (ORAC) potency of PBS-soluble fractions after fermentation were demonstrated. Also, fermentation increased the proteolysis degree after simulated gastrointestinal digestion (SGID, COST-INFOGEST) with respect to the non-fermented flour digests, with some differences in the molecular composition of the different digests. ORAC and Hydroxyl Radical Averting Capacity (HORAC) potencies increased in all cases. The digest of FF2 (FF2D) presented the greater ORAC value, with higher activities for >4 kDa, as well as for some fractions in the ranges 2–0.3 kDa and <0.10 kDa. Fermentation also increased the 60%-ethanol-extracted phenolic compounds, mainly flavonoids, and the ORAC activity. After SGID, the flavan-3-ols disappeared, but some phenolic acids increased with respect to the flour. Fermentation in condition 2 was considered the most appropriate to obtain a functional antioxidant ingredient.
The winners: species that have benefited from 30 years of conservation action

ABSTRACT New Zealand is a world leader in saving species from the brink of extinction. We selected seven case studies to explore successful species conservation in New Zealand over the past 30 years to exemplify what makes a ‘conservation winner’. The taxa chosen were: Hebe armstrongii, Mercury Islands tusked wētā, Galaxias vulgaris, tuatara, saddleback, long-tailed bat and humpback whale. Three of the case studies (hebe, wētā, galaxiids) illustrate the lack of attention compared to birds, possibly limiting conservation achievements. Considerable attention has gone into the development of species-specific techniques, including captive breeding and translocation protocols, and genetic studies to define management units. All case studies demonstrated the need for continued conservation attention, as long-term success is not guaranteed. We believe by accentuating the positive outcomes of conservation, the wider community will realise that efforts to save endangered species have the potential to reverse the current extinction crisis facing the world.
Effect of Pedagogical Content Knowledge of Primary School Teachers on their Achievement in Pedagogy

This study was conducted to find out the effect of pedagogical content knowledge training on primary school teachers’ achievement in pedagogy. Pedagogical skills involve different methods of teaching which can be used effectively according to the need of the learners. The researchers used one group pre-test post-test experimental design to conduct pedagogical content knowledge related training of 40 hours for 140 teachers, clustered into 5 groups, and measure achievement scores of the subject in the area of pedagogy before and after the training. Pedagogical training related module was developed by an independent expert of the pedagogy. The study used descriptive as well as inferential statistics to analyze the data. Findings of the study revealed significant mean difference in achievement scores on the pretest and posttests of these teachers. The study recommends to conduct pedagogy related professional development trainings for primary school teachers to enhance their capabilities and pedagogical skills.
Sentinel Node Mapping in Ovarian Tumors: A Study Using Lymphoscintigraphy and SPECT/CT

Purpose Ovarian cancer in the early stage requires a complete surgical staging, including radical lymphadenectomy, implying subsequent risk of morbidity and complications. Sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping is a procedure that attempts to reduce radical lymphadenectomy-related complications and morbidities. Our study evaluates the feasibility of SLN mapping in patients with ovarian tumors by the use of intraoperative Technetium-99m-Phytate (Tc-99m-Phytate) and postoperative lymphoscintigraphy using tomographic (single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT)) acquisition. Materials and Methods Thirty-two patients with ovarian mass participated in this study. Intraoperative injection of the radiopharmaceutical was performed just after laparotomy and before the removal of tumor in utero-ovarian and suspensory ligaments of the ovary just beneath the peritoneum. Subsequently, pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy was performed for malignant masses, and the presence of tumor in the lymph nodes was assessed through histopathological examination. Conversely, lymphadenectomy was not performed in patients with benign lesions or borderline ovarian tumors. Lymphoscintigraphy was performed within 24 hr using tomographic acquisition (SPECT/CT) of the abdomen and pelvis. Results Final pathological examination showed 19 patients with benign pathology, 5 with borderline tumors, and 6 with malignant ovarian tumors. SPECT/CT identified SLNs in para-aortic-only areas in 6 (20%), pelvic/para-aortic areas in 14 (47%), and pelvic-only areas in 7 (23%) cases. Notably, additional unusual SLN locations were revealed in perirenal, intergluteal, and posterior to psoas muscle regions in three patients. We were not able to calculate the false negative rate due to the absence of patients with involved lymph nodes. Conclusion SLN mapping using intraoperative injection of radiotracers is safe and feasible. Larger studies with more malignant cases are needed to better evaluate the sensitivity of this method for lymphatic staging of ovarian malignancies.
Historical Dictionary of Modern Coups d’état

“For readers interested in international relations, politics, and global issues. ” -Library Journal, Starred Review The Historical Dictionary of Modern Coups d’état surveys the history of coups d’état in the post-World War II period. The term “modern” in the title therefore demarcates the period since January 1946. This book documents over 582 coup attempts that have occurred in 108 different countries worldwide over a period of 75 years. Historical Dictionary of Modern Coups d'état contains a chronology, an introduction, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section has more than 1,400 cross-referenced dictionary entries. This book is an excellent resource for students, and researchers.
Understanding the Quality of Alternative Citizenship Data Sources for the 2020 Census

This paper examines the quality of citizenship data in self-reported survey responses compared to administrative records and evaluates options for constructing an accurate count of resident U.S. citizens. Person-level discrepancies between survey-collected citizenship data and administrative records are more pervasive than previously reported in studies comparing survey and administrative data aggregates. Our results imply that survey-sourced citizenship data produce significantly lower estimates of the noncitizen share of the population than would be produced from currently available administrative records; both the survey-sourced and administrative data have shortcomings that could contribute to this difference. Our evidence is consistent with noncitizen respondents misreporting their own citizenship status and failing to report that of other household members. At the same time, currently available administrative records may miss some naturalizations and capture others with a delay. The evidence in this paper also suggests that adding a citizenship question to the 2020 Census would lead to lower self-response rates in households potentially containing noncitizens, resulting in higher fieldwork costs and a lower-quality population count.
Evolutionary relationships, hybridization and diversification under domestication of the locoto chile (Capsicum pubescens) and its wild relatives

Patterns of genetic variation in crops are the result of multiple processes that have occurred during their domestication and improvement, and are influenced by their wild progenitors that often remain understudied. The locoto chile, Capsicum pubescens, is a crop grown mainly in mid-highlands of South-Central America. This species is not known from the wild and exists only as a cultigen. The evolutionary affinities and exact origin of C. pubescens have still not been elucidated, with hypotheses suggesting its genetic relatedness and origin to two wild putative ancestral Capsicum species from the Central Andes, C. eximium and C. cardenasii. In the current study, RAD-sequencing was applied to obtain genome-wide data for 48 individuals of C. pubescens and its wild allies representing different geographical areas. Bayesian, Maximum Likelihood and coalescent-based analytical approaches were used to reconstruct population genetic patterns and phylogenetic relationships of the studied species. The results revealed that C. pubescens forms a well-defined monotypic lineage closely related to wild C. cardenasii and C. eximium, and also to C. eshbaughii. The primary lineages associated with the diversification under domestication of C. pubescens were also identified. Although direct ancestor-descendant relationship could not be inferred within this group of taxa, hybridization events were detected between C. pubescens and both C. cardenasii and C. eximium. Therefore, although hybrid origin of C. pubescens could not be inferred, gene flow involving its wild siblings was shown to be an important factor contributing to its contemporary genetic diversity. The data allowed for the inference of the center of origin of C. pubescens in central-western Bolivia highlands and for better understanding of the dynamics of its gene pool. The results of this study are essential for germplasm conservation and breeding purposes, and provide excellent basis for further research of the locoto chile and its wild relatives.
Evolution of Anxiety, Emotional Intelligence, and Effective Personality after COVID-19 among Spanish University Students

The repercussions of the pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus over recent years have posed an unprecedented challenge for the whole of society, affecting the well-being of everyone. Among all the variables affected in relation to well-being, Anxiety, Emotional Intelligence, and Effective Personality (Self-Esteem, Academic Self-Realisation, Resolute Self-Efficacy, Social Self-Realisation) have been highlighted. The aim of this study is to assess the evolution of those variables across three temporal phases: pre-pandemic, during the pandemic, and up until the end of the study in April 2022. A study was conducted during these temporal phases with three cohorts from Spanish Universities. The cohorts were formed of people assessed for Anxiety (660 pre-pandemic, 460 during the pandemic, and 311 at the end of the study), Emotional Intelligence (355 pre-pandemic, 91 during the pandemic, 311 at the end of the study), and Effective Personality (708 pre-pandemic, 174 in 2018, 311 at the end of the study). Anxiety was assessed with the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory, Emotional Intelligence with the Trait Meta-Mood Scale and TMMS-24, and Effective Personality with the Cuestionario Personalidad Eficaz-Universidad (the Effective Personality Questionnaire-University). The results showed a rise in the state of anxiety during COVID-19, with a subsequent reduction two years into the pandemic; however, anxiety rates remained higher than before the pandemic. Emotional intelligence increased in the emotional attention factor, but diminished as regards both clarity and regulation. Effective Personality was at lower levels for all factors (Self-Esteem, Academic Self-Realisation, Resolute Self-Efficacy, Social Self-Realisation). The main conclusion was the need for assistance with the dimensions under study, in order to improve the well-being of university students after the serious effects caused by COVID-19.
Zooplankton performance in a changing ocean : adaptive capacities to a shifting food regime in the North Sea

v SAMENVATTING . vii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . xv 1 SCIENTIFIC BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES. 1 1.1 ZOOPLANKTON COMMUNITIES . 1 1.1.1 Zooplankton species investigated . 1 1.1.2 Common prey items for the studied zooplankton species . 4 1.2 NUTRITIONAL ECOLOGY . 6 1.2.1 Effects of nutrient limitation on prey quality . 7 1.2.2 Effects of prey quality on predator performance . 7 1.2.3 Measuring predator performance . 9 1.3 FOOD REGIME SHIFTS IN THE NORTH SEA AND AROUND HELGOLAND. 11 1.4 OBJECTIVES AND THESIS OUTLINE . 13 Chapter 1: copepods feeding on a diet with a molar C:N ratio close to their own body composition will have the highest possible growth and reproduction rates and the lowest possible egestion, respiration and excretion rates. 15 Chapter 2: how does prey nutritional quality affect the biochemical composition, the dynamics of lipid utilization and assimilation, and the reproductive output of copepods? 15 Chapter 3: how is lipid C assimilated in the larvae of polychaetes? Can the concept of FATM be applied to the study of lipid dynamics in these lipid-poor meroplanktonic larvae? 16 CONTENTS___________________________________________________________________ 2 MATERIALS AND METHODS . 17 2.1 SAMPLING AREA – THE NORTH SEA AND THE ISLAND OF HELGOLAND. 17 2.2 ZOOPLANKTON SAMPLING . 19 2.3 PREY CULTURE . 20 2.4 EXPERIMENTAL DESIGNS . 21 2.4.1 Feeding experiments with T. longicornis females . 21 2.4.2 Feeding experiment with L. conchilega larvae . 24 2.5 ANALYTICAL WORK . 25 2.5. 1 Carbon, nitrogen, and FA content analyses . 25 2.5. 2 Compound-specific stable isotope analysis (CSIA) . 25 2.5. 3 Statistical analyses . 26 3 PUBLICATIONS . 27 CHAPTER I . 31 Bioenergetics of the copepod Temora longicornis under different nutrient regimes . 31 CHAPTER II . 49 Life history strategies of the copepod Temora longicornis as inferred from lipid carbon assimilation experiments . 49 CHAPTER III . 97 Fatty acid bioconversion and homeostasis in the larvae of the sand mason worm Lanice conchilega . 97 CHAPTER IV . 139 ___________________________________________________________________CONTENTS Temperature driven changes in the diet preference of omnivorous copepods: no more meat when it’s hot? 139 4 SYNOPTIC DISCUSSION . 151 4.1 ADVANTAGES AND CAVEATS OF USING COMPOUND-SPECIFIC STABLE ISOTOPE ANALYSIS . 152 Methodological constrains of CSIA in this PhD . 154 4.2 ECOLOGICAL STOICHIOMETRY AND HOMEOSTASIS AS TOOLS TO STUDY ZOOPLANKTON PHYSIOLOGY . 158 ES framework for the study of performance in adult females of T. longicornis . 160 Biochemical (lipid) homeostasis patterns in zooplankton . 164 4.3 CLIMATE CHANGE AND MARINE REGIME SHIFTS . 168 Regime shifts . 168 The regime shifts in the southern North Sea. 170 Investigating zooplankton performance in relation to diet nutritional quality . 171 5 PERSPECTIVES . 177 REFERENCES . 179 ERKLÄRUNG. 199 _____________________________________________________LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS i LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS