Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Harvest Conditions and Thickness Fractionation on Physicochemical Properties, and Cooking and Sensory Characteristics of Long Grain Rice

Previous research has demonstrated the extensive impacts of various environmental and processing conditions on rice milling and processing characteristics. Nevertheless, little is known about the influences of these conditions on cooking and sensory qualities of rice. The present study aimed to determine the impact of cultivating location, harvest moisture content (HMC), and thickness fractionation on the physicochemical properties, and cooking and sensory characteristics of long-grain rice. Four long-grain rice cultivars (purelines: Cheniere and V3501, and hybrids: XP760 and XL753) were cultivated at Harrisburg, AR and Alvin, TX, and harvested at three HMC. Rough rice lots were conditioned and a portion was fractionated according to thickness into thin (<1.9 mm) and thick (≥1.9 mm) fractions. Unfractioned rice and thick kernels were used for further comparison. Overall, rice samples cultivated in TX showed higher amount of broken kernels, chalkiness as well as lower amylose contents compared to those cultivated in AR regardless of the cultivar, possibly due to the greater nighttime air temperatures reported in Alvin, TX. Additionally, textural characteristics and flavor attributes were affected by the cultivating location. Increases in broken kernels, lipid content, and protein content were observed with increasing of HMC. However, cooking qualities were mostly unaffected by HMC. Finally, the addition of thickness fractionation in the process stream showed to improve rice physical quality. However, fractioned rice showed longer cooking duration and a greater width kernel expansion than did unfractioned rice. This study demonstrated that cultivating location and HMC affect rice final attributes and that thickness fractionation may have impacts on cooking and textural characteristics of long-grain rice.
A Survey of Historical Expansion Process of Soil Erosion in the Changjiang River Valley

The occurring, expanding and aggravating of soil erosion in the Changjiang river valley have taken a fairly long period of time. According to analysis of hisorical material, soil erosion in the valley was slight with dense vegetation before the 10 th century. From 10 th century to 17 th century, the soil erosion area was expanded. Since mid 17th century, due to the sharp increase in population and excessive exploitation in the mountainous and hilly areas of the valley, soil erosion has been aggravated and become a serious environment problem. It was proved that the unreasonable exploitation of land resources by mankind is a leading factor causing soil erosion.
Psychological Capital and Its Factors as Mediators Between Interpersonal Sensitivity and Depressive Symptoms Among Chinese Undergraduates

Purpose Current interpersonal sensitivity among college students is easily linked to mood disorders such as anxiety, depression and other mood disorders. This study aims to examine the mediating role of psychological capital and its dimensions in the relationship between interpersonal sensitivity and depressive symptoms among undergraduates. Methods The cross-sectional survey was conducted by using cluster stratified random sampling method across six Chinese universities between November and December 2022. The questionnaire consists of the Interpersonal Sensitivity sub-scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire, the Psychological Capital Questionnaire and the Socio-Demographic Feature Questionnaire. Results A total of 2580 respondents participated in the survey, with the majority being females (69.73%) and an average age of 19.22±1.28 years. Descriptive and correlation analyses were performed using SPSS v24.0, while direct and indirect effects were analyzed using PROCESS v3.4 macro. The findings revealed that interpersonal sensitivity had a significant direct effect on depression symptoms among undergraduates (β =0.416, 95% Boot CI [0.380, 0.453], p < 0.001) Additionally, psychological capital and its components were found to be negatively correlated with depression (p < 0.001). Further analysis demonstrated that hope, optimism, and resilience significantly mediated the association between interpersonal sensitivity and depressive symptoms (indirect effect: hope = 0.056, optimism = 0.074, resilience = 0.099; p < 0.001 for all). Conclusion These results suggest that psychological capital, including its dimensions of hope, optimism, and resilience plays a crucial role in mitigating the negative effects of interpersonal sensitivity on depressive symptoms among undergraduates.
Assessing and monitoring forest health using a forest fragmentation approach in Sariska Tiger Reserve, India

ABSTRACT The relationship between trajectories of forest cover change and fragmentation due to physical and anthropogenic activities in Sariska Tiger Reserve is addressed in the article. The authors conducted a field visit to the reserve to collect groundtruth data and perform a village survey. Thereafter, their main method consisted of using Landsat TM images for three days, one in each of the years 1989, 1994, and 2014, to assess spatial-temporal variation in forest cover. A fragmentation model was used to examine the extent and pattern of forest degradation. The results showed an overall increase in forest cover in Sariska Tiger Reserve from 53% in 1989 to 55% in 2014. However, the fragmentation statistics revealed a deterioration in forest health. There was an increase in the fragmentation categories perforated, edge, and patch in their respective areas, while the core areas decreased at the expense of other fragmentation classes. The existence of villages, roads, and pilgrimage sites had increased the pace of degradation and fragmentation of forest in the reserve. The authors conclude that the fragmentation model was effective for analysing forest degradation and identifying the priority areas for strategic planning of nature conservation.
Exploring pH levels and environmental impacts on handwash products in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Background: The human skin, with a pH of 4 to 6, serves as a barrier against external pathogens. Alkaline handwash products (HWPs) can compromise this barrier and are widely used following the Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study aims to determine the pH of a sample of HWPs in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and assess the effect of environmental factors on their pH. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive, observational study carried out in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The study involved a convenience sample of 33 liquid soaps, soap bars, and synthetic detergents (Syndets) from various brands. The pH of the handwash products was measured using laboratory-validated techniques. Data analysis was conducted using RStudio 2022 software. Results: Of the HWPs, 16 (48.5%) had a highly alkaline pH (≥10), while 14 (42.4%) had an acidic pH (4.0-6.9). Most liquid soaps were acidic (84.6%), with a mean pH of 5.9, whereas soap bars had a mean pH of 10.3. Syndets had a mean pH of 6.0. Conclusions: On average, liquid soaps and syndets offered a more physiological pH than soap bars. Liquid soaps were more affordable than synthetic detergents, making them a better value option among the three types of HWPs. Environmental factors such as exposure to hot weather did not have a significant impact on HWPs.
Design and methodology for a proof of mechanism study of individualized neuronavigated continuous Theta burst stimulation for auditory processing in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder

It has been suggested that aberrant excitation/inhibition (E/I) balance and dysfunctional structure and function of relevant brain networks may underlie the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the nomological network linking these constructs to quantifiable measures and mechanistically relating these constructs to behavioral symptoms of ASD is lacking. Herein we describe a within-subject, controlled, proof-of-mechanism study investigating the pathophysiology of auditory/language processing in adolescents with ASD. We utilize neurophysiological and neuroimaging techniques including magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and magnetoencephalography (MEG) metrics of language network structure and function. Additionally, we apply a single, individually targeted session of continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) as an experimental probe of the impact of perturbation of the system on these neurophysiological and neuroimaging outcomes. MRS, fMRI, and MEG measures are evaluated at baseline and immediately prior to and following cTBS over the posterior superior temporal cortex (pSTC), a region involved in auditory and language processing deficits in ASD. Also, behavioral measures of ASD and language processing and DWI measures of auditory/language network structures are obtained at baseline to characterize the relationship between the neuroimaging and neurophysiological measures and baseline symptom presentation. We hypothesize that local gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate concentrations (measured with MRS), and structural and functional activity and network connectivity (measured with DWI and fMRI), will significantly predict MEG indices of auditory/language processing and behavioral deficits in ASD. Furthermore, a single session of cTBS over left pSTC is hypothesized to lead to significant, acute changes in local glutamate and GABA concentration, functional activity and network connectivity, and MEG indices of auditory/language processing. We have completed the pilot phase of the study (n=20 Healthy Volunteer adults) and have begun enrollment for the main phase with adolescents with ASD (n=86; age 14-17). If successful, this study will establish a nomological network linking local E/I balance measures to functional and structural connectivity within relevant brain networks, ultimately connecting them to ASD symptoms. Furthermore, this study will inform future therapeutic trials using cTBS to treat the symptoms of ASD.
A Reflective Whispering Gallery Mode Microsphere Resonator Integrated With a Thick-Wall Capillary Tube

A reflective whispering gallery mode microsphere resonator is presented. The device consists of a single-mode fiber, a thick-wall capillary tube, and a microsphere. The capillary tube and single-mode fiber are firstly conically fused together using a fusion splicer, followed by tapering the capillary tube, then cut at the end of tapered region of capillary tube, and finally, the microsphere is inserted into the tapered region of capillary tube by use of a fiber taper and a small amount of glue. The device is alignment free, has compact size, good robustness, and stable operation.
Rectal temperature and body surface temperature rhythm in Red Sokoto goats infected with Trypanosoma evansi during the rainy season

There are limited studies on circadian rhythmicity in farm animals affected by protozoan diseases. The rectal temperature (RT) and body surface temperature (BST) rhythmic patterns in experimental Trypanosoma evansi-infected Red Sokoto goats (T. evansiinfected RSG) July – September were evaluated. Five goats were assigned to each experimental group, with group I as the negative control (CRSG), while animals in group II were individually infected with about 2.0x106 /2ml T. evansi-inoculum. Temperature reaction patterns were monitored by digital clinical and infrared thermometry. The RT and BST of goats, the ambient temperature (AT) and relative humidity (RH) inside the pen were measured at 06:00, 12:00 and 18:00 hours (GMT+1) three times a week for 12 weeks. The AT had maximum, minimum and mean values of 27.0°C, 24.2°C and 25.6±0.26°C, respectively, while RH had maximum, minimum and mean values of 94.5%, 53.6% and 80.5±11.5%, respectively. Results obtained, via the application of a single Cosinor procedure showed that the RT and BST exhibited daily rhythmicity in both groups with the pattern distorted in T. evansi-infected RSG which showed an ascent from the 5th to the 10th week. The rhythmic characteristic of RT of the T. evansi-infected RSG showed that the mesor and amplitude were higher (p˂0.05) than those recorded for CRSG. Both groups showed no difference (p˃0.05) in acrophase. The eye region in both groups showed the highest BST, while the coronary band had the lowest. The result, for the first time, reported rhythmicity of RT and BST in T. evansi- infected goats under tropical conditions. The results obtained from our study may be useful for the early screening, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of protozoan diseases.
An alternative method for a reliable estimation of seismicity with an application in Greece and the surrounding area

Abstract An alternative method is proposed for the robust estimation of a and b values of the Gutenberg-Richter relation. The main hypothesis is that b values depend on material properties and the seismotectonic setting and therefore should vary relatively smoothly in space. As far as the a values are concerned, more sharp variations are allowed because these values determine the seismicity level, once the b value is fixed. The study area is organized into a grid, and the a and b values are simultaneously determined for the whole grid by solving an appropriate linear system. Smooth b variations are imposed by introducing additional linear constraints, similar to the Occam9s inversion used in tomography studies. The method is applied to Greece and the surrounding area, which is a high seismicity area. The results are in very good agreement with previous studies and further enhance our knowledge for the study area. Moreover, additional seismicity measures (return periods, probabilities, etc.) are estimated robustly because they depend on the a and b values obtained for this area.
Role of serum B-cell-activating factor and interleukin-17 as biomarkers in the classification of interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features

Abstract Interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features (IPAF) is a type of interstitial lung disease (ILD) with immune features that do not meet the diagnostic criteria for specific connective tissue diseases (CTDs). This retrospective case–control study investigated the role of serum B-cell-activating factor of the tumor necrosis factor family (BAFF) and interleukin (IL)-17 as biomarkers for IPAF. The differences in serum BAFF, IL-17, and IL-10 were compared among patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), IPAF, ILD associated with CTD (CTD-ILD), and healthy controls. The patients were treatment naïve. The correlations of BAFF with IL-10, IL-17, and pulmonary function were analyzed. The classifiable value of BAFF for IPAF was examined. The results showed that the serum levels of BAFF and IL-17 in the IPAF and CTD-ILD groups were higher than in the IPF group. High BAFF levels and high predicted diffusion capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO) were independent predictive factors for IPAF vs IPF. In the IPAF and CTD-ILD groups, serum BAFF levels were negatively correlated with predicted values of forced vital capacity (FVC%) and diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO%) and positively correlated with serum IL-17 and IL-10 levels. The cutoff value of combined BAFF and IL-17 was 0.704, and the sensitivity and specificity for classifying IPAF were 78.9 and 95.7%, respectively. In conclusion, combining serum BAFF and IL-17 as a biomarker may have classifiable value in differentiating IPAF from other forms of ILD.
The Impact of Structural Pattern Types on the Electrochemical Performance of Ultra-Thick NMC 622 Electrodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries

An increase in the energy density on the cell level while maintaining a high power density can be realized by combining thick-film electrodes and the 3D battery concept. The effect of laser structuring using different pattern types on the electrochemical performance was studied. For this purpose, LiNi0.6Mn0. 2Co0.2O2 (NMC 622) thick-film cathodes were prepared with a PVDF binder and were afterward structured using ultrafast laser ablation. Eight different pattern types were realized, which are lines, grids, holes, hexagonal structures, and their respective combinations. In addition, the mass loss caused by laser ablation was kept the same regardless of the pattern type. The laser-structured electrodes were assembled in coin cells and subsequently electrochemically characterized. It was found that when discharging the cells for durations of less than 2 h, a significant, positive impact of laser patterning on the electrochemical cell performance was observed. For example, when discharging was performed for one hour, cells containing laser-patterned electrodes with different structure types exhibited a specific capacity increase of up to 70 mAh/g in contrast to the reference ones. Although cells with a hole-patterned electrode exhibited a minimum capacity increase in the rate capability analysis, the combination of holes with lines, grids, or hexagons led to further capacity increases. In addition, long-term cycle analyses demonstrated the benefits of laser patterning on the cell lifetime, while cyclic voltammetry highlighted an increase in the Li-ion diffusion kinetics in cells containing hexagonal-patterned electrodes.
Improvements in Global Climate Model Microphysics Using a Consistent Representation of Ice Particle Properties

AbstractThis paper describes a new approach for representing ice microphysics in climate models. In contrast with most previous schemes, this approach does not include separate categories for cloud and precipitating ice and instead uses a single two-moment category to represent all solid hydrometeors. Thus, there is no need for an ice “autoconversion” size threshold parameter, which has a critical impact on simulated climate in the Community Atmosphere Model (CAM5) yet is poorly constrained by theory or observations. Further, in the new treatment, all ice microphysical processes and parameters, including ice effective radius and mean fall speed, are formulated self-consistently and flexibly based on empirical ice particle mass–size and projected area–size relationships. This means that the scheme can represent the physical coupling between bulk particle density, mean fall speed, and effective radius, which is not possible in current schemes. Two different methods for specifying these relationships based o.
Research on Debris Flow Initiation Due to Bed Failure After Wenchuan Earthquake

In order to understand the initiation model and mechanism of debris flow,and forecast and prevent it after earthquake,the facilities of debris flow initiation were designed according to the post-earthquake environment to study the debris flow initiation mechanism.The tests of 25 groups were carried out at different slopes using the same soil material to study the debris flow initiation at varies slopes.The results showed that the initiation mode of debris flow was erosion → gully → collapse → block → failure and transformed into debris flow between 8° ~ 12.5° as initiation due to dam-failure.The initiation mode of debris flow was increased erosion gradually(down cut erosion,back word cut and lateral erosion) with the bulk density increasing and transformed into debris flow between 12.5° ~ 17.5° as initiation due to erosion.The initiation mode of debris flow was surface flow → infiltration → failure → fluidization and transformed into debris flow between 17.5° ~ 25° as initiation due to slope failure.The change character of water pore-pressure was different at different slope experiments,and the water pore-pressure inner soil revealed the initiation mechanism of debris flow at different slope.
Green Man You Owe Me: Surprises using puppetry with rural children in environmental education

Wakkerstroom, Mpumalanga, is a rural South African village, set against the backdrop of a wetland, grasslands and rolling hills (Mpumalanga Information Directory, nd). Sadly, children that live here appear to have little concept of the beauty that surrounds them, and do not care for the natural environment. The reasons for this are that they are not exposed to the natural environment other than for available resources, parents are absent due to work commitments or have passed away, and most children here cannot swim, meaning visiting the wetland is dangerous. There are also no parks where they can play. Th eir view of the environment is litter-infested roads and streams, and informal dumps. This article explores a single moment of clarity during an intervention using a puppet, that occurred during a programme in 2023 which aimed to reintroduce a group of 31 children between the ages of 11 to 15 from The Clay Educentre to the wonders of nature, using the arts, refl ective practice, and immersion into the natural environment. Here I argue that puppetry, in informal environmental education, with reflective practice, has the capacity to be more transformative than other art forms, such as drawing, drama and dance.Keywords: applied arts, reflexivity, stop moment, environmental education
Neuropathic Corneal Pain after Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Infection

Introduction: This is a case report of a patient with neuropathic corneal pain after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Methods: A previously healthy 27-year-old female presented with bilateral eye pain accompanied by increased light sensitivity 5 months after COVID-19 infection. She was diagnosed with neuropathic corneal pain based on clear corneas without fluorescein staining, alongside the presence of microneuromas, dendritic cells, and activated stromal keratocytes identified bilaterally on in vivo confocal microscopy. Results: The patient’s tear nerve growth factor, substance P, and calcitonin gene-related peptide levels were 5.9 pg/mL, 2978.7 pg/mL, and 1.1 ng/mL, respectively, for the right eye and 23.1 pg/mL, 4798.7 pg/mL, and 1.2 ng/mL, respectively, for the left eye, suggesting corneal neuroinflammatory status. After 6 weeks of topical 0.1% flurometholone treatment, decreased microneuroma size, less extensive dendritic cells, and reduced tear nerve growth factor and substance P levels were observed. The scores on the Ocular Pain Assessment Survey showed an improvement in burning sensation and light sensitivity, decreasing from 80% and 70% to 50% for both. Conclusions: Neuropathic corneal pain is a potential post-COVID-19 complication that warrants ophthalmologists’ and neurologists’ attention.