Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
First ATR-FTIR Characterization of Black, Green and White Teas (Camellia sinensis) from European Tea Gardens: A PCA Analysis to Differentiate Leaves from the In-Cup Infusion

ATR-FTIR (Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform InfraRed) spectroscopy, combined with chemometric, represents a rapid and reliable approach to obtain information about the macromolecular composition of food and plant materials. With a single measurement, the chemical fingerprint of the analyzed sample is rapidly obtained. Hence, this technique was used for investigating 13 differently processed tea leaves (green, black and white) all grown and processed in European tea gardens, and their vacuum-dried tea brews, prepared using both hot and cold water, to observe how the components differ from tea leaf to the in-cup infusion. Spectra were collected in the 1800–600 cm−1 region and were submitted to Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The comparison of the spectral profiles of leaves and hot and cold infusions of tea from the same country, emphasizes how they differ in relation to the different spectral regions. Differences were also noted among the different countries. Furthermore, the changes observed (e.g., at ~1340 cm−1) due to catechin content, confirm the antioxidant properties of these teas. Overall, this experimental approach could be relevant for rapid analysis of various tea types and could pave the way for the industrial discrimination of teas and of their health properties without the need of time-consuming, lab chemical assays.
Fire and the dynamic relationship between Florida sandhill and sand pine scrub vegetation

MYERS, R. L. (Archbold Biol. Sta., P.O. Box 2057, Lake Placid, FL 33852). Fire and the dynamic relationship of Florida sandhill and sand pine scrub vegetation. Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 112:241-252. 1985. -Sandhill vegetation dominated by Pinus palustris, Pinus elliottii var. densa, Quercus laevis, and Aristida stricta, and sand pine scrub dominated by Pinus clausa, scrub oaks, and Caryafloridana form mutually exclusive, fire-dependent communities on Florida's sand ridges. Soil differences have long been attributed as causing this separation. Data from 1932 maps, 1929 photo plots, vegetation analyses, age structure of the pines, and fire scar dates indicate sandhills convert to xeric hardwood-mixed pine after approximately 50 years without fire, e.g., importance value of Carya floridana increased from 3.2 to 75.6; relative importance value of scrub species increased from 2.5 to 54 percent. This intermediate stage may develop into a xeric hardwood forest without fire, and with fire it may be replaced by sand pine scrub. Apparently different fire regimes not soil differences separate the two vegetation types. Historic and prehistoric shifts in fire regimes may account for the distribution of the two types.
Transcriptional Diversiﬁcation and Functional Conservation between DELLA Proteins in Arabidopsis

Plasticity and robustness of signaling pathways partly rely on genetic redundancy, although the precise mechanism that provides functional speciﬁcity to the different redundant elements in a given process is often unknown. In Arabidopsis, functional redundancy in gibberellin signaling has been largely attributed to the presence of ﬁve members of the DELLA family of transcriptional regulators. Here, we demonstrate that two evolutionarily and functionally divergent DELLA proteins, RGL2 and RGA, can perform exchangeable functions when they are expressed under control of the reciprocal promoter. Furthermore, both DELLA proteins display equivalent abilities to interact with PIF4 and with other bHLH transcription factors with a reported role in the control of cell growth and seed germination. Therefore, we propose that functional diversiﬁcation of Arabidopsis DELLA proteins has largely relied on changes in their gene expression patterns rather than on their ability to interact with different regulatory partners, model also supported by a clustering analysis of DELLA transcript proﬁles over a range of organs and growth conditions that revealed speciﬁc patterns of expression for each of these genes
Blockchain-Based Public Integrity Verification for Cloud Storage against Procrastinating Auditors

The deployment of cloud storage services has significant benefits in managing data for users. However, it also causes many security concerns, and one of them is data integrity. Public verification techniques can enable a user to employ a third-party auditor to verify the data integrity on behalf of her/him, whereas existing public verification schemes are vulnerable to procrastinating auditors who may not perform verifications on time. Furthermore, most of public verification schemes are constructed on the public key infrastructure (PKI), and thereby suffer from certificate management problem. In this paper, we propose a certificateless public verification scheme against procrastinating auditors (CPVPA) by using blockchain technology. The key idea is to require auditors to record each verification result into a transaction on a blockchain. Because transactions on the blockchain are time-sensitive, the verification can be time-stamped after the transaction is recorded into the blockchain, which enables users to check whether auditors perform the verifications at the prescribed time. Moreover, CPVPA is built on certificateless cryptography, and is free from the certificate management problem. We present rigorous security proofs to demonstrate the security of CPVPA, and conduct a comprehensive performance evaluation to show that CPVPA is efficient.
Evaluation of the WRF‐lake model over a highland freshwater lake in southwest China

Evaluation of the Weather Research and Forecasting Model version 3.7. 1 lake model performance on lake physical processes and lake‐atmosphere interaction at Erhai Lake was conducted with in situ observation data sets over the lake to verify the model results. The lake model with default parameters presented significant negative bias during the day and positive bias during the night on lake surface temperature. Calibrations of water absorption and extinction coefficients, surface roughness length, and eddy diffusion coefficient were carried out to correct this bias. The added absorption and extinction coefficients increased solar radiation in upper water layer, leading to a little higher surface temperature. Compared to constant surface roughness lengths, parameterization of roughness lengths as functions of friction velocity and fetch length significantly improved simulations of lake surface temperature and sensible heat flux. In Erhai Lake, eddy diffusion coefficient of the Henderson‐Sellers parameterization is smaller than that in deep lakes. The eddy diffusion coefficient was reduced by a factor of 0.05 in dry season and 0.02 in wet season, respectively, to restrict mixing strength, generating a reasonable diurnal range with observed surface temperature. The adjusted parameter simulations matched better with in situ observations in diurnal cycle of temperature and surface heat fluxes but still overestimated wind speed. Topographic correction is effective to correct the bias, indicating that topographic correction over complex terrain was necessary.
Testing site selection for seeding trials using hatchery reared juvenile Haliotis mariae Wood, 1828 along the western Dhofar coast, Arabian Sea, Sultanate of Oman

In order to test site selection and seeding methodology hatchery reared juvenile Haliotis mariae with an average shell-length 30-52 mm were seeded along the Dhofar coast during the winter months of the NE monsoon. 18 sites (10 juveniles per site) were sampled after 30, 60, and 90 days. Approximately 70% of the total area seeded comprised habitat that has the potential to shelter and protect juveniles (boulders <50 cm Ø). In total 93% of the juveniles recovered utilized this type of habitat. 86% of the juveniles moved <1m over the experimental period. Growth rates ranged from 1.39 to 3.57 mm month. A significant negative relationship was found between time and recovery rates (p=0.04). Site selection and seeding methodology was shown to be consistent and reliable, paving the way for larger scale long-term seeding experiments.
Optimal Multicast-Cache-Aided On-demand Streaming in Heterogeneous Wireless Networks via a Path/Surface Following Approach

—We consider a hybrid streaming scheme based on cache-enabled orthogonal multipoint multicast (OMPMC) and on-demand single-point unicast (SPUC) transmission. The network contains two types of nodes, cache-equipped helper nodes (HNs) handling content-centric OMPMC, and cellular base stations (BSs) handling user-centric SPUC. The OMPMC service streams cached files across the network. Users whose demands cannot be satisfied by OMPMC, either because of poor signal quality or because the requested file is not cached at HNs, are served by SPUC; requested files are fetched from the core network and unicast to users using group-specific beamforming transmissions. We consider the overall network radio resource consumption to satisfy the users’ requests for a given outage probability. This yields a parametric constrained optimization problem over the cache and resource allocations of the OMPMC component, as well as the multi-user beamforming scheme of the SPUC component. We devise a surface-following approach on the basis of path-following method to find the optimal traffic streaming solution. Simulation results show that the hybrid scheme provides a more promising trade-off between resource consumption and service outage probability, compared to OMPMC-only and SPUC-only alternatives.
Influence of phenolic compounds and flavonoids on the colour and antioxidant activity of Melipona beecheii honey from deciduous forest of Yucatan, Mexico

The Melipona beecheii honey has bioactive compounds with high antioxidant activity that influence its colour. This research evaluated the influence of phenolic compounds and flavonoids on the colour and antioxidant activity of M. beecheii honeys. Forty-three honey samples from different site located in the low deciduous forest of Yucatan, Mexico, were extracted during the harvest and post-harvest seasons (2020 – 2021). The Pfund method was used to measure colour, Folin-Ciocalteu method for phenols measurement, aluminum chloride method for flavonoids determination, and ABTS and DPPH IC50 assay to determine antioxidants. The predominant colour of the honey was extra light amber and light amber at both seasons. Phenols ranged from 780 to 1317 mg/kg GAE; flavonoids from 36 to 55 mg/kg CE and antioxidant were 675 to 1161 µmol/kg TEAC by the ABTS and 361.8 to 173.0 mg/mL by the DPPH IC50. Phenols and flavonoids were correlated with colour and radical scavenging activity, indicating the influence of these compounds with the darker colour and higher antioxidant activity of honey. The statistically significant difference (P<0.05) between seasons could be associated with the botanical origin with great diversity of melliferous flora present in the low deciduous forest of the Yucatan Peninsula. Keywords: Antioxidant; colour; flavonoids; honey; Melipona beecheii.
Origins, seasonality, and fluxes of organic matter in the Congo River

The Congo River in central Africa represents a major source of organic matter (OM) to the Atlantic Ocean. This study examined elemental (%OC, %N, and C:N), stable isotopic (δ13C and δ15N), and biomarker composition (lignin phenols) of particulate OM (POM) and dissolved OM (DOM) across the seasonal hydrograph. Even though the Congo exhibits an extremely stable intra‐annual discharge regime, seasonal variability in OM composition was evident. DOM appears predominantly derived from vascular plant inputs with greater relative contribution during the rising limb and peak in discharge associated with the major November–December discharge maximum. Generally, POM appears to be sourced from soil‐derived mineral‐associated OM (low C:N, low Λ8, and higher (Ad:Al)v) but the relative proportion of fresh vascular plant material (higher C:N, higher Λ8, and lower (Ad:Al)v) increases with higher discharge. During the study period (September 2009 to November 2010) the Congo exported 29.21 Tg yr−1 of total suspended sediment (TSS), 1.96 Tg yr−1 of particulate organic carbon (POC), and 12.48 Tg yr−1 of dissolved organic carbon. The Congo exports an order of magnitude lower TSS load in comparison to other major riverine sources of TSS (e.g., Ganges and Brahmaputra), but due to its OM‐rich character it actually exports a comparable amount of POC. The Congo is also 2.5 times more efficient at exporting dissolved lignin per unit volume compared to the Amazon. Including Congo dissolved lignin data in residence time calculations for lignin in the Atlantic Ocean results in an approximately 10% reduction from the existing estimate, suggesting that this material is more reactive than previously thought.
THE LEVENBERG–MARQUARDT METHOD: AN OVERVIEW OF MODERN CONVERGENCE THEORIES AND MORE ∗

The Levenberg–Marquardt method is a fundamental regularization technique for the Newton method applied to nonlinear equations, possibly constrained, and possibly with singular or even nonisolated solutions. We review the literature on the subject, in particular relating to each other various convergence frameworks and results. In this process, the analysis is performed from a unified perspective, and some new results are obtained as well. We discuss smooth and piecewise smooth equations, inexact solution of subproblems, and globalization techniques. Attention is also paid to the LP-Newton method, because of its relations to the Levenberg–Marquardt method.
Efficacy and safety of regorafenib as second-line treatment for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and macrovascular invasion and(or) extrahepatic metastasis

Background Macrovascular invasion and(or) extrahepatic metastasis are the main clinical characteristics of Chinese patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after entering the second-line treatment. The aim of this study was to explore the efficacy and safety of regorafenib as a second-line treatment for these patients with HCC. Methods We selected 253 patients with primary liver cancer who were treated in Henan Cancer Hospital from June 2017 to September 2020. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 63 patients with HCC with macrovascular invasion and/or extrahepatic metastasis were finally included. The clinical data of patients were obtained by consulting the electronic medical record system and through telephone follow-up. The median overall survival (mOS), duration of drug use, and disease control rate (DCR) of patients were evaluated, and the Cox regression model was used to analyze the risk factors of prognosis. Results The mOS of 63 patients with HCC administered regorafenib as second-line treatment was 9.6 months, the duration of drug use was 3.8 months, and the DCR was 59% (37/63). Cox multivariate analysis showed that overall survival (OS) was closely related to the level of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and treatment method but not to the type of first-line drug. The mOS of patients with AFP ≥400 ng/mL was 7.4 months, which was significantly lower than that of those with AFP <400 ng/mL (12.5 months) (P=0.0052). The mOS of patients treated with regorafenib alone was 6.8 months, which was significantly lower than that of those treated with regorafenib combined with immunotherapy (24.3 months) and intervention therapy (17.5 months) (P<0.0001). The mOS of patients using regorafenib as second-line treatment in the first-line sorafenib group and first-line nonsorafenib group were 9.5 and 9.6 months, respectively (P=0.9766). The grade ≥3 adverse events (AEs) with an incidence of more than 10% included hand-foot syndrome, increased bilirubin, decreased albumin, and elevated transaminase, with incidences of 22%, 14%, 11%, and 10%, respectively. Conclusions As second-line treatment for patients with HCC with macrovascular invasion and(or) extrahepatic metastasis, regorafenib has definite efficacy and tolerable adverse reactions. It is the preferred drug for the second-line treatment of patients with advanced HCC.
Scale Independence and Spatial Uniformity of Specific Sediment Yield in Loess Areas of the Wuding River Basin, Northwest China

Most of the sediment loads of the Chinese Yellow River originate from the 113,000 km2 Hekou–Longmen Section. This study investigated the spatial pattern of specific sediment yield in the Wuding River basin, a tributary of the section. Data collected in 36 instrumented watersheds were used. Stratifying the watersheds in terms of surface regolith reveals a scale uncorrelated and a roughly constant SSY (mean annual specific sediment yield) of 18,720 Mg km−2 yr−1 in the loess areas of the basin, with basin areas varying between 0.107 and 9,355 km2. A zero‐variable model (i.e. SSY = 18,720) thus performs well with a mean error of approximately 15%. The spatial uniformity even holds at the annual time scale; a spatially invariable SSYa (specific sediment yield for a single year) remains applicable with a mean error of the order of 40%. The spatial uniformity in SSY and SSYa allows a direct scale extrapolation. Moreover, the established zero‐variable models and the scale extrapolation are even applicable to the Hekou–Longmen Section. The spatially uniform SSY accords with the spatial invariability of many sediment‐yield related factors, such as basin slope and rainfall in the loess areas of the Wuding basin. Given the fact that sediment delivery ratio is close to 1 in the Loess Plateau, a spatially uniform SSY is equivalent to a uniform erosion rate among watersheds. This finding, contrasting with current consensus that erosion and sediment yield vary greatly in space, is greatly helpful in predicting erosion and sediment yield in the Loess Plateau. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Headache-related clinical features in teleworkers and their association with coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objectives The objectives were (1) to describe and compare headache-related clinical features between teleworkers with migraine and those with tension-type headache (TTH) and (2) to determine the association between coping strategies and headache frequency, and intensity in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This cross-sectional online survey was conducted with 284 teleworkers (127 with migraine and 157 with TTH). Sociodemographic data, information related to work factors, headache clinical features, coping strategies used during the COVID-19 pandemic, and headache-related clinical features were compared between headache profiles. Bivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine the association between coping strategies and headache frequency, and intensity. Results Results showed that teleworkers with migraine had longer and more painful headache episodes than teleworkers with TTH (ps < 0.001). Higher migraine frequency was associated with the use of the denial coping strategy (p = 0.006) while lower migraine intensity was associated with planning (p = 0.046) and the use of positive reframing (p = 0.025). Higher TTH frequency was associated with the use of venting, self-blame, and behavioral disengagement (ps < 0.007) while higher TTH intensity was associated with substance use and behavioral disengagement (ps < 0.030). All associations remained significant after adjusting for BMI as a covariate. Discussion/conclusion Teleworkers with migraine had more intense and longer headache episodes than teleworkers with TTH. This could be explained by the fact that a greater proportion of individuals suffering from migraine experienced headaches prior to the beginning of the pandemic compared with teleworkers suffering from TTH. Regarding coping strategies, both primary headache profiles were associated with different types of coping strategies. Most of the coping strategies associated with headache frequency or intensity were maladaptive except for planning and positive reframing that were found to be inversely associated with migraine intensity.
Patient counseling, risk factors and comorbidity assessment in diabetic foot ulcer

Diabetic foot ulcer usually develops due to lack of knowledge and awareness regarding the consequences of the disease progression and poor foot care among diabetics. The objective of the study is to enhance knowledge, attitude and clinical practice among diabetic foot ulcer patients through pharmacist counseling, and to assist physician in the selection of cost effective antibiotics. Data on the disease condition such as duration of illness, type of diabetes, category of infections, classification of foot ulcer, risk factors, comorbidities and antibiotics used were collected and analyzed. Additionally, the details of culture sensitivity report for sensitive and resistant microorganisms with respect to antibiotics were recorded. Appropriate patient education on diabetic foot ulcer helps to improve their knowledge, attitude, and practice significantly. The commonest microbial isolates identified in diabetic foot ulcer patients were Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Culture sensitive drugs found were meropenem, amoxicillin with clavulanic acid, clindamycin and the resistant drugs were cefepime, levofloxacin and penicillin.
Phylogenomics of Convallarioideae (Asparagaceae), with emphasis on Vietnamese species

With the aim of inferring phylogenetic relationships among 86 species (including 45 species from Vietnam) mostly of the subfamily Convallarioideae (=Nolinoideae) (Asparagaceae sensu APG IV), we analyzed their chloroplast DNA sequences (rbcL and trnL-F) by both Bayesian inference (BI) and maximum likelihood (ML) methods. Our dataset included six of the seven tribes classified in this subfamily; Convallarieae, Dracaeneae, Liriopeae Nolineae, Polygonateae and Rusceae (Eriospermeae not examined). Our study supported the sisterhood between Convallarioideae and Asparagoideae and the monophyly of all the tribes except Polygonateae. Within the Convallarioideae we examined, Dracaena formed the basalmost clade. Theropogon did not positively nest in any of the tribes including Convallarieae in which it had often been classified. It was weakly defined as the second basalmost branch. Ruscus (Rusceae) nested in Polygonateae as the sister to Maianthemum, hence Polygonateae was recognized here as paraphyletic. Nolineae was discordant in position between BI and ML analyses, probably reflecting the limited molecular markers we examined. In both BI and ML analyses, all genera of Liriopeae and Convallarieae were monophyletic and their intergeneric relationships were consistent. In Liriopeae, Liriope was sister to the clade of Ophiopogon + Peliosanthes. In Convallarieae, Aspidistra + Tupistra formed the sister clade to Reineckea + Rohdea. Interspecific relationships within these genera were, however, not clearly resolved, except for several pairs of sister species. We also briefly discussed some of the resultant phylogenetic relationships from the morphological and/or evolutionary aspects.