Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
End‐to‐end simulator of two‐dimensional interferometric radiometry

An end‐to‐end simulator for the assessment of the performances of a spaceborne interferometric radiometer measuring the brightness temperature of Earth's surface (ground and sea) is presented. The tool covers the complete simulation of the input brightness temperature map, the full instrument modeling, the instrumental error correction, and the inversion algorithm to recover the brightness temperature. The output maps are presented in a graphical format including most of the standard cartographic projections. The simulator has been developed with two main objectives: (1) to provide the engineers a tool to predict system performance, and (2) to provide the scientific and end users a tool to help them in the implementation and improvement of algorithms for the Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) retrieval for the SMOS Earth Explorer Opportunity Mission of the European Space Agency.
AdS/CFT connection between Boltzmann and Einstein equations: Kinetic theory and pure gravity in AdS space

The AdS/CFT correspondence defines a sector with universal strongly coupled dynamics in the field theory as the dual of pure gravity in AdS described by Einstein's equation with a negative cosmological constant. We explain here, from the field-theoretic viewpoint how the dynamics in this sector gets determined by the expectation value of the energy-momentum tensor alone. We first show that the Boltzmann equation has very special solutions which could be functionally completely determined in terms of the energy-momentum tensor alone. We call these solutions conservative solutions. We indicate why conservative solutions should also exist when we refine this kinetic description to go closer to the exact microscopic theory or even move away from the regime of weak coupling so that no kinetic description could be employed. We argue that these conservative solutions form the universal sector dual to pure gravity at strong coupling and large N. Based on this observation, we propose a regularity condition on the energy-momentum tensor so that the dual solution in pure gravity has a smooth future horizon. We also study if irreversibility emerges only at long time scales of observation, unlike the case of the Boltzmann equation.
Antimicrobial Efficiency of Some Essential Oils in Antibiotic-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a non-fermentative Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen, frequently encountered in difficult-to-treat hospital-acquired infections and also wastewaters. The natural resistance of this pathogen, together with the frequent occurrence of multidrug-resistant strains, make current antibiotic therapy inefficient in treating P. aeruginosa infections. Antibiotic therapy creates a huge pressure to select resistant strains in clinical settings but also in the environment, since high amounts of antibiotics are released in waters and soil. Essential oils (EOs) and plant-derived compounds are efficient, ecologic, and sustainable alternatives in the management of various diseases, including infections. In this study, we evaluated the antibacterial effects of four commercial essential oils, namely, tea tree, thyme, sage, and eucalyptus, on 36 P. aeruginosa strains isolated from hospital infections and wastewaters. Bacterial strains were characterized in terms of virulence and antimicrobial resistance. The results show that most strains expressed soluble pore toxin virulence factors such as lecithinase (89–100%) and lipase (72–86%). All P. aeruginosa strains were positive for alginate encoding gene and 94.44% for protease IV; most of the strains were exotoxin producers (i.e., 80.56% for the ExoS gene, 77.78% for the ExoT gene, while the ExoU gene was present in 38.98% of the strains). Phospholipase-encoding genes (plc) were identified in 91.67/86.11% of the cases (plcH/plcN genes). A high antibiotic resistance level was identified, most of the strains being resistant to cabapenems and cephalosporins. Cabapenem resistance was higher in hospital and hospital wastewater strains (55.56–100%) as compared to those in urban wastewater. The most frequently encountered encoding genes were for extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs), namely, blaCTX-M (83.33% of the strains), blaSHV (80.56%), blaGES (52.78%), and blaVEB (13.89%), followed by carbapenemase-encoding genes (blaVIM, 8.33%). Statistical comparison of the EOs’ antimicrobial results showed that thyme gave the lowest minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum biofilm eradication concentrations (MBEC) in P. aeruginosa-resistant isolates, making this EO a competitive candidate for the development of efficient and ecologic antimicrobial alternatives.
PMMA Bone Cement: Antibiotic Elution and Mechanical Properties in the Context of Clinical Use

This literature review discusses the use of antibiotic loaded polymethylmethacrylate bone cements in arthroplasty. The clinically relevant differences that have to be considered when antibiotic loaded bone cements (ALBC) are used either for long-term implant fixation or as spacers for the treatment of periprosthetic joint infections are outlined. In this context, in vitro findings for antibiotic elution and material properties are summarized and transferred to clinical use.
ENSO-driven extreme oscillations in mean sea level destabilise critical shoreline mangroves—An emerging threat

Recent ENSO-related, extreme low oscillations in mean sea level, referred to as ‘Taimasa’ in Samoa, have destabilised shoreline mangroves of tropical northern Australia, and possibly elsewhere. In 1982 and 2015, two catastrophic Taimasa each resulted in widespread mass dieback of ~76 km2 of shoreline mangroves along 2,000 km of Australia’s Gulf of Carpentaria. For the 2015 event, we determined that a temporary drop in sea level of ~0.4 metres for up to six months duration caused upper zone shoreline mangroves across the region to die from severe moisture deficit and desiccation. The two dramatic collapse events revealed a previously unrecognised vulnerability of semi-arid tidal wetland habitats to more extreme ENSO influences on sea level. In addition, we also observed a relationship between annual sea level oscillations and mangrove forest productivity where seasonal oscillations in mean sea level were co-incident with regular annual mangrove leaf growth during months of higher sea levels (March-May), and leaf shedding during lower sea levels (September-November). The combination of these periodic fluctuations in sea level defined a mangrove ‘Goldilocks’ zone of seasonal productivity during median-scale oscillations, bracketed by critical threshold events when sea levels became unusually low, or high. On the two occasions reported here when sea levels were extremely low, upper zone mangrove vegetation died en masse in synchrony across northern Australia. Such extreme pulse impacts combined with localised stressors profoundly threaten the longer-term survival of mangrove ecosystems and their benefits, like minimisation of shoreline erosion with rising sea levels. These new insights into such critical influences of climate and sea level on mangrove forests offer further affirmation of the urgency for implementing well-considered mitigation efforts for the protection of shoreline mangroves at risk, especially given predictions of future re-occurrences of extreme events affecting sea levels, combined with on-going pressure of rapidly rising sea levels.
Association of Body Mass Index and Plant-Based Diet with Cognitive Impairment among Older Chinese Adults: A Prospective, Nationwide Cohort Study

To examine the association of body mass index (BMI) and a plant-based diet (PBD) with cognitive impairment in older adults, this cohort study used data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS), a national, community-based, longitudinal, prospective study in China. Cognitive function was evaluated via the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Diet was assessed using a simplified food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), and PBD patterns were estimated using the overall plant-based diet index (PDI), the healthful plant-based diet index (hPDI), and the unhealthful plant-based diet index (uPDI). BMI was measured objectively during the physical examination. Cox proportional hazard models and restricted cubic spline analyses were used. A total of 4792 participants with normal cognition at baseline were included, and 1077 participants were identified as having developed cognitive impairment during the 24,156 person-years of follow-up. A reverse J-shaped association was observed between BMI and cognitive impairment (p = 0.005 for nonlinearity). Participants who were overweight (HR = 0.79; 95% CI 0.66–0.95) and obese (HR = 0.72; 95% CI 0.54–0.96) had a decreased risk of cognitive impairment, while those who were underweight (HR = 1.42; 95% CI 1.21–1.66) had an increased risk. Lower PDI, lower hPDI, and higher uPDI were associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment (HR = 1.32; 95% CI 1.16–1.50 for PDI; HR = 1.46; 95% CI 1.29–1.66 for hPDI; HR = 1.21; 95% CI 1.06–1.38 for uPDI). The protective effect of being overweight on cognitive impairment was more pronounced among participants with a higher PDI (HR = 0.74; 95% CI 0.57–0.95) than those with a lower PDI (HR = 0.87; 95% CI 0.67–1.12), among participants with a higher hPDI (HR = 0.73; 95% CI 0.57–0.94) than those with a lower hPDI (HR = 0.93; 95% CI 0.72–1.10), and among participants with a lower uPDI (HR = 0.61; 95% CI 0.46–0.80) than those with a higher uPDI (HR = 1.01; 95% CI 0.80–1.27). Our results support the positive associations of overweight status, obesity, an overall PBD, and a healthful PBD with cognitive function in older adults. A lower adherence to an overall PBD, a healthful PBD, and a higher adherence to an unhealthful PBD may attenuate the protective effect of being overweight on cognitive function.
Semi-homogeneous vector bundles on an abelian variety

In his paper [2], Atiyah completely classified the vector bundles on an elliptic curve (see also O da [12 ]). His results have been extended to the curves of higher genus in various ways. Another direction in which we must try to extend it is the study of vector bundles on an abelian variety X of higher dim ension. In contrast w ith the case g =dim X =1, there are "too" many vector bundles on X when g >1. The main object of our study in this article is the vector bundle of the following type:
Stock Return Problems In The Coal Sector: A Case Study Of The Use Of Price Earning Ratio And Firm Size Moderation

This research aims to find out the effect of Return On Asset, Current Ratio, Average Collection Period on Stock Returns with Price Earning Ratio and Firm Size as moderated variables. This research is on Coal Sub-Sector companies listed on the Southeast Asian Stock Exchange for the period 2012-2020. The data used is secondary data from the annual report. This research is quantitative research. The object used is a coal sub-sector company in Southeast Asia for the period 2012-2020. The data collected is secondary data with documentation methods in the form of annual company reports. The sampling method used in this study using purposive sampling techniques was obtained by 10 companies that presented complete financial statements, so that as many as 90 samples were obtained. The analytical techniques used are descriptive statistical analysis, moderated regression analysis (MRA), multiple linear regression, t test, f test, and determination coefficient test. Based on the discussion of the research results that have been described, it can be concluded that the Return On Assets, Current Ratio and Average Collection Period Simultaneously no significant effect on Stock Return. Price Earning Ratio (PER) moderate Return On Assets to Stock Return. While the Price Earning Ratio (PER) does not moderate the Current Ratio, Average Collection Period on Stock Return. Firm Size does not moderate Return On Assets Current Ratio Average Collection Period to Stock Return in the Coal Subsector listed on the Southeast Asian Stock Exchange for the 2012-2020 periods
Key Residues Affecting Binding Affinity of Sirex noctilio Fabricius Odorant-Binding Protein (SnocOBP9) to Aggregation Pheromone

Sirex noctilio Fabricius (Hymenoptera Siricidae) is a major quarantine pest responsible for substantial economic losses in the pine industry. To achieve better pest control, (Z)-3-decen-ol was identified as the male pheromone and used as a field chemical trapping agent. However, the interactions between odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) and pheromones are poorly described. In this study, SnocOBP9 had a higher binding affinity with Z3D (Ki = 1.53 ± 0.09 μM) than other chemical ligands. Molecular dynamics simulation and binding mode analysis revealed that several nonpolar residues were the main drivers for hydrophobic interactions between SnocOBP9 and Z3D. Additionally, computational alanine scanning results indicated that five amino acids (MET54, PHE57, PHE71, PHE74, LEU116) in SnocOBP9 could potentially alter the binding affinity to Z3D. Finally, we used single-site-directed mutagenesis to substitute these five residues with alanine. These results imply that the five residues play crucial roles in the SnocOBP9-Z3D complex. Our research confirmed the function of SnocOBP9, uncovered the key residues involved in SnocOBP9-Z3D interactions, and provides an inspiration to improve the effects of pheromone agent traps.
Through the prism of cognition: exploration of local political leaders’ behaviour during incented voluntary municipal amalgamation

ABSTRACT For decades, amalgamation has remained at the top of the international reform agenda. Seeking to enhance local governments’ economic efficiency and democracy, municipal mergers were encouraged in numerous countries. However, the results of such reforms remain controversial. The paper aims to extend the understanding of reasons for municipalities’ diverging responses to financial incentives under amalgamation. In this way, the study adds to local public administration literature, by showing the influence of psychological factors and individuals’ cognition on the result of mergers in the context of two Ukrainian local governments.
Investigation into the Antihypertensive Effects of Diosmetin and Its Underlying Vascular Mechanisms Using Rat Model

Objective: Diosmetin is a flavonoid that is found in many important medicinal plants that have antihypertensive therapeutic potential. Diosmetin has been shown to have antiplatelet, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which suggests that it could be a potential candidate for use in antihypertensive therapy. Methods: In vivo and in vitro methods were used for our investigation into the antihypertensive effects of diosmetin. Results: Diosmetin significantly decreased the mean arterial pressure (MAP). The effects of diosmetin on the MAP and heart rate were more pronounced in hypertensive rats. To explore the involvement of the muscarinic receptors-linked NO pathway, Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and atropine were pre-administered in vivo. The pretreatment with L-NAME did not significantly change the effects of diosmetin on the MAP by excluding the involvement of NO. Unlike L-NAME, the atropine pretreatment reduced the effects of diosmetin on the MAP, which demonstrated the role of the muscarinic receptors. In the in vitro study, diosmetin at lower concentrations produced endothelium-dependent and -independent (at higher concentrations) vasorelaxation, which was attenuated significantly by the presence of atropine and indomethacin but not L-NAME. Diosmetin was also tested for high K+-induced contractions. Diosmetin induced significant relaxation (similar to verapamil), which indicated its Ca2+ antagonistic effects. This was further confirmed by diosmetin shifting the CaCl2 CRCs toward the right due to its suppression of the maximum response. Diosmetin also suppressed phenylephrine peak formation, which indicated its antagonist effects on the release of Ca2+. Moreover, BaCl2 significantly inhibited the effects of diosmetin, followed by 4-AP and TEA, which suggested that the K+ channels had a role as well. Conclusions: The obtained data showed the Ca2+ channel antagonism, potassium channel activation and antimuscarinic receptor-linked vasodilatory effects of diosmetin, which demonstrated its antihypertensive potential.
Sarcopenia as a Predictor of Short- and Long-Term Outcomes in Patients Surgically Treated for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Simple Summary Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive asbestos-related tumor with a poor prognosis. Surgery, often considered in the context of multimodality treatment, may be burdened by high morbidity, and for this reason, it should be reserved for patients who have a good pre-operative performance status. Sarcopenia, a well-established predictor of negative outcomes in several clinical settings, is still underinvestigated in MPM. The aim of the study is to elucidate the prognostic impact of muscular loss on surgical outcomes in patients with MPM. We demonstrated that, respectively, pre- and post-operative sarcopenia strongly affects the risk of post-operative complications and long-term survival after surgery for MPM. This finding will help clinicians to perform a better selection of patients, taking into consideration the enrollment in dedicated rehabilitation programs before surgery. Abstract Surgery for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) should be reserved only for patients who have a good performance status. Sarcopenia, a well-known predictor of poor outcomes after surgery, is still underinvestigated in MPM. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of sarcopenia as a predictor of short-and long-term outcomes in patients surgically treated for MPM. In our analysis, we included patients treated with a cytoreductive intent in a multimodality setting, with both pre- and post-operative CT scans without contrast available. We excluded those in whom a complete macroscopic resection was not achieved. Overall, 86 patients were enrolled. Sarcopenia was assessed by measuring the mean muscular density of the bilateral paravertebral muscles (T12 level) on pre-and post-operative CTs; a threshold value of 30 Hounsfield Units (HU) was identified. Sarcopenia was found pre-operatively in 57 (66%) patients and post-operatively in 61 (74%). Post-operative sarcopenic patients had a lower 3-year overall survival (OS) than those who were non-sarcopenic (34.9% vs. 57.6% p = 0.03). Pre-operative sarcopenia was significantly associated with a higher frequency of post-operative complications (65% vs. 41%, p = 0.04). The evaluation of sarcopenia, through a non-invasive method, would help to better select patients submitted to surgery for MPM in a multimodality setting.
University Students’ Mental Health and Well-Being during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings from the UniCoVac Qualitative Study

The worldwide spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in early 2020 affected all major sectors, including higher education. The measures to contain the spread of this deadly disease led to the closure of colleges and universities across the globe, disrupting the lives of millions of students and subjecting them to a new world of online learning. These sudden disturbances coupled with the demands of a new learning system and the experiences of living through a pandemic have placed additional strains on the mental health of university students. Research on university students’ mental health, conducted during the pandemic, have found high levels of stress, anxiety and depression among students. In this qualitative study, we aimed to understand how pandemic experiences have affected student well-being by conducting in-depth interviews with 34 undergraduate students enrolled in a UK university. All interviews were conducted through Microsoft Teams and recorded with prior permission. Transcripts of recorded interviews were thematically analysed which identified two broad themes: (i) University students’ mental health and well-being experiences during the pandemic; (ii) factors that influenced students’ mental health and well-being. These factors were further distributed across six sub-themes: (a) isolation; (b) health and well-being; (c) bereavement; (d) academic concerns; (e) financial worries and; (f) support, coping, and resilience. Our study identifies the importance of mental health support to university students during pandemics and calls for measures to improve access to support services through these crisis points by universities. Findings can also inform students’ mental health and risk assessments in the aftermath of the pandemic.
Levels of Biochar and NPS Fertilizer Rates on Growth, Yield Component, and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.) at Guto Gida, Western Ethiopia

Mixed application of organic and inorganic fertilizers in mixture improves soil fertility and crop productivity. However, the identification of combined application level is important. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted in 2020 in the Guto Gida district to assess the effect of maize cob biochar levels and inorganic NPS fertilizer rates on the growth and yield of maize. The study was conducted in factorial combinations of five rates of maize cob biochar and three rates of inorganic NPS fertilizer using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The main effect of the biochar level and NPS rate significantly affected crop phenology and biomass yield, whereas the number of kernels ear−1 was affected by the main effect of NPS rate. The combined application of biochar and NPS fertilizer significantly influenced plant height, leaf area index, ear weight, thousand kernel weight, grain yield, and percentage of grain yield. The interaction of biochar at 8 t·ha−1 with 100 kg·ha−1 NPS resulted in highest leaf area index (5.56), grain yield (7.03 t·ha−1), and yield increment (18.11%) followed by 8 t·ha−1 × 50 kg·ha−1 and all biochar levels with 100 kg·ha−1 NPS. In addition, the highest values of ear weight (276 g) and thousand kernel weight (47.81 g) were recorded in plots treated with combined application of biochar and NPS fertilizer at rates of 8 t·ha−1 × 50 kg·ha−1 and 4 t·ha−1 × 100 kg·ha−1, respectively, whereas plots not treated with both biochar and NPS resulted in lowest yield followed by 0 t·ha−1 × 50 kg·ha−1. In conclusion, integrated application of maize cob biochar at 8 t·ha−1 with NPS fertilizer at 50 kg·ha−1 improved the yield of maize by about 16.85% with net benefit of 61700.50 ETB ha−1 and marginal rate of return 733.68%, and therefore, the application of biochar at this rate with mineral NPS fertilizer at 50 kg·ha−1 is considered as suitable for the study area.
Strain Release Behaviour during Crack Growth of a Polymeric Beam under Elastic Loads for Self-Healing

The response of polymeric beams made of Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) in the form of 3D printed beams is investigated to test their elastic and plastic responses under different bending loads. Two types of 3D printed beams were designed to test their elastic and plastic responses under different bending loads. These responses were used to develop an origami capsule-based novel self-healing mechanism that can be triggered by crack propagation due to strain release in a structure. Origami capsules of TPU in the form of a cross with four small beams, either folded or elastically deformed, were embedded in a simple ABS beam. Crack propagation in the ABS beam released the strain, and the TPU capsule unfolded with the arms of the cross in the direction of the crack path, and this increased the crack resistance of the ABS beam. This increase in the crack resistance was validated in a delamination test of a double cantilever specimen under quasi-static load conditions. Repeated test results demonstrated the effect of self-healing on structural crack growth. The results show the potential of the proposed self-healing mechanism as a novel contribution to existing practices which are primarily based on external healing agents.