Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Photo-triggered wrinkling of glassy nematic films

A linear analysis is performed to explore the stability of an azobenzene-containing glassy nematic film on a soft elastic foundation under uniform illumination by UV light. It is found that the film can buckle to form wrinkles when the light intensity and the geometric and material parameters of the system are properly chosen. The results may help in the fabrication of photo-triggered wrinkled surfaces which are particularly attractive for applications where remote addressing is desired.
Simulated Annealing Algorithm for Friction Parameters Identification

The present study is concerned with friction parameters identification in the pushing system of projectile of large caliber cannon howitzer. Coulomb model (CM) is adapted to build friction model in the process of pushing projectile. Random direction search algorithm (RDSA) is probably to get into the local best because of the large number of parameters to identify. So simulated annealing algorithm (SAA) based on continuous search space (CSAA) and based on discrete search space (DSAA) is applied to identify friction parameters. The identification results show that both CSAA and DSAA have better accuracy and convergence than RDSA, and CSAA has better accuracy than DSAA. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.11591/telkomnika.v11i1. 1893
Study of C- and O-glycosylflavones in sugarcane extracts using liquid chromatography: exact mass measurement mass spectrometry

The flavonoids present in sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) extracts were analyzed by liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and a study of the fragmentation patterns of selected flavonoids was conducted using orthogonal acceleration time-of-flight electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-oa-ToF MS). Seven C- and O-glycosylflavones were identified in the extracts, namely, schaftoside, isoschaftoside, luteolin-8-C-(rhamnosylglucoside), vitexin, orientin, tricin-7-O-neohesperidoside and tricin-7-O-glucoside. Of these, five were identified in the absence of direct comparison with their respective standards. The described method also permitted the differentiation of the 6-C and 8-C isomeric flavones, schaftoside and isoschaftoside. The combination of fragmentation data and exact mass measurement showed to be complimentary to the HPLC-UV-MS techniques previously utilized for isomers discrimination in sugarcane studies.
Block reinforcement to optimize lifetime of flash storage devices

With the advances of manufacturing technology and aggressive use of multi-level-cell (MLC) for flash memory, flash memory has faced a serious challenge on its device lifetime due to the fast-decreasing capacity caused by worn-out blocks. In contrast to existing works, we propose a block reinforcement scheme to optimize the guaranteed lifetime of flash storage devices by extending the useable period of flash blocks with limited performance degradation and space overhead. A serious of experiments was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the proposed scheme and the results are very encouraging.
Hdac3 regulates lymphovenous and lymphatic valve formation

Lymphedema, the most common lymphatic anomaly, involves defective lymphatic valve development; yet the epigenetic modifiers underlying lymphatic valve morphogenesis remain elusive. Here, we showed that during mouse development, the histone-modifying enzyme histone deacetylase 3 (Hdac3) regulates the formation of both lymphovenous valves, which maintain the separation of the blood and lymphatic vascular systems, and the lymphatic valves. Endothelium-specific ablation of Hdac3 in mice led to blood-filled lymphatic vessels, edema, defective lymphovenous valve morphogenesis, improper lymphatic drainage, defective lymphatic valve maturation, and complete lethality. Hdac3-deficient lymphovenous valves and lymphatic vessels exhibited reduced expression of the transcription factor Gata2 and its target genes. In response to oscillatory shear stress, the transcription factors Tal1, Gata2, and Ets1/2 physically interacted with and recruited Hdac3 to the evolutionarily conserved E-box–GATA–ETS composite element of a Gata2 intragenic enhancer. In turn, Hdac3 recruited histone acetyltransferase Ep300 to form an enhanceosome complex that promoted Gata2 expression. Together, these results identify Hdac3 as a key epigenetic modifier that maintains blood-lymph separation and integrates both extrinsic forces and intrinsic cues to regulate lymphatic valve development.
Diet and Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease in the Arab Middle East Countries

The picture of health and nutritional status in the Arab Middle East countries has changed drastically during the past four decades as a result of changes in dietary habits, socio-economic situation and lifestyle. The chronic non-communicable diseases such as coronary heart disease (CHD), diabetes, hypertension and cancer have become the main public health problems in most of these countries. Pattern of food consumption may play an important part in the increasing incidence of CHD in this region. The traditional diet, characterized by a high-fiber content and low in fat and cholesterol has changed to a more westernized diet with high content of fat, free sugars, sodium and cholesterol. Daily per capita fat supplies showed an impressive increase in most of these countries, ranging from 13.6% in Sudan to 143.3% in Saudi Arabia. A high intake of cholesterol is reported in some of these countries. Also, the consumption of fiber-rich foods such as whole grains, vegetables and fruits is low. Data from food composition tables in the region showed that sodium content in the Arab Middle East diet is high. Dietary guidelines and recommendations for the prevention and control of chronic diseases, including CHD, in these Arab countries are provided.
The isoprenoid derivative N6‐benzyladenosine CM223 exerts antitumor effects in glioma patient‐derived primary cells through the mevalonate pathway

N6‐Isopentenyladenosine (i6A) is a modified nucleoside exerting in vitro and in vivo antiproliferative effects. We previously demonstrated that the actions of i6A correlate with the expression and activity of farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPPS), a key enzyme involved in the mevalonate (MVA) pathway, which is aberrant in brain cancer. To develop new anti‐glioma strategies, we tested related compounds exhibiting greater activity than i6A.
Microstructural Characterization of Ferroelectric Bismuth Ferrite (BiFeO3) Ceramic by Electron Backscattered Diffraction

Ferroelectric BiFeO3 (BFO) is potential candidate for future generation of FeRAM due to its large polarization. However, BFO is very sensitive to secondary phase formation during synthesis because of volatility issues related to Bismuth. Investigation of the microstructure for phase purity is the key as impurities can destroy the desired properties. We have used backscattered electron diffraction to study the microstructure of BFO ceramic. The EBSD results provide a direct evidence of the appearance of secondary phase that XRD could not be detected in XRD.
Low Self-Control and Crime in Late Adulthood

This study investigates whether low self-control theory explains self-reported criminal activity in late adulthood. Cross-sectional survey data from telephone interviews conducted with individuals aged 60 years and older in Arizona and Florida (N = 2,000) are used. Regression analyses show that low self-control is related to criminal offending. The relationship between low self-control and offending persists after the introduction of potential mediators (e.g., unstructured socializing, negative emotions, and familial ties) and is even observed across different stages of late adulthood (i.e., young–old, old–old, and oldest–old) characterized by declining physical and cognitive abilities. Robustness checks using alternative measurement and modeling strategies also provide empirical support. Although strong causal inferences are limited by the nature of the data, the findings generally support the notion that low self-control theory partially explains criminal offending in late adulthood.
The Effectiveness of a Stress Reduction and Burnout Prevention Program.

BACKGROUND Chronic psychological distress appears to have increased in recent years, mainly among the working population. The data available indicate that mental and behavioral disorders, including burnout syndrome, represent not only a personal problem for those afflicted, but also a serious public health issue. This study aimed at evaluating the effects of an outpatient burnout prevention program in a mono-center health resort setting. METHODS Adults experiencing an above-average level of stress and thus being at an increased risk of burnout were randomized either to the intervention group (IG) or the waiting control group (WG). The 3-week program included stress management intervention, relaxation, physical exercise and moor applications. The primary outcome was change in perceived stress (PSQ) at 6 months post-intervention. Secondary outcomes included burnout symptoms, well-being, health status, psychological symptoms, back pain, and number of sick days. Participants were examined at baseline, post-intervention (3 weeks) and after 1, 3 and 6 months. RESULTS Data from 88 adults (IG=43; WG=45) were available for (per protocol) analysis (mean age: 50.85; 76.1% female). Participants in the IG experienced significant immediate improvement in all outcome measures, which declined somewhat during the first three months post-intervention and then remained stable for at least another three months. Those in the WG did not experience substantial change across time. For the 109 randomized persons, results for PSQ were confirmed in an intention-to-treat analysis with missing values replaced by last observation carried forward (between-group ANCOVA for PSQScore at 6 months, parameter estimator for the group: -20.57; 95% CI: [-26.09; -15.04]). Large effect sizes (Cohen's d for PSQ: 1.09-1.72) indicate the superiority of the intervention. CONCLUSION The program proved to be effective in reducing perceived stress, emotional exhaustion and other targets. Future research should examine the long-term impact of the program and the effect of occasional refresher training.
Impairment of a parieto‐premotor network specialized for handwriting in writer's cramp

Handwriting with the dominant hand is a highly skilled task singularly acquired in humans. This skill is the isolated deficit in patients with writer's cramp (WC), a form of dystonia with maladaptive plasticity, acquired through intensive and repetitive motor practice. When a skill is highly trained, a motor program is created in the brain to execute the same movement kinematics regardless of the effector used for the task. The task‐ and effector‐specific symptoms in WC suggest that a problem particularly occurs in the brain when the writing motor program is carried out by the dominant hand. In this MRI study involving 12 WC patients (with symptoms only affecting the right dominant hand during writing) and 15 age matched unaffected controls we showed that: (1) the writing program recruited the same network regardless of the effector used to write in both groups; (2) dominant handwriting recruited a segregated parieto‐premotor network only in the control group; (3) local structural alteration of the premotor area, the motor component of this network, predicted functional connectivity deficits during dominant handwriting and symptom duration in the patient group. Dysfunctions and structural abnormalities of a segregated parieto‐premotor network in WC patients suggest that network specialization in focal brain areas is crucial for well‐learned motor skill. Hum Brain Mapp 37:4363–4375, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
NAADP mobilizes Ca2+ from a thapsigargin-sensitive store in the nuclear envelope by activating ryanodine receptors

Ca2+ release from the envelope of isolated pancreatic acinar nuclei could be activated by nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP) as well as by inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) and cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR). Each of these agents reduced the Ca2+ concentration inside the nuclear envelope, and this was associated with a transient rise in the nucleoplasmic Ca2+ concentration. NAADP released Ca2+ from the same thapsigargin-sensitive pool as IP3. The NAADP action was specific because, for example, nicotineamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate was ineffective. The Ca2+ release was unaffected by procedures interfering with acidic organelles (bafilomycin, brefeldin, and nigericin). Ryanodine blocked the Ca2+-releasing effects of NAADP, cADPR, and caffeine, but not IP3. Ruthenium red also blocked the NAADP-elicited Ca2+ release. IP3 receptor blockade did not inhibit the Ca2+ release elicited by NAADP or cADPR. The nuclear envelope contains ryanodine and IP3 receptors that can be activated separately and independently; the ryanodine receptors by either NAADP or cADPR, and the IP3 receptors by IP3.
High Step up DC-DC Converter Fed from Photovoltaic System

In this paper, a high efficiency, high step up DC-DC converter fed from a single (250W) photovoltaic panel, through a maximum power point tracker (MPPT), is simulated and implemented using simple topology. This is done by duplicating the output voltage of the flyback converter using a series resonant circuit in its transformer secondary during the "ON" period. It will be shown that this topology leads to increase the power capability of the converter as compared with the conventional one. This source designed to prepare a DC bus voltage for a three-phase inverter. Such a source is quite compatible with a 3-phase stand alone or a grid connected solar systems. The adopted simulation program is LTspice (Linear Technology spice). The prototype of a (250W, 600V) results agrees with that of the simulation.
Molybdenum and phosphorus limitation of moss-associated nitrogen fixation in boreal ecosystems.

Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) performed by moss-associated cyanobacteria is one of the main sources of new nitrogen (N) input in pristine, high-latitude ecosystems. Yet, the nutrients that limit BNF remain elusive. Here, we tested whether this important ecosystem function is limited by the availability of molybdenum (Mo), phosphorus (P), or both. BNF in dominant mosses was measured with the acetylene reduction assay (ARA) at different time intervals following Mo and P additions, in both laboratory microcosms with mosses from a boreal spruce forest and field plots in subarctic tundra. We further used a 15 N2 tracer technique to assess the ARA to N2 fixation conversion ratios at our subarctic site. BNF was up to four-fold higher shortly after the addition of Mo, in both the laboratory and field experiments. A similar positive response to Mo was found in moss colonizing cyanobacterial biomass. As the growing season progressed, nitrogenase activity became progressively more P limited. The ARA : 15 N2 ratios increased with increasing Mo additions. These findings show that N2 fixation activity as well as cyanobacterial biomass in dominant feather mosses from boreal forests and subarctic tundra are limited by Mo availability.
The N-Tuple Bandit Evolutionary Algorithm for Game Agent Optimisation

This paper describes the N-Tuple Bandit Evolutionary Algorithm (NTBEA), an optimisation algorithm developed for noisy and expensive discrete (combinatorial) optimisation problems. The algorithm is applied to two game-based hyperparameter optimisation problems. The N-Tuple system directly models the statistics, approximating the fitness and number of evaluations of each modelled combination of parameters. The model is simple, efficient and informative. Results show that the NTBEA significantly outperforms grid search and an estimation of distribution algorithm.
CAE approach in application of Nafion-Pt composite (ICPF) actuators: analysis for surface wipers of NASA MUSES-CN nanorovers

Nafion-Pt composite (ICPF) is one of the most practical electroactive polymer nearest to applications. In this paper, motion of ICPF was analyzed to design a dust wiper of a visual/IR window of Nanorover of NASA MUSES-CN mission by applying Kanno-Tadokoro simulation model. This is a gray-box model between input and output consisting of 3 stages: an electrical stage, a stress generation stage and a mechanical stage. In the electrical stage, the input is voltage and the output is distributed current through the membrane. In the stress generation stage, the input is the current and the output is internal stress. The mechanical stage is approximated by an elastic body or a viscoelastic body. Many results have shown validity of this model. As a result of analysis, the following were revealed. Strain near the electrode is larger than that at the tip. The actuator shows a rolling-up shape at the edges. The larger the aspect ratio of ICPF is, the larger the displacement is, because this spoils the actuator motion. A crosspiece at the tip prevents ICPF form rolling up and the efficiency is improved. Too long crosspiece disables ICPF form moving with a good performance.
Novel technologies emerging for preimplantation genetic diagnosis and preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy

ABSTRACT Introduction: Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) was introduced as an alternative to prenatal diagnosis: embryos cultured in vitro were analysed for a monogenic disease and only disease-free embryos were transferred to the mother, to avoid the termination of pregnancy with an affected foetus. It soon transpired that human embryos show a great deal of acquired chromosomal abnormalities, thought to explain the low success rate of IVF – hence preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) was developed to select euploid embryos for transfer. Areas covered: PGD has followed the tremendous evolution in genetic analysis, with only a slight delay due to adaptations for diagnosis on small samples. Currently, next generation sequencing combining chromosome with single-base pair analysis is on the verge of becoming the golden standard in PGD and PGT-A. Papers highlighting the different steps in the evolution of PGD/PGT-A were selected. Expert commentary: Different methodologies used in PGD/PGT-A with their pros and cons are discussed.
Clay Reinforced Hyperbranched Polyurethane Nanocomposites Based on Palm Oil Polyol as Shape Memory Materials

Reactive nanoclay reinforced hyperbranched polyurethane (HPU) nanocomposites have been synthesized with the introduction of palm oil polyol as part of the precursor. The HPU were prepared in a two-step process using polycaprolactonediol, 4,4’-diphenylmethane diisocyanate and 1,4-butanediol as chain extender. Nanoclay was added with the purpose of improving the properties of the pristine polyurethane. The introduction of palm oil polyol is believed to enhance the mixing process between polymer matrix and filler. Thermal, mechanical and shape memory properties of produced HPU were investigated. The results showed that the crystallinity of HPU nanocomposites decreased with introduction of clay particles and that the mechanical and shape memory properties were enhanced with the addition of small amount of reactive nanoclay (up to 3 wt%).
An integrative review of multicomponent weight management interventions for adults with intellectual disabilities

Background Obesity is more prevalent in people with intellectual disabilities and increases the risk of developing serious medical conditions. UK guidance recommends multicomponent weight management interventions (MCIs), tailored for different population groups. Methods An integrative review utilizing systematic review methodology was conducted to identify the types of MCIs delivered to adults with intellectual disabilities. Findings Five studies were identified. All of the studies' MCIs were tailored for adults with intellectual disabilities. Tailoring included measures such as simplified communication tools, individualized sessions, and the presence of carers where appropriate. Conclusions Emerging evidence suggests ways in which MCIs can be tailored for adults with intellectual disabilities but, given the few studies identified, it is not possible to recommend how they can be routinely tailored. Further studies are justified for adults with intellectual disabilities at risk of obesity‐related conditions.
A note on the limit load of welded joints of a rectangular cross-section

A flat layer of a rigid perfectly plastic material subjected to tension between two rigid blocks is considered. The layer is assumed to have a rectangular cross-section. The influence of the ratio of the in-plane layer dimensions on the limit load and the maximum tensile stress is studied. Comparison with numerical calculations of the limit load based on the assumption of the plane strain conditions is made.
Professionals’ Attitude Toward Reporting Child Sexual Abuse in Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT Child sexual abuse (CSA) requires specialized knowledge and training that includes forensic interview skills. The aim of this study was to determine variations in professionals’ attitudes toward CSA by measuring three aspects of forensic attitudes (sensitivity, specificity, and skepticism) and evaluating disagreements concerning the assessment of CSA cases in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional, web-based study, in which the Child Forensic Attitude Scale was used to measure professionals’ attitudes, was conducted. Professionals who dealt with suspected cases of CSA as part of their jobs or were in professions that necessitated involvement with such cases, were selected as participants. Of 327 participants, 53% were aged ≤40 years, and 54% were men. In addition, 24% were doctors/nurses, 20% were therapists/psychiatrists, 24% were social workers, 17% were educators, 9% were law enforcement professionals, and 5% were medical examiners. Attitude subscale scores differed significantly according to participants’ sex, specialty, and training. Women, healthcare professionals, and those who had participated in more than five training courses were more concerned about the underreporting of abuse (high sensitivity) relative to other professionals. In comparison, men, medical examiners, law enforcement officers, and undertrained professionals tended to underreport suspected sexual abuse cases (high specificity). High specificity in attitudes toward suspected cases of CSA could affect professionals’ judgment and contribute to low reporting rates. Certain strategies, including increasing self-awareness of personal bias, specific CSA recognition courses, and team approaches to case assessment and management, should be implemented to control the influence of subjective factors.
Age-related changes in survival and turnover rates of balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) fine roots

Fine-root (≤2 mm) demographics change as forests age, but the direction and extent of change are unknown. Knowledge of the change and understanding of causes will improve predictions of climate change impacts. We used minirhizotrons at three young and three mature balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill. ) sites to measure median lifespan (MLS) for each site and for annual cohorts. We computed turnover rate from the inverse of MLS (Tinv) and calculated a second turnover rate (T) from annual mortality, annual production and previous year-end standing crop. Median lifespan at mature sites (436 days) was half that at young sites (872 days). Median lifespan of annual cohorts varied widely at all sites. Age-class distributions of fine roots seen by minirhizotrons changed with increasing years of observation, with older age classes accumulating more slowly at mature sites. Our findings highlight the need to determine whether the proportional contributions of absorbing and transporting fine roots to annual production and their median lifespans change during stand development. Due to its variation among annual cohorts, we believe robust estimates of MLS at our sites require 5-7 years of observation, and reliable estimates of Tinv are reached earlier than T.