Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Conformations and Dynamics of Polymer Chains in Cis and Trans Polybutadiene/Silica Nanocomposites through Atomistic Simulations: From the Unentangled to the Entangled Regime

The conformations and the dynamics of poly­(butadiene) (PB) chains, of various molecular weights, in PB/silica nanocomposites are studied through long-time atomistic molecular dynamics simulations at T = 413 K, well above Tg. The effect of the stereochemistry of PB chains is addressed by simulation of cis-1,4-PB/silica and trans-1,4-PB/silica nanocomposites. The model systems contain 30 wt % (≈12 vol %) silica nanoparticles (NPs) of diameter ≈4 nm. The nanocomposites are characterized through analyzing (i) interfacial packing and the dimensions of the PB chains; (ii) statistics of the train, bridge, loop, and tail conformations of adsorbed chains and the coupling between segmental orientational dynamics and chain conformations; and (iii) the orientational and translational dynamics of the polymer chains and the desorption kinetics of chains and segments. The dimensions of PB chains, excluding a small fraction of chains that wrap around the NP, are not affected. The segmental and terminal dynamics of PB chains are slower in the nanocomposites than in the respective bulk melts. Moreover, the dynamics of PB chains in the nanocomposites is very heterogeneous, and a coupling between the dynamics and the conformation of PB chains is observed: the adsorbed segments (trains) and the chains that have a higher number of contacts to the NPs are more decelerated. Additionally, at long times, bridge segments exhibit a very slow orientational decorrelation. The self-diffusion coefficients, D, of PB chains in the nanocomposites are also reduced compared to the respective bulk systems. A clear crossover from the unentangled (Rouse-like) to the entangled (reptation-like) regime is observed based on the calculation of the segmental mean-square displacement and D as a function of the chain length. The effective tube diameter of entangled PB chains in the nanocomposites is estimated to be slightly smaller than in the pure melts. The deceleration of dynamics in the nanocomposites, in both Rouse and reptation-like regimes, is discussed in terms of a higher effective monomeric friction coefficient. Finally, the correlation times for the desorption of segments and chains are much larger than the segmental and end-to-end-vector correlation times, respectively.
Hybrid deep-learning analysis for cyber anomaly detection

Cyber threats evolve continuously and so do the detection tools and algorithms. In this paper we analyse the efficiency of hybrid deep-learning analysis as a mean to detect anomalies in computer network traffic. Different deep-learning algorithms are tested against real network intrusion events in an attempt to assess their potential as an early warning system. We suggest a combination of algorithms and rule-based filters as a hybrid system that can improve efficiency and accuracy of cyber anomaly detection.
The Importance of a Borrower’s Track Record on Repayment Performance: Evidence in P2P Lending Market

In peer-to-peer (P2P) loan markets, as most lenders are unskilled and inexperienced ordinary individuals, it is important to know the characteristics of borrowers that significantly impact their repayment performance. This study investigates the effects and importance of borrowers’ past repayment performance track record within the platform to identify its predictive power. To this end, I analyze the detailed loan repayment data from two leading P2P lending platforms in Korea using a Cox proportional hazard, multiple linear regression, and logit models. Furthermore, the predictive power of the factors proxied by borrowers’ track records are evaluated through the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. As a result, it is found that the borrowers’ past track record within the platform have the most important impact on the repayment performance of their current loans. In addition, this study also reveals that the borrowers’ track record is much more predictive of their repayment performance than any other factor. The findings of this study emphasize that individual lenders must take into account the quality of borrowers’ past transaction history when making a funding decision, and that platform operators should actively share the borrowers’ past records within the markets with lenders.
Being a bright snake: Testing aposematism and mimicry in a neotropical forest

Based on color patterns and behavioral similarities, venomous coral snake Micrurus corallinus (Elapidae) may act as a model for two polymorphic species, Erythrolamprus aesculapii (Dipsadidae) and Micrurus decoratus (Elapidae). Plasticine replicas were used to investigate the aposematism of these coloration patterns and whether these species may be part of mimetic complexes in two Atlantic Forest localities in Southeast Brazil. Coral replicas were more avoided when set upon a white background, evincing that the pattern may act aposematically in contrast with light substrates. Birds attacked all four patterns equally during the mimicry experiments. Birds of prey, known to be effective in predating snakes, are quite abundant in the study areas, which may have led to this lack of avoidance. Accordingly, they predated more adult‐sized replicas, which could be more dangerous. Interestingly, opossum avoided the Micrurus corallinus and Erythrolamprus aesculapii replicas that resembled the model. This suggests that opportunistic predators, as the opossum may be important selective agents in mimicry complexes.
Evaluating the incidence and severity of rice yellow mottle virus and maize streak virus on rice (Oryza sativa L.) and associated insects in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria

Rice is an important staple food in Nigeria, affected by several diseases especially viruses. This study was carried out to evaluate the incidence and severity of two important viruses on rice plants and to identify associated insects in the Federal Capital Territory (F.C.T), Abuja in 2019. Field experiment was carried out from June to October, 2019 at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Abuja, Nigeria, where ten rice varieties were assessed for incidence and severity. The seed and leaf samples were collected for serological indexing. Data collected was subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS and mean separation was done with Duncan Multiple Range Test. Of the 210 leaf samples collected, FARO 61 and 44 had the lowest incidence (19%), while FARO 65 recorded the highest (25.3%). FARO 52 recorded the highest severity (46%) while FARO 61 and FARO 60 had the lowest severity (30.1%) for rice yellow mottle sobemo-virus (RYMV) and maize streak geminivirus (MSV). Insects such as Spittle bug (Locris rubens and Poophilus costalis), Ladybird beetle (Cheilomenes sulphurea) and Groundhopper (Paratettix sp) were trapped on the field. All rice seed and leaf samples collected did not test positive to RYMV and MSV using Enzyme-Linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). This study provides the first research work on rice viruses in the FCT and further studies are recommended. Key words: Nigeria, rice, rice yellow mottle sobemo-virus (RYMV), maize streak geminivirus (MSV), incidence, severity, virus symptoms, enzyme linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA).
Application of Generalized Pareto in Non-Life Insurance

This paper focuses on the modeling and estimation of tail loss distribution parameters from Egyptian’s commercial fire loss severities. Using theoretical extreme value, we use the generalized distribution of Pareto (GPD) and compare it to standard parametric modeling based on exp, Weibull, gumbel, frechet, lognormal and gamma distributions. The goodness-of-fit tests included Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Anderson and Cramer-von Mises test is carried out, and the calculation of the value-at-risk and expected shortfall are performed. We use the bootstrap approach to create confidence intervals for the estimates.
Soil‐nitrogen, potentially mineralizable‐nitrogen, and field condition information marginally improves corn nitrogen management

Anaerobic potentially mineralizable nitrogen (PMN) combined with preplant nitrate test (PPNT) or pre‐sidedress nitrate test (PSNT) may improve corn (Zea mays L.) N management. Forty‐nine corn N response studies were conducted across the U.S. Midwest to evaluate the capacity of PPNT and PSNT to predict grain yield, N uptake, and economic optimal N rate (EONR) when adjusted by soil sampling depth, soil texture, temperature, PMN, and initial NH4–N from PMN analysis. Pre‐plant soil samples were obtained for PPNT (0‐ to 30‐, 30‐ to 60‐, 60‐ to 90‐cm depths) and PMN (0‐ to 30‐cm depth) before corn planting and N fertilization. In‐season soil samples were obtained at the V5 corn development stage for PSNT (0‐ to 30‐, 30‐ to 60‐cm depths) at 0 kg N ha−1 at‐planting rate and for PMN when 0 and 180 kg N ha−1 was applied at planting. Grain yield, N uptake, and EONR were best predicted when separating soils by texture or sites by annual growing degree‐days and including PMN and initial NH4–N with either NO3–N test. Using PSNT (mean R2 = .30)‐instead of PPNT (mean R2 = .19)‐based models normally increased predictability of corn agronomic variables by a mean of 11%. Including PMN and initial NH4–N with PPNT or PSNT only marginally improved predictability of grain yield, N uptake, and EONR (R2 increase ≤ .33; mean R2 = .35). Therefore, including PMN with PPNT or PSNT is not suggested as a tool to improve N fertilizer management in the U.S. Midwest.
A Novel Oil-Water Two-Phase Flow Numerical Simulation Method In Tight Sandstone Reservoirs

As a crucial factor affecting water flooding in tight sandstone reservoirs, dynamic capillary pressure (DCP) has significant impact on the production performance during oil-water flow. In this work, a novel numerical simulation method with DCP is developed to study oil displacement in tight sandstone reservoirs. Based on this new model, the impacts from DCP to water/oil displacement (or water flooding effects) are analysed. The results of this work show that the effects brought by dynamic capillary pressure cannot be neglected. The more significant dynamic effects of capillary pressure correspond to the sample with lower permeability. The effect of DCP is probably a major contributor to non-linear flow (non-Darcy flow) in tight sandstone reservoirs during water flooding process. Compared with the conventional flow theory (e.g., static capillary pressure theory), our derived model with DCP can help to reduce the uncertainty in water/oil flow in tight sandstone reservoirs.
ENERGY CONSUMPTION AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN INDONESIA

The aim of following study was to examine the relationship between energy consumption and economic growth in Indonesia. This study has used quantitative research design for assessing the energy consumption and its link with economic growth in Indonesia for the period of 2000-2019. The independent variable in this study was energy consumption whereas; dependent variable was economic growth in Indonesia . The data is analysed through E-views using autoregressive distributed lag co-integration approach for long-run relationship, and long-run and short-run coefficients, Augmented Dickey Fuller and Johansen co-integration. The findings have revealed that economic growth and energy consumption has association with each other. Within the given historic data, energy consumption has the ability to predict economic growth in Indonesia. The research can be improved through increasing sample size, number of variables and countries for comparison. This study also provides the guideline to the polcymakers that they should develop the policies related to the energy consumption that enhance the economic growth of the country.
Economic Evaluation of Carbon Capture and Utilization Applying the Technology of Mineral Carbonation at Coal-Fired Power Plant

Based on the operating data of a 40 tCO2/day (2 megawatt (MW)) class carbon capture and utilization (CCU) pilot plant, the scaled-up 400 tCO2/day (20 MW) class CCU plant at 500 MW power plant was economically analyzed by applying the levelized cost of energy analysis (LCOE) and CO2 avoided cost. This study shows that the LCOE and CO2 avoided cost for 400 tCO2/day class CCU plant of mineral carbonation technology were 26 USD/MWh and 64 USD/tCO2, representing low LCOE and CO2 avoided cost, compared to other carbon capture and storage CCS and CCU plants. Based on the results of this study, the LCOE and CO2 avoided cost may become lower by the economy of scale, even if the CO2 treatment capacity of the CCU plant could be extended as much as for similar businesses. Therefore, the CCU technology by mineral carbonation has an economic advantage in energy penalty, power plant construction, and operating cost over other CCS and CCU with other technology.
Paleobiogeography, paleoecology, diversity, and speciation patterns in the Eublastoidea (Blastozoa: Echinodermata)

Abstract. Understanding the distribution of taxa in space and time is key to understanding diversity dynamics. The fossil record provides an avenue to assess these patterns on vast timescales and through major global changes. The Eublastoidea were a conservatively plated Paleozoic echinoderm clade that range from the middle Silurian to the end-Permian. The geographic distribution of the eublastoids, as a whole, has been qualitatively assessed but has historically lacked a quantitative analysis. This is the first examination of the Eublastoidea using probabilistic methods within the R package BioGeoBEARS to assess macroevolutionary trends. Results provide an updated understanding of eublastoid diversity with new peaks and troughs in diversity through their evolutionary history. Lithology is examined in an evolutionary framework and does not have clear evolutionary trends, and there is much work to be done regarding environmental preferences. Biogeographic patterns do not recover precise group origins but do support the previous work that outlines Eublastoidea as a Laurentian clade. Sympatric speciation events dominant the clade's history but are likely exaggerated due to the highly combined areas. Vicariance events are rare and restricted to the Silurian and Devonian, and dispersal events are more common throughout the evolutionary history. Pathways allowing for lineage migrations are noted between southern Laurussia and China in the Devonian and Carboniferous and southern Laurussia and eastern Gondwana in the Carboniferous. Future work will include the addition of more non-Laurentian species into the estimated phylogeny to better estimate these global patterns.
Exploring perceptional typology of social media quitters and associations among self-esteem, personality, and motivation

ABSTRACT This study examined why people voluntarily left social media and organised their reasons into perceptional typology. Additionally, it explored relationships among perceptional types, self-esteem, motivation, and personality traits. This study utilised Q methodology, a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods that is ideal for analysing subjective elements like complex human perceptions or opinions in any situation. Fifty persons in their twenties who voluntarily closed or deactivated their social media account(s) for more than six months were recruited in Korea. Those who left social media of their own accord were sorted into four types. Significant differences in self-esteem and personality traits between cognitive types were also found. This study gave novel descriptive stories of those who quit social media, and categorised the opinions of those who voluntarily closed their accounts. This study extended previous research on social media fatigue and systematically analysed actual quitters’ perceptions based on ample discourse; it will theoretically contribute to the development of measuring scales and an understanding of the complexity of social media fatigue. For practical application, social media companies should pay a lot of attention to social media fatigue and quitters, come up with ways to minimise adverse effects and establish growth strategies.
Establishment of a prognostic model for predicting short-term disease-free survival in cases of hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma with the TP53 249Ser mutation in southern China

Background Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and dietary aflatoxin exposure are two major and synergistic carcinogenic factors of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in southern China. Mutation of the TP53 gene at codon 249 (TP53 249Ser) is recognized as a fingerprint of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) exposure. Methods A total of 485 HCC patients positive for serum hepatitis B surface antigen were enrolled. The clinicopathological information and survival time were collected. TP53 249Ser mutations in HCC were detected by Sanger DNA sequencing after PCR amplification. Immunohistochemical staining was used to evaluate TP53 expression. Propensity score matching (PSM) and Cox proportional hazards regression (CPHR) were conducted to identify independent risk factors for prognosis that were incorporated into the nomogram. Univariate logistic regression analysis was used to compare differences in clinical factors between the TP53 249Ser mutation group and the non-mutation group. A Kaplan-Meier plot, univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the association between clinicopathological characteristics and survival outcomes. Results After PSM, a total of 322 cases were included in the analysis of clinical prognosis. Results of CPHR showed that the mutation group had a relatively higher risk of tumor recurrence within 2 years after undergoing hepatectomy (P=0.039, HR =1.47, 95% CI: 1.02–2.18). The prognostic model performed better in terms of 2-year DFS prediction than BCLC stage. Patients who had a nomogram score of more than 160 were considered to have a higher risk of recurrence within 2 years. Conclusions Our study found that the TP53 249Ser mutation may be a high risk factor of HBV-related HCC recurrence in the short term. And we initially established a nomogram scoring system for predicting 2-year recurrence in HBV-related HCC patients in southern China.
Design of wide band compact bend triangular resonator artificial magnetic conductor and its application for antenna gain enhancement

In this paper, a compact bend triangular resonator (CBTR) structure is proposed as artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) to enhance antenna gain for wide frequency bandwidth. This paper presents the metamaterial properties of the CBTR structure like absorbance and reflection phase. The CBTR unit cell gives in‐phase reflection (0° ± 90°) for 55.2% bandwidth. The CBTR unit‐cell reflection phase analysis is presented for the different height of normal incident wave. The CBTR AMC performance is validated using a wideband dipole antenna. For −6‐dB impedance bandwidth, the standalone dipole antenna covers ultrawide frequency range 3.1–12 GHz and for −10‐dB impedance bandwidth, antenna has dual band frequency response 3.4–4.4 GHz and 8.3–11 GHz. The antenna shows good impedance matching and radiation characteristics for frequency range, where the unit‐cell reflection phase is 135° to 45° for frequency range 2.5–6.5 GHz (bandwidth of 88.8%). The broadside directivity of 7 dBi is achieved for the dipole antenna with CBTR AMC in the frequency range of 2.5–6.5 GHz and broadside gain of >5 dBi in the frequency range of 3.2–6.7 GHz (bandwidth of 70.7%). The antenna efficiency of 60% (minimum) is achieved for the frequency range of 3.68. 0 GHz (75.8%). The proposed CBTR design is orthogonally symmetric and is useful for dual‐polarized wideband frequency applications like wireless local area network (WLAN) (2.4–2.5 and 5.15–5.85 GHz) and new radio (NR) 5G sub‐6‐GHz (3.3–5.0 GHz).
Unveiling Cacao Agroforestry Sustainability through the Socio-Ecological Systems Diagnostic Framework: The Case of Four Amazonian Rural Communities in Ecuador

Cacao cultivation is rapidly increasing in Latin America under the influence of public policies and external markets. In Ecuador, the cultivated surface of high quality cacao trees has doubled in the last 50 years, creating great expectations in neighboring countries. Here, we investigated the social-ecological sustainability of cacao-based agroforestry systems in four rural Amazonian highlands communities in eastern Ecuador, close to the region where cacao was once domesticated. Kichwa- and Shuar-speaking groups were interviewed by adapting Ostrom’s institutional diagnostic framework for social-ecological systems. Through a set of specifically created indicator variables, we identified key interactions and outcomes to understand the fragility and the sustainability of those communities. The studied communities were fairly young, with land rights secured less than 30 years ago in most cases. Per-family surfaces were very restricted (typically one hectare) and plots were divided between cash producing crops and their own home food. The small production per household goes through a precarious commercialization by both intermediaries and cooperatives, making the cacao bean production merely sufficient for pocket money. Ties with specialist producers in one community close to the capital has promoted the use of native cacao lines. Elsewhere, improved varieties of high productivity are planted along native trees being commercialized indistinctly. The continuity of these communities currently depend on a reorganization of their demography with parts of the population working elsewhere, as cacao bean production alone will continue to be insufficient, and will compete with their food self-sufficiency.
A Novel Long-Term Graves’ Disease Animal Model Confirmed by Functional Thyrotropin Receptor Antibodies

Introduction: A novel long-term murine model for Graves’ disease (GD) using repeated, long-term immunizations with recombinant adenovirus expressing the extracellular A-subunit of the human thyrotropin receptor (Ad-TSHR) was applied to evaluate the functional anti-TSHR-antibody (TSHR-Ab) profile. Methods: BALB/c mice received 7 immunizations with either 1010 plaque-forming units of Ad-TSHR or control Ad-GFP. Naïve (nonimmuized native) mice were also studied. Three 3-weekly immunizations were followed by 4-weekly boosts until the 7th immunization. Blocking (TBAb) and stimulating (TSAb) TSHR-Ab were measured with bioassays. Assay cut-offs for TBAb/TSAb were at 34% inhibition and a specimen-to-reference ratio (SRR) of 140%. Results: Nineteen (8 Ad-TSHR-, 4 Ad-GFP-immunized, and 7 native) mice were investigated. All native mice were negative for TSHR-binding inhibitory immunoglobulins (TBII) prior to immunization. Native and Ad-GFP mice were negative in weeks 17 and 27 for TBII and TBAb/TSAb. In native mice, the free thyroxine (fT4) levels (median [25th percentile; 75th percentile]) were in the upper normal range (1.2 ng/mL [1.1; 1.6]) prior to immunization, at weeks 17 (2.2 ng/mL [2.1; 2.4]) and 27 (1.4 ng/mL [1.1; 1.7]), respectively. In contrast, in Ad-TSHR-immunized mice, fT4 values were markedly increased at weeks 17 (4.4 ng/mL [3.9; 6]) and 27 (4.5 ng/mL [4.2; 6]) compared to those in Ad-GFP mice (2 ng/mL [1.8; 2.1] and 1.4 ng/mL [1.1; 1.6]), respectively (p = 0.0008, p = 0.001). In contrast, at week 17, in Ad-TSHR mice, the mean TBII, TBAb, and TSAb levels were 40 IU/L (40; 40); 62% inhibition (38; 69), and 116% SRR (97; 185), respectively; at week 27, they were 40 IU/L (39; 40); 65% inhibition (34; 80) and 95% SRR (63; 187), respectively. Three serum samples from Ad-TSHR mice (38%) demonstrated dual TBAb/TSAb positivity. Conclusions: TBAb/TSAb were highly prevalent in Ad-TSHR-immunized mice, thus confirming the successful establishment of a novel, long-term murine model for GD. All TBAb- and TSAb-positive Ad-TSHR-immunized mice were TBII-positive. Thus, the binding immunoassay did not differentiate between TSHR-Ab functionality.