Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Biofeedback on Intimate Partner Violence: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Studies on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for intimate partner violence (IPV) offenders show small to no effects on recidivism. IPV-offenders may not fully benefit from CBT due to insufficient transfer and generalization from therapy to real-life situations. During CBT, patients are taught to detect bodily signals indicative of arousal. A possible reason that the transfer is insufficient might be that the arousal-provoking stimuli in therapy do not match the real-world provoking stimuli, and thus patients do not learn to sufficiently detect bodily signals preceding arousal in real-life. Recent research has shown that IPV-offenders differ in their psychophysiological reactivity depending on their main diagnosis. This might also have implications for learning transfer. We presume that IPV perpetrators cannot fully profit from CBT interventions in which self-control is taught from cognitive techniques instead of increasing physical awareness through biofeedback. In the present study we first want to test the hypothesis that biofeedback will increase awareness of bodily signals indicative of arousal. Second, we expect that the use of biofeedback will have beneficial effects on transfer to real-life situations resulting in a decrease of IPV. For this purpose, we developed a smartphone application, Good Reaction Is Prevention (GRIP), that when used in conjunction with a heart rate monitor measures heart rate variability and notifies users when a personal stress threshold is surpassed. Methods/design: The study takes place in an outpatient forensic treatment center. In a randomized controlled trial (N = 40) we compare a 9-week CBT-based program aimed at developing motivation and self-control where IPV offenders will be treated either with or without biofeedback. The primary outcome is change in frequency of IPV from pretest to posttest. Secondary outcomes are weekly self-report questionnaires on bodily sensations of anger and change in resting HRV-values between pre and post intervention. Discussion: To our knowledge, this is the first study to test the effects of a biofeedback application on IPV. This study will test a new intervention strategy which is expected to increase treatment effects by focusing on bodily awareness instead of cognitive processes.
An alternative assessment of olive (Olea europaea L.) cultivars adaptation in the Mediterranean Saharan context of Algeria

The present study was carried out during five successive seasons (2010 to 2014) on mature autochthonous olive (Olea europaea L.) cultivars namely: Azeradj, Chemlal, Neb djemel, Rougette and Sigoise grown under drip irrigation system in Dhaouia’s pilot farm in Oued Souf region in Algeria. Yield performance and pomological characteristics of these cultivars were studied. Results indicated that all of studied cultivars had acceptable olive production. Chemlal and Rougette recorded the highest cumulative yield over a five years period (306.6 and 294 kg/tree, respectively) whereas the lowest cumulative yield was from Neb djemel (243 kg/tree). Rougette had a remarkably alternate bearing index (0.18), whereas the other varieties showed a better stability in olive yields by a low alternate index (≤ 0.07). The largest fruit (6.86 g) were from Sigoise whereas Chemlal had the smallest fruit (1.76 g). Highest pulp fraction of total fruit weight (88.14%) was found in Sigoise, while the lowest (70.44%) was determined for Chemlal. Highest oil content in pulp dry weight was recorded in Rougette (36.31%) and Azeradj (32.35%), while the lowest values (20.14%) were recorded in Sigoise, Chemlal (27.71%) and Neb djemel (28.46%). Highest phenolic content in dry fruit pulp (23.56 mg GAE/g) was recorded in Sigoise whereas Azeradj had the lowest content (4.36 mg GAE/g). Based on these results, we recommend cultivating Sigoise and Neb djemel exclusively for table olive production in the Oued souf region, Rougette may be for dual purpose production, taking into account the economic feasibility for olive oil production in these desert areas.
THE PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF THE ORGANIC SELENIUM (HIGH-SELENIUM YEAST) ON THE OXIDATIVE STRESS CAUSED BY METHANEDIENONE ON THE BRAIN OF MALE RABBITS

The aim of this study is to investigate the protection role of the organic selenium (high-selenium yeast) in adult male rabbits treated with Methandienone and combination with selenium. A total of 20 intact male rabbits were divided into four equal groups: control group receiving distal water, (T1) receiving Methandienone (oral dose of 0.35 mg / kg.),(T2) receiving high-selenium yeast (3 μg/ kg orally)and (T3) receiving both methandienone and selenium. A significant decrease in GSH with an increase in SOD activity were found and a significant increase in the oxidative markers MDA and PCCin serum (0.97+0.021)and in brain tissue (1.01+0.058) in T1 compared with other groups (control, T2 and T3). On the other hand, T3 group shows an increase in serum GSH and a decrease in SOD, MDA and PCC in serum and brain tissue. These changes are significant compared to AAS group (T1). Moreover, there is a significant increase in reverse transcription (mRNA) of Nrf2,TSPO and CYP19A1genes in AAS group(T1) as compared with other groups (T2 and T3). In addition, we showed a significant decrease in levels Nrf2, TSPO, and CYP19A1 mRNA in the selenium-yeast group compared to the AAS group (T1). In conclusion, these results showed that organic selenium (high selenium yeast) has a positive effect (protective role) against oxidative damage to the brain caused by AAS.
The survey of antioxidant properties of phenolic compounds in fresh and dry hybrid Barberry fruits (Berberis integerrima× vulgaris)

Abstract. Berberis (Barberry) belongs to the family Berberidaceae and its use in traditional medicine has a long history. This plant is native to America and Europe and can be found in abundance in Iran. This research aims to assess and compare total phenolic and flavonoid content and measure antioxidant activity with DPPH radical scavenging and to measure Fe reduction capacity in aqueous, ethanolic and methanolic extract of fresh and dried fruits of hybrid barberry Integerrima × Vulgaris . Total phenol and flavonoid content was measured by spectrophotometry and antioxidant activity of extracts using free radical DPPH and Fe reduction with FRAP assay. Maximum amount of phenol (59.57±0.83 mg of gallic acid/10 g barberry) was seen in aqueous extract of dried fruits while highest flavonoid content (1.93±0.03 mg of quercetin/10 g barberry) and DPPH radical scavenging activity (44.62±0.99) was observed in methanolic extract of fresh barberry and maximum Fe reduction level with FRAP (18.15±0.84) in ethanolic extract of dried of barberry. Results showed that barberry is a rich source of antioxidant compounds having significant antioxidant activity.
Porous imine-based networks with protonated imine linkages for carbon dioxide separation from mixtures with nitrogen and methane

Porous imine-linked networks (PINs) have been prepared by catalyst-free Schiff base condensation of 2,4,6-(4-aminophenyl)1,3,5-triazine with 9,10-anthracene-dicarboxaldehyde (PIN1 and PIN1_2) and with 4,4′,4′′,4′′′-methanetetrakis-benzaldehyde (PIN2). Even after synthesis optimisation, only with DMSO (PIN1 and PIN2) microporous frameworks were obtained, whereas DMF (PIN1_2) and other solvents led to nonporous systems, estimated by argon measurements. Furthermore, 15N solid state NMR and IR spectroscopy reveal the influence of the decomposition products of DMSO leading to protonation of the imine linkage and resulting in an ionic structure with an incorporated sulfonic counterion. Until now, protonation of an imine function due to the usage of DMSO as solvent has not been discussed in the literature. In contrast, for PIN1_2 the imine linkage remains neutral. Argon sorption isotherms for PIN1 and PIN2 exhibit surface areas of 458 m2 g−1 and 325 m2 g−1 and the pore structure displays micro- and small mesopores with pore diameters from 0.6 to 5 nm. Additionally, CO2 isotherms at 273 K demonstrate ultramicropores for all three polymers with similar pore size distributions. Despite their different network structures, similar CO2 uptakes (1.8–1.06 mmol g−1 at 273 K at 1.0 bar) and heat of adsorption Qst values of 30 kJ mol−1 were obtained. In line with the polyionic character of PIN1 and PIN2, both compounds adsorb three times more water than the more hydrophobic, neutral PIN1_2 at room temperature indicating two different adsorption mechanisms. IAST selectivity calculations show good CO2/N2 (30–31) and CO2/CH4 (8–12) selectivity factors. Despite their moderate BET-surface areas, the PINs show good CO2 uptakes and selectivity factors.
INTERACTIVE INFLUENCE OF COMPOST, BORON AND IRON ON EGGPLANT YIELD AND QUALITY

This study was carried out in an alluvial soil to evaluate the impact of organic fertilizer (animal compost) with foliar spraying of both boron and iron elements on enhancing the fruit yield and quality of eggplants (Solanum melongena L.) during the two successive summer seasons of 2018 and 2019. The used experimental design was a split-split plot design. The compost treatments were C1: (20 m 3 animal compost fed ), C2: (30 m 3 animal compost fed) and C3: (40 m 3 animal compost fed). The foliar application of boron levels were B0: (0.00 mgL -1 ), B1: (100 mgL) and B2: (200 mgL ). The foliar application of iron levels were Fe0: (0.00 mgL -1 ), Fe1: (200 mgL ) and Fe2: (400 mgL ). In addition to control treatment (without any addition [C0 B0 Fe0]). The values of all quality parameters of eggplant fruits at harvest stage and cumulative yield were significantly influenced under all investigated treatments. For all quality and yield parameters except nutrient content of eggplant fruit, the highest values were obtained at [C3 (40 m 3 animal compost fed) × B2 (200 mg B L -1)×Fe2 (400 mg Fe L )] treatment, while the lowest values were obtained at control treatment [C0 (without animal compost) × B0 (0.00 mg B L ) ×Fe0 (0.00 mg Fe L )]. Also, the values of N, P, K, B and Fe contents in eggplant fruits at harvest stage were assessed under the combination impact of animal compost and foliar application of both boron and iron.
Management of Incomplete Abortions by the Manual Intra Uterine Suction Technique at Sylvanus Olympio Teaching Hospital of Lome-Togo

Objective: to assess the management of incomplete abortions using the manual intrauterine aspiration technique (MIUA) in the Obstetric Gynecology clinic of the SO CHU. Method: This is a retrospective, descriptive study that took place at the gynecology and obstetrics clinic of the SO University of Lomé, over a period of 12 months (January to December 2017). Results: Of the 7440 pregnancies recorded, there were 460 abortions, (6.18%). Among the abortions, there were 126 cases of incomplete abortions managed by the MIUA, a frequency of 27.39%. The average age was 27 years with extremes of 13 and 54 years. Local anesthesia coupled with verbacaine has been used in all of our patients. The use of analgesics by injection before and after aspiration was systematic. Red blood cells were prescribed in 13.5% of cases, fresh frozen plasma in 4.8% of cases and antianemics in 90.48% of cases. All of our women (100%) had fluids, antibiotics, analgesics and syntocinon. In 64.29%, our patients had not adopted a contraceptive method after counseling. In contrast, 22.22% of them opted for the pills. Conclusion: Abortions, whether spontaneous or induced, constitute a public health problem and therefore require adequate management. The availability and simplicity of the MIUA technique are definite advantages.
CoLocateMe: Aggregation-Based, Energy, Performance and Cost Aware VM Placement and Consolidation in Heterogeneous IaaS Clouds

In many production clouds, with the notable exception of Google, aggregation-based VM placement policies are used to provision datacenter resources energy and performance efficiently. However, if VMs with similar workloads are placed onto the same machines, they might suffer from contention, particularly, if they are competing for similar resources. High levels of resource contention may degrade VMs performance, and, therefore, could potentially increase users’ costs and infrastructure's energy consumption. Furthermore, segregation-based methods result in stranded resources and, therefore, less economics. The recent industrial interest in segregating workloads opens new directions for research. In this article, we demonstrate how aggregation and segregation-based VM placement policies lead to variabilities in energy efficiency, workload performance, and users’ costs. We, then, propose various approaches to aggregation-based placement and migration. We investigate through a number of experiments, using Microsoft Azure and Google's workload traces for more than twelve thousand hosts and a million VMs, the impact of placement decisions on energy, performance, and costs. Our extensive simulations and empirical evaluation demonstrate that, for certain workloads, aggregation-based allocation and consolidation is <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\sim$</tex-math><alternatives><mml:math><mml:mo>∼</mml:mo></mml:math><inline-graphic xlink:href="zakarya-ieq1-3181375.gif"/></alternatives></inline-formula>9.61% more energy and <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\sim$</tex-math><alternatives><mml:math><mml:mo>∼</mml:mo></mml:math><inline-graphic xlink:href="zakarya-ieq2-3181375.gif"/></alternatives></inline-formula>20.0% more performance efficient than segregation-based policies. Moreover, various aggregation metrics, such as runtimes and workload types, offer variations in energy consumption and performance, therefore, users’ costs.
Agricultural parcel localization on satellite images using U-Net-based neural network

—This work considers the problem of automatic de-lineation of agricultural parcels on satellite images based on true-color images and NDVI vegetation index maps from Sentinel-2 satellites (10 m ground sampling distance). The problem is solved using a U-Net-based convolutional neural network. We consider problem formulation either as parcel mask or boundary detection; the multiclass (simultaneous) training did not prove to be effective. The approach looks promising and applicable for automated land mapping for agricultural monitoring systems.
GLOBALIZATION EMERGENCE IN THE EUROPEAN PATENT

We studied the evolution of the European Patent Office (EPO) patents applicants’ collaborations network, within a 35 years span of data (1978-2013). Focusing on the Giant Component (GC) formation process over many time-windows, distributed throughout the data timeline, we found that the features governing this phenomenon are indicative of emerging globalization in the applicants’ collaborations. The timeline appears to be divided into three regimes, corresponding to three states of the network’s evolution. In the early years state, the GC takes long to form and the instant of its creation is easily pinpointed, while it features geographically segregated groups of applicants with technologically similar activities. In contrast, in the late years state, the GC forms quickly, the exact point of its creation is harder to spot, the applicants’ activities are more disparate technologically, while their inter-regional collaborations are significantly increased. The middle years are an intermediate state between the two extreme of early and late years. Moreover, we concluded that the critical patents, which induce the GC’s formation, are typically introduced by large-sized applicants and also that top patent-producing applicants are likely to submit critical patents, albeit at a lower rate than their overall patent submission. Lastly, we uncovered the crucial role that Japan plays in the network’s coherence, through its prominent participation in the GC and the critical patents.
ENHANCING THE ABILITY OF THREE DIFFERENT PLANT SEEDS TO GERMINATE UNDER ELEVATED CONCENTRATIONS OF OIL SLUDGE USING THREE DIFFERENT BACTERIAL ISOLATES

One of the major problems face the environment is the pollution caused by electricity power stations which result in a heavy contamination by oil sludge resulting in Oil Sludge Contaminated Soil (OSCS). This contamination affects negatively the eco system and the human health alike. The present investigation was carried out to study the effect of different concentrations of untreated oil sludge on the potential of seed germination and seedling growth of Vigna unguiculata, Vicia faba and Brassica niger. Seven concentrations of oil sludge (200, 500, 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500, 3000 or 3500 μl/ml) were used. Three bacterial isolates were isolated from contaminated site and identified as Acinetobacter radioresistens (S1), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (S2) and Pseudomonas putida (S3), and then used as inoculums added to Petri dishes where seeds germinated. Results indicated that seeds of the three plant species are dose-dependent, since a reduction in germination percentages occurred compared to controls, however, V. unguiculata exhibited higher germination percentage than V. faba and B. niger while the lowest was recorded in B. niger. Seeds of the studied plant species were also germinated in Petri dishes containing Whatmann filter paper soaked with distilled water resulted in 100, 80 and 76% germination percentages. After treatment with elevated concentrations of oil sludge, seed germination decreased gradually until totally inhibited at 3500, 2000 and 1500 μl respectively. Inoculation with isolated bacterial strains isolated from contaminated sites showed notably an increase in seeds germination percentages even at the above inhibitory concentrations Seeds of. V. unguiculata and B. niger seed germinated in the above concentrations after adding bacterial inoculums, while V. faba exhibited no seed germination. Thus, results suggest that V. unguiculata displays better tolerance to oil sludge than others. Inoculation with the bacterial strains to the sludge contaminated water enhanced the germination percentages, suggesting that these strains could be a candidate for biodegradation of hydrocarbons with a noticeable growth of V. unguiculata.
Direct Synthesis of Ag Nanoparticles Incorporated on a Mesoporous Hybrid Material as a Sensitive Sensor for the Simultaneous Determination of Dihydroxybenzenes Isomers

This paper describes the synthesis, characterization, and applications of a mesoporous silica/ multiwalled carbon nanotube (SiO2/MWCNT) hybrid material, which was obtained by a sol–gel process and decorated with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) ranging in size from 5 to 8 nm. The AgNPs were prepared directly on the surface of the SiO2/MWCNTs material by using N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) as the reducing agent, and the resulting material was designated Ag/SiO2/MWCNT. The Ag/SiO2/MWCNT material was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). A glassy carbon electrode, modified with the Ag/SiO2/MWCNT material, was used in the development of a sensitive electrochemical sensor for the determination of hydroquinone and catechol in the presence of resorcinol by squarewave voltammetry. Well-defined and separate oxidation peaks were observed in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) at pH 7. The Ag/SiO2/MWCNT-modified electrode exhibited high sensitivity for the simultaneous determination of hydroquinone and catechol in the presence of resorcinol, and the limits of detection for hydroquinone and catechol are 0.0117 and 0.0121 μM, respectively. No significant interference was seen for 2,6-dichloroindophenol, phenol, 4-nitrophenol, and nitrite ions in the detection of dihydroxybenzenes. Our study demonstrates that the resultant Ag/SiO2/MWCNT-modified electrode can be used for hydroquinone and catechol detection in the presence of resorcinol and other potentially interfering materials in river water samples.
Active control of combustion instabilities using model-based controllers

An implementation of active control of thermoacoustic instabilities on a swirl-stabilized spray combustor is presented. Loudspeakers were used as control actuators in the closed-loop control scheme. Pressure transducers located in the combustion chamber produced the feedback signal in the control study. Experimental models of the combustor dynamics were developed using a nonparametric identification method. Linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG), LQG/loop transfer recovery, and H ∞ loop-shaping controllers were derived and tested in simulation as well as experimentally. Phase-delay control was used as a baseline method to compare the performance of these different controllers. The advantages of the model-based controllers over the baseline strategy are clearly presented.
The leaching behaviour of lead metallurgical slag in high-molecular-weight (HMW) organic solutions

Abstract The reactivity of primary Pb metallurgical slags in high-molecular-weight (HMW) organic solutions has been studied in order to determine the processes of release and attenuation of metal and metalloid contaminants (Pb, Zn, Cu, As) in ‘soil-like’ environments. Slag was submitted to a 112-day batch leaching experiment in Suwannee River fulvic acid solution and peat water (~50 mg DOC 1-1). The leaching was coupled with investigation of the secondary phases (SEM/EDS, Raman microspectrometry) and thermodynamic speciation-solubility modelling using MINTEQA2. Metals and As are released in large amounts during the early stage of the experiment, followed by a decrease in the concentrations in the leachate as a result of adsorption on secondary (hydrous) ferric oxides (HFO/FO), predicted by MINTEQA2 calculations and confirmed on the leached slag surface by SEM and Raman spectrometry. Compared to other contaminants, Zn exhibits more pronounced mobility and is adsorbed on HFO/FO only at pH >7. Such a scavenging process may be predominant during the long-term interaction of slag with an HMW organic solution of real soil. As a result, the soil cover and subsequent re-vegetation of slag dumps may be considered as a possible scenario for slag management.
A Calibration System for Soil Carbon Dioxide‐Efflux Measurement Chambers

Comparisons have revealed large discrepancies among the many methods for measuring soil CO2 efflux indicating the need for an absolute calibration of methods. This study presents a calibration system, constructed to imitate an area of soil, and its application to two different chamber systems for the measurement Of Soil CO2 efflux: one open and one closed dynamic. Air rich in CO2 was allowed to diffuse through a layer of sand on top of a box of known volume. By measuring the decrease in CO2 Concentration inside the box, the exact CO2 efflux could be calculated. The CO2 efflux rates measured by the chambers could then be compared with the efflux rates calculated from the box. The error of the closed-chamber system ranged from an underestimate of 19% to an overestimate of 21%. The errors were most likely caused by a combination of underestimated chamber volume, causing an underestimation Of CO2 efflux, and turbulence within the chamber, which increased the flax by disturbing the boundary layer above the surface. The open-chamber system always overestimated the CO2 efflux. Disturbing the boundary layer alone was believed to cause a 17% increase in efflux. Increasing negative pressure difference caused a mass flow of CO2-rich air into the chamber. At a pressure difference of -0.15 Pa, the error was 11 to 40%, depending on air-filled soil volume. Accordingly, soil-water content, a parameter to which soil CO2 efflux is often related, was found to substantially affect the measurements made by both tested systems. These results point to the need of calibrating systems used for measuring soil CO2 efflux is measured against a known flux, to elucidate the limits and applicability of each system. (Less)