Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evolution of Government Debt and Its Sustainability in Japan and Germany: Two Contrasting Cases

We examine the contrasting evolution of government debt-GDP ratio for Germany and Japan. While Germany contained the growth of its debt-GDP ratio close to its sustainability level over a long period, Japan has slipped away towards non-sustainability. This is due to the behaviour of primary balance to GDP ratio. The estimated debt sustainability thresholds are 62.0% for Germany and 176.0% of GDP for Japan. In the post Covid years, Germany would converge back to its debt sustainability level almost automatically whereas Japan will have to make a strong conscious policy effort to reduce its primary deficit relative to GDP.
Wasserstein GAN: Deep Generation Applied on Financial Time Series

Modeling financial time series is challenging due to their high volatility and unexpected happenings on the market. Most financial models and algorithms trying to fill the lack of historical financial time series struggle to perform and are highly vulnerable to overfitting. As an alternative, we introduce in this paper a deep neural network called the WGAN-GP, a data-driven model that focuses on sample generation. The WGAN-GP consists of a generator and discriminator function which utilize an LSTM architecture. The WGAN-GP is supposed to learn the underlying structure of the input data, which in our case, is the Bitcoin. Bitcoin is unique in its behavior; the prices fluctuate what makes guessing the price trend hardly impossible. Through adversarial training, the WGAN-GP should learn the underlying structure of the bitcoin and generate very similar samples of the bitcoin distribution. The generated synthetic time series are visually indistinguishable from the real data. But the numerical results show that the generated data were close to the real data distribution but distinguishable. The model mainly shows a stable learning behavior. However, the model has space for optimization, which could be achieved by adjusting the hyperparameters.
A New Description and the Rate of Development of Inflorescence Primordia over a Full Season in Vitis vinifera L. cv. Chardonnay

There are gaps in the scientific literature of grapevine physiology concerning the formation of inflorescence primordia (IP) in the compound latent buds throughout the first season. Therefore, the goal of this study was to provide a detailed description of the developmental stages, initiation times, and the fate of all primordia in primary buds relative to the time of year and to the phenological stage; we also sought to measure IP size in secondary and tertiary buds. Using a dissecting microscope, we examined latent buds of Chardonnay grapevines throughout season 1, during dormancy, and prior to budburst in season 2. At least four IP initiated early in season 1, from mid-October to late November, with no further initiation in season 1 or 2. These IP developed quickly, with two IP developing into differentiated primordia (stage 5a) by December. The IP did not reach stage 7 until the last month of season 1, and IP growth continued through dormancy. At least two IP remained undifferentiated primordia (stage 4) throughout season 1 and formed tendrils by budburst of season 2. Secondary buds had smaller and fewer IP, and tertiary buds had none. This is the first report of IP development and of the contents and fates of the latent bud growing points throughout the first season; its findings advance our knowledge of grapevine physiology and will aid future research on the compound latent bud.
Host taxon-derived Sarcoptes mite in European wild animals 1 2

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Thin liquid films in a funnel

Abstract We explore flow of a completely wetting fluid in a funnel, with particular focus on contact line instabilities at the fluid front. While the flow in a funnel may be related to a number of other flow configurations as limiting cases, understanding its stability is complicated due to the presence of additional azimuthal curvature, as well as due to convergent flow effects imposed by the geometry. The convergent nature of the flow leads to thickening of the film, therefore influencing its stability properties. In this work, we analyse these stability properties by combining physical experiments, asymptotic modelling, self-similar type of analysis and numerical simulations. We show that an appropriate long-wave-based model, supported by the input from experiments, simulations and linear stability analysis that originates from the flow down an incline plane, provides a basic insight allowing an understanding of the development of contact line instability and emerging length scales.
Natural occurrence of oviposition and adult emergence of the seed parasitoid wasp macrodasyceras Hirsutum Kamijo (Hymenoptera, torymidae) on ilex latifolia thunberg in Japan

Macrodasyceras hirsutum Kamijo (Hymenoptera: Torymidae) has been considered to be a specialized seed parasitoid wasp of Ilex integra Thunb. since the description as a new species. A previous study showed that they deposited eggs in seeds of the closely related tree I. latifolia when I. integra was experimentally absent. However, natural occurrence of oviposition into I. latifolia or successful emergence from I. latifolia as adults had not been investigated. Thus, to determine whether M. hirsutum utilizes I. latifolia seeds in the fields, we dissected 536 I. integra seeds and 501 I. latifolia seeds. Macrodasyceras hirsutum larvae were found in 152/307 fertilized seeds of I. integra, while found in 16/285 fertilized seeds of I. latifolia. Additionally, 12 male and 13 female M. hirsutum adults emerged from I. latifolia berries collected from field. The present study confirmed natural occurrence of oviposition by M. hirsutum females in I. latifolia seeds and the emergence of adults from berries.
Salinity-triggered compositional and metabolic responses of autotrophic prokaryotes in Tibetan lacustrine sediments

Background Autotrophic prokaryotes are crucial participants in the global carbon cycle, and autotrophic carbon fixation contributes approximately 50% of the global net primary production in aquatic ecosystems per year. Salinity is a prominent regulator structuring microbial communities in diverse aquatic ecosystems. However, little information is available regarding the compositional and physiological response of autotrophic microbial communities to salinity change. Here, we used genome-resolved metagenomics to study autotrophic microbial communities in 25 Tibetan lacustrine sediments with a salinity gradient (from 0.54‰ to 82.6‰). Results117 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) with carbon fixation potential belonging to 12 phyla were retrieved, of which approximately 21% were not affiliated with the known orders, suggesting taxonomically diverse autotrophic assemblages in sediments. The total abundance of these putative autotrophs decreased significantly with increasing salinity, and the variation of sediment autotrophic communities was mainly driven by salinity, pH and TOC. Notably, a change in the predominant lineage from Betaproteobacteria to Deltaproteobacteria was observed along the salinity gradient, and the dominant pathway for carbon fixation shifted from the Calvin-Benson-Bassham (CBB) cycle to more energy efficient Wood-Lungdahl (WL) pathway with glycolysis from Entner-Doudoroff to more exergonic Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas, demonstrating that the physiological efficiency increases from freshwater to hypersaline autotrophic communities. Metabolic inference revealed major links for carbon fixation to the oxidation of reduced sulfur compounds, ferrous iron and carbon monoxide, denitrification and nitrogen fixation in these MAGs, as well as the occurrence of dissimilatory sulfate reduction and the WL pathway dominating hypersaline sediments, greatly extending the understanding of metabolic versatility and diverse ecological niches of autotrophic microorganisms. Conclusions This study provided a systematic attempt to characterize the response of carbon fixation pathways to salinity and the knowledge essential for revealing ecological roles of autotrophic prokaryotes in aquatic habitats. These findings suggest with increased salinity, physiological efficiency of the autotrophic community increases, which has important implications for understanding the carbon budget in aquatic ecosystems.
Contradictory responses of the microcirculation to changes in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation pump flow in patients on venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a prospective observational study

Background: Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) pump flow is crucial for maintaining tissue and organ perfusion in patients with cardiogenic shock. Determining the optimal VA-ECMO pump flow rate to maintain adequate tissue perfusion remains a clinical challenge. Poor microcirculation is associated with higher mortality in patients using VA-ECMO. Change in VA-ECMO pump flow is expected to result in a coherent change in microcirculatory blood flow, but this has not been investigated. This study investigated the effect of altering VA-ECMO pump flow rate on sublingual microcirculation. Methods: Sublingual microcirculation images were recorded using an incident dark-field hand held vital microscope at two time points, within 24 h (T1) and at 24-48 h (T2) after VA-ECMO placement. Microcirculation was measured before and 5 minutes after the changes in VA-ECMO pump flow rate at each time point. Events of changing VA-ECMO pump flow rate at T1 and T2 were divided into four groups according to changes in perfused vessel density (PVD): Group A, increased pump flow rate and increased or sustained PVD; Group B, increased pump flow rate and decreased PVD; Group C, decreased pump flow rate and increased or sustained PVD; and Group D, decreased pump flow rate and decreased PVD. The microcirculatory parameters, clinical parameters, and prognosis of each subgroup were recorded. Clinical parameters on 14-day and 28-day survivors and non-survivors were also compared. Results: A total of 25 patients were enrolled, and 38 events with good-quality images at T1 and T2 were categorized. Opposing response of microcirculation was observed in 43.5% of events when VA-ECMO pump flow rate was increased. Microcirculation was decreased in 33.4% of events when VA-ECMO pump flow rate was reduced. No predictive values in microcirculatory or macrocirculatory parameters before changing VA-ECMO pump flow rate were identified. Conclusions: Changes in VA-ECMO pump flow rate may have opposing effects on sublingual microcirculatory functional capillary density. We suggest that tandem measurements of microcirculation before and after altering the VA-ECMO pump flow may help to ensure optimal tissue perfusion.
EXTRACTION OF NI AND CO VIA D2EHPA IN THE PRESENCE OF ACETATE ION

The effect of acetate ion introduced to aqueous solutions was investigated for the extraction/separation of Ni and Co from a dilute sulfate media. The separation of Co and Ni was improved by introducing acetate to aqueous media. By the use of the slope analysis method, the stoichiometric coefficient of the extractant was found to be 4 for cobalt and 3.5 or 4 for nickel depending on the acetate concentration. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) was utilized to examine the probable"metal-acetate-D2EHPA" complexes. Increasing the level of acetate, up to 0.4 M showed a relatively significant effect on the extraction curve of Ni, but there was no influence in the Co extraction curve. At the acetate level of 0.6 M, the pH difference at 70 extraction percentage reached 0.55 in compared to 0.2in the absence of acetate.
HIDRÓLISE ENZIMÁTICA DA MICROALGA Chlorella pyrenoidosa

RESUMO – As microalgas possuem uma composicao quimica diversificada, podendo ser boas fontes de lipidios, carboidratos, proteinas, pigmentos e carotenoides, dependendo da especie. A hidrolise enzimatica e um metodo para obtencao de acucares redutores e pode ser utilizada como uma etapa preliminar na obtencao de compostos de interesse a partir da biomassa algal. Nesse trabalho, Chlorella pyrenoidosa, uma alga verde que apresenta parede celular rica em carboidratos, foi submetida a hidrolise enzimatica usando celulases fungicas e enzimas acessorias para produzir acucares monomericos. Foram realizados experimentos utilizando os sobrenadantes de culturas individuais de Aspergillus awamori, Trichoderma harzianum 422 e Trichoderma reesei RUT C30 com diferentes proporcoes de β-glicosidase e FPase. A biomassa algal foi submetida a hidrolise em sua forma integra e apos tratamento em moinho de bola. Todos os preparados enzimaticos apresentaram rendimentos em glicose proximos de 60 % e 94 % apos 6h e 48h, respectivamente, para a biomassa tratada em moinho de bola. Entretanto, nos experimentos com o material nao tratado, o maior rendimento de glicose encontrado foi de 53,76 % em 24h utilizando apenas enzimas de A. awamori apos reducao de carga enzimatica e aumento da carga de solidos. Esses resultados comprovam que o preparado enzimatico de Aspergillus awamori e o mais indicado para a hidrolise enzimatica da biomassa algal e que o tratamento por moinho de bola e eficaz para essa biomassa.
Free-Standing Layer-By-Layer Hybrid Thin Film of Graphene-MnO2 Nanotube as Anode for Lithium Ion Batteries

Free-standing layer-by-layer assembled hybrid graphene-MnO2 nanotube (NT) thin films were prepared by an ultrafiltration technique and studied as anodes for lithium ion batteries. Each thin layer of graphene provides not only conductive pathways accelerating a conversion reaction of MnO2 but also buffer layers to maintain electrical contact with MnO2 NT during lithium insertion/extraction. In addition, the unique structures of the thin film provide porous structures that enhance Li ion diffusion into the structure. The graphene-MnO2 NT films as anode present excellent cycle and rate capabilities with a reversible specific capacity based on electrode composite mass of 495 mAh/g at 100 mA/g after 40 cycles with various current rates from 100 to 1600 mA/g. On the contrary, graphene-free MnO2 NT electrodes demonstrate only 140 mAh/g at 80 mA/g after 10 cycles. Furthermore, at a high current rate of 1600 mA/g, the charge capacity of graphene-MnO2 NT film reached 208 mAh/g.
Environmentally Relevant Phosphorus Retention Capacity of Sandy Coastal Plain Soils

Abstract Phosphorus (P) transported from agricultural fields can be a major contributor to eutrophication of aquatic systems. Alaquods and Paleudults with subsurface Bh and Bt horizons, respectively, occur extensively in the coastal plains of southeastern United States. Environmental risk of P loss from soil horizons can be evaluated using P saturation ratio ((PSR) molar ratio of P to (Al + Fe)) and soil P storage capacity (SPSC) concepts. The change point (zero SPSC) amounts to a threshold PSR value above which P runoff or leaching risk increases. The objective of this study was to compare P release behavior using PSR and SPSC and relate P release to the compositional differences among Alaquod and Paleudult subsurface horizons. Results indicate that most Bt horizons have high SPSC and minimal equilibrium P concentrations (EPC0). Phosphorus retention at environmentally relevant solution concentration was controlled mainly by noncrystalline metal oxides despite relative abundance of crystalline components. The Bt samples have high Langmuir adsorption maximum Smax caused by the relative abundance of crystalline components that contribute to P sorption at higher solution concentrations (above the threshold PSR); however, the risk of P loss is most closely tied to noncrystalline metal oxides, as observed in other sandy soils of Florida. Therefore, the PSR and SPSC concepts originally developed for sandy soils are likely applicable to loamy or clayey horizons of coastal plain soils. Furthermore, the relationship of PSR and SPSC to EPC0 suggests that these parameters can be used to predict EPC0 obtained through the generation of time-consuming Langmuir isotherms.
Poultry Litter Time and Method of Application Effects on Corn Yield

Abstract Adopting efficient management practices for using poultry litter (PL) as an alternative to commercial fertilizer is critical for increased N use efficiency. This 3-year study investigated effects of application time (fall and spring) and method of application (soil incorporation and nonincorporation) of three PL rates and NH4NO3 (146 kg N ha−1) on availability of selected soil nutrients and corn (Zea mays L.) grain yield in northern Alabama. The plant-available N rates supplied by the PL were 68 kg N ha−1 (low), 135 kg N ha−1 (medium), and 270 kg N ha−1 (high). Soil inorganic N, Mehlich-3–extractable P, and available K were measured before planting in April, mid-season in June or July, and postharvest in October or November. Averaged across the 3 years, grain yield from the high PL rate was similar to that of the medium PL rate when spring applied. The medium PL rate resulted in 800 kg ha−1 greater grain yield than NH4NO3 from both spring and fall applications. Incorporation of the medium PL rate increased grain yield 590 kg ha−1 and NH4NO3 by 480 kg ha−1, respectively, than nonincorporation but no yield advantage of incorporating the low and high PL rates. Inorganic N, Mehlich-3–extractable P, and available K were highest from mid-season sampling and from spring than fall applications. When N sources were incorporated, the medium PL rate resulted in greater N and P uptake. Results from this study suggest that fall application of NH4NO3 and PL beyond the medium rate should not be encouraged for warm climatic conditions.
Modulation of the Host Immune Response by Schistosome Egg-Secreted Proteins Is a Critical Avenue of Host–Parasite Communication

During a schistosome infection, the interactions that occur between the mammalian host and the parasite change rapidly once egg laying begins. Both juvenile and adult schistosomes adapt to indefinitely avoid the host immune system. In contrast, the survival of eggs relies on quickly traversing from the host. Following the commencement of egg laying, the host immune response undergoes a shift from a type 1 helper (Th1) inflammatory response to a type 2 helper (Th2) granulomatous response. This change is driven by immunomodulatory proteins within the egg excretory/secretory products (ESPs), which interact with host cells and alter their behaviour to promote egg translocation. However, in parallel, these ESPs also provoke the development of chronic schistosomiasis pathology. Recent studies using high-throughput proteomics have begun to characterise the components of schistosome egg ESPs, particularly those of Schistosoma mansoni, S. japonicum and S. haematobium. Future application of this knowledge may lead to the identification of proteins with novel immunomodulatory activity or pathological importance. However, efforts in this area are limited by a lack of in situ or in vivo functional characterisation of these proteins. This review will highlight the current knowledge of the content and demonstrated functions of schistosome egg ESPs.
’ s repository of research publications and other research outputs RefConcile – automated online reconciliation of bibliographic references Conference or Workshop Item

Comprehensive bibliographies often rely on community contributions. In such settings, de-duplication is mandatory for the bibliography to be useful. Ideally, de-duplication works online, i.e., when adding new references, so the bibliography remains duplicate-free at all times. While de-duplication is well researched, generic approaches do not achieve the result quality required for automated reconciliation. To overcome this problem, we propose a new duplicate detection and reconciliation technique called RefConcile. Aiming specifically at bibliographic references, it uses dedicated blocking and matching techniques tailored to this type of data. Our evaluation based on a large realworld collection of bibliographic references shows that RefConcile scales well, and that it detects and reconciles duplicates highly accurately.
Improving the Recovery of Coarse-Coal Particles by Adding Premineralization Prior to Column Flotation

ABSTRACT A premineralization process, a pipe flow mineralization method adopted by adding a self-aspirated bubble generator in the feed pipe, was developed to improve the recovery of coarse-coal particles using a flotation column. The recoveries of various size fractions, including -700+600, -600+500, -500+250, -250+74, and -74 μm, using a conventional column (CC), a premineralization column (PMC), and a conventional column combined with the premineralization process (PM-CC) were investigated. According to the results, the CC showed a good performance in recovering coal particles with sizes below 250 μm, but a poor recovery of particles of sizes above 250 μm. The PM-CC presented advantages in recovering coal particles in contrast with the CC, especially coarse coal particles. Compared with the CC, the combustible recovery of -700+600, -600+500, -500+250, -250+74, and -74 μm size fractions obtained with the PM-CC was increased by 17.69, 17.15, 10.37, 0.58, and 4.07 percentage points, respectively, and the combustible recovery of the clean coal increased by 9.29 percentage points. The ash content of clean coal obtained with the PM-CC was almost identical to that of the CC. It was an effective way that adding the premineralization process prior to column flotation to strengthen the recovery of coarse-coal particles.