Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spatio‐temporal analysis for extreme temperature indices over the Levant region

The temporal and spatial trends of 16 climate extreme indices based on daily maximum and minimum temperatures during the period 1987–2016 at 28 stations distributed across Israel and Palestine territories in the Levant region were annually and seasonally analysed. The nonparametric Man‐Kendall test and the Sen's slope estimator were employed for the trend analysis. Results showed that the region has significantly experienced a dominant warming trend for the last three decades, with more intense changes for minimum temperatures than for maximum. At annual scale, maximum values of minimum temperatures exhibited significant increasing trends up to 0.68°C/decade. For percentile‐based extreme temperature indices, changes detected were more pronounced than those for the absolute extreme temperature indices, with 93 and 89% of stations significantly showed increasing trends in TX90p and TN90p, respectively. The duration and fixed threshold extreme indices confirmed the trend toward a warming, with the 86% of the stations exhibited significant increasing trends in the annual occurrence of summer days (SU25) and tropical nights (TR20). Moreover, 57% of stations showed significant increasing trends in their very summer days (SU30) index. At seasonal scale, the analysis of trends for extreme temperature indices showed intense and broad significant increasing trends in all absolute extreme temperature indices. In summer, more than 75% of total stations exhibited significant increasing trends for warm days and warm nights (TX90p and TN90p). In winter and spring, 71% of the total stations also showed significant increasing trends in SU25 index, whereas the percentage of stations reached 82% in summer and 64% in autumn for significant increasing trends in TR20 index. Finally, the influence of large‐scale circulation patterns on temperature extremes was examined. The results highlighted the presence of significant correlations between most of the selected extreme temperature indices and the North Sea‐Caspian pattern at annual and seasonal scales.
The flow of magnetic nanoparticles in magnetic drug targeting

Magnetic drug targeting has been explored by an in vitro study of the deposition of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) coated magnetic carrier nanoparticles (MCNPs) in a tube under the influence of an externally applied magnetic field. Experiments and simulations show a steady decrease in the retention of MCNPs with increasing flow rate and weaker magnetic field strength. The retention of MCNPs has been significantly influenced by the fluid flow behaviour resulting from the position and shape of the magnet, magnetic properties and size of the MCNPs, and the magnetic field strength. Under strong magnetic fields, the MCNPs tend to creep along the wall of the tube and undergo high shear before reaching the targeted region. These results highlight the importance of choosing the region of MCNP injection, magnetic field strength and, the magnetic properties and size of the MCNPs to minimize the loss of the drug.
Soil Control on Runoff Response to Climate Change in Regional Climate Model Simulations

Simulations with seven regional climate models driven by a common control climate simulation of a GCM carried out for Europe in the context of the (European Union) EU-funded Prediction of Regional scenarios and Uncertainties for Defining European Climate change risks and Effects (PRUDENCE) project were analyzed with respect to land surface hydrology in the Rhine basin. In particular, the annual cycle of the terrestrial water storage was compared to analyses based on the 40-yr ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-40) atmospheric convergence and observed Rhine discharge data. In addition, an analysis was made of the partitioning of convergence anomalies over anomalies in runoff and storage. This analysis revealed that most models underestimate the size of the water storage and consequently overestimated the response of runoff to anomalies in net convergence. The partitioning of these anomalies over runoff and storage was indicative for the response of the simulated runoff to a projected climate change consistent with the greenhouse gas A2 Synthesis Report on Emission Scenarios (SRES). In particular, the annual cycle of runoff is affected largely by the terrestrial storage reservoir. Larger storage capacity leads to smaller changes in both wintertime and summertime monthly mean runoff. The sustained summertime evaporation resulting from larger storage reservoirs may have a noticeable impact on the summertime surface temperature projections.
Preparation and Properties of Na-MMT/PVA Nanocomposite Emulsion

Na-MMT/Poly-Vinyl acetate-Acrylate (PVA) nanocomposite emulsion was prepared by in situ emulsion polymerization in the presence of exfoliated Na-MMT suspension. Effect Na-MMT content on the polymerization process and stability of the emulsion was studied. The water- proofing, thermal stability and anti-aging properties of the prepared Na-MMT/PVA composite polymer films were studied by water absorption ratio, thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) and anti-ultraviolet aging test. The results show that stable Na-MMT/PVA nanocomposite emulsion is obtained when the Na-MMT content is lower than 2.0wt%. TEM(Transmission electron microscopy) observation indicates that the Na-MMT/PVA composite latex has a layer- sphere combined structure. The composite polymer film presents much better water-proofing, thermal stability and anti-aging properties than the pure PVA polymer film.
he effect of autonomous and controlled motives on eating ysregulation : Implications for individuals classified as underweight , verweight or obese ’ effet des motivations

Introduction. – Controlled and autonomous motivational factors from self-determination theory have previously been highlighted as key factors in eating regulation. The present study examined controlled motives as an overarching motivational factor in eating dysregulation and examined its effects on dieting behaviour for those who are underweight, overweight or obese. Objective. – To examine whether the influence of controlled motives on dieting behaviour would be moderated by body mass index (BMI). Specifically, it was hypothesised that controlled motives would be associated with high levels of dieting behaviour in underweight individuals and low levels of dieting behaviour in individuals classified as overweight or obese. Method. – One hundred and thirty-seven participants completed the measures of height, weight, and motivation and intentions towards watching their diet and subsequently completed a measure of dieting behaviour two weeks later. Results. – Moderated regression and simple slopes analyses provided support for the hypothesised effects at underweight, overweight, and obese range BMIs. Conclusion. – The effect of controlled motives on dieting behaviour is dependent upon BMI and therefore varies across underweight, overweight, and obese individuals. The implications of controlled motives and external pressures to watch one’s diet are discussed. © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.
Metabolic profile of Brazilian pine embryos and megagametophyte of stored seeds

Changes in availability of metabolites during seed deterioration might damage processes of synthesis and energy release for embryonic growth. This research aimed to determine which alterations occur in metabolic profile over storage of Araucaria angustifolia seeds and how these alterations are related to viability loss. Metabolic profile of samples stored at 60, 120, and 180 days, at ambient temperature, refrigerator (5°C), and freezer (-18°C), was analyzed by Fourier transform mid infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Additionally, soluble proteins of embryos and soluble carbohydrates and starch of megagametophytes were also quantified and related to dry matter and seed germination. Presence of primary and secondary metabolism compounds was identified in embryos (starch, proteins, lipids and phenolic). Both embryos and megagametophytes are composed principally of carbohydrate and starch. At 180 days of storage, only freezer-stored samples maintained a metabolic profile similar to freshly harvested samples, but seed viability was dramatically reduced. Storage in refrigerator can be an alternative to control the catabolism of reserve compounds in A. angustifolia seeds, retaining about 70% germination. Key words: Araucaria angustifolia, germination, Fourier transform mid infrared (FTIR), metabolic profile, seed deterioration.
AFLP analysis reveals infraspecific phylogenetic relationships and population genetic structure of two species of Aconitum in Central Europe

The genetic diversity of two Aconitum species endemic to the Carpathian Mountains and Sudetes was studied. A reticulate evolution between them was earlier postulated as an effect of secondary contact. The genetic diversity at the individual and taxonomic levels was examined across the entire geographical ranges of the taxa in 11 populations based on 247 AFLP markers found in 112 individuals in the Sudetes and Western Carpathians. The overall genetic differentiation was greater within the Sudetic A. plicatum ( F ST = 0.139, P < 0.001) than within the Carpathian A. firmum ( F ST = 0.062, P < 0.001), presumably due to the long-lasting geographic isolation between the Giant Mts and Praděd (Sudetes) populations of the species. Interestingly, relatively distant and presently isolated populations of A. plicatum and A. f. subsp. maninense share a part of their genomes. It could be an effect of their common evolutionary history, including past and present reticulations. The introgression among infraspecific taxa of Aconitum is common, probably as a result of seed dispersal within a distance of ca. 20 km (Mantel’s r = 0.36, P = 0.01). Aconitum f. subsp. maninense had the highest genetic diversity indices: Nei’s h and rarefied FAr , and divergence index DW ( P ≤ 0.05), pointing to its presumably ancient age and long-term isolation.
Comparing the rate of radiological and clinical adjacent segment degeneration after simple anterior cervical discectomy versus discectomy plus fusion

Objective: To evaluate and compare the radiological changes on adjacent mobile segments and clinical findings in patients having undergone single-segment simple anterior cervical discectomy versus discectomy plus intervertebral fusion. Material and Methods: Twenty-five patients were treated with discectomy plus fusion and 20 patients with simple discectomy. Clinical pictures of the patients were evaluated with ODOM criteria before and 1 year after operation, and their improvement rates were calculated. The disc heights of superior and inferior adjacent segments, superior and inferior foramen heights, superior and inferior end plate heights of superior and inferior adjacent segments, new osteophyte development, segmental angulation and loss of cervical lordosis were evaluated on cervical radiographies before and 1 year after operation. Results: Although there were new degenerative findings in adjacent mobile segments in all patients when preoperative and postoperative measurements were compared, these radiological findings did not translate into clinical findings. In the fusion group, radiological degeneration findings were seen more frequently statistically; however, clinical results were not different between the two groups. On the other hand, loss of lordosis was significantly more frequent in the simple discectomy group. Conclusion: Although adding fusion to single-segment anterior cervical discectomy caused more frequent radiological degenerative changes in adjacent segments after 1 year compared to simple discectomy, clinical results were similar. It was thought that longer follow-up was necessary to observe clinical adjacent segment disease that was expected to become more frequent because of excessive mobility due to fusion.
The impact of battery operating temperature and state of charge on the lithium-ion battery internal resistance

This paper studies the behaviour of the lithium-ion battery used in automotive application especially for electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicle (HEVs) by focusing on the impact of battery operating temperature and state of charge (SOC) on the battery internal resistance. An electrical battery model is used and developed in MATLAB/Simulink. The validation process was done by comparing the simulation results from the developed model with experiment results established by other researchers. From the comparison, it is shown that the developed model is able to predict the performance of the battery in terms of battery internal resistance in the function of operating temperature between 0 oC and 50oC and SOC range of 0.1 to 0.9. The internal resistance of lithium-ion battery minimum when the operating temperature is 30oC and SOC is 0.4.
Using the Coronary Calcium Score to Guide Statin Therapy: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

CHD risk, 7.5%) was projected to prevent 32 myocardial infarctions, cause 70 cases of statin-induced myopathy, and add 1108 years to total life expectancy. Measuring CAC and targeting statin treatment to the 2500 women with CAC>0 would provide 45% of the benefit (+501 life-years), but CAC measurement would cost $2.25 million and cause 9 radiation-induced cancers. Treat all was preferable to CAC screening in this scenario and across a broad range of other scenarios (CHD risk, 2.5%–15%) when statin assumptions were favorable ($0.13 per pill and no quality of life penalty). When statin assumptions were less favorable ($1.00 per pill and disutility=0.00384), CAC screening with statin treatment for persons with CAC>0 was cost-effective (<$50 000 per quality-adjusted life-year) in this scenario, in 55-year-old men with CHD risk 7.5%, and in other intermediate risk scenarios (CHD risk, 5%–10%). Our results were critically sensitive to statin cost and disutility and relatively robust to other assumptions. Alternate CAC treatment thresholds (>100 or >300) were generally not cost-effective. Conclusions testing in intermediate risk patients can be cost-effective but only if statins are costly or significantly affect quality of life. ( Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes . 2014;7:276-284.) the cardiovascular benefits outweigh the risks, at least in the short term, 35 and the statin trial results on which we base our statin efficacy assumptions account for this effect. Alternate assumptions about statin-associated cost and health impact from these factors or others are simulated easily by increasing overall statin cost and disutility.
Calculation and simulation of aerodynamic characteristics of wind power plant turbine

The physics of a perturbed flow around the wind power plant turbine is rather complex. When passing through the plane of rotation, the airflow gets substantially perturbed. In such conditions, the pressure of ram air changes stepwise when passing through the plane of the wind turbine rotation, which is related to the loss of flow mechanical energy and its transfer to the rotor. A complex vortex system is created behind the turbine. In this system, it is possible to single out at least three distinctive groups of vortices: attached vortices on blades, a free helicoidal vortex that forms when the flow is passing through the blade ends, and an axial vortex forming at the expense of flow swirling on the wind turbine. In a real flow, the whole perturbed area is filled with vortices, which makes it quite difficult to perform a physical analysis and mathematical calculation of the flow. The article presents the results of calculating and simulating the aerodynamic characteristics of a propeller-type wind turbine with a horizontal axis of rotation. The calculations are based on the theory of elementary streams, which is a compilation of the results of the momentum theory of the ideal wind turbine and a wing theory, which is quite well developed now. On this basis, it is possible to substantially expand the study and description of physical processes related to wind turbine flow. The rated power of the wind power plant, rated wind speed, wind speed at gusts, number of blades, etc. were taken as initial data. For the selected wind turbine blade airfoil of “Espero” type an angle of attack, a lift coefficient and a drag-to-lift ratio were determined. During the calculation and simulation the cases of an airfoil with and without a geometric twist were considered. As a result of the calculation and computer simulation, there were determined the optimal values of the coefficients of: flow deceleration, ideal power, end and profile losses, blade tip specific speed.
IMPACT OF PROJECTED CLIMATE CHANGE ON AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION IN SEMI-ARID AREAS OF TANZANIA: A CASE OF SAME DISTRICT

Sub-Saharan Africa is one of the most vulnerable regions in the World to climate change because of widespread poverty and limited adaptive capacity. The future climate change is likely to present an additional challenge to the agricultural sector. Therefore, the effects of climate change on the current agronomic management practices were investigated using Same District, Tanzania as a case study area. APSIM software was used to investigate the response of maize ( Zea mays L.) yield to different agronomic management practices using current and future (2046 - 2065) climate data. The climate change projections data from global climate models were downscaled using self-organising maps technique. Under the conventional practices, results show that during long rainy season (from March to May) there is yield decline of 13% for cultivar Situka , no change for cultivar Kito and increase of 10% and 15% for cultivars Sc401 and TMV1, respectively. Under the recommended practices, cultivars TMV1 and Sc401 are projected to register a 10% yield increase whereas cultivars Situka and Kito are projected to register a decrease of 10% and 45%, respectively. Also, under both conventional and recommended management practices, results showed that during short rainy season (from October to December/January) all cultivars are projected to register between 75% and 146% increase in maize yields. This implies that future climate change is going to have positive effects on current management practices during short rainy seasons and it will have negligible impact during long rainy seasons.
Magneto-hydrodynamic Thermal Instability of Walters’ B' Fluid under the Effects of Rotation, Variable Gravity Field and Suspended Particles in a Brinkman Porous Medium

The objective of the present paper is to study the stability of a rotating Walters' B' elastico-viscous fluid layer heated from belo w through a Brinkman porous mediu m in the presence of magnetic field, variab le gravity and suspended particles for the case of free boundaries. After linearizing the governing hydrodynamic equations and applying normal mode analysis method, dispersion relation is obtained and solved numerically. For the case of stationary convection, Walters' B' elastico-viscous fluid behaves like an ordinary Newtonian flu id. The suspended particles have a destabilizing effect on the system whereas rotation has a stabilizing effect on the system. The magnetic field, mediu m permeability and Darcy nu mber have both stabilizing and destabilizing effects on the system under certain conditions. The effects of suspended particles, rotation, magnetic field, med iu m permeability and Darcy-Brinkman nu mber on critical Rayleigh number have also been plotted graphically to depict the stability characteristics. It is also observed that suspended particles, rotation, magnetic field and med iu m permeability introduce oscillatory modes in the system wh ich is non-existent in their absence. Co mparisons with the previous published work are also presented.
Elastic modulus prediction for hybrid polymer composites

To improve on the mechanical properties of polymers in general, the concept of hybrid composites was developed by using two or more different reinforcements in the same matrix, or by using two or more different sizes of the same reinforcement (auto-hybrid composites). In this case, most of the literature results showed that the resulting elastic modulus can be well approximated by the simple rule of mixture (linear additive law) from the tensile modulus of each reinforcement used alone. But is some cases, a positive deviation from this linear approximation was reported up to a point where an optimum composition can give a modulus above the value of both reinforcements used separately. In this work, a simple model is presented to show that positive deviations are possible and the optimum reinforcement ratio is around 25/75 in terms of the lowest/highest reinforcing particle. The model is also compared with literature data where good qualitative agreements are obtained as a first approximation.
Virtual reality for social skills training

Professional work involves a high degree of technical knowledge that must be acquired through years of study at school and university. However, it also involves other, more implicit, skills that cannot be easily learned from books or lectures. An important example is social skills, interacting with other people in potentially challenging professional situations. These social skills can only be learned through practice in realistic situations. However, real situations do not support the kind of deliberate practice required for improving skills. This paper proposes that Virtual Reality can provide a method of practising social skills that potentially allows deliberate practice in a safe setting. It reviews a range of studies by Slater and colleagues starting from the late 1990s that demonstrate the ability of Virtual Reality to reproduce the experience of social interaction. These studies show that people respond realistically to virtual humans, opening up the possibility of using them as a means of practicing social interactions. Two experiments in particular show this potential for medical training, involving general practitioners practising difficult consultations with patients. The paper concludes with suggestions for what is required to enable deliberate practice of social skills in Virtual Reality.
Modeling process of water bubbling with ozone to obtain disinfectant solutions in beekeeping

Disinfection of beehives and beekeeping equipment plays an important role in beekeeping. How it will be produced influences not only the health of the bee family, but also the productivity of the apiary. In this case, the use of environmentally friendly methods of obtaining disinfectant solutions is most important. In our opinion, one of these methods is the method of obtaining disinfecting aqueous solutions of ozone by bubbling. Ozone is a strong oxidizer, even greater than oxygen. Ozone has a disinfecting effect and unlike chlorine does not form toxins. Ozone-air mixture has been successfully used for the prevention and treatment of bacteriosis of bees. The use of ozone to produce disinfectant solutions will further expand the scope of its application in the apiary. It is first necessary to simulate the process of bubbling water with ozone in order to justify the parameters and modes of operation of the installation for production of disinfecting aqueous solutions of ozone. The simulation of this process is made in the program Comsol Multiphysics 5.4. In this program the 2D model of the installation was created and the physical modules responsible for modeling the motion of gas bubbles in liquid were configured, as well as with regard of the chemical reactions occurring in water during ozone bubbling. The simulation results can justify the bubbling parameters: concentration of ozone at the entrance to the setting and time of receiving of the solution. It is proposed to conduct its electric activation in the diaphragm of the electrolyzer before bubbling with ozone to enhance the action of the disinfectant solution. The purpose of this research is to develop a model of the process of water bubbling with ozone, which substantiates the time of bubbling sufficient to obtain a disinfectant solution used in disinfection of bee hives.