Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Technical and Economic Aspects of Stone Pine (Pinus pinea L.) Maintenance in Urban Environments

The Italian Stone Pine (Pinus pinea L.) is one of the most employed ornamental trees in towns with Mediterranean climates. For example, in the city of Rome, Pinus is the most common genus, with more than 51,000 trees. This study investigates technical and economic features of maintenance operations of Stone Pines and evaluates the productivity and costs of the observed yards. Pruning and felling are the most frequent management operations of trees in towns and this study analyzes the features of these operations carried out in 14 work sites. The operations were carried out either with aerial platforms (19 trees) or ascending the crown by tree-climbing (6 trees). The operations were sampled with time studies (12 trees for pruning and 13 for felling). Work time was measured from the beginning of operations to the transport of the residual biomass to the collection and loading point, using centesimal stopwatches and video recording. The total residual biomass was weighed or assessed. Total observation time amounted to 63.1 hours. The evaluation of the costs of each work site considered the fixed and the variable costs and the costs for the labor force. A Multiple Linear Regression model (statistics: determination coefficient R2: 0.74, adjusted R2: 0.67, p-value < 0.001) which utilizes four regressors easily evaluable before the work, was adopted to predict the gross time of the operations. This paper can contribute to optimize trees maintenance methods in urban sites and to assess the potential residual wood biomass attainable from urban forestry maintenance in the city of Rome.
A Hybrid Feature Learning Approach for Aspect-based Sentiment Analysis in Drug Reviews

This paper aims to develop a novel hybrid feature learning approach for aspect-based sentiment analysis to detect and classify unlabeled data utilizing widely available social data. The proposed approach combines the sentiment lexicon with a pre-trained BERT (Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers) embeddings system based on Ontology and Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) feature extraction for topic modeling. Ontology-based on fuzzy reasoning to describe the semantic knowledge and its relation related to the topics. The BERT with LDA is used to predict the context words to learn the sentence vector and the document vector that is disintegrated into a document weight vector (the weight of each topic) and the topic vector represents one topic that stores related words near each topic. Next using Bi-directional Long Short-Term Memory (Bi-LSTM) to classify extracted sentiment. Various experiments are conducted on social media datasets about Drugs to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed approach on the aspect as a case-study. Also, several performance evaluation metrics are used to measure their performance. Obtained experimental results showed that the proposed hybrid feature learning approach outperforms other tested feature learning state-of-the-art approaches and improves the feature and topic extraction for unstructured social media text and sentiment classiﬁcation. Based on the obtained results, it is observed that the performance of the proposed approach increases when using Ontology with BERT embeddings and LDA topic modeling as feature extraction and LSTM as the classiﬁer against using word2vec or BERT individually. The proposed approach achieved an average accuracy of 98.4%, an AUC score of 97.5%, and a F-score of 0.98% for used datasets.
New prospects for the grafting of functional groups onto aliphatic polyesters. Ring-opening polymerization of α- or γ-substituted ε-caprolactone followed by chemical derivatization of the substituents

Recent progress in the synthesis of aliphatic polyesters, substituted by pendent functional groups, has been reviewed. Two main strategies have to be distinguished. The first route consists of the ring-opening polymerization of e-caprolactone substituted by various functional groups, protected if needed, in α- or γ-position. In a second strategy, the functional groups are grafted onto preformed polyesters chains in α-position of the carbonyl groups. α-chloro-e-caprolactone is quite an interesting monomer because, after polymerization, the activated chloride can be easily derivatized by atom transfer radical addition and click chemistry, respectively. Similarly, γ-acrylic-e-caprolactone is precursor of (co)polyesters well-suited to derivatization of the pendent double bonds by Michael addition.
Direct analysis of small-angle smeared intensity tails. II. Applications

The tails of the smeared small-angle X-ray intensities, scattered by two triblock copolymers of poly(methyl methacrylate-b-butadiene-b-methyl methacrylate) are analysed by using the smeared leading terms of the intensity asymptotic expansion. In this way, it is possible to determine the particle shape and size as well as the area and the Kirste–Porod curvosity of the sample interfaces.
Design and Simulation of Photonic Crystal Fiber for Liquid Sensing

A simple hexagonal lattice photonic crystal fiber model with liquid-infiltrated core for different liquids: water, ethanol and benzene, has been proposed. In the proposed structure, three air hole rings are present in the cladding and three equal sized air holes are present in the core. Numerical investigation of the proposed fiber has been performed using full vector finite element method with anisotropic perfectly match layers, to show that the proposed simple structure exhibits high relative sensitivity, high power fraction, relatively high birefringence, low chromatic dispersion, low confinement loss, small effective area, and high nonlinear coefficient. All these properties have been numerically investigated at a wider wavelength regime 0.6–1.8 μm within mostly the IR region. Relative sensitivities of water, ethanol and benzene are obtained at 62.60%, 65.34% and 74.50%, respectively, and the nonlinear coefficients are 69.4 W−1 km−1 for water, 73.8 W−1 km−1 for ethanol and 95.4 W−1 km−1 for benzene, at 1.3 µm operating wavelength. The simple structure can be easily fabricated for practical use, and assessment of its multiple waveguide properties has justified its usage in real liquid detection.
Potential impact of climate change on marine dimethyl sulfide emissions

Dimethyl sulfide (DMS) is a biogenic compound produced in sea-surface water and outgased to the atmosphere. Once in the atmosphere, DMS is a significant source of cloud condensation nuclei in the unpolluted marine atmosphere. It has been postulated that climate may be partly modulated by variations in DMS production through a DMS-cloud condensation nuclei-albedo feedback. We present here a modelled estimation of the response of DMS sea-water concentrations and DMS fluxes to climate change, following previous work on marine DMS modeling (Aumont et al., 2002) and on the global warming impact on marine biology (Bopp et al., 2001). An atmosphere—ocean general circulation model (GCM) was coupled to a marine biogeochemical scheme and used without flux correction to simulate climate response to increased greenhouse gases (a 1% increase per year in atmospheric CO2 until it has doubled). The predicted global distribution of DMS at 1 × CO2 compares reasonably well with observations; however, in the high latitudes, very elevated concentrations of DMS due to spring and summer blooms of Phaeocystis can not be reproduced. At 2 × CO2, the model estimates a small increase of global DMS flux to the atmosphere (+2%) but with large spatial heterogeneities (from −15% to +30% for the zonal mean). Mechanisms affecting DMS fluxes are changes in (1) marine biological productivity, (2) relative abundance of phytoplankton species and (3) wind intensity. The mean DMS flux perturbation we simulate represents a small negative feedback on global warming; however, the large regional changes may significantly impact regional temperature and precipitation patterns.
A Study on Interaction between Overfall Types and Scour at Bridge Piers with a Moving-Bed Experiment

River slopes can be changed due to an extreme event, e.g., a large-scale earthquake. This can uplift a riverbed greatly and thereby change the behavior of the river flow into a free or submerged overfall. Corresponding damage, including extreme erosion, on bridge piers located in the river can take place due to the aforementioned flow conditions. A reconstructed bridge pier in the same location would also experience a similar impact if the flow condition is not changed. It is important to identify these phenomena and research the mechanism in the interaction between overfall types and scour at bridge piers. Therefore, this paper is aimed at studying a mechanism of free and submerged overfall flow impacts on bridge piers with different distances by a series of moving-bed experiments. The experiment results showed clearly that bridge pier protection requires attention particularly when the pier is located in the maximum scour hole induced by the submerged overfall due to the z directional flow eddies. In many other cases, such as when the location of the bridge pier was at the upstream slope of a scour hole induced by a flow drop, a deposition mound could be observed at the back of the pier. This indicates that, while a pier is at this location, an additional protection takes place on the bridge pier.
Validity and Reliability of StriveTM Sense3 for Muscle Activity Monitoring During the Squat Exercise

Background: Recent innovations in surface electromyographic (sEMG) technology have enabled the measurement of muscle activity using smart textiles. Objective: In this study, the StriveTM Sense3 performance monitoring system is evaluated against a research-grade system, NoraxonTM, in measuring activity during the back squat exercise. Method: Seventeen participants performed three total trials of the squat exercise with a progressive load for individual trials equal to 30%, 60%, and 80% of their estimated maximum 1RM (one-repetition maximum). sEMG measurements from the rectus femoris were captured for the left and right leg by both systems. Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient (r) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values were computed for each trial to assess concurrent validity and interrater reliability of the StriveTM Sense3 device. Additionally, five coaches at the collegiateand professional-level of Men’s Basketball speak from an autoethnographic frame to the findings from this study. Results: Results ranged from “Poor” to “Excellent” validity and “Poor to Moderate” to “Excellent” reliability, with a majority of trials achieving “Good” or better results across all loads [93% trials: r >= 0.7; 87% trials: lower ICC 95% CI bound >= 0.75 (absolute sEMG); 98% trials: lower ICC 95% CI bound >= 0.75 (normalized sEMG)]. Higher validity and reliability for medium and heavy loads were observed in comparison to the light load, and several outliers indicate the need for coaches to lubricate sensors and ensure proper fit to collect accurate data. Conclusion: Examining results alongside practitioner feedback indicate the StriveTM Sense3 system is capable of tracking sEMG activity in comparison to a research-grade system.
UV Photoablation of Atherosclerotic Lesions. Application in Cardiology

Various methods for the ablation of the atherosclerotic material that fills the coronary arteries are under investigation. Among them laser coronary angioplasty is one of the most promising. In this paper we show that the XeCl excimer laser (308 nm) offers many advantages which make it appear as a rather good tool. In vitro studies demonstrate the ability of precise control of the UV photoablation process, there is no thermal damage and the risk of perforation is reduced. A suitable laser-fiber optic delivery system has been developed and the results of the first in vivo procedures are very encouraging.
The treatment of brewery wastewater using carbon nanotubes synthesized from carbon dioxide carbon source

Page iv of utilising CO2 in the control of its impact on global warming. The results showed that in the synthesis of CNTs from CO2, temperature plays an important role. The results showed that when the temperature was lower than 750°C or above 840°C, there were no CNTs formed. The optimum growth temperature was about 800°C. The influence of CO2 concentration and flow rate were also studied. Very high concentration and flow rates negatively affected the CNT growth rates. Subsequently, a series of experiments were conducted in which the efficiencies of pristine and hydrochloric acid functionalised CNTs were compared with the efficiency of ferric chloride in a coagulation/flocculation process. Both pristine and functionalised CNTs demonstrated the ability to coagulate colloidal particles in the brewery wastewater. Overall, ferric chloride was found to be a more effective coagulant than both the pristine and functionalised CNTs. In granular filtration, the treatment scheme in which CNTs were added to both the coagulation/flocculation tanks and the filter bed was found to be the best option for the treatment of brewery wastewater. This treatment scheme removed 96.0% of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and residual turbidity of only 5 NTU remained in the effluent. In its guidelines, World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends turbidity should be maintained at less than 5 NTU, but if water is disinfected, it would be better to aim for values of less than 1 NTU. To summarise, this research has demonstrated new applications of CNTs heterogeneous coagulation and/or flocculation of colloidal particles, and as a granular filter media. The study has also highlighted the potential human health effects of CNTs with respect to drinking water such as cancer, granulomas, inflammation and fibrosis, etc. Treatment of brewery wastewater using carbon nanotubes Geoffrey SimateSimate
Overview of Sensitivity Analysis Methods Capabilities for Traction AC Machines in Electrified Vehicles

A robust design in electrified powertrains substantially helps to enhance the vehicle’s overall efficiency. Robustness analyses come with complexity and computational costs at the vehicle level. The use of sensitivity analysis (SA) methods in the design phase has gained popularity in recent years to improve the performance of road vehicles while optimizing the resources, reducing the costs, and shortening the development time. Designers have started to utilize the SA methods to explore: i) how the component and vehicle level design options affect the main outputs i.e. energy efficiency and energy consumption; ii) observing sub-dependent parameters, which might be influenced by the variation of the targeted controllable (i.e. magnet thickness) and uncontrollable (i.e. magnet temperature) variables, in nonlinear dynamic systems; and iii) evaluating the interactions, of both dependent, and sub-dependent controllable/uncontrollable variables, under transient conditions. Hence the aim of this study is to succinctly review recent utilization of SA methods in the design of AC electric machines (EM)s used in vehicle powertrains, to evaluate and discuss the findings presented in recent research papers while summarizing the current state of knowledge. By systematically reviewing the literature on applied SAs in electrified powertrains, we offer a bibliometric analysis of the trends of application-oriented SA studies in the last and next decades. Finally, a numerical-based case study on a third-generation TOYOTA Prius EM will be given, to verify the SA-related findings of this article, alongside future works recommendations.
Quantum Dimension as Entanglement Entropy in 2 D CFTs

Song He, Tokiro Numasawa, Tadashi Takayanagi and Kento Watanabe Yukawa Institute for Theoretical Physics, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa Oiwakecho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan State Key Laboratory of Theoretical Physics, Institute of Theoretical Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100190, P. R. China and Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe, University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8582, Japan (Dated: October 31, 2018)
Effective Tax Rates in the EU: An updated database over 1995-2017∗

In this paper we compute a unified database of effective tax rates for 27 EU countries over the 1995-2017 period. To do this, we follow the methodology developed in Mendoza et al. (1994) while we also incorporate the most recent revisions introduced by Carey and Rabesona (2002). Our database consists of the effective tax rates on labour and capital income, on consumption, on corporate income and social security contributions. The full database in excel format is available online at https://sites.google. com/site/ikostarakos/ effective-tax-rates ∗Acknowledgements: This paper was developed as part of the joint research programme "Macroeconomy, Taxation and Banking" between the ESRI, the Department of Finance and Revenue Commissioners. We are grateful for helpful comments of the programme steering committee. We would like to especially thank Martina Lawless, Kieran McQuinn, Dimitris Papageorgiou and Stelios Sakkas for many helpful suggestions and comments. We would also like to thank participants at the ESRI seminar series for useful comments. Any errors and the views expressed in this paper are our own. †The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), Whitaker Square, Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Dublin 2, Ireland. Email: petros.varthalitis@esri.ie ‡Department of Economics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland. §The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), Whitaker Square, Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Dublin 2, Ireland. Email: petros.varthalitis@esri.ie ¶Department of Economics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.
Association between echinococcosis-specific health literacy and behavioral intention to prevent echinococcosis among herdsmen on the Tibet Plateau in China

Background Echinococcosis is considered a neglected zoonotic disease. It has been an major worldwide health problem primarily affecting pastoral and poor rural communities with weak infrastructures, limited economic resources and poor sanitation. In general, the population in these poor areas has a low level of health literacy. This study aims to examine the association between echinococcosis-specific health literacy(ES-HL) and behavioral intention to prevent echinococcosis(BIPE) among herdsmen on the Tibet Plateauin in China. Methods A cross-sectional study of 401 Tibetan herdsmen was conducted in Gande country of Qinghai Province, China. Participants were recruited from August to September 2018 and from February to March 2019. A self-developed questionnaire was used to measure demographic information, ES-HL and BIPE. Hierarchical regression analysis was done to identify the factors associated with BIPE. Results In the hierarchical regression analysis, we entered age, sex, education level, marital state and family monthly income per capita into model 1 which explained a significant amount of variance in BIPE (Adjusted R2 change = 0.029, P = 0.006), and sex(β= -0.125, P = 0.013) and family monthly income per capita(β= -0.133, P = 0.009) were found to be associated with BIPE. Then three factors of ES-HL was added to Model 1 to create Model 2. In Model 2, the two factors of ES-HL, perceived echinococcosis information support (β = 0.229, P < 0.001) and echinococcosis-specific self-management ability (β = 0.252, P < 0.001), were significantly associated with BIPE, while the information acquisition and evaluation ability factor (β = 0.093, P = 0.089) was not found to be associated with BIPE. The model improved significantly when ES-HL was included (Model 2) explaining 25.8% of variance of BIPE(Adjust R2 change = 0.229, P < 0.001) Conclusions ES-HL is an important predictor of whether individuals take preventive actions against echinococcosis. ES-HL promotion action project should be developed aiming at different target population to enhance some of the specific abilities needed to prevent echinococcosis.
Near-Simultaneous Spectroscopy and Polarimetry of Main Belt Asteroids

We present rotationally resolved optical spectra of several main belt asteroids of SMASSII spectral type S, in near-simultaneous conjunction with rotationally resolved linear and circular polarimetry. We discuss the presence or absence of correlations between optical spectral features such as band shapes and depths and spectral slopes, and polarimetric features as a function of rotation phase. The characterization of these asteroid surfaces will provide constraints on the properties of S-type asteroids and will serve as a proof of concept for the use of this technique to study potential targets of future small bodies missions of both scientific and commercial utility.
Upregulation of SIRT1 and FOXO3a Contributes to The Protective Role of Estrogen on HPH in Rats

Background: SIRT1 has anti-proliferation effects on cells through regulating the expression and activity of FOXOs. Estrogen (E2) has protective effects against hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH), but the involvement of SIRT1 and FOXOs in the proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) and contribution to the effects of E2 on HPH are poorly understood. To use E2 to explore the roles of SIRT1 and FOXO3a in the pathogenesis and progression of HPH and pulmonary vascular remodeling (PVR) in vivo and in vitro.Methods: Female Sprague-Dawley rats with bilateral ovariectomy were randomized to normoxia, normoxia+E2, hypoxia, and hypoxia+E2. Serum E2 levels, hemodynamic, and pulmonary vascular pathomorphology were assessed. The anti-proliferation effect of E2 was determined in human PASMCs under hypoxia/normoxia. Immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and real-time PCR were used to assess SIRT1, FOXO3a, and PCNA in rat pulmonary artery and hPASMCs. SIRT1 activity was assayed.Results: Hypoxia increased mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP), medial width of pulmonary arterioles, right ventricular hypertrophy index (RVHI), decreased expression SIRT1 and FOXO3a and increased PCNA expression in rats; E2 alleviated these changes. In vitro, E2 significantly inhibited hypoxia-induced hPASMCs proliferation, associated with improvements in SIRT1 and FOXO3a expression, consistent with the in vivo results. SIRT1 inhibition attenuated the effects of E2 on hPASMCs proliferation and the expression of FOXO3a. A SIRT1 activator mimicked the effects of E2 on hPASMCs proliferation and the expression of FOXO3a.Conclusions: Upregulation of SIRT1 and FOXO3a contributes to the protective role of estrogen on HPH in rats, as supported by in vitro results using hPASMCs.