Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of velocity correlation and distribution on transport in fractured media: Field evidence and theoretical model

Flow and transport through fractured geologic media often leads to anomalous (non‐Fickian) transport behavior, the origin of which remains a matter of debate: whether it arises from variability in fracture permeability (velocity distribution), connectedness in the flow paths through fractures (velocity correlation), or interaction between fractures and matrix. Here we show that this uncertainty of distribution‐ versus correlation‐controlled transport can be resolved by combining convergent and push‐pull tracer tests because flow reversibility is strongly dependent on velocity correlation, whereas late‐time scaling of breakthrough curves is mainly controlled by velocity distribution. We build on this insight, and propose a Lagrangian statistical model that takes the form of a continuous time random walk (CTRW) with correlated particle velocities. In this framework, velocity distribution and velocity correlation are quantified by a Markov process of particle transition times that is characterized by a distribution function and a transition probability. Our transport model accurately captures the anomalous behavior in the breakthrough curves for both push‐pull and convergent flow geometries, with the same set of parameters. Thus, the proposed correlated CTRW modeling approach provides a simple yet powerful framework for characterizing the impact of velocity distribution and correlation on transport in fractured media.
Time-dependent deformation of titanium metal matrix composites. Final report

A three-dimensional finite element program called VISCOPAC was developed and used to conduct a micromechanics analysis of titanium metal matrix composites. The VISCOPAC program uses a modified Eisenberg-Yen thermo-viscoplastic constitutive model to predict matrix behavior under thermomechanical fatigue loading. The analysis incorporated temperature-dependent elastic properties in the fiber and temperature-dependent viscoplastic properties in the matrix. The material model was described and the necessary material constants were determined experimentally. Fiber-matrix interfacial behavior was analyzed using a discrete fiber-matrix model. The thermal residual stresses due to the fabrication cycle were predicted with a failed interface. The failed interface resulted in lower thermal residual stresses in the matrix and fiber. Stresses due to a uniform transverse load were calculated at two temperatures, room temperature and an elevated temperature of 650 C. At both temperatures, a large stress concentration was calculated when the interface had failed. The results indicate the importance of accuracy accounting for fiber-matrix interface failure and the need for a micromechanics-based analytical technique to understand and predict the behavior of titanium metal matrix composites.
Comparative study regarding the global influence of energy storage medium on autonomous hybrid systems for a building with economical energy consumption

The efficient and rational use of produced energy with the help of unconventional sources is one of actual energetic problems, with stress upon the aspects regarding stocking the energy in excess and deficiencies caused by intermittencies in producing energy caused to weather conditions. The success of renewable energy depends greatly upon the optimization of storage methods of energy excess with its returning in the system whenever necessary, and also upon the technological solutions which will be adopted to cover the intermittencies in producing energy and satisfaction of energy necessities of “peak load”. The batteries could seem to be the right choice, also globally, the development of energetic systems based upon the use of hydrogen as a tampon medium of energy storage, is the central point of different demonstrative projects which will allow validation of these technologies for energy storage as an alternative to classic ones. In the present paper the global influences upon the systems are analyzed, in which the two energy storage methods are integrated – batteries, respectively hydrogen produced from the excess of energy by electrolysis and reintroduced in the system by the fuel cell. The storage mediums serve an autonomous hybrid system, having an economical energy consumption and placement in Cluj Napoca, Romania. Key Words: autonomous hybrid system, energy storage medium, hydrogen, fuel cell, batteries, renewable sources of energy.
Toxin-antitoxin systems and its biotechnological applications

Toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems are important genetic modules composed by two elements: a toxin, that is always a protein, and an antitoxin, that can be a RNA or a protein and neutralizes the toxic effect of toxin. These systems are widespread in bacteria and archaea, found on plasmids and chromosomes. According to the nature of the antitoxin and its mode of interaction with the toxin, TA systems are grouped into five types. In general, the antitoxin is less stable than the toxin and is rapidly degraded in special conditions, leaving the toxin free to act on its cellular targets. TA modules are important in several events in cell physiology such as plasmid maintenance, formation of persister cells, stress resistance, protection from bacteriophages and regulation of biofilm formation, acting on crucial cellular processes including translation, replication, cytoskeleton formation and membrane integrity. TA systems components have proven to be very useful in biotechnology, being used to enhance cloning selection and protein expression in living bacterial cells. Furthermore, they are also considered as promising targets for the development of antibacterial drugs and can be used in gene therapy. Here, we reported current aspects and the application of TA modules in biotechnology research. Key words: Bacterial toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems, toxin, antitoxin, post-segregational killing (PSK).
GENETIC ANALYSES OF ATLANTIC NORTHERN BLUEFIN TUNA CAPTURED IN THE NORTHWEST ATLANTIC OCEAN AND THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA

In recent years, there has been considerable debate about whether the Atlantic northern bluefin tuna, Thunnus thynnus thynnus, reproduces as a panmictic unit. To address this question, we examined both mitochondrial DNA control region nucleotide sequences and nuclear gene ldhA allele frequencies in replicate samples of northern bluefin tuna from the Mediterranean Sea and the northwestern Atlantic Ocean. AMOVA analyses of both types of data revealed no significant differences between samples from the two regions. These results demonstrate the importance of analyzing multiple year classes and large sample sizes in stock structure analyses. In addition, larval samples from the Gulf of Mexico and the Mediterranean Sea were not significantly different from each other or from the other samples when control region sequences were compared. However, despite the strong evidence presented here, failure to find genetic evidence for population substructure does not constitute evidence for a single panmictic population. It is possible that multiple subpopulations do exist, and that genetic differentiation at the loci analyzed in this study has not occurred because of large population sizes and/or low levels of reproductively successful migration between the subpopulations.
Quality of life and stages of behavioural change for physical activity in people motivated to reduce their cardiovascular risk

Regular physical activity has been shown to be associated with improved quality of life (QoL). However, systematic investigations of the association between motivational stages of change for physical activity and different domains of QoL are lacking. A randomized controlled trial was conducted to improve physical activity and fruit and vegetable consumption in Germany and the Netherlands (N = 790) participants. The mean age was 50.9 years (SD = 12.2, Range: 20-84), 62.9% (N = 497) of the participants were female. Besides socio-demographic information, QoL, physical activity, the stage of change for exercise, and body mass index (BMI) were obtained via a web-based self-report. There were significant interrelations of stages of change for activity with the different domains of physical, psychological, social relations, and environment QoL (Wilks λ = .94, df = 12, p < .001). Study participants of the maintenance group showed highest QoL levels across all domains, while the pre-contemplators/contemplators showed the lowest QoL values. The relationship between the stage of change and QoL was different among BMI groups. Healthcare providers should individually encourage people to attain higher stages of change for physical activity due to the association with both, a higher QoL and lower BMI and should give personalised feedback on physical activity levels. However, there is a need for further longitudinal studies to acquire a more complete understanding of long-term mechanisms of stage of change for physical activity, BMI and QoL.
Antioxidant and cytotoxic properties of novel spirocyclic benzothiazolines

In this work, we report the synthesis, structural characterization and evaluation of in vitro antioxidant and cytotoxic properties of novel spirobenzothiazolines (1a-e, 2a-e). 5-nonsubstituted spirobenzothiazolines (1a-e) demonstrated notable inhibitory capacity on lipid peroxidation (LPO), reducing power and scavinging effects on diphenylpicryl hydrazine (DPPH˙) and 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS˙+) radicals, that were similar to that of α-tocopherol. The most potent antioxidant was compound 1a (incorporating an ethyl group on the cyclohexane ring) with an anti-LPO activity 2-fold higher than that of α-tocopherol. Compound 1a exhibited anti-LPO and DPPH˙ scavenging activities at concentrations lower than those cytotoxic for mouse normal fibroblast (NIH/3T3) cells and was also found to be slightly more selective for cancer cells (human prostat adenocarcinoma cell/PC-3) than normal mammalian cells.
Pathophysiology and Clinical Applications of GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease is a persistent affliction of gastrointestinal tract upper part with the growing prevalence throughout the world. By the time there has been an increase in the cognizance of its pathophysiology, clinical presentation and management. The disease could be identified easily by the symptoms. Many of the risk components are involved in the occurrence of disease including medications, obesity, pregnancy and asthma. It can be diagnosed by a number of procedures like manometry, ambulatory pH monitoring , endoscopy and radiology. Although different drugs are being utilized to treat GERD but PPIs (Proton pump inhibitors) have shown remarkable achievement in the curing the disease. When proton pump inhibitors are utilized for the extended period several of the safety ways are being explored to avoid any side effect. There has been a debate over the use of long term medications and surgery for quite a long time. Although both surgery and long term usage of PPI’s have proven effective in managing the disease.
Performance Evaluation of Various Emotion Classification Approaches from Physiological Signals

This paper aims at evaluating the performance of various emotion classification approaches from psychophysiological signals. The goal is to identify the combinations of approaches that are most relevant for assessing human affective states. A classification analysis of various combinations of feature selection techniques, classification algorithms and evaluation methods is presented. The emotion recognition is conducted based on four physiological signals: two electromyograms, skin conductivity and respiration sensors. Affective states are classified into three different emotion classes: 2-categoryclass (Arousal), 3-category-class (Valence) and 5-category-class (Valence/Arousal). The performance of the various combinations of approaches is evaluated by comparing the resulting recognition rates. For all the category-classes, the best results are obtained when considering skin conductivity combined with the respiration signals. Highest rates when fusing all physiological channels resulted when applying the SFS feature selection, the LDA classifier and the normal split evaluation approach, showing a robust combination of approaches leading to good performance.
Elastic wave scattering by a random medium and the small‐scale inhomogeneities in the lithosphere

In this paper we use Born approximations to derive the mean square amplitudes of the scattered field for P-P, P-S, S-P, and S-S scattering by an elastic random medium characterized by perturbations of elastic constants and density. We also obtain the total scattered power or the scattering coefficient for the case of an incident P wave. We find that, in both the spatial scattering pattern and the frequency dependence of the scattering coefficient, there are some significant differences between scalar wave scattering and elastic wave scattering. These differences are most striking when the wavelength is comparable to the size of inhomogeneities, which is often encountered in the study of short-period seismic body waves. Under certain conditions, the perturbations of the medium parameters can be decomposed into an impedance term and a velocity term. In the forward direction, scattered waves are primarily controlled by the velocity perturbations. For backscattering, scattered waves are generated mainly by impedance perturbations. We derive low- and high-frequency asymptotic forms of the directional and total scattering coefficients. In the low-frequency range, Rayleigh scattering with fourth-power frequency dependence occurs. For the high-frequency range the scattered power for common-mode scattering has a second-power frequency dependence, which is attributed to velocity perturbations. The scattered power of converted waves reaches a maximum, for the case of an exponential correlation function, in the high-frequency range. We find that the scalar wave theory can be only approximately used for the forward scattering problem in the high-frequency range, such as the phase and amplitude fluctuations in large seismic arrays. The case of coda wave excitation by local earthquakes, which is a backscattering or a large-angle-scattering problem, must be handled by the full elastic wave theory. A preliminary analysis of past observations using our theory suggests that the lithosphere may have multiple-scale inhomogeneities. Besides the 10–20 km scale velocity inhomogeneities revealed by the forward scattering observations at LASA and NORSAR, the lithosphere in tectonically active regions may be rich in small-scale (less than 1 km) inhomogeneities.
Heritability of Coral Calcification Rates and Potential for Adaptation to Ocean Acidification

The increasing concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide due to human activities is contributing to ocean acidification, which leads to a reduction in coral growth rates, but the mechanism by which this reduction occurs is unknown. Heritable variation underlies the potential for evolution over time, but the degree of variation in pH tolerances among corals, as well as the heritability of any such variation, was previously unknown. In this project, I calculated the heritability of calcification among eight of the dominant Hawaiian coral species under both ambient and low pH conditions predicted for the end of the century. Coral colonies were sampled across natural gradients in seawater chemistry from a total of six different locations around O ʻ ahu, Hawai ʻ i. Coral calcification response was assessed per colony by comparing growth in grams per mg per day between replicate samples in low and ambient pH water. Heritability was assessed using an R package to calculate the amount of variation in calcification rates that is due to genetics and may be passed on to offspring. The results show that calcification rates are highly heritable across all eight species, and all eight may experience selective pressure for calcification rate under acidification. M. patula , P. meandrina , and P. evermanni in particular show statistically significant variation in pH tolerance among colonies, making these especially good candidates for future studies on adaptation to ocean acidification. Further studies combining additional variables such as sea surface temperature and nutrient availability may lead to the creation of a holistic predictive model of Hawaiian reef composition in the future.
RECOGNIZING INFANT-DIRECTED SPEECH ACROSS DISTANT CULTURES: EVIDENCE FROM AFRICA

When communicating with infants, caregivers often modulate their speech in an effort to make their communicative and informative intentions more clear. Infant-directed (ID) speech differs acoustically from adult-directed (AD) speech, and systematically varies according to dif- ferent kinds of intentions. This way of speaking to infants is thought to be a species-specific adap- tation, as research has documented highly similar patterns in ID speech across a variety of cul- tures. A recent study has also shown that people from an indigenous non-Western culture (Shuar of Amazonian Ecuador) can reliably discriminate ID speech from AD speech in a language they do not speak, and distinguish between four different intention categories (prohibition, attention, comfort, and approval). The current research attempted to replicate this finding in a traditional African population, the Turkana of northwestern Kenya. In three experiments, we found that Tur- kana adults were able to discriminate between ID and AD speech produced in English by Ameri- can mothers, and they could also distinguish between several intention categories in both ID and AD speech. Signal detection analysis revealed that ID speech was marginally more discriminable than AD speech, but overall rate of intention recognition was similar across speech types. These results partially support the hypothesis that ID speech is universally recognizable due to the form- function relationship between acoustic signals and their communicative purpose, but there were differences in performance between Turkana and Shuar that merit further investigation.
Secrets of a Head Chef: Exploring Factors Influencing Success in Irish Kitchens

ABSTRACT One-hundred and seventy head chefs from the Republic of Ireland scored 59 variables for success on two scales: (a) competencies needed for success (NS), and (b) personal ownership of these competencies (PO). Results showed that variables were rated with means of 1.18 (extremely important) to 3.23 (moderately important). The top three were an ability to work hard, commitment to quality, and knowledge of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP). Variables rated lower in ownership than importance highlight areas for culinary educators to develop training programs. Average wages of head chefs (objective success) mirror the average industrial wage, but higher wages were gained with longer time working. Eighty percent of head chefs were satisfied (subjective success) in their current jobs. Factor analysis showed the factors needed to succeed in the culinary industry include professionalism, individual characteristics, leadership skills, management skills, and interaction with the job context. Applications for industry include talent management, mentoring future leaders, reducing staff turnover, and curriculum development.
Mass Spectra and Decay Constants of Heavy-Light Mesons: A Case Study of QCD Sum Rules and Quark Model

We visited mass spectra and decay constants of pseudoscalar and vector heavy-light mesons (B, Bs, D, and DS) in the framework of QCD sum rule and quark model. The harmonic oscillator wave function was used in quark model while a simple interpolating current was used in QCD sum rule calculation. We obtained good results in accordance with the available experimental data and theoretical studies.
Applying Model-Driven Paradigm for the Improvement of Web Requirement Validation

This paper proposes an approach for Web requirements validation by applying the model-driven paradigm in classical requirements validation techniques. In particular, we present how the Navigational Development Techniques (NDT) approach exploits the model-driven paradigm to improve its requirements validation task by exploring tool cases that systematize or even automate the application of requirements validation techniques. Our solution is validated by applying it in a real industrial environment. The results and the learned lessons are presented accordingly.
Halide-Dependent Electronic Structure of Organolead Perovskite Materials

Organometal halide perovskites have recently attracted tremendous attention both at the experimental and theoretical levels. These materials, in particular methylammonium triiodide, are still limited by poor chemical and structural stability under ambient conditions. Today this represents one of the major challenges for polycrystalline perovskite-based photovoltaic technology. In addition to this, the performance of perovskite-based devices is degraded by deep localized states, or traps. To achieve better-performing devices, it is necessary to understand the nature of these states and the mechanisms that lead to their formation. Here we show that the major sources of deep traps in the different halide systems have different origin and character. Halide vacancies are shallow donors in I-based perovskites, whereas they evolve into a major source of traps in Cl-based perovskites. Lead interstitials, which can form lead dimers, are the dominant source of defects in Br-based perovskites, in line with recent ex.
Modeling of time delay-induced multiple synchronization behavior of interneuronal networks with the Izhikevich neuron model

The synchronization behavior of the networks of fast-spiking interneurons is investigated by using one of the phenomenological neural network models, the Izhikevich model. Since electrical and chemical synapses exist within the same networks of inhibitory cells, delayed inhibitory and fast electrical synapses are coupled in the simulations. The effects of hybrid synapses in promoting synchronous activity in neural networks are investigated with short and long time delays. The distinct frequency bands observed in electroencephalography and magnetoencephalography signals are determined using the raster plots of neural networks. For quantitative comparison of activities in networks, the degree of synchrony in the network is calculated. The influences of several network parameters such as inhibitory synaptic strength, electrical synaptic strength, synaptic time constant, and time delay on the network activity are investigated. It is observed that the coupling of electrical and chemical synapses promotes multiple synchronous behaviors in the network. Another important finding is that even though the synchronization measure is highly dependent on inhibitory synaptic strengths at low electrical synaptic strength and synaptic time constant, not much dependence on inhibitory synaptic strengths is observed at high electrical synaptic strength.
Correlations and fluctuations of stress and velocity in suspensions of swimming microorganisms

Active systems, which are driven out of equilibrium, can produce long range correlations and large fluctuations that are not restricted by the fluctuation-dissipation theorem. We consider here the fluctuations and correlations in suspensions of swimming microorganisms that interact hydrodynamically. Modeling the organisms as force dipoles in Stokes flow and considering run-and-tumble and rotational diffusion models of their orientational dynamics allow derivation of closed form results for the stress fluctuations in the long-wave limit. Both of these models lead to Lorentzian distributions, in agreement with some experimental data. These fluctuations are not restricted by the fluctuation-dissipation theorem, as is explicitly verified by comparing the fluctuations with the viscosity of the suspension. In addition to the stress fluctuations in the suspension, we examine correlations between the organisms. Because of the hydrodynamic interactions, the velocities of two organisms are correlated even if the po.