Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Trophic Structure of Neuston Across Tropical and Subtropical Oceanic Provinces Assessed With Stable Isotopes

The marine neuston, organisms living in the vicinity of the ocean surface, is one of the least studied zooplankton groups. Neuston occupies a restricted ecological niche and is affected by a wide range of endogenous and exogenous processes while also being a food source to zooplankton fish migrating from the deep layers and seabirds. In this study, the neustonic communities were characterized along the Malaspina global expedition sampling tropical and subtropical oceanic provinces using stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes to explore their trophic structure and relationships with environmental variables. The differences in stable isotopes mirrored the patterns in environmental characteristics of each province. High δ13C values were associated with atmospheric carbon inputs, while the presence of dinoflagellates, coccolithophorids, and upwelling influence is related to low δ13C values. Similarly, provinces presenting high δ15N values were associated with denitrification and nitrate diffusive fluxes, whereas the presence of low δ15N is attributable to nitrogen supplied through N2 fixation by diazotrophs. Neuston showed a large overlap among the isotopic niches of four functional groups, with chaetognaths and detritivores generally exhibiting a smaller degree of overlap compared to carnivores and omnivores/herbivores. These results support the hypothesis of a common trophic structure in the neuston community across the ocean. However, the size of the niche, small in coastal areas and those influenced by upwelling and large in oligotrophic regions, and their overlap, low in more productive provinces and high in oligotrophic provinces, may be associated with food availability. Small trophic niches are associated with a dominance of specialized over-opportunistic feeding in productive environments.
Elucidation of EEG Characteristics of Fuzzy Reasoning-Based Heuristic BCI and Its Application to Patient With Brain Infarction

Non-invasive brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) based on common electroencephalography (EEG) are limited to specific instrumentation sites and frequency bands. These BCI induce certain targeted electroencephalographic features of cognitive tasks, identify them, and determine BCI's performance, and use machine-learning to extract these electroencephalographic features, which makes them enormously time-consuming. In addition, there is a problem in which the neurorehabilitation using BCI cannot receive ambulatory and immediate rehabilitation training. Therefore, we proposed an exploratory BCI that did not limit the targeted electroencephalographic features. This system did not determine the electroencephalographic features in advance, determined the frequency bands and measurement sites appropriate for detecting electroencephalographic features based on their target movements, measured the electroencephalogram, created each rule (template) with only large “High” or small “Low” electroencephalograms for arbitrarily determined thresholds (classification of cognitive tasks in the imaginary state of moving the feet by the size of the area constituted by the power spectrum of the EEG in each frequency band), and successfully detected the movement intention by detecting the electroencephalogram consistent with the rules during motor tasks using a fuzzy inference-based template matching method (FTM). However, the electroencephalographic features acquired by this BCI are not known, and their usefulness for patients with actual cerebral infarction is not known. Therefore, this study clarifies the electroencephalographic features captured by the heuristic BCI, as well as clarifies the effectiveness and challenges of this system by its application to patients with cerebral infarction.
Identifying Ingredient Substitutions Using a Knowledge Graph of Food

People can affect change in their eating patterns by substituting ingredients in recipes. Such substitutions may be motivated by specific goals, like modifying the intake of a specific nutrient or avoiding a particular category of ingredients. Determining how to modify a recipe can be difficult because people need to 1) identify which ingredients can act as valid replacements for the original and 2) figure out whether the substitution is “good” for their particular context, which may consider factors such as allergies, nutritional contents of individual ingredients, and other dietary restrictions. We propose an approach to leverage both explicit semantic information about ingredients, encapsulated in a knowledge graph of food, and implicit semantics, captured through word embeddings, to develop a substitutability heuristic to rank plausible substitute options automatically. Our proposed system also helps determine which ingredient substitution options are “healthy” using nutritional information and food classification constraints. We evaluate our substitutability heuristic, diet-improvement ingredient substitutability heuristic (DIISH), using a dataset of ground-truth substitutions scraped from ingredient substitution guides and user reviews of recipes, demonstrating that our approach can help reduce the human effort required to make recipes more suitable for specific dietary needs.
Empirical and Rational Design of T Cell Receptor-Based Immunotherapies

The use of T cells reactive with intracellular tumor-associated or tumor-specific antigens has been a promising strategy for cancer immunotherapies in the past three decades, but the approach has been constrained by a limited understanding of the T cell receptor’s (TCR) complex functions and specificities. Newer TCR and T cell-based approaches are in development, including engineered adoptive T cells with enhanced TCR affinities, TCR mimic antibodies, and T cell-redirecting bispecific agents. These new therapeutic modalities are exciting opportunities by which TCR recognition can be further exploited for therapeutic benefit. In this review we summarize the development of TCR-based therapeutic strategies and focus on balancing efficacy and potency versus specificity, and hence, possible toxicity, of these powerful therapeutic modalities.
The Horizontal and Vertical Distribution of Deep-Sea Sediments Fungal Community in the South China Sea

Although diverse fungi have been found in the deep-sea habitats, the space distribution of fungi has not been well characterized. In this study, the fungal horizontal and vertical distribution of the deep-sea sediments, four locations, three depths each, in the South China Sea, were compared using ITS2 high-throughput sequencing. It was revealed that the South China Sea deep-sea sediments harbor diverse marine fungi, including 82.39% Ascomycota, 8.10% Basidiomycota, 0.55% Zygomycota and 8.96% unknown fungi. The results indicate that fungal community structure is not uniform among the different sediment habitats. Though surface sediments have similar fungal diversity across the 4 locations, the fungal abundance and diversity increase with the depth of the sediments from 0 to 2 m, and 1 and 2 m deep sediments show obvious location-dependent fungal community structure. This is the first time to compare the horizontal and vertical distribution of fungal community among different deep-sea sediments in the South China Sea by high-throughput sequencing, providing novel insights into the space distribution characteristics of deep-sea sediments fungi.
Developing Interpersonal, Communication and Critical Thinking Skills in Engineering Students

Abstract The paper presents some generalities regarding business communication followed by a brief outline of the latter subject taught at the Faculty of Engineering Faculty, Sibiu, inflicting on its role upon the education of the future engineers. It also evaluates the effect of the skills acquired by students in the field of business communication regarding the valorization of specific professional competences. Based on several tests and surveys, this work presents aspects regarding the improvement of certain special skills such as: group communication, meetings, interpersonal, public and written communication. It seeks to evince communication-related issues which the students find most helpful in finding a job and also in their day-to-day business activity. To sum up, it is obvious that a continuous improvement of students’ knowledge and abilities in this field is imperative, so that the future specialists make the most of their technical knowledge.
A Critical Comparison of Machine Learning Classifiers to Predict Match Outcomes in the NFL

Abstract In this paper, we critically evaluate the performance of nine machine learning classification techniques when applied to the match outcome prediction problem presented by American Football. Specifically, we implement and test nine techniques using real-world datasets of 1280 games over 5 seasons from the National Football League (NFL). We test the nine different classifier techniques using a total of 42 features for each team and we find that the best performing algorithms are able to improve one previous published works. The algoriothms achieve an accuracy of between 44.64% for a Guassian Process classifier to 67.53% with a Naïve Bayes classifer. We also test each classifier on a year by year basis and compare our results to those of the bookmakers and other leading academic papers.
Wheat Bread with Grape Seeds Micropowder: Impact on Dough Rheology and Bread Properties

Abstract The current study was designed to enhance the functionality of white bread by replacement of wheat flour with different levels (1%, 2%, 5%, and 8%) of grape seeds micropowder (GSMP) with nanosized particles (10 µm). Chemical composition of GSMP, volume and sensory attributes, evaluated with the panel of evaluators and an electronic nose (e-nose) and an electronic eye (e-eye) were investigated in the tested breads. It has been found out that GSMP contained appreciable amounts of flavonoids including catechin, epicatechin, gallic acid and minerals especially, Ca, K and Mg. The data from rheological analysis showed that the addition of GSMP (mainly at 5% and 8% levels) to the wheat flour had a positive effect on dough manifesting with rheology by increased dough stability. The volume of the experimental breads (above 1% concentration) was demonstrably declined (P < 0.0001) in comparison with the control bread. Sensory rating revealed that the bread fortified with 1% GSMP was judged by the consumer panelists as the most acceptable with the highest scores for all quality attributes which was also confirmed by the data of e-nose and e-eye. Our results suggest for the first time that 1% GSMP addition appears to be a promising functional ingredient to improve bread with required qualitative and sensory properties.
Aspects of Utilizing Burnishing for Reconditioning Machine Components

Abstract The paper presents exemplary application of burnishing treatment as a technological process of reconditioning machine components. Empirical research of burnishing treatment was conducted on the most common cylindrical surfaces which are widely used in machine construction, for example in drive shafts of centrifugal pumps. Experimental tests were carried out and determined the influence of burnishing technology on strengthening the surface layer of cylindrical samples made of unalloyed C45stainless steel. Burnishing was conducted by means of NK-01 roller burnisher, made in the Department of Marine Maintenance at Gdynia Maritime University. The burnishing is normally applied in manufacturing as well as reconditioning machine elements used in machine industry, metallurgic industry, power engineering industry or shipping and aviation industry where the safety and reliability of machine work is decisive.
Advanced nickel nanoparticles technology: From synthesis to applications

Abstract Over the last decade, nickel nanoparticles (NiNPs) have been investigated for various potential applications due to their superior ferromagnetic properties such as magneto-crystalline anisotropy, high coercive forces, and chemical stability. Therefore, there has been a tremendous enhancement in the synthesis techniques, proposed reaction mechanisms, and applications of NiNPs. This paper presents a recent overview of the synthesis, reaction mechanisms, and applications of NiNPs. NiNPs in the size range of 1–100 nm are synthesized by various methods for research and commercial applications. The synthesis techniques are classified into three main types, namely, top-down, bottom-up, and hybrids of top-down and bottom-up protocols including solvothermal, physical, and chemical approaches. The detailed reaction mechanisms in the formation of NiNPs, especially for biosynthesis techniques, are extensively described. Trends in NiNP applications in fields such as biomedical, catalysis, supercapacitors, and dye-sensitized solar cells are explored. The basic advantages and role of NiNPs as a catalyst for various reactions are illustrated here. Graphical abstract
Cognitive metaphor theories in translation studies: Toward a dual-model parametric approach

Abstract Cognitive metaphor theory provides a systematic framework to better understand the working mechanism of metaphor. Its recent development further allows translation researchers to have a clearer insight into the movement of metaphor across languages and culture. Building on an empirical study, this paper examines the complementary relationship between two prominent cognitive metaphor theories – Conceptual Metaphor Theory (CMT) and Conceptual Blending Theory (CBT), and discusses the practical contribution that this relationship could make to the existing research on metaphor translation. To construct a comparable basis for CMT and CBT, two parameters are adopted for data analysis, which is proven useful to serve the purpose. The two chosen parameters are: projection and provenance, denoting the content and the type of metaphor respectively. Metaphorical expressions analyzed in this paper are sourced from cosmology-themed articles published in Scientific American in 2017 and their Simplified Chinese translations published in Huanqiukexue. Findings show that delineated by the two parameters, CMT and CBT indeed share a complementary relationship owing to their different focuses and organizing mechanisms. Furthermore, the collaboration between CMT and CBT offers a well-rounded analytical framework for translation studies. In turn, the correlation between metaphor parameters and translation solutions provides detailed clues for studying metaphor across culture. Finally, the reflection of this dual-model parametric approach regarding its pros and cons is also shown to shed light on future research.
Silicon–germanium receivers for short-wave-infrared optoelectronics and communications

Abstract Integrated silicon nanophotonics has rapidly established itself as intriguing research field, whose outlets impact numerous facets of daily life. Indeed, nanophotonics has propelled many advances in optoelectronics, information and communication technologies, sensing and energy, to name a few. Silicon nanophotonics aims to deliver compact and high-performance components based on semiconductor chips leveraging mature fabrication routines already developed within the modern microelectronics. However, the silicon indirect bandgap, the centrosymmetric nature of its lattice and its wide transparency window across optical telecommunication wavebands hamper the realization of essential functionalities, including efficient light generation/amplification, fast electro-optical modulation, and reliable photodetection. Germanium, a well-established complement material in silicon chip industry, has a quasi-direct energy band structure in this wavelength domain. Germanium and its alloys are thus the most suitable candidates for active functions, i.e. bringing them to close to the silicon family of nanophotonic devices. Along with recent advances in silicon–germanium-based lasers and modulators, short-wave-infrared receivers are also key photonic chip elements to tackle cost, speed and energy consumption challenges of exponentially growing data traffics within next-generation systems and networks. Herein, we provide a detailed overview on the latest development in nanophotonic receivers based on silicon and germanium, including material processing, integration and diversity of device designs and arrangements. Our Review also emphasizes surging applications in optoelectronics and communications and concludes with challenges and perspectives potentially encountered in the foreseeable future.
International Journal of Food Engineering Improvement in Food Packaging Industry with Biobased Nanocomposites

Nanotechnology will become one of the most powerful forces for innovation in the food packaging industry. One such innovation is biobased nanocomposite technology, which holds the key to future advances in flexible packaging. Biobased nanocomposites are produced from incorporation of nanoclay into biopolymers (or Edible films). Advantages of biobased nanocomposites are numerous and possibilities for application in the packaging industry are endless. A comprehensive review of biobased nanocomposite applications in food packaging industry should be necessary because nanotechnology is changing rapidly and the food packaging industry is facing new challenges. This provides a general review of previous works. Many of the works reported in the literature are focused on the production and the mechanical properties of the biobased nanocomposites. Little attention has been paid to gas permeability of biobased nanocomposites. In regard to extensive research on Edible film, this article suggests investigating the replacement of biobased nanocomposites instead of Edible films in different areas of food packaging.
Investigating External Debt and Exchange Rate Fluctuations in Nigeria: Any Difference with ARDL Model?

Abstract One of the contending issues in Nigeria in the recent time is external debt and exchange rate fluctuations. In view of the above, this study examined the relationship between external debt and exchange rate fluctuations in Nigeria over the period of 1981 to 2018. Consequently, the study employed Autoregressive Distribution Lag Model to address the objective of the study. The major findings that originated in this paper are as follows: external debt, debt service payment and foreign reserve have a significant positive impact on exchange rate fluctuations in the short run in Nigeria. Furthermore, based on these findings, recommendations are made for the policy makers that external debt as a means of financing budget deficit should be minimized if not totally discouraged in Nigeria because its servicing in particular and repayment put pressure on foreign exchange market in the short run and thereby leads to exchange rate fluctuations in terms of depreciation of naira in the country. Also, country’s foreign reserve should be strengthened through the implementation of aggressive export promotion policy in Nigeria.
A new refinement of Jensen’s inequality with applications in information theory

Abstract In this paper, we present a new refinement of Jensen’s inequality with applications in information theory. The refinement of Jensen’s inequality is obtained based on the general functional in the work of Popescu et al. As the applications in information theory, we provide new tighter bounds for Shannon’s entropy and some f-divergences.
Sodium, Calcium, and Ammonium Exchange on Clinoptilolite from the Fort Laclede Deposit, Sweetwater County, Wyoming

Clinoptilolite from the Fort LaClede deposit in Sweetwater County, Wyoming, shows a moderate selectivity for NH4− over Na+ in aqueous solution. At 30°C, the standard free energy of this replacement reaction is −0.7 kcal/mole at an ionic strength of 0.05 M and −0.8 kcal/mole at 0.5 M. The Na+-NH4+ exchange is complete within 3 days in agitated solution and proceeds to the same extent from the clinoptilolite saturated with either cation.The Ca2+-Na+ exchange also is complete within 3 days in agitated aqueous solution and proceeds to the same extent from either the calcium or the sodium form of the zeolite. Using test methods which take into account the slower equilibration of Ca2+-loaded clinoptilolite, the cation-exchange capacity is substantially the same over the full range of loading by Ca2+ and Na+. Ca2+ replaces Na+ with decreasing selectivity as Ca2+ loading increases to about 80% at 30°C (95% at 63°C), above which the selectivity reverses. The standard free energy of replacement of two Na+ ions by one Ca2+ ion in 0.05 M solution is −1.2 ± 0.2 kcal/mole at 63°C and −0.3 to −0.8 kcal/mole at 30°C.
Far-field optical imaging of surface plasmons with a subdiffraction limited separation

Abstract When an ultrathin silver nanowire with a diameter less than 100 nm is placed on a photonic band gap structure, surface plasmons can be excited and propagate along two side-walls of the silver nanowire. Although the diameter of the silver nanowire is far below the diffraction limit, two bright lines can be clearly observed at the image plane by a standard wide-field optical microscope. Simulations suggest that the two bright lines in the far-field are caused by the unique phase distribution of plasmons on the two side-walls of the silver nanowire. Combining with the sensing ability of surface plasmons to its environment, the configuration reported in this work is capable of functioning as a sensing platform to monitor environmental changes in the near-field region of this ultrathin nanowire.
Alternative prey influence the predation of mosquito larvae by three water bug species (Heteroptera: Nepidae)

Abstract The indirect interactions among multiple prey sharing a common predator characterize apparent competition. In conservation biological control involving mosquitoes and controphic prey against generalist insect predators, apparent competition may be a crucial factor determining the extent of success. The possible influence of apparent competition on mosquito prey consumption by three water bugs (Heteroptera: Nepidae): Ranatra elongata, Ranatra filiformis, and Laccotrephes griseus was assessed under laboratory conditions. Tadpoles (Duttaphrynus melanostictus), chironomid larvae, snails (Racesina luteola) and fish fingerlings (Labeo rohita) were considered as alternative prey under two prey or multi prey conditions against instar IV larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus as target prey. Under two prey conditions all the predators exhibited a preference (significant Manly’s α) for mosquito larvae, against fish fingerlings by R. filiformis. In the presence of multiple prey, mosquito larvae were selected by the predators. Using the ratio of mosquito selectivity in two prey and multi-prey conditions as a measure of apparent competition, chironomid larvae had greatest effect in suppressing mosquito selectivity for R. elongata, and fish fingerlings for R. filiformis and L. griseus. It seems that the prey preference of R. elongata, R. filiformis and L. griseus may differentially evoke apparent competition among the prey. In the aquatic community where these predators and prey coexist, mosquito larvae may benefit from apparent competition that reduces their vulnerability to predators. The identity of the alternative prey appears to be an important factor for shielding the vulnerability of mosquito prey to the generalist insect predators.
The influence of chitosan and some of its depolymerized grades on natural color printing

Chitosan samples with different molecular weights were prepared using sodium nitrite in acidic medium. These samples were practically confirmed by measuring nitrogen content and average molecular weight. The chitosan samples were applied to cotton fabric by the pad dry method. The pretreated cotton fabric was printed with natural coloring matter, curcumin. The color yield of the prints increased by increasing the molecular weight of chitosan. Both wet and dry rubbing fastness of the prints was good. The stiffness results of the printed cotton fabric pretreated with low molecular weight chitosan showed better performance. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 97: 559–563, 2005