Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Community Structure of Resident and Migratory Bird Species in Talabong Mangrove Forest, Bais City, Negros Oriental, Philippines

Mangrove forests throughout the world are recognized as stopover sites by many migratory birds – including waders – as they contain ample food resources such as invertebrates, fruits, and flowers that are beneficial to most birds. In connection, the Talabong Mangrove Forest located in Bais, Negros Oriental, Philippines is recognized as a wildlife sanctuary, but no recent data on birds could supplement this. Thus, this study aims to assess the distribution patterns of migratory and resident birds in the said site during the southward migration which encompasses both wet and dry seasons. Also, the investigation determines whether Talabong mangrove could function as a stopover site for migratory birds. To examine the community structure, the populations of resident and migratory bird species were assessed for species composition, diversity, density, and abundance in three sampling periods: pre-migration, migration, and post-migration. The line transects and point-count methods were employed with four transect lines laid out on the study site. Each line stretched a kilometer long with a 250-m interval with five points for point-counting and was visited on each sampling period. Points were marked for a consistent sampling. For each sampling period, results showed that the birds’ abundance, diversity, and density remained consistently high throughout each sampling. Specifically, the species composition and the number of resident birds did not seem to alter and remained high as well. On the other hand, migrants had an abrupt increase during migration sampling and decreased towards the end. But similarity analyses suggest species composition remained approximately similar for the migrants. The results showed that Talabong mangrove forest contained some migratory species – making it a decent stopover site, although not as many migrants as in other protected mangroves and wetlands in the Philippines. The resident birds occupying the site may also have served as cues for the migrants.
On Landau’s Eigenvalue Theorem for Line-of-Sight MIMO Channels

An alternative derivation is provided for the degrees of freedom (DOF) formula on line-of-sight (LOS) channels via Landau’s eigenvalue theorem for bandlimited signals. Compared to other approaches, Landau’s theorem provides a general framework to compute the DOF in arbitrary environments, this framework is herein specialized to LOS propagation. The development shows how the spatially bandlimited nature of the channel relates to its geometry under the paraxial approximation that applies to most LOS settings of interest.
The effects of temperature and donor piglet age on the transcriptomic profile and energy metabolism of myoblasts

Rapid climate change is associated with frequent extreme heat events and the resulting thermal stress has consequences for the health, welfare, and growth of farm animals. The aim of this study was to characterize the transcriptional changes and the effects on energy metabolism in proliferating porcine myoblasts derived from piglets of different ages, representing differences in thermoregulatory abilities, and cultivated below (35°C) and above (39°C, 41°C) the standard cultivation temperature (37°C). Satellite cells originating from Musculus rhomboideus of piglets isolated on days 5 (P5, thermolabile) and 20 (P20, thermostable) of age were used. Our expression analyses highlighted differentially expressed genes in porcine myoblasts cultures under heat or cold induced stress. These gene sets showed enrichment for biological processes and pathways related to organelle fission, cell cycle, chromosome organization, and DNA replication. Culture at 35°C resulted in increased metabolic flux as well as a greater abundance of transcripts of the cold shock protein-encoding gene RBM3 and those of genes related to biological processes and signaling pathways, especially those involving the immune system (cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction, TNF and IL-17 signaling pathways). For cultivation at 39°C, differences in the expression of genes related to DNA replication and cell growth were identified. The highest glutathione index ratio was also found under 39°C. Meanwhile, cultivation at 41°C induced a heat stress response, including the upregulation of HSP70 expression and the downregulation of many biological processes and signaling pathways related to proliferative ability. Our analysis also identified differentially expressed genes between cells of donors with a not yet (P5) and already fully developed (P20) capacity for thermoregulation at different cultivation temperatures. When comparing P5 and P20, most of the changes in gene expression were detected at 37°C. At this optimal temperature, muscle cells can develop to their full capacity. Therefore, the most diverse molecular signaling pathways, including PI3K-Akt signaling, Wnt signaling, and EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor, were found and are more pronounced in muscle cells from 20-day-old piglets. These results contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the adaptation of skeletal muscle cells to temperature stress in terms of their thermoregulatory ability.
Fe3O4‐supported sulfonated graphene oxide as a green and magnetically separable nanocatalyst for synthesis of 2-amino-3-cyano-4H-chromene derivatives and their in-silico studies

Abstract Under ultrasound irradiation, 17 examples of 2-Amino-3-cyano-4H-chromene derivatives were prepared via one-pot three components domino Knoevenagel–Michael condensation reaction of aliphatic/aromatic/heterocyclic aldehydes, malononitrile, and α-naphthol/β–naphthol/resorcinol in the presence of Fe3O4‐supported sulfonated graphene oxide as a green and magnetically separable nanocatalyst in H2O: EtOH (1:1) solvent system. FT-IR, TGA, SEM, and XRD were used to evaluate the catalyst. The current protocol is appealing because of high atom economy (95%), excellent yields (88-95%), its short reaction time, waste-free conditions, cost-effectiveness, use of a nontoxic solvent, lack of high temperature for reflux, non-chromatographic purification of products, recyclability of catalyst, etc. In-silico studies were conducted on the selected proteins DNA gyrase (1KZN) and CYP51 (4WMZ) to study the docking interactions with highest docking scores 4h (−8.8 kcal/mol) and 4e (−10.1 kcal/mol), respectively. ADME and Toxicity analysis of docked compounds and reference drugs were also done. Highlights Room temperature and ultrasound assisted three-component synthesis Synthesis of biological important 4H-chromene derivatives in H2O: EtOH (1:1) solvent High yields of products (88–95%) within rapid reaction time (10–15 min). High atom economy 95%. Avoid of column chromatography In-silico studies Easy and fast work up Magnetically separable and reusable catalyst. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Chinese Translation and Psychometric Testing of the Simplified Version of Social Support Scale for Physical Activity

Purpose Sallis et al’s social support scale for physical activity (SSSPH) is one of the most widely used scales to measure exercise-related social support yet has never been translated and validated in Chinese. The current study aims to simplify, translate, and validate a short form of SSSPH in a Chinese population. Patients and Methods A simplified Chinese version of the SSSPH (SSSPH-SC) retaining 6 items was achieved after the translation and back-translation process, which showed good content validity. The scale was then assessed among a convenience sample of 266 Chinese adults from various backgrounds. Internal consistency was tested by calculating Cronbach’s α. The a priori two-factor structure was tested with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Concurrent validity was examined by investigating the correlation of the SSSPH-SC with general social support, quality of life, and self-rated health. Results The SSSPH-SC full scale and subscales showed good internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha ranging from 0.87 to 0.92. The CFA supported the a priori two-factor structure: family support and friend support, with χ2/df=2.93, CFI = 0.98, TLI = 0.98, RMSEA = 0.07, SRMR = 0.035. The concurrent validity of the SSSPH-CS was further supported by its significant positive correlations with social support (r=0.26, p<0.001), quality of life (r=0.25, p<0.001), and self-rated general health depression (r=0.23, p<0.001). Conclusion The SSSPH-SC had good reliability and validity and could be used as a simple and effective tool for assessing social support for physical activity in Chinese adults. The scale can be used as an effective tool to guide future health promotion programs as well as an evaluation tool to assess intervention effects.
A horizon shifting model of linguistic hedges for approximate reasoning

In this paper, we return to the problem of modeling of the linguistic hedges. We propose a simple solution which seems to be fitting all the intuitive requirements imposed also by linguists. Moreover, it extends the possibilities of the fuzzy set theory to include a quite wide variety of hedges and to aggregate them into one class of membership functions. We obtain a parametric class of membership functions based on the idea of shifting the horizon which can be used in all applications of approximate reasoning and namely in fuzzy control.
Statistical Model Based Image Segmentation Using Region Growing, Contour Relaxation And Classification

A three-step segmentation method is introduced that is based on a layered statistical model both for region shapes as well as for the texture signals inside the regions. The result of an initial region growing phase is refined by a contour relaxation algorithm which, yields smooth region outlines. Finally, the remaining 'false' contours are detected and suppressed using a contour classifier.
Novel Cinnamaldehyde Derivatives Inhibit Peripheral Nerve Degeneration by Targeting Schwann Cells

Peripheral nerve degeneration (PND) is a preparative process for peripheral nerve regeneration and is regulated by Schwann cells, a unique glial cell in the peripheral nervous system. Dysregulated PND induces irreversible peripheral neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., diabetic peripheral neuropathy). To develop novel synthetic drugs for these diseases, we synthesized a set of new cinnamaldehyde (CAH) derivatives and evaluated their activities in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo. The 12 CAH derivatives had phenyl or naphthyl groups with different substitution patterns on either side of the α,β-unsaturated ketone. Among them, 3f, which had a naphthaldehyde group, was the most potent at inhibiting PND in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo. To assess their interactions with transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily A member 1 (TRPA1) as a target of CAH, molecular docking studies were performed. Hydrophobic interactions had the highest binding affinity. To evaluate the underlying pharmacological mechanism, we performed bioinformatics analysis of the effect of 3f on PND based on coding genes and miRNAs regulated by CAH, suggesting that 3f affects oxidative stress in Schwann cells. The results show 3f to be a potential lead compound for the development of novel synthetic drugs for the treatment of peripheral neurodegenerative diseases.
Investigating the stellar system's life-time and the evolution of their mass function using N-body simulation

In this thesis we study several aspects of dynamical evolution of stellar clusters. The results of more than 200 simulations of single-mass star clusters with different initial total mass, half-mass radius and galactocentric distance, are reported. Recent studies of star clusters show a linear relation between a star cluster's dissolution time and its two-body relaxation time in logarithmic scale. We found that the single-mass star clusters do not show such a linear relation. We present new modified initial parameters to obtain a linear relation for single-mass star clusters. Also the evolution of multi-mass clusters and their lifetime, in the presence of the Galaxy is investigated. We simulate about 90 multi-mass star clusters with the Nbody6 code. These clusters have different initial total mass, half-mass radius and galactocentric distance. Finally we investigate the evolution of the stellar mass function and show that the slopes of the mass functions decrease with time. In addition we study the effect of galactocentric distance of star clusters on the evolution of the mass function.
The Validity of Divergent Grounded Theory Method

The purpose of this article is to assess whether divergence of grounded theory method may be considered valid. A review of literature provides a basis for understanding and evaluating grounded theory. The principles and nature of grounded theory are synthesized along with theoretical and practical implications. It is deduced that for a theory to be truly grounded in empirical data, the method resulting in the theory should be the equivalent of pure induction. Therefore, detailed, specified, stepwise a priori procedures may be seen as unbidden or arbitrary. It is concluded that divergent grounded theory can be considered valid. The author argues that securing methodological transparency through the description of the actual principles and procedures employed, as well as tailoring them to the particular circumstances, is more important than adhering to predetermined stepwise procedures. A theoretical foundation is provided from which diverse theoretical developments and methodological procedures may be developed, judged, and refined based on their own merits.
To be or not to be (in academia)? ‘Inward calling’ and ‘academic hazards’ in aspiring academics’ career prospects in Australia

ABSTRACT The pursuit of an academic career has been characterised by competition and precarity, which can negatively impact individuals’ academic aspirations. This paper examines academic aspirations of doctoral candidates by providing an in-depth analysis of their career prospects using Weber’s notions of ‘inward calling’ and ‘academic hazards’. It draws on qualitative research using semi-structured interview data with 32 aspiring academics, who are doctoral candidates at a research-intensive university in Australia. The paper discusses the ‘essence of academia’ that underpins ‘inward calling’ and is central to aspiring academics’ motivation. Findings suggest a range of ‘academic hazards’ that aspiring academics expect to encounter in their academic pursuit. Despite the perceived challenges, aspiring academics distance themselves from an idealised ‘golden’ past, and demonstrate an acceptance of and adaptation to the current situation. The paper concludes by discussing some implications for improving the attractiveness of the academic profession in Australia.
Semantic Annotation of Legal Contracts with ContrattoA

The aim of the research is to semi-automate the process of generating formal specifications from legal contracts in natural language text form. Towards this end, the paper presents a tool, named ContrattoA, that semi-automatically conducts semantic annotation of legal contract text using an ontology for legal contracts. ContrattoA was developed through two iterations where lexical patterns were defined for legal concepts and their effectiveness was evaluated with experiments. The first iteration was based on a handful of sample contracts and resulted in defining lexical patterns for recognizing concepts in the ontology; these were evaluated with an empirical study where one group of subjects was asked to annotate legal text manually, while a second group edited the annotations generated by ContrattoA. The second iteration focused on the lexical patterns for the core contract concepts of obligation and power where results of the first iteration were mixed. On the basis of an extended set of sample contracts, new lexical patterns were derived and those were shown to substantially improve the performance of ContrattoA, nearing in quality the performance of experts. The experiments suggest that good quality annotations can be generated for a broad range of contracts with minor refinements to the lexical patterns.
On Some Boundary Problems in the Theory of Conformal Mappings of Jordan Domains

It is a well-known result in the theory of conformal mappings of Jordan domains that if a domain D in the z-plane bounded by a closed Jordan curve C is mapped conformally on the disc |w;|<1 by a function w = f(z), analytic and univalent in D, then f(z) will be continuous on the closure of D and will map C on |w| =1 in a one to one manner (Carathéodory [2]), and that if C is rectifiable, then f(z) will map sets E of points of linear measure zero on C onto sets of linear measure zero on the circumference |w| = 1 and sets E of positive linear measure onto sets of positive linear measure on |w| =1 (F. and M. Riesz [12] and Lusin and Privaloff [8]).
Towards Speaker Verification for Crowdsourced Speech Collections

Crowdsourcing the collection of speech provides a scalable setting to access a customisable demographic according to each dataset’s needs. The correctness of speaker metadata is especially relevant for speaker-centred collections - ones that require the collection of a fixed amount of data per speaker. This paper identifies two different types of misalignment present in these collections: Multiple Accounts misalignment (different contributors map to the same speaker), and Multiple Speakers misalignment (multiple speakers map to the same contributor). Based on state-of-the-art approaches to Speaker Verification, this paper proposes an unsupervised method for measuring speaker metadata plausibility of a collection, i.e., evaluating the match (or lack thereof) between contributors and speakers. The solution presented is composed of an embedding extractor and a clustering module. Results indicate high precision in automatically classifying contributor alignment (>0.94).
Towards Useful Tools for the Study of the History of Cosmology

One of the important goals of the philosophy of cosmology is to study the meaningful historical works of Aristotle, Galileo, Copernicus, Kepler, and others. From viewpoint of the history of cosmology, these texts are important not only as examples of understandings of the universe but also because they can be considered as leading historical illustrations of original approaches to the question of scientific rationality and types of scientific controversies. Like many other classic scientifical texts, they are multidimensional works. It can be distinguished many focus points which the books may be explored (history, science, philosophy, literature, and others). In this paper, I consider the possibility of reading the texts concerning the important cosmological issues from the point of argumentative view. In this regard, the key tasks of my research are (1) to explore the central characteristics of the argumentation dimension and (2) to consider some methodological tools that will be useful for scholars studying outstanding historical books from the field of philosophy of cosmology.
Copper-Arsenic-Sulfide Thin-Films from Local Raw Materials Deposited via RF Co-Sputtering for Photovoltaics

The inexorable increase of energy demand and the efficiency bottleneck of monocrystalline silicon solar cell technology is promoting the research and development of alternative photovoltaic materials. Copper-arsenic-sulfide (CAS) compounds are still rather unexplored in the literature, yet they have been regarded as promising candidates for use as p-type absorber in solar cells, owing to their broad raw material availability, suitable bandgap and high absorption coefficient. Here, a comprehensive study is presented on the structural and optoelectronic properties of CAS thin-films deposited via radio-frequency magnetron co-sputtering, using a commercial Cu target together with a Cu-As-S target with material obtained from local resources, specifically from mines in the Portuguese region of the Iberian Pyrite Belt. Raman and X-ray diffraction analysis confirm that the use of two targets results in films with pronounced stoichiometry gradients, suggesting a transition from amorphous CAS compounds to crystalline djurleite (Cu31S16), with the increasing proximity to the Cu target. Resistivity values from 4.7 mΩ·cm to 17.4 Ω·cm are obtained, being the lowest resistive films, those with pronounced sub-bandgap free-carrier absorption. The bandgap values range from 2.20 to 2.65 eV, indicating promising application as wide-bandgap semiconductors in third-generation (e.g., multi-junction) photovoltaic devices.
Micromagnetic investigation on the coercivity mechanism of the SmCo5∕Sm2Co17 high-temperature magnets

The coercivity mechanism of the precipitation-hardened Sm(Co,Fe,Cu,Zr)z magnets at different temperature have been investigated by micromagnetic calculations. It was found that the coercivity mechanism varies with the temperature. The magnetization reversal is mainly controlled by domain-wall pinning when the temperature T is lower than 800 K, while it is dominated by coherent rotation at higher temperature. The quantitative analysis shows that the reduced coercivity is linearly related to the difference of domain-wall energy between 1:5 and 2:17 phases at T≤800 K, while it is mainly determined by the ratio of exchange constant between the two phases at T>800 K. The temperature dependence of coercivity Hc(T) is the competitive result of the microstructure parameter αex(T) and the anisotropy field. The anomalous Hc(T) near the Curie temperature of 1:5 phase is caused by the fast drop of intergrain exchange coupling and thus the fast increase of αex(T). The micromagnetic calculations show that the anomalous.
Association of Frailty Status with Risk of Fall among Hospitalized Elderly Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study in an Acute Geriatric Unit

Introduction: The objective was to study the association of frailty status in hospitalized elderly patients with risk of fall in an acute geriatric unit and to characterize elderly “fallers” using a comprehensive gerontological assessment. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in patients over 65 years of age and hospitalized in an acute geriatric unit. This work was carried out in the Acute Geriatric Medicine Unit, Saint-Julien Hospital, Center Hospitalier Universitaire de Rouen from 1 June 2016 to 15 August 2016. Results: 172 patients were included during the collection period, with a female predominance of 115 patients (66.9%). The average age of the sample was 79.37 years old (65–85). The average CHARLSON score was 6.93 (3–16). Patients came from home in 81.4% of cases (i.e., 140 patients), and from a nursing home in 18.6% of cases (i.e., 32 patients). The risk of falling, as assessed by the Monopodal Support Test, returned as abnormal for 127 patients. In our series, there was a statistically strong link between the risk of falling and the presence of a dementia pathology (p = 0.009), the presence of a vitamin D deficiency (p = 0.03), the presence of frailty, as assessed by the three scales (modified SEGA scale, Fried scale and CFS/7 (<0.001), a high comorbidity score (p = 0.04), and a disturbed autonomy assessment according to IADL (p = 1.02 × 10−5) and according to ADL (p = 6.4 × 10−8). There was a statistically strong link between the risk of falling and the occurrence of death (p = 0.01). Conclusion: The consequences of the fall in terms of morbidity and mortality and the frequency of this event with advancing age and its impact on the quality of life as well as on health expenditure justify a systematic identification of the risk of falling in the elderly population. It is therefore important to have sensitive, specific, and reproducible tools available for identifying elderly people at high risk of falling.