Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Automatic Forming Control of Boom-type Roadheaders

With an example of EBJ-132A boom-type roadheader, the paper analyzes the main working mechanism and procedures of cutting unit, builds the mathematical model of correlative working parameters and laneway section dimensions, and so the mathematic base for future research of automatic forming control of boom-type roadheaders can be established.
Reactive Power Optimization Model for Distribution Networks Based on the Second-Order Cone and Interval Optimization

Traditional reactive power optimization mainly considers the constraints of active management elements and ignores the randomness and volatility of distributed energy sources, which cannot meet the actual demand. Therefore, this paper establishes a reactive power optimization model for active distribution networks, which is solved by a second-order cone relaxation method and interval optimization theory. On the one hand, the second-order cone relaxation technique transforms the non-convex optimal dynamic problem into a convex optimization model to improve the solving efficiency. On the other hand, the interval optimization strategy can solve the source–load uncertainty problem in the distribution network and obtain the interval solution of the optimization problem. Specially, we use confidence interval estimation to shorten the interval range, thereby improving the accuracy of the interval solution. The model takes the minimum economy as the objective function and considers a variety of active management elements. Finally, the modified IEEE 33 node arithmetic example verifies the feasibility and superiority of the interval optimization algorithm.
Island–to–Island Vicariance, Founder–Events and within–Area Speciation: The Biogeographic History of the Antillattus Clade (Salticidae: Euophryini)

The Caribbean Archipelago is a biodiversity hotspot that plays a key role in developing our understanding of how dispersal ability affects species formation. In island systems, species with intermediate dispersal abilities tend to exhibit greater diversity, as may be the case for many of the salticid lineages of the insular Caribbean. Here, we use molecular phylogenetic analyses to infer patterns of relationships and biogeographic history of the Caribbean endemic Antillattus clade (Antillattus, Truncattus, and Petemethis). We test if the timing of origin of the Antillatus clade in the Greater Antilles is congruent with GAARlandia and infer patterns of diversification within the Antillattus clade among Cuba, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico. Specifically, we evaluate the relative roles of dispersal over land connections, and overwater dispersal events in diversification within the Greater Antilles. Time tree analysis and model-based inference of ancestral ranges estimated the ancestor of the Antillattus clade to be c. 25 Mya, and the best model suggests dispersal via GAARlandia from northern South America to Hispaniola. Hispaniola seems to be the nucleus from which ancestral populations dispersed into Cuba and Puerto Rico via land connections prior to the opening of the Mona Passage and the Windward Passage. Divergences between taxa of the Antillattus clade from Cuban, Hispaniolan, and Puerto Rican populations appear to have originated by vicariance, founder-events and within-island speciation, while multiple dispersal events (founder-events) between Cuba and Hispaniola during the Middle Miocene and the Late Miocene best explain diversity patterns in the genera Antillattus and Truncattus.
Efficacy of FODMAP Elimination and Subsequent Blinded Placebo-Controlled Provocations in a Randomised Controlled Study in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis in Remission and Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Feasibility Study

Background: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may be intolerant to fermentable carbohydrates (FODMAPs). The aim of this study was to test the feasibility of eliminating and subsequently reintroducing FODMAPs in patients with IBS symptoms as part of the IBD manifestation and to compare the severity of IBS symptoms and pain, bloating and quality of life (QoL). Methods: An eight-week randomised open-label FODMAP elimination with double-blinded, crossover provocations of FODMAP and placebo. Diet patients were on a low-FODMAP diet for eight weeks with blinded two-week provocations after two and six weeks. Questionnaires, blood and stool samples were collected. Results: Patient enrolment was challenging. Nineteen participants were included in the study. Eliminating low FODMAP for two weeks resulted in significant decreases in pain and bloating scores (p < 0.003), whereas there were no statistical differences in pain scores between diet patients and controls. Pain and bloating scores increased, returning to baseline levels after two weeks of double-blinded provocations with placebo, (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The results document the possibility of performing a randomised controlled study following the gold standard for testing food intolerance with blinding of the Low FODMAP diet. Recruitment of participants was challenging.
The Association of Dietary Intake, Oral Health, and Blood Pressure in Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study

Hypertension is related to impaired mastication that causes malnutrition, declining the general health of older adults. This study assessed the role of dietary intake in the relationship between oral health and blood pressure. Eight hundred ninety-four adults aged ≥65 years who independently lived in rural regions of Japan participated in this study. Hypertension was classified according to the guidelines of the Japanese Society of Hypertension. The oral condition was evaluated by analyzing the remaining teeth, occlusal force, posterior occlusal support, masticatory performance, oral moisture, and oral bacterial level. Dietary intake was assessed using a brief self-administered dietary history questionnaire. Mann-Whitney U, chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and logistic regression analyses were used to elucidate the factors related to hypertension. Normotensive, hypertensive, and history of hypertension were observed in 30.9%, 23.8%, and 45.3% of the participants, respectively. The factors significantly associated with the hypertension were age, body mass index, posterior occlusal support condition, and sodium-to-potassium ratio related to salt intake and/or vegetable intake. Participants without posterior occlusion significantly had higher risk of hypertension (odds ratio = 1.72). This study suggested that there was an association between oral health and hypertension, while the loss of occlusal support may influence nutritional intake conditions.
Criterion Validity of Radon Test Values Reported by a Commercial Laboratory versus the Environmental Protection Agency

Objective: Radon exposure is a proven cause of lung cancer and is a possible cause of other diseases. Recently, several ecologic studies explored the correlation of county-wide incidence rates for non-lung cancers with residential radon levels, using radon data reported by a commercial laboratory. However, the validity of the commercial radon data, i.e., whether they are an accurate representation of the radon levels in the counties from which they were drawn, is unknown. Methods: We compared county-wide radon data from the commercial laboratory with corresponding measurements from the same counties reported previously by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Matching data were available for four states, Iowa, North Dakota, Texas, and Wisconsin, and were compared by paired t-tests. Criterion validity of the commercial tests, i.e., how well the commercial data predicted the EPA data, was tested using non-parametric methods, Kendall’s tau, Lin’s concordance, and Passing–Bablok regression. Results: The commercial and EPA data pairs from the four states were significantly positively correlated, although the size of the correlations was modest (tau = 0.490, Lin = 0.600). Passing–Bablok regression indicated that the commercial radon values were significantly higher than their EPA pairs and significantly overestimated radon at low levels (<4 pCi/L, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The commercial laboratory data were moderately predictive of EPA radon levels at the county level but were significantly biased upwards at low levels. The disagreement likely has several causes, including selection bias from homes that were tested voluntarily. Ecologic studies that employ radon data obtained from commercial laboratories should be interpreted with caution.
Modeling of heating process at thermal consumer substation

A differential equation and mechanism model of heating process has been established based on thermal equilibrium. Step response data measured on spot are fitted into parameter model of the process. Determined part and stochastic sequence of the model are analyzed respectively by time domain method and frequency domain method, that is, parameters of two order inertial link are found by transition property measured on spot, and parameters of shaping filter driven by white noise are sought by spectrum analysis. Finally, description of determined part and stochastic part are given. Fitted result is satisfactory when compared with the measured result.
Improved Prediction of Forest Fire Risk in Central and Northern China by a Time-Decaying Precipitation Model

With the increase in extreme climate events, forest fires burn in much larger areas. Therefore, it is important to accurately predict forest fire frequencies. Precipitation is an important factor that affects the probability of future forest fires. Previous models used average precipitation values, but the attenuation of precipitation was not considered. In this study, a time-decaying precipitation algorithm was used to calculate the comprehensive precipitation index. This method can better represent the effect of precipitation in predicting the occurrence of forest fires. Moreover, observed fire spots were converted into a continuous density of fire spots. The structure of the prediction model is more realistic, which is conducive to obtaining higher-precision prediction results. Additionally, the support vector machine (SVM) regression model was used to construct a forest fire warning model. When the comprehensive precipitation index was compared with the average precipitation value, the accuracy of the four forest areas in central and northern China in the test set was improved by approximately 10%. The findings are relevant to forest ecologists and managers for future mitigation of forest fires, and also for successful prediction of other fire-prone areas.
Assessment of Two Different Glucagon Assays in Healthy Individuals and Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Patients

Methods for glucagon analysis suffered in the past from lack of specificity and a narrow sensitivity range, which has led to inaccurate results and to the suggestion that type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients have elevated fasting glucagon levels. However, the availability of more specific and more sensitive methods to detect intact glucagon has shown that actual glucagon levels are lower than previously assumed. This study aimed to characterize fasting plasma glucagon levels in healthy individuals and T1D and T2D patients with two different glucagon assays. The study included 20 healthy individuals, 20 T1D and 20 T2D patients. Blood was collected under fasting conditions. A double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and a conventional radioimmunoassay (RIA) were used. A significant difference in fasting glucagon levels between healthy individuals and T2D was observed by ELISA, but not by RIA. ELISA also yielded lower glucagon levels in healthy individuals than in T1D and T2D patients which RIA did not. RIA produced significantly (p = 0.0001) higher overall median glucagon values than ELISA in a pooled analysis. These results underline the notion that the choice of selective laboratory methods is highly relevant for mechanistic endocrine research.
How to Measure Adherence to a Mediterranean Diet in Dental Studies: Is a Short Adherence Screener Enough? A Comparative Analysis

This study aimed to evaluate the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) in a study investigating the anti-inflammatory effect of a 6-week Mediterranean diet intervention on periodontal parameters. Data from a randomized clinical trial were analyzed for correlations between the MEDAS score and oral inflammatory parameters (bleeding on probing (BOP), gingival index (GI), and periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA)) and select nutrient intakes estimated by a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and a 24-h dietary recall (24dr). A mixed model, calculations of Spearman ρ, Lin’s Concordance Coefficient (CC), and Mann–Whitney U test were used for the statistical analyses. The MEDAS score was significantly negatively correlated with periodontal inflammation (BOP: CoE −0.391, p < 0.001; GI −0.407, p < 0.001; PISA −0.348, p = 0.001) and positively correlated with poly unsaturated fatty acids/total fat, vitamin C, and fiber intake estimates obtained from the FFQ and 24dr (ρ 0.38–0.77). The FFQ and 24dr produced heterogeneously comparable intake results for most nutrients (CC 0–0.79, Spearman ρ 0.16–0.65). Within the limitations of this study, the MEDAS was able to indicate nutritional habits associated with different levels of periodontal inflammation. Accordingly, the MEDAS can be a sufficient and useful diet screener in dental studies. Due to its correlation with oral inflammatory parameters, the MEDAS might also be useful in dental practice.
In Vivo Basilar Membrane Time Delays in Humans

To date, objective measurements and psychophysical experiments have been used to measure frequency dependent basilar membrane (BM) delays in humans; however, in vivo measurements have not been made. This study aimed to measure BM delays by performing intracochlear electrocochleography in cochlear implant recipients. Sixteen subjects with various degrees of hearing abilities were selected. Postoperative Computer Tomography was performed to determine electrode locations. Electrical potentials in response to acoustic tone pips at 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz and clicks were recorded with electrodes at the frequency specific region. The electrode array was inserted up to the characteristic cochlear frequency region of 250 Hz for 6 subjects. Furthermore, the array was inserted in the region of 500 Hz for 15 subjects, and 1, 2, and 4 kHz were reached in all subjects. Intracochlear electrocochleography for each frequency-specific tone pip and clicks showed detectable responses in all subjects. The latencies differed among the cochlear location and the cochlear microphonic (CM) onset latency increased with decreasing frequency and were consistent with click derived band technique. Accordingly, BM delays in humans could be derived. The BM delays increased systematically along the cochlea from basal to apical end and were in accordance with Ruggero and Temchin, 2007.
Relation of Alcohol Intake to Kidney Function and Mortality Observational, Population-Based, Cohort Study

Data are conflicting about the effects of alcohol intake on kidney function. This population-based study investigated associations of alcohol intake with kidney function and mortality. The study cohort included adult participants in Exam-1, Exam-2 (6-year follow-up), and Exam-3 (20-year follow-up) of the Gubbio study. Kidney function was evaluated as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR, CKD-Epi equation, mL/min × 1.73 m2). Daily habitual alcohol intake was assessed by questionnaires. Wine intake accounted for >94% of total alcohol intake at all exams. Alcohol intake significantly tracked over time (R > 0.66, p < 0.001). Alcohol intake distribution was skewed at all exams (skewness > 2) and was divided into four strata for analyses (g/day = 0, 1–24, 25–48, and >48). Strata of alcohol intake differed substantially for lab markers of alcohol intake (p < 0.001). In multivariable regression, strata of alcohol intake related cross-sectionally to eGFR at all exams (Exam-1: B = 1.70, p < 0.001; Exam-2: B = 1.03, p < 0.001; Exam-3: B = 0.55, p = 0.010) and related longitudinally to less negative eGFR change from Exam-1 to Exam-2 (B = 0.133, p = 0.002) and from Exam-2 to Exam-3 (B = 0.065, p = 0.004). In multivariable Cox models, compared to no intake, intakes > 24 g/day were not associated with different mortality while an intake of 1–24 g/day was associated with lower mortality in the whole cohort (HR = 0.77, p = 0.003) and in the subgroup with eGFR < 60 mL/min × 1.73 m2 (HR = 0.69, p = 0.033). These data indicate a positive independent association of alcohol intake with kidney function not due to a mortality-related selection.
On a compensated Ehrlich-Aberth method for the accurate computation of all polynomial roots

In this article, we use the complex compensated Horner method to derive a compensated EhrlichAberth method for the accurate computation of all roots, real or complex, of a polynomial. In particular, under suitable conditions, we prove that the limiting accuracy for the compensated Ehrlich-Aberth iterations is as accurate as if computed in twice the working precision and then rounded to the working precision. Moreover, we derive a running error bound for the complex compensated Horner method and use it to form robust stopping criteria for the compensated Ehrlich-Aberth iterations. Finally, extensive numerical experiments illustrate that the backward and forward errors of the root approximations computed via the compensated Ehrlich-Aberth method are similar to those obtained with a quadruple precision implementation of the Ehrlich-Aberth method with a significant speed-up in terms of computation time.
Non-Thermal Plasma Treatment Coupled with a Photocatalyst for Antimicrobial Performance of Ihram Cotton Fabric

All Muslim pilgrims must wear Ihram clothes during the Hajj and Umrah seasons, which presents a great challenge regarding how to eliminate the spread of microbes attached to the cotton fabric of Ihram from the surrounding environment. Targeted fashion research of the recent past presents a new industrial treatment, which has led us to study the impact of heat directed from an atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ), coupled with photocatalytic nanomaterials, for the antibacterial treatment of Escherichia coli (E. coli) attached to cotton fabric samples, to improve pollutant remediation. The average rates of heat transfer to the bacterial colonies attached to cotton fabric samples, as a function of the laminar mode, were 230 and 77 mW for dry and wet argon discharges, respectively. The jet temperatures (TJ) and heat transfer (QH) decreased more for wet argon discharge than for dry argon discharge. This is because, due to the wettability by TiO2 photocatalyst concentration dosage increases from 0 to 0.5 g L−1, a proportion of the energy from the APPJ photons is expended in overcoming the bandgap of TiO2 and is used in the creation of electron–hole pairs. In the Weibull deactivation function used for the investigation of the antibacterial treatment of E. coli microbes attached to cotton fabric samples, the deactivation kinetic rate of E. coli increased from 0.0065 to 0.0152 min−1 as the TiO2 precursor concentration increased. This means that the sterilization rate increased despite (TJ) and (QH) decreasing as the wettability by TiO2 photocatalyst increases. This may be due to photocatalytic disinfection and the generation of active substances, in addition to the effect of the incident plume of the non-thermal jet.
Controlling Water Flow in Pattern-Charged Nanotubes

Molecular dynamics simulation is used to study the water flow in a charged nanotube. The simulation results show that the charge patterns on the nanotube have an important role in determining the flow behavior. In a nanotube charged with one pattern, the water flow rate decreases with increasing charge value, when the charge value increases from 0 to 0.8 e, the water flow rate decreases to 7%. While in the other one with a different charge pattern, the water flow rate is independent of charge value. By analyzing the morphology of water molecules, it is determined that this unexpected phenomenon is caused by the structure of water molecules near the nanotube wall. For the first charge pattern, the network of hydrogen bonds formed by water molecules near the wall had a hexagonal structure, similar to single layer ice, which changes the interactions between the wall and the water molecules. By contrast, the second pattern did not exhibit such an effect. This study provides a means to control the rate of water flow in nanotubes using an electric field. These results may provide new insights and lead to new methods for flow control in complex micro- or nanofluidic systems.
4,6-O-Phenylethylidene Acetal Protected D-Glucosamine Carbamate-Based Gelators and Their Applications for Multi-Component Gels

The self-assembly of carbohydrate-based low molecular weight gelators has led to useful advanced soft materials. The interactions of the gelators with various cations and anions are important in creating novel molecular architectures and expanding the scope of the small molecular gelators. In this study, a series of thirteen new C-2 carbamates of the 4,6-O-phenylethylidene acetal-protected D-glucosamine derivatives has been synthesized and characterized. These compounds are rationally designed from a common sugar template. All carbamates synthesized were found to be efficient gelators and three compounds are also hydrogelators. The resulting gels were characterized using optical microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and rheology. The gelation mechanisms were further elucidated using 1H NMR spectroscopy at different temperatures. The isopropyl carbamate hydrogelator 7 formed hydrogels at 0.2 wt% and also formed gels with several tetra alkyl ammonium salts, and showed effectiveness in the creation of gel electrolytes. The formation of metallogels using earth-abundant metal ions such as copper, nickel, iron, zinc, as well as silver and lead salts was evaluated for a few gelators. Using chemiluminescence spectroscopy, the metal–organic xerogels showed enzyme-like properties and enhanced luminescence for luminol. In addition, we also studied the applications of several gels for drug immobilizations and the gels showed sustained release of naproxen from the gel matrices. This robust sugar carbamate-derived gelator system can be used as the scaffold for the design of other functional materials with various types of applications.
Exponential stability and synchronisation of fuzzy Mittag–Leffler discrete-time Cohen–Grossberg neural networks with time delays

Exponential Euler differences for semi-linear differential equations of first order have got rapid development in the past few years and a variety of exponential Euler difference methods have become very significant researching topics. Therefore, exponential Euler differences for fractional-order differential models are novel and significant. In allusion to fuzzy Cohen–Grossberg neural networks of fractional order, this paper establishes a Mittag–Leffler Euler difference model on the basis of the constant variation formula in fractional calculus. In the second place, the existence of a unique global bounded solution and equilibrium point is studied by using the contractive mapping principle. Thirdly, global exponential stability and synchronisation of the derived difference models are investigated by employing some inequality techniques and reductio. At last, some illustrative examples and numerical simulations are employed to demonstrate the main results of this paper.