Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Six new species of Pristimantis (Anura: Strabomantidae) from Llanganates National Park and Sangay National Park in Amazonian cloud forests of Ecuador

We describe six new species of rainfrogs of the genus Pristimantis (Strabomantidae) from Amazonian cloud forests in Ecuador. We also present a phylogeny showing the relationships of the new species. The phylogeny is based on mitochondrial genes 16S rRNA (16S), 12 rRNA (12S), NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase chain 1 (ND1) and the nuclear gene recombination-activating 1 (RAG1). We also describe the osteology of two of the new species using high-resolution x-ray computed tomography. The new species belong to two clades. The first clade is sister to the subgenus Huicundomantis and includes P. tamia sp. nov., P. miktos, and P. mallii. Pristimantis tamia sp. nov. is morphologically similar to P. miktos, P. mallii, P. martiae, and P. incomptus, but differs from them by lacking vocal slits and tympanic membrane and by having light greenish blue iris. Based in our results we expand the subgenus Huicundomantis to include the P. miktos species group. The second clade is remarkable by being highly divergent and consisting exclusively of new species: P. anaiae sp. nov., P. glendae sp. nov., P. kunam sp. nov., P. resistencia sp. nov., and P. venegasi sp. nov. The new species resemble P. roni, P. yanezi, P. llanganati, P. katoptroides, P. verecundus, and P. mutabilis but can be distinguished from them by lacking vocal slits and tympanic membrane and by having large dark round areas with thin clear borders in the sacral region. All six new species occur in the eastern slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes and are known from a single locality in Llanganates or Sangay National Park. We recommend assigning all of them to the Data Deficient (DD) Red List category. Based in our high-resolution x-ray tomographies, we report the presence of structures that appear to be intercalary elements. This would be the first report of such structures in Terrarana.
A General Neural Network Model for Complex Refractive Index Extraction of Low-Loss Materials in the Transmission-Mode THz-TDS

The complex refractive index for low-loss materials is conventionally extracted by either approximate analytical formula or numerical iterative algorithm (such as Nelder-Mead and Newton-Raphson) based on the transmission-mode terahertz time domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS). A novel 4-layer neural network model is proposed to obtain optical parameters of low-loss materials with high accuracy in a wide range of parameters (frequency and thickness). Three materials (TPX, z-cut crystal quartz and 6H SiC) with different dispersions and thicknesses are used to validate the robustness of the general model. Without problems of proper initial values and non-convergence, the neural network method shows even smaller errors than the iterative algorithm. Once trained and tested, the proposed method owns both high accuracy and wide generality, which will find application in the multi-class object detection and high-precision characterization of THz materials.
Optimization of the Pentachlorophenol Adsorption by Organo-Clays Based on Response Surface Methodology

The aim of this study is to optimize the adsorption of pentachlorophenol (PCP) using an organo-clay under the response surface methodology. The adsorbent was selected from a montmorillonite exchanged by various cations, such as Fe3+, Al3+, Zn2+, Mg2+, Na+, and modified by bromide cetyltrimethylammonium (CTAB) as surfactant. The obtained organo-montmorillonite was characterized using several techniques, such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and nitrogen adsorption, performed at −196 °C. The results showed an increase in basal space from 1.65 to 1.88 nm and a decrease in the specific surface and pore volume, with an increase in pore diameter, including the presence of characteristic bands of -CH2- and -CH3- groups at 2926 and 2854 cm−1 in the FTIR spectrum after the modification. The optimization of PCP removal by clay adsorbents is achieved using the response surface methodology (RSM) with a four-factor central composite model, including pH of solution, mass of adsorbent, contact time, and initial concentration. The results proved the validity of the regression model, wherein the adsorption capacity reaches its maximum value of 38 mg/g at a lower adsorbent mass of 20 mg, pH of 6, contact time (tc) of 5 h, and initial concentration of 8 mg/L.
Visualization Techniques for Four-Strokes Parameter Polarization

Abstract : The human visual system can barely detect polarized light. This paper outlines a methodology for displaying and visualizing polarization profiles of natural, daylight scenes. A pseudo color scenes. based on the Poincare sphere, is developed for encoding the various polarization parameters in a scene. A mathematical model of the polarization state of skylight is given. A pictorial representation of the polarization state of the sky, using the Poincare colorization methodology, is presented. Using the colorization methodology, a visual correlation is given between the polarization states of light reflected from a target and the solar illumination producing it.
Comparing Dynamic Equilibrium Economies to Data: A Bayesian Approach

This paper studies the properties of the Bayesian approach to estimation and comparison of dynamic equilibrium economies. Both tasks can be performed even if the models are nonnested, misspecified, and nonlinear. First, we show that Bayesian methods have a classical interpretation: asymptotically, the parameter point estimates converge to their pseudotrue values, and the best model under the Kullback-Leibler will have the highest posterior probability. Second, we illustrate the strong small sample behavior of the approach using a well-known application: the U.S. cattle cycle. Bayesian estimates outperform Maximum Likelihood results, and the proposed model is easily compared with a set of BVARs.
The relationship between cardiopulmonary function and cognitive function in the elderly in Beijing

Objective: This study was conducted on 27 senior adults in a community in Beijing with the purpose of examining the possible correlation between cardiorespiratory function and cognitive function. Methods: A questionnaire was designed for the basic demographic characteristics. The electronic blood pressure meter and electronic lung capacity meter were used to test cardiorespiratory function. The items of the cardiorespiratory function were scored in standard percentage. The MoCA Scale was used for cognitive function measurement. Results: The average heart rate (beats per minute) was 78.9 with a standard deviation of 13.5, and the average vital capacity (ml) was 1386.3 with a standard deviation of 37.0. In 15 people, the measured blood pressure was above the hypertension standard. The average cognitive function score was 22.5 with a standard deviation of 4.3. Eighteen people (66.7%) had mild cognitive impairments. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that there was no statistically significant correlation between cardiorespiratory function and cognitive function in the elderly (P > 0.05). Conclusion: No correlation was found between cardiopulmonary function and cognitive function in the elderly participating in this study and further large-scale population research is needed in the future. In this study, the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment was higher than in other studies. Attention should be paid to this issue, and early intervention should be done to avoid inactivity in senior adults.
A Suggested Equivalent Method for a Drainage Structure to Analyze Seepage in Tailings Dam

To better understand the seepage field in tailings dam with a drainage structure that combines drainage mat, drainage tube, and geotextile, an equivalent seepage analysis method for the drainage structure is presented. In the method, an equivalent drainage structure is suggested to replace the original drainage. It has enough size to be easily presented in the three-dimensional (3d) model of a tailings dam. According to a back analysis procedure using the quasi-3d models of a tailings dam with original and equivalent drainage structures, the material properties of the equivalent drainage structure can be obtained under the principle of drainage capacity equivalence. It is demonstrated that the suggested method is accurate enough to capture the seepage field in a tailings dam based on comparing the calculated and measured phreatic lines in a tailings dam for verification. Then, the method is employed to investigate the seepage field in a tailings dam in China for a case study. The rise of water level, damage of drainage structure, or increase of tailings discharge speed and time will lift up phreatic line. After terminating tailings discharge, phreatic line will first rise and then fall. The effect of tailings discharge on phreatic line will almost disappear after terminating tailings discharge for 24 h.
Historical DNA of rare yellow-eared bats Vampyressa Thomas, 1900 (Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae) clarifies phylogeny and species boundaries within the genus

Patterns of rarity, endemism, and vulnerability are known for four species of yellow-eared bats of the genus Vampyressa: V. melissa, V. voragine, V. elisabethae, and V. sinchi, the last two described based on skull and external morphology. We extracted DNA from the holotypes of V. elisabethae and V. sinchi using strict ancient DNA protocols and sequenced the complete cytochrome-b gene of the mtDNA to investigate the phylogenetic relationships within the genus and employed species-delimitation tests to evaluate the validity of all the currently named species of Vampyressa. The resulting tree topology and our species-delimitation analyses corroborate the validity of V. elisabethae and V. voragine, but places V. sinchi in V. melissa. Based on these results and phenotypic variation, we recognize five valid species in Vampyressa and treat sinchi as a subspecies of a polytypic V. melissa; for which we provide a rediagnosis. Our results show that V. elisabethae is as highly divergent genetically as it is morphologically, and suggest that V. thyone, one of the two species of Vampyressa known to have wide distributions, is a species complex requiring further investigation.
Energy Crops and Methane: Process Optimization of Ca(OH)2 Assisted Thermal Pretreatment and Modeling of Methane Production

Switchgrass earned its place globally as a significant energy crop by possessing essential properties such as being able to control erosion, low cost of production, biomass richness, and appeal for biofuel production. In this study, the impact of a Ca(OH)2-assisted thermal pretreatment process on the switchgrass variety Shawnee for methane fuel production was investigated. The Ca(OH)2-assisted thermal pretreatment process was optimized to enhance the methane production potential of switchgrass. Solid loading (3–7%), Ca(OH)2 concentration (0–2%), reaction temperature (50–100 °C), and reaction time (6–16 h) were selected as independent variables for the optimization. Methane production was obtained as 248.7 mL CH4 gVS−1 under the optimized pretreatment conditions. Specifically, a reaction temperature of 100 °C, a reaction time of 6 h, 0% Ca(OH)2, and 3% solid loading. Compared to raw switchgrass, methane production was enhanced by 14.5%. Additionally, the changes in surface properties and bond structure, along with the kinetic parameters from first order, cone, reaction curve, and modified Gompertz modeling revealed the importance of optimization.
Multiple Resistive Switching Mechanisms in Graphene Oxide-Based Resistive Memory Devices

Among the different graphene derivatives, graphene oxide is the most intensively studied material as it exhibits reliable and repeatable resistive switching. The operative mechanisms that are responsible for resistive switching are being intensively investigated, and three models explaining the change in the resistive states have been developed. These models are grounded in the metallic-like filamentary conduction, contact resistance modification and the oxidation of/reduction in the graphene oxide bulk. In this work, using Al/GO/n-Si structures, we demonstrate that all three of these operative mechanisms can simultaneously participate in the resistive switching of graphene oxide. Multiple point-like conduction channels in the graphene oxide films were detected by the electron beam-induced current (EBIC) technique. At the same time, large areas with increased conductivity were also revealed by EBIC. An analysis of these areas by Raman spectroscopy indicates the change in the graphene oxide bulk’s resistive properties. The EBIC data along with the measurements of the capacitance–voltage characteristics provided strong evidence of the involvement of an aluminum/graphene oxide interface in the switching processes. In addition, by using Al/GO/n-Si structures, we were able to identify unique local properties of the formed conductive channels, namely the change of the charge state of a conductive channel due to the creation of negatively charged traps and/or an increase in the GO work function.
The Application of Magnetic Nanoparticles for Sentinel Lymph Node Detection in Clinically Node-Negative Breast Cancer Patients: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis

Simple Summary Generally, the standard method of applying sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer patients is via a technetium-labeled nanocolloid (radiolabeled tracer) with or without blue dye. However, the radioactive agents may cause challenges both to hospitals and patients. Alternatively, a safer candidate method, such as SPIO, has been often introduced and validated in comparison with standard methods. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of SPIO and its clinical impact on the management of breast cancer. Based on our study, SPIO could be considered as an alternative standard of care for sentinel lymph node detection. Compared with the standard method, SPIO exhibited equivalent or even superior detection capacities, while safety could be guaranteed. Lower SPIO doses would also not impair detection capacity compared with the standard method. The absence of radioactivity of SPIO is one of the most important advantages for clinical applications. Abstract Superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO), an alternative mapping agent, can be used to identify sentinel lymph nodes in patients with clinically node-negative breast cancer. However, its performance in comparison with the standard method, using a radioisotope (technetium-99 m, Tc) alone or in combination with blue dye, remains controversial. Hence, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of SPIO and its clinical impact in the management of breast cancer. The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were comprehensively searched from inception to 1 May 2022. Cohort studies regarding the comparison of SPIO with standard methods for sentinel lymph node identification were included. A total of 19 prospective cohort studies, which collectively included 2298 clinically node-negative breast cancer patients undergoing sentinel lymph node identification through both the standard method and SPIO, were identified. The detection rate for sentinel lymph nodes (RR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.05–1.08; p < 0.001) was considerably higher in the SPIO cohorts than in the standard method cohorts, although this difference was not significant in detected patients, patients with positive sentinel lymph nodes, or positive sentinel lymph nodes. Compared with the standard method, the SPIO method could be considered as an alternative standard of care for sentinel lymph node detection in patients with clinically node-negative breast cancer.
Alpha‐2‐Heremans‐Schmid‐glycoprotein (AHSG) a potential biomarker associated with prognosis of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma: The PROPOLIS study

Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (chRCC) is the third common pathological subtype in renal cancers. However, the underlying mechanisms of specific genetic characteristics of chRCC are currently unclear. In this study, protein expression profiles, gene ontology (GO), and survival plots were provided by integrated bioinformatics analysis to investigate key genes associated with the mechanism of tumorigenesis and prognosis of chRCC.
Smoking behavior intervention based on implicit approach: a cross-sectional pilot study

Introduction: Indonesia is the country with the highest smoking rate in Southeast Asia and the third-highest globally. Smoking has become one of Indonesia's biggest addiction problems. The goal of this research is to develop smoking behavior intervention based on an implicit approach. Methods: This article contains a two-step study that was part of a comprehensive study on smoking behavior in Indonesia. The first study, applying measurement of Stroop task to 117 male-university-students with results revealed that smoking behavior was associated with attention bias. This result is the basis for developing an implicit approach-based intervention. In the second study, the research aims to develop an intervention by investigating the effects of the experimental retraining by manipulating the automatic-avoidance-action tendencies using an approach-avoidance task (AAT) on 40 male university student smokers that proved to have an attentional bias in the first study. Results: The outcomes of the studies showed that the retraining (six weeks, twice a week) proved to shape the AAT effect and reduce the cigarettes consumption of the smokers. This pilot research becomes initial step to develop smoking cessation interventions in Indonesia using an implicit cognition approach.
Clinical Characteristics and Prognostic Factors of Non-Infectious Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis

Non-infectious cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is an uncommon type of cerebrovascular disease that usually affects young patients. It occurs frequently in female patients, probably due to the association of sex-specific risk factors for coagulopathies. Currently, the prognostic factors of CVT remain unclear. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical characteristics among 260 CVT patients, including 147 females and 113 males. A favorable clinical outcome was defined by the scores of the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) ≤ 2 at hospital discharge, while a poor clinical outcome was defined by an mRS score of 3 to 6. A headache (28.5%) was the most frequent presentation. The most commonly affected sinus was the transverse-sigmoid sinus (59.6%). Most of the cases (78.5%) were treated with anticoagulants. One hundred and fifty-seven patients (60.4%) were discharged with favorable clinical outcomes. Consciousness disturbance (odds ratio: 5.01, p < 0.001) was associated with a poor clinical outcome. Patients with poor clinical outcomes demonstrated higher D-dimer levels on admission (4137.76 ± 3317.07 vs. 2476.74 ± 2330.87 ng/mL FEU, p = 0.029) and longer hospitalization days (31.81 ± 26.29 vs. 13.96 ± 8.82 days, p < 0.001) compared with favorable clinical outcomes. These findings provide important information of clinical characteristics and prognosis for CVT. Aggressive monitoring and treatment should be considered in CVT patients with poor prognostic factors.
Fuzzy rules objective function and its feasible solutions in model optimization

ABSTRACT: In this paper a comparative study of optimization techniques for an optimization problem witha set of linguistic fuzzy rules as the objective function is presented. Two main categories of proposed solutionsnaming gradient methods and direct search methods are explained.KEYWORDS: Fuzzy Rule-Based System, Optimization, Objective Function, Gradient, Direct Search INTRODUCTION The ﬁrst article introducing the concept of fuzzy constraints and fuzzy objective was published by Bellmanand Zadeh [4]. Since this original work, fuzzy optimization and fuzzy (linear, stochastic, integer, dynamic, .)programming have received the attention of many researchers [1, 12, 14]. In many optimization (decision making) problem we are processing imprecision, incomplete and vague infor-mation [3]. The optimization problem stated here is a method for solving a class of nonlinear programmingproblem. It is used to optimize (minimize/maximize) a nonlinear objective functions which is in the form offuzzy rule-base systems (FRBSs) subject to the constraints. Fuzzy rule-base programming deals with situationswhere variables of optimization are fuzzy variables deﬁned in the universe of discourse speciﬁed by the boundaryconstraints.
N-acetyl cysteine’s effect on semen parameters in a sample of Iraqi men with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia

Background: Infertility is recognized as the incapability of infertile couples to become pregnant following one year of unsafe intercourse, with male factors accounting for roughly half of the documented instances. Several reasons for male infertility factors have been reported; however, the actual cause in the majority of cases remains unknown. Objective: To study prospectively the outcome of N-acetylcysteine on semen parameters in males with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. Patient and methods: A total 45 patients with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia have received N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) for 12 weeks, their seminal fluid parameters were measured at the baseline and after 12 weeks. Results: The results showed that after 3 months of NAC treatment, the motility was statistically significantly higher than pre-NAC baseline, with no statistically significant differences in both count and morphology. Conclusion: These results confirmed that NAC has a positive effect in improving motility in infertile men and thus resulting in better spermatogenesis and sperm function.
Conceptual Framework for Implementation of Internationalization in Dental Education with Foundations in Dental Student Life

The integration of internationalization within higher education has gained attention in both international and local programs, which allows the enrichment of the institutional quality. Previous literature reveals multidimensional considerations to determine the level of internationalization, considered as pre-existing performance indicators, including: (1) ‘Curriculum and academic offerings’; (2) ‘Collaboration and partnership’; (3) ‘Student and academic staff mobility’; (4) ‘Institutional policy’; (5) ‘Resources’; (6) ‘Campus life’; and (7) ‘Performance review and accountability’. This study aimed to investigate the impact of performance indicators of internationalization on academic performance and extracurricular activities among dental students. A validated online self-administered questionnaire was distributed to dental undergraduates. The data from 93 students (response rate: 96.86%) were analyzed using descriptive statistics and simple linear regressions. The findings demonstrated that all performance indicators appeared to have significant impact on self-perceived participations of extracurricular activities (p < 0.05), while only ‘Collaboration and partnership’ (p = 0.016), ‘Student and academic staff mobility’ (p = 0.009), ‘Institutional policy’ (p = 0.008), and ‘Campus life’ (p = 0.005) significantly affected actual participations. None of them appeared to be significant predictors for actual and self-perceived academic performance (p > 0.05). The statistical model constructed in this research can be utilized as a conceptual framework in the future establishment of internationalization among dental schools.