Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The influence of loading conditions on fracture initiation, propagation, and interaction in rocks with veins: Results from a comparative Discrete Element Method study

We present the results of a comparative study of loading conditions on the interactions between extension fractures and veins. We model the fracture behavior of brittle discrete element materials each containing a tabular vein body of variable orientation and strength in two different loading conditions. The first is uniaxial tension, applied with servo‐controlled sidewalls. The second is a boudinage boundary condition in which a tensile triaxial stress state is induced in the brittle model volume by quasi‐viscous extensional deformation in the adjacent layers. Most of the fracture‐ vein interactions observed in uniaxial tension also exists in boudinage boundary conditions. However, the importance of each interaction mechanism for a given configuration of relative strength and misorientation of the vein may differ according to the loading mechanism. Nucleation and internal deflection is under both boundary conditions the dominating fracture‐vein interaction style in weak veins. In uniaxial tension models, strong veins tend to alter the fracture path by external deflection, while under boudinage loading these veins are more likely overcome by the fracture step over mechanism. Dynamic bifurcation of fractures was observed in uniaxial tension models but never for boudinage boundary conditions. This is because the acceleration of fracture tips in these conditions is suppressed by interaction with distributed fractures as well as viscous damping by the neighboring layers.
A Low-Cost Relative Humidity Sensor Using Polymer Optical Fiber Based on Intensity Variation

In sensor systems, most sensors are single-point detection, and it is challenging to develop a multipoint sensor where multiple points can be sensed. This work reports a low-cost relative humidity (RH) sensor relying on intensity variation based on the side coupling technique using polymer optical fiber (POF), where three sensors are integrated into a single illuminating fiber. The sensor structure contains the twisting of two fibers three times and is coated with agarose gel, while a rise in humidity causes a change in refractive index (RI) between two twisted fibers. The experimental results reveal that the sensors provide a linear relationship between 20% and 80% RH with a sensitivity of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$0.4636 \mu {W}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>/%, 0.4402 <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mu {W}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>/%, and 0.4153 <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mu {W}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>/%. Detection limits are 1.57%, 1.79%, and 2.02%, for sensor-1, sensor-2, and sensor-3, respectively, while the bend radius of the sensor probe is 10 mm. When RH is increased from 80%, it results in more sensitivity, and the sensor’s sensitivity also rises when the bend radius reduces. A lower detection limit and increased sensitivity are obtained with a coating of agarose gel. In addition, the novel RH sensor is a cost-effective solution that offers the benefits of decent reversibility, rapid reaction time (about 1 s), and temperature dependency.
Insights into pain distraction and the impact of pain catastrophizing on pain perception during different types of distraction tasks

Introduction Distraction is commonly used to reduce pain, but the effectiveness of distractions remains inconclusive. Studies have shown that pain catastrophizing could modulate the effectiveness of distraction strategies. The present study aimed to compare various distraction tasks, then control for pain catastrophizing, and examine how this relationship varies with pain intensity and unpleasantness across different distraction tasks. Methods Forty-one pain-free participants (aged 27.00 ± 5.41) were recruited for a cross-sectional study. Four types of distraction (cognitive, sensory, emotional, and social) were presented, while moderate pain intensity was induced by electrical stimulation. Before starting the experiment, moderate pain intensity was individually calibrated as six on the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NRS) to control individual differences in pain sensitivity. Each participant performed all four distraction tasks in a random order. NRS measured pain assessment. Pain catastrophizing was measured by the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS). A repeated measure ANCOVA was conducted to examine the effects of pain dimensions during distraction tasks as a within-subject and pain catastrophizing as a covariate factor. Results A significant difference was observed in the pain intensity and unpleasantness during cognitive distraction. After controlling for PCS, there were diverse associations between PCS and pain intensity across distinct distraction tasks: social vs. sensory, and cognitive vs. sensory distraction. A consistent pattern in pain unpleasantness emerged with minor variations. This interaction underscored notable distinctions between social vs. sensory and emotional distractions, as well as between cognitive vs. sensory and emotional distractions. However, only the correlation in social distraction remained significant in both pain dimensions. Discussion Our findings reveal that the link between PCS and pain dimensions varies across different distraction tasks, suggesting diverse interactions. Particularly, social distraction, characterized by both emotional and cognitive states, proves beneficial with lower PCS scores; however, this advantage diminishes as PCS scores increase.
Efficient and Privacy-Preserving Cryptographic Key Derivation From Continuous Sources

The procedure for extracting a cryptographic key from noisy sources, such as biometrics and physically uncloneable functions (PUFs), is known as fuzzy extractor (FE). Although FE constructions deal with discrete sources, most noisy sources are continuous. In the continuous case, it is required to transform the source to a discrete one. We introduce a 1) model-based uncoupling construction that directly deals with the continuous noisy source and produces helper data uncoupling the discrete representation from the noisy source, guaranteeing the diversity of the discrete representation, and making it more robust and a 2) strengthened uncoupled fuzzy extractor, suitable for privacy-preserving applications, which integrates an additional fixed authentication factor and obtains a key uncoupled to the noisy sources and unlinkable helper data. We present optimal model-based uncoupling constructions for Gaussian sources. Specifically, we show how to: 1) extract one or multiple bits from a single Gaussian source; 2) extract one bit from several unreliable Gaussian sources; and 3) provide a general procedure to obtain an optimal uncoupled FE from Gaussian source(s). Our experiments show that the proposed constructions achieve much higher security levels for wide operational scenarios, approximately doubling the obtained effective key length without affecting false rejection rates.
High‐resolution regional modeling of summertime transport and impact of African dust over the Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula

Severe dust outbreaks and high dust loading over Eastern Africa and the Red Sea are frequently detected in the summer season. Observations suggest that small‐scale dynamic and orographic effects, from both the Arabian and African sides, strongly contribute to dust plume formation. To better understand these processes, we present here the first high‐resolution modeling study of a dust outbreak in June 2012 developed over East Africa, the Red Sea, and the Arabian Peninsula. Using the Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled with Chemistry (WRF‐Chem) component, we identified several dust generating dynamical processes that range from convective to synoptic scales, including synoptic cyclones, nocturnal low‐level jets, and cold pools of mesoscale convective systems. The simulations reveal an eastward transport of African dust across the Red Sea. Over the northern part of the Red Sea, most of the dust transport occurs above 2 km height, whereas across the central and southern parts of the sea; dust is mostly transported below 2 km height. Dust is the dominant contributor (87%) to the aerosol optical depth, producing a domain average cooling effect of −12.1 W m−2 at the surface, a warming of 7.1 W m−2 in the atmosphere, and a residual cooling of −4.9 W m−2 at the top of the atmosphere. Both dry and wet deposition processes contribute significantly to dust removal from the atmosphere. Model results compare well with available ground‐based and satellite observations but generally underestimate the observed maximum values of aerosol optical depth. The satellite‐retrieved mean optical depth at some locations is underestimated by a factor of 2. A sensitive experiment suggests that these large local differences may result from poor characterization of dust emissions in some areas of the modeled domain. In this case study we successfully simulate the major fine‐scale dust generating dynamical processes, explicitly resolving convection and haboob formation. The future development of this novel approach will be beneficial for dust research, assuming steady growth of available computational power.
A study on the abundance and the diversity of soil arthropods in turmeric fields of Jagityal, erstwhile Karimnagar District, Telangana

Insects are one of the most successful organisms. They represent almost 50% of the world’s biodiversity. The present study was carried out to know the abundance, seasonal variation, evenness and richness of the arthropods in turmeric fields of Dharoor, a village situated at 18.76 N, 78.90 E in the erstwhile Karimnagar by using pitfall traps. A total of 310 insects from 13 orders were recorded during the study period from 5 plots of the study site. The abundant insect orders were Hemiptera, Collumbola, Aranea, Thysanura, Coleopteran, Orthoptera, Carrabidae, Dermaptera, Millipede and Isoptera. The hemiptera was found to occupy the highest proportion of the insect community (24%), followed by collumbola (23.22%), Coleopteran (12.25%) Thysanura (10%), Orthoptera (3.81%), Carrabidae (3.87%), Dermaptera (1.60%), Millipeda (1. 6%), Isoptera (2.90%) Lepidoptera (2.58), Araenia (9.35%) and Mantidae (1.12%). The data obtained was statistically analysed by Simpson’s and Shannon-Weiner’s diversity indices.
BIOGEOGRAPHY OF INDONESIAN FRESHWATER FISHES: CURRENT PROGRESS

Southeast Asia is one of the most geologically complex tropical regions on Earth, in which the intricate interactions among plate tectonics, volcanism and Pleistocene climatic fluctuations led to complex patterns of species distribution. An increasing number of biogeographic studies of the Indonesian ichthyofauna have already partially uncovered the potential mechanisms at the origin of present day species distribution. These studies are currently scattered in the literature and the present review aims at presenting recent progress. Here, we propose a review of this literature with the aim to provide a broad overview of the current progress in the field of Indonesian freshwater fishes biogeography. First, we will briefly present the geology of the Indo-Australian Archipelago (IAA) and highlight the time frame of the geographical settlement of the Indonesian archipelago. Second, we will present the palaeoecological history of Sundaland during the Pleistocene. Finally, we will present the results of recent biogeographic studies across the three biogeographic provinces (Sundaland, Wallacea, Sahul) and discuss how these results fit with geological and palaeoecological scenarios in Indonesia.
The Impact of Complex PTSD on Suicide Risk in Patients with Bipolar Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Patients with bipolar disorder (BD) are more likely than the general population to experience traumatic events, particularly during childhood, and these may predict and be a risk factor for the development of complex PTSD (cPTSD). The presence of multiple traumas plays a relevant role from a psychopathological point of view, but little is known about the effect this may have on suicide attempts in patients with BD. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted comparing socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, recruiting 344 patients diagnosed with BD I and II, screened for the presence (or absence) of cPTSD using the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ). Suicide attempts were assessed directly during the clinical interview and from the patient’s medical record. Results: The results emerging from the study indicate that cPTSD can be considered a risk factor for suicide attempts in patients with BD. Furthermore, evidence is provided to support the idea that cPTSD is highly prevalent in patients with BD and is related to a higher psychopathological burden. Conclusions: The results recommend an urgent and comprehensive assessment of suicidal risk in patients with comorbidity of both bipolar disorder and cPTSD. There is a crucial demand for early intervention initiatives and proactive prevention strategies to address the intricate intersection of these mental health challenges.
The professional background of a referring physician predicts the diagnostic yield of small bowel capsule endoscopy in suspected small bowel bleeding

Background and study aims The diagnostic yield of small-bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) in suspected small bowel bleeding (SSBB) is highly variable. Different reimbursement systems and equipment costs also limit SBCE use in clinical practice. Thus, minimizing non-diagnostic procedures is advisable. This study aimed to assess the SBCE diagnostic yield and identify factors predicting diagnostic findings in a cohort of patients with SSBB. Patients and methods In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed the medical records of patients who consecutively underwent SBCE for SSBB over 9 years. By logistic regression, we identified covariates predicting diagnostic findings at SBCE. Finally, we performed a post-hoc cost analysis based on previous gastroenterologist or endoscopist consultations versus direct SBCE ordering by other specialists. Results The final analysis included 584 patients. Most SBCEs were ordered by a gastroenterologist or endoscopist (74%). The number of SBCEs without any finding was significantly lower in the gastroenterologist/endoscopist group P <0.001). The SBCE diagnostic yield ordered by a gastroenterologist or endoscopist was significantly higher than that by other specialists (63% vs 52%, odds ratio [OR] 1.57; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07–2.26, P =0.019). At multivariate analysis, older age (OR 1.7, 95%CI 1.2–2.4, P =0.005), anemia (OR 4.9, 95%CI 1.9–12, P =0.001), small bowel transit time (OR 1, 95%CI 1–1.02, P =0.039), and referring physician (OR 1.8, 95%CI 1.1–2.7, P =0.003) independently predicted diagnostic findings. Implementing prior gastroenterologist or endoscopist referral vs direct SBCE ordering would reduce medical expenditures by 16%. Conclusions The professional background of referring physicians significantly improves the diagnostic yield of SBCE and contributes to controlling public health costs.
Characterization of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)/Polyacrylic Acid (PAA) Composite Film-Forming Solutions and Resulting Films as Affected by Beeswax Content

Recently, the food packaging industry has focused on developing an eco-friendly and sustainable food packaging system. This study describes the effect of beeswax on the physical, structural, and barrier properties of a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/polyacrylic acid (PAA) composite film. The incorporation of beeswax improved the barrier properties against oxygen, water, and oil. However, the addition of a high content of beeswax caused phase separation in the film-forming solution. The destabilization mechanisms such as clarification and creaming formation in the film-forming solution were revealed by turbidimetric analysis. The results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) indicates that non-homogeneous structures in the film-forming solution were formed as a function of increased beeswax content due to the agglomeration of beeswax. The mechanical properties of the films were also evaluated to determine the most appropriate content of beeswax. There was a slight decrease in tensile strength and an increase in elongation as beeswax content increased up to 10%. Thus, the PVA/PAA composite film with 10% beeswax was chosen for further applications. In summary, the PVA/PAA composite film developed in this study with 10% beeswax exhibited a significant improvement in barrier properties and has the potential for use in commerce.
Models of Care in Providing Comprehensive Healthcare on Cancer Survivors: A Scoping Review with a TIDieR Checklist Analysis

Background: The study’s aim is to identify the models of care used to provide survivorship care plans (SCPs) to cancer survivors in healthcare services, describing what kind of professionals are involved, in which settings and timings, and their feasibility. Methods: The Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews is followed. Studies that considered the SCPs applying different models of care, in any healthcare setting on any adult cancer survivors who completed oncological treatments, have been included. Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Cinahal were searched from 2013 to 2023 with these keywords: “Survivorship Care Plan”, “Oncology”, and “Program”. The study selection process was reported with the PRISMA-ScR. A total of 325 records were identified, 42 were screened, and, ultimately, 23 articles were included. Results: The models of care include: SCP standardization in hospitals; self-support oriented; consultation-based; primary or specialist direct referral; shared care; a multimodal approach. Multidisciplinary teams were involved in the SCP models of care. The settings were private clinics or cancer centers. One-hour SCP interventions were most frequently delivered through in-person visits, by telephone, or online. Conclusions: Implementing SCPs is feasible in healthcare contexts, but with challenges, like time and resource management. Patient-centered programs promoting coordinated care are promising models of care.
Physical Activity Behavioral Intervention for type 2 DM Patients: A Literature Review

Various chronic and acute conditions as comorbid diseases are highly influential to the everyday life of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, including in physical, psychological, economic, family burden, and quality of life aspects. The protocol and evaluation of this literature review used the PRISMA checklist. Using four databases; Pubmed, Science-direct, Scopus/Web of Science, and ProQuest. Five main physical activity behavioral intervention models for diabetes mellitus patients were discovered: 1. empowerment (individual and familial); 2. diabetes self-management education; 3. web-based digital health intervention; 4. motivational interviewing; and 5. SMS-based education. The five models focused on strengthening the importance of physical activity in diabetes mellitus patients’ self-management.
Comparative Analysis of the Effect of Gamma-, Electron, and Proton Irradiation on Transcriptomic Profile of Hordeum vulgare L. Seedlings: In Search for Molecular Contributors to Abiotic Stress Resilience

The development of adaptation strategies for crops under ever-changing climate conditions is a critically important food security issue. Studies of barley responses to ionising radiation showed that this evolutionarily ancient stress factor can be successfully used to identify molecular pathways involved in adaptation to a range of abiotic stressors. In order to identify potential molecular contributors to abiotic stress resilience, we examined the transcriptomic profiles of barley seedlings after exposure to γ-rays, electrons, and protons. A total of 553 unique differentially expressed genes with increased expression and 124 with decreased expression were detected. Among all types of radiation, the highest number of differentially expressed genes was observed in electron-irradiated samples (428 upregulated and 56 downregulated genes). Significant upregulation after exposure to the three types of radiation was shown by a set of ROS-responsive genes, genes involved in DNA repair, cell wall metabolism, auxin biosynthesis and signalling, as well as photosynthesis-related genes. Most of these genes are known to be involved in plant ROS-mediated responses to other abiotic stressors, especially with genotoxic components, such as heavy metals and drought. Ultimately, the modulation of molecular pathways of plant responses to ionising radiation may be a prospective tool for stress tolerance programmes.
Study on the regional deformation field and strong earthquake risk of Beijing Area in the near future

the background value of regional deformation field observed with leveling and GPS as well as its relationship with the faults deformation value given by fixed observation stations from 1998 to 2000 in Beijing area are analyzed.The study indicates;(1)The vertical deformation rates and its gradient in this area are lower than the normal value of North China area and the corresponding value before some strong earthquakes;(2)The horizontal deformation rates given by GPS measurements are also at a lower level in this area;(3)The fault deformation rates (vertical and horizontal)at fixed observation sites are equal to the regional background value;(4)Based on the state of large-scale deformation field and the level of fault deformation anomalies mentioned above,there will be no stronger earthquake in the area in future 1-3 years.
Transcriptome analysis reveals the molecular mechanisms of rubber biosynthesis and laticifer differentiation during rubber seed germination

The molecular mechanisms underlying the initiation of natural rubber synthesis and laticifer differentiation have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we conducted a time-series transcriptome analysis of five rubber tree tissues at four stages of seed germination. A total of 161,199 DEGs were identified between the two groups, including most 16,673 DEGs (A3 vs B3 and A3 vs C3) and lest 1,210 DEGs (C2 vs D2). We found that the maturation of the seed is accompanied by the formation of laticifer cells in cotyledon. Meanwhile, the analysis of hormones related genes expression may provide effective clues for us to promote the differentiation of laticifer cells in seeds by hormones in the future. In this study, hormone-related gene enrichment analyses revealed that IAA, GA, and CTK were activated in laticifer containing tissues. Similarly, GO and GEGG analysis showed that hormone pathways, especially the auxin pathway, are enriched. Gene expression clustering was analyzed using the short time-series expression miner (STEM), and the analysis revealed four distinct trends in the gene expression profiles. Moreover, we enriched transcription factor (TF) enrichment in cotyledon and embryonic axis tissues, and the MYB type exhibited the most significant difference. Furthermore, our findings revealed that genes related to rubber synthesis exhibited tissue-specific expression patterns during seed germination. Notably, key genes associated with rubber biosynthesis, specifically small rubber particle protein (SRPP) and cis-prenyltransferase (CPT), exhibited significant changes in expression in cotyledon and embryonic axis tissues, suggesting synchronous rubber synthesis with seed germination. Our staining results reveled that laticifer cells were exits in the cotyledon before seed imbibition stage. In conclusion, these results lay the foundation for exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying laticifer differentiation and rubber synthesis during seed germination, deepening our understanding of the initiation stages of rubber biosynthesis and laticifer differentiation.