Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessing the occurrence of egg stranding for trout and salmon in a regulated river

A key challenge in many regulated rivers is to define adequate flow levels to protect aquatic organisms. Provisioning of suitable flow can be pivotal bottlenecks for fishes such as salmon and trout that use the riverbed as an incubation habitat. Additionally, the locations where females spawn will define the probability that embryos will be dewatered during the incubation period in a regulated flow regime. We investigated the water flow, dewatering, and incubation mortality in Atlantic salmon and brown trout in natural nests over 19 years in the regulated Bjoreio River in western Norway. During the study period, different flow strategies were applied to mitigate the dewatering of incubating salmon and trout embryos. Average survival in nests sampled in late winter ranged from 54% to 92% among years and was significantly correlated with the minimum water flow occurring during the incubation period. Mortality was significantly higher in nests in shallow areas, reflecting nests exposed to dewatering. The results demonstrate a strong link between incubation mortality and managed flow regimes for river spawning salmonids. Using detailed information on the nest location and incubation mortality, we estimate minimum flow requirements for this river and demonstrate an approach to effectively mitigate the impact of river regulations on embryo survival in Atlantic salmon and brown trout.
Synthesis of D-π-A′-π-A Chromophores with Quinoxaline Core as Auxiliary Acceptor and Effect of Various Silicon-Substituted Donor Moieties on Thermal and Nonlinear Optical Properties at Molecular and Material Level

Novel D-π-A′-π-A chromophores with quinoxaline cores as auxiliary acceptors and various donor moieties (aniline, carbazole, phenothiazine, tetrahydroquinoline) containing bulky tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy (TBDMSO) groups and tricyanofuranyl (TCF) acceptors with bulky cyclohexylphenyl substituents were synthesized via eight- to nine-step procedures, and their photo-physical and thermal properties were investigated. The values of the chromophores’ first hyperpolarizabilities were calculated in the framework of DFT at the M06-2X/aug-cc-pVDZ computational level; the effect of the introduction of the TBDMSO group into the donor fragment is shown to be inessential, as this group is not coupled to the π-conjugated system of the chromophore. The chromophore with the tetrahydroquinoline donor has a first hyperpolarizability value of 937 × 10−30 esu, which is the highest for the studied chromophores. Atomistic modeling of composite materials with the studied chromophores as guests demonstrated that the presence of bulky substituent in the donor fragment prevents notable aggregation of chromophores, even at high chromophore content (40 wt.%). The nonlinear optical performance of guest–host materials with 25 and 40 wt. % of suggested chromophore content was studied using a second harmonic generation technique to give the NLO coefficient, d33 up to 52 pm/V.
In situ transmission electron microscope studies of the kinetics of abnormal grain growth in electroplated copper films

We have performed in situ transmission electron microscopy studies of abnormal grain growth in electroplated copper films at room temperature and 55 °C, starting minutes after the plating process by electroplating directly onto electron-transparent membranes. A kinetic analysis indicates that the grains that grow abnormally, reject impurities as they grow, so that the impurities accumulate in (and must diffuse through) the untransformed matrix. This suggests that while impurities impair normal grain growth, impurity rejection contributes to the energetics that drive abnormal grain growth. This result also indicates that removal of impurities from the film can control the kinetics of the transformation to large-grained structures.
Photoluminescence of ZnO nanorod-TiO2 nanotube hybrid arrays produced by electrodeposition

The fabrication and structure characterization of ZnO nanorod-TiO2 nanotube hybrid arrays are reported. ZnO nanorods were electrodeposited onto the TiO2 nanotubes to form nanorod-nanotube hybrid arrays. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the ZnO nanorods were tightly grown together with TiO2 nanotubes. And the as-prepared ZnO nanorods have single crystal structures, which were grown along the [0001] direction. Both photoluminescence (PL) signals of ZnO nanorods and TiO2 nanotubes were observed in the PL spectrum of hybrid arrays. The observed PL signals of ZnO nanorods with visible broadband emission were induced by structure-dependent defects in ZnO nanorods.
Focusing of hard x-rays to 16 nanometers with a multilayer Laue lens

We report improved results for hard x-ray focusing using a multilayer Laue lens MLL. We have measured a line focus of 16 nm width with an efficiency of 31% at a wavelength =0.064 nm 19.5 keV using a partial MLL structure with an outermost zone width of 5 nm. The results are in good agreement with the theoretically predicted performance. © 2008 American Institute of
The Molecular Pharmacology of Phloretin: Anti-Inflammatory Mechanisms of Action

The isolation of phlorizin from the bark of an apple tree in 1835 led to a flurry of research on its inhibitory effect on glucose transporters in the intestine and kidney. Using phlorizin as a prototype drug, antidiabetic agents with more selective inhibitory activity towards glucose transport at the kidney have subsequently been developed. In contrast, its hydrolysis product in the body, phloretin, which is also found in the apple plant, has weak antidiabetic properties. Phloretin, however, displays a range of pharmacological effects including antibacterial, anticancer, and cellular and organ protective properties both in vitro and in vivo. In this communication, the molecular basis of its anti-inflammatory mechanisms that attribute to its pharmacological effects is scrutinised. These include inhibiting the signalling pathways of inflammatory mediators’ expression that support its suppressive effect in immune cells overactivation, obesity-induced inflammation, arthritis, endothelial, myocardial, hepatic, renal and lung injury, and inflammation in the gut, skin, and nervous system, among others.
Microchambers flow simulation for immunoassay-based biosensing applications

This paper presents fluid modeling and simulation of microchambers within microfluidic chip for immunoassay based biosensing applications. A microfluidic biosensor chip for fluorescence based immunoassay detection of biological elements should include suitably designed chambers with rinsing channels. Microfluidic chambers are necessary in holding and immobilizing enzymes onto the microfluidic surface. They function as center of interest for enzyme interactions and optical detection. It is also necessary to incorporate cleaning function into the micro-chambers to instigate reusability. The shape and size of the chamber is a crucial factor for sensitivity of the integrated biosensor as the optical detection unit would be placed at the top of the chamber. In the present work, combinations of chambers and channels with various geometries and sizes are simulated for rinsing flows. Chambers are analyzed for rinsing behavior under certain pressure drops between the inlet and outlet channels. Average velocity and flow contours are plotted and compared at different cross-sections within the chambers. Simulations are performed using FEM software, FEMLAB (Comsol, Inc., Burlington, MA). Optimized chambers are selected based on optimal rinsing, negligible slow zones without reverse flows, relatively simple geometry and low pressure drops.
Update on Chitosan-Based Hydrogels: Preparation, Characterization, and Its Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Applications

Chitosan is a prominent biopolymer in research for of its physicochemical properties and uses. Each year, the number of publications based on chitosan and its derivatives increases. Because of its comprehensive biological properties, including antibacterial, antioxidant, and tissue regeneration activities, chitosan and its derivatives can be used to prevent and treat soft tissue diseases. Furthermore, chitosan can be employed as a nanocarrier for therapeutic drug delivery. In this review, we will first discuss chitosan and chitosan-based hydrogel polymers. The structure, functionality, and physicochemical characteristics of chitosan-based hydrogels are addressed. Second, a variety of characterization approaches were used to analyze and validate the physicochemical characteristics of chitosan-based hydrogel materials. Finally, we discuss the antibacterial, antibiofilm, and antifungal uses of supramolecular chitosan-based hydrogels. This review study can be used as a base for future research into the production of various types of chitosan-based hydrogels in the antibacterial and antifungal fields.
A Quasi-equilibrium Turbulent Energy Model for Geophysical Flows

Abstract The Mellor-Yamada hierarchy of turbulent closure models is reexamined to show that the elimination of a slight inconsistency in their analysis leads to a quasi-equilibrium model that is somewhat simpler than their level 2½ model. Also the need to impose realizability conditions restricting the dependence of exchange coefficients on shearing rates is eliminated. The model is therefore more robust while the principal advantage of the level 2½ model, namely the solution of a prognostic equation for turbulent kinetic energy is retained. Its performance is shown to be not much different from that of level 2½.
Initial Boundary Value Problems of the Camassa–Holm Equation

In this paper we study initial boundary value problems of the Camassa–Holm equation on the half line and on a compact interval. Using rigorously the conservation of symmetry, it is possible to convert these boundary value problems into Cauchy problems for the Camassa–Holm equation on the line and on the circle, respectively. Applying thus known results for the latter equations we first obtain the local well-posedness of the initial boundary value problems under consideration. Then we present some blow-up and global existence results for strong solutions. Finally we investigate global and local weak solutions for the equation on the half line and on a compact interval, respectively. An interesting result of our analysis shows that the Camassa–Holm equation on a compact interval possesses no nontrivial global classical solutions.
Effect of dietary Conocarpus erectus leaves and branches on milk yield, quality, antioxidant activity and fatty acid profile, and blood parameters of Najdi dairy goats

Abstract To investigate the effect of Conocarpus erectus tree leaves and branches as a partial replacement of forage on milk yield and components, blood and rumen parameters of goats, 16 Najdi goats were used in a completely randomized design with 2 treatments (CON, without C. erectus; CE, contains C. erectus). The basic ratio consisted of 60% concentrate and 40% forage. In treatment CE, 22.5% of the forage (alfalfa hay and wheat straw) was replaced with C. erectus leaves and branches. The lowest amount of dry matter intake and digestibility were observed in the treatment CE (P < 0.05). The amount of milk production significantly increased (P = 0.01) in the treatment CE. The total count did not differ between treatments, but the highest amount of Lactobacillus spp. (P = 0.01) and the lowest amount of mold (P = 0.01) were observed in the treatment CE. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity decreased on days 15 (P = 0.02) and 31 (P = 0.01) of the experiment in treatment CE. The highest amount of short-, medium-, and long-chain fatty acids and also conjugated fatty acids were observed in the treatment CE (P < 0.05). Also, the concentration of fatty acids C16:0 and C18:0 was lower in the treatment CE (P < 0.05). The lowest amount of triglycerides, blood urea nitrogen, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoproteins, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, and serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase were observed in the treatment CE (P < 0.05). Ruminal pH and ammonia-N concentration were not affected by experimental treatment (P > 0.05). According to the results, the use of C. erectus leads to improved milk production and fatty acid profile, antioxidant activity, and microbial load.
Diffraction coupling of radiation into a thin-film waveguide

A thin-film optical waveguide with a sinusoidally corrugated surface is considered. This waveguide acts as a phase diffraction grating. The relationships between the waveguide parameters and the parameters of the exciting beam, ensuring the most effective coupling of the radiation into a specified waveguide mode, are determined for an arbitrary ratio of the grating period to the wavelength of light and for a relatively weak depth of modulation of the film thickness (i.e., for relatively weak coupling conditions).
Managing Follicular Lymphoma in the Elderly Population

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is one of the most commonly diagnosed types of indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). The median age of diagnosis for FL is 65 years old. Although the median life expectancy after diagnosis is approximately 10 years, the incurable disease has a high risk of transformation. This case report focuses on an 80-year-old patient diagnosed with low-grade follicular lymphoma which subsequently transformed leading to the patient's eventual demise as the patient took on the palliative intent. This case report aims to highlight the importance of clinical markers or prognostic factors to identify patients, specifically the elderly population who are at risk of transformation to aggressive forms when their FL remains at stage I-II phases. Currently, elderly patients with FL tend to be quickly dismissed with curative intent with chemotherapy, given their age and comorbidities, despite forming the majority of the population with follicular lymphoma. Age more than 60 years old has been shown to be one of the most powerful yet poor prognostic features in follicular lymphoma international prognostic index (FLIPI)—the main scoring system used for FL. Hence, further studies are required to look into the tailoring treatment for elderly patients with follicular lymphoma after risk stratifying them with appropriate clinical and prognostic markers.
Developing an agentic engagement scale in a self-paced MOOC

Abstract This study aimed to develop and validate a scale of agentic engagement in massive open online courses (MOOCs). Initially, 14 items were derived through a literature review, from which 7 items were drawn through a Delphi survey. Sample sets were used to develop and confirm the constructs of the new scale proposed in this study. To examine exploratory factor analysis, a survey of 163 learners using the K-MOOC system was conducted. The items were clustered into three factors: agentic support requests, agentic learning strategies, and agentic learning construction. A survey was administered to 243 respondents to validate the scale. The data gathered were analyzed through confirmatory factor analysis and a reliability test. The results showed that the agentic engagement scale, with 7 items and 3 factors, was reliable and valid. Based on the findings, instructional strategies were identified to enhance agentic engagement in self-paced MOOCs.
Compressed Feedback Using Autoencoder Based on Deep Learning for D2D Communication Networks

In this letter, we propose a feedback reduction scheme based on AutoEncoder and deep reinforcement learning for frequency division duplex (FDD) overlay device-to-device (D2D) communication networks. All D2D receivers and transmitters are equipped with an Encoder and Decoder, respectively, of the trained AutoEncoder. The D2D receivers compress the feedback information using the Encoder before transmitting while the transmitters decompress the received feedback information. We also employ a dueling deep Q network (DQN) to allow each D2D transmitter to autonomously determine whether to transmit data based on the decompressed feedback information. The performance of the proposed feedback reduction scheme is analyzed in terms of the average MSE of the AutoEncoder and the average sum-rate of a D2D communication network. Our numerical results show that the proposed feedback reduction scheme using the AutoEncoder can achieve 100%, 89%, and 86% of the average sum-rate of the perfect feedback scheme with no compression when the signal-to-noise ratio is 10dB, −5dB, and −20dB, respectively, while reducing the feedback by 50%.
Local Information-based Betweenness Centrality to Identify Important Nodes in Social Networks

In traditional social network analysis, the betweenness centrality measure has been heavily used to identify the relative importance of nodes in terms of message delivery. Since the time complexity to calculate the betweenness centrality is very high, however, it is difficult to get it of each node in large-scale social network where there are so many nodes and edges. In this paper, we define a new type of network, called the expanded ego network, which is built only with each node’s local information, i.e., neighbor information of the node’s neighbor nodes, and also define a new measure, called the expended ego betweenness centrality. Through the intensive experiment with Barabasi-Albert network model to generate the scale-free networks which most social networks have as their embedded feature, we also show that the nodes’ importance rank based on the expanded ego betweenness centrality has high similarity with that based on the traditional betweenness centrality. Keywords:Social Network Analysis, Betweenness Centrality, Local Information, Expanded Ego Network
Optical modulation of terahertz behavior in silicon with structured surfaces

Optically modulated terahertz (THz) transmittance through Si with various resistivities, in particular the high-resistivity samples with a structured surface showing nanosized pillars or split-ring resonators (SRRs), was investigated. The samples with nanosized pillars display an increased transmittance and an accordingly reduced modulation depth. With SRRs on the surface, strongly selective modulation can be realized at the resonant frequencies where the transmittance is vanishingly small, whereas at the non-resonant frequencies, where the transmittance is large, the modulation depth is much greater. These results demonstrate an alternative route for the modulation of THz wave in the all-optical devices.
Design of long-period gratings in cladding-pumped microstructured optical fiber

An optical coupler constituted by a long-period grating (LPG) written into the single-mode core of a double-cladding microstructured optical fiber (DCMOF) is designed. The LPG allows the power transfer from the inner cladding modes toward the fundamental mode guided in the core. The eigenanalysis of the guided modes is performed via a finite element method routine, and the coupler spectral characteristics are modeled by using the multimode coupled-mode theory. The optical coupler feasibility is numerically demonstrated, and its refinement is obtained via a large number of simulations performed by varying the geometrical parameters of the fiber cross section, the grating period, and length. Moreover, the coupler performance has been further improved via a chirpedlike LPG made of a cascade of gratings having a suitable period and length. The simulations emphasize that the core-mode power at the output end of an DCMOF with an LPG coupler 23.17 cm long is increased by about 575% with respect to its value at the input section. In fact, about 25% of the total input power is transferred from the inner cladding modes toward the fundamental mode guided into the core.
mTORC2 Is Activated under Hypoxia and Could Support Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Stem Cells

Hypoxia is a critical condition that governs survival, self-renewal, quiescence, metabolic shift and refractoriness to leukemic stem cell (LSC) therapy. The present study aims to investigate the hypoxia-driven regulation of the mammalian Target of the Rapamycin-2 (mTORC2) complex to unravel it as a novel potential target in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) therapeutic strategies. After inducing hypoxia in a CML cell line model, we investigated the activities of mTORC1 and mTORC2. Surprisingly, we detected a significant activation of mTORC2 at the expense of mTORC1, accompanied by the nuclear localization of the main substrate phospho-Akt (Ser473). Moreover, the Gene Ontology analysis of CML patients’ CD34+ cells showed enrichment in the mTORC2 signature, further strengthening our data. The deregulation of mTOR complexes highlights how hypoxia could be crucial in CML development. In conclusion, we propose a mechanism by which CML cells residing under a low-oxygen tension, i.e., in the leukemia quiescent LSCs, singularly regulate the mTORC2 and its downstream effectors.
SAR image despeckling combining target detection with improved nonlocal means

To effectively preserve targets such as edges and dots of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images while cleanly removing noise, a despeckling strategy is proposed. Both despeckling results of bilateral filtering and an improved nonlocal means algorithm (INLMeans) are first utilised to detect targets. Then, the detected targets are removed from the SAR image and INLMeans is employed to denoise the targets-removed image. Finally, the removed targets are added to the despeckled targets-removed image. Experimental results show that the visual quality and evaluation indexes of the proposed algorithm outperform those of the anisotropic diffusion and INLMeans.
On a nonlinear Birnbaum–Saunders model based on a bivariate construction and its characteristics

Abstract The Birnbaum-Saunders (BS) distribution is an asymmetric probability model that is receiving considerable attention. In this article, we propose a methodology based on a new class of BS models generated from the Student-t distribution. We obtain a recurrence relationship for a BS distribution based on a nonlinear skew–t distribution. Model parameters estimators are obtained by means of the maximum likelihood method, which are evaluated by Monte Carlo simulations. We illustrate the obtained results by analyzing two real data sets. These data analyses allow the adequacy of the proposed model to be shown and discussed by applying model selection tools.
Can DFT Calculations Provide Useful Information for SERS Applications?

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations allow us to reproduce the SERS (surface-enhanced Raman scattering) spectra of molecules adsorbed on nanostructured metal surfaces and extract the most information this spectroscopy is potentially able to provide. The latter point mainly concerns the anchoring mechanism and the bond strength between molecule and metal as well as the structural and electronic modifications of the adsorbed molecule. These findings are of fundamental importance for the application of this spectroscopic technique. This review presents and discusses some SERS–DFT studies carried out in Italy as a collaboration between the universities of Modena and Reggio-Emilia and of Florence, giving an overview of the information that we can extract with a combination of experimental SERS spectra and DFT modeling. In addition, a selection of the most recent studies and advancements on the DFT approach to SERS spectroscopy is reported with commentary.