Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Few-Layer Graphene-Based Nanofluids with Enhanced Thermal Conductivity

High-quality graphene is an especially promising carbon nanomaterial for developing nanofluids for enhancing heat transfer in fluid circulation systems. We report a complete study on few layer graphene (FLG) based nanofluids, including FLG synthesis, FLG-based nanofluid preparation, and their thermal conductivity. The FLG sample is synthesized by an original mechanical exfoliation method. The morphological and structural characterization are investigated by both scanning and transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The chosen two-step method involves the use of thee nonionic surfactants (Triton X-100, Pluronic® P123, and Gum Arabic), a commercial mixture of water and propylene glycol and a mass content in FLG from 0.05 to 0.5%. The thermal conductivity measurements of the three FLG-based nanofluid series are carried out in the temperature range 283.15–323.15 K by the transient hot-wire method. From a modeling analysis of the nanofluid thermal conductivity behavior, it is finally shown that synergetic effects of FLG nanosheet size and thermal resistance at the FLG interface both have significant impact on the evidenced thermal conductivity enhancement.
Effects of Darkness and Light Spectra on Nutrients and Pigments in Radish, Soybean, Mung Bean and Pumpkin Sprouts

Fresh sprouts are an important source of antioxidant compounds and contain useful phytonutrients in the human diet. Many factors, such as the time of germination and types of light, influence the physiological processes and biosynthetic pathways in sprouts. The effect of red, blue and white light vs. dark conditions on the quality parameters in different sprout species after 5 d of germination was evaluated. Total ascorbate, soluble proteins, sugars, phenolic compounds, and pigments, such as carotenoids, chlorophylls, and anthocyanins, were investigated in radishes, soybeans, mung beans, and pumpkin sprouts. The light treatments increased the contents of vitamin C and the various pigments in all sprouts, conversely, they increased the soluble proteins and sugars, including d-glucose, d-fructose and sucrose, in soybeans and pumpkins, respectively. The dark treatment prevented the decrease in dry matter due to the lighting, while the red light induced an increase in polyphenols in soybean. These results suggest that the nutritional content of different sprouts grown under different light conditions depend on the dark or specific spectral wavelength used for their growth. The manuscript may increase the knowledge on light use for the industrialized food production aiming at preserving the phytonutrient content of vegetables, increasing the consumer health, or developing tailored diets for specific nutritional needs.
Getting the ##life out of living: How Adequate Are Word-Pieces for Modelling Complex Morphology?

This work investigates the most basic units that underlie contextualized word embeddings, such as BERT — the so-called word pieces. In Morphologically-Rich Languages (MRLs) which exhibit morphological fusion and non-concatenative morphology, the different units of meaning within a word may be fused, intertwined, and cannot be separated linearly. Therefore, when using word-pieces in MRLs, we must consider that: (1) a linear segmentation into sub-word units might not capture the full morphological complexity of words; and (2) representations that leave morphological knowledge on sub-word units inaccessible might negatively affect performance. Here we empirically examine the capacity of word-pieces to capture morphology by investigating the task of multi-tagging in Modern Hebrew, as a proxy to evaluate the underlying segmentation. Our results show that, while models trained to predict multi-tags for complete words outperform models tuned to predict the distinct tags of WPs, we can improve the WPs tag prediction by purposefully constraining the word-pieces to reflect their internal functions. We suggest that linguistically-informed word-pieces schemes, that make the morphological structure explicit, might boost performance for MRLs.
Ulva diversity in the Yellow Sea during the large‐scale green algal blooms in 2008–2009

In the Yellow Sea of China, large‐scale green tides have broken out for three consecutive years from 2007 to 2009. As part of the efforts to localize the algal source, two cruises were conducted in the early stage and the outbreak stage of the bloom in 2009. We analyzed the morphological and genetic diversity of drifting Ulva specimens and culture‐derived isolates from seawater sampled in different localities. For phylogenetic analyses, the nuclear encoded ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer region (ITS nrDNA) and the plastid encoded large subunit of ribulose‐1, 5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxgenase gene (rbcL) were used. Our molecular and morphological data indicate that the dominant free‐floating Ulva species in 2008 and 2009 possibly belonged to a single strain of the U. linza‐procera‐prolifera (LPP) clade. The ITS sequences from bloom‐forming algal samples with dense branches were identical to those from U. linza‐like specimens without branches derived from the Yellow Sea. Microscopic individuals of the dominant Ulva strain were detected in eight stations, revealing that spore dispersal in the water helped to enlarge biomass in the water during the outbreak stage of green tide in the Yellow Sea.
High-Sensitivity Goos-Hänchen Shifts Sensor Based on BlueP-TMDCs-Graphene Heterostructure

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) with two-dimensional (2D) materials is proposed to enhance the sensitivity of sensors. A novel Goos–Hänchen (GH) shift sensing scheme based on blue phosphorene (BlueP)/transition metal dichalogenides (TMDCs) and graphene structure is proposed. The significantly enhanced GH shift is obtained by optimizing the layers of BlueP/TMDCs and graphene. The maximum GH shift of the hybrid structure of Ag-Indium tin oxide (ITO)-BlueP/WS2–graphene is −2361λ with BlueP/WS2 four layers and a graphene monolayer. Furthermore, the GH shift can be positive or negative depending on the layer number of BlueP/TMDCs and graphene. For sensing performance, the highest sensitivity of 2.767 × 107λ/RIU is realized, which is 5152.7 times higher than the traditional Ag-SPR structure, 2470.5 times of Ag-ITO, 2159.2 times of Ag-ITO-BlueP/WS2, and 688.9 times of Ag-ITO–graphene. Therefore, such configuration with GH shift can be used in various chemical, biomedical and optical sensing fields.
Update on the Effects of Antioxidants on Diabetic Retinopathy: In Vitro Experiments, Animal Studies and Clinical Trials

Current therapies for diabetic retinopathy (DR) incorporate blood glucose and blood pressure control, vitrectomy, photocoagulation, and intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factors or corticosteroids. Nonetheless, these techniques have not been demonstrated to completely stop the evolution of this disorder. The pathophysiology of DR is not fully known, but there is more and more evidence indicating that oxidative stress is an important mechanism in the progression of DR. In this sense, antioxidants have been suggested as a possible therapy to reduce the complications of DR. In this review we aim to assemble updated information in relation to in vitro experiments, animal studies and clinical trials dealing with the effect of the antioxidants on DR.
Single Cell Transcriptomic Analysis Identifies a Unique Pulmonary Lymphangioleiomyomatosis Cell.

RATIONALE Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a metastatic neoplasm of reproductive age women associated with mutations in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) genes. LAM causes cystic remodeling of the lung and progressive respiratory failure. The sources and cellular characteristics of LAM cells underlying disease pathogenesis remain elusive. OBJECTIVES Identification and characterization of LAM cells in human lung and uterus using single cell approach. METHODS Single cell/nuclei RNA sequencing on LAM (n=4) and control (n=7) lungs, immunofluorescence confocal microscopy, ELISA, and aptamer proteomics were used to identify and validate LAMCORE cells and secreted biomarkers, predict cellular origins, define molecular and cellular networks in LAM. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS A unique cell type termed LAMCORE was identified, which was distinct from, but closely related to, lung mesenchymal cells. LAMCORE cells expressing signature genes included known LAM markers such as PMEL, FIGF, CTSK and MLANA, and novel biomarkers validated by aptamer screening, ELISA, and immunofluorescence microscopy. LAM cells in lung and uterus are morphologically indistinguishable and share similar gene expression profiles and biallelic TSC2 mutations, supporting a potential uterine origin for the LAMCORE cell. Effects of LAM on resident pulmonary cell types indicated recruitment and activation of lymphatic endothelial cells. CONCLUSION A unique population of LAMCORE cells was identified in lung and uterus of LAM patients, sharing close transcriptomic identity. LAM cell selective markers, secreted biomarkers, and the predicted cellular molecular features provide new insights into the signaling and transcriptional programs which may serve as diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets to influence the pathogenesis of LAM.
Accuracy of Broiler Activity Index as Affected by Sampling Time Interval

Simple Summary Broiler activity index is a measure of bird movement through determining bird-representative pixel changes between consecutive images. Since the concept of activity index was coined, different sampling time intervals of consecutive images have been used to determine broiler activity. In this study, we found that accuracy of broiler activity decreased at longer sampling time intervals, with the 0.04-s interval yielding the most accurate activity index among all intervals investigated. In addition, broiler activity in the commercial house generally decreased as birds aged and varied at different monitoring locations. The research provides insights into image-sampling strategies for accurately determining broiler activity index, which may help to address growing public concerns on poultry welfare and health. Abstract Different time intervals between consecutive images have been used to determine broiler activity index (AI). However, the accuracy of broiler AI as affected by sampling time interval remains to be explored. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the sampling time interval (0.04, 0.2, 1, 10, 60, and 300 s) on the accuracy of broiler AI at different bird ages (1–7 weeks), locations (feeder, drinker, and open areas) and times of day (06:00–07:00 h, 12:00–13:00 h, and 18:00–19:00 h). A ceiling-mounted camera was used to capture top-view videos for broiler AI calculations. The results show that the sampling time interval of 0.04 s yielded the highest broiler AI because more bird motion details were captured at this short time interval. The broiler AIs at longer time intervals were 1–99% of that determined at the 0.04-s interval. The broiler AI at 0.2-s interval showed an acceptable accuracy with 80% less computational resources. Broiler AI decreased as birds aged but increased after week 4 at the drinker area. Broiler AI was the highest at the open area for weeks 1–4 and at the feeder and drinker areas for weeks 5–7. It is concluded that the accuracy of broiler AI was significantly affected by sampling time intervals. Broiler AI in commercial housing showed both temporal and spatial variations.
Pine defoliator Bupalus piniaria L. (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) and its entomopathogenic fungi 1. Fungi isolation and testing on larvae

* Corresponding author. E-mail: dalia.peciulyte@botanika.lt Pine defoliator bordered white moth (pine looper), Bupalus piniaria L. (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) larvae were reared under laboratory conditions and were regularly supplied with pine twigs collected in nature for feeding. Cadavers of naturally infected 2nd and 3rd stage larvae were collected and analysed. Th irty-six fungal isolates belonging to 15 species and 10 genera were obtained, cultivated and identifi ed. Among them two species prevailed: Lecanicillium psalliotae (syn. Verticillium psalliotae) and Fusarium solani, comprising respectively 34.6 and 24.3% of the total number of fungi isolates. Conidial suspensions of the two fungi species at concentrations 105 to 108 conidia/ml were tested. Only the highest concentration of F. solani induced the mortality of 4th instar larvae, although the virulence was low: accumulative mortality ranged from 29.6 to 30.7% aft er 10 days of spraying. In the control group, the mortality was 15.8% aft er the same period. Th e high percentage of cadavers containing one of the two fungal species and the low mortality recorded in the test could be due to the very diff erent sensitivity to the pathogens in diff erent stage larvae. Th is is the fi rst report on the isolation and identifi cation of fungi developing on B. piniaria.
Female mating status and reproductive success in the great reed warbler: Is there a potential cost of polygyny that requires compensation?

1. Using data from a 9-year study of the great reed warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus L. carried out in Sweden, I tested the main assumption of the polygyny threshold model (that there is a cost of polygyny) and the main prediction (that this cost is compensated for). The main question was whether a female that chose a mated male (secondary females) experienced the same fitness as a female that at the same time chose an unmated male (primary females). The study includes a total of 192 breeding seasons of 104 individual females of which 40% settled with already mated males. 2. Eight potential correlates of fitness were examined; namely, clutch size, hatching success, hedging success, survival until breeding age, nest survival, mass of fledglings, mass of feeding females and annual survival rate of breeding females. I started each analysis by controlling for four potential confounding variables (year, study site, female age and breeding date). Then I compared the average fitness measure of primary and secondary females. 3. The only detected potential component cost of polygyny was a higher mortality among nestlings if a non-primary position within the harem was retained until hatching. This was supported by a natural experiment. Females that initially chose mated males but which achieved a primary position after failure of the originally primary female's nest enjoyed an increased fledging success, probably because of more male assistance. 4. The number of recruits, controlling for settling dates, for the two categories of females were almost identical (primary females 0 . 53 recruits per year, secondary females 0 . 51 recruits per year). Since secondary and primary females showed similar rates of survival until next breeding season the fitness of the two strategies appears to be equal. These findings strongly suggest that polygyny in the great reed warbler is best explained by the compensation models such as the polygyny threshold model. (Less)
Neutron Therapy for High‐Grade Salivary Carcinomas in the Adjuvant and Primary Treatment Setting

Our primary objective was to compare differences in survival of patients with high‐grade salivary gland carcinomas (SGCs) receiving adjuvant neutron versus photon radiotherapy using a hospital‐based national cohort and restricted mean survival time (RMST) analysis. Our secondary objective was to compare survival of similar patients treated with primary neutron versus photon radiation.
National nutrition strategies that focus on maternal, infant, and young child nutrition in Southeast Asia do not consistently align with regional and international recommendations

Abstract We examined the consistency of national nutrition strategies and action plans (NNS) focusing on maternal, infant, and young child nutrition in Southeast Asia with regional and international recommendations. Between July and December 2017, we identified and extracted information on context, objectives, interventions, indicators, strategies, and coordination mechanisms from the most recent NNS in nine Southeast Asian countries. All NNS described context, objectives, and the following interventions: antenatal care, micronutrient supplementation during pregnancy, breastfeeding promotion, improved complementary feeding, nutrition in emergencies, and food fortification or dietary diversity. Micronutrient supplementation for young children was included in eight NNS; breastfeeding promotion during pregnancy and support at birth in seven; and school feeding, deworming, and treatment of severe acute malnutrition in six. All NNS contained programme monitoring and evaluation plans with measurable indicators and targets. Not all NNS covered wasting, exclusive breastfeeding, low birthweight, and childhood overweight. Strategies for achieving NNS goals and objectives were health system strengthening (nine), social and behaviour change communication (nine), targeting vulnerable groups (eight), and social or community mobilization (four). All addressed involvement, roles and responsibilities, and collaboration mechanisms among sectors and stakeholders. There was a delay in releasing NNS in Indonesia, Myanmar, and the Philippines. In conclusion, although Southeast Asian NNS have similarities in structure and contents, some interventions and indicators vary by country and do not consistently align with regional and international recommendations. A database with regularly updated information on NNS components would facilitate cross‐checking completeness within a country, comparison across countries, and knowledge sharing and learning.
De-lighting a High-resolution Picture for Material Acquisition

We propose a deep-learning based method for the removal of shades, projected shadows and highlights from a single picture of a quasi-planar surface captured in natural lighting conditions with any kind of camera device. To achieve this, we train an encoder-decoder to process physically based materials, rendered under various lighting conditions, to infer its spatially-varying albedo. Our network processes relatively small image tiles (512x512 pixels) and we propose a solution to handle larger image resolutions by solving a Poisson system across these tiles.
The impact of stem cells in neuro-oncology: applications, evidence, limitations and challenges

Background: Stem cells (SCs) represent a recent and attractive therapeutic option for neuro-oncology, as well as for treating degenerative, ischemic and traumatic pathologies of the central nervous system. This is mainly because of their homing capacity, which makes them capable of reaching the inaccessible SC niches of the tumor, therefore, acting as living drugs. The target of the study is a comprehensive overview of the SC-based therapies in neuro-oncology, also highlighting the current translational challenges of this type of approach. Methods: An online search of the literature was carried out on the PubMed/MEDLINE and ClinicalTrials.gov websites, restricting it to the most pertinent keywords regarding the systematization of the SCs and their therapeutic use for malignant brain tumors. A large part of the search was dedicated to clinical trials. Only preclinical and clinical data belonging to the last 5 years were shortlisted. A further sorting was implemented based on the best match and relevance. Results: The results consisted in 96 relevant articles and 31 trials. Systematization involves a distinction between human embryonic, fetal and adult, but also totipotent, pluripotent or multipotent SCs. Mesenchymal and neuronal SCs were the most studied for neuro-oncological illnesses. 30% and 50% of the trials were phase I and II, respectively. Conclusion: Mesenchymal and neuronal SCs are ideal candidates for SCs-based therapy of malignant brain tumors. The spectrum of their possible applications is vast and is mainly based on the homing capacity toward the tumor microenvironment. Availability, delivery route, oncogenicity and ethical issues are the main translational challenges concerning the use of SCs in neuro-oncology. (www.actabiomedica.it)
Do contests improve students skills in Computer Graphics? The case of API8

This paper presents a contest designed to improve the skills of students in Computer Graphics. The contest is adapted to the current skills of the students and uses a public graphic library. Students then have to produce a demo, generally a program which presents an animation. The main result presented in this paper is that with an appropriate set of tools, students program interesting demos to participate in the contest and their skills in Computer Graphics seem to improve signiﬁcantly
Conservation management approaches to protecting the capacity for corals to respond to climate change: a theoretical comparison

Multiple anthropogenic impacts, including bleaching from climate change‐related thermal stress, threaten coral reefs. Protecting coral capacity to respond to the increase in future thermal stress expected with climate change can involve (1) protecting coral reefs with characteristics indicative of greater resistance and resilience to climate change, and (2) reducing other anthropogenic impacts that are more likely to reduce coral resistance and resilience to climate change. Here, we quantitatively compare possible priorities and existing recommendations for protecting coral response capacity to climate change. Specifically, we explore the relative importance of the relevant dynamics, processes, and parameters in a size‐structured model of coral and zooxanthellae ecological and evolutionary dynamics given projected future thermal stress. Model results with varying initial conditions indicate that protecting diverse coral communities is critical, and protecting communities with higher abundances of more thermally tolerant coral species and symbiont types secondary, to the long‐term maintenance of coral cover. A sensitivity analysis of the coral population size in each size class and the total coral cover with respect to all parameter values suggests greater relative importance of reducing additional anthropogenic impacts that affect coral–macroalgal competition, early coral life history stages, and coral survivorship (compared with reproduction, growth, and shrinkage). Finally, model results with temperature trajectories from different locations, with and without connectivity, indicate that protection of, and connectivity to, low‐thermal‐stress locations may enhance the capacity for corals to respond to climate change.