Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bend-Insensitive Grapefruit-Type Holey Ring-Core Fiber for Weakly-Coupled OAM Mode Division Multiplexing Transmission

We propose a bend-insensitive grapefruit-type holey ring-core fiber to support orbital angular momentum (OAM) modes. The large air domain in the cladding, results in a large refractive index contrast between the ring-core and the cladding, which makes this fiber bend-insensitive and makes the vector eigenmodes well separated. Therefore, the proposed fiber can be adopted for the OAM mode division multiplexing transmission without the use of any multiple-input multiple-output digital signal processing (MIMO-DSP). It is also proved that the thickness of the outer silica layer around the ring-core plays an important role in confining the light. If the OAM modes in the ring-core and the cladding modes in the outer silica layer are not phase-matched, the OAM modes in the ring-core will not be coupled into the outer layer of silica and can be well confined. We fabricate such fiber in two steps by using the “stack-and-draw” method. Two kinds of fibers with different thicknesses of the outer silica layer are fabricated under different pressures and temperatures. The testing results of the fabricated fiber demonstrate the mode purity and illustrate that the loss of the OAM<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$_{+1,1}$</tex-math></inline-formula> and OAM<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$_{+2,1}$</tex-math></inline-formula> modes are 0.095 dB/m and 0.25 dB/m, respectively.
Management Briefs: Shoal Spawning by Chinook Salmon in Lake Huron

Abstract Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha in spawning condition were captured with gill nets on a spawning shoal historically used by lake trout Salvelinus namaycush in the North Channel of Lake Huron. Divers located numerous Chinook salmon eggs and counted 16 redds in an area 4 m by 20 m. Advanced eyed eggs were pumped from the shoal in early spring and hatched in 3 d at a water temperature of 10°C. The management implications include a greatly increased potential for natural reproduction by Chinook salmon and the possibility of negative interactions between Chinook salmon and lake trout on spawning shoals.
Genetics of systemic sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune disease characterized by generalized fibrosis in connective tissues and internal organs as consequences of microvascular dysfunction and immune dysfunctions, which leads to premature death in affected individuals. The etiology of systemic sclerosis is complex and poorly understood, but as with most autoimmune diseases, it is widely accepted that both environmental and genetic factors contribute to disease risk. During the last decade, the number of genetic markers convincingly associated with systemic sclerosis has exponentially increased. In this article, we briefly mention the genetic components of systemic sclerosis. Then, we review the classical and novel genetic associations with systemic sclerosis, analyzing the firmest and replicated signals within non–human leukocyte antigen genes, identified by both candidate gene approach and genome-wide association studies. We also provide an insight into the future perspectives that will shed more light into the complex genetic background of the disease. Despite the remarkable advance of systemic sclerosis genetics during the last decade, the use of the new genetic technologies such as next-generation sequencing, as well as the deep phenotyping of the study cohorts, to fully characterize the genetic component of this disease is imperative to identify causal variants, which leads to more targeted and effective treatment of systemic sclerosis.
Improving the recovery of copper from electric cable waste derived from automotive industry by corona-electrostatic separation

Abstract The aim of this work is to demonstrate the possibility of using electric field forces for the recovery of copper from a fine PVC/Cu granular mixture of low metal content (less than 15%), obtained as “PVC fraction” in the recycling process of electric cable waste from automotive industry, using vibrating table technology. Electrostatic separation of copper granules which are “impurities” in the PVC fraction, increased the overall recovery of copper close to 100%. Granular size classification proved to be a very useful operation in the electrostatic separation process of a particular mixture. The −0.63 mm size class contains the majority of the copper granules and the electrostatic separation allows the recovery of up to 95% copper contained in the granular waste, at purity higher than 99.8%. Copper represents less than 1% in the +0.63 mm size class and can also be recovered with high purity by improving the chopping technology of the cable waste, as well as the separation between the copper and the high conductivity rubber granules.
The neoliberal university and the neurotic academic: A textual analysis of ITV drama Cheat

ABSTRACT Through a textual analysis of four episodes comprising the ITV 1 psychological thriller Cheat, this paper explores depictions of the English Higher Education [HE] landscape and of the lived experiences of being an academic in the television drama. We achieve this through a focus on the fictional HE institution where the drama is set – St. Helen’s College – and the central character, university Lecturer: Dr Leah Dale; who is employed on a fixed-term contract and is applying for tenure. This paper engages with the following themes: Emotional Labour; Precarity of Fixed-Term Contracts; and Imposter Syndrome. Insight gleaned through the textual analysis contributes to the understanding of how academics might be navigating and negotiating the neoliberal university. In particular, we highlight the implications of contractual precarity in HE and the fragility of identity which is experienced by some academics. As such, this paper goes some way towards remedying the deficit of scholarship on the lived experiences of being a contemporary academic.
Challenges posed by COVID-19 to the health of people with disabilities living in residential care facilities in Romania

Abstract In this contribution, I discuss potential risk to the health of people with disabilities in residential care institutions during the COVID-19 outbreak by looking at evidence from Romania. As an academic who has studied deinstitutionalization of services for people with disabilities in Romania, I argue that residential care institutions for people with disabilities are at risk of becoming sites for community contagion with COVID-19. These institutions are often located in remote and economically peripheral areas of the country that have been characterized by high rates of outmigration. Now, these are becoming areas of intense return migration. Community contagion in adjacent locations can easily spill over to residential institutions through care and health workers’ trajectories. Once spread to residential institutions, COVID-19 has a high chance of adversely affecting the health of residents with disabilities. It is vital to ensure disabled people’s health and wellbeing through adequate contagion prevention measures.
Regaining access to marginal knowledge in a classroom setting

Department of Education and Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri Friday Institute for Educational Innovation, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
A Novel Clustering Index to Find Optimal Clusters Size With Application to Segmentation of Energy Consumers

Increased deployment of residential smart meters has made it possible to record energy consumption data on short intervals. These data, if used efficiently, carry valuable information for managing power demand and increasing energy consumption efficiency. An efficient way to analyze these data is to first identify clusters of energy consumers, and then focus on analyzing these clusters. However deciding on the optimal number of clusters is a challenging task. In this article, we propose a clustering index that effectively finds the optimal number of clusters. The proposed index is an entropy-based measure that is obtained from eigenvalue analysis of the correlation matrix of time series of consumption data. A genetic algorithm based feature selection is used to reduce the number of features, which are then fed into clustering algorithms. We apply the proposed clustering index on two ground truth synthetic data sets and two real world energy consumption data set. The numerical simulations reveal the effectiveness of the proposed method and its superiority to a number of existing clustering indices.
Characterization of a Multiple-stress Tolerance Tetragenococcus halophilus and Application as Starter Culture in Chinese Horsebean-Chili-Paste Manufacture for Quality Improvement

1 College of Light Industry, Textile & Food Engineering, and Key Laboratory for Leather Chemistry and Engineering of the Education Ministry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, People’s Republic of China 2 National Engineering Laboratory for Clean Technology of Leather Manufacture, Chengdu 610065, People’s Republic of China 3 National Engineering Research Center of Solid-State Manufacturing, Luzhou 646000, People’s Republic of China
Moments of Catalan Triangle Numbers

In this chapter, we consider the Catalan numbers, C n = 1 n + 1 2 n n , and two of their generalizations, Catalan triangle numbers, B n , k and A n , k , for n , k ∈ N . They are combinatorial numbers and present interesting properties as recursive formulae, generating functions and combinatorial interpretations. We treat the moments of these Catalan triangle numbers, i.e., with the following sums: ∑ k = 1 n k m B n , k j , ∑ k = 1 n + 1 2 k − 1 m A n , k j , for j , n ∈ N and m ∈ N ∪ 0 . We present their closed expressions for some values of m and j . Alternating sums are also considered for particular powers. Other famous integer sequences are studied in Section 3, and its connection with Catalan triangle numbers are given in Section 4. Finally we conjecture some properties of divisibility of moments and alternating sums of powers in the last section.
Grouping of lignin degrading corticioid fungi based on RFLP analysis of 18S rdna and ITS regions

Twelve wood decaying species of Phlebia and Phanerochaete were analysed by RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) analysis of an 18S rRNA gene fragment and an ITS region. The data obtained by different restriction endonucleases were used to construct phenograms based on the UPGMA algorithm. PCR-RFLP within the 18S rRNA gene was sufficient to distinguish between Phlebia species but did not show variation among Phanerochaete spp. ITS region amplified from Phlebia spp. varied in length from 570–745 bp. The smallest ITS fragment was amplified from P. subcretacea and the longest from P. hydnoides. The size of ITS fragments amplified from Phanerochaete spp. was uniform (635 bp), except for the ITS from two P. sanguinea strains (690 bp). RFLP analysis within ITS amplified from Phanerochaete spp. distinguished between them. Results from PCR-RFLP of 18S rRNA and ITS strongly suggest that Phiebia gigantea is closely related to Phanerochaete. Morphological characteristics (lack of clamp connections in hymenium, well developed subiculum) further support this hypothesis.
Spatial and seasonal heterogeneity of sea ice microbial communities in the first-year ice of Terre Adelie area (Antarctica)

Spatial and temporal changes in sea ice microbial communities were investigated at 4 stations located along a south-north transect on the land-fast ice of Dumont d'Urville station area (Adelie Land, 66° 40' S, 141° 01' E) during the ice coverage period (April to December). A seasonal pattern was observed in microalgae, bacteria and protozoan abundance distribution. A maximum chlorophyll a concentration occurred during fall ice formation in the surface layer with the highest values at the near-shore station (100 to 215 µg l -1 ). A second maximum was observed before ice breaking in the bottom ice (50 to 90 µg l -1 ). Microalgal communities were dominated by diatoms (>86% of the total cells), mainly represented by Fragilariopsis, Nitzschia, Navicula and Pseudo- nitzschia species. Fragilariopsis curta was the dominant species during the first bloom whereas Frag- ilariopsis cylindrus, Nitzschia longissima and Tropidoneis sp. were the main contributors during the second bloom at the bottom ice core. Maximum protozoan abundance was recorded during the fall bloom in the surface layer with dominance of ciliates, which contributed more than 75% of total cell numbers. During this period, the maximum ciliate abundance was associated with the maximum bacteria and diatom numbers and microalgal biomass. The dramatic decrease of the ice algal biomass from south to north paralleled that of the underlying water phytoplankton available for new ice incorporation. The spatial algal biomass decrease could explain the parallel decrease in the abundance of bacteria and heterotrophic ciliates through trophic interactions.
PONTELLID COPEPOD OCCURRENCE IN THE CENTRAL SOUTH PACIFIC

The distribution of pontellid copepods collected in the central South Pacific from January to April 1962 was examined for associations with hydrographic features, particularly water temperature and salinity. Of the 15 species of adult forms collected, 5 were found in all but one case within 40 km of islands and are considered to be associated with neritic waters. These were Labidocera acuta, L. bataviae, L. pavo, Pontella denticauda, and Pontellopsis macronyx. Five other species, Pontella princeps, P. tenuiremis, P. securifer, Pontellopsis armata, and P. regalis, revealed no association with temperature or salinity within the range of values encountered for those properties, but occurred throughout the area surveyed. Pontellina plumata appeared to be affected by temperature changes, favoring waters warmer than 26.0C. Of the remaining four species, the numbers of Labidocera acutitrons, L. detruncata, and Pontellopsis villosa, were reduced where the salinity was less than 34.5‰, while Pontella fera was found to he numerous in waters with salinity lower than 34.5‰.
INHIBITORY EFFECT OF ARTEMISIA CAPILLARIS ON ETHANOL-INDUCED CYTOKINES (TNF-α, IL-1α) SECRETION IN HEP G2 CELLS

ABSTRACT A human hepatoma cell line, Hep G2 cell, is reliable for the study of alcohol-induced hepatotoxicity. In this study, we investigated the effect of an aqueous extract of Artemisia capillaris THUNB (Compositae) plant (AC) on ethanol (EtOH)-induced cytotoxicity in Hep G2 cells. AC (0.5–5 µg/mL) inhibited the secretion of EtOH-induced interluekin-1α (IL-1α) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). AC also inhibited the EtOH-, IL-1α-, and TNF-α-induced cytotoxicity. Furthermore, we found that AC inhibited the EtOH-induced apoptosis of Hep G2 cells. These results suggest that AC may prevent the EtOH-induced cytotoxicity through inhibition of the apoptosis of Hep G2 cells.
Recognising tangent directions of the freedom for the joint with multi-point quadric contacts

ABSTRACT Tracking the trajectory of a moving body is one of key issues for a multiple freedom motion joint with multi-point surface contacts. In general, the tangent space of the motion can be determined by using the contact relation of the screw theory, but it is difficult to determine which vector in the tangent space represents the tangent vector of motion joint’s freedom. This is because the tangent space is a linear space generated by the tangent vector of the motion joint, which includes more elements than actual tangent vectors. Then, a second-order interference detection approach is presented to identify the tangent vector of the freedom in the motion tangent space. And recognised tangent directions can be introduced to track adjacent contact states in 3D assembly models, which support the direct creation of the configuration space of a 3D assembly model.
Pathology of Pinus radiata in Ecuador with special reference to Dothistroma.

Abstract Scirrhia pini Funk & Parker (Dothistroma septospora (Dorog.) Morelet) is reported for the first time from Ecuador. Dothistroma needle blight was recorded on Pinus radiata in both nurseries and plantations (2–9 years old), from various high altitude localities in the Sierra. Infection was particularly severe in plantations situated between 2500–3000 m a.s. l. Pinus patula showed a resistant reaction to the fungus as did some older P. radiata trees. Several associated fungi are also listed together with those facultative fungal pathogens isolated from necrotic needles and stem cankers.
The effects of Bee Venom and Sweet Bee Venom to the preadipocyte proliferation and lipolysis of adipocyte, localized fat accumulation

Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Bee Venom and Sweet Bee Venom to the primary cultured preadipocyte, adipocytes, and localized fat tissue. Methods Decreased preadipocyte proliferation and decreased lipogenesis are mechanisms to reduce obesity. So, preadipocytes and adipocytes were performed on cell cultures using Sprague-Dawley Rats and treated with 0.01-1mg/ml Bee Venom and Sweet Bee Venom. And porcine skin including fat tissue after treated Bee Venom and Sweet Bee Venom according to the dosage dependent variation are investigated the histologic changes after injection of these Pharmacopuncture. Result Following results were obtained from the preadipocyte proliferation and lipolysis of adipocyte and histologic investigation of fat tissue. 1. Bee Venom and Sweet Bee Venom showed the effect of decreased preadipocyte proliferation depend on concentration. 2. Bee Venom and Sweet Bee Venom showed the effect of decreased the activity of glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase(GPDH) significantly. 3. Bee Venom was not showed the effect of lipolysis, but Sweet Bee Venom was increased in low dosage and decreased in high dosage. 4. Investigated the histologic changes in porcine fat tissue after treated Bee Venom and Sweet Bee Venom, we knew that these Pharmacopuncture was activated nonspecific lysis of cell membranes depend on concentration. Conclusion These results suggest that Bee Venom and Sweet Bee Venom efficiently induces decreased proliferation of preadipocyte and lipolysis in adipose tissue.
Variations in diurnal and seasonal net ecosystem carbon dioxide exchange in a semiarid sandy grassland ecosystem in China's Horqin Sandy Land

Abstract. Grasslands are major terrestrial ecosystems in arid and semiarid regions, and they play important roles in the regional carbon dioxide (CO2) balance and cycles. Sandy grasslands are sensitive to climate change, yet the magnitudes, patterns, and environmental controls of their CO2 flows are poorly understood for some regions (e.g., China's Horqin Sandy Land). Here, we report the results from continuous year-round CO2 flux measurements for 5 years from a sandy grassland in China's Horqin Sandy Land. The grassland was a net CO2 source at an annual scale with a mean annual net ecosystem CO2 exchange (NEE) of 49 ± 8 gCm-2yr-1 for the years for which a complete dataset was available (2015, 2016, and 2018). Annual precipitation had the strongest effect on annual NEE; grassland carbon sequestration increased with the increasing precipitation since NEE depended on annual precipitation. In the spring, NEE decreased (i.e., C sequestration increased) with increasing magnitude of effective precipitation pulses, total monthly precipitation, and soil temperature (Tsoil). In the summer, NEE was dominated by the total seasonal precipitation and high precipitation pulses (> 20 mm). In the autumn, NEE increased (i.e., C sequestration decreased) with increasing effective precipitation pulses, Tsoil, and near-surface soil water content (SWC) but decreased with increased SWC deeper in the soil. In the winter, NEE decreased with increasing Tsoil and SWC. The sandy grassland was a net annual CO2 source because drought decreased carbon sequestration by the annual plants. Long-term observations will be necessary to reveal the true source or sink intensity and its response to environmental and biological factors.
Actively Managed Mean-Variance Portfolios

Analytical solutions are presented to the mean-variance portfolio optimization problem of trading off active return against tracking error relative to a prespecified benchmark subject to a budget constraint and a beta constraint. Imposing a constraint on the beta of the portfolio makes the benchmark relevant to the portfolio problem. I provide an intuitive interpretation of the best portfolio in the general mean-variance case, as well as a detailed expression for the optimal weights when returns follow a single-factor model. An economic interpretation of the value-added function for the best portfolio is presented as the best possible increase in the certainty equivalent utility gain of the investor relative to the certainty equivalent return of the benchmark. An empirical investigation into the out-of-sample performance of the best portfolio is presented for two equity universes using industry portfolios and individual stocks. TOPICS: Wealth management, portfolio theory, portfolio construction Key Findings • The value added of active management is the incremental certainty equivalent utility over that delivered by the benchmark. • In the mean-variance framework the incremental certainty equivalent utility obtains as a trade-off of active return and active risk weighted by the investor’s risk aversion. • The optimal portfolio is a (very particular) linear combination of well-known portfolios like the minimum variance portfolio, the maximum correlation portfolio, and the unconstrained optimal portfolio.
Seasonal variations in diet of arrow squid (Nototodarus gouldi): stomach content and signature fatty acid analysis

This study details the feeding ecology of arrow squid, Nototodarus gouldi, collected opportunistically from trawlers in waters south-east off Australia in 2007 and 2008. Combined stomach content and fatty acid (FA) signature analyses provided clear evidence of seasonal dietary shifts in prey composition. Teleost fish remains (mainly otoliths) were found in 67% of stomachs with the two mesopelagic planktivorous fish, Lampanyctodes hectoris and Maurolicus muelleri dominating. Cephalopods and crustaceans were supplementary dietary components, with an increased representation in the diet over winter. Digestive gland lipid content was moderate (16.4 ± 8.4% wet weight) and was rich in triacylglycerol and monounsaturated fatty acids. Multivariate analysis of FA profiles grouped arrow squid with profiles of mesopelagic fish and cephalopods, thus supporting the findings of stomach content analysis. Seasonal differences in total lipid content were likely related to summer upwelling events and local changes in productivity, while intraspecific differences in lipid class and FA composition were related to seasonal differences of prey consumption. FA analyses also demonstrated dietary differences associated with gender, size and female maturation. Such relationships demonstrate that the diet of N. gouldi is closely linked to prey size, abundance and availability and possibly also, to key life-history stages.
Eating speed and the risk of type 2 diabetes: explorations based on real-world evidence

Metabolic syndrome, especially diabetes, has gained global attention over the past few decades and became one of the major public health concerns. Alongside known and well-established risk factors, eating behaviors, mainly eating speed has shown the potential as one of the novel risk factors that could supplement the development of diabetes. However, there is a paucity in evidence, and only a few studies have addressed this question so far. In this review, with a focus on eating speed and the risk of developing diabetes, authors attempted to shed some light on the high-quality studies that were conducted around the world using real-world data in drawing inferences, which could add-on to the literature and assist public in making informed decisions.