Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Design of a Biomimetic SACH Foot: An Experimentally Verified Finite Element Approach

The Solid Ankle Cushioned Heel (SACH) foot is a commonly prescribed prosthetic foot for the rehabilitation of lower limb amputees. From the viewpoint of its biomechanical performance, the foot is known to cause drop-off effect and asymmetry in amputee gait. Therefore, the objective of this work is to improvise the effective foot length ratio (EFLR) and the progression of the centre of pressure (CoP) of the SACH foot by providing a novel design approach that utilizes finite element analysis. Boundary conditions employed for evaluating the roll-over characteristics of prosthetic feet were numerically incorporated in this work. The non-linear mechanical behavior of the foot was included with the incorporation of large deformation, a hyperelastic material model and the Augmented Lagrangian contact formulation. Outcomes from the simulations were experimentally verified using an inverted pendulum-like apparatus, thereby substantiating the numerical approach. The design process of the SACH foot involved the modification of the elastic modulus of its components for enhancing the parameters of interest. Results obtained presented a 5.07% increase in the EFLR and a 9.29% increase in the anteroposterior progression of the CoP, which may improve amputee stability. The design solution presented may support the large user base of the SACH foot towards achieving enhanced gait characteristics during ambulation. Moreover, this work successfully demonstrates a novel design procedure for a prosthetic foot through an effective numerical implementation.
The evolution of mate choice and the potential for conflict between species and mate–quality recognition

Understanding how individuals select mates becomes complex when high–quality conspecifics resemble heterospecifics. Individuals facing such a situation may be unable to effectively identify both conspecifics (species recognition) and high–quality mates that can confer fitness benefits to the choosy individual or its offspring (mate–quality recognition). Here I suggest when a conflict may occur between species and mate–quality recognition, discuss the evolutionary consequences stemming from this conflict, and present a model of mate–preference evolution in response to heterospecifics. Determining how species and mate–quality recognition interact to shape mate–choice decisions is important for understanding the diversification of sexually selected traits among closely related taxonomic groups, the use of complex sensory systems for detecting mates, and seemingly inappropriate mate–choice decisions.
A plasmid vector for the selection and study of transcription promoters in Azospirillum brasilense

Abstract The construction of the plasmid pAF300, which contains the promoterless gene for chloramphenicol resistance fused to the broad host range conjugative vector pRK290, is described. Plasmid pAF300 could be used to identify transcription promoters by inserting DNA sequences in two cloning sites, HindIII and PstI. The vector efficiency was proved by cloning promoter sequences from Escherichia coli and Azospirillum brasilense which conferred chloramphenicol resistance to E. coli, A. brasilense and Pseudomonas putida.
The subantarctic fur seal pup switches its begging behaviour during maternal absence

Begging signals from the young are used to elicit parental care. Although honest and parent-directed signal - ling seems to be widely shared characteristic of begging behaviour, offspring might modify their strategy under some ecological or environmental constraints. In the subantarctic fur seal, Arctocephalus tropicalis, mothers forage at sea for 2-3 weeks at a time throughout the lactation period, resulting in regular separations of mothers and pups. Using play - back experiments we investigated modifications of pups' begging behaviour during their mother's absence. From the 1st to the 5th day of maternal absence, pups rarely begged in response to other adult females' vocalizations (17.6-46.7% of tested pups), but always responded specifically to their mother's. After its mother had been absent for 5-10 days, the pup's response to playback of strange females' calls was stronger (46-69% of tested pups), but the specificity of the response to the mother remained. However, after the 11th day of maternal absence, pups become highly responsive to calls made by any adult female (up to 37% of tested pups). The variation in responsiveness of fur seal pups during their mother's absence may be explained by changes in their motivational state that were linked to their internal nutri - tional balance. Resume : Les signaux de quemande sont utilises par les jeunes pour declencher les soins parentaux. Bien que l'honnetete des signaux et le fait qu'ils s'adressent aux parents soient des caracteristiques habituelles du comportement de quemande, les jeunes peuvent modifier leur strategie dans certaines conditions ecologiques. Chez l'otarie a fourrure subantarctique, Arctocephalus tropicalis, les meres cherchent leur nourriture en mer pendant 2-3 semaines, occasion- nant ainsi de frequentes separations mere-petit durant toute la periode d'allaitement. Nous avons note les modifications du comportement des jeunes a l'emission d'enregistrement de cris de femelles adultes pendant l'absence de la mere. Durant les 5 premiers jours d'absence de la mere, les petits repondent peu aux cris des femelles adultes (17,6-46,7 % des jeunes testes), mais toujours specifiquement a ceux de leur propre mere. Des jours 5-10, les jeunes repondent de plus en plus fortement aux cris de femelles (46-69 % des jeunes testes), mais toujours de facon specifique aux cris de leur mere. Ce n'est qu'a partir du 11eme jour d'absence de la mere que les petits se mettent a repondre fortement aux cris d'autres femelles adultes (jusqu'a 37 % des jeunes). La variation des reactions des jeunes otaries en l'absence de leur mere peut s'expliquer par des modifications de leur motivation en rapport avec leur equilibre energetique interne.
Effect of Cu Content on Ageing Behavior for AA3104-H19 Can Body Sheet

AA3104 ingots with different Cu content (0.1wt.%, 0.2wt.% and 0.3wt.%) were prepared by DC casting, and then the ingots were processed to 0.26mm sheets with the method of making AA3104 can be body sheet. The AA3104-H19 sheets were aged at 180°C and the aging strengthen effect were found in the 0.2wt. %Cu and 0.3wt. %Cu alloys. Optical micrograph (OM), X-ray diffraction, high resolution transmission electron microscope were used on the sheets after different ageing time. Rod like coherency precipitates with the length about 5-10nm and the thickness about 2-3nm which were parallel to the [111] plane of the matrix was precipitated at peak aging (180°C-2h). According to the result of the thermodynamic phase diagram calculation, the precipitates should be S-Al2CuMg phase, but the structure of the precipitates were different from the precipitates reported in 2XXX alloy.
Constitutive Equation and Hot Processing Map for Tensile Test of Mg-13Gd-4Y-2Zn-0.5Zr Alloy at Elevated Temperature

The high temperature tensile behavior of Mg-13Gd-4Y-2Zn-0.5Zr alloy was investigated at deformation temperature of 400-520 °C and strain rate of 0.001-0.5 s-1, and the stress-strain curves were obtained by using INSTRON 3382. The high temperature tensile constitutive model and hot processing map of the alloy were established, and the reliability of the hot processing map was further verified by analyzing the microstructure of the deformed alloy. The results showed that the dynamic recrystallization (DRX) occurred of Mg-13Gd-4Y-2Zn-0.5Zr alloy during the tensile tests under high temperature conditions, and its peak stress decreased with the increase of deformation temperature or strain rate. The Arrhenius equation can be used to fit the rheological behavior of the alloy. The thermal deformation activation energy Q was 259.13kJ/mol, and the maximum error between the model and the experimental data was less than 9%. It can be concluded that the optimum deformation parameters of the alloy were temperature of 500-520 °C and strain rate of 0.01-0.001 s-1 based on the dynamic material model and hot processing map.
Strategies to Combat Heat Stress in Broiler Chickens: Unveiling the Roles of Selenium, Vitamin E and Vitamin C

Heat stress compromises efficient poultry production by impairing growth performance and increasing mortality. Mechanisms to dissipate excess heat divert energy from efficient production. This includes increased energy expenditure for respiration, oxidative stress and micronutrient absorption. The fortification of diets with particular feed additives has been known as one of the most important approaches to minimize the negative impacts of heat stress on broiler production. In this context, the promising functional feed additives appeared to be selenium and vitamins E and C. The fortification of broiler diets with these feed additives has been proven to enhance the function of vital organs, immune system response and growth performance of broilers under heat stress. The current review highlights recent successful experiences in the alleviation of heat stress symptoms in broilers using the above-mentioned additives. Selenium and vitamins E and C enhanced production performance in broiler chickens challenged with acute heat stress. The combination of these additives, by employing multiple mechanisms and through synergistic effects, improves heat stress symptoms more efficiently than their individual forms. Emerging literature reveals that selenium and vitamins E and C are involved in close interactions to protect proteins and lipids from oxidative damage and boost immune system function.
Comparison of protein quality and mineral element concentrations in grain of spelt (Triticum spelta L.) and common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The cultivation of Triticum spelta (spelt) has no tradition in Hungary. In recent years the interest towards this old species renewed in many countries. This high‐nutritional cereal, which has a high ash and fibre content, can be used in many health‐oriented grain‐based food products. Therefore, field experiments have been conducted for some years to test the performance of this species under home growing conditions. Here we report the results of analyses for some important quality parameters of grain samples from the 1996/97 season in comparison with those of older and new home‐grown bread wheat cultivars. Three common wheat cultivars and one advanced spelt line were grown on small plots fertilised with an NPK dose necessary to reach the highest yield and quality. Spikes were sampled weekly from the time of 70–77% grain moisture to full ripening. The grains were analysed for ash, N, P and K content and amino acid composition. Concentrations of 16 other macro + micro elements and in the ripe grains, baking quality parameters were also assessed. The grain development of spelt showed a remarkable time‐lag compared to that of the common wheat cultivars. However, the highest thousand‐grain‐masses, ash, N, and P concentrations were measured in this cultivar after milk ripening. The grains of spelt contained the macro‐nutrient Mg and four micro‐nutrients (Zn, Mn, Fe, Cu) in higher concentrations compared to those of the common wheat varieties. The total and essential amino acid concentrations measured in the ripe grains of spelt were also remarkably higher. Although its wet gluten content (47.5%) was considerably higher than that of the bread wheat cultivars, its breadmaking quality was poor.
Effect of FCC Slurry on Performance of SBS Modified Bitumen

Fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) slurry is a by-product of petrochemical industry rich in aromatics. In this paper, the effect of FCC slurry on the physical properties of SBS modified bitumen was investigated by softening point, penetration, ductility and low temperature flexibility test. The influence of FCC slurry on the compatibility of SBS modified bitumen was evaluated by fluorescence microscope and segregation test. The results show that FCC slurry improves the softening point, penetration, ductility and low temperature flexibility of SBS modified bitumen. Fluorescence microscope showed that FCC slurry promotes the dispersion of SBS in bitumen, which is conducive to the formation of network crosslinking structure of SBS modified bitumen. The segregation test indicated that the compatibility of SBS with bitumen was improved with the content of FCC slurry increasing.
Biomechanical Analysis of Long Distance Running on Different Sports Surfaces

Running is one of the most accessible physical activities and long-distance running has attracted extensive attention in the past several years. While the incidence of running injuries, especially to the lower extremities, has increased. The objective of this study was to investigate the differences in ground reaction forces (GRF) and kinematic param between long-distance runners before and after long-distance running on treadmill (TM), asphalt road (AR), and plastic track (PT). Eight-camera Vicon motion analysis system was used to measure the hip, knee and ankle motion param of 10 healthy male subjects at a speed of 2.8 ± 0.2m/s. The hip, knee and ankle kinematics and the relationship of joint angles of lower limbs in the sagittal plane, coronal plane and transversal plane were analyzed. Ground reaction force (GRF) was collected using an AMTI force platform. The results showed that there were no significant differences in GRF and average loading rate (VALR). There was no significant difference in the range of motion (ROM) of ankle and hip after long-distance running on three surfaces compared to pre-test. Compared with stance-period of pre-test, the stance-period of AR and PT were significantly longer. Post hoc analyses exhibited the stance-period of AR and PT were longer than TM. In conclusion, runners can adjust different joints angles to maintain a similar GRF during long-distance running on different sports surfaces.
Aluminium toxic effects on seedling root survival affect plant composition along soil reaction gradients – a case study in dry sandy grasslands

Question: Aluminium (Al) toxicity is one of the most important factors restricting plant establishment on acidic soils, but its ecological significance for the occurrence of species along natural pH gradients is still under investigation. Are species occurring on acidic sandy soils less susceptible to Al toxic effects on germination and seedling root growth rate than species from calcareous sandy soils? How strong is the explanatory power of species’ Al susceptibility for their occurrence along a pH gradient, as represented by their Ellenberg indicator value (EIV) for soil reaction (R)? Can Al tolerance of species be used as an independent trait to support Ellenberg’s empiricallyderived reaction indicator values? Location: Dry sandy grasslands in Southern Germany, with soil reactions ranging from acidic to calcareous. Methods: We tested early seedling responses to different Al concentrations in 15 species from dry sandy grasslands. A filter paper-based system was used to germinate seeds under Al concentrations of up to 10 mM. Germination, absolute root growth and the length of the root hair zone were recorded 7 and 14 d after first germination. Al concentrations that reduced root growth by 50 or 95% (ED50 and ED95, respectively) were correlated to Ellenberg indicator values (EIV) for soil reaction. Results: EIV explained 66% of the variance in species’ Al sensitivity. Tolerated Al concentrations resemble those concentrations the individual species are exposed to in their natural habitats. Conclusions: Among all soil factors varying with soil pH, Alis one of the strongest restrictions to species’ occurrence in acidic soils. Al acts as an environmental filter by allowing only Al-tolerant seedlings to grow roots and establish. Al sensitivity is a measurable objective trait that could form a crucial physiological component in defining R indicator values.
Metabolic Engineering Strategies in Diatoms Reveal Unique Phenotypes and Genetic Configurations With Implications for Algal Genetics and Synthetic Biology

Diatoms are photosynthetic microeukaryotes that dominate phytoplankton populations and have increasing applicability in biotechnology. Uncovering their complex biology and elevating strains to commercial standards depends heavily on robust genetic engineering tools. However, engineering microalgal genomes predominantly relies on random integration of transgenes into nuclear DNA, often resulting in detrimental “position-effects” such as transgene silencing, integration into transcriptionally-inactive regions, and endogenous sequence disruption. With the recent development of extrachromosomal transgene expression via independent episomes, it is timely to investigate both strategies at the phenotypic and genomic level. Here, we engineered the model diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum to produce the high-value heterologous monoterpenoid geraniol, which, besides applications as fragrance and insect repellent, is a key intermediate of high-value pharmaceuticals. Using high-throughput phenotyping we confirmed the suitability of episomes for synthetic biology applications and identified superior geraniol-yielding strains following random integration. We used third generation long-read sequencing technology to generate a complete analysis of all transgene integration events including their genomic locations and arrangements associated with high-performing strains at a genome-wide scale with subchromosomal detail, never before reported in any microalga. This revealed very large, highly concatenated insertion islands, offering profound implications on diatom functional genetics and next generation genome editing technologies, and is key for developing more precise genome engineering approaches in diatoms, including possible genomic safe harbour locations to support high transgene expression for targeted integration approaches. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that exogenous DNA is not integrated inadvertently into the nuclear genome of extrachromosomal-expression clones, an important characterisation of this novel engineering approach that paves the road to synthetic biology applications.
Stem Diameter Estimation from Aerial Photographs

Remote sensing techniques have proven successful for producing stem maps of forests in leaf-on condition from high-resolution imagery. This paper demonstrates how a mathematical model for the surface of a stem can be used to estimate the breast-height diameter of individual trees from aerial photographs to give information on basal area. The diameters are estimated by likelihood estimation from images of a forest in leaf-off condition where the stems and their shadows are visible. Applied to a homogeneous and monospecific oak ( Quercus robur L.) stand under standard silvicultural treatment in Denmark, the estimation was successful for 56 out of 60 trees. The root mean squared error on the diameter was 4.2 and 3.2 cm using three and five images, respectively. The key conclusion is that it is feasible to infer fairly accurate information about the diameters and three-dimensional positions of stems from aerial photographs.
Choroidal luminal and stromal areas and choriocapillaris perfusion are characterised by a non-linear quadratic relation in healthy eyes

Purpose To assess the associations among different optical coherence tomography (OCT) structural and angiography quantitative metrics used to characterise the choroid in healthy subjects. Methods In this cross-sectional study, macular structural OCT and OCT angiography (OCTA) images were acquired from healthy subjects. The main outcome measures were: (i) choriocapillaris (CC) flow deficits percentage (FD%), (ii) choroidal luminal (LA) and stromal (SA) areas and (iii) choroidal vascularity index (CVI), which was calculated as the LA divided by the total choroidal area. These measurements were generated using previously published algorithms and were separately computed in the foveal and extrafoveal regions. Results Eighty-five eyes from 85 subjects (44 males, 41 females) were included in the analysis. Mean±SD age was 47.9±22.4 years (range: 19.0 to 85.0 years). Linear regression analysis displayed no significant associations between CC FD% and other parameters (LA, SA and CVI). Importantly, non-linear regression analysis showed that the relations of LA and SA to CC FD% were all best fitted by a quadratic function. Compared with the linear models, the use of the quadratic function allowed a relative increase in the R2 coefficients. No significant non-linear associations were found between CC FD% and CVI. Conclusion Based on our models, changes in the luminal and stromal areas in the choroid lead to an initial increase in CC perfusion. Subsequently, further increases in LA and SA amounts are accompanied by a progressive increment in CC FD%.
Design of Digital Communications for Strong Phase Noise Channels

To meet the requirements of beyond 5G networks, the significant amount of unused spectrum in sub-TeraHertz frequencies is contemplated for high-rate wireless communications. Yet, the performance of sub-TeraHertz systems is severely degraded by strong oscillator phase noise. We investigate in this paper the design of digital communications robust to phase noise. This problem is addressed in three steps: the characterization of the phase noise channel, the design of the optimum receiver, and the optimization of the modulation scheme. This paper proposes a joint performance and implementation optimization. First, we address the design of the demodulation scheme for phase noise channels and propose the polar metric, a soft-decision rule for symbol detection. It is shown that performance gains are achieved for coded and uncoded systems with valuable complexity reductions of the receiver. Second, we investigate the optimization of the modulation scheme for phase noise. We demonstrate that using a constellation defined upon a lattice in the amplitude-phase domain leads to significant performance gains and a low-complexity implementation. Thereupon, we propose the Polar-QAM scheme with efficient binary labeling and demodulation. Numerical simulation results show that the proposed modulation and demodulation schemes offer valuable solutions to achieve high-rate communications on systems strongly impaired by phase noise.