Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of Current Ripples in Cascaded Multilevel Topologies on the Aging of Lithium Batteries

Previous studies have proposed to use cascaded multilevel topologies in stationary battery energy storage systems (BESSs) or in BESSs of electric vehicles, due to the balancing capability or the high efficiency of these topologies. Because of the elimination of the direct current (dc) bus, the batteries in these topologies are expected to experience large current ripples. However, whether these current ripples can accelerate the aging of the batteries has not yet been dedicatedly investigated, although it is a determining factor for the feasibility of this category of topologies. Therefore, this article first summarizes the existing studies regarding the influence of current ripples on the aging of lithium batteries, which proves the necessity of an experimental investigation. Then, a long-term aging experiment on battery cells is conducted, in order to examine the influence of the current ripples in cascaded multilevel topologies. According to the experimental results and the conclusions in previous studies, the ripples in cascaded multilevel topologies generally have a negligible influence on the aging of batteries, except in certain scenarios. These scenarios can be identified by the three preconditions, first, current ripples must contain micro charge and discharge cycles; second, the microcycles are below 10 Hz; third, low frequency microcycles must contribute a large amount of charge throughput.
Mechanical Properties of Nanocomposite Materials: A Review

Working with nanomaterials requires descending to the atomic level of materials. Hence, the development of SEM and TEM played a large part in the rise of the science and technology of nanomaterials. A lot of research has focused on nanoscience and nanotechnology in the last two decades. There is ongoing development of nanomaterials with unique advantageous properties. This research looked at the problems associated with the production and preparation of nanomaterials and the improvement in the mechanical, physical, thermal, electrical, and chemical properties of the classical materials (metals, polymers, composites, etc.) that may be made into nanomaterials. This paper explains some of the basics of nanomaterials and reviews the behavior of the traditional mechanical properties in nanocomposites with different reinforcements and matrices.
Intraspecific Competition and Facilitation in a Northern Acorn Barnacle Population

The role of density-dependent mortality in shaping adult populations of the acorn barnacle, Seinibalanus balanoides, was studied on a sheltered New England shore and revealed that high recruitment densities can have both positive and negative effects on barnacle survival. Recruitment greatly exceeded the capacity of the space to support adults in the three years of this study. At low tidal heights, recruits grew rapidly, experienced severe crowding, and rarely survived to reproduce. At higher tidal heights, individuals grew more slowly and were less affected by crowding, and many (_ 10%) survived to reproduce. Recruit density was manipulated to examine crowding effects on survival. At low tidal heights, no recruits survived to reproduce at any density, due to intraspecific crowding, algal overgrowth, and predation. At intermediate tidal heights, lower recruitment decreased intraspecific crowding and increased survivorship, while at high tidal heights, lower re- cruitment decreased survivorship. In the high intertidal habitat, S. balanoides survivorship was higher on boulders than on rock cobbles due to thermal buffering, and intraspecific crowding decreased rock and barnacle temperatures and facilitated survival. Shading high intertidal cobbles from solar radiation decreased maximum rock and barnacle temperatures, dramatically increased survivorship and eliminated the survivorship advantage of high densities. High recruitment of S. balanoides can lead to massive density-dependent mortality in physically benign habitats, but in physically stressful habitats high recruitment density may buffer individuals from physical stress and facilitate survival. Variation in the nature of density-dependent interactions along environmental gradients may be important in gen- erating pattern in many natural populations.
Two types of calcium channels sensitive to ω‐agatoxin‐TK in cultured rat hippocampal neurones

We characterized the electrophysiological properties of calcium channels in cultured rat hippocampal neurones using ω-agatoxin-TK (ω-Aga-TK) and compared them with those of the P-type channel and the BI (α1A) channel which resembles the Q-type channel. Two types of ω-Aga-TK-sensitive calcium channels were detected in hippocampal neurones. The first type showed slow inactivation, high sensitivity to ω-Aga-TK and low reversibility from ω-Aga-TK-induced block, resembling the P-type channel. The second type showed fast inactivation, low sensitivity to ω-Aga-TK and high reversibility from ω-Aga-TK-induced block, resembling the Q-type channel. The glutamatergic synaptic transmission showed low sensitivity to ω-Aga-TK and high reversibility from ω-Aga-TK-induced block. These results suggest that the second type of calcium channel (Q-type-like) plays a prominent role in the hippocampal synaptic transmission.
Quantifying the invasiveness of species

The success of invasive species has been explained by two contrasting but non-exclusive views: (i) intrinsic factors make some species inherently good invaders; (ii) species become invasive as a result of extrinsic ecological and genetic influences such as release from natural enemies, hybridization or other novel ecological and evolutionary interactions. These viewpoints are rarely distinguished but hinge on distinct mechanisms leading to different management scenarios. To improve tests of these hypotheses of invasion success we introduce a simple mathematical framework to quantify the invasiveness of species along two axes: (i) interspecific differences in performance among native and introduced species within a region, and (ii) intraspecific differences between populations of a species in its native and introduced ranges. Applying these equations to a sample dataset of occurrences of 1,416 plant species across Europe, Argentina, and South Africa, we found that many species are common in their native range but become rare following introduction; only a few introduced species become more common. Biogeographical factors limiting spread (e.g. biotic resistance, time of invasion) therefore appear more common than those promoting invasion (e.g. enemy release). Invasiveness, as measured by occurrence data, is better explained by inter-specific variation in invasion potential than biogeographical changes in performance. We discuss how applying these comparisons to more detailed performance data would improve hypothesis testing in invasion biology and potentially lead to more efficient management strategies.
Effect of shading and fertilisation on the development of container-grown Nothofagus glauca seedlings, a threatened species from central Chile

Nothofagus glauca is an endemic tree of the Mediterranean zone of Chile and is a threatened species. Currently, available information for the propagation and nursery cultivation of this species is conspicuously lacking. This study examined the effect of four levels of shade (18%, 35%, 65% and 80% with Raschel® plastic net) and four rates of slow-release fertiliser (2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 g l−1 of Basacote® Plus 9M) on container-grown seedlings after one growing season. Growth was significantly affected by shade and fertilisation. Seedlings grown under 18% or 35% shade were larger in diameter and had more roots than those grown under 80% shade and fertilisation with 2.5–5 g l−1 of media were smaller than those fertilised with 7.5–10 g l−1.
Preference for drone brood cells by Varroa jacobsoni oud in colonies of Apis mellifera carnica

Determination des facteurs induisant la preference de V. jacobsoni dans le choix des cellules de couvain de mâle A. mellifica L. pour se reproduire, en etudiant l'influence de la quantite de couvain, des proportions relatives des cellules de couvain des deux sexes, du nombre d'acariens et de la saison
Groove Gap Waveguide Filter Based on Horizontally Polarized Resonators for V-Band Applications

In this article, resonators based on air-filled rectangular cavity consisting of one perfect magnetic conductor (PMC) wall and the rest of walls as the perfect electric conductor (PEC) are proposed. The proposed cavity can be engraved in the top or bottom metal plate of a gap waveguide structure, and the PMC wall is realized by the periodic metallic pins located within the gap waveguide geometry. The resonant frequency and electromagnetic (EM) field distribution of the cavity are investigated, and it is shown that the electric field is horizontally polarized with respect to the wave propagation direction. Two bandpass filters are designed by inserting the proposed cavity in the cutoff region of the gap waveguide, on the top and bottom plates. In the latter case, all pins are the same, and the cavities and coupling structure are easily implemented by engraving the top plate. Therefore, by using this concept, a common pin plate can be used to implement different passive millimeter-wave devices. For instance, three different filters working at 60, 65, and 70 GHz with a common bottom pin plate are designed and fabricated. The measured results show a minimum insertion loss of 1.4, 1.1, and 1.1 dB with 0.83%, 1.4%, and 1.8% fractional bandwidth for the three bandpass filter designs, respectively, with aluminum as metal.
Ecological and evolutionary interactions between reproduction of beech Fagus silvatica and seed eating animals.

Patterns of beech seed production, seedling establishment, sapling densities, and sapling mortalities were studied in several forests dominated by different tree species. In a beech dominated forest, seed production and seedling establishment were negatively correlated in space. Seedlings became established mainly where there was least canopy coverage of mature beeches. Vertebrate seed predation was low in a year with an abundant seed crop but relatively higher in a year with a moderate crop. In the latter year predispersal insect seed predation was about 39%. I suggest that mast seeding in trees is more effective in reducing seed predation by insects than by vertebrates. Data in the literature support this prediction. The mortality rates of saplings and small trees of beech and oak were higher below mature trees of their own species than below trees of other species. In a spruce forest without mature oaks and beeches there was a high density and low mortality of saplings and small trees of the latter two species. Evidence suggests that the jay Garrulus glandarius had dug down the acorns and beech nuts. The jay appears to store beech mast only when no acorns are available. This situation occurred in the study area in 3 out of 13 years. The jay seems to be one of the species that could have dispersed the beech northwards during the Holocene.
3-Dimensional finite element analysis of stress distribution of dental implants on the bone tissue around the neck region of the implant and on the implant surface with respect to bone density

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the maximum Von Misses stress values of implants with different diameters in patients with different bone densities depending on the forces that are applied with different angles to the bone around the implant neck and implant surface, by using finite element analysis method. Material and Methods: 3.8 mm and 4.6 mm diameter dental implants of an implant system that had an in vitro laser-microtextured neck design were used in this study. Computational models were generated for implants with different diameters which were placed in the maxillary and mandibular 1 st molar teeth using flat and oblique (20 ° angled) abutments. Vertical and oblique (30 ° angled) forces of 300 N were applied to all models and the results were evaluated by finite element analysis. Results: The results show that both vertical and oblique forces on the implants and placement of abutments in the flat and oblique position caused tension in the bone around the neck of the implant and the implant surface. When the oblique and vertical loads applied to the bone models were compared, the forces applied in the oblique direction exhibited a significant increase of Von Misses stress values in the cortical bone around the crest module of the implant compared to the other group. In our study, the minimum stress distribution with respect to the direction of the applied forces and placement positions of the abutments was obtained by applying the implant and the force in the same direction (abutment straight, force vertical). However, in the groups with the angled application of the force direction and the angled placement position of the abutments, the maximum Von Misses stress value increased in the bone around the implant neck and implant surface. Conclusion: Placing the implants at the right angle and within bone tissues with adequate cortical bone density around the implant will ensure minimal stress values on both the supporting bone and the implant surface.
Exercise for Weight Loss: Further Evaluating Energy Compensation with Exercise

ABSTRACT Purpose This study assessed how individuals compensate for energy expended during a 12-wk aerobic exercise intervention, elucidating potential mechanisms and the role exercise dose plays in the compensatory response. Participants and Design Three-arm, randomized controlled trial among sedentary adults age 18 to 40 yr, body mass index of 25 to 35. Groups included six exercise sessions per week, two sessions per week, and sedentary control. Methods Rate of exercise energy expenditure was calculated from a graded exercise test averaged across five heart rate zones. Energy compensation was calculated as the difference between expected weight loss (based on exercise energy expenditure) and changes in fat and fat-free mass (DXA). Resting energy expenditure was assessed via indirect calorimetry and concentrations of acylated ghrelin, leptin, insulin, and Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) were assessed fasting and postprandial (six timepoints over 2 h). Results The 6-d·wk−1 group expended more energy (2753.5 kcal) and exercised longer (320.5 min) per week than the 2-d·wk−1 group (1490.7 kcal, 1888.8 min, P < 0.05), resulting in greater fat loss compared with the 2-d or control groups (P < 0.05). Exercise groups did not differ in the % or total kcal compensated. Greater decreases in area under the curve (AUC) for acylated ghrelin predicted greater fat loss, regardless of group, energy expended per week, exercise duration, or exercise intensity. Changes in leptin AUC was the only independent predictor for energy compensation, with a greater decrease in leptin AUC predicting less energy compensation. Exercise frequency, energy expended, duration, or intensity did not influence energy compensation. Conclusions Leptin is an important factor in successful weight loss through exercise, with greater postprandial decreases promoting less compensation. Greater amounts of exercise do not influence the compensatory response to an exercise-induced energy deficit.
An application of a bioenergetics model to Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis L.)

A bioenergetics model was developed for Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis L.) by revising an existing model for yellow perch and walleye. Data were gathered from field studies and the literature. Besides adjusting the original parameters of the model, effects of season on consumption and metabolic rates were added. The predictive capability of the revised model was high both concerning the levels of growth and its seasonal development in the Baltic coastal waters to which the model was applied. Perch young-of-the-year attained almost maximum consumption and growth except in the highest temperatures experienced. In larger fish, the model estimated consumption to be about 50 per cent of the maximum possible rate.
CONSTRUCTION AND TESTING OF GLUED LAMINATED TIMBER FRAMES FOR USE IN LAYING POULTRY HOUSES

This study aimed to present a solution in glued laminated timber to replace frame structures built in reinforced concrete and metallic structure, which are common in agricultural buildings in western Paraná such as those destined to laying poultry house building by agricultural cooperatives. Structural behavior of frames build from Araucaria angustifolia glued boards and vegetable oil-based polyurethane adhesive was evaluated. Tests were carried out to characterize wood and adhesive to obtain verification/sizing parameters. Initially, a full-scale structural project was conducted to meet standard laying poultry house specifications. Afterwards, five units of straight three-articulated frames on a 1:2.5 reduced scale were designed, built, and subjected to strength tests until breaking. They were built with a 2-meter free span and a 15° slope, suitable for using metal roof tiles. The average for structure ultimate strength was 4.14 times the design load. Structures had satisfactory mechanical performance and displacements lower than those recommended by NBR 7190 (1997) standard (ABNT). Therefore, building glued frames with Parana pine boards and vegetable oil-based glue is technically feasible.
Comparative Time to Improvement in Nonoperative and Operative Treatment of Rotator Cuff Tears.

BACKGROUND Comparative time to recovery after operative and nonoperative treatment for rotator cuff tears is an important consideration for patients. Hence, we compared the time to achieve clinically meaningful reduction in shoulder pain and function after treatment. METHODS From February 2011 to June 2015, a multicenter cohort of patients with rotator cuff tears undergoing operative or nonoperative treatment was recruited. After propensity score weighting, the Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate the time to achieve a minimal clinically important difference (MCID), >30% reduction, and >50% reduction in the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores. (In our analysis, both ASES and SPADI were coded such that a lower number corresponded to a better outcome; thus, the word "reduction" was used to indicate improvement in both ASES and SPADI scores.) A 2-stage test was conducted to detect a difference between the 2 groups. RESULTS In this cohort, 96 patients underwent nonoperative treatment and 73 patients underwent a surgical procedure. The surgical treatment group and the nonoperative treatment group were significantly different with respect to SPADI and ASES scores (p < 0.05). The maximum difference between groups in achievement of the MCID for the SPADI scores was at 3.25 months, favoring the nonoperative treatment group. The probability to achieve the MCID was 0.06 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.00 to 0.12) for the surgical treatment group compared with 0.40 (95% CI, 0.29 to 0.50) for the nonoperative treatment group. The surgical treatment group had a greater probability of achieving >50% reduction in SPADI scores at 15.49 months (0.20 [95% CI, 0.12 to 0.29] for the surgical treatment group compared with 0.04 [95% CI, 0.00 to 0.09] for the nonoperative treatment group). The surgical treatment group had a greater probability of achieving >50% reduction in ASES scores at 24.74 months (0.96 [95% CI, 0.84 to 0.99] for the surgical treatment group compared with 0.66 [95% CI, 0.53 to 0.75] for the nonoperative treatment group). The differences for >30% reduction in SPADI and ASES scores and the MCID for ASES scores were not significant. CONCLUSIONS Patients undergoing nonoperative treatment had significantly better outcomes in the initial follow-up period compared with patients undergoing a surgical procedure, but this trend reversed in the longer term. These data can be used to inform expectations for nonoperative and operative treatments for rotator cuff tears. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Neuropharmacology of anxiolytic drugs: A selected review of the field

The review begins by outlining some of the animal models of anxiety that have been used to evaluate anxiolytic activity. Whereas acute screening tests such as antagonism of chemically induced convulsions and foot shock‐induced aggression in mice have proved to be useful in the selection of compounds chemically related to known anxiolytics, more sophisticated animal models of anxiety (e.g., the various conflict models) appear to be required if the essential features of human anxiety are to be simulated in the laboratory. The review summarizes our experience with such a model and also critically assesses the value of “open‐field” induced stress in rats as a model of anxiety that is relatively simple but which enables the investigator to try to find biochemical correlates of anxiolytic action. Using the open‐field' model, we have examined the effects of a number of anxiolytics (diazepam, clobazam, and nicotinamide, the putative endogenous ligand of benzodiazepine receptors) on behaviour and neurotransmitter function in different regions of the rat brain. Evidence is presented that anxiolytics act primarily by facilitating gamma‐aminobutyric (GABA)‐ergic transmission in limbic regions of the brain. The review concludes by outlining some of the mechanisms whereby both the 1,5‐ and 1,4‐benzodiazepines may exert their effects at the cellular level. Whereas there is substantial experimental evidence suggesting that GABA‐ergic activity is facilitated by the anxiolytic displacing a specific protein (GABA‐modulin) from some of the GABA‐receptor sites, thereby facilitating chloride transport into the neurons (hyperpolarization), the distribution of the benzodiazepine receptors on nonneuronal elements (glia) suggests that these drugs have more complex actions than is generally stated. Furthermore, the interactions between the benzodiazepines, GABA, and the enkephalins in subcortical regions of the brain suggest that the pharmacological profile of these drugs cannot be explained only in terms of a facilitation of GABA‐ergic transmission.
Artificial Intelligence Techniques for Cognitive Sensing in Future IoT: State-of-the-Art, Potentials, and Challenges

Smart, secure and energy-efficient data collection (DC) processes are key to the realization of the full potentials of future Internet of Things (FIoT)-based systems. Currently, challenges in this domain have motivated research efforts towards providing cognitive solutions for IoT usage. One such solution, termed cognitive sensing (CS) describes the use of smart sensors to intelligently perceive inputs from the environment. Further, CS has been proposed for use in FIoT in order to facilitate smart, secure and energy-efficient data collection processes. In this article, we provide a survey of different Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based techniques used over the last decade to provide cognitive sensing solutions for different FIoT applications. We present some state-of-the-art approaches, potentials, and challenges of AI techniques for the identified solutions. This survey contributes to a better understanding of AI techniques deployed for cognitive sensing in FIoT as well as future research directions in this regard.