Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Enhanced mixing and reaction through flow focusing in heterogeneous porous media

Transverse dispersion across adjacent streamlines can control the amount of mixing and reaction between one or more contaminants and a limiting substrate along the fringes of groundwater plumes. Streamlines in groundwater converge and diverge in heterogeneous porous media, depending on the permeability distribution. When flow is focused in a high‐permeability zone, the distance required for a solute to cross a given number of streamlines decreases, and the time allowed for mixing and reaction is reduced. Because the first effect outweighs the latter, the overall result is an enhancement of transverse mixing and reaction. Here we develop a conceptual model of heterogeneous two‐dimensional structures facilitating flow focusing. We use the conceptual model to develop simple analytical expressions quantifying the extent to which mixing and reaction are enhanced when flow focusing occurs and compare these to results of numerical simulations. Significant enhancement of transverse mixing and reaction by flow focusing is observed; for the cases considered, flow focusing enhances the amount of reaction by a factor ranging from 1.8 to 11.9. The relatively simple analytical expressions demonstrate that the fraction of the domain height made up by high‐permeability inclusions, the fraction of flow that passes through the inclusions, and the fringe bypassing of inclusions determine the amount of mixing and reaction enhancement for the permeability distributions considered. These results partially explain why field‐scale dispersivities are larger than laboratory derived dispersivities, where homogeneous and isotropic sediments are typically used. Further work is needed to verify the theoretical results presented here with laboratory and field experiments and to expand the relatively simple analytical expressions to consider more heterogeneous three‐dimensional permeability fields.
Topoisomerase Inhibitors Increase Episomal DNA Expression by Inducing the Integration of Episomal DNA in Hepatic Cells

Gene therapy is a promising strategy to treat and cure most inherited metabolic liver disorders. Viral vectors such as those based on adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) and lentiviruses (LVs) are used as vehicles to deliver functional genes to affected hepatocytes. Adverse events associated with the use of high vector doses have motivated the use of small molecules as adjuvants to reduce the dose. In this study, we showed that a one-hour treatment with topoisomerase inhibitors (camptothecin and etoposide) prior to viral transduction is enough to increase AAV and LV reporter expression in non-dividing hepatic cells in culture. Topoisomerase inhibitors increased both integration-competent (ICLV) and integration-deficient (IDLV) LV-derived expression, with a much stronger increase in the IDLV transduction system. In agreement with that, topoisomerase inhibitors increased viral genome integration in both strains, with a greater impact on the IDLV strain, supporting the idea that topoisomerase inhibitors increased episomal DNA integration, especially when viral integrase activity is abolished. These effects correlated with an increase in the DNA damage response produced by the treatments. Our study highlights the need to monitor DNA damage and undesired integration of viral episomal DNAs into the host genome when studying chemical compounds that increase viral transduction.
A model for personalized diagnostics for non-specific low back pain: the role of the myofascial unit

Low back pain (LBP) is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Most LBP is non-specific or idiopathic, which is defined as symptoms of unknown origin without a clear specific cause or pathology. Current guidelines for clinical evaluation are based on ruling out underlying serious medical conditions, but not on addressing underlying potential contributors to pain. Although efforts have been made to identify subgroups within this population based on response to treatment, a comprehensive framework to guide assessment is still lacking. In this paper, we propose a model for a personalized mechanism-based assessment based on the available evidence that seeks to identify the underlying pathologies that may initiate and perpetuate central sensitization associated with chronic non-specific low back pain (nsLBP). We propose that central sensitization can have downstream effects on the “myofascial unit”, defined as an integrated anatomical and functional structure that includes muscle fibers, fascia (including endomysium, perimysium and epimysium) and its associated innervations (free nerve endings, muscle spindles), lymphatics, and blood vessels. The tissue-level abnormalities can be perpetuated through a vicious cycle of neurogenic inflammation, impaired fascial gliding, and interstitial inflammatory stasis that manifest as the clinical findings for nsLBP. We postulate that our proposed model offers biological plausibility for the complex spectrum of clinical findings, including tissue-level abnormalities, biomechanical dysfunction and postural asymmetry, ecological and psychosocial factors, associated with nsLBP. The model suggests a multi-domain evaluation that is personalized, feasible and helps rule out specific causes for back pain guiding clinically relevant management. It may also provide a roadmap for future research to elucidate mechanisms underlying this ubiquitous and complex problem.
La creación de videojuegos en ciencias naturales y la competencia para resolver problemas

Introduction. This research work is intended to design and explore a didactic sequence associated to the competence to solve problems. Such sequence was based on the creation of video games made by students, as an educative strategy to support the formative process focused on competencies related to natural sciences, particularly with that of problem solving. Objective. During the didactic sequence the KODU programming language was implemented, using it in extracurricular spaces with sixth grade students from Colegio Gimnasio Cantabria, in La Estrella, Antioquia. Materials and methods. Information based on the sequence´s implementation was collected, by means of video, a field diary and interviews to the students. Other indicators associated to the competency to solve problems were also assessed in the video games developed. Results. The results obtained support the idea of creating video games as a didactic strategy, thus supporting the development and consolidation of competencies as it could be demonstrated in the video games developed, with all of the indicators related to solve problems (identification of problems, accumulation of data associated a logical procedure to identify the causes of the problems, proposition of solution and execution of the alternatives). The didactic sequence was also functional for the physical spaces and the academic periods. Conclusion. The evidences allow the projection of a curricular integration space for the strategy of creating video games with other different competencies that are complementary to the solution of problems (analytical thinking, systemic thinking, and creative thinking, among others).
Farlie-Gumbel-Morgenstern Bivariate Exponentaited Weibull Distribution with Applications

The bivariate Exponentaited Weibull distribution is an important lifetime distribution in survival analysis. In this paper, Farlie-Gumbel-Morgenstern (FGM) copula and Exponentaited Weibull marginal distribution are used for creating bivariate distribution which is called FGM bivariate Exponentaited Weibull (FGMBEW) distribution. FGMBEW distribution is used for describing bivariate data that have weak correlation between variables in lifetime data. It is agood alternative to bivariate several lifetime distributions for modeling real-valued data in application. Some properties of the FGMBEW distribution are obtained such as product moment, moment generating function, reliability function and hazard function. Estimation method for parameters estimation is discussed for FGMBEW distribution namely maximum likelihood estimation. A simulations study is conducted to evaluate the performance of the estimators. Also, a real data set is introduced, analyzed to investigate the model and useful results are obtained for illustrative purposes.
Weak‐type Fefferman–Stein inequality and commutators on weak Orlicz–Morrey spaces

We consider the Fefferman–Stein inequality for weak Orlicz–Morrey spaces and the commutators [b,T]$[b,T]$ and [b,Iρ]$[b,I_{\rho }]$ on weak Orlicz–Morrey spaces, where T is a Calderón–Zygmund operator, Iρ$I_{\rho }$ is a generalized fractional integral operator and b is a function in generalized Campanato spaces. We give a necessary and sufficient condition for the boundedness from of [b,T]$[b,T]$ and [b,Iρ]$[b,I_{\rho }]$ from a weak Orlicz Morrey space to another weak Orlicz–Morrey space. We use the Fefferman–Stein inequality to prove the boundedness of the commutators. Since weak Orlicz–Morrey spaces contain the weak Lebesgue, weak Orlicz and weak Morrey spaces as special cases, our results contain the bounedness on these function spaces which are also new results.
Hydrological modelling, process understanding and uncertainty in a southern African context: lessons from the northern hemisphere

During the four decades of Keith Beven's career there have been many developments in the science of hydrological modelling. Some have focused on the links between hydrological process understanding and the structure and complexity of hydrological models, others on the related issues of modelling uncertainty. The southern Africa region continues to be generally less well endowed with the resources required to contribute to these research developments, but they are critical for successful water resources management decision‐making in data scarce areas, and go beyond academic interest. Consequently, the focus in the region has been on adding a local context to northern hemisphere research as well as trying to put it into practice. The challenge in southern Africa has always been to extrapolate from published research ideas and decide how they can be effectively used in larger scale practical applications in data‐poor areas. The paper examines the issues of model complexity, links with process understanding and the broad topic of model uncertainty estimation in the context of data scarce areas and how the science questions relate to improvements in water resources decision making. The conclusions suggest that the southern African region has benefited a great deal from several decades of northern hemisphere research (including those by Beven) and that some values have been added through the focus on practical implementation. The region should also embrace the opportunities presented by the need to link realistic uncertainty estimates with risk‐based water resources decision‐making, thereby contributing to the international debate on this important topic. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Formation and evolution of the ionospheric plasma density shoulder and its relationship to the superfountain effects investigated during the 6 November 2001 great storm

This study investigates the 6 November 2001 great storm’s impact on the topside ionosphere utilizing data from the onboard TOPEX/Poseidon-NASA altimeter, Defense Meteorological Satellite Program–Special Sensor Ions, Electrons and Scintillation instruments and ACE interplanetary observatory. A set of field-aligned profiles demonstrate the storm evolution, caused by the precursor and promptly penetrating interplanetary eastward electric (E) fields, and strong equatorward winds reducing chemical loss, during the long-duration negative BZ events. At daytime-evening, the forward fountain experienced repeated strengthening, as the net eastward E field suddenly increased. The resultant symmetrical equatorial anomaly exhibited a continuous increase,while the energy inputs at both auroral regions were similar. In both hemispheres, by progressing poleward, a midlatitude shoulder exhibiting increased plasma densities, a plasma-density dropoff (steep gradient) and a plasma depletion appeared. These features were maintained while the reverse fountain operated. At the dropoff, elevated temperatures indicated the plasmapause. Consequently, the plasma depletion was the signature of plasmaspheric erosion. In each hemisphere, an isolated plasma flow, supplying the minimum plasma, was detected at the shoulder. Plasmaspheric compression, due to the enhanced E fields, could trigger this plasma flow. Exhibiting strong longitudinal variation at evening-nighttime, the shoulder increased 306% over the southeastern Pacific, where the nighttime Weddell Sea Anomaly (WSA) appeared before the storm. There, the shoulder indicated the storm-enhanced equatorward section of the quiet time WSA. Owing to the substantial equatorward plasmapause movement, a larger poleward section of the quiet time WSA eroded away, leaving a large depletion behind. This study reports first these (northern, southern) plasma flows and dramatic storm effects on a nighttime WSA.
A Comparison of Two Common Classification Procedures for Economical Urban Land Cover Mapping Using NAIP Imagery

A Comparison of Two Common Classification Procedures for Economical Urban Land Cover Mapping using NAIP Imagery Kent Lowell Simons Department of Geography Master of Science Detailed urban land cover maps are increasingly useful and important applications of remote sensing. Municipal agencies and others use land cover maps and data for numerous critical local planning and monitoring functions and for urban geographical research studies. Because of this, there is a demand for accurate urban land cover maps that can be produced quickly and economically. The availability of very high resolution multispectral imagery is an important factor in enabling such production, as the judicious selection of source imagery has a large impact on the resulting map products. Likewise, the implementation of appropriate digital image processing methods is crucial for deriving urban land cover maps of acceptable accuracy and cost. This study compared two common image classification algorithms using 2006 NAIP 1meter GSD CIR images of Orem and Provo, Utah. The two classification procedures – conventional per-pixel supervised classification coupled with post-classification filtering, and object-based feature extraction – were compared for resulting accuracy and, in general terms, for their cost-effectiveness. Results demonstrated that object-based feature extraction has the potential to produce maps with better accuracy, but at a somewhat higher cost than per-pixel supervised classification. Classification errors and their probable causes are discussed; also a number of options for improving the classification accuracy are presented together with considerations of the potential costs involved. Although the ultimate goal of economical production of accurate urban land cover maps was not fully realized, this study nevertheless has established a cost containment baseline upon which methodological improvements can be built.
A Molecular Orchestration of Plant Translation under Abiotic Stress

The complexities of translational strategies make this stage of implementing genetic information one of the most challenging to comprehend and, simultaneously, perhaps the most engaging. It is evident that this diverse range of strategies results not only from a long evolutionary history, but is also of paramount importance for refining gene expression and metabolic modulation. This notion is particularly accurate for organisms that predominantly exhibit biochemical and physiological reactions with a lack of behavioural ones. Plants are a group of organisms that exhibit such features. Addressing unfavourable environmental conditions plays a pivotal role in plant physiology. This is particularly evident with the changing conditions of global warming and the irrevocable loss or depletion of natural ecosystems. In conceptual terms, the plant response to abiotic stress comprises a set of elaborate and intricate strategies. This is influenced by a range of abiotic factors that cause stressful conditions, and molecular genetic mechanisms that fine-tune metabolic pathways allowing the plant organism to overcome non-standard and non-optimal conditions. This review aims to focus on the current state of the art in the field of translational regulation in plants under abiotic stress conditions. Different regulatory elements and patterns are being assessed chronologically. We deem it important to focus on significant high-performance techniques for studying the genetic information dynamics during the translation phase.
Resource Flows Among Three Generations in Guatemala Study (2007–08): Definitions, tracking, data collection, coverage, and attrition

The allocation of resources across generations and the consequences of these allocations represent a research agenda with significant policy implications. At the same time, their empirical investigation imposes immense data requirements, and therefore data collection challenges. In this paper, we describe how we met these challenges, in the Resource Flows Among Three Generations in Guatemala Study, or IGT, carried out in 2006–07. In doing so, we provide a guide for using and interpreting the data collected as part of IGT, as well as an example for others interested in implementing research projects on similar themes elsewhere. Complex research topics, across generations and across a range of possible measures of well-being, led to a relatively complicated sample selection process and survey design, with component modules that were applicable to different “types” of sample members, depending on their generational status and age, and who often lived in different locations. It also led to a wide set of survey domains, ranging from economic, educational, and psychological surveys to clinical medical exams for both the young and the elderly. Survey coverage was above 85% of the targeted sample for most categories of respondents and most modules, and a number of safeguards were in place to ensure high quality data. Biases due to attrition, measured against the original 1970s rounds of survey work upon which IGT built, while present, should not reduce substantially the validity of research findings to come from this rich sample. The extent to which this is true, though, may vary depending on the topic under consideration and the controls included in the analyses.
The Economy of the Possible: Pensions and Informality in Latin America

Social protection coverage is quite low in Latin America. This situation, irrespective of the type of pension scheme, represents a challenge for public policy since these low levels of affiliation and irregular contribution histories indicate that pensions will be insufficient in the coming decades. This paper describes the relationship between pension protection and labour informality in Bolivia, Brazil, Chile and Mexico by income level, using several rounds of national household surveys. Our analysis highlights that labour formality is limited, even among the middle and the high income groups. Correspondingly, coverage rates (measured by contributors or affiliates over workers) range between 10% of the labour force in Bolivia to up to 62% in Chile. 76% of formal workers are covered on average, while coverage among the self-employed in agriculture is below 7%. Based on this prognosis, we discuss some alternative pension reforms. La couverture des pensions de retraite est relativement faible en Amerique latine. Independamment des types de systemes de retraite, cette situation represente un defi pour les politiques publiques : aussi bien les faibles niveaux d’affiliation que les historiques de contribution irreguliers indiquent que les retraites des decennies a venir seront insuffisantes. Cet article decrit la relation existant entre les systemes de couverture retraite et le phenomene d’informalite du marche du travail en Bolivie, au Bresil, au Chili et au Mexique, par niveau de revenu, et a partir des donnees d’enquetes de menage. L’analyse souligne le fait que le nombre de travailleurs formels est limite, et ce meme parmi les groupes de revenus moyens et eleves. De meme, les taux de couverture (mesures par la proportion de contribuables ou d’affilies par rapport au nombre total de travailleurs) varient de 10 % pour la force de travail en Bolivie, a 62 % au Chili. 76 % des travailleurs formels sont couverts en moyenne, tandis que parmi les travailleurs independants agricoles ce chiffre ne depasse pas 7 %. En se basant sur ce pronostique, differentes alternatives de reformes de retraites sont examinees.
Relative Age Effects in The Selection of Representative Athletes of Kosovo National Team in Handball, Football, Basketball, Volleyball - Post Puberty Age

Taking into account the role that the selection of athletes has in the success of clubs as well as in the sports life of young people, this research aims to highlight the impact of the Relative Age Effects (RAE) in the selection of athletes for representative teams of Kosovo in collective sports and the difference between the respective groups. The study was designed as an observational cross-sectional study. The total sample of persons in this research was n=237 (118 male and 119 female) athletes of the Kosovo National Team of team sports. The athletes were divided into 4 main groups: Q1 (January-March), Q2 (April-June), Q3 (July-September) and Q4 (October-December) with a special emphasis on the Q1 and Q4 group (for all sports the birth dates of the age post-puberty were collected). The analysis of the data clearly indicates that young athletes born in Q1 and Q2 were significantly more selected for representative teams compared to those in the other two groups. The results demonstrate a significant relative age effect on athlete selection based on gender for the Kosovo National Team. Specifically, athletes from Q1 and Q2 were favored. Based on these findings, it is strongly recommended that the respective federations, sports trainers, and relevant sports authorities take proactive measures to prevent the “discrimination” experienced by young athletes.
Beating Gradient Boosting: Target-Guided Binning for Massively Scalable Classification in Real-Time

Gradient Boosting (GB) consistently outperforms other ML predictors especially in the context of binary classification based on multi-modal data of different forms and types. Its newest efficient implementations, including XGBoost, LGBM and CATBoost, push GB even further ahead with fast GPU-accelerated compute engine and optimized handling of categorical features. In an attempt to beat GB in both the performance and processing speed we propose a new simple yet fast and robust classification model based on predictive binning. At first all features undergo massively parallelized binning into a unified ordinally compressed risk representation, independently optimized to maximize the AUC score against the target. The resultant array of summarized micro-predictors, resembling 0-depth decision trees, directly expressing oridnally represented target risk, are then passed through the greedy feature selection to compose a robust wide-margin voting classifier, whose performance can beat GB while the extreme build and execution speed along with highly compressed representation welcomes extreme data sizes and realtime applicability. The model has been applied to detect cyber-security attacks on IoT devices within FedCSIS‘2023 Challenge and scored 2nd place with the AUC ≈ 1, leaving behind all the latest GB variants in performance and speed.