Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
X-ray diffraction as a highly selective and sensitive tool for the identification of Mg-rich carbonate phases in terms of the limestone with magnesium practical application

This article presents the theory about the usability and effectiveness of X-Ray Diffraction in identifying carbonate phases varied in magnesium content in the practical application of limestone-rich magnesium. Results of research on the Triassic limestone samples using this method are presented there. The samples were taken from the area of Opole Silesia in Poland. It is a Polish part of the Germanic Basin. X-ray diffraction was used to identify the following phases: low-Mg calcite, high-Mg calcite, dolomite, and huntite. Low-Mg calcite dominates in the limestones. In some samples, there is also a lower amount of high-Mg calcite. Moreover, dolomite and huntite were identified. The study results have shown that X-ray diffraction is the perfect method to identify carbonate phases with different magnesium content. Limestone, including carbonates rich in magnesium, can be used as a fertilizer, animal feed additive, sorbent to desulfurize flue gases or material in road building. The research results indicate the possibility of application of the Muschelkalk limestones rich in magnesium from the area of Opole Silesia in different branches of industry. Therefore, it would not be necessary to carry out selective exploitation in a way to avoid the magnesium-rich limestone zones in the deposits.
Application of Hamming Code Theory in Prisoner 's Chessboard Puzzle

This work proposed a universal algorithm based on the parity-check theory of Hamming code for solving the Prisoner's Chessboard Puzzle (PCP) which is known as an unsolvable mathematical problem. The solution to the simplest two-dimensional PCP is first given. However, no suitable strategy is available when the 3D PCP is transformed into a 3D cube coloring problem. To explore the existence and structure of the solution of PCP, we make the rows of the whole chessboard into a line and then uses the idea of Hamming code parity check. After proving the agreement of parity check results and XOR operation ones, we carry out XOR operation to get a universal solution for PCP. The results show that the method can solve any dimension PCP effectively.
Quantitative Dynamic Allodynograph—A Standardized Measure for Testing Dynamic Mechanical Allodynia in Chronic Limb Pain

Background: Dynamic mechanical allodynia (DMA) is both a symptom and a central sensitization sign, yet no standardized method for quantifying the DMA area has been reported. This study aimed to establish psychometric properties for Quantitative Dynamic Allodynography (QDA), a newly developed protocol measuring the DMA area as a percentage of the body surface. Methods: Seventy-eight patients aged 18–65 diagnosed with chronic complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) participated in this study. Test–retest reliability was conducted twice, one week apart (N = 20), and inter-rater (N = 3) reliability was conducted on 10 participants. Disease severity (CRPS Severity Score, CSS), pain intensity (VAS), and quality of life (SF-36) measures were utilized to test construct validity. Results: High inter-rater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.96, p < 0.001) and test–retest reliability (r = 0.98, p < 0.001) were found. Furthermore, the QDA score was found to be correlated with the CSS (r = 0.47, p < 0.001), VAS (r = 0.37, p < 0.001), and the SF-36 physical health total (r = −0.47, p < 0.001) scores. Conclusion: The QDA is the first developed reliable and valid protocol for measuring DMA in a clinical setting and may be used as a diagnostic and prognostic measure in clinics and in research, advancing the pain precision medicine approach.
Habit-DisHabit Design with a Quadratic Equation: A Better Model of the Hemodynamic Changes in Preschoolers during the Dimension Change Card Sorting Task

General linear modeling (GLM) has been widely employed to estimate the hemodynamic changes observed by functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) technology, which are found to be nonlinear rather than linear, however. Therefore, GLM might not be appropriate for modeling the hemodynamic changes evoked by cognitive processing in developmental neurocognitive studies. There is an urgent need to identify a better statistical model to fit into the nonlinear fNIRS data. This study addressed this need by developing a quadratic equation model to reanalyze the existing fNIRS data (N = 38, Mage = 5.0 years, SD = 0.69 years, 17 girls) collected from the mixed-order design Dimensional Change Card Sort (DCCS) task and verified the model with a new set of data with the Habit-DisHabit design. First, comparing the quadratic and cubic modeling results of the mixed-order design data indicated that the proposed quadratic equation was better than GLM and cubic regression to model the oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO) changes in this task. Second, applying this quadratic model with the Habit-DisHabit design data verified its suitability and indicated that the new design was more effective in identifying the neural correlates of cognitive shifting than the mixed-order design. These findings jointly indicate that Habit-DisHabit Design with a quadratic equation might better model the hemodynamic changes in preschoolers during the DCCS task.
The Impact of Microphysical Schemes on Intensity and Track of Hurricane

During the past decade, both research and operational numerical weather prediction models [e.g. Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF)] have started using more complex microphysical schemes originally developed for high-resolution cloud resolving models (CRMs) with a 1-2 km or less horizontal resolutions. The WRF is a next-generation meso-scale forecast model and assimilation system that has incorporated a modern software framework, advanced dynamics, numeric and data assimilation techniques, a multiple moveable nesting capability, and improved physical packages. The WRF model can be used for a wide range of applications, from idealized research to operational forecasting, with an emphasis on horizontal grid sizes in the range of 1-10 km. The current WRF includes several different microphysics options. At Goddard, four different cloud microphysics schemes (warm rain only, two-class of ice, two three-class of ice with either graupel or hail) are implemented into the WRF. The performances of these schemes have been compared to those from other WRF microphysics scheme options for an Atlantic hurricane case. In addition, a brief review and comparison on the previous modeling studies on the impact of microphysics schemes and microphysical processes on intensity and track of hurricane will be presented. Generally, almost all modeling studies found that the microphysics schemes did not have major impacts on track forecast, but did have more effect on the intensity. All modeling studies found that the simulated hurricane has rapid deepening and/or intensification for the warm rain-only case. It is because all hydrometeors were very large raindrops, and they fell out quickly at and near the eye-wall region. This would hydrostatically produce the lowest pressure. In addition, these modeling studies suggested that the simulated hurricane becomes unrealistically strong by removing the evaporative cooling of cloud droplets and melting of ice particles. This is due to the much weaker downdraft simulated. However, there are many differences between different modeling studies and these differences were identified and discussed.
Pomegranate Peel Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Properties, Methods of Extraction, and Its Application: A Comprehensive Review

Pomegranate peel, derived from the processing of Punica granatum L. (pomegranate), has traditionally been considered agricultural waste. However, recent studies have revealed its potential as a rich source of bioactive compounds with diverse pharmacological effects. Pomegranate peel is a rich reservoir of antioxidants, polyphenols, dietary fiber, and vitamins, which contribute to its remarkable bioactivity. Studies have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, wound healing, anticancer, and antimicrobial properties of pomegranate peel owing to the presence of phytochemicals, such as gallic acid, ellagic acid, and punicalagin. The extraction of bioactive compounds from pomegranate peel requires a careful selection of techniques to maximize the yield and quality. Green extraction methods, including pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), and enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE), offer efficient and sustainable alternatives to traditional methods. Furthermore, pomegranate peel has been utilized in the food industry, where it can significantly enhance the nutritional value, organoleptic characteristics, and shelf life of food products. Pomegranate peel has the potential to be used to develop innovative functional foods, nutraceuticals, and other value-added products, providing new opportunities for the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries.
Optimal Stealthy Linear Man-in-the-Middle Attacks With Resource Constraints on Remote State Estimation

This article studies the impact of constrained optimal stealthy attacks on the state estimator, where man-in-the-middle attacks with a linear form can compromise innovations transmitted through a wireless network. First, a novel resource-constrained attack model is proposed, in which there are only a finite number of attack instants within a fixed interval. Second, the evolution of the estimation error covariance under attacks is obtained, and the covariance at the ultimate instant of the attack interval is regarded as the attacker’s cost function. Moreover, a relaxed condition of the strict stealthiness, named Kullback–Leibler divergence, is employed to describe the attacker’s the stealthiness metric. Third, the one-time and holistic optimization problems of stealthy attacks are solved by exploiting the Lagrange multiplier method. Then the constrained optimal attack strategies are obtained to produce the largest ultimate estimation error covariance. Finally, two simulation cases are provided to confirm the correctness of the designed attack strategies.
Selection of new lactobacilli strains with potentially probiotic properties

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest among food industry producers for functional foods. In this context, the study aims to isolate new lactic acid bacteria strains with probiotic potential that could further be used to obtain valuable metabiotics with good technological potential and health benefits. In the current study, twenty-nine newly LAB strains were isolated from various natural sources, including artisanal cultures (like, kefir grains and kombucha membrane), and selected through fermentation potential on unconventional plant-base substrates, consisting red lentils flour, red potato peel powder, and okara. The strains identified using 16S rDNA sequencing, as Lacticaseibacillus paracasei (encoded BL13, BL80, BL87) and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (encoded BL21) were further screened considering their in vitro probiotic properties. The safety assessment evaluation highlighted that Lacticaseibacillus paracasei (BL13) and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (BL21) selected as performant strains have antimicrobial potential against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, being also susceptible to tetracycline, chloramphenicol and ampicillin. Furthermore, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (encoded BL21) proved good adhesion properties on the HT-29 cell line. These strains are new promising probiotic starter cultures candidates with approachable potential to be used for obtaining functional food and ingredients through fermentation processes, that could offer health benefits.
APPROXIMATION OF THE NONLINEAR DEPENDENCIES IN HARMONIC BALANCE EQUATIONS

A new algorithm is presented to reduce computational costs in solving harmonic balance equations obtained by separating state variables. In the author's previous works, an approach was proposed where the vector (matrix) of unknowns is replaced by two matrices of small dimension, which leads to two systems of balance equations that are solved iteratively. The first equation reduces the number of harmonics in the balance equations, the second equation reduces the number of circuit nodes. In this paper, it is proposed to further reduce computational costs by approximating part of the elements of the balance equations using the decomposition procedure based on singular values. It is proposed to construct a matrix of sets of responses of nonlinear dependencies of circuit models before solving the problem by an iterative method. This matrix reflects all the main changes in nonlinear dependencies with changes in the amplitudes of the input effect and over time. The resulting matrix is then approximated by applying decomposition based on singular values. Comparison of the proposed algorithm with the standard harmonic balance method and algorithms developed by the author earlier showed its high efficiency.
LumiNet: Multispatial Attention Generative Adversarial Network for Backlit Image Enhancement

Backlit image enhancement is a crucial task in improving the quality and visibility of the underexposed regions in an image caused by the difference in illumination between the background and the foreground. Traditional methods struggle to effectively handle the dynamic range compression required for backlit image enhancement and fail to properly balance the exposure between the background and foreground areas. In this article, we propose a novel backlit image enhancement architecture using a modified U-Net and a unique $1\,\, {}\times {}1$ discriminator-based conditional generative adversarial network (cGAN). Our approach incorporates custom hyperparameters, a tailored loss function, and bilateral-guided upsampling (BGU) for efficient enhancement of large images. We evaluated our model on the backlit image dataset (BAID) and achieved superior results in various image evaluation metrics, such as peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), natural image quality evaluator (NIQE), and $\Delta E ^{\circ} $ , demonstrating its effectiveness in enhancing both backlit and low-light (LOL) images. We have also compared the computational efficiency and resources used by our method with other state-of-the-art methods. Extending our work, we have incorporated our model into a pipeline for enhancing backlit traffic images and videos, which is then used to detect the license plates of vehicles with improved accuracy.
An L-/S-Band SPDT Switch With 30-dBm OP1 dB and 33-dB Isolation in CMOS SOI

This letter presents a 0.5–4.5-GHz (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$L$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-/<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$S$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-band) watt-level single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switch in 0.13-<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mu \text{m}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> CMOS SOI technology from the GlobalFoundries (GF). This letter investigates the feasible methods to improve the power handling capacity of the FET switches circuits and analyzes the adopted structure of stacked FETs with independent biasing technique in detail. The proposed switch features 30.1-dBm OP1 dB at 3.5 GHz, better than 1.22-dB insertion loss (IL), and 33-dB isolation over the entire bandwidth, which meets the requirements of high-power handling of the fifth-generation communication system. The active chip area of the designed SPDT is compact with a size of only 0.78 <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula> 0.38 mm2.
Geothermal Energy: An Alternative Resource for the 21st Century

Preface. 1. The Energy Outlook. 2. Basic Concepts. 3. Heat Transfer. 4. Geothermal Systems and Resources. 5. Exploration Techniques. 6. Assessment and Exploitation. 7. The Cerro Prieto Geothermal Field, Mexico. 8. Worldwide Status of Geothermal Resource Utilization. 9. Thermal Energy of the Oceans.
Effects of a Sprinkler and Cool Cell Combined System on Cooling Water Usage, Litter Moisture, and Indoor Environment of Broiler Houses

Simple Summary Water scarcity is an increasing problem facing the global agricultural industry, particularly livestock production. The poultry industry is actively seeking opportunities to reduce the use of water for cooling broiler houses during hot summer months. We investigated a sprinkler system combined with a cool cell system and a cool-cell only system for cooling heavy broiler chickens for two summer flocks. We found the sprinkler/cool cell combination exhibited a higher house temperature, lower relative humidity, and a 64% reduction in average cooling water use. Litter moisture also tended to be lower in the combination system. Findings are similar to previous reported research and offer additional confirmation that sprinklers in conjunction with cool cells maintain litter conditions while reducing cooling water use, thus lessening the threat to the economic and environmental sustainability of the poultry industry and improving its water efficiency efforts. Abstract Climate change is a serious challenge to food production around the world. Sustainability and water efficiency are critical to a poultry industry faced with global production concerns including increased demands for high-quality, affordable animal protein and greater environmental pressures resulting from rising global temperatures, flock heat stress, and limits on water availability. To address these concerns, a commercial sprinkler system used in combination with a cool cell system was evaluated against a cool cell system alone for two summer flocks of heavy broilers at Mississippi State University to determine effects of sprinkler technology on cooling water usage, litter moisture, and in-house environments. Environmental data were calculated and recorded throughout the flocks. The combination house exhibited a 2.2 °C (4 °F) increase in daily maximum temperature, lower coincident relative humidity, and a 64% (62,039 L/flock) reduction in average cooling water usage over the cool cell-only house. Litter moisture for the combination house tended to be numerically lower but showed no significant difference at several time points between and across flocks. A combined sprinkler/cool cell system reduced cooling water use by 64% over two flocks compared to a cool cell alone system and decreased in-house relative humidity levels.
Editorial: Impact and consequences of COVID-19 on the musculoskeletal system

COPYRIGHT © 2023 Toussirot, Maglio, Fini and Salamanna. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms. Editorial: Impact and consequences of COVID-19 on the musculoskeletal system
Influence of different concentrations of metabolisable energy at constant ratio to dietary protein, lysine, methionine, calcium and phosphorus on the performance of White Leghorn layers in the tropics

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of nutrient density on the performance (21–72 weeks of age) of White Leghorn layers reared in an open-sided poultry house in the tropics. Six diets with graded levels (9.62–11.72 MJ/kg) of metabolisable energy (ME) with an increment of 0.42 MJ were formulated. Concentrations of crude protein, lysine, methionine, calcium and non-phytate phosphorus were kept constant to ME in all diets (15.9, 0.73, 0.35, 3.19 and 0.31 g/MJ ME, respectively). At 21 weeks of age, a total of 5280 birds was distributed randomly in 4-bird colony cages and 22 such cages in a row constituted one replicate. Each diet was fed ad libitum to 10 replicates from 21 to 72 weeks of age and performance parameters were recorded at 28-day intervals (period, 1–13). Egg production (EP) increased (P 0.05) by dietary nutrient density. Mortality reduced quadratically with increase in dietary ME concentration and mortality was minimum at 11.64 MJ ME/kg diet. Based on results from the experiment it was concluded that White Leghorn layers (21–72 weeks of age) require 11.36 MJ ME/kg diet for maximum egg production, feed efficiency and egg mass with better liveability. The calculated intake of metabolisable energy, crude protein, lysine, methionine, calcium and non-phytate phosphorus in layers fed 11.30 MJ ME/kg diet was 1.157 MJ, 18.42 g, 865 mg, 409 mg, 3.68 g and 358 mg per bird per day, respectively.
Phytoplankton responses to natural ultraviolet irradiance during early spring in the Weddell-Scotia Confluence: An experimental approach

In the last few years, antarctic stratospheric ozone thinning has resulted in an increase of ultraviolet (UV)-B radiation incident on the southern ocean surface waters. Recent investigations have suggested that the enhanced UV-B can decrease areal primary production in the southern oceans, but the exact reduction remains controversial (6-12 percent, 0.12-0.33 percent). One factor that can reduce long-term exposure to UV radiation is vertical mixing of the water column. Furthermore, several internal mechanisms have been suggested as possible strategies to minimize cell damage. The synthesis of photoprotective substances could reduce deleterious effects on microalgae physiology. Most of the experimental research deployed until now has focused on short-term exposure effects and has not considered the influence of irradiance under mixing conditions of the water column. During the austral spring 1993 the long-term (days) effects of natural UV radiation on phytoplankton physiology was studied using fixed and variable UV filters. Primary productivity and synthesis of photoprotective substances were measured. 11 refs., 2 figs.
Why do consumers choose offline shopping in the digital age?

Under the macro background of the rapid development of digital economy, with the development of retail industry, the consumption mode, consumption motivation and consumer social demand of consumers choosing offline shopping have undergone great changes, which provides a reference for the transformation of physical retailers. Using the 2015 data set of China General Social Survey (CGSS), this study attempts to determine the relationship between offline shopping and consumer happiness from two aspects: social demand and personal digital consumption technology level. The study found that combining the social needs of consumers, the level of personal digital consumption technology, different regions, different income levels and other factors to provide consumers with differentiated services, offline shopping can indeed improve the well-being of consumers.