Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The footprints of 16 year trends of Arctic springtime cloud and radiation properties on September sea ice retreat

The most prominent September Arctic sea ice decline over the period of 2000–2015 occurs over the Siberian Sea, Laptev Sea, and Kara Sea. The satellite observed and retrieved sea ice concentration (SIC) and cloud/radiation properties over the Arctic (70°–90°N) have been used to investigate the impact of springtime cloud and radiation properties on September SIC variation. Positive trends of cloud fractions, cloud water paths, and surface downward longwave flux at the surface over the September sea ice retreat areas are found over the period of 1 March to 14 May, while negative trends are found over the period of 15 May to 28 June. The spatial distributions of correlations between springtime cloud/radiation properties and September SIC have been calculated, indicating that increasing cloud fractions and downward longwave flux during springtime tend to enhance sea ice melting due to strong cloud warming effect. Surface downward and upward shortwave fluxes play an important role from May to June when the onset of sea ice melting occurs. The comparison between linearly detrended and nondetrended of each parameter indicates that significant impact of cloud and radiation properties on September sea ice retreat occurs over the Chukchi/Beaufort Sea at interannual time scale, especially over the period of 31 March to 29 April, while strongest climatological trends are found over the Laptev/Siberian Sea.
The Distribution of Angle-of-Repose Data

Disinterested physical geology students can be enticed into performing an experiment that takes them though the scientific method and utilizes math skills if offered extra credit. The experiment causes students to compare the angle of repose of different substances, by measuring the heights and diameters of individual piles. The original experiment is given so that modification or use can be made by other geoscience instructors. During the last nine years I have evaluated over 700 height and diameter measurements from students of some 125 different substances to see how they are distributed statistically. Among the more interesting substances are earrings, stuffed animals, quarters, paper confetti, wadded garbage, corn chips, cassette tapes, and . 22 caliber bullet shells. In spite of many sources of error and lack of experimental control, I found that the data are normally distributed.
Diagnosis of Imported Dengue and Zika Virus Infections in Italy from November 2015 to November 2022: Laboratory Surveillance Data from a National Reference Laboratory

Dengue (DENV) and Zika (ZIKV) viruses are mosquito-borne human pathogens. In Italy, the presence of the competent vector Aedes albopictus increases the risk of autochthonous transmission, and a national plan for arboviruses prevention, surveillance, and response (PNA 2020–2025) is in place. The results of laboratory diagnosis of both viruses by the National Reference Laboratory for arboviruses (NRLA) from November 2015 to November 2022 are presented. Samples from 655 suspected cases were tested by both molecular and serological assays. Virus and antibody kinetics, cross-reactivity, and diagnostic performance of IgM ELISA systems were analysed. Of 524 cases tested for DENV, 146 were classified as confirmed, 7 as probable, while 371 were excluded. Of 619 cases tested for ZIKV, 44 were classified as confirmed, while 492 were excluded. All cases were imported. Overall, 75.3% (110/146) of DENV and 50% (22/44) of ZIKV cases were confirmed through direct virus detection methods. High percentages of cross reactivity were observed between the two viruses. The median lag time from symptoms onset to sample collection was 7 days for both DENV molecular (range 0–20) and NS1 ELISA (range 0–48) tests, with high percentages of positivity also after 7 days (39% and 67%, respectively). For ZIKV, the median lag time was 5 days (range 0–22), with 16% positivity after 7 days. Diagnostic performance was assessed with negative predictive values ranging from 92% to 95% for the anti-DENV systems, and of 97% for the ZIKV one. Lower positive predictive values were seen in the tested population (DENV: 55% to 91%, ZIKV: 50%). DENV and ZIKV diagnosis by molecular test is the gold standard, but sample collection time is a limitation. Serological tests, including Plaque Reduction Neutralization Test, are thus necessary. Co-circulation and cross-reactivity between the two viruses increase diagnostic difficulty. Continuous evaluation of diagnostic strategies is essential to improve laboratory testing.
Investigations of Large-Scale Voltage-Dependent Loads for Damping Low-Frequency Oscillations: Decentralized Control

The article discusses the influence of voltage-dependent load (VDL) models on the design of power system stabilizers (PSSs) for damping critical low-frequency electromechanical oscillations (LFEOs). In the proposed approach, local information available at each machine with nearby connected VDLs in the multimachine environment is considered to tune the parameters of the PSS. Using eigenvalue analysis and nonlinear time-domain simulations, the effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated in effectively damped LFEOs across a wide range of operating conditions. Simulation studies carried out on the IEEE 39- and 68-bus multimachine power systems showcase the superiority of the proposed approach over conventional methods.
Rainfall-Induced Debris Flows Case History Along Al-Hada Descent Highway West of Saudi Arabia

Al-Hada descent lies at the western region of Saudi Arabia at elevation of about 2000m, characterized by sharp cliff. Al-Hada descent road was constructed with an elevation difference of 1500m between the highest and lowest heights along the road. The road alignment is intersected by 8 very steep gullies of almost 60 to 80 degrees. The gullies contain large quantity of mud, old levees and large rock blocks. Al-Hada descent road hit two weeks ago with heavy rainfall last about 2 hours. The rainstorm initiates 11 debris flows on steep gullies, and caused them to travel rapidly down along the gully channel. Once the flow reaches a less confined area at the retaining wall, it partially destroy the gabions above it, and edges of the retaining walls across the gullies and overflow them, as they received more rolling, sliding and bouncing rocks from higher steep elevations. The moving debris flows spread out, loose speed and deposited beyond the highway opposite side. Temporary solution is made by removing almost 100.000m 3 , of the debris flow in one gully and scaling the remaining debris body to an angle of more than 35°. A permanent solution for this case history is under intensive study.
Structural and Thermal Characterization of Milled Wood Lignin from Bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) Grown in Korea

The structural and thermal characterization of milled wood lignin (MWL) prepared from bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) grown in Korea was investigated, and the results were compared with bamboo MWLs from other studies. The C9 formula of the bamboo MWL was C9H7.76O3. 23N0.02 (OCH3)1.41. The Mw and Mn of MWL were 13,000 and 4400 Da, respectively, which resulted in a polydispersity index (PDI) of 3.0. The PDI of the prepared MWL was higher than other bamboo MWLs (1.3–2.2), suggesting a broader molecular weight distribution. The structural features of MWL were elucidated using FT-IR spectroscopy and NMR techniques (1H, 13C, HSQC, 31P NMR), which indicate that MWL is of the HGS-type lignin. The major lignin linkages (β-O-4, β-β, β-5) were not different from other bamboo MWLs. The syringyl/guaiacyl ratio, determined from 1H NMR, was calculated as 0.89. 31P NMR revealed variations in hydroxyl content, with a higher aliphatic hydroxyl content in MWL compared to other bamboo MWLs. Thermal properties were investigated through TGA, DSC, and pyrolysis-GC/MS spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). The DTGmax of MWL under inert conditions was 287 °C, and the Tg of MWL was 159 °C. Py-GC/MS at 675 °C revealed a syringyl, guaiacyl, p-hydroxyphenyl composition of 17:37:47.
Recognition of Stratum Lithology of Seismic Facies Based on Deep Belief Network

The Deep Belief Network (DBN) is one of the major algorithms of deep learning. It simulates human brain to extract the features efficiently, so that the model has much strong learning ability. Because it is difficult to extract features from a variety of seismic data effectively, multiple sampling points of seismic data are used as inputs. Then we use DBN to extract the features from seismic data, which can be stacked by RBMs layerby-layer. The model of lithological recognition can be constructed from previous step, further to recognize stratum lithology. By experiments and practical application, it is proved that partial strata information can be utilized effectively when multiple sampling points of seismic data are used as inputs. In this way, we can effectively recognize the stratum lithology based on DBN. Keywords-Restricted Boltzmann Machine (RBM); Deep Belief Network (DBN); seismic facies; lithologic recognition
Evaluation of the Oral Toxicity of Litchi chinensis Pericarp Extract in Experimental Rats

A wide range of experiments have yielded empirical evidence pertaining to the efficacy of medicinal plants in the therapeutic treatment of several disorders. However, the use of herbs without conducting a thorough assessment of their effectiveness and safety can lead to sudden or harmful consequences that may pose a risk to the overall health of internal organs. Therefore, the current investigation’s goal was to determine the ethanolic extract of Litchi chinensis toxicological profile in rats. The Soxhlet extraction method extracted the fruit with ethanol as a solvent. The extract's susceptibility to acute, subacute, and subchronic toxicity was assessed. The histopathology of several organs (e.g., heart, liver, lungs, kidney and spleen) were also studied after treatment with plant extract. With the dosage of 2000 mg/kg, p.o. , no deaths or adverse consequences were reported during the examination of acute toxicity. The Litchi chinensis extract produced no death or any observable changes in weight, behavior, organ weights, hematological or biochemical values in both oral subacute and subchronic toxicity experiments. Essential organs, including the heart, liver, lungs, kidney, and spleen, have regular planning when examined histopathologically, indicating no morphological changes. On the basis of results, the fruit (pericarp) extract of Litchi chinensis showed a lack of toxicity.
OPTIMAL CONFIGURATION FOR NODES IN MIXED CELLULAR AND MOBILE AD HOC NETWORK FOR INET

As part of Morgan’s iNET development, the Mixed Cellular and Mobile Ad hoc Network (MCMN) architecture has been proposed to provide coverage to over-the horizon test articles. Nodes in MCMN are assigned to one of three possible modesAd hoc, Cellular or Gateway. We present architecture for the proposed MCMN and some performance analysis to characterize the network. The problem of organizing nodes in this mixed network with optimal configuration is significant. This configuration gives nodes ability to know the best mode to operate and communicate with other nodes. Node organization is critical to the performance of the mixed network and to improve communication. The configuration of nodes required to optimally organize nodes in MCMN is demonstrated. The problem of evaluating configuration parameters for nodes in a mixed network is a nonlinear and complex one. This is due to the various components like the number of nodes, geographical location, signal strength, mobility, connectivity and others that are involved. Clustering techniques and algorithms have been used in literature to partition networks into clusters to support routing and network management. A clustering technique is employed to dynamically partition the aggregate network into Cluster Cells (CCs). A gateway node is selected for each CC which relays traffic from the cellular to the Ad hoc and vice versa. A trade-off analysis of the cellular boundary is presented using the maximum of the minimum data rate in the network. Numerical analysis and experiments are provided to show that the coverage can be extended to test articles in over-the-horizon region. It is also shown that, when the network is well organized, performance is improved.
Foreign Investments and Stock Market: Evidence From Palestine

Purpose: This study aims to examine the association between the different forms of inbound foreign investments and the Palestine Exchange (PEX) index to shed light on the nature of that impact. Theoretical Framework: Several academic studies have examined stock market index factors. Chen, Roll, and Ross's (1986) seminal study on macroeconomic conditions and U.S. stock returns provides an example. Interest rate, inflation, industrial production, risk premium movements, and dividend yield positively explain expected stock return. Abusharbeh and Karim (2016) found that interest and consumer price index positively affect banking and investment firm profits on The Palestine Exchange (PEX). Shahbaz (2013) examined how foreign direct investment affects Pakistan's stock market. Results supported foreign direct investment's stock market complementarity. Design/Methodology/Approach: The market index and panel quarterly data for inward foreign investments are used in this study. From 2009 to 2022, end-of-quarter data were collected on total inward foreign investments, their sub-components (direct investments, stock portfolio investments, and currency and deposits in Palestine), and the market index (Al-Quds index) closing value. Fifty-six observations were gathered. Findings: The study found that the overall model integrating all three types of inward foreign investments significantly explains the market index. Foreign portfolio investments (FPI) are significantly associated with the stock market index. However, the results showed that inward foreign direct investments (FDI) and foreign deposits and currency investments (FCI) have no significant impact on the stock market index, indicating that they do not complement or substitute each other. Research, Practical & Social Implications: This study can help the stock market, regulators, and policymakers create incentives and regulations to attract different forms of inward foreign investments. It also examines why foreign direct investments (FDI) and foreign deposits and currency investments do not complement or substitute stock market development. Originality/Value: This study provides empirical evidence on the impact of the different forms of foreign investment in Palestine on the stock market. Further research is recommended to explore additional variables that might be significant, such as market capitalization and market volume.
The impact of drought on sap flow of cooccurring Liquidambar formosana Hance and Quercus variabilis Blume in a temperate forest, Central China

Diffuse‐ and ring‐porous species with different vessel structures exhibited contrasting water use strategies for adapting to water stress. The sap flow rates of two tree species (diffuse‐porous: Liquidambar formosana Hance; and ring‐porous: Quercus variabilis Blume) under different environmental conditions were monitored in a temperate forest in the south of Henan Province, Central China. The mechanisms underlying the contrasting water use strategies in response to drought stress were explored by analysing the correlation of sap flow per unit sapwood area (Fd) with vapour pressure deficit and the contribution of nocturnal Fd to total water use under different soil water contents. The results showed that the Fd of Q. variabilis decreased under drought conditions, whereas that of L. formosana increased. Under drought stress, stronger stomatal control was shown for both tree species. Stomatal regulation and changes of leaf area jointly led to constant sap flow per unit leaf area (JL) across the seasons for Q. variabilis. The seasonal variations in the ratio of nocturnal mean Fd to total Fd were consistent with those in the daytime mean JL for both tree species. Nocturnal sap flow played a critical role in the increased water use of diffuse‐porous species, L. formosana, under drought conditions. Our study highlights the importance of nocturnal sap flow for water use by forest species. This finding provides insights for future studies of the water cycle in forest ecosystems and demonstrates that such studies should take into account the nocturnal physiological processes of plants.
Effects of food restriction on energy metabolism in male Apodemus chevrieri from Hengduan mountain region of China

To investigate the relationship between the energy strategies in response to food restriction and the levels of metabolism in small mammals, body mass, resting metabolic rate (RMR), nonshivering thermogenesis (NST) and cytochrome c oxidase (COX) activity were measured in Apodemus chevrieri that were subjected to different levels of food restriction (FR). The results showed that cold-exposed group had significantly increased RMR and NST, but decreased body mass and survival rate after being restricted to 80% of ad libitum food intake compared with their counterparts maintained at room temperature. A. chevrieri with higher RMR consumed higher food intake than individuals with lower RMR, whereas no differences were observed in body mass and survival rate between two groups after being restricted to 80% of ad libitum food intake. The results suggest that A. chevrieri characterized by higher levels of metabolism are sensitive to periods of FR, providing a support for the “metabolism switch hypothesis”.
Clinical and Neuropsychological Factors Associated with Treatment Response and Adverse Events of Atomoxetine in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate clinical and neuropsychological factors associated with treatment response and adverse events of atomoxetine in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in Korea. Methods: Children with ADHD were recruited at the Department of Psychiatry of Asan Medical Center from April 2015 to April 2018. Diagnoses of ADHD and comorbid psychiatric disorders were confirmed with the Kiddie-Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia-Present and Lifetime Version. The subjects were subsequently treated with atomoxetine for 12 weeks and illness severity was scored using the ADHD Rating Scale, Clinical Global Impression-Severity scale (CGI-S) and/or Improvement scale (CGI-I), at pre- and post-treatment. They also completed the Advanced Test of Attention (ATA), while their caregivers completed the Korean Personality Rating Scale for Children (KPRC) at pre- and post-treatment. Independent t-test, Fisher’s exact test, χ2 test, mixed between-within analysis of variance and correlation analysis were used for statistical analysis. Results: Sixty-five children with ADHD (mean age: 7.9±1.4 years, 57 boys) were enrolled, of which, 33 (50.8%) were treatment responders. Scores on the social dysfunction subscale of the KPRC (p=0.021) and commission errors on the visual ATA (p=0.036) at baseline were higher in treatment non-responders than in responders; however, the statistical significances disappeared after adjusting for multiple comparisons. Mood changes were also observed in 13 subjects (20.0%), and three of them discontinued atomoxetine due to this. Additionally, atomoxetine-emergent mood change was observed more frequently in girls (p=0.006), while the intelligence quotient (p=0.040) was higher in those subjects with mood changes than in those without. Conclusion: The results of our study suggest that clinical and neuropsychological factors could be associated with treatment response or adverse events of atomoxetine in children with ADHD. Further long-term studies with larger samples are needed.
Untangling the Relationship Between Fear of Cancer Recurrence and Health Behaviours: A Nationwide Trajectory and Theoretical Study of Cancer Survivors

Objective: The goal of this study was to explore fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) and two health behaviours, physical activity and fruit and vegetable intake, from early to long-term survivorship in a large cohort of mixed cancer survivors. Methods: Group-based trajectory analyses and repeated measures analysis of variance were conducted on data collected in the American Cancer Society’s Studies of Cancer Survivorship-I. Two thousand three hundred and thirty-seven survivors of ten cancers completed the survey at three time points (M =1.3, 2.2 and 8.8 years post-diagnosis). Results: The current study found three FCR trajectories clustering cancer survivors by FCR severity: low (33.6%), moderate (58.1%), and high (8.3%). FCR significantly decreased over time and remained distinct for each trajectory group. Patient characteristics prevalent in the high FCR group were being female, of younger age, Hispanic ethnicity, having advanced cancer stage (II-III) and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and low adherence to physical activity and fruit and vegetable intake recommendations. The high FCR group also reported significantly fewer of these health behaviours compared to the other groups albeit the effect size was small. Conclusions: Across the survivorship trajectory, FCR severity decreased but remained distinct for the three trajectory groups. Future investigations should inquire on the specific needs of each FCR group to subsequently develop targeted interventions. A weak association between FCR and health behaviours was found, with individuals in the high FCR group reporting less health behaviours. Future research should assess the direction of this relationship over time, to inform intervention targets within this sub-group.