Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Entrevista com Ronaldo Pilati

Na entrevista, Ronaldo Pilati trata, a partir do perspectiva da psicologia cognitiva e social, da pseudociência no contexto contemporâneo. O entrevistado recorre ao conceito de pseudociência desenvolvido em seu livro Ciência e pseudociência: por que acreditamos naquilo em que queremos acreditar (2018) e aos conceitos de viés cognitivo e heurística, ambos elaborados no âmbito do que é chamado de modelo dual da cognição.
Tackling Sleeping Sickness: Current and Promising Therapeutics and Treatment Strategies

Human African trypanosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by the extracellular protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei, and targeted for eradication by 2030. The COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the lengthening of the proposed time frame for eliminating human African trypanosomiasis as control programs were interrupted. Armed with extensive antigenic variation and the depletion of the B cell population during an infectious cycle, attempts to develop a vaccine have remained unachievable. With the absence of a vaccine, control of the disease has relied heavily on intensive screening measures and the use of drugs. The chemotherapeutics previously available for disease management were plagued by issues such as toxicity, resistance, and difficulty in administration. The approval of the latest and first oral drug, fexinidazole, is a major chemotherapeutic achievement for the treatment of human African trypanosomiasis in the past few decades. Timely and accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment, while poor compliance and resistance remain outstanding challenges. Drug discovery is on-going, and herein we review the recent advances in anti-trypanosomal drug discovery, including novel potential drug targets. The numerous challenges associated with disease eradication will also be addressed.
Robust Energy-Efficient Transmission for Cell-Free Massive MIMO Systems with Imperfect CSI

In this paper, we investigate a long-term power minimization problem of cell-free massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems. To address this issue and to ensure the system queue stability, we formulate a dynamic optimization problem aiming to minimize the average total power cost in a time-varying system under imperfect channel conditions. The problem is then converted into a real-time weighted sum rate maximization problem for each time slot using the Lyapunov optimization technique. We employ approximation techniques to design robust sparse beamforming, which enables energy savings of the network and mitigates channel uncertainty. By applying direct fractional programming (DFP) and alternating optimization, we can obtain a locally optimal solution. Our DFP-based algorithm minimizes the average total power consumption of the network while satisfying the quality of service requirements for each user. Simulation results demonstrate the rapid convergence of the proposed algorithm and illustrate the tradeoff between average network power consumption and queue latency.
Time‐averaged discharge rate of subaerial lava at Kīlauea Volcano, Hawai‘i, measured from TanDEM‐X interferometry: Implications for magma supply and storage during 2011–2013

Differencing digital elevation models (DEMs) derived from TerraSAR add‐on for Digital Elevation Measurements (TanDEM‐X) synthetic aperture radar imagery provides a measurement of elevation change over time. On the East Rift Zone (EZR) of Kīlauea Volcano, Hawai‘i, the effusion of lava causes changes in topography. When these elevation changes are summed over the area of an active lava flow, it is possible to quantify the volume of lava emplaced at the surface during the time spanned by the TanDEM‐X data—a parameter that can be difficult to measure across the entirety of an ~100 km2 lava flow field using ground‐based techniques or optical remote sensing data. Based on the differences between multiple TanDEM‐X‐derived DEMs collected days to weeks apart, the mean dense‐rock equivalent time‐averaged discharge rate of lava at Kīlauea between mid‐2011 and mid‐2013 was approximately 2 m3/s, which is about half the long‐term average rate over the course of Kīlauea's 1983–present ERZ eruption. This result implies that there was an increase in the proportion of lava stored versus erupted, a decrease in the rate of magma supply to the volcano, or some combination of both during this time period. In addition to constraining the time‐averaged discharge rate of lava and the rates of magma supply and storage, topographic change maps derived from space‐based TanDEM‐X data provide insights into the four‐dimensional evolution of Kīlauea's ERZ lava flow field. TanDEM‐X data are a valuable complement to other space‐, air‐, and ground‐based observations of eruptive activity at Kīlauea and offer great promise at locations around the world for aiding with monitoring not just volcanic eruptions but any hazardous activity that results in surface change, including landslides, floods, earthquakes, and other natural and anthropogenic processes.
Early Sleep Differences in Young Infants with Autism Spectrum Disorder

ABSTRACT: Objective: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience greater sleep challenges than their neurotypical peers, but sleep patterns for infants later diagnosed with ASD are unknown. This study examined differences in total sleep duration and proportion of sleep experienced at night within the first 6 months of life among infants later diagnosed with ASD, infants who demonstrated subclinical characteristics of ASD and were classified as exhibiting the broad autism phenotype (BAP), and their typically developing (TD) peers. In addition, associations between infant sleep variables and developmental outcomes at 24 months were explored. Methods: Participants included 79 infants enrolled in a prospective, longitudinal study of the early development of ASD. Between ages 1 week and 6 months, participants completed a monthly retrospective 24-hour sleep log. At 24 months, participants received a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation, including the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 and Mullen Scales of Early Learning and Vineland-II and were clinically characterized as ASD, BAP, or TD. Results: When accounting for the influence of age, infants later diagnosed with ASD slept less within the 24-hour period than infants in TD or BAP groups from 0 to 6 months (p = 0.04). Percentage of sleep experienced during nighttime hours did not significantly differ between groups from 0 to 6 months (p = 0.25). Greater nighttime sleep percentage at 6 months predicted higher receptive language (p < 0.001) and fine motor scores (p < 0.0001) at 24 months. Total sleep duration at 6 months did not predict any developmental outcomes at 24 months. Conclusion: Findings suggest that differences in sleep may occur among autistic individuals earlier in life than previously documented and have cascading effects on development.
Publisher: Asian Economic and Social Society Perspective on Beneficiaries’ Experiences of Participation in Community- Based Agriculture and Rural Development Program in Guba, Northern Nigeria

The objective of this paper is to explore beneficiaries‟ experiences on participation in the on-going International Fund for Agriculture Development / Communitybased agriculture and rural development program (IFAD/CBARDP) among farmers in Guba community in Northern Nigeria. The paper illustrates beneficiaries‟ experiences on how they are participating and the factors that motivated their participation in the program using qualitative research methods of data collection and analysis. Data for the study was collected from eight key informants purposely selected as being participants of the program. Although, theoretically, participation entails the full involvement of beneficiaries in all the stages of the development process, findings of the study revealed that beneficiaries‟ participation in the program was only evident in some stages of the development cycle. Several factors were found to have motivated beneficiaries‟ participation in the program but the desire for meeting tangible material benefits featured above all other considerations. However, group leadership style, workshops and seminars, the approach adopted in the program, the officials / beneficiaries relationship and the publicity accorded to the program were found to have motivated beneficiaries‟ participation as well. At the end, the paper recommended the active and full involvement of beneficiaries in future development initiatives in order to achieve sustainable rural development programs.
Custom Transient Finite Element for the Modelling of Ultrasonic Control Methods for Downhole Well Integrity

The transient spectral element method can be understood as a specific high-order finite element method that is particularly accurate and fast with a low memory footprint, hence enabling 3D ultrasonic testing simulations on a standard PC. However, particular care must be taken in its settings when seeking both practicality and performance. In comparison, fast semi-analytical simulation using ray tracing is easily accessible to nondestructive testing experts, through the CIVA simulation software. Although this approximate model effectively deals with a wide range of industrial applications, it reaches its limits in certain cases, particularly at relatively low frequencies involving resonance phenomena. To deal with these challenging inspection configurations, CEA-List is working on dedicated finite element models in the CIVA framework to meet specific needs in a compromise between efficiency and accuracy. The case study considered in partnership with SLB perfectly illustrates the benefits of developing such a modelling approach. SLB provides cased-well imaging services using ultrasonic resonance methods to evaluate oil and gas well integrity. Defective cased wells have irregularities, such as corroded casings with pitting, localized cement debonding and channelings. Simulated ultrasonic signals of the actual wells are useful to understand the measurements and are available by finite element modelling with sufficient accuracy. However, the associated computational costs for numerous model cases limit the building of the model database as the digital twin of the actual well logging. The development strategy of dedicated hybrid finite element applications adopted by CEA-List is presented in broad outline. Cross-model comparisons on a reference configuration of pristine cases are presented, highlighting the effective limits of standard CIVA ray models. The contribution offered by the new hybrid finite element approach is then discussed. We discuss the evolution of model functionalities to handle geometries that differ from the canonical case (interface defects, loss of thickness in arbitrary geometries, etc.) from the perspective of a digital twin of this control.
Albania's energy sector : vulnerable to climate change

Energy security is a critical concern in Albania which relies on hydropower for about 90 percent of its electricity production. While renewable energy resources like hydropower play a fundamental role in moving the world towards a low-carbon economy, they can also be vulnerable to climatic conditions. This Knowledge Brief provides an overview of a pilot vulnerability, risk, and adaptation assessment undertaken for Albania's energy sector by the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP), the World Bank and the Trust Fund for Environmentally and Socially Sustainable Development (TFESSD), in partnership with stakeholders in Albania's energy sector. The assessment raised awareness and initiated dialogue on energy sector adaptation. It was aimed at building greater understanding of the climate risks faced by the energy sector and of priority actions that could be taken to reduce vulnerabilities.
Filipino Children’s Acquisition of Nominal and Verbal Markers in L1 and L2 Tagalog

Western Austronesian languages, like Tagalog, have unique, complex voice systems that require the correct combinations of verbal and nominal markers, raising many questions about their learnability. In this article, we review the experimental and observational studies on both the L1 and L2 acquisition of Tagalog. The reviewed studies reveal error patterns that reflect the complex nature of the Tagalog voice system. The main goal of the article is to present a full picture of commission errors in young Filipino children’s expression of causation and agency in Tagalog by describing patterns of nominal marking and voice marking in L1 Tagalog and L2 Tagalog. It also aims to provide an overview of existing research, as well as characterize research on nominal and verbal acquisition, specifically in terms of research problems, data sources, and methodology. Additionally, we discuss the research gaps in at least fifty years’ worth of studies in the area from the 1960’s to the present, as well as ideas for future research to advance the state of the art.
Does Radical Cystectomy Improve Overall Survival in Octogenarians with Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer?

Purpose We compared the efficacy of radical cystectomy (RC) and non-RC treatment [transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURB) only, partial cystectomy, or TURB followed by radiotherapy] in octogenarians with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Materials and Methods A total of 177 patients aged 80 years or more underwent TURB at our institute, and 41 patients had MIBC according to the histologic examination. Fourteen patients with lymph node or distant metastasis were excluded, and 27 patients were ultimately included. Patients were stratified by treatment modality (RC vs. non-RC), Charlson Comorbidity Index (low CCI vs. high CCI), and clinical tumor stage (organ-confined disease vs. extravesical disease). The effects of several variables on cancer-specific and overall survival were assessed. Results Of the 27 patients, 11 (41%) underwent RC and 16 (59%) underwent non-RC treatment. Patients in the RC group were younger and more likely to have low CCI scores. There were no significant differences in overall or cancer-specific survival in the RC and non-RC groups. Patients with clinically organ-confined disease had better survival outcomes than did those with extravesical disease. Stratification of patients by CCI indicated that overall survival was better in patients with low CCI scores (p=0.013), although cancer-specific survival was similar in the two CCI groups. Univariate and multivariate analysis indicated that clinical tumor stage and CCI were independently associated with overall survival. Conclusions RC in octogenarians with MIBC does not improve overall survival compared with other treatment modalities. However, clinically organ-confined disease and low CCI score were associated with better overall survival.
A 2-step prediction model for diagnosis of germinomas in the pineal region

Abstract Background Germinomas are sensitive to radiation and chemotherapy, and their management distinctly differs from other kinds of pineal region tumors. The aim of this study was to construct a prediction model based on clinical features and preoperative magnetic resonance (MR) manifestations to achieve noninvasive diagnosis of germinomas in pineal region. Methods A total of 126 patients with pineal region tumors were enrolled, including 36 germinomas, 53 nongerminomatous germ cell tumors (NGGCTs), and 37 pineal parenchymal tumors (PPTs). They were divided into a training cohort (n = 90) and a validation cohort (n = 36). Features were extracted from clinical records and conventional MR images. Multivariate analysis was performed to screen for independent predictors to differentiate germ cell tumors (GCTs) and PPTs, germinomas, and NGGCTs, respectively. From this, a 2-step nomogram model was established, with model 1 for discriminating GCTs from PPTs and model 2 for identifying germinomas in GCTs. The model was tested in a validation cohort. Results Both model 1 and model 2 yielded good predictive efficacy, with c-indexes of 0.967 and 0.896 for the diagnosis of GCT and germinoma, respectively. Calibration curve, decision curve, and clinical impact curve analysis further confirmed their predictive accuracy and clinical usefulness. The validation cohort achieved areas under the receiver operating curves of 0.885 and 0.926, respectively. Conclusions The 2-step model in this study can noninvasively differentiate GCTs from PPTs and further identify germinomas, thus holding potential to facilitate treatment decision-making for pineal region tumors.
Earthquake induced liquefaction susceptibility of Carbonate sands; Experimental study: Cyclic behaviour of Carbonate materials used as hydraulic fills

This research deals with the evaluation of earthquake induced liquefaction susceptibility of carbonate sands, used as hydraulic fill. Existing evaluation methods are based on in-situ penetration tests (CPT, SPT etc.) and on seismic case histories at sites where silica sands are predominant. These methods cannot be implemented on carbonate sands, due to their crushable nature. Very limited experimental research has been done to evaluate the seismic performance of this type of sand which is abundant in seismically active regions (e.g. Central America). A series of isotropically consolidated undrained cyclic triaxial tests were conducted using a carbonate sand from Central America. The tested Central American carbonate sand is a poorly graded clean beach sand with highly angular grains. The performed test program was set to simulate a typical hydraulic fill structure. For this reason the carbonate samples were tested at three relative densities (20%, 50%, 80%), three effective confinements (50kPa, 100kPa, 150kPa) along with three cyclic loading scenarios represented by the cyclic stress ratio (CSR=0.2, 0.28, 0.32). The evaluation of the liquefaction susceptibility was based on the excess pore-water pressure development during cyclic loading. Cyclic strength curves were generated by plotting the cyclic stress ratios (CSR) with the number of loading cycles until liquefaction (Nf ). These curves were compared to those reported in the literature concerning both silica and other carbonate sands. Overall, the Central American carbonate sand was shown to be less susceptible to liquefaction than silica sands. While both density and confinement had a meaningful effect on its cyclic strength, the former was more influential. Furthermore, compared to Toyoura (silica) and two other carbonate sands, the density effect was less pronounced, whereas the effect of confinement was significant for all carbonate sands. No particle crushing effects were observed, due to the low imposed confinements encountered in a hydraulic fill mass.
Insights into the Transcriptome of Human Cytomegalovirus: A Comprehensive Review

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a widespread pathogen that poses significant risks to immunocompromised individuals. Its genome spans over 230 kbp and potentially encodes over 200 open-reading frames. The HCMV transcriptome consists of various types of RNAs, including messenger RNAs (mRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), and microRNAs (miRNAs), with emerging insights into their biological functions. HCMV mRNAs are involved in crucial viral processes, such as viral replication, transcription, and translation regulation, as well as immune modulation and other effects on host cells. Additionally, four lncRNAs (RNA1.2, RNA2.7, RNA4.9, and RNA5.0) have been identified in HCMV, which play important roles in lytic replication like bypassing acute antiviral responses, promoting cell movement and viral spread, and maintaining HCMV latency. CircRNAs have gained attention for their important and diverse biological functions, including association with different diseases, acting as microRNA sponges, regulating parental gene expression, and serving as translation templates. Remarkably, HCMV encodes miRNAs which play critical roles in silencing human genes and other functions. This review gives an overview of human cytomegalovirus and current research on the HCMV transcriptome during lytic and latent infection.
A novel saccharification method of starch using microwave irradiation with addition of activated carbon

0960-8524/$ see front matter 2010 Elsevier Ltd. A doi:10.1016/j.biortech. 2010.12. 013 ⇑ Corresponding author. Tel. : +81 75 753 6465; fax E-mail address: azumaji@kais.kyoto-u.ac. jp (J.-i. A Activated carbons were investigated for their heat catalytic effects to improve saccharification of starch by autohydrolysis in water under microwave electromagnetic field, and the results were compared with graphite and carbon nanotubes. The activated carbons with low adsorptive capacity of maltose showed high saccharification rate, while those with high adsorptive capacity exhibited low saccharification. In addition, the former activated carbons decreased the saccharification temperature by 10–30 C. Maltooligosaccharides produced in the presence of the latter activated carbons were recovered by desorption with 50% aqueous ethanol. The results indicated that both adsorptive capacities of maltooligosaccharides and catalytic effects of hot spots arisen from the uneven surface structure of activated carbons might contribute to the improvement in starch saccharification. 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Black swan events and stock market behavior in Gulf countries: a comparative analysis of financial crisis (2008) and COVID-19 pandemic

PurposeThe current study aims to examine the impact of two black swan events on the performance of six stock markets in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) economies (Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dubai, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia). The two selected black swan events are the US Mortgage and credit crisis (Global Financial Crisis of 2008) and the COVID-19 pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThe performance of all the six stock markets are represented by their return and price volatility behavior, which has been measured by applying ARCH/GARCH model. The comparative analysis is done by employing mean difference models. The data is collected from Bloomberg on a daily frequency.FindingsThe response of two black swan events on the GCC stock markets has been heterogenous in nature. During the financial crisis, the impact was heavily felt on most of the stock markets in the GCC countries. It is revealed that the financial crisis had a negative significant impact on four of the six countries. Whereas during the COVID-19 crisis, it is revealed that there is no significant impact on four of the six selected stock markets. The positive significant impact is felt on two stock markets, namely, the Abu Dhabi stock market and the Saudi stock market.Originality/valueThe present investigation attempts to fill the gap in the literature on the intended topic because it is evident from the literature on the chosen subject that no study has been undertaken to evaluate and contrast the impact of the GFC crisis and COVID-19 on the GCC stock markets.
Efficient Variational Gaussian Processes Initialization via Kernel-based Least Squares Fitting

Stochastic variational Gaussian processes (SVGP) scale Gaussian process inference to large datasets through inducing points and stochastic training. However, the training process involves hard multimodal optimization, and often suffers from slow and suboptimal convergence when initializing inducing points directly from training data. We provide a better initialization of inducing points from kernel-based least squares fitting. We show empirically that our approach consistently reaches better prediction performance. The total time cost of our method, including initialization, is comparable to the standard SVGP training.