Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Wave Propagation in Shallow-Water Acoustic Waveguides with Rough Boundaries

In shallow-water waveguides a propagating field can be decomposed over three kinds of modes: the propagating modes, the radiating modes and the evanescent modes. In this paper we consider a semi-infinite waveguide with randomly perturbed boundaries, that is a randomly perturbed surface and a randomly perturbed bottom, and we analyze the effect produced on the coupling between these three kinds of modes. Using an asymptotic analysis based on a separation of scales technique we derive the asymptotic form of the distribution of the mode amplitudes, and the coupled power equation for propagating modes which describes the energy propagation. We show that the randomly perturbed boundaries of the waveguide induce exponential decaying, with respect to the size of the perturbed boundaries, of the total energy carried by the propagating modes and we give an expression of the decay rate.
Kinetics and Mechanisms of Saccharomyces boulardii Release from Optimized Whey Protein–Agavin–Alginate Beads under Simulated Gastrointestinal Conditions

Encapsulation is a process in which a base material is encapsulated in a wall material that can protect it against external factors and/or improve its bioavailability. Among the different encapsulation techniques, ionic gelation stands out as being useful for thermolabile compounds. The aim of this work was to encapsulate Saccharomyces boulardii by ionic gelation using agavins (A) and whey protein (WP) as wall materials and to evaluate the morphostructural changes that occur during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. Encapsulations at different levels of A and WP were analyzed using microscopic, spectroscopic and thermal techniques. Encapsulation efficiency and cell viability were evaluated. S. boulardii encapsulated at 5% A: 3.75% WP (AWB6) showed 88.5% cell survival after the simulated gastrointestinal digestion; the bead showed a significantly different microstructure from the controls. The mixture of A and WP increased in the survival of S. boulardii respect to those encapsulated with alginate, A or WP alone. The binary material mixture simultaneously allowed a controlled release of S. boulardii by mostly diffusive Fickian mechanisms and swelling. The cell-release time was found to control the increment of the Damköhler number when A and WP were substrates for S. boulardii, in this way allowing greater protection against gastrointestinal conditions.
L2 − L∞ Consensus Control for High‐Order Multi‐Agent Systems with Nonuniform Time‐Varying Delays

This paper considers consensus problem for high‐order multi‐agent systems with dynamically changing topologies and nonuniform time‐varying delays. By means of the tree‐type transformation approach, the model transformation is conducted and the consensus problem is converted into an L2 − L∞ control problem of equivalent reduced‐order systems. Furthermore, a Lyapunov‐Krasovkii function is constructed for stability analysis and sufficient conditions in terms of linear matrix inequalities are derived to ensure the consensus with the prescribed L2 − L∞ performance. A numerical simulation is provided to verify the correctness of the theoretical results.
On classical finite probability theory as a quantum probability calculus

This paper shows how the classical finite probability theory (with equiprobable outcomes) can be reinterpreted and recast as the quantum probability calculus of a pedagogical or "toy" model of quantum mechanics over sets (QM/sets). There have been four previous attempts to develop a quantum-like model with the base field of $\mathbb{C}$ replaced by $\mathbb{Z}_{2}$, but they are all forced into a merely "modal" interpretation by requiring the brackets to take values in $\mathbb{Z}_{2}$ (1 = possible, 0 = impossible). But the usual QM brackets give the "overlap" between states {\psi} and {\phi}, so for subsets S,T of U, the natural definition is $ =|S{\cap}T|$. This allows QM/sets to be developed with a full probability calculus that turns out to be the perfectly classical Laplace-Boole finite probability theory. The point is not to clarify finite probability theory but to elucidate quantum mechanics itself by seeing some of its quantum features (e.g., two-slit experiment) in a classical setting.
Mineral nutrient analysis of three halophytic grasses under sodic and saline stress conditions

Present study was carried out to assess the effects of soil salinity/sodicity on mineral nutrient status of Urochondra setulosa, Leptochloa fusca and Sporobolus marginatus at ICAR- Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana during 2016–19. Treatments of salinity/sodicity (pH ~ 9.5, pH ~ 10, ECe ~ 30 dS/m, ECe ~ 40 dS/m and ECe ~ 50 dS/m) were created in microplots (2.5 m × 1.5 m × 0.5 m) using saline/sodic water. Na+ and Cl– content (% DW) significantly increased with increasing sodicity/salinity stress condition in all three grass halophytes, whereas K+ content decreased. These grass halophytic species showed relatively less reduction in Ca, Mg and Fe contents up to sodic stress of pH ~ 9.5 and salinity level of ECe ~ 40 dS/m. Zn, Cu and Mn content decreased with increasing stress conditions but higher decrease was observed under sodic stress. The Na+/K+ and Na+/Ca2+ ratio was considered as indicators for measuring salt tolerance in plants. Na+/K+ ratio increased with increasing stress condition in all the three grasses but Leptachloa maintained their Na+/K+ near pH 1.0 under sodic stress condition and also maintained their Na+/Ca2+ below 1.0 up to pH ~ 9.5 and ECe ~ 40 dS/m. Higher sodic stress of pH~10.0 caused significant increase in Na+/Ca2+ in Urochondra and Sporobolus, whereas under highest salinity level, Leptachloa showed highest value for Na+/Ca2+. Changes in the accumulation patterns of nutrient in response to salinity is an important aspect and study showed highest positive correlation between Ca - Mg & Zn and negative between Na - Ca and K.
Association of MMP-2 and MMP-9 Polymorphisms with Diabetes and Pathogenesis of Diabetic Complications

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) affects millions of people around the world, and its complications have serious health consequences. In addition to external factors, the causes of morbidity and increased risk were also sought in the variability of the human genome. A phenomenon that can answer these questions is the occurrence of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP). They constitute a field for research into genetic determinants responsible for the increase in the risk of the discussed metabolic disease. This article presents the outline of two enzymes: metalloproteinases 2 and 9 (MMP-2, MMP-9), their biological activity and the effect caused by differences in individual alleles in the population, as well as the reports on the importance of these DNA sequence variations in the occurrence of diabetes mellitus type 2 and associated conditions. The results of the conducted research indicate a relationship between two MMP-2 polymorphisms (rs243865, rs243866) and two MMP-9 polymorphisms (rs3918242, rs17576) and the presence of T2D. This could offer a promising possibility to use them as predictive and diagnostic markers. However, due to the low number of reports, more research is needed to clearly confirm the link between these SNPs and diabetes.
An efficient hybrid method for fast phased array pattern synthesizing

A novel and fast array synthesis method simultaneously combining the advantages of genetic algorithm (GA), alternating projection method (APM), and differential evolution (DE) is proposed in this work. The APM adopts fast Fourier transform (FFT), and the far‐field calculation is mathematically simplified to multiplication with a common matrix, which could be faster than inverted‐FFT (IFFT) for thousands of individuals of the same small array. Then an effective fitness evaluating method with multi‐objective is developed, which could be adjusted according to specific needs such as array side lobe suppression, beam‐broaden, and beam‐shaping. To demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method, several array synthesis examples are presented and the results show that the proposed method has good robustness, convergence, and global searching ability.
Metabolomic Profiling of End-Stage Heart Failure Secondary to Chronic Chagas Cardiomyopathy

Chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC) is the most frequent and severe clinical form of chronic Chagas disease, representing one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Latin America, and a growing global public health problem. There is currently no approved treatment for CCC; however, omics technologies have enabled significant progress to be made in the search for new therapeutic targets. The metabolic alterations associated with pathogenic mechanisms of CCC and their relationship to cellular and immunopathogenic processes in cardiac tissue remain largely unknown. This exploratory study aimed to evaluate the potential underlying pathogenic mechanisms in the failing myocardium of patients with end-stage heart failure (ESHF) secondary to CCC by applying an untargeted metabolomic profiling approach. Cardiac tissue samples from the left ventricle of patients with ESHF of CCC etiology (n = 7) and healthy donors (n = 7) were analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Metabolite profiles showed altered branched-chain amino acid and acylcarnitine levels, decreased fatty acid uptake and oxidation, increased activity of the pentose phosphate pathway, dysregulation of the TCA cycle, and alterations in critical cellular antioxidant systems. These findings suggest processes of energy deficit, alterations in substrate availability, and enhanced production of reactive oxygen species in the affected myocardium. This profile potentially contributes to the development and maintenance of a chronic inflammatory state that leads to progression and severity of CCC. Further studies involving larger sample sizes and comparisons with heart failure patients without CCC are needed to validate these results, opening an avenue to investigate new therapeutic approaches for the treatment and prevention of progression of this unique and severe cardiomyopathy.
A new face on two-phase sampling with calibration estimators

This paper provides a framework for estimation by calibration in two-phase sampling designs. This work grew out of the continuing development of generalized estimation software at Statistics Canada. An important objective in this development is to provide a wide range of options for effective use of auxiliary information in different sampling designs. This objective is reflected in the general methodology for two-phase designs presented in this paper. We consider the traditional two-phase sampling design. A phase-one sample is drawn from the finite population and then a phase-two sample is drawn as a sub-sample of the first. The study variable, whose unknown population total is to be estimated, is observed only for the units in the phase-two sample. Arbitrary sampling designs are allowed in each phase of sampling. Different types of auxiliary information are identified for the computation of the calibration weights at each phase. The auxiliary variables and the study variables can be continuous or categorical. The paper contributes to four important areas in the general context of calibration for two-phase designs: (1) Three broad types of auxiliary information for two-phase designs are identified and used in the estimation. The information is incorporated into the weights in two steps: a phase-one calibration and a phase-two calibration. We discuss the composition of the appropriate auxiliary vectors for each step, and use a linearization method to arrive at the residuals that determine the asymptotic variance of the calibration estimator. (2) We examine the effect of alternative choices of starting weights for the calibration. The two “natural” choices for the starting weights generally produce slightly different estimators. However, under certain conditions, these two estimators have the same asymptotic variance. (3) We re-examine variance estimation for the two-phase calibration estimator. A new procedure is proposed that can improve significantly on the usual technique of conditioning on the phase-one sample. A simulation in section 10 serves to validate the advantage of this new method. (4) We compare the calibration approach with the traditional model-assisted regression technique which uses a linear regression fit at two levels. We show that the model-assisted estimator has properties similar to a two-phase calibration estimator.
Weinberg’s Compositeness

Nearly 60 years ago, Weinberg suggested a criterion for particle “compositeness”, which has acquired a new life with the discovery of new, exotic hadrons. His idea resonates with model-based intuition. I discuss the role it plays in the context of another of Weinberg’s creations, the model-independent framework of effective field theories.
The Effects of Alcohol and Social Isolation on Yawning Behavior in Adult Male Rats, Treated with Opioid Receptor Agonist and Antagonist

The number of 88 rats was chosen, after 21 days, they were ablactated and categorized them as following groups: The control group 1 has a cage of 8 rats in a social condition. After 6 weeks of saline injection (1mg / kg), the yawning behavior is recorded for 60 minutes. Group 2 in social conditions of receiving ethanol for 2 months, each serving of 600 mg / kg. Group 3 social isolation without treatment with agonist and antagonist, Opioid and alcohol drugs in a separate cage, each cage has one rat. After 6 weeks, It is recorded the yawning was cured for 60 minutes. Group 4 social isolation for 6 weeks and then treatment with alcohol agonist (1200 mg / kg) after 30 minutes of yawing behavior is recorded for 60 minutes. Group 5 Social isolation after 6 weeks of treatment with opioid drugs (5mg / kg of morphine) after 30 minutes of yawing behavior is recorded for 60 minutes. Group 6 social isolation after 6 weeks of morphine + alcohol antagonist treatment after 30 minutes of yawing behavior is recorded for 60 minutes. Group 7 social isolation followed by 6 weeks of treatment with antagonist alcohol (naltrexone), 10 mg / kg, after 30 minutes of yawing behavior is recorded for 60 minutes. Group 8 Social isolation after 6 weeks of treatment with antagonist morphine (naloxone) 1 mg / kg of bad breath after 30 minutes of yawing behavior is recorded for 60 minutes. Group 9 social isolation followed by 6 weeks of treatment with antagonist alcohol + morphine after 30 minutes for 60 minutes of yawing behavior is recorded for 60 minutes. Group 10 social isolation followed by 6 weeks of treatment with antagonist alcohol + morphine antagonist after 30 minutes for 60 minutes of yawing behavior is recorded for 60 minutes. Group 11 Social isolation after 6 treatments with antagonist morphine + alcohol followed after 30 minutes for 60 minutes of yawing behavior is recorded for 60 minutes. Injection of alcohol chronically reduces yawning, but alcohol injections in conditions of social isolation increase the number of yawns. Antagonist injection of naltrexone prior morphine in conditions of social isolation of yawning. Injection of morphine in conditions of social isolation does not change the number of yawning. Injection of morphine antagonist (naloxone) prior to antagonist of alcohol (naltrexone) in conditions of social isolation increases yawn. Also, the injection of morphine antagonist (naloxone) prior to alcohol into social isolation causes an increase in the number of yawns. Alcohol injection before morphine in conditions of social isolation increases the number of yawns. It seems that the stress of social isolation by decreasing alcohol and morphine function increases the number of yawns.
Unveiling the m6A Methylation Regulator Links between Prostate Cancer and Periodontitis by Transcriptomic Analysis

Objective To identify the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation regulator genes linking prostate adenocarcinoma (PRAD) and periodontitis (PD). Materials and Methods PD and TCGA-PRAD GEO datasets were downloaded and analyzed through differential expression analysis to determine the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) deregulated in both conditions. Twenty-three m6A RNA methylation-related genes were downloaded in total. The m6A-related genes that overlapped between PRAD and PD were identified as crosstalk genes. Survival analysis was performed on these genes to determine their prognostic values in the overall survival outcomes of prostate cancer. The KEGG pathways were the most significantly enriched by m6A-related crosstalk genes. We also performed lasso regression analysis and univariate survival analysis to identify the most important m6A-related crosstalk genes, and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was built from these genes. Results Twenty-three m6A methylation-related regulator genes were differentially expressed and deregulated in PRAD and PD. Among these, seven (i.e., ALKBH5, FMR1, IGFBP3, RBM15B, YTHDF1, YTHDF2, and ZC3H13) were identified as m6A-related cross-talk genes. Survival analysis showed that only the FMR1 gene was a prognostic indicator for PRAD. All other genes had no significant influence on the overall survival of patients with PRAD. Lasso regression analysis and univariate survival analysis identified four m6A-related cross-talk genes (i.e., ALKBH5, IGFBP3, RBM15B, and FMR1) that influenced risk levels. A PPI network was constructed from these genes, and 183 genes from this network were significantly enriched in pathogenic Escherichia coli infection, p53 signaling pathway, nucleocytoplasmic transport, and ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis. Conclusion Seven m6A methylation-related genes (ALKBH5, FMR1, IGFBP3, RBM15B, YTHDF1, YTHDF2, and ZC3H13) were identified as cross-talk genes between prostate cancer and PD.
Seafarer's efficacy on interpersonal communication

ABSTRACT Background Over the past few years, maritime safety has been impacted by communication problems due to language barriers. Relationships break down when there is poor or non-existent communication, and success and happiness are in doubt. People on the vessel must communicate well to ensure their safety as well as the safety of the crew and vessel. Objective Interpersonal communication aboard ships aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of communication among sailors to perform safe tricks. Our objective is to use this data to develop special programs and orientations for seafarers in the maritime industry to reduce stress and improve interpersonal communication. Methods In our study, we examined the factors affecting the work of 150 seafarers and improper communication leads. The data was then analyzed quantitatively. Results The results show that there is a positive impact on interpersonal communication that affects the seafarer's communication with others. This indicates that PFT (Personal Factor) and ICT (Improper Communication) are dependent on each other. Conclusion The communication process involves the exchange of information, knowledge, emotions, and understanding between two parties. A successful career or a happy life on land depends on good communication just as much as it does at sea.
Combinatorics and geometry

PART A: Introduction Elementary Geometry and Trigonometry Solid Geometry and Spherical Trigonometry Curve Sketching Convexity Topology Graphs and Networks Tensors Catastrophe Theory Finite Spaces and Combinatorial Design Projective Geometry Symmetry PART B: Introduction Differential Geometry Vectors Analytic Manifolds and Lie Groups Enumeration Coding Theory Patterns Bibliography Index.
Identification and quantification of anthocyanins of 62 blueberry cultivars via UPLC-MS

Abstract Blueberries are rich in anthocyanins, which are plant-specific secondary metabolites that are a good source of plant nutrients. Although anthocyanins have been investigated, there is a lack of comprehensive detailed research that includes large numbers of blueberry cultivars, and the anthocyanin compositions of some cultivars are still unknown. Consequently, we determined the anthocyanin compositions of 62 cultivars using ultra-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS). In total, we identified 30 anthocyanins derived from five kinds of anthocyanidin. We also identified four glycosides having three kinds of modifications. Among the tested cultivars, ‘Rubel’ contained the highest anthocyanin content, at 534.158 mg/100 g fresh weight (FW), whereas ‘Puru’ contained the lowest anthocyanin content at 71.734 mg/100 g FW. ‘Malvidin-gal’ had the highest average content among all the anthocyanin monomers, at 48.95 mg/100 g FW. ‘HL9’ had the greatest methylation degree, at 79.39%, and ‘HL2’ had the greatest acetylation degree, at 25.14%. This study provides detailed anthocyanin compositions and modifications of different blueberry cultivars. These data will aid in breeding high-quality blueberry cultivars and in developing related healthy functional foods.
Sex Differences in Ischemic Cerebral Infarction: A Nationwide German Real-Life Analysis from 2014 to 2019

Female sex has been shown to be associated with an unfavorable outcome after ischemic stroke. In this nationwide analysis, we evaluate a large dataset of patients suffering from acute ischemic stroke to elucidate the factors associated with an increased risk of mortality after stroke in women. We analyzed a nationwide dataset from the German Federal Bureau of Statistics including 1,577,884 (761,537 female sex, 48.3%) in-hospital cases admitted between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2019 with a primary diagnosis of acute ischemic cerebral infarction. Patients were analyzed regarding morbidity, treatments and in-hospital mortality. A multiple logistic regression analysis was performed, adjusted by patients’ risk profile including age, to evaluate the association of sex and in-hospital mortality. According to the median, women were older than men (79 years vs. 73 years). The multiple logistic regression analysis however revealed female sex remained an independent factor for an increased in-hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR] 1.12; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11–1.14; p < 0.001). Women had a higher prevalence of relevant risk factors, namely arterial hypertension (77.0% vs. 74.7%), arterial fibrillation (33.3% vs. 25.6%), chronic heart failure (12.3% vs. 9.7%), chronic kidney disease (15.6% vs. 12.9%) and dementia (6.6% vs. 4.1%), but were less affected with respect to other relevant co-morbidities such as cerebrovascular disease (11.7% vs. 15.1%), coronary heart disease (11.7% vs. 18.8%), diabetes mellitus (26.4% vs. 29.6%), dyslipidemia (38.1% vs. 42.0%), ischemic heart disease (12.3% vs. 19.3%) and previous coronary artery bypass grafting (1.1% vs. 3.2%). Overall, therapeutic interventions were performed less frequently in women such as carotid endarterectomy (1.1% vs. 2.3%), carotid stent (0.7% vs. 1.4%), as well as hematoma drainage (0.1% vs. 0.2%), and renal replacement therapy (0.4% vs. 0.6%). Conclusions: Our nationwide analysis revealed a higher mortality rate after stroke in women. Nevertheless, women had fewer in-hospital complications and were also less likely to experience the severe effects of some important co-morbidities. The dataset, however, showed that women received surgical or interventional carotid treatments after stroke less often. It is important for research on sex disparities in stroke to keep these treatment frequency differences in mind.