Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Are animates special? Exploring the effects of selective attention and animacy on visual statistical learning

Our visual system is built to extract regularities in how objects in our visual environment appear in relation to each other across time and space (“visual statistical learning”). Existing research indicates that visual statistical learning is modulated by selective attention. Our attentional system prioritises information that enables adaptive behaviour; for example, animates are prioritised over inanimates (the “animacy advantage”). The present study examined the effects of selective attention and animacy on visual statistical learning in young adults (N = 284). We tested visual statistical learning of attended and unattended information across four animacy conditions: (1) living things that can self-initiate movement (animals); (2) living things that cannot self-initiate movement (fruits and vegetables); (3) non-living things that can generate movement (vehicles); and (4) non-living things that cannot generate movement (tools and kitchen utensils). We implemented a 4-point confidence rating scale as an assessment of participants’ awareness of the regularities in the visual statistical learning task. There were four key findings. First, selective attention plays a critical role by modulating visual statistical learning. Second, animacy does not play a special role in visual statistical learning. Third, visual statistical learning of attended information cannot be exclusively accounted for by unconscious knowledge. Fourth, performance on the visual statistical learning task is associated with the proportion of stimuli that were named or labelled. Our findings support the notion that visual statistical learning is a powerful mechanism by which our visual system resolves an abundance of sensory input over time.
Microbial community diversity and potential bioremediation of drill cuttings in two oil reservoirs

Abstract Drill cuttings (DCs, Table 1), which are produced during hydrocarbon drilling operation, are rock coated with drilling fluids and hydrocarbons. DCs without adequate treatment could leave behind thousands of tons of hazardous materials, resulting in a large environmental liability. In this work, seven DCs samples were collected from Tu and Qing oilfields, and microbes inhabiting the DCs were revealed through 16S rDNA gene sequencing. The DCs from Qing oilfield showed higher microbial community abundance than those from Tu oilfield. The dominant microbes were Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, Nesterenkonia, Trichococcus, Soehngenia, Proteiniclasticum, and Fusibacter. Most of microorganisms could produce biosurfactant which has an ability of degradation of crude oil and bioremediation. Biosynthesis and biodegradation were predicted to be the most significant metabolic pathways in all samples. This study provides a fundamental insight into the potential reuse and save the cost of conventional treatment DCs, environmental bioremediation applications of DCs through indigenous microbes produced biosurfactant and degraded ability in oil reservoirs.
Partitioning the Export of Distinct Biogenic Carbon Pools in the Northeast Pacific Ocean Using a Biogeochemical Profiling Float

We leverage observations from chemical and bio‐optical sensors mounted on a biogeochemical profiling float in the Northeast Pacific Ocean to quantify the cycling and export potential of distinct biogenic carbon pools, including particulate inorganic carbon (PIC), particulate organic carbon (POC), and dissolved organic carbon (DOC). Year‐round observations reveal complex carbon cycle dynamics among these carbon pools. Net DOC production peaked during bloom initiation, about 3 months prior to the summer peak in POC production. We validate the float estimates of DOC cycling with seasonal accumulation and removal rates derived from ship‐board DOC observations over the same period. By combining chemical and bio‐optical tracers of POC cycling, we estimate the instantaneous POC sinking flux ( FPOCsinking ${\mathrm{F}}_{{\text{POC}}_{\text{sinking}}}$ ). The cooccurrence of DOC consumption and POC production and sinking during fall and winter resolves the regional conundrum of a persistent particle sinking flux observed by sediment traps during a season that is known to be heterotrophic. PIC production is small, and uncertainties are large. By combining float‐based estimates of instantaneous net primary production (NPP) and FPOCsinking ${\mathrm{F}}_{{\text{POC}}_{\text{sinking}}}$ , we quantify a real‐time carbon export ratio ([ FPOCsinking ${\mathrm{F}}_{{\text{POC}}_{\text{sinking}}}$ /NPP] × 100%) for the euphotic zone. Elevated export ratios during summer are associated with an increase in the fraction of particles larger than 100 μm in size. Elevated export ratios during winter are associated with the physical redistribution of particles through seasonal deep mixing. Our study demonstrates how the combined use of multiple sensors on biogeochemical profiling floats can provide more nuanced information about upper ocean carbon cycle dynamics.
Piezoelectric stick-slip actuators with flexure hinge mechanisms: A review

Piezoelectric stick-slip actuators (PSSAs) are famous for ultimate working condition adaptability, simple structure, and positioning accuracy. To meet the demand of industrial application, lots of PSSAs designed with flexure hinge mechanisms (FHMs-PSSAs) have been developed to realize the requirements of translational motion, rotational motion, multi-degree-of-freedom (multi-DOF) motion. The output performance of the FHMs-PSSAs has been greatly improved, including load capacity, speed, and accuracy; moreover, some approaches to solve the problem of the backward motion are provided as well. In this work, the working principle of FHMs-PSSAs is introduced, and the excitation signals applicable to FHMs-PSSAs are summarized. Based on the current research and development status, the progress of structure design of FHMs-PSSAs is introduced in accordance with translatory FHMs-PSSAs, rotary FHMs-PSSAs, and multi-DOF FHMs-PSSAs. Additionally, the developed analysis methods and design schemes to improve the performance are introduced, including theoretical analysis methods, consistency scheme of forward and reverse performance, suppression scheme of the backward motion, and improvement scheme of positioning accuracy. The significance of this work can be regarded as a further supplement to the previous review articles on the PSSAs, which will provide a reference and guidance for the future development of FHMs-PSSAs.
Grid fault Control Scheme for Peak Current Reduction in Photovoltaic Inverters during Voltage Sag

In this paper presents a control scheme for grid interactive photovoltaic inverters to minimize peak current during unbalanced voltage sag. Power quality of a photovoltaic (PV) inverter deteriorates due to the presence of grid faults with voltage sag. In grid connected PV important feature is the ride-through capability, which allows the device to remain connected to the grid during different types of grid disturbances and avoid the need to disconnect. But during the voltage sag, the source should operate with increasing converter currents to maintain the injection of the generated power in the system. This abnormal operation may result in undesired system disconnections due to overcurrent during voltage sag. In this paper discuss a control scheme provide, controller for a PV three-phase inverter that ensures minimum peakvalues in the grid- injected currents during voltage sag.
Mechanisms Underlying Non-Pharmacological Dementia Prevention Strategies: A Translational Perspective

Since developing an effective treatment for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been encountered as a challenging task, attempts to prevent cognitive decline by lifestyle modifications have become increasingly appealing. Physical exercise, healthy diet, and cognitive training are all modifiable, non-pharmacological lifestyle factors considered to influence cognitive health. Implementing lifestyle modifications on animal models of AD and cognitive impairment may reveal underlying mechanisms of action by which healthy lifestyle contribute to brain health. In mice, different types of lifestyle interventions have been shown to improve cognitive abilities, alleviate AD-related pathology and neuroinflammation, restore mitochondrial function, and have a positive impact on neurogenesis and cell survival. Different proteins and pathways have been identified to mediate some of the responses, amongst them BDNF, Akt-GSK3β, JNK, and ROCK pathway. Although some important pathways have been identified as mediating improvements in brain health, more research is needed to confirm these mechanisms of action and to improve the understanding of their interplay. Moreover, multidomain lifestyle interventions targeting multiple risk factors simultaneously may be a promising avenue in future dementia prevention strategies. Therefore, future work is needed to better understand the synergistic impact of combinatory lifestyle strategies on cellular mechanisms and brain health.
Review On the Effects Curcumin on Tumors of the Reproductive System

Curcumin, a polyphenolic derivative of Curcuma longa rhizome, has numerous beneficial effects, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant, antifungal, anti-ischemic, anti-cancer, hypoglycemic, nephroprotective, antirheumatic, hepato-protective, and antimutagenic. Curcumin has indicated the capability to exert anti-cancer activity by multifunctional mechanisms, such as induction of apoptosis, inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, cell cycle regulation, chemotherapeutic intestinal absorption, and modification of several cancer cell types signaling pathways. Several studies have shown that curcumin may have protective effects against tumors of the reproductive system. Reproductive system cancers may cause many undesirable physical and, especially, mental disorders. Infertility and its mental consequences, sexual problems, chemotherapy and surgery-related adverse effects, substantial economic burden, and death are the most common complications regarding the cancers of the reproductive system. By modulating several reproductive cancer hallmarks such as signaling pathways, multiple drug resistance, cancer cell growth and proliferation, tumor angiogenesis, and transcription factors, curcumin could be used as a safe, non-toxic, cheap, and easily accessible drug for treating different types of reproductive cancers. [GMJ.2021;10:e2178]
Wideband out-of-phase power divider using tightly coupled lines and microstrip to slotline transitions

A broadband out-of-phase power divider in a compact structure employing a microstrip technology is presented. The proposed power divider consists of a T-junction of microstrip to slotline transition at the input ports along with a pair of tightly coupled microstrip lines at the two output ports. The main features of the proposed device are the employment of a dumbbell-shaped slot terminated with a chip resistor under the tightly coupled lines to improve the isolation between the output ports and shunt open-ended stubs at the output ports to improve their impedance matching. The overall size of the structure is 30 × 60 mm using the substrate Rogers RO4003C with a dielectric constant of 3.38 and thickness of 0.4 mm. The simulated and experimental results of the developed device show wide bandwidths (120% fractional bandwidth) with isolation >15 dB across the investigated band 1–4 GHz. In addition, the output ports are out-of-phase with <1° phase imbalance across the whole frequency band.
Understanding Risk in Software Crowdsourcing: A Preliminary Taxonomy

Software crowdsourcing (SC) is booming as a popular paradigm for rapid solution development. However, unique characteristics of this emerging paradigm, such as external resources and black-box nature of crowdsourced processes, introduce inherent risk to crowdsourcing. This paper aims at developing better understanding towards risk in SC. To that end, we conduct a literature review of 36 relevant articles
Simultaneous imaging of calcium and contraction in the beating heart of zebrafish larvae

In vivo models of cardiac function maintain the complex relationship of cardiomyocytes with other heart cells, as well as the paracrine and mechanoelectrical feedback mechanisms. We aimed at imaging calcium transients simultaneously with heart contraction in zebrafish larvae. Methods: To image calcium in beating hearts, we generated a zebrafish transgenic line expressing the FRET-based ratiometric biosensor Twitch-4. Since emission ratioing canceled out the motion artifacts, we did not use myosin inhibitors or tnnt2a morpholinos to uncouple contraction from changes in calcium levels. We wrote an analysis program to automatically calculate kinetic parameters of the calcium transients. In addition, the ventricular diameter was determined in the fluorescence images providing a real-time measurement of contraction correlated with calcium. Results: Expression of Twitch-4 did not affect the force of contraction, the size of the heart nor the heart rate in 3- and 5-days post-fertilization (dpf) larvae. Comparison of 3 and 5 dpf larvae showed that calcium levels and transient amplitude were larger at 5 dpf, but the fractional shortening did not change. To validate the model, we evaluated the effect of drugs with known effects on cardiomyocytes. Calcium levels and the force of contraction decreased by the L-type calcium channel blocker nifedipine, whereas they increased with the activator Bay-K 8644. Caffeine induced bradycardia, markedly decreased ventricular diastolic calcium levels, increased the size of the calcium transients, and caused an escape rhythm in some larvae. Conclusions: The Tg(myl7:Twitch-4) line provides a physiological approach to image systolic and diastolic calcium levels in the heart of zebrafish larvae. Since the heart is beating, calcium levels and contraction can be correlated. This line will be a useful tool to address pathophysiological mechanisms in diseases like heart failure and arrhythmia, in cardiotoxicity studies and for drug screening.
Feed Intake, Blood Parameters, Digestibility and Live Weight Gain of Male Bali Cattle (Bos javanicus) Fed Ammoniation Rice Straw Supplemented by Waru (Hibiscus tiliaceus) Flower Extracts

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Hibiscus tiliaceus flower extracts supplementation in concentrate on performance, nutrient digestibility and blood metabolites of Bali cattle. Sixty of male Bali cattle averaging 225 ± 09.15 kg initial body weight were used in this study. They were divided into two groups. The first group (as control) was cattle fed ammoniated rice straw and concentrate (R1) and the second group was fed as the same as the control group, but concentrate was supplemented with H. tiliaceus flower extract at 200 ppm/kg of dry matter (R2). Variables measured were dry matter digestibility (DMD), organic matter digestibility (OMD), neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD), and acid detergent fiber (ADFD) using total collection method. Other variables were blood glucose and urea, average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion (FC) dan feed efficiency (FE). T-test showed that DMD, OMD, ADFD, and NDFD in the second group (R2) were higher (P<0.05) than control (R1). However, there was no significant difference (P>0.05) between performance (ADG, FC, FE) and blood parameters of urea and glucose between the groups fed diets supplemented with H. tiliaceus flower extracts and control group. There was an increase in ADG and FE on R2 (0.63 ± 0.23 kg and FE 5.54 ± 1.89) compared to R1 (0.54 ± 0.32 kg and 0.54 ± 0.32). The study concluded that supplementation of Hibiscus tiliaceus flower extracts as feed additive in the concentrate diet can increase nutrient digestibility and tend to improve the performance of Bali cattle.
ASSOCIATION OF ST ELEVATION IN LEAD AVR WITH LEFT MAIN STEM AND TRIPLE VESSEL DISEASES IN PATIENTS WITH NON-ST ELEVATION MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION

Objectives: To determine frequency of left main stem (LMS) and triple vessel coronary artery disease (3VCAD) in patients of Non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and to compare the frequency of LMS and 3VCAD in patients with NSTEMI with or without ST elevation in lead aVR. Methodology: Total 346 patients with NSTEMI having age 30-70 years were included in this descriptive cross-sectional study. The data on demographic details was collected. All patients underwent electrocardiography (ECG) and cardiac specific troponin-I assessment. Patients were categorized as NSTEMI with or without ST-elevation in lead aVR. Coronary angiography was performed in all patients and angiographic findings were noted. Results: Mean age of patients was 51.87±10.03 years. There were 218 (63.01%) males and 128 (36.99%) female patients. 182 (52.60%) patients of NSTEMI had ST elevation in aVR. LMS disease was found in 53 (29.10%) patients with ST elevation in aVR. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predive value and negative predictive value of ST elevation in aVR for LMS disease was 62.35%, 50.57%, 29.12% and 80.49% respectively. 3 VCAD was found in 54 (29.70%) with ST elevation in aVR. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predive value and negative predictive value of ST elevation in aVR for 3VCAD was 77.14%, 53.52%, 29.67% and 90.24% respectively. Conclusion: NSTEMI patients with ST elevation in aVR may have higher chances of having LMS disease or 3VCAD. There is high negative predictive value for ST elevation in aVR to predict LMS disease or 3VCAD.
Queen Bee Syndrome a Part of Sexual Politics or another Gendered Stereotype

Purpose: The aim of the study is to explore the queen bee stereotype in the financial institutions running its operations in Pakistan since there has been seen an increase in the trend of participation of women in the commercial banks. Design/Methodology/Approach: Using a qualitative research methodology, the lived experiences of the female at leadership position and their subordinates are explored; by recognizing the factors of phenomena of queen bee syndrome as well as the sexual politics prevalent in the banking industry. Findings: The results highlighted that the phenomena of queen bee is a gender based stereotype along with being a part of the sexual politics which is taking place in the banking sector since it is a sector having domination of male. The study also found that there is female to female acceptance and female leaders help their fellow women to grow in the banking sector. Implications/Originality/Value: The study is beneficial to all the stakeholders and provides a clear insight about the predominant dynamics in females working in the same organization but at different position which results in eliminating the perpetuation of biases within female staff members regarding the women leaders.
Selection of Telecommunication Access Networks

Abstract: The development of Internet technology and computer networks leads to the convergence of traditional systems voice, video and data into a unique IP-based TriplePlay system. Differences in implementing TriplePlay service basically come down to the choice of technology of data transmission from the last aggregation point (node) to a subscriber (Last Mile). Analyzing Internet market, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) made trend in increasing demand for bandwidth during the period from 2007 to 2017. The analysis is based on SmartHome concept which includes broadband internet as well as multimedia services such as IPTV, cell phones and so on. The results of the analysis to a great extent confirm increasing trend of the consumers’ demand for bandwidth defined by Jakob Nielsen. His theory is based on the previous period and predicts that the need for bandwidth will rise by 50% every year. Nielsen’s diagram resembles that of Moore which predicts that CPU power will double every 18 months, that is 67% a year. The constant alterations in market and technology causes dilemma to operators in terms of investment. It is quite difficult to answer the question about the choice of technology of connecting the subscribers from the aspect of both technological and economic justification. Finding the answer to this question is the main goal of this paper.
Experimental and numerical studies in self-compacting concrete

This thesis describes the steps taken to develop normal strength (30-80 MPa) selfcompacting concrete mixes with 20mm maximum size aggregate. For the selfcompacting concrete mixes with 20mm maximum size of aggregate fulfilment of the flow and cohesiveness criteria are found insufficient for the mix design. It is found that they must additionally meet the passing ability criterion. A Lagrangian particle based method, the smooth particle hydrodynamics (SPH), is used to simulate the flow of SCC mixes. An incompressible SPH method is employed to simulate the flow of such non-Newtonian fluids whose behaviour is described by a Bingham-type model, in which the kink in the shear stress versus shear strain rate diagram is first appropriately smoothed out. The basic equations solved in the SPH are the incompressible mass conservation and Navier-Stokes equations. The yield stress of SCC mixes is predicted in an inverse manner using the SPH simulation methodology and matching the measured and simulated t500, tstop and the final spread of the cone flow test. It is found that the yield stress of SCC mixes varies only slightly with an increase in the characteristic compressive strength of the mix. The plastic viscosity on the other hand shows a marked increase. The latter was estimated by a micromechanical procedure proposed by Ghanbari & Karihaloo (2009) based on the measured viscosity of the cement paste alone and on the volume fractions of the mix constituents. The SPH simulation methodology was also used for predicting the distribution of large coarse aggregates in the cone spread. This distribution was found to be indeed very similar to that revealed in the cut sections of the hardened test cone spread. These large coarse aggregates had been painted with non-toxic non-water soluble paints prior to being used in the test mix. The simulation of SCC mixes revealed that the cone lift rate in the slump flow test has a significant effect on the flow pattern and the measured t500. The latter decreases as the cone lift rate increases from 0.1 to 1 m/s. The effect on the spread (i.e. tstop) is, however, insignificant.
The integrated nested Laplace approximation applied to spatial log-Gaussian Cox process models

Spatial point process models are theoretically useful for mapping discrete events, such as plant or animal presence, across space; however, the computational complexity of fitting these models is often a barrier to their practical use. The log-Gaussian Cox process (LGCP) is a point process driven by a latent Gaussian field, and recent advances have made it possible to fit Bayesian LGCP models using approximate methods that facilitate rapid computation. These advances include the integrated nested Laplace approximation (INLA) with a stochastic partial differential equations (SPDE) approach to sparsely approximate the Gaussian field and an extension using pseudodata with a Poisson response. To help link the theoretical results to statistical practice, we provide an overview of INLA for point process data and then illustrate their implementation using freely available data. The analyzed datasets include both a completely observed spatial field and an incomplete data situation. Our well-commented R code is shared in the online supplement. Our intent is to make these methods accessible to the practitioner of spatial statistics without requiring deep knowledge of point process theory.