Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The need for paleoflood investigations on the American reach of the Red River of the North

Over the past century, the Red River of the North has been the least stationary river in the continental United States. In Canada, historical and paleoenvironmental evidence indicates severe floods were common during the early 1800s, with the record ce 1826 flood having an estimated peak discharge 50% higher than the second-most severe flood ever observed. Unfortunately, the recorded history of flooding upstream in the United States does not begin until seven decades after this event. If 1826 was an equally exceptional flood on American reach of the river, then current flood-frequency curves for the river underestimate significantly the risks posed by future flooding. Alternatively, if the American stretch did not produce a major flood in 1826, then the recent spate of flooding that has occurred over the past two decades is exceptional within the context of the past 200 years. Communities in the Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area are building a 58-km long, $2.75 billion (USD) diversion channel that would redirect floodwaters westward around the two cities before returning it to the main channel. Because this and other infrastructure in North Dakota and Minnesota is intended to provide protection against low-probability, high-magnitude floods, new paleoflood investigations in the region would help local, state, and federal policy-makers better understand the true flood threats posed by the Red River of the North.
The Pronto Platform : A Flexible Toolkit for Programming Networks using a Commodity Operating System

In recent years there has been an increasing interest in introducing more advanced services and functionality into the network. This is the primary driver behind the ongoing research on active and programmable networking. A central part of this research is to design an extensible architecture for network nodes that can be dynamically specialized to provide customized network services, and to converge on a set of basic facilities provided by all nodes, and the interface to these facili- ties. While several architectures have been proposed, they have so far been realized using prototype operating systems or proprietary programming languages. Lack of robust platforms for experimentation remains a significant obstacle for research on new network services. We have built a platform for research on active and pro- grammable networks, based on Linux. Our changes to the kernel proper are minimal and are contained in a small kernel patch compatible with multiple versions of Linux (2.2.2 and higher), enabling us to benefit from the rapid evolution and industrial support of Linux in general, and specifically those parts that are outside of our interests. In this paper we de- scribe the platform and give examples of its use.
Psychological, social and academic functioning in university students with chronic pain: A systematic review

Abstract Objective: Chronic pain is a prevalent health issue among young adults; however, there is limited understanding on how it affects university students. This is the first systematic review of evidence relating to the association between chronic pain and psychological, social and academic functioning in university students. Participants: Four databases were searched for relevant published studies. Data from 18 studies including 10,069 university students, of which 2895 reported having chronic pain, were included in the synthesis. Methods: Due to heterogeneity of data and methodologies, meta-analysis was not possible; therefore, data were synthesized narratively. Results: Our findings showed that students with chronic pain have poorer psychological, social and academic functioning and quality of life, compared to students without chronic pain. Conclusions: These findings suggest that chronic pain presents a challenge in university settings. Research is urgently needed to enable an understanding of how universities can support students who experience chronic pain.
What's Wrong with Pretty?

It is a common occurrence for those of us in the interior design field. How do we respond? Some designers smile politely and agree with the person’s assumptions about our profession. others will quickly recite the “official” definition of an interior designer, being sure to emphasize the protection of the public’s health, safety, and welfare. Why is it that such an innocuous exchange makes us so uncomfortable?
Study of the content of fluorides in atmospheric air in Bokhtar region and Tursunzade city of Tajikistan

Background: The emission and presence of air pollutants such as fluorides has over burdenized the public healthcare issues. The current study aimed to determine the content of fluorides in atmospheric air in Bokhtar region and Tursunzade city of Tajikistan. Methods: Based on the direction of wind, two zones were selected in the current study: experimental and control. In the first (experimental) zone, those areas were selected where the western, northern and northeastern directions of wind was significant. Dzhura Rakhmonov was assigned to the control zone with the shortest time for the eastward winds. In general, 72 samples of atmospheric air were taken in 12 settlements of the city of Tursunzade and 90 samples of atmospheric air in the Bokhtar region of the Khatlon province. To determine fluorine in air, a potentiometric method with an ion-selective electrode was used, which makes it possible to measure the potential concentrations of fluorides in atmospheric air. Results: Compounds of gaseous (hydrogen fluoride) and solid fluorine (salts of hydrofluoric acid), which are the main emission from various sources, were found in the atmospheric air of the populated areas of the city of Tursunzade, where the aluminum plant industry is located. The maximum amount of hydrogen fluoride in the experimental zone (Jamoat and Navobod) with a western wind direction was found in the autumn, which exceeded the MPC. However, the amount of solid fluorides in the western direction of the wind ranged from 0.01 to 1.0 mg / m3, which did not exceed the MPC value and was not significant. In control zone (Dzhura Rakhmonov) the said pollutants hydrogen fluoride and solid fluorine were not significant in autumn within accordance to MPC limit. The results of the study of atmospheric air in 15 administrative cities and districts of the Bokhtar region showed a complete absence of solid fluorides in all samples of atmospheric air. Conclusion: Compounds of gaseous fluorine and salts of hydrofluoric acid were found in the atmospheric air of populated areas of the city of Tursunzade, and no significant amounts in the Bokhtar region according to MPC and control. The maximum amount of fluorine compounds was found in the experimental zone (Jamoat Navobod) of the city of Tursunzade.
Suppressed farnesoid X receptor by iron overload in mice and humans potentiates iron‐induced hepatotoxicity

Iron overload (IO) is a frequent finding in the general population. As the major iron storage site, the liver is subject to iron toxicity. Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) regulates bile acid metabolism and is implicated in various liver diseases. We aimed to determine whether FXR plays a role in regulating iron hepatotoxicity.
High-resolution destination choice in agent-based demand models

This paper describes the modeling of destination choices for discretionary activities in a multiagent transport simulation, using MATSim as an example. MATSim is based on utility maximization and its utility function has always been deterministic. Unobserved heterogeneity is now added to the utility function through a random error term, meaning that MATSim is now fully compatible with discrete choice theory. Real-world simulation results for Zurich show that this substantially improves simulation results. High-resolution destination choice for large-scale microsimulations raises several technical issues; pragmatic engineering solutions have been developed or applied to cope with them. These solutions are described in technical detail to assist in the further development of similar simulation frameworks.
A Novel Method to Predict Mortality and Length of Stay after Transfemoral Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Background and Objectives: We tested if a novel combination of predictors could improve the accuracy of outcome prediction after transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Materials and Methods: This prospective study recruited 169 participants (49% female; median age 81 years). The primary endpoint was midterm mortality; secondary endpoints were acute Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC)-3 complication rate and post-TAVI in-hospital length of stay (LoS). EuroSCORE II (ESII), comorbidities (e.g., coronary artery disease), eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate; based on cystatin C), hemoglobin, creatinine, N-Terminal pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NTproBNP) levels and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs, namely EuroQol-5-Dimension-5-Levels, EQ5D5L; Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire, KCCQ; clinical frailty scale, CFS) at baseline were tested as predictors. Regression (uni- and multi-variate Cox; linear; binary logistic) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC)-curve analysis were applied. Results: Within a median follow-up of 439 (318–585) days, 12 participants died (7.1%). Independent predictors of mortality using multivariate Cox regression were baseline eGFR (p = 0.001) and KCCQ (p = 0.037). Based on these predictors, a Linear Prediction Score (LPS1) was calculated. The LPS1-area under the curve (AUC)-value (0.761) was significantly higher than the ESII-AUC value (0.597; p = 0.035). Independent predictors for LoS > 6 days (the median LoS) were eGFR (p = 0.028), NTproBNP (p = 0.034), and EQ5D5L values (p = 0.002); a respective calculated LPS2 provided an AUC value of 0.677 (p < 0.001). Eighty participants (47.3%) experienced complications. Male sex predicted complications only in the univariate analysis. Conclusions: The combination of KCCQ and eGFR can better predict midterm mortality than ES II alone. Combining eGFR, NTproBNP, and EQ5D5L can reliably predict LoS after TAVI. This novel method improves personalized TAVI risk stratification and hence may help reduce post-TAVI risk.
Electrically tunable singlemode fibre Bragg reflective filter

An electrically tunable singlemode fibre Bragg reflective filter (FBR) is demonstrated for the first time by using a large amount of magnetostrictive material in which the fibre is embedded and side-polished. With a reflection bandwidth of approximately 1.5 nm, the measured tuning range of the FBR filter is 1.3 nm.
Low-cost analog fiber optic links for in-house distribution of millimeter-wave signals

In this article, analog fiber optic links (radio-over-fiber, RoF, links) are presented as a flexible, low-cost solution for in-house distribution of millimeter-wave (mmw) signals. Mode-locked laser diodes (MLLD) serve as inexpensive mmw sources for the downlink distribution of mmw signals across an optical fiber link. We compare the robustness of direct and external RF modulation for such MLLD-based RoF systems, whereas the error vector magnitude (EVM) of the received symbols serves as a figure of merit. On the eve of 60 GHz WLAN standardization, we experimentally investigate the transmission of narrowband WLAN (IEEE 802.11a) signals in the millimetric range at moderate data rates. We also demonstrate broadband transmission of multi-band orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (MB-OFDM) ultra-wideband (UWB) european computer manufacturers association (ECMA 368) signals in the 60 GHz band for data rates of up to 480 Mbps.
Body Size Measurements and Physical Performance of Youth Female Judo Athletes with Differing Menarcheal Status

Purpose: To compare body size measurements and physical performance among female youth judo athletes with differing menarcheal status and to identify indicators of physical performance in post-menarcheal girls. Methods: Nineteen young female judo athletes (age 13.9 ± 2.3 years) were divided into a pre-menarche (n = 7) and a post-menarche (n = 12) group. The athletes were evaluated through neuromuscular tests, including standing long jump (SLJ), medicine ball throw (MBT), and handgrip strength (HGS), and judo-specific assessments, including the Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) and the Judogi Grip Strength Test (JGSTISO). Furthermore, years of experience in judo and the age at menarche were determined. Results: The main results showed higher performance for the post-menarche group for most variables (p < 0.05) compared to the pre-menarche group. A multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that age at menarche, chronological age, and body mass explained close to 70% of JGSTISO, while training experience, chronological age, and age at menarche explained close to 59% of SLJ. Additionally, chronological age and age at menarche explained 40% of MBT, and chronological age and height explained 52% of HGS. Conclusions: Age at menarche and somatic growth variables explained moderate proportions of the variance of physical performance, thereby providing evidence that these parameters are the primary indicators of physical performance in young female judo athletes.
Rice husk and rice straw based materials for toxic metals and dyes removal: a comprehensive and critical review

ABSTRACT This review investigated depth literature survey on the removal of various heavy metals and dyes contamination. The current study is a broad review of the different methods of preparation of biowaste adsorbent from rice husk and rice straw that has been implemented for the adsorption of many hazardous heavy metals and dyes in order to reduce their harmful effect on the environment. The selection of rice waste-based material for the adsorption process was considered due to its cost-effectiveness, easy availability, high adsorption efficiency, and reusability. This study is a comprehensive review of the adsorption of toxic heavy metals and dyes using rice husk and rice straw-based adsorbents either in bare or in modified forms under different physicochemical processes. In addition, some parameters affecting adsorption capability like pH, initial dye concentration, equilibrium time, temperature, adsorbent dosage, and shaking or stirring speed influence the adsorption mechanism have been discussed thoroughly. The applicability of various adsorption isotherm models and adsorption kinetic models for dye adsorption by various rice husk and straw biomass adsorbents is also reported here. Finally, from the literature reviewed conclusions have been drawn and also proposed a few future research suggestions.
Recovery of balance control in bilateral medial knee osteoarthritis after total knee arthroplasty during level walking

Older adults are at higher risk of falling following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, it remains unclear how long a full recovery of the balance control during gait post‐TKA will take. The current study aimed to bridge this knowledge gap via long‐term follow‐up gait analyses. Twelve older adults with severe bilateral medial knee osteoarthritis (OA) before, 3 and 12 months after TKA, and twelve healthy controls were evaluated for their balance control during level walking, in terms of the inclination angle (IA) of the center of pressure to center of mass vector, and the rate of change of IA (RCIA). The patients before TKA showed significantly increased sagittal IA but decreased RCIA throughout the gait cycle (p < 0.04) compared to controls, suggesting a compromised balance control. Three months post‐TKA, deviations in IA remained, although those in RCIA were improved to normal. One‐year post‐TKA, no significant differences were found in any of the IA‐ and RCIA‐related variables between patient and Control groups. The results show that TKA surgery was effective in reducing the deviations in the center of mass‐center of pressure control in patients with severe bilateral knee OA, and full recovery of balance control can be expected 1 year after surgery.
Industrial GaN FET technology

GaN technology has gained a lot of attention in Europe over the last few years for various domains including RF electronics. After a few years of active observation, United Monolithic Semiconductors (UMS) has taken the decision to introduce a GaN technology family in its portfolio. Based on its extensive experience of III–V technology and the intensive support and collaboration with partners and European research institutes, UMS has developed the capability to produce state-of-the-art GaN devices and circuits. The present paper will summarize the current status achieved and illustrate it with a few representative examples. Aspects covering material, devices, and circuits will be addressed.
Evaluation of Selection Indices for Drought Tolerance in Some Chickpea (Cicer Arietinum L.) Genotypes

Abstract Drought is one of the major abiotic stresses in agriculture worldwide, which limits crop production. The chickpea cultivation areas of Iran are fourth in the world after India, Pakistan and Turkey while most areas (95 %) are planted in rainfed condition and are grown in rotation with cereals. This investigation was carried out to investigate the effect of drought stress seed yield characteristic in seven genotypes of chickpea. A field experiment with two humidity regimes (stressed and non-stressed) was performed in a randomized complete block design layout with three replicates. The analysis of variance for both potential yield (YP) and stress yield (YS) indicated significant differences among seven chickpea genotypes. Also, significant differences were observed among chickpea genotypes regarding twelve drought tolerance indices. Based on the YP, the genotypes FLIP 03-64C, FLIP 98-106C, Arman and Azad had the highest yield under non-stressed condition, while the genotypes FLIP 98-106C and Azad displayed the highest yield under stressed condition. Therefore, the genotypes FLIP 98-106C and Azad are good candidates for commercial recommendation to farmers in both rainfed and irrigated conditions. The relationships among drought tolerance indices are graphically displayed in a plot of two first principal components analysis. The first and second components justified 95.46 % of the variations between criteria (59.36 and 36.10 % for PC1 and PC2, respectively). The STI, K1STI, MP, GMP and PI indices exhibited strong correlation with YP, while YI showed strong correlation with YS; therefore, YS can discriminate drought tolerant genotypes with high grain yield under stress conditions.
Autoregressive Modeling Approach for Non-Stationary Vehicular Channel Simulation

A framework is proposed for long-term vehicular channel simulation based on the vector time-frequency autoregressive (VTFAR) model for a sparse parametric description of nonstationary multivariate random processes. Based on vehicle-to-infrastructure tunnel measurements, we estimate the VTFAR model parameters and validate the model by comparing the parametric and non-parametric spectra of the measured channel in terms of the delay spread and stationarity time. In addition, the VTFAR model stability is investigated and an approximation for the correlated scattering channel is proposed. The experimental validation shows a good agreement with RMSE of only 0.01 for the delay spread and 0.4 for the stationarity time. This approach provides an efficient alternative for non-stationary channel simulation that is measurement-based and computationally inexpensive.
Design of multi-band bandpass filters based on stub loaded stepped-impedance resonator with defected microstrip structure

The design of multi-band bandpass filters (BPFs) employing stub loaded stepped-impedance resonator with defected microstrip structure (SL-SIR-DMS) is presented in this study for the first time. The proposed SL-SIR-DMS is created by embedding DMS on the low-impedance line of the SL-SIR. It is found that different defected structures can lead to different frequency responses. In addition, by using DMS, tri-band and even quad-band responses can be easily achieved without increasing the resonator size. As verification, one tri-band SL-SIR-DMS and one quad-band SL-SIR-DMS are designed and analysed using even/odd-mode method. Subsequently, one tri-band BPF and one quad-band BPF have been developed with pseudo-interdigital coupling to realise good out-of-band performance. The predicted results are compared with measured ones and good agreement is achieved. Compared with BPFs using only SL-SIR, the proposed filters with DMS are more compact due to the slow-wave characteristic. Compared with the BPFs using defected ground structure to improve the stopband performance, the proposed ones can realise comparable wide stopbands but maintaining the signal integrity on the ground plane for packaging purpose.
Advances and Classification of Cyclodextrin-Based Polymers for Food-Related Issues

Cyclodextrins (CDs) are a good alternative to reduce or enhance different biomolecule characteristics and have demonstrated great results in food science. However, CDs present intrinsic limitations that can be solved by derivative synthesis. This review represents a survey of the state of the art of CD-based materials and their uses in food science. A deep review of the structure is carried out and different groups for ordination are suggested. After that, different applications such as cholesterol complexation or its use as sensors are reviewed. The derivatives show novel and promising activities for the industry. A critical perspective of the materials suggests that they might not present toxicity, although more studies are required. These points suggest that the research in this field will be increased in the following years.
PHENOTYPIC AND GENETIC PARAMETERS OF MILK PRODUCTION AND REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF HOLSTEIN CATTLE UNDER THE INTENSIVE PRODUCTION SYSTEM IN EGYPT

SUMMARY Cow productivity in Holstein-Friesian cattle was analyzed in fourteen commercial private herds. All herds belong to members of the General Cooperative for Developing Animal Wealth and Products, Egypt. A total number of 4120 lactation records for 1085 cows sired by 290 bulls were used. The records covered the period from 1999 to 2003. Traits studied were 305 day milk yield (305d MY), total milk yield (TMY), lactation period (LP), dry period (DP), age at first calving (AFC) and calving interval (CI). Data were analyzed by Multiple Trait Derivative Free Restricted Maximum Likelihood (MTDFREML) procedure using repeatability multiple trait Animal Model analysis. Means of 305d MY, TMY, LP, DP, AFC and CI were 9038 kg, 12054 kg, 407 days, 63.6 days, 29.2 months and 470 days, respectively. Heritability estimates for the same traits were 0.27, 0.22, 0.07, 0.05, 0.23 and 0.05, respectively. Also, repeatability and phenotypic and genetic correlations between traits were estimated. The results indicated that raising high yielding Holsteins in commercial farms in Egypt is technically feasible. Additive genetic variance showed large contribution to total variation in milk yield traits indicating possibility of improving these traits by genetic selection. Selection based on first lactation could be used satisfactorily to improve milk yield traits.