Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Benchmark for Atlantic Salmon Conservation: Genetic Diversity and Structure in a Southern European Glacial Refuge before the Climate Changed

Atlantic salmon Salmo salar supports highly valuable commercial and recreational fisheries in Europe, but its stocks are currently overexploited and threatened by climate change. Its southernmost populations (in northern Spain) play a key role in conserving the species’ original genetic diversity, which is endangered due to decades-long (1970s to 1990s) massive stocking with non-native stocks. Their decline is well documented, but the effect of stock transfer and conservation efforts is unclear. Nine microsatellite loci were amplified from archival samples (scales from 1958–1959) from eight Spanish rivers to analyse the species’ natural genetic dynamics before its decline started. Allelic richness was high in the historical populations (the 1950s) and above most contemporary estimates. Private alleles were found in most rivers, indicating high local uniqueness and relative isolation among river basins. Some alleles are regional markers since they are rare or absent from contemporary northern European populations. Effective population size suggested good conservation status, with higher values than those estimated for contemporary populations. Strong population structure and genetic differentiation between rivers were found, with limited gene flow, restricted to geographically close populations. Our estimates of historical genetic diversity and structure from southernmost salmon populations are a powerful benchmark to guide conservation programs.
Ultrashort megaelectronvolt positron beam generation based on laser-accelerated electrons

Experimental generation of ultrashort MeV positron beams with high intensity and high density using a compact laser-driven setup is reported. A high-density gas jet is employed experimentally to generate MeV electrons with high charge; thus, a charge-neutralized MeV positron beam with high density is obtained during laser-accelerated electrons irradiating high-Z solid targets. It is a novel electron–positron source for the study of laboratory astrophysics. Meanwhile, the MeV positron beam is pulsed with an ultrashort duration of tens of femtoseconds and has a high peak intensity of 7.8 × 1021 s−1, thus allows specific studies of fast kinetics in millimeter-thick materials with a high time resolution and exhibits potential for applications in positron annihilation spectroscopy.
THE EFFECTS OF AEROBIC EXERCISES ON CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTORS OF SEDENTARY WOMEN

This study was carried out with the aim of comparing the effects of ten weeks aerobic exercises on cardiovascular risk factors of sedentary women. Totally 30 sedentary women participated in this study voluntarily. The volunteers were aged between 35 and 40 years, staff of working at Inonu University, and did not have any health problems and regular exercising routines. All subjects were divided into two groups: 15 subjects for run-walk exercise and 15 subjects for step-aerobics exercise that realized duration of 45 minutes for 4 days in a week throughout 10 weeks. The training intensity was defined at 75% of maximal heart rate. The heart rate determined separately for each subject, and exercises were applied according to this interval. Participants' height, body weight, body composition, body mass index (BMI) and blood lipid levels were measured and compared according to pre- test and post-test scores of the 10-week training program. Paired Samples-t Test was used for the differences between pre-test and post-test values of subjects. p<0.01 and p<0.05 were accepted for the level of significance. After 10 weeks exercises of this study, there were decreases in run-walk group of body weight by 3.58%, BMI by 4.40%, total cholesterol by 6.44%, LDL-K by 7.93%, and triglyceride by 17.75%, but there was not any difference in value of HDL-K. There were decreases in step-aerobics group of body weight by 5.35%, BMI by 5.43%, total cholesterol by 10.54%, LDL-K by 9.05%, and triglyceride by 15.24% (p<0.01 and p<0.05), however, there was increasing in value of HDL-K by 5.64% (p<0.05). The results of study showed that maintaining a healthy life would be more appropriate in step-aerobics exercises due to have high tempos and rhythms than the run-walk exercises.
Quasi-stationary distributions and the continuous-state branching process conditioned to be never extinct

We consider continuous-state branching (CB) processes which become extinct (i.e., hit 0) with positive probability. We characterize all the quasi-stationary distributions (QSD) for the CB-process as a stochastically monotone family indexed by a real number. We prove that the minimal element of this family is the so-called Yaglom quasi-stationary distribution, that is, the limit of one-dimensional marginals conditioned on being nonzero. Next, we consider the branching process conditioned on not being extinct in the distant future, or Q-process, defined by means of Doob h-transforms. We show that the Q-process is distributed as the initial CB-process with independent immigration, and that under the Llog L condition, it has a limiting law which is the size-biased Yaglom distribution (of the
Doppler refectometry in the TJ-II stellarator: design of an optimized Doppler reflectometer and its application to turbulence and radial electric field studies

For several decades magnetic confinement of high-temperature plasmas has been investigated with the objective of building a burning fusion reactor. One of the main obstacles in reaching this goal is the energy and particle losses caused by radial transport processes in the plasma. Therefore, the identification and reduction of this radial transport is a demanding challenge faced by theoretical and experimental physicists. The transport processes in toroidal plasmas can be grouped into two categories, i.e. neoclassical and turbulent transport. Neoclassical theory is an extension of classical theory to include the toroidal geometry of magnetic confinement fusion experiments, which results in new particle drifts and magnetic field mirror effects, which trap particles and lead to an increased collision frequency. Neoclassical transport is an ubiquitous process, since it depends on the existence of background gradients in the plasma and Coulomb collisions between particles. The second type of transport, turbulent or anomalous transport, is fundamentally different from neoclassical transport due to the fact that the described particle losses are caused by microinstabilities. These microinstabilities occur irregularly in the plasma, hence turbulent transport is an intermittent process rather than a continuous one. The particle and energy losses observed in toroidal fusion plasmas are believed to be mainly caused by turbulent transport, making it one of the dominant fields of investigation of the fusion community in the last few decades. Plasma turbulence can basically be described as the incoherent motion of the plasma which arises from small-scale fluctuations in parameters such as plasma density, tem- perature, potential, and the magnetic field. Gradients in the plasma parameters are the driving forces of the turbulence, which leads to the conclusion that the better the plasma confinement (stronger gradients), the higher the turbulence level. However, this is not completely true: the discovery of the H-mode confinement regime in 1982 showed that the plasma can spontaneously self-organize and enter a mode of improved confinement (L-H transition), characterized by a steepening of plasma gradients accompanied by a significant reduction of the level of fluctuations and turbulent transport. This discovery led to an immense effort, from both the theoretical and the exper- imental sides, in trying to understand the L-H transition and the reduced turbulence level in the H-mode confinement regime. After more than a quarter century of active research, the prevailing paradigm to explain the turbulence level reduction consists in turbulence suppression via sheared flows. However, although these flows are observed in H-mode plasmas, their generation mechanisms are still unknown. Several candidates involving the edge pressure gradient or turbulence driven mean and oscillating flows exist, but elucidation is still pending.
A REVIEW OF THE TOP 100 GLOBAL BRANDS 2007

In today’ competitive environment, branding is not only applied as marketing strategy topromote products, increase sales and profitability. It is also been adopted as business strategy to achieve competitive edge. At strategic level many global market leaders are leveraging their brands in product extension, licensing, channels building (Keller, 2008) to increase the brand value over time. Some global organizations managed to build their intangible brand value into billion dollars worth, few time more than its physical assets. Many researchers revealed that a strong brand is an organization’s most valuable asset(Aaker, 1991; Keller, 1998; Aaker and Jacobson, 2001). It will generate higher revenue streams in both short term and long term (Aaker, 1991, 1996; Kapferer, 2004; Keller, 2003). According to Interbrand top 100 Global Brands survey in 2007, more than fiftypercent of the list are dominated by US brands with a combined value of US$753.3billion. This reflects the power of brand in assets building and accumulation for organizations. The objective of this paper is to analyze the Top 100 Global Brands 2007and discuss some of the fundamental branding principles which contributing to brand success. The review is also serves as a reminder for the local SMEs to emulate andpractice.
Plasma Myokine Profiles in Patients With AChR- and MuSK-Ab-Positive Myasthenia Gravis

Background and Purpose Myokines include cytokines secreted by muscle fibers, which are the final targets of myasthenia gravis (MG). This pilot study investigated whether myokine plasma concentrations are altered in patients with MG and assessed the association between the concentration of each myokine and disease severity. Methods We compared the plasma concentrations of 15 myokines in 63 patients with acetylcholine receptor antibody (Ab)-positive MG and 14 with muscle-specific tyrosine kinase Ab-positive MG (MuSK MG) with those in 15 healthy controls. Plasma myokine concentrations were measured using a Luminex multiplex assay kit with magnetic beads that contained Abs for 15 myokines. Correlations between myokine concentration and clinical scale results were analyzed. Results The concentration of fractalkine in plasma was higher in MG (median [interquartile range]=419.6 [38.7–732.5] pg/mL) than in controls (158.5 [0.0–313.2] pg/mL, p=0.034). The leukemia inhibitory factor concentration was also found to be higher in MuSK MG (29.9 [8.7–40.1] pg/mL) than in healthy controls (7.6 [0.0–15.6] pg/mL, p=0.013). Fatty-acid-binding protein 3 (FABP3) concentrations in plasma were positively associated with clinical parameters for MG severity, including scores on the Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis score (p=0.008), Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living (p=0.003), and Myasthenia Gravis Composite (p=0.024) scales. FABP3 concentration in plasma tended to decrease after treatment in patients without additional relapse but increased in those with further relapse. Conclusions The plasma myokine profile was significantly altered in patients with MG. FABP3 concentration may be useful in assessing disease severity and predicting the treatment response.
Multi-band polarization independent cylindrical metamaterial absorber and sensor application

A multi-band perfect metamaterial absorber (MA) based on a cylindrical waveguide with polarization independency is numerically presented and investigated in detail. The proposed absorber has a very simple configuration, and it operates at flexible frequency ranges within the microwave frequency regime by simply tuning the dimensions of the structure. The maximum absorption values are obtained as 99.9%, 97.5%, 85.8%, 68.2% and 40.2% at the frequencies of 1.34 GHz, 2.15 GHz, 3.2 GHz, 4.31 GHz and 5.41 GHz, respectively. The numerical studies verify that the proposed model can provide multi-band perfect absorptions at wide polarization and incident angles due to its rotational symmetry feature. We have also realized sensor and parametric study applications in order to show additional features of the suggested model. The suggested MA enables myriad potential applications in medical technologies, sensors and in defense industry etc.
Realistic CT Image Simulation Tools for Laboratory Based X-ray CT at UGCT

In laboratory based X-ray Computed Tomography (CT), the grey values in the resulting CT image depend on several scanning conditions such as the emitted spectrum, the response characteristics of the detector and beam filtration. Furthermore, due to beam hardening also the morphology and composition of the sample itself will have a significant influence. Therefore, to optimise scanning conditions simulations which incorporate all factors determining the imaging process are required. In this paper, two programs developed at the Centre for X-ray Tomography of the Ghent University (UGCT) are presented which allow a complete and realistic simulation of the obtained CT image.
Edible Biopolymers from Marine Algae used as an Alternate Packaging material: A Review on their characteristics and properties

Food packaging is estimated to account for two-thirds of all plastic waste. As a result, it is crucial to discover alternative packaging materials that are both environmentally friendly and safe for human health. Marine algae are becoming more well-known and in demand as cutting-edge resources for producing biopolymers like proteins and polysaccharides. Because of their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and lack of toxicity, biopolymers have been suggested as potential sources for food packaging materials. Numerous research has thoroughly examined the extraction, separation, and use of marine biopolymers in the creation of sustainable packaging. Marine algae are also rich in protein and mineral content, they also have anticancer, anti-obesity, and hypolipidemic properties due to the presence of polyunsaturated conjugated fatty acids. The edible films enhance the shelf life of food by controlling moisture without changing the elements of food. The marine algae are collected either in the intertidal or subtidal areas and they will be dried for further process. The edible films are environmentally friendly. The edible film made from marine algae is a mixture of protein, polysaccharides, lipids, and resins. The factors which affect the properties of the edible film are the source of raw material, surface charge, hydrophobicity, polymer chain length, plasticizer type, proportion, and synthesis method. There are numerous research has been conducted to develop edible film using various matrix constituents. This review provides an overview of Marine algae, its process, and edible films, its characteristics, and factors affecting the film.
Inhibition of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH) Regulates NF-kb Pathways Reducing Bleomycin-Induced Chronic Lung Inflammation and Pulmonary Fibrosis

The deadly interstitial lung condition known as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) worsens over time and for no apparent reason. The traditional therapy approaches for IPF, which include corticosteroids and immunomodulatory drugs, are often ineffective and can have noticeable side effects. The endocannabinoids are hydrolyzed by a membrane protein called fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). Increasing endogenous levels of endocannabinoid by pharmacologically inhibiting FAAH results in numerous analgesic advantages in a variety of experimental models for pre-clinical pain and inflammation. In our study, we mimicked IPF by administering intratracheal bleomycin, and we administered oral URB878 at a dose of 5 mg/kg. The histological changes, cell infiltration, pro-inflammatory cytokine production, inflammation, and nitrosative stress caused by bleomycin were all reduced by URB878. Our data clearly demonstrate for the first time that the inhibition of FAAH activity was able to counteract not only the histological alteration bleomycin-induced but also the cascade of related inflammatory events.
Yang-Mills-Stueckelberg Theories, Framing and Local Breaking of Symmetries

We consider Yang-Mills theory with a compact structure group $G$ on a Lorentzian 4-manifold $M={\mathbb R}\times\Sigma$ such that gauge transformations become identity on a submanifold $S$ of $\Sigma$ (framing over $S\subset\Sigma$). The space $S$ is not necessarily a boundary of $\Sigma$ and can have dimension $k\le 3$. Framing of gauge bundles over $S\subset\Sigma$ demands introduction of a $G$-valued function $\phi_S$ with support on $S$ and modification of Yang-Mills equations along ${\mathbb R}\times S\subset M$. The fields $\phi_S$ parametrize nonequivalent flat connections mapped into each other by a dynamical group ${\mathcal G}_S$ changing gauge frames over $S$. It is shown that the charged condensate $\phi_S$ is the Stueckelberg field generating an effective mass of gluons in the domain $S$ of space $\Sigma$ and keeping them massless outside $S$. We argue that the local Stueckelberg field $\phi_S$ can be responsible for color confinement. We also briefly discuss local breaking of symmetries in gravity. It is shown that framing of the tangent bundle over a subspace of space-time makes gravitons massive in this subspace.
Allocation Efficiency of Public Sports Resources Based on the DEA Model in the Top 100 Economic Counties of China in Zhejiang Province

Background: The county is the basic unit of national economic and social development, and is also the foothold and starting point of public sports services. Purpose: Taking the top 100 economic counties of China in Zhejiang Province as the research object, this study explores the allocation efficiency and influencing factors of public sports resources in the period of 2016 to 2020. Methods: The output-oriented Super-SBM model, which is used to measure the static efficiency of its public sports resource allocation, is combined with the DEA–Malmquist model to measure the total factor productivity from the perspectives of overall characteristics, regional heterogeneity, and individual differences. Moreover, we objectively evaluate the dynamic evolution and spatiotemporal characteristics of resource quality growth, financial management technology, and allocation efficiency from the horizontal cross-section and vertical time series. Results: (1) The efficiency of allocation of public sports resources in the top 100 economic counties in Zhejiang Province is relatively high, but it presents the characteristics of “extensive” allocation, and the allocation structure is unreasonable. (2) The super-efficiency gradient division of public sports resources shows that Yuhuan City ranks first with a state of super-efficiency allocation; Ruian, Linhai, Wenling, Yiwu, and Haining have a state of high-efficiency allocation; and other regions are characterized by a state of medium- or low-efficiency allocation. (3) The improvement of total factor productivity depends on the catching-up feature of technological efficiency on the production frontier, but it has not yet compensated for the negative effect of the decline of technological progress, resulting in a decline in total factor productivity with an average annual trend of 0.3%. (4) The level of county economic development has a highly significant positive effect on the allocation efficiency of public sports resources, while the per capita sports ground area has a highly significant negative effect on efficiency. The county population density has a highly significant impact, and regional factors have no significant effect on efficiency. Conclusions: The results of this study provide useful insights for the development of sound public sports service improvement policies.
Bayesian short-time spectral amplitude estimators for single-channel speech enhancement

Single-channel speech enhancement algorithms are used to remove background noise in speech. They are present in many common devices such as cell phones and hearing aids. In the Bayesian short-time spectral amplitude (STSA) approach for speech enhancement, an estimate of the clean speech STSA is derived by minimizing the statistical expectation of a chosen cost function. Examples of such estimators are the minimum mean square error (MMSE) STSA, the β-order MMSE STSA (β-SA), which includes a power law parameter, and the weighted Euclidian (WE), which includes a weighting parameter. This thesis analyzes single-channel Bayesian STSA estimators for speech enhancement with the aim of, firstly, gaining a better understanding of their properties and, secondly, proposing new cost functions and statistical models to improve their performance. In addition to a novel analysis of the β-SA estimator for parameter β ≤ 0, three new families of estimators are developed in this thesis: the Weighted β-SA (Wβ-SA), the Generalized Weighted family of STSA estimators (GWSA) and a family of multi-dimensional Bayesian STSA estimators. The Wβ-SA combines the power law of the β-SA and the weighting factor of the WE. Its parameters are chosen based on the characteristics of the human auditory system which is found to have the advantage of improving the noise reduction at high frequencies while limiting the speech distortions at low frequencies. An analytical generalization of a cost function structure found in many existing Bayesian STSA estimators is proposed through the GWSA family of estimators. This allows a unification of Bayesian STSA estimators and, moreover, provides a better understanding of this general class of estimators. Finally, we propose a multi-dimensional family of estimators that accounts for the correlated frequency components in a digitized speech signal. In fact, the spectral components of the clean speech are traditionally assumed uncorrelated in Bayesian STSA estimators, however, this assumption is inexact since some correlation is present in practice. Objective and subjective experiments are performed in different noise environments and at several signal-to-noise ratios (SNR). Results show the superiority of the proposed estimators over benchmark estimators.
COVID-19-Related Rhino-Orbital-Cerebral Mucormycosis With Angioinvasion: A Lethal Sequelae

A middle-aged man with multiple comorbidities including uncontrolled diabetes mellitus presented with shortness of breath and lethargy for six days. He was treated for COVID-19 pneumonia, requiring high cumulative steroid therapy. After 15 days of treatment, he developed right orbital apex syndrome with central retinal artery occlusion secondary to invasive mucormycosis. The infection progressed rapidly despite aggressive medical treatment, systemic anti-fungal therapy along with local transcutaneous retrobulbar amphotericin B injection. We report our battle in fighting this vicious disease. Judicious use of immunomodulators in COVID-19 treatment and close monitoring is crucial, especially in high-risk patients.