Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Application of Baltic Pine (Pinus sylvestris) Needle Extract as a Gut Microbiota-Modulating Feed Supplement for Domestic Chickens (Gallus gallus)

The valorization of wood industry residues is very desirable from a circular economy perspective. Pine needle extracts are known for their health-promoting properties and therefore can be used as herbal remedies and nutritional supplements. Since the withdrawal of antibiotics as growth promoters in the European Union, natural feed additives that improve poultry health and production are needed. It was proposed that pine needle extract could be a good alternative to antibiotic usage at sub-therapeutic concentrations. The results relevant to our assumption could be obtained by using domestic chickens as an in vivo model for the evaluation of gut microbiota-altering properties of pine needle extract as an herbal supplement. We tested the antimicrobial effects of Baltic pine (Pinus sylvestris) needle extract. Then, we used chicken (Gallus gallus) that received feed supplemented with two different concentrations of the extract for 40 days to evaluate the changes in gut microbiota using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. This preliminary study demonstrated trends toward dose-dependent desirable changes in broiler microbiome, such as a reduction in the relative abundance of Campylobacter.
Determination of Sustainability Indicators of Nut Farms: The Case of Pistachio

The aim of this study is to determine the indicators used to determine the sustainability levels of nut farms and to establish a set of indicators that can be used to measure the level of sustainability of pistachio farms, based on the literature review. As a result of the literature review, among the indicators commonly used to measure agricultural sustainability, a total of thirty sub-criteria were identified, including fifteen sub-criteria for the economic aspect (farm size, yield, etc.), six sub-criteria for the environmental aspect (pesticide, fertilizer, water, energy usage, etc.) and nine sub-criteria for the social aspect (farmer’s age, education, etc.) which can be used in evaluating the sustainability of pistachio cultivation. According to this study's findings, although the theoretical principles, dimensions, and goals of agricultural sustainability are globally adaptable, the applicability of the indicators may vary between regions and countries due to geographic, climatic, and socio-cultural differences. Therefore, the sustainability assessment process requires special attention. Sufficient knowledge and expertise are required in setting goals, selecting indicators, and verifying indicators.
Switching Kalman Filtering-Based Corrosion Detection and Prognostics for Offshore Wind-Turbine Structures

Since manual inspections of offshore wind turbines are costly, there is a need for remote monitoring of their health condition, including health prognostics. In this paper, we focus on corrosion detection and corrosion prognosis since corrosion is a major failure mode of offshore wind turbine structures. In particular, we propose an algorithm for corrosion detection and three algorithms for corrosion prognosis by using Bayesian filtering approaches, and quantitatively compare their accuracy against synthetic datasets having characteristics typical for wall thickness measurements using ultrasound sensors. We found that a corrosion prognosis algorithm based on the Pourbaix corrosion model using unscented Kalman filtering outperforms the algorithms based on a linear corrosion model and the bimodal corrosion model introduced by Melchers.
The high-performance dichroic mirrors for biomedical detection

Dichroic mirrors, as core optical elements, are widely used in biomedical testing instruments based on the principles of absorbance detection, fluorescence detection and Raman detection. In this paper, the application principle of dichroic mirrors for biomedical detection was introduced, and some key technical indexes for high-performance dichroic mirrors were proposed according to their application characteristics. With the equivalent layer substitution method, a dichroic mirror film system of high-performance based on two conventional materials was designed. Using the plasma assisted reactive magnetron sputtering technology, the dichroic mirror film system with 146 layers was coated, and a kind of dichroic mirror with some important technical indicators such as high steepness (<1%), depolarization (polarization separation <3.5nm), wide range of high transmission (T>96% range > 300nm) was manufactured. The influence of wavefront distortion of dichroic mirror on imaging was described in detail. Our dichroic mirrors can meet the performance of low transmitted wavefront distortion (TWD<λ/4) and low reflected wavefront distortion (RWD<λ/2). The manufactured dichroic mirror products showed satisfying application results when used in high-end medical testing instruments with fine imaging requirements.
Accuracy Evaluation and Branch Detection Method of 3D Modeling Using Backpack 3D Lidar SLAM and UAV-SfM for Peach Trees during the Pruning Period in Winter

In the winter pruning operation of deciduous fruit trees, the number of pruning branches and the structure of the main branches greatly influence the future growth of the fruit trees and the final harvest volume. Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) is considered a feasible method for the 3D modeling of trees, but it is not suitable for large-scale inspection. The simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) technique makes it possible to move the lidar on the ground and model quickly, but it is not useful enough for the accuracy of plant detection. Therefore, in this study, we used UAV-SfM and 3D lidar SLAM techniques to build 3D models for the winter pruning of peach trees. Then, we compared and analyzed these models and further proposed a method to distinguish branches from 3D point clouds by spatial point cloud density. The results showed that the 3D lidar SLAM technique had a shorter modeling time and higher accuracy than UAV-SfM for the winter pruning period of peach trees. The method had the smallest RMSE of 3084 g with an R2 = 0.93 compared to the fresh weight of the pruned branches. In the branch detection part, branches with diameters greater than 3 cm were differentiated successfully, regardless of whether before or after pruning.
Decay in full von Kármán beam with temperature and microtemperatures effects

In this article we derive the equations that constitute the mathematical model of the full von K\'{a}rm\'{a}n beam with temperature and microtemperatures effects. The nonlinear governing equations are derived by using Hamilton principle in the framework of Euler–Bernoulli beam theory. Under quite general assumptions on nonlinear damping function acting on the transversal component and based on nonlinear semigroups and the theory of monotone operators, we establish existence and uniqueness of weak and strong solutions to the derived problem. Then using the multiplier method, we show that solutions decay exponentially. Finally we consider the case of zero thermal conductivity and we show that the dissipation given only by the microtemperatures is strong enough to produce exponential stability.
Thermodynamic constitutive equations for materials with memory on a material time scale

We present a complete, self‐consistent set of thermodynamic constitutive equations for viscoelastic solid and fluid materials which can be applied during arbitrary, three‐dimensional deformations and thermal processes. Deformational and thermal histories are measured using a fading memory norm in a material time which provides a quantitative indication of the constitutive models’ ability to represent the dynamic response. The free energy constitutive equation is a Frechet expansion about the deformation and temperature histories of arbitrarily large but sufficiently slow departures from equilibrium in material time. The kinetic relationship between the laboratory and material time scales does not depend on equilibrium considerations. This approach greatly extends the applicability of low‐order memory expansions to nonequilibrium polymer states. Constitutive equations for stress, internal energy, entropy, enthalpy, and heat capacity are derived. All the required material properties can be evaluated unambig.
Schlafen 12 Slows TNBC Tumor Growth, Induces Luminal Markers, and Predicts Favorable Survival

Simple Summary This study indicates that we could develop a prognostic predictor and new targets for TNBC treatment by increasing the expression levels of the protein SLFN12 and through targeting the SLFN12 gene signature. Therapies that would target SLFN12 and its corresponding gene signature could lead to a reduced tumor growth, an increased differentiation of breast cancer cells with luminal markers, and an increased survival of patients. Additionally, our results could be applied to providing personalized targeted therapy for African Americans, who are at a higher risk for TNBCs and a worse prognosis. Abstract The Schlafen 12 (SLFN12) protein regulates triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) growth, differentiation, and proliferation. SLFN12 mRNA expression strongly correlates with TNBC patient survival. We sought to explore SLFN12 overexpression effects on in vivo human TNBC tumor xenograft growth and performed RNA-seq on xenografts to investigate related SLFN12 pathways. Stable SLFN12 overexpression reduced tumorigenesis, increased tumor latency, and reduced tumor volume. RNA-seq showed that SLFN12 overexpressing xenografts had higher luminal markers levels, suggesting that TNBC cells switched from an undifferentiated basal phenotype to a more differentiated, less aggressive luminal phenotype. SLFN12-overexpressing xenografts increased less aggressive BC markers, HER2 receptors ERBB2 and EGFR expression, which are not detectable by immunostaining in TNBC. Two cancer progression pathways, the NAD signaling pathway and the superpathway of cholesterol biosynthesis, were downregulated with SLFN12 overexpression. RNA-seq identified gene signatures associated with SLFN12 overexpression. Higher gene signature levels indicated good survival when tested on four independent BC datasets. These signatures behaved differently in African Americans than in Caucasian Americans, indicating a possible biological difference between these races that could contribute to the worse survival observed in African Americans with BC. These results suggest an increased SLFN12 expression modulates TNBC aggressiveness through a gene signature that could offer new treatment targets.
A Novel Fluids Research Technique: Three-State Anemometry

A new flow measurement technique is described which allows for the non-intrusive simultaneous measurement of flow velocity, density, and viscosity. The viscosity information can be used to derive the flow field temperature. The combination of the three measured variables and the perfect-gas law then leads to an estimate of the flow field pressure. Thus, the instantaneous state of a flow field can be completely described.Three-State anemometry (3SA), a derivative of PIV, which uses a combination of three monodisperse sizes of styrene seeding particles is proposed. A marker seeding is chosen to follow the flow as closely as possible, while intermediate and large seeding populations provide two supplementary velocity fields, which are also dependent on fluid density and viscosity. A simplified particle motion equation, for turbomachinery applications, is then solved over the whole field to provide both density and viscosity data. The three velocity fields can be separated in a number of ways. The simplest and that proposed in this paper is to dye the different populations and look through interferometric filters at the region of interest.The two critical aspects needed to enable the implementation of such a technique are a suitable selection of the diameters of the particle populations, and the separation of the velocity fields. There has been extensive work on the seeding particle behaviour which allows an estimate of the suitable particle diameters to be made. A technique is described in this paper to allow the separation of μm range particle velocity fields through fluorescence (separation through intensity also being possible). Some preliminary results by computer simulations of a 3SA image are also presented. The particle sizes chosen were 1 μm and 5 μm tested on the near-wake flow past a cylinder to investigate viscosity only, assuming uniform flow density. The accuracy of the technique, derived from simulations of swirling flows, is estimated as 0.5% RMS for velocity, 2% RMS for the density and viscosity, and 4% RMS for the temperature estimate.Copyright © 1996 by ASME
A machine learning assisted optical multistage interconnection network: Performance analysis and hardware demonstration

Integration of the machine learning (ML) technique in all‐optical networks can enhance the effectiveness of resource utilization, quality of service assurances, and scalability in optical networks. All‐optical multistage interconnection networks (MINs) are implicitly designed to withstand the increasing high‐volume traffic demands at data centers. However, the contention resolution mechanism in MINs becomes a bottleneck in handling such data traffic. In this paper, a select list of ML algorithms replaces the traditional electronic signal processing methods used to resolve contention in MIN. The suitability of these algorithms in improving the performance of the entire network is assessed in terms of injection rate, average latency, and latency distribution. Our findings showed that the ML module is recommended for improving the performance of the network. The improved performance and traffic grooming capabilities of the module are also validated by using a hardware testbed.
Gender Equity in Inheritance System: The Collaboration of Islamic and Bugis Luwu Customary Law

This article is the result of research on the cultural heritage of the Bugis people of Luwu, South Sulawesi. The research questions that were raised were: how is inheritance practiced among the indigenous people of Bugis Luo, what is the meeting point of inheritance between Islamic law and customary law, and how do Islamic law and customary law combine to create gender. Primary data was collected through in-depth and structured interviews, as well as on-site observation. The analysis was performed using interpretive methods. The study was conducted by analyzing the regulations related to the legal issues discussed by analyzing the laws and comparing the decisions of the Luwu and Bugis courts with the perspective of customary law and Islamic law. The analysis used in this study resulted in women and men being equal. Bugis Luwu Sulawesi has a pluralistic hereditary system with both Islamic and traditional elements. Equal rights and rules are general ideas. This research is based on the proposed mixed inheritance model: masssideppungeng that links the heirs to family, government, and religious customary authorities, the distribution of assets to field conditions, and proportionally identifies the needs, wants, and goals of the inheritors.
Mars' External Magnetic Field as Seen From the Surface With InSight

The magnetometer of the InSight mission operated on the Martian surface from November 2018 until May 2022. Previously, satellites have provided information on the Martian magnetic field environment from orbit; however, the degree to which external fields penetrate to and interact with the surface could not be studied prior to the InSight landing. Here, we present an overview of the complete surface magnetic field data from InSight sols 14 to 1241 that display different external magnetic field phenomena, transient and periodic. Periodic observations range from short period waves (100–1000s of seconds), diurnal variations, ∼26 sol Carrington rotations, to seasonal fluctuations. Transient events are observed in response to space weather and dust movement. We find that ionospheric variations are the dominant contribution as seen from the surface, while contributions from the undisturbed interplanetary magnetic field are more subtle. We discuss limitations associated with a single point measurement and opportunities that future missions could enable. Including magnetometers on future missions at a variety of locations for long‐duration continuous observations will be of great value in understanding a range of external field phenomena and will enable further investigations in different crustal magnetic field settings.
Wearable and Washable MnO2−Zn Battery Packaged by Vacuum Sealing

Batteries are used in all types of electronic devices from conventional to advanced devices. Currently, batteries are evolving in the direction of extremely personalized yarn− or textile−structured textronic systems. However, the absence of a protective layer on such batteries is a critical limitation to their practical use. In this study, we developed a wearable and washable MnO2−Zn textile battery that maintains its electrochemical capacity under various external environmental conditions through a vacuum−sealed packaging. The packaged textile battery was fabricated by vacuuming a polymer envelope containing the battery, followed by heat sealing with a vacuum packaging machine. The interior and exterior regions of the textile battery are completely separated by the packaging sheath to preclude leakage and intrusion of substances. The resulting packaged textile battery exhibits stable capacity retention performance under varying temperature and humidity; mechanical deformations due to bending, twisting, rubbing, and pressing; and several mechanical, chemical, and their combined washing cycles. On the basis of these demonstrations, we expect that our vacuum−packaged textile battery will offer new possibilities for practical and convenient use of textronics.
Numerical Studies on Resistive Wall Instabilities in Cylindrical Plasma Confined by Surface Current

The stability of resistive wall mode is studied in cylindrical plasma confined by surface current, which is Dirac -function distribution. For Dirac -function distribution case, it is shown that the perturbations oscillate and even decline wherever the initial perturbation seed is placed. The whole system is stable and the plasma flow has little effect on it.
Rates of convergence for the empirical quantization error

For n,k ∈ N and r > 0 let e n,r (P k ) r = inf 1/K Σ k i=1 ∥X i - f(X i )∥ r , where the infimum is taken over all measurable maps f:R d → R d with |f(R d )| ≤ n and X 1 ,. ,X k are i.i. d. R d -valued random variables. We analyse the asymptotic a.s. behaviour of the nth empirical quantization error e n,r (P k ).
Contrast Enhanced EUS for Predicting Solid Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor Grade and Aggressiveness

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PNET) behavior assessment is a daily challenge for physicians. Modern PNET management varies from a watch-and-wait strategy to surgery depending on tumor aggressiveness. Therefore, the aggressiveness definition plays a pivotal role in the PNET work-up. The aggressiveness of PNETs is mainly based on the dimensions and histological grading, with sometimes a lack of specificity and sensibility. In the last twenty years, EUS has become a cornerstone in the diagnostic phase of PNET management for its high diagnostic yield and the possibility of obtaining a histological specimen. The number of EUS applications in the PNET work-up has been rapidly increasing with new and powerful possibilities. The application of contrast has led to an important step in PNET detection; in recent years, it has been gaining interesting applications in aggressiveness assessment. In this review, we underline the latest experiences and opportunities in the behavior assessment of PNETs using contact-enhanced EUS and contested enhanced harmonic EUS with a particular focus on the future application and possibility that these techniques could provide.
Late evolution of very low mass X-ray binaries sustained by radiation from their primaries

The accretion-powered radiation from the X-ray pulsar system Her X-1 (McCray et al. 1982) is studied. The changes in the soft X-ray and gamma-ray flux and in the accompanying electron-positron wind are discussed. These are believed to be associated with the inward movement of the inner edge of the accretion disk corresponding to the boundary with the neutron star's corotating magnetosphere (Alfven radius). LMXB evolution which is self-sustained by secondary winds intercepting the radiation emitted near an LMXB neutron star is investigated as well. 59 refs.
Effects of Atrioventricular Blocks in Acute Coronary Syndrome: Long-Term Follow-Up

Objectives: Arrhythmias are the common, potentially lethal, and treatable complication of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Arrhythmic findings of ischemic cardiac events are well-known, but long-term results have not been scrutinized. In the study, we aimed to analyze the long-term findings of the atrioventricular block (AVB) in ACS patients. Methods: This is a single-center and retrospective study of patients admitted with ACS and AVB. The primary endpoint has combined the outcome of major adverse cardiovascular events and mortality. Results: Seventy-six (89.4%) patients had 3rd-degree AVB. Fifty (58.8%) patients are needed for temporary ventricular pacing and 4 (4.7%) for a permanent pacemaker. Although no cardiac death occurred during the 5-year follow-up period, the in-hospital mortality ratio was 30.6%. Patients with older age and lower systolic blood pressure (SBP) levels had higher mortality rates (respectively, odds ratio [OR] 1.088, [p=0.003], OR 0.912, [p<0.001]). Even in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and complete AVB subgroup analyses, mortality rates were associated with SBP and age (respectively, OR: 0.917, [p<0.001], OR: 1.107 [p=0.002]), (respectively, OR: 0.917 [p<0.001], OR: 1.087 [p=0.004]). Conclusion: The study results are associated with a better long-term overall prognosis in patients with ACS with AVB, but lower SBP and older in-hospital follow-up are associated with poor prognosis.
A translational study of monocyte receptor expression and chemotaxis between dogs and humans with and without osteosarcoma (TUM6P.975)

Spontaneous canine osteosarcoma (OSA) is an excellent translational model for human OSA. Published reports of both canine and human OSA indicate that monocyte activation is important for controlling primary and metastatic disease. The purpose of this study was to identify phenotypic and chemotactic differences between monocytes from dogs with OSA, healthy dogs and to determine if the same findings occur in human OSA. Canine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were incubated with antibodies against CD14, CD32, CD62L, CD16, CD11c, CCR2, CCR7, CD43, CX3CR1, and CXCR2 and analyzed by flow cytometry. In OSA dogs (n=18), CD16 surface expression was increased, and CD62L, CCR2, CCR7, CD43, CX3CR1 and CXCR2 expression was decreased, compared to controls (n=13, p<0.01, MWU). Additionally, decreased chemokine receptor expression was associated with increased peripheral blood monocyte counts. Preliminary data from human OSA patients suggests the monocyte receptor expression profile is similar to that in canine OSA. Based upon these results, we hypothesize that monocytes exhibit altered chemotaxis in OSA patients. Assessment of in vitro monocyte chemotaxis in healthy patients compared with OSA patients, in both dogs and humans, is currently underway.