Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Simplified Finite Element Modeling of Stiffened Cylinders Subjected to Underwater Explosion.

Abstract : Simplified finite element modeling of a stiffened cylinder subjected to underwater explosion was investigated. The use of smearing the stiffeners into the base structure as well as beam modeling using SOR (Surface of Revolution) beam elements were used in the simplification process. The dynamic response and overall global deformation were then compared between the fully discretized stiffened cylinder model and simplified models. The study first examined the effectiveness of smearing stiffeners into a flat plate. The smearing of stiffeners into a cylindrical shell orthotropically was then examined. Next, beam modeling of both unstiffened and stiffened cylinders was investigated. Finally, an integrated beam/shell model of a stiffened cylinder was developed. These models were subjected to the same underwater explosive loading for numerical study. The analysis showed that when comparing the dynamic responses caused by underwater explosions between the discrete model, the beam model, and the beam/shell model of a stiffened or unstiffened cylinder, globally similar results could be produced.
Droplet Transportation through an Orifice on Electrode for Digital Microfluidics Modulations

A digital microfluidic modular interface (chip-to-chip interface) which possesses an electrode with an orifice to vertically transport core–shell droplets is presented. The electrodes were geometrically designed to promote droplet deformation and suspension. The droplets were then applied with an electrical potential for insertion into and passage through the orifice. The concepts were tested with three types of droplets at the volume of 0.75~1.5 μL, which is usually difficult to transfer through an orifice. The integration of electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) with paper-based microfluidics was demonstrated: the droplet could be transported within 10 s. More importantly, most of the core droplet (~97%) was extracted and passed through with only minimal shell droplets accompanying it.
Whole-Plant Measure of Temperature-Induced Changes in the Cytosolic pH of Potato Plants Using Genetically Encoded Fluorescent Sensor Pt-GFP

Cytosolic pH (pHcyt) regulates a wide range of cellular processes in plants. Changes in pHcyt occurring under the effect of different stressors can participate in signal transmission. The dynamics of pHcyt under the action of external factors, including significant factors for open ground crops such as temperature, remains poorly understood, which is largely due to the difficulty of intracellular pH registration using standard methods. In this work, model plants of potato (one of the essential crops) expressing a fluorescent ratiometric pH sensor Pt-GFP were created. The calibration obtained in vivo allowed for the determination of the pHcyt values of the cells of the leaves, which is 7.03 ± 0.03 pH. Cooling of the whole leaf caused depolarization and rapid acidification of the cytosol, the amplitude of which depended on the cooling strength, amounting to about 0.2 pH units when cooled by 15 °C. When the temperature rises to 35–40 °C, the cytosol was alkalized by 0.2 pH units. Heating above the threshold temperature caused the acidification of cytosol and generation of variation potential. The observed rapid changes in pHcyt can be associated with changes in the activity of H+-ATPases, which was confirmed by inhibitory analysis.
A Seasonal and Multilevel Association Based Approach for Market Basket Analysis in Retail Supermarket

Market Basket Analysis is an observational data mining methodology to investigate the consumer buying behavior patterns in retail Supermarket. It analyzes customer baskets and explores the relationship among products that helps retailers to design store layouts, make various strategic plans and other merchandising decisions that have a big impact on retail marketing and sales. Frequent itemsets mining is the first step for market basket analysis. The association rules mining uncovers the relationship among products by looking what products the customers frequently purchase together. In retail marketing, the transactional database consists of many itemsets that are frequent only in a particular season however not taken into consideration as frequent in general. In some cases, association rules mining at lower data level with uniform support doesn't reflect any significant pattern however there is valuable information hiding behind it. To overcome those problems, we propose a methodology for mining seasonally frequent patterns and association rules with multilevel data environments. Our main contribution is to discover the hidden seasonal itemsets and extract the seasonal associations among products in additionally with the traditional strong regular rules in transactional database that shows the superiority for making season based merchandising decisions. The dataset has been generated from the transaction slips in large supermarket of Bangladesh that discover 442 more seasonal patterns as well as 1032 seasonal association rules in additionally with the regular rules for 0.1% minimum support and 50% minimum confidence.
Source Indication and Geochemical Significance of Sedimentary Organic Matters from the Xisha Area, the South China Sea

Although various geochemical and geophysical investigations have already indicated a great resource potential in the Xisha area of the South China Sea, the origin of organic matter and molecular evidence for tracing the migration of hydrocarbons from deep petroleum reservoirs are still lacking. In this study, systematic organic geochemical analyses, including bulk organic matter parameters and lipid biomarkers were performed for deep sediments from two cores. The C/N ratios and δ13C and δ15N values of organic matter in most of the samples, together with the maxima of short-chain n-alkanoic acids and mid-chain n-alkanols, high abundances of monounsaturated fatty acids C18:1ω9 and C22:1ω13, jointly indicate the dominance of marine organic matter. n-Alkanes in sediments from core GMGS4-XH-W06B are characterized by small unresolved complex mixture (UCMs) humps, high odd/even predominance (OEP) and carbon preference index (CPI) values, clearly exhibiting characteristics of modern sediments. However, the sediments for core GMGS4-XH-W03B are featured with big UCMs, associated with OEP and CPI values around 1.0, showing signatures of petroleum hydrocarbons from high maturity sources. Considering the geologic background, the biomarker signatures are solid evidence for indicating the existence of underlying petroleum reservoirs, and may provide the valuable information for assessing the hydrocarbon resources in the Xisha area.
Feeding Ecology of the Large Carnivore Guild in Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa

Southern Africa has a diverse large carnivore guild. When this large carnivore guild is confined to fenced protected areas, the degree of intraguild competition may increase. Dietary overlap is a notable point of competition and can have considerable effects on lower trophic levels. We considered the prey preferences, dietary overlap, and dietary niche breadth of the large carnivore guild in Madikwe Game Reserve through direct observations and scat analysis, over one year of sampling. These data were analysed using the Jacobs' index for prey preference, the Pianka's index for dietary overlap and Levin's index for dietary niche breadth. Leopards (Panthera pardus), cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) and African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) had a high degree of dietary overlap and were specialized in their diet selection. Lions (Panthera leo), brown (Parahyaena brunnea) and spotted hyaenas (Crocuta crocuta) also showed a high degree of dietary overlap and had broad diets. Our results show similarities to those of open systems, suggesting that large carnivore diet selection may not be negatively affected when they are confined by fences. We recommend further investigations into the variables which may affect site-specific carnivore diet selection.
Survey of Freshly Harvested Oat Grains from Southern Brazil Reveals High Incidence of Type B Trichothecenes and Associated Fusarium Species

The current study investigated the fungal diversity in freshly harvested oat samples from the two largest production regions in Brazil, Paraná (PR) and Rio Grande do Sul (RS), focusing primarily on the Fusarium genus and the presence of type B trichothecenes. The majority of the isolates belonged to the Fusarium sambucinum species complex, and were identified as F. graminearum sensu stricto (s.s.), F. meridionale, and F. poae. In the RS region, F. poae was the most frequent fungus, while F. graminearum s.s. was the most frequent in the PR region. The F. graminearum s.s. isolates were 15-ADON genotype, while F. meridionale and F. poae were NIV genotype. Mycotoxin analysis revealed that 92% and 100% of the samples from PR and RS were contaminated with type B trichothecenes, respectively. Oat grains from PR were predominantly contaminated with DON, whereas NIV was predominant in oats from RS. Twenty-four percent of the samples were contaminated with DON at levels higher than Brazilian regulations. Co-contamination of DON, its derivatives, and NIV was observed in 84% and 57.7% of the samples from PR and RS, respectively. The results provide new information on Fusarium contamination in Brazilian oats, highlighting the importance of further studies on mycotoxins.
Antireflux mucosectomy (ARMS) and antireflux mucosal ablation (ARMA) for gastroesophageal reflux disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and study aims Antireflux mucosectomy (ARMS) and antireflux mucosal ablation (ARMA) are new endoscopic procedures for patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). We conducted a meta-analysis to systematically assess the feasibility, clinical success, and safety of these procedures. Patients and methods We searched Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane Central from inception to October 2020. Overlapping reports, animal studies, and case reports were excluded. Our primary outcomes were clinical success and adverse events (AEs). Secondary outcomes included technical success, endoscopic esophagitis, 24-hour pH monitoring, and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use. A random effects model was used to pool data. Results In total, 15 nonrandomized studies (12 ARMS, n = 331; 3 ARMA, n = 130) were included; 10 were conducted in patients with refractory GERD. The technical success rate was 100 %. The pooled short-term (first assessment within the first 6 months), 1-year, and 3-year clinical success rates were 78 % (95 % confidence interval [95 %CI] 70 %–85 %), 72% (95 %CI 47 %–92 %), and 73 % (95 %CI 65 %–81 %), respectively. ARMS and ARMA yielded similar clinical success. The proportion of patients off PPIs at 1 year was 64 % (95 %CI 52 %–75 %). There were significant drops ( P < 0.01) in validated clinical questionnaires scores, presence of esophagitis, and acid exposure time. The most common AE (11 %, 95 %CI 8 %–15 %) was dysphagia requiring dilation (7%, 95 %CI 5 %–11 %). Four cases of perforation were recorded, all in patients undergoing ARMS. Conclusions Our meta-analysis of nonrandomized studies suggests that ARMS and ARMA are safe and effective for patients with GERD.
Distinct Ground Reaction Forces in Gait between the Paretic and Non-Paretic Leg of Stroke Patients: A Paradigm for Innovative Physiotherapy Intervention

This case report study aims to identify the differences in the ground reaction forces (GRF) placed on the forefoot, hindfoot, and entire foot between the paretic and non-paretic legs in two stroke patients to identify potential targets for improved physiotherapy treatment. A digital gait analysis foot pressure insole was fitted inside the participants’ shoes to measure the percentage of body weight taken during the stance phase, and the vertical GRF of the two subjects are reported in this paper. Both patients presented noteworthy differences in gait parameters individually and between their paretic and non-paretic legs. The trend shows a decreased percentage of body weight on the paretic forefoot and hindfoot, although the percentage bodyweight placed on the entire foot remained similar in both feet. The gait patterns shown were highly individual and indicated that both legs were affected to some degree. These findings identify key motion targets for an improved physiotherapy treatment following a stroke, suggesting that physiotherapy treatment should be targeted and individually tailored and should include both extremities.
In Silico Survey and Characterization of Babesia microti Functional and Non-Functional Proteases

Human babesiosis caused by the intraerythrocytic apicomplexan Babesia microti is an expanding tick-borne zoonotic disease that may cause severe symptoms and death in elderly or immunocompromised individuals. In light of an increasing resistance of B. microti to drugs, there is a lack of therapeutic alternatives. Species-specific proteases are essential for parasite survival and possible chemotherapeutic targets. However, the repertoire of proteases in B. microti remains poorly investigated. Herein, we employed several combined bioinformatics tools and strategies to organize and identify genes encoding for the full repertoire of proteases in the B. microti genome. We identified 64 active proteases and 25 nonactive protease homologs. These proteases can be classified into cysteine (n = 28), serine (n = 21), threonine (n = 14), asparagine (n = 7), and metallopeptidases (n = 19), which, in turn, are assigned to a total of 38 peptidase families. Comparative studies between the repertoire of B. bovis and B. microti proteases revealed differences among sensu stricto and sensu lato Babesia parasites that reflect their distinct evolutionary history. Overall, this data may help direct future research towards our understanding of the biology and pathogenicity of Babesia parasites and to explore proteases as targets for developing novel therapeutic interventions.
Aerodynamic measurements of normal voice

Vocal fold vibration results from an alternating balance between subglottal air pressure that drives the vocal folds apart and muscular, elastic, and restoring forces that draw them together. The aim of the present thesis is to present quantitative data of normal vocal function using a noninvasive method. Measurements are made on the inverse filtered airflow waveform, of estimated average trans glottal pressure and glottal airflow, and of sound pressure for productions of syllable sequences. Statistical results are used to infer mechanisms that underlie differences across ( 1 ) normal, loud, and soft voice, (2) normal, high, and low pitch, and (3) between female and male voices. Interspeaker variation in group data and intra speaker variation across repeated recordings is also investigated. The results showed no significant female-male differences in pressure, suggesting that differences in other measures were not primarily due to differences in the respiratory systems . Most glottal waveforms showed a DC flow offset, suggesting an air leakage through a posterior glottal opening. Results suggested (indirectly) that the males in comparison with the females had significantly higher vocal fold closing velocities (maximum flow declination rate), larger vocal fold oscillations (AC flow), and relatively longer closed portions of the cycle (open quotient) in normal and loud voice. In soft voice, female and male waveforms were more alike. In comparison with normal voice, both females and males produced loud voice with significantly higher values of pressure, vocal fold closing velocity, and AC flow. Soft voice was produced with significantly lower values of these measures and increased DC flow. Correlation analyses indicated that several of the airflow measures were more directly related to vocal intensity than to pitch. Interspeaker variation was large, emphasizing the importance of large subject groups to capture normal variation. Intraspeaker variation across recording sessions was less than 2 standard deviations of the group means. The results should contribute to the understanding of normal voice function, and should be useful as norms in studies of voices disorders as well.
Comparative Growth Performance and Carcass Traits of Calves of Different Cattle Breeds Fed Pasture and Concentration

The aim of the current study was to explore growth performance and carcass traits using ultrasound measurements of calves of different cattle breeds under pasture and concentration feeding system. A total of 25 male cattle calves between the ages of 6 to 7 months with an average body weight of 162.37 ± 7.7 kg were fed two separate fattening trials for seven months (pasture and finishing period). Animals were divided into five groups (five of each breed): Kurdi, Rustaki, Jenoubi, Herford and Friesian crossbred. The average daily weight gain was similar (P > 0.05) for calves of different cattle breeds during growth (pasture) period, while these values were significantly higher in Kurdi, Rustaki and Friesian crossbred calves during finishing period. The body size measurements were similar among calves of different cattle breeds. The highest increase in Longissimus muscle area and subcutaneous fat thickness was observed in Kurdi, Rustaki and Friesian crossbred calves. In conclusion, In conclusion, Kurdi, Rustaki and Friesian crossbred calves possess the promising potential for beef production under the barn rearing or finishing period.
Semiotic Approach in Visual Communication Design

Visual analytics means are a set of tools used to obtain a visual representation of the data explored by the user, their interpretation and complete analysis. It is quite possible that such a set will be a developed specialized environment for continuous user interaction with a data stream, which has the capacity to control and replace the way of visual data representation. A wide range of existing visualization tools, as well as unlimited borrowing of technological solutions originally intended for a narrow application area, and the transfer of the capabilities they create to other directions make it urgent to form a sound approach to the comparison and selection of means of data visual representation of a given complexity [1]. The purpose of this selection is to save the end user’s resources, based on the absence or minimization of resource losses arising at the stage of selection and testing of visual analytics tools. The paper shows the possibility of using a semiotic visualization model for purposeful design or selection of visualization tools.
Enquête sur la pratique du conseil auprès des ostéopathes français : vers une pratique d’éducation thérapeutique?

Introduction : Face a l’accroissement des maladies chroniques et a l’emergence d’un nouveau statut ou le patient participe aux choix de sante qui le concernent, les enjeux de sante visent a faire acquerir aux patients des competences d’auto soin pour les aider a vivre de maniere optimale au quotidien avec leur maladie. En osteopathie, c’est a travers une activite de conseil que les praticiens semblent s’inscrire dans cette perspective. Neanmoins, si cette activite de conseil est reconnue en tant que modalite therapeutique par l’Organisation Mondiale de la Sante ainsi que par les standards internationaux de pratique, la caracterisation de sa pratique et de son evaluation font defaut dans la litterature. Objectifs : L’etude vise a determiner comment, dans sa pratique, se caracterise le conseil en osteopathie, et a savoir s’il releve d’une simple information ou bien revet une dimension formative. Il s’agit dans un second temps de situer cette pratique du conseil au regard de l’education therapeutique du patient (ETP). Methode : Apres analyse de la litterature pour determiner ce qui etait connu sur le conseil en sante, un questionnaire a ete concu et envoye aux osteopathes francais. Resultats : 165 reponses ont ete recoltees, permettant de statuer sur le caractere systematique du conseil, ses domaines d’application et sa place en consultation. Dans sa conception et par l’implication favorisee du patient, les resultats montrent une tendance de conseil educatif ponderee par la difficulte d’adaptation du conseil osteopathique aux situations complexes necessitant un changement de comportement du patient. Le manque de formation initiale et continue, l’insuffisance de relai des recommandations internationales par le milieu professionnel et le manque de supports utilises peuvent etre pointes comme principaux freins a un conseil educatif. Conclusion : L’etude permet de montrer une photographie de la transition d’une pratique du conseil evoluant vers une pratique educative, malgre des ancrages encore perceptibles d’une conception de consultation d’osteopathie «classique». Des etudes ulterieures seraient necessaires pour determiner comment l’osteopathie peut integrer l’ETP dans sa pratique.
VCAM-1 Is Upregulated in Uranium Miners Compared to Other Miners

The United States has a rich history of mining including uranium (U)-mining, coal mining, and other metal mining. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are largely understudied in miners and recent literature suggests that when compared to non-U miners, U-miners are more likely to report CVD. However, the molecular basis for this phenomenon is currently unknown. In this pilot study, a New Mexico (NM)-based occupational cohort of current and former miners (n = 44) were recruited via a mobile screening clinic for miners. Serum- and endothelial-based endpoints were used to assess circulating inflammatory potential relevant to CVD. Non-U miners reported significantly fewer pack years of smoking than U-miners. Circulating biomarkers of interest revealed that U-miners had significantly greater serum amyloid A (SAA), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1, ng/mL), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1, ng/mL), and VCAM-1 mRNA expression, as determined by the serum cumulative inflammatory potential (SCIP) assay, an endothelial-based assay. Even after adjusting for various covariates, including age, multivariable analysis determined that U-miners had significantly upregulated VCAM-1 mRNA. In conclusion, VCAM-1 may be an important biomarker and possible contributor of CVD in U-miners. Further research to explore this mechanism may be warranted.
The Concept of “New Media” Among News Producers

The aim of this study is to understand how Jordanian journalists view social media networks as being related to the news industry and the extent of their dependence on these networks in producing news. It also explores the opinions of journalists on the pros and cons of these networks through the lens of relationship between these networks and professional journalism. The study uses the qualitative approach by conducting interviews with a number of professional Jordanian journalists. The most prominent results that the study revealed are that journalists view social networks as an important and beneficial development. There is optimism among journalists about the relationship between professional journalism and social media. Also, social networks have brought several benefits to the professional journalism. The results also show that there is a firm belief among journalists that social networks cannot be considered a substitute for traditional media.