Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Specim IQ: Evaluation of a New, Miniaturized Handheld Hyperspectral Camera and Its Application for Plant Phenotyping and Disease Detection

Hyperspectral imaging sensors are promising tools for monitoring crop plants or vegetation in different environments. Information on physiology, architecture or biochemistry of plants can be assessed non-invasively and on different scales. For instance, hyperspectral sensors are implemented for stress detection in plant phenotyping processes or in precision agriculture. Up to date, a variety of non-imaging and imaging hyperspectral sensors is available. The measuring process and the handling of most of these sensors is rather complex. Thus, during the last years the demand for sensors with easy user operability arose. The present study introduces the novel hyperspectral camera Specim IQ from Specim (Oulu, Finland). The Specim IQ is a handheld push broom system with integrated operating system and controls. Basic data handling and data analysis processes, such as pre-processing and classification routines are implemented within the camera software. This study provides an introduction into the measurement pipeline of the Specim IQ as well as a radiometric performance comparison with a well-established hyperspectral imager. Case studies for the detection of powdery mildew on barley at the canopy scale and the spectral characterization of Arabidopsis thaliana mutants grown under stressed and non-stressed conditions are presented.
Expanded Wood Fiber Polystyrene Composites: Processing–Structure–Mechanical Properties Relationships

In this study, processing–structure–mechanical properties relationships in expanded wood fiber polystyrene composites (EPSC) made with a physical blowing agent were investigated. A systematic investigation was performed based on a statistical experimental design. The samples were saturated with carbon dioxide at high pressure and ambient temperature and the saturated specimens were expanded at elevated temperatures. The relations between impact and tensile properties of EPSC and foaming process and structure were studied. Fiber content was found to be the most important parameter controlling impact strength and tensile modulus. The impact strength of EPSC was increased about three times when the fiber content increased to 20%. Using the Halpin–Tsai equation, a model was developed to relate tensile modulus to the density of EPSC.
Noninvasive optical imaging of resistance training adaptations in human muscle

Abstract. A quantitative and dynamic analysis of skeletal muscle structure and function can guide training protocols and optimize interventions for rehabilitation and disease. While technologies exist to measure body composition, techniques are still needed for quantitative, long-term functional imaging of muscle at the bedside. We evaluate whether diffuse optical spectroscopic imaging (DOSI) can be used for long-term assessment of resistance training (RT). DOSI measures of tissue composition were obtained from 12 adults before and after 5 weeks of training and compared to lean mass fraction (LMF) from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Significant correlations were detected between DXA LMF and DOSI-measured oxy-hemo/myoglobin, deoxy-hemo/myoglobin, total-hemo/myoglobin, water, and lipid. RT-induced increases of ∼6% in oxy-hemo/myoglobin (3.4±1.0 μM, p=0.00314) and total-hemo/myoglobin (4.9±1.1 μM, p=0.00024) from the medial gastrocnemius were detected with DOSI and accompanied by ∼2% increases in lean soft tissue mass (36.4±12.4 g, p=0.01641) and ∼60% increases in 1 rep-max strength (41.5±6.2 kg, p = 1.9E-05). DOSI measures of vascular and/or muscle changes combined with correlations between DOSI and DXA suggest that quantitative diffuse optical methods can be used to evaluate body composition, provide feedback on long-term interventions, and generate new insight into training-induced muscle adaptations.
Rail travel: Conceptualizing a study on slow tourism approaches in sustaining rural development

Rail transportation in Peninsular Malaysia is a popular transportation mode for locals to return to their hometown but is not frequently used as the mode of transport when travelling for holidays. Rural towns in Peninsular Malaysia have immense opportunity to be promoted as a popular tourism destination without the need of intense modern development. Using train rather than taking a car or a bus would endorse the concept of slowness during travel enabling tourists to enjoy the time taken to travel rather than rushing to travel to a destination. Encouragement of travelling by rail to the rural towns will enable improved utilization of the existing rail network and further uplift the travel appeal to rural towns in Peninsular Malaysia. In order to promote the concept of slow tourism that would benefit the rural towns’ sustainability, the perception of tourists on travelling slowly by train should first be understood and taken for consideration. A qualitative methodology of in depth interviews with domestic and international tourists whom have travel on trains to the rural towns will be conducted.
WHO Needs High FIO 2 ?

World Health Organization and the United States Center for Disease Control have recently recommended the use of 0.8 FIO2 in all adult surgical patients undergoing general anaesthesia, to prevent surgical site infections. This recommendation has arisen several discussions: As a matter of fact, there are numerous studies with different results about the effect of FIO2 on surgical site infection. Moreover, the clinical effects of FIO2 are not limited to infection control. We asked some prominent authors about their comments regarding the recent recommendations
Influence of Endurance Training During Childhood on Total Hemoglobin Mass

Elite endurance athletes are characterized by markedly increased hemoglobin mass (Hbmass). It has been hypothesized that this adaptation may occur as a response to training at a very young age. Therefore, the aim of this study was to monitor changes in Hbmass in children aged 8–14 years following systematic endurance training. In the first study, Hbmass, VO2max, and lean body mass (LBM) were measured in 17 endurance-trained children (13 boys and 4 girls; aged 9.7 ± 1.3 years; training history 1.5±1.8 years; training volume 3.5 ± 1.6 h) twice a year for up to 3.5 years. The same parameters were measured once in a control group of 18 age-matched untrained children. Hbmass and blood volume (BV) were measured using the optimized CO-rebreathing technique, VO2max by an incremental test on a treadmill, and LBM by skin-fold measurements. In the second pilot study, the same parameters were measured in 9 young soccer athletes (aged 7.8 ± 0.2 years), and results were assessed in relation to soccer performance 2.5 years later. The increase in mean Hbmass during the period of study was 50% which was closely related to changes in LBM (r = 0.959). A significant impact of endurance training on Hbmass was observed in athletes exercising more than 4 h/week [+25.4 g compared to the group with low training volume (<2 h/week)]. The greatest effects were related to LBM (11.4 g·kg−1 LBM) and overlapped with the effects of age. A strong relationship was present between absolute Hbmass and VO2max (r = 0.939), showing that an increase of 1 g hemoglobin increases VO2max by 3.6 ml·min−1. Study 2 showed a positive correlation between Hbmass and soccer performance 2.5 years later at age 10.3 ± 0.3 years (r = 0.627, p = 0.035). In conclusion, children with a weekly training volume of more than 4 h show a 7% higher Hbmass than untrained children. Although this training effect is significant and independent of changes in LBM, the major factor driving the increase in Hbmass is still LBM.
Comparative Study on Assimilating Remote Sensing High Frequency Radar Surface Currents at an Atlantic Marine Renewable Energy Test Site

A variety of data assimilation approaches have been applied to enhance modelling capability and accuracy using observations from different sources. The algorithms have varying degrees of complexity of implementation, and they improve model results with varying degrees of success. Very little work has been carried out on comparing the implementation of different data assimilation algorithms using High Frequency radar (HFR) data into models of complex inshore waters strongly influenced by both tides and wind dynamics, such as Galway Bay. This research entailed implementing four different data assimilation algorithms: Direct Insertion (DI), Optimal Interpolation (OI), Nudging and indirect data assimilation via correcting model forcing into a three-dimensional hydrodynamic model and carrying out detailed comparisons of model performances. This work will allow researchers to directly compare four of the most common data assimilation algorithms being used in operational coastal hydrodynamics. The suitability of practical data assimilation algorithms for hindcasting and forecasting in shallow coastal waters subjected to alternate wetting and drying using data collected from radars was assessed. Results indicated that a forecasting system of surface currents based on the three-dimensional model EFDC (Environmental Fluid Dynamics Code) and the HFR data using a Nudging or DI algorithm was considered the most appropriate for Galway Bay. The largest averaged Data Assimilation Skill Score (DASS) over the ≥6 h forecasting period from the best model NDA attained 26% and 31% for east–west and north–south surface velocity components respectively. Because of its ease of implementation and its accuracy, this data assimilation system can provide timely and useful information for various practical coastal hindcast and forecast operations.
From Fundamental Science to Product: A Bottom-up Approach to Sunscreen Development

Despite the pivotal role of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sustaining life on Earth, overexposure to this type of radiation can have catastrophic effects, such as skin cancer. Sunscreens, the most common form of artificial protection against such harmful effects, absorb UV radiation before it reaches vulnerable skin cells. Absorption of UV radiation prompts ultrafast molecular events in sunscreen molecules which, ideally, would allow for fast and safe dissipation of the excess energy. However, our knowledge of these mechanisms remains limited. In this article, we will review recent advances in the field of ultrafast photodynamics (light induced molecular processes occurring within femtoseconds, fs, 10−15 s to picoseconds, ps, 10−12 s) of sunscreens. We follow a bottom-up approach to common sunscreen active ingredients, analysing any emerging trends from the current literature on the subject. Moreover, we will identify the main questions that remain unanswered, pinpoint some of the main challenges and finally comment on the outlook of this exciting field of research.
Breaking through the glass ceiling.

The East meets West Conference 2019 is the 5th annual signature meeting of the East meets West network. Once again an international public will have the unique opportunity to discuss LGBTI topics with a social and business focus and enjoy an environment for efficient networking. So, join the 5th Conference and meet the East meets West network of entrepreneurs, corporates, NGOs, ERG’s and diplomatic representatives of which many join us for the first time! The dress-code is as always business casual.
The Relationship between Perchlorate in Drinking Water and Cord Blood Thyroid Hormones: First Experience from Iran

Background: Considering the controversial information regarding the effects of perchlorate on thyroid function of high risk population as neonates, and given the high prevalence rate of thyroid disorders specially congenital hypothyroidism in our region, this study aims to investigate for the first time in Iran, the relationship between drinking groundwater perchlorate and cord blood thyroid hormones level in an industrial region. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, drinking groundwater perchlorate level of rural areas of Zarinshahr, Isfahan was measured. Simultaneously, cord blood level of thyroid hormones of neonates born in the studied region was measured. Thyroid function test of neonates in regions with low and high perchlorate level were compared. Results: In this study, 25 tap water samples were obtained for perchlorate measurement. Level of cord blood thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), T4 and T3 of 25 neonates were measured. Mean (standard deviation) of perchlorate, TSH, T4 and T3 was 3.59 (5.10) μg/l, 7.81 (4.14) mIU/m, 6.06 (0.85) mg/dl, and 63.46 (17.53) mg/dl, respectively. Mean levels of thyroid function tests were not different in low (<5 μg/l) and high level of drinking ground water perchlorate (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Perchlorate did not appear to be related to thyroid function of neonates in the studied industrial region. It seems that iodine status of the regions, as well as other environmental contaminants and genetic background, could impact on its relation with thyroid function of neonates.
Diurnal effects of prior heat stress exposure on sprint and endurance exercise capacity in the heat

ABSTRACT Active individuals often perform exercises in the heat following heat stress exposure (HSE) regardless of the time-of-day and its variation in body temperature. However, there is no information concerning the diurnal effects of a rise in body temperature after HSE on subsequent exercise performance in a hot environnment. This study therefore investigated the diurnal effects of prior HSE on both sprint and endurance exercise capacity in the heat. Eight male volunteers completed four trials which included sprint and endurance cycling tests at 30 °C and 50% relative humidity. At first, volunteers completed a 30-min pre-exercise routine (30-PR): a seated rest in a temperate environment in AM (AmR) or PM (PmR) (Rest trials); and a warm water immersion at 40 °C to induce a 1 °C increase in core temperature in AM (AmW) or PM (PmW) (HSE trials). Volunteers subsequently commenced exercise at 0800 h in AmR/AmW and at 1700 h in PmR/PmW. The sprint test determined a 10-sec maximal sprint power at 5 kp. Then, the endurance test was conducted to measure time to exhaustion at 60% peak oxygen uptake. Maximal sprint power was similar between trials (p = 0.787). Time to exhaustion in AmW (mean±SD; 15 ± 8 min) was less than AmR (38 ± 16 min; p < 0.01) and PmR (43 ± 24 min; p < 0.01) but similar with PmW (24 ± 9 min). Core temperature was higher from post 30-PR to 6 min into the endurance test in AmW and PmW than AmR and PmR (p < 0.05) and at post 30-PR and the start of the endurance test in PmR than AmR (p < 0.05). The rate of rise in core temperature during the endurance test was greater in AmR than AmW and PmW (p < 0.05). Mean skin temperature was higher from post 30-PR to 6 min into the endurance test in HSE trials than Rest trials (p < 0.05). Mean body temperature was higher from post 30-PR to 6 min into the endurance test in AmW and PmW than AmR and PmR (p < 0.05) and the start to 6 min into the endurance test in PmR than AmR (p < 0.05). Convective, radiant, dry and evaporative heat losses were greater on HSE trials than on Rest trials (p < 0.001). Heart rate and cutaneous vascular conductance were higher at post 30-PR in HSE trials than Rest trials (p < 0.05). Thermal sensation was higher from post 30-PR to the start of the endurance test in AmW and PmW than AmR and PmR (p < 0.05). Perceived exertion from the start to 6 min into the endurance test was higher in HSE trials than Rest trials (p < 0.05). This study demonstrates that an approximately 1 °C increase in core temperature by prior HSE has the diurnal effects on endurance exercise capacity but not on sprint exercise capacity in the heat. Moreover, prior HSE reduces endurance exercise capacity in AM, but not in PM. This reduction is associated with a large difference in pre-exercise core temperature between AM trials which is caused by a relatively lower body temperature in the morning due to the time-of-day variation and contributes to lengthening the attainment of high core temperature during exercise in AmR.
Rheological Method to Evaluate Structural Buildup in Self-Consolidating Concrete Cement Pastes

Much research has focused on determining the rheological properties of cementitious materials, but limited information can be found on the influence of thixotropy in affecting the flow properties of these materials. A protocol consisting of hysteresis loops and energy methods, was developed to quantify the degree of structural rebuilding in cement pastes. This protocol takes into account the stiffening due to thixotropic rebuilding and irreversible structural changes by focusing on the rate in which the cement paste is able to regain its internal structure after shearing. The protocol was used to evaluate the rebuilding potential of 23 cement paste mixtures of various binder type and fluidity level. Results show that structural build up can be controlled through selection of proper powder type, high-range water-reducing admixture, and water-to-binder ratio (w/b).
Clinical significance of serum MCP-1 and VE-cadherin levels in patients with acute cerebral infarction.

OBJECTIVE Vascular injuries have been proposed to play a role in cerebral infarction (CI)-induced brain damage. In this study, the expressions of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and vascular endothelial-cadherin (VE-Cadherin) in patients with acute stroke was examined, and the clinical significance was analyzed. PATIENTS AND METHODS 102 patients with acute CI between February 2012 and 2015 were recruited in this study. Among these patients, 43 patients presented with progressive cerebral infarction (PCI) while 59 patients presented with non-progressive cerebral infarction (NPCI). The carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) of all patients was measured by ultrasound as a marker of end-organ damage. Our results showed that 26 patients had normal IMT, 19 patients had a thickening carotid wall and 57 patients presented with a carotid plaque. In our study, 52 healthy volunteers screened by medical checkups in our hospital during the same period were taken as control group. The MCP-1 and VE-cadherin expressions in each group were detected and analyzed. RESULTS Compared to the control group, the patients in the experimental group had significantly elevated serum MCP-1 and VE-cadherin levels (p < 0.05). Compared to the NPCI patients, the serum MCP-1 and VE-cadherin levels of the patients with PCI were significantly increased, and the rate of carotid plaque was increased as well, especially in the mixed echo and low echo plaques. Then compared with the patients with normal IMT and thickening carotid wall, the patients with carotid plaques had notably increased MCP-1 and VE-cadherin levels. CONCLUSIONS For patients with PCI, the serum MCP-1 and VE-cadherin levels were significantly increased. Moreover, serum MCP-1 and VE-cadherin levels were correlated with atherosclerosis and the stability of atherosclerotic plaques in patients with cerebral infarction.
Management of Post Hypospadias Urethral Fistula

Complications after any surgical procedures are normal consequences within the standard acceptable percentage among surgeons. Complications are higher in hypospadias surgery as compared to other reconstructive operations. Urethrocutaneous fistula after hypospadias surgery repair is the most common complication and remains a frustrating problem for surgeons [21]. Generally fistula is defined as a tract connecting two epithelial surfaces. Furthermore, the problem is exacerbated because urethrocutaneous fistula not only occurs but also recurs, sometimes with all the potential harmful physical and psychological consequences. However, with the improvement in suture material and surgical techniques, such complications are increasingly unacceptable. The occurrence of urethrocutaneous fistulae precludes a goal of hypospadias surgery [6]. The reported incidence of urethrocutaneous fistula ranged, from 0 to 30%, varying with the severity of hypospadias, surgical technique, and experience of the operating surgeon [5]. Unfortunately there is no one single perfect technique to repair any urethrocutaneous fistula. The temptation to simply close the hole without understanding the failure mechanisms is dangerous and often leads to recurrence of the fistula or even worse [29]. Many factors influence the results of fistula repair such as the conditions of local tissue, time after hypospadias repair, the number, location and size of the fistula [29]. These factors can be preventable when considered, experience and surgical tips are needed to improve the outcomes in cases of hypospadias fistulae.
Subjective Numeracy and the Influence of Order and Amount of Audible Information on Perceived Medication Value

Background. Order and amount of information influence patients’ risk perceptions, but most studies have evaluated patients’ reactions to written materials. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of 4 communication strategies, varying in their order and/or amount of information, on judgments related to an audible description of a new medication and among patients who varied in subjective numeracy. Methods. We created 5 versions of a hypothetical scenario describing a new medication. The versions were composed to elucidate whether order and/or amount of the information describing benefits and adverse events influenced how subjects valued a new medication. After listening to a randomly assigned version, perceived medication value was measured by asking subjects to choose one of the following statements: the risks outweigh the benefits, the risks and benefits are equally balanced, or the benefits outweigh the risks. Results. Of the 432 patients contacted, 389 participated in the study. Listening to a brief description of benefits followed by an extended description of adverse events resulted in a greater likelihood of perceiving that the medication’s benefits outweighed the risks compared with 1) presenting the extended adverse events description before the benefits, 2) giving a greater amount of information related to benefits, and 3) sandwiching the adverse events between benefits. These associations were only observed among subjects with average or higher subjective numeracy. Conclusion. If confirmed in future studies, our results suggest that, for patients with average or better subjective numeracy, perceived medication value is highest when a brief presentation of benefits is followed by an extended description of adverse events.
Cooperative Diversity With Mobile Nodes: Capacity Outage Rate and Duration

The outage probability is an important performance measure for cooperative diversity schemes. However, in mobile environments, the outage probability does not completely describe the behavior of cooperative diversity schemes since the mobility of the involved nodes introduces variations in the channel gains. As a result, the capacity outage events are correlated in time and second-order statistical parameters of the achievable information-theoretic capacity such as the average capacity outage rate (AOR) and the average capacity outage duration (AOD) are required to obtain a more complete description of the properties of cooperative diversity protocols. In this paper, assuming slow Rayleigh fading, we derive exact expressions for the AOR and the AOD of three well-known cooperative diversity protocols: variable-gain amplify-and-forward, decode-and-forward, and selection decode-and-forward relaying. Furthermore, we develop asymptotically tight high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) approximations, which offer important insights into the influence of various system and channel parameters on the AOR and the AOD. In particular, we show that on a double-logarithmic scale, similar to the outage probability, the AOR asymptotically decays with the SNR with a slope that depends on the diversity gain of the cooperative protocol, whereas the AOD asymptotically decays with a slope of -1/2 independent of the diversity gain.