Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the study of effects of views to water space on noise annoyance perceptions at homes

Noise annoyance poses various adverse effects on health and well-being of human beings. Earlier studies have shown that greenery views perceived from the apartments can reduce traffic-induced noise annoyances as a result of audio-visual effects. This study intended to explore whether similar noise annoyance moderation effects could be provided by perception of water spaces. Specifically, this study aimed to explore and quantify the effects of different types of water views on noise annoyance. The relationship between restorative capacity of water and noise annoyance was also revealed. Three residential estates in Hong Kong with views to rivers and seas respectively were selected for this study. One thousand four hundred and forty-six respondents were successfully administered via a series of questionnaire surveys, and the noise levels at homes were predicted using CRTN method. Results were analyzed to formulate multivariate ordered logit models linking noise annoyance, views to different types of water spaces and personal characteristics of the respondents. Findings from the study can facilitate urban planners and building designers in planning water spaces near residential estates so as to reduce noise annoyance. Other than the findings arising from this study, the methodology formulated in this study can be applied to study the effect of perception of other types of water spaces.
Trajectories of need: understanding patients’ use of support during the journey through knee replacement

Abstract Purpose: To explore how the process of undergoing and recovering from knee replacement surgery alters patients’ experiences and use of their support networks. Methods: Ten patients having knee replacement surgery for osteoarthritis were invited to take part in in-depth interviews prior to surgery and 2–4 weeks, 6 and 12 months post-operatively. Transcripts were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results: Three superordinate themes were identified: (1) relationships with health professionals over the knee replacement journey; (2) implications for informal relationships and support networks and (3) providing support to others. Conclusions: Transformation from a person with osteoarthritis to someone recovering from a surgical intervention can lead to alterations in the source, type and level of support people receive from others, and can also change the assistance that they themselves are able to offer. Findings highlight the value of the concept of interdependence to our understanding of participants’ experiences. Activity undertaken by informal support networks assists participants to cope with the consequences of osteoarthritis and surgery, and fills in the gap when more formal support is lacking. However, it is essential that provision of care is individually tailored and that formal support is adequate at times when informal support networks are unavailable. Implications for Rehabilitation Activity undertaken by informal support networks can help patients who undergo knee replacement cope with the consequences of their operation; filling the void when support from health professionals is lacking. Contact with health professionals after surgery enhances confidence and offers reassurance; helping to facilitate the recovery process from knee replacement. Findings highlight, from patients’ own perspectives, the potential value of post-operative physiotherapy received soon after surgery and the possible role of long-term follow up. Missing or ill-timed support from health professionals can have negative psychosocial consequences for patients going through joint replacement.
Label‐free ultra‐sensitive visualization of structure below the diffraction resolution limit

For both fundamental study of biological processes and early diagnosis of diseases, information about nanoscale changes in tissue and cell structure is crucial. Nowadays, almost all currently known nanoscopy methods rely upon the contrast created by fluorescent stains attached to the object or molecule of interest. This causes limitations due to the impact of the label on the object and its environment, as well as its applicability in vivo, particularly in humans. In this paper, a new label‐free approach to visualize small structure with nano‐sensitivity to structural alterations is introduced. Numerically synthesized profiles of the axial spatial frequencies are used to probe the structure within areas whose size can be beyond the diffraction resolution limit. Thereafter, nanoscale structural alterations within such areas can be visualized and objects, including biological ones, can be investigated with sub‐wavelength resolution, in vivo, in their natural environment. Some preliminary results, including numerical simulations and experiments, which demonstrate the nano‐sensitivity and super‐resolution ability of our approach, are presented.
A Fast Single Image Haze Removal Algorithm Using Color Attenuation Prior

Single image haze removal has been a challenging problem due to its ill-posed nature. In this paper, we propose a simple but powerful color attenuation prior for haze removal from a single input hazy image. By creating a linear model for modeling the scene depth of the hazy image under this novel prior and learning the parameters of the model with a supervised learning method, the depth information can be well recovered. With the depth map of the hazy image, we can easily estimate the transmission and restore the scene radiance via the atmospheric scattering model, and thus effectively remove the haze from a single image. Experimental results show that the proposed approach outperforms state-of-the-art haze removal algorithms in terms of both efficiency and the dehazing effect.
High Temperature Deformation Behavior of Cast Alloy 718

Cast Alloy 7 18 was evaluated in compression over a range of temperatures (900 to 1 120°C), strain rates (0.01 to 1.0 s-l), and true strains (0.15 to 0.7). Under most conditions evaluated, flow curves exhibited no peaks, indicating that dynamic recrystallization was not playing an important role. The percentage of static recrystallization was found to vary with temperature, strain rate, true strain, and time held at temperature after deformation. Recrystallized grain size values were also determined. A material model describing percent recrystallization and recrystallized grain size was established based on the experimental data. In addition, double hit compression tests were conducted to determine the effect of delay time between passes during ingot breakdown. For most cases the percent recrystallization after double hit was simply the sum of two individual hits under corresponding conditions. This work was conducted by the National Center for Excellence in Metalworking Technology, operated by Concurrent Technologies Corporation under contract No. N00140-92-C-BC49 to the U.S. Navy as part of the U.S. Navy MIanufacturing Technology Program. * Currently with University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY. Superalloys 718,625,706 and Various Derivatives Edited by E.A. Loria The Minerals, Metals &Materials Society, 1997
Review about mites (Acari) of rubber trees (Hevea spp., Euphorbiaceae) in Brazil

Hernandes, F.A. and Feres, R.J.F. Review about mites (Acari) of rubber trees (Hevea spp., Euphorbiaceae) in Brazil. Biota Neotrop. Jan/Abr 2006, vol. 6, no. 1, http://www.biotaneotropica. org.br/v6n1/pt/abstract? article+bn00406012006. ISSN 1676-0611 Two of the most economically important superfamilies of phytophagous mites are Tetranychoidea and Eriophyoidea, which have species represented in rubber trees in Brazil. In this paper we review the literature concerning the mite fauna registered on rubber trees in that country. The source was the information available on literature, but also data from exploratory samplings in Goianesia, State of Goias, and from a triennial survey with monthly samplings in Cedral, State of Sao Paulo. Among the phytophagous mites the most important and abundant species were Calacarus heveae and Tenuipalpus heveae. Seven of the nominal species reported belong to the family Tetranychidae. Eutetranychus banksi and Oligonychus gossypii were very numerous in several crops studied, although with no evident damage to the leaves caused by the former. The richest family was Phytoseiidae (27 species). Other rich and numerous family with predatory species was Stigmaeidae (10). The study of mites associated with rubber trees was triggered after the discovery of Calacarus heveae, after what several works arose in order to understand the seasonal occurrence of mites on that culture, their biology, chemical control and influence of associated vegetation. Not surprisingly, most surveys were made in the State of Sao Paulo, which responds to up to 60% of the national latex yield. Whereas in some rubber tree crops there were made seasonal samplings, most of the surveys had only few isolated samplings.
Evaluation of three polygenic risk score models for the prediction of breast cancer risk in Singapore Chinese

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have proven highly successful in identifying single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with breast cancer (BC) risk. The majority of these studies are on European populations, with limited SNP association data in other populations. We genotyped 51 GWAS-identified SNPs in two independent cohorts of Singaporean Chinese. Cohort 1 comprised 1294 BC cases and 885 controls and was used to determine odds ratios (ORs); Cohort 2 had 301 BC cases and 243 controls for deriving polygenic risk scores (PRS). After age-adjustment, 11 SNPs were found to be significantly associated with BC risk. Five SNPs were present in <1% of Cohort 1 and were excluded from further PRS analysis. To assess the cumulative effect of the remaining 46 SNPs on BC risk, we generated three PRS models: Model-1 included 46 SNPs; Model-2 included 11 statistically significant SNPs; and Model-3 included the SNPs in Model-2 but excluded SNPs that were in strong linkage disequilibrium with the others. Across Models-1, -2 and -3, women in the highest PRS quartile had the greatest ORs of 1.894 (95% CI = 1.157–3.100), 2.013 (95% CI = 1.227–3.302) and 1.751 (95% CI = 1.073–2.856) respectively, suggesting a direct correlation between PRS and BC risk. Given the potential of PRS in BC risk stratification, our findings suggest the need to tailor the selection of SNPs to be included in an ethnic-specific PRS model.
Post‐fire changes in net shortwave radiation along a latitudinal gradient in boreal North America

Understanding how a changing boreal fire regime is likely to influence regional climate requires detailed information about fire effects on the surface radiation budget. We used time series of satellite observations of surface albedo from 2000–2011 and fire perimeters since 1970 to study post‐fire changes in surface net shortwave radiation along a latitudinal transect in central Canada. Fire‐induced surface shortwave forcing (SSF) integrated over an annual cycle for the first 30 years after fire was similar (−4.1 W m−2 with a 95% confidence interval of −4.5 to −3.7 W m−2) between southern and northern boreal regions. The lack of a latitudinal difference in SSF was caused by counteracting latitudinal trends in seasonal contributions. Spring (March, April, and May) SSF increased with latitude, from −7.2 W m−2 in the south to −10.1 W m−2in the north, primarily because of delayed snow melt, which amplified albedo differences between unburned forests and recovering stands. In contrast, winter incoming solar radiation and summer albedo change decreased from south to north, resulting in a decreasing latitudinal trend in winter and summer SSF. Vegetation recovery was slower in the north, leading to smaller increases in summer albedo during the first decade after fire, and a prolonged phase of elevated spring albedo during the second decade. Our results indicate that fires reduce surface net shortwave radiation considerably for many boreal forest ecosystems in North America, providing further evidence that disturbance‐mediated shifts in surface energy exchange need to be considered in efforts to manage these forests for climate change mitigation.
Viability of the Use of Electromagnetic Induction to Predict Streambed Properties

This study examined streambed hydraulic conductivity (K), water temperature, water conductivity , and field apparent conductivity (σ a) in the North Loup River in Nebraska. If there is a correlation between any of the variables and σ a , it would allow for quick and non-invasive determination of the streambed property using electromagnetic induction. This information can then be used to prepare for possible human or natural developments. We expect K to be the primary control of electrical conductivity; however, measurements of water conductivity and temperature will allow us to examine the effect of other parameters on electrical conductivity values.
New national and regional bryophyte records, 16

T. muralis (Düll, 1995). Acaulon mediterraneum Limpr. CHANIA: very sparsely on earth among rocks on north-facing bank, upper/middle part of the Imbros Gorge, south of Imbros village, 450– 750 m a.s. l. , 20 April 2004, TLB 33/228 p.p. This specimen has spinulose spores. Baumgartner (1943) reported this species for Crete but he did not state whether the identification was based on spore characters. Orthotrichum acuminatum H.Philib. CHANIA: on Platanus on bank of stream, middle/upper reaches of Agia Irini gorge, north of Sougia, 350–600 m, 16 April 2004, TLB 33/ 082; on Pinus, White Mountains, upper part of Samaria Gorge, between Xiloskala and Agios Nikolaos, 600–1000 m a.s. l. , 19 April 2004, TLB 33/210; on maple (Acer), upper/ middle part of the Imbros Gorge, south of Imbros village, 450–700 m a.s. l. , 20 April 2004, TLB, 33/212. This species was to be expected in Crete as it is widespread throughout southern Europe. Pseudoleskea incurvata (Hedw.) Loeske. CHANIA: on limestone on north-facing mountain slope, White Mountains, between Xiloskala and Linoseli, above Omalos, 1200–1600 m, 17 April 2004, TLB 33/125; on limestone under low shrubs, White Mountains, between Xiloskala and Linoseli, above Omalos, 1200–1600 m, 17 April 2004, TLB 33/126. Duell (1979) reports only P. radicosa (Mitt.) Macoun & Kindb. from high ground in Chania and Rethymnon. The two species are very close, but the present specimens must be referred to P. incurvata because of (1) the short median leaf cells, not or very rarely exceeding 20 mm long, with a length : width ratio of 1 : 1– 1.5(22), and (2) the presence of some oblate cells in the alar groups. The dorsal papillae of the upper leaves and the apex of the nerve are strongly developed in some leaves. I am very grateful to Dr M. O. Hill for examining material of Sphagnum auriculatum and confirming its identity. TAXONOMIC ADDITIONS AND CHANGES: Nil.
Engineering of Phage-Derived Lytic Enzymes: Improving Their Potential as Antimicrobials

Lytic enzymes encoded by bacteriophages have been intensively explored as alternative agents for combating bacterial pathogens in different contexts. The antibacterial character of these enzymes (enzybiotics) results from their degrading activity towards peptidoglycan, an essential component of the bacterial cell wall. In fact, phage lytic products have the capacity to kill target bacteria when added exogenously in the form of recombinant proteins. However, there is also growing recognition that the natural bactericidal activity of these agents can, and sometimes needs to be, substantially improved through manipulation of their functional domains or by equipping them with new functions. In addition, often, native lytic proteins exhibit features that restrict their applicability as effective antibacterials, such as poor solubility or reduced stability. Here, I present an overview of the engineering approaches that can be followed not only to overcome these and other restrictions, but also to generate completely new antibacterial agents with significantly enhanced characteristics. As conventional antibiotics are running short, the remarkable progress in this field opens up the possibility of tailoring efficient enzybiotics to tackle the most menacing bacterial infections.
Anti-proliferative effect of hibernating American bullfrog, Lithobates catesbeianus, blood plasma on the THP-1 cells

Hibernation is a remarkable process that allows an organism to go dormant for long periods of time during the winter, when food is scarce and living conditions can be lethal. Much is unknown about the physiology behind hibernation, and most research comes from mammalian models. For example, it is known that during hibernation many of the cells in the body are impeded from going though mitosis but the mechanism that caused this was unknown. It was recently discovered that 13-lined ground squirrels (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus) and woodchucks (Marmota monax) have a protein, alpha-2-macroglobulin, in their blood plasma, which has significant anti-proliferative effects on spleen cells (Sieckman et al., 2014). The goal of my study was to determine if an ectothermic organism, the American bullfrog, Lithobates catesbeianus, also actively suppresses mitosis while hibernating and if so, determine if it is caused by a component in their blood plasma. Cellular assays using Human THP-1 cells were conducted by incubating cells in different treatments of plasma collected from active and hibernating bullfrogs. After incubation, the cells were either counted to determine if the rate of cell growth had been inhibited or stained with a dye that attaches to DNA and run through a flow cytometer. Results of the cell count assays were inconclusive regarding how the rate of growth had been affected by hibernating plasma treatment. Flow cytometry assays found that the majority of cells in the hibernating plasma treatment were in the M phase of the cell cycle, instead of the G0 phase. This suggests that the majority of cells had replicated their DNA, but mitosis was halted before the cell divided. This may be because there is substantial cell death throughout hibernation and by stopping mitosis just after DNA replication, the cells are better prepared for proliferation when the animal is exiting hibernation. ANTI-PROLIFERATIVE EFFECT OF HIBERNATING AMERICAN BULLFROG, LITHOBATES CATESBEIANUS, BLOOD PLASMA ON THP-1 CELLS A Thesis submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements of the Degree Master of Science Sean L Robbins University of Northern Iowa July 2017
Novel approach to controlled protein crystallization through ligandation of yttrium cations

Crystal structure determination of macromolecules is often hampered by the lack of crystals suitable for diffraction experiments. This article describes a protocol to crystallize the acidic protein bovine β-lactoglobulin in the presence of yttrium to yield high-quality crystals that belong to a new space group. The yttrium ions not only are used to engineer the crystallization, but are an integral part of the crystal lattice and can therefore be used to solve the phase problem using anomalous dispersion methods. Protein crystallization conditions were first optimized using an experimental phase diagram in the protein and salt concentration plane. Crystal growth strongly depends on the position in the phase diagram, and the best crystals grow near the phase transition boundaries. The structure analysis demonstrates the specific binding of yttrium ions to surface-exposed glutamate and aspartate side chains contributed by different molecules in the crystal lattice. By bridging molecules in this manner, contacts between molecules are formed that enable the formation of a stable crystal lattice. The potential application of this strategy to the crystallization of other acidic proteins is discussed on the basis of the universal features of the phase behavior of these proteins and the interactions induced by multivalent ions.
Thermo-formed piezoelectrets with open-tubular channels produced from water-filled FEP pads

In this work an alternative method for producing piezoelectrets with open-tubular channels is presented. The method consists of compressing two heated stamped metal plates over a water-filled pad prefabricated with fluoroethylenepropylene (FEP) films. During hot compression the heated water increases the pad internal pressure, helping to mold the FEP film over the metal stamped pattern. A corrugated pattern was used to create piezoelectrets with open-tubular channels similar to those previously reported in the literature, however, in this process instead of discarding a polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) template water vapor is released. Some previous results obtained with these piezoelectrets regarding temporal stability, charging conditions and measurements performed under different pressures are also presented.
Crosstalk-Preventing Scheduling in AWG-Based Cell Switches

AWG-based optical switching fabrics are affected by coherent crosstalk, that can significantly impair system operation when the same wavelength is used simultaneously on several input ports to forward data to output ports. To permit large port counts in a N×N AWG, the scheduling of transmissions across the AWG must therefore prevent switch configurations that generate large crosstalk. We study the properties and the existence conditions of switch configurations able to control coherent crosstalk. Our results show that it is possible to keep an AWG-based switch with large port counts in the feasible operational region without significant performance degradation, provided that a proper scheduling algorithm is used.
Probabilistic Linear Discriminant Analysis for Inferences About Identity

Many current face recognition algorithms perform badly when the lighting or pose of the probe and gallery images differ. In this paper we present a novel algorithm designed for these conditions. We describe face data as resulting from a generative model which incorporates both within-individual and between-individual variation. In recognition we calculate the likelihood that the differences between face images are entirely due to within-individual variability. We extend this to the non-linear case where an arbitrary face manifold can be described and noise is position-dependent. We also develop a "tied" version of the algorithm that allows explicit comparison across quite different viewing conditions. We demonstrate that our model produces state of the art results for (i) frontal face recognition (ii) face recognition under varying pose.