Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Considering Various Multimoment Bulk Microphysics Schemes for Simulation of Passive Microwave Radiative Signatures

Passive microwave radiative transfer models are strongly influenced by the cloud and precipitation hydrometeor properties. Particularly, they can sensitively interact with frozen hydrometeors through multiple high-frequency channels. However, frozen hydrometeors are one of the most difficult parameters to comprehend due to the lack of in-situ data. Until recently, studies have attempted to describe more reasonable hydrometeor distributions using various microphysics parameterizations coupled with the weather research and forecasting (WRF) models. Herein, we aim to apply the proposed methods to passive microwave radiative transfer simulations. We implemented a passive microwave radiative transfer simulation that considers various microphysical assumptions by creating a new Mie scattering look-up table. Furthermore, we evaluated the bulk microphysics parameterizations (WDM6, Morrison, Thompson, and P3 schemes) for the tropical cyclone Krosa (2019) that were observed by the global precipitation measurement microwave imager instrument, specifically concentrating on the rimed and aggregated ice categories (snow, graupel, and P3 ice). Based on the evaluation results, we concluded the following: WDM6 graupel and Morrison snow afford excessive scattering signals at 37 GHz. However, at 166 GHz, none of the parameterizations produce sufficient scattering signals for comparison with the observations. The P3 ice affords significantly underestimated scattering signals at 89 GHz and above despite its sophisticated assumptions. In contrast, Thompson snow affords scattering signals similar to the observations, despite a shape-related error. In summary, this study introduced a method for implementing a microphysical-consistent radiative transfer computation and successfully showed how various microphysical assumptions of clouds can change the passive microwave radiative signatures.
Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface Assisted Multi-Carrier Wireless Systems for Doubly Selective High-Mobility Ricean Channels

Reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) constitute a revolutionary technique of beneficially reconfiguring the smart radio environment. However, despite the fact that wireless propagation is of time-varying nature, most of the existing RIS contributions focus on time-invariant scenarios for the following reasons. Firstly, it becomes impractical to instantaneously feed back the control signal based on the doubly selective non-line-of-sight (NLoS) fading scenario. Secondly, channel estimation conceived for the high-mobility and high-dimensional RIS-assisted links has to take into account the spatial-domain (SD), time-domain (TD), and frequency-domain (FD) correlations imposed by the angle-of-arrival/departure (AoA/AoD), the Doppler and the orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) operations, respectively, where none of the existing solutions can be directly applied. Thirdly, it is far from trivial to maximize the NLoS channel powers on all subcarriers by a common set of RIS reflecting coefficients. Fourthly, in the face of double selectivity, it becomes inevitable to encounter either inter-symbol interference (ISI) or inter-channel interference (ICI) during the signal detection in the TD or in the FD, respectively. Against this background, firstly, we focus our attention on line-of-sight (LoS) dominated unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) scenarios. Secondly, we conceive new minimum mean squared error (MMSE) channel estimation methods for doubly selective fading, which perodically transmit pilot symbols embedded into the TD and FD over the SD in order to beneficially exploit the correlations in the three domains. Thirdly, the RIS coefficients are optimized by a low-complexity algorithm based on the LoS representation of the end-to-end system model. Fourthly, tailor-made interference cancallation techniques are devised for improving the signal detection both in the FD and in the TD. Our simulation results are examined in six frequency bands licensed in 5 G, which confirms that the employment of RIS is capable of achieving substantial performance improvements.
Isolation and antimicrobial resistance of vancomycin resistant Enterococcus spp. (VRE) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) on beef and chicken meat, and workers hands from slaughterhouses and retail shops in Turkey

The objectives of this study were to determine the presence and antimicrobial resistance of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) on beef and chicken carcasses and meat, and workers hands’ at processing time from a cattle and a poultry slaughterhouse, and beef and chicken meat at retail level. Disk diffusion method was used to determine the antimicrobial resistance profile of the Enterococcus spp. and S. aureus isolates. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values were determined for vancomycin and oxacillin resistance. Finally, conventional PCR was performed to determine the presence of the mecA and vanA resistance genes in isolates classified resistant to oxacillin and vancomycin according to MIC values. S. aureus and Enterococcus faecium isolated from 17 (17%) and eight (8%) samples, respectively. E. faecalis was not detected in any sample. The highest resistance rates were to ampicillin (3/5, 60 %) and penicillin G (5/5, 100 %) in MRSA and tetracycline (4/5, 80 %) in VRE isolates. While the mecA gene was detected in all MRSA isolates, vanA gene was not detected in any of the phenotypically vancomycin resistant E. faecium isolates. The present study provides data for multiple antimicrobial resistance and presence of VRE and MRSA isolated from an ongoing surveillance in humans, livestock and poultry in Turkey.
The development of Pallaton Raphanobrassica for New Zealand farming systems

‘Pallaton’) is an allotetraploid, produced from kale(Brassica oleracea L.) x radish (Raphanus raphanistrumsubsp. sativus L.). It is a multi-graze forage, selected forhigh cumulative yield, water efficiency and resistanceto clubroot (Plasmodiophora brassicae). This paperdescribes the breeding, agronomy and nutritive valueof ‘Pallaton’, which can be grazed in situ between42 and 70 days after sowing (DAS) with no specificcrop maturity requirement. Cumulative yield of threeconsecutive harvests, analysed by meta-analysisof eighteen trials from 2013 to 2019 on three sites,showed ‘Pallaton’ had a greater yield of 16,254 kg DM/ha than forage rape (B. napus spp. biennis, cv. ‘Titan’)and leafy turnip (B. rapa; syn. B. campestris cv. ‘PasjaII’) at 12,639 and 10,965 kg DM/ha, respectively. Afurther trial, comparing nutritive values, demonstrated‘Pallaton’ has a similar profile to ‘Titan’. ‘Pallaton’ maybe rotationally grazed for up to twelve months wheninitially grazed by livestock at 350 - 400 mm plantheight between 42 and 70 DAS. Livestock consuming‘Pallaton’ are susceptible to the same potential animalhealth concerns as other Brassica species, but representsa forage option for sheep, beef, deer and dairy farming,particularly those in challenging environments.
Modification of Temperature Lapse Rates and Cloud Properties during a Spatiotemporally Extended Dust Aerosol Episode (16-18 June 2016) over the Mediterranean Basin Based on Satellite and Reanalysis Data

A spatiotemporally extended dust aerosol episode that occurred over the Mediterranean Basin (MB) from 16 to 18 June 2016 is investigated using observational satellite and reanalysis data, focusing on the effects of high dust loads on cloud formation and temperature fields, including the creation of temperature inversions. The atmospheric conditions before and during the 3-day dust aerosol episode case (DAEC) are also analyzed. The dust episode, which is identified using a contemporary satellite algorithm, consists of long-range transport of African dust to the western and central MB. The day to day, before and during the DAEC, atmospheric circulation, dust-cloud interactions, and dust effect on temperature are examined using a variety of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Level-3 Collection 6.1 satellite and Modern-Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications, Version 2 (MERRA-2) reanalysis data. According to the obtained results, the dust export from N. Africa, which occurs under the prevalence of a trough over the western MB, and a ridge over the central MB, extends from southwest to northeast along two axes, one in the western and another in the central Mediterranean, covering remote areas up to the coasts of southern Europe, including the Balearic and Tyrrhenian Seas, the Italian peninsula, the Ionian and Adriatic Seas, and the Balkan peninsula. The analysis provides evidence of the formation of mixed-phase clouds, with high cloud-top heights (CTH higher than 10 km) and low cloud-top temperatures (CTT as low as 230 K), which spatiotemporally coincide with the high dust loadings that provide the necessary CCN and IN. Dust aerosols are transported either in the boundary layer (within the first 1–2 km) of areas close to the North African dust source areas or in the free troposphere over the Mediterranean Sea and the Italian and Balkan peninsulas (between 2 and 8 km). Distinct and extended layers of remarkable temperature inversions (up to 20 K/km) are created below the exported dust layers in the boundary layer of Mediterranean Sea areas, while weak/reduced lapse rates are formed over continental areas of MB undergoing the dust transport. Such modifications of temperature fields are important for the dynamics of the atmosphere of MB.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Pediatric Hospital Visits: Evidence from the State of Florida

Although early evidence reported a substantial decline in pediatric hospital visits during COVID-19, it is unclear whether the decline varied across different counties, particularly in designated Medically Underserved Areas (MUA). The objective of this study is to explore the state-wide impact of COVID-19 on pediatric hospital visit patterns, including the economic burden and MUA communities. We conducted a retrospective observational study of pediatric hospital visits using the Florida State all-payer Emergency Department (ED) and Inpatient dataset during the pandemic (April–September 2020) and the same period in 2019. Pediatric Treat-and-Release ED and inpatient visit rates were compared by patient demographics, socioeconomic, diagnosis, MUA status, and hospital characteristics. Pediatric hospital visits in Florida decreased by 53.7% (62.3% in April–June, 44.2% in July–September) during the pandemic. The Treat-and-Release ED and inpatient visits varied up to 5- and 3-fold, respectively, across counties. However, changes in hospital visits across MUA counties were similar compared with non-MUA counties except for lower Treat-and-Release ED volume in April–May. The disproportional decrease in visits was notable for the underserved population, including Hispanic and African American children; Medicaid coverages; non-children’s hospitals; and diagnosed with respiratory diseases, appendicitis, and sickle-cell. Florida Hospitals experienced a USD 1.37 billion (average USD 8.3 million) decline in charges across the study period in 2020. Disproportionate decrease in hospital visits, particularly in the underserved population, suggest a combined effect of the persistent challenge of care access and changes in healthcare-seeking behavior during the pandemic. These findings suggest that providers and policymakers should emphasize alternative interventions/programs ensuring adequate care during the pandemic, particularly for high-risk children.
Impact of teaching methods on learner preferences and knowledge gained when informing adults about gene editing

Consumer acceptance of gene-editing technologies is a major hurdle to technology use, and opposition to gene-editing technologies may accompany a lack of knowledge by consumers. The purpose of this mixed-method study was to describe which method of instruction, behaviorism or constructivism, consumers preferred when learning about gene-editing and determine which method resulted in the highest amount of knowledge gained. Data were collected from eight focus groups across the country through a multiple-choice knowledge scale and open-ended questions. The qualitative results indicated that the participants preferred the behaviorism style over constructivist style due to the clarity of materials, the efficiency of time, and individual work. A large portion of participants felt the exposure to both teaching methods gave them more knowledge, that the information was interesting, and that they wanted more information. The quantitative results indicated that the behaviorist teaching method scores were significantly higher than the constructivist style of teaching. We recommend that practitioners align the appropriate teaching method with the amount of time allowed for the lesson, to use a variety of strategies when using behaviorist methods, and provide guidance and structure when using constructivist methods.
Rainfall-runoff Modeling of Partly Urbanized Watersheds - Comparison Between and Distributed Model Using Gis and Other Models Sensitivity Analysis

This paper presents an original integrated approach to rainfall-runoff modelling for partly urbanized watersheds. A digital terrain model (DTM), allowing use of GIS techniques, was built not only for representing the undeveloped part of the catchment but also the urbanized area. For each cell of the DTM grid, a water budget is computed, providing runoff and interflow amounts. The water volumes generated at each cell are moved along the steepest slopes with a celerity depending on this slope, until they reach the outlet and contribute to the resulting hydrograph. The model was tested in a partly urbanized catchment, specially equipped with rain and flow measurement station. Comparisons with other procedures, mainly with SWMM and WALLRUS models, shows that the proposed model seems to be one of the most accurate. Moreover, the sensitivity analysis confirms the flexibility of the tool. Its concept, based on GIS routines, allows much of the computation to be done automatically, avoiding a lot of tedious tasks. For example, it becomes relatively easy to check the consequences of urban planning options.
Renal Cell Carcinoma or Oncocytoma? The Contribution of Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging to the Differential Diagnosis of Renal Masses

Background and Objectives: Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) accounts for 85% and oncocytomas constitute 3–7% of solid renal masses. Oncocytomas can be confused, especially with hypovascular RCC. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the contribution of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and contrast-enhanced MRI sequences in the differential diagnosis of RCC and oncocytoma Materials and Methods: 465 patients with the diagnosis of RCC and 45 patients diagnosed with oncocytoma were retrospectively reviewed between 2009 to 2020. All MRI acquisitions were handled by a 1.5 T device (Achieva, Philips Healthcare, Best, The Netherlands) and all images were evaluated by the consensus of two radiologists with 10–15 years’ experience. The SPSS package program version 15.0 software was used for statistical analysis of the study. Chi-square test, Mann–Whitney U test or the Kruskal–Wallis tests were used in the statistical analysis. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to calculate the cut-off values Results: The results were evaluated with a 95% confidence interval and a significance threshold of p < 0.05. ADC values (p < 0.001) and enhancement index (p < 0.01) were significantly lower in the RCC group than the oncocytoma group. Conclusion: DWI might become an alternative technique to the contrast-enhanced MRI in patients with contrast agent nephropathy or with a high risk of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, calculation of CI of the oncocytoma and RCCs in the contrast-enhanced acquisitions would contribute to the differential diagnosis.
Distribution of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls present in surface sediments of the Sabaki and Tana estuaries, Kenya

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the surface sediments of the Sabaki and Tana estuaries were studied to determine distribution as well as their ecological risk. The concentration range of PCBs and OCPs were 0.65-9.29 ng/g dw and 0.47-9.84 ng/g dw, respectively. Sabaki Bridge in the Sabaki River and Tana 4 in the Tana River recorded high levels of both PCBs and OCPs. The calculated values of DDD+DDE/ DDT showed that the presence of DDT from both the rivers is a result of historical input. The ecotoxicological impact of sediment pollution by PCBs and OCPs was assessed using sediment quality guidelines specified by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment. The concentration values for PCB, HCB, Heptachlor epoxide, and Chlordane in this study indicate low ecological risk to sediment dwelling organisms. DDT showed an adverse biological effect to sediment dwelling organisms. As a result, there is a need to establish a programme for monitoring persistent organic pollutants in Kenya, so that any elevation in concentration above the environmental quality standards can be detected and appropriate actions taken to minimize potential adverse effects to the environment and public health.
Management of Educational Financing in Higher Education

Education is one of the long-term investments that has the ultimate goal of producing reliable, and competitive human resources at both the local and global levels. Educational development will be difficult to achieve if it is not supported by adequate funding. This study aims to analyze the planning, implementation and supervision of education costs from the APBN and APBD. This study uses a descriptive method with a qualitative approach. Data collection techniques in the form of interviews, observation and documentation. The subject of this research is the Head of the Planning and Information System Administration Bureau, the Head of the Planning Section, the Head of the Finance Section, the Head of the Program Planning and Budgeting/SP4 Preparation System Team, the Head of the Information System Section and the Head of the Quality Assurance Agency. The results of the study indicate that planning uses a bottom up pattern with SP4 from the lowest work unit to the university level, the implementation of the budget is used to finance expenditures sourced from the APBN and APBD. Control is carried out as the implementation of the controlling function in the preparation of the Performance Accountability Report for Government Agencies to assess financial performance, the Quality Assurance Agency for performance achievements from the quality aspect. Meanwhile, the supervision is carried out by the BPKP, Bawasda and the Inspectorate General of the Ministry of National Education. Financing management is an evaluation in improving the quality of education.
Do bats use scent cues from guano and urine to find roosts?

Selection of habitat is a key determinant of reproductive success, and the process of finding and choosing these sites is often influenced by the presence of conspecifics. Many bats frequently switch roosts, and some bats repeatedly find new roosts. To find roosts with conspecifics or group members, bats can use social cues. However, most research on how bats use social cues for roost-finding has focused on acoustic cues. Here, we review and discuss the evidence for bat roost selection using scent cues from guano and urine stains, which are present at most bat roosts. We outline reasons why bats might, or might not, use scent in roost detection and selection, and we review evidence on the possible use of guano and urine in roost-finding from eight studies with 12 bat species (across four families). Overall, the sparse evidence that exists indicates that scent cues from guano and urine are not a strong and consistent lure in the species and situations that were tested. Most studies had unclear results or found no effect. Two of the eight studies found weak experimental evidence for bats using guano or urine to select a roosting site. Even if guano and urine can indicate the presence of bats at a roost, it is possible that the resulting olfactory cues do not contain sufficient social information to be used in roost selection, in contrast to olfactory cues from scent marking. Studies of how bats use sensory cues beyond sound could contribute to a better understanding of bat social behavior and roosting ecology.
Paraprobiotics in Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy: Clinical and Microbiological Aspects in a 6-Month Follow-Up Domiciliary Protocol for Oral Hygiene

Periodontal disease represents a progressive destruction of tooth-supporting tissues. Recently, paraprobiotics are regarded as an adjunctive therapy to the non-surgical Scaling-and-Root-Planing (SRP). The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of two new formulations of paraprobiotics, a toothpaste and a mouthwash, respectively, for the domiciliary hygiene. A total of 40 patients were randomly assigned to the following domiciliary treatments: Group 1 (SRP + Curasept Intensive Treatment 0.2% chlorhexidine) (control) and Group 2 (SRP + Biorepair Peribioma toothpaste + Biorepair Peribioma Mousse mouthwash) (trial). At baseline (T0) and after 3 and 6 months (T1–T2), periodontal clinical (Bleeding on Probing, Probing Pocket Depth, Clinical Attachment Loss, Bleeding Score, Sulcus Bleeding Index, Plaque Index, Approximal Plaque Index, Adherent Gingiva, Gingival Recession, and Pathological Sites) and microbiological parameters (Pathological Bacteria, Saprophytic Bacteria, Enlarged Red Complex, Red Complex, Orange Complex, and counts of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythensys, Treponema denticola, Prevotella intermedia, and Fusobacterium nucleatum). The use of the experimental products resulted in a significant reduction of most of the clinical indices assessed, which occurred at a major degree with respect to the conventional chlorhexidine considered as control. Additionally, after 6 months of use, the abovementioned products significantly decreased the percentage of pathological bacteria and the counts of those bacteria constituting the “Red Complex”, more related to the periodontal disease. Accordingly, the paraprobiotics-based products tested in this study seem to represent a valid support to SRP with a benefit on both clinical indices and on specific periodontopathogens.
Lung Ultrasound in Children with Cystic Fibrosis in Comparison with Chest Computed Tomography: A Feasibility Study

Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease determines the outcome of this condition. For lung evaluation processes, computed tomography (CT) is the gold standard, but also causes irradiation. Lately, lung ultrasound (LUS) has proven to be reliable for the diagnosis of consolidations, atelectasis, and/or bronchiectasis. The aim of our study was to evaluate the value of a newly conceived LUS score by comparing it to the modified Bhalla CT score. A further aim was to evaluate the correlation between the score and the lung clearance index (LCI). Methods: Patients with CF were screened by LUS, followed by a CT scan. Spearman’s test was used for correlations. Results: A total of 98 patients with CF were screened, and 57 were included in the study; their mean age was 11.8 ± 5.5 (mean ± SD) years. The mean LUS score was 5.88 ± 5.4 SD. The LUS CF score had a very strong correlation with the CT score of rs = 0.87 (p = 0.000). LUS showed a good sensibility for detecting atelectasis (Se = 83.7%) and consolidations (Se = 94.4%). A lower Se (77.7%) and Sp (9%) were found for cylindrical bronchiectasis. Conclusion: Our study shows that LUS and the lung CF score are parameters that can be used with a complementary role in the diagnosis and monitoring of CF lung disease in children.