Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the Choice of the Temporal Aggregation Level for Statistical Downscaling of Precipitation

The merits of daily and monthly downscaling models for precipitation are compared using data from Bern, Switzerland; Deuselbach, Germany; and De Bilt, the Netherlands. For each station, generalized linear models are developed to describe rainfall occurrence, the wet-day precipitation amounts, and the monthly precipitation totals. The predictor dataset includes dynamical variables and atmospheric moisture (relative humidity for rainfall occurrence and specific humidity for rainfall amount). Fitting a generalized linear model to daily rainfall data generally results in larger regression coefficients than fitting the same model to monthly data. For rainfall occurrence this can be attributed mostly to the nonlinearity of the function that links the wet-day probabilities to the predictor variables, whereas for rainfall amounts there is, apart from nonlinearity, also a bias in the estimated regression coefficients of the monthly models caused by averaging predictor variables over both wet and dry days. Because of this bias a monthly rainfall amount model is less sensitive to an increase in the specific humidity than a daily rainfall amount model. Although the squared correlation coefficientr 2 between the observed and predicted values of the daily models is low ( 0.40 for rainfall occurrence and 0.15 for wet-day rainfall), aggregating the results from these models to monthly values gives r 2 values comparable to those in the direct fit to the monthly data ( 0.65 for the number of wet days and 0.50 for rainfall totals). The temporal variations in the predicted annual amounts using monthly relationships are similar to those obtained from daily relationships. Daily models are preferable, however, for the generation of climate change scenarios for impact studies, because the significance of the predictor variables is generally stronger in these models and because the effect of a change in specific humidity is underestimated by the monthly models.
n-3 PUFA Enriched Eggs as a Source of Valuable Bioactive Substances

This research elaborates the process of enriching table eggs with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) and presents the effect of such enriched eggs on human health. The experiment was performed on 480 TETRA SL laying hens divided into three groups. Feeding mixtures contained 5% of oils (K = soybean oil, P1 = 3.5% linseed oil + 1.5% fish oil, P2 = 3% linseed oil + 2% fish oil). Referring to the content of α-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eggs of P1 and P2 groups were significantly richer in n-3 PUFA than eggs of the control group (p = 0.001). Atherogenic (AI), thrombogenic (TI), and hypo/hypercholesterolemic (HHI) indexes of egg yolks were more favourable in enriched eggs than in conventional eggs. Fatty acid profiles in the blood of examinees that consumed conventional and enriched eggs (treatments K and P1, respectively) differed significantly in total saturated fatty acids (ΣSFA) (p = 0.041) and in the content of ALA (p = 0.010). The consumption of n-3 PUFA-enriched eggs lowered the Σn-6 PUFA/Σn-3 PUFA ratio in the examinees’ blood serum (27%) and had a favourable effect on some blood biochemical indicators. This research confirmed the assumption that the use of a combination of fish and linseed oil in mixtures for laying hens in an amount of up to 5% will increase the content of omega-3 in table eggs, but it was not confirmed that the consumption of these eggs in a short period of time (21 days) has a positive effect on human health.
Looking for optimal concentric ring electrodes: influence of design aspects on their performance

Concentric ring electrodes (CREs) allow improved spatial resolution, reduced crosstalk and interference, and increased bandwidth in the sensing of bioelectrical activity. A wide variety of designs have been used, but their selection is rarely well-founded. The aim of this work is to assess the implications of aspects of CRE design such as the distance between poles, their width and their maximum diameter on aspects such as the signal amplitude (and, therefore, quality), Laplacian estimation error and spatial selectivity (SS). For this purpose, a finite dimensional model of the CRE was used, and its response to the activity of an electric dipole of variable depth was simulated via finite element method modeling. Our results show that increasing the electrode size increases the error to a greater extent than the signal amplitude increases. Pole widths should be as small as possible. The middle ring of the tripolar CRE should be as far away as possible from the central disc. Tripolar CREs typically outperform bipolar CREs of the same outer diameter, significantly reducing the Laplacian estimation error and improving the SS at the cost of a small decrease in signal amplitude. Our results also show that the design of current commercial versions of CREs can be optimized. Furthermore, we propose a methodology that facilitates the selection of an adequate CRE configuration based on the specifications for CRE performance and practical aspects, such as the depth of activity sources to be recorded from and/or the maximum size of electrodes to be used. The monitoring and analysis of bioelectrical signals in a wide range of applications can benefit from the enhanced electrode design and methodology proposed in this work.
Vitamin D and preeclampsia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives: Preeclampsia is one of the most frequent pregnancy disorders, with a global incidence of 2%–8%. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D is an essential mineral for human health; some studies suggest link between 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency and preeclampsia, while others offer contradictory findings. Thus, the goal of this study is to evaluate the relationships between maternal 25- hydroxyvitamin D concentrations and the risk of preeclampsia. In addition to this, our study also evaluates the effects of 25- hydroxyvitamin D supplementation on the incidence of preeclampsia. Therefore, assessing 25- hydroxyvitamin D’s potential as a possible intervention to lower the risk of preeclampsia. Methods: The Medline database was queried from inception until July 2021 for randomized controlled trials and observational studies without any restrictions. The studies assessing the association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency and preeclampsia and the impact of 25-hydroxyvitamin D supplementation on the incidence of preeclampsia were incorporated. The results were reported using a random-effects meta-analysis and the Mantel-Haenszel odds ratio. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant for the analysis. Results: This analysis includes 34 papers, including 10 randomized controlled trials and 24 observational studies. According to our pooled analysis, 25-hydroxyvitamin D supplementation was significantly associated with a lower risk of preeclampsia in pregnant women (OR: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.40–0.63; p = 0.00001), while 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency was significantly associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia (OR: 4.30; 95 % CI: 2.57–7.18; p < 0.00001, OR: 1.71; 95 % Cl: 1.27–2.32; p = 0.0005, OR 1.61; 95 % Cl: 1.21–2.16; p = 0.001). Conclusion: Results suggest that 25-hydroxyvitamin D has a significant relationship with preeclampsia as confirmed by the findings that low maternal 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations cause increased risk of preeclampsia while 25-hydroxyvitamin D supplementation reduces the incidence of preeclampsia. Our findings indicate that 25-hydroxyvitamin D supplementation can be used as a possible intervention strategy in preventing one of the most common causes of maternal mortality around the world, preeclampsia.
Impact of Sodium and Potassium on Environmental Systems

Health effects associated with sodium-cycle water softening has led to the consideration of potassium-cycle ion exchange as an attractive alternative. Regulatory agencies, however, have expressed concern regarding the environmental impacts associated with discharge of potassium-laden brine. To assist in providing guidance regarding the relative environmental impacts deriving from discharge of sodiumand potassium-cycle softener regeneration brine, this article summarizes available literature exploring systems potentially impacted by brine discharge. The literature indicates that replacing sodium chloride with potassium chloride as a water softener régénérant appears to result in a more environmentally benign scenario and may, in certain circumstances, be environmentally beneficial. Some areas where potassium chloride may be advantageous are land application of sewage sludge, viral inactivation, mobility in soil, effects on soil properties and impacts on plant life. There are no significant differences between sodium chloride and potassium chloride in effect on engineered physicochemical processes of in aquatic life systems. The impact of sodium may be detrimental to the environment because the uptake of phosphorus by algae was reportedly enhanced by sodium. Potassium, on the other hand, was not reported to enhance phosphorous uptake. Some questions remain about the impact of potassium and sodium on septic tank bacteria, biological waste treatment processes, and effects on natural flora. The literature reviewed on these topics was somewhat conflicting. Further efforts to assess the impact of potassium and sodium should be directed at resolving these literature discrepancies. •This study was supported, in part, under a grant from Kalium Canada Ltd., Regina, Saskatchewan.
Spatial and temporal variation of dissolved organic matter in the Changjiang: Fluvial transport and flux estimation

The Changjiang is the most important source of freshwater and dissolved organic matter (DOM) for the East China Sea. However, knowledge regarding the sources, seasonal fluxes, and fluvial transport of terrigenous DOM (tDOM) in the Changjiang is lacking. To fill this knowledge gap, we measured dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and dissolved lignin in water samples collected in the middle and lower Changjiang under different hydrological conditions. Additional samples were collected biweekly in the lower Changjiang. Through comparisons with other rivers, we found that the DOC in the Changjiang is mainly from soil organic matter and has a higher fraction of tDOM during flood. Mass balance model results indicate that approximately 33% of the dissolved lignin discharged into the middle and lower Changjiang is removed during its transport to the lower reach during both low‐discharge and flood periods. Based on a comparison of the removal rates under these two contrasting hydrological conditions and considering the lower organic carbon content and fine grain size of the Changjiang's suspended particles, we speculate that the major process for the removal of dissolved lignin is sorption, and potentially flocculation by suspended particles. Changjiang discharges 1.4 ± 0.10 Tg yr−1 and 8.6 ± 0.30 Gg yr−1 DOC and dissolved lignin to the estuary during the period of July 2010 to June 2011, respectively. Seasonal distributions of DOC and dissolved lignin fluxes are controlled by water discharge, which will be affected by future climate change and the Three Gorges Dam.
Hydrogeochemical process of ions in groundwater of communities along Southern-axis Atlantic Ocean in Bayelsa, Nigeria

ABSTRACT The hydrogeochemical process of groundwater from hand-dug well within communities located along the Southern axis of the Atlantic Ocean was examined based on its major ions concentration. Fifteen (15) water samples were collected across the study area and analyzed using the American Public Health Association (APHA) laboratory standard. With the aid of ArcGIS 10.7, the spatial distribution of physiochemical parameters and major ions (Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, Na+, HCO−3, SO42-, Cl− and PO43-) were determined. The cations and anions of the groundwater trended as Ca2+ > Mg2+ > K+ > Na+ and HCO−3> SO42- > Cl− > PO43-, respectively, while all values are within World Health Organization (WHO) allowable limit except Ca2+. The positive correlation among major ions illustrated similarities in the sources and distributions based on principal component analysis, while the cluster analysis established the complexity of the hydrogeochemical processes. Piper and Durov plot aided the geochemical process identification where the groundwater of the area showed the dominance of Ca2+-Mg2+-HCOˉ3, Na+- HCOˉ3 and Ca2±Mg2+- SO42-/Cl−; hence, the hydrogeochemical process was influenced by water–rock interaction of possible carbonate weathering characterized by the earth’s alkaline water and weak acids.
Temperature Dependence of Low Cloud Optical Thickness in the GISS GCM: Contributing Mechanisms and Climate Implications

Abstract A current-climate simulation of the Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) GCM, which includes interactive cloud optical properties that depend on the predicted cloud water content, is analyzed to document the variations of low cloud optical thickness with temperature in the model atmosphere. It is found that low cloud optical thickness decreases with temperature in the warm subtropical and tropical latitudes and increases with temperature in the cold midlatitude regions. This behavior is in agreement with the results of two observational studies that analyzed satellite data from the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project and Special Sensor Microwave/Imager datasets. The increase of low cloud optical thickness with temperature in the midlatitudes is due to vertical extent and cloud water increases, whereas the decrease with temperature in the warm latitudes is due to decreases in cloud water content and happens despite increases in cloud vertical extent. The cloud processes that pr.
TALKING HEADS : Physical , Linguistic and Cognitive Issues in Facial Animation Course Notes Computer Graphics International June 1995

Facial modeling and animation are increasingly receiving attention in the graphics and artificial intelligence (AI) research communities, both of which share the common goal of synthesizing believable, simulated agents. While computer graphics researchers have been primarily concerned with physical and anatomical aspects of facial movements, AI researchers and cognitive scientists have focused on understanding and modeling the motivation behind those movements and expressions. The combination of these two avenues of research may eventually lead to agents that can interact autonomously, with humans or with each other, bearing faces that believably model the underlying meaning of the interactions. While such synthetic speaking faces are undoubtedly useful for cognitive research, their practical applications are also vast in number, encompassing such diverse fields as medicine, education, telecommunications and the entertainment industry. Facial expressions have fascinated mankind for centuries, depicting our personalities, emotions, moods, and speech patterns. When interacting with one another, we examine faces to gather information that may not be conveyed by the spoken words alone. We are able to recognize faces from our earliest days of childhood, making them perhaps our most basic communicative tool. In fact, it is precisely this familiarity with facial expressions that makes it difficult for researchers to simulate them, for we are always acutely aware of the smallest discrepancies between real and synthetic faces. The purpose of this course is to give on overview of the current state of the art in the field of facial modeling and animation, paying particular attention to the relevant linguistic and cognitive issues in determining facial expressions. In Part I of the course, we lay the groundwork for discussing facial animation by presenting an introduction to facial anatomy and the physical aspects of facial modeling. In Part II, we describe the role of intonational patterns in speech, which partially determine the facial movements that accurately reflect the semantic content of the speech. Finally, in Part III, we describe the emotional and linguistic aspects of facial expression and describe an implemented system for automatically generating speech with context-appropriate intonation and corresponding facial animation.
The Parallel Pandemic: A Systematic Review on the Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on OCD among Children and Adolescents

The COVID-19 pandemic and the accompanying social changes severely impacted mental health globally. Children and adolescents may have been vulnerable to adverse mental health outcomes, especially obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), due to their underdeveloped resilience and coping skills stemming from their progressing physical and psychological development. Few studies have explored the parallels between the pandemic and OCD trends in this population. This systematic review aims to identify the impacts of COVID-19 on OCD among children and adolescents. Using the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of eight databases for studies that assessed OCD outcomes independently or as part of other psychiatric diagnoses during the COVID-19 pandemic was conducted. The search was limited to studies on humans and those written in English and published between January 2020 and May 2023. We identified 788 articles, out of which 71 were selected for a full-text review. Twenty-two papers were synthesized from 10 countries for the final analysis. We found that 77% of our studies suggested that the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on OCD among children and adolescents. We also found a complex interplay of individual, household, and socio-structural factors associated with the aggravation of OCD. Conversely, a few studies revealed that the pandemic strengthened relationships and resilience. The findings of this study emphasize the need for mental health screening and support for this population, especially during pandemic periods.
Workplace health promotion programs among health workers: a systematic literature review

Objective: To identify the effect of workplace health promotion activities (WHPA) on the health status of health personnel. Methodology: A systematic literature review was performed. Six computerized databases were used to search for studies on the effect of at least one health promotion activity on the health status of health personnel. Studies were included if they were published in peer-reviewed and indexed journals and were written either in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. Information such as study population, sample size, type of study, outcome, and health promotion activities performed were extracted from each publication. All the included articles were measured in terms of their methodological quality, including the risk of bias. Results: Lower scores on perceived stress, emotional exhaustion, and mood symptoms were reported. An improvement in sleep hours and quality and a reduction in dietary sodium intake were informed. Improvements in participants’ dietary habits, weight loss, and body fat percentage, along with increased physical activity and a reduction in pain levels were reported. A reduction in the prevalence of cigarette smoking was found. Conclusions: WHPAs can enhance physical and mental health, and overall well-being, and encouraging healthier behaviors among health personnel. Most of the studies targeting mental health focused their efforts primarily on reducing healthcare workers’ perceived stress. WHPAs that addressed both diet and physical activity behaviors were more effective at improving weight outcomes than those that used only one approximation. Overall, this study offers valuable information on the impact of worksite-based health promotion interventions, including the effect of different strategies applied
The plant community of a stretch of riparian vegetation in the upper Paraná River after 20 years of secondary succession (Batayporã, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil)

The study of temporal changes in riparian vegetation is essential for understanding the paths taken by the ecosystem during ecological succession. In order to evaluate the changes in floristic composition, structure, and dynamics of the arboreal vegetation in an area of Semideciduous Seasonal Alluvial Forest, we aim to understand the secondary succession that occurs in the Paraná River floodplain. Based on a study conducted 20 years ago, in the municipality of Batayporã, Mato Grosso do Sul, a re-sampling was carried out in the same area, using the same methodology. Phytosociological and ecological parameters between the two temporal samplings were collected and compared using Student's ‘t’ test, where it was possible to find statistically significant variations (p<0.05) in the vegetation structure. A total of 603 individuals were sampled, distributed among 51 species and grouped in 46 genera and 31 families. The analysis of the distribution of abundance and importance values (IV) of species visualized in the histogram indicated an expected pattern in forest communities, which is the substitution of early successional species for late successional species. For the successional categories, the comparison of IVs revealed higher values for secondary species in both surveys and changes in the positions of climax and pioneer species, directly influencing the IVs values of these categories for the zones. When compared to the result obtained in the previous study, a replacement of the IV values of pioneer species with climax and dead species is noted. The comparisons showed that this phytocoenosis is evolving to a mature successional stage, a result of the decrease in the main anthropic impacts in the area. The results obtained highlight the importance of temporal monitoring of forest areas to expand the understanding of the pathways of ecological succession in this type of environment and provide information to assist in biodiversity conservation.