Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Copula-Based Stochastic Simulation for Regional Drought Risk Assessment in South Korea

In South Korea, meteorological droughts are becoming frequently-occurring phenomena in different parts of the country, because precipitation varies significantly in both space and time. In this study, the quantiles of four identified homogeneous regions were estimated by incorporating major drought variables (e.g., duration and severity) based on the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI). The regional frequency analysis of drought was performed by evaluating a variety of probability distributions and copulas, using graphical comparisons and goodness-of-fit test statistics. Results indicate that the Pearson type III (PE3) and Kappa marginal distributions, as well as Gaussian and Frank copulas, are better able to simulate the drought variables across the region. Bivariate stochastic simulation of selected copulas showed that the behavior of simulated data may change when the degree of association (e.g., Kendall’s τ) between the drought variables was considered. Results showed that the south-west coast and east coastal areas are under high drought risk, and inland mid-latitude areas (surrounding areas of Yeongju station) and northwest parts are under low drought risk. The joint distributions were used to compute conditional probabilities, as well as primary, secondary, and conditional return periods, which can be useful for designing and managing water demand and the supply system on a regional scale.
Age-related gross morphometry studies of stomach in Indian domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus)

In this research, the stomach of pigs in all postnatal groups was a "C" shaped organ with two curvatures viz., greater and lesser, and a conical diverticulum projecting caudally. Stomach mucosa showed four distinct zones i.e., pars oesophagea, cardiac, fundic, and pyloric regions which were visible from 21 days onwards. The internal surface had rugae seen from group I onwards. Pars oesophagea, was whitish followed by a light grey colored cardiac region. The fundic region appeared reddish-brown and lacked mucosal folds, while the pyloric region was pinkish-white with few mucosal folds and a prominent bulge known as "torus pyloricus. "This study revealed that the mean length of greater, lesser curvatures, and average width of the flaccid stomach, increased with age. In G-I, II, and III, the width at fundic region was higher than the cardiac diverticulum and pyloric sphincter. The average weight of a flaccid stomach and the capacity of the stomach showed an increase with age. Overall, the size of the stomach increases in all age groups for weight, volume, and length. Studied.
Relative sea level rise, site distributions, and Neolithic settlement in the early to middle Holocene, Jiangsu Province, China

This study details the chronology and the human consequences of early- to mid-Holocene sea level rise and the related marine transgression and regression along the east coast of China. We use archaeological and environmental data to show that there was a significant marine transgressive event that began before 9000 cal. BP. This event reached its maximum extent inland and had the greatest impact on the Jiangsu region between 9000 and 8000 cal. BP. Because of this transgression, most of the low-lying parts of modern Jiangsu Province were either covered by seawater or were converted to a wetland environment that was unsuitable for long-term human settlements until ca. 7000 cal. BP. Between 7000 and 6000 cal. BP, the sea retreated and new lands became available for colonization. Humans rapidly moved into the newly emerged lands, which were ecologically rich with diverse and abundant plants, animals, fish, and shellfish. Evidence that human settlement were earliest in the northwest and generally expanded south and east. The Taihu Plain was rapidly occupied, but because of variations in topography, hydrology, and sea level changes, the Lixiahe Plain remained a coastal lagoon until 6000–5500 cal. BP.
Statistical Confidence of Field Olfactometry and Biosolids Odor Assessment

Specific gasses (odorants) are often poorly correlated with odors, which require human perception. Thus, olfactometry is used to quantify odors, which commonly contain a complex mixture of offensive compounds. Laboratory-based dynamic olfactometry is expensive and timeconsuming, and is accompanied with sample container/ preservation issues. Field olfactometry provides real-time measurements at lower detection levels, but is influenced by environmental factors. This study explores the use of field olfactometry for quantifying dilutions-to-threshold (D/T) of environmental malodors. Field olfactometer instruments were used to collect 3096 individual D/T observations at various livestock facilities in central Pennsylvania. Twelve to 16 observations were collected at each station using multiple assessors, capturing four concurrent readings each. The multi-assessor repeat observation (MARO) technique found the reproducibility of D/T observations (across assessors) was more precise than replicate observations by individual assessors (repeatability). Observations were significantly (α=0.05) affected by assessor n-butanol sensitivity and source distance. Fluctuating wind speed and direction influenced odorant-fresh air mixing and resultant D/T readings. Power analysis showed that the 16 sample MARO field olfactometry method achieved 95% odor panel confidence with a power value of 0.90 at lower-D/T (2,4) and upper-D/T (30, 60) levels. Mid-range D/T settings of 7 and 15 exhibited the greatest panelist variability. This investigation found that MARO field olfactometry can reliably detect odor D/T differences; however, the greatest numbers of observations are needed at D/T levels of 7 to 15, precisely the values used to define nuisance odor conditions in some states.
Tacrolimus Drug Exposure Level and Smoking Are Modifiable Risk Factors for Early De Novo Malignancy After Liver Transplantation for Alcohol-Related Liver Disease

De novo malignancy (DNM) is the primary cause of mortality after liver transplantation (LT) for alcohol-related liver disease (ALD). However, data on risk factors for DNM development after LT are limited, specifically in patients with ALD. Therefore, we retrospectively analyzed all patients transplanted for ALD at our center before October 2016. Patients with a post-LT follow-up of <12 months, DNM within 12 months after LT, patients not on tacrolimus in the 1st year post-LT, and unknown smoking habits were excluded. Tacrolimus drug exposure level (TDEL) was calculated by area under the curve of trough levels in the 1st year post-LT. 174 patients received tacrolimus of which 19 (10.9%) patients developed a DNM between 12 and 60 months post-LT. Multivariate cox regression analysis identified TDEL [HR: 1.710 (1.211–2.414); p = 0.002], age [1.158 (1.076–1.246); p < 0.001], number of pack years pre-LT [HR: 1.021 (1.004–1.038); p = 0.014] and active smoking at LT [HR: 3.056 (1.072–8.715); p = 0.037] as independent risk factors for DNM. Tacrolimus dose minimization in the 1st year after LT and smoking cessation before LT might lower DNM risk in patients transplanted for ALD.
Unraveling The Influence of Factors on Micro Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises’ Adoption of Social Media Marketing and Its Business Impact

The continuously growing opportunities in the digital economy have prompted the Indonesian government to encourage Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) to undergo digital transformation. While there are various approaches available, marketing products/services through social media is believed to be one of the most effective methods. To maximize the benefits of social media marketing adoption for MSMEs, it is indeed crucial to identify the influential factors related to its adoption. Therefore, this study aims to quantitatively identify the factors influencing social media adoption among MSMEs in Indonesia. In this study, attention is directed toward five factors: performance expectancy, social influence, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, and operating costs. The study incorporated 136 actively participating MSMEs that employed social media marketing. We opted to employ Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) due to its suitability for our sample size and potential data characteristics. As we were unsure about the normality of our data and the presence of measurement issues, PLS-SEM provided a robust and flexible approach. It allows us to analyze complex models and handle potential non-normal data and measurement concerns, ensuring reliable results even if such issues arise. Data is processed using the SmartPLS 3.0 software. The research findings indicate that the usage of social media marketing is influenced by performance expectancy and social influence. However, factors such as effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, and costs do not have a significant impact on social media adoption among MSMEs. Furthermore, the results of the study highlight the positive impact of utilizing social media for marketing on the performance of MSMEs, particularly in terms of increasing sales, enhancing customer relationships, improving productivity, and fostering creativity. These findings suggest that MSMEs can leverage social media platforms to achieve tangible benefits and enhance various aspects of their business operations.
Tree Species Composition and Height-diameter Allometry of Three Forest Types in Northern Thailand

Understanding the composition of tree species in tropical forests provides information for forest restoration and conservation. The objectives of this study were to determine the tree composition of three different types of forests in northern Thailand and to explore the relationship between tree height and diameter at breast height (DBH) and to determine what forest structure factors influence that relationship. The three forests mixed deciduous forest (MDF), dry evergreen forest (DEF), and dry dipterocarp forest (DDF) are located at Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. Across the three forest types there were 201 tree species in 68 families. The three forests differed in their species composition, but still had some overlapping species; the similarity of species between each pair ranged from 33-38%. The dry dipterocarp forest was the densest forest at 3,624 trees/ ha, followed by the dry evergreen forest (2,451 trees/ha) and the mixed deciduous forest (1,102 trees/ha). For each forest type, the relationship between tree height and DBH was determined by a monomolecular function. The models indicated that the maximum tree height was highest in the dry evergreen forest (40.59 m), followed by the dry dipterocarp forest (23.94 m) and mixed deciduous forest (21.62 m). In addition, mixed-effects models were used to test for allometric differences due to stem density, stand basal area, and tree species. We found that the stem density and species were significant drivers of tree allometry. Light competition and species traits were more likely to influence resource allocation determining tree architecture. This research contributed to tree height estimation using allometric equations in Northern Thailand.
Interaction of Biochar Addition and Nitrogen Fertilizers on Wheat Production and Nutrient Status in Soil Profiles

To investigate the responses of crop production and soil profile nutrient status to biochar (BC) application, we conducted a soil column experiment considering two BC addition rates (0.5 and 1.5 wt% of the weight of 0–20 cm topsoil) combined with two nitrogen (N) input levels (low N: 144 kg ha−1, LN; high N: 240 kg ha−1, HN). The results showed that BC application increased the soil pH. The soil pH of the 0–10 cm profile under LN and the 20–40 cm profile under HN were both significantly increased by 0.1–0.2 units after BC addition. Under LN, BC addition significantly increased NH4+-N (17.8–46.9%), total N (15.4–38.4%), and soil organic carbon (19.9–24.0%) in the 0–10 cm profile, but decreased NH4+-N in the 20–30 cm soil profile and NO3−-N in the 10–30 cm profile by 13.8–28.5% and 13.0–34.9%, respectively. BC had an increasing effect on the available phosphorus, the contents of which in the 10–20 and 30–40 cm soil profiles under LN and 20–30 cm profile under HN were significantly elevated by 14.1%, 24.0%, and 23.27%, respectively. However, BC exerted no effect on the available potassium in the soil profile. BC had a strong improving effect (15.3%) on the wheat yield, especially the N144 + BC0.5% treatment, which could be compared to the HN treatment, but there was no yield-increasing effect when high N fertilizer was supplied. In summary, BC improved the fertility of agriculture soil (0–20 cm) with wheat. In particular, low N inputs together with an appropriate rate of BC (0.5 wt%) could not only achieve the low inputs but also the high outputs in wheat production. In future study, we will compare the effects of multiple doses of N and BC on soil fertility and crop production.
Recent Advancements in the Atopic Dermatitis Mechanism.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a recurrent, chronic, inflammatory, itchy skin disorder that affects up to 20% of the pediatric population and 10% of the adult population worldwide. Onset typically occurs early in life, and although cardinal disease features are similar across all ages, different age groups and ethnicities present distinct clinical characteristics. The disease imposes a significant burden in all health-related quality of life domains, both in children and adults, and a substantial economic cost both at individual and national levels. The pathophysiology of AD includes a complex and multifaceted interplay between the impaired dysfunctional epidermal barrier, genetic predisposition, and environmental contributors, such as chemical and/or biological pollutants and allergens, in the context of dysregulated TH2 and TH17 skewed immune response. Regarding the genetic component, the loss of function mutations encoding structural proteins such as filaggrin, a fundamental epidermal protein, and the more recently identified variations in the epidermal differentiation complex are well-established determinants resulting in an impaired skin barrier in AD. More recently, epigenetic factors have facilitated AD development, including the dysbiotic skin microbiome and the effect of the external exposome, combined with dietary disorders. Notably, the interleukin (IL)-31 network, comprising several cell types, including macrophages, basophils, and the generated cytokines involved in the pathogenesis of itch in AD, has recently been explored. Unraveling the specific AD endotypes, highlighting the implicated molecular pathogenetic mechanisms of clinically relevant AD phenotypes, has emerged as a crucial step toward targeted therapies for personalized treatment in AD patients. This review aims to present state-of-the-art knowledge regarding the multifactorial and interactive pathophysiological mechanisms in AD.
Whole genome resequencing of advanced introgression lines of Brassica juncea L. Czern. for characterizing alien introgression from Diplotaxis erucoides L. DC

The productivity of Indian mustard Brassica juncea L. , a major oilseed crop in India, is heavily inflicted due to the fungal disease Alternarialeaf spot caused by Alternaria brassicae L. Genetic resistance against this disease is not available in the mustard cultivars. Screeningfor resistance among the cruciferous wild relatives identified Diplotaxis erucoides L. as a resistant species that can be used for sourcingresistance genes against Alternaria disease. The introgression lines developed by wide hybridization between D. erucoides and B. junceahave been advanced to BC2F7 generation through a recurrent selection of resistant plants at three locations. Development of molecularmarkers linked to alien introgression and the trait is highly desirable for tracking the alien introgression and early selection of thedesired plants. A study was conducted to develop STS markers associated with the introgressed alien DNA based on resequencing of aresistant and a susceptible introgression line. A step-wise bioinformatic analysis and identification of the species-specific DNA contigsfollowed by annotation led us to predict several putative STS markers. While the sequence data generated from more resistant plantsand further analysis are in the process, initial wet lab validation endorsed the appropriateness of the strategy. The identified markersthat showed species specificity need to be studied over the generations to establish their linkage with the trait of Alternaria resistance.
Correlations of Loneliness among Nepalese Senior Citizens

The Proportion of the elderly in Nepal is increasing rapidly. Senior citizens are prone to spirits of loneliness. It comprises both solitary life and life with the potential to participate in interaction with others. The purpose of the study was to analyze the loneliness situation among Nepalese young senior citizens. The subjects (n = 513) inhabitants of Butwal sub-metropolitan city having an age range of 60 to 74 (mean/SD = 65.86/4.20) years were female dominated (52.6 percent). Data were collected through frontal interviews using 20 statements of the loneliness scale developed by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). The data were analyzed using correlation vicariate, multiple regression analysis, and independent sample t-test. The study observed that 29.63 percent reported experiencing low levels of loneliness, 21.25 percent experienced moderate levels, and 49.12 percent reported high levels of loneliness. These levels of loneliness were categorized based on the scoring range: scores below 30 indicated low loneliness, scores of 30 to 39 indicated moderate loneliness, and scores of 40 or higher indicated high levels of loneliness. A statistically significant correlation was found between feelings of loneliness, sex, family type, marital status, education, social participation, and property ownership. Results of multiple regression analysis displayed property ownership, marital status, type of family, and sex standing as significant factors of loneliness. The present results indicate remarkable Nepalese young senior citizens were experiencing loneliness. It is necessary to assess the levels of loneliness of young senior citizens and pursue an intervention to reduce these problems.
European flat oysters on offshore wind farms: additional locations : opportunities for the development of European flat oyster (Ostrea edulis) populations on planned wind farms and additional locations in the Dutch section of the North Sea

To determine the relative suitability for development of self-sustaining European flat oyster (Ostrea edulis) beds, potential areas for offshore wind farms in the Dutch Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) were analysed following Smaal et al (2017). The studied locations are the new wind farm zones “Hollandse Kust (“noordwest”, “west” and “zuidwest”)”, “IJmuiden Ver” and the remaining lot of the North of the Frysian Islands Wind Farm Zone, but also 13 additional potential locations on the EEZ (i.e. CP4-CP6 and CP9-17) and, in addition, the nature area location Borkum Reef Ground (Borkumse Stenen). This research is performed within EZ-program Beleidsondersteunend Onderzoek (BO). Biotic and abiotic factors of importance for flat oyster survival, growth, reproduction and recruitment, were compared for the 8 wind farm locations of Smaal et al. (2017) and the 18 new locations. For the locations on the Dutch EEZ the following habitat factors are important for flat oyster beds: shear stress, suspended sediment, larval retention, temperature, sediment composition and food availability. Presence in historic distribution area was used as a verification. Average shear stress, suspended sediment and temperature are within the range considered suitable for the development of an oyster bed at all locations. Thus, these factors do not discriminate between locations. Maximum shear stress is too high at one location and the sediment is too silty at 7 locations. However, habitat restoration efforts may make the environment more suitable, e.g. by placing shell material or 3D structures which elevate the oysters from the bottom. Based on the analysis described in this report we recommend to select the following locations that are suitable for flat oyster restoration. 1. Best: Borssele Wind Farm Zone, Buitengaats (part of the Gemini wind park) and CP9 (within historic distribution and high larval retention); 2. Very good: Hollandse Kust (zuidwest) Wind Farm Zone (high larval retention); 3. Good: Offshore Windpark Egmond aan Zee, Prinses Amalia Windpark, Windpark Eneco Luchterduinen, Hollandse Kust (zuid) Wind Farm Zone, Hollandse Kust (noord) Wind Farm Zone (medium larval retention); 4. Suitable: the remaining lot of the North of the Frysian Islands Wind Farm Zone, Zee-energie (part of the Gemini wind park), Borkum Reef Ground (Borkumse Stenen) (within historic distribution, medium or high larval retention, but locally too high maximum shear stress or too silty); 5. Suitable with introduction of substrate: CP5, CP6 (medium or high larval retention, but too silty without introduction of substrate).
Development and application of multi-atlas attenuation correction for brain imaging with simultaneous PET-MR

Simultaneous PET-MR imaging brings new perspectives for understanding many aspects of brain function. To achieve PET-MR’s full potential, accurate brain attenuation correction (AC) is required for absolute PET quantification. In PET-MR scanners, radiodensity maps are not directly available unlike in PET/CT, and the attenuation map has to be derived from the MR data (MRAC methods). In this thesis, I have developed a multi-atlas procedure that produces a subject-specific µ-map for brain imaging (MaxProb) via multiple registrations of CT-MR atlas pairs to an MR target. The solution proposed only requires a T1-weighted MRI of the subject, commonly acquired in clinical and research protocols, and a CT-MR atlas database. The MaxProb method permits generating pseudo-CT images for brain MRAC with high accuracy. Results obtained show very good performance of the method and a bias in reconstructed PET of less than 2%. I have also demonstrated for the first time that an inaccurate attenuation correction map, combined with inhomogeneous spatial tracer distribution as is regularly encountered in dynamic brain PET, can lead to a non-constant bias of the activity measure across time, and this can distort kinetic parameter estimation. MaxProb AC is not affected by this phenomenon. Accurate quantification is also achieved with MaxProb on physiological parameters estimated from kinetic modelling, even when cerebellum (surrounded by bone) is used as reference region: In a simulation study, I have shown that compared to a standard approach (UTE), MaxProb multi-atlas MRAC enhances sensitivity to detect physiological variations in binding parameters, opening the way for new dynamic PET studies on simultaneous PET-MR systems
Genetic Risk Factors and Clinical Outcomes in Childhood Eye Cancers: A Review

Childhood eye cancers, although rare, present substantial health challenges, affecting the pediatric population with a remarkable impact on their lives and families. This comprehensive review provides insights into the various types of ocular tumors, primarily focusing on malignant eye tumors, their genetic predispositions, and advancements in managing these conditions. Understanding the genetic risk factors is crucial for early detection, risk assessment, and the development of targeted therapies. This review discusses genome-wide association (GWAS) and next-generation sequencing (NGS) studies to find common and rare genetic variants. Furthermore, it also explores the outcomes and implications of these genetic discoveries in treating pediatric ocular cancer. These findings underscore the significance of genetic research in guiding early interventions and improving outcomes in children with ocular cancers.