Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Crop Type Classification by DESIS Hyperspectral Imagery and Machine Learning Algorithms

Developments in space-based hyperspectral sensors, advanced remote sensing, and machine learning can help crop yield measurement, modelling, prediction, and crop monitoring for loss prevention and global food security. However, precise and continuous spectral signatures, important for large-area crop growth monitoring and early prediction of yield production with cutting-edge algorithms, can be only provided via hyperspectral imaging. Therefore, this article used new-generation Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt Earth Sensing Imaging Spectrometer (DESIS) images to classify the main crop types (hybrid corn, soybean, sunflower, and winter wheat) in Mezőhegyes (southeastern Hungary). A Wavelet-attention convolutional neural network (WA-CNN), random forest and support vector machine (SVM) algorithms were utilized to automatically map the crops over the agricultural lands. The best accuracy was achieved with the WA-CNN, a feature-based deep learning algorithm and a combination of two images with overall accuracy (OA) value of 97.89% and the user's accuracy producer's accuracy was from 97% to 99%. To obtain this, first, factor analysis was introduced to decrease the size of the hyperspectral image data cube. A wavelet transform was applied to extract important features and combined with the spectral attention mechanism CNN to gain higher accuracy in mapping crop types. Followed by SVM algorithm reported OA of 87.79%, with the producer's and user's accuracies of its classes ranging from 79.62% to 96.48% and from 79.63% to 95.73%, respectively. These results demonstrate the potentiality of DESIS data to observe the growth of different crop types and predict the harvest volume, which is crucial for farmers, smallholders, and decision-makers.
A simple model for low-frequency unsteadiness in shock-induced separation

A model to explain the low-frequency unsteadiness found in shock-induced separation is proposed for cases in which the flow is reattaching downstream. It is based on the properties of fluid entrainment in the mixing layer generated downstream of the separation shock whose low-frequency motions are related to successive contractions and dilatations of the separated bubble. The main aerodynamic parameters on which the process depends are presented. This model is consistent with experimental observations obtained by particle image velocimetry (PIV) in a Mach 2.3 oblique shock wave/turbulent boundary layer interaction, as well as with several different configurations reported in the literature for Mach numbers ranging from 0 to 5.
Numerical simulation of a liquid bridge in a coaxial gas flow

The dynamical response of an isothermal liquid bridge to a coaxial gas stream is examined from axisymmetric numerical simulations of the Navier–Stokes equations. The simulation method is previously validated by calculating the temporal evolution of the first oscillation mode in both cylindrical and axisymmetric liquid bridges. The comparison with other theoretical approaches and experiments shows good agreement in most cases, although significant discrepancies are found between the simulation and the experimental values of the damping rate for hexadecane. The simulation of a liquid bridge in a coaxial gas stream shows that a recirculation cell always appears in the liquid driven by the gas viscous stress on the free surface. The recirculation cell speed depends quasilinearly on the gas velocity for the range of gas flow rates considered. If the gas stream and gravity have the same direction, then the speed of the recirculation cell increases considerably due to the free surface deformation of the liquid b.
Improvement of Absorption and Hydrodynamic Efficiency by Using a Double-Foil Target with a Pinhole

The improvement of absorption and hydrodynamic efficiency was experimentally investigated by using a double-foil target with a pinhole for laser beam. The behavior of the accelerated target is reasonably consistent with a cannonball-acceleration model. The absorption coefficient and the hydrodynamic efficiency increased by factors of 14 and 7, respectively, in comparison with a single foil target under the same irradiation condition.
Supervised hospital based pulmonary rehabilitation outcome in long COVID–experience from a tertiary care hospital

Introduction: Some patients suffer from various multisystem symptoms even after active process of COVID-19 illness has settled lasting more than four weeks called as long COVID. Pulmonary rehabilitation therapy is the proposed option in those patients. This study aims to study the impact of pulmonary rehabilitation on outcome of long COVID patients through improvement in mMRC dyspnea scale, oxygen saturation, cough score, six-minute walk distance and biomarkers of inflammation Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study was carried out from the data of electronic medical records among 71 Long COVID patients. Parameters like Spo2, MMRC scale, cough score, six-minute walking distance along with blood levels of D-dimer, C-reactive protein (CRP), leucocyte count at the time of admission and after three weeks of pulmonary rehabilitation were collected. The outcome among the patients was divided into full recovery and partial recovery group. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software version 19.0. Result: Among 71 cases in our study 60 (84.50%) where male with mean age was 52.7 ± 13.23 years. Biomarkers like CRP and d-Dimer were elevated in 68 (95.7%) and 48 (67.6%) patients, respectively, at the time of admission. After 3 weeks of pulmonary rehabilitation mean SPO2, cough score, 6MWD showed significant improvement and normalization of biomarkers in recovered group of 61 out of 71 which was statistically significant. Conclusion: Significant improvement of oxygen saturation, mMRC grade, cough score, six-minute walk distance and normalization of biomarkers were marked following pulmonary rehabilitation. Thus, pulmonary rehabilitation therapy should be offered to all long COVID cases.
Association of 3-Phenoxybenzoic Acid Exposure during Pregnancy with Maternal Outcomes and Newborn Anthropometric Measures: Results from the IoMum Cohort Study

The aims of this study were to characterize the exposure of pregnant women living in Portugal to 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA) and to evaluate the association of this exposure with maternal outcomes and newborn anthropometric measures. We also aimed to compare exposure in summer with exposure in winter. Pregnant women attending ultrasound scans from April 2018 to April 2019 at a central hospital in Porto, Portugal, were invited to participate. Inclusion criteria were: gestational week between 10 and 13, confirmed fetal vitality, and a signature of informed consent. 3-PBA was measured in spot urine samples by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The median 3-PBA concentration was 0.263 (0.167; 0.458) µg/g creatinine (n = 145). 3-PBA excretion was negatively associated with maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.049), and it was higher during the summer when compared to winter (p < 0.001). The frequency of fish or yogurt consumption was associated positively with 3-PBA excretion, particularly during the winter (p = 0.002 and p = 0.015, respectively), when environmental exposure is low. Moreover, 3-PBA was associated with levothyroxine use (p = 0.01), a proxy for hypothyroidism, which could be due to a putative 3-PBA—thyroid hormone antagonistic effect. 3-PBA levels were not associated with the anthropometric measures of the newborn. In conclusion, pregnant women living in Portugal are exposed to 3-PBA, particularly during summer, and this exposure may be associated with maternal clinical features.
Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis to Explore Hub Genes of Resveratrol Biosynthesis in Exocarp and Mesocarp of ‘Summer Black’ Grape

Resveratrol is a polyphenol compound beneficial to human health, and its main source is grapes. In the present study, the molecular regulation of resveratrol biosynthesis in developing grape berries was investigated using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). At the same time, the reason for the resveratrol content difference between grape exocarp (skin) and mesocarp (flesh) was explored. Hub genes (CHS, STS, F3’5’H, PAL, HCT) related to resveratrol biosynthesis were screened with Cytoscape software. The expression level of hub genes in the exocarp was significantly higher than that in the mesocarp, and the expressions of the hub genes and the content of resveratrol in exocarp peaked at the maturity stage. While the expression levels of PAL, CHS and STS in the mesocarp, reached the maximum at the maturity stage, and F3′5′H and HCT decreased. These hub genes likely play a key role in resveratrol biosynthesis. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis further indicated that resveratrol biosynthesis was related to flavonoid biosynthesis, phenylalanine metabolism, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and stilbene biosynthesis pathways. This study has theoretical significance for exploring genes related to resveratrol biosynthesis in the exocarp and mesocarp of grapes, and provides a theoretical basis for the subsequent function and regulatory mechanism of hub genes.
An investigation of the elastic constants of thulium vanadate at 9 GHz

The field dependence of the elastic constants c66 and 1/2(c11-c12) has been measured at 9 GHz in the cooperative Jahn-Teller system TmVO4. The experiments have been performed at liquid helium temperatures using an ultrasonic pulse-echo overlap technique with a sensitivity of about 1 part in 104. For the B2g mode the Jahn-Teller coupling constants were found to be lambda /kB=-1.0K and mu /kB=3.2K. The ratio of mu to lambda is in good agreement with the molecular-field value of about -3. For the B1g mode lambda '/kB=-0.1K and mu '/kB=0.35K; mu '/ lambda ' approximately=-3.5. From the critical behaviour of c66, the critical index gamma was found to be 1.00+or-0.02. Measurements were also performed on the mixed crystal Tm0.82Lu0. 18VO4, and from the field dependence of the elastic constant 1/2(c11-c12), the importance of random strains in this dilute TmVO4 system has been confirmed.
Identification of Closed Linear Epitopes in S1-RBD and S2-HR1/2 of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Able to Induce Neutralizing Abs

SARS-CoV-2 has evolved as several variants. Immunization to boost the Ab response to Spike antigens is effective, but similar vaccines could not enhance Ab efficacy enough. Effective Ab responses against the human ACE2 (hACE2)-mediated infection of the emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants are needed. We identified closed linear epitopes of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike molecule that induced neutralizing Abs (nAbs) against both S1-RBD, responsible for attachment to hACE2, and S2-HR1/2, in convalescents and vaccine recipients. They inhibited a pseudo-virus infection mediated by the hACE2 pathway. The epitope sequences included epitopes #7 (aa411-432), #11 (aa459-480) and #111 (aa1144-1161), in S1-RBD and S2-HR2. Epitope #111 was conserved in Wuhan and variant strains, whereas #7 and #11 were conserved in Wuhan carried mutations K417N and S477N/T478K in Omicron BA.4/5. These mutations were recognized by the original epitope-specific Abs. These epitopes in RBD and HR2 neither contained, nor overlapped with, those responsible for the antibody-dependent enhancement of the SARS-CoV-2 infection. The sublingual administration of multiple epitope-conjugated antigens increased the IgG and IgA Abs specific to the neutralizing epitopes in mice pre-immunized subcutaneously. The findings indicated that S1-RBD and S2-HR2 epitopes were responsible for pseudo-virus SARS-CoV-2 infections and that sublingual boosts with multiple epitope-conjugated antigens could enhance the protection by nAbs of IgG and IgA against infection by a wide range of variants.
Design of Ultra-wideband 3dB Quadrature Coupler MMIC

In this paper, a 2∼18GHz ultra-broadband 3dB quadrature coupler that achieves 160% fractional bandwidth exceeding three octaves using monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) technology was proposed. The directional coupler adopts the unequal tandem construction, and this design approach minimizes the needed coupling coefficients and thus reduces design difficulty. Furthermore, a method of parallel capacitance between the coupled lines is also utilized to enhance the coupling and minimize the size of the microstrip lines. The coupler was designed based on the Win Semiconductor Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) H02U process environment. EM simulation results show that the amplitude imbalance within operating frequency is less than 3.5dB, the phase imbalance is no more than 7 degrees.
The association of metabolic risk factors with ischemic heart disease and heart failure in Saudi Arabia – A cross sectional study

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading non-communicable cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. This study aimed at determining the association of metabolic risk factors with ischemic heart disease (IHD) and heart failure (HF). Methods: A cross-sectional study including 104 participants was conducted in three major hospitals between October 2020 and October 2021. All adult patients of either gender, over the age of 35, attending the CVD screening program at the family medicine clinics of the hospitals were included in the study. The physician collected demographic details, history of CVD, diabetes or hypertension, and current medication. Each patient's body mass index (BMI) was calculated, electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood tests were done. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were checked. Results: The mean age of the participants was 47.6 (SD = 13.5) years. Diabetes and hypertension had increased odds of IHD by 129 (CI = 6.20 – 2698.42, P = 0.002) and 195 (CI = 13.87 – 2743.11, P < 0.001) times, respectively. Diabetes mellitus (Chi2 = 11.93, P < 0.001) and hypertension (Chi2 = 14.74, P < 0.001) had significant association with HF. Dyslipidemia was significantly associated with IHD (OR = 12.41, CI = 1.15 – 134.12, P = 0.038) and high-grade HF (OR = 14.91 CI = 3.61 – 61.40, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Age, dyslipidemia, diabetes, hypertension, and left ventricular hypertrophy have significant association with IHD or HF among the study population.
Ionized gas and radio emission in the barred Seyfert galaxy NGC 5728

This paper reports extensive new optical and radio observations of NGC 5728, emphasizing the central regions. Deep photographs revealing detail in the faint spiral arms are briefly discussed. Broad-band UBV CCD images obtained to examine the colors of the stellar populations that comprise the bar and central ring are presented. The velocity field and emission maps obtained from imaging spectroscopic measurements in the H-alpha emission line are discussed. Conventional long-slit spectra covering the ionized gas in the nuclear region are described. Detailed maps of the radio emission in the central regions of NGC 5728 are presented. These combined data provide considerable evidence for the inflow of gas into the nuclear region, in response to the nonaxisymmetric gravitational potential of the bar. The possible relation of this phenomenon to the Seyfert nature of NGC 5728 is also considered. 48 references.
Effective electrical passivation of Ge(100) for high-k gate dielectric layers using germanium oxide

In search of a proper passivation for high-k Ge metal-oxide-semiconductor devices, the authors have deposited high-k dielectric layers on GeO2, grown at 350–450°C in O2. ZrO2, HfO2, and Al2O3 were deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD). GeO2 and ZrO2 or HfO2 intermix during ALD, together with partial reduction of Ge4+. Almost no intermixing or reduction occurs during Al2O3 ALD. Capacitors show well-behaved capacitance-voltage characteristics on both n- and p-Ge, indicating efficient passivation of the Ge∕GeOx interface. The density of interface states is typically in the low to mid-1011cm−2eV−1 range, approaching state-of-the-art Si∕HfO2∕matal gate devices.
Lotus Root Polysaccharide-Phenol Complexes: Interaction, Structure, Antioxidant, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities

This research aimed to explore the interaction between lotus root polysaccharides (LRPs) and phenolic compounds, and to study the effects of phenolic binding on the structural and functional properties of LRPs. The influences of pH, temperature, and NaCl and phenol concentration on the binding ratio of gallic acid (GA)/epigallocatechin (EGC) to LRPs were evaluated. LRP-GA/EGC complexes with different phenolic binding amounts were then prepared and characterized via ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and average molecular weight (MW) measurements. The results suggest that hydrogen bonds contributed to the binding of GA/EGC and LRPs. The phenolic binding led to significant changes in the structure and MW of LRPs. Moreover, antioxidant activity and the macrophage-stimulating effect of LRPs were improved after binding with GA/EGC, depending on the binding amount and type of polyphenol. Interestingly, LRP-GA/EGC complexes with polyphenol binding amounts of 105.4 mg/g and 50.71 mg/g, respectively, showed better stimulation effects on the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL10 secretion of macrophages when compared to LRPs. These results show the great potential of phenolic binding to be applied to improve the structure and functional activity of LRPs.
Metabolomic Analyses to Identify Candidate Biomarkers of Cystinosis

Cystinosis is a rare, devastating hereditary disease secondary to recessive CTNS gene mutations. The most commonly used diagnostic method is confirmation of an elevated leukocyte cystine level; however, this method is expensive and difficult to perform. This study aimed to identify candidate biomarkers for the diagnosis and follow-up of cystinosis based on multiomics studies. The study included three groups: newly-diagnosed cystinosis patients (patient group, n = 14); cystinosis patients under treatment (treatment group, n = 19); and healthy controls (control group, n = 30). Plasma metabolomics analysis identified 10 metabolites as candidate biomarkers that differed between the patient and control groups [L-serine, taurine, lyxose, 4-trimethylammoniobutanoic acid, orotic acid, glutathione, PE(O-18:1(9Z)/0:0), 2-hydroxyphenyl acetic acid, acetyl-N-formil-5-metoxikinuramine, 3-indoxyl sulphate]. As compared to the healthy control group, in the treatment group, hypotaurine, phosphatidylethanolamine, N-acetyl-d-mannosamine, 3-indolacetic acid, p-cresol, phenylethylamine, 5-aminovaleric acid, glycine, creatinine, and saccharic acid levels were significantly higher, and the metabolites quinic acid, capric acid, lenticin, xanthotoxin, glucose-6-phosphate, taurine, uric acid, glyceric acid, alpha-D-glucosamine phosphate, and serine levels were significantly lower. Urinary metabolomic analysis clearly differentiated the patient group from the control group by means of higher allo-inositol, talose, glucose, 2-hydroxybutiric acid, cystine, pyruvic acid, valine, and phenylalanine levels, and lower metabolite (N-acetyl-L-glutamic acid, 3-aminopropionitrile, ribitol, hydroquinone, glucuronic acid, 3-phosphoglycerate, xanthine, creatinine, and 5-aminovaleric acid) levels in the patient group. Urine metabolites were also found to be significantly different in the treatment group than in the control group. Thus, this study identified candidate biomarkers that could be used for the diagnosis and follow-up of cystinosis.
Dependence of the saturable absorption of graphene upon excitation photon energy

Using an optical parametric oscillation laser as the excitation source, the dependence of the saturable absorption of multiple-layer graphene upon photon energy is investigated and, in all cases, the saturation intensity is lower for lower excitation photon energy. This result experimentally proves the hourglass shape of the energy band of graphene, which is a well-known theoretical deduction from first principles. The modulation depth increases from 1.5% to 5.1% when the layer number increases from a monolayer to 5–7 layers and, at the same time, the saturation intensity decreases with increasing number of layers. The results demonstrate that, as a saturable absorber of a pulsed laser, graphene can more easily achieve optical modulation in the low energy region, i.e., the infrared waveband.
Feasibility of Implementation and the Impact of a Digital Prehabilitation Service in Patients Undergoing Treatment for Oesophago-Gastric Cancer

Background: Home-based and supervised prehabilitation programmes are shown to have a positive impact on outcomes in patients with oesophago-gastric (OG) cancer. The primary aim of this study was to establish the feasibility of delivering a digital prehabilitation service. Methods: Patients undergoing treatment for OG cancer with curative intent were recruited into the study. During the COVID-19 pandemic, patients were offered a digital prehabilitation service. Following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, patients were also offered both a hybrid clinic-based in-person service and a digital service. Implementation and clinical metrics from the two prehabilitation models were compared. Results: 31 of 41 patients accepted the digital service (75%). Of the people who started the digital programme, 3 dropped out (10%). Compliance with the weekly touchpoints was 86%, and the median length of programme was 12 weeks. Twenty-six patients enrolled in the in-person service. Two patients dropped out (10%). Average compliance to weekly touchpoints was 71%, and the median length of programme was 10 weeks. In the digital group, sit to stand (STS) increased from 14.5 (IQR 10.5–15.5) to 16 (IQR 16–22); p = 0.02. Median heart rate recovery (HRR) increased from 10.5 (IQR 7.5–14) to 15.5 (IQR 11–20) bpm; p = 0.24. There was a significant drop in distress (median 3 (IQR 0–5) to 1 (IQR 0–2); p = 0.04) and a small drop in anxiety (median 3 (0–5) to 2 (0–3); p = 0.22). There was no difference in the postoperative complication rate and length of hospital stay between the two groups. Discussion: This study has shown that digital prehabilitation can be delivered effectively to patients with OG cancer, with high engagement and retention rates. We observed improvements in some physical and psychological parameters with the digital service, with comparable clinical outcomes to the in-person service.