Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rainfall estimation by inverting SMOS soil moisture estimates: A comparison of different methods over Australia

Remote sensing of soil moisture has reached a level of maturity and accuracy for which the retrieved products can be used to improve hydrological and meteorological applications. In this study, the soil moisture product from the Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) satellite is used for improving satellite rainfall estimates obtained from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission multisatellite precipitation analysis product (TMPA) using three different “bottom up” techniques: SM2RAIN, Soil Moisture Analysis Rainfall Tool, and Antecedent Precipitation Index Modification. The implementation of these techniques aims at improving the well‐known “top down” rainfall estimate derived from TMPA products (version 7) available in near real time. Ground observations provided by the Australian Water Availability Project are considered as a separate validation data set. The three algorithms are calibrated against the gauge‐corrected TMPA reanalysis product, 3B42, and used for adjusting the TMPA real‐time product, 3B42RT, using SMOS soil moisture data. The study area covers the entire Australian continent, and the analysis period ranges from January 2010 to November 2013. Results show that all the SMOS‐based rainfall products improve the performance of 3B42RT, even at daily time scale (differently from previous investigations). The major improvements are obtained in terms of estimation of accumulated rainfall with a reduction of the root‐mean‐square error of more than 25%. Also, in terms of temporal dynamic (correlation) and rainfall detection (categorical scores) the SMOS‐based products provide slightly better results with respect to 3B42RT, even though the relative performance between the methods is not always the same. The strengths and weaknesses of each algorithm and the spatial variability of their performances are identified in order to indicate the ways forward for this promising research activity. Results show that the integration of bottom up and top down approaches has the potential to improve the quality of near‐real‐time rainfall estimates from remote sensing in the near future.
Forest leaf litter beetles of Taiwan: first DNA barcodes and first insight into the fauna

We report the publication of 953 DNA barcodes of forest leaf litter beetles from central Taiwan, in total representing 334 species of 36 beetle families. This is the first bulk of data from the Taiwanese Leaf Litter beetles project focused on uncovering the under-explored diversity of leaf litter beetles across Taiwan. Based on these data, we provide the first records of the following taxa for Taiwan: family Sphindidae (genus Aspidiphorus Ziegler, 1821); tribes Trichonychini, Ctenistini, and Bythinoplectini (all Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae); genera Gyrelon Hinton, 1942, Thyroderus Sharp, 1885, Cautomus Sharp, 1885 (all Cerylonidae), Dermatohomoeus Hlisnikovský, 1963 (Leiodidae), Paraploderus Herman, 1970 (Staphylinidae: Oxytelinae), Thinocharis Kraatz, 1859 (Staphylinidae: Paederinae), Cephennodes Reitter, 1884, Napoconnus Franz, 1957 (both Staphylinidae: Scydmaeninae), Bicava Belon, 1884 (Latridiidae), Otibazo Morimoto, 1961, Seleuca Pascoe, 1871 and Acallinus Morimoto, 1962 (all Curculionidae); species Oodes (Lachnocrepis) japonicus (Bates, 1873) (Carabidae: Licininae), Drusilla obliqua (Bernhauer, 1916) (Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae) and Coccotrypes advena Blandford, 1894 (Curculionidae: Scolytinae). The records of Anapleus Horn, 1873 (Histeridae) and Batraxis Reitter, 1882 (Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae) have been confirmed. The male of Sivacrypticus taiwanicus Kaszab, 1964 (Archeocrypticidae) is described for the first time. Gyrelon jenpani Hu, Fikáček & Matsumoto, sp. nov. (Cerylonidae) is described, illustrated, and compared with related species. DNA barcodes associated larvae of 42 species with adults, we are concisely illustrating some of these: Oodes japonicus, Perigona cf. nigriceps Dejean, 1831 (both Carabidae), Ptilodactyla sp. (Ptilodactylidae), Maltypus ryukyuanus Wittmer, 1970 (Cantharidae), Drusilla obliqua, Myrmecocephalus brevisulcus (Pace, 2008), Diochus sp. , Mimopinophilus sp. (all Staphylinidae), Stelidota multiguttata Reitter, 1877, Lasiodites inaequalis (Grouvelle, 1914) (both Nitidulidae), Lagria scutellaris Pic, 1910, and Anaedus spinicornis Kaszab, 1973 (both Tenebrionidae). We also report the first cases of Rickettsia infections in Scydmaeninae and Pselaphinae. All data (sequences, metadata, and voucher photos) are made public in BOLD database and in a Zenodo Archive.
Job Security and Faculty Commitment within Higher Education Institutions

Purpose: The main objective of this study is to examine the relationship between faculty job security and organizational commitment in Nepalese higher education, focusing on qualitative and quantitative job security parameters. Methodology: A cross-sectional methodology was used to examine perceived job security and its impact on academic professionals in the Kathmandu Valley. The study involved developing and distributing a self-administered questionnaire to 210 academics associated with Tribhuvan University from different occupational specialties and pay tiers. Descriptive and causal-comparative research designs were employed in the study. Findings: The study found significant associations between job security and organizational commitment (OC). From the results obtained in regression analysis, the value of adjusted R square was 0.584, signifying that 58.4 % of the variation in organizational commitment was due to qualitative and quantitative aspects of job security. The study's results provide empirical evidence supporting the positive impact of qualitative and quantitative employment security factors on OC. Keeping all other independent measures constant, an increase of one unit in qualitative forces would increase OC by 0.522 units (β = 0.468, p < 0.01), followed by an increase of 0.333 units in OC due to quantitative factors (β = 0.286, p < 0.01). Implications: Commitment was significantly impacted by both the quantitative and qualitative dimensions of job security, suggesting that improving job security measures could lead to higher levels of commitment. These results illustrate the importance of job security in supporting loyalty and productivity in Nepalese academic institutions, emphasizing the necessity for proactive measures to improve job security to increase faculty members' organizational commitment. Originality/Value: This study examines how quantitative and qualitative job security affects organizational commitment in Nepalese academic institutions, providing novel insights. It emphasizes the importance of job security in faculty commitment, emphasizing the necessity for focused interventions to improve qualitative and quantitative aspects of job security.
The study of glacier change using remote sensing in Mt. Muztagta

Glaciers play an important role in the earth's climatic system. Regular surveying of glacier change is almost impossible in most areas of the region and the use of remote sensing techniques is at the primary stage and the only means of measurement in many places. GIS provides an efficient tool for analyzing the status and changes of glaciers. In this paper, the Mt. Muztagta of Talimu watershed was selected as the test area and the glacier variations between 1965 and 2001 were analyzed by employing satellite imagery, topographical map and the derived digital elevation model (DEM) in the area. The results indicate that the glaciers had been reduced generally in the test area from the number of glacier changes, and the glacier area had decreased for about 1.11%, while part of the glacier had increased in the west and south from 1965 to 2001.
Analytical method of load-transfer of single pile under expansive soil swelling

分别地，有堆积顶上或仅仅在胀大的土壤下面的应用负担的单个堆积任何一个的负担转移的有弹性的微分方程基于堆积土壤相互作用和砍变丑方法的理论被建立。 为在广泛的土壤的单个堆积的负担转移的分析答案的推导能在此在广泛的土壤胀大下面借助于重叠原则被获得。 二个工程例子的比较被做证明建议方法的可靠。 分析结果证明这个分析解决方案能完成高精确，很少参数要求了，显示它在设计申请的简洁和有实行可能。 采用的方法能贡献沿着堆积柄源于广泛的土壤胀大决定最大的紧张并且为设计设计提供可靠的底。 方法能被采用与活跃深度，表面的垂直运动和大量堆积顶的变化沿着堆积柄获得轴的力量，解决和皮肤磨擦的各种各样的分发的曲线。
Energetics, yield, water use and economics of rice-based cropping system

A field experiment was conducted during 1993-96 at Bilaspur to study the energy requirement, water use and economics of seven different rice-based cropping systems. Among the cropping sequences tried, the energy input and output were maximum in rice-rice. However, energy output of major products was maximum in rice-peanut system. Energy use efficiency was maximum with rice- chickpea followed by rice-wheat. Rice-chickpea system recorded the highest water use efficiency followed by rice-sunflower, but the total amount of water used was more in rice-rice system. Cultivation cost was maximum with rice-rice system ( R s 25398lha) while the net return was more or less same in tice-rice, rice-wheat and rice-peanut cropping systems.
Comparative analysis of morphological and biochemical properties of some Mulberry (Morus spp.) genotypes

Mulberry is a multipurpose tree in horticulture. Besides nutritional importance, it is used for raising silkworms, fodder and landscape. These is quite a wide genetic diversity among different mulberry genotypes. The present study was undertaken to evaluate certain morphological and biochemical properties of 20 genotypes of Morus alba, M. rubra, and M. nigra species distributed in Golestan Province, northern Iran. The highest leaf length (15.51 cm), petiole length (5.37 cm), vitamin C (4.34 mg/100 g) and phenol (31.89 mg/g) were recorded in M12 genotype. The highest fruit length (5.52 cm), pedicle length (17 mm), soluble solids (18.26%) and sucrose (31.64 mg/g) were recorded in M10 genotype. The amount of glucose (288.82 mg/g) and fructose (121.97 mg/g) were also dominant in M17 genotype. The utmost fruit fresh and dry weights (0.3-67.80 g), fruit diameter (1.99 cm), leaf width (11.94 cm) and flavonoids (24.67 mg/g) were also observed in the M20 genotype. The M1 and M2 genotypes had higher anthocyanin (1.13 µmol/g) and total antioxidant activity (66.71%) compared to other genotypes. Furthermore, fruit fresh and dry weights were positively correlated with fruit length and diameter, pedicle length, and leaf and petiole length. The highest positive correlation was observed among anthocyanin, vitamin C and phenols. The morphological and biochemical traits explained 99 % of the total variance of four and three main components. The results of cluster analysis grouped these genotypes into 3 main groups. Therefore, the highest heritability and genetic advance were found for fruit weight, petiole length, leaf width, antioxidant activity, fructose and flavonoids. The valuable pomological traits recorded for some genotypes may be useful for future breeding programs.
Daily positive and negative affect during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic influenced emotional experiences globally. We examined daily positive and negative affect between May/June 2020 and February 2021 (N = 151,049; 3,509,982 observations) using a convenience sample from a national mobile application-based survey that asked for daily affect reports. Four questions were examined: (1) How did people in the United States feel from May/June 2020 to February 2021? ; (2) What demographic variables are related to positive and negative affect? ; (3) What is the relationship between experienced stressors and daily affect? ; and (4) What is the relationship between daily affect and preventive behavior? Positive affect increased, and negative decreased over time. Demographic differences mirrored those from before the pandemic (e.g., younger participants reported more negative and less positive affect). Stressors such as feeling unwell, experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, exposure to COVID-19, and lack of sleep were associated with less positive and more negative affect. Exercising protective behaviors predicted future affect, and affect also predicted future protective behaviors (e.g., less protective behavior when happy but more when grateful and thoughtful). The implications for public health communication were discussed.
Microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris) attenuates aflatoxin-associated renal injury

Introduction: Aflatoxins (AFT) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants that are extremely dangerous for both human beings as well as animals. A safe, effective, and considerate strategy is therefore credited with controlling AFT intoxication. Therefore, our study aimed to evaluate the mitigating properties of Chlorella vulgaris (ChV) against AFT-induced nephrotoxicity and altered egg quality. Methods: Quails were randomized into Control group (receiving a normal diet); ChV group (1 g/kg diet); AFT group (receiving an AFT-containing diet); and the AFT-ChV group were given both treatments. Results and discussion: AFT provoked kidney injury, exhibited by increased renal biochemical parameters and reduced protein levels. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels dramatically increased as a consequence of AFT exposure, and glutathione (GSH) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities were also decreased. Substantial up-modulation of the mRNA expression of the inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) was additionally reported. Furthermore, AFT residues were detected in the egg compromising its quality and nutritional value. Contrarily, ChV supplemented diet suppressed the AFT-prompted oxidative stress and inflammation, together with enhancing the nutritional value and quality of eggs and decreasing AFT residues. These beneficial impacts are proposed to be attributed to its antioxidant and nutritional ingredients. The molecular docking dynamics confirmed the inflammatory and apoptotic protein targets for ChV. Our findings recommend that adding ChV supplements to foods might guard against nephrotoxicity brought on by AFT exposure.
Differences in athletic identity, sport participation, and psychosocial factors following anterior cruciate ligament rehabilitation in youth athletes

Introduction While youth sports benefits the developing athlete, athletes may also be subject to injury and subsequent return-to-sport protocols. The current return-to-sport criteria emphasize physical measures; however, psychological measures may also be valuable to inform providers of an athlete’s readiness. One such measure is athletic identity defined as the degree to which an individual identifies with the athlete role. To better understand athletic identity in return-to-sport, this study aimed to identify relationships and trends between the Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS), demographic variables, sport participation measures, and the Athletic Coping Skills Inventory-28 (ACSI-28) in youth athletes during rehabilitation following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Methods A retrospective review was completed of patients who underwent ACLR at a sports medicine clinic between October 2019 and May 2021. Patients responded to a series of patient reported outcomes (PROs) regarding physical and psychological function at a pre-surgical baseline and after 1 year of rehabilitation. Patients were then divided into groups of high/low AIMS and an increased/decreased AIMS between 1 year and baseline for comparison. Independent samples t-tests and ANOVAs were performed as appropriate with a 95% confidence interval. Results In the final sample, 87 patients (15.3 ± 1.8 years) were included, with 51.7% being females. Total AIMS scores decreased from 50.3 to 47.5 over rehabilitation (p = 0.019). Furthermore, results indicated that nearly all AIMS scores decreased during rehabilitation, with none showing an increase; however, not all domains were significant. Conversely, all sport participation and coping ability PROs increased over time points except for ACSI-Confidence and Achievement Motivation. Generally, those in the groups with high AIMS and an increase in AIMS also had higher scores in physical function and coping ability PROs, with the groups separated by high/low AIMS exhibiting more frequent statistical significance. Discussion Given these results, it appears that athletes may lose identification with the athlete role after ACLR and struggle even 1 year for rehabilitation, but those who recover athletic identity the best may also be those able to cope most effectively with the stressors induced by injury.
Personal protective measures and settings on the risk of SARS-COV-2 community transmission: a case–control study

Background During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, nurses of primary health care has been an important role in Spain. Even so, the data obtained in the tracing have been scarcely used to investigate the possible mechanisms of transmission. Few studies focused on community transmission, evaluating the effectiveness of individual protective measures and exposure environment. The main aim of the study was to evaluate the association between individual protective measures and SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the community and to compare secondary attack rates in different exposure settings. Methods A case–control study from contact tracing of SARS-CoV-2 index patients. COVID-19 contact tracing was led by nurses at the COVID-19 Coordinating Centre in Majorca (Spain). During the systematic tracing, additional information for this study was collected from the index patient (social-demographic variables, symptoms, the number of close contacts). And also, the following variables from their close contacts: contact place, ventilation characteristics mask-wearing, type of mask, duration of contact, shortest distance, case-contact relationship, household members, and handwashing, the test result for SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic. Close contacts with a positive test for SARS-CoV-2 were classified as “cases” and those negative as “controls. ” Results A total of 1,778 close contacts from 463 index patients were identified. No significant differences were observed between the sexes but between age groups. Overall Secondary Attack Rate (SAR) was 24.0% (95% CI: 22.0–26.0%), 36.9% (95% CI: 33.2–40.6%) in closed spaces without ventilation and 50.7% (95% CI: 45.6–55.8%) in exposure time > 24 h. A total of 49.2% of infections occurred among household members. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that open-air setting (OR 0.43, 95% CI: 0.27–0.71), exposure for less than 1 h (OR 0.19, 95% CI: 0.11–0.32), and wearing a mask (OR 0.49, 95% CI: 0.28–0.85) had a protective effect transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in the community. Conclusion Ventilation of the space, mask-wearing and shorter exposure time were associated with a lower risk of transmission in the community. The data obtained allowed an assessment of community transmission mechanisms and could have helped to improve and streamline tracing by identifying close contacts at higher risk.
PDSE-Lite: lightweight framework for plant disease severity estimation based on Convolutional Autoencoder and Few-Shot Learning

Plant disease diagnosis with estimation of disease severity at early stages still remains a significant research challenge in agriculture. It is helpful in diagnosing plant diseases at the earliest so that timely action can be taken for curing the disease. Existing studies often rely on labor-intensive manually annotated large datasets for disease severity estimation. In order to conquer this problem, a lightweight framework named “PDSE-Lite” based on Convolutional Autoencoder (CAE) and Few-Shot Learning (FSL) is proposed in this manuscript for plant disease severity estimation with few training instances. The PDSE-Lite framework is designed and developed in two stages. In first stage, a lightweight CAE model is built and trained to reconstruct leaf images from original leaf images with minimal reconstruction loss. In subsequent stage, pretrained layers of the CAE model built in the first stage are utilized to develop the image classification and segmentation models, which are then trained using FSL. By leveraging FSL, the proposed framework requires only a few annotated instances for training, which significantly reduces the human efforts required for data annotation. Disease severity is then calculated by determining the percentage of diseased leaf pixels obtained through segmentation out of the total leaf pixels. The PDSE-Lite framework’s performance is evaluated on Apple-Tree-Leaf-Disease-Segmentation (ATLDS) dataset. However, the proposed framework can identify any plant disease and quantify the severity of identified diseases. Experimental results reveal that the PDSE-Lite framework can accurately detect healthy and four types of apple tree diseases as well as precisely segment the diseased area from leaf images by using only two training samples from each class of the ATLDS dataset. Furthermore, the PDSE-Lite framework’s performance is compared with existing state-of-the-art techniques, and it is found that this framework outperformed these approaches. The proposed framework’s applicability is further verified by statistical hypothesis testing using Student t-test. The results obtained from this test confirm that the proposed framework can precisely estimate the plant disease severity with a confidence interval of 99%. Hence, by reducing the reliance on large-scale manual data annotation, the proposed framework offers a promising solution for early-stage plant disease diagnosis and severity estimation.
Surface mining and reclamation: Initial changes in soil character

ABSTRACT: Five different, newly reconstructed soil units on surface-mined land and three undisturbed (cultivated, but not mined) soil units were defined and characterized. Selected properties of the reclaimed soils were compared with those of nearby undisturbed soils to determine what changes took place during the mining and reclamation operations. The properties of the five constructed soil units were closely related to premining overburden characteristics and method of soil construction. Comparisons of each of the eight soil units emphasized differences between constructed soils and undisturbed soils, between mining sites, and between topsoil and spoil units within each of the mining sites. Compared with the undisturbed soils, the constructed soils had higher bulk densities and lacked structure. Both the undisturbed soils and constructed soils had moderately fine textures. Organic carbon levels were lower for the constructed soils except in the surfaces of the units that had been topsoiled. In general, the pH, exchangeable calcium levels, and exchangeable sodium levels were higher and the exchangeable magnesium levels were equal or higher in the constructed soils than in the natural soils. The properties of the constructed soils reflect premining overburden character and method of soil construction, suggesting that considerable control over postmine soil characteristics can be managed by careful selection of materials and material-handling methods.