Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A mixed-methods study on the implementation of a mobile health application (mHealth app) for stroke caregivers in Malaysia: healthcare providers’ perspective

Introduction Recognizing the burden experienced by caregivers of stroke survivors, an intervention using mobile health applications (mHealth apps) has been proposed to support and empower stroke caregivers. This study aimed to assess the acceptability and expectations of healthcare providers, who play a vital role as gatekeepers in the healthcare system, to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of the intervention. Methods This was a concurrent mixed-method study design, with healthcare providers involved in stroke care management in the northeast regions of Malaysia as study participants. The qualitative component of the study was conducted using a phenomenological approach that involved in-depth interviews to explore the acceptability and expectations of healthcare providers regarding the adoption of mHealth apps in the context of stroke caregiving. The study was complemented by quantitative data collected through an online survey using an adjusted version of the technology acceptance model tool. Results In total, 239 participants from diverse backgrounds and professions were enrolled in the study, with 12 in the qualitative component and 227 in the quantitative component. The findings from the quantitative survey showed that over 80% of the participants expressed their intention to use mHealth apps. The qualitative component generated two themes related to the acceptability and expectations of mHealth apps, which were integrated with the quantitative findings. Additionally, in-depth interviews revealed a new theme, namely the key features of mHealth, with three sub-themes: availability of services for caregivers, provision of knowledge skills, and supporting caregivers in managing stroke patients. Conclusion Healthcare providers demonstrated excellent acceptability of this mHealth intervention as part of caregiving assistance, particularly with the inclusion of essential key features. However, future investigations are necessary to establish the feasibility of integrating the mHealth app into the healthcare system and to ensure its long-term sustainability.
Neodymium isotopic composition and concentration in the Southwest Pacific Ocean

We report two vertical profiles of the concentration and isotopic composition of neodymium (Nd) in seawater samples collected at 20°S and 30°S along a longitude of 170°W in the Southwest Pacific Ocean. At depths below 500 m, Nd isotopic composition values are less radiogenic than those obtained from the subtropical North Pacific. The minimum e Nd values of ‐8.0 and ‐6.9 at depths of 800 to 1000 m correspond to Antarctic Intermediate Water (AAIW). The differences in eNd values between upper deep water (2000‐3000 m) and lower deep water (>4000 m) seem to be associated with Upper and Lower Circumpolar Deep Waters (UCDW and LCDW, respectively). The radiogenic Nd supply to AAIW from the Society Islands is estimated to be 30 ± 22 tons Nd/yr, which is consistent with the estimates from previous studies conducted in the same location and the oceanic region close to the Hawaiian Islands. Our study demonstrates the uniqueness of Nd isotopic composition distributions in the Southwest Pacific Ocean. These results may be valuable for tracing present and past ocean circulation in this region.
Addressing uncertainty in reflectivity‐rainfall relations in mountain watersheds during summer convection

The use of precipitation estimates from weather radar reflectivity has become widespread in hydrologic predictions. However, uncertainty remains in the use of the nonlinear reflectivity–rainfall (Z‐R) relation, in particular for mountainous regions where ground validation stations are often lacking, land surface data sets are inaccurate and the spatial variability in many features is high. In this study, we assess the propagation of rainfall errors introduced by different Z‐R relations on distributed hydrologic model performance for four mountain basins in the Colorado Front Range. To do so, we compare spatially integrated and distributed rainfall and runoff metrics at seasonal and event time scales during the warm season when convective storms dominate. Results reveal that the basin simulations are quite sensitive to the uncertainties introduced by the Z‐R relation in terms of streamflow, runoff mechanisms and the water balance components. The propagation of rainfall errors into basin responses follows power law relationships that link streamflow uncertainty to the precipitation errors and streamflow magnitude. Overall, different Z‐R relations preserve the spatial distribution of rainfall relative to a reference case, but not the precipitation magnitude, thus leading to large changes in streamflow amounts and runoff spatial patterns at seasonal and event scales. Furthermore, streamflow errors from the Z‐R relation follow a typical pattern that varies with catchment scale where higher uncertainties exist for intermediate‐sized basins. The relatively high error values introduced by two operational Z‐R relations (WSR‐57 and NEXRAD) in terms of the streamflow response indicate that site‐specific Z‐R relations are desirable in the complex terrain region, particularly in light of other uncertainties in the modelling process, such as model parameter values and initial conditions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
BL-YOLOv8: An Improved Road Defect Detection Model Based on YOLOv8

Road defect detection is a crucial task for promptly repairing road damage and ensuring road safety. Traditional manual detection methods are inefficient and costly. To overcome this issue, we propose an enhanced road defect detection algorithm called BL-YOLOv8, which is based on YOLOv8s. In this study, we optimized the YOLOv8s model by reconstructing its neck structure through the integration of the BiFPN concept. This optimization reduces the model’s parameters, computational load, and overall size. Furthermore, to enhance the model’s operation, we optimized the feature pyramid layer by introducing the SimSPPF module, which improves its speed. Moreover, we introduced LSK-attention, a dynamic large convolutional kernel attention mechanism, to expand the model’s receptive field and enhance the accuracy of object detection. Finally, we compared the enhanced YOLOv8 model with other existing models to validate the effectiveness of our proposed improvements. The experimental results confirmed the effective recognition of road defects by the improved YOLOv8 algorithm. In comparison to the original model, an improvement of 3.3% in average precision mAP@0.5 was observed. Moreover, a reduction of 29.92% in parameter volume and a decrease of 11.45% in computational load were achieved. This proposed approach can serve as a valuable reference for the development of automatic road defect detection methods.
Size and shape dependence of the magnetic ordering temperature in nanoscale magnetic particles

SUMMARY Natural rocks and synthetic analogues can contain extremely small scaled magnetic minerals varying in shape from approximately equidimensional nanoparticles to lower dimensionally shaped lamellae resembling thin films or whiskers. The magnetic ordering temperatures of such nanomagnetic structures can significantly depend on their size and shape. Here, a general method for detailed numerical or analytical calculations of these ordering temperatures is developed. Based on a modified mean-field approach, the result proves a refined version of a known scaling law that links atomic-layer number to the Curie temperatures of nanostructures. An analytic expression for the dependence of the Curie temperature on the atomic-layer number is obtained for thin films and rectangular nanostructures. It is confirmed by comparison to experimental results.
Effect of spatial variation of soil respiration rates following disturbance by timber harvesting in a larch plantation in northern Japan

Harvesting of trees or the loss of trees due to strong winds may lead to large variations at the ground surface that, in turn, causes spatial and temporal variability of soil respiration. We performed thinning (partial harvest) on a mature larch plantation (ca. 50 yr‐old) in Tomakomai National Forest (Japan) with the purpose of studying the effects of thinning on soil respiration (Rs). We conducted field measurements to determine how soil temperature (Ts), mineral soil water content (MSWC), litter water content (LWC), fine root density, litter density, and carbon to nitrogen ratio (C/N) individually influence soil respiration. Soil respiration values did not differ significantly at the disturbed site. Soil temperature was significantly greater at the disturbed site than at the control site (t‐test= ‐12.7, P<0.05), and the MSWC and LWC did not differ between sites. Despite these observations we found no proof that Ts or MSWC influences Rs. At the disturbed site, LWC appeared to be a primary microclimatic factor driving spatial variations in Rs (r= ‐0.41, P<0.05). Thinning led to large variations in Rs, Ts, fine root density, and litter density. Root and litter densities were 18% (insignificant value) and 15% (t‐test=2.86, P<0.05) lower in the disturbed site, respectively. In fact, variations in soil respiration can be explained on the basis of litter density and C/N.
Biomonitoring of heavy metals pollution in the university of Lagos, Akoka campus environment using the moss Dicranium scorparium Hedw

ABSTRACTThe level of atmospheric heavy metal deposition in University ofLagos, Akoka campus was investigated using the moss Dicranumscorparium Hedw. Moss samples were collected from unplasteredperimeter walls and rock surfaces at ten sampling sites labeled AJ: UBA Park (A), Ransome Kuti (B). Makama Hall (C), Faculty ofLaw (D), Moremi Car Park (E), Medical Centre (F), Ozoluwa BQs(G), High Rise Buildings (H), Honors Hall (I), Lagoon Front (J). Acontrol sampling was done at First Estate, Amuwo-Odofin LGA.The concentrations of Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb), Nickel (Ni),Copper (Cu) and Zinc (Zn) were determined using AtomicAbsorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) Perkin Elmer AA 800. Theresults obtained confirmed the presence of heavy metal in thisorder Zn > Pb > Cd > Cu > Ni. The concentration of Zn, Cd and Pbwere greater than the FME and UNEP threshold limiting values.The analysis of the anthropogenic influence of the pollutants on theenvironment revealed that Zn (4.24mg/L) despite its highestabundance is a moderate contaminant in the study locations.Contamination factor (CF) suggests that locations B, D, F, G and Jare seriously contaminated (C5) while locations A, C, E, H, and Iare extremely contaminated (C6). The index of geo-accumulationrevealed that all the studied locations are in the Igeo7 categoryindicating extremely pollution with the assayed metals. Thedifference in the occurrence of anthropogenic activities was seento be the major factor responsible for the variations in theconcentration of heavy metals accumulated by the mosses.
Mean Flow Field of a Nonbuoyant Rectangular Surface Jet

The flow field for a low Froude number nonbuoyant rectangular surface jet is studied using laser induced fluorescence and laser Doppler velocimetry. It is shown that a surface current develops in turbulent, but not in laminar jets. The existence of a self-similar regime is established. The lateral growth rate of the jet below the surface is about 4.8 times its vertical growth rate, while that of the surface current is 8.8 times. The vertical growth rate is about half that of a plane surface jet and less than one third that of a free axisymmetric jet. While the horizontal profiles of the streamwise velocity are similar to those observed in free, submerged, and wall jets, the vertical distributions are distinctly flatter.
Regulated deficit irrigation in citrus: agronomic response and water stress indicators

In the Mediterranean area water is a scarce natural resource and periods of drought are frequent. It is then important to increase water use efficiency of irrigated crops. In order to achieve this, one promising option is regulated deficit irrigation (RDI). RDI consists in reducing water application during stages of crop development when yield and fruit quality have low sensitivity to water stress. Full irrigation is provided during the rest of the season to maintain production and fruit quality at adequate levels (Behboudian and Mills, 1997). In citrus, flowering and fruit set are sensitive periods to water restrictions, because water stress during this period increases fruit drop (Ginestar and Castel 1996). The more appropriate phenological period for applying water restrictions seems to be the summer period providing that water applications returned at full dosage sufficiently before harvest in order to allow for compensation in fruit growth (Cohen and Goell 1988). Previous work by Gonzalez-Altozano and Castel (1999) showed the feasibility of applying RDI in 'Clementina de Nules' and identified threshold values of plant water stress that allowed water savings of about 10-20% without any detrimental effect on yield or fruit size. It would be desirable now to study the extrapolation of these results to commercial orchards of citrus and assess the use of RDI in different citrus cultivars. Two RDI strategies (RDI-1, irrigated at 50% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc) during summer and; RDI-2, irrigated at 35% ETc during the same period to RDI-1) will be compared with a control treatment irrigated at full requirements. As the level of water stress reached by trees is the important factor when RDI strategies are applied, the study of accurate water stress indicators for citrus is also needed. Thus, during the period of water restrictions the use of sap flow and canopy temperature measurements, obtained by thermal imaging or by means of fixed infrared thermometer sensors, will be assessed and compared to classical methods like stem water potential and stomatal conductance.
Use of low‐level remote sensing to understand tree/forage spatial interactions in Agroforests

Abstract Low‐level remote sensing using a small tethered blimp and two 35 mm cameras adds a new dimension to landscape analysis. The distance from the sensor to the object under investigation is less than 150 m, allowing collection of high‐resolution spatial data over blue as well as red, green, and infrared wavelengths. The relatively short atmospheric pathway causes less atmospheric scattering of the blue band, thereby increasing the utility of its data. Three blue/infrared and one red/infrared band‐ratio vegetative indices were used to model dry weight production of pasture forage plants growing in association with conifer trees in three agroforests. Normalized Difference Vegetation Indices (NDVI) based upon the blue band were better predictors of pasture production than those based upon the red band in 2 out of 3 agroforests examined. No one model fit all three agroforests well. However, individual best‐fit models developed for each agroforest predicted forage yields within 135 kg/ha (5.0, 5.8, and 8.
Trajectories in the Antarctic lower troposphere

The statistics of air mass transport to the Neumayer Antarctic station (8°22′W, 70°7′S) are derived from three-dimensional 5-day backward trajectories on the basis of a numerical weather prediction model, the Global Model of the German Weather Service, for the period April 1993 to March 1996. Trajectory errors are discussed in detail and errors of individual trajectories may sum up to from a few hundred to more than a thousand kilometers during 5 days' traveling time despite the high quality of the Global Model and trajectory module described. The most frequent easterly flow at Neumayer consists of advection from oceanic and continental regions. During southeasterly flow, mean trajectories document oceanic air passing coastal continental regions during the 3 days preceding arrival. Air arriving from above the Antarctic continent south of 75°S usually descends over the marginal plateau and especially over the slope region. Advection from the central plateau regions poleward of 80°S is rare. Marine trajectories from latitudes north of 60°S mostly start in 0 – 3 km height. The modeled transport for the arrival levels at 950 hPa and 850 hPa at Neumayer station document that the frequency of oceanic source regions increases with height. Trajectories for 15 other coastal destinations show that near-surface easterly winds with a downslope component dominate along the eastern shore of the Weddell Sea. The prevailing transport from the south at the Filchner Ronne ice shelf arises from deflected barrier winds along the Transantarctic Mountains. At the northern tip of the peninsula, westerly winds prevail, and the air usually originates from the Bellingshausen Sea. The probability of contact with air masses from ice-free continents is small for all coastal sites.
Residual Stress Control Using Process Optimization in Directed Energy Deposition

This paper mainly analyzes the typical thermodynamic response (thermal history, thermal strain and residual stress) in a conventional continuous-wave (CW) laser during Directed Energy Deposition (DED). The influence of process parameters (laser power and scanning speed) on the temperature gradient in the heat-affected zone, thermal strain and residual stress are studied, and the corresponding relationship are established. The results show that a reduction in residual stress can be obtained by decreasing the temperature gradient. However, the method of reducing the temperature gradient by changing process parameters leads to low forming quality and low density. A pulse-wave laser (PW) is proposed to actively control the residual stress of the deposited sample. This laser mode can reduce not only the temperature gradient in the process of DED but also the in situ release of thermal stress, correspondingly greatly reducing the residual stress.
Behavior of 226Ra in the Mississippi River mixing zone

The behavior of 226Ra in the Mississippi River mixing zone is strongly nonconservative and includes desorption similar to that reported for the Hudson, Pee Dee, and Amazon rivers. However, dissolved and desorbed 226Ra concentrations in the Mississippi are 2 to 5 times greater than in the other rivers at the same salinity. Radium concentrations vary inversely with the water discharge rate. The 226Ra desorption maximum occurs at a salinity of 5.0, much lower than the 18 to 28 salinity values for the maxima of the other three rivers. High concentrations of dissolved 226Ra (up to 82 dpm per 100 L) and the low salinity values for the desorption maximum in the Mississippi River result from three major factors. Suspended sediments include a large fraction of montmorillonite, which gives the sediment a high cation exchange capacity, 0.54 meq/g. The average suspended sediment load is large, about 510 mg/L, and contains 1.9 dpm/g desorbable 226Ra. The dissolved 226Ra river water end-member (9.6 dpm per 100 L) is higher than in surface seawater. The annual contribution of 226Ra to the ocean from the Mississippi River is 3.7 × 1014 dpm/yr, based on data from three cruises. Evidence of flux of 226Ra from estuarine and shelf sediments is common in vertical profile sampling of the deltaic waters but is not reflected in calculations made with an “apparent” river water Ra value extrapolated to zero salinity.
Anisotropic Rayleigh wave phase velocity maps of eastern China

We explore the variations of Rayleigh wave phase velocity beneath eastern China in a broad period range (20–200 s). Rayleigh wave dispersion curves are measured by the two‐station technique for a total of 734 interstation paths using vertical component broadband waveforms at 39 seismic stations in eastern China from 466 global earthquakes. In addition, 599 waveform inversion interstation measurements were added to this data set. The interstation dispersion curves are then inverted for high‐resolution isotropic and azimuthally anisotropic phase velocity maps at periods between 20 and 200 s. At shorter periods sampling the crustal depth range, phase velocities are higher in the southeastern part of the region, reflecting the thinner crust there. The Jiangnan Belt separates Cathaysia from the Yangtze Craton, the latter with thicker crust and a deep, high‐velocity cratonic root. The eastern part of Yangtze Craton, however, east of 115–116°E, does not display a deep root and has a thin lithosphere. Azimuthal anisotropy at long periods (>120 s) shows fast propagation directions broadly similar to that of the absolute plate motion. Beneath Cathaysia and eastern Yangtze Craton, anisotropy in the asthenosphere is strong and suggests coast‐perpendicular flow. Asthenospheric flow from beneath China's thick continental lithosphere toward the thinner lithosphere of the margin and the resulting decompression melting may be the fundamental causes of the intraplate basaltic volcanism along the eastern coast of China.
A new method to generate a high-resolution global distribution map of lake chlorophyll

A new method was developed, evaluated, and applied to generate a global dataset of growing-season chlorophyll-a (chl) concentrations in 2011 for freshwater lakes. Chl observations from freshwater lakes are valuable for estimating lake productivity as well as assessing the role that these lakes play in carbon budgets. The standard 4 km NASA OceanColor L3 chlorophyll concentration products generated from MODIS and MERIS sensor data are not sufficiently representative of global chl values because these can only resolve larger lakes, which generally have lower chl concentrations than lakes of smaller surface area. Our new methodology utilizes the 300 m-resolution MERIS full-resolution full-swath (FRS) global dataset as input and does not rely on the land mask used to generate standard NASA products, which masks many lakes that are otherwise resolvable in MERIS imagery. The new method produced chl concentration values for 78,938 and 1,074 lakes in the northern and southern hemispheres, respectively. The mean chl for lakes visible in the MERIS composite was 19.2 ± 19.2, the median was 13.3, and the interquartile range was 3.90–28.6 mg m−3. The accuracy of the MERIS-derived values was assessed by comparison with temporally near-coincident and globally distributed in situ measurements from the literature (n = 185, RMSE = 9.39, R2 = 0.72). This represents the first global-scale dataset of satellite-derived chl estimates for medium to large lakes.