Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Monitoring of Snowpack Dynamics With Cosmic-Ray Neutron Probes: A Comparison of Four Conversion Methods

Common snow monitoring instruments based on hydrostatic pressure such as snow pillows are often influenced by various disturbing effects, which result in a reduced quality of the snow cover and snow water equivalent estimates. Such disturbing effects include energy transport into the snowpack, wind fields, and variations of snow properties within the snowpack (e.g., ice layers). Recently, it has been shown that Cosmic-Ray Neutron Probes (CRNP) are a promising technique to monitor snow pack development. CRNP can provide larger support and need lower maintenance compared to conventional sensors. These instruments are sensitive to the intensity of epithermal neutrons that are produced in the soil by cosmic radiation and are widely used to determine soil moisture in the upper decimeters of the ground. The application of CRNP for snow monitoring is based on the principle that snow water moderates the epithermal neutron intensity, which can be directly related to the snow water equivalent (SWE) of the snow pack. In this study, long-term CRNP measurements in the Pinios Hydrologic Observatory (PHO), Greece, were used to test different methods for converting neutron count rates to snow pack characteristics: (i) linear regression, (ii) standard N0-calibration function, (iii) a physically-based calibration approach, and (iv) thermal to epithermal neutron ratio. For this, a sonic sensor located near the CRNP was used to compare CRNP-derived snow pack dynamics with snow depth measurements. We found that the above-ground CRNP is well-suited for measurement of field scale SWE, which is in agreement with findings of other studies. The analysis of the accuracy of the four conversion methods showed that all methods were able to determine the mass of the snow pack during the snow events reasonably well. The N0-calibration function and the physically-based calibration function performed best and the thermal to epithermal neutron ratio performed worst. Furthermore, we found that SWE determination with above-ground CRNP can be affected by other influences (e.g., heavy rainfall). Nevertheless, CRNP-based SWE determination is a potential alternative to established method like snow depth-based SWE methods, as it provides SWE estimate for a much larger scales (12–18 ha).
Infographics as A Learning Tool in Higher Education: The design process and perception of an Instructional Designer

Infographics, as an instructional tool, enable support in the creation of an easy to read platform for learners. Steps involved to develop an infographic, play an essential role in optimizing visual literacy transfers. This study has presented a qualitative analysis of the proposed design strategy, which focuses on the infographic development process. The results have proposed that Infographics assignment design when included in instructional technology disciplines, helps instructional designers to enhance message delivery during visual transfers that eventually leads to increased learning interests among learners. The study also revealed five vital themes that emerged upon analyzing the collected data from participants involved. The present study has provided research scholars, an insight of the developed state-of-the-art tool, which in future research studies might serve as a basis for the development of an Instructional Infographic model. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.18. 1.1
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Neural Adaptations Following Blood Flow Restriction Training: What We Know and What We Don't Know

Objective: To summarize the existing evidence on the long-term effects of low-load (LL) blood flow restricted (BFR) exercise on neural markers including both central and peripheral adaptations. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. The literature search was performed independently by two reviewers in the following electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and CENTRAL. The systematic review included long-term trials investigating the effects of LL-BFR training in healthy subjects and compared theses effects to either LL or high-load (HL) training without blood flow restriction. Results: From a total of N = 4499 studies, N = 10 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis and N = 4 studies in a meta-analysis. The findings indicated that LL-BFR resulted in enhanced levels of muscle excitation compared to LL training with pooled effect sizes of 0.87 (95% CI: 0.38–1.36). Compared to HL training, muscle excitation following LL-BFR was reported as either similar or slightly lower. Differences between central activation between LL-BFR and LL or HL are less clear. Conclusion: The summarized effects in this systematic review and meta-analysis highlight that BFR training facilitates neural adaptations following LL training, although differences to conventional HL training are less evident. Future research is urgently needed to identify neural alterations following long-term blood flow restricted exercise.
Sex, drugs, & rurality: A brief qualitative analysis of rural gay and bisexual men’s substance use sex expectancies

ABSTRACT Background: One well documented reason that individuals use alcohol and drugs is the belief that these substances will increase satisfaction of a sexual experience or somehow otherwise enhance the sexual experience. However, the unique experiences of MSM residing in rural areas are not well represented in the scientific literature. Methods: We conducted 40 interviews with individuals who identified as a man who has sex with men and lived in rural areas in Oklahoma, a primarily rural and socio-politically conservative state in the United States. Data collection continued until thematic saturation was reached. Results: Three main substances (and themes) were identified by participants: 1) marijuana (focus on the experience/person), alcohol (more open/playful and reduces anxiety), and methamphetamines (stamina and arousal). Conclusions: While the themes for alcohol and methamphetamines were in line with previous research, this is one of the first studies to identify the sex expectancies of marijuana of increasing the ability to focus on the sexual experience and/or the partner. Taken together, participants endorsed some type of positive substance use sex expectancies. These results highlight the importance of accounting for substance use sex expectancies when developing interventions to reduce substance use and risky sexual behaviors.
Modern Brainstem MRI Techniques for the Diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease and Parkinsonisms

The brainstem is the earliest vulnerable structure in many neurodegenerative diseases like in Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) or Parkinson's disease (PD). Up-to-now, MRI studies have mainly focused on whole-brain data acquisition. Due to its spatial localization, size, and tissue characteristics, brainstem poses particular challenges for MRI. We provide a brief overview on recent advances in brainstem-related MRI markers in Parkinson's disease and Parkinsonism's. Several MRI techniques investigating brainstem, mainly the midbrain, showed to be able to discriminate PD patients from controls or to discriminate PD patients from atypical parkinsonism patients: iron-sensitive MRI, nigrosome imaging, neuromelanin-sensitive MRI, diffusion tensor imaging and advanced diffusion imaging. A standardized multimodal brainstem-dedicated MRI approach at high resolution able to quantify microstructural modification in brainstem nuclei would be a promising tool to detect early changes in parkinsonian syndromes.
Effects of Chlorinated Sewage Effluents on Fish in the Sheep River, Alberta

Abstract From bioassays with caged rainbow trout Salmo gairdneri and quantitative sampling of fish populations, the effects of a chlorinated sewage effluent on fish in the Sheep River, Alberta were determined. The data obtained contradict recent studies that indicate fish congregate below sewage outfalls but support the contention that fish avoid chlorinated effluents. However, fish moved into and out of the chlorinated effluent, presumably to forage.
A randomized phase II study of cabiralizumab (cabira) + nivolumab (nivo) ± chemotherapy (chemo) in advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

TPS465 Background: Treatment options for PDAC are limited; thus, new therapies that can improve outcomes and extend survival are needed. PDAC is associated with high infiltration by tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) that inhibit antitumor T-cell activity. Blocking colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF-1R) signaling—which supports the recruitment, differentiation, and maintenance of immunosupressive macrophages in tumors—may lead to depletion of TAMs and upregulation of T-cell checkpoints. Cabira, a humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody, binds to CSF-1R and blocks its signaling, a key determinant of TAM activation and survival. By reducing TAMs and promoting a proinflammatory microenvironment, cabira may stimulate T-cell responses, thereby sensitizing PDAC to therapy with nivo (anti‒PD-1). In a phase 1a/b study cabira + nivo was tolerable and showed evidence of on-target tumor immune modulation and durable clinical benefit in heavily pretreated patients (pts) with advanced PDAC (Wainberg et al. J Immunother Cancer. 2017 [abst O42]; Carleton et al. J Clin Oncol. 2018 [abst 3020]). Here we describe a randomized, open-label, phase 2 study evaluating the safety and efficacy of cabira + nivo ± chemo in advanced PDAC. Methods: Pts aged ≥18 y with locally advanced/metastatic PDAC that progressed on/after first-line chemo (gemcitabine [gem] or 5-fluorouracil [5-FU] based) will be enrolled. Pts with active/suspected autoimmune disease, uncontrolled/significant cardiovascular disease, or prior exposure to select immune cell–modulating antibodies are not eligible. Depending on prior chemo received, pts will be randomized to 1 of 4 arms (n≈40 each): cabira + nivo; cabira + nivo + gem/nab-paclitaxel; cabira + nivo + oxaliplatin/5-FU/leucovorin; or investigator’s choice of standard-of-care chemo. Endpoints include median progression-free survival (primary), overall survival rate, objective response rate, median duration of response, pharmacokinetics, and safety. In a completed preliminary safety cohort, 12 pts were treated with cabira + nivo + chemo and monitored for 4 wk; competitive enrollment is open, with 32 pts enrolled. (NCT03336216, NCT02526017) Clinical trial information: NCT03336216.
Fermentation Characteristics of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis Isolated From Naturally Fermented Dairy Products and Screening of Potential Starter Isolates

It is well known that consumers are keen to try fermented milk products with different flavors and starter cultures are important in determining the resulting fermented dairy products. Here, we present the phenome of 227 Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis isolates from traditionally fermented dairy products and the selection of potential starter strains. Large-scale phenotyping revealed significant technological diversity in fermentation characteristics amongst the isolates including variation in fermentation time, viscosity, water holding capacity (WHC) and free amino nitrogen (FAN) production. The 16 isolates with the best fermentation characteristics were compared, in a sensory evaluation, with the commercial starter Chr. Hansen R-704 as excellent fermentation characteristics to identify potential starter isolates and find the isolate which can product good flavors. From these, and from solid phase micro extraction (SPME) – gas chromatography (GC)-mass spectrometry (MS) analysis, we identified IMAU11823 and IMAU11919 as producing 3-methyl butanal and 3-methyl-2-butanone which contribute to the malt aroma. This study expands the characterization of L. lactis subsp. lactis phenotypic dataset and technological diversity and identified isolates with potential culture starter in the fermentation industry.
Fire and Vegetation in a Temperate Peat Bog: Implications for the Management of Threatened Species

Abstract: Fire plays an important role in structuring wetland ecosystems, but previous studies of New Zealand wetlands have lacked adequate experimental controls. We investigated the effects of fire on the vegetation of a New Zealand peat bog through analysis of microclimate patterns, vegetation change, and peat stratigraphy. We focused on the role of fire in sustaining threatened plant species such as the critically endangered orchid Corybas carsei. Experimental fire significantly increased the surface radiation and daytime soil temperature, and these elevated levels of radiation and temperature persisted 53 months after burning. Immediately after fire no living plant material remained in the burn plots, but within 2 months many of the rhizomatous species were resprouting and 50 months later had returned to prefire abundance. Obligate‐seeding species did not recover their former abundance, but several species not observed in the plots prior to the burns established after fire. Species richness, diversity, and evenness increased following fire but declined in the control plots. Species dominance decreased after fire but increased in the control plots. C. carsei, which was killed during the fire, reappeared in the burn plots 1 year later at a higher density than prior to burning and was still present 4 years after fire. C. carsei flowering was also enhanced following the fire. We found evidence of historical fires, which was supported by radiocarbon dates from a much older adjacent wetland. Our results suggest that disturbances such as fire are important for maintaining a diversity of plant communities, including the presence of nationally threatened and declining plant species in peat bogs. Without such disturbances species such as C. carsei are likely to become locally extinct.
Stochastic resonance in imperfect electromechanical systems

The behavior of complex electromechanical systems is strictly related to the mechanical vibrations to which they undergo. It is also well known that their performance are often positively improved by the imperfections linked to the technological construction process. Indeed this controversial aspect has been generalized in a wider class of systems that has been mentioned as imperfect systems. In this paper, we focus on the possibility of reviewing the imperfect system framework highlighting the connections with the stochastic resonance phenomenon. The performance of imperfect systems are evaluated in presence of intentionally induced noise, showing that a positive effects for enhancing the correct behavior of the system can be obtained by soliciting the dynamics connected to imperfections. The main objective that is discussed in this contribution is to formulate a connection between imperfect systems and stochastic resonance behavior of complex devices.
A Low Complexity Signal Detection Scheme Based on Improved Newton Iteration for Massive MIMO Systems

Massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems need to handle a large number of matrix inversion operations during the signal detection process. Several methods have been proposed to avoid exact matrix inversion in massive MIMO systems, which can be roughly divided into approximation methods and iterative methods. In this letter, we first introduce the relationship between the two types of signal detection methods. Then, an improved Newton iteration method is proposed on the basis of the relationship. And by converting the matrix-matrix product into the matrix-vector product, the computational complexity is substantially reduced. Finally, numerical simulations further verify that the proposed Newton method outperforms Neumann series expansion and the existing Newton method, and can approach the performance of minimum mean square error (MMSE) method within a few iterations, regardless of whether the base station can obtain perfect channel state information or not.
Achieving Assisted Requirement Engineering for Building Automation using Requirement Variants

The growing complexity of modern building automation systems (BAS) needs suitable computer-aided solutions for the requirement engineering (RE). Defined in the first step of the engineering and re-engineering of BAS, the accuracy of the functional and non-functional expectations concerning the prospective BAS directly influences the outcome of the entire process. This paper focuses on the study of the requirements for the functional design of BAS and provides an improvement to the semantic modeling of the functional requirements through the use of a requirement variant concept. To show the applicability and benefits of the new approach, the incorporation of the new concepts into the existing computer-aided engineering and re-engineering process will be debated.
Measuring Chinese Middle School Students’ Motivation Using the Reduced Instructional Materials Motivation Survey (RIMMS): A Validation Study in the Adaptive Learning Setting

Valid measures of student motivation can inform the design of learning environments to engage students and maximize learning gains. This study validates a measure of student motivation, the Reduced Instructional Materials Motivation Survey (RIMMS), with a sample of Chinese middle school students using an adaptive learning system in math. Participants were 429 students from 21 provinces in China. Their ages ranged from 14 to 17 years old, and most were in 9th grade. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) validated the RIMMS in this context by demonstrating that RIMMS responses retained the intended four-factor structure: attention, relevance, confidence, and satisfaction. To illustrate the utility of measuring student motivation, this study identifies factors of motivation that are strongest for specific student subgroups. Students who expected to attend elite high schools rated the adaptive learning system higher on all four RIMMS motivation factors compared to students who did not expect to attend elite high schools. Lower parental education levels were associated with higher ratings on three RIMMS factors. This study contributes to the field’s understanding of student motivation in adaptive learning settings.
Bacteria associated with compost used for cultivation of Nigerian edible mushrooms Pleurotus tuber-regium (Fr.) Singer, and Lentinus squarrosulus (Berk.)

The bacteria involved in an outdoor single phase composting using sawdust and wheat bran as substrates for cultivation of Pleurotus tuber-regium (Fr.) Singer, andLentinus squarrosulus (Berk.), two Nigerian edible mushrooms were identified. Composting was carried out for 2 weeks. The highest core and peripheral temperatures were 68 and 48oC, respectively, while the lowest temperature was 32oC. The highest number of bacteria in the core and peripheral compost were 1.46 x 106 and 6.90 x 105 cfu/ml, respectively. Bacteria isolated and characterized from the fermenting agricultural substrates include Bacillus polymyxa, Enterobacter aerogenes, Micrococcus roseus, Citrobacter freundii, Bacillus subtilis, Clostridium perfringens, Bacillus licheniformis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus andEscherichia coli. The implication of the presence of these bacteria is discussed. Key words: Lentinus squarrosulus, Pleurotus tuber-regium, bacteria mushrooms, compost, fermentation.
Fret: Functional Reinforced Transformer With BERT for Code Summarization

Code summarization has long been viewed as a challenge in software engineering because of the difficulties of understanding source code and generating natural language. Some mainstream methods combine abstract syntax trees with language models to capture the structural information of the source code and generate relatively satisfactory comments. However, these methods are still deficient in code understanding and limited by the long dependency problem. In this paper, we propose a novel model called Fret, which stands for Functional REinforced Transformer with BERT. The model provides a new way to generate code comments by learning code functionalities and deepening code understanding while alleviating the problem of long dependency. For this purpose, a novel reinforcer is proposed for learning the functional contents of code so that more accurate summaries to describe the code functionalities can be generated. In addition, a more efficient algorithm is newly designed to capture the source code structure. The experimental results show that the effectiveness of our model is remarkable. Fret significantly outperforms all the state-of-the-art methods we examine. It pushes the BLEU-4 score to 24.32 for Java code summarization (14.23% absolute improvement) and the ROUGE-L score to 40.12 for Python. An ablation test is also conducted to further explore the impact of each component of our method.
Development, Optimization and Validation of Targeted and Global Metabolite Profiling Strategies for Probing Plant Metabolism

By Daniel James Cuthbertson, Ph.D. Washington State University December, 2011 Chair: B. Markus Lange Metabolomics is the attempt to comprehensibly identify and quantify all metabolites in a cell, tissue or organism, which is a tremendous challenge due to the enormous chemical diversity found in living systems, particularly in plants. To meet these challenges, sensitive and selective technologies for chromatography and mass spectrometry have been developed. In this dissertation I am presenting applications of two major strategies for interrogating the metabolome: (1) targeted metabolic profiling which focuses in the analysis of metabolites of similar chemical properties and (2) nontargeted metabolomic analyses which seek to achieve more comprehensive metabolite coverage. In these studies I used both gas chromatography and liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The first study integrated metabolic profiling with microarray analysis to examine the effects of experimental sink limitation treatments in soybean and found an up-regulation of stress response genes and the accumulation of stress metabolites like γ-aminobutyric acid and isoflavones. Our results demonstrated
Haematological profile of healthy adult blood donors in Mwanza, Tanzania

Background: While it is customary to apply the same haematological reference ranges, variations exist between populations. This study was conducted to determine hematologic profiles among a local population of north-western Tanzania.Methods: This was a cross sectional study, which enrolled healthy adult blood donors in Mwanza, Tanzania. Collected blood samples were put in EDTA-coated tubes and haematological indices were determined using Auto Hematology-Analyzer. Results are summarized in medians plus 95% interquartile ranges and compared using either Mann–Whitney U or Kruskal–Wallis tests depending on appropriateness.Results: A total of 163 (143 males and 20 females) adult healthy blood donors (median age= 31 years) were enrolled. We found a median haemoglobin level of 15.1 g/dL [10.5-23.8], erythrocytes of 5.3x106/µL [4.1-8.3 x106], haematocrit of 44.0 % [32.4-71.4], total leucocytes of 4300 cells/μL [1700-8500], lymphocytes 1700/μL [800-3000], neutrophils 2100/μL [300-5300]; mid-sized cells (monocytes, eosinophils and basophils) of 400/μL [100-1400] and platelets of 194x103/μL [55.2-379.0 x103]. We observed significantly higher haemoglobin level (P = 0.017) as well as erythrocytes (P = 0.012) and haematocrit (p = 0.006) among males than females. Conclusion: The percentile range (2.5%-97.5%) which can be used to determine the higher and lower values of haematological profile normal ranges for most indices differ from Western adopted reference values. Therefore, we recommend a large study to establish local normal hematologic reference values.