Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Global 3-D distribution of aerosol composition by synergistic use of CALIOP and MODIS observations

Abstract. For the observation of the global three-dimensional distribution of aerosol composition and the evaluation of the shortwave direct radiative effect (SDRE) by aerosols, we developed a retrieval algorithm that uses observation data from the Cloud–Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) on board the Cloud–Aerosol Lidar Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) satellite and the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on board Aqua. The CALIOP–MODIS retrieval optimizes the aerosol composition to both the CALIOP and MODIS observations in the daytime. Aerosols were assumed to be composed of four aerosol components: water-soluble (WS), light-absorbing (LA), dust (DS), and sea salt (SS) particles. The outputs of the CALIOP–MODIS retrieval are the vertical profiles of the extinction coefficient (αa), single-scattering albedo (ω0), asymmetry factor (g) of total aerosols (WS+LA+DS+SS), and αa of WS, LA, DS, and SS. Daytime observations of CALIOP and MODIS in 2010 were analyzed by the CALIOP–MODIS retrieval. The global means of the aerosol optical depth (τa) at 532 nm were 0.147±0.148 for total aerosols, 0.072±0.085 for WS, 0.027±0.035 for LA, 0.025±0.054 for DS, and 0.023±0.020 for SS. τa of the CALIOP–MODIS retrieval was between those of the CALIPSO and MODIS standard products and was close to the MODIS standard product. The global means of ω0 and g were 0.940±0.038 and 0.718±0.037; these values are in the range of those reported by previous studies. The horizontal distribution of each aerosol component was reasonable; for example, DS was large in desert regions, and LA was large in the major regions of biomass burning and anthropogenic aerosol emissions. The values of τa, ω0, g, and fine and coarse median radii of the CALIOP–MODIS retrieval were compared with those of the AERONET products. τa at 532 and 1064 nm of the CALIOP–MODIS retrieval agreed well with the AERONET products. The ω0, g, and fine and coarse median radii of the CALIOP–MODIS retrieval were not far from those of the AERONET products, but the variations were large, and the coefficients of determination for linear regression between them were small. In the retrieval results for 2010, the clear-sky SDRE values for total aerosols at the top and bottom of the atmosphere were -4.99±3.42 and -13.10±9.93 W m−2, respectively, and the impact of total aerosols on the heating rate was from 0.0 to 0.5 K d−1. These results are generally similar to those of previous studies, but the SDRE at the bottom of the atmosphere is larger than that reported previously. Consequently, comparison with previous studies showed that the CALIOP–MODIS retrieval results were reasonable with respect to aerosol composition, optical properties, and the SDRE.
Mars Science Laboratory Interplanetary Navigation Performance

The Mars Science Laboratory spacecraft, carrying the Curiosity rover to Mars, hit the top of the Martian atmosphere just 200 meters from where it had been predicted more than six days earlier, and 2.6 million kilometers away. This un-expected level of accuracy was achieved by a combination of factors including: spacecraft performance, tracking data processing, dynamical modeling choices, and navigation filter setup. This paper will describe our best understanding of what were the factors that contributed to this excellent interplanetary trajectory prediction performance. The accurate interplanetary navigation contributed to the very precise landing performance, and to the overall success of the mission.
Relationship between Cognitive Impairment and Depressive Symptoms with Somatosensory Functions in Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Older Adults and Its Impact on Quality of Life

Aging is an inevitable process that impacts the peripheral and central nervous systems and is considered one of the strongest risk factors for neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, when it also presents with diabetes mellitus, the risk of neurological damage may be further increased. This current study aimed to explore the relationships between peripheral sensory system decline and cognitive functions, the symptoms of depression, and quality of life (QoL) as metrics of central nervous system impairment in institutionalized older adults. A total of 95 individuals participated in this case-control study, which included diabetics and non-diabetics. The superficial sensory pathway was assessed in terms of thermal sensation, nociception, and non-discriminative touch, and the deep sensory pathway was evaluated by assessing vibration and light touch-pressure sensations. To assess function at the intellectual level, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Trail Making Test (TMT) cognitive functional tests were used, while the symptoms of depression and QoL were explored by employing the Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale and EuroQol 5D questionnaire (EQ-5D), respectively. In the overall population analyses, altered thermal sensation was significantly associated with cognitive impairment (CI; p < 0.05). In turn, bivariate analyses and a binary logistic regression showed that the symptoms of depression and QoL were significantly related to altered vibratory sensation when assessed using a medical tuning fork (p < 0.05). In the group of diabetic patients, those with CI also had significantly lower thermal sensation (p < 0.05) and non-discriminative touch sensation, although this was only a trend (p = 0.055). Diabetics with depression had a significantly worse non-discriminative touch (p < 0.05) and vibratory sensation when tested with a tuning fork (p < 0.05). In addition, poorer QoL was associated with reduced sensitivity to heat (p < 0.05), light touch pressure (p < 0.05), and vibrations when assessed either with a tuning fork (p < 0.05) or a biothesiometer (p < 0.05). In contrast, no relationships were found between sensory functions and cognitive assessments in non-diabetic patients. These findings indicate that superficial sensitivity damage was related to CI, while deep sensation alterations were related to depression and poor QoL, with diabetes apparently further strengthening these relationships.
An empirical analysis of premature deindustrialization in latecomer developing countries

The purpose of this study is to investigate the phenomenon of premature deindustrialization among latecomer economies in developing countries across the globe. This study applies a fixed effect model based on panel data as a methodology. The main findings and conclusions of this study are as follows: First, the fixed effect model based on panel data, which was used as a baseline analysis for looking at the link between manufacturing and income using the latecomer index, found that developing economies that joined the global economy after 1990 were deindustrializing too quickly. Second, from a geographical perspective, the acceleration of premature deindustrialization was confirmed in Latin America and some areas of Africa. Third, the quantile regression, which was used to test how stable the results of the fixed effect model estimation were, found that developing economies were deindustrializing too soon. Finally, alternative estimations demonstrated that partaking in global value chains (GVC) facilitated industrialization, whereas natural resource abundance prevented it. In terms of practical implications, GVC participation can be a good way for latecomer in developing economies to avoid premature deindustrialization. Resource-rich economies could keep the Dutch disease effect from speeding up premature deindustrialization by putting their resource revenues to productive uses, like building infrastructure.
Exploring the Protective Efficacy of Topical Products for Actinic Keratosis Against Ultraviolet-Induced DNA and Protein Damage: An Experimental, Double-Blind Irradiation Study

Introduction Numerous studies have delved into the clinical efficacy of different topical treatments for actinic keratosis (AK). However, our understanding remains limited regarding their capacity to prevent DNA and protein damage caused by ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Objectives The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the preventive capabilities of various AK-targeted products in countering DNA and protein alterations in human biopsies following exposure to experimental UVR. Methods Twelve healthy Caucasian volunteers (six men and six women) aged 18 years and above, with Fitzpatrick skin types II−III, participated in an experimental irradiation study. Six topical products, containing various ingredients (DNA repair enzymes, antioxidants, keratolytic agents, cyclooxygenase inhibitors, and/or sunscreens) were tested. The experimental sites were exposed to UVR at six times the minimal erythema dose for eight consecutive days. Each test product was applied 30 to 45 minutes before irradiation at a standard thickness of 2 mg/cm2. A control site was treated with the vehicle alone, serving as a negative control. The study focused on cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) and protein carbonylation (PC) as molecular markers of UVR-induced DNA and protein damage, respectively. Results The efficacy of different AK-targeted topical products showed substantial variation when applied to normal skin before experimental exposure to UVR. While sunscreens, predictably, played a crucial role, additional ingredients (i.e., DNA repair enzymes and antioxidants) also acted as vital protective agents for both the cellular genome and proteome, shielding them against UVR-induced damage. Conclusion In topical products specifically designed for AK, the strategic integration of DNA repair enzymes and antioxidants, in addition to sunscreens, establishes a critical defense mechanism against the detrimental effects of UVR on cellular DNA and proteins.
Maintenance Therapy for Children and Adolescents with Asthma: Guidelines and Recommendations from the Emilia-Romagna Asthma (ERA) Study Group

Asthma is the most frequent chronic disease of childhood, affecting up to 20% of children worldwide. The main guidelines on asthma maintenance therapy in pediatrics suggest different approaches and describe different stages of asthma to determine the most appropriate treatment. This project aims to summarize the most recent evidence regarding maintenance therapy for asthma in children and adolescents. A multidisciplinary panel of experts was asked clinical questions regarding the treatment of children and adolescents with asthma. Overall, 10 clinical questions were addressed, and the search strategy included accessing electronic databases and a manual search of gray literature published in the last 25 years. After data extraction and narrative synthesis of results, recommendations were developed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) methodology. Results showed that the choice of medication depends on the severity of the child’s asthma, phenotype, age, preference, and individual factors. In addition to medications, the identification of comorbidities and modifiable factors is crucial to obtaining good control. Asthma in children is heterogeneous, and its evolution varies over time. Since most recommendations for asthma management in childhood are extrapolated from clinical studies performed in adults, more clinical trials specifically designed for young children should be conducted.
Reevaluation of the Application Method and Efficacy of Propiconazole in Controlling Laurel Wilt in Avocado Orchards in South Florida

Propiconazole has fungistatic and fungicidal properties against Harringtonia lauricola, the causal agent of laurel wilt disease. Propiconazole injections are used by Florida, USA, farmers as a prophylactic method to manage the disease in avocado (Persea americana) trees, but its efficacy has remained questionable for more than a decade due to documented restricted mobility within the tree vascular system. This study was conducted to evaluate the absorption of propiconazole when using soil drenching as an alternative application method, assess the efficacy of propiconazole in controlling disease development when drenched or injected, and its synergistic effect on common cultural management practices used by the local farmers, such as branch removal and trunk cutting (“stumping”). To determine if propiconazole soil-drenching can provide better xylem coverage, potted and mature orchard trees were treated with different concentrations and artificially inoculated with the pathogen. Propiconazole translocation from the roots to above-the-ground tissue was confirmed in potted and orchard trees, but the concentrations in orchard trees were below the fungicidal threshold (1 ppm). Although none of the potted trees developed laurel wilt symptoms, all inoculated branches of the orchard trees did. Furthermore, noninoculated branches in more than 80% of the inoculated and propiconazole-treated orchard trees developed symptoms, even though the inoculated branch was cut at the early stages of disease development. To elucidate if propiconazole injections effectively control the disease, trees from a commercial orchard that were injected five times were challenged by artificial inoculation. Propiconazole concentration in trees was highly variable (ranging from < 0.01 to 294 ppm), but even in trees with a high concentration of propiconazole, inoculated and noninoculated branches developed symptoms. Even though drenched and injected trees were “stumped” soon after symptoms appeared in the noninoculated branches (4 to 5 months after inoculation), all of the stumps in the drenched plot and 80% of the injected trees, showed internal symptoms 5 and 4 months after the cut, respectively. Results demonstrate that the soil-drenching of propiconazole is an ineffective application method in orchard trees, and that the conventional injection does not prevent disease development after artificial inoculation. Moreover, because propiconazole does not prevent the movement of the pathogen to the trunk, the “stumping” of infected trees to reduce the disease in the orchard is an inadequate practice. This study highlights the critical need for other active ingredients with lower fungicidal thresholds, longer half-life, and higher xylem mobility.
AN ASSESSMENT OF ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTANTS (PM2.5, PM10, CO2, SO2, NO2 AND CO) CONCENTRATIONS ON AIR QUALITY USING AIR QUALITY INDEX IN EASTERN NIGERIA

The rate at which atmospheric pollution is increasing in the world as a whole is quite alarming, having a negative effect on the health of humans and the environment. The alarming rate of pollutants in the atmosphere led to this study which was carried out in Douglas Road, Owerri Municipal Council (urban) and Ezihe village, Uzii, Ideato North Local Government Area (rural) in Imo State, Nigeria with the aim to investigate and assess the effect of industrial activity on the air quality of the survey areas, to ascertain its impact on the environment and to compare the overall results of the air quality assessment with the Air Quality Index (AQI) ratings. The air quality status of the sampled areas was analyzed using Gasman Air Monitoring Meter (Models 1200-19831) and Air Ae Steward Meter (Haz-Dust Tm; PM2.5 and PM10, Model: HD1000). The results of the air quality assessment in the urban and rural areas of the state analyzed were in the ranges of 99.30-124.70 µg/m3 for PM2.5, PM10 (138.70-168.00 µg/m3), relative humidity (62.67- 68.33 %), pressure (1008.70-1011.70 hpa), temperature (28.33-35.67 oC), elevation (18.70-82.67 m), cloud (55.67-99.33 %) and wind speed (1.28-1.57 m/s). Other results in (ppm) were: SO2 (0.63-0.70), NO2 (0.27-0.37), CO (33.00-38.67), CO2 (6,500.00-10,166.27). The air quality Index (AQI) ratings of the obtained results showed that, in the rural area, it was rated from poor (D) to very poor (E) while in the urban area, it was rated very poor (E) to hazardous (F). There is need for a routine monitoring of the air quality in Eastern part of Nigeria and in Nigeria as a whole to ensure safety, and a few helpful recommendations were suggested in this study for positive impacts on the environment.
Assessment and Mitigation of Multi-Mode Oscillations in Wind-Solar Hybrid Multi-Microgrids

Multi-microgrids (MMGs) provide an effective solution for further improving the overall economy and ensuring resilience under major disasters, while high penetration level of renewable energy generations inevitably brings adverse oscillation problems to the system. So far, no comprehensive study has been carried out to assess the interaction and oscillatory stability of autonomous wind-solar hybrid MMGs. Besides, the feasible method giving consideration to coordinated control and simple communication architecture for damping out the multi-mode oscillations deserves further research. Therefore, this paper first establishes a detailed model of wind-solar hybrid MMGs by taking multiple types of renewable energy generations with similar and different response features in timescale into account, which are rarely included by most of the existing studies. Then, participation factor analysis is applied to reveal the multi-timescale interactions within the single microgrid and MMGs. Meanwhile, different critical influence factors, especially primary energy source fluctuations, are thoroughly investigated through sensitivity analysis to assess the multi-mode oscillations and stability issues. To mitigate the undesirable multi-mode oscillations, a hierarchical distributed damping controller based on the optimal partial output feedback technique is proposed subsequently. Finally, comparative tests are conducted to validate the correctness of the theoretical analysis and the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Macular Microvascular Perfusion Status in Hypertensive Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

To compare retinal microvascular perfusion between the eyes of hypertensive patients with and without chronic kidney disease (CKD), the vessel density (VD) and fractal dimension (FD) of the superficial (SVP) and deep retinal vascular plexus (DVP) were analyzed on 6 × 6 mm fovea-centered optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) images of patients with hypertension. The retina was divided into an inner ring (IR) and outer ring (OR) according to the Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study grid. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was determined and CKD was diagnosed (GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2). Ninety-six eyes from 52 patients with hypertension were included in this analysis. Twenty patients (n = 37 eyes) were diagnosed with CKD. The mean age was 69 ± 11.7 years and 60.4 ± 9.2 years in the CKD group and in the control group, respectively. The univariate model revealed a significant difference in VD between patients without and with CKD in the superficial IR (0.36 ± 0.03 vs. 0.34 ± 0.04, p = 0.03), the superficial OR (0.35 ± 0.02 vs. 0.33 ± 0.04, p = 0.02), the deep OR (0.24 ± 0.01 vs. 0.23 ± 0.02, p = 0.003), and the FD in the SVP (1.87 ± 0.01 vs. 1.86 ± 0.02, p = 0.02) and DVP (1.83 ± 0.01 vs. 1.82 ± 0.01, p = 0.006). After adjusting for age and sex, these differences did not remain statistically significant. Similar results were observed for the FD in the SVP and DVP. In our cohort, patients with hypertension and CKD did not differ from patients without CKD in regard to microvascular perfusion status in the macular area as assessed using OCTA.
Common Fixed Point Theorems of Generalized Multivalued (ψ,ϕ)-Contractions in Complete Metric Spaces with Application

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the notion of generalized multivalued ψ , ϕ -type contractions and generalized multivalued ψ , ϕ -type Suzuki contractions and establish some new common fixed point theorems for such multivalued mappings in complete metric spaces. Our results are extension and improvement of the Suzuki and Nadler contraction theorems, Jleli and Samet, Piri and Kumam, Mizoguchi and Takahashi, and Liu et al. fixed point theorems. We provide an example for supporting our new results. Moreover, an application of our main result to the existence of solution of system of functional equations is also presented.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF CASH-DRIVEN RESILIENCE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

This study aims to examine the comparison and differences in levels of cash-driven resilience during the normal period, the period before the COVID-19 pandemic, and the period during the COVID-19 pandemic; profitability (return on assets, profit margin, and productivity of assets) and financial constraints (liquidity and leverage) on cash-driven resilience. This research method uses the purposive sampling technique. The number of samples used in this study was 86 manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange consecutively from 2018 to 2020. The analysis used in this study was descriptive statistics, Kruskal-Wallis test, and post hoc test which was processed with the help of IBM SPSS Statistics 26 software. This study found that overall, there are significant differences in cash-driven resilience during the normal period, the period before the COVID-19 pandemic, and the period during the COVID-19 pandemic; return on assets, profit margin, liquidity, and leverage on cash-driven resilience. While, productivity of assets does not have a significant difference on cashdriven resilience.
Thermal Stresses near the Surface of a Glacier

Abstract Stresses occur in the uppermost 10 m of a glacier as a result of temperature fluctuations at the surface. A model is set up of a typical year's surface temperature variation, and the progress of temperature waves through the glacier is calculated using Fourier theory of heat conduction. Short-period fluctuations are rapidly attenuated, and at 10 m depth the annual cycle is reduced to 5% of its surface amplitude. As the temperature of the ice varies it undergoes small volume changes; stresses are calculated on the assumption that any tendency of the ice to expand or contract laterally results in the creation of just enough stress to cause the ice to remain unstrained. It is found that in the top 2 or 3 m stresses of thermal origin are generally in excess of those due to gross deformation or overburden pressure. For the case of high-density ice Glen's flow law is used, and conditions are found to be favourable for the formation of surface rumples of wavelength about 10 m. For the case of firm or snow a Newtonian flow law is assumed, and it is found that under cold conditions fracture under tension can occur. Cracks of thermal origin may be responsible for the initial formation of crevasses, and they also provide an explanation for background noise encountered when seismic shooting at low temperatures. Calculations are made of the strain-rate field surrounding a crack and it is found that thermal effects can lead to appreciable Strain-rate anomalies for strain-rate measurements near cracks. The magnitude of the effect is easily sufficient to account for anomalous fluctuating strain-rates found by workers using wire strainmeters on the Barnes Ice Cap.
LED based Low-Cost Photo-Acoustic Setup by Using Stethoscope

In this study, design and characterization of a low cost photo-acoustic setup is presented. Photo-acoustic effect is a very intriguing photo-thermo-acoustic effect having applications in a wide range from biomedical science to material characterization. The basic components of a photo-acoustic setup are a sound detector with or without an acoustic cell, a modulated light source preferably with enough power, and an absorbing object. One of the challenging problems is to couple the produced photo-acoustic waves into the detector and this problem was solved by using a commercial sound sensor module connected to a stethoscope. As a modulated light source simply a high power flashlight driven with an amplifier and MOSFET circuit was used. Both detection and light modulation were designed and operated to be via sound card input/output (I/O) of a computer and/or cell phone. Light power and frequency response of the system were presented and 523 Hz was determined as a resonance frequency of the system.