Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Deep Learning Model with Self-Supervised Learning and Attention Mechanism for COVID-19 Diagnosis Using Chest X-ray Images

The SARS-CoV-2 virus has spread worldwide, and the World Health Organization has declared COVID-19 pandemic, proclaiming that the entire world must overcome it together. The chest X-ray and computed tomography datasets of individuals with COVID-19 remain limited, which can cause lower performance of deep learning model. In this study, we developed a model for the diagnosis of COVID-19 by solving the classification problem using a self-supervised learning technique with a convolution attention module. Self-supervised learning using a U-shaped convolutional neural network model combined with a convolution block attention module (CBAM) using over 100,000 chest X-Ray images with structure similarity (SSIM) index captures image representations extremely well. The system we proposed consists of fine-tuning the weights of the encoder after a self-supervised learning pretext task, interpreting the chest X-ray representation in the encoder using convolutional layers, and diagnosing the chest X-ray image as the classification model. Additionally, considering the CBAM further improves the averaged accuracy of 98.6%, thereby outperforming the baseline model (97.8%) by 0.8%. The proposed model classifies the three classes of normal, pneumonia, and COVID-19 extremely accurately, along with other metrics such as specificity and sensitivity that are similar to accuracy. The average area under the curve (AUC) is 0.994 in the COVID-19 class, indicating that our proposed model exhibits outstanding classification performance.
Honest leave‐one‐out cross‐validation for estimating post‐tuning generalization error

Many machine learning models have tuning parameters to be determined by the training data, and cross‐validation (CV) is perhaps the most commonly used method for selecting tuning parameters. This work concerns the problem of estimating the generalization error of a CV‐tuned predictive model. We propose to use an honest leave‐one‐out cross‐validation framework to produce a nearly unbiased estimator of the post‐tuning generalization error. By using the kernel support vector machine and the kernel logistic regression as examples, we demonstrate that the honest leave‐one‐out cross‐validation has very competitive performance even when competing with the state‐of‐the‐art . 632+ estimator.
Reproducibility and Variability of Protein Analytes Measured Using a Multiplexed Modified Aptamer Assay.

BACKGROUND There is growing interest in the use of multiplexed aptamer-based assays for large-scale proteomic studies. However, the analytic, short- and long-term variation of the measured proteins is largely uncharacterized. METHODS We quantified 4001 plasma protein analytes from 42 participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study in split samples and at multiple visits using a multiplexed modified aptamer assay. We calculated the CV, Spearman correlation, and intraclass correlation (ICC) between split samples and evaluated the short-term (4-9 weeks) and long-term (approximately 20 years) variability using paired t-tests with log-transformed protein concentrations and Bonferroni-corrected significance thresholds. We performed principal component (PC) analysis of protein analyte concentrations and evaluated their associations with age, sex, race, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). RESULTS The mean baseline age was 57 years at the first visit, 43% of participants were male and 57% were white. Among 3693 protein analytes that passed quality control, half (n = 1846) had CVs < 5.0%, Spearman correlations > 0.89, and ICCs > 0.96 among the split samples. Over the short term, only 1 analyte had a statistically significant difference between the 2 time points, whereas, over approximately 20 years, 866 analytes (23.4%) had statistically significant differences (P < 1.4 × 10-5, 681 increased, 185 decreased). PC1 had high correlations with age (-0.73) and eGFR (0.60). PC2 had moderate correlation with male sex (0.18) and white race (0.31). CONCLUSIONS Multiplexed modified aptamer technology can assay thousands of proteins with excellent precision. Our results support the potential for large-scale studies of the plasma proteome over the lifespan.
Synthesis, photophysical and assembly studies of novel luminescent lanthanide(III) complexes of 1,2,3-triazolyl-pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamide-based ligands

ABSTRACT The well-known lanthanide-binding motif, 2,6-pyridinedicarboxamide, has been functionalised with peripheral substituents using copper-catalysed azide alkyne coupling (CuAAC) to develop new symmetrical ‘clicked’ N2,N6-bis((1-(X)-1H-1,2,3,-triazol-4-yl)methyl)pyridine- 2,6-dicarboxamide (where X = ethyl (1) benzyl (2) and 2-naphthyl (3)). These ligands have been successfully coordinated with trivalent lanthanide ions (europium, terbium, and lanthanum) forming [Ln(L)3](CF3SO3)3 complexes. The ligands act as effective antennae for Eu3+ and Tb3+ complexes, which exhibit the characteristic sensitised emission profiles. The ability of 1–3 to assemble into 1:3 M:L systems in solution was investigated using UV-Vis, fluorescence, and NMR. Finally, density functional calculations of the ground state La3+ complexes have been carried out and show similar geometry and coordination parameters to those with available crystallographic data. The facile and modular synthesis of these ‘clicked’ PDC-based ligands makes these compounds excellent candidates for luminescent supramolecular materials development.
Automatic Phenotyping of Tomatoes in Production Greenhouses Using Robotics and Computer Vision: From Theory to Practice

High-throughput phenotyping is playing an increasingly important role in many areas of agriculture. Breeders will use it to obtain values for the traits of interest so that they can estimate genetic value and select promising varieties; growers may be interested in having predictions of yield well in advance of the actual harvest. In most phenotyping applications, image analysis plays an important role, drastically reducing the dependence on manual labor while being non-destructive. An automatic phenotyping system combines a reliable acquisition system, a high-performance segmentation algorithm for detecting fruits in individual images, and a registration algorithm that brings the images (and the corresponding detected plants or plant components) into a coherent spatial reference frame. Recently, significant advances have been made in the fields of robotics, image registration, and especially image segmentation, which each individually have improved the prospect of developing a fully integrated automatic phenotyping system. However, so far no complete phenotyping systems have been reported for routine use in a production environment. This work catalogs the outstanding issues that remain to be resolved by describing a prototype phenotyping system for a production tomato greenhouse, for many reasons a challenging environment.
A Study of different parameters of osmotic potential compared with weed (Chenopodium Album) on wheat and Chickpea crop

The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of osmotic pressure on germination and radicle growth of two test species wheat and chickpea along with the aqueous extract of different concentration of weed (Chenopodium album L.). In the first experiment two test crops were treated with the weed extract in the concentration of 1%, 3% and 5% while in the second experiment four levels of osmotic pressure (22 kpa, 33 kpa, 44 kpa, 66 kpa) were created artificially using mannitol and treated the seeds of two test crops. This study focus that the responses of seeds or seedling to plant extract is not only or entirely by allelopathy the possibilities also exist that the extract may also exert negative osmotic effect. Results showed that germination percentage was not affected by osmotic pressure as compared to weed extract. However, the radicle elongation of both species was significantly reduced in similar concentration of weed extract. Generally the aqueous extracts were more effective in inhibition of seed germination, radicle growth and percent inhibition in radicle growth as compared to the mannitol solution. Results suggested that aqueous extract of C. album had an allelopathic effect on wheat and chick pea and osmotic pressure play little effect as C. album is concerned.
Effects of Foam Rolling Duration on Tissue Stiffness and Perfusion: A Randomized Cross-Over Trial.

Despite its beneficial effects on flexibility and muscle soreness, there is still conflicting evidence regarding dose-response relationships and underlying mechanisms of foam rolling (FR). This study aimed to investigate the impact of different FR protocols on tissue perfusion and tissue stiffness. In a randomized crossover trial, two FR protocols (2x1 min, 2x3 min) were applied to the right anterior thigh of twenty healthy volunteers (11 females, 25 ± 4 years). Tissue perfusion (near infrared spectroscopy, NIRS) and stiffness (Tensiomyography, TMG and Myotonometry, MMT) were assessed before and after FR application. Variance analyses revealed a significant interaction of FR duration and tissue perfusion (F [1,19] = 7.098, p = 0.015). Local blood flow increased significantly from pre to post test (F [1,19] = 7.589, p = 0.013), being higher (Δ +9.7%) in the long-FR condition than in the short-FR condition (Δ +2.8%). Tissue stiffness (MMT) showed significant main effects for time (F [1,19] = 12.074, p = 0.003) and condition (F [1,19] = 7.165, p = 0.015) with decreases after short-FR (Δ -1.6%) and long-FR condition (Δ -1.9%). However, there was no time*dose-interaction (F [1,19] = 0.018, p = 0.895). No differences were found for TMG (p > 0.05). FR-induced changes failed to exceed the minimal detectable change threshold (MDC). Our data suggest that increased blood flow and altered tissue stiffness may mediate the effects of FR although statistical MDC thresholds were not achieved. Longer FR durations seem to be more beneficial for perfusion which is of interest for exercise professionals designing warm-up and cool-down regimes. Further research is needed to understand probable effects on parasympathetic outcomes representing systemic physiological responses to locally applied FR stimulations.
Measuring Trade Cost Reductions Through a New Bridge in Mozambique: Who Benefits From Transport Infrastructure?

We use spatial maize prices in Mozambique to measure transport cost reductions, attribute these reductions to road distance and road quality and assess to what extent producers, traders and consumers benefit. For identification we exploit a unique natural experiment, the construction of a new road bridge over the Zambezi River, which connects the north and south of Mozambique. The applied methodology allows for potentially oligopolistic traders with spatially varying mark-ups. Estimations are based on monthly maize prices, in 22 markets, for 5 years before and after the introduction of the bridge. Estimates of transport cost reductions, averaged over routes, vary from 3% to 7%, with large heterogeneity between routes, and roughly for two-third due to road distance and for one-third due to road quality. On average benefits of trade cost reductions are equally shared between traders and consumers, but for larger distances, a larger part accrues to traders. The evidence also indicates a reduction in prices in destination markets due to the bridge. Results are supported by observed transport cost data, robust for non-random bridge placement and strict source-destination rules.
Social Values and Education: A Brief Comparative Approach from Schwartz to White’s and Hand’s Theories

This paper aims to present in brief the main researches about the prediction of social behavior through values and social axioms, to suggest their utilization in the field of philosophy and sociology of education and also to highlight the significant contribution of the educator in the moral edification of a person. Initially, it is being held a brief reference to Schwartz’s theory of values and social axioms in order to show the important role they play in social behavior. Then, Schwartz's study of intercultural values as well as their outcomes is outlined in detail. The ensuing report refers to researches which took place both intercultural and in Greece about social axioms and dimensions that have been found. It is being accomplished an approach about researches that have been made intercultural and aimed at predicting the social behavior with the help of values and social axioms. In parallel, there is a brief survey of Michael Hand’s theory about moral education and its criticism. By the literature review is being proved that there is a semantic correlation between values and social axioms, but there isn’t a significant combination of social behavior. From their roots, both values and social axioms seem to affect social behavior.
Household diversification and market dependence: understanding vulnerability in rural West Africa

ABSTRACT Understanding the empirical relationships among three parameters is necessary to reduce household vulnerability: diversification, market dependence and economic security. A cross-sectional study of these relationships was conducted in five areas with histories of cash cropping in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and northern Nigeria. Household diversification was found to be positively associated with economic security while negatively associated with household dependence on markets. Moreover, individuals in market oriented households are more likely to adopt individualistic orientations. These findings confirm a positive role of diversification but raise concerns about how markets affect the prospects for maintaining or reducing household vulnerability.
Co-Packaged Photonics For High Performance Computing: Status, Challenges And Opportunities

Photonics die or integrated photonics modules co-packaged with compute engines have the potential to deliver significant improvements in power, bandwidth and reach needed to meet the computing and communication demands of data centers and other high-performance computing (HPC) systems. The challenges and solutions in co-packaging photonics modules are described through two case studies; one of a network-switch die co-packaged with socketable photonics modules and another of a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) co-packaged with optical dies (tiles). The technical requirements to deliver the promise of co-packaged photonics in high volume are outlined.
The Impact of Peer Groups and Routine Activities on the Victim-Offender Overlap: Evidence From a German Study on Youth Crime

Despite the substantive evidence on the victim-offender overlap from various national contexts, comprehensive examinations for Germany are lacking. This article provides insights into peer group-related correlates of the victim-offender overlap by specifically differentiating the roles of victims, offenders, and victim-offenders. The analysis examines risk factors for involvement in violence using a sample of 3,519 14- and 16-year-old students from a large crime study conducted in Germany. Applying multinomial logistic regression, the risk of being a victim-only, offender-only, or victim-offender is predicted by peer group characteristics such as frequency of meeting, group composition, delinquent norms, and routine activities with friends. The results show that proximity to friends and delinquent norms of peers significantly influence victimization, offending, and the victim-offender overlap. Regarding group composition, violent offending and being a victim-offender occurred more often in male-dominated mixed-gender friend groups, whereas victimization risk is not affected by group composition. Frequent alcohol consumption within the group is associated with victimization risk and the victim-offender overlap, whereas going out is associated with offending and the overlap. The findings underline that the peer context is not only of importance for explaining delinquency but also for unraveling victimization and the victim-offender overlap.
Sponsorship’s Financial Sustainability for Cultural Conservation and Enhancement Strategies: An Innovative Model for Sponsees and Sponsors

The topic of the paper is sponsorship for the requalification/conservation of historical-architectural heritage. In the literature, there are many models for evaluating the financial efficiency of sponsorship from the point of view of the sponsor (mostly in the sports field), but none of these jointly support both the sponsor and the sponsee in the selection of financially sustainable cultural sponsorships. Trying to reduce this gap, an innovative model is proposed for estimating the profitability of cultural sponsorship. The model consists of three phases. In the first, which consists of the financial analysis of the investment for the sponsee, the minimum amount that the sponsee can request from the sponsor is established. The second phase analyzes the financial performance of potential sponsors, estimating the optimal sponsorship budget that maximizes profits. In the final phase, where the results of the two analyses are compared, the sponsee eventually reformulates his offer and decides which company to sign the contract with. The model is tested through a case study: the sponsorship of the restoration of the Don Tullio Fountain in Salerno (Italy). It is assumed that two companies are interested in sponsorship. The results show that the investment is financially sustainable for both companies.
Compost Quality and Sanitation on Industrial Scale Composting of Municipal Solid Waste and Sewage Sludge

Municipal solid waste and sewage sludge are produced in large quantities that are often managed through industrial composting treatment. Because of their origin, composition, and complexity, ensuring adequate stabilization of the organic matter, and sanitation of fecal contaminants during composting is of the utmost significance, and difficult to achieve on an industrial scale. In this study, the operations of six industrial composting facilities that process municipal solid waste and sewage sludge were evaluated from the point of view of the sanitation achieved and the quality of the compost produced. In addition, the results were compared using the model of industrial compost from green waste. Differences between the plants were ascribable to operations other than composting systems. High phytotoxicity and fecal contamination above legislation thresholds were found in compost produced from municipal solid waste. In contrast, compost from sewage sludge were more stable and mature than those produced from green waste, and also had an adequate level of sanitation. The raw material and operational factors are of great relevance to obtain a stable, mature, and pathogen-free compost.
Discovering the role model of authors by embedding research history

A role model that supports career planning is important for authors in the academic area to improve research abilities. In this study, we discovered a role model in bibliographic networks based on two perspectives: (1) high research performance to be exemplary and (2) a similar research history that can be easily followed by authors. We assume that the year-wise subgraphs in the dynamic bibliographic network signify the ‘research history’. We discovered role models of authors in three steps: (1) learning vector representations of research history in dynamic bibliographic networks, (2) measuring the similarity of authors according to the research history and (3) visualising role models. With this process, we can recommend a reasonable role model whose research path the authors can easily follow. In addition, we verified the effectiveness of the research history embeddings and the accuracy of the recommended role model in a real data set.
Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Women and Early Career Archaeologists

The COVID-19 pandemic has had far-reaching impacts in all segments of life worldwide. While a variety of surveys have assessed the impacts of the pandemic in other fields, few studies have focused on understanding the short- and long-term impacts of the pandemic for archaeology. To assess these trends, we asked survey respondents (n = 570) if they experienced job loss and to rate the percentage of change in their economic situation, workload, teaching or research activities, and personal responsibilities. Results show alarming trends, with nearly half of those who experienced job loss being under the age of 35 and women and early career archaeologists suffering major economic losses. Impacts to workload, teaching activities, and research activities were also felt across these groups. Substantial increases in personal responsibilities (childcare, eldercare, caring for sick family members) were also identified, especially for women with children under 18 years of age. While structural inequalities have already been identified across different sectors of archaeology, the results of this survey suggest the most vulnerable populations are those most heavily affected. We recommend a variety of strategies for employers, professional organizations, funding agencies, and publishers to consider in mitigating the consequences of COVID-19, especially for women and early career scholars.
Investigating visitor attitudes towards the reopening of a theme park: an application of the push-pull-mooring model

ABSTRACT This study investigates visitors’ attitudes towards the reopening of the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China amid the global pandemic in 2020. The proposed framework utilizes the Push-Pull-Mooring model by adapting the THEMEQUAL dimensions. Seven perceptual variables are identified as a source of visitors’ attitudes arising from their theme park experiences. The findings reveal that the pandemic is leading to a change in which PPM factors most influence visitors’ decision to revisit a theme park. It proposes that the theme park industry should put these important factors together in order to develop a cohesive approach to cultivating safety and brand trust.
Negligible‐Pb‐Waste and Upscalable Perovskite Deposition Technology for High‐Operational‐Stability Perovskite Solar Modules

An upscalable perovskite film deposition method combining raster ultrasonic spray coating and chemical vapor deposition is reported. This method overcomes the coating size limitation of the existing stationary spray, single‐pass spray, and spin‐coating methods. In contrast with the spin‐coating method (>90% Pb waste), negligible Pb waste during PbI2 deposition makes this method more environmentally friendly. Outstanding film uniformity across the entire area of 5 cm × 5 cm is confirmed by both large‐area compatible characterization methods (electroluminescence and scattered light imaging) and local characterization methods (atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, photoluminescence mapping, UV–vis, and X‐ray diffraction measurements on multiple sample locations), resulting in low solar cell performance decrease upon increasing device area. With the FAPb(I0.85Br0.15)3 (FA = formamidinium) perovskite layer deposited by this method, champion solar modules show a power conversion efficiency of 14.7% on an active area of 12.0 cm2 and an outstanding shelf stability (only 3.6% relative power conversion efficiency decay after 3600 h aging). Under continuous operation (1 sun light illumination, maximum power point condition, dry N2 atmosphere with <5% relative humidity, no encapsulation), the devices show high light‐soaking stability corresponding to an average T80 lifetime of 535 h on the small‐area solar cells and 388 h on the solar module.