Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Marine added-value products using RADARSAT-2 fine quad-polarization

In this paper the high-quality performance of fine quad-polarimetric RADARSAT-2 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data is shown as the basis for new enhanced value-added products for remote sensing marine applications. A unitary physical model, based on the covariance matrix C, is exploited to design two new SAR marine polarimetric value-added products, one for oil slicks and the other for manmade metallic target observation. Both make use of a new physical SAR processing methodology that relies on: a) Cloude–Pottier target decomposition theorem, b) the symmetry properties of the observed scene, and c) the availability of the RADARSAT-2 fine quad-polarization mode. Experimental results demonstrated the powerful capabilities of both procedures that take full advantage of fine quad-polarimetric RADARSAT-2 data for polarimetric SAR observation of oil fields.
Efficacy Analysis of Neoadjuvant versus Adjuvant Cisplatin-Paclitaxel Regimens for Initial Treatment of FIGO Stages IB3 and IIA2 Cervical Cancer

Background Large cancer lesions are often challenging to treat with surgical intervention alone. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is frequently used for FIGO stage IB3 and IIA2 cervical cancers to optimize the outcomes of radical surgeries. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy, if necessary, with the traditional approach of adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy after radical hysterectomy in treatment-naïve patients with cervical cancer of specified stages. Material/Methods A total of 245 female patients were administered either 70 to 85 mg/m2 cisplatin and 165 to 175 mg/m2 paclitaxel every 21 days (2 cycles) prior to radical hysterectomy, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy if needed (neoadjuvant therapy, NT cohort, n=105), or received adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy after radical hysterectomy adjuvant therapy, AT cohort, n=140). Results In the NT cohort, 76% of patients responded to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, while 24% did not. Adverse operative, intraoperative, and postoperative outcomes were significantly more common among the non-responders (P<0.05). After 5 years, 91% of responders and 72% of non-responders survived without recurrence (P=0.0372), and 3% of responders and 28% of non-responders had died (P=0.0005). Conclusions The resistance to neoadjuvant chemotherapy is a poor prognostic factor. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical hysterectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy/radiotherapy appears to be advantageous for cervical cancer patients who respond well to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
The distribution and climatic implications of periglacial landforms in eastern Australia

Mapping of over 4000 block deposits and scree slopes in eastern Australia is used to determine the extent of past strong freeze–thaw activity. Freeze–thaw landforms are common in the high country as far north as 30°S. There is a clear association between the locations of relict periglacial landforms and areas that receive more than 50 modern frost days. We infer about 10.5 °C cooling north of 35°S in the Diving Range, about 9 °C in the Australian Alps and about 5 °C in Tasmania during the phases when the lowest block deposits were active. An unexpected observation is the importance of precipitation in the distribution of block deposits north of 35°S. Here, the majority of block deposits have a southerly or westerly aspect, and lie in a narrow modern precipitation band of ca. 900–1050 mm. To the east, high‐elevation areas appear to have weaker diurnal oscillations limiting freeze–thaw activity. To the west, block deposits are absent, probably due to insufficient moisture to drive freeze–thaw processes. We cannot define specific last glaciation precipitation but the maintenance of a strong east–west precipitation gradient during glacial times is consistent with the maintenance of onshore easterlies during cold periods.
Association Between Candida albicans and COVID-19 in Complete Denture Wearers: An Observational Study

Introduction The phenomenon of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related candidiasis is gaining increased attention and acknowledgment as an integral component of the severe consequences of COVID-19. The aim of the present study was to assess the association between Candida albicans and COVID-19 in complete denture wearers. Materials and methods An observational study was conducted on 45 complete denture wearers, who were divided into three groups as follows: Group 1, 15 subjects with mild to moderate COVID-19 infection; Group 2, 15 subjects with severe COVID-19 infection; and Group 3, 15 subjects without COVID-19 infection. Mean colony forming units (CFU) were observed on agar plates containing Sabouraud dextrose in the salivary samples of the participants. Analysis of variance, followed by post-hoc analysis by Tukey’s test, was used to compare CFU between the groups. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to study the correlation between variables. Results The highest average colony-forming units of Candida albicans were observed in Group 2, followed by Group 1, compared to the control group, and a significant (p<0.001) difference was found. A weak positive correlation was found between the age of the patients and the duration of denture usage, as well as between age and the counts of Candida albicans in Groups 1 and 3. This correlation was more pronounced in Group 3. A strong positive correlation was observed in all groups between the Candida albicans count and the duration of denture usage by the patients. Conclusion The association between Candida albicans and denture wear was compounded by the presence of COVID-19. Consequently, the timely identification of Candida albicans infection in patients with COVID-19 is important to establish more efficacious approaches for antifungal treatment and prophylactic interventions.
Comparing findings from the random‐intercept cross‐lagged panel model and the monozygotic twin difference cross‐lagged panel model: Maladaptive parenting and offspring emotional and behavioural problems

Abstract Background In this study we compare results obtained when applying the monozygotic twin difference cross‐lagged panel model (MZD‐CLPM) and a random intercept cross‐lagged panel model (RI‐CLPM) to the same data. Each of these models is designed to strengthen researchers' ability to draw causal inference from cross‐lagged associations. We explore differences and similarities in how each model does this, and in the results each model produces. Specifically, we examine associations between maladaptive parenting and child emotional and behavioural problems in identical twins aged 9, 12 and 16. Method Child reports of 5698 identical twins from the Twins Early Development Study (TEDS) were analysed. We ran a regular CLPM to anchor our findings within the current literature, then applied the MZD‐CLPM and the RI‐CLPM. Results The RI‐CLPM and MZD‐CLPM each enable researchers to evaluate the direction of effects between correlated variables, after accounting for unmeasured sources of potential confounding. Our interpretation of these models therefore focusses primarily on the magnitude and significance of cross‐lagged associations. In both the MZD‐CLPM and the RI‐CLPM behavioural problems at age 9 resulted in higher levels of maladaptive parenting at age 12. Other effects were not consistently significant across the two models, although the majority of estimates pointed in the same direction. Conclusion In light of the triangulated methods, differences in the results obtained using the MZD‐CLPM and the RI‐CLPM underline the importance of careful consideration of what sources of unmeasured confounding different models control for and that nuance is required when interpreting findings using such models. We provide an overview of what the CLPM, RI‐CLPM and MZD‐CLPM can and cannot control for in this respect and the conclusions that can be drawn from each model.
Local Scour around Cylindrical Piles Due to Waves and Currents Combined

Local scour depth around a pile due to waves only is small, but under waves and weak currents combined it became large. If the flow velocity increases, the maximum scour depth increases and may approach to that by running water. In the processes of the scouring, Karman vortex play an important role in deciding characteristics of a scour hole. In the case of the horseshoe vortex predominant, the maximum scour depth is found at the upstream end of a pile, but in the coupled field of waves and currents, the initial scouring position is a little apart from a pile in the offshore side and make an angle of about 45 degree in the shoreward direction. This depends on a vortex shedding from a pile. By using light weight aggregate, the effect of ripples on local scour depth is made clear.
Role of carotid duplex in the assessment of carotid artery restenosis after endarterectomy or stenting

Introduction Redo carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid stenting (CAS) are often performed when there is evidence of post-procedural restenosis. The incidence of restenosis after carotid reconstruction is not negligible, ranging from 5 to 33%. The diagnosis of significant internal carotid artery (ICA) restenosis is usually based on duplex ultrasound (US) criteria, mostly on peak-systolic flow velocity (PSV). However, there have been no generally accepted duplex US criteria for carotid restenosis after CAS or CEA. Methods In this systematic review, the PubMed/ Medline and Scopus databases were screened to find trials that reported duplex US criteria for significant restenosis after CEA and/or CAS. Only those reports were analyzed in which the restenoses were also assessed by CT/MR or digital subtraction angiography as comparators for duplex US. Results Fourteen studies met the predetermined search criteria and were included in this review. In most studies, PSV thresholds for significant in-stent ICA restenosis after CAS were higher than those for significant stenosis in non-procedurally treated (native) ICA. Many fewer studies investigated the US criteria for ICA restenosis after CEA. Despite the heterogeneous data, there is a consensus to use higher flow velocity thresholds for assessment of stenosis in stented ICA than in native ICA; however, there have been insufficient data about the flow velocity criteria for significant restenosis after CEA. Although the flow velocity thresholds for restenosis after CAS and CEA seem to be different, the large studies used the same duplex criteria to define restenosis after the two procedures. Moreover, different studies used different flow velocity thresholds to define ICA restenosis, leading to variable restenosis rates. Discussion We conclude that (1) further examinations are warranted to determine appropriate duplex US criteria for restenosis after CAS and CEA, (2) single duplex US parameter cannot be used to reliably determine the degree of ICA restenosis, (3) inappropriate US criteria used in large studies may have led to false restenosis rates, and (4) studies are required to determine if there is a benefit from redo carotid artery procedure, such as redo-CEA or redo-CAS, starting with prospective risk stratification studies using current best practice non-invasive care alone.
Microplastic removal by coagulation: a review of optimizing the reaction conditions and mechanisms

Coagulation is a widely employed technique for removing suspended particles from water and wastewater, and recently, it has gotten attention as a popular method for the removal of microplastics (MPs). Studies on coagulation-based removal of MPs are still in their infancy, and few findings are available about this treatment approach, its mechanism, and removal efficiency. Given these gaps, this study was designed to comprehensively investigate recent advances in the removal of MPs via coagulation. The influence of various experimental factors such as coagulant type, dose of the coagulant, pH of the solution, and shape of the MPs are critically reviewed. The study findings showed that optimizing environmental conditions during the coagulation process is crucial for improving the removal of MPs and reducing energy costs. The study findings showed that the coagulation efficiency of MPs depends on optimal reaction conditions, which may vary depending on the type and concentration of MPs and the characteristics of the water or wastewater being treated. Optimizing these reaction conditions is, therefore, critical to achieving maximum removal efficiency. More extensive research is required to reveal the mechanisms of coagulation in controlling floc density and removing pollutants from effluent. Consequently, the current review aims to highlight the gaps and challenges associated with coagulation techniques for the removal of MPs during wastewater treatment. Current advancements in the synthesis and chemical modification of bio-based coagulants and their coagulation performance for the removal of MPs could constitute a paradigm shift in ecosystem protection and sustainability. The use of eco-friendly coagulants and combining coagulation with other techniques are suggested to increase the efficacy and viability of this method. This review will provide significant insights for field researchers, guiding their future investigations and contributing to the advancement of knowledge.
Fuzzy ARTMAP Based Neurocomputational Spatial Uncertainty Measures

This paper proposes non-parametric measures for the fuzzy ARTMAP computational neural network to handle spatial uncertainty in remotely sensed imagery classification, i.e., ART Commitment (ART-C) and ART Typicality (ART-T), expressing in the first case the degree of commitment a classifier has for each class for a specific pixel, and in the second case, how typical that pixel’s reflectances are of the ones upon which the classifier was trained for each class. Results from case studies were compared against the previously developed SOM Commitment (SOM-C) and SOM Typicality (SOM-T) classifiers as well as conventional Bayesian posterior probability and Mahalanobis typicality soft classifiers. Principal Components Analysis (PCA) was used to explore the relationship between these different measures. Results indicate that ART-C and SOM-C measures express values similar to Bayesian posterior probabilies, and ART-T and SOM-T are closely related to Mahalanobis typicalities. However, the proposed neural approaches outperform the traditional methods due to their non-parametric advantage.
Deterministic generation of entanglement in quantum networks by coherent absorption of a single photon

Advanced quantum information protocols rely on the operation of multi-nodal quantum networks where entanglement is distributed across the nodes. Existing protocols of entanglement generation are probabilistic, with the efficiency dropping exponentially with the size of the system. We formulate an approach for the deterministic generation of entangled states of a multi-nodal quantum network of arbitrary size by coupling a single photon standing wave with the nodes of the network. We show experimentally how this can be implemented in a simple bi-nodal system. Since this approach relies on collective excitation of the network – not on local interaction with individual nodes, it allows generation of entanglement with unitary efficiency, independent of the size and the nature of the network.
Seismicity of the Iranian Plateau and bordering regions

abstract Seismicity of the Iranian Plateau and bordering regions during the past 22 1 2 yr from 1 July 1957 through December 1979 is investigated in four successive time intervals by analyzing close to 4000 earthquakes in the region. This tectonically active part of the Alp-Himalayan belt is defined by a broadband of diffuse seismicity and contains several mobile belts surrounding small, relatively stable blocks. The major zones of mobility in decreasing order of activity are, Hindukush, Zagros, Elborz, Chaman fault system, east-central Iran, and the Caucasus and eastern Turkey. The most conspicuous aseismic block is that of western Afghanistan, but smaller blocks in central Iran, Azarbayejan, and the southern Caspian Sea also show noticeable stability. The a and b parameters of the frequency-magnitude recurrence curve during successive time intervals in three of the mobile zones which are located in Iran show an increasing trend to stabilized levels at the end of the period. The annual average of seismic moment rates in Zagros during the past 22 1 2 yr requires nearly a two order of magnitude increase to account for the relative plate motion between the Arabian and central Iran plates.
The Role of Iron and Anthropogenic Activities in Eutrophication: A Contemporary and Paleolimnological Study

iii Résumé . iv List of tables . vii List of figures . viii List of abbreviations . x Chapter 1. General introduction 1.1. Lake ecology 1.1.1. Nutrients and lake productivity . 1 1.1.2. Iron and phosphorus cycling in lakes . 4 1.1.3. History of Eutrophication . 8 1.2. Paleolimnology 1.2. 1. Definition and applications . 10 1.2. 2. Inference models and training set – transfer functions . 11 1.2. 3. Diatoms as paleoindicators . 12 1.3 Objectives . 13 1.4. Lakes of the Outaouais region, Québec . 14 Chapter 2. The geochemistry of lakes in the Outaouais region, Québec, with a focus on iron and phosphorus 2.
Libertad de prensa y conflicto armado en Colombia: Un análisis desde la autonomía profesional percibida por los periodistas colombianos.

Este artículo describe la autonomía profesional percibida por los periodistas colombianos en el contexto del conflicto armado interno. Se trabajó con una muestra de 546 periodistas colombianos que diligenciaron el cuestionario de Autonomía Profesional creado por expertos del proyecto internacional «Worlds of Journalism Study» y complementado con temas relacionados con las víctimas del conflicto, la pobreza, el orden público, el medio ambiente, las minorías raciales, la corrupción, el crimen organizado y las guerrillas. La información fue recolectada entre 2013 y 2014, años en los cuales se desarrolló buena parte del proceso de paz entre el gobierno colombiano y las Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC-EP). Los hallazgos permitieron establecer que la autonomía periodística en Colombia se ejerció en este periodo a partir de dos niveles: producción y publicación noticias, siendo este último nivel en donde los periodistas percibieron mayores restricciones en su autonomía, especialmente a la hora de informar sobre el gobierno, las fuerzas armadas, el crimen organizado, la corrupción y las élites políticas, económicas y religiosas.
PROBLEMS IN IDENTIFYING RESTITE IN S-TYPE GRANITES OF SOUTHEASTERN AUSTRALIA, WITH SPECULATIONS ON SOURCES OF MAGMA AND ENCLAVES

Evaluation of the extent of high-level contamination in granites requires a determination of the amount of restite or resistate (resister) present. High-level S-type granites of the Lachlan Fold Belt (LFB) of southeastern Australia are the most consistently interpreted in terms of the “restite unmixing hypothesis. ” Therefore, they should provide the clearest evidence for restite in high-level plutons; however, microstructural and isotopic evidence either is against restite or is ambiguous. Metasedimentary enclaves appear to be accidental xenoliths collected from metamorphic rocks above unexposed granulite-facies source-rocks; microgranitoid (orthopyroxene microtonalite) enclaves have igneous microstructures and show structural and isotopic evidence of mixing of S-type felsic magma with more mafic magma before becoming mingled to form enclaves in the host pluton. The origin of the single grains and small aggregates that have been considered to be the main evidence for restite in the S-type granites of southeastern Australia is difficult to determine. Unobserved deep, low-pressure and high-temperature granulite-facies sources (possibly varieties of “MASH” zones), rather than typical migmatite complexes, may be applicable for large, high-level S-type granites. A possible example of the upper part of such a melting zone is the Hidaka Metamorphic Belt, Hokkaido, Japan.
Seasonal trends in stratospheric water vapour

Published analyses of HALOE water vapour data have shown an increase in stratospheric water vapour. Here the latest version of the data has been analysed for trends from Jan 1992 to April 1999. This shows an increase in stratospheric water vapour over this period although in the past few years the magnitude of the trend appears to have decreased. A seasonal analysis suggests that large increases in upper tropospheric water vapour in autumn are the source for the stratospheric increases. An analysis of trends in the seasonal amplitude supports this. It is suggested that an increase in the extremity of the Asian monsoon over Indonesia could be responsible.
Indonesian through flow and the associated pressure gradient

The flow of water from the western Pacific to the eastern Indian Ocean through the Indonesian archipelago is governed by a strong pressure gradient. Dynamic height computations determine the average sea level difference as 16 cm and show that most of the pressure gradient is contained in the upper 200 m. Sea level data from Davao in the Philippines and from Darwin in Australia are used to determine the annual signal and the interannual variations of the pressure gradient for the years 1966 to 1985. The annual signal has a maximum during the southeast monsoon in July and August and a minimum in January and February. Interannual variations are not related to the Southern Oscillation because sea level is low at both stations during El Nino events, and thus there is little influence on the sea level difference. The mechanism of the through flow is discussed, but a determination of its numerical value will have to await direct measurements. A comparison of the sea level difference with results from a numerical model by Kindle shows satisfactory agreement. It is concluded that the variability of the through flow can be monitored by sea level measurements.
L'ortolano Emberiza hortulana nella Regione Marche: analisi della distribuzione e preferenze ambientali

The Ortolan bunting Emberiza hortulana is one of many species of passerines in great decline in most of Europe. Even in Italy, the species is considered to be in decline, for this reason it is protected for conservation purposes, although it still not appear to be at risk. However, recent studies have shown an increase of breeding pairs in the central eastern portion of the Italian peninsula. In the Mar- che Region a study was conducted, through the implementation of 2100 points counts, with the aim of verifying the actual presence of Ortolan bunting and study their habitat preferences. The species was found to be moderately widespread, being present in 11.5% of the total point counts monitored. The species presence was correlated positively with farmlands and shrubs, but it seems avoid urban struc- tures like roads and buildings.