Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Forecasting of Typhoon-Induced Wind-Wave by Using Convolutional Deep Learning on Fused Data of Remote Sensing and Ground Measurements

Taiwan is an island, and its economic activities are primarily dependent on maritime transport and international trade. However, Taiwan is also located in the region of typhoon development in the Northwestern Pacific Basin. Thus, it frequently receives strong winds and large waves brought by typhoons, which pose a considerable threat to port operations. To determine the real-time status of winds and waves brought by typhoons near the coasts of major ports in Taiwan, this study developed models for predicting the wind speed and wave height near the coasts of ports during typhoon periods. The forecasting horizons range from 1 to 6 h. In this study, the gated recurrent unit (GRU) neural networks and convolutional neural networks (CNNs) were combined and adopted to formulate the typhoon-induced wind and wave height prediction models. This work designed two wind speed prediction models (WIND-1 and WIND-2) and four wave height prediction models (WAVE-1 to WAVE-4), which are based on the WIND-1 and WIND-2 model outcomes. The Longdong and Liuqiu Buoys were the experiment locations. The observatory data from the ground stations and buoys, as well as radar reflectivity images, were adopted. The results indicated that, first, WIND-2 has a superior wind speed prediction performance to WIND-1, where WIND-2 can be used to identify the temporal and spatial changes in wind speeds using ground station data and reflectivity images. Second, WAVE-4 has the optimal wave height prediction performance, followed by WAVE-3, WAVE-2, and WAVE-1. The results of WAVE-4 revealed using the designed models with in-situ and reflectivity data directly yielded optimal predictions of the wind-based wave heights. Overall, the results indicated that the presented combination models were able to extract the spatial image features using multiple convolutional and pooling layers and provide useful information from time-series data using the GRU memory cell units. Overall, the presented models could exhibit promising results.
Enzymatic Synthesis of Muconic Acid-Based Polymers: Trans, Trans-Dimethyl Muconate and Trans, β-Dimethyl Hydromuconate

The vast majority of commodity polymers are acquired from petrochemical feedstock, and these resources will plausibly be depleted within the next 100 years. Therefore, the utilization of carbon-neutral renewable resources for the production of polymers is crucial in modern green chemistry. Herein, we report an eco-friendly strategy that uses enzyme catalysis to design biobased unsaturated (co)polyesters from muconic acid derivatives. This method is an attractive pathway for the production of well-defined unsaturated polyesters with minimum side reactions. A suite of characterization techniques was performed to probe the reaction mechanism and properties of the obtained polyesters. It is rationalized that the alkene functionality of the muconate monomers plays an important role in the enzyme catalysis mechanism. The rendered polyesters possessed excellent thermal stabilities and unreacted alkene functionality that can consecutively undergo chain extension, copolymerization, or act as an anchor for other functional groups. These properties open new avenues in the fields of unsaturated polyester resins and photosensitive coatings.
Effect of Rot-, Fire-, and Water-Retardant Treatments on Jute Fiber and Their Associated Thermoplastic Composites: A Study by FTIR

Natural renewable materials can play a big role in reducing the consumption of synthetic materials for environmental sustainability. Natural fiber-reinforced composites have attracted significant research and commercial importance due to their versatile characteristics and multi-dimensional applications. As the natural materials are easily rotten, flammable, and moisture absorbent, they require additional chemical modification for use in sustainable product development. In the present research, jute fibers were treated with rot-, fire-, and water-retardant chemicals and their corresponding polymer composites were fabricated using a compression molding technique. To identify the effects of the chemical treatments on the jute fiber and their polymeric composites, a Fourier transformed infrared radiation (FTIR) study was conducted and the results were analyzed. The presence of various chemicals in the post-treated fibers and the associated composites were identified through the FTIR analysis. The varying weight percentage of the chemicals used for treating the fibers affected the physio-mechanical properties of the fiber as well as their composites. From the FTIR analysis, it was concluded that crystallinity increased with the chemical concentration of the treatment which could be contributed to the improvement in their mechanical performance. This study provides valuable information for both academia and industry on the effect of various chemical treatments of the jute fiber for improved product development.
A Micron-Sized Laser Photothermal Effect Evaluation System and Method

The photothermal effects of lasers have played an important role in both medical laser applications and the development of cochlear implants with optical stimulation. However, there are few methods to evaluate the thermal effect of micron-sized laser spots interacting with other tissues. Here, we present a multi-wavelength micro-scale laser thermal effect measuring system that has high temporal, spatial and temperature resolutions, and can quantitatively realize evaluations in real time. In this system, with accurate 3D positioning and flexible pulsed laser parameter adjustments, groups of temperature changes are systematically measured when the micron-sized laser spots from six kinds of wavelengths individually irradiate the Pd/Cr thermocouple junction area, and reference data of laser spot thermal effects are obtained. This work develops a stable, reliable and universal tool for quantitatively exploring the thermal effect of micron-sized lasers, and provides basic reference data for research on light-stimulated neuron excitement in the future.
Facile Control of Structured ZnO Polymeric Nanoparticles through Miniemulsion Polymerization: Kinetic and UV Shielding Effects

Zinc oxide polymeric nanoparticles (ZPPs) of poly (styrene-co-acrylic acid) P(St/AA), containing oleic acid modified zinc oxide nanoparticles (OA-ZnO NPs), were synthesized via miniemulsion polymerization. By simply adjusting the quantity of reactants, i.e., sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) surfactant, potassium persulfate (KPS) initiator, and divinyl benzene (DVB) crosslinking agent, the location of ZnO NPs were altered from the inner (core) to the outer (shell), leading to core-shell and Pickering-like morphologies, respectively. The Pickering-like ZPPs were obtained when using SDS at below or equal to the critical micelle concentration (CMC). At above the CMC, the complete encapsulation of OA-ZnO NPs within the ZPPs depicted a kinetically controlled morphology. The transition to Pickering-like ZPPs also occurred when reducing the KPS from 2 to 0.5–1%. Whereas the DVB accelerated the polymerization rate and viscosity in the growing monomer-swollen nanodroplets and, hence, contributed to kinetic parameters on particle morphology, i.e., an increase in the DVB content increased the rate of polymerization. A hollow structure was obtained by replacing styrene with the more hydrophilic monomer, i.e., methyl methacrylate. All ZPPs-incorporated poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) films greatly improved shielding performance over the UV region and were relatively transparent on a white paper background. Due to the large number of ZnO NPs in the central region and, hence, the ease of electron transfer, composite films containing core-shell ZPPs possessed the highest UV blocking ability. ZnO NPs in the outer part of the hollow and Pickering-like ZPPs, on the other hand, facilitated the multiple light scattering according to the difference of refractive indices between the inorganic shell and organic/air core. These results confirm the advantage of structured ZPPs and their potential use as transparent UV shielding fillers.
Reaction Mechanism and Mechanical Property Improvement of Poly(Lactic Acid) Reactive Blending with Epoxy Resin

Polylactic acid (PLA) was melt-blended with epoxy resin to study the effects of the reaction on the mechanical and thermal properties of the PLA. The addition of 0.5% (wt/wt) epoxy to PLA increased the maximum tensile strength of PLA (57.5 MPa) to 67 MPa, whereas the 20% epoxy improved the elongation at break to 12%, due to crosslinking caused by the epoxy reaction. The morphology of the PLA/epoxy blends showed epoxy nanoparticle dispersion in the PLA matrix that presented a smooth fracture surface with a high epoxy content. The glass transition temperature of PLA decreased with an increasing epoxy content owing to the partial miscibility between PLA and the epoxy resin. The Vicat softening temperature of the PLA was 59 °C and increased to 64.6 °C for 0.5% epoxy. NMR confirmed the reaction between the -COOH groups of PLA and the epoxy groups of the epoxy resin. This reaction, and partial miscibility of the PLA/epoxy blend, improved the interfacial crosslinking, morphology, thermal properties, and mechanical properties of the blends.
Semi-Fluorinated Di and Triblock Copolymer Nano-Objects Prepared via RAFT Alcoholic Dispersion Polymerization (PISA)

A set of well-defined amphiphilic, semi-fluorinated di and triblock copolymers were synthesized via polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) under alcoholic dispersion polymerization conditions. This study investigates the influence of the length, nature and position of the solvophobic semi-fluorinated block. A poly(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) was used as the stabilizing block to prepare the di and tri block copolymer nano-objects via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) controlled dispersion polymerization at 70 °C in ethanol. Benzylmethacrylate (BzMA) and semi-fluorinated methacrylates and acrylates with 7 (heptafluorobutyl methacrylate (HFBMA)), 13 (heneicosafluorododecyl methacrylate (HCFDDMA)) and 21 (tridecafluorooctyl acrylate (TDFOA)) fluorine atoms were used as monomers for the core-forming blocks. The RAFT polymerization of these semi-fluorinated monomers was monitored by SEC and 1H NMR. The evolution of the self-assembled morphologies was investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results demonstrate that the order of the blocks and the number of fluorine atoms influence the microphase segregation of the core-forming blocks and the final morphology of the nano-objects.
Precision of Mammogram and USG based evaluation of NAST response in breast cancer and its impact on oncoplastic surgery decisions

ABSTRACT Background Precise prediction of residual tumour size following neoadjuvant systemic therapy for breast cancer is crucial in assessing response and surgical decision making. Our study is aimed at assessing the performance of conventional imaging modalities like ultrasound and mammography in predicting the residual tumour size after neoadjuvant systemic therapy and in evaluating the impact of imaging on the surgical outcomes. Methods We retrospectively compared the tumour size measured by ultrasonography and mammography and the residual tumour size on final histopathology in 109 patients. Concordance was defined as a size difference within 25% of the histopathology size. We also looked at the distribution of concordance between different T status and molecular subtypes, accuracy of USG in predicting pathological complete response and axillary lymph nodal metastasis and also surgical outcomes in the discordant cases. Results The concordance rates of mammography and ultrasonography were 68.2% and 52.3% respectively without statistically significant difference between the two modalities (p = 0.081). Combination of both the modalities had a concordance rate of 57.8%. Ultrasonography had accuracy of 81.7% for predicting pathological complete response and 79.8% for predicting axillary nodal metastasis. We did not identify any influence of histologic subtype on the associations between preoperative measurements and pathology size or the accuracy for detecting pathological complete response (p values 0.43 and 0.46 respectively). In 12 cases, the radiology-pathology discordance could have led to large excision volume surgeries. In the overall cohort, recurrence free survival and overall survival rates at median follow up of 19.1 month were 87.2% and 95.4% respectively. Conclusions Ultrasound and mammography showed moderate concordance with pathology for estimation of the residual tumour size without any significant difference in the performance between the two. Despite the moderate concordance, surgical outcomes were fairly well managed in the discordant cases with the oncoplastic surgical techniques. Our study highlights the usefulness of the cheaper and widely available conventional imaging modalities in the developing countries where the cost of treatment is to be contained.
SARS-CoV-2 Breakthrough Infections among the Healthcare Workers Post-Vaccination with ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 Vaccine in the South Indian State of Kerala.

Objective: The national COVID-19 vaccination campaigns in India, prioritized healthcare workers to be vaccinated with ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AZD1222). So, we aimed to ascertain the effectiveness of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine among the healthcare workers by characterizing the breakthrough infections which occurred 14 days after the second dose of the vaccine. Methods: We prospectively evaluated the Institutional Covid Vaccination Database to categorize the SARS-CoV-2 positive healthcare workers into 2 cohorts: infected vaccinated and infected unvaccinated cohort. Along with comparing the descriptive statistics of the cohorts, the relative risk (RR), relative risk reduction (RRR), and the vaccine effectiveness were calculated. The study population was compared for the significant difference by using the parametric model (binary logistic regression) for the Odds ratio and the non-parametric model (cox proportionality model) for the Hazard ratio. Results: Out of the 324 healthcare workers employed in our institution 243 (75%) were vaccinated. When 6.58% (16) of the vaccinated healthcare workers were tested positive, 43.75% (35) were infected in the unvaccinated cohort and the median time of infection in the vaccinated cohort was 65 days (range 20 - 91 days). While the cox proportionality model reveals that the age, sex, and the contact exposure status of the cohort are not significant factors for getting infected after being vaccinated, binary logistic regression proves that a significant relationship exists between the incidence of infection and the unvaccinated status (p = 0.001, OR = 4.278). Completing the two-dose of vaccination decreased the hazard of testing positive for the SARS-CoV-2 by 84.96 % when compared with the unvaccinated individuals, which is the effectiveness of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine. Conclusion: There is an increased risk of the third wave of COVID-19 infection in the upcoming months. So, primary infection control measures should be followed even if vaccinated, to prevent the risk of breakthrough infections.
The use of mesenchymal stem cells in animal models for gastrointestinal anastomotic leak: A systematic review

Anastomotic leak is the most feared complication of gastrointestinal surgery. Mesenchymal stem cell technology is used clinically to promote wound healing; however, the safety and efficacy of this technology on anastomotic healing has yet to be defined. The aim of this study was to investigate whether mesenchymal stem cells confer any benefit when applied to animal models for gastrointestinal anastomotic leak, identify the methodology and how efficacy is assessed.
Mutations in the binding site of TNFR1 PLAD reduce homologous interactions but can enhance antagonism of wild‐type TNFR1 activity

The tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily (TNFRSF) members contain cysteine‐rich domains (CRD) in their extracellular regions, and the membrane‐distal CRD1 forms homologous interactions in the absence of ligand. The CRD1 is therefore termed a pre‐ligand assembly domain (PLAD). The role of PLAD‐PLAD interactions in the induction of signalling as a consequence of TNF‐TNFR binding led to the development of soluble PLAD domains as antagonists of TNFR activation. In the present study, we generated recombinant wild‐type (WT) PLAD of TNFR1 and mutant forms with single alanine substitutions of amino acid residues thought to be critical for the formation of homologous dimers and/or trimers of PLAD (K19A, T31A, D49A and D52A). These mutated PLADs were compared with WT PLAD as antagonists of TNF‐induced apoptosis or the activation of inflammatory signalling pathways. Unlike WT PLAD, the mutated PLADs showed little or no homologous interactions, confirming the importance of particular amino acids as contact residues in the PLAD binding region. However, as with WT PLAD, the mutated PLADs functioned as antagonists of TNF‐induced TNFR1 activity leading to induction of cell death or NF‐κB signalling. Indeed, some of the mutant PLADs, and K19A PLAD in particular, showed enhanced antagonistic activity compared with WT PLAD. This is consistent with the reduced formation of homologous multimers by these PLAD mutants effectively increasing the concentration of PLAD available to bind and antagonize WT TNFR1 when compared to WT PLAD acting as an antagonist. This may have implications for the development of antagonistic PLADs as therapeutic agents.
A new salinity equation for sound speed instruments

A new equation is presented for the calculation of salinity from triplets of temperature, pressure, and sound speed in marine and estuarine waters. The sixty nine term, sixth order, equation is valid over an environmental range of 0–40°C, 0–6000 dbar, and 0–40 psu. The equation can reproduce a UNESCO speed of sound equation derived reference parameter space to an RMS error of ± 0.0014 psu. The limitation for practical use is the ± 0.05 ms−1 accuracy of the best of the current equations for calculating sound speed. A new reference dataset, either laboratory or in‐situ, is required to match the capabilities of new sound speed measuring instruments.
An angiosperm NLR atlas reveals that NLR gene reduction is associated with ecological specialization and signal transduction component deletion

Nucleotide-binding site-leucine-rich repeat receptor (NLR) genes comprise the largest family of plant disease resistance genes. NLR genes are phylogenetically divided into the TNL, CNL, and RNL subclasses. NLR copy numbers and subclass composition vary tremendously across angiosperm genomes. However, the evolutionary associations between genomic NLR content and plant lifestyle, or between NLR content and signal transduction components, are poorly characterized due to limited genome availability. Here, we established an angiosperm NLR atlas (ANNA, http://compbio.nju.edu.cn/app/ANNA/), which includes NLR genes from over 300 angiosperm genomes. Using ANNA, we revealed that NLR copy numbers differ up to 66-fold among closely related species due to rapid gene loss and gain. Interestingly, NLR contraction was associated with adaptations to aquatic, parasitic, and carnivorous lifestyles. The convergent NLR reduction in aquatic plants resembles the long-term evolutionary silence of NLR genes in green algae before the colonization of land. A co-evolutionary pattern between NLR subclasses and plant immune-pathway components was also identified, suggesting that immune pathway deficiencies may drive TNL loss. Finally, we recovered a conserved TNL lineage that may function independently of the RNL pathway. Our findings provide new insights into the evolution of NLR genes in the context of plant lifestyles and genome content variation.
Research of distributed acquisition system based on clock synchronization

In order to improve clock synchronization and data synchronization among distributed measuring devices, a distributed synchronous acquisition system based on IEEE 1588 is designed in this paper. Firstly, the precision time protocol stack (PTPD) was transplanted to STM32 platform, and the clock synchronization of master and slave devices was realized by combining real-time operating system and LwIP stack. Then, the acquisition trigger based on time synchronization is realized. Finally, the data is uploaded for analysis through Ethernet. Experimental results show that the system can realize clock synchronization among distributed acquisition devices and improve data synchronization.
Determinants and constraints to household-level animal source food consumption in rural communities of Ethiopia

Abstract Animal source foods (ASF) contain quality nutrients important for growth, development, immunity and behavioural outcomes. Plant-based foods also provide the nutrients, but with lower bioavailability than ASF. Evidence on household-level ASF consumption frequency, constraints and determinants are limited for Ethiopia. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the consumption frequency of ASF and to identify determinants and constraints among rural households in Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 422 households. The consumption frequency of ASF was assessed using a food frequency screener over 30 days. Twelve statements with Likert scale responses were used to identify constraints to ASF consumption. Ordinal logistic regression was used to identify determinants of ASF consumption. About a quarter (26 %) of the households consumed milk one to two times per week. One out of five households consumed eggs one to two times per week (20 %) or one to two times per month (19 %). Poultry and meat were never consumed by 92 and 60 % of the households, respectively. Unavailability, unaffordability, consumption tradition and income generation priority were constraints identified. Food insecurity, livestock ownership, income, family size and women's education were associated (P < 0⋅05) with selected ASF consumption. Rural households in Ethiopia did not consume ASF on regular basis. Poor socio-demographic and economic conditions as determined by food insecurity, property ownership, income, educational achievement, family size and ASF unavailability and unaffordability contributed to the lower consumption frequency of ASF by households in rural Ethiopia. Nutrition policies and programmes should focus on nutrition-sensitive agricultural extension, livelihood improvement and women empowerment interventions integrated with nutrition education to improve ASF consumption in rural settings.