Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Time Series Classification using Improved Deep Learning Approach for Agriculture Field Mapping

Agriculture holds an important role in food security management, hence providing the authorities with reliable and updated agriculture field maps from regional to national scale is critical. Unfortunately, conventional digitation on the screen is still dominating the process of mapping production. The recent advancement in remote sensing research has made it possible to optimize the operation of mapping by employing Deep Learning (DL) algorithm to automate the process. This study implemented a novel DL architecture based on multiple blocks of CNN layers which are complemented by a Bi-LSTM and dual FCN layers. Time-series datasets of NDVI were extracted from Landsat 8 OLI (Operational Land Image) ranging from May 2013 to September 2021 as the main features. The validation accuracy score of our DL model during the fitting process was 0.9833. MSAVI replaced NDVI as part of the experiments and our model produced a validation accuracy score of 0.9667. In the latter stage of the experiment, we produced the final comparison using IoU metrics between prediction maps of the agriculture field from our model, ResNet, and ESA WorldCover. Prediction maps from our model topped the chart with highest IoU score amongst others for the NDVI and MSAVI datasets
A Systematic Review for Enhancing Solar Photovoltaic System Efficiency by Reducing the Panel Temperature

Renewable energies are significant for energy producers in growing countries. Wind energy, hydropower, geothermal energy, bioenergy, and solar energy are more sensible alternatives than other resources, the answer to the high energy demand. However, Solar energy is considered promising, fast-developed, and cost-efficient compared to other renewable energy sources. Unfortunately, PV Solar efficiency is highly dependent on temperature, and reducing this dependency or its effect on energy production is mandatory. In this article, 43 articles are systematically reviewed and then classified according to their cooling methods, mainly into active and passive methods. In the active methods, the forced air and water as coolants were considered, while the natural air, the heat pipe, and natural water were adopted in the passive methods. Results show a comparison between the presented methods in the durability, maintenance required, efficiency, operation noise, lifespan, capital cost, and consumed energy.
Effectiveness of Self-Adhesive Resin Luting Cement in CAD-CAM Blocks—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Self-adhesive resin cements (SARCs) are used because of their mechanical properties, ease of cementation protocols, and lack of requirements for acid conditioning or adhesive systems. SARCs are generally dual-cured, photoactivated, and self-cured, with a slight increase in acidic pH, allowing self-adhesiveness and increasing resistance to hydrolysis. This systematic review assessed the adhesive strength of SARC systems luted to different substrates and computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) ceramic blocks. The PubMed/MedLine and Science Direct databases were searched using the Boolean formula [((dental or tooth) AND (self-adhesive) AND (luting or cement) AND CAD-CAM) NOT (endodontics or implants)]. Of the 199 articles obtained, 31 were selected for the quality assessment. Lava Ultimate (resin matrix filled with nanoceramic) and Vita Enamic (polymer-infiltrated ceramic) blocks were the most tested. Rely X Unicem 2 was the most tested resin cement, followed by Rely X Unicem > Ultimate > U200, and μTBS was the test most used. The meta-analysis confirmed the substrate-dependent adhesive strength of SARCs, with significant differences between them and between SARCs and conventional resin-based adhesive cement (α < 0.05). SARCs are promising. However, one must be aware of the differences in the adhesive strengths. An appropriate combination of materials must be considered to improve the durability and stability of restorations.
INTRODUCTION TO THE ACQUISITION OF FINITENESS IN CAPEVERDEAN

Capeverdean, a Portuguese-based creole, is the native language of all the 400,000 inhabitants of the Republic of Cape Verde, an archipelago off West African coast and a former Portuguese colony. An estimated one million Cape Verdeans in the diaspora also speak the language and most often have it as their mother tongue. It is not, however, an official language in its own country. The goal of this paper is twofold: (i) to investigate the development of aspect / tense morphology in Capeverdean (more specifically, is the acquisition aspectually conditioned, i.e. are there “aspect first” effects? ); (ii) to determine if Capeverdeanspeaking children show a Root Infinitive stage (and, if so, to determine the temporal/aspectual characteristics of Capeverdean “RIs”).
Oral Sequelae after Head and Neck Radiotherapy: RCT Comparing 3D-Printed Tissue Retraction Devices with Conventional Dental Splints

Objectives: To evaluate oral sequelae after head and neck radiotherapy (RT) when using two different types of intraoral appliances. Thermoplastic dental splints (active control) protect against backscattered radiation from dental structures. Semi-individualized, 3D-printed tissue retraction devices (TRDs, study group) additionally spare healthy tissue from irradiation. Materials and Methods: A total of 29 patients with head and neck cancer were enrolled in a randomized controlled pilot trial and allocated to receive TRDs (n = 15) or conventional splints (n = 14). Saliva quality and quantity (Saliva-Check, GC), taste perception (Taste strips, Burghart-Messtechnik), and oral disability (JFLS-8, OHIP-14, maximum mouth opening) were recorded before and 3 months after RT start. Radiotherapy target volume, modality, total dose, fractionation, and imaging guidance were case-dependent. To evaluate intra-group developments between baseline and follow-up, nonparametric Wilcoxon tests were performed. Mann-Whitney-U tests were applied for inter-group comparisons. Results: At follow-up, taste perception was unimpaired (median difference in the total score; TRDs: 0, control: 0). No significant changes were found regarding oral disability. Saliva quantity (stimulated flow) was significantly reduced with conventional splints (median −4 mL, p = 0.016), while it decreased insignificantly with TRDs (median −2 mL, p = 0.07). Follow-up was attended by 9/15 study group participants (control 13/14). Inter-group comparisons showed no significant differences but a tendency towards a better outcome for disability and saliva quality in the intervention group. Conclusion: Due to the small cohort size and the heterogeneity of the sample, the results must be interpreted with reservation. Further research must confirm the positive trends of TRD application. Negative side-effects of TRD application seem improbable.
Analyzing Bent Waveguide Using Variational Effective Index Method and Cylindrical Perfectly Matched Layers

An efficient mode solver for the cross-section mode of three-dimensional bent waveguide is proposed and validated. The technique is based on vectorial slab mode expansion and perfectly matched layer in cylindrical coordinate system. Numerical simulations of rib and ridge waveguides are performed in order to demonstrate the accuracy of the method. The correlation coefficient between simulation results and literature results is 0.9995. Due to the variable separation of slab mode expansion and the absorption of perfectly matched layer boundary, the mode solver provides an efficient and reliable estimation of the modal field profile and curvature loss of bent waveguide.
Some Connections between Bounded Query Classes and Non-Uniform Complexity (Long Version)

Abstract Let A(x) be the characteristic function of A. Consider the function Fk (x1, . . . , xk) = A(x1) · · ·A(xk). We show that if Fk can be computed with fewer than k queries to some set X then A ∈ P/poly. A generalization of this result has applications to bounded query classes, circuits, and enumerability. In particular we obtain the following. (1) Assuming Σp3 6= Π p 3, there are functions computable using f(n)+ 1 queries to SAT that are not computable using f(n) queries to SAT, for f(n) = O(log n). (2) If Fk , restricted to length n inputs, can be computed by an unbounded fanin oracle circuit of size s(n) and depth d(n), with k−1 queries to some set X, then A can be computed with an unbounded fanin (non-oracle) circuit of size nO(k)s(n) and depth d(n) +O(1). (3) Assuming that PH 6= Σp4 ∩Π p 4, and < 1, #SAT is not 2 n -enumerable.
Investigation on subsonic to supersonic flow around a sphere at low Reynolds number of between 50 and 300 by direct numerical simulation

In this study, analysis of flow properties around a sphere and its aerodynamic coefficients in the high-Mach-and-low-Reynolds-numbers conditions is carried out by direct numerical simulations solving the three-dimensional compressible Navier–Stokes equations. The calculation is performed on a boundary-fitted coordinate system with a high-order scheme of sufficient accuracy. The analysis is conducted by assuming a rigid sphere with a Reynolds number of between 50 and 300, based on the diameter of the sphere and the freestream velocity and a freestream Mach number of between 0.3 and 2.0, together with the adiabatic wall boundary condition. The calculation shows the following yields: (1) unsteady fluctuation of hydrodynamic forces become smaller as the Mach number increases under the same Reynolds number condition, (2) the drag coefficient increases with the Mach number due to an increase in the pressure drag by the shock wave, and (3) an accurate prediction of the drag coefficient in the supersonic regime u.
An Energy-Efficient Clustering with Mobile Sink and Rendezvous Nodes for Data Collection in IoT-based Wireless Sensor Networks

The inclusion of mobile sink(s) and rendezvous nodes has facilitated the data collection in Internet-of-Things-based wireless sensor networks to a great extent. In the sink-mobility-based clustered network enriched with rendezvous nodes, normal sensor nodes do not require to transmit their readings to the distant base station. Instead, they can transmit their data to the nearby mobile sink/rendezvous nodes saving their respective limited energy. Such a facility allows the saved energy to be utilized in further network operations, prolonging the overall network lifetime. However, clustering the nodes leading to energy-efficient operations in the aforementioned network scenario is still a challenging task. In this work, an existing scheme optimized-LEACH has been improved by formulating energy-aware clusters in the network. Various simulations establish the supremacy of the proposed scheme in terms of nodes' decay rate, average energy per node in the network, throughput, and nodes' distribution in the clusters. Experiments confirm that the proposed scheme achieves gains up to 167.56% in data packet delivery under varying network configurations.
Potential Utilization of Ground Eggshells as a Biofiller for Natural Rubber Biocomposites

The aim of this work was application of ground eggshells in various amounts by weight as a biofiller for natural rubber (NR) biocomposites. Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), ionic liquids (ILs), i.e., 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (BmiCl) and 1-decyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide (DmiBr), and silanes, i.e., (3-aminopropyl)-triethoxysilane (APTES) and bis [3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl] tetrasulfide (TESPTS), were used to increase the activity of ground eggshells in the elastomer matrix and to ameliorate the cure characteristics and properties of NR biocomposites. The influence of ground eggshells, CTAB, ILs, and silanes on the crosslink density, mechanical properties, and thermal stability of NR vulcanizates and their resistance to prolonged thermo-oxidation were explored. The amount of eggshells affected the curing characteristics and crosslink density of the rubber composites and therefore their tensile properties. Vulcanizates filled with eggshells demonstrated higher crosslink density than the unfilled sample by approximately 30%, whereas CTAB and ILs increased the crosslink density by 40–60% compared to the benchmark. Owing to the enhanced crosslink density and uniform dispersion of ground eggshells, vulcanizates containing CTAB and ILs exhibited tensile strength improved by approximately 20% compared to those without these additives. Moreover, the hardness of these vulcanizates was increased by 35–42%. Application of both the biofiller and the tested additives did not significantly affect the thermal stability of cured NR compared to the unfilled benchmark. Most importantly, the eggshell-filled vulcanizates showed improved resistance to thermo-oxidative aging compared to the unfilled NR.
Flexible On-Orbit Calibration for Monocular Camera and Laser Rangefinder Integrated Pose Measurement System

Due to its low cost and ease of manufacture, integrated monocular space camera and laser rangefinders are commonly used in many space applications (i.e., pose measurement of noncooperative targets). This and other composite systems estimate poses with high precision using a combination of high-resolution lateral visual and high-precision distance information. Notably, any system that is tested on ground must again receive precise on-orbit calibration because the accompanying spaceborne turntables and arms must be frequently manipulated to meet the field-of-view and distance measurement requirements and require complicated realignments. To accommodate flexible multiple target calibration, this study proposed an on-orbit model that obtains accurate pose relationships jointly using the monocular camera and laser rangefinder. First, we invented a robust calibration model and derive its pose transformation matrix based on the given component positions. We then provided an improved (simplified) orthogonal iteration algorithm that optimizes the given matrix for calibration. The influences of different factors on calibration accuracy are quantitatively analyzed via simulations, and the new method’s performance is verified with real-world experiments. This system enables several novel and significant space and military applications.
Non-normality and internal flame dynamics in premixed flame–acoustic interaction

This paper investigates the non-normal nature of premixed flame–acoustic interaction. The thermoacoustic system is modelled using the acoustic equations for momentum and energy, together with the equation for the evolution of the flame front obtained from the kinematic G-equation. As the unsteady heat addition acts as a volumetric source, the flame front is modelled as a distribution of monopole sources. Evolutions of the system are characterized with a measure of energy due to fluctuations. In addition to the acoustic energy, the energy due to fluctuations considered in the present paper accounts for the energy of the monopole sources. The linearized operator for this thermoacoustic system is non-normal, leading to non-orthogonality of its eigenvectors. Non-orthogonal eigenvectors can cause transient growth even when all the eigenvectors are decaying. Therefore, classical linear stability theory cannot predict the finite-time transient growth observed in non-normal systems. In the present model, the state space variables include the monopole source strengths in addition to the acoustic variables. Inclusion of these variables in the state space is essential to account for the transient growth due to non-normality. A parametric study of the variation in transient growth due to change in parameters such as flame location and flame angle is performed. In addition to projections along the acoustic variables of velocity and pressure, the optimal initial condition for the self-evolving system has significant projections along the strength of the monopole distribution. Comparison of linear and corresponding nonlinear evolutions highlights the role of transient growth in subcritical transition to instability. The notion of phase between acoustic pressure and heat release rate as an indicator of stability is examined.
Effect of Buffalo Breed on the Detailed Milk Composition in Guangxi, China

Buffalo is the second source of milk in the world, and its milk is rich in nutritive components. It is well-known that breed influences milk composition. This work aimed to compare the detailed milk composition of three buffalo breeds (Murrah, Nili-Ravi, and Mediterranean) housed under the same environmental conditions. Mediterranean buffalo milk showed a significantly higher content of fat, protein, and some fatty acids. Moreover, the milk from the Mediterranean breed was characterized by the highest content of sphingomyelin (SM), cholesterol, and lanosterol. However, the Murrah buffalo milk contained the highest amount of total unsaturated fatty acids, phosphatidylinositol, and whey proteins. Furthermore, the Nili-Ravi buffalo milk was characterized by the highest content of total saturated fatty acids, phosphatidylglycerol, squalene, lathosterol, stigmasterol, beta-sitosterol, and casein fractions. Nevertheless, the lactose and amino acid profiles of the milk remained almost similar across the three buffalo breeds. The generated results in this study enable a comprehensive understanding of the milk constituent variability that is linked to buffalo breeds, which may support the acquirement of essential scientific knowledge on milk ingredient–processing interactions that will offer a foundation of knowledge for Chinese dairy processors in terms of milk processability and innovation.
Visualizing the Pandemic: How the Front Pages of Local and National U.S. Media Used Images to Cover the Coronavirus Pandemic

This study explored how The New York Times and the Dallas Morning News used visuals on their front pages to frame the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 and 2021. Findings indicated that the Times was more likely to publish COVID-related images on the front page, use the threat frame in its images, and use photographs taken by staff photojournalists than sourced from wire services or freelancers. The two newspapers were equally likely to give prominence to COVID-related photos on their front pages, by publishing them above the fold. The implications of these trends are discussed.
Exact Confidence Intervals for Proportions Estimated by Group Testing

In plant disease assessment, estimation of the proportion of infected units in a population can be greatly facilitated by group testing. Further gains may be possible by the sequential testing of groups of different sizes. The construction of exact confidence intervals is considered here for problems involving unequal sized groups. The recommended method uses an ordering of outcomes based on their associated maximum likelihood estimates. The method is compared with the technique proposed by Sterne (1954, Biometrika 41, 275-278) in which outcomes are ordered according to their probability. An assessment of the prevalence of viruses in carnation populations is used to illustrate the method. made by such pooling or group testing. A series of tests in which all groups test positive is of very limited value, but the presence of at least one negative group often provides enough information to make the pooling of units worthwhile. This study arose from an assessment of carnation populations in nursery glasshouses in Victoria, Australia. The purpose of the investigation was to estimate the prevalence of several viruses in carnations grown by a range of growers. Following the collection of a sample of leaves from a glasshouse (a leaf being assumed to accurately indicate a plant's infection status), it was possible to reliably test large groups of leaves for the presence of a virus using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The cost of sampling a leaf was small compared to that of performing an ELISA, and so group testing was seen as a likely way of improving precision within the available resources. Group testing first appeared in the statistics literature in the context of identifying individual infected units in a population. Dorfman (1943) proposed the pooling of blood samples in testing for the syphilis antigen, followed by the retesting of individuals in any group found to be infected. This has spawned a considerable body of literature on group testing procedures for efficient identification. The other major area which has emerged is that in which estimation of the prevalence of a disease is much more important than the identification of infected units. This was the case in the assessment of the Victorian carnation industry, and it is estimation with which this paper is concerned. Most of the work in this area has been applied to the problem of estimating the proportion of vectors transmitting a plant or animal virus (Gibbs and Gower, 1960; Thompson, 1962; Walter, Hildreth, and Beaty, 1980; Romanow, Moyer, and Kennedy, 1986; Swallow, 1987). In those studies the vectors
ALA reverses ABA-induced stomatal closure by modulating PP2AC and SnRK2.6 activity in apple leaves

Abstract 5-Aminolevulinic acid (ALA), known as a new natural plant growth regulator, can reverse abscisic acid (ABA)-induced stomatal closure. The protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) played an important role in regulation of stomatal movement by ALA and ABA; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we report that ALA promotes MdPP2A activity and gene expression in the leaf epidermis of apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.), and expression of the catalytic subunit MdPP2AC was most significantly correlated with stomatal aperture. Western blotting showed that ALA enhanced MdPP2AC protein abundance and phosphorylation. Y2H (yeast two hybrid), FLC (firefly luciferase complementation imaging) and BiFC (Bimolecular fluorescence complementation) assays showed that MdPP2AC interacted with several other MdPP2A subunits as well as MdSnRK2.6 (Sucrose non-fermenting 1-related protein kinase 2.6), and the latter interaction was further verified by pull-down and MST (microscale thermophoresis) assays. ALA downregulated ABA-induced MdSnRK2.6 gene expression, kinase activity, and protein phosphorylation. In transiently transgenic apple leaves, OE-MdPP2AC promoted stomatal aperture by reducing Ca2+ and H2O2 levels but increasing flavonol levels in guard cells. Conversely, OE-MdSnRK2.6 induced stomatal closure by increasing Ca2+ and H2O2 but reducing flavonols. Partial silencing of these genes had opposite effects on Ca2+, H2O2, flavonols, and stomatal movement. Application of exogenous ALA stimulated PP2A activity, which promoted SnRK2.6 dephosphorylation and lower kinase activity in wild-type and transgenic apple leaves. We therefore propose that PP2AC, which dephosphorylates SnRK2.6 and represses its enzyme activity, mediates ALA signaling to inhibit ABA-induced stomatal closure in apple leaves.
Main results of the PICARD mission

PICARD is a mission devoted to solar variability observations through imagery and radiometric measurements. The main goal is to provide data for scientific investigation first in the area of solar physics, and second in the assessment of the influence of the solar variability on the Earth climate variability. PICARD contains a double program with in-space and on-ground measurements. The PICARD spacecraft was launched on June 15, 2010, commissioned in-flight in October of the same year and was retired in April 2014. The PICARD ground-based observatory is operational since May 2011. We shall give a short overview of the PICARD instrumentation. New estimates of the absolute values of the total solar irradiance, of the solar spectral irradiance at typical wavelengths, and of the solar oblateness will be given. We will also report about helioseismic studies. Finally, we will present our current results about solar radius variations after six years of solar observation.