Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Experimental and Machine Learning Studies on Chitosan-Polyacrylamide Copolymers for Selective Separation of Metal Sulfides in the Froth Flotation Process

The froth flotation process is extensively used for the selective separation of valuable base metal sulfides from uneconomic associated minerals. However, in this complex multiphase process, various parameters need to be optimized to ensure separation selectivity and peak performance. In this study, two machine learning (ML) models, artificial neural network (ANN) and random forests (RF), were used to predict the efficiency of in-house synthesized chitosan-polyacrylamide copolymers (C-PAMs) in the depression of iron sulfide minerals (i.e., pyrite) while valuable base metal sulfides (i.e., galena and chalcopyrite) were floated using nine flotation variables as inputs to the models. The prediction performance of the models was rigorously evaluated based on the coefficient of determination (R2) and the root-mean-square error (RMSE). The results showed that the RF model was able to produce high-fidelity predictions of the depression of pyrite once thoroughly trained as compared to ANN. With the RF model, the overall R2 and RMSE values were 0.88 and 4.38 for the training phase, respectively, and R2 of 0.90 and RMSE of 3.78 for the testing phase. As for the ANN, during the training phase, the overall R2 and RMSE were 0.76 and 4.75, respectively, and during the testing phase, the R2 and RMSE were 0.65 and 5.42, respectively. Additionally, fundamental investigations on the surface chemistry of C-PAMs at the mineral–water interface were conducted to give fundamental insights into the behavior of different metal sulfides during the flotation process. C-PAM was found to strongly adsorb on pyrite as compared to galena and chalcopyrite through zeta potential, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and adsorption density measurements. XPS tests suggested that the adsorption mechanism of C-PAM on pyrite was through chemisorption of the amine and amide groups of the polymer.
Bounds on Projective Dimension

Bounds on Projective Dimension Bahman Engheta, Ph.D. Advisor: Craig Huneke Department of Mathematics University of Kansas August 2005 In the study of ideals in polynomial rings over a field, one can glean a great deal of the properties and the invariants of a homogeneous ideal from its minimal graded free resolution. By a classical result of David Hilbert, which dates back to the nineteenth century, these resolutions are always finite and their length is bounded above by the dimension of the ring. In this thesis we consider the question whether the projective dimension (or equivalently, the Castelnuovo-Mumford regularity) of an ideal can be bounded solely in terms of its number of generators and the degrees of those generators, but independently of (the dimension of) the ring. We give an affirmative answer in the case of ideals generated by three cubic forms by showing that the projective dimension of three cubics (in any polynomial ring over a field) is at most 36. We also settle the open question of whether three cubic forms can have projective dimension greater than 4 by constructing an example with projective dimension equal to 5.
Bidimensional climatology and trends of Northern Hemisphere blocking utilizing a new detection method

In this article, the meridional gradient of daily potential vorticity (PV) on the 330 K isentropic surface is used to identify atmospheric blocking events for the period 1979–2019. The associated two‐dimensional index considers not only Rossby wave breaking, but also energy dispersion and nonlinearity of blocking systems, and thus has a solid theoretical foundation. It also has the advantage of automatically excluding subtropical high‐pressure systems in summer and autumn. The index reveals that the Northern Hemisphere exhibits high blocking frequency over Euro‐Atlantic, North Pacific and Greenland in winter, spring and autumn, and over two wide‐extended bands at high latitudes in summer. Two prominent blocking episode (BE) intensity centres are found over the eastern Atlantic and eastern Pacific in all seasons, while the long‐lived BE is primarily situated in regions with high BE frequency. There is more frequent and longer‐lived BE in the Euro‐Atlantic sector than in the North Pacific, whereas the BE in the North Pacific is more intense. Notably, with the same poleward criterion for the four seasons, the BE frequency and duration are supposed to be overestimated in summer. Comparing our blocking detection method with previous blocking indices provides additional information about the long‐term trends for blocking frequency and intensity, which can be useful to our understanding of future extremes on climate time‐scales. It is found that both blocking frequency and intensity exhibit upward linear trends in the Ural region and Barents–Kara Sea in winter, Europe, northern North Pacific and East Siberia in spring, western Greenland in summer, as well as Norwegian Sea, Europe and North Atlantic in autumn, which point to increases in high‐impact weather events in these regions.
Improving the Accuracy of Mapping Cyclone Numbers and Frequencies

Abstract The uncertainties associated with the mapping of cyclone numbers and frequencies are analyzed using the 42-yr winter climatology of cyclone tracks derived from 6-hourly NCEP–NCAR reanalysis. Tracking is performed using an automated procedure, based on computer animation of the sea level pressure fields. Uncertainties in the mapping result from an incomplete catchment of cyclones by the grid cells: the coarse temporal resolution of data causes fast-moving storms to skip grid boxes. This introduces error into estimates of cyclone frequency, with cyclone counts systematically underestimated. To minimize these biases, it is possible to simulate higher temporal resolution of the storm tracks by linear interpolation applied to the original tracks. This simple procedure reduces bias in estimates of both cyclone frequencies and numbers and enables quantitative estimation of errors. Errors in cyclone counts are estimated over the Northern Hemisphere for different time resolutions and different grids. Stan.
Problematic Media Use among Children up to the Age of 10: A Systematic Literature Review

Introduction: Digital screen media use has significantly grown in all age groups and at an increasingly young age, including toddlers, schoolers, and primary school children. Although there is evidence that excessive early childhood media exposure can lead to several negative developmental outcomes, no systematic review on Problematic Media Use (PMU) of children under 10 years old have been provided. The aim of the present systematic review was to identify (i) the main instruments used to measure children’s PMU across different studies; (ii) the risk and protective factors which might increase or reduce children’s PMU; and (iii) the negative outcomes associated with children’s PMU. Methods: This study was conducted following the systematic review guidelines proposed in the PRISMA statement. A total of 35 studies published between 2012–2022 and with a mean sample age between 0 and 10 years old were ultimately included in this literature review. Results: Use of media for more than 2 h a day, male gender, and higher age increased the risk of developing PMU among children. PMU led to several negative consequences for children’s development and well-being (e.g., more problematic behaviors, sleep problems, higher depressive symptoms, lower emotional intelligence, and lower academic achievements). Children who experienced negative psychological symptoms, a dysfunctional parent–child relationship, and difficulties in school context were more prone to develop PMU. However, an authoritative parenting style and restrictive parental mediation reduced the risk of developing PMU among children. Finally, self-report measures specifically designed to get the younger children’s perspective are still few and not so widely used. Conclusions: Overall, this research field is still in its infancy and needs further investigation. Likely, a dysfunctional family system can lead children to experience emotional distress and negative psychological symptoms, which they try to manage by escaping into the virtual world, thus increasing the risk of developing PMU. As the children’s PMU is closely affected by the family environment, future prevention interventions should target both children and their parents to improve their self-regulatory and mentalizing capabilities, as well as parental mediation strategies and general parenting practices.
Factors Associated with Utilization of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services among the Youth in Lira City West, Northern Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background The youth in Uganda, as in much of sub-Saharan Africa, face numerous sexual and reproductive health (SRH) challenges, from human immunodeficiency virus HIV infection, and unsafe abortions to unwanted pregnancies. This study, therefore, assessed the utilization of sexual and reproductive health services and associated factors among the youth in Lira city west, northern Uganda. Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted in January 2023 among 386 young people (15-24 years) in Lira city west division, Lira city. Multistage cluster sampling technique was used to recruit our study participants. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23, descriptive statistics, cross-tabulation, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression analyses. All variables were set by p values less than 0.05 and reported adjusted odds ratio with its 95% confidence interval. Results The utilization of SRH services was 42.0% (162/386) among the study participants. Family planning, voluntary HIV counseling and testing (VCT), and general counseling services were the most utilized SRH services in the past 12 months. Young people who were aware of SRH services (AOR: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.08-0.74), were aware of a reproductive health facility (AOR, 4.24; 95% CI: 1.62-11.09), discussed SRH issues with peers/friends (AOR, 3.98; 95% CI: 1.53-10.33), had a sexual partner (AOR, 10.00; 95% CI: 4.05-24.69), had sexual intercourse (AOR, 4.59; 95% CI: 2.18-9.69), and had access to SRH services (AOR, 2.68; 95% CI: 1.12-6.40) were more likely to utilize SRH services compared to their counterparts. Conclusion This study showed a low utilization of sexual and reproductive health services among youth in Lira city west, northern Uganda. Being aware of SRH services, awareness of reproductive health facilities, discussing SRH issues with peers, having sexual intercourse, having a sexual partner, and access to SRH services were independently associated with the utilization of SRH services. Therefore, there is a need to strengthen sustainable multisector approaches aimed at improving awareness and access to sexual and reproductive health services among the youth.
Tackling (Not Only) Air Pollution: Cross-sectional Tensions behind State-led Energy Retrofit Program in Poland

Abstract According to the World Health Organization, 36 out of the 50 most polluted cities in the EU in 2018 were in Poland. In response to public pressure and supranational obligations, the state-led, household-oriented energy retrofit Clean Air Priority Program (CAPP) was launched in 2018. We investigate how the Polish state, local actors, and market organizations within this program dynamically compete and cooperate to enforce their agendas. Using in-depth interviews, secondary sources, and applying the Policy Arrangements Approach (PAA), we explore discursive and institutional tensions between central and local, as well as public and private actors’ objectives which fostered and complemented the rationale of the program’s air quality with ‘low-carbon’ policy goals. We highlight that pressure from grassroots groups, external power, and leadership can overcome differences in priority agendas by borrowing elements of stakeholders’ norms and discourses.
Use of an Analogue Procedure to Formulate Objective Probabilistic Temperature Forecasts in The Netherlands

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to describe some results of a study in which an analogue procedure developed in The Netherlands is used to formulate objective probabilistic temperature forecasts on an experimental basis. As currently employed, the procedure routinely provides forecasters at the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute with guidance information that summarizes, for days 11 through 6, the weather conditions associated with the best thirty analogues of the corresponding forecast situation. In the work reported here, the empirical frequency distribution of maximum temperature corresponding to these thirty analogues is used to generate both categorical and probabilistic forecasts of this element. Attention is focused on three types of probabilistic forecasts of maximum temperature: 1) a discrete distribution for five temperature classes 2) a variable-width credible interval. , and 3) a fixed-width credible interval. Results of the experiment indicate that all three types of probabilisti.
Hybrid technique combining finite element, finite difference and integral equation methods in time domain

A new hybrid time domain method is presented which combines three well-known numerical techniques. i.e. the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method, finite element (FE) method and method of moments (MoM). The hybrid scheme has been designed to handle complex geometries comprising arbitrary thin-wire structures and inhomogeneous dielectric regions the shape of which can also be arbitrary. Numerical results are presented which illustrate the accuracy of the method.
Morphological Assessment of Nasopalatine Canal Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography: A Retrospective Study of 124 Consecutive Patients

This study aimed to assess and analyze the morphology and dimensions of the nasopalatine canal (NPC), as well as the adjacent buccal osseous plate (BOP), and to investigate the effect of gender, edentulism, NPC types, absence of maxillary central incisors (ACI) and age on the NPC and BOP, using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). A total of 124 CBCT examinations (67 female and 57 male patients) were retrospectively included and evaluated. The assessment of the dimensions of the NPC, as well as the dimensions of the adjacent BOP, was performed by three Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologists on reconstructed sagittal and coronal CBCT sections under standardized conditions. Regarding the dimensions of the NPC and the adjacent BOP, the mean values were significantly higher among males than females. Furthermore, edentulous patients showed a significant reduction in BOP dimensions. Additionally, NPC types showed a significant effect on the length of the NPC, and the ACI had a significant effect on reducing BOP dimensions. Age had a significant effect on the diameter of the incisive foramen, with the mean values generally increasing with an increasing age. CBCT imaging of this anatomical structure contributes significantly to its full assessment.
SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS WITH MULTI-MODAL SENSORS

ABSTRACT Consider a geospatial image such that feature vectors are observed at respective pixels ( a multispectral image ). Contextual image classification is a problem for allocation of pixels to one of land-cover categories by learning the feature vectors as well as adjacency relationship of the pixels in the image. Image classification is an important and fundamental issue in remotely-sensed data analysis for environmental studies, e.g., making land-cover maps for a wide variety of purposes. For class-conditional distributions of the feature vectors, multivariate normal distributions are frequently employed. Further, it is known that Markov random fields (MRF) well approximate distributions of land-cover categories. Classifiers based on both class-conditional distributions of the feature vectors and MRF of the categories outperform other non-contextual classifiers. In this talk, we review contextual image classification methods based on statistical approach and statistical machine learning
RGB-Induced Feature Modulation Network for Hyperspectral Image Super-Resolution

Super-resolution (SR) is one of the powerful techniques to improve image quality for low-resolution (LR) hyperspectral image (HSI) with insufficient detail and noise. Traditional methods typically perform simple cascade or addition during the fusion of the auxiliary high-resolution (HR) RGB and LR HSI. As a result, the abundant HR RGB details are not utilized as a priori information to enhance the HSI feature representation, leaving room for further improvements. To address this issue, we propose an RGB-induced feature modulation network for HSI SR (IFMSR). Considering that similar patterns are common in images, a multi-corresponding patch aggregation is designed to globally assemble this contextual information, which is beneficial for feature learning. Besides, to adequately exploit plentiful HR RGB details, an RGB-induced detail enhancement (RDE) module and a deep cross-modality feature modulation (CFM) module are proposed to transfer the supplementary materials from RGB to HSI. These modules can provide a more direct and instructive representation, leading to further edge recovery. Experiments on several datasets demonstrate that our approach achieves comparable performance under more realistic degradation condition. Our code is publicly available at https://github.com/qianngli/IFMSR.
Pulsars and transients survey, and exoplanet search at low-frequencies with the UTR-2 radio telescope: methods and first results

The search and study of transient sources of radio emission, especially at low frequencies, is one of the key projects for the new generation of radio telescopes such as SKA and its precursors among which LOFAR, NenuFAR and GURT. These sources include neutrons stars - producing a rotation modulated signal and detected as pulsars -, other compact highly magnetized objects or very dynamic or explosive events - producing non-periodic transients -, and exoplanets - some of which are expected to emit Jupiter-like decameter-wave radio bursts. Low-frequency surveys are expected to reveal nearby pulsars "missed" by highfrequency surveys, due to the "unfavorable" orientation of their emission cones, that broaden at low frequencies, and to better characterize the spectrum of pulsars detected at both high and low frequencies. Surveys of non-periodic transients may reveal unique astrophysical phenomena, such as the mysterious extragalactic "fast radio bursts" or their galactic analogs. Radio bursts from the magnetospheres of exoplanets or from exoplanet-star plasma interaction has been theoretically predicted to exist preferably at low frequencies (as Jupiter’s decameter-wave radio emission), although none has been detected so far; first detection and subsequent study will result in better understanding of emission processes and unique measurements of exoplanets’ magnetic fields, that have implications on their habitability. The aim of this work was (i) to carry out a survey for sources of transient and pulsed radio emission, and (ii) to attempt to detect radio emission from known exoplanets (discovered from optical measurements), by using the decameter radio telescope UTR-2 in Ukraine in beamformed (phased array) mode. Both topics imply to process large volumes of data, including RFI (Radio Frequency Interference) mitigation, calibration, and detection of low intensity bursts. Thus, I developed generic software tools from which I built an automated processing pipeline for UTR-2 data, that can be easily adapted to other radio telescopes observing in beamformed mode (LOFAR, NenuFAR and GURT).
The Pivotal Role of Benzimidazole in Improving the Thermal and Dielectric Performance of Upilex-Type Polyimide

Polyimide (PI) with ultra-high thermal resistance and stability is essential for application as a flexible substrate in electronic devices. Here, the Upilex-type polyimides, which contained flexibly “twisted” 4,4′-oxydianiline (ODA), have achieved various performance improvements via copolymerization with a diamine containing benzimidazole structure. With the rigid benzimidazole-based diamine bearing conjugated heterocyclic moieties and hydrogen bond donors fused into the PI backbone, the benzimidazole-containing PI showed outstanding thermal, mechanical, and dielectric performance. Specifically, the PI containing 50% bis-benzimidazole diamine achieved a 5% decomposition temperature at 554 °C, an excellent high glass transition temperature of 448 °C, and a coefficient of thermal expansion lowered to 16.1 ppm/K. Meanwhile, the tensile strength and modulus of the PI films containing 50% mono-benzimidazole diamine increased to 148.6 MPa and 4.1 GPa, respectively. Due to the synergistic effect of rigid benzimidazole and hinged, flexible ODA, all PI films exhibited an elongation at break above 4.3%. The electrical insulation of the PI films was also improved with a dielectric constant lowered to 1.29. In summary, with appropriate mixing of rigid and flexible moieties in the PI backbone, all the PI films showed superior thermal stability, excellent flexibility, and acceptable electrical insulation.
Serum Urea-to-Albumin Ratio Is an Independent Predictor of Intra-Hospital Mortality in Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit Patients with Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage

The negative prognostic value of an increased serum urea-to-albumin ratio on intra-hospital mortality is frequently investigated in general critically ill patients and patients with septic shock, although not in neurosurgical patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhages (ICH). The current study was conducted to investigate the impact of the serum urea-to-albumin ratio upon hospital admission on intra-hospital mortality in ICU-admitted neurosurgical patients with spontaneous ICH. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 354 ICH patients, who were treated from 10/2008 to 12/2017 at our intensive care units (ICU). Blood samples were taken upon admission, and the patients’ demographic, medical, and radiological data were analyzed. A binary logistic regression analysis was performed for the identification of independent prognostic parameters for intra-hospital mortality. Results: Overall, the intra-hospital mortality rate was 31.4% (n = 111). In the binary logistic analysis, a higher serum urea-to-albumin ratio (OR = 1.9, CI = 1.23–3.04, p = 0.005) upon admission was identified as an independent predictor of intra-hospital mortality. Furthermore, a serum urea-to-albumin ratio cut-off level of >0.01 was associated with raised intra-hospital mortality (Youden’s index = 0.32, sensitivity = 0.57, specificity = 0.25). Conclusion: A serum urea-to-albumin ratio greater than 1.1 seems to be a prognostic marker to predict intra-hospital mortality in patients with ICH.