Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Measuring the Optical Properties of Human Muscle Tissue using Time-of-Flight Spectroscopy in the Near Infrared

Optical spectroscopy is commonly used in technology and science today. The presence and concentration of a substance can be determined by its spectral signature, the typical wavelengths that are absorbed (or emitted) by the atoms or molecules. Standard absorption spectroscopy requires that the substance is clear and that the optical path-length is known to obtain quantitative information. Unfortunately in many materials, such as human tissue or pharmaceutical tablets, there are also a strong scattering of light which complicates measurements. The pathlength of the light is now no longer known and the intensity of the detected light can in many cases be more a ected by high scattering than by the absorption values. One method to separate these two values are photon Time-of-Flight Spectroscopy (TOFS). By sending many short light pulses through a sample, and recording the time for a single photon to arrive at our detector for each pulse, we can build a histogram that represents the broadening of the light pulse that is determined by both the scattering and absorption. By tting computer generated theoretical curves against the recorded histogram, we can extract the values for absorption and scattering from the curve with the best t. The Biophotonics group at the department of Physics at Lund University has implemented a system that can deliver continuous absorption/scattering spectra from 500 nm to 1400 nm. It uses a broadband laser as source and tunable optical lters to select narrow wavelength bands for measurements. In this thesis we expanded the set-up with a new laser source and new lters. We performed tests comparing measurements using the new lter with results from the old system. We could show that the new lter gave better results, due to the sharper line width of the output light pulse. Study were also conducted on the absorption and scattering spectra of muscle tissue in the near infrared, between 650 nm and 1350 nm, probing the lower left arm of a volunteer. This was performed by positioning two optical bres against the skin, sending light in with one and measuring the scattered light arriving at the second. The results are shown to be comparable to other studies done for wavelengths up to 1000 nm, and give new data up to 1350 nm that is consistent with the properties of the main absorbing components in this range, lipids and water. One uncertainty that appear in the results are due to the compression of the tissue by the bres, this is something that should be addressed in repeat measurement that where not possible to perform in this study.
ROS generation in plants: Boon or bane?

Abstract Reactive oxygen species (ROS, partially reduced or activated derivatives of oxygen), are highly reactive and toxic and can lead to oxidative destruction of the cell. ROS production increases when plants are exposed to different kinds of stresses. The chief toxic effect of O2 − and H2O2 resides in their ability to initiate cascade reactions that result in the production of the hydroxyl radical and other destructive species such as lipid peroxides. These dangerous cascades are prevented by efficient operation of the cell's antioxidant defenses. However, in addition to their role as toxic byproducts of aerobic metabolism, recently, a new role for ROS has been identified, i.e. the control and regulation of biological processes, such as growth, cell cycle, programmed cell death, hormone signaling, biotic and abiotic stress responses, and development. This review discusses the biochemical properties and sources and sites of ROS production, ROS-scavenging systems, and the role of ROS as signaling molecules.
Mast cells/eosinophilic granule cells of teleostean fish: a review focusing on staining properties and functional responses

Abstract The literature on mast cells/eosinophilic granule cells (MCs/EGCs) of teleosts is reviewed. By employing special techniques of fixation, embedding and staining, several investigators have been able to demonstrate cells with metachromatically stained cytoplasmic granules characteristic of the mast cell in tissue samples from species belonging to a diverse group of teleostean families, including cyprinids, erythrinids, esocids, salmonids, pleuronectids and molids. Besides showing metachromasia with dyes like toluidine blue and thionin, these cells can also be stained with Alcian blue, retaining the blue colour after sequential staining with safranin. Most of the studies referred to were performed on intestinal tissues, gills or skin, and in the majority of species fixation of tissue samples in water-based fixatives had to be avoided to preserve the basophilic components of the granules. With other preparation and staining procedures the cytoplasmic granules are acidophilic, i.e. they appear red after staining with haematoxylin and eosin, displaying the characteristics of EGCs. Susceptibility to watery fixatives and/or blockade of metachromatic staining with aldehydes is a feature of mammalian mucosal mast cells. Massive recruitment of mucosal mast cells and increased acidophilia of the granules of such cells when they enter epithelia from subepithelial tissue layers and become ‘ globule leucocytes ’ (intraepithelial mucosal mast cells) in response to infection with intestinal parasites is well-known in intestinal tissues of mammals. In teleostean fish, similar responses seem to occur in parasitized intestine, gills and skin. By applying the concept of mast cell heterogeneity, as described for mammals, the results from studies hitherto published indicate that MCs/EGCs of teleosts are mast cells of the mucosal mast cell type, which is not surprising since most studies on teleostean MCs/EGCs are focusing on cells in mucosal tissues
An Integrative Literature Review: Health Literacy and Learning Ability among Older Adults with Chronic Illness

The world population of an older adult will increase 2.1 billion by 2040, and half of these are from Asian countries. The rising life expectancy has contributed to the high proportion of very old ages people. This increase has led to a rise in the incidence of chronic illness such as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Chronic illness is a significant burden on the health care system internationally and contributes to social and economic problems. The major factor that has contributed to this burden is the increasing numbers of an older adult who are living longer but with chronic illness. With regards older people are experiencing chronic diseases, they require for medical and nursing reliance. Older people are highly expected to understand and be able to read throughout the health information for example prescriptions, and medication’s label. Although aging changes found to limit them to access, understand and making a decision themselves. Chronic diseases also clinically impact on elder’s intellectual which related to physical and abilities reduction. These associated to their presently thought and decision making due to sensory and cognitive declines. Health literacy has been defined as an individual understands together with social skills. It helps to establish oneself abilities for accessibility, be able to understand, communicate and using information in order to promote and maintain the elder’s wellbeing. Additionally, health literacy has been recognized as a significant outcome throughout health education and health promotion. Whereas, health education is a path to deliver knowledge to improve health literacy. Health literacy, therefore, is the process of learning that assist people to change for their healthy behaviour. Additionally, McClusky explained that teaching and promote learning in elderly needs to consider their physical changes, cognitive functions, also stages of changes in emotion and psychosocial. Accordingly, to promote elder’s capabilities of perceiving, understanding and making an appropriate decision needs a clearly considerations of patterns and methods of how elderly are learning. An understanding of existing knowledge about health literacy and learning ability among older people who have experienced chronic illness(s) is needed. This aim to establish an improvement of an elder’s health and their wellbeing also address a future impact on health promotion program, better health services. International Journal of Gerontology Special Issue (2019) S62 S67 https://doi.org/10.6890/IJGE.201910/SP.0010
From hearth to furnace: Evidences for the earliest metal smelting technologies in the Eastern Mediterranean

La premiere utilisation de feu controle dans la metallurgie remonte au 8e millenaire avant J. C. quand le cuivre natif est deliberement chauffe pour donner forme a des objets. Les questions qui se posent pour distinguer le cuivre natif du cuivre fondu sont soulevees ici, en particulier en ce qui concerne le role que joue le fer dans le cuivre. Il est montre que sur le plan technologique, a ses racines, la metallurgie n 'a rien de commun avec les fours destines a la cuisson de la poterie. La metallurgie connait un developpement independant. Le facteur decisif est l'introduction du charbon qui permet de produire une atmosphere reductrice pendant la chauffe. Aux premiers stades les procedes utilises en metallurgie ne laissent aucune scorie. La reduction du minerai se fait dans des creusets comme le montrent ceux retrouves en Anatolie, en Iran, en Jordanie et dans la Peninsule Iberique. L'attention est portee ici sur ce que certains pensent etre les premiers stades de la metallurgie et qui auraient eu lieu a Timna. La fusion du cuivre supposee remonter au Neolithique et au Chalcolithique est discutee ici a la lumiere des donnees 14C. Les fourneaux actives par le vent jouent au Bronze Ancien un role majeur comme le montrent les decouvertes des sites de la region de Feinan en Jordanie et de Wadi Dara en Egypte ainsi que d'autres exemples nombreux de l'Egee. Plus tardivement, l'air est apporte de facon artificielle par des soufflets et des tuyeres.
COVID-19 Population Survey of Iran (COPSIR) study protocol: Repeated survey on knowledge, risk perception, preventive behaviors, psychological problems, essential needs, and public trust during COVID-19 epidemic

Background: The worldwide emergence and rapid expansion of COVID-19 emphasizes the need to assess the knowledge gap and to predict the disease-related behaviors and reactions during this epidemic. Methods and design: COVID19 Population Survey of Iran (COPSIR) is a repeated cross sectional survey that will be conducted in 8 waves. In each wave, 515 Iranian adults aged 18 years or older will be randomly selected and interviewed by phone. The study waves will be performed at approximately weekly intervals. The survey tool is adapted from COSMO (COVID-19 Snapshot MOnitoring) study. This study will provide information on trends of knowledge, risk perception, preventive behaviors, psychological problems, essential needs, and public trust among Iranian adults during COVID-19 epidemic. Discussion: The key findings of each wave will be immediately reported to the National Headquarters for Coronavirus Control to set better policies for disease control and prevention. Moreover, if a message is extracted from the results of this study that needs to be communicated to the public, it will be done through the mass media.
Avaliação da cristalização de mel utilizando parâmetros de cor e atividade de água Evaluation of honey crystallization from the colour and water activity parameters

Honey is one of the oldest sweeteners used by man, composed mainly of monosaccharides such as glucose and fructose, partially responsible for its crystallization. Honey crystallization depends on several factors, such as the sugar concentrations, natural percentage of water, the floral origin of the nectar, handling during processing and the storage conditions. The present work aimed to evaluate the effect of temperature and of the incorporation of honey crystals on honey crystallization, using the colour (as determined by the Whiteness Index - WI and changes in the brightness - ∆L* and the water activity as the parameters to accompany the changes. A 22 factorial experimental design was used, the variables being: percentage of honey crystals added and storage temperature. The samples stored at 11 and 21 °C were shown to crystallize, this being more evident in the sample stored at 11 °C with the addition of 5% honey crystals. The increase in water activity and in the Whiteness Index, as well as in the ∆L* were correlated with crystallization of the samples. The luminosity parameter L* and the Whiteness Index (WI) were higher at the temperature of 11 °C, where the samples crystallized faster.
Genetic variation and structure in natural populations of Melica ciliata and M.†transsilvanica (Poaceae) as indicated by AFLP markers

Melica ciliata L. and M. †transsilvanica Schur are rare species in the Polish flora and reach here northern limit of their continuous range. A fluorescence-labeled Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphisms (AFLPs) DNA profiling method was used to measure genetic diversity and relationships between and within natural populations of M. †ciliata and M. †transsilvanica from central Europe. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed the significant genetic diversity (70.77%, p<0.002) between these species. At the intraspecific level, most genetic diversity resided between populations of both M. †ciliata and M. †transsilvanica (F ST =0.84 and 0.94, respectively), that indicates a high level of inbreeding. The obtained low level of AFLP variation and the high F ST values suggest the weakness or absence of gene flow among populations of these species, and maintenance the separate, local gene pool in each population. Fragmented landscapes, the putative self-pollinated breeding system and genetic drift, particularly in small size populations, may perform an important role in shaping the genetic diversity of the populations and the genetic structure of M. †ciliata and M. †transsilvanica.
On the relationship between the composition, morphology and function of leaves

1. It is common practice to express measurements of leaf composition and morphology using dry mass as a basis. Relationships established using those measurements are difficult to interpret because the leaves may have different liquid contents or fractional air space. 2. In a previous theoretical investigation, we showed that the liquid content of leaves was important and the following hypotheses were proposed: (1) the mass of nitrogen per unit mass of liquid is relatively constant within leaves and (2) the surface area to volume ratio of leaves is proportional to leaf liquid content. That investigation also proposed that fractional air spaces were important, because they confer plasticity in construction, with apparently minimal cost in terms of CO2 uptake. In this paper we use a set of comprehensive measurements to address the above hypotheses and to assess whether the fractional air space does vary in a consistent manner. 3. We found that the specific gravity of the non-gaseous fraction in the leaves we measured was within the range ≈ 0·9–3·0 and increased with the fractional air space in a regular manner. Consequently, the specific gravity varied over a much smaller range (≈ 0·9–1·4). The specific gravity at high liquid contents approached unity but at low liquid contents it was variable. 4. The mass of nitrogen (N) per unit mass of liquid was found to be relatively constant (0·01 ± 0·003, n = 76). 5. The surface area to volume ratio was positively correlated with the liquid content (R2 = 0·87, n = 27). 6. The mass of carbon (C) per unit dry mass was relatively constant (0·49 ± 0·04, n = 76). Because N was a constant fraction of the liquid mass but C was a constant fraction of the dry mass, the N:C ratio was positively correlated with the liquid content (R2 = 0·76, n = 27). 7. A comparison with leaf measurements from several external databases confirm that the relationships described above are widely applicable. 8. It is concluded that the composition and morphology of leaves are linked and that leaf function is a consequence of that linkage. Both the liquids and air spaces are integral to leaf function and need to be considered in analysis of experimental results.
Mathematical modelling to predict exclusion and safety zones around LNG terminals

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is natural gas (NG) cooled to the point where it liquefies, which takes place at -162 °C at atmospheric pressure. The liquefaction reduces the volume of the gas approximately 600 times, depending on the molar mass of the gas (which is typically a mixture of gases). This process is often the most economical way to store and transport gas over long distances – gas pipelines are more feasible for shorter distances. Liquefaction makes it possible to move NG among continents in dedicated vessels (carriers) built specially for this purpose (Blackwell and Skaar, 2009). To make this possible, energy organizations have built highly interconnected and dependent operations, forming the so-called 'value chain' (or 'chain-of-supply'), as depicted in Fig. 1.
Simplification of macrozoobenthic assemblages related to anthropogenic eutrophication and cyanobacterial blooms in two large shallow subtropical lakes in China

Eutrophication has become a serious problem in lakes in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, and is exerting profound pressures on the aquatic communities. However, little research has been conducted on the effects of eutrophication on benthic communities in these lakes. In this study, we investigated macrozoobenthic assemblages in two large shallow lakes (Lake Chaohu and Meiliang Bay in Lake Taihu), which have each experienced severe environmental deterioration and increased occurrences of cyanobacterial blooms in the past few decades. To analyze the changes in benthic community structure over the long-term, we compared the present community with communities from previous studies. Our results showed that present benthic assemblages have simplified substantially compared to communities in the past. In Meiliang Bay, Tubificidae and Chironomidae exclusively dominated the benthic community in 2007, in contrast with the relatively high diversity of benthic community in 1994, with several taxa sharing dominance of the community. Similarly, benthic assemblages in Lake Chaohu changed greatly over two decades, shifting from dominance by Bivalvia in 1980–1981 to dominance by Tubificidae and Chironomidae in 2008–2009. These observed changes in benthic assemblages are discussed relative to the ability of individual different taxa to tolerate eutrophication, algal blooms, Microcystins and associated habitat deterioration.
THE ROLE OF THE SEED BANK IN GAP REGENERATION IN A CALCAREOUS GRASSLAND COMMUNITY

We conducted a factorial field experiment in order to investigate the role of the soil seed bank in gap recolonization in a calcareous grassland, using 240 experimental gaps (10 X 10 cm). Experimental manipulations included the elimination of the seed bank (by sterilizing the soil), the elimination of short-distance seed rain by removing all flow- erheads in 2 X 2 m plots, and the prevention of lateral clonal spread by surrounding gap soil with 41-pum nylon mesh. The influence of competition on regeneration was also studied, by planting an adult individual of Filipendula vulgaris or Festuca rubra in the center of some gaps. There were 130 species of vascular plants in the established vegetation. Twenty-five species also occurred as seedlings; 51 species were recorded in the seed bank, of which only two were not present in the growing vegetation. There were on average 2362 seeds/ m2 in a 10 cm deep soil layer. Species relative abundances in the established vegetation and in the seed bank were not significantly correlated. Eighty-four vascular plant species emerged from seeds in the experimental gaps. The seed bank contributed on average 5.4 seedlings per gap, short-distance seed rain ( 0.5 m) seed rain 2.7 seedlings. Thirty-one vascular plant species arrived in experimental gaps by lateral clonal spread. Of these, only one was not recorded as a seedling in the experimental gaps. There were on average 2.7 clonally spread shoots per gap. Species with smaller seeds were present in significantly greater numbers in the seed bank than in the vegetation and were also more common colonizers of experimental gaps. There was no evidence of competition or facilitation between seed- lings, or between seedlings and adults. It was concluded that the soil seed bank has an important functional role in a perennial grassland community as a means for population maintenance for many species. Thirty-six percent of the regeneration in small gaps was due to the seed bank, and one may expect that this proportion will increase in larger gaps.
Designing a Model of Contexts for Word-Sense Disambiguation in a Semantic Network

This paper is dedicated to the problem of word-sense disam-biguation in natural language processing. In this study, relations between a word’s sense and its surrounding context are examined and a probabilistic model of a context is designed. An approach for testing such a model and developing a disambiguation algorithm is described as well.
Fashion Compatibility Recommendation via Unsupervised Metric Graph Learning

In the task of fashion compatibility prediction, the goal is to pick an item from a candidate list to complement a partial outﬁt in the most appealing manner. Existing fashion compatibility recommendation work comprehends clothing images in a single metric space and lacks detailed understanding of users’ preferences in different contexts. To address this problem, we propose a novel Metric-Aware Explainable Graph Network (MAEG). In MAEG, we propose an unsupervised approach to obtain representation of items in a metric-aware latent semantic space. Then, we develop a graph ﬁltering network and Pairwise Preference Attention module to model the interactions between users’ preferences and contextual information. Experiments on real world dataset reveals that MAEG not only outperforms the state-of-the-art methods, but also provides interpretable insights by highlighting the role of semantic attributes and contextual relationships among items
Epistemic Plan Recognition

The plan recognition task is to infer an actor’s plan and goal given observations about its behavior. We submit that in some cases, for plan recognition to be effective and complete, it must appeal to a notion of epistemics to i) recognize epistemic goals, where the actor is trying to achieve some state of knowledge or belief; and ii) model the observer, and its knowledge of the actor, as first class elements of the plan recognition process. To this end, we formalize the notion of Epistemic Plan Recognition , which builds on two growing areas of research: epistemic planning and plan recognition. Our epistemic plan recognition specification appeals to an epistemic logic framework to represent agent beliefs. To realize our specification, we cast the epistemic plan recognition problem as an epistemic planning problem, whose solutions can be generated using existing epistemic planning tools. Finally, we evaluate our approach by utilizing and comparing existing epistemic planners on a diverse set of epistemic plan recognition problems.