Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
FPGA: Fast Patch-Free Global Learning Framework for Fully End-to-End Hyperspectral Image Classification

Deep learning techniques have provided significant improvements in hyperspectral image (HSI) classification. The current deep learning-based HSI classifiers follow a patch-based learning framework by dividing the image into overlapping patches. As such, these methods are local learning methods, which have a high computational cost. In this article, a fast patch-free global learning (FPGA) framework is proposed for HSI classification. The proposed framework consists of three main parts: 1) a designed sampling strategy; 2) an encoder–decoder-based fully convolutional network (FCN); and 3) lateral connections between the encoder and decoder. In FPGA, an encoder–decoder-based FCN is utilized to consider the global spatial information by processing the whole image, which results in fast inference. However, it is difficult to directly utilize the encoder–decoder-based FCN for HSI classification as it always fails to converge due to the insufficiently diverse gradients caused by the limited training samples. To solve the divergence problem and maintain the FCNs abilities of fast inference and global spatial information mining, a global stochastic stratified (GS2) sampling strategy is first proposed by transforming all the training samples into a stochastic sequence of stratified samples. This strategy can obtain diverse gradients to guarantee the convergence of the FCN in the FPGA framework. For a better design of FCN architecture, FreeNet, which is a fully end-to-end network for HSI classification, is proposed to maximize the exploitation of the global spatial information and boost the performance via a spectral attention-based encoder and a lightweight decoder. A lateral connection module is also designed to connect the encoder and decoder, fusing the spatial details in the encoder and the semantic features in the decoder. The experimental results obtained using three public benchmark data sets suggest that the FPGA framework is superior to the patch-based framework in both speed and accuracy for HSI classification.
Improvement of plant regeneration and Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation of Stylosanthes guianensis

As a pioneer tropical pasture legume, stylo (Stylosanthes guianensis) is well adapted to growth-limiting factors in acid soils. Considering the importance of stylo, there is a need to improve Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation to enable development of elite cultivars. In this study, S. guianensis cv. RY5 was used to systematically optimize Agrobacterium-mediated transformation based on its plant regeneration. Results showed that Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 0.2 mg/L 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 2 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA) was the optimal callus induction medium. MS medium supplemented with 2 mg/L 6-BA was suitable for shoot regeneration from cotyledon-derived calluses, and 0.5 mg/L indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and 0.5 mg/L indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) applications were beneficial for rooting. The highest transformation efficiency (67%) was obtained at an Agrobacterium concentration of optical density = 0.6 combined with an infection time of 15 min and 3 days of co-cultivation. Furthermore, 200 mg/mL carbenicillin (Carb) and 0.6 mg/L Basta® supplements were effective in eliminating excess bacterial growth and selecting transgenic plants, respectively. Subsequent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis confirmed that the β-glucuronidase (GUS) and BAR genes were successfully integrated into the stylo genome. Wider testing of this improved protocol as a means of enhancing genetic improvement and gene function analysis of stylo seems warranted.
Diurnal variations in the motility of algal populations

The motility of microalgae has been studied extensively, particularly in model microorganisms such as Chlamy-domonas reinhardtii. For this and other microalgal species, diurnal cycles are well-known to control the metabolism, growth and cell division. Diurnal variations, however, have been largely neglected in quantitative studies of motility. Here, we demonstrate using tracking microscopy how the motility statistics of C. reinhardtii are modulated by diurnal cycles. We discovered that the mean swimming speed is greater during the dark period of a diurnal cycle. From this measurement, using a hydrodynamic power balance, we conjecture that this is a result of the mean flagellar beat frequency being modulated by the flagellar ATP. Our measurements also quantify the diurnal variations of the orientational and gravitactic transport of C. reinhardtii. We discuss the implications of our frequency results in the context of cellular bioenergetics. Further, we explore the population-level consequences of diurnal variations of motility statistics by evaluating a prediction for how the gravitactic steady state changes with time during a diurnal cycle. SIGNIFICANCE We report tracking microscopy measurements which demonstrate that the mean swimming speed of C. reinhardtii is significantly greater during the dark period of a diurnal cycle. Using hydrodynamic (low Reynolds number) power balance, we also inferred the mean flagellar beat frequency from the swimming speed, hypothesising that the observed variations in this frequency correlate with the diurnal regulation of flagellar ATP. Diurnal variations of the orientational and gravitactic transport of C. reinhardtii were also quantified and used in a continuum model to predict that, at the population scale, the steady state vertical distribution of C. reinhardtii is broader during the dark period. Our findings could have significant implications for microalgal biotechnologies, e.g. microalgal harvesting, and plankton migration in the ocean.
Self-Adapting Intelligent Battery Thermal Management System via Artificial Neural Network Based Model Predictive Control

This paper develops a self-adaptive control strategy for a newly-proposed J-type air-based battery thermal management system (BTMS) for electric vehicles (EVs). The structure of the J-type BTMS is first optimized through surrogate-based optimization in conjunction with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, with the aim of minimizing temperature rise and maximizing temperature uniformity. Based on the optimized J-type BTMS, an artificial neural network (ANN)-based model predictive control (MPC) strategy is set up to perform real-time control of mass flow rate and BTMS mode switch among J-, Z-, and U-mode. The ANN-based MCP strategy is tested with the Urban Dynamometer Driving Schedule (UDDS) driving cycle. With a genetic algorithm optimizer, the control system is able to optimize the mass flow rate by considering several steps ahead. The results show that the ANN-based MPC strategy is able to constrain the battery temperature difference within a narrow range, and to satisfy light-duty daily operations like the UDDS driving cycle for EVs.
Role of IoT Technology in Agriculture: A Systematic Literature Review

The growing demand for food in terms of quality and quantity has increased the need for industrialization and intensification in the agriculture field. Internet of Things (IoT) is a highly promising technology that is offering many innovative solutions to modernize the agriculture sector. Research institutions and scientific groups are continuously working to deliver solutions and products using IoT to address different domains of agriculture. This paper presents a systematic literature review (SLR) by conducting a survey of IoT technologies and their current utilization in different application domains of the agriculture sector. The underlying SLR has been compiled by reviewing research articles published in well-reputed venues between 2006 and 2019. A total of 67 papers were carefully selected through a systematic process and classified accordingly. The primary objective of this systematic study is the collection of all relevant research on IoT agricultural applications, sensors/devices, communication protocols, and network types. Furthermore, it also discusses the main issues and challenges that are being investigated in the field of agriculture. Moreover, an IoT agriculture framework has been presented that contextualizes the representation of a wide range of current solutions in the field of agriculture. Similarly, country policies for IoT-based agriculture have also been presented. Lastly, open issues and challenges have been presented to provide the researchers promising future directions in the domain of IoT agriculture.
Clean energy consumption and economic growth nexus: asymmetric time and frequency domain causality testing in China

ABSTRACT This article examines the symmetric and asymmetric causal relationships between clean energy consumption and economic growth in time and frequency domains for China. The results of both symmetric and asymmetric causality analysis suggest that clean energy consumption does not cause economic growth. This implies that the level of clean energy consumption in China seems to be optimal and beyond this level, it does not affect the growth level of the country. However, examination of the causality linkage from economic growth to clean energy consumption indicates medium and long-run evidence of a frequency-based symmetric causal relationship. Our asymmetric analysis makes this relation clearer such that only the adverse shocks to economic growth lead to a decline in the clean energy consumption level. This inference is complemented with the estimated causal parameter of 0.13, indicating that a 1% decrease in economic growth results in a 0.13% reduction in the level of clean energy consumption.
Cortical Complexity Analyses and Their Cognitive Correlate in Alzheimer’s Disease and Frontotemporal Dementia

Background: The changes of cortical structure in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are usually described in terms of atrophy. However, neurodegenerative diseases may also affect the complexity of cortical shape, such as the fractal dimension of the brain surface. Objective: In this study, we aimed at assessing the regional patterns of cortical thickness and fractal dimension changes in a cross-sectional cohort of patients with AD and FTD. Methods: Thirty-two people with symptomatic AD-pathology (clinically probable AD, n = 18, and amyloid-positive mild cognitive impairment, n = 14), 24 with FTD and 28 healthy controls underwent high-resolution 3T structural brain MRI. Using surface-based morphometry, we created vertex-wise cortical thickness and fractal dimension maps for group comparisons and correlations with cognitive measures in AD and FTD. Results: In addition to the well-established pattern of cortical thinning encompassing temporoparietal regions in AD and frontotemporal areas in FTD, we observed reductions of fractal dimension encompassing cingulate areas and insula for both conditions, but specifically involving orbitofrontal cortex and paracentral gyrus for FTD (FDR p < 0.05). Correlational analyses between fractal dimension and cognition showed that these regions were particularly vulnerable with regards to memory and language impairment, especially in FTD. Conclusion: While the present study demonstrates globally similar patterns of fractal dimension changes in AD and FTD, we observed distinct cortical complexity correlates of cognitive domains impairment. Further studies are required to assess cortical complexity measures at earlier disease stages (e.g., in prodromal/asymptomatic carriers of FTD-related gene mutations) and determine whether fractal dimension represents a sensitive imaging marker for prevention and diagnostic strategies.
Multi-Point Flux Approximations via the O-Method

When an oil refining company is drilling for oil, much of the oil gets left behind after the first drilling. Enhanced oil recovery techniques can be used to recover more of that oil, but these methods are quite expensive. When a company is deciding if it is worth their time and money to use enhanced oil recovery methods, simulations can be used to model oil flow, showing the behavior and location of the oil. While methods do exist to model this flow, these methods are often very slow and inaccurate due to a large domain and wide variance in coefficients. In this paper we investigate the application of Multi-Point Flux Approximation (MPFA) methods and upscaling (or coarsening) grid techniques to these simulations. Specifically, the O-Method, a working MPFA method, is combined with local upscaling in order to solve for the pressure and flux values, bypassing the need to solve the given permeability field to obtain those values.
The blended learner: digitalisation and regulated freedom - neoliberalism in the classroom

ABSTRACT The digital revolution in education is sustained by the belief that digital technologies carry with them the potential for an ethical renewal of learning according to the neoliberal principle of freedom. In this article we problematise the ethical effects of the encounter between Blended Learning as a techno-educational form and neoliberalism, focusing as an exemplary case on the introduction of an innovative Blended Learning model in a US Charter School funded by the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation. Connecting the literatures on the neoliberalisation and digitalisation of education, we show how in this case it is possible to observe a paradoxical kind of ethical renewal, emerging from the intertwining between the individualizing possibilities opened up by digital technologies, freedom production as a neoliberal project of world-making and the related search for new and specific mechanisms of security. We argue that digital technologies are in a paradoxical relationship with neoliberalism, crystallising the conditions of possibility for a neoliberalisation of education, but also having the potential to betray the promise of educational freedom and differentiation. Far from making any claim of determination, we outline the need for future research that explores the enactment of Blended Learning and questions its effects on education.
Reconfigurable terahertz Vivaldi antenna based on a hybrid graphene‐metal structure

This paper presents a reconfigurable terahertz Vivaldi antenna based on a hybrid graphene‐metal structure. The proposed antenna uses a novel tapered slot edge with hybrid graphene‐metal structure to improve the electromagnetic characteristics of classical metallic Vivaldi antennas. The results show that the proposed hybrid graphene‐metal Vivaldi antenna can be dynamically reconfigured via electric field bias, and has a low reflection coefficient. Moreover, this study demonstrates that the proposed antenna has excellent gain and radiation efficiency than that of the graphene Vivaldi antenna, and brings more possibilities to the realization and application of graphene antennas in the terahertz band, which is expected to use in terahertz wireless communication in the future.
Collaborative Sensing-Based Parking Tracking System With Wireless Magnetic Sensor Network

Wireless magnetic sensor networks provide a low-cost technology for the outdoor real-time parking tracking system. However, the magnetic sensor is susceptible to the interference caused by vehicles parked in adjacent spaces. Most existing detection systems are solely based on local sampled data from the sensor node and they are prone to high false and missed detection rates in the case of a low signal-to-noise ratio. This paper proposes a collaborative sensing parking tracking system by fusing the signals of the adjacent sensors to eliminate the interference. Sensor nodes convert magnetic signals into signatures represented by peak values, and then the base station computes the spatial relationships between adjacent signatures to identify parking event or interference. An experiment system includes sixty sensor nodes that were deployed in bay parking spaces. Experiment results verified that the proposed system has better detection accuracy than existing systems.
Quality of life and cognition in elderly: A systematic review

Abstract Population aging is a progressive phenomenon and it is currently a great challenge. The aim of this Systematic Review study was to present/a research panorama on the relationship between quality of life and cognition in the elderly. We used the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online databases, and the Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences and the Scientifi c Electronic Library Online. The NodeXL software was used for keyword analysis.Fourteen articles met the eligibility criteria and were categorized. Most of the studies were conducted and published in Brazil. The mini-mental state exam was the most widely used research instrument in the studies and the term ‘qualityof life’ occurred more frequently and had more connections in the network. The research provides information on the existing studies and contributes to actions that involve care in the area of Gerontology.
MESures et SImulation pour une GEstion Optimisée des systèmes de transports

Les enjeux que cette collaboration a permis de traiter sont lies a la rarefaction des ressources permettant de construire des nouvelles infrastructures de transports et a la montee de la prise en compte des impacts environnementaux des mobilites. Ceci genere un reel besoin, de la part des gestionnaires de reseaux de transports, d’outils et de methodes leur permettant de maitriser la croissance de la demande de deplacements tout en diminuant les impacts de ces deplacements. Sur ces sujets, l’articulation des recherches conduites a l’IFSTTAR et de l’expertise que possede le CEREMA a donne lieu a une recherche integrative qui a contribue a elargir les horizons de chacun des deux partenaires. Les principaux resultats de Messigeo, presentes dans ce rapport final, concernent : •Amelioration de la comprehension de la propagation des flux dans le systeme de transport ; •Quantification des impacts du fonctionnement du systeme de transports en termes de temps de parcours et d’accessibilite, tout comme sur les niveaux de polluants ; •Proposition de nouveaux outils de modelisation et de simulation, utilisables dans plus de cas (car ils sont de temps de calcul faible et qu’ils integrent les effets des regulations) ; •Consolidation des methodologies d’evaluation des regulations des autoroutes periurbaines. Outre une synthese de ces resultats, ce rapport contient egalement la liste des publications, les productions les plus significatives, les presentations faites au cours du seminaire de restitution, et des pistes de recherche future.
Allogenic umbilical cord blood transplantation for a child with chromosomal abnormality: a case report

A quite number of patients with global developmental delay (GDD) or mental retardation (MR) have chromosomal abnormalities. Comprehensive rehabilitation therapy helps improve the clinical functions of the patients, but there is no fundamental treatment option for GDD or MR. Umbilical cord blood transplantation (UCBT) showed its safety and efficacy through a lot of animal studies and some clinical trials to date. Erythropoietin (EPO) is an option for adjunctive therapy when combined with cell therapy. We treated a child who had GDD and complex chromosome rearrangement with an allogenic UCBT and concurrent EPO injections, and observed clinical improvements, and confirmed the safety of the procedure.
Distance-related Differences in Critical Times, Protocol Activation and Mortality in a Regional STEMI Network

Abstract Introduction: The aim of the study was to assess the differences in critical network times and mortality in STEMI patients presenting to hospitals in the same STEMI network, but located at different distances from the pPCI center. Methods: Four-hundreed sixteen patients with STEMI were studied. Group 1: 101 patients presenting to any of the six regional hospitals in the network located at less than 70 km from the pPCI center, with a maximum transport time of 30 minutes. Group 2: 81 patients presenting to any of the three territorial hospitals in the network located at 70–150 km from the pPCI center, with a transport time between 30 and 70 minutes. Group 3: 93 patients presenting to any of the four territorial hospitals in the network located at 150–250 km from the pPCI center, with a transport time between 70 and 150 minutes. Group 4: 141 patients presenting directly to the emergency room of the pPCI center. The following time intervals were recorded: presentation time (PT), from the onset of symptoms to arrival at the pPCI center; protocol initiation time (PIT), from arrival at the pPCI center to STEMI protocol initiation; ischemic time (IT), from the onset of symptoms to repermeabilisation; door to balloon time (DTB), from arrival in the pPCI center to balloon. Results: PT showed no significant difference between the groups – 183.08 ± 25.2 minutes vs. 199.1 ± 32.4 minutes vs. 166.7 ± 42.5 minutes vs. 161.91 ± 36.8 minutes, respectively (p=0.4). PIT was significantly lower in Group 3 (61.66 ± 15.4 minutes in Group 3 vs. 92 ± 11.5 minutes in Group 2 vs. 107.4 ± 12.5 minutes in Group 1, p = 0.002). DTB time was significantly longer for patients presenting directly to the pPCI center compared to those arriving from Zone 1, 2 or 3 hospitals, 86.96 ± 11.6 minutes vs. 52.27 ± 11.2 minutes vs. 39.94 ± 10.3 minutes vs. 43.9 ± 5.3 minutes, p <0.001). Despite the differences in distance to the pPCI center, there was no significant difference in total IT between the groups (Group 1, 344.6 ± 53.4 minutes; Group 2, 369.3 ± 42.6 minutes; Group 3, 366.65 ± 36.4 minutes; and 340.2 ± 26.9 minutes in the pPCIcenter, p = 0.2), and this was reflected in similar rates of mortality (Group 1, 3.9%; Group 2, 3.7%; Group 3, 3.2%; and 3.5% in the pPCI center). Conclusion: A well organized STEMI network can shorten protocol initiation and DTB times, achieving similar ischemic times and resulting in similar mortality rates with the centers located closer to the pPCI center. Early activation of the STEMI protocol could lead to superior results even in areas situated at longer distances from the pPCI center.
Developing an occupational health service for health professionals: Management challenges

ABSTRACT Currently, research on health supervision service and physicians’ wellbeing has grown rapidly. However, the literature on health supervision service and physicians’ wellbeing and service attachment are scarce especially in the context of Bangladesh. A quantitative study was performed and the data were collected using the purposive sampling method. A survey was performed among 192 physicians from different public and private hospitals in Bangladesh. The data were analysed using the structural equation modelling (SEM) by partial least square (PLS) approach using SmartPLS 3.2. 8. This study has found a significant positive relationship between health supervision service and physicians’ wellbeing (p < 0.01). Besides, physicians’ wellbeing was found to have a positive influence on their service attachment (p < 0.01). The study provides inputs to the policymakers in formulating policies in the development of Bangladesh’s health sector and health supervision service. However, with limitations, the generalizability of the study results needs attention due to the unavailability of the sample frame.