Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multi‐step‐ahead prediction interval for locally stationary time series with application to air pollutant concentration data

Locally stationary time series frequently appears in both finance and environmental sciences (e.g., daily air pollutant concentration or financial returns). However, constructing the multi‐step‐ahead prediction interval for such time series remains an open question. Hence, we extend the nonparametric regression model with autoregressive errors for equally spaced designs to the time series setup. We propose a B‐spline estimator for the trend function and a kernel estimator for the variance function to implement the model. The prediction interval of multi‐step‐ahead future observations is also constructed after fitting the autoregressive model of errors and obtaining the quantile of prediction residuals. The proposed method is illustrated by various simulation studies and an example of air pollutant data, containing 8 years of daily air pollutant concentrations in Xi'an. Our results demonstrate that our method outperforms others owing to its higher prediction accuracy and versatility.
Learning Associative Representation for Facial Expression Recognition

The main inherent challenges with the Facial Expression Recognition (FER) are high intra-class variations and high inter-class similarities, while existing methods pay little attention to the association within inter- and intra-class expressions. This paper introduces a novel Expression Associative Network (EAN) to learn association of facial expression, specifically, from two aspects: 1) associative topological relation over mini-batch is constructed by similarity matrix with an adjacent regularization, and 2) learning association of expressions with Graph Convolutional Network (GCN). Besides, an auxiliary module as invariant feature generator based on Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN) is designed to suppress pose variations, illumination changes, and occlusions. Results on public benchmarks achieve comparable or better performance compared with current state-of-the-art methods, with 90.07% on FERPlus, 86.36% on RAF-DB, and improve by 3.92% over SOTA on synthetic wrong labeling datasets.
Exploiting Deep Cross-Slice Features From CT Images For Multi-Class Pneumonia Classification

Computed Tomography (CT) scanning is widely used for chest diseases detection including pneumonia due to its diagnostic efficacy and efficiency. Recent studies have shown that the distribution of infection regions caused by COVID19 in CT images is different from other pneumonia, and the COVID-19 cases are more likely to suffer severe and large-area infections. However, most deep learning methods only focus on intra-slice features and ignore cross-slice features. In this paper, we propose a novel two-stage method to fully exploit deep cross-slice features from volumetric CT data, including a dual-task supervised CNN and a context-aware Bi-LSTM. To further demonstrate the effectiveness of our model, we conduct extensive experiments on a chest CT imaging dataset with a total of 801 patients (250 healthy people, 238 COVID-19 patients, 191 H1N1 patients, and 122 CAP patients). The experimental results indicate the superiority of our proposed model on the multi-class pneumonia classification task.
Explaining 3D CNNs for Alzheimer’s Disease Classification on sMRI Images with Multiple ROIs

Classification of Alzheimer’s disease from 3D structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging (sMRI) with deep neural networks has shown promising results in recent years. The decision interpretation of these networks is essential to aid medical experts to understand and rely on the results provided by such models. In this paper, we propose an adaptation of a recently developed feature-based explanation method and apply it to a 3D CNN architecture for the binary classification of Alzheimer’s disease and Normal Control from the hippocampal ROIs of brain sMRIs. We also compare our method to the state-of-the-art LRP method.
Analysis of seed vigor and germination of Toona ciliata M. Roem. var. australis

Abstract: Seed analysis tests should be performed under standard conditions for each species, so that the results can be reproducible anywhere. Seeds of the forest species Toona ciliata var. australis have been commercialized in Brazil despite no standard conditions for their analysis have been published. The objective was to determine basic information about temperature and photoperiod for the germination test and the imbibition time and volume of water for electrical conductivity. In the germination test the seeds were incubated at 15, 20, 25 and 30 °C with 0, 12 and 16 h of light. The electrical conductivity was evaluated up to 108 h after immersion of the seeds in 50 and 100 mL of deionized water. The conditions of 25 °C and 16 h of light provided higher amount of normal seedlings. At 15 °C all seeds remained hard regardless the photoperiod used, however, it became absent when light was added at higher temperatures. The electrical conductivity test should be performed with a volume of 50 mL and evaluated after 24 h of imbibition. It also showed a stronger correlation between normal seedlings, being a promising vigor evaluation test for this species.
CLUSAC: Clustering Sample Consensus for Fundamental Matrix Estimation

In the process of model fitting for fundamental matrix estimation, RANSAC and its variants disregard and fail to reduce the interference of outliers. These methods select correspondences and calculate the model scores from the original dataset. In this work, we propose an inlier filtering method that can filter inliers from the original dataset. Using the filtered inliers can substantially reduce the interference of outliers. Based on the filtered inliers, we propose a new algorithm called CLUSAC, which calculates model quality scores on all filtered inliers. Our approach is evaluated through estimating the fundamental matrix in the dataset kusvod2, and it shows superior performance to other compared RANSAC variants in terms of precision.
The octopus-like power of Pesantren dynasty in the dynamics of local politics

Abstract The Pesantren people’s involvement in politics is a new phenomenon that is considered an impediment to the democratic process and progress. This paper aims to fill the gap in existing research on the dominance of the Pesantren people in local politics, which they seem to have strategically mastered. The methodology in this study involved qualitative data collected through observation techniques, interviews, and documentation. The results were analyzed, interpreted, and verified. The study aims to prove that the Pesantren family, including chief officials, utilized state facilities and are in involved in dynastic politics. The study also explores the roles of social, economic, and political capital in election wins. Furthermore, the study explores how dynastic politics has weakened the democratic process and proposes a revision of current election processes to ensure fair elections by strengthening election supervision and encouraging voter education.
Chemical functionalization of graphene oxide by a hindered amine stabilizer and evaluation of the product as a UV-stabilizer for polypropylene

Abstract The present work was devoted to synthesis of a novel UV-stabilizer based on graphene oxide for polypropylene. Hence, we grafted a hindered amine compound on graphene oxide through an amidation reaction. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and thermo-gravimetric analysis confirmed the grafting reaction. Also, X-ray diffraction together with scanning electron microscopy showed that the grafting reaction transforms the compact layered structure of graphene oxide into finer aggregation of loosely connected particles. Polypropylene film samples containing either of graphene oxide and the functionalized graphene oxide were prepared by solution mixing/anti-solvent precipitation followed by compression molding. Transmission electron microscopy showed significantly better dispersion of the modified graphene oxide in the polymer matrix compared to the pristine graphene oxide. Afterwards, the film samples were exposed to an artificial sunlight at 25 °C. It was proved by FTIR spectroscopy and tensile test that the modified graphene oxide at a concentration of 0.5 wt. % can efficiently retard the rate of the photo-oxidation of PP.
Protective Role Of Proanthocyanidin Against Carbon Tetrachloride Induced Toxicity In Irradiated Rats

The hepatic injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 ) as well as gamma-irradiation has taken most attention. Prevention is one of the essential ways of controlling this toxicity and the use of natural plant compounds as grape seed extract can be considered as one of the most significant elements in this prevention. The present study is also designed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of grape seed extract (100mg/kg B.wt daily) against the toxic effect of CCl4 ( 0.3 ml/kg B.wt twice weekly for 8 weeks) and/ or fractionated doses of 2 Gy γ-radiation day after day up to 10 Gy in male rats. Results obtained could be summarized as follows: Combined treatments of CCl4 and γ- radiation induced a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) level, and decreased level of reduced glutathione (GSH). It also increased serum enzymes aspartate transferase (AST), alanine transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma - glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT) activities and decreased Hb%, RBCs, WBCs and platelets count. Proanthocyanidin administration improved the significant increase in MDA level and ameliorated serum enzymes as well as improved the decreased level of GSH content of irradiated rats or those treated with CCl4. It also could normalize the blood constituents Hb%, RBCs, WBCs and platelets count. The data of the present study declared that proanthocyanidin is bioavailable, potent free radical scavenger and exhibits antioxidant properties against CCl4 and gamma-irradiation induced hepatic injury.
Monitoring Fungal Biodegradation of Low-density Polyethylene [LDPE] from Plastic Wastes Dump Sites Using FT-IR Spectra

Introduction: Polyethylene is the most commonly used synthetic plastic and is poorly degraded in natural environments, thus causing serious environmental problems. Aim of the Study: This study was designed to investigate the polyethylene degrading potentials of fungal strains recovered from several plastic polluted sites. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti between January 2016 and October 2017. Methodology: Soil and buried water sachet samples were analysed for polyethylene degrading bacteria. Their abilities were monitored using dry weight, radial mycelial growth and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Results: The Ekiti State Waste Management Board site had the highest number of fungi isolates [28.75 x 10 and 16 x 10 hyphal cells/propagules per ml] obtained from the soil and polyethylene Original Research Article Aderiye et al.; MRJI, 26(1): 1-15, 2018; Article no.MRJI. 44851 2 waste samples respectively. Five of the nineteen fungal isolates utilised low density polyethylene [LDPE] and were identified via molecular techniques as Aspergillus flavus KMBF 1501, Penicillium simplicissimum YK 18, Alternaria alternata strain 20UPMNR, Aspergillus sp. and an unknown isolate Ps. 10 which could not be identified due to its low amplicon size. The FT-IR spectra revealed a carbonyl absorption band in Aspergillus flavus KMBF 1501 and Penicillium simplicissium YK 18 degraded polyethylene powder with vibration [Vfh] of C=O at 1726.35 cm -1 normally observed at the frequency range of 1750 cm -1 – 1710 cm -1 denoting the formation of ketone or aldehyde group. A new Vfh of O-H stretch with H-bonded structure at 3286.81cm -1 was formed by the degrading ability of Aspergillus flavus KMBF 1501 suggesting the formation of a new functional group usually at frequency range of 3500 and 3200cm -1 as alcohol or phenol. A slight decrease in the Vfh of O-H bend from 931.65 cm to 929.72 cm, indicating carboxylic acid was also observed. However, a slight increase in the Vfh of C=C stretch from 1635.69 cm -1 to 1639.55 cm -1 represent an alkene while its O-H stretch gave a carboxylic acid group with no significant change when compared to the control sample. Conclusion: The FT-IR analyses demonstrated the ability of the fungal isolates to colonise and modify LDPE films.
Physicochemical characterization of the gelatin/polycaprolactone nanofibers loaded with diclofenac potassium for topical use aiming potential anti-inflammatory action

Abstract Common adversities as gastrointestinal discomfort are related to conventional administration of diclofenac potassium (DP), and thus the study of a new administration route based on gelatin/polycaprolactone electrospun nanofibers loaded with DP is an innovative way to create biomaterials for topical delivery of drugs aiming the patients’ life quality improvement. SEM-EDS evidenced success in the drug incorporation, while FTIR and DSC indicated possible gelatin and DP interaction. In vitro biodegradation and in vitro release studies showed the gelatin dissolution and dependence of the release profile with the DP wt. % and temperature, respectively. In vitro permeation presented a dermal targeting of DP. Graphical Abstract
Synthesis and Characterization of Ni0.5Cu0.5Cr2O4 Nanostructure for Discoloration of Aniline Dye under Visible Light from Wastewater

In this research, pure-phased Ni0.5Cu0. 5Cr2O4 synthesis via solid-state method successfully. In the other part, the photocatalytic activity of synthesized Ni0.5Cu0. 5Cr2O4 was investigated in various aspects by using Malachite green as a pollutant and compared with the number of previous photocatalysts. The Photocatalysis process is a promising technique for solving many current environmental and energy issues. The environmental pollutant, especially water contaminates, can influence human health, animals, and the ecosystem. Dye as one of the most important pollutants has investigated in this study. In this study, purification and crystal structure of material have been determined by X-Ray powder Diffraction (XRD) method. The results showed that the synthesized Ni0.5Cu0. 5Cr2O4 was crystallized in tetragonal structure with space group I 41/AMD. The morphology of obtained materials was modified by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM). Also, the material was characterized by Fourier-Transform InfraRed (FT-IR) spectroscopy and Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA).
Surface ablation and its drivers along a west–east transect of the Southern Patagonia Icefield

Abstract Glaciers in the Southern Patagonia Icefield (SPI) have been shrinking in recent decades, but due to a lack of field observations, understanding of the drivers of ablation is limited. We present a distributed surface energy balance model, forced with meteorological observations from a west–east transect located in the north of the SPI. Between October 2015 and June 2016, humid and warm on-glacier conditions prevailed on the western side compared to dry and cold conditions on the eastern side. Controls of ablation differ along the transect, although at glacier-wide scale sensible heat (mean of 72 W m−2 to the west and 51 W m−2 to the east) and net shortwave radiation (mean of 54 W m−2 to the west and 52 W m−2 to the east) provided the main energy sources. Net longwave radiation was an energy sink, while latent heat was the most spatially variable flux, being an energy sink in the east (−4 W m−2) and a source in the west (20 W m−2). Ablation was high, but at comparable elevations, it was greater to the west. These results provide new insights into the spatial variability of energy-balance fluxes and their control over the ablation of Patagonian glaciers.
Method for extracting cannabidiol from cannabis

Disclosed in the present invention is a method for extracting cannabidiol from cannabis. The method comprises the following steps: crushing and drying the part of the cannabis for extraction to obtain a medicinal powder; using 30-100% (V/V) of ethanol to extract an extract solution from the medicinal powder; concentrating the extract solution to obtain an extract; performing water precipitation of the extract, removing impurities to obtain a water precipitation solution; centrifuging the water precipitation solution, adding 10-100% (V/V) of ethanol to the acquired precipitate, and dissolving to obtain an alcohol solution of the precipitate; performing column chromatography on the alcohol solution of the precipitate; after the column chromatography, obtaining an eluent through elution and concentrating same, adding ethanol for supersaturating, and dissolving to acquire crystals; adding the crystals to purified water or ethanol for washing to obtain a preliminary product; and uniformly mixing the preliminary product with purified water, and drying. The present invention only uses highly safe ethanol as a solvent, improving the purity of the cannabidiol in the finished product and removing the mentally toxic ingredient tetrahydrocannabinol, and thereby increasing the safety of the finished product and being suitable for industrial production.
Explaining globally inhomogeneous future changes in monsoons using simple moist energy diagnostics

This study examines the annual cycle of monsoon precipitation simulated by models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6), then uses moist energy diagnostics to explain globally inhomogeneous projected future changes. Rainy season characteristics are quantified using a consistent method across the globe. Model bias is shown to include rainy season onsets tens of days later than observed in some monsoon regions (India, Australia, and North America) and overly large summer precipitation in others (North America, South America, and southern Africa). Projected next-century changes include rainy season lengthening in the two largest Northern Hemisphere monsoon regions (South Asia and central Sahel) and shortening in the two largest Southern Hemisphere regions (South America and southern Africa). Changes in the North American and Australian monsoons are less coherent across models. To understand these changes, relative moist static energy (MSE) is defined as the difference between local and tropical-mean surface air MSE. Future changes in relative MSE in each region correlate well with onset and demise date changes. Furthermore, Southern Hemisphere regions projected to undergo rainy season shortening are spanned by an increasing equator-to-pole MSE gradient, suggesting their rainfall will be increasingly inhibited by fluxes of dry extratropical air; Northern Hemisphere regions with projected lengthening of rainy seasons undergo little change in equator-to-pole MSE gradient. Thus, although model biases raise questions on the reliability of some projections, these results suggest that globally inhomogeneous future changes in monsoon timing may be understood through simple measures of surface air MSE.
Effects of a Waste Stabilization Lagoon Discharge on Bacterial and Phytoplanktonic Communities of a Stream

To determine the effect of a waste stabilization lagoon discharge on the plankton in a receiving stream, bacterial and phytoplanktonic communities were studied above and below the outflow. The discharge apparently had seasonal and continuous effects on both the structure and function of plankton communities. These effects below the lagoon resulted in a significant increase in the bacterial and phytoplanktonic biomasses and significant changes in the structure of these communities: increases of Euchlorophyceae (Chlorella and Scenedesmus), Euglenophyceae (Trachelomonas), Cyanobacteria biomasses, and the relative biomass of very large bacteria. Metabolic activities of the plankton communities seemed to be significantly influenced; photosynthetic and heterotrophic activities increased, while productivity (photosynthetic assimilation and chlorophyll a) decreased. This decrease shows that allochthonous phytoplankton photosynthetic efficiency is lower than that of the autochthonous community or that this efficiency is reduced in the receiving stream. Discharge favored the development of mixotrophic microorganisms to the detriment of photosynthetic microorganisms.
Quaternary Ammonium Compound Inhibition of Biological Nutrient Removal Activated Sludge: The Significance of Good Modeling Practice on Process Design

Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are surface-active organic compounds common in industrial cleaner formulations widely used in various sanitation applications. While acting as effective pathogenic biocides, QACs lack selective toxicity and often have poor target specificity. As a result, adverse effects on biological processes and thus the performance of biological nutrient removal (BNR) systems may be encountered when QACs enter wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Because of these impacts, there is motivation to screen wastewater influents for QACs and for process engineers to consider the inhibition effects of QACs on process evaluation and design of BNR plants. This paper introduces a mathematical model to describe the fate of QACs in a WWTP via biodegradation and bio-adsorption, and the inhibitory effect of QACs on nitrifiers and ordinary heterotrophic organisms. The model was incorporated as an addon model in BioWin 5.3 and simulations of experimental systems were used for comparison of model results to measured data reported in the literature. The model was found to accurately predict the bulk phase concentration of QAC and the inhibition of nitrification with QAC concentrations ≥ 2 mg/L. This work provides a preliminary framework for simulation of BNR plants receiving inhibitory substances in the influent.