Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A large-scale image dataset of wood surface defects for automated vision-based quality control processes

The wood industry is facing many challenges. The high variability of raw material and the complexity of manufacturing processes results in a wide range of visible structure defects, which have to be controlled by trained specialists. These manual processes are not only tedious and biased, but also less effective. To overcome the drawbacks of the manual quality control processes, several automated vision-based systems have been proposed. Even though some conducted studies achieved a higher recognition rate than trained experts, researchers have to deal with a lack of large-scale databases and authentic data in this field. To address this issue, we performed a data acquisition experiment set in the industrial environment, where we were able to acquire an extensive set of authentic data from a production line. For this purpose, we designed and implemented a complex technical solution suitable for high-speed acquisition during harsh manufacturing conditions. In this data note, we present a large-scale dataset of high-resolution sawn timber surface images containing more than 43 000 labelled surface defects and covering 10 types of the most common wood defects. Moreover, with each image record, we provide two types of labels allowing researchers to perform semantic segmentation, as well as defect classification, and localization.
The Dynamics of Tungsten in Soil: An Overview

The increasing use of tungsten in the production of green energy in the aerospace and military industries, and in many other hi-tech applications, may increase the content of this element in soil. This overview examines some aspects of the behavior of tungsten in soil, such as the importance of characteristics of soils in relation to bioavailability processes, the chemical approaches to evaluate tungsten mobility in the soil environment and the importance of adsorption and desorption processes. Tungsten behavior depends on soil properties of which the most important is soil pH, which determines the solubility and polymerization of tungstate ions and the characteristics of the adsorbing soil surfaces. During the adsorption and desorption of tungsten, iron, and aluminum oxides, and hydroxides play a key role as they are the most important adsorbing surfaces for tungsten. The behavior of tungsten compounds in the soil determines the transfer of this element in plants and therefore in the food chain. Despite the growing importance of tungsten in everyday life, environmental regulations concerning soil do not take this element into consideration. The purpose of this review is also to provide some basic information that could be useful when considering tungsten in environmental legislation.
Development of Metamaterial Inspired Nonuniform Circular Array Superstate Antenna using Characteristic Mode Analysis

In this work using characteristic mode analysis, a multi-layered nonuniform metasurface structured antenna has been optimized. The driven patch of square structure and the parasitic patch elements of circular radiating cross slotted metastructure are used in proposed model. The modal significance characteristic angles and surface currents are analysed based on characteristic mode to optimise the nonuniform structures. Antenna resonating between 5.5–6.1 GHz, covering WLAN applications with average gain of 7.9 dB and efficiency greater than 90%. Transient mode, terminal mode and eigen mode-based analysis are performed on the proposed design and comparative analysis has been presented in this work. The prototype model fabrication and real time measurement analysis with simulation results matching is presented for application validation.
Effects of the Sludge Retention Time and Carbon Source on Polyhydroxyalkanoate-Storing Biomass Selection under Aerobic-Feast and Anoxic-Famine Conditions

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are versatile biodegradable polymers produced by bacteria and are suitable for many downstream applications. They can be produced inexpensively from mixed microbial cultures under feast and famine conditions in the presence of biobased volatile fatty acids (VFAs). Here, we investigated the effect of changing the sludge retention time (SRT) and the addition of fermented cellulosic primary sludge (CPS) as a carbon source on the selection of PHA-storing biomass when applying the feast and famine strategy under aerobic and anoxic conditions, respectively. Increasing the SRT from 5 to 7–10 days enhanced PHA yields under feast conditions from 0.18 gCODPHA/gCODVFA (period 1) to 0.40 gCODPHA/gCODVFA (period 2). The use of fermented CPS as a carbon source (period 3) increased PHA yields to 0.62 gCODPHA/gCODVFA despite the presence of biodegradable non-VFA fractions. Microbial characterization by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed high microbial speciation during the three experimental periods. In period 3, the dominant genera were Thauera, Paracoccus, and Azoarcus, which accounted for ∼95% of the total microbial biomass.
The Link Between Wedge‐Like and Nose‐Like Ion Spectral Structures in the Inner Magnetosphere

The wedge‐like and nose‐like ion spectral structures, named after their characteristic shapes in the energy‐time spectrograms, appear to be distinctively different structures in the Earth's inner magnetosphere. Here. we present a case study with conjugate observations from the Arase spacecraft and the twin Van Allen Probes on July 1 and 2, 2017, which displayed the characteristic signatures of the wedge‐like and nose‐like ion structures, respectively. When the spacecraft nearly intersected at L = 2.8, the two structures overlapped with enhanced ion fluxes in the energy range of 1–10 keV. These observations suggest that the wedge‐like and nose‐like spectral signatures are merely the manifestations of one single structure along different spacecraft trajectories. This finding is further validated by the reproduction of both structures from a particle‐tracing model, which also indicates their formation processes associated with the intermittent substorm injections in the nightside magnetosphere.
Influence of personality, attitude, motivation, and environment on the entrepreneurial spirit of school cooperative teachers in vocational schools in Kulon Progo regency

This study aims to determine the influence of personality, attitude, motivation, and environment on the entrepreneurial spirit both partially and simultaneously. The research method uses a survey with 39 teachers of school cooperatives and respondents numbering 33 people. Primary data was obtained using questionnaires supported by observations and interviews on cooperative teachers and related parties: data analysis using descriptive statistics and multiple regressions with t-test and F tests. The results showed that personality, attitude, motivation, and the environment simultaneously and partially influenced positively and significantly the entrepreneurial spirit. The four variables contributed to the entrepreneurial spirit by 80.30%, while factors outside the research influenced 19.70%. The environment is the variable that contributes the most to the entrepreneurial spirit with a percentage of 23.52%, followed by personality by 20.91%, motivation 19.88%, and attitude 15.99%.
Morphological, biochemical and molecular hallmarks of programmed cell death in stigmatic papillae of Brassica oleracea L.

The aim of this study is to determine the programmed cell death hallmarks in the stigmatic papillae of Brassica oleracea L. The flower development was divided in two main stages; pre-anthesis and post-anthesis. Programmed cell death hallmarks were examined in parallel to these stages. At pre-anthesis, the stigmatic papillae were ovoid and their dense cytoplasm were rich in insoluble polysaccharide and protein. At post-anthesis, vacuolization and enlargement were quite evident in papillae. Besides, the protein content decreased, but reactive oxygen species increased in comparison to the pre-anthesis stage. Although no significant change in superoxide dismutase activity was detected, catalase activity decreased and hydrogen peroxide content increased at post-anthesis. DAPI stained nuclei appeared rounded and smooth appearance at pre-anthesis, however, some invaginations and fragmentation in nuclei were observed at post-anthesis. Although, TUNEL staining was negative at pre-anthesis, while TUNEL positive reaction was significant in the nuclei of papillae at post-anthesis. In comparison to the pre-anthesis, the number of fragmented nuclei monitored by DAPI and TUNEL staining increased at post-anthesis.
Coplanar Waveguide-fed Electrically Small via-less Antenna for Dual Band Applications

In this paper, a simple coplanar waveguide fed compact electrically small antenna for dual-band operations without the use of via is presented. The resonances of the structure are obtained by spiraling one of the ground planes of an open-ended CPW transmission line with a short length center feed. The proposed antenna has a geometrical dimension of 0. 079λ 01 × 0. 079λ 01 mm2 (λ 01 is the free space wavelength of first resonant frequency) with a small electrical size (ka) of 0.35. The experimental studies on the fabricated prototype of the proposed antenna show a 2:1 VSWR bandwidth up to 2.53% and 4.12% for 2.3 and 5.3 GHz, respectively. The simulated antenna reflection and radiation characteristics are demonstrated with physical measurements.
Large-eddy simulation of droplet-laden cough jets with a realistic manikin model

Three-dimensional computational fluid dynamic (CFD) methods were used to simulate a cough jet that contains droplets. The turbulent cough flow is modelled using large-eddy simulation with a dynamic structure model. An Eulerian–Lagrangian approach was adopted to model the two-phase flows. Droplet breakup, evaporation, dispersion and drag forces were considered in the model. Two different inlet velocity profiles, which are based on constant mouth opening area and variable mouth opening area, were considered in the CFD model. The numerical model was validated by comparing with the available experimental measurements. The results show that the use of the fixed mouth opening area in the geometric model shows the inlet velocity profile of the ‘variable area’ matched better with the experimental data than with the ‘constant area’ inlet velocity profile. Droplet dynamics were analysed with a focus on the droplet penetration and droplet distribution in space during the whole coughing process. The droplet penetration shows two-stage profiles, both of which can be described by logarithmic functions. This is consistent with the analytical results of the simplified drag model. The droplets generated during the mouth opening or closing periods have a higher velocity and longer droplet penetration. With a higher room temperature, the droplet penetration is shorter.
Study on interface shear characteristics of PVA-ECC composite steel bridge deck

There are various forms of damage caused by the insufficient shear stress of the bonding coat, if not handled properly, it will lead to serious early damage of the pavement structure. In order to improve the shear resistance of traditional bonding coat, a new pavement method for steel deck is proposed. According to the different particle size and content of crushed stone, 9 kinds of mix proportion were designed. The shear failure form of specimen with different mix proportion is analyzed. Based on the Popovics constitutive model and the piecewise simplified model, the Shear stress-Shear slip (τ-δ) curve of the specimen is described. In addition, a damage model based on interface shear stress and interface shear rigidity is proposed. Finally, based on the engineering case of Mafang bridge in Guangdong province, the effectiveness and potential value of the pavement method are verified.
Improving Social-Emotional and Life Skills of Young People with Complex Additional Needs Through ‘Outward Bound’ Residential Trips

ABSTRACT Among the estimated 800,000 children in the United Kingdom with disability, challenges include lack of access to leisureactivities, opportunities for independent development and social contact. Short breaks and residential trips (RTs) provide positive experiences, and help improve mental and physical wellbeing. However, evaluations involving young people (YP) with disabilities are lacking. We aimed to understand the value and outcomes of a RT, from the perspective of YP, their parents, and staff. YP with disabilities (N = 35) aged 12–17 years, attended outdooractivity based RTs in 2019 provided by Sparkle (South Wales) Ltd. A mixed methods approach was used for data collection; YP attended focus groups (N = 13), and parents (N = 21) and staff (N = 5) completed feedback questionnaires. The data was double coded and analysed thematically. In addition to enjoyment, interview data suggests the participants felt that the YP’s emotional and social wellbeing improved. There were reported improvements in confidence, increased incidences of social communication behaviour, resilience and self-care. RTs have the potential to make a significant impact on YP and their families, and their role is an important consideration in the context of local authority funding cuts, and barriers to accessing short breaks.
Forecasting exchange rates using asymmetric losses: A Bayesian approach

The forecasting of exchange rate returns has long been an issue in finance literature. The use of the best forecasting model is usually sensitive to the data frequency and the sample period used. Model evaluation is usually based on either minimizing error losses or maximizing profit strategies and other likelihood-based measures. Although, much work has been devoted to model evaluation based on maximizing profits strategies little to no work has been devoted to the issue of estimating a forecast model under the same principles. Here, we propose a Bayesian framework that estimates exchange rate models by considering measures such as directional accuracy and trading rules in a form of asymmetric loss functions. Estimation is implemented using Laplace-type estimators applied in cases where the likelihood function is not of a known form. We illustrate this method using simulated and real weekly exchange rate series. The results demonstrate that the use of profit maximizing strategies within estimation can significantly improve the forecasting ability of certain exchange rate models.
Fourier Transform Spectroscopy of the A*&-X*2+ System of CP

The infrared emission spectrum of the A’&-X22+ transition of CP has been observed using a high-resolution Fourier transform spectrometer in the 1.2- to 2.5-pm spectral region. This transition is analogous to the red system of CN and has not been directly observed prior to this study. Molecular constants were extracted from the line positions of the l-0, O-O, O-l, O-2, and 3-l bands. o 1987 AC&~ prss, IIIC.
A new desert-dwelling oomycete, Pustula persica sp. nov., on Gymnarrhena micrantha (Asteraceae) from Iran

Abstract The obligate biotrophic oomycete genus Pustula is one of the four major linages of white blister rusts (Albuginaceae) identified so far. Species of the genus Pustula cause white blister rust on numerous genera in the asterids, represented by several phylogenetically distinct genus-specific lineages, most of which still await formal description. Thus, the observation of the species of Pustula on the Asteraceae subfamily Gymnorhenoideae pointed out to the existence of a hitherto undescribed species. By the morphological and molecular phylogenetic investigation conducted in this study it is concluded that the pathogen on Gymnarrhena micrantha from Iran indeed represents a hitherto unknown species and is described as P. persica. This species has apparently adapted to desert condition and is, after Albugo arenosa, the second species of white blister rust from Iranian deserts, highlighting the adaptability of white blister rusts to hot and dry habitats.
Antifibrotic effect of Ocimum basilicum L. and linalool on arecoline-induced fibrosis in human buccal fibroblasts

Aim: To explore Ocimum basilicum L. (sweet basil) and linalool for their antifibrotic activity in an arecoline-induced in vitro fibrotic model. Methods: Leaf extract of O. basilicum L. (LEOB) and linalool were used as experimental agents to test their antifibrogenic activity in vitro. Half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) for arecoline, ethanolic LEOB, and linalool was determined using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. To evaluate the antifibrotic effect of ethanolic LEOB and linalool on pretreatment, that is, both the testing agents were added to the human buccal fibroblasts (HBFs) prior to induction with arecoline, and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was carried out to study the response of transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ), collagen 1 subtype A2 (COL1A2), and collagen 3 subtype A1 (COL3A1). To appreciate the morphological alterations in HBFs on treatment with arecoline, ethanolic LEOB, and linalool, Masson’s trichrome staining was performed. Results: Arecoline enhanced fibrotic activity by upregulating TGFβ1, COL1A2, and COL3A1 levels, whereas ethanolic LEOB and linalool on pretreatment significantly downregulated the increased levels of TGFβ1, COL1A2, and COL3A1 in primary HBF cell cultures. Conclusion and implication to clinic: Both ethanolic LEOB and linalool exhibited significant antifibrotic activity in an in vitro model. Further studies in an in vitro model can help attain a foundation for an herbal formulation in gel form that can be prescribed to patients diagnosed with oral submucous fibrosis for topical application. It can also be used synergistically with Western medicine.
Development of Novel Coconut SSR Markers Derived From Genome-Wide Bioinformatics Prediction

In the past, simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker development in coconut is achieved through microsatellite probing in bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones or using previously developed SSR markers from closely related genomes. These coconut SSR markers are publicly available in published literatures and online databases; however, the number is quite limited. Here, we used a locally established, coconut genome-wide SSR prediction bioinformatics pipeline to generate a vast amount of coconut SSR markers. A total of 7,139 novel SSR markers were derived from the genome assembly of coconut ‘Catigan Green Dwarf’ (CATD). A subset of the markers, amounting to 131, were selected for synthesis based on motif filtering, contig distribution, product size exclusion, and success of in silico PCR in the CATD genome assembly. OligoAnalyzer-tool was also employed using the following desired parameters: %GC: 40–60%; minimum ΔG value for hairpin loop: -0.3 kcal/mol; minimum ΔG value for self-dimer: -0.9 kcal/mol; and minimum ΔG value for hetero-dimer: -0.9 kcal/mol. We have successfully synthesized, optimized, and amplified 131 novel SSR markers in coconut using ‘Catigan Green Dwarf’ (CATD), ‘Laguna Tall’ (LAGT), ‘West African Tall’ (WAT), and SYNVAR (LAGT x WAT) genotypes. Of the 131 SSR markers, 113 were polymorphic among the analyzed coconut genotypes. The development of novel SSR markers for coconut will serve as a valuable resource for mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTLs), assessment of genetic diversity and population structure, hybridity testing, and other marker-assisted plant breeding applications.
Buprenorphine for the management of kratom dependency during covid-19: A case report

We describe a case report where buprenorphine was successfully used for the management of kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) dependency during the Covid-19 pandemic in a specialist community substance misuse treatment service. The individual had a notable iatrogenic dependency on oral over the counter and prescribed opioid medication. She resorted to using kratom as a ‘tea’ to self-detoxify before getting into difficulty. Upon presentation, she disclosed using kratom up to 70 g/day with hourly dosing, in addition to co-codamol (8 mg codeine/500 mg paracetamol tablets) three times a week. Initiation of oral buprenorphine sublingual tablets was complicated due to Covid-19: dispensing arrangements were liberalised from the outset and the dose was incrementally increased, eventually to 24 mg/day. Comorbidities included mental health conditions and chronic pain which improved with buprenorphine treatment and psychotherapy. Further research is required to determine optimal regimens for the management of kratom dependency. This case study adds to the current paucity of published data regarding how to manage such cases in the community setting, which is important since kratom is thought to be increasingly used in the western world.
A Novel Optimization Algorithm for Solar Panels Selection towards a Self-Powered EV Parking Lot and Its Impact on the Distribution System

This paper proposes an original multi-criteria decision-making optimization algorithm to select the best solar panels in an existing market and optimally size the photovoltaic (PV) system for an electric vehicle parking lot (EVPL). Our proposed algorithm is called rank-weigh-rank (RWR), and it is compared to the well-known technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) optimization algorithm under the same conditions for validation purposes. Results show that the speed of our proposed algorithm (RWR) in finding the best solution increases exponentially compared to TOPSIS when the numbers of alternatives and criteria increase. Moreover, 77% is the probability of obtaining results with more than 80% accuracy compared to TOPSIS, which validates the efficiency of our algorithm. In addition, we were able to design an EVPL with a power self-sufficiency ratio of 60.8%, the energy self-sufficiency ratio of 74.7%, and a payback period of 10.58 years. Moreover, the renewable energy-based EVPL was able to reduce the power losses on the network by 95.7% compared to an EVPL without a renewable energy system and improve the voltage deviation.