Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Detection , identification , and quantification of fungal diseases of sugar beet leaves using imaging and nonimaging hyperspectral techniques

Plant diseases influence the optical properties of plants in different ways. Depending on the host pathogen system and disease specific symptoms, different regions of the reflectance spectrum are affected, resulting in specific spectral signatures of diseased plants. The aim of this study was to examine the potential of hyperspectral imaging and non-imaging sensor systems for the detection, differentiation, and quantification of plant diseases. Reflectance spectra of sugar beet leaves infected with the fungal pathogens Cercospora beticola, Erysiphe betae, and Uromyces betae causing Cercospora leaf spot, powdery mildew, and sugar beet rust, respectively, were recorded repeatedly during pathogenesis. Hyperspectral data were analyzed using various methods of data and image analysis and were compared to ground truth data. Several approaches with different sensors on the measuring scales leaf, canopy, and field have been tested and compared. Much attention was paid on the effect of spectral, spatial, and temporal resolution of hyperspectral sensors on disease recording. Another focus of this study was the description of spectral characteristics of disease specific symptoms. Therefore, different data analysis methods have been applied to gain a maximum of information from spectral signatures. Spectral reflectance of sugar beet was affected by each disease in a characteristic way, resulting in disease specific signatures. Reflectance differences, sensitivity, and best correlating spectral bands differed depending on the disease and the developmental stage of the diseases. Compared to nonimaging sensors, the hyperspectral imaging sensor gave extra information related to spatial resolution. The preciseness in detecting pixel-wise spatial and temporal differences was on a high level. Besides characterization of diseased leaves also the assessment of pure disease endmembers as well as of different regions of typical symptoms was realized. Spectral vegetation indices (SVIs) related to physiological parameters were calculated and correlated to the severity of diseases. The SVIs differed in their sensitivity to the different diseases. Combining the information from multiple SVIs in an automatic classification method with Support Vector Machines, high sensitivity and specificity for the detection and differentiation of diseased leaves was reached in an early stage. In addition to the detection and identification, the quantification of diseases was possible with high accuracy by SVIs and Spectral Angle Mapper classification, calculated from hyperspectral images. Knowledge from measurements under controlled condition was carried over to the field scale. Early detection and monitoring of Cercospora leaf spot and powdery mildew was facilitated. The results of this study contribute to a better understanding of plant optical properties during disease development. Methods will further be applicable in precision crop protection, to realize the detection, differentiation, and quantification of plant diseases in early stages.
Explaining heritable variance in human character

Personality is moderately heritable (around 40%), across a variety of measures. Non-linear genetic influences (subsumed by the influence of the "dominance" factor in the heritability literature) likely play a large role in the genetics of personality, even more so than for other phenotypes. Zwir and colleagues sought to identify sets of SNPs that, through both additive and interactive effects, explain the previously observed heritability of personality. The abstract reported identification of a set of SNPs that "explained nearly all the heritability expected for character in each sample (50 to 58%). " This reported effect size is extraordinary. The paper9s Supplemental Materials reveal how such an estimate occurred.
Noise during mouthbrooding impairs maternal care behaviors and juvenile development and alters brain transcriptomes in the African cichlid fish Astatotilapia burtoni

Anthropogenic noise has increased underwater ambient sound levels in the range in which most fishes detect and produce acoustic signals. Although the impacts of increased background noise on fish development have been studied in a variety of species, there is a paucity of information on how noise affects parental care. Mouthbrooding is an energetically costly form of parental care in which the brooding fish carries developing larvae in the buccal cavity for the duration of development. In the African cichlid Astatotilapia burtoni, females carry their brood for ~2 weeks during which time they do not eat. To test the hypothesis that increased background noise impacts maternal care behaviors and brood development, we exposed brooding females to a 3‐h period of excess noise (~140 dB) played through an underwater speaker. Over half of noise‐exposed brooding females cannibalized or pre‐maturely released their brood, but 90% of control females exhibited normal brooding behaviors. RNA‐seq analysis revealed that transcripts related to feeding and parental care were differentially expressed in the brains of noise‐exposed females. Juveniles that were exposed to noise during their brood period within the mother's mouth had lower body condition factors, higher mortality and altered head transcriptomes compared with control broods. Furthermore, onset of adult‐typical coloration and behaviors was delayed compared with control fish. Together, these data indicate that noise has severe impacts on reproductive fitness in mouthbrooding females. Our results, combined with past studies, indicate that parental care stages are extremely susceptible to noise‐induced perturbations with detrimental effects on species persistence.
Operación Araña: reflections on how a performative intervention in Buenos Aires’s subway system can help rethink feminist activism

On July 31, 2018, Buenos Aires’s subway system was overtaken by a public intervention under the name “Operacion Arana,” co-organized by Ni Una Menos — a feminist social movement focused on gender violence —, the Campaign for the Right to Legal, Safe, and Free Abortion, unionized metro workers, and more than seventy organizations, with the overall intention of affirming women’s autonomy and calling attention to several social issues with direct impact on their lives. This study weaves a series of reflections on some of the specific features of the Operacion Arana intervention that can shed light on how and why the new feminist wave in Argentina has gained such momentum while gauging its impact on redefining what we understand as activism. Drawing from Judith Butler’s notions on the performative political potential of the assembly (Notes Toward a Performative Theory of Assembly, 2015), this article unveils the various forms of embodied resistance staged in the public space by this new surge of activists, popularly called the “green tide” after the color identifying the Campaign for the Right to Legal, Safe, and Free Abortion. In claiming a unique and radical performative space wherein to exercise agency and display new forms of organization, the green tide also has by the same token laid claim to a reconfigured public space conducive to new forms of sociality and the preservation of all lives.
Data collection methods for forest inventory: a comparison between an integrated conventional equipment and terrestrial laser scanning

This study aims to present a comparison analysis of two data collection methods that can be used in order to obtain reference ground truth data for forestry – a conventional method that uses specific equipment such as Field Map system, caliper and vertex inclinometer and a modern method based on terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) technology. The research was conducted in six circular Permanent Plots (PPs) with an area of 500 square meters each, within thinning and selected cuttings stands of sessile oak (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl. ), common beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst.), all situated in the Southern Carpathians (Mihăești, Mușeteși and Vidraru Forest Districts). Using the conventional method, the dendrometric tree characteristics such as height, diameter at breast height (dbh) and tree position were directly recorded in the field. As a modern method for data collection, a Faro Focus3D X 130 HDR terrestrial laser scanning device was used to scan each plot and to extract the dbh and height of the trees. In this regard, two scanning approaches were used - single scan (SS) and multiple scan (MS). In order to compare the two data acquisitions methods, we applied a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT) analysis on the basis of which we could establish the pros and cons of using the two methods. Therefore, one can choose the most advantageous method for obtaining the reference data for forestry, in terms of equipment acquisition cost, personnel skills and qualifications, data collection working time, accuracy of the data recorded, post processing time, labor costs. Although the use of TLS in forest inventory is a technology with high potential, further investigations need to be done, especially in the case of automatic extraction of the tree height. For accurate reference ground data for forest inventory purposes, we still recommend using the conventional methods although they are time consuming.
Effect of melatonin on inflammatory response to prolonged exercise

ABSTRACT We aimed to evaluate the effect of single 6-mg melatonin (MEL) supplementation on inflammatory response to prolonged exercise at a moderate temperature (23°C) and a relative humidity of 60%. Eight athletes aged between 20 and 23 years participated in the present study. They ran at 60% of their maximal aerobic speed for 45 min after either MEL (6 mg) or placebo ingestion, in a randomized order. A blood samples were taken before and after exercise to measure inflammatory biomarkers. All inflammatory biomarkers were higher at the end of exercise in both conditions. Acute MEL supplementation did not prevent the exercise-induced inflammation and tissue damage.
Formulation of 3D finite elements using curvilinear coordinates

Abstract The objective of this paper is to gain insight into the implementation of 3D finite elements in curvilinear coordinates using the fundamental equations of 3D elasticity and the Principle of Virtual Displacements. After reviewing the mathematical model of the geometry, we present the formulation of hexahedral finite elements that represent a generalization of classical shell finite elements, in which also the thickness direction can be curvilinear. These finite elements are equivalent to the widely-used continuum mechanics based solid finite elements, but the adoption of local curvilinear reference system will allow in future works to apply mixed methods, such as the Mixed Interpolation of Tensorial Components (MITC), to contrast the locking phenomenon in the three spatial directions. For the assessment of the present elements, we consider different examples of curved geometries: cylindrical, conical, toroidal and spherical. A free-vibration analysis of curved 3D components is performed and the results, in terms of natural frequencies, are compared with the convergence solutions computed with the commercial software MSC Patran/Nastran.
An Approach for a Wide Dynamic Range Low-Noise Current Readout Circuit

Designing low-noise current readout circuits at high speed is challenging. There is a need for preamplification stages to amplify weak input currents before being processed by conventional integrator based readout. However, the high current gain preamplification stage usually limits the dynamic range. This article presents a 140 dB input dynamic range low-noise current readout circuit with a noise floor of 10 fArms/sq(Hz). The architecture uses a programmable bidirectional input current gain stage followed by an integrator-based analog-to-pulse conversion stage. The programmable current gains setting enables one to achieve higher overall input dynamic range. The readout circuit is designed and in 0.18 μm CMOS and consumes 10.3 mW power from a 1.8 V supply. The circuit has been verified using post-layout simulations.
How Campers’ Beliefs about Forest Pests Affect Firewood Transport Behavior: An Application of Involvement Theory

We conducted a survey of 272 campers at 18 private and public campgrounds in Maine (n = 101), New Hampshire (n = 88), and Vermont (n = 83) to learn about their firewood movement behavior, and knowledge and beliefs about invasive forest pests. More than 25 percent of respondents reported that they often or always brought firewood from home for camping. Most (92 percent) had heard of invasive forest pests, but <25 percent could name an example without being prompted, affirming a need for increasing exposure of outreach materials to facilitate activation of attitudes associated with forest pests and transport of firewood. Campers provided helpful suggestions to improve current outreach and education efforts such as illustrating more of the detrimental impacts forest pests have on trees near homes or recreation areas. For campers who believe their wood is safe and therefore okay to transport regardless of regulations, a need exists to re-message arguments. Furthermore, results suggest that some campers with low involvement who are less engaged and less inclined to seek out information may additionally need more direct approaches. Actions to better capture the attention of these campers could potentially include confiscating illegally transported firewood at check stations, issuing warnings, or administering fines for moving nonlocal or nonheat-treated firewood in order to obtain compliance with protective firewood regulations.
Laser-Induced Forward Transfer: A Method for Printing Functional Inks

Laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT) is a direct-writing technique based in the action of a laser to print a small fraction of material from a thin donor layer onto a receiving substrate. Solid donor films have been used since its origins, but the same principle of operation works for ink liquid films, too. LIFT is a nozzle-free printing technique that has almost no restrictions in the particle size and the viscosity of the ink to be printed. Thus, LIFT is a versatile technique capable for printing any functional material with which an ink can be formulated. Although its principle of operation is valid for solid and liquid layers, in this review we put the focus in the LIFT works performed with inks or liquid suspensions. The main elements of a LIFT experimental setup are described before explaining the mechanisms of ink ejection. Then, the printing outcomes are related with the ejection mechanisms and the parameters that control their characteristics. Finally, the main achievements of the technique for printing biomolecules, cells, and materials for printed electronic applications are presented.
Effectiveness of arterial hypertension control using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in patients in the remote period after myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke

Arterial hypertension is one of the most important modified risk factors and its adequate control is a cornerstone of primary and secondary prevention. On the other hand, excessive lowering of blood pressure can be harmful, especially in patients with a history of ischemic events. The aim: To evaluate daily blood pressure fluctuations with ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in patients with controlled hypertension according to office measurements in the remote period after myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke Materials and methods: The study involved 64 patients with hypertension in remote period (at least 6 months) after myocardial infarction (38 patients) and ischemic stroke (26 patients) with systolic blood pressure during the last three months and at least two visits. in the range of 120-139 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure 70–89 mm Hg. Patients with valvular heart disease, severe arrhythmias, significant heart failure (NYHA III-IV) were not included in the study.All patients underwent daily blood pressure monitoring. According to the recommendations of ESC / ESH in 2018, the optimal blood pressure control was considered to be the average daily blood pressure after myocardial infarction 130–140 / 70–79 mm Hg. at the age of >65 years, 120–130 / 70–79 mm Hg at the age of ≤65 years; after ischemic stroke 120–130 / <80 mm Hg. All values below the optimal levels were considered to be low blood pressure, higher than optimal – high blood pressure. Particular attention was paid to excessive reduction of blood pressure with the calculation of the number of excessive reductions and their duration during the day. Results: The average daily blood pressure values corresponded to the definition of optimal in only 23.4 % of patients with ischemic events. In 63.2 % of patients after myocardial infarction, the mean daily values of systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were lower than recommended, and in patients after ischemic stroke, this number was significantly lower – 23.1 %. Conversely, in more than half of the patients after ischemic stroke (53.6 %) the average daily blood pressure levels exceeded the recommended ones. In patients after myocardial infarction, this number was only 13.2 %. Excessive reductions in blood pressure were recorded in 58 of 64 patients (90.6 %), in 54 persons such episodes were observed during the day (84.3 %). Persistent (over 1 hour) excessive decrease in blood pressure was registered in 16 people (25.0 %), 8 of whom had persistent excessive blood pressure reductions ≥2/day (12.5 %). Predictors of excessive blood pressure lowering were males, myocardial infarction, beta-blockers. Conclusions: Patients with hypertension after myocardial infarction or ischemic stroke require regular monitoring of blood pressure, even in cases where blood pressure is within the recommended range for some time. It is necessary to take into account the risk not only of increasing but also of excessive lowering of blood pressure
Inactive USP14 and inactive UCHL5 cause accumulation of distinct ubiquitinated proteins in mammalian cells

USP14 is a cysteine protease deubiquitinase associated with the proteasome and plays important catalytic and allosteric roles in proteasomal degradation. USP14 inhibition has been considered a therapeutic strategy for accelerating degradation of aggregation-prone proteins in neurodegenerative diseases and for inhibiting proteasome function to induce apoptotic cell death in cancers. Here we studied the effects of USP14 inhibition in mammalian cells using small molecule inhibitors and an inactive USP14 mutant C114A. Neither the inhibitors nor USP14 C114A showed consistent or significant effects on the level of TDP-43, tau or α-synuclein in HEK293T cells. However, USP14 C114A led to a robust accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins, which were isolated by ubiquitin immunoprecipitation and identified by mass spectrometry. Among these proteins we confirmed that ubiquitinated β-catenin accumulated in the cells expressing USP14 C114A with immunoblotting and immunoprecipitation experiments. The proteasome binding domain of USP14 C114A is required for its effect on ubiquitinated proteins. UCHL5 is the other cysteine protease deubiquitinase associated with the proteasome. Interestingly, the inactive mutant of UCHL5 C88A also caused an accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins in HEK293T cells but did not affect β-catenin, demonstrating USP14 but not UCHL5 has a specific effect on β-catenin. We used ubiquitin immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry to identify the accumulated ubiquitinated proteins in UCHL5 C88A expressing cells which are mostly distinct from those identified in USP14 C114A expressing cells. Among the identified proteins are well established proteasome substrates and proteasome subunits. Besides β-catenin, we also verified with immunoblotting that UCHL5 C88A inhibits its own deubiquitination and USP14 C114A inhibits deubiquitination of two proteasomal subunits PSMC1 and PSMD4. Together our data suggest that USP14 and UCHL5 can deubiquitinate distinct substrates at the proteasome and regulate the ubiquitination of the proteasome itself which is tightly linked to its function.
Exposure to air freshner and its distresses on the antioxidant biomarkers of male Wistar rats

Air fresheners are widely used as a means of eliminating bad odour, albeit, it has been reported to be associated with some health risks. This work investigated the effect of acute exposure to air freshener on the antioxidant biomarkers of Wistar rats. Twenty-four Wistar rats were used for this study. The rats were divided into four groups of six rats each, labeled group 1, group 2, group 3, and group 4. Group 1, served as control which was not exposed to air freshener. Groups 2, 3 and 4 were exposed in a tightly enclosed cage to air freshener at 6, 9 and 12 h daily, respectively. The rats were sacrificed and blood collected in a sample bottle for analysis of the following antioxidants biomarkers; reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase (CAT) after 14 and 28 days of exposure. The results showed that the blood MDA concentration increased significantly at p≤0.05 with increase in exposure time, a concurrent decrease in catalase and reduced glutathione concentration was observed significantly in the exposed groups when compared to the control. The decrease in SOD was concentration dependent, although not statistically significant, while an inconsistent decrease in the GPx and GST concentrations were observed in exposed groups when compared with the control group. These findings suggest that exposure to air freshener increased oxidative stress, thereby posing potential health hazards to the regular consumers. This study therefore suggests a reduction in exposure to air fresheners as its adverse health effect is proportional to the length of exposure. Key words: Air freshener, antioxidant, air pollution, oxidative stress.
Microwave dielectric properties of low-temperature-fired MgNb2O6 ceramics for LTCC applications

MgNb2O6 ceramics doped with (Li2O–MgO–ZnO–B2O3–SiO2) glass were synthesized by the traditional solid phase reaction route. The effects of LMZBS addition on microwave dielectric properties, grain growth, phase composition and morphology of MgNb2O6 ceramics were studied. The SEM results show dense and homogeneous microstructure with grain size of 1.72 μm. Raman spectra and XRD patterns indicate the pure phase MgNb2O6 ceramic. The experimental results show that LMZBS glass can markedly decrease the sintering temperature from 1300 °C to 925 °C. Higher density and lower porosity make ceramics have better dielectric properties. The MgNb2O6 ceramic doped with 1 wt% LMZBS glass sintered at 925 °C for 5 h, possessed excellent dielectric properties: εr = 19.7, Q·f = 67 839 GHz, τf = −41.01 ppm °C−1. Moreover, the favorable chemical compatibility of the MgNb2O6 ceramic with silver electrodes makes it as promising material for low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) applications.