Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A 64-Pixel 0.42-THz Source SoC With Spatial Modulation Diversity for Computational Imaging

This article presents a terahertz (THz) source system-on-a-chip (SoC) specifically designed for computational imaging with a single-pixel camera (SPC). The SoC consists of an $8\times 8$ array of independent, frequency-unlocked THz sources that together radiate maximum 10.3-dBm power at 0.42 THz. Each source pixel is composed of a fundamental Colpitts oscillator, followed by a common-collector doubler and an on-chip circular slot antenna. The THz power radiated from the array can be modulated in space by turning the pixels on or off individually with 100% modulation depth. The SoC integrates a dedicated memory space where 64 of such spatial patterns can be stored and triggered externally at up to 10-MHz modulation rate. The spatial modulation can be additionally multiplexed with separate programmable chopping rates for individual pixels. The combined modulation diversity provides a highly reconfigurable THz light projection for SPCs. Furthermore, each pixel also incorporates a built-in power-test (BIST) for an in situ radiation power monitoring and calibration. All of the aforementioned functions are programmable with an integrated application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) through a standard SPI interface. This integration level readily allows low-cost aperture scaling by combining multiple chips at the board level. The SoC was applied in a compact, $8\times 8$ pixel, silicon-only THz SPC that captures transmission-mode images at 25 frames/s with 40-dB voltage dynamic range. With an appropriate receiver and baseband processing, the imaging speed of such SPCs can be extended to thousands of frames per second.
EInfluence of climatic conditions on microsporidiosis that originated from Rugispora istanbulensis in Elm Leaf Beetle, Xanthogaleruca luteola Muller (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Calismanin amaci: Bu calisma, karaagac yaprak bocegi, Xanthogaleruca luteola Muller (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) 'da bir mikrospor turu olan Rugispora istanbulensis enfeksiyonunun yayilimi ve olusumu icin uygun iklim kosullarinin belirlenmesi amaciyla yapilmistir. Calisma alani: Calisma ornekleri 2013-2015 yillarinin Mayis ile Eylul aylari arasinda Istanbul’dan toplandi. Materyal ve Yontem: 2013-2015 yillari arasinda her ay 100 X. luteola bireyi disekte olacak sekilde 3 yil boyunca toplamda 1500 ornek isik mikroskobu kullanilarak incelendi. Bu calismadaki tum istatiksel analizler SPSS 21 (SPSS Inc. 1989-2012) adli istatistik programi kullanilarak gerceklestirildi. Sonuclar: 2014 yili calisma yillari arasinda %21,48 mikrosporidiosis orani ile en yogun mikrospor enfeksiyonunun goruldugu yil olarak tespit edildi. Yapilan korelasyon analizlerine gore, nem ile microsporidiosis arasinda guclu bir korelasyon oldugu tespit edildi (r = 0.455, P<0.01). Onemli vurgular: Karaagac yaprak boceklerinde R. istanbulensis kaynakli mikrosporidiosis yayginligi icin sicaklik ana belirleyici faktordur (t = 13.671).
Field Evaluation of Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viceae (Rhizobial Strains) Inoculated to Vicia faba L. (faba bean) Cultivars under Nitisol and Chromic Vertisol of Central Highland of Ethiopia

Faba bean varieties and rhizobial strains were tested on two sites of central highland of Ethiopia during the 2016-2017 cropping season to investigate their interaction effect across years and soil types. The treatments were factorial combinations of three potential varieties of faba bean (Dosha, Moti and Walki) with prospective indigenous rhizobial strains (FBW-145, FB-15 and EAL-110) along with 18 kg N ha -1 and negative control and laid in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 3 replications. Results showed that strain interaction with variety (V×S) could give statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05) and economically profitable grain yield difference at Chiri Nitisol condition. Accordingly, Moti × EAL-110, Dosha × FBW-145, Dosha × EAL-110, and Walki × FBW-145 were the most superior pairs in terms of economic profitability and agronomic productivity at Chiri. Their respective relative grain yields were 45, 26, 21, and 16% and value cost ratios (VCRs) were 101, 66, 44 and 42, respectively. Year (rainfall amount and distribution, and farm) showed superior nodule number per plant (NNPP), hundred seed weight (HSW) and grain yield change at both soil types. The study generally confirmed that Nitisol of Chiri requires compatible faba bean cultivar and rhizobial strain but not at Vertisol of Kersa Werko. Keywords : Grain yield, Interaction, Rhizobia, Variety DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/10-18-01 Publication date: September 30 th 2020
Honeybees prefer novel insect-pollinated flower shapes over bird-pollinated flower shapes

Abstract Plant–pollinator interactions have a fundamental influence on flower evolution. Flower color signals are frequently tuned to the visual capabilities of important pollinators such as either bees or birds, but far less is known about whether flower shape influences the choices of pollinators. We tested European honeybee Apis mellifera preferences using novel achromatic (gray-scale) images of 12 insect-pollinated and 12 bird-pollinated native Australian flowers in Germany; thus, avoiding influences of color, odor, or prior experience. Independent bees were tested with a number of parameterized images specifically designed to assess preferences for size, shape, brightness, or the number of flower-like shapes present in an image. We show that honeybees have a preference for visiting images of insect-pollinated flowers and such a preference is most-likely mediated by holistic information rather than by individual image parameters. Our results indicate angiosperms have evolved flower shapes which influence the choice behavior of important pollinators, and thus suggest spatial achromatic flower properties are an important part of visual signaling for plant–pollinator interactions.
Rapidly Processed Stool Swabs Approximate Stool Microbiota Profiles

Collection of fecal swab samples simplifies handling, processing, and archiving compared to collection of stool. This study confirms that fecal swabs reliably replicate the bacterial composition and diversity of stool samples, provided that the swabs are processed shortly after collection. These findings support the use of fecal swabs, when shipping and handling are done properly, to streamline measurements of intestinal microbiota. ABSTRACT Studies of the intestinal microbiome commonly utilize stool samples to measure the microbial composition in the distal gut. However, collection of stool can be difficult from some subjects under certain experimental conditions. Sampling of fecal material using sterile swabs can streamline sample collection, handling, and processing. In this study, we validate the use of swabs of fecal matter to approximate measurements of microbiota in stool using 16S rRNA gene Illumina amplicon sequencing and evaluate the effects of shipping time at ambient temperatures on accuracy. The results indicate that swab samples reliably replicate the stool microbiota bacterial composition, alpha diversity, and beta diversity when swabs are processed quickly (≤2 days) but that sample quality quickly degrades after this period and is accompanied by increased abundances of Enterobacteriaceae. Fresh swabs appear to be a viable alternative to stool sampling when standard collection methods are challenging, but extended exposure to ambient temperatures prior to processing threatens sample integrity. IMPORTANCE Collection of fecal swab samples simplifies handling, processing, and archiving compared to collection of stool. This study confirms that fecal swabs reliably replicate the bacterial composition and diversity of stool samples, provided that the swabs are processed shortly after collection. These findings support the use of fecal swabs, when shipping and handling are done properly, to streamline measurements of intestinal microbiota.
Antigen receptor locus dynamics is orchestrated near the sol-gel phase transition to enforce stepwise VDJ gene rearrangement

Diverse antibody repertoires are generated through remote genomic interactions involving immunoglobulin variable (VH), diversity (DH) and joining (JH) gene segments. How such interactions are orchestrated remains unknown. We developed a novel strategy to track VH-DHJH motion and interactions in live B-lymphocytes. We found that VH and DHJH segments were trapped in configurations that only allowed constrained local motion, such that spatially proximal VH and DHJH segments remained in proximity, whereas spatially remote segments explored their immediate neighborhood while remaining remote. Comparison of experimental and simulated data revealed that such a highly constrained motion was imposed by a network of cross-linked chromatin chains characteristic of a gel phase, yet it was poised near the sol phase, a solution of independent chromatin chains. We propose that epigenetically induced gel droplets and the proximity to the sol-gel phase transition constitute the mechanism that orchestrates ordered VDJ rearrangement.
Application of activated carbon impregnated composite ceramic filters in cassava mill effluent treatment: prospects and limitations

Disposal of poorly managed cassava mill effluent often results in serious environmental degradation. A low-cost treatment option was developed to alleviate this rising concern prevalent among third world processors. Frustum-shaped ceramic filters produced by mixing different proportions of sawdust and activated carbon with equal amounts of clay, kaolin and sherds powder and sintered at 850°C was assessed in this study. The results indicated pollutant removal efficiency ranging from 6.5 to 98.1% with the best removal efficiency obtained for chemical oxygen demand (COD) [97.9 - 98.1%] closely followed by biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) [71.24 - 77.14%] while (24.13 - 30.72%) and (6.5 - 71.7%) were obtained for turbidity and hydrogen cyanide respectively. The filter with 12.8% of sawdust, 5.1% of activated carbon, 7.13% of kaolin, 3.6% of sherds powder and 71.3% of clay gave the best removal efficiency. A maximum flow rate of 0.0035 L/H (LPH) was recorded with a corresponding time of first drop of 216 minutes. The high removal efficiency observed for some parameters, locally available construction materials and wastewater reuse options makes this a viable option for cassava mill effluent treatment, however, further study is required to optimize this technique to meet wastewater permissible limits.
Urban park visitor preferences for vegetation – An on‐site qualitative research study

This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. © 2021 The Authors, Plants, People, Planet © New Phytologist Foundation 1Environmental Sciences Graduate Program, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA 2Porter School of the Environment and Earth Sciences and the School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel 3College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
All-Dielectric Fabry–Pérot-Based Compound Huygens’ Structure for Millimeter-Wave Beamforming

Novel Fabry–Pérot resonator-based compound Huygens’ structure with two all-dielectric metasurface layers is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. This design consists of two dielectric layers with about a quarter-wavelength separation at the center frequency. Each layer is a 2-D lattice of dielectric resonators. To realize the structure mechanically, each dielectric resonator is connected with its neighboring resonators using four interconnections or “two bridges. ” The two bridges allow for a mechanically strong design with low fabrication tolerances. The two layers are used to cancel the reflections from the bridges, and hence achieve low backscattering in a wide bandwidth. Full-wave simulations are used to realize various beam transformations in the millimeter-wave (mm-wave) band, such as refracted and difference-pattern (DP) beams. The proposed structure is also successfully demonstrated using experiments for the uniform and DP beams at the mm-waves.
Automatic support control of an upper body exoskeleton — Method and validation using the Stuttgart Exo-Jacket

Abstract Although passive occupational exoskeletons alleviate worker physical stresses in demanding postures (e.g., overhead work), they are unsuitable in many other applications because of their lack of flexibility. Active exoskeletons that are able to dynamically adjust the delivered support are required. However, the automatic control of support provided by the exoskeleton is still a largely unsolved challenge in many applications, especially for upper limb occupational exoskeletons, where no practical and reliable approach exists. For this type of exoskeletons, a novel support control approach for lifting and carrying activities is presented here. As an initial step towards a full-fledged automatic support control (ASC), the present article focusses on the functionality of estimating the onset of user’s demand for support. In this way, intuitive behavior should be made possible. The combination of movement and muscle activation signals of the upper limbs is expected to enable high reliability, cost efficiency, and compatibility for use in industrial applications. The functionality consists of two parts: a preprocessing—the motion interpretation—and the support detection itself. Both parts were trained with different subjects, who had to move objects. The functionality was validated both in the cases of (A) an unknown subject performing known tasks and (B) a known subject performing unknown tasks. The functionality showed sound results as it achieved a high accuracy ($$ 95\% $$) in training. In addition, the first validation results showed that this functionality is useful for integration in an appropriately adapted ASC and can then enable comfortable working.
Orchid exploration in Mount Bintan Besar Protected Forest, Bintan Island, Riau Islands Province, Sumatra, Indonesia

Puspitaningtyas DM. 2018. Orchid exploration in Mount Bintan Besar Protected Forest, Bintan Island, Riau Islands Province, Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 19: 1081-1088. Sumatra is one of the main islands in Indonesia. The biodiversity is higher than Java, but still below compare to Borneo and New Guinea. About 1,118 species of orchids are found growing in Sumatra, which 41% of these are endemic to Sumatra. The exploration activities were conducted at Gunung Bintan Besar Protected Forest, Bintan island-Sumatra. Orchid exploration was conducted in this area to collect living plants for ex situ conservation purpose. Orchid inventory to record orchid diversity in this area, based on plant collection by purposive random sampling. The results of the study recorded approximately 23 orchid collection numbers found in that area. These were representative of 15 genera and consist of 14 species of epiphyte orchids and 9 species of terrestrial orchids. Most orchids found in this area are lowland orchid which are very common in Sumatra. Dendrobium metachilinum Rchb.f. , Dendrobium leonis (Lindl.) Rchb.f. and Plocoglottis lowii Rchb.f. are unique orchids species found on this island.
Revision of Chaetarthria Stephens (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae) in China, with a key to the species in the Oriental Region

ABSTRACT Five species of Chaetarthria, are reported from China, of which one new species, C. kuiyanae sp. nov. from Yunnan, is described. Three other species, C. almorana from Yunnan, C. saundersi from Hainan, Jiangxi and Hong Kong, and C. malickyi from Yunnan, are additions to the Chinese fauna. C. indica is recorded for the first time from Jiangxi, Yunnan and Guangdong Provinces. In addition, Chaetarthria sp. from Guangxi is described based on three female specimens. A key to Chinese Chaetarthria Stephens is provided. www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:8C5C12EE-94C7-4928-B91C-0DE17440A7C9
14. Genetic control of vectors

In a context of tighter regulations on approved insecticide molecules, the spread of insecticide resistance in insect vectors of human and animal diseases and the introduction of exotic vectors to new territories call for the development of new pest control methods and strategies. New genetic control methods, related to the ancestral sterile insect technique (SIT), show particular promise and are being developed in response to increasing health and agricultural challenges. These include the use of symbionts like Wolbachia and the use of transgenic insect strains, some of which incorporate gene editing techniques that can lead to transgene spread (gene drive). Here we present the principles, associated opportunities and risks, as well as the degree of advancement of these various techniques for a subset of livestock pests and disease vectors including screwworms, tsetse, mosquitoes and stomoxes. We then present some case studies on recent improvements in the use of the SIT in tsetse and the release of insects carrying a dominant lethal gene, symbiont-based approaches and gene drive in mosquitoes. Finally, we call to speed up the development of genetic control, within a rigorous benefit-risk analysis framework including international public consultation
The complete mitochondrial genome of the dusky brown-gray–colored honeybee, Apis mellifera (insecta: Hymenoptera: Apidae) of New Zealand

Abstract We analyzed the complete mitochondrial genome of the dusky brown-gray–colored honeybee Apis mellifera, collected from North Island, New Zealand. We determined that the mitochondrial genome was a 16,336 bp and predicted 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNA genes, and two rRNA genes. The start codon ATA was found in two genes, ATG in four genes, ATT in six genes, and ATC in one gene, whereas the termination codon TAA was observed in all PCGs. The non-coding regions of tRNA-Leu and COII were consistent with the C haplotype of A. mellifera carnica. Phylogenetic analysis suggests a close relationship with the European A. mellifera.
Dynamics of the Sociability of Future PE Teachers in the First Decades of the 21st Century

The article aims to answer the question, what is the dynamics of the future physical education (PE) teachers' sociability in the first decades of the 21st century? The study documented the peculiarities of sociability in future PE teachers in 2001. It was conducted in 2018 and aimed to answer the question of whether the changing social environment and educational reform in the last decades have recently been linked to changes in the sociability of future PE teachers. An analysis of sociability was made using the adapted Rogov questionnaire and the Bales System of process categories in the interaction process analysis. The research model was selected by interviewing a sample of 3rd and 4th year students (n = 139) in 2001 and in 2018 (n = 134). The survey data showed that in 2018 status striving of future PE teachers is statistically significantly stronger than in 2001. The research findings revealed that in 2001 during the teaching practice students (future PE teachers) were more committed to solidarity, encouraged others more frequently, were calmer, felt more satisfied, and communicated more easily than in 2018. In 2018 during the teaching practice students survived bigger tension and more frequently showed antagonism than in 2001.
PAPR and OOBE Suppression of OFDM Signal Using Deep Learning

Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signals have the characteristics of both high out-of-band emission (OOBE) and high peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR). In this paper, we propose a PAPR reduction method for orthogonal pre-coded OFDM signals with deep learning, called autoencoder, developed recently for image recognition. Numerical experiments showed that the proposed method could reduce the PAPR without any performance degradation in OOBE.
DNA Methylation Explains a Subset of Placental Gene Expression Differences Based on Ancestry and Altitude

Objectives: The most pronounced effect of high altitude (>2700m) on reproductive outcomes is reduced birth weight. Indigenous Bolivians (Andean Native Americans) residing for generations at high altitudes have higher birth weights relative to more recent migrants of primarily European ancestry. Previous research demonstrated that the placenta is a key contributor to the preservation of Andean birth weight at high altitude. Our current research investigated how gene expression and epigenetics contributes to the conservation of birth weight at high altitude by examining mRNA expression and DNA methylation differences between placentas of Andeans and those of European ancestry residing at high and low altitude. Methods: Genome-wide mRNA expression and DNA methylation of villous placenta tissue was quantified utilizing microarray technology. Subjects were of Andean and European ancestry and resident at high (3600m) or low (400m) altitudes. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with altitude or ancestry were identified (FDR<0.1, |fold change|>1.25). To predict which DEGs could be regulated by methylation we tested for correlation between gene expression and methylation values. Results: 69 DEGs associated with altitude (n=36) or ancestry (n=34) were identified. Altitude-associated DEGs included members of the AP-1 transcription factor family. Ancestry-associated DEGs were implicated in inflammatory pathways and associated with pro-angiogenic macrophages. More ancestry-associated DEGs correlated significantly (n=17) (FDR<0.1) with promoter or gene body methylation (p=0.0242) when compared to altitude associated DEGs (n=8). Conclusions: Compared to altitude-associated DEGs, methylation regulates more ancestry-associated DEGs, potentially allowing for rapid modification in the expression of inflammatory genes to attract pro-angiogenic macrophages as a means of promoting placental capillary growth in Andeans, regardless of altitude.
Application of sonication- and vacuum infiltration-assisted Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of rice embryo (Oryza sativa L.)

Rice transgenics could be performed based on Agrobacterium-mediated transformation which could improve the rice breeding programs to settle for diseases, insect pests and the climate changes. In this study, the new strategy of combination of sonication-assisted Agrobacterium-mediated transformation (SAAT) and vacuum infiltrationassisted Agrobacterium-mediated transformation (VIAAT) system for producing transgenic rice was developed. This research demonstrated an Agrobacterium-mediated transformation protocol for whole rice seeds by employing both sonication and vacuum infiltration. Two Agrobacterium tumefaciens strains AGL1 and EHA105, carrying a binary vector pCAMBIA1301 (with a gusA-intron) or pCAMBIA1304 (with a gusA), were used to examine for embryo transformation efficiency of the three rice grain cultivars, RD41, RD47 and PSL2. The results show that (1) SAAT for 10 min was proved to be the best for increasing microwound regions on the embryo surface; (2) EHA105-pCAMBIA1304 gave higher transformation efficiency of dehusked seeds (87.5±7.5%) than AGL1-pCAMBIA1304 (37.5±2.5%); (3) the combination of SAAT for 10 min followed by another 10 min of VIAAT gave the transient GUS expression in coleoptile (18%) and primary leaf (2%) of husked seedling; and (4) the use of transformation protocol with EHA105pCAMBIA1301 showed that the rice cultivar PSL2 gave significantly higher transformation efficiency than RD41 and RD47. This work thus suggests that genetic transformation in plants could be achieved by SAAT and VIAAT techniques without tissue culture process.