Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Retrieval of aerosol optical thickness over land surfaces from top‐of‐atmosphere radiance

[1] Aerosol remote sensing requires techniques enabling the determination of aerosol optical thickness (AOT) over land surfaces, because the most important sources (continental aerosols, anthropogenic aerosols, biomass burning, desert dust, volcano eruptions and others) are on continents. Here a retrieval method for the AOT over land surfaces from top-of-atmosphere (TOA) radiance using nadir looking instruments of the ocean color type (like Ocean Color and Temperature Sensor (OCTS), Sea viewing Wide Field Sensor (SeaWiFS), Moderate resolution Imaging Sensor (MODIS) or Medium Resolution Imaging Sensor (MERIS)) is presented. It is scheduled as an off-line procedure for the ENVISAT radiometers SCIAMACHY and MERIS. The method is based on lookup tables (LUT) between the AOT and the aerosol reflectance for wavelength <0.67 μm. The aerosol reflectance is obtained from TOA reflectance accounting for Rayleigh path reflectance and the apparent spectral surface reflectance. Over land the surface reflectance is estimated by a mixing model of bare soil and green vegetation spectra, tuned by the normalized differential vegetation index (NDVI) of the satellite scene. The method has been tested and validated with SeaWiFS data and with aerosol properties of the closure experiment LACE-98 (Lindenberg Aerosol Charactrization Experiment). For short wave channels (0.412–510 μm) an agreement between the retrieved and ground-based data of 20% is achieved. Thus the method enables the investigation of AOT over land, yielding the regional turbidity situation as well as the identification of aerosol sources like large cities, large fire plumes, haze, small scale dynamical events and also thin cirrus clouds.
PAYMENTS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL AND CULTURAL SERVICES AND THE CONSERVATION OF THE IFUGAO RICE TERRACES 1

This paper discusses the potential of developing a Payments for Environmental and Cultural Services system that can help in the conservation of the Ifugao Rice Terraces. The rice terraces in four municipalities of Ifugao were inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1995 as the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras under the category of organically evolved landscapes. However, the terraces have deteriorated over the years, and those inscribed in the World Heritage List have been reclassified to the World Heritage in Danger List in 2001. The burden of maintaining this global heritage lies in the hands of the Ifugao farmers, whose ancestors carved the terraces from the mountains more than 2,000 years ago. However, there are many problems besetting the terraces, such as damaged terraces due to landslides and earthworms, inadequate water supply and poor irrigation system, and pest infestation. These have resulted in the abandonment of the terraces, which has compromised the sustainability of the rice terraces. Conserving the Ifugao Rice Terraces in general, and the rice terraces inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List in particular, requires substantial funds on a continuing basis, which the limited budget of the local government cannot support. At present, only three municipalities charge minimal fees from tourists, but the revenues from these fees have not trickled down to the level of the farmers. The results of a
Mechanically assisted cough strategies: user perspectives and cough flows in children with neurodisability

Background Mechanical insufflation–exsufflation (MI-E) is used to augment cough in children with neurodisability. We aimed to determine the user comfort and cough flows during three MI-E strategies, and to predict factors associated with improved comfort and cough flows. Methods This multicentre, crossover trial was done at four regional hospitals in Norway. Children with neurodisability using MI-E long term via mask were enrolled. In randomised order, they tested three MI-E setting strategies (in-/exsufflation pressure (cmH2O)/in (In)- versus exsufflation (Ex) time): 1) “A-symmetric” (±50/In=Ex); 2) “B-asymmetric” (+25– +30)/−40, In>Ex); and 3) “C-personalised”, as set by their therapist. The primary outcomes were user-reported comfort on a visual analogue scale (VAS) (0=maximum comfort) and peak cough flows (PCF) (L·min−1) measured by a pneumotachograph in the MI-E circuit. Results We recruited 74 children median (IQR) age 8.1 (4.4–13.8) years, range 0.6–17.9, and analysed 218 MI-E sequences. The mean±sd VAS comfort scores were 4.7±2.96, 2.9±2.44 and 3.2±2.46 for strategies A, B and C, respectively (A versus B and C, p<0.001). The mean±sd PCF registered during strategies A, B and C were 203±46.87, 166±46.05 and 171±49.74 L·min−1, respectively (A versus B and C, p<0.001). Using low inspiratory flow predicted improved comfort. Age and unassisted cough flows increased exsufflation flows. Conclusions An asymmetric or personalised MI-E strategy resulted in better comfort scores, but lower PCF than a symmetric approach utilising high pressures. All three strategies generated cough flows above therapeutic thresholds and were rated as slightly to moderately uncomfortable.
Recommending Answers to Math Questions Based on KL-Divergence and Approximate XML Tree Matching

Math is the science and study of quality, structure, space, and change. It seeks out patterns, formulates new conjectures, and establishes the truth by rigorous deduction from appropriately chosen axioms and definitions. The study of math makes a person better at solving problems. It gives someone skills that can use across other subjects and apply in different job roles. In the modern world, builders use math every day to do their work, since construction workers add, subtract, divide, multiply, and work with fractions. It is obvious that math is a major contributor to many areas of study. For this reason, math information retrieval (Math IR) deserves attention and recognition, since a reliable Math IR system helps users find relevant answers to math questions and benefits all math learners whenever they need help solve a math problem, regardless of the time and place. Moreover, Math IR systems enhance the learning experience of their users. In this paper, we present MaRec, a recommender system that retrieves and ranks math answers based on their textual content and embedded formulas in answering a math question. MaRec ranks a potential answer A given a math question Q by computing the (i) KL-divergence score on A and Q using their textual contents, and (ii) the subtree matching score of the math formulas in Q and A represented as XML trees. The design of MaRec is simple and easy to understand, since it solely relies on a probability model and an elegant tree-matching approach in ranking math answers. Conducted empirical studies show that MaRec significantly outperforms (i) three existing state-of-the-art MathIR systems based on an offline evaluation, and (ii) two top-of-the-line machine learning systems based on an online analysis.
Impact of Public Debt on Economic Growth: A Quantile Regression Approach

This study aimed at investigating the nexus between government debt and its determinants in the context of sustainable economic growth for 97 countries over the period from 2004 to 2018 by employing a panel data quantile regression and comparing it across a fixed-effects model and a generalized method of moments (GMM) model. The different touches of debt on economic growth were analysed. The quantile regression estimates revealed that government debt has various impacts on economic growth, relying on the degree of economic performance. Government debt negatively affects economic growth across all the quantiles. More interestingly, the quantile regression estimates indicated that in countries with a very low level of real GDP per capita growth, government debt has a stronger pernicious effect on economic growth compared to upper-middle and high-income countries. Hence, our results provided insightful information for policy makers in designing appropriate fiscal policies particularly for low- and lower- middle-income countries to mitigate the negative effect on economic growth, and it should be maintained at a low and reasonable level to promote sustainable economic growth. JEL Classification: E61, E62, E63, H63, O4, O40
Droplet-based methodology for investigating bacterial population dynamics in response to phage exposure

An alarming rise in antimicrobial resistance worldwide has spurred efforts into the search for alternatives to antibiotic treatments. The use of bacteriophages, bacterial viruses harmless to humans, represents a promising approach with potential to treat bacterial infections (phage therapy). Recent advances in microscopy-based single-cell techniques have allowed researchers to develop new quantitative methodologies for assessing the interactions between bacteria and phages, especially the ability of phages to eradicate bacterial pathogen populations and to modulate growth of both commensal and pathogen populations. Here we combine droplet microfluidics with fluorescence time-lapse microscopy to characterize the growth and lysis dynamics of the bacterium Escherichia coli confined in droplets when challenged with phage. We investigated phages that promote lysis of infected E. coli cells, specifically, a phage species with DNA genome, T7 (Escherichia virus T7) and two phage species with RNA genomes, MS2 (Emesvirus zinderi) and Qβ (Qubevirus durum). Our microfluidic trapping device generated and immobilized picoliter-sized droplets, enabling stable imaging of bacterial growth and lysis in a temperature-controlled setup. Temporal information on bacterial population size was recorded for up to 25 h, allowing us to determine growth rates of bacterial populations and helping us uncover the extent and speed of phage infection. In the long-term, the development of novel microfluidic single-cell and population-level approaches will expedite research towards fundamental understanding of the genetic and molecular basis of rapid phage-induced lysis and eco-evolutionary aspects of bacteria-phage dynamics, and ultimately help identify key factors influencing the success of phage therapy.
Predicting online information seeking on Douyin, Baidu, and other Chinese search engines among gynecologic oncology patients: a cross-sectional study

Objective The rise of online platforms like Douyin, Baidu, and other Chinese search engines has changed how gynecologic oncology patients seek information about their diagnosis or condition. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with information seeking among these patients and to evaluate their predictive performance. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 199 gynecologic oncology patients at a single hospital in China. The patients’ demographic characteristics and scores on the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S and STAI-T) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A and HADS-D) were compared between those who sought information online and those who did not. Logistic regression analyses and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed. Results The patients’ age, marital status, STAI-S scores, and HADS-A scores were significantly associated with online information seeking. The combined model that included these factors showed good predictive performance with an area under the ROC curve of 0.841. Conclusion The combination of demographic and psychological factors can be used to predict the likelihood of gynecologic oncology patients seeking information online. These findings can help healthcare providers understand their patients’ information-seeking behaviors and tailor their communication strategies accordingly.
Characteristics of Microbial Community Using Pyrosequencing in Reclaimed Water Distribution Pipes

Biofilm is formed over time in the reclaimed water pipe network like the water supply pipe network. As nutrients are rich in reclaimed water comparing to those of tap w ater, it is estimated that much biofilm will be for med in a short time from the pipe network. However, there are only few studies on the biofilm in the reclaimed water pipe network and most of the studies have been done for the char acteristics of biofilm in the water supply network. The characteristics of microorganism communities in biofilm formed in the reclaimed water pipe (PVC pipe) were studied. The microorganism variations over time were compared and evaluated in a qualitative way using pyrosequ encing as a method to analyze the base sequence by culturing bi ofilm in both reclaimed water and tap water. Althou gh at the class level there was no great difference in microorganis m communities for reclaimed water and tap water, a very different distribution was shown from the community structure at the family level. Planctomycetaceae (44.33%) was a representative family in reclaimed water, whereas Sterolibacterium (32.10%) was mainly shown in tap water.
The Association between BZIP Transcription Factors and Flower Development in Litsea cubeba

The basic leucine zipper (bZIP) family is one of the largest families of transcription factors among eukaryotic organisms. Members of the bZIP family play various roles in regulating the intricate process of flower development in plants. Litsea cubeba (Lour.) (family: Lauraceae) is an aromatic, dioecious plant used in China for a wide range of applications. However, no study to date has undertaken a comprehensive analysis of the bZIP gene family in L. cubeba. In this work, we identified 68 members of the bZIP gene family in L. cubeba and classified them into 12 subfamilies based on previous studies on Arabidopsis thaliana. Transcriptome data analysis revealed that multiple LcbZIP genes exhibit significantly high expression levels in the flowers of L. cubeba, while some also demonstrate distinct temporal specificity during L. cubeba flower development. In particular, some LcbZIP genes displayed specific and high expression levels during the stamen and pistil degradation process. Using differential gene expression analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis, and Gene Ontology enrichment analysis, we identified six candidate LcbZIP genes that potentially regulate stamen or pistil degradation during flower development. In summary, our findings provide a framework for future functional analysis of the LcbZIP gene family in L. cubeba and offer novel insights for investigating the mechanism underlying pistil and stamen degeneration in this plant.
A Trial Comparing Growing Rabbits Differing in 18 Generations of Selection for Growth Rate Reveals a Potential Lack of Effectiveness in the Genetic Selection Progress

Simple Summary There is evidence that the genetic progress in paternal rabbit lines is lower than expected due to animal- and environmental-related factors, as well as founding factors intrinsically linked to the effectiveness of the selection process. In response to this question, we conducted a trial to evaluate the response after 18 generations of selection for increased growth rate within a paternal line on rabbit performance. Our results indicate that there were no differences in the key indicators in selection for growth rate (average daily gain and feed conversion ratio) between both populations differing in the generation of selection. These findings indicate a lack of effectiveness in the genetic progress of paternal rabbit lines based on different works carried out with these same genetic lines and generations. Abstract A total of 338 weaned rabbits (from the R line, selected for post-weaning growth rate) were used to evaluate the response to 18 generations of selection for increased growth rate on rabbit performance. Animals were obtained from two vitrified populations of the R line: R19V, belonging to the 18th generation (n = 165), and R37V, belonging to the 36th generation (n = 173), were allocated in individual and collective pens (178 and 160, respectively). A fattening trial was conducted from weaning (28 d of age until 63 d of age). During the trial, the body weight (BW), daily feed intake (DFI), average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were weekly monitored. Additionally, mortality and morbidity were daily registered. On days 49 to 53, an apparent faecal digestibility trial was also performed (12 animals per generation). Our results indicate that the generation of selection for growth rate did not affect mortality and morbidity. There were no differences in the diet digestibility according to the generation of selection. Regarding performance traits, R37V animals showed higher global BW (+6.7%; p = 0.0011) than R19V animals. R37V animals showed the same BW at weaning; however, R37V animals showed higher BW values in the last three weeks compared with R19V animals. Animals from the R37V generation also showed a higher DFI from 56 to 63 d of age (+12%; p = 0.0152) than R19V animals. However, there were no differences in global ADG and FCR between generations. These results indicate that the selection for growth rate in growing rabbits has slowed down, suggesting a lack of effectiveness in the genetic progress.
Drug Discovery for Cutaneous Leishmaniasis: A Review of Developments in the Past 15 Years

Leishmaniasis is a group of vector-borne, parasitic diseases caused by over 20 species of the protozoan Leishmania spp. The three major disease classifications, cutaneous, visceral, and mucocutaneous, have a range of clinical manifestations from self-healing skin lesions to hepatosplenomegaly and mucosal membrane damage to fatality. As a neglected tropical disease, leishmaniasis represents a major international health challenge, with nearly 350 million people living at risk of infection a year. The current chemotherapeutics used to treat leishmaniasis have harsh side effects, prolonged and costly treatment regimens, as well as emerging drug resistance, and are predominantly used for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis. There is an undeniable need for the identification and development of novel chemotherapeutics targeting cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), largely ignored by concerted drug development efforts. CL is mostly non-lethal and the most common presentation of this disease, with nearly 1 million new cases reported annually. Recognizing this unaddressed need, substantial yet fragmented progress in early drug discovery efforts for CL has occurred in the past 15 years and was outlined in this review. However, further work needs to be carried out to advance early discovery candidates towards the clinic. Importantly, there is a paucity of investment in the translation and development of therapies for CL, limiting the emergence of viable solutions to deal with this serious and complex international health problem.
Treatment preferences of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma in the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, France, and Spain: results from a discrete choice experiment

Introduction Newer treatment options for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) with efficacy and safety profiles that differ from traditional therapies have facilitated personalized management strategies to optimize patient outcomes. In the context of such personalized management, understanding how treatment characteristics influence patients’ preferences is essential. This study assessed patients’ preferences for RRMM treatment attributes and determined trade-offs between potential benefits, administration procedures, and adverse effects. Methods Patients’ preferences were evaluated using a discrete choice experiment (DCE). Patients with RRMM who reported failing two lines of anti-myeloma treatment (immunomodulatory agent and a proteasome inhibitor [PI]) or ≥ 3 lines (including ≥1 PI, immunomodulatory agent, or anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody), were recruited across the US, UK, Italy, Germany, France, and Spain. DCE attributes and levels were identified using a targeted literature review, a review of clinical data for relevant RRMM treatments, qualitative patient interviews, and input from clinical and myeloma patient experts. The DCE was administered within an online survey from February–June 2022. Preference data were analyzed using an error-component logit model and willingness to make trade-offs for potential benefits, and relative attribute importance scores were calculated. Results Overall, 296 patients from the US (n = 100), UK (n = 49), Italy (n = 45), Germany (n = 43), France (n = 39), and Spain (n = 20) participated in the DCE. Mean (standard deviation) age was 63.8 (8.0) years, 84% had a caregiver, and patients had a median of 3 (range: 2–8) prior lines of therapy. Efficacy attributes most influenced patients’ preferences, with increasing overall response rate (25–85%) and overall survival (6 months to 2 years) contributing to ~50% of treatment decision-making. Administration procedures were also considered important to patients. Avoiding individual side effects was considered relatively less important, with patients willing to tolerate increases in side effects for gains in efficacy. Patient characteristics such as rate of disease progression, sociodemographics, or clinical characteristics also influenced treatment preferences. Conclusion Patients with RRMM were willing to tolerate increased risk of side effects for higher efficacy. Preferences and risk tolerance varied between patients, with preference patterns differing by certain patient characteristics. This highlights the importance of shared decision-making for optimal treatment selection and patient outcomes.
LAND COVER CLASSIFICATION OF ALOS PALSAR DATA USING SUPPORT VECTOR MACHINE

Land cover classification is one of the extensive used applications in the field of remote sensing. Recently, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data has become an increasing popular data source because its capability to penetrate through clouds, haze, and smoke. This study showed on an alternative method for land cover classification of ALOS-PALSAR data using Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier. SVM discriminates two classes by fitting an optimal separating hyperplane to the training data in a multidimensional feature space, by using only the closest training samples. In order to minimize the presence of outliers in the training samples and to increase inter-class separabilities, prior to classification, a training sample selection and evaluation technique by identifying its position in a horizontal vertical–vertical horizontal polarization (HV-HH) feature space was applied. The effectiveness of our method was demonstrated using ALOS PALSAR data (25 m mosaic, dual polarization) acquired in Jambi and South Sumatra, Indonesia. There were nine different classes discriminated: forest, rubber plantation, mangrove & shrubs with trees, oilpalm & coconut, shrubs, cropland, bare soil, settlement, and water. Overall accuracy of 87.79% was obtained, with producer’s accuracies for forest, rubber plantation, mangrove & shrubs with trees, cropland, and water class were greater than 92%.