Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tracking objects in underwater multibeam sonar images

This paper describes an obstacle detection and tracking algorithm applied to multibeam forward-looking sonar images. It is used by an obstacle avoidance system to be fitted in a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV). The real-time data flow from the sonar output is represented as an image and pre-processed (smoothing filters, region-based segmentation and feature extraction) by the system to identify possible obstacles. Region-based segmentation has been chosen due to the noisy nature of sonar images, where line and point features are difficult to detect. The obstacles are then tracked by applying a Kalman filter to each one. We use a nearest neighbour algorithm to associate new predictions to new obstacles in the scene. In subsequent frames the preprocessing phase is optimised by limiting the amount of processed data to those parts of the images where the obstacles are predicted to appear. New obstacles are also constantly being detected by less cumbersome segmentation methods (subsampled images, smaller window smoothing, and simple thresholding). The algorithm performs consistently well using real data sets from two different sonar sensors. A major constraint for the system was to perform in real-time. Indeed, previous work in the Ocean Systems Laboratory, Heriot-Watt University, based in standard vision optical flow techniques proved to be too costly in terms of processing power. These problems have now been solved without jeopardising the quality of the results. We present results of tracking using real data sets and discuss possible implementations.
Application of the Method of Characteristics in the Analysis of Transient Events in Natural Gas Distribution Networks

Keywords—Method of characteristics, natural gas networks, transient flows, numerical simulation. Abstract—In this paper we present the development of a mathematical model for the numerical simulation of one-dimensional compressible transient flows in natural gas distribution networks, based on the method of characteristics. This model was developed to validate transient phenomena in distribution networks of piped natural gas, which is why it was decided to build an experimental network with carbon steel pipe, 140 meters in length and two inches in diameter, in order to simulate situations involving localized ruptures. To achieve the safety conditions and calibration of the instruments, the experiments were initially conducted using compressed air, with subsequent use of natural gas. The study included several cases of leakage in the experimental network, which provided evidence that the results obtained show good agreement with the experimental values, thus justifying the use of the model for real cases.
Triple‐Dip La Niña in 2020–23: North Pacific Atmosphere Drives 2nd Year La Niña

La Niña persisted from 2020 to 2023, but its mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, atmosphere and ocean reanalysis and 100‐member initialized forecasts using a state‐of‐the‐art climate model were analyzed to identify factors contributing to the persistence of the first‐ to second‐year La Niña during 2020–2022. We found that North Pacific high pressure anomalies in the winter of 2020/2021 forced a negative phase of the Pacific meridional mode through the following spring, forming the broader structure of La Niña. The resultant broader La Niña pattern slowed down the recharge‐discharge process by Ekman transport, persisting La Niña. Ensemble forecast sensitivity analysis revealed that the meridional extent of La Niña explains its forecast spread, reaffirming the importance of La Niña spatial pattern. Advancing predictive understanding of 2020–2022 multi‐year La Niña can help to improve the extended seasonal forecast.
Shared Graph Neural Network for Channel Decoding

With the application of graph neural network (GNN) in the communication physical layer, GNN-based channel decoding algorithms have become a research hotspot. Compared with traditional decoding algorithms, GNN-based channel decoding algorithms have a better performance . GNN has good stability and can handle large-scale problems; GNN has good inheritance and can generalize to different network settings. Compared with deep learning-based channel decoding algorithms, GNN-based channel decoding algorithms avoid a large number of multiplications between learning weights and messages. However, the aggregation edges and nodes for GNN require many parameters, which requires a large amount of memory storage resources. In this work, we propose GNN-based channel decoding algorithms with shared parameters, called shared graph neural network (SGNN). For BCH codes and LDPC codes, the SGNN decoding algorithm only needs a quarter or half of the parameters, while achieving a slightly degraded bit error ratio (BER) performance.
Characterising the long‐range transport mechanisms of different aerosol types over Athens, Greece during 2000–2005

This study analyses the weather conditions, the main pathways and transport mechanisms favouring the presence of specific aerosol types over Athens, Greece. On the basis of the aerosol optical depth at 550 nm (AOD550) and fine mode (FM) values from a Terra‐MODIS dataset in the period 2000–2005, three main aerosol types are identified (urban/industrial, UI; clean maritime, CM; and desert dust, DD), each one corresponding to different optical characteristics and source regions. The UI aerosols are associated with polluted air masses from Europe, the CM aerosols with clean Atlantic air masses and the DD aerosols with air masses from North African arid regions carrying significant amount of dust in certain cases. The comparison of the three aerosol types with the air masses from their favourable sector constitutes a first ‘quick‐validation’ of the identification scheme. Thus, the incidence of transport from Europe explain 81% of the variability in the observed UI type, while the 73% of the Atlantic air masses correspond to the CM type; the 50% of the African air masses can be considered as DD aerosols over Athens. The mean synoptic meteorological patterns, favouring the presence of each aerosol type, are also investigated. Further analysing the air‐mass trajectories at three altitudes, the transport mechanisms of the aerosol types are identified. The results clearly show that the UI aerosols are mainly transported within the boundary layer, while the CM conditions are associated with Atlantic air masses at higher altitudes. Moreover, the DD aerosols are transported either in the upper atmosphere or in the whole atmospheric column. This is among the first studies conducted over Athens aiming at investigating the weather conditions, pathways and transport mechanisms that favour the presence of aerosols of different characteristics. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Thermal Behavior and Fluidity of Biolubricant Synthesized from Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Kernel Oil Blended With Cold Flow Property Improvers

Fossil fuel and conventional lubricant are not environmentally friendly, non-biodegradable, toxic, and non-renewable. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to evaluate the thermal and fluidity of the biolubricant synthesized from Mango (Mangifera indica L.) kernel oil (MKO) blended with cold flow property improvers using standard techniques. A twostep process of esterification and transesterification was employed to produce fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) from MKO mentioned as Mango kernel methyl ester (MKME). Double transesterification of the MKME with trimethylolpropane (TMP) in the presence of sodium methoxide yielded 95 % Mango oil based trimethylolpropane ester (MOTE). Anotherof the MKME was used to synthesize biolubricant using the conventional epoxidation which yielded 70 % Mango oil based epoxidised biolubricant (MEB-L). A simultaneous SDT 2960 TG/DTA from TA instrument analysis reveals MOTE to present higher thermal stability (302 °C) with 5 % weight loss compared to MEB-L (250.5 °C) with similar 5 % weight loss. Degradation was endothermic for both MOTE and MEB-L and predominantly followed a single step of weight lost. Degradation becomes rapid at temperature above 300 °C for MOTE while for MEB-L degradation started at temperature above 250 °C. At about the temperature range of 850 - 900 °C, 95 % of MEB-L and 77 % of MOTE were lost respectively. The relative thermal stability of MOTE would be attributed to the alcohol substitution of the branch chain Trimethylolpropane (TMP) resulting into a more thermally stable Triester (MOTE). The results of the analysis of the cold flow properties reveal that various blend of MEB-L with n-BE portrays better pour and cloud point as they are lower than their counterpart (blends of MOTE with n-BE) and (blends of even MOTE & MEB-L with EAA for both cloud/pour points).
AN ASSESSMENT OF CETACEAN MORTALITY IN THE TUNA FISHERIES OF PAKISTAN

The skull of a striped dolphin Stenella coeruleoalba (Meyen, 1833) was found in the Indus delta creek system of Pakistan during a beach survey. The subsequent morphometric investigations revealed that the skull was that of a juvenile/subadult striped dolphin. Coincidentally, a video of two live individuals and pictures of an entangled animal of the same species were captured in the open sea by the crew of a tuna fishing vessel off the same general area where the skull was retrieved. This video clearly depicts the species’ unique colour pattern and supports the skeletal evidence of presence of striped dolphins in Pakistani waters. In addition, three videos of a small pod of rough-toothed dolphins Steno bredanensis (G. Cuvier in Lesson, 1828) were received from a captain of another tuna fishing vessel. This account documents the only records of these two species from Pakistan. Other records from the Indian Ocean region are discussed. Issues pertaining to conservation in Pakistan such as rampant and illegal use of very long gillnets by tuna fishers and overfishing are examined.
Consequences of a Regional Nuclear Conflict for Crop Production in the Midwestern United States

Crop production would decline in the Midwestern U.S. from climate change following a regional nuclear conflict between India and Pakistan. Using Agro-IBIS, a dynamic crop growth model, we simulated the response of maize and soybeans to cooler, drier, darker conditions from war-related smoke. We combined observed climate conditions for Iowa, Illinois, Indiana and Missouri with output from a general circulation simulation that injected 5 Tg of elemental carbon into the upper troposphere. Both maize and soybeans show notable reductions for a decade after the event. Maize yields would decline 10-40 percent while soybeans would drop 2-20 percent. Temporal variation in magnitude of yield for both crops generally follows the variation in climatic anomalies; greatest decline is in the five years following the 5 Tg event, then gradually levels out. Yield decline for both crops appears linked to changes in growing period duration and, less markedly, to reduced precipitation and altered maximum daily temperature during growth. Seasonal average of daily maximum temperature difference between the control and nuclear scenarios has a quadratic relationship to yield differences; extreme changes create increased yield loss, but mean changes are neutral.
Counteracting tryptophan metabolism alterations as a new therapeutic strategy for rheumatoid arthritis

Objectives Alterations in tryptophan (Trp) metabolism have been reported in inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, understanding whether these alterations participate in RA development and can be considered putative therapeutic targets remains undetermined. In this study, we combined quantitative Trp metabolomics in the serum from patients with RA and corrective administration of a recombinant enzyme in experimental arthritis to address this question. Methods Targeted quantitative Trp metabolomics was performed on the serum from 574 previously untreated patients with RA from the ESPOIR (Etude et Suivi des POlyarthrites Indifférenciées Récentes) cohort and 98 healthy subjects. A validation cohort involved 69 established patients with RA. Dosages were also done on the serum of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and collagen antibody-induced arthritis (CAIA) mice and controls. A proof-of-concept study evaluating the therapeutic potency of targeting the kynurenine pathway was performed in the CAIA model. Results Differential analysis revealed dramatic changes in Trp metabolite levels in patients with RA compared with healthy controls. Decreased levels of kynurenic (KYNA) and xanthurenic (XANA) acids and indole derivatives, as well as an increased level of quinolinic acid (QUIN), were found in the serum of patients with RA. They correlated positively with disease severity (assessed by both circulating biomarkers and disease activity scores) and negatively with quality-of-life scores. Similar profiles of kynurenine pathway metabolites were observed in the CAIA and CIA models. From a mechanistic perspective, we demonstrated that QUIN favours human fibroblast-like synoviocyte proliferation and affected their cellular metabolism, through inducing both mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis. Finally, systemic administration of the recombinant enzyme aminoadipate aminotransferase, responsible for the generation of XANA and KYNA, was protective in the CAIA model. Conclusions Altogether, our preclinical and clinical data indicate that alterations in the Trp metabolism play an active role in the pathogenesis of RA and could be considered as a new therapeutic avenue.
An integrated concept for early blight control in potatoes.

In an attempt to develop an integrated early blight management strategy in potatoes, we tested different soil treatments in order to reduce the primary inoculum in the soil. Besides incorporation of calcium cyanamide or biofumigant plant tissue into the furrows, we varied the crop rotation and compared scorings between potato plots with previous crops potatoes and barley, respectively. While we are still working on proving the causal relationship between our treatments and reduced early blight severity, we have already observed significant effects of all of our treatments.
Antioxidant Activity, Formulation, Optimization and Characterization of an Oil-in-Water Nanoemulsion Loaded with Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) Leaves Polyphenol Extract

The active ingredients in lingonberry leaves and their beneficial properties to the human body have been well confirmed. In order to improve the stability and antioxidant activity of the active ingredients in lingonberry leaves, the response surface optimization method was used to prepare an oil-in-water nanoemulsion of polyphenol extract from lingonberry leaves. The active components in the extract were analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-TQ-MS), and bioactive compounds such as apigenin, sorbitol, and hesperidin were mainly found. Nanoemulsion droplets of 120 nm in diameter were prepared using ultrasonic emulsification. The optimal nanoemulsion formulation was determined through rigorous testing, and it was determined to be 10% (w/w) lingonberry extract and 20% (w/w) medium chain triglyceride (MCT). Additionally, a surfactant mixture was used, which combined soy protein isolate (SPI) and whey protein isolate (WPI) at 4% (w/w). The preparation method utilized ultrasonic emulsification, applying an ultrasonic power of 360 W for a duration of 300 s. The antioxidant activity (DPPH inhibition rate, ABTS inhibition rate and total reducing power) of the lingonberry nanoemulsion was significantly higher than that of the lingonberry polyphenol (LBP) extract. The nanoemulsion prepared using the optimal formulation had an entrapping efficiency of 73.25% ± 0.73% and a diameter of 114.52 ± 0.015 nm, with a satisfactory particle size of nanoscale and a PDI of 0.119 ± 0.065, demonstrating good stability of the emulsion.
EFFECTS OF SOIL WATER CHARACTERISTIC CURVES ON SIMULATION OF NITRATE VERTICAL TRANSPORT IN A THAI AGRICULTURAL SOIL

One of the most intensive agricultural areas of Thailand, Tambon Hua Ruea in the Ubon Ratchatani Province, has routinely applied nitrate fertilizers at high levels over a long time as a part of the widespread agricultural activities, and in particular in the cultivation of chili and rice. Unsaturated soil characteristics are important properties for assessing potential nitrate movement from the ground surface to the subsurface environment. In this study, twelve undisturbed soil samples were collected, three from each of four sites, at 0-30 cm depth below ground surface in the vicinity of cultivated chili fields. By applying the retention curve (RETC) program to fit the experimental results of the soil water characteristic curve (SWCC), the van Genuchten (VG) model could explain the SWCC (correlation coefficient, R > 0.99) better than the Brooks and Corey (BC) model (R > 0.94). The simulations of the water content distribution did not show a constant shape, but the water content was lower at the soil surface (varying from 0.06-0.27) and then increased with depth. When incorporating the VG parameters, the maximum nitrate concentrations at depths of 0, 50 and 100 cm below the surface were 100, 0.80 and 0.55 mg L -1 , respectively. Furthermore, the rapid decrease in the nitrate concentration from 100 mg to 6 mg L -1 just 5 d after nitrate application, seen in both July and November, may be caused from an advection process under otherwise similar initial conditions. At 1 m depth, nitrate concentrations obtained from the VG and BC formulations after 15 d were similar (~ 0.55 mg L -1 ), and were statistically significantly as well as numerically three-fold higher than that (~ 0.18 mg L -1 ) derived from neural network predictions, indicating that these soil hydraulic properties play a major role in controlling nitrate transport. Furthermore, the nitrate front moved quite well with the infiltrated water because it was not sorbed onto soil media. According to the simulated results under rainy and summer seasons, the higher the wetted front, the faster was the movement of nitrate. As a result, in order to minimize losses of the nitrogen fertilizer, application rates need to be considered for crop needs, rain amounts and soil hydraulic properties, to identify the best management strategies associated with N-fertilizer application from the environmental and economic perspectives, and to prevent groundwater contamination.
The structure of fish community and changes of fishery resources in Lake Hulun

Based on the historical data of fish catches and bottom trawl surveys on fish assemblage from 2014 to 2015 in Lake Hu⁃ lun, the characteristics of fish community structure and dynamic variation of fishery resources were analyzed􀆰 The results showed that only 21 species (belonging to 21 genera, 6 families and 4 orders) were collected in Lake Hulun and Cypriniformes had the lar⁃ gest species number,accounting for 81􀆰 0% of the total species captured􀆰 The dominant species were Hemiculter bleekeri, Cultrich⁃ thys erythropterus, Cyprinus carpio, Carassius auratus gibelio and Leuciscus waleckii, and the Margalef richness index, Shannon⁃ Wiener index and Pielou evenness index were low in Lake Hulun􀆰 In addition, the percentage of large fishes and the diversity inde⁃ xes were found higher in the western lake region than those in the eastern lake region, whereas the number of fish species showed the reverse trend. Compared with historical data, we found that the composition of fish species and the dominant species had changed and the miniaturized tendency of fish resources was more obvious􀆰 Overfishing,lake eutrophication and changes of climatic and hydrological conditions are potential underlying reasons for observed shifts in the fish assemblage.
Microperimetric evaluation and predictive factors of visual recovery after successful inverted internal limiting membrane-flap technique for macular hole in high myopic eyes

Introduction Inverted Internal Limiting Membrane (ILM)-flap technique demonstrated its effectiveness, in terms of anatomical closure rate and visual acuity recovery for high myopic macular holes. We evaluated macular function after a successful inverted ILM-flap for macular holes in high myopic eyes (hMMH) using microperimetry to predict visual prognosis. Methods A retrospective study on 23 eyes of 23 patients after surgical closure of hMMH, was performed. All patients underwent inverted ILM-flap and gas tamponade. Cataract surgery was performed in phakic eyes. Study outcomes including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), retinal sensitivity (RS) at central 12°, central retinal sensitivity (CRS) at central 4° and mean deviation (MD), and fixation behavior as bivariate contour ellipse area (BCEA, degrees2) measured by microperimetry, were evaluated over 6 months. A mixed-effects model was used to evaluate and compare the repeated measurements of outcomes between phakic and pseudophakic eyes. A regression model was performed to assess the relationship between BCVA at 6 months and independent variables. Results Overall mean BCVA improved from 0.98 ± 0.21 logMAR at baseline to 0.47 ± 0.31 logMAR at the last follow-up (p < 0.001). Over 6 months, overall sensitivity measurements improved (RS, p = 0.001; CRS, p < 0.0001; MD, p = 0.03), and the BCEA decreased in dimension, although not significantly (p ≥ 0.05). The mixed model revealed a significantly better effect of inverted ILM-flap combined with cataract surgery on BCVA and CRS in phakic eyes than inverted ILM-flap alone in pseudophakic ones. The regression model revealed a relationship of 6-month BCVA with pre-operative BCVA (β = 0.60, p = 0.02) and RS (β = −0.03, p = 0.01). Conclusion The inverted ILM-flap technique significantly improved visual acuity and retinal sensitivity after the hMMH closure, particularly when combined with cataract extraction. Pre-operative visual acuity and retinal sensitivity at central 12° may predict post-surgical visual acuity.
Design and crosstalk suppression of deep subwavelength waveguides

To manipulate on-chip mid-IR signals, it is pivotal to construct a waveguide with subwavelength energy confinement. However, a deep subwavelength optical waveguide always suffers from high signal crosstalk, resulting in an inevitable coupling loss of multi-channel communication. To solve this problem, in this paper, a mid-IR hybrid waveguide which is composed of a graphene/hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) structure and a dielectric waveguide, is designed to realize a strongly enhanced light-matter interaction, accompanied by a low crosstalk transmission. The surface-phonon-plasmon-polariton mode generated by the graphene-hBN is coupled to a nanowire dielectric mode to form a hybrid guiding mode. Benefiting from this hybrid mode, the results show that it is possible to minimize the crosstalk of two parallel waveguides by reducing the width of the graphene-hexagonal hBN structure even if the waveguide separation length is at the nanoscale, thereby enabling low crosstalk optical transmission. Our designed approach opens the door for possible uses in nanophotonic devices such as amplitude equalizers, mode multiplexers, and wavelength-selective switches in optical communication systems.