Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Depth Super-Resolution with Hybrid Camera System

An important field of research in computer vision is the 3D analysis and reconstruction of objects and scenes. Currently, among all the the techniques for 3D acquisition, stereo vision systems are the most common. More recently, Time-of-Flight (ToF) range cameras have been introduced. The focus of this thesis is to combine the information from the ToF with one or two standard cameras, in order to obtain a high- resolution depth image
BUILDING A PROFILE OF HEALTH-RELATED SERVICES: HAMILTON'S IMMIGRANT AND REFUGEE COMMUNITIES

While multiple social, environmental, economic, and demographic factors influence health as described in the Determinants of Health and Social Exclusion literatures, the presence of healthcare facilities and related social services, along with knowledge of these facilities (operating hours, contacts, location, and the like) remains key to the provision and maintenance of good health. Consultations with community groups highlighted significant issues regarding the availability, and the potential lack or awareness, of various health care and social services in the community. Immediately after arrival, for example, newcomers are typically engaged in settlement and employment issues, while health issues receive less attention. The objectives of this research were twofold. First, the researchers mapped the distribution of health and health-related services relative to the immigrant population within Hamilton, Ontario, along with the health status of immigrants. Second, we evaluated the potential for spatial mismatch between immigrants and services. Results indicate a high degree of concentration in terms of health services catering to immigrants and a need for care amongst new arrivals.
Adze Production in the Papeno'o Valley, Tahiti, Society Islands: Technological Analysis of the Putoura (TPP-035) Workshop Assemblage

This study provides a technological and typological analysis of adzes, blanks, and preforms recovered from workshop site TPP-035 (Putoura), located in the Papeno'o Valley, Tahiti, a major regional adze production centre in the Windward Society Islands. The Papeno'o research provides a case study of adze manufacture in a resource-rich zone of high quality raw material. A range of raw material procurement practices was used to reduce both flake blanks and prismatic basalt cores. A variety of adze types was manufactured, with Type 3A adzes dominating. There is some evidence for reworking broken preforms and, in particular, broken and finished adzes. Adze manufacture at the Putoura workshops appears to have taken place within a ritualised context and, perhaps, in close association to rites carried out at a nearby marae and simple shrine. In this way, adze production within the Papeno'o Valley may be similar to other major Eastern Polynesian production centres (e.g., Mauna Kea, Eiao) and smaller production locales (Kaho'olawe), where adze manufacture was spatially associated with ceremonial shrines and is inferred to have taken place under ritual constraints.
Validation of a New Measuring Instrument for the Assessment of Bite Force

Background: this study aims to validate two occlusal-force-measuring devices by comparing them to a universal testing machine and assessing their reliability across various dental and prosthetic groups. The research comprised two parts: part 1 assessed the measurement accuracy of the Occlusal Force Meter GM 10® (OFM) (Morita, Nagano Keiki, Higashimagome, Ohta-ku, Tokyo, Japan) and a prototype (PRO) by comparing them to a calibrated universal testing machine (ZWICK). Part 2 involved analyzing the devices’ reliability based on clinical bite force measurements from study participants. Results: both devices become more accurate and reliable compared to the ZWICK over time of usage. Additionally, higher deviation from the ZWICK can be observed for higher values of forces applied and vice versa for both devices. The PRO’s intraoral alignment influences its mean values compared to the OFM in different dental and prosthetic groups. Conclusion: both devices had limitations and required quadratic function calibration, making them suitable only for progression measurements. The study concludes that both the OFM and PRO devices can measure occlusal forces with improved accuracy over time. Intraoral alignment should be considered. Their easy-to-use clinical application would allow a more widespread use of masticatory function diagnosis, which could indicate the need for treatment and improve treatment planning.
A Randomized Clinical Trial on the Clinical and Immunological Efficacy of a Mouth Rinse Containing Hydrogen Peroxide and Hyaluronic Acid in Patients with Gingivitis.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to investigate the impact of HA/H2O2 (Hyaluronic Acid/Hydrogen Peroxide) mouthwash on pro-inflammatory cytokines, specifically IL-1β and IL-6, in individuals diagnosed with gingivitis. Furthermore, a comparison was made between the effects of HA/H2O2 and those of CHX (Chlorhexidine) and placebo.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This clinical trial was randomized, double-blinded, and parallel. Fifty-four students with biofilm-induced gingivitis (18 to 23 years old) were randomly assigned to three mouthwash groups: HA/H2O2, CHX, and placebo. Unidentified bottles were delivered to participants. For 14 days, 10 millilitres of HA/H2O2 mouthwash formulation, CHX (0.12%), and placebo were used twice a day. All subjects were assessed twice, once at baseline and once after 14 days. Before and after each participant's mouthwash usage, bleeding on probing was measured as a clinical parameter for inflammation, Salivary IL-1β and IL-6 were also assessed by ELISA. Changes in salivary interleukins and bleeding between baseline and after treatment were determined and compared by the t test with an alpha of 0.05. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant decrease in salivary interleukin-1β and IL-6 in all three groups. However, intergroup comparisons at second visits showed no significant difference between HA/H2O2 and CHX groups (P>0.05) for the interleukins tested. Furthermore, all treatments considerably reduced bleeding on probing, although mouthwash with hyaluronic acid (HA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) had a greater impact than the other two treatments.CONCLUSION: Mouthwash containing HA/H2O2 demonstrated an anti-inflammatory effect, suggesting they are immunomodulatory agents. These findings may be beneficial and encouraging for the use of HA/H2O2 in the treatment of gingivitis; thus, HA/H2O2 rinse has the potential to serve as an appropriate replacement for chlorhexidine (CHX).
Adoption of Mobile Banking among Asnaf Entrepreneur: A Rural Perspective

The entrepreneur program for the asnaf (poor) provide a technopreneurship knowledge in shaping future competitiveness and ensuring economic growth. Nevertheless, the majority of asnaf entrepreneurs remain conventional operating. As a result, the threat of competitors will undoubtedly impact the sustainability of their business. To increase their business potential and ensure the long-term stability of their business, it is therefore essential for asnaf entrepreneurs to move to the financial technology platform. The present research incorporates the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) to assess how mobile banking affects asnaf entrepreneurs' behavioral intentions, including e-lifestyle, in rural contexts. Cross-sectional information obtained from 360 asnaf entrepreneurs living in rural Malaysia has been examined using structural equation modeling. The findings confirmed statistically significant variables that could encourage an asnaf entrepreneur's intention to adopt fintech to benefit from the supplier, bank institution, and efficient customer transaction. This study also has social implications for addressing poverty eradication among asnaf entrepreneurs in rural Malaysia. In addition, it could serve as a guideline for the State Islamic Religious Council as it develops suitable entrepreneur programs and strategies to increase literacy in finance technology for asnaf zakat entrepreneurs. Finally, this study discovered that the UTAUT theory seldom examines financial technology adoption, particularly regarding asnaf entrepreneurs.
LattiSense: A 3D-Printable Resistive Deformation Sensor with Lattice Structures

Recently, soft and deformable materials have become popular as sensors for their applicability in daily objects. Although studies have been conducted on existing conductive soft materials, problems such as a lack of design freedom regarding softness, shape, and deformation, as well as wiring complexity remain. Here, we propose a novel soft sensor called LattiSense, fabricated using an FDM 3D printer. By arranging conductive and non-conductive flexible filaments in a lattice structure, we created a soft sensor designed with a high degree of freedom in terms of hardness, shape, deformation, and wiring paths. By modifying the lattice parameters, multiple modes of deformation can be designed. The softness can also be locally customized by adjusting lattice parameters. In this paper, we present the design and implementation of LattiSense and investigate its characteristics with respect to several parameters. We also demonstrate design software and several application scenarios.
The social value and financial benefits of providing preventive and timely counselling to people with sight loss in Wales, UK

Almost 2 million people in the UK live with sight loss, and this number is predicted to double by 2050. There is increasing recognition of the need to provide counselling services to people living with sight loss.The aim of this research was to assess whether there is an unmet need for counselling services for people living with sight loss in North Wales and to estimate the social value and budget impact of the potential roll‐out of counselling services to this population.Between December 2020 and May 2021, a telephone survey was completed by 192 people living with sight loss in North Wales, UK. The survey instrument was a 19‐item questionnaire, which included the Short Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well‐being Scale (SWEMWBS). Using data from the SWEMWBS and published statistics, a social return on investment (SROI) and budget impact analysis were conducted.Most respondents (84%, n = 161) had never been offered counselling in relation to sight loss. Thirty‐nine per cent (n = 74) stated that they would use a new counselling service if it were available. Fifty‐one per cent (n = 97) indicated that counselling could be especially beneficial for people who have recently been registered or diagnosed with sight loss (the timely window). Of those who completed the SWEMWBS, approximately 25% reported low mental well‐being or probable depression. Social return on investment analysis estimated that providing counselling services for people with sight loss in North Wales could generate a social value of £3.42 for every £1 invested.Timely counselling may improve an individual's ability to cope with sight loss and improve their quality of life over time.
Tuning the Dynamic Response of a Redundant Robotic System Using Its Dominant Natural Frequencies

: Robotic systems often encounter challenges in achieving desired dynamic responses, especially when they possess redundant degrees of freedom. This paper proposes a methodology to identify a redundant robotic system’s dominant natural frequencies and tune its dynamic response through appropriate damping. The system’s natural frequencies are accurately identified by analyzing displacement data and leveraging the power of fast Fourier transform tools. These frequencies serve as critical parameters for modifying the response behavior, enabling enhanced control and stability. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology, simulations are conducted on a 7-degree-of-freedom redundant Panda robotic manipulator. The results demonstrate the methodology’s potential to optimize the dynamic performance of complex robotic systems, opening avenues for improved efficiency, safety, and overall system performance.
High-brightness LDP source

The Laser-assisted Discharge-produced Plasma (LDP) EUV source is a system to generate EUV from discharged plasma triggered by laser on one electrode disc which is coated by tin film. The source has been proven as a highly reliable light source in EUVL high volume production. Also, LDP EUV source enables to generate high brightness with relatively larger EUV plasma, which benefits space stability as well as relatively larger plasma power. In this session, the following items will be presented. (1) LDP EUV source configuration and operation sequence. (2) LDP EUV source key performance (3) Stability Improvement (4) Reliability improvement. (5) Sample exposure application
The Gravity Potential Derivatives as a Means to Classify the Barents Sea Basin in the Context of Cratonic Basins

Summary Detailed study of the gravity field and the isostatic state of the Barents Sea Region shows that the Eastern Barents Sea basins are not typical rift basins. They exhibit distinctive features such as large wavelengths, high lithospheric mantle density, thick sequences of sediments, a flat Moho and high elastic thickness. These attributes are normally associated with cratonic or intracratonic basins. To understand the geological history of the Eastern Barents Sea basins, we make a comparison with other well studied cratonic basins: the West Siberian basin, the Michigan basin in North America, the Solimoes, Amazon, Parnaiba and Parana basins in South America, the Tarim basin in Central Asia and the Congo basin in Africa. For these basins, the structure, subsidence history and temperature evolution is relatively well known. Our analysis includes the characterization in terms of gravity, geoid undulations, isostatic state, age and igneous activity. An important constraint in sedimentary basin evolution is the presence of the volcanism and the relative age of the volcanic strata with respect to the sedimentary package. In all the considered basins, except the Congo basin, volcanic masses are present at some time-stage and at some depth at the basin. Each of the basins exhibits some deviation from the classic isostatic equilibrium model that predicts the crustal thickness (thinning in this case) from the topographic and sedimentary load. Instead of crustal thinning, high density masses in the crust and mantle appear to be a typical feature. The basins may be divided into two groups, one in which the given basin correlates with the geoid, the second in which the geoid is independent. This discrimination points towards different density characteristics in the integrated crustal column.
Biology, Population Fluctuation, and Foliar Consumption Rate of Durrantia arcanella Busk, 1912 (Lepidoptera: Depressariidae), a Defoliator of Oil Palm in the Colombian Caribbean

Simple Summary Colombia currently has 595,722 oil palm-cultivated hectares, but production is declining due to phytophagous insects feeding mainly on the leaves; one of them, Durrantia arcanella, is a recurring pest in the northern palm zone of Colombia, for which we do not have all the essential information. Therefore, it was proposed to determine its biology, foliar consumption rate, population fluctuation, and relationship with climatic variables and to identify its main natural enemies in the department of Cesar. The life cycle under laboratory conditions, including adult longevity, was 48.0 ± 10.1 days, the egg stage lasted 8.0 ± 0.7 days, the larva stage lasted 24.2 ± 6.2 days, the pre-pupa stage lasted 1.5 ± 0.5 days, the pupa stage lasted 7.1 ± 0.9 and the adult had a longevity of 7.2 ± 2.0 days. At the end of the larval period, it was determined that they individually consumed 8.2 ± 5.3 cm2 of leaflets. Correlation was found between D. arcanella population dynamics and climatic factors such as temperature and relative humidity, likewise with natural enemies. Abstract Durrantia arcanella is a recurring pest insect of oil palm in Colombia. Because the biology and ecology of D. arcanella are unknown, it was proposed to determine the life cycle and foliar consumption under laboratory conditions. Furthermore, through sequential sampling for two and a half years, its population fluctuation and natural enemies were determined in Agustín Codazzi and El Copey (Cesar, Colombia). Also, temperature, precipitation, and relative humidity were registered. The life cycle of D. arcanella lasted 48.0 ± 10.1 days, the egg 8.0 ± 0.7 days, larva 24.2 ± 6.2 days, pre-pupa 1.5 ± 0.5 days, pupa 7.1 ± 0.9 days, and adult 7.2 ± 2.0 days. The larvae consumed 8.2 ± 5.3 cm2 of leaflets. Correlations were found between the population fluctuation in D. arcanella and the temperature in El Copey (ρ = −0.45; p < 0.0043), relative humidity in Codazzi (ρ = 0.33; p < 0.034), and with the natural control in both locations ((ρ = 0, 61; p < 0.000044) and (ρ = 0.42; p < 0.006)). These results suggest monitoring the pest populations in the second semester of the year and show the importance of promoting native natural enemies.
The First Sighting of the Antarctic Continent

Corner Camp happened to be in transit with two well-defined points on Mount Discovery and White Island. As regards Dr. Mill's kind remarks, I should have made clear in the paper that the usual calculations for the movement of a glacier on a sloping bed cannot readily be applied to the movement of a floating sheet of ice ; this fact stresses the need for a reconsideration of the suggested mechanisms by which ice-movement takes place.
From synthesis to biological impact of palladium bis(benzimidazol-2-ylidene) complexes: Preparation, characterization, and antimicrobial and scavenging activity

Abstract Palladium-based complexes with the ligand N-heterocyclic carbene have long received attention as active catalysts for many catalytic reactions. Recently, the biological activities of these air- and moisture-stable complexes have also been investigated. In our work, bis(benzimidazol-2-ylidene)palladium complexes 3a–d were synthesized by reacting benzimidazolium salts 2a–d with PdCl2 under reflux in tetrahydrofuran for 24 h and analyzed by spectroscopy (FT-IR [Fourier transform infrared], 1H NMR [proton nuclear magnetic resonance]) characterization, 13C NMR [carbon-13 (C13) nuclear magnetic resonance]), and elemental analysis. The in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activities of these complexes were studied against Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms, and two different fungi showed their remarkable biological potential. In addition, the analysis of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals using spectrophotometry showed that they are an antioxidant. The potent antibacterial and antioxidant activities of the synthetic complexes suggest that they are more effective antibacterial agents. Our study extends the biological relevance of palladium bis(benzimidazol-2-ylidene) complexes with antibacterial and antioxidant activities. Furthermore, the main goal of the docking simulation is to provide a detailed analysis of the interaction between the complex and the protein of interest.
Effect of conservation practices on soil carbon and nitrogen accretion and crop yield in a corn production system in the southeastern coastal plain, United States

Although conservation tillage is widely believed to be an agricultural management practice effective for increasing soil carbon (C) accretion and associated soil quality, there is limited research to determine whether conservation tillage increases net C accretion versus simply altering the distribution of C content by soil depth. We implemented conservation farming practices (winter cover cropping plus strip tillage) for a nonirrigated corn (Zea mays L.) production system in the southeastern coastal plain of Georgia, United States, that had been previously managed under a conventional plow and harrow tillage regime. Total soil C and nitrogen (N) were measured on samples collected from 0 to 65 cm (0 to 25.6 in) at 57 sites before and after five years under conservation farming practices. Crop yield, winter and summer aboveground crop biomass production, and biomass C and N content were also measured annually at each site. Soil C increased an average of 20 Mg ha−1 (8.9 tn ac−1; 6 to 62 Mg C ha−1 [2.6 to 27.6 tn C ac−1], depending upon slope position) and was associated with a N increase of 2 Mg ha−1 (0.89 tn ac−1). Although 72% to 80% of the C accretion was in the top 35 cm (13.8 in), 3 to 6 Mg C ha−1 (1.3 to 2.6 tn C ac−1) was accreted from 35 to 65 cm (13.8 to 25.6 in). The soil C accreted during the study amounted to 36% of the net biomass C produced. Corn yield increased 2,200 kg ha−1 (1,964 lb ac−1) depending upon slope position (1,200 to 2,500 kg ha−1 [1,071 to 2,232 lb ac−1]) during the same time. Analysis indicated that soil C content from 15 to 35 cm (5.9 to 13.8 in) was the soil parameter primarily associated with corn yield. Season rainfall from planting to corn silking stage for both corn production years was the lowest in the past 45 years (20 to 25 cm [7.8 to 9.8 in] below the net crop demand) suggesting that soil C-mediated increase in plant-available soil water was a mechanism contributing to improved corn yield. Calculated estimates (from soil clay, sand, and C content) of increased soil water holding capacity suggest that C accretion in the top 35 cm (13.8 in) of soil potentially increased water storage enough to supply up to four days' worth of additional crop water demand. These results indicated that conservation farming practices can increase soil C and N accretion in degraded sandy soils of the humid southeastern United States coastal plain, and that increased soil C may potentially mitigate the deleterious effects of short-term rainfall deficits in nonirrigated production systems.
On-farm rainwater reservoir system optimal sizing for increasing rainfed production in the semiarid region of Africa

The low productivity of Burkina Faso’s agriculture is mainly due to the shortage of rainwater during the crucial growing period of crops. This study aims to determine the optimal cultivation surface size of the on-farm rainwater reservoir (OFR) by simulating the upland rice water balance and forecasting the yields under different planting dates’ scenario. For this study, important rice crop information and meteorological variables were collected for computing OFR size in three regions at Burkina Faso, including Gaoua, Fada N’Gourma and Dori in the Sudanian, Sudano-Sahelian and Sahelian zones, respectively. Besides, the suitability of upland and paddy rice in the areas under study is also investigated. From the results of this study, it is observed that the upland rice crop is more suitable than paddy rice while considering the regional rainfall pattern. The upland rice production can possibly have two cycles in the Gaoua and Fada N’Gourma regions. For Gaoua, the planting dates for consecutive production are scaled on April 15 to 23 and August 7 to 14, which require 11.10 and 19.17% of the total farm area to be optimally occupied by the OFR, respectively. For the Fada N’Gourma region, the OFR optimal size requires up to 28.39% of the total area for the first crop (upland rice) planted between April 15 and 23. However, the second crop planted between August 7 and 14 must be a low water consumption and short growing stage crop such as tomato. The Dori region can only have a single production cycle corresponding to the OFR cultivation area of 26.17%. As a result, OFR is able to improve the water availability and mitigate the water stress for reaching the potential yield (7 tons/hectare) through supplementary irrigation option. It is expected to substantially increase the crop productivity by using the OFR system in semiarid regions of Africa.