Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reproducibility of crop surface maps extracted from Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) derived digital surface maps

Crop height measured from UAVs fitted with commercially available RGB cameras provide an affordable alternative to retrieve field scale high resolution estimates. The study presents an assessment of between flight reproducibility of Crop Surface Maps (CSM) extracted from Digital Surface Maps (DSM) generated by Structure from Motion (SfM) algorithms. Flights were conducted over a centre pivot irrigation system covered with an alfalfa crop. An important step in calculating the absolute crop height from the UAV derived DSM is determining the height of the underlying terrain. Here we use automatic thresholding techniques applied to RGB vegetation index maps to classify vegetated and soil pixels. From interpolation of classified soil pixels, a terrain map is calculated and subtracted from the DSM. The influence of three different thresholding techniques on CSMs are investigated. Median Alfalfa crop heights determined with the different thresholding methods varied from 18cm for K means thresholding to 13cm for Otsu thresholding methods. Otsu thresholding also gave the smallest range of crop heights and K means thresholding the largest. Reproducibility of median crop heights between flight surveys was 4-6cm for all thresholding techniques. For the flight conducted later in the afternoon shadowing caused soil pixels to be classified as vegetation in key locations around the domain, leading to lower crop height estimates. The range of crop heights was similar for both flights using K means thresholding (35-36cm), local minimum thresholding depended on whether raw or normalised RGB intensities were used to calculate vegetation indices (30-35cm), while Otsu thresholding had a smaller range of heights and varied most between flights (26-30cm). This study showed that crop heights from multiple survey flights are comparable, however, they were dependent on the thresholding method applied to classify soil pixels and the time of day the flight was conducted.
The environmental impact of an office building throughout its life cycle

This dissertation quantifies and compares the potential environmental impact caused by an office building during its life cycle, i.e. from the extraction of raw materials to disposal of waste. Using both a multiple-case study method and life-cycle assessment (LCA) the study determines the life-cycle phases and elements contributing most to a building's life-cycle impact. Furthermore, the study performed a sensitivity assessment to evaluate the effects of possible changes during the long service life, fifty years, of a building. In the study, corresponding life-cycle phases were found to contribute similarly to the environmental impact of the office buildings studied, with building operations (electricity, heating and other services) dominating the climate change, acidification and eutrophication categories , while building material manufacturing (in construction and maintenance) dominated those of summer smog and heavy metals. The key environmental issues found for the buildings were: electricity use in the outlets, HVAC and lighting, heat in ventilation and conduction, materials used in internal surfaces and HVAC services, and the use of water and wastewater, which were quite dominant in that they, as 20% of all life-cycle elements, caused 45-75 % of the average life-cycle impact of the buildings studied and 60-75% of the cumulative range. The sensitivity analysis indicated important issues. Firstly, it is ill-advised to use weight related cutoff criteria in the inventory analysis, because even very small flows of material can have a noticeable life-cycle effect. Secondly, although local conditions can have a clear influence on the degree of life-cycle impact, local conditions seemed to have less impact on the contribution made by different life-cycle phases. Finally, the traditional life-cycle phase approach in analyzing the result seems to produce a somewhat different conclusion than the system approach. As a whole, the findings of the study would suggest that within the limitations of both the electricity mix used and the obsolescence (economic life cycle), the life-cycle impact of a typical contemporary office building would follow a similar pattern. Practical applications of the study could be in the conscious design and facilities management of office buildings based on the determined environmentally significant issues and the possibilities of influencing same.
Coarse preferences: representation, elicitation, and decision making

In this thesis we present a theory for learning and inference of user preferences with a novel hierarchical representation that captures preferential indifference. Such models of ’Coarse Preferences’ represent the space of solutions with a uni-dimensional, discrete latent space of ’categories’. This results in a partitioning of the space of solutions into preferential equivalence classes. This hierarchical model significantly reduces the computational burden of learning and inference, with improvements both in computation time and convergence behaviour with respect to number of samples. We argue that this Coarse Preferences model facilitates the efficient solution of previously computationally prohibitive recommendation procedures. The new problem of ’coordination through set recommendation’ is one such procedure where we formulate an optimisation problem by leveraging the factored nature of our representation. Furthermore, we show how an on-line learning algorithm can be used for the efficient solution of this problem. Other benefits of our proposed model include increased quality of recommendations in Recommender Systems applications, in domains where users’ behaviour is consistent with such a hierarchical preference structure. We evaluate the usefulness of our proposed model and algorithms through experiments with two recommendation domains a clothing retailer’s online interface, and a popular movie database. Our experimental results demonstrate computational gains over state of the art methods that use an additive decomposition of preferences in on-line active learning for recommendation.
Low-latency partial resource offloading in cloud-edge elastic optical networks

In the context of the rapid deployment of IoT, 5G, and cloud computing, numerous emerging applications demand efficient networked computing capacity for task offloading from mobile and IoT users. This paper focuses on the optimization of network resource allocation and reduction of end-to-end (E2E) latency through the strategic decision of whether and where to offload user requests in a cloud-edge elastic optical network (CE-EON). To address this problem, we first formulate the problem into an integer linear programming (ILP) model as an initial solution. Additionally, we introduce several heuristic approaches that leverage the concept of partial resource offloading, specifically based on proportional segmentation (PRO_PS), partial resource offloading based on average segmentation (PRO_AS), all resource offloading (ARO), and all local processing (ALP). Furthermore, we implement a collaborative cloud-edge (CCE) offloading approach as a baseline for comparison. Our results demonstrate that the PRO_PS approach closely approximates the optimal solutions obtained from the ILP model in static scenarios. Moreover, the PRO_PS approach achieves the lowest E2E latency, blocking probability, and optimized network resource allocation in dynamic scenarios. This highlights the effectiveness of the proposed approach in improving system performance and addressing the challenges of CE-EONs.
A Human Resources Management Perspective on the Complementary Relationship between the Success of the GRC Model, Employee Perception, and the Impact of This Relationship on Performance

The purpose of this study is to determine how the governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) model influences the performance of government-related employees and the effect of employees' perceptions on the efficacy of the model. Descriptive and analytical approaches were used to present the theoretical background and determine the study's contributions. Additionally, an experimental approach was adopted to demonstrate the practical side of the GRC model, and a questionnaire was developed to assess the sample's perception. To measure the impact of the GRC model on the performance of 404 employees of the Ministry of Human Resources in King Saudi Arabia. Several statistical methods, including SPSS and SEM by Amos, were utilised to analyse the data and verify the hypotheses. The results indicated that there is an inverse relationship between the model and the employees' performance, while there is a direct relationship between the model and the employees' perception of the model.
Swift Assessment of Flexible Elements of High Speed Flexible Couplings for Aircraft Transmission Systems

The High Speed Flexible Coupling (HSFC) known as Power Take-Off shaft (PTO) is used in combat aircraft for connecting engine gearbox with accessory gearbox to transmit power and to accommodate larger misalignments. The HSFC utilizes series of metallic contoured plates as flexible elements. The development of a HSFC shaft assembly involves high cost and time process. Any failure of the HSFC during flight operation will deprive the secondary power system mainly used for controlling the single engine fighter aircraft. To develop the reliable HSFC with minimum developmental cost and time, an innovative approach termed as Swift Assessment of Flexible Elements (SAFE) for the development of HSFC is evolved. A case study of a typical high speed flexible coupling developed using this approach is presented With the SAFE approach, sufficient level of flexibility in design modification, trim down product development cycle time and cost were realized.
Modelling of 3-Phase p-q Theory-Based Dynamic Load for Real-Time Simulation

This article proposes a new method of modelling dynamic loads based on instantaneous p-q theory, to be employed in large powers system network simulations in a digital real-time environment. Due to the use of computationally heavy blocks such as phase-locked-loop (PLL), mean calculation,and coordinate transformation blocks (e.g., abc–dq0), real-time simulation of large networks with dynamic loads can be challenging. In order to decrease the computational burden associated to the dynamic load modelling, a p-q theory-based approach for load modelling is proposed in this paper. This approach is based on the well-known p-q instantaneous theory developed for power electronics converters, and it consists only of linear controllers and of a minimal usage of control loops, reducing the required computational power. This improves real-time performance and allows larger scale simulations. The introduced p-q theory-based load (PQL) model has been tested on standard networks implemented in a digital real time simulator, such as the SimBench semi-urban medium voltage network and the 118-bus Distribution System, showing significant improvement in terms of computational capability with respect to standard load models (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink dynamic load).
Association between the triglyceride glucose index and diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis

The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is an accessible and reliable surrogate indicator of insulin resistance and is strongly associated with diabetes. However, its relationship with diabetic retinopathy (DR) remains controversial. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the relationship between the TyG index and the prevalence of DR. Initial studies were searched from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) electronic databases. The retrieval time range was from the establishment of the database to June 2023. Pooled estimates were derived using a random-effects model and reported as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Two researchers independently assessed the methodological quality of the included studies. The Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Scale (NOS) was utilized to assess cohort studies or case-control studies. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) methodology checklist was applied to assess cross-sectional studies. Ten observational studies encompassing 13716 patients with type 2 diabetes were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed that a higher TyG index increased the risk of DR compared with a low TyG index (OR: 2.34, 95% CI: 1.31-4.19, P < 0.05). When the index was analyzed as a continuous variable, consistent results were observed (OR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.12-1.97, P < 0.005). There was no significant effect on the results of the sensitivity analyses excluding one study at a time (P all < 0.05). A higher TyG index may be associated with an increased prevalence of DR in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, high-quality cohort or case-control studies are needed to further substantiate this evidence. Systematic review registration https://www.crd. york.ac. uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42023432747.
Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’ Flower Formation and Flowering in the Current Year

The perennial woody plant Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’ is of great research value due to its unique mechanism of flower development that occurs in the current year, resulting in decorative flowers that can be enjoyed for a relatively long period of time. However, the mechanisms underlying the regulation of current-year flower development in H. arborescens ‘Annabelle’ are still not fully understood. In this study, we conducted an associated analysis to explore the core regulating network in H. arborescens ‘Annabelle’ by combining phenological observations, physiological assays, and transcriptome comparisons across seven flower developmental stages. Through this analysis, we constructed a gene co-expression network (GCN) based on the highest reciprocal rank (HRR), using 509 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified from seven flowering-related pathways, as well as the biosynthesis of eight flowering-related phytohormones and signal transduction in the transcriptomic analysis. According to the analysis of the GCN, we identified 14 key genes with the highest functional connectivity that played critical roles in specific development stages. We confirmed that 135 transcription factors (AP2/ERF, bHLH, CO-like, GRAS, MIKC, SBP, WRKY) were highly co-expressed with the 14 key genes, indicating their close associations with the development of current-year flowers. We further proposed a hypothetical model of a gene regulatory network for the development of the whole flower. This model suggested that the photoperiod, aging, and gibberellin pathways, along with the phytohormones abscisic acid (ABA), gibberellin (GA), brassinosteroid (BR), and jasmonic acid (JA), work synergistically to promote the floral transition. Additionally, auxin, GA, JA, ABA, and salicylic acid (SA) regulated the blooming process by involving the circadian clock. Cytokinin (CTK), ethylene (ETH), and SA were key regulators that affected flower senescence. Additionally, several floral integrators (HaLFY, HaSOC1-2, HaAP1, HaFULL, HaAGL24, HaFLC, etc.) were dominant contributors to the development of H. arborescens flowers. Overall, this research provides a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic mechanism underlying the entire process of current-year flower development, thereby offering valuable insights for further studies on the flower development of H. arborescens ‘Annabelle’.
Investigating kinematics and triggers of slow-moving reservoir landslide using an improved MT-InSAR method

Abstract The safety of the Three Gorges Reservoir, the world’s largest hydraulic project, has attracted significant attention. Among the landslides in the area, the Xinpu landslide complex stands out as one of the largest. However, accurately detecting and interpreting the timing and magnitude of its movement remains a challenge. This study introduces a framework using interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) for investigating the Xinpu landslide complex. In areas with dense vegetation like Xinpu, estimating landslide movement has traditionally been problematic. The proposed method, based on independent component analysis-assisted intermittent multi-temporal InSAR, overcomes this limitation by retrieving complete and reliable time-series deformation without prior deformation models. Through an analysis of Sentinel-1 datasets covering a period of 4 years, our approach significantly enhances deformation density and accuracy in comparison to other multi-temporal InSAR techniques. When contrasted with these methods, our proposed approach exhibits an average RMS improvement of up to 46.2% between GNSS measurements and the InSAR-derived results. The complete time-series deformation reveals diverse triggers at different sections of the Xinpu landslide complex. Precipitation, with a 45-day lag, primarily controls the landslide, while the toe of the landslide shows joint effects from precipitation and water level fluctuations, with a 14-day lag. Cross-correlation analysis estimates lag times for deformation responses to different triggers and enables discussion of the complex’s kinematic process. Overall, this approach enhances InSAR performance in vegetated areas and aids in uncovering landslide triggers for effective hazard mitigation.
Over-Moded Transverse Magnetic Cavity Filters for Narrowband Millimeter-Wave Applications

A new version of transverse magnetic (TM) cavity filters for high-frequency applications is presented in this letter. The basic building block of these filters is the over-moded transverse magnetic cavity (OTMC). The OTMC supports a pair of high-order resonant modes, namely TM320 and TM230, as well as various nonresonating modes that can be exploited to provide an additional input-to-output path (the propagating TM11 is the one primarily employed in the particular configuration here presented). Besides the possibility of realizing elliptic responses having the maximum number of transmission zeroes, a higher ${Q}$ -factor as well as a significantly reduced sensitivity to manufacturing imperfections is the main benefit making these structures especially suitable for the practical realization of very narrowband millimeter-wave filters. The experimental results of an elliptic fourth-order OTMC filter with 0.2% fractional bandwidth at 41.415 GHz validate the feasibility of these new transverse magnetic filters.
Reactivity of observers’ facial skin blood flow depending on others’ facial expressions and blushing

Facial skin blood flow (SkBF) has attracted attention as an autonomic indicator because it influences facial colour, which informs others of emotional states, and facial temperature related to social anxiety. Previous studies have examined the facial SkBF in people experiencing emotions; however, facial SkBF changes in the observers of emotions are poorly understood. Our study clarified facial SkBF changes related to observing others’ emotions by comparing the changes with other physiological indices. Thirty healthy participants (24 females; mean age: 22.17) observed six types of facial expressions (neutral, angry, and embarrassed expressions with and without facial blushing) and rated the emotional intensity of the other person. We measured their facial SkBF, finger SkBF, and cardiac RR interval as they made their observations. Facial SkBF generally decreased in relation to observing emotional faces (angry and embarrassed faces) and significantly decreased for angry expressions with blushing. None of the participants noticed blushing of facial stimuli. For the RR interval and finger SkBF, there was no variation depending on the observed facial expressions, although there was a general increase related to observation. These results indicated that facial SkBF is sensitive and reactive to emotional faces—especially angry faces with blushing— compared with other autonomic indices. The facial SkBF changes were not related to either RR interval changes or the intensity rating, suggesting that facial SkBF changes may be caused by vasoconstriction and have potential functions for our emotions. The decrease in facial SkBF may have a role in calming observers by preventing them from adopting the same emotional state as a person with intense anger. These findings clarify daily facial SkBF fluctuations and their relationship with our emotional processing in interpersonal situations.
The use of ketotifen as long-term anti-inflammatory prophylaxis in children with PFAPA syndrome

Introduction Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and adenitis syndrome (PFAPA) is the most frequent periodic fever syndrome in children. Its pathogenesis is still unknown, but some disease-modifying factors were observed. Several medications were tested for the long-term prophylaxis of inflammatory flares; however, none are standardly used. Methods This prospective clinical trial enrolled 142 children (71 girls, 50%) meeting diagnostic criteria for PFAPA syndrome. We analysed selected clinical characteristics and compared laboratory parameters during the flare and attack-free period (at least two weeks after the attack). Moreover, we assessed the possible therapeutic effect of ketotifen on the duration of attack free-periods and clinical picture. Results The mean age of patients was 6.81 ± 3.03 years and the mean age of onset of symptoms was 2.31 ± 2.02 years. No significant differences were observed between genders.We recorded a positive family history for PFAPA in 31.69% of patients. Attacks lasted for 2.8 ± 1.2 days, with intervals between attacks of 4 ± 1 weeks. We administered ketotifen in 111 (77.8%) patients, and a positive effect was observed in 86 (77.5%) of patients. We observed prolonged attack-free intervals in patients treated with ketotifen (14.7 ± 8.9 days in comparison with 4.4 ± 1.9 days before the treatment; p<0.001). The used dose of ketotifen was 0.08 ± 0.01 mg/kg/day. Mild side effects were observed in four patients (restlessness, irritability, agitation and constipation). Discussion Our data supports the use of ketotifen for long-term prophylaxis in children with PFAPA syndrome with positive effects on the attenuation of disease activity and the prolongation of attack-free periods. Further well-designed studies should confirm the preliminary data.