Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Foliar Fungicide Effects on Gray Leaf Spot and Yield of Hybrid Corn as Influenced by Application Timing, Hybrid Characteristics and Production Practices

ii Acknowledgments. vi Vita . vii Publications . vii Fields of Study . viii List of Tables . xii List of Figures . xiii CHAPTER 1: CORN PRODUCTION, GROWTH, AND DEVELOPMENT. 1 GRAY LEAF SPOT . 3 GLS Etiology and Epidemiology: . 4 MANAGEMENT OF GLS . 6 Crop Rotation and Tillage . 7 Resistance: . 8 Fungicides: . 8 CHANGING TRENDS IN FUNGICIDE USE IN CORN . 11 x THESIS OBJECTIVES . 15 References . 17 CHAPTER 2: INFLUENCE OF CROPPING SEQUENCE AND FUNGICIDE CHEMISTRY AND APPLICATION TIMING ON GRAY LEAF SPOT AND YIELD COMPONENTS OF HYBRID CORN . 24 MATERIALS AND METHODS . 27 Experimental design and treatment layout . 27 The Hybrid x Fungicide Treatment study. 27 The Cropping Sequence x Fungicide Treatment study. 29 Inoculum preparation and Inoculation. 31 Assessment of disease intensity, stalk strength, lodging and yield component. 32 Data Analysis . 35 RESULTS. 36 The Hybrid x Fungicide Treatment study – Fungicide and hybrid effects on gray leaf spot severity. 36 Fungicide and hybrid effects on grain yield and yield component. 37
The Experience of Physical Recovery and Physical Rehabilitation Following Hospital Discharge for Intensive Care Survivors—A Qualitative Systematic Review

Background: Over 120,000 people in the UK survive critical illness each year, with over 60% of these experiencing mobility issues and reduced health-related quality of life after discharge home. This qualitative systematic review aimed to explore critical care survivors’ perceptions, opinions, and experiences of physical recovery and physical rehabilitation following hospital discharge. Methods: This review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and was conducted between January 2020 and June 2022. The search was conducted using the following databases: Embase, CINAHL, Medline Ovid, Cochrane, and the Joanna Briggs Institute, and sources of grey literature were searched for eligible studies. Qualitative studies focused on physical rehabilitation or recovery, involving adult survivors of critical illness who had been discharged from hospital. Results: A total of 7 of 548 identified studies published in 2007–2019 were eligible for inclusion. The findings indicate that qualitative evidence around the experiences of physical recovery and rehabilitation interventions following discharge home after critical illness is limited. Three synthesised findings were identified: ‘Positivity, motivation and hope’; ‘Recovery is hard and patients need support’; and ‘Patients experience challenges in momentum of physical recovery’. Conclusions: Survivors struggle to access healthcare professionals and services following discharge home, which influences the momentum of physical recovery. Supervised exercise programmes had a positive impact on the perception of recovery and motivation. However, ‘simple’ structured exercise provision will not address the range of challenges experienced by ICU survivors. Whilst some factors influencing physical recovery are similar to other groups, there are unique issues experienced by those returning home after critical illness. Further research is needed to identify the support or interventions survivors feel would meet their needs and assist their physical recovery. This study was prospectively registered with Prospero on 3/2/2020 with registration number CRD42020165290.
Adaptation of the Social Determinants of Health Scale for University Students to Turkish: A Validity and Reliability Study

Aim: Focusing, researching, identifying and producing solutions for the social health needs of university students is an important step in terms of individual and public health. The main purpose of this study is to make the Turkish adaptation of the social determinants of health scale and psychometric analyses to identify university students who are at risk for their social health needs and to solve their problems. Method: The social determinants of health scale for university students was administered to 322 students. For the validity of the scale, content validity index, confirmatory factor analysis, similarity, and discriminant validity coefficients were used, while for reliability, item-total correlations, internal consistency coefficient, and test-retest analysis were utilized. Results: The content validity index of the Turkish form of the social determinants of health scale for university students was found to be 0.89, and it was decided that there was a consensus among experts. The test-retest reliability correlation was 0.81 and the Cronbach alpha reliability coefficient was 0.71, which was found to be a reliable scale. The scale, which consists of three sub-dimensions measuring general social health needs, social health needs of university students, and promotive social health factors, was compatible with its original form. Conclusion: The social determinants of the health scale for university students were found to be valid and reliable for Turkish culture. It is thought that it will be useful in determining the social health needs of university students.
Topology and Hybrid Modulation of Six-Level Switched-Capacitor HC Converter With Improved DC-Link Capacitor Voltage Balancing

Neutral point (NP) voltage imbalance blocks the deployment of carrier-based clamped converters for specific scenarios due to the limited adjustment capability of NP current by zero-sequence voltage (ZSV) injection. Therefore, a novel six-level switched-capacitor (SC) hybrid clamped (6L-SCHC) converter is proposed, which has compromised voltage stress, and utilizes the discrete voltage boost and capacitor voltage self-balancing features of the SC circuit to simplify control complexity. On this basis, a carrier-based hybrid modulation is developed, which simplifies the complexity of SC voltage control, and ensures the voltage natural balance of SC and dc-link center capacitor to minimize voltage ripples. Furthermore, a reasonable functional relationship between average NP current and reference modulation voltage is explored. As the result, the proposed 6L-SCHC converter has extremely powerful NP voltage balancing capability compared with other carrier-based clamped converters in theory, especially at high modulation indexes and low power factors. Capacitor voltage ripple models are also derived to achieve voltage independent controls of all capacitors. Comparative simulations and experiments demonstrate that the proposed topology and modulation greatly reduce the low-frequency voltage ripples of dc-link upper and lower capacitors, and provide excellent NP voltage balancing performance over a wide range of modulation indexes and power factors.
Understanding Timing Error Characteristics from Overclocked Systolic Multiply–Accumulate Arrays in FPGAs

Artificial Intelligence (AI) hardware accelerators have seen tremendous developments in recent years due to the rapid growth of AI in multiple fields. Many such accelerators comprise a Systolic Multiply–Accumulate Array (SMA) as its computational brain. In this paper, we investigate the faulty output characterization of an SMA in a real silicon FPGA board. Experiments were run on a single Zybo Z7-20 board to control for process variation at nominal voltage and in small batches to control for temperature. The FPGA is rated up to 800 MHz in the data sheet due to the max frequency of the PLL, but the design is written using Verilog for the FPGA and C++ for the processor and synthesized with a chosen constraint of a 125 MHz clock. We then operate the system at a frequency range of 125 MHz to 450 MHz for the FPGA and the nominal 667 MHz for the processor core to produce timing errors in the FPGA without affecting the processor. Our extensive experimental platform with a hardware–software ecosystem provides a methodological pathway that reveals fascinating characteristics of SMA behavior under an overclocked environment. While one may intuitively expect that timing errors resulting from overclocked hardware may produce a wide variation in output values, our post-silicon evaluation reveals a lack of variation in erroneous output values. We found an intriguing pattern where error output values are stable for a given input across a range of operating frequencies far exceeding the rated frequency of the FPGA.
Action Recognition Scheme Based on RGB-D Mixture Model

— A scheme of daily activities recognition based on RGB and depth video sequences captured by Kinect is proposed in this paper. First, inpaint depth map to remove noise and fill black holes, and then fusion color image and depth map to produce human silhouette. Spatio-temporal interest points are extracted from this silhouette, static interest points are removed as interference. By this processing, a comparatively small percentage of STIPs are reserved, which is crucial to action recognition. Then, Gaussian mixture model is used to discriminate different activities. Validated experiments are done on two daily activities datasets: RGBD-HuDaAct Dataset and ACT42 dataset. The comparison outcomes of the experimentation carried out indicate superior performance of our method over the compared algorithms.
In Cervisia Veritas: The impact of repealing Sunday blue laws on alcohol sales and retail competition

This study examines the impact of repealing Sunday blue laws on alcohol sales and retail competition, focusing on Connecticut’s 2012 policy change allowing Sunday beer sales in grocery stores. Using nationwide data from 2004 to 2021, we find a short-term increase in beer sales post-policy change, but no significant long-term economic effects on grocery and liquor stores. Our analysis also shows similar treatment effects for chain and standalone liquor retailers, suggesting limited lasting implications for the liquor retail industry’s performance and conduct after Sunday sale restrictions were lifted.
The Development of a Wearable Biofeedback System to Elicit Temporal Gait Asymmetry using Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation and an Assessment of Immediate Effects

Temporal gait asymmetry (TGA) is commonly observed in individuals facing mobility challenges. Rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) can improve temporal gait parameters by promoting synchronization with external cues. While biofeedback for gait training, providing real-time feedback based on specific gait parameters measured, has been proven to successfully elicit changes in gait patterns, RAS-based biofeedback as a treatment for TGA has not been explored. In this study, a wearable RAS-based biofeedback gait training system was developed to measure temporal gait symmetry in real time and deliver RAS accordingly. Three different RAS-based biofeedback strategies were compared: open- and closed-loop RAS at constant and variable target levels. The main objective was to assess the ability of the system to induce TGA with able-bodied (AB) participants and evaluate and compare each strategy. With all three strategies, temporal symmetry was significantly altered compared to the baseline, with the closed-loop strategy yielding the most significant changes when comparing at different target levels. Speed and cadence remained largely unchanged during RAS-based biofeedback gait training. Setting the metronome to a target beyond the intended target may potentially bring the individual closer to their symmetry target. These findings hold promise for developing personalized and effective gait training interventions to address TGA in patient populations with mobility limitations using RAS.
High-Resolution Stereoscopic Visualization of Pediatric Echocardiography Data on Microsoft HoloLens 2

Three-dimensional ultrasound offers volumetric images and detailed anatomical data for medical diagnosis and treatment planning. It is a key tool in the medical field to obtain a comprehensive view of the body. Ordinary two-dimensional displays do not provide depth perception and are not suitable for representing volumetric data, necessitating the use of more sophisticated visualization methods. Virtual and augmented reality (AR) displays can be used to improve the visualization of medical images, allowing for more natural interaction with the environment. This study proposes custom software developed using the Unity3D platform to render high-resolution 3D echocardiography (3DE) on the Microsoft HoloLens 2, providing an immersive AR experience for medical professionals. This research focuses on three-dimensional echocardiography in children and uses a phantom heart model to mimic a pulsating heart. The volume rendering algorithm utilizes the ray-marching technique, enabling direct volume rendering of high-quality volumetric models. To maintain a satisfactory frame rate, a Holographic Remoting approach is employed to reduce latency and enhance network transmission speed, utilizing the resources of a personal computer (PC). The custom software developed offers an intuitive and interactive user interface that allows medical professionals to manipulate and explore 3DE images effectively. The interaction includes the ability to slice, modify the intensity range, and alter the voxel density. The experimental evaluations demonstrated that it is possible to produce high-quality real-time display with HoloLens 2 and a PC-based remote rendering system, allowing intuitive control and exploration of 3DE. Overall, this research highlights the potential of AR rendering offered through Microsoft HoloLens 2 to advance pediatric 3DE rendering for medical professionals to enhance their decision-making and understanding of medical datasets.
Numerical Analysis for Investigation of Hydraulic Fracturing Potential of the Rockfill Dam

Embankment dams may collapse because of internal erosion that develops in the crack developed in the upstream-downstream direction by hydraulic fracturing. It is known in the literature that many dams collapsed due to hydraulic fracturing. The hydraulic fracturing mechanism is defined as the propagation of an existing crack on the upstream face of the clay core under hydrostatic stresses or the formation of a new crack in low-stress zones by hydrostatic stress. The variety of materials and materials' mechanical properties generally affect the hydraulic fracturing potential. This study examined the effect of the deformation parameters (Elasticity modulus and Poisson ratio) of the impermeable curtain-function clay core material on the hydraulic fracturing potential. Normal Stress and Mohr-Coulomb methods were used to determine the hydraulic fracturing potential. The principal stress values required for these two methods were determined for the maximum cross-section of the clay-core rockfill type Çınarcık Dam by the finite element method. While the hydraulic fracturing potential is negligibly affected by the change of deformation parameters in the Normal Stress method, this effect is clearly seen in the Mohr-Coulomb method.
Challenges for Field-Effect-Transistor-Based Graphene Biosensors

Owing to its outstanding physical properties, graphene has attracted attention as a promising biosensor material. Field-effect-transistor (FET)-based biosensors are particularly promising because of their high sensitivity that is achieved through the high carrier mobility of graphene. However, graphene-FET biosensors have not yet reached widespread practical applications owing to several problems. In this review, the authors focus on graphene-FET biosensors and discuss their advantages, the challenges to their development, and the solutions to the challenges. The problem of Debye screening, in which the surface charges of the detection target are shielded and undetectable, can be solved by using small-molecule receptors and their deformations and by using enzyme reaction products. To address the complexity of sample components and the detection mechanisms of graphene-FET biosensors, the authors outline measures against nonspecific adsorption and the remaining problems related to the detection mechanism itself. The authors also introduce a solution with which the molecular species that can reach the sensor surfaces are limited. Finally, the authors present multifaceted approaches to the sensor surfaces that provide much information to corroborate the results of electrical measurements. The measures and solutions introduced bring us closer to the practical realization of stable biosensors utilizing the superior characteristics of graphene.
Differences in training characteristics of recreational endurance runners by race distance – results from the NURMI Study (Step 2)

Background Although runner’s profiles were previously investigated, information on the training frequency and training distance for short (5 km, 10 km) and long-distance (>21 km) running is absent. The present study aimed to investigate the associations between training routines and exercise habits of recreational endurance runners considering self-reported preferred race distance [10 km, half-marathon (HM), and marathon/ultra-marathon (M/UM)] subgroups. Methods This is a cross-sectional study, sampling 154 recreational runners of both sexes. A web survey was used for data collection regarding age, sex, preferred distance (10-km, HM, M/UM), training routines, exercise habits, and periodized training routines. The Chi-square test (Cramer’s V) and Kruskal-Wallis test (Eta-Squared η2) with effect sizes were used for comparisons between race distances. Results Significant differences were shown for anthropometric, training, and periodization characteristics. Highly significant differences were found between subgroups for the number of sessions, running kilometers, and training hours at all periods and within all four preparation conditions. M/UM runners were training more frequently, for longer durations, and ran greater distances each week. Conclusion This finding supports the notion that training habits and periodization characteristics are different for different race distances (10-km, half marathon, marathon, and ultramarathon).
Learning Behavior of Sclerodermus sichuanensis
Xiao: Habitual Responses and Cumulative Effects

Sclerodermus sichuanensis Xiao is an important natural enemy of forest boring pests. We used a two-way selection test to investigate the behavioral mechanisms used by S. sichuanensis when searching for hosts. Y-tube olfactometers and electroantennogram recordings were used to study learning by S. sichuanensis exposed continuously or discontinuously to a mixture of longhorn beetle ( Anoplophora chinensis Forster) fecula and wood meal, and to mixtures of A. chinensis fecula and wood meal from different trees, either successively or simultaneously. Following exposure of 4-day-old adult S. sichuanensis to a mixture of A. chinensis fecula and wood meal for 3 d, tropism toward this odor did not improve significantly. After discontinuous exposure to a mixture of A. chinensis fecula and wood meal, adult S. sichuanensis exhibited a habitual response and its tropism to this odor decreased markedly. Five-day-old female S. sichuanensis that previously experienced a mixture of A. chinensis fecula and wood meal from two different host trees (willows, Salix sp., and oriental parasol, Platanus orientalis ) or a mixture of A. chinensis fecula and wood meal (willows) during the eclosion period and were then stimulated by the mixture of A. chinensis fecula and wood meal (oriental parasol) at 4 days old exhibited a relatively strong behavioral reaction to mixed stimulation by the two types of substrate information. These observations suggest that the learning behavior of S. sichuanensis is cumulative. The parasitoid can differentiate between two kinds of chemical information experienced simultaneously and recognize the two odors when they are experienced successively. This discovery is important for elucidating the behavioral mechanisms of learning in parasitoids and for the development and application of natural enemy insects for pest control.
Understanding brand reputation: a case study of Chinese wineries

Purpose Exploring the determinants of a winery brand reputation (BR) and how those determinants interact is vital for the sustainable development of wineries as well as the growth of the wine industry as a whole. This study aims to test an integrated model to better understand the observed measurement constructs of winery brand reputation, including collective reputation (CR), wine label (WL), expert opinion (EO), social media advertising (SMA) and consumer wine knowledge (CWK). Design/methodology/approach In-depth interviews, an expert panel review and a pilot study were conducted to examine and improve the observed variables. A questionnaire survey was conducted as the main data source for the study. A total of 616 valid questionnaire responses were collected from 102 cities in mainland China and Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan from December 2021 to April 2022. Structural equation modeling was conducted for the data analysis. Findings This study supported 9 of the 18 proposed theoretical hypotheses. WL, EO and SMA had positive effects on BR. CWK was found to have a moderating effect on the relationship between expert opinions/social media advertising and brand reputation. Research limitations/implications The results of this study can guide wine practitioners, researchers and administrators in brand development, label regulation and consumer education. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first attempt to examine the determinants of winery brand reputation among Chinese wine consumers. This study explains the mechanism of winery brand reputation, demonstrating the dynamics and effects of the observed measurement constructs on brand reputation.
The Evaluation of Endometrial Sampler SAP-1 in Screening Patients With General Risk of Endometrial Cancer: A Diagnostic Test Study

Objectives: In recent years, early screening for endometrial cancer (EC) has received increasing attention. EC screening is recommended to be conducted among high-risk and risk-increasing populations, while the general-risk population, even with symptoms, is not within the scope of screening. This study aims to explore the role of endometrial sampler SAP-1 as a sample-collecting tool to screen EC among patients with general risk. Materials and Methods: From August 2018 to June 2023, 275 patients, who were hospitalized for undergoing hysteroscopy and were confirmed as having a general risk of EC, were enrolled in this retrospective study. Before the procedure, endometrial samples were firstly collected by the method of SAP-1, and then hysteroscopy curettage or electrotomy was conducted to gather endometrial samples. With the pathological results of the latter as the gold standard, the diagnostic efficacy of SAP-1 sampling was analyzed. Results: The sample satisfaction rate of SAP-1 was 91.4%, slightly lower than that by method of hysteroscopy (95.1%), but there was no significant difference between the two methods (P>0.05). The samples of 275 cases were satisfied with both methods. One case of endometrial carcinoma and one case of precancerous lesion were misdiagnosed as normal endometrium with SAP-1 sampling. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of SAP-1 in diagnosing endometrial carcinoma and precancerous lesions were 88.2%, 100% and 99.3%, respectively. Conclusions: Applying endometrial sampler SAP-1 to screen EC among women with general risk of EC has high diagnostic efficiency, easy manipulation, high safety, and can be completed in outpatient service with outstanding cost-effectiveness, which as well is worthy of clinical promotion.