Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluating climate and soil effects on regional soil moisture spatial variability using EOFs

Soil moisture is an important state variable in terrestrial water cycles; however, only few studies are available on regional soil moisture spatial variability (SMSV), which yielded inconsistent findings about regional controls on SMSV. Here, long‐term soil moisture data were obtained from the Automated Weather Data Network and Soil Climate Analysis Network in three regions with different climate regimes across the continental U.S. Comprehensive data sets were compiled to examine regional controls on SMSV using the method of Empirical Orthogonal Function. One dominant spatial structure (EOF1) of soil moisture was found in the study regions, which explained over 75%, 67%, and 86% of the spatial variance in soil moisture in Nebraska, Utah, and the Southeast U.S., respectively. Despite the significant spatial variability in precipitation and potential evapotranspiration in all the study regions, the results showed that meteorological forcings had limited effects on regional SMSV in those regions with different climatic conditions, which differed from the traditional notion that SMSV is mainly controlled by meteorological forcings at the scale from 50 to 400 km. Instead, local factors related to soil (e.g., sand and clay fractions) were found to have significant correlations with EOF1, although the effects of other local factors (e.g., topography and vegetation) were generally negligible. This study provides strong field evidence that soil can exert much stronger impacts on regional SMSV than previously thought, which can override the effects of meteorological forcings. Future studies are still needed to elaborate on the relative roles of climate and soil in affecting regional SMSV.
Arterial Stiffness and Oxidized LDL Independently Associated With Post-Acute Sequalae of SARS-CoV-2

OBJECTIVE: COVID-19 survivors can experience lingering symptoms known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC) that appear in different phenotypes, and its etiology remains elusive. We assessed the relationship of endothelial dysfunction with having COVID and PASC. METHODS: Data was collected from a prospectively enrolled cohort (n=379) of COVID-negative and COVID-positive participants with and without PASC. Primary outcomes, endothelial function (measured by reactive hyperemic index [RHI]), and arterial elasticity (measured by augmentation index standardized at 75 bpm [AI]), were measured using the FDA approved EndoPAT. Patient characteristics, labs, metabolic measures, markers of inflammation, and oxidized LDL (ox-LDL) were collected at each study visit, and PASC symptoms were categorized into 3 non-exclusive phenotypes: cardiopulmonary, neurocognitive, and general. COVID-negative controls were propensity score matched to COVID-negative-infected cases using the greedy nearest neighbor method. RESULTS: There were 14.3% of participants who were fully recovered COVID positive and 28.5% who were COVID positive with PASC, averaging 8.64 ± 6.26 total number of symptoms. The mean RHI was similar across the cohort and having COVID or PASC was not associated with endothelial function (P=0.33). Age (P<0.0001), female sex (P<0.0001), and CRP P=0.04) were positively associated with arterial stiffness, and COVID positive PASC positive with neurological and/or cardiopulmonary phenotypes had the worst arterial elasticity (highest AI). Values for AI (P=0.002) and ox-LDL (P<0.0001) were independently and positively associated with an increased likelihood of having PASC. CONCLUSION: There is evidence of an independent association between PASC, ox-LDL, and arterial stiffness with neurological and/or cardiopulmonary phenotypes having the worst arterial elasticity. Future studies should continue investigating the role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of PASC.
Evaluation of salivary MMP-9 in oral squamous cell carcinoma and oral leukoplakia using ELISA

Background: Cancer of the lip and the oral cavity is collectively the sixth most common malignancy worldwide, out of which 90% are oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs). Oral cancer survival rates depend mainly upon the stage in which it is diagnosed. Successful early detection would eventually increase the survival rate. OSCCs may be preceded by potentially malignant disorders (PMDs) that are characterised by visible clinical changes in the oral mucosa. Correct diagnosis and timely treatment of PMDs may help prevent malignant transformation in oral lesions. Oral leukoplakia (OL) is the best known potentially malignant disorder of the oral mucosa with a malignant transformation rate of about 3% to 33%. Tumour markers in saliva have emerged as a new diagnostic tool in the early detection of oral cancer. Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) is a gelatinase which plays an important role in tumourogenisis. The present study was done to evaluate the salivary levels of MMP-9 in OSCC and oral leukoplakia patients using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Materials and Methods: The study was conducted among 102 subjects, which included 34 OSCC patients (group I), 34 OL patients (group II), and 34 healthy subjects (group III). Unstimulated saliva was collected by the passive drooling method from all the study subjects during the study period, centrifuged, and stored at -80°C. The salivary MMP-9 was estimated in mg/ml using the sandwich ELISA technique. The data were analysed using a statistical software package, EZR. One-way analysis of variance was used for the comparison of salivary MMP-9 levels in OSCC, OL, and normal oral mucosa. Scheffe's multiple comparison was carried out to compare salivary MMP-9 levels among the different histological grades of OSCC and oral epithelial dysplasia. For all statistical interpretations, P ≤ 0.0 was considered the threshold for statistical significance. Results and Conclusion: The mean salivary MMP-9 level in OSCC, OL, and normal oral mucosa was 50.9 ± 5.7 ng/ml, 31.6 ± 6 ng/ml, and 16.2 ± 4.8 ng/ml, respectively. Patients with OSCC had significantly higher levels of salivary MMP-9 when compared to OL and normal mucosa. Higher levels of salivary MMP-9 were observed in poorly differentiated OSCC when compared to well and moderately differentiated OSCCs. The salivary MMP-9 was higher in severe oral epithelial dysplasia when compared to mild and moderate oral epithelial dysplasias. As malignant transformation rates are higher in patients with severe oral epithelial dysplasia when compared to mild and moderate oral epithelial dysplasia, salivary MMP-9 could be considered as a surrogate marker of malignant transformation.
Air-to-ground Targets Re-identification from Non-aligned and Partially Overlapped Cameras by Homograhy Transfer and Iterative Closest Point with Huber Loss Function

This paper discusses the re-identification (Re-ID) of multiple objects of interest (OOI) on the ground seen by multiple non-aligned aerial cameras, which may have partially overlapped views, without reference to the environment and visual features. Its application is in the observation of multiple ground targets by multiple aerial observers, such as in the case of human surveillance using drones. The re-identification of targets that cannot be identified by visual features poses a challenge to existing tracking methods. The targets might be too small or identical and that may not be identified accurately by appearances. This work makes use of the known cameras’ positions and poses (orientations), which can be at any arbitrary position, to estimate the projected view of the ground targets. This position-based technique allows for the case when not all targets are seen by all cameras at once (partially overlapped case). Homography transformation is used as the first initial pairing. This is equivalent to shifting the cameras’ viewpoints to other cameras’ viewpoints, followed by association through Munkres’ algorithm with nearest neighbor criteria. Since the cameras’ poses and orientations may contain errors (noises), the transformation may not be correct, and the first reidentification may be inaccurate. Hence, Iterative Closest Point (ICP) algorithm is then used for alignment correction through singular value decomposition. The expected improved result will yield the minimum ‘total’ distances between all the target pairs. Preliminary works show an improved matching performance over pure homography-based techniques when the observing camera information contains errors. Lastly, Huber Loss function is introduced in ICP to reduce the effect of outliers of the targets on the normalization calculation, i.e. the targets that are seen by one camera and not by others. This allows re-identification from non-overlapping cameras and is more flexible. The additional benefit is to improve the ICP convergence as well.
A proposed Fuzzy Bayesian Network (FBN) model for measuring seafarers’ reliability

Seafarers’ reliability depends upon many variables and their dependencies, alteration of a criterion value will ultimately alter seafarers’ reliability. In order to correct any deviation on time, the reliability of a seafarer has to be measured appropriately and regularly. This paper makes full use of the Bayesian networks’ advantages and further develops and extends Fuzzy Bayesian Networks (FBNs) and a “symmetric method” by exploiting a conceptual and sound methodology for the assessment of seafarers’ reliability. By exploiting the proposed FBN model, an equation for the reduction of human reliability attributable to a person’s continuous hours of wakefulness, acute sleep loss and cumulative sleep debt is formulated. The proposed methodology generates a new approach to pre-processing of input data that allows the use of standard BN techniques and software tools for evaluating seafarers’ reliability. Furthermore, the proposed methodology enables and facilitates the decision makers to measure the performance of a seafarer before his/her designation to any activities and during his/her seafaring period. 2 LITERATURE REVIEW ON SEAFARER’S RELIABILITY Measurement of reliability of human behaviour in a human-machine system has been a source of interest since 1963. Given that human reliability is normally expressed in both quantitative and qualitative terms, decision makers may often carry out their judgments based on both quantitative data and experiential subjective assessments. Based on the literature review, those criteria that have significant effects on seafarers’ reliability are listed in the following subsections. 2.1 Design and Layout (DL) It considers the integration of personnel with equipment, systems, and interfaces. It is important for designers and engineers, during the design stage, to consider the factors that may influence work performance and the likelihood of human error (ABS, 2003). 2.2 Technical Proficiency (TP) A seafarer’s technical proficiency can be evaluated by aggregation of the following criteria: A seafarer’s Qualification (QU): In 1993, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) embarked on a comprehensive revision of the Standards for Training Certification and
Alternative approach to the Variscan Belt in southwestern Europe: Preorogenic paleobiogeographical constraints

Most of the models proposed for the Variscan Belt of southwestern Europe have been based on structural, metamorphic, and magmatic data. An alternative approach is proposed here, based on sedimentological and faunal data that allows the definition and delimitation of different domains and evaluation of their relative positions and relations within the preorogenic paleogeography. Several previous models, which have not taken account of pre-Variscan paleogeographical data, can no longer be sustained. In particular, models that propose two distinct oceanic sutures within the French part of the belt should be abandoned. A model with a single Variscan ocean would accord much more satisfactorily with paleobiogeographical limitations. If it is accepted that, during pre-Variscan time, the Mid-North Armorican regions were not in their present positions, but formed an extension of the Central Iberian region, a hypothesis based on faunal and sedimentary evidence, then the single-ocean model proves more appropriate for the French section of the Variscan Belt.
MODES OF GOLD OCCURRENCES IN GA'ARA DEPRESSION, WESTERN DESERT, IRAQ

This research deals with gold occurrences in the fe rruginous sandstones and ironstones (massive and pisolitic) of the Ga'ara Formation (Pe rmo – Carboniferous). The morphological features of the gold particles suggest that the gol d occurrences are multisourced. The gold occurs in two modes namely: mechanical transportati n of the gold grains associated with ferruginous sandstones, and chemical mobilization a ssociated with the (massive and pisolitic) ironstones. The most significant primary gold sourc e is the Precambrian Shield of Saudi Arabia after deep weathering and erosion under humi d tropical conditions. The other possible source is the supergene ore deposits that are not f ar from the area. The majority of the gold is transported in a suspended form as scales and gold dust (first mode), or is transported in a colloidal form with the ferric hydroxides (second m ode). ط أ م ه ا ا ا ة ا ا ا ءا ! " ا ، $ ج &ح و ) *"م ! م نز م
Co-creation experience and tourists’ citizenship behavior: challenges of Indonesian ecotourism sector during post-pandemic era

Purpose This study aims to highlight the influence of co-creation experience (CCE) on tourists’ citizenship behavior (TCB), emphasizing the Indonesian ecotourism sector during the post-COVID pandemic. Design/methodology/approach By using a judgmental sampling, data were collected from 150 visitors who visits Indonesian ecotourism resort and acquired the wildlife experience through co-creation process. To evaluate the relationship model, partial least squares-structural equation modeling by SmartPLS 3rd version was used in this study. Findings The result indicated that CCE in terms of Indonesian ecotourism had an effect on involvement (INV) and satisfaction (SAT). Result ascertain INV and SAT direct effect on TCB. Multigroup analysis indicated that perceived risk of COVID-19 could moderate insignificantly the relationship among INV, SAT on TCB. Research limitations/implications This study focuses on CCE, INV, SAT and TCB in Indonesian ecotourism with wildlife attraction and contributes an insight for tourism research; thus, the results cannot be generalized for other ecotourism worldwide. Practical implications The proposed model of this study suggests the need to review the current condition of citizenship behavior at destination level, especially regarding to cleanliness and crowd controlling on post-COVID pandemic to maintain tourists’ health and safety while traveling. Social implications Achieving TCB in different types of destination (ecotourism) requires specific development models concerning environmental conditions. Originality/value Though CCE, INV, SAT and TCB have identified as main topics for tourism research especially in ecotourism sector, the related factors of TCB in post-COVID-19 era are remain limited.
Exploration of Hybrid Recommendation Algorithms for Learning Nature Software

Recommendation algorithm is a type of algorithm in the computer profession which includes methods such as content-based recommendation, collaborative filtering, model-based recommendation, and social relationship-based recommendation. It uses some mathematical algorithms to speculate what a user might like. The main place where recommendation algorithms are better applied is the web, where it finds out what a user might like by his or her behavior. Recommendation algorithms have been applied to websites in various fields, including books, music, videos, news, movies, maps, and so on. The application of e-commerce has also become popular in recent years. Amazon, ebay, staples, Dangdang.com, Douban Books, Taobao, etc. all use e-commerce recommendation systems, which not only bring huge additional benefits to these Internet merchants, but also improve user satisfaction and increase user stickiness The goal of this research is to provide Learning users (e.g. middle school students and high school students) to explore a personalized recommendation algorithm that is efficient and convenient for search recommendations, helps to understand users’ needs, and is based on user preferences. The goal is to bring a better experience and sense of use to users.
Secure IoT Communication with a Blockchain-Enabled Decentralized MQTT Network

The rapid growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) has led to the widespread adoption of the Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT) protocol to enable communication between IoT devices. However, traditional MQTT implementations rely on centralized brokers, which have several limitations, including single points of failure, limited scalability, lack of privacy, vulnerability to attacks, and the possibility of censorship. This research aims to address these shortcomings by proposing a blockchain-enabled decentralized MQTT network that leverages a federated model for distributed MQTT brokers and blockchain technology for secure, persistent storage. The main objectives of this research include analyzing the limitations of centralized MQTT brokers, exploring appropriate network architecture and clustering methods for a decentralized MQTT system, investigating access control mechanisms based on elliptic curve cryptography, evaluating data relaying methods and the utilization of retained messages stored in the blockchain, and conducting hypothesis testing and market research to validate the feasibility and potential of the proposed solution. By achieving these objectives, this research aims to contribute to the development of a more robust, scalable, and secure IoT communication infrastructure that can better support the growing demands of connected devices and their applications.
Earthquake statistical performance due to increasing of the seismic network around Opak Fault, Yogyakarta

The seismic event in May 2006 underscored the critical necessity of continuous earthquake monitoring. Observational enhancement through adding more stations is very crucial to obtain a more refined data quality. From January 2009 to September 2019, BMKG PGR (Pusat Gempa Regional/Regional Earthquake Centre) VII documented approximately 1847 seismic events with magnitudes from 0.9 to 4.9. With the integration of additional seismic station into the array by December 2022, there was a notable increase of 1418 recorded events in the same magnitude interval. The earthquake observation average is increasing as well, from 15.4 events in a month to 20.5 events in a month. This study leverages this data to assess the impact of augmenting seismic stations proximal to the Opak Fault on seismicity parameters within that region. Employing ZMAP 6.0, a comparative analysis of seismicity parameters was conducted between the earthquake catalog from January 2009 to September 2019 and the expanded catalog from January 2009 to December 2022. Declustering process result 1790 and 3141 main earthquake events in each catalog. This research indicate that the inclusion of more stations significantly influences the Mc value and earthquake density, however, it does not have a significant effect on the b and a-value.
Genome-Wide Association (GWAS) Applied to Carcass and Meat Traits of Nellore Cattle

The meat market has enormous importance for the world economy, and the quality of the product offered to the consumer is fundamental for the success of the sector. In this study, we analyzed a database which contained information on 2470 animals from a commercial farm in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Of this total, 2181 animals were genotyped, using 777,962 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). After quality control analysis, 468,321 SNPs provided information on the number of genotyped animals. Genome-wide association analyses (GWAS) were performed for the characteristics of the rib eye area (REA), subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT), shear force at 7 days’ ageing (SF7), and intramuscular fat (IMF), with the aid of the single-step genomic best linear unbiased prediction (ssGBLUP) method, with the purpose of identifying possible genomic windows (~1 Mb) responsible for explaining at least 0.5% of the genetic variance of the traits under analysis (≥0.5%). These genomic regions were used in a gene search and enrichment analyses using MeSH terms. The distributed heritability coefficients were 0.14, 0.20, 0.18, and 0.21 for REA, SFT, SF7, and IMF, respectively. The GWAS results indicated significant genomic windows for the traits of interest in a total of 17 chromosomes. Enrichment analyses showed the following significant terms (FDR ≤ 0.05) associated with the characteristics under study: for the REA, heat stress disorders and life cycle stages; for SFT, insulin and nonesterified fatty acids; for SF7, apoptosis and heat shock proteins (HSP27); and for IMF, metalloproteinase 2. In addition, KEGG (Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes) enrichment analysis allowed us to highlight important metabolic pathways related to the studied phenotypes, such as the growth hormone synthesis, insulin-signaling, fatty acid metabolism, and ABC transporter pathways. The results obtained provide a better understanding of the molecular processes involved in the expression of the studied characteristics and may contribute to the design of selection strategies and future studies aimed at improving the productivity of Nellore cattle.
Quality of Sleep in the Saudi Population During the Holy Month of Ramadan

Background The holy month of Ramadan carries a massive change in a Muslim’s lifestyle. During these 30 days of all-day fasting, people in Saudi Arabia prefer staying up all night and sleeping in the daytime, thus highly impacting their regular sleeping schedule, with a sizable effect on the quality of sleep. This study aimed to measure the quality of sleep and sleep hygiene practices in the Saudi population. Methodology This cross-sectional study was conducted among the Saudi population during the holy month of Ramadan. A self-administered questionnaire was sent to the targeted population using social media platforms. Our questionnaire included demographic data, the Sleep Quality Scale (SQS) to measure sleep quality, and the Sleep Hygiene Index (SHI) to measure sleep hygiene practices. Results Of the 386 participants, 71.2% were females, and 64.5% were single. The total mean SQS score was 35.8 (SD = 10.9) out of 84 points, while the total mean SHI score was 19.8 (SD = 8.61) out of 52 points. Overall, 63.5% of the respondents had poor sleep hygiene practices. Significant factors for increased SHI included being unmarried, a student, not the main provider in the family, not a parent, and earning less than 5,000 SAR per month while having more than six individuals in the family was a significant factor for increased SQS. Conclusions During the month of Ramadan, poor sleep quality and inadequate sleep hygiene practices were common among the Saudi population. A significant risk factor for poor sleep quality was having more than six individuals at home while being unmarried, a student, not being the family’s main provider, and earning less than 5,000 SAR per month were the significant risk factors for poor sleep hygiene practices. Further research is needed to establish the effect of poor sleep quality and inadequate sleep hygiene practices during Ramadan fasting in our region.