Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An examination of relationships between vitamin B12 status and functional measures of peripheral neuropathy in young adult vegetarians

Introduction Prevalence rates for vitamin B12 deficiency in U.S. adult vegetarians may exceed 30%, which is concerning given the role for this vitamin in numerous nervous system functions, including the synthesis of myelin sheaths. Defective myelin synthesis and repair are directly linked to peripheral neuropathy; yet, few investigations have examined how physical indicators of peripheral neuropathy (e.g., hand dexterity, vibration sensitivity and balance) are impacted in individuals adhering to vegetarian diets. This feasibility research explored the relationships between peripheral neuropathy and vitamin B12 status using a cross-sectional study design. In addition, a small pilot trial was conducted for limited-efficacy testing of vitamin B12 supplementation for reducing peripheral neuropathy. Methods Healthy, able-bodied adults (n = 38; 19–40 years of age) reported exclusive adherence to a vegetarian or vegan diet for 3 years. Peripheral neuropathy was measured using a force plate for assessing balance, and a vibration sensitivity tester and pegboard tests to assess hand dexterity. Serum vitamin B12 and folate were measured using standard radioimmunoassay techniques. Results Twenty-six percent of the sample displayed deficient or marginal vitamin B12 status (serum vitamin B12 <221 pmol/L). Participants with adequate vitamin B12 status scored 10% higher on the Purdue pegboard assembly test and 20% higher on the left hand adjusted functional dexterity test in comparison to participants with marginal-to-deficient vitamin B12 status (p < 0.05). Discussion These data provide preliminary evidence that peripheral neuropathy can be detected in individuals with marginal-to-deficient vitamin B12 status.
Decode Brain Signal Into Thai Word Using EEG and L-SVM

This research decodes the brain signal into words with the help of machine learning and modern devices. It’s been a long time since researchers tried to understand brain signals. Scientists succeed in decoding the brain signal using invasive methods such as ECoG. However, this process requires a dedicated skull surgery operation which poses a high risk to the subject. To ensure general-purpose availability, we propose a healthy non-invasive Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) system to convert brain signals to words. In this paper, we show the experiment result that proved EEG equipment has enough quality to decode brain signals to text with high accuracy. Our method uses EEG raw offline data, and processes with Statistic Features and Linear Support Vector Machine (L-SVM) machine learning techniques from 2 Thai native persons with 6 Thai words including ถูกต้อง (Correct), ช่วยด้วย (Help me), หิวข้าว (Hungry), ไม่ใช่ (No), ปวดท้อง (Stomachache), หิวน้ำ (Thirsty) and we can achieve 100% accuracy.
Image enhancement effect on the performance of convolutional neural networks

Context . Image enhancement algorithms can be used to enhance the visual effects of images in the field of human vision. So can image enhancement algorithms be used in the field of computer vision? The convolutional neural network, as the most powerful image classifier at present, has excellent performance in the field of image recognition. This paper explores whether image enhancement algorithms can be used to improve the performance of convolutional neural networks. Objectives . The purpose of this paper is to explore the effect of image enhancement algorithms on the performance of CNN models in deep learning and transfer learning, respectively. The article selected five different image enhancement algorithms, they are the contrast limited adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE), the successive means of the quantization transform (SMQT), the adaptive gamma correction, the wavelet transform, and the Laplace operator. Methods . In this paper, experiments are used as research methods. Three groups of experiments are designed; they respectively explore whether the enhancement of grayscale images can improve the performance of CNN in deep learning, whether the enhancement of color images can improve the performance of CNN in deep learning and whether the enhancement of RGB images can improve the performance of CNN in transfer learning? Results . In the experiment, in deep learning, when training a complete CNN model, using the Laplace operator to enhance the gray image can improve the recall
Analysis Of Promotion And Service Quality On Customer Loyalty At Pln Tanjung Pura Ulp Mediated By Customer Satisfaction In The Use Of Pln Mobile Application

This research investigates the impact of promotion, service quality, and emotional bonding on customer loyalty at PLN Tanjung Pura ULP, mediated by customer satisfaction through the PLN Mobile application. Utilizing a quantitative approach with structural equation modeling, the study reveals that promotion and service quality significantly influence customer satisfaction, subsequently affecting customer loyalty. The findings emphasize the importance of effective promotional strategies, high service quality, and emotional connections in enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty. Recommendations include promoting PLN Mobile adoption through step-by-step guidance, improving service quality through employee training and customer feedback, and fostering emotional bonds with special offers for loyal users. Overall, the study highlights the interconnected dynamics shaping customer loyalty in the context of PLN Mobile usage.
Renal Cell Carcinoma in End-Stage Kidney Disease and the Role of Transplantation

Simple Summary This review aims to characterize the unique presentation of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in kidney transplant patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). RCC in the ESKD patient is an ambiguous and under-studied area of oncology, as dialysis and transplantation alter the biological environment of the kidney. Assessing outcomes and dictating management for RCC in this anomalous patient population pose oncologic challenges, and thus warrant a review to update clinicians. The potential for donor tissue to cause cancer in the organ recipient is unknown, but one can assume that this risk is minimal. Our review challenges this concept and we propose new insights into how donor and recipient environments might influence the risk of cancer in the transplant recipient. Abstract Kidney transplant patients have a higher risk of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) compared to non-transplanted end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients. This increased risk has largely been associated with the use of immunosuppression; however, recent genetic research highlights the significance of tissue specificity in cancer driver genes. The implication of tissue specificity becomes more obscure when addressing transplant patients, as two distinct metabolic environments are present within one individual. The oncogenic potential of donor renal tissue is largely unknown but assumed to pose minimal risk to the kidney transplant recipient (KTR). Our review challenges this notion by examining how donor and recipient microenvironments impact a transplant recipient’s associated risk of renal cell carcinoma. In doing so, we attempt to encapsulate how ESKD-RCC and KTR-RCC differ in their incidence, pathogenesis, outcome, and approach to management.
Top-down generation of low-precision representations improves the perception and imaginative creativity of ﬁne-scale visual information

Top-down generation of neural representations is essential for visual perception and imagination. In primary visual cortex (V1), top-down mediated extra-classical receptive ﬁelds (RF) is insensitive to grating phase even for simple cells, and have broader spatial-frequency tuning than classical RF. V1 neurons also have larger receptive ﬁelds and prefer lower spatial frequencies in top-down generated images during imagination than in seen images. What is the computational advantage to generate representations with low coding precision? How can ﬁne-scale information be perceived or imagined using the generated low-precision representations? By modeling visual system using variational auto-encoder, we reveal that training to generate low-precision representations facilitates higher-order cortex to form representations smooth to shape morphing of stimuli, thereby improving perception and imaginative creativity. Fine-scale information can be faithfully inferred from low-precision representations if ﬁne-scale information is sparse. Our results provide fresh insights into visual perception and imagination, and the sparseness of V1 activity.
Online sports betting in universities: Does online sports betting addictions impact the academic achievements and social relations of students?

The debate on the effects of online sports betting addictions on the academic achievements and social relations of many students in higher educational institutions has dominated most public discourse in recent years in Ghana. Ghana and many other African countries have declared online sports betting addictions among students as a national security emergency. Therefore, the researchers grounded this study on gaming theory, to explore the relationship between online sports betting addictions, academic achievements, and social relations among university students (n=245 & aged 18-25). The study adopted stratified random sampling to select 245 level 100 and 200 students, while five universities were purposively sampled. The universities include Ghana Telecommunication University, University of Professional Studies, Accra, University of Ghana, Ghana Communication University, and Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration. Regression analysis and structural modeling were adopted to test three hypotheses and validate the study model. The testing of H1 and H2 established a significant negative relationship between online sports betting addictions, academic achievement, and the social relationships of students. H3, however, reported some differences between male and female students’ online sports betting addictions and their social relations, as well as academic achievements. Based on the findings, this study concludes that online sports betting addictions among university students have negative academic and social relationship implications.
Single-Layer Wide-Angle Scanning Linear Phased Arrays Based on Multimode Microstrip Patch Elements

This paper introduces a novel single-layer microstrip patch element designed to achieve a wide beamwidth, in order to address the growing demand for wide-angle scanning capabilities in modern phased array systems. The proposed element, comprising a slot-etched circular patch and an array of metallized holes arranged in square rings, offers a unique approach to beam shaping. By carefully adjusting parameters such as the slot structure and feeding position, our element is engineered to simultaneously excite both the TM01 and TM21 modes, a key feature that contributes to its wide beamwidth characteristics. Through the constructive interference of these modes, our element demonstrates a remarkable 3 dB beamwidth of approximately 150° in both principal planes, showcasing its potential for wide-angle scanning applications. To validate the practical performance of this proposed element, two linear phased arrays are manufactured and experimentally evaluated. The simulation results confirm the wide-angle scanning capability of the antennas in both the E-plane and H-plane. Furthermore, the experimental assessment demonstrates that these linear phased arrays can effectively generate scanning beams within a frequency range of 25 GHz to 28 GHz, covering a wide angular range from −60° to 60°, while maintaining a gain loss within 3 dB. This innovative design approach not only offers a promising solution for achieving a wide beamwidth in microstrip patch elements, but also holds significant potential for the development of cost-effective phased arrays with wide-angle scanning capabilities, making it a valuable contribution to the advancement of phased array technology.
Breakthroughs in Cancer Immunotherapy: An Overview of T Cell, NK Cell, Mφ, and DC-Based Treatments

Efforts to treat cancer using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T therapy have made astonishing progress and clinical trials against hematopoietic malignancies have demonstrated their use. However, there are still disadvantages which need to be addressed: high costs, and side effects such as Graft-versus-Host Disease (GvHD) and Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS). Therefore, recent efforts have been made to harness the properties of certain immune cells to treat cancer—not just T cells, but also natural killer (NK) cells, macrophages (Mφ), dendritic cells (DC), etc. In this paper, we will introduce immune cell-based cellular therapies that use various immune cells and describe their characteristics and their clinical situation. The development of immune cell-based cancer therapy fully utilizing the unique advantages of each and every immune cell is expected to enhance the survival of tumor patients owing to their high efficiency and fewer side effects.
The Role of Resilience in the Relationship between Sociodemographic, Clinical Characteristics, and Social Support among Breast Cancer Patients in Serbia

Background. The management of breast cancer treatments within the limitations of family, social, and professional life is emotionally burdening and negatively affects physical, psychological, and social well-being, reducing the overall quality of life of patients and their families. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive–analytical study was conducted from March to August 2023 at the “Dr. Radivoj Simonović” General Hospital in Sombor. A total of 236 breast cancer patients participated in this study. The research was conducted using the following instruments: a questionnaire on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients, the Berlin Social-Support Scales—for assessing social support—and the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale—for assessing resilience. This study aimed to determine the predictors and levels of social support and resilience of breast cancer patients. We also wanted to examine whether resilience is a mediator between patients’ sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and levels of social support. Results: The total average value of social support was 3.51 ± 0.63, while on the resilience scale, the respondents achieved a total average score of 52.2 ± 9.63. Perceived and actually received social support of breast cancer patients were positively correlated with resilience [p < 0.01], while no statistically significant correlations were found for the need for support and satisfaction. The sets of predictors can significantly predict their effects on all types of perceived social support (emotional social support: 9%; perceived instrumental social support: 9%) and all types of received social support (actually received emotional social support: 8%; actually received instrumental social support: 7%; actually received informational social support: 8%). There is a potential mediating role of resilience in relation to sociodemographic factors, clinical characteristics, and the need for support. Conclusion: This study confirms that a strong connection exists between social support and resilience. However, the analysis did not confirm the mediating role of resilience between the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics on the one hand and social support on the other.
Poor shoot and leaf growth in Huanglongbing-affected sweet orange is associated with increased investment in defenses

Citrus disease Huanglongbing (HLB) causes sparse (thinner) canopies due to reduced leaf and shoot biomass. Herein, we present results demonstrating the possible mechanisms behind compromised leaf growth of HLB-affected ‘Valencia’ sweet orange trees by comparing morphological, transcriptome, and phytohormone profiles at different leaf development phases (1. buds at the start of the experiment; 2. buds on day 5; . 3. leaf emergence; 4. leaf expansion; and 5. leaf maturation) to healthy trees. Over a period of 3 months (in greenhouse conditions), HLB-affected trees had ≈40% reduction in growth traits such as tree height, number of shoots per tree, shoot length, internode length, and leaf size compared to healthy trees. In addition, buds from HLB-affected trees lagged by ≈1 week in sprouting as well as leaf growth. Throughout the leaf development, high accumulation of defense hormones, salicylic acid (SA) and abscisic acid (ABA), and low levels of growth-promoting hormone (auxin) were found in HLB-affected trees compared to healthy trees. Concomitantly, HLB-affected trees had upregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) encoding SA, ABA, and ethylene-related proteins in comparison to healthy trees. The total number of cells per leaf was lower in HLB-affected trees compared to healthy trees, which suggests that reduced cell division may coincide with low levels of growth-promoting hormones leading to small leaf size. Both bud dieback and leaf drop were higher in HLB-affected trees than in healthy trees, with concomitant upregulated DEGs encoding senescence-related proteins in HLB-affected trees that possibly resulted in accelerated aging and cell death. Taken together, it can be concluded that HLB-affected trees had a higher tradeoff of resources on defense over growth, leading to sparse canopies and a high tree mortality rate with HLB progression.
Atmospheric and surface observations during the Saint John River Experiment on Cold Season Storms (SAJESS)

Abstract. The amount and the phase of cold-season precipitation accumulating in the upper Saint John River (SJR) basin are critical factors in determining spring runoff, ice jams, and flooding. To study the impact of winter and spring storms on the snowpack in the upper SJR basin, the Saint John River Experiment on Cold Season Storms (SAJESS) was conducted during winter–spring 2020–2021. Here, we provide an overview of the SAJESS study area, field campaign, and data collected. The upper SJR basin represents 41 % of the entire SJR watershed and encompasses parts of the US state of Maine and the Canadian provinces of Quebec and New Brunswick. In early December 2020, meteorological instruments were co-located with an Environment and Climate Change Canada station near Edmundston, New Brunswick. This included a separate weather station for measuring standard meteorological variables, an optical disdrometer, and a micro rain radar. This instrumentation was augmented during an intensive observation period that also included upper-air soundings, surface weather observations, a multi-angle snowflake camera, and macrophotography of solid hydrometeors throughout March and April 2021. During the study, the region experienced a lower-than-average snowpack that peaked at ∼ 65 cm, with a total of 287 mm of precipitation (liquid-equivalent) falling between December 2020 and April 2021, a 21 % lower amount of precipitation than the climatological normal. Observers were present for 13 storms during which they conducted 183 h of precipitation observations and took more than 4000 images of hydrometeors. The inclusion of local volunteers and schools provided an additional 1700 measurements of precipitation amounts across the area. The resulting datasets are publicly available from the Federated Research Data Repository at https://doi.org/10.20383/103.0591 (Thompson et al., 2023). We also include a synopsis of the data management plan and a brief assessment of the rewards and challenges of conducting the field campaign and utilizing community volunteers for citizen science.
A Planar Metamaterial Transmission Line Phase Shifter with Embedded Silver-Coated Ferrite Particles

This article presents designing a novel planar phase shifter working in the C-band (5-6) GHz without any additional voltage biasing circuitry. It is based on a composite right/left-handed (CRLH) structure with additional two symmetric stub lines. Silver-coated ferrite particles are embedded in the cavities drilled in the substrate under stub lines to control the signal phase. A tiny magnet is used to activate the silver-coated particles inside the substrate cavity which in turn controls the signal phase. Unlike the traditional available phase shifters, the proposed phase shifter does not necessities any external DC power. The phase shifter varies the RF signal phase with maximum achieved phase shift of 47.3 degree using single unit and 95.4 degree with cascaded two unit cells. The insertion loss is -1.4 dB which shows excellent signal transmission through the phase shifter. The network analyzer is used to validate the results of both unit cell and two unit cell phase shifters. The measurement results are very close to the simulation results. The novel phase shifter has numerous applications, particularly in the domains of flexible electronics and phased arrays.
The Impact of Electrical Contact Degradation of Conductive Foam on Near-field Radiation

Conductive foams are extensively used in grounding network of electronic systems to provide electromagnetic shielding or current return path. Foam degradation may lead to an increase in electromagnetic radiation and is one of the major causes of low electromagnetic compatibility characteristics. Compared with far-field electromagnetic radiation, near-field electromagnetic radiation characteristics are more complex. Accordingly, a better understanding of the influence of electrical contact degradation of conductive foam on near-field radiation is of substantial value. In the present work, the effect of conductive foam degradation on near magnetic field was studied from the perspectives of both model simulation and experimental testing. Based on the size and material of the circuit board with degraded conductive foam, a 3D electromagnetic field numerical calculation model was developed. The amplitude of the near magnetic field of the circuit board before and after foam degradation was calculated. The results obtained from the model simulation were validated using the experimental tests. The experimental results show good agreement with model predictions.
Interaction with the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana influences tomato phenome and promotes resistance to Botrytis cinerea infection

Plants are central to complex networks of multitrophic interactions. Increasing evidence suggests that beneficial microorganisms (BMs) may be used as plant biostimulants and pest biocontrol agents. We investigated whether tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants are thoroughly colonized by the endophytic and entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana, and how such colonization affects physiological parameters and the phenotype of plants grown under unstressed conditions or exposed to the pathogenic fungus Botrytis cinerea. As a positive control, a strain of the well-known biocontrol agent and growth inducer Trichoderma afroharzianum was used. As multitrophic interactions are often driven by (or have consequences on) volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by plants constitutively or after induction by abiotic or biotic stresses, VOC emissions were also studied. Both B. bassiana and T. afroharzianum induced a significant but transient (one to two-day-long) reduction of stomatal conductance, which may indicate rapid activation of defensive (rejection) responses, but also limited photosynthesis. At later stages, our results demonstrated a successful and complete plant colonization by B. bassiana, which induced higher photosynthesis and lower respiration rates, improved growth of roots, stems, leaves, earlier flowering, higher number of fruits and yield in tomato plants. Beauveria bassiana also helped tomato plants fight B. cinerea, whose symptoms in leaves were almost entirely relieved with respect to control plants. Less VOCs were emitted when plants were colonized by B. bassiana or infected by B. cinerea, alone or in combination, suggesting no activation of VOC-dependent defensive mechanisms in response to both fungi.