Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Thermal Identification of Clandestine Burials: A Signature Analysis and Image Classification Approach

Clandestine burials, the interred human remains of forensic interest, are generally small features located in isolated environments. Typical ground searches can be both time-consuming and dangerous. Thermal remote sensing has been recognized for some time as a possible search strategy for such burials that are in relatively open areas; however, there is a paucity of published research with respect to this application. This project involved image manipulation, the analyses of signatures for "graves" of various depths when compared to an undisturbed background, and the use of image classification techniques to tease out these features. This research demonstrates a relationship between the depth of burial disturbance and the resultant signature. Further, image classification techniques, especially object-oriented algorithms, can be successfully applied to single band thermal imagery. These findings may ultimately decrease burial search times for law enforcement and increase the likelihood of locating clandestine graves.
Double-reflection confocal probe for surface profiling microscopy with improved axial resolution

A double-reflection confocal probe technique for surface profiling microscopy is presented. By delivering a small collimated laser beam at an off-axis position into a microscope objective to allow retro-reflection on the first reflected beam from the surface under test, second reflection at the same point of the test surface can be established. The feasibility of this technique is experimental investigated. This approach improves the axial resolution by a factor of two as compared to that of the conventional single-reflection system. Simulation is performed to estimate and evaluate the lateral scanning performance of the double-reflection system.
Breeding for Biotic Stress Resistance in Pea

Pea (Pisum sativum) stands out as one of the most significant and productive cool-season pulse crops cultivated worldwide. Dealing with biotic stresses remains a critical challenge in fully harnessing pea’s potential productivity. As such, dedicated research and developmental efforts are necessary to make use of omic resources and advanced breeding techniques. These approaches are crucial in facilitating the rapid and timely development of high-yielding varieties that can tolerate and resist multiple stresses. The availability of advanced genomic tools, such as comprehensive genetic maps and reliable DNA markers, holds immense promise for integrating resistance genes from diverse sources. This integration helps accelerate genetic gains in pea crops. This review provides an overview of recent accomplishments in the genetic and genomic resource development of peas. It also covers the inheritance of genes controlling various biotic stress responses, genes that control pathogenesis in disease-causing organisms, the mapping of genes/QTLs, as well as transcriptomic and proteomic advancements. By combining conventional and modern omics-enabled breeding strategies, genetic gains can be significantly enhanced.
Estimating the rate of concussions in British Columbia minor hockey using community volunteer collected data

The rate of concussions has been examined in elite levels of ice hockey but has yet to be studied in community, youth hockey in British Columbia where they are also thought to occur. Due to the relative rarity of the concussion, a large number of games need to be observed in order to gain a reliable estimate. This can become very costly if hired people are used to collect this data. Hired people are also limited in the amount of follow-up needed to confirm each concussion. Therefore, a more thorough and cost effective method of data collection is needed in order to obtain reliable rate estimates. This project assesses the use of community volunteers as a valid source of data collection while examining the effect on concussion rate due to player age and ability. Concussion rates are modeled using general estimating equations coupled with an adjusted AIC, used for quasi-likelihood techniques. While current results are inconclusive, a new study design is proposed which will be both cost-effective, while adjusting for the possibility that community volunteers under report the true number of concussions.
COVID-19 and the “Golden Era”: Turning the page on rural, weekly newspaper production

The rural weekly newspaper industry rooted in traditional geographically bounded U.S. communities was long thought to have been shielded from industry dilemmas—revenue and circulation—at larger mainstream daily newspapers. However, recent data show a shift in these rural community journalism trends, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. Using normative theory and diffusion of innovations, this study examines how rural weekly newspaper publishers perceived, nearly 18 months after the onset of the pandemic, how COVID-19 impacted their newspapers’ advertising, news, technology, and community involvement. Survey results reveal short-term and long-term content and financial challenges plague U.S. rural grassroots information sources with circulation less than 3,000—indicating the end of the “golden era” of weekly newspapers. Despite the constraints, publishers remain optimistic and dedicated to their audiences, albeit reluctant to swift change, as they perceive themselves as the only reliable information source for their rural communities.
Refused gifts: understanding the over and above work of Medical School Anatomy Unit staff when donor bodies cannot be accepted

In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, people can choose to donate their bodies post-mortem to Medical School Anatomy Units. The body donation (BD) process is facilitated by anatomy unit staff (AUS). However, little is known about the extent and nature of AUS work with families, including when a body cannot be accepted. To address this gap, this paper draws on data from an ethnographic study, including a survey of 15 anatomy units (AUs) in England and Northern Ireland, a case study of one AU, 20 semi-structured interviews with 31 AUS and document analysis. We reveal the number of bodies (878) that are refused across AUs and examine how AUS deal with refusals. We argue that activities around refusals constitutes ‘over and above’ work for AUS, as it goes beyond their expected role. We suggest that this is done out of a duty of care, and is related to the discomfort of refusing the BD gift. Attention is given to the ‘over and above’ work of the AUS which allows for an exploration of gift relationships and emotion management in a new arena. We conclude with recommendations to address the lack of recognition and training around AUS refusal work.
Children's Understanding of Disability

1. Setting the scene 2. Views of children in segregated special education 3. Moving towards an inclusive ethos 4. Working together - the Link 7 project 5. Working together - the Link 11 project 6. end of the year - the impact of the link project 7. Conclusions and implications
Negative thermal expansion of nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide membranes

We have measured the thermal expansion of Ni nanowires (NWs) electrodeposited into self-organized nanoporous amorphous aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes without an Al substrate using X-ray diffraction between 110 K and 350 K. The results indicate an average thermal expansion of the Ni NWs—along the wire axis—of α ¯ NiNW = − 1.6 ± 1.5 × 10 − 6 K − 1. Assuming a bulk-like thermal expansion of the isolated Ni NWs, this result indicates that AAO also has a negative thermal expansion. We estimate the thermal expansion of nanoporous AAO to be α AAO = − 5 ± 1 × 10 − 6 K − 1. We show that data obtained previously on the thermal expansion of metallic NWs grown in the nanoporous AAO may be interpreted as originating from a negative thermal expansion of the matrix.We have measured the thermal expansion of Ni nanowires (NWs) electrodeposited into self-organized nanoporous amorphous aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes without an Al substrate using X-ray diffraction between 110 K and 350 K. The results indicate an average thermal expansion of the Ni NWs—along the wire axis—of α ¯ NiNW = − 1.6 ± 1.5 × 10 − 6 K − 1. Assuming a bulk-like thermal expansion of the isolated Ni NWs, this result indicates that AAO also has a negative thermal expansion. We estimate the thermal expansion of nanoporous AAO to be α AAO = − 5 ± 1 × 10 − 6 K − 1. We show that data obtained previously on the thermal expansion of metallic NWs grown in the nanoporous AAO may be interpreted as originating from a negative thermal expansion of the matrix.
Multi-Stage Treatment for Spetzler–Martin Grades III, IV, and V Arteriovenous Malformations: Preoperative Embolization and Microsurgical Resection in a Consecutive Series of 250 Patients

Purpose. The treatment of high-grade brain AVMs is challenging and has no guidelines available to date. This study was aimed at reporting the experience of two centers in treating these AVMs through a multi-stage approach consisting of preoperative embolization and microsurgical resection. Methods. A retrospective review was performed for 250 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of high-grade brain AVM (Spetzler–Martin grades III, IV, and V) treated in two centers in Germany between January 1989 and February 2023. The analyzed data included demographic, clinical, morphological, and neurological data. Results. A total of 150 cases (60%) were classified as Spetzler–Martin grade III, 82 cases (32.8%) were classified as grade IV, and 18 cases (7.2%) were classified as grade V. Eighty-seven cases (34.8%) presented with hemorrhage. The devascularization percentages achieved were <50% in 24 (9.6%), 50–80% in 55 (22%), and >80% in 171 (68.4%) cases. The average number of sessions was 5.65 ± 5.50 and 1.11 ± 0.32 endovascular and surgical procedures, respectively, and did not significantly differ by rupture status. Death or dependency (mRS score ≥ 3) after the last follow-up was observed in 18.8% of patients and was significantly associated with age > 80 years and poor baseline neurological condition. The complete resection rate was 82.3% and was significantly associated with age > 80 years, large nidus, and deep venous drainage. Permanent disabling neurological deficit after at least 3 months of follow-up was diagnosed in 13.2% of patients and was significantly associated with age > 80 years and infratentorial locations. Conclusion. A multi-stage treatment for high-grade AVMs is feasible for selected cases but comes at a functional cost. The devascularization percentage was not associated with the investigated outcomes. Age > 80 years was associated with poor safety and effectiveness outcomes; consequently, this treatment should be offered only in exceptional circumstances.
A New Method of Dance Rhythm Training Based on an Immersive Cave Automatic Virtual Environment

Virtual reality (VR) training environment has great potential in dance rhythm training due to its multi-sensory and immersive characteristics, which help in providing new ideas for innovative dance teaching modes. At present, VR technology has been widely integrated into teaching activities, but the application research of VR technology in the field of dance rhythm training is relatively scarce. To explore the application possibilities of VR technology in the field of dance rhythm training, this article develops a dance rhythm training system based on an immersive Cave Automatic Virtual Environment (CAVE). To verify the effectiveness of the system in dance rhythm training, 20 college students (70% of whom were majoring in dancing) were recruited to experience the dance rhythm training system and evaluate the system availability as well as the user experience. The results show that most participants believe that the system has a practical availability and can help them to better perceive and internalize the dance rhythm, thus improving their dancing rhythm. Moreover, 95% of the participants are willing to use the system for long-term training. These findings confirm virtual reality technology’s system availability and development potential in dance rhythm training.
New Insights into Alpine Cortinariaceae (Basidiomycota): Three New Species, Two Type Revisions, and a New Record for the Alpine Zone

Thirty-one alpine species of Cortinarius (Agaricales, Cortinariaceae) were described from the alpine zone of the Alps during the second half of the XX century, by the Swiss mycologist Jules Favre, and by the French mycologists Denise Lamoure and Marcel Bon. Notoriously difficult to identify by macro- and microscopical characters, most of these species, which belong to subgen. Telamonia, have been thoroughly revised in global publications based on type sequencing. Recent surveys in the alpine areas of France (Savoie) and Italy (Lombardy), as well as the sequencing of D. Lamoure’s collections, identified three new species that are here described and illustrated: C. dryadophilus in sect. Castanei, C. infidus in sect. Verni, and C. saniosopygmaeus in sect. Saniosi. The holotypes of C. caesionigrellus Lamoure and C. paleifer var. brachyspermus Lamoure could be sequenced. A recent collection of the former is described and illustrated here for the first time, and based on available data, the latter name is recombined as Cortinarius flexipes var. brachyspermus comb. nov. Lastly, C. argenteolilacinus var. dovrensis is reported from the alpine zone for the first time and a new combination, Thaxterogaster dovrensis comb. & stat. nov. is introduced in the present work.
The association between quality of life and subjective wellbeing among older adults based on canonical correlation analysis

Introduction The study explored the relationship between subjective well-being and the quality of life among older adults. It highlights the importance of understanding how these factors are interconnected in the context of an aging population. Methods Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the scores of general demographic characteristics, subjective wellbeing and quality of life. Simple correlation analysis and canonical correlation analysis were employed to analyze the relationship between subjective wellbeing and quality of life among older adults. Results Data from 892 older adults were collected. Canonical correlation analysis revealed four pairs of canonical variables, with the first four pairs of canonical correlation coefficients all being statistically significant (0.695, 0.179, 0.147, 0.121) (p < 0.05), and the first pair of canonical variables explaining 93.03% of the information content. From the canonical loading coefficients, Vitality and mental health contributed the most to the quality of life (U1) canonical variable. The canonical variable V1, which corresponded to subjective wellbeing, was reflected by a combination of positive affect, negative affect, positive experience and negative experience. X1 (physical functioning), X2 (role-physical), X3 (bodily pain), X4 (general health), X5 (vitality), X6 (social functioning), X7 (role-emotional) and X8 (mental health) were positively correlated with Y1 (positive affect) and Y3 (positive experience), negatively correlated with Y2 (negative affect) and Y4 (negative experience). Cross-loadings revealed that physical functioning, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning and mental health were the main factors reflecting the subjective wellbeing of older adults. Discussion As quality of life among older adults was highly correlated with subjective wellbeing, appropriate measures should be taken to account for individual characteristics of older adults, and various factors should be integrated to improve their subjective wellbeing.
Saving Habit for Retirement and Well-Being: A Qualitative Analysis

Emergency savings are widely acknowledged for helping people develop financial resilience against unforeseen circumstances and financial hardship. This study revealed insights into the saving habit of individuals that might improve society's ability to endure financial shocks in the future. Face-to-face interviews were conducted, and open-ended questions were raised for the participants. Quirkos software was selected to analyze the information acquired through the survey interview for this research. Thematic analysis revealed financial security as the most prominent component, followed by financial literacy, which comes second for an individual’s r etirement savings and well-being. The findings provide practical implications for allowing relevant policymakers and regulatory bodies to design and develop models for financial freedom, prepare for retirement and improve well-being.
Transportation Infrastructure and Quality of Life for Disadvantage Populations: A Pilot Study of El Cenizo Colonia in Texas

This research is a pilot study aimed to identify environmental characteristics in colonias that are related to infrastructure and safety, access to goods and services, and quality of life. A secondary objective consisted of evaluating a variety of tools that could be used to identify and assess these environmental characteristics. El Cenizo in Webb County, Texas, was selected as our study colonia after preliminary visits and investigations. A multidisciplinary approach framed this study, considering the transportation, urban design and planning, public health, and socioeconomic dimensions as potential determinants of the residents’ mobility behaviors, environmental perception, and quality of life. Three instruments were developed to collect data for this research: 1) a survey, 2) an activity diary or travel diary, and 3) environmental audit instruments. Additionally, this study also included a small sub-group study testing the usability of wearable Global Positioning Systems (GPS) units as a research tool to capture spatial-behavioral data, combined with travel diary. First, the study has generated valuable data on transportation and mobility behaviors where almost no information is available. Second, the multidisciplinary approach has allowed a comprehensive approach towards a better understanding of the current needs of colonias, especially those related to pedestrians. Some of them could be easily addressed with direct short-term interventions while others require a more long-term plan. Third, the assessment of new research tools offers useful insights for future research in the context of similar low-income marginalized communities.
Diagnostic Performance of ACR TI-RADS and ATA Guidelines in the Prediction of Thyroid Malignancy: A Prospective Single Tertiary Center Study and Literature Review

Aim: This study sought to compare two common risk stratification systems in terms of their diagnostic performance for the evaluation of thyroid malignancy. Methods: The American College of Radiology (ACR) Thyroid Imaging, Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) and the American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines were compared among 571 thyroid nodules with definitive fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology or postoperative histopathology. Ultrasound characteristics such as composition, echogenicity, shape, margin, size, and vascularity were assessed for each thyroid nodule. Diagnostic performance measures were determined and compared through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Results: Of 571 nodules, 65 (11.4%) were malignant. The AUC, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 0.691, 49.2%, 84.9%, 29.6%, and 92.8% for ATA guideline, and 0.776, 72.3%, 79.2%, 30.9%, and 95.7%, for ACR TI-RADS, respectively. ACR TI-RADS was more sensitive (p = 0.003), while the ATA guideline was more specific (p < 0.001). DCA demonstrated that the ACR TI-RADS provided a greater net benefit than the ATA guideline. In addition, the net reduction in unnecessary biopsies is higher for ACR TI-RADS than ATA guidelines. The total number of indicated biopsies and unnecessary FNA rates were lower in ACR TI-RADS compared to ATA guideline (293 vs. 527 and 80.2 vs. 87.8). ACR TI-RADS presented no biopsy indication in seven malignant nodules (all categorized as TR2), whereas ATA guideline missed one. Hypoechogenicity was the most significant predictor of malignancy (OR = 8.34, 95% CI: 3.75–19.45), followed by a taller-than-wide shape (OR = 6.73, 95% CI: 3.07–14.77). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that each system has particular advantages in the evaluation of thyroid nodules. ACR TI-RADS reduces unnecessary FNA rates, however, malignant nodules categorized as TR2 might be missed using this system. Further evaluation of this group of nodules using Doppler and other ultrasound modalities is recommended.
Sampling and analysis protocols and project description for the Integrated Forest Study

The principal objective of the Integrated Forest Study is to determine the effects of atmospheric deposition of major ions on forest nutrient cycling. The research has been conducted at forested sites in the northwestern, northeastern, and southeastern United States and in Canada and Norway. The sites selected for this study represent a range of conditions in climate, air quality, soils, and vegetation, which will facilitate testing hypotheses about the effects of atmospheric deposition on forest nutrient cycles. Research in the Integrated Forest Study is divided into two major sections: atmospheric deposition and forest nutrient dynamics. To assure comparability among data sets collected at each site, we developed a common set of protocols, which are described in detail in this report. 31 refs., 12 figs., 9 tabs.
Project, policy and public consultation: the art of government of mega urban transport projects

Mega urban transport projects (MUTPs) are increasingly being used in urban environments to produce new transport infrastructure and thereby facilitate a range of policy objectives including improved environmental outcomes and increased accessibility. However, the articulation of problems in a form for which MUTP is the solution, often leads to poorly integrated projects that lack public acceptance. Studies of this phenomenon have recommended various methods for inclusion of the public in consultation on the development and implementation of projects as the solution. Despite these good recommendations, MUTPs continue to show a pronounced imperviousness to genuine public consultation. This paper uses the findings from a study into the "art of government" of MUTPs based on three Australian case studies from Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. The purpose being to shed light on the attraction of MUTPs as a solution to policy problems, and the reasons for the relative imperviousness of project to genuine public consultation.
Cold Exposure Regulates Hepatic Glycogen and Lipid Metabolism in Newborn Goats

Cold exposure influences liver metabolism, thereby affecting energy homeostasis. However, the gene regulatory network of the liver after cold exposure remains poorly understood. In this study, we found that 24 h cold exposure (COLD, 6 °C) increased plasma glucose (GLU) levels, while reducing plasma non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) and triglyceride (TG) levels compared to the room temperature (RT, 25 °C) group. Cold exposure increased hepatic glycogen content and decreased hepatic lipid content in the livers of newborn goats. We conducted RNA-seq analysis on the livers of newborn goats in both the RT and cold exposure groups. A total of 1600 genes were identified as differentially expressed genes (DEGs), of which 555 genes were up-regulated and 1045 genes were down-regulated in the cold exposure group compared with the RT group. Cold exposure increased the expression of genes involved in glycolysis, glycogen synthesis, and fatty acid degradation pathways. These results can provide a reference for hepatic lipid and glycogen metabolism in newborn goats after cold exposure.