Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Automatic Search for Photoacoustic Marker Using Automated Transrectal Ultrasound

Real-time transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) image guidance during robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy has the potential to enhance surgery outcomes. Whether conventional or photoacoustic TRUS is used, the robotic system and the TRUS must be registered to each other. Accurate registration can be performed using photoacoustic (PA markers). However, this requires a manual search by an assistant [IEEE Robot. Autom. Lett8, 1287 (2023). 10.1109/LRA.2022. 3191788]. This paper introduces the first automatic search for PA markers using a transrectal ultrasound robot. This effectively reduces the challenges associated with the da Vinci-TRUS registration. This paper investigated the performance of three search algorithms in simulation and experiment: Weighted Average (WA), Golden Section Search (GSS), and Ternary Search (TS). For validation, a surgical prostate scenario was mimicked and various ex vivo tissues were tested. As a result, the WA algorithm can achieve 0.53°±0.30° average error after 9 data acquisitions, while the TS and GSS algorithm can achieve 0.29∘±0.31∘ and 0.48°±0.32° average errors after 28 data acquisitions.
Network comparison via encoding, decoding, and causality

Quantifying the relations (e.g., similarity) between complex networks paves the way for studying the latent information shared across networks. However, fundamental relation metrics are not well-defined between networks. As a compromise, prevalent techniques measure network relations in data-driven manners, which are inapplicable to analytic derivations in physics. To resolve this issue, we present a theory for obtaining an optimal characterization of network topological properties. We show that a network can be fully represented by a Gaussian variable defined by a function of the Laplacian, which simultaneously satisfies network-topology-dependent smoothness and maximum entropy properties. Based on it, we can analytically measure diverse relations between complex networks. As illustrations, we define encoding (e.g., information divergence and mutual information), decoding (e.g., Fisher information), and causality (e.g., Granger causality and conditional mutual information) between networks. We validate our framework on representative networks (e.g., random networks, protein structures, and chemical compounds) to demonstrate that a series of science and engineering challenges (e.g., network evolution, embedding, and query) can be tackled from a new perspective. An implementation of our theory is released as a multi-platform toolbox.
Laser remote sensing in atmospheric sciences, aviation safety, aeronautical research, and experiments from space platforms and high-flying aircraft

Traditionally, the term laser remote sensing has been associated with active, optical measurements of the Earth’s atmosphere, lands, and oceans. In this paper, we concentrate our overview of laser remote sensing upon the Earth’s atmosphere in three disciplines: Atmospheric sciences, aviation safety, and aeronautical research. In atmospheric sciences, laser remote sensing has played a prominent role in the measurement of clouds, aerosols, the planetary boundary layer, chemical species, metals and ions, and in atmospheric dynamics in the temporal tracking of physical parameters and the direct measurement of atmospheric winds. Quite recently, laser remote sensing has been especially effective in correlative studies from ground and airborne platforms related to scientific studies in the eruption of Mount Pinatubo, and in following the dispersion of associated aerosols in the atmosphere, both in latitude and longitude. Laser remote sensing has also been very effective in studies related to the formation of the ozone hole, in the antarctic and arctic regions. Range-resolved measurements of atmospheric ozone have been made which track “in real time” the formation of the ozone hole and its subsequent dissipation. Laser measurements of the depolarization ratio of backscattering from particulates in the region of the ozone hole where Polar Stratospheric Clouds (PSC’s) form have provided unique information on the physics of the PSC’s and on the dynamics of the formation of the ozone hole phenomena. It is quite clear that laser remote sensing has proven to be an invaluable measurement technique for these types of chemistry investigations. The range-resolved measurement of atmospheric water vapor, correlated to the height of the planetary boundary layer and the distribution of aerosols over land and oceans, has also been demonstrated quite recently to be a unique measurement provided by laser remote sensing from aircraft. When this technique is developed from high flying aircraft and/or satellites, a major measurement technique will be available for the study of the hydrological cycle, globally. Soon, we should be seeing range-resolved measurements of atmospheric water vapor (50 meters) from a high-flying aircraft, with an accuracy better than 10 percent, as a routine measurement in atmospheric sciences. The historical evolution of laser remote sensing from the initial ground-based measurements of atmospheric aerosols in the early 1960’s to the sophisticated measurements from aircraft of today represent a unique evolution of technology in lasers and electrooptics, coupled to persistent attention to sound engineering development of a unique technique. For this paper, I have asked Dr. William B. Grant, a pioneer in laser remote sensing of the atmosphere, to provide this section entitled “Laser Remote Sensing in Atmospheric Sciences. “
Young Black Holes Accreting From Fallback Disks

The prospects for the formation of a long lived fallback disk around a stellar mass black hole following a supernova explosion is discussed. The evolution of the disk is described in terms of its initial mass and angular momentum. The luminosity of the disk at the age of ∼ 104 − 105 years is calculated. It is argued that a few such black holes can be detected in persistent states in the Galaxy, either in radiatively efficient or radiatively inefficient state. Fallback disks will have higher abundance of iron than disks in binary systems. This could make them suitable candidates for studying the strong gravity effects by measuring the Fe K lines.
The association between menstrual hygiene, workplace sanitation practices and self-reported urogenital symptoms in a cross-sectional survey of women working in Mukono District, Uganda

Background Women worldwide experience challenges managing their periods. Menstrual and genital hygiene behaviours have been linked to negative health outcomes, including urogenital symptoms and confirmed infections. However, evidence testing this association has been limited and mixed. This study aimed to (1) describe the menstrual care practices and prevalence of self-reported urogenital symptoms among working women in Mukono District, Uganda, and (2) test the associations between menstrual and genital care practices, and urogenital symptoms. Methodology We undertook a cross-sectional survey of women aged 18–45 working in markets, schools, and healthcare facilities in Mukono District, with 499 participants who had menstruated in the past two months included in this analysis. We developed an aggregated measure of menstrual material cleanliness, incorporating material type and laundering practices. Associations with urogenital symptoms were tested using the aggregated material cleanliness measure alongside the frequency of changing materials, handwashing before menstrual tasks, and sanitation practices. Results Among our sample, 41% experienced urogenital symptoms in the past month. Compared to women exclusively using disposable pads, using appropriately cleaned or non-reused improvised materials (PR = 1.33, 95%CI 1.04–1.71), or inadequately cleaned materials (improvised or commercially produced reusable pads) (PR = 1.84, 95%CI 1.46–3.42) was associated with an increased prevalence of self-reported urogenital symptoms in the last month. There was no difference between those using disposable pads and those using clean reusable pads (PR = 0.98; 95%CI 0.66–1.57). Infrequent handwashing before changing materials (PR 1.18, 95%CI: 0.96–1.47), and delaying urination at work (PR = 1.37, 95%CI: 1.08–1.73) were associated with an increased prevalence of self-reported symptoms. Conclusion Prevalence of self-reported urogenital symptoms was associated with the type and cleanliness of menstrual material used as well as infrequent handwashing and urinary restriction. There is a need for interventions to enable women to maintain cleanliness of their menstrual materials and meet their menstruation, urination and hand washing needs at home and work.
Dental and oral cavity alterations in Quarter Horses of Vaquejada: retrospective study of 416 cases (2012-2022)

Abstract Oral and dental diseases are common in horses, as evidenced by the results of incidence studies of dental diseases carried out on abattoir specimens or sports horses. Thus, periodic dental examinations in horses are essential to ensure the maintenance of dental health and proper use of ingested food. A retrospective study of the dental records of 416 Quarter Horses (256 males, 160 females), distributed in the western region of the Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, was conducted. Horses were examined between July 2012 and August 2022. The variables collected were age, sex, type of diet, dental alterations identified, and history of colic in the last 365 days. The animals were divided into three groups according to age: group I (2 to 6 years old), group II (7to12 years old), and group III (13to 24 years old). Pairwise comparisons were performed using Tukey's correction. The most frequent dental alterations were excessive tip of the tooth enamel, limited/asymmetric lateral excussion, oral ulceration, eruption of the first premolar tooth, and rostral hook. Statistical differences (p<0.05) were observed between the age groups in the following alterations: excessive tip of the tooth enamel, limited/asymmetric lateral excussion, eruption of the first premolar tooth, rostral hook, palatitis, step, caudal hook, retention of deciduous cheek teeth, wave, tartarus, underbite, periodontal disease, and incisors of the dorsal curve. Dental disorders in horses are of major clinical importance.
Can postoperative complications be reduced by the application of ERAS protocols in operated non-small cell lung cancer patients?

Background In our study, we aimed to evaluate the length of hospital stay and complication rate of patients before and after application o f t he E nhanced R ecovery A fter S urgery ( ERAS) protocols. Methods Between January 2001 and January 2021, a total of 845 patients (687 males, 158 females; mean age: 55±11 years; range, 19 to 89 years) who were operated with the diagnosis of non-small cell lung carcinoma were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into three groups as follows: patients between 2001 and 2010 were evaluated as pre-ERAS (Group 1, n=285), patients between 2011 and 2015 as preparation for ERAS period (Group 2, n=269), and patients who had resection between 2016 and 2021 as the ERAS period (Group 3, n=291). Results All three groups were similar in terms of clinical, surgical and demographic characteristics. Smoking history was statistically significantly less in Group 3 (p=0.005). The forced expiratory volume in 1 sec/forced vital capacity and albumin levels were statistically significantly higher in Group 3 (p<0.001 and p=0.019, respectively). The leukocyte count and tumor maximum standardized uptake value were statistically significantly higher in Group 1 (p=0.018 and p=0.014, respectively). Postoperative hospitalization day, complication rate, and intensive care hospitalization rates were statistically significantly lower in Group 3 (p<0.001). The rate of additional disease was statistically significantly higher in Group 1 (p=0.030). Albumin level (<2.8 g/dL), lymphocyte/monocyte ratio (<1.35), and hemoglobin level (<8.3 g/dL) were found to be significant predictors of complication development. Conclusion With the application of ERAS protocols, length of postoperative hospital stay, complication rate, and the need for intensive care hospitalization decrease. Preoperative hemoglobin level, albumin level, and lymphocyte/monocyte ratio are the predictors of complication development. Increasing hemoglobin and albumin levels before operation may reduce postoperative complications.
Insights and protocols for discrimination of sugarcane clones by dissimilarity measures on RGB and NIR data

In sugarcane breeding, dense experiments have been considered in the initial phase (T1), such as the Simplified System (SS) of genotype selection. In this method, the seedlings of each family are transplanted directly from the seed box to the field, forming a kind of carpet. Despite the practical aspect of the method, selection problems are common, as stalks from the same individual within the family are subject to being taken to later evaluation stages, to the detriment of stalks from different individuals. To facilitate the discrimination of stalks of the same family in SS, we evaluated using RGB images (red:green:blue) and NIR (near infrared) spectra. We applied Euclidean distance (D) and Mahalanobis distance (D2) dissimilarity measures to the image and spectral data to distinguish stalks with different genotypes. RGB and NIR data were taken from type +1 leaf samples collected from two experimental blocks, totaling 31 evaluated families. The analyzes were carried out in two stages. In the first stage, we sought to evaluate the classification capacity using RGB images and NIR spectra, using D as a measure of dissimilarity. In the second step, we developed and validated a protocol using RGB images to classify clones, with D2 as a dissimilarity measure. Preliminary results, with distance D, allowed to discriminate clones based on the distance of the evaluated attributes and their combinations. In addition, with the analyzes using the D distance, it was identified that only the use of the R attribute (red band) would give satisfactory results for the second stage, which was the proposed analysis protocol, applying the D2 distance. The D2 statistic and associated p-value confirmed the protocol’s usefulness in discriminating stalks in SS, especially stalks from the same families.
Development of EST-SSRs based on the transcriptome of Castanopsis carlesii and cross-species transferability in other Castanopsis species

Castanopsis carlesii (Hemsl.) Hay. is a widely distributed and dominant tree species native to subtropical China with significant ecological and economic value. Due to serious human-related disturbance, its wild resources have been increasingly reduced, and whether may result in the loss of genetic diversity. However, no population genetics studies of natural C. carlesii have been reported to date. Microsatellite markers have been a useful tool in population genetics. Therefore, we developed EST-SSR markers based on the transcriptome sequencing of C. carlesii leaves. A total of 149,380,224 clean reads were obtained, and 63,012 nonredundant unigenes with a mean length of 1,034 bp were assembled and annotated based on sequence similarity searches in the Nr, Nt, KO, SwissProt, PFAM, KOG, and GO databases. The results showed that only 5,559 (8.82%) unigenes were annotated in all seven databases, but 46,338 (73.53%) could be annotated in at least one database. A total of 31,459 potential EST-SSRs were identified in 18,690 unigenes, with an average frequency of one SSR approximately 2 kb. Among the 100 EST-SSR primer pairs designed, 49 primer pairs successfully produced the expected product by amplification, with a success rate of 49%, but only 20 primer pairs showed abundant polymorphisms. Polymorphisms were verified using 25 samples from C. carlesii in Qimen, Anhui. A total of 119 alleles were detected, with a mean number of alleles (Na) of 5.95 per locus and a mean polymorphism information content (PIC) of 0.6125. All the 20 newly developed EST-SSR markers were verified in other Castanopsis species (C. sclerophylla, C. lamontii, C. fargesii, C. eyrei and C. jucunda). Sixteen primer pairs showed successful amplification in all five Castanopsis species (80%), and the transferability ratios ranged from 90% to 100%. These developed EST-SSR markers can be applied to population genetic and germplasm evaluations of C. carlesii and related species.
Harnessing the power of AI: Advanced deep learning models optimization for accurate SARS-CoV-2 forecasting

The pandemic has significantly affected many countries including the USA, UK, Asia, the Middle East and Africa region, and many other countries. Similarly, it has substantially affected Malaysia, making it crucial to develop efficient and precise forecasting tools for guiding public health policies and approaches. Our study is based on advanced deep-learning models to predict the SARS-CoV-2 cases. We evaluate the performance of Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), Bi-directional LSTM, Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), CNN-LSTM, Multilayer Perceptron, Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU), and Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN). We trained these models and assessed them using a detailed dataset of confirmed cases, demographic data, and pertinent socio-economic factors. Our research aims to determine the most reliable and accurate model for forecasting SARS-CoV-2 cases in the region. We were able to test and optimize deep learning models to predict cases, with each model displaying diverse levels of accuracy and precision. A comprehensive evaluation of the models’ performance discloses the most appropriate architecture for Malaysia’s specific situation. This study supports ongoing efforts to combat the pandemic by offering valuable insights into the application of sophisticated deep-learning models for precise and timely SARS-CoV-2 case predictions. The findings hold considerable implications for public health decision-making, empowering authorities to create targeted and data-driven interventions to limit the virus’s spread and minimize its effects on Malaysia’s population.
Global long-term trends and spatial cluster analysis of pancreatic cancer incidence and mortality over a 30-year period using the global burden of disease study 2019 data

Introduction Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most fatal malignancies, and its incidence and mortality rates are growing annually throughout the world. In this research, we aimed to investigate the time trends and identify the spatial clusters of incidence and mortality on a global scale over the last 30 years, using the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study 2019 data. Methods Age-standardized incidence and mortality data due to PC were extracted from the GBD study, which was carried out from 1990 to 2019. A Joinpoint regression analysis was utilized to examine trends in the incidence and mortality of PC over the past three decades. As such, spatial analyses were undertaken to detect the spatial distribution and clustering of the metrics globally. Results It was observed that both the incidence and mortality rates were higher in males than in females worldwide. The global mortality and incidence rates significantly increased by 0.8% per year over the time of follow-up period (p<0.05). By spatial cluster analysis for mortality, European and North African countries, as well as Greenland were explored as hot spots; while South African and Southeast Asian countries were explored as cold spots. Regarding incidence, hot spots were found in European countries, Southern America, and Greenland; whilst cold spots were determined in Southern Africa and Madagascar. Conclusions Collectively, the temporal trends disclosed a gradual rise in PC incidence and mortality rates over the period 1990–2019, reflecting the global health concern. We further found geographical variations in the patterns and identified high- and low-risk areas for incidence and mortality. These findings facilitate the design and implementation of more resource-efficient and geographically targeted treatments. Given the results of the current study, a practical approach to minimizing the future PC burden involves planned population-wide interventions, as well as primary prevention through healthier lifestyles.
The impact of childcare availability on maternal employment: Evidence from Czech municipalities

This study presents empirical estimates of the effects of local public kindergarten availability on the employment rate of mothers of preschool-aged children in the Czech Republic. It brings together data from the Population Census and School Register to form a unique database describing the demand for childcare (numbers of children aged 3–5) and supply (capacity) across more than 6,000 Czech municipalities between 2001 and 2011. We take advantage of variations in kindergarten availability over time to estimate the impact on maternal employment with a first differences model. Our estimates show that a 10 percentage point increase in the availability of kindergarten places led to a 0.2–0.4 percentage point increase in the employment rate of mothers of preschool-aged children. A drop in the availability of kindergarten places between 2001 and 2011 resulted in 9,000 fewer mothers being employed and a net loss to public finances of 1.2–1.7 billion CZK per year.
Comparative analyses of the effects of sublethal doses of emamectin benzoate and tetrachlorantraniliprole on the gut microbiota of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Abstract Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) is an important invasive pest that poses a serious threat to global crop production. Both emamectin benzoate (EB) and diamide insecticides are effective insecticides used to protect against S. frugiperda. Here, 16S rRNA sequencing was used to characterize the gut microbiota in S. frugiperda larvae exposed to EB or tetrachlorantraniliprole (TE). Firmicutes and Proteobacteria were found to be the dominant bacterial phyla present in the intestines of S. frugiperda. Following insecticide treatment, larvae were enriched for species involved in the process of insecticide degradation. High-level alpha and beta diversity indices suggested that exposure to TE and EB significantly altered the composition and diversity of the gastrointestinal microbiota in S. frugiperda. At 24 h post-EB treatment, Burkholderia-Caballeronia-Paraburkholderia abundance was significantly increased relative to the control group, with significant increases in Stenotrophobacter, Nitrospira, Blastocatella, Sulfurifustis, and Flavobacterium also being evident in these larvae. These microbes may play a role in the degradation or detoxification of EB and TE, although further work will be needed to explore the mechanisms underlying such activity. Overall, these findings will serve as a theoretical foundation for subsequent studies of the relationship between the gut microbiota and insecticide resistance in S. frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).