Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adaptability, forage yield and nutritional quality of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) genotypes

ABSTRACT Livestocks fed with high-quality forage deliver better milk and meat, which could benefit the nutritional health of their keepers and consumers. Six alfalfa genotypes were assessed across four locations, Arba Minch, Areka Mante Dubo, Bonga and Hawassa Dilla, for adaptability, forage dry matter (DM) yield, crude protein (CP) concentration, nutrient composition and digestibility characteristics from August 2016 to January 2019. The genotypes were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Plant height at forage harvest was significantly (P < 0.001) varied across the environment among genotypes. Nutrient components, such as neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and lignin, hemicelluloses, in vitro DM digestibility and relative feed value, were significantly (P < 0.01) different for genotype variations. The highest mean DM yield was recorded for FGI-9001 followed by FGI-3054. The highest plant height was recorded for FGI-8091 (60.13 cm), while the shortest genotype was FGI-1011. CP yield was recorded above the threshold level for all genotypes in the test. Highest in vitro DM digestibility and relative feed value with the lowest neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and lignin and cellulose contents were recorded for FGI-9001. Tested alfalfa genotypes varied in terms of forage yield and nutritional quality at different locations. Thus, the result indicates the potential of genotypes, indicating the promotion to advanced varietal evaluation stages including animal test and release as better alternatives for use in the farming system in rain fed condition and irrigation.
Machine Vision-enabled Yak Weight Estimation on Edge Devices

In the field of stock farming, body dimensions and weight of a yak may reasonably reveal its growing characters, productivity and genetic characteristics. However, it is arduous for the herdsman to manually measure the body and dimension of yaks. Fortunately, with the development of mobile computing and edge devices, it is preferable and possible for the herdsman to estimate the yaks weight and size with handheld devices (e.g., mobile phones). This paper aims at providing machine visual-based yak body height and weight estimate method for edge devices. In our method, to begin with a foreground image of the yak is extracted; and measuring point identification is carried out to identify measuring points of the yak. Then, a ratio of its body dimensions is acquired. Both body dimensions and weight of the yak are acquired through comparison with relevant data. 25 yaks in different age groups were randomly selected from a herd to perform experiments. As indicated by corresponding experimental results, the foreground extraction approach has the potential to generate split images with good boundaries. As for the measuring point identification method selected for the yak, it features preferable accuracy and stability. For example, estimated values of its standing height, body length, chest depth, hipcross height and body weight, average errors between the measured values and them are proven to be 1.95%, 3.11%, 4.91%,3.35% and 7.79% respectively. By contrast to the traditional measuring approaches, the proposed method may improve measurement efficiency and reduce stimulation caused by manual measurement to the yak.
“Hurricaned” territories. Hurricane hazards and their impacts

This issue of EchoGeo investigates the environmental, social, economic and political consequences of hurricanes on territories and their management. The French neologism “cyclone” (or “hurricaned”) appeared on social networks in 2017 after hurricane Irma hit the West Indies. The word refers to the destruction caused by category 4 or 5 hurricanes, but also to their victims’ challenging experiences. These events raise the question of the ex-ante and ex-post evaluation of damages in terms of man.
Display Light Panel and Rolling Shutter Image Sensor Based Optical Camera Communication (OCC) Using Frame-Averaging Background Removal and Neural Network

Optical wireless communication (OWC) has emerged as a complementary or alternative technology to the radio-frequency (RF) communication. OWC based on image sensor, which is also called optical camera communication (OCC) has attracted much attention from industrial and academic societies. Here, we discuss several recent OCC technologies. We propose and demonstrate a light emitting diode (LED) light panel and rolling shutter image sensor based OCC system using frame-averaging background removal (FABR) technique, Z-score normalization, and neural network (NN). Here, a driver circuit for the LED display panel based on a bipolar-junction-transistor (BJT) and a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect-transistor (MOSFET) is also discussed. It can provide low enough driving frequency from a few Hz to kHz and high bias current for the LED light panel. Experimental results show that the proposed scheme can mitigate the inter-symbol interference (ISI) observed in the rolling shutter pattern produced by the high noise-ratio (NR) of the display contents.
Predicting User Quitting Ratio in Adaptive Bitrate Video Streaming

To improve user engagement such as viewing time, this paper addresses the understanding and prediction of the user quitting ratio for users watching videos using adaptive bit rate video streaming. The user quitting ratio is defined as the percentage of users still watching videos at a given time. To perform this study, five subjective experiments involving up to 264 participants were conducted in a laboratory setting. Results indicated the effects of coding quality, initial buffering, and midway stalling on user quitting ratio. Then, a framework was defined to predict the user quitting ratio as a function of time. This framework achieves good prediction accuracy and can be used in multiple scenarios including when quality adaptation and stalling occur. Finally, it is suitable for monitoring applications where bitstream are encrypted and low processing cost is required.
Surface Properties of ZnS Nanoparticles: A Combined DFT and Experimental Study

Carbon monoxide adsorption on nanosize ZnS has been investigated by FTIR spectroscopy and periodic DFT calculations. FTIR experiments show that CO adsorption on the zinc sulfide nanoparticles gives rise to a single main ν(CO) band indicating that the majority of the exposed sites are on the same surface. Computed adsorption energies (−0.244/–0.207 eV for the low and high coverage, respectively) and stretching frequencies (2182/2172 cm–1) of CO adsorbed at the most stable (110) ZnS surface are in excellent agreement with observations (ν(CO) = 2190/2168 cm–1). CO is weakly bound to the Zn2+ Lewis acid surface site mainly through electrostatic interaction and a small contribution from σ donation. The strength of surface Lewis sites in ZnS is lower with respect to ZnO.
Immune System Response to Weight Loss among Obese Saudi Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Subjects

Globally, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) considered as a common chronic liver disorder [1]. Similarly, about 30% of European people have NAFLD [2]. Moreover, about 2550% of worldwide people have NAFLD which is the major cause of abnormal liver enzymes [3]. There is an association between NAFLD and obesity [4]. Abnormal immunological and systemic inflammation parameters are the key for NAFLD pathogenesis [5-8]. However, abnormal immune system performance not only induce NAFLD but also contributes progression and NAFLD associated disorders [9-11]. In addition, obesity is usually associated with abnormal immunological parameters values [12]. Altered immune system competence is usually a common finding associated with obesity subjects and the level of deterioration in immune system performance is related to obesity grade [13]. Similarly, about 30% of some malignant tumors are associated with obesity [14]. Many researchers reported abnormal values of immune system parameters among obese individuals [15-17].
Low-Band LTE Antenna Integrated into mm-Wave Handset Antenna

Integration of small antennas is emphasized when more and more antennas should be placed to the limited volume of handsets. This paper shows a mm-wave antenna array and a low-band LTE antenna, which are designed to share the same metal frame section in a smartphone. The results show that two antennas can be integrated together without additional volume and without remarkable degradation in their performance.
A prudent approach for the removal of copper (II) and cadmium (II) ions from aqueous solutions using indigenous Mactra aequisulcata shells

In this study, the raw seashells of Mactra aequisulcata, of the class Bivalvia and the phylum Mollusca were employed as an adsorbent to remove copper (II) and cadmium (II) metal ions from aqueous solution. The characterization of shells was performed using FTIR, EDX and SEM, BET isotherm and point of zero charge (pHpzc). Batch experiments were performed to assess various factors on the biosorption efficiency. Maximum adsorption of both metals ions conveniently found at 0.4 g L-1 adsorbent dose, pH 5 and at 303 K. Maximum biosorption capacities for Cu2+ and Cd2+ were 59.57 and 38.12 mg g-1, respectively. The Langmuir isotherm model was found to be the best fit for the acquired equilibrium data. Thermodynamic and kinetic parameters showed that the process was feasible, exothermic and followed pseudo-first order.
Gas-Phase Ion Chemistry in Interstellar, Circumstellar, and Planetary Environments

In the last century, astronomers, physicists, and chemists have shown that the environments of space are complex. Although we have learned a great amount about the interstellar medium, circumstellar medium, and atmospheres of other planets and moons, many mysteries still remain unsolved. The cooperation of astronomers, modelers, and chemists has lead to the detection of over 180 molecules in the interstellar and circumstellar medium, and the evolution of the new scientific field of astrochemistry. Gas-phase ion chemistry can determine the stability of ions in these complex environments, provide chemical networks, and guide searches for new interstellar molecules. Using the flowing afterglow-selected ion flow tube (FA-SIFT), we have characterized the reactions of positive and negative ions that are important in a variety of astrochemical environments. The detection of CF in photodissociation regions highlights the importance of fluorinated species in the interstellar medium. The viability of CF as a possible diffuse interstellar band (DIB) carrier is discussed as related to reactions with neutral molecules in various interstellar conditions; the reactions of CF with twenty-two molecules of interstellar relevance were investigated. The chemical reactions of HCNH with H2, CH4, C2H2, and C2H4 were reexamined to provide insight into the overprediction of HCNH in Titan’s ionosphere by current astrochemical models. In addition, this work suggests other chemical reactions that should be included in the current models to fully describe the destruction rates of HCNH in Titan’s ionosphere. The reactions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) ions with H atoms and other
The effects of urine storage conditions on struvite recovery

Phosphorus, like oil, is a non-renewable resource that must be harvested from finite resources in the earth's crust. An essential element for life, phosphorus is becoming increasingly scarce, contaminated, and difficult to extract. Struvite, or magnesium ammonium phosphate (MgNFLPC^ 6H2O) is a white, crystalline phosphate mineral that can be used as a bioavailable fertilizer and can be recovered from aqueous solutions such as digestor supernant. In response to diminishing water resources, increasing nutrient pollution, and largely unaffordable centralized treatment, a paradigm of Ecological Sanitation (EcoSan) has emerged. A central tenant of EcoSan technology is nutrient recovery; by separating urine from feces in the absence of water, urine can be used as a clean, concentrated nutrient source. Urine harvested in this manner is used as a liquid fertilizer with varying degrees of success and acceptance. This research examines the potential of urine to be a feedstock for struvite recovery. By recovering a sustainable source of phosphorus from urine, the prospect of appropriate sanitation and closed-loop nutrient systems, may move closer to reality. In laboratory experiments using synthetic and real human urine, different methods of preparing urine to be used as a feedstock for struvite recovery, were examined. The effect of temperature, faecal contamination, dilution, and headspace on stored nutrient levels was examined. The effect of adding different quantities of magnesium, at different times, on the amount of phosphorus that could be removed from solution, was also examined. An average of 70% of phosphorus could be removed from real urine in the form of struvite when magnesium was added to the urine solution after ureolysis had forced the precipitation of calcium and magnesium minerals; magnesium added before ureolysis began retarded the process. Dilution and the presence of wastewater were found to affect the rate of ureolysis but not the purity of the struvite recovered; recovered struvite was approximately 99% pure regardless of dilution or contamination. Based on a comparison of the results, synthetic urine was found to be representative of the general behaviour of real urine during struvite formation.
Steps for the empowerment and protection of NEET1 youth in rural areas. The case of Lithuania

Anotation. Lithuania has unique characteristics and smart human resources, which should be used to foster competitiveness. Lithuanian lands were united under MINDAUGAS in 1236; over the next century, through alliances and conquest, Lithuania extended its territory to include most of present-day Belarus and Ukraine. By the end of the 14th century Lithuania was the largest state in Europe. On 11 March 1990, Lithuania became the first of the Soviet republics to declare its independence, but Moscow did not recognize this proclamation until September of 1991 (following the abortive coup in Moscow)2. Lithuania’s economy has grown faster than most other OECD economies over the past 10 years, unemployment continues to fall, and public finances have become stable after a long period of deficits and a rising debt3. Lithuania’s gross domestic product is €34.95 billion a year. That makes it the largest economy of the three Baltic states, but just one-tenth of the size of Poland’s economy. Small it may be, but it has been growing fast: Lithuania’s economy has almost doubled in size since 2000. In 2017-01-09 the UN has changed the status of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania from Eastern European countries to the states of Northern Europe4. However, Lithuania is not coping with the problems of youth emigration and inclusion, which are decreasing slightly, and young people who have left Lithuania return to their homeland slowly.
Severe coral bleaching of Siderastrea stellata at the only atoll in the South Atlantic driven by sequential Marine Heatwaves

Threatened by global warming and extreme climatic events, such as El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Marine Heatwaves (MHW), coral reefs worldwide faced the worst bleaching and mortality event between 2014 and 2017, induced by the 2015/2016 ENSO. We evaluated the impacts of ENSO and MHW episodes on bleaching and mortality frequencies of Siderastrea stellata at Rocas Atoll, Southwestern Atlantic, using visual censuses conducted in 2016, 2017 and 2019. Bleaching rate varied significantly along the sampling period (11.71% in 2016, 1.52% in 2017, and 88% in 2019), but mortality was always less than 4%. Bleaching events in Atlantic reefs have been constantly associated with ENSO, until these recent events of the last two years. We suggest that MHW were probably the primary driver of the observed bleaching, especially in 2019, when much higher bleaching rates were observed than in ENSO periods. Although Southwestern Atlantic massive corals are considered more resistant to thermal stress than reefs corals worldwide, the strong events registered since 2019 highlight the need for continuous monitoring to better understand coral bleaching dynamics and improve predictions on the effects of global change in the region.
Thermal Behavior of Electrically Induced Birefringence of La-Doped PMN-PT Ceramics

The thermal evolution of the electric field-induced birefringence, δ(Δn(E)) vs T, obtained by the Kerr and Pockels electro-optical effects, was characterized in the La-doped Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 – PbTiO3 ferroelectric relaxor ceramic system. The measurements were conducted over a broad temperature range (from 100 K to 650 K), using the dynamic Senarmont compensator method. Moreover, through a particular approach to the analysis of both electro-optical effects as a function of temperature, it was possible to determine the characteristic temperatures predicted for the transitions between the paraelectric (PE), ergodic ferroelectric relaxor (EFR), nonergodic ferroelectric relaxor (NEFR), and normal ferroelectric (FE) states of this system.
The Role of education level and gender from the perspective of preventable stroke: Ankara ACROSS subgroup analysis

INTRODUCTION: Recent studies have highlighted that most strokes can possibly be prevented by risk factor modification and lifestyle changes. Female gender and lower educational level are two critical sociodemographic factors that are related to increased stroke risk. In this study, we investigated the interplay between these two features,which are considered to be disadvantageous in terms of stroke, and stroke preventability. METHODS: The study was prospectively conducted by evaluation of 787 ischemic stroke patients admitted to three university-affiliated comprehensive stroke centers in Ankara. The preventability of stroke was evaluated according to the success attained in control of “Life’s simple 7” metrics (hypertension,diabetes,hyperlipidemia, active smoking, obesity, diet and physical activity) at the time of stroke. The effect of education level and gender on stroke preventability was investigated by bivariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: A primary level or lower degree of education was present in 65% of the study population. Forty-two percent of our patients were female. A lower education level was significantly associated with suboptimal control of diabetes, active smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyle and bad dietary habits. Preventable stroke(suboptimal control of ≥4 factors) was present among 52% of patients with lower education levels, while the corresponding proportion was 43% among those with high school or university education (p=0.012). The percentage of obesity and sedentary lifestyle was significantly higher in females, while active smoking was more common in males. The education level was lower among female patients in comparison to males. Preventable stroke was encountered more commonly in females (52% vs. 47%, p=0.108). In multivariate analysis, female gender (p=0.021) and lower education level (p=0.006) were independently associated with suboptimal control of risk factors. A lower education level mediated 31% of the relationship between female gender and preventable stroke. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Both female gender and lower education level are closely related to preventable stroke. Patients with such sociodemographic features, who are also considered to have a higher risk of stroke, necessitate additional strategies to optimize control of preventable stroke factors.
Genome-wide identification and transcriptomic data exploring of the cytochrome P450 family in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis)

ABSTRACT Cytochrome P450 genes are involved in the catalysis of various reactions, including growth, development and secondary metabolite biosynthetic pathways. However, little is known about the characteristics and functions of the P450 gene family in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis). In this study, we identified 258 non-redundant members of the cytochrome P450 gene superfamily in Brassica. rapa from Brassica database (http://www.brassicadb.cn). We also did transcriptomic data mining derived from abiotic/biotic stresses and developmental related RNA-seq in Chinese cabbage. These differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were involved in cadmium (Cd) detoxification, salinity tolerance, calcium signaling transduction and homeostasis, pathogen triggered immunity and leafy head formation in Chinese cabbage. These P450 genes are essential candidates for a better understanding of the mechanism of P450 genes, which help Chinese cabbage adapt to environmental changes.
PET and SPECT Specialty Grand Challenge. When Knowledge Travels at the Speed of Light, Photons Take to the Field

The field of nuclear medicine has been involved in a significant technological advancement and in a tremendous progress in radiochemistry that opened up new and fascinating diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities. The leap forward of stand-alone systems beside hybrid imaging designs improvement and novel theragnostic methods development made possible a wider use of nuclear medicine techniques on several diagnostic scenarios. Positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) are the leading nuclear medicine modalities.
Localização em Ambientes Indoor a partir da Distorção de um Padrão de Fontes Luminosas

—This work presents a localization system using images of light sources composed of light emitting diodes. The distortions of the captured LED pattern depend on the position of the image sensor. By processing the captured image, we can estimate the location of the sensor with low complexity. We investigate this system’s performance using ﬁngerprinting with different similarity measurement functions or artiﬁcial neural networks to obtain the position estimate. The results point that using artiﬁcial neural networks reasonably accurate position estimates are viable.
Deteriorating impacts of emerging water pollutants on biological diversity

Water pollutants are the substances that affect the physicochemical and biological properties of water that cause undesirable and great destruction of the ecosystem on earth. Industrialization, urbanization, and agriculture activities impact the quality of freshwater and also decrease the availability of freshwater. Water is the safeguard of biodiversity but the pollutants present in water accumulate in the body of the living organism and causes negative effect directly or indirectly on plants, animals, and human being. Excess plant food, herbicides, and pesticides once washed by rain into rivers cause danger to life. The control of water pollution increases the quality of water using various conventional treatments which reduces the pollutants that cause the reduction of water-borne diseases and increases physiological activities in the organism. Effective water quality prevention increases the economy and development of aquatic life as well as biodiversity. Biodiversity is the key to the earth ecosystem and nowadays the conservation of biological diversity is the biggest challenge. Thus, the present chapter enlightenment the impacts of various water pollutants on biodiversity and developing way of mitigation. The immediate actions need for making effective policies and implementation of acts reduce the pressure on the freshwater ecosystem.