Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On-chip 4F-system based on concave mirrors for optical neural networks

Optical neural networks (ONNs) have the potential for accelerating the inference of AI models, since ONNs have the advantage of high compute speed, and high parallelism. Integrated diffractive optical network for implementing parallel Fourier transforms has been proved efficient and is promising for large scale ONNs. We propose a novel on-chip Fourier transform implementation based on etched concave mirrors, enabling the construction of a photonic integrated 4F system to perform the convolution computation in the Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs). One of the input vectors is encoded in a modulator array at the object plane, and the Fourier transform of the other vector is encoded in another modulator array at the spectrum plane. We simulated the computing process by the diffractive propagation of the optical field from the object plane to the image plane according to the Kirchhoff's diffraction formula. Finally, we used our simulation system to replace the traditional convolution layers in the electronic system to implement CNNs on three different datasets, Iris- Flower, MNIST and Fashion-MNIST, and obtained 96.67%, 95.6% and 89.4% classification accuracies, respectively, demonstrating comparable performance with the electronic counterpart.
Diversidade florística e fenologia reprodutiva em fitofisionomias da reserva Pousada das Araras (município de Serranópolis, estado de Goiás, planalto central do Brasil)

This work was carried out in Pousada das Araras Reserve (51o59’42”-52o00’22”W; 18o26’33”-10”S) in the municipality of Serranopolis, state of Goias, in the core area of the Cerrado, Brazilian Central Plateau, aiming at studying the richness and diversity of species in plant formations and analyze their phenological reproductive patterns. Data were collected from May 2004 to June 2006. The phytophysiognomy units were identified using aerial images, global positioning system (GPS), and visual observation of ecological aspects. Fertile plant samples were collected in the usual way, numbered, dried and pressed, sorted, identified, and deposited in the Herbarium Jataiense Germano Guarim Neto (HJ). The taxa were identified according to APGII and the species were assembled in the herbaceous-sub shrub (chamaephytes, geophytes, hemicriptophytes, lianas, therophytes, hemiparasites, epiphytes) and shrub-arboreal (phanerophytes) components. As to phenological data, we registered the species that were flowering (blossom/anthesis) and fruiting (mature/ immature fruit) in each phytophysiognomy. We analyzed 3,120 registers and used descriptive statistics, qui-square test, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, parametric circular statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and Rayleigh test. The reserve presented 101 families, 325 genera, and 554 species, distributed in seven phytophysiognomies, with high diversity and heterogeneity (H’ = 0.78; J = 0.94). The families presenting the highest floristic richness were: Fabaceae, Rubiaceae, Asteraceae, Myrtaceae, Poaceae, Apocynaceae, Cyperaceae, Euphorbiaceae, and Bignoniaceae. The typical Cerrado presented 70% of the families, 50% of the species, among which 12% were exclusive species. The humid field presented 8% of exclusive families. The relationship between shrub/arboreal and subshrub/ herbaceous components richness was 1:1,5. Flowering proved to be seasonal only in field phytophysiognomy (p ≤ 0.05), and fruiting was seasonal in the Cerrado (p ≤ 0.05) and field phytophysiognomies (p = 0.05). This work evidenced phanerogamic richness as well as heterogeneity of species and environments, pointing out the representativeness of the assessed reserve regarding the Cerrado flora. The sub-shrub/herbaceous component proved to be richer, but both components present a phenological pattern in which the shrub/arboreal species converge their reproduction to the end of the dry season/beginning of the rainy season and the sub-shrub/herbaceous species, to the end of the rainy season/ beginning of the dry season, evidencing a pulse in the communities. This study contributed to the knowledge on the flora and phenological reproductive patterns in the Cerrado in the Brazilian Central Plateau, whose ecological aspects are not well known. We should point out the need to implant projects that seek for the conservation of the studied reserve.
The Helice Fault

The site of the ancient Greek city of Helice, which was destroyed by an earthquake in 373 bc, has never been found. We propose that it was submerged as the result of seismic slip on a normal fault traceable SE of Egion and that the fault was reactivated in 1881, when Schmidt reported a fresh scarp 2 m high and 13 km in length at the same locality. Earlier movements on the fault are inferred from Lithophaga borings on coastal Sectors of the footwall which yield 14C ages representing over 6.5 m of uplift in the last 4880 years.
Exacerbations and Real-World Outcomes After Single-Inhaler Triple Therapy of Budesonide/Glycopyrrolate/Formoterol Fumarate, Among Patients with COPD: Results from the EROS (US) Study

Purpose Triple therapy to prevent exacerbations from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with improved health compared to single and dual-agent therapy in some populations. This study assessed the benefits of prompt administration of budesonide/glycopyrrolate/formoterol fumarate (BGF) following a COPD exacerbation. Patients and methods EROS was a retrospective analysis of people with COPD using the MORE2 Registry®. Inclusion required ≥1 severe, ≥2 moderate, or ≥1 moderate exacerbation while on other maintenance treatment. Within 12 months following the index exacerbation, ≥1 pharmacy claim for BGF was required. Primary outcomes were the rate of COPD exacerbations and healthcare costs for those that received BGF promptly (within 30 days of index exacerbation) versus delayed (31–180 days) and very delayed (181–365 days). The effect of each 30-day delay in initiation of BGF was estimated using a multivariable negative binomial regression model. Results 2409 patients were identified: 434 prompt, 1187 delayed, and 788 very delayed. The rate (95% CI) of total exacerbations post-index increased as time to BGF initiation increased: prompt 1.52 (1.39–1.66); delayed 2.00 (1.92–2.09); and very delayed 2.30 (2.20–2.40). Adjusting for patient characteristics, each 30-day delay in receiving BGF was associated with a 5% increase in the average number of subsequent exacerbations (rate ratio, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.01–1.08; p<0.05). Prompt initiation of BGF was also associated with lower post-index annualized COPD-related costs ($5002 for prompt vs $7639 and $8724 for the delayed and very delayed groups, respectively). Conclusion Following a COPD exacerbation, promptly initiating BGF was associated with a reduction in subsequent exacerbations and reduced healthcare utilization and costs.
A scree slope rockfall model

Certain observed characteristics of scree slopes; namely concavity of profile, straight slope angle less than the angle of repose, and good size sorting of particles, are not consistent with an angle of repose model for accumulation. An alternative model is proposed based upon rockfall and surface stone movement and is tested against experimental data of particle movement in the field. It is found that the mechanical model of stone movement generated adequately explains the motion of particles on scree slopes and that it is in keeping with the characteristics of many screes. The static features of some Isle of Skye screes were also measured and the straight-concave slope form with good downslope sorting of material, characteristic of the rockfall process, was found to be present.
Minor, Nonterpenoid Volatile Compounds Drive the Aroma Differences of Exotic Cannabis

Cannabis sativa L. produces a wide variety of volatile secondary metabolites that contribute to its unique aroma. The major volatile constituents include monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and their oxygenated derivates. In particular, the compounds ß-myrcene, D-(+)-limonene, ß-caryophyllene, and terpinolene are often found in greatest amounts, which has led to their use in chemotaxonomic classification schemes and legal Cannabis sativa L. product labeling. While these compounds contribute to the characteristic aroma of Cannabis sativa L. and may help differentiate varieties on a broad level, their importance in producing specific aromas is not well understood. Here, we show that across Cannabis sativa L. varieties with divergent aromas, terpene expression remains remarkably similar, indicating their benign contribution to these unique, specific scents. Instead, we found that many minor, nonterpenoid compounds correlate strongly with nonprototypical sweet or savory aromas produced by Cannabis sativa L. Coupling sensory studies to our chemical analysis, we derive correlations between groups of compounds, or in some cases, individual compounds, that produce many of these diverse scents. In particular, we identified a new class of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) containing the 3-mercaptohexyl functional group responsible for the distinct citrus aromas in certain varieties and skatole (3-methylindole) as the key source of the chemical aroma in others. Our results provide not only a rich understanding of the chemistry of Cannabis sativa L. but also highlight how the importance of terpenes in the context of the aroma of Cannabis sativa L. has been overemphasized.
Silicon-based anti-herbivore defense in tropical tree seedlings

Silicon-based defenses deter insect herbivores in many cultivated and wild grass species. Furthermore, in some of these species, silicon (Si) uptake and defense can be induced by herbivory. Tropical trees also take up Si and leaf Si concentrations vary greatly across and within species. As herbivory is a major driver of seedling mortality and niche differentiation of tropical tree species, understanding anti-herbivore defenses is pivotal. Yet, whether silicon is a constitutive and inducible herbivory defense in tropical forest tree species remains unknown. We grew seedlings of eight tropical tree species in a full factorial experiment, including two levels of plant-available soil Si concentrations (-Si/+Si) and a simulated herbivory treatment (-H/+H). The simulated herbivory treatment was a combination of clipping and application of methyl jasmonate. We then carried out multiple-choice feeding trials, separately for each tree species, in which leaves of each treatment combination were offered to a generalist caterpillar (Spodoptera frugiperda). Leaf damage was assessed. Three species showed a significant decrease in leaf damage under high compared to low Si conditions (by up to 72%), consistent with our expectation of Si-based defenses acting in tropical tree species. In one species, leaf damage was increased by increasing soil Si and in four species, no effect of soil Si on leaf damage was observed. Opposite to our expectation of Si uptake and defense being inducible by herbivory damage, simulated herbivory increased leaf damage in two species. Furthermore, simulated herbivory reduced Si concentrations in one species. Our results showed that tropical tree seedlings can be better defended when growing in Si-rich compared to Si-poor soils, and that the effects of Si on plant defense vary strongly across species. Furthermore, Si-based defenses may not be inducible in tropical tree species. Overall, constitutive Si-based defense should be considered part of the vast array of anti-herbivore defenses of tropical tree species. Our finding that Si-based defenses are highly species-specific combined with the fact that herbivory is a major driver of mortality in tropical tree seedling, suggests that variation in soil Si concentrations may have pervasive consequences for regeneration and performance across tropical tree species.
Sustainability in the built environment: a new holistic taxonomy of aspects for decision making

The new agenda of sustainability requires a change in emphasis and a change in the criteria through which sustainability is evaluated in planning and design. It requires the adoption of a suitable framework which enables decision makers (designers, planners, local authorities) to understand the problems implied in a decision. This paper seeks to illustrate the relevance of the framework developed on the basis of a multi-modal system approach for understanding and evaluating sustainability in the built environment. The developed framework is able to consider different levels of information and structure all relevant issues in an ordered manner, helping decision makers to handle the multiplicity of the issues embodied in the concept of sustainability. Potentially, it can be applied to a wide variety of planning situations, but it still requires the support of a suitable IT tool.
Macro-TSH: An Uncommon Explanation for Persistent TSH Elevation That Thyroidologists Have to Keep in Mind

A macro-thyroid-stimulating hormone (macro-TSH) is an infrequent yet noteworthy phenomenon in the thyroid field. A 69-year-old patient presented with persistently elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels ranging from 30 to 50 mIU/L, paradoxically accompanied by normal thyroid hormone levels and normal thyroid ultrasound, with no findings on pituitary magnetic resonance. Laboratory studies were conducted to investigate potential interferences impacting the accuracy of TSH measurements. After excluding other potential causes, polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation technique was used, which led us to the diagnosis of macro-TSH. This result was confirmed through chromatography. Macro-TSH, although rare, emerged as the key contributor to the patient’s unexplained increase in TSH levels. This case highlights the importance of considering macro-TSH as a potential etiology in cases characterized by unexplained TSH elevation, offering insights into diagnostic protocols and expanding our understanding of thyroid function anomalies.
Inner Constraints for Planar Features

Geometric features, planes in particular, have recently replaced signalised points as the object space primitives of choice for a number of fundamental terrestrial laser scanner data processing tasks such as registration, self‐calibration and deformation monitoring. The inner constraints for planes are developed in this paper owing to their importance as the optimal means of datum definition. Pertinent least squares adjustment results from several terrestrial laser scanner datasets are presented to demonstrate the impact of planar inner constraints on registration and self‐calibration. When solution quality is measured in terms of parameter precision and correlation, it is demonstrated that the planes should be constrained for both laser scanner registration and self‐calibration with a basic additional parameter set.
On the variability of desert aerosol radiative characteristics

Size distributions of desert aerosol observed in arid regions of Senegal, Mali, and Niger under different weather conditions are classified in terms of visibility ranges into three categories and converted to lognormal distributions. The resulting curves are considered to represent average distributions encountered during fair weather, wind carrying dust, and sandstorm episodes. By means of the Mie theory, main radiative characteristics, i.e., attenuation coefficients, single scattering albedo, asymmetry factor, and phase functions, are computed for the spectral range between 0.3 and 40 μm. Regardless of the prevailing atmospheric conditions, extinction and scattering coefficients indicate a nearly wavelength independent pattern in the solar spectral range due to the large and effective particle scattering diameter. All size distributions yield strong absorption peaks at 10 μm, clogging the atmospheric window. Moreover, the temporal variation of single scattering albedo and asymmetry factor is most sensitive in the solar spectrum. For climate modeling purposes, average values are computed for seven spectral bands of the European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecast radiation scheme. In addition, phase functions for eight characteristic wavelengths are presented and show predominantly forward scattering properties. Optical depth measurements performed in the framework of the African turbidity monitoring network between November 1980 and February 1984 indicate a high space and time fluctuation of aerosol concentration over the Sahara and surrounding areas. Daily average optical depth values (base e) between 0.03 in the Hoggar mountains and 3.5 during sandstorms in Boutilimit (Mauritania) have been observed for the mandatory wavelength 0.5 μm. Turbidity values in Zaria (Nigeria) indicate that the Sahel region is an insignificant area for mineral dust production.
In Situ Visible Spectroscopic Daily Monitoring of Senescence of Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) Leaves

The degradation of green leaves in autumn after their photosynthetic activities is associated with decreases in chlorophylls and increases in anthocyanins. However, the sequential orders of these processes are not well understood because of a lack of continuous monitoring of leaves in the same positions. Therefore, the senescence processes of Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) leaves were followed daily in the same positions for approximately 60 days using visible spectroscopy with an original handheld visible–near-infrared spectrometer. The obtained reflection spectra were converted to absorption spectra and band areas of chlorophyll a and anthocyanins were determined. Decreases in the chlorophyll a band area with time show two-step exponential decreases corresponding to slow and fast first-order decrease rates. A rapid decrease in chlorophyll a started after an increase in anthocyanin. Therefore, the leaf senescence started through a slow decrease in chlorophyll a (20–30 days), followed by a rapid increase in anthocyanins (~20 days), followed by a rapid decrease in chlorophyll a (10–20 days). The formation of anthocyanins has been proposed to protect leaf cells from losing chlorophylls through solar radiation damage. The obtained sequential changes of pigments support this light screen hypothesis. (199 words < 200 words)
Performatividad de la formación de maestros e identidades docentes: antecedentes investigativos

Este artículo de revisión busca realizar una radiografía del estudio de las “identidades docentes” desde enfoques no afirmativos, acercándose a perspectivas deconstructivas y críticas. Esto, de modo que se adviertan dinámicas performativas y relaciones de poder que median la formación docente. Para ello, se utiliza el método de revisión sistemática que procura orientar y delimitar la exploración de estudios y su selección según un foco de búsqueda. Los resultados advierten cuatro líneas temáticas que permiten acrisolar los modos performativos en que operan las “identidades docentes”. Estas líneas son la relación entre identidades, creencias y mitos, el rol de las identidades idealizadas en cuanto reguladoras de la profesión docente, la preponderancia del cuerpo como escenario simbólico donde se cifran estas normas y el carácter prescriptivo de ciertas identidades socialmente construidas y designadas. Se pone de manifiesto la necesidad de revisar en el país asuntos como las teorías subjetivas (Lay Theories), procesos de exclusión generados por identidades, efectos que tienen estos designios del poder sobre los cuerpos de los maestros y el rol que tienen ciertas identidades dadas por sentado.
The red edge of plant leaf reflectance

Abstract The red edge is the sharp change in leaf reflectance between 680 and 750 nm and has been measured on leaves of a variety of species by first derivative reflectance spectrophotometry. A parameter λre was defined as the wavelength of maximum slope and found to be dependent on chlorophyll concentration (p<0.001), with additional effects of species, developmental stage, leaf layering and leaf water content. The maximum slope parameter was found to be independent of simulated ground area coverage. Often two λre components were identified and both showed a linear relationship with the chlorophyll content of the leaves. The results have been interpreted in terms of Beer's Law and Kubelka-Munk theory. The chlorophyll concentration dependence of λre seems to be explained in terms of a pure absorption effect, and it is suggested that the existence of two λre components arises from the additional factor of leaf scattering properties. In comparison to broad band reflectance, the results indicate that red edg.
Forecasting streamflow by combination of a genetic input selection algorithm and wavelet transforms using ANFIS models

ABSTRACT In this study, a data-driven streamflow forecasting model is developed, in which appropriate model inputs are selected using a binary genetic algorithm (GA). The process involves using a combination of a GA input selection method and two adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems (ANFIS): subtractive (Sub)-ANFIS and fuzzy C-means (FCM)-ANFIS. Moreover, the application of wavelet transforms coupled with these models is tested. Long-term data for the Lighvan and Ajichai basins in Iran are used to develop the models. The results indicate considerable improvements when GA selection and wavelet methods are used in both models. For example, the Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) coefficient for Lighvan using FCM-ANFIS is 0.74. However, when GA selection is applied, the NSE is improved to 0.85. Moreover, when the wavelet method is added, the performance of new hybrid models shows noticeable enhancements. The NSE value of wavelet-FCM-ANFIS is improved to 0.97 for Lighvan basin. Editor D. Koutsoyiannis Associate editor E. Toth
Simulated global tropospheric PAN : Its transport and impact on NOx

Using the 11-level Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) global chemical transport model (GCTM) with all known sources of tropospheric NOx, we simulate the global tropospheric distribution of peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) and quantify its impact on tropospheric NOx. The model's global distribution of PAN is in reasonable agreement with most available observations. In the atmospheric boundary layer, PAN is concentrated over the continental sites of NOx emissions, primarily the midlatitudes in the northern hemisphere and the subtropics in the southern hemisphere. PAN is distributed relatively zonally throughout the free troposphere of the northern hemisphere, with the maximum levels found in the coldest regions, while in the southern hemisphere the maximum PAN levels are found in an equator to 30°S belt stretching from South America to Australia. Overall, the simulated three-dimensional fields of seasonal PAN are a result of the interaction of the type of transport meteorology (convective or synoptic scale storms) occurring in the PAN formation regions and PAN's temperature-dependent lifetime. We find the impact of PAN chemistry on NOx to be rather subtle. The magnitude and the seasonal cycle of the global tropospheric integral of NOx, which has its maximum in January and the formation of HNO3 as its dominant loss path, are barely affected by the inclusion of PAN chemistry, however PAN, as a result of its temperature sensitivity and transport, regionally provides an efficient mechanism for redistributing NOx far from its source areas. With the inclusion of PAN chemistry, monthly mean NOx concentrations increase by up to a factor of 5 in the remote lower troposphere and show a spring maximum over areas of the North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans. In contrast, PAN has only a minor impact in the upper half of the troposphere (±10%). Examining local time series of NOx and PAN, the monthly mean mixing ratios in remote regions are shown to be composed of numerous short-term (1–2 days) large magnitude events. These episodes are large enough to potentially result in ozone production even when the monthly mean NOx values are in the ozone destruction range. While both the direct transport of NOx and its indirect transport as PAN contribute to the elevated NOx episodes over the remote extratropical oceans, events over the remote subtropical oceans are dominated by midtropospheric PAN that sinks anticyclonically equatorward and decomposes to NOx in the warmer air.