Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Self-Supervised Spectral–Spatial Transformer Network for Hyperspectral Oil Spill Mapping

Hyperspectral oil spill mapping aims to distinguish the type of oil spill. Recently, most hyperspectral oil spill detection methods are based on supervised methods that work well with rich training samples. However, in the marine oil spill detection scenario, pixel annotations are difficult and costly. Moreover, the labels obtained by domain experts within a hyperspectral image (HSI) are often scarce. To address these issues, a self-supervised spectral–spatial transformer network (SSTNet) is proposed for hyperspectral oil spill mapping. First, we propose a transformer-based contrastive learning network to extract the deep discriminative features. Then, the learned features are transferred to the downstream classification network that is fine-tuned with very few labeled samples. Experiments on hyperspectral oil spill database (HOSD) constructed by ourselves indicate that the proposed method can obtain more promising performance than several state-of-the-art oil spill classification techniques in discriminating different types of oil spills, i.e., thick oil, thin oil, sheen, and seawater.
Finding Cointegration Rank in High Dimensional Systems Using the Johansen Test: An Illustration Using Data Based Monte Carlo Simulations

The authors examine the ability of the Johansen (1991) test to estimate the number of unit roots in high dimensional systems. They use data based Monte Carlo methods as a simple means of evaluating the validity of inference using asymptotic critical values. These simulations for a typical annual post-World War II dataset illustrate how the estimated number of unit roots change in a nonmonotone fashion with the dimension of the system, and with the number of lags in the VAR representation. The authors find that overparametrization in high dimensions is as bad as underparametrization. The Bayes information criteria outperforms the Akaike information criteria in their setup. Copyright 1996 by MIT Press.
National Strength and Conditioning Association Position Statement on Weightlifting for Sports Performance.

ABSTRACT Comfort, P, Haff, GG, Suchomel, TJ, Soriano, MA, Pierce, KC, Hornsby, WG, Haff, EE, Sommerfield, LM, Chavda, S, Morris, SJ, Fry, AC, and Stone, MH. National Strength and Conditioning Association position statement on weightlifting for sports performance. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2022-The origins of weightlifting and feats of strength span back to ancient Egypt, China, and Greece, with the introduction of weightlifting into the Olympic Games in 1896. However, it was not until the 1950s that training based on weightlifting was adopted by strength coaches working with team sports and athletics, with weightlifting research in peer-reviewed journals becoming prominent since the 1970s. Over the past few decades, researchers have focused on the use of weightlifting-based training to enhance performance in nonweightlifters because of the biomechanical similarities (e.g., rapid forceful extension of the hips, knees, and ankles) associated with the second pull phase of the clean and snatch, the drive/thrust phase of the jerk and athletic tasks such as jumping and sprinting. The highest force, rate of force development, and power outputs have been reported during such movements, highlighting the potential for such tasks to enhance these key physical qualities in athletes. In addition, the ability to manipulate barbell load across the extensive range of weightlifting exercises and their derivatives permits the strength and conditioning coach the opportunity to emphasize the development of strength-speed and speed-strength, as required for the individual athlete. As such, the results of numerous longitudinal studies and subsequent meta-analyses demonstrate the inclusion of weightlifting exercises into strength and conditioning programs results in greater improvements in force-production characteristics and performance in athletic tasks than general resistance training or plyometric training alone. However, it is essential that such exercises are appropriately programmed adopting a sequential approach across training blocks (including exercise variation, loads, and volumes) to ensure the desired adaptations, whereas strength and conditioning coaches emphasize appropriate technique and skill development of athletes performing such exercises.
Algorithmic approach to quantum theory 3: bipartite entanglement dynamics in systems with random unitary transformations

We study the problem of the most economical representation of entangled states in the classical simulations. The idea is to reduce the general form of entanglement to the bipartite entanglement which has the short representation through Schmidt expansion. The problem of such reduction is stated exactly and discussed. The example is given which shows that if we allow the linear transformation (not only unitary), the general form of entanglement cannot be described in terms of bipartite entanglement. We also study the entanglement dynamics of 2 and 3 level atoms interacting randomly and find interesting dependence of the number of its excited levels.
Recent Progress and Perspectives on Neural Chip Platforms Integrating PDMS-Based Microfluidic Devices and Microelectrode Arrays

Recent years have witnessed a spurt of progress in the application of the encoding and decoding of neural activities to drug screening, diseases diagnosis, and brain–computer interactions. To overcome the constraints of the complexity of the brain and the ethical considerations of in vivo research, neural chip platforms integrating microfluidic devices and microelectrode arrays have been raised, which can not only customize growth paths for neurons in vitro but also monitor and modulate the specialized neural networks grown on chips. Therefore, this article reviews the developmental history of chip platforms integrating microfluidic devices and microelectrode arrays. First, we review the design and application of advanced microelectrode arrays and microfluidic devices. After, we introduce the fabrication process of neural chip platforms. Finally, we highlight the recent progress on this type of chip platform as a research tool in the field of brain science and neuroscience, focusing on neuropharmacology, neurological diseases, and simplified brain models. This is a detailed and comprehensive review of neural chip platforms. This work aims to fulfill the following three goals: (1) summarize the latest design patterns and fabrication schemes of such platforms, providing a reference for the development of other new platforms; (2) generalize several important applications of chip platforms in the field of neurology, which will attract the attention of scientists in the field; and (3) propose the developmental direction of neural chip platforms integrating microfluidic devices and microelectrode arrays.
Finite-horizon discrete-time robust guaranteed cost state estimation for nonlinear stochastic uncertain systems

This paper presents a new approach to discrete- time robust nonlinear state estimation based on the use of sum quadratic constraints. The approach involves a class of state estimators which include copies on the system nonlinearities in the state estimator. The nonlinearities being considered are those which satisfy a generalized monotonicity condition. The linear part of the state estimator is synthesized using minimax LQG control theory and this leads to a nonlinear state estimator which gives an upper bound on an estimation error cost.
Estimation of turbulence power spectra from randomly sampled data by curve-fit to the autocorrelation function applied to laser-Doppler anemometry

The development of a novel slotting technique for the estimation of the autocorrelation function (ACF) of randomly sampled data has eliminated the major disadvantages of the Mayo algorithm. The reduced variance of the estimators in the vicinity of and the elimination of estimators greater than 1 has opened the possibility to approximate the ACF with a curve-fit, leading to a noise-free estimator of the power spectrum. In this paper we describe an analytical function, based on known properties of turbulence power spectra, which is suited to the approximation of the ACF from randomly sampled laser-Doppler anemometry (LDA) data with noise. Using simulated LDA data, based on both simulated and hot-wire measured turbulence signals, it is shown that the method estimates the power spectrum with an error of less than 25% over six decades of power. Application to various LDA data sets shows that the analytical function, derived from the spectral properties, is sufficiently flexible to describe ACFs from data sets of pipe flow, mixing layer flow, flow in stirred tanks and flows around airfoils. An extension of the technique could be in automatic incorporation of periodic components and compensation for data sets with a high velocity bias (turbulence intensities > 40%).
Modulation of the Lower Critical Solution Temperature of Thermoresponsive Poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) Utilizing Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Monomers

Four-dimensional printing is primarily based on the concept of 3D printing technology. However, it requires additional stimulus and stimulus-responsive materials. Poly-N-vinylcaprolactam is a temperature-sensitive polymer. Unique characteristics of poly-N-vinylcaprolactam -based hydrogels offer the possibility of employing them in 4D printing. The main aim of this study is to alter the phase transition temperature of poly-N-vinylcaprolactam hydrogels. This research focuses primarily on incorporating two additional monomers with poly-N-vinylcaprolactam: Vinylacetate and N-vinylpyrrolidone. This work contributes to this growing area of research by altering (increasing and decreasing) the lower critical solution temperature of N-vinylcaprolactam through photopolymerisation. Poly-N-vinylcaprolactam exhibits a lower critical solution temperature close to the physiological temperature range of 34–37 °C. The copolymers were analysed using various characterisation techniques, such as FTIR, DSC, and UV-spectrometry. The main findings show that the inclusion of N-vinylpyrrolidone into poly-N-vinylcaprolactam increased the lower critical solution temperature above the physiological temperature. By incorporating vinylacetate, the lower critical solution temperature dropped to 21 °C, allowing for potential self-assembly of 4D-printed objects at room temperature. In this case, altering the lower critical solution temperature of the material can potentially permit the transformation of the 4D-printed object at a particular temperature.
An algorithm of stereo matching based on adaptive weight

A new stereo matching algorithm based on adaptive weight is proposed. There is no definition of support-window size for each pixel needed, and the support-weight of each pixel in a given window is adjusted according to the similarity and proximity between them. A pixel from the same homogeneous regions as the pixel under consideration has larger weight, the disparity smoothness constraint term is introduced in matching cost function, and the disparity map is acquired. The proposed method is tested with standard image of Middlebury, and the experimental results show that the method can get good disparity map.
Human brain organoid code of conduct

Human brain organoids are models derived from human embryonic or induced pluripotent stem cells that mimic basic cerebral microanatomy and demonstrate simple functional neuronal networks. Brain organoids have been a rapidly expanding avenue for biomedical research in general and specifically: neural development, regeneration, and central nervous system pathophysiology. However, technology replicating functional aspects of the human brain, including electrically active neural networks, requires a responsible code of conduct. In this review, we focus the discussion on intrinsic and extrinsic ethical factors associated with organoids: intrinsic considerations arise with the growing complexity of human brain organoids, including human-animal chimerism, consciousness development, and questions of where these human-like beings fall in a moral hierarchy. Extrinsic considerations explore ethics on obtainment, manufacturing, and production of sophisticated human products. In summary, a thoughtful code of conduct using human brain organoids towards the advancement of science and medicine is crucial. This article shall facilitate a structured thought process approaching the moral landscape of organoid technology.
Basal and inducible Osterix expression reflect equine mesenchymal progenitor cell osteogenic capacity

Introduction Mesenchymal stem cells are characterized by their capacities for extensive proliferation through multiple passages and, classically, tri-lineage differentiation along osteogenic, chondrogenic and adipogenic lineages. This study was carried out to compare osteogenesis in equine bone marrow-, synovium- and adipose-derived cells, and to determine whether osteogenic capacity is reflected in the basal expression of the critical osteogenic transcription factors Runx2 and Osterix. Methods Bone marrow, synovium and adipose tissue was collected from six healthy 2-year-old horses. Cells were isolated from these sources and expanded through two passages. Basal expression of Runx2 and Osterix was assessed in undifferentiated third passage cells, along with their response to osteogenic culture conditions. Results Bone marrow-derived cells had significantly higher basal expression of Osterix, but not Runx2. In osteogenic medium, bone-marrow cells rapidly developed dense, multicellular aggregates that stained strongly for mineral and alkaline phosphatase activity. Synovial and adipose cell cultures showed far less matrix mineralization. Bone marrow cells significantly up-regulated alkaline phosphatase mRNA expression and enzymatic activity at 7 and 14 days. Alkaline phosphatase expression and activity were increased in adipose cultures after 14 days, although these values were less than in bone marrow cultures. There was no change in alkaline phosphatase in synovial cultures. In osteogenic medium, bone marrow cultures increased both Runx2 and Osterix mRNA expression significantly at 7 and 14 days. Expression of both transcription factors did not change in synovial or adipose cultures. Discussion These results demonstrate that basal Osterix expression differs significantly in progenitor cells derived from different tissue sources and reflects the osteogenic potential of the cell populations.
The Relationship between Components of the Dynamic Strength Index and the Slope of the Force-Velocity Profile in the Loaded Countermovement Jump in Resistance-Trained Males and Females

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the dynamic strength index (DSI) and the lower-body Force-velocity (F-v) profile. Eighty-six (n = 58 females) resistance-trained individuals were recruited to perform both the DSI and F-v profile testing protocols to evaluate this relationship, as well as relationships between the components that comprise each test. Spearman correlations were calculated between DSI, F-v profile slope, countermovement jump (CMJ) peak force (PF), isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) PF, and CMJ peak velocity (PV) across a series of loading conditions from an unloaded CMJ to an additional 100% bodyweight (BW) CMJ condition. No significant correlations (rs = 0.01; p > 0.05) were found between the DSI value and the F-v profile slope. Significant correlations were found between the DSI and CMJ/IMTP PF (rs range = -0.63 to 0.22; p < 0.05) and between CMJ/IMTP PF and measures of CMJ PV (rs range = 0.45 to 0.73; p < 0.05) across the loading conditions. Results suggest that the DSI is not correlated to the F-v profile slope. Two different means of evaluating muscular force in athletes are not correlated; we suggest that athletes require specific evaluations for specific performance characteristics when assessing muscular force.
Efficient Anomalous Reflector Design Using Array Antenna Scattering Synthesis

A perfect anomalous reflector is designed by employing the receiving and scattering array antenna theory to optimize the scattering characteristics of a planar reflecting surface. For periodic reflectors with a supercell consisting of a relatively few reactively loaded radiating elements, reflection amplitudes into propagating Floquet modes are controlled in an algebraic optimization of the load reactances, avoiding brute-force optimization via electromagnetic simulations. Wide-angle reflectors are numerically designed and compared with the conventional reflectarray designs, showing that the proposed design approach achieves reflection efficiencies higher than the linear reflection phase gradient method in a computationally efficient manner.
A Residual Learning-Aided Convolutional Autoencoder for SCMA

Sparse code multiple access (SCMA) is a code-domain non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) technology proposed to meet the access needs of large-scale intelligent terminal devices with high spectrum utilization. To improve the accuracy and computational complexity of SCMA to accommodate the internet of things (IoT) scenario, we design a new end-to-end autoencoder combining convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and residual networks. A residual network with multitask learning improves the decoding accuracy, and CNN units are used for SCMA codeword mapping, with sparse connectivity and weight-sharing to reduce the number of trainable parameters. Simulations show that this scheme outperforms existing autoencoder schemes in bit error rate (BER) and computational complexity.
Adaptive rate control in frame-layer for real-time H.264/AVC

Rate control has been treated as a critical issue of H.264/AVC including previous video coding standards. The purpose of this paper is to improve allocation of the number of bits without skipping the frame by accurately estimating the target bits in H.264/AVC rate control. In our scheme, we propose an enhancement method of the target frame rate based H.264/AVC bit allocation. The enhancement uses a frame complexity estimation to improve the existing mean absolute difference (MAD) complexity measurement. Bit allocation to each frame is not just computed by target frame rate but also adjusted by a combined frame complexity measure. To prevent an undesirable buffer overflow or underflow in short of channel bandwidth, the computed quantization parameter (QP) for the current frame is adjusted based on actual encoding results at that point. The objective of QP and adjustment is to produce bits as close to the target frame as possible, which is especially important for low bandwidth based real-time applications. Simulation results show that the proposed rate control scheme achieves a similar or smaller PSNR deviation, and achieves time saving of more than 99% over JM 12.1 rate control algorithm.
Interfacial properties of protein particles at fluid/fluid interfaces and relationship with the stability of foams and emulsions

It is now well-known that the assembly of particles at fluid/fluid interfaces, and the resulting dynamical properties of such particle-laden interfaces can provide high stabilization of dispersed systems such as emulsions and foams. Here, we focus on the emerging case of “protein particles,” a novel family of bio particles. We provide an updated perspective about their definition, production, bulk and interface properties, highlighting the most recent results of the obtained bioparticle-laden interfaces, and how such protein particles can stabilize liquid dispersions. The ability of protein particles for undergoing a fast adsorption to fluid/fluid interfaces and for forming viscoelastic layers play a key role on the prevention of drainage, coalescence, or coarsening/ripening, which results in the formation of very stable particle-stabilized foams and emulsions. Therefore, protein particles are an excellent bio-based alternative to synthetic surfactants and other conventional stabilizers for ensuring the stabilization of a broad range of dispersed systems, opening new avenues for the design of new products with interest for cosmetic, food and biomedical industries.
DNA Polymerase Delta Exhibits Altered Catalytic Properties on Lysine Acetylation

DNA polymerase delta is the primary polymerase that is involved in undamaged nuclear lagging strand DNA replication. Our mass-spectroscopic analysis has revealed that the human DNA polymerase δ is acetylated on subunits p125, p68, and p12. Using substrates that simulate Okazaki fragment intermediates, we studied alterations in the catalytic properties of acetylated polymerase and compared it to the unmodified form. The current data show that the acetylated form of human pol δ displays a higher polymerization activity compared to the unmodified form of the enzyme. Additionally, acetylation enhances the ability of the polymerase to resolve complex structures such as G-quadruplexes and other secondary structures that might be present on the template strand. More importantly, the ability of pol δ to displace a downstream DNA fragment is enhanced upon acetylation. Our current results suggest that acetylation has a profound effect on the activity of pol δ and supports the hypothesis that acetylation may promote higher-fidelity DNA replication.
Performance Evaluation Statistics Applied to Derived Fields of NWP Model Forecasts

Abstract NWP model skill as obtained from the standard statistics applied to derived atmospheric fields such as thermal advection and moisture convergence is different from that obtained by the same statistics applied to basic model output fields such as temperature or wind components. An analysis with a combination of two simple wave functions shows that the errors in the forecast of the phase of the shortwave component are overwhelmingly more important. For an error of 2° longitude in the phase forecast of the shortwave component (wavenumber ∼20) the correlation coefficient for the derived fields is only 0.7 whereas it is nearly 0.9 for the basic variable fields. The prediction range of useful forecasts in terms of the derived variables decreases drastically in comparison to that obtained with the simple variables. These aspects are demonstrated with the Centro de Previsao de Tempo e Estudos Climaticos–Center for Ocean–Land–Atmosphere studies operational NWP model in two real synoptic cases that are rep.