Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
OWC 2020 Paper Submission - Science Forum DOUBLE CROPPING, PLANT-BASED FERTILIZATION AND WINTER PLANT COVER IN VEGETABLE PRODUCTION FOR SUSTAINABLE INTENSIFICATION – A SYSTEM’S APPROACH

: The global agenda asks for high and efficient food production in a sustainable way. A major part of the solution is a significant increase in vegetable consumption, which asks for an implementation of sustainable intensification in organic farming production of open-field vegetables. The aim of this study was to advance the design of cropping systems and their nitrogen management to achieve high yielding systems, while limiting nitrate leaching. A 5-year crop rotation trial was designed, including double cropping, plant-based fertilisers, catch crops, green manures and plough-free controlled traffic farming. The system was compared to a more standard organic crop rotation, fertilised by liquid manure. Crop yields, root growth, plant and soil nitrogen pools, soil microbial activity and nitrate leaching potential were studied in two years. Results showed that yields calculated per area were maintained for each crop, and increased for the season in the double-cropped system for at least two out of four fields of the rotation. Effects on soil nitrogen availability and leaching potential were ambiguous. Soil microbial activity, measured as potential nitrogen mineralisation and enzymatic activity, increased by more than 15% in the double-cropped compared to the standard system in the crop rotation. In conclusion, yields and soil fertility increased in the double-cropped system fertilised by plant-based sources and managed by plough-free controlled traffic farming. However, the high soil fertility asks for an increased focus on winter plant cover to avoid high leaching losses and to align to the principles of sustainable intensification.
Technical note: Identification of two ice-nucleating regimes for dust-related cirrus clouds based on the relationship between number concentrations of ice-nucleating particles and ice crystals

Abstract. Large amounts of dust aerosols are lifted to the upper troposphere every year and play a major role in cirrus formation by acting as efficient ice nuclei. However, the relative importance of heterogeneous nucleation and spontaneous homogenous nucleation in dust-related cirrus clouds is still not well evaluated globally. Here, based on spaceborne observations, we propose a method to identify two ice-nucleating regimes of dust-related cirrus clouds, i.e., (1) the sole presence of heterogeneous nucleation and (2) competition between heterogeneous and homogeneous nucleation, by characterizing the relationship between dust ice-nucleating particle concentrations (INPCs) calculated from the Cloud-Aerosol LIdar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) using the POlarization LIdar PHOtometer Networking (POLIPHON) method and in-cloud ice crystal number concentration (ICNC) from the DARDAR (lidar–radar) dataset. Two typical cirrus cases over central China are shown as a demonstration. In the first case, the upper part (near the cloud top) of a series of cirrus clouds successfully realized the INPC–ICNC closure, meaning that solely heterogeneous nucleation takes place, while the lower part of cirrus clouds showed the possible competition between heterogeneous and homogeneous nucleation. In the second case, the ICNCs in the cirrus cloud dramatically exceeded the dust INPCs in the vicinity by more than an order of magnitude, revealing that besides dust-induced heterogeneous nucleation, homogeneous nucleation also participated in ice formation and produced additional ice crystals. The proposed identification method is anticipated to apply in the evaluation of the influence of upper-troposphere dust on global cirrus formation and the investigation of the potential positive role of cirrus cloud thinning in the offset of climate warming.
Labor Markets in East Africa

We develop new tests for the completeness of rural labor markets, based on asymmetric responses in farm labor to changes in household composition. We implement our test using nationally representative panel data from Ethiopia, Malawi, Tanzania, and Uganda. The overall pattern is one of excess labor in rural areas, with substan-tial heterogeneity by cultivation phase, gender, and agro-ecology. In Ethiopia, poor households face a de facto labor shortage, driven more by lack of finance than by a physical shortage of workers. There is evidence of partial gender segmentation. In all four countries, women are more difficult to replace than men.
Bayesian inversion with deep learning-driven priors – Application to spectral imaging problems

Spectral imaging finds applications in many different fields including remote sensing for Earth observation and in medicine. In Earth observation, multiband imaging provides a detailed characterization of the observed scene by sensing the reflected electromagnetic spectrum in tens nay hundreds of spectral bands. This characterization can be leveraged for ecosystem monitoring, environmental suveillance or land cover mapping. However, multiband images face an unsurpassable trade-off which limits the intrinsic spatial resolution as spectral resolution increases. Several techniques have been developped in the remote sensing literature to overcome this limitation, namely spectral unmixing, subpixel mapping or pansharpening. All these tasks can be formulated as challenging inverse problems
A Combination Mode of Annual Cycle and the El Ni ˜no-Southern Oscillation

Atmospheric circulation anomalies associated with the interannual El Ni˜no-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon 1 exert global impacts on the climate system 2 . El Ni˜no events are characterised by positive sea surface temperature anomalies in the eastern equatorial Paciﬁc, whereas La Ni˜na events exhibit an anomalously cold sea surface. ENSO is considered an oscillatory instability of the tropical Paciﬁc coupled ocean-atmosphere system 1,3–6 . The boreal winter peak of El Ni˜no events and the seasonal variance modulation of associated eastern equatorial sea surface temperature anomalies 2 , often referred to as phase-locking 7 , document ENSO’s tight interaction with the seasonal cycle. To date there exists no established theory for ENSO’s synchronisation with the annual cycle. In the present study, we show that seasonal changes in the western tropical Paciﬁc warm pool region interact with El Ni˜no, giving rise to a near-annual combination climate mode with periods of 10 and 15 months. Associated wind changes trigger the termination of large El
Intelligent Wearables

— Wearable devices are ever more becoming an asset in our everyday lives. This shift to ubiquitous computing has also led to the development of systems that make these wearable devices behave intelligently according to a user’s need, when deployed in various scenarios. The system discussed here, is envisaged to be deployed in a tourism environment as a personalized suggestion generation that relays information back to the user through an Augmented Reality framework. The implementation explored the use of various techniques in literature, and a series of tests were performed in order to evaluate the system’s personalization capabilities and its perceived efficiency. The Precision rate obtained was 81%, while Recall and F-Measure, stood at 60% and 65% respectively. Future work on this study opens the door to the implementation of such systems that allow for the development of intelligent wearable devices that can be both useful in increasing accessibility or simply entertainment.
RESEARCH ORGANISATION Money Neutrality: An Empirical Assessment for Mexico

The quantity theory of money assumes that money itself is neutral with respect to real output, both in the long and short term. Therefore, this last period should not be affected by changes in money supply. A review of the literature is carried out in order to provide a framework for the empirical analysis. To test the above proposition for Mexico, M1 is used, while GDP, duly adjusted for inflation stands for output. The period under consideration covers from the first quarter of 1993 to the first quarter of 2018. The results expose a cubic function. For the long term and with respect to M1, the price elasticity is positive with a substantial coefficient (10.03). In its squared portion, the coefficient is inelastic and negative (-0.49). Finally, the cubic coefficient is close to zero (0.01). These three coefficients bear a one period lag. Besides, a dummy variable comprising the four quarters of 1995, when the Mexican economy experienced a recession, was introduced. In the short term, the coefficient for the straight section is considerably large (38.19), being negative and elastic in its square tranche (-1.81), and almost negligible in its cubic portion (0.03). As a result of the above estimates, while there has been a considerable effect in real output as a result of increases in the money supply, particularly in the early years considered, its value has been receding at a considerable pace. These results apply in the long as well as in the short term. The only difference in this similar pattern is that such effect has been stronger during the short term. With respect to the theoretical tenets underling the subject, it should be observed that the effects of money supply in real output are mixed, depending on the periods under consideration.
Blockchains as a solution for traceability and transparency

Requirements from consumers and governments to produce more sustainable products have increased during recent years. Even if products are certified, one cannot make sure companies meet these requirements, since no chain of events can verify this exists. The transportation industry lacks certification and information on whether a product is transported in a sustainable way. The food industry, on the other hand, has integrated the use of certifications widely. However, the industry also requires traceability through the entire supply chain. In this research, the authors study how traceability issues can be solved from the perspective of a fourth party logistics firm and how the transparency could be increased. Scholars argue that one way of solving traceability issues, and at the same time achieve transparency, could be to use the blockchain technology; a technology which stores data in chronological order, impossible to manipulate afterwards. Therefore, the blockchain technology has been tested on a product’s flow, from loading at a supplier, through a cross-docking terminal and a central warehouse, to receiving at a client’s store. By integrating a blockchain to a smartphone application, enabling scanning of barcodes through the camera, and linking the information from the barcode to the blockchain, digital footprints between the parties could be created at each transaction. Additional information about the emission standards of the trucks were connected to the drivers, which was visualized by the blockchain together with the transported product. To be able to implement the technology and successfully use it, three main challenges have to be overcome: cooperation between the involved parties, motivation for the user of the smartphone application, and a system integration between the different IT-systems. The conclusions from the research are that the usage of blockchain technology is advantageous in order to achieve traceability. In addition, the technology enables all involved parties to check the product’s entire history as well as its current location. Further, the technology creates transparency for all participants. Due to the irreversible technique of storing data, the blockchain technology creates a unique level of credibility, which contribute to a more sustainable industry. The information on the blockchain enables companies to strengthen the relationships with current customers and to attract new ones.
Ice Age: Chemodynamical Modeling of Cha-MMS1 to Predict New Solid-phase Species for Detection with JWST

Chemical models and experiments indicate that interstellar dust grains and their ice mantles play an important role in the production of complex organic molecules (COMs). To date, the most complex solid-phase molecule detected with certainty in the interstellar medium is methanol, but the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) may be able to identify still larger organic species. In this study, we use a coupled chemodynamical model to predict new candidate species for JWST detection toward the young star-forming core Cha-MMS1, combining the gas–grain chemical kinetic code MAGICKAL with a 1D radiative hydrodynamics simulation using Athena++. With this model, the relative abundances of the main ice constituents with respect to water toward the core center match well with typical observational values, providing a firm basis to explore the ice chemistry. Six oxygen-bearing COMs (ethanol, dimethyl ether, acetaldehyde, methyl formate, methoxy methanol, and acetic acid), as well as formic acid, show abundances as high as, or exceeding, 0.01% with respect to water ice. Based on the modeled ice composition, the infrared spectrum is synthesized to diagnose the detectability of the new ice species. The contribution of COMs to IR absorption bands is minor compared to the main ice constituents, and the identification of COM ice toward the core center of Cha-MMS1 with the JWST NIRCAM/Wide Field Slitless Spectroscopy (2.4–5.0 μm) may be unlikely. However, MIRI observations (5–28 μm) toward COM-rich environments where solid-phase COM abundances exceed 1% with respect to the column density of water ice might reveal the distinctive ice features of COMs.
Multiport MIMO antennas with mutual coupling reduction techniques for modern wireless transreceive operations: A review

The present technology fulfills the requirement of high data rate and high channel capacity using multiple input multiple output (MIMO) technology. The MIMO capacity of the system is increased linearly but due to the multiple antennas placed near to each other, problem of mutual coupling exists, which degrades the maximum achievable performance of the system. The problems of multipath propagation can be solved using MIMO system. The isolation improvement methods decrease the mutual coupling among antenna elements, and improve the gain and efficiency of the system. In this paper, decoupling network isolation approach, parasitic element approach, defected ground structure, Neutralization line, isolation improvement based on metamaterials, isolation improvement using PIN diode, varactor diode, and feeding structure have been incorporated, and their merits and demerits have been discussed. The effect of different permittivity material on antenna parameters has also included.
Meta-analysis Complication Following CT-guided Transthoracic Lung Biopsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background: CT-guided transthoracic lung biopsy is a minimally invasive diagnostic technique for tissue detection of peripheral lung nodules. This can alternatively be carried out by surgery, but CT-guided transthoracic lung biopsy is proposed to be less invasive and correlated with lower costs. Therefore, in this study we aimed to evaluate complication rate of computed tomography (CT)-guided transthoracic lung biopsy. Methods: Five databases were searched from inception to December 2020 to identify investigations reporting complications in CT-guided lung biopsy. The extracted data of overall and major complication rates were pooled by the random-effects model. Risk factors for complications of FNA were evaluated by meta-regression analysis. Results: Seventeen studies of complication rate of FNA were included in our meta-analysis. The pooled rate of major complication of FNA was 4.4 % (95 % CI: 2.7–7 %). The pooled rate of pneumothorax was 5 % (95 % CI: 3.1-8 %). Increased traversed lung parenchyma and smaller lesion size were risk factors for major complications. Conclusions: In CT-guided lung biopsy, major complication rate was low. Our study showed that in patients who underwent FNA, smaller nodule diameter, larger needle diameter and increased traversed lung parenchyma were associated with higher risk of complications.
REVIEW OF THE PREVALENCE AND AWARENESS OF HYPERTENSION IN SAUDI ARABIA

: Hypertension is a controllable factor which contributes to the burden of many common non-communicable diseases globally. This study provides a general view on hypertension prevalence and awareness among Saudis. Prevalences have ranged from (15.2%) to (54.9%) in multiple studies. The variation is mainly due to the studied age group, cutoff measures, and methods of detecting the prevalence. Awareness was investigated as well to know the other factors contributing to the high prevalence rates. Adherence was addressed as the major issue in controlling hypertension in Saudi Arabia. However, while awareness is considered to be satisfactory, more attention should be paid towards adherence to medication to achieve a better control over hypertension.
Protein Concentration Elevations in Mouse Lung Following Sudden Transient Cephalad (+Gz)

Laboratory and feral lineages of mice were subjected to cephalad (+G 2 ) accelerations, for 1.8 seconds, aboard a solid fuel rocket. Spectrophotometric analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage retrieved post launch revealed significant (p < .001) elevations of protein in the lungs of experimental mice. Sudden transient imposition of a mean +G 2 acceleration of 6.22±. 47 (SD) G, at lift-off, may have induced hypervolemia of basilar pulmonary microvasculature with concomitant migration of fluid and protein from intravascular to juxta-alveolar perivascular compartments. Exudates may have entered bronchiolar airways subsequently gravitating toward alveoli.
Turnoverof CirculatingEnzymes

The homeostasis of circulating enzymes is maintained by an equilibrium between the quantity entering the circulation and the quantity removed per unit of time. Enzymes, like most other circulating substances, are removed at a constant fractional rate with characteristic biological half-lives depending on the enzyme, the isoenzyme, and the species involved. Plasma enzyme activities above normal values may result from increased entry, diminished removal, or both. The composition of a mixture of enzymes or isoenzymes may alter after its entry into circulation because of different removal rates for the various components. These factors should be carefully considered before an “enzyme profile” is regarded as indicative of a disease in a particular organ.
Pulse oximetry measures a lower heart at birth compared to electrocardiography

Objective: To examine the effect of time on heart rate measured by pulse oximetry (HR PO ) and ECG (HR ECG ). Methods: HR ECG and HR PO (collected at maximum sensitivity) were assessed in (pre)term infants at birth. ECG electrodes and a PO sensor were attached as soon as possible and HR ECG and HR PO were compared every 30 s from 1-10 minutes after birth. PO data were excluded if Signal Identification and Quality <0.30. Results: 53 patients were included and 755 data pairs were analysed. Median (IQR) gestational age was 37 (31-39) weeks. Mean (SD) starting time of PO and ECG data collection was 99 (33) vs. 82 (26) s after birth (p=0.001). In the first 2 minutes, HR PO was significantly lower from 60-450 s when compared to HR ECG (94 (67-144) vs. 150 (91-153) bpm at 60 s (p<0.05), 81 (60-109) vs. 148 (83-170) bpm at 90s (p<0.001) and 83 (67-145) vs. 158 (119-176) at 120 s (p<0.001). A HR <100 bpm was more frequently observed with a PO than ECG in the first 2 minutes (64% vs. 27 % at 60 s (n.s.), 56% vs. 26% at 90 s (p<0.05) and 53% vs. 21% at 120 s (p<0.05). Conclusion: In infants at birth HR measured by PO is significantly lower compared to ECG with clinically important differences in the first minutes.
Mechanisms of Horizontal Gene Transfer Mechanisms of Horizontal Gene Transfer

Horizontal gene transfer plays important roles in the evolution of S. aureus , and indeed, a variety of virulence factors and antibiotic resistance genes are embedded in a series of mobile genetic elements. In this chapter, we review the mechanisms of horizontal gene transfer, including recent findings on the natural genetic competence. Then, we consider the transfer of two important antibiotic resistance genes: the methicillin resistance gene, mecA (in Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome) and the linezolid resistance gene, cfr (in plasmid). In either case, distinct mechanisms driving the gene dissemination support the prominent evolutionary ability of this important human pathogen.
Dosing Schedules for Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Considerations for Policy Makers

: Since second generation pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (pCVs) targeting 10 and 13 serotypes became available in 2010, the number of national policy makers considering these vaccines has steadily increased. An important consideration for a national immunization program is the timing and number of doses—the schedule—that will best prevent disease in the population. Data on disease epidemiology and the efficacy or effectiveness of pCV schedules are typically considered when choosing a schedule. practical concerns, such as the existing vaccine schedule, and vaccine program performance are also important. In low-income countries, pneumococcal disease and deaths typically peak well before the end of the first year of life, making a schedule that provides pCV doses early in life (eg, a 6-, 10- and 14-week schedule) potentially the best option. In other settings, a schedule including a booster dose may address disease that peaks in the second year of life or may be seen to enhance a schedule already in place. A large and growing body of evidence from immunogenicity studies, as well as clinical trials and observational studies of carriage, pneumonia and invasive disease, has been system-atically reviewed; these data indicate that schedules of 3 or 4 doses all work well, and that the differences between these regimens are subtle, especially in a mature program in which coverage is high and indirect (herd) effects help enhance protection provided directly by a vaccine schedule. the recent World Health Organization policy statement on pCVs endorsed a schedule of 3 primary doses without a booster or, as a new alternative, 2 primary doses with a booster dose. While 1 schedule may be preferred in a particular setting based on local epidemiology or practical considerations, achieving high coverage with 3 doses is likely more important than the specific timing of doses.
Analysis of User Movement Behaviour Pattern Mining Approaches for Mobile Environments

: The advances in wireless communications and mobile device technologies not only accentuate various wireless communications applications but also enable the provision of plentiful kinds of mobile services for users. Mobile service systems offer users useful information ubiquitously via mobile devices. Based on changeable user movement behaviour patterns (UMBPs), mobile service systems have the capability of effectively mining a special request from abundant data. In this paper, UMBPs are studied in terms of the problem of mining matching mobile access patterns based on joining the following four kinds of characteristics, U,L,T, and S, where U is the mobile user, L is the movement location, T is the dwell time in the timestamp, and S is the service request.