Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
at GeoLingIt: Beyond Boundaries, Enhancing Geolocation Prediction and Dialect Classification on Social Media in Italy

The proliferation of social media platforms has presented researchers with valuable avenues to examine language usage within diverse sociolinguistic frameworks. Italy, renowned for its rich linguistic diversity, provides a distinctive context for exploring diatopic variation, encompassing regional languages, dialects, and variations of Standard Italian. This paper presents our contributions to the GeoLingIt shared task, focusing on predicting the locations of social media posts in Italy based on linguistic content. For Task A, we propose a novel approach, combining data augmentation and contrastive learning, that outperforms the baseline in region prediction. For Task B, we introduce a joint multi-task learning approach leveraging the synergies with Task A and incorporate a post-processing rectification module for improved geolocation accuracy, surpassing the baseline and achieving first place in the competition.
Spatial-temporal trends of water quality and its influence by land use:A case study of the main rivers in Shenzhen

With an increasing trend of the urbanization in most domestic cities,urban water environment will be influenced greatly.This paper probes into the spatial-temporal trends of water quality of the five rivers with the watershed area above 100 km~2 in Shenzhen city,and explains the correlation relationship between the land use type and the water quality indicator by using the statistical analysis and the spatial analysis.The results show that the water quality of these five rivers from 1996 to 2004 is deteriorated and the land use type of these watersheds has close relationship with different water quality indicators,specially,the usage of arable land, orchard land and construction land will obviously result in the organic pollution of the in-stream water quality.This study indicates the water resources protection from the perspective of the land structure optimization and land use planning.
Integrated Supercritical Fluid Extraction and Pre-Formulation Process of Punica granatum L. Pericarp Polar Compounds

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a widely used fruit in the dietary supplement industry due to its richness in bioactive compounds. In this study, an experimental design was applied to optimize supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) of polar compounds of interest (ellagic acid and punicalagins), known for antioxidant and skin care properties from pomegranate’s pericarp. The effects of temperature, modifier percentage, and water additive percentage added in the modifier were explored through a Box–Behnken design, followed by a study of the extraction kinetics. The results indicated that 40 °C, 20% EtOH:H2O 80:20 v:v, with an extraction duration of 60 min allowed for the highest recovery of the above-mentioned molecules (19.59 mg/g). Due to solubilization issues encountered by the extract, a screening of cosmetic solvents was carried out to solubilize SFE pomegranate extracts and a composition of Gly:H2O 80:20 v:v was selected. Furthermore, an integrated SFE pre-formulation process of pomegranate pericarp extract (PPE) was elaborated. This allowed for the recovery of the extracts in cosmetic solvent, avoiding a full evaporation. Finally, the stability of the pre-formulated extracts was evaluated and showed high stability for over 3 months at 5 °C.
Microbial communities of a variety of 75 homemade fermented vegetables

Fermentation is an ancient practice of food preservation. Fermented vegetables are popular in Eastern European and Asian countries. They have received a growing interest in Western countries, where they are mainly manufactured at domestic and artisanal scales and poorly characterized. Our aim was to investigate the microbial communities and the safety of French homemade fermented vegetables, in the frame of a citizen science project. Fermented vegetables and the data associated with their manufacture were collected from citizens and characterized for pH, NaCl concentration, and microbiology by culturomics and 16S DNA metabarcoding analysis. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeast isolates were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and D1/D2 domains of the large subunit of the rRNA gene, respectively. The 75 collected samples contained 23 types of vegetables, mainly cabbage, followed by carrots and beets, and many mixtures of vegetables. They were 2 weeks to 4 years old, and their median pH was 3.56, except for two samples with a pH over 4.5. LAB represented the dominant viable bacteria. LAB concentrations ranged from non-detectable values to 8.7 log colony-forming units (CFU)/g and only depended on the age of the samples, with the highest most frequently observed in the youngest samples (<100 days). The 93 LAB isolates identified belonged to 23 species, the two mains being Lactiplantibacillus pentosus/plantarum and Levilactobacillus brevis. The other microbial groups enumerated (total aerobic bacteria, halotolerant bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, and acetic acid bacteria) generally showed lower concentrations compared to LAB concentrations. No pathogenic bacteria were detected. Viable yeasts were observed in nearly half the samples, at concentrations reaching up to 8.0 log CFU/g. The 33 yeast clones identified belonged to 16 species. Bacterial metabarcoding showed two main orders, namely, Lactobacillales (i.e., LAB, 79% of abundance, 177 of the 398 total ASVs) and Enterobacterales (19% of abundance, 191 ASVs). Fifteen LAB genera were identified, with Lactiplantibacillus and Levilactobacillus as the most abundant, with 41 and 12% of total reads, respectively. Enterobacterales members were mainly represented by Enterobacteriaceae and Yersiniaceae. This study is the first wide description of the microbiota of a large variety of homemade fermented vegetables and documents their safety.
Normal vascular variants of the upper extremity

Poster: "ECR 2014 / C-1039 / Normal vascular variants of the upper extremity" by: "P. Paixao, A. P. Gomes, M. S. C. Sousa, I. Santiago, A. S. C. C. Germano; Amadora/PT"
Exploring the Structure and Properties of VwSeyTe2−y Mixed Crystals in the VTe2–VSe2 System

Vanadium (IV) chalcogenide materials are of increasing interest for use in catalysis and energy conversion-related applications. Since no ternary compounds are yet known in the V–Se–Te system, we studied ternary VwSeyTe2−y (w = 1.10, 1.13; y = 0.42, 0.72) phases crystallizing in space group Pm1 (no. 164). Two single-crystal specimens with differing compositions of a solid solution were obtained using the ceramic method. All products were characterized by either single-crystal or powder X-ray diffraction. The lattice parameters increase with rising tellurium content in accordance with the larger ionic radius of the tellurium anion compared to selenium. The chemical compositions were confirmed by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Furthermore, magnetic measurements mostly revealed antiferromagnetic properties. Simultaneous differential scanning calorimetry/thermogravimetric analyses in a nitrogen atmosphere showed endothermic decomposition accompanied by the formation of VN. The decomposition of VSe and VTe was observed in an argon atmosphere. The results of this work can serve as a basis for the synthesis of new phases in the V–Se–Te and related vanadium chalcogenide systems.
Human VH4-34 antibodies derived from B1 cells are more frequently autoreactive than VH4-34 antibodies derived from memory cells

Human B1 cells produce natural antibodies characterized by overutilization of heavy chain variable region VH4-34 in comparison to other B cell populations. VH4-34-containing antibodies have been reported to be autoreactive and to be associated with lupus and other autoimmune dyscrasias. However, it has been unclear to what extent VH4-34 antibodies manifest autoreactivity in B1 cells or other B cell populations—in other words, are VH4-34 containing antibodies autoreactive wherever found, or mainly within the B1 cell population? To address this issue we sort purified single human B1 and memory B cells and then amplified, sequenced, cloned and expressed VH4-34-containing antibodies from 76 individual B cells. Each of these antibodies was tested for autoreactivity by HEp-2 IFA and autoantigen ELISA. Antibodies were scored as autoreactive if positive by either assay. We found VH4-34 antibodies rescued from B1 cells were much more frequently autoreactive (14/48) than VH4-34 antibodies rescued from memory B cells (2/28). Among B1 cell antibodies, 4 were HEp-2+, 6 were dsDNA+ and 4 were positive for both. Considering only HEp-2+ antibodies, again these were found more frequently among B1 cell VH4-34 antibodies (8/48) than memory B cell VH4-34 antibodies (1/28). We found autoreactivity was associated with greater CDR3 length, as expected; however, we found no association between autoreactivity and a previously described FR1 “hydrophobic patch”. Our results indicate that autoreactive VH4-34-containing antibodies tend to reside within the human B1 cell population.
Analysis on Characteristics of Radiation and Meteorological Elements during a Strong Sandstorm Passing Taklimakan Desert

Using the remote sensing data and the observed data from the 80m meteorological tower in the hinterland of Taklimakan desert,we monitored the process of a strong sandstorm passing through Taklimakan desert hinterland,and analyzed the evolution characteristics of shortwave radiation,wind velocity,wind direction,temperature,humidity and pressure in detail in the near-surface.The results indicated that,at preand post sandstorm periods,the total radiation and reflective radiation decreased obviously,and the peak time lagged.The daily range of shortwave corresponded with wind speed,and was controlled by the turbulence.The sandstorm not only seriously influenced the visibility,but also the total radiation,As a result it affected the climate.The wind direction changed several times before the sandstorm.The wind speed decreased at the change time of wind direction,it increased after that.The wind velocity increased rapidly and the wind direction was stable when the sandstorm passing.Before the onset of sandstorm,the air mass was hot and under the control of low pressure.When the sandstorm passing by,the air mass became cold and wet,and the pressure increased sharply.The weather of sandstorm was a process in which temperature decreased,and humidity and pressure increased.
A Comparison of Dairy Cattle Behavioural Patterns at Pasture and During Confinement

Behaviour studies were carried out on spring calving dairy cows in mid-gestation with an age range of 4 to 12 years. Comparisons were made between the behaviour patterns in confinement and at pasture in both the duration and distribution of various activities. An ethogram for various activities was established for cows at pasture. The cow's day was largely divided into the time spent feeding, lying down and ruminating. Marked differences in the temporal distribution and level of these behavioural activities were observed during confinement. The distribution of feeding times and activity levels were substantially altered by the constrained conditions of confinement. The cows were more restless indoors than at pasture; this affected their lying behaviour. This, in turn, disrupted the ruminating behaviour during confinement. Evidence of social hierarchy was shown and the hierarchies at pasture and indoors were significantly different. Of the physiological and morphological factors examined, age was found to be the most important determinant of rank. Agonistic behaviour was found to increase, and benign interactions to decrease during confinement. Possible explanations for these differences are proposed and possible consequences discussed. It is suggested that minimisation of these behavioural differences should be one of the major goals of good management practice.
Soil Organic Carbon and Nitrogen Sequestration in Irrigated Cropping Systems of the Central Great Plains

Conversion of native grasslands to cultivated cropland has been long reported to result in the loss of soil organic matt er (SOM) and soil organic carbon (SOC) with a conventional tillage (CT) production system under dryland conditions (Haas et al., 1957; Peterson et al., 1998). Farming methods utilizing intensive mechanical tillage for seedbed preparation and weed control contribute to increased levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) released to the atmosphere from mineralization of SOM and loss of SOC through soil erosion (Janzen et al., 1999; Lal et al., 1999; Reicosky et al., 2002), causing a decline in soil quality and productivity. Management strategies to sequester more SOC by using conservation farming technologies, such as reduced tillage (RT) and no-tillage (NT) systems, could help mitigate agriculture’s eff ect on atmospheric CO2 levels and reduce its eff ect on global climate change (Lal et al., 1998; Peterson et al., 1998; Mosier et al., 2006). Soil organic C is important for improving water-holding capacity and nutrient availability of soil. Thus, we need to understand how management practices aff ect SOC. Reducing tillage intensity and maintaining maximum soil productivity for optimum grain yields in the central Great Plains can potentially increase SOC (Peterson et al., 1998). Halvorson et al. (2000) showed that aft er 27 yr of NT and intensive crop management, SOM levels under NT were 85% of native sod, whereas the CT, crop–fallow production system was 40% of native sod levels at a Nebraska site. Halvorson et al. (1999) showed SOC sequestration was enhanced by N fertilization in a NT, dryland cropping system in Colorado, which implies that having a high level of soil fertility was necessary to optimize residue production and SOC sequestration. Follett (2001) surmised that optimum fertility levels
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Issues in Glioma Using Imaging Data: The Challenge of Numerical Twinning

Glial tumors represent the leading etiology of primary brain tumors. Their particularities lie in (i) their location in a highly functional organ that is difficult to access surgically, including for biopsy, and (ii) their rapid, anisotropic mode of extension, notably via the fiber bundles of the white matter, which further limits the possibilities of resection. The use of mathematical tools enables the development of numerical models representative of the oncotype, genotype, evolution, and therapeutic response of lesions. The significant development of digital technologies linked to high-resolution NMR exploration, coupled with the possibilities offered by AI, means that we can envisage the creation of digital twins of tumors and their host organs, thus reducing the use of physical sampling.
Knowledge and Awareness of Stroke among the Elderly Population: Analysis of Data from a Sample of Older Adults in a Developing Country

Background and Objectives: Stroke prevention has traditionally concentrated on research to improve knowledge and awareness of the disease in the general population. Since stroke incidents increase with age, there is a need to focus on the elderly, a high-risk group for developing the disease. This study aimed to examine the level of stroke awareness and knowledge, their predictors, and their source of information. Materials and Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study targeted Lebanese senior citizens aged 65 years and above. A total of 513 participants enrolled in the study through a self-administered survey distributed using a snowball sampling technique. Results: Most participants had appropriate baseline knowledge (more than 75% correct answers) of stroke, including risk factors, alarming signs, and preventive measures. Better knowledge of disease risks was significantly associated with having a university degree (ORa = 1.609; p = 0.029). Participants who had previous ischemic attacks showed significantly lower knowledge of the alarming signs (ORa = 0.467; p = 0.036) and prevention measures (ORa = 0.427; p = 0.029). Those suffering from depression had better knowledge of stroke alarming signs (ORa = 2.060.; p = 0.050). Seeking information from pharmacists, physicians, or the internet was not significantly associated with better knowledge of stroke risks, alarming signs, and preventive measures. Conclusions: The present study showed that seniors had fair knowledge of stroke, despite gaps in stroke prevention measures. Healthcare providers could play a leading role in improving public health by educating seniors to enhance awareness about prevention measures, detecting alarming signs, and acting fast to save a life.
Challenging the Norms: Tackling a Herculean Ovarian Carcinoma

: Ovarian cancer is a significant health concern in India, with shifting trends in incidence, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes over the past decade. This article highlights the evolving landscape of ovarian cancer in India, where the disease is projected to rise by 57.5 by 2040. We present a case of a massive borderline serous cystadenoma in a postmenopausal woman, emphasizing the challenges posed by such cases. The patient’s presentation, diagnostic workup, surgical procedure, and pathological diagnosis are detailed. Additionally, a literature review of giant ovarian tumors is provided. This case underscores the need for a multidisciplinary approach and vigilant management to mitigate potential complications associated with large ovarian cysts during surgical removal.
Vers une prévision opérationnelle des flux d'azote résultant de l'épandage de lisier : paramétrage d'un modèle dynamique de Simulation des transformations de l'azote des lisiers (STAL)

La directive europeenne sur les nitrates et la mise en oeuvre du Code de bonnes pratiques agricoles incitent aujourd'hui a mieux valoriser les effluents d'elevage, car leur utilisation irraisonnee, frequemment constatee, entraine une pollution consequente de l'eau et de l'air. Dans ce contexte, il apparait important d'affiner la prevision de la valeur fertilisante azotee des effluents d'elevage, comparativement aux modeles operationnels existants, et de disposer d'outils permettant d'evaluer l'impact environnemental des pratiques agricoles. Afin de repondre a cette attente, un modele dynamique de simulation des transformations de l'azote des lisiers (STAL) a ete elabore et parametre ; l'originalite de la demarche reside dans la modelisation couplee de la volatilisation et des biotransformations (ie la nitrification, l'organisation et la mineralisation), qui permet de prendre en compte les relations de concurrence entre processus. STAL integre l'effet du climat, de la composition du lisier et des modes d'apport sur la valeur fertilisante azotee de l'effluent, et participe a l'evaluation environnementale, par le calcul de la volatilisation ammoniacale et de la dynamique de nitrification. L'accent a ete mis sur la conception d'un modele operationnel, renseigne par des parametres facilement accessibles, et evolutif, afin de pouvoir integrer aisement de nouvelles fonctions et processus. / The European Directive on Nitrates and the publication of the Code of Good Agricultural Practices nowadays encourage the better use of effluents from livestock rearing, since their careless use, which is often seen, leads to water and air pollution. This being so, it seems important to improve the prediction of the nitrogen fertilisation value of livestock effluents, as compared with existing operational models, and to make available tools capable of evaluating the environmental impact of agricultural practices. To respond to this need, a dynamic simulation model of transformations of nitrogen from slurries, called STAL, was developed and parameterised; the novelty of the procedure rests in the modelling coupled with volatilisation and biotransformations (i.e. nitrification, immobilisation and mineralisation), which takes into account competition between processes. STAL brings together effects of weather, slurry composition and application methods on the fertilising value of the effluent and contributes to the environmental evaluation by calculating ammonia volatilisation and nitrification dynamics. The accent has been put on the creation of an operational model, calibrated from readily acquired data, and evolving so as to easily incorporate new functions and processes.
3D mapping and photogrammetry sensor payload for unmanned aerial vehicles

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have shown great potential for data collection and monitoring of areas. Sensors such as LiDARs and cameras can be used on UAVs for high-resolution data collection and used for various applications like Digital Surface Models (DSM), photogrammetry, inspection systems, and maintenance applications. This paper describes the design and implementation of a sensor payload for UAVs using a LiDAR sensor, camera, Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), and Global Positioning System (GPS). The payload collects data that can be used to georeference LiDAR and camera data, which can later be used to generate a georeferenced map and perform object detection and classification.
The Quality Assessment of Oils Obtained from Berry Fruit Seeds Using Pressurized Liquid Extraction

: Berry fruit seeds should be treated as a valuable waste product of fruit industry. In the following study oils from cranberry, black currant, red currant, strawberry and chokeberry seeds were extracted by conventional and pressurized liquid extraction. The quality of oils was assessed by determining oxidative stability (onset and maximum time of induction) with the use of pressure differential scanning calorimetry, fatty acids composition by gas chromatography and health indices, such as atherogenicity, thrombogenicity and hypocholesterolemic indexes. Additionally, health-promoting index was calculated. It was found that fatty acid profile was not affected when pressurized liquid extraction was used. Major fatty acid in the studied oils was linoleic acid ranging from 36% for cranberry seed oil to 69% for chokeberry seed oil, followed by α -linolenoic acid in case of cranberry, strawberry and redcurrant seed oils or by oleic acid for chokeberry and blackcurrant seed oils. The oxidative stability of fats extracted with the use of pressurized solvent was significantly lower, comparing to oils obtained in conventional extraction process e.g., maximum induction time for conventionally extracted chokeberry seed oil was 40.74 ± 0.66 min and 9.24 ± 0.57 min when pressurized liquid extraction was applied. The studied oils had low values of atherogenicity and thrombogenicity indexes, what with combination with high values of hypocholesterolemic index allow to qualify them for high nutritional quality oils. However, further studies, regarding process optimization in order to obtain oils with improved quality, mainly better oxidative stability, is needed.