Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of Misrepresentation of Freezing-Level Height by the TRMM Algorithm on Shallow Rain Statistics over India and Adjoining Oceans

AbstractThe estimation of freezing level-height (FLH) by the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) algorithm is evaluated, against several other data sources, over India and adjoining oceans. It is observed that the TRMM algorithm either underestimates or overestimates the FLH [relative to radiosonde- and ECMWF Interim Re-Analysis (ERA)-derived FLH] at latitudes > 20°N over India. The agreement between the FLHs obtained from ERA and radiosonde and the TRMM-derived brightband height suggests that usage of ERA-derived FLH may improve shallow rain statistics. The impact of misrepresentation of FLH by the TRMM algorithm on shallow rain statistics is assessed by using 13 yr of TRMM precipitation radar measurements. It is noted that the misidentification of FLH alone affects (mostly underestimates) the shallow rain occurrence and rain fraction by 3%–8% over the study region. The magnitude of underestimation is large over the southern slopes of the Himalaya, the northern plains, and in northwestern India. T.
Effects of Plant Biostimulation Time Span and Soil Electrical Conductivity on Greenhouse Tomato ‘Miniplum’ Yield and Quality in Diverse Crop Seasons

Biostimulants help plants cope with environmental stresses and improve vegetable yield and quality. This study was conducted to determine the protein hydrolysate (PH) effect of three different durations (weekly applications: three, six, or nine times plus an untreated control) in factorial combination with four soil electrical conductivities (EC: 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, or 6.0 mS·cm−1) on yield, fruit quality, and elemental composition of tomato ‘miniplum’ grown in a greenhouse. Fruit yield was best affected, during the summer, by six and nine biostimulant applications at EC 3.0 mS·cm−1, and in the same season, the six treatments led to the highest fruit number with no difference compared to nine applications; during the winter, the three and six treatments improved the mentioned variables at each EC level. Fruits’ dry residue and Brixo were positively affected by biostimulation both in summer and winter. In summer, the 6.0 mS·cm−1 EC led to the highest dry residue and Brixo values, though the latter did not show any significant difference compared to 4.5 mS·cm−1; in winter, the best results corresponded to 4.5 and 6.0 mS·cm−1. A higher beneficial effect of PH on fruit antioxidant status, i.e., lycopene, polyphenols, ascorbic acid levels, and lipophilic (LAA) and hydrophilic (HAA) activity, was recorded in winter compared with summer. Positive correlations between polyphenols and LAA, as well as ascorbic acid content and HAA were found for all EC and PH treatments. Most of the mineral elements tested demonstrated concentration stability, whereas the highest EC decreased P, Mg, Cu, and Se accumulation. The opposite effect was shown by PH application on Se and Mn levels, with P tending to increase. The concentrations of Fe, Zn, and Cu were the lowest under the longest duration of PH supply. These results further confirm the essential role of plant biostimulation in enhancing tomato yield and quality, with a particular focus on the treatment duration.
The accretion of diamagnetic blobs by a rotating magnetosphere.

In some close binary systems the accretion flow may consist largely of gas blobs which are not threaded by the magnetic field of the accretor, but interact with it through a surface drag. I show analytically that blobs of initial specific energy and angular momentum E<0, J are accreted if and only if 2(−E)/J exceeds a quantity close to the spin rate ω of the star. For Roche lobe overflow, this naturally gives the relation (equilibrium spin period) ∼0.1×(orbital period), satisfied by some intermediate polars. The magnetic field circularizes the blob orbits without the intervention of viscosity or the formation of an extended accretion disc
Novel Antibiotic Resistance Genes Identified by Functional Gene Library Screening in Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Chryseobacterium spp. Bacteria of Soil Origin

As one of the most diverse habitats of microorganisms, soil has been recognised as a reservoir of both antibiotics and the antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Bacteria naturally inhabiting soil or water often possess innate ARGs to counteract the chemical compounds produced by competitors living in the same environment. When such bacteria are able to cause infections in immunocompromised patients, their strong innate antibiotic resistance mechanisms make treatment difficult. We generated functional gene libraries using antibiotic-resistant Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Chryseobacterium spp. bacteria isolated from agricultural soils in Lithuania to select for the genetic determinants responsible for their resistance. We were able to find novel variants of aminoglycoside and β-lactam resistance genes, with β-lactamases isolated from the Chryseobacterium spp. functional gene library, one of which is a variant of IND-like metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) IND-17 and the other of which is a previously uncharacterised MBL we named CHM (Chryseobacterium metallo β-lactamase). Our results indicate that soil microorganisms possess a diversity of ARG variants, which could potentially be transferred to the clinical setting.
Social Aggregation of Preferences, and the Distance between Economic Agents

This paper defines and investigates a new metric that measures the distance between preference relations. The metric induces a topology on spaces of preferences, and we inquire into the properties of this topology. An axiomatic characterization of the metric is also given. Finally, referring to a problem in the theory of social choice, we show that with our topology, some natural domains of preferences admit social choice rules that are continuous, anonymous, and respect unanimity.
Energy-Efficient Topology Control Mechanism for IoT-Oriented Software-Defined WSNs

In time-varying software-defined wireless sensor networks (SDWSNs) for Internet of Things (IoT) applications, the topology may change due to the interference or abnormal events, thus leading to network performance degradation. In this article, an energy-efficient topology control (TC) mechanism applied for IoT-oriented SDWSNs is proposed to maximize the network energy efficiency (EE) during the dynamic topology maintenance. First, a hierarchical SDWSN architecture consisting of the cluster-based sensing network and the programmable relay network is presented. Second, two TC algorithms based on the link EE are proposed to apply in the cluster and relay subnetworks of SDWSN, respectively. In the cluster subnetwork, the proposed distributed TC algorithm enables the link interference mitigation by employing power control and rate allocation in each cluster. In the relay subnetwork, the proposed centralized TC algorithm first utilizes a specified model to construct the original topology. During the dynamic topology maintenance, the proposed centralized TC algorithm is realized by the value-iteration learning method based on a Markov decision process (MDP) model, upon which the state-transition probability (STP) of the relay subnetwork is obtained, where the relay-network state is composed of the link, the queue, and the residual energy ratio states for all nodes in the relay subnetwork. Finally, simulation results show that both two TC algorithms can improve the corresponding subnetwork EE of time-varying SDWSN.
Melatonin: Current status and future perspectives in horticultural plants

Global warming in this century increases incidences of various abiotic stresses, restricting plant growth and productivity and posing a severe threat to global food production and security. Different phytohormones are produced by plants to mitigate the adverse effects of these stresses. One such phytohormone is melatonin (MEL), which, being a potential bio-stimulator, helps to govern a wide array of functions in horticultural crops. Recent advancements have determined the role of MEL in plants’ responses to abiotic stresses. MEL enhances physiological functions such as seed germination, growth and development, seedling growth, root system architecture, and photosynthetic efficiency. The potential function of MEL in stressful environments is to regulate the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant activity, thus playing a role in the substantial scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Additionally, MEL, as a plant growth regulator and bio-stimulator, aids in promoting plant tolerance to abiotic stress, mainly through improvements in nutrient uptake, osmolyte production, and cellular membrane stability. This review, therefore, focuses on the possible functions of MEL in the induction of different abiotic stresses in horticultural crops. Therefore, this review would help readers learn more about MEL in altered environments and provide new suggestions on how this knowledge could be used to develop stress tolerance.
A Lightweight CIR-Based CNN With MLP for NLOS/LOS Identification in a UWB Positioning System

Implementing line-of-sight (LOS) and none-line-of-sight (NLOS) identification in ultra-wideband (UWB) systems is crucial. Convolutional neural network (CNN) based identification methods can extract higher-level features automatically, but they are based on channel impulse response (CIR)-turned image ingested features that impose calculation complexity and do not make use of manual features due to the data inundation risk. In this letter, we propose a novel multilayer perceptron (MLP)-based LOS/NLOS identification algorithm that can utilize both manually extracted features and feature from CNN based on raw CIR inputs with only 7.39% calculation complexity as compared to the traditional image-based CNN. Three experiments, at a teaching building, an office, and an underground mine, were conducted to verify the proposed method’s performance. Our proposed features are conducive to LOS/NLOS identification, especially the proposed raw CIR-based feature from the CNN, achieving 26.9% improvement over existing manual features. Furthermore, the proposed method outperformed the traditional image-based CNN with an improvement of 44.16%.
ELASTIC, PIEZOELECTRIC, AND DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES OF LITHIUM TANTALATE

Room‐temperature values for all six independent elastic coefficients (at constant electric field) and all four independent piezoelectric stress coefficients have been determined from ultrasonic velocity measurements on a single‐crystal specimen of lithium tantalate grown by the Czochralski technique. The two independent dielectric constants at constant strain were derived from low‐frequency measurements on thin plates of lithium tantalate, in conjunction with the relevant elastic and piezoelectric data. The numerical results have been used to map the deviation of the elastic energy flux vector from the wave propagation direction for plane elastic wave propagation in the YZ crystallographic plane.
Achieving clean epitaxial graphene surfaces suitable for device applications by improved lithographic process

It is well-known that the performance of graphene electronic devices is often limited by extrinsic scattering related to resist residue from transfer, lithography, and other processes. Here, we report a polymer-assisted fabrication procedure that produces a clean graphene surface following device fabrication by a standard lithography process. The effectiveness of this improved lithography process is demonstrated by examining the temperature dependence of epitaxial graphene-metal contact resistance using the transfer length method for Ti/Au (10 nm/50 nm) metallization. The Landauer-Buttiker model was used to explain carrier transport at the graphene-metal interface as a function of temperature. At room temperature, a contact resistance of 140 Ω-μm was obtained after a thermal anneal at 523 K for 2 hr under vacuum, which is comparable to state-of-the-art values.
Synthesis and Anticancer Evaluation of 4-Anilinoquinolinylchalcone Derivatives

A series of 4-anilinoquinolinylchalcone derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for antiproliferative activities against the growth of human cancer cell lines (Huh-7 and MDA-MB-231) and normal lung cells (MRC-5). The results exhibited low cytotoxicity against human lung cells (MRC-5). Among them, (E)-3-{4-{[4-(benzyloxy)phenyl]amino}quinolin-2-yl}-1-(4-methoxyphenyl) prop-2-en-1-one (4a) was found to have the highest cytotoxicity in breast cancer cells and low cytotoxicity in normal cells. Compound 4a causes ATP depletion and apoptosis of breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells and triggers reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent caspase 3/7 activation. In conclusion, it is worth studying 4-anilinoquinolinylchalcone derivatives further as new potential anticancer agents for the treatment of human cancers.
Modeling of ultrawidely tunable vertical cavity air-gap filters and VCSELs

Tunable vertical cavity devices including an air-gap integrated in the cavity have been designed, fabricated, and investigated. The ultrawide wavelength tuning is realized by micromechanical actuation of Bragg mirror membranes. Based on optical and mechanical model calculations, the air-gap filters and vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) are designed for investigating mainly the optical tuning efficiency. In our research, we focus on two different mirror material systems, dielectric Si/sub 3/N/sub 4//SiO/sub 2/ and InP/air-gap Bragg mirrors and on two tuning concepts, respectively. For the dielectric mirrors, continuous tuning is achieved by thermal actuation of the Si/sub 3/N/sub 4//SiO/sub 2/ mirror membranes, and for InP/air-gap mirrors, electrostatic actuation of the InP membranes is used. To verify the optical and mechanical simulations, InP/air-gap filters are characterized by measuring reflectance spectra and the tuning behavior. The measured results agree with the simulations used to optimize the micromechanical and optical characteristics of air-gap filters and VCSELs for optical communication applications.
HyperLIC

We introduce a new method for visualizing symmetric tensor fields. The technique produces images and animations reminiscent of line integral convolution (LIC). The technique is also slightly related to hyperstreamlines in that it is used to visualize tensor fields. However, the similarity ends there. HyperLIC uses a multi-pass approach to show the anisotropic properties in a 2D or 3D tensor field. We demonstrate this technique using data sets from computational fluid dynamics as well as diffusion-tensor MRI.
Tutorial in Biostatistics A review of tests for detecting a monotone dose–response relationship with ordinal response data

This tutorial reviews methods for testing independence between discrete levels of a dose and an ordered categorical response variable. The tests are designed to be powerful for cases in which the response improves monotonically as dosage level increases. First, we show how to apply some standard tests for doubly-ordered contingency tables. Then, we show how to construct tests as part of a model-building strategy. Other topics discussed include generalizations to stratified data, small-sample methods, and sample size and power considerations. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Análise do efeito de diferentes intensidades e intervalos de recuperação na percepção subjetiva de atletas Analysis of the effect of different intensities and rest interval on the perceived exertion of athletes

The research examined the effects of different intensities and different rest intervals of strength training on the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) in young athletes. Participated in the study 23 young men, aged 17.06 ± . 73 years, 68.01 ± 8.09 kg of body mass, and 173.65 ± 5.61 cm of height. They were submitted to the appropriateness of charges (5 RM, 10 RM or 15 RM) and rest intervals (30, 60 or 120 s) and then asked to point perceived exertion according to the OMNI-RES scale. A two-way ANOVA was used and significant differences were analyzed by post-hoc Bonferroni. For RPE there were no significant differences between the intensities in the recovery intervals evaluated. For intervals with the same intensity, there were differences between 15 RM and range of 120 and 60 s with 15 RM and 30 s intervals. Intensities of 10 and 5 RM, in the range of 120 s showed significant differences. It follows that the smaller the rest interval the greater the levels of fatigue regardless of the number of repetitions performed in all intensities and it may be inferred that the RPE was sensitive to reduction in the rest interval.
Bridging Thrombolysis Before Endovascular Therapy in Stroke Patients With Faster Core Growth

Background and Objectives It is still uncertain that going direct to endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) leads to equivalent outcomes as bridging IV thrombolysis (IVT) in acute ischemic patients. This study aimed to explore whether the rate of ischemic core growth influenced the patient outcomes after bridging IVT vs direct EVT. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study based on the International Stroke Perfusion Imaging Registry (INSPIRE). It selected acute ischemic stroke patients receiving perfusion CT within 4.5 hours of stroke onset. Patients who went direct to EVT were compared with those who received bridging treatment of IVT before EVT. Ischemic core growth rate was estimated by the acute ischemic core volume on perfusion CT divided by the time from stroke onset to perfusion CT, based on the assumption of a linear growth pattern of ischemic core. Core growth rate was stratified into fast (>15 mL/h) and slow (≤15 mL/h), based on its interaction with bridging IVT in predicting the primary outcome. The primary outcome was modified Rankin scale of 0–2 at 3 months. The secondary outcomes included successful thrombectomy reperfusion defined by modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score of 2b–3 and time from groin puncture to reperfusion. Results Of the 1,221 EVT patients in the INSPIRE, 323 patients were selected, of which 82 patients received direct EVT and 241 patients received bridging IVT. Bridging IVT was associated with a higher rate of good clinical outcome among patients with fast core growth (39% vs 7% for direct EVT, odds ratio [OR] 8.75 [1.96–39.1], p = 0.005), but the difference was not notable for patients with slow core growth (55% vs 55% for direct EVT, OR 1.00 [0.53–1.87], p = 0.989). In patients with fast core growth, the bridging and direct EVT patients showed no difference in the reperfusion rate (80% vs 76%, p = 0.616). However, patients who received bridging IVT were more likely to achieve reperfusion earlier (the median groin to reperfusion time of 63.0 vs 94.0 minutes, p = 0.005). Discussion Patients with fast core growth were more likely to benefit from bridging IVT. This is likely because prior IVT facilitates clot removal and thus reduces time to reperfusion.
On incomparable collections of sets

A. J. W. Hilton [5] conjectured that if P , Q are collections of subsets of a finite set S , with |S| = n , and | P | > 2 n −2, | Q | ≥ 2 n −2 , then for some A ∈ P , B ∈ Q we have A ⊆ B or B ⊆ A . We here show that this assertion, indeed a stronger one, can be deduced from a result of D. J. Kleitman. We then give another proof of a recent result also proved by Lovasz and by Schonheim.
Prevalence of Nicotine and Tobacco Product Use by Sexual Identity, Gender Identity, and Sex Assigned at Birth Among Emerging Adult Tobacco Users in California, United States

Abstract Introduction Sexual and gender minority (SGM) nicotine and tobacco use disparities are well-documented among youth and young adults (YYA), and despite decades of prevention efforts, these disparities stubbornly persist. To better understand tobacco use disparities and craft tailored interventions, tobacco use patterns must be assessed in a contemporary sample of YYA across lines of sexual and gender identity, sex assigned at birth, and tobacco product types. Aims and Methods Data were from an online survey of a diverse sample of emerging adult tobacco users (ages 18–29; N = 1491) in California, United States (2020–2021). Participants were recruited from various online and in-person locations. Bivariate and adjusted models assessed differences in four nicotine and tobacco use outcomes (past 30-day use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, other tobacco products, and multiple tobacco product types) across six groups: Cisgender heterosexual males, cisgender heterosexual females, cisgender sexual minority (SM) males, cisgender SM females, transfeminine participants, and transmasculine participants. Results Compared to cisgender heterosexual males, both transfeminine (OR = 2.25, 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 1.29 to 4.05) and transmasculine (OR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.32 to 2.80) participants had higher odds of using cigarettes. Few differences were noted between groups in use of e-cigarettes. Cisgender heterosexual males had higher odds of other tobacco product use, compared to most other groups (eg, cisgender SM males: OR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.37 to 0.87). Transmasculine participants had higher odds of multiple product use, compared to cisgender heterosexual females. Among multiple product users, transfeminine participants had the highest prevalence of using all three individual product types (35.6%). Conclusions Results highlight the need for different tobacco control approaches across sexual and gender identities, sex assigned at birth, and nicotine and tobacco products. Implications SGM nicotine and tobacco use disparities remain entrenched, despite concerted efforts to reduce them. The SGM population is heterogeneous and different SGM subgroups may have different needs. This study assessed, among young adult nicotine and tobacco users in California, U.S. patterns of tobacco use across sexual and gender identities, sex assigned at birth, as well as specific tobacco products used—a necessity to craft tailored tobacco control measures. We found patterns of nicotine and tobacco product use across several of these characteristics, highlighting how different prevention and cessation interventions may be needed to meaningfully address SGM nicotine and tobacco use disparities.
A Method for Comparing Completely Standardized Solutions in Multiple Groups

A method for comparing completely standardized solutions in multiple groups is outlined. It is based on a correlation structure analysis of equal-size samples and uses the correlation distribution theory implemented in the program RAMONA. Unlike the common metric completely standardized solution, the approach yields parameter standard errors and can be applied to scale-invariant models as well as to models that do not exhibit this property. The method is illustrated on a 2-group cognitive aging data set from the Berlin Aging Study.