Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mapping, Dynamics, and Future Change Analysis of Sundarbans Delta Using Cellular Automata and Artificial Neural Network Modeling

Over the past century, anthropogenic activities have had a significant impact on low-lying deltas. In this article, we utilized Landsat satellite images and sea-level data from the past thirty years to analyze the effects of land use/land cover (LULC) change, vegetation cover, and terrain temperature distribution on the Sundarbans delta. Anticipated LULC change has been simulated using a cellular automata algorithm coupled with an artificial neural network for 50 years into the future, considering climate change and other ecological drivers. The results of our analysis show that the thick, dense mangrove coverage in the Sundarbans has decreased from 65% in 1970 to 59% in 2020. However, the intricate network of channels has increased in width, and their coverage increased from 33% to 43% between 1990 and 2015. The simulations for 2030–2050 show that the mangrove coverage is expected to decline from 63.5% to 56.7% (a decrease of 628 km2), while the total area of waterbodies will increase from 33.9% to 39.8%. By 2080, we predict that the mangrove coverage will decrease by about 269 km2, the waterbodies will increase by 159 km2, the built-up areas will increase by approximately 3.89 km2, and the barren areas or beaches will cover 371 km2 (3.9% of the total area). For the simulation of 2100, we predict that the mangroves will decrease by approximately 48% (4511 km2). The waterbodies will increase to 45%, while the built-up areas and barren beaches will reach up to 117 and 517 km2, respectively. There has been an increase in sea level in the Sundarbans by an average of +17.3, +9.6, + 6.1, +0.6, +1.6, and −4.01 mm/year at Khepupara, Charchanga, Hiron Point, Dladia, Diamond Harbor, and Sagar, respectively. The findings of this article can assist the Bangladesh and Indian governments and policymakers in developing optimal land use plans and implementing successful mangrove forest management and conservation plans in the future.
Accelerating spiking neural network simulations with PymoNNto and PymoNNtorch

Spiking neural network simulations are a central tool in Computational Neuroscience, Artificial Intelligence, and Neuromorphic Engineering research. A broad range of simulators and software frameworks for such simulations exist with different target application areas. Among these, PymoNNto is a recent Python-based toolbox for spiking neural network simulations that emphasizes the embedding of custom code in a modular and flexible way. While PymoNNto already supports GPU implementations, its backend relies on NumPy operations. Here we introduce PymoNNtorch, which is natively implemented with PyTorch while retaining PymoNNto's modular design. Furthermore, we demonstrate how changes to the implementations of common network operations in combination with PymoNNtorch's native GPU support can offer speed-up over conventional simulators like NEST, ANNarchy, and Brian 2 in certain situations. Overall, we show how PymoNNto's modular and flexible design in combination with PymoNNtorch's GPU acceleration and optimized indexing operations facilitate research and development of spiking neural networks in the Python programming language.
Motor imagery therapy improved upper limb motor function in stroke patients with hemiplegia by increasing functional connectivity of sensorimotor and cognitive networks

Background Motor imagery therapy (MIT) showed positive effects on upper limbs motor function. However, the mechanism by which MIT improves upper limb motor function is not fully understood. Therefore, our purpose was to investigate the changes in functional connectivity (FC) within and outside the sensorimotor network (SMN) induced by MIT associated with improvement in upper limb motor function in stroke patients. Methods A total of 26 hemiplegic stroke patients were randomly divided into MIT (n = 13) and control (n = 13) groups. Fugl-Meyer Assessment Upper Extremity Scale (FMA-UL), Modified Barthel Index (MBI) and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) were evaluated in the two groups before treatment and 4 weeks after treatment. The efficacy of MIT on motor function improvement in stroke patients with hemiplegia was evaluated by comparing the FMA-UL and MBI scores before and after treatment in the two groups. Furthermore, the FC within the SMN and between the SMN and the whole brain was measured and compared before and after different treatment methods in stroke patients. The correlation analysis between the improvement of upper limbs motor function and changes in FC within the SMN and between the SMN and the whole brain was examined. Results The FCs between ipsilesional primary motor cortex (M1.I) and contralateral supplementary motor area (SMA.C), M1.I and ipsilesional SMA (SMA.I), and SMA.C and contralateral dorsolateral premotor cortex (DLPM.C) significantly increased in the control group but decreased in the MIT group; while the FC between SMA.C and contralateral primary somatosensory cortex (S1.C) significantly increased in the control group but showed no significant difference in the MIT group. The FCs between M1.I and the ipsilesional hippocampal gyrus and ipsilesional middle frontal gyrus significantly decreased in the control group but increased in the MIT group; while the FC in the contralateral anterior cingulate cortex significantly increased in the MIT group but there was no significant difference in the control group. The results of the correlation analysis showed that the differences in abnormal intra-FCs within the SMN negatively correlated with the differences in FMA and MBI, and the difference in abnormal inter-FCs of the SMN positively correlated with the differences in FMA and MBI. Conclusions MIT can improve upper limb motor function and daily activities of stroke patients, and the improvement effect of conventional rehabilitation therapy (CRT) combined with MIT is significantly higher than that of CRT alone. CRT may improve the upper limb motor function of stroke patients with hemiplegia mainly through the functional reorganization between SMN, while MIT may mainly increase the interaction between SMN and other brain networks.
A Novel Method for Ocean Wave Spectra Retrieval Using Deep Learning From Sentinel-1 Wave Mode Data

Ocean wave is of great significance in marine environment prediction, maritime navigation, and global climate change. Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) is widely used in ocean wave spectra retrieval due to its 2-D high resolution, all-weather, and all-time advantages. Nevertheless, the nonlinear mapping between SAR and ocean waves, caused by velocity bunching, hinders the advancement of wave spectra inversion techniques, resulting in low-quality and incomplete wave spectra. To overcome the problem, a novel deep learning model SAR2WV for ocean wave spectra retrieval based on Pix2pix is proposed by constructing the nonlinear mapping relationship of SAR cross spectra and ocean wave spectra. A total of 106 844 Sentinel-1 wave mode dataset along with the corresponding European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) ERA 5 wave data is processed and used for training the SAR2WV model. Experiments demonstrate that the proposed SAR2WV model can significantly improve the accuracy of the retrieved wave spectra and wave parameters, with the spectra similarity improved by 60.3%, root-mean-square error (RMSE) of significant wave height (SWH) decreased from 0.966 to 0.386 m, RMSE of mean wave period (MWP) decreased from 1.208 s to 0.811 s, and correlation coefficient of peak wave direction increased from 0.65 to 0.72, which achieves better performance than ocean swell wave spectra (OSW) algorithm and other methods.
The Combined Effects of Nicotine and Cannabis on Cortical Thickness Estimates in Adolescents and Emerging Adults

Early life substance use, including cannabis and nicotine, may result in deleterious effects on the maturation of brain tissue and gray matter cortical development. The current study employed linear regression models to investigate the main and interactive effects of past-year nicotine and cannabis use on gray matter cortical thickness estimates in 11 bilateral independent frontal cortical regions in 223 16–22-year-olds. As the frontal cortex develops throughout late adolescence and young adulthood, this period becomes crucial for studying the impact of substance use on brain structure. The distinct effects of nicotine and cannabis use status on cortical thickness were found bilaterally, as cannabis and nicotine users both had thinner cortices than non-users. Interactions between nicotine and cannabis were also observed, in which cannabis use was associated with thicker cortices for those with a history of nicotine and tobacco product (NTP) use in three left frontal regions. This study sheds light on the intricate relationship between substance use and brain structure, suggesting a potential modulation of cannabis’ impact on cortical thickness by nicotine exposure, and emphasizing the need for further longitudinal research to characterize these interactions and their implications for brain health and development.
Water Oxidation Catalysts: The Quest for New Oxide-Based Materials

The expected shortage of fossil fuels as well as the accompanying climate change are among the major challenges of the 21st century. A global shift to a sustainable energy landscape is, therefore, of utmost importance. Over the past few years, solar technologies have entered the energy market and have paved the way to replace fossil-based energy sources, in the long term. In particular, electrochemical solar-to-hydrogen technologies have attracted a lot of interest—not only in academia, but also in industry. Solar water splitting (artificial photosynthesis) is one of the most active areas in contemporary materials and catalysis research. The development of low-cost, efficient, and stable water oxidation catalysts (WOCs) remains crucial for artificial photosynthesis applications, because WOCs still represent a major economical and efficient bottleneck. In the following, we summarize recent advances in water oxidation catalysts development, with selected examples from 2016 onwards. This condensed survey demonstrates that the ongoing quest for new materials and informed catalyst design is a dynamic and rapidly developing research area.
Challenges Faced by First-Year Students Based on Individual Identities

This study examines the challenges faced by first-year students at the College of Basic Education, University of Duhok. The research focuses on the impact of individual identities on academic and social integration. A quantitative descriptive methodology was used, employing structured questionnaires. The study reveals a range of obstacles that extend beyond initial expectations and are consistent across gender and departmental lines. The analysis shows that there is a crucial requirement for a support framework that is universally accessible and inclusive, designed to aid students in their transition to higher education. The findings of the study recommend the creation of comprehensive feedback mechanisms and interdepartmental cooperation in the development of support programs. The research emphasizes the significance of acknowledging and addressing the distinct obstacles encountered by students with intersecting marginalized identities. Suggestions for future research involve a more thorough examination of the long-term impacts of these obstacles and the investigation of focused interventions to improve student achievement and well-being. This study adds to the discussion on improving student support services and creating an inclusive academic environment that promotes the growth and development of all students, especially those who are navigating their first year in higher education.
Floating Signifiers: Managing Disability Language in Sweden

This paper analyzes the management of intellectual disability language. I will focus specifically on the term flerfunktionsnedsättning which is the recommended Swedish equivalent for Profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD). This term reflects how, in Sweden, discourses and practices with an aim to conform language to linguistic, ethical, and political ideals are enacted. The result of such process in relation to disability has been the creation of different co-existing vocabularies that often create confusion. This is especially the case with flerfunktionsnedsättning which is hardly used or even recognized in the field among professionals. I will argue that this terminological confusion reflects the normative confusion in disability studies and disability policy.
Relationship between Androgens and Vascular and Placental Function during Pre-eclampsia

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) represent a substantial risk to maternal and fetal health. Emerging evidence suggests an association between testosterone and pre-eclampsia (PE), potentially mediated through androgen receptors (AR). Nevertheless, the mechanism driving this association is yet to be elucidated. On the other hand, reports of transgender men’s pregnancies offer a limited and insightful opportunity to understand the role of high androgen levels in the development of HDP. In this sense, a literature review was performed from a little over 2 decades (1998–2022) to address the association of testosterone levels with the development of HDP. Furthermore, this review addresses the case of transgender men for the first time. The main in vitro outcomes reveal placenta samples with greater AR mRNA expression. Moreover, ex vivo studies show that testosterone-induced vasorelaxation impairment promotes hypertension. Epidemiological data point to greater testosterone levels in blood samples during PE. Studies with transgender men allow us to infer that exogenous testosterone administration can be considered a risk factor for PE and that the administration of testosterone does not affect fetal development. Overall, all studies analyzed suggested that high testosterone levels are associated with PE.
Reducing Runoff from Irrigated Lands: Orchard Floor Management Practices to Reduce Erosion and Protect Water Quality

Author(s): O'Geen, Anthony Toby; Prichard, Terry L; Elkins, Rachel; Pettygrove, G Stuart | Abstract: Water-induced erosion carries valuable soil out of orchards and into downstream waterways, where it can cause serious problems. Learn how to keep your soil where it will do you the most good.
Clinical outcome and safety of holmium laser prostate enucleation after transrectal prostate biopsies for benign prostatic hyperplasia

Purpose This study aimed to assess the clinical outcome and safety of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) following transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TR biopsy) in the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia. Materials and Methods We retrospectively analyzed data from 556 patients who underwent HoLEP between 2014 and 2021. The patients were categorized into six groups: Group 1-A (n=45) underwent HoLEP within four months post TR biopsy. Group 1-B (n=94) underwent HoLEP more than four months post TR biopsy. Group 1-C (n=120) underwent HoLEP after a single TR biopsy. Group 1-D (n=19) underwent HoLEP after two or more TR biopsies. Group 1-total (n=139, group 1-A+group 1-B or group 1-C+group 1-D) underwent HoLEP post TR biopsy. Group 2 (control group, n=417) underwent HoLEP without prior TR biopsy. We examined perioperative parameters, safety, and functional outcomes. Results The age, body mass index, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), uroflowmetry, and comorbid diseases between group 1-total and group 2 were comparable. However, group 1-total exhibited significantly elevated prostate-specific antigen levels and larger prostate volumes (p<0.01). Perioperative factors like enucleation time, enucleation weight, and catheterization duration were notably higher in group 1-total (p<0.01). All groups showed significant improvements in IPSS, postvoid residual urine, and maximum flow rate during the 1-year postoperative period (p<0.05). The rates of postoperative complications were similar between group 1-total and group 2. Conclusions Enucleation time and catheterization duration were significantly longer in the TR biopsy group. However, postoperative complications were not significantly different between TR biopsy and non-TR biopsy groups.
Polycarbonate-Based Copolymer Micelles as Biodegradable Carriers of Anticancer Podophyllotoxin or Juniper Extracts

Podophyllotoxin (PPT) is used in the industrial production of efficient anticancer, antiviral and other drugs. Sinopodophyllum hexandrum or Podophyllum peltatum are natural sources of PPT, but at present they are considered as endangered species. Their PPT content is variable, depending on the growing conditions. Searching for new sources of PPT, some representatives of the genus Juniperus were found to exhibit efficient PPT biosynthesis. However, PPT is highly toxic and poorly soluble in water compound, which limits its clinical applications. In this connection, amphiphilic polymer micelles are considered to be suitable PPT carriers, aimed at increase in water solubility and decrease in toxicity. The present research deals with the evaluation of MPEG–polycarbonate block copolymer micelles loaded with PPT or juniper extracts. The active component-loaded polymer nanocarriers were characterized by dynamic and electrophoretic light scattering, as well as by transmission electron microscopy. The active component loading efficiency and loading capacity were also determined. Highly efficient antiproliferative activity of the loaded micelles was determined in a panel of cancer cell lines. The obtained amphiphilic nanocarriers, loaded with PPT-containing bioactive components, have application in future in vivo preclinical trials of their pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics as potential therapeutical agents in the prospective nanomedicine.
Boosting life sciences research in Brazil: building a case for a local Drosophila stock center

Abstract Drosophila melanogaster is undoubtedly one of the most useful model organisms in biology. Initially used in solidifying the principles of heredity, and establishing the basic concepts of population genetics and of the synthetic theory of evolution, it can currently offer scientists much more: the possibility of investigating a plethora of cellular and biological mechanisms, from development and function of the immune system to animal neurogenesis, tumorigenesis and beyond. Extensive resources are available for the community of Drosophila researchers worldwide, including an ever-growing number of mutant, transgenic and genomically-edited lines currently carried by stock centers in North America, Europe and Asia. Here, we provide evidence for the importance of stock centers in sustaining the substantial increase in the output of Drosophila research worldwide in recent decades. We also discuss the challenges that Brazilian Drosophila scientists face to keep their research projects internationally competitive, and argue that difficulties in importing fly lines from international stock centers have significantly stalled the progression of all Drosophila research areas in the country. Establishing a local stock center might be the first step towards building a strong local Drosophila community that will likely contribute to all areas of life sciences research.
Soil Erosion Modelling and Risk Assessment in Data Scarce Rift Valley Lake Regions, Ethiopia

To prolong the useful life of lakes and reservoirs, prioritizing watersheds by severity and risk of soil erosion is an essential index to develop sound sediment management plans. This study aims to predict soil erosion risk and sediment yield using Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model in Lake Ziway basin, Ethiopia, and the model result is validated with lake bathymetric changes. The SUFI-2 program was applied for a model calibration and the performance of the model was assessed. The catchment prioritization study indicated that some sub-basins having the same soil type and land use but a higher slope gives higher sediment yield. This confirms that, in the basin, the upland is the main source of sediment for the lake, hence the variation of sediment yield is more sensitive to terrain slope. Furthermore, the soil conservation scenarios demonstrated in SWAT that reduce the slope length of the watershed by 50% for a slope greater than 5% are decreasing the sediment yield of the basin by 55%. The bathymetric differencing of the lake indicates that the sediment was accumulating at a rate of 3.13 t/ha/year while a calibrated SWAT model resulted in 5.85 t/ha/year. The identified reasons for these variations are the existence of outlet for the lake, floodplain depositions and abstraction of sediment (sand mining) from the tributary rivers before flowing to the lake.
The 2016 annual economic report on the EU fishing fleet (STECF 16-11)

STECF notes that although there are still some shortfalls in the data submitted by Member States, data delivery requirements in response to the 2016 call for economic data on the EU fishing fleet improved significantly and were more complete than those submitted under previous economic data calls. For the first time under the DCF, Spain provided effort data for the entire period 2011-2014. However, only ‘fishing days’ were provided by this MS (days at sea and other requested variables continue missing).
Pulmonary inflammation decreases with ultra-protective ventilation in experimental ARDS under VV-ECMO: a positron emission tomography study

Background Experimentally, ultra-protective ventilation (UPV, tidal volumes [VT] < 4 mL.kg−1) strategies in conjunction with veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) are associated with lesser ventilator-induced lung injuries (VILI) during acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, whether these strategies reduce lung inflammation more effectively than protective ventilation (PV) remains unclear. We aimed to demonstrate that a UPV strategy decreases acute lung inflammation in comparison with PV in an experimental swine model of ARDS. Methods ARDS was induced by tracheal instillation of chlorhydric acid in sedated and paralyzed animals under mechanical ventilation. Animals were randomized to receive either UPV (VT 1 mL.kg−1, positive end-expiration pressure [PEEP] set to obtain plateau pressure between 20 and 25 cmH2O and respiratory rate [RR] at 5 min−1 under VV-ECMO) or PV (VT 6 mL.kg−1, PEEP set to obtain plateau pressure between 28 and 30 cmH2O and RR at 25 min−1) during 4 h. After 4 h, a positron emission tomography with [11C](R)-PK11195 (ligand to TSPO-bearing macrophages) injection was realized, coupled with quantitative computerized tomography (CT). Pharmacokinetic multicompartment models were used to quantify regional [11C](R)-PK11195 lung uptake. [11C](R)-PK11195 lung uptake and CT-derived respiratory variables were studied regionally across eight lung regions distributed along the antero-posterior axis. Results Five pigs were randomized to each study group. Arterial O2 partial pressure to inspired O2 fraction were not significantly different between study groups after experimental ARDS induction (75 [68–80] mmHg in a PV group vs. 87 [69–133] mmHg in a UPV group, p = 0.20). Compared to PV animals, UPV animals exhibited a significant decrease in the regional non-aerated compartment in the posterior lung levels, in mechanical power, and in regional dynamic strain and no statistical difference in tidal hyperinflation after 4 h. UPV animals had a significantly lower [11C](R)-PK11195 uptake, compared to PV animals (non-displaceable binding potential 0.35 [IQR, 0.20–0.59] in UPV animals and 1.01 [IQR, 0.75–1.59] in PV animals, p = 0.01). Regional [11C](R)-PK11195 uptake was independently associated with the interaction of regional tidal hyperinflation and regional lung compliance. Conclusion In an experimental model of ARDS, 4 h of UPV strategy significantly decreased lung inflammation, in relation to the control of VT-derived determinants of VILI.