Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Addition of Vitamin C Mitigates the Loss of Antioxidant Capacity, Vitality and DNA Integrity in Cryopreserved Human Semen Samples

Cryopreservation of human spermatozoa is a necessity for males suffering from infertility who cannot produce fresh semen for insemination. However, current ART cryopreservation protocols are associated with losses of sperm motility, vitality and DNA integrity, which are thought to be linked to the induction of oxidative damage and the toxic properties of commercial cryoprotectants (CPAs). Preventing or mitigating these losses would be hugely beneficial to sperm survival during ART. Therefore, in this in vitro investigation, lipid peroxidation, production of reactive oxygen species, movement characteristics, antioxidant capacity, vitality, and DNA integrity were examined in semen samples both pre- and post-cryopreservation with CPA supplementation. The findings revealed a 50% reduction in antioxidant capacity with CPA addition, which was accompanied by significant increases in generation of reactive oxygen species and formation of lipid aldehydes. These changes were, in turn, correlated with reductions in sperm viability, motility and DNA integrity. Antioxidant supplementation generated bell-shaped dose-response curves with both resveratrol and vitamin C, emphasising the vulnerability of these cells to both oxidative and reductive stress. At the optimal dose, vitamin C was able to significantly enhance vitality and reduce DNA damage recorded in cryopreserved human spermatozoa. An improvement in sperm motility did not reach statistical significance, possibly because additional pathophysiological mechanisms limit the potential effectiveness of antioxidants in rescuing this aspect of sperm function. The vulnerability of human spermatozoa to reductive stress and the complex nature of sperm cryoinjury will present major challenges in creating the next generation of cryoprotective media.
University of Birmingham Evaluation of intravoxel incoherent motion fitting methods in low-perfused tissue

Purpose: To investigate the robustness of constrained and simultaneous intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) fitting methods and the estimated IVIM parameters ( D, D* and f ) for applications in brain and low-perfused tissues. Materials and Methods: Model data simulations relevant to brain and low-perfused tumor tissues were computed to assess the accuracy, relative bias, and reproducibility (CV%) of the fitting methods in estimating the IVIM parameters. The simulations were performed at a series of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) levels to assess the influence of noise on the fitting. Results: The estimated IVIM parameters from model simulations were found significantly different ( P < 0.05) using simultaneous and constrained fitting methods at low SNR. Higher accuracy and reproducibility were achieved with the constrained fitting method. Using this method, the mean error (%) for the estimated IVIM parameters at a clinically relevant SNR 5 40 were D 0.35, D * 41.0 and f 4.55 for the tumor model and D 1.87, D * 2.48, and f 7.49 for the gray matter model. The most robust parameters were the IVIM-D and IVIM-f . The IVIM-D * was increasingly overestimated at low perfusion. Conclusion: A constrained IVIM fitting method provides more accurate and reproducible IVIM parameters in low-perfused tissue compared with simultaneous fitting.
NAFLD Fibrosis Progression and Type 2 Diabetes: The Hepatic–Metabolic Interplay

The bidirectional relationship between type 2 diabetes and (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) NAFLD is indicated by the higher prevalence and worse disease course of one condition in the presence of the other, but also by apparent beneficial effects observed in one, when the other is improved. This is partly explained by their belonging to a multisystemic disease that includes components of the metabolic syndrome and shared pathogenetic mechanisms. Throughout the progression of NAFLD to more advanced stages, complex systemic and local metabolic derangements are involved. During fibrogenesis, a significant metabolic reprogramming occurs in the hepatic stellate cells, hepatocytes, and immune cells, engaging carbohydrate and lipid pathways to support the high-energy-requiring processes. The natural history of NAFLD evolves in a variable and dynamic manner, probably due to the interaction of a variable number of modifiable (diet, physical exercise, microbiota composition, etc.) and non-modifiable (genetics, age, ethnicity, etc.) risk factors that may intervene concomitantly, or subsequently/intermittently in time. This may influence the risk (and rate) of fibrosis progression/regression. The recognition and control of the factors that determine a rapid progression of fibrosis (or its regression) are critical, as the fibrosis stages are associated with the risk of liver-related and all-cause mortality.
Enhancing Dynagraph Card Classification in Pumping Systems Using Transfer Learning and the Swin Transformer Model

The dynagraph card plays a crucial role in evaluating oilfield pumping systems’ performance. Nevertheless, classifying dynagraph cards can be quite difficult because certain operating conditions may exhibit similar patterns. Conventional classification approaches mainly involve labor-intensive manual analysis of these cards, leading to subjectivity, prolonged processing times, and vulnerability to human prejudices. In response to this challenge, our study introduces a novel approach that leverages transfer learning and the Swin Transformer model for classifying dynagraph cards across various operating conditions in rod pumping systems. Initially, the Swin Transformer model undergoes pre-training using the ImageNet-22k dataset. Subsequently, we fine-tune the model’s weights using actual dynagraph card datasets, facilitating direct classification analysis with dynagraph cards as input variables. The adoption of transfer learning significantly reduces the training time while enhancing the accuracy of condition diagnosis. To assess the effectiveness of our proposed method, we conducted a comparative evaluation against conventional models like ResNet50, DenseNet121, LeNet, and ViT. The findings demonstrate that our approach outperforms other methods, achieving an accuracy of 96%, thereby improving classification accuracy by 3–4%. Therefore, our approach, based on transfer learning and the Swin Transformer model, provides a better solution for practical problems involving similar dynagraph cards. It meets the requirements of oil field operations, enhancing economic benefits and work efficiency.
Los orígenes de la Gestión por Resultados en Chile y México: ¿imposición, copia o aprendizaje transnacional?

La Gestión por Resultados (GpR) se ha vuelto un tema central en América Latina. Sin embargo, la abundante literatura sobre el tema no ha discutido a detalle por qué y cómo es que han ido surgiendo esquemas de GpR en los países de la región. Para responder esta pregunta, el artículo explora y contrasta algunas explicaciones teóricas que han sido ampliamente discutidas en las literaturas contemporáneas sobre difusión y transferencia de políticas: las presiones ejercidas por actores externos; la imitación entre países; y el proceso de aprendizaje transnacional. Estas explicaciones son revisadas con base en los hallazgos de un estudio cualitativo más amplio, que comparó las experiencias de reforma de Chile y México entre 1990 y 2010. El artículo concluye que el aprendizaje transnacional pareciera ofrecer las mejores claves para entender los orígenes de la GpR en nuestra región. Palabras clave: Gestión por Resultados; reformas administrativas; aprendizaje transnacional; transferencia de políticas.
PCCAU-Net: A Novel Road Extraction Method Based on Coord Convolution and a DCA Module

In the domain of remote sensing research, the extraction of roads from high-resolution imagery remains a formidable challenge. In this paper, we introduce an advanced architecture called PCCAU-Net, which integrates Pyramid Pathway Input, CoordConv convolution, and Dual-Inut Cross Attention (DCA) modules for optimized performance. Initially, the Pyramid Pathway Input equips the model to identify features at multiple scales, markedly enhancing its ability to discriminate between roads and other background elements. Secondly, by adopting CoordConv convolutional layers, the model achieves heightened accuracy in road recognition and extraction against complex backdrops. Moreover, the DCA module serves dual purposes: it is employed at the encoder stage to efficiently consolidate feature maps across scales, thereby fortifying the model’s road detection capabilities while mitigating false positives. In the skip connection stages, the DCA module further refines the continuity and accuracy of the features. Extensive empirical evaluation substantiates that PCCAU-Net significantly outperforms existing state-of-the-art techniques on multiple benchmarks, including precision, recall, and Intersection-over-Union(IoU). Consequently, PCCAU-Net not only represents a considerable advancement in road extraction research, but also demonstrates vast potential for broader applications, such as urban planning and traffic analytics.
Modeling Uncertainty in Hyperspectral Image Classification Using Neural Networks with Bayesian Monte Carlo Dropout

Identifying materials present in a pixel is a core step in many hyperspectral image processes. This is often done using linear mixture regression models or Gaussian class distributions and maximizing likelihoods. In this study we provide a method for identification using a neural network that not only provides the high-accuracy predictions on complex data that neural networks are known for, but quantifies uncertainty regarding model predictions using Monte Carlo dropout. Dropout enables training many neural networks simultaneously, creating an ensemble of models for predictions with Monte Carlo sampling. This ensemble produces a Bayesian posterior probability distribution for the prediction. We test predictions using a library of 1,250 spectra, and optimize our network architecture using Bayesian optimization.
A Modified Switched-Capacitor Based SEPIC Converter for High Voltage Gain Applications

This research paper introduces a modified structure of a switched-capacitor-based SEPIC buck-boost converter designed specifically for high-voltage gain applications. The converter utilizes a switched-capacitor network, eliminating the need for inductors and making it suitable for high-voltage scenarios. The converter’s performance is evaluated through simulation results considering various kinds of disturbances. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed converter achieves excellent performance in terms of voltage gain, load regulation, and transient response. These findings indicate that the converter holds great promise as a solution for high-voltage applications.
Explainability In Hyperspectral Image Classification: A Study of Xai Through the Shap Algorithm

Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI) captures complex spectral signatures across a broad range of electromagnetic wavelengths, offering diverse applications from remote sensing to medical diagnostics. HSI classification assigns labels to pixels in HSI cubes, traditionally using handcrafted features and, more recently, by deep neural networks (DNNs). However, DNNs’ inherent lack of interpretability has driven the growing adoption of eXplainable AI (XAI) techniques, aimed at explaining the decision-making process. This study integrates the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) algorithm with a convolutional neural network (CNN) for HSI classification, facilitating a per-patch understanding of class contribution. Validated using the Indian Pines dataset, the framework enhances understanding of class roles in HSI classification through XAI.
THE ROLE OF INTELLECTUAL AGILITY, ENTREPRENEURIAL DEVELOPMENT, AND ONLINE SALES PROCESS IN IMPROVING THE PERFORMANCE OF EMBROIDERY ENTREPRENEURS

This study analyses the effect of intellectual agility, entrepreneurial development, and online sales process on performance. This study uses a quantitative approach. The population in this study are all embroidery entrepreneurs in Pasuruan who have been selling online for at least the last two years, the number of which is unknown with certainty. The sample used in this study amounted to 180 respondents obtained randomly. The results show that intellectual agility, entrepreneurial development, and the online sales process significantly affect company performance. Intellectual agility has a significant effect on the online sales process. Entrepreneurial development does not affect the online sales process. From the research results, it is also known that the online sales process can mediate the influence of intellectual agility on company performance but cannot mediate the effect of entrepreneurial development on company performance.
Indústria da construção naval e economia regional: uma análise via diferenças em diferenças para os municípios inseridos no Corede Sul

O presente artigo tem por objetivo avaliar o impacto da insercao da construcao naval sobre algumas das principais variaveis economicas e sociais dos Municipios de Rio Grande, Pelotas e Sao Jose do Norte. Para tanto, utilizou-se o metodo de diferencas em diferencas com efeito fixo de municipios em um painel de dados dos municipios do Conselho Regional de Desenvolvimento (Corede) Sul do Rio Grande do Sul para o periodo de 2000 a 2013. Os resultados indicaram que o Produto Interno Bruto (PIB) per capita foi fortemente influenciado, de forma positiva, pela politica publica de investimentos da industria naval na regiao. A queda no numero de beneficiarios do Programa Bolsa Familia corrobora o efeito positivo encontrado no PIB per capita . Palavras-chave: i ndustria naval; diferencas em diferencas; Corede Sul Titulo em ingles: Shipbuilding industry and regional economy: a difference-in-differences analysis of the municipalities from Corede Sul Abstract This paper aims to evaluate the impact of the shipbuilding industry on some key economic and social variables in the municipalities of Rio Grande, Pelotas and Sao Jose do Norte. We used the method of differences in differences with fixed effect of municipalities in a panel data of municipalities from the Regional Development Council (Corede) Sul for the period from 2000 to 2013. The results indicate that the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita was influenced in a positive way by public investment policies on the shipbuilding industry in the region. The fall in the number of beneficiaries of the Bolsa Familia program confirms the positive effect found on the GDP per capita . Keywords Shipping industry; differences-in-differences; Corede Sul Classificacao JEL : O47, O20, R11
Experiences of using UAVs for monitoring levee breaches

During floods technical protection facilities are subjected to high loads and might fail as several examples have shown in the past. During the major 2002 and 2013 floods in the catchment area of the Elbe River (Germany), some breaching levees caused large inundations in the hinterland. In such situations the emergency forces need comprehensive and reliable realtime information about the situation, especially the breach enlargement and discharge, the spatial and temporal development of the inundation and the damages. After an impressive progress meanwhile unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) also called remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) are highly capable to collect and transmit precise information from not accessible areas to the task force very quickly. Using the example of the Breitenhagen levee failure near the Saale-Elbe junction in Germany in June 2013 the processing steps will be explained that are needed to come from the visual UAV-flight information to a hydronumeric model. Modelling of the breach was implemented using photogrammetric ranging methods, such as structure from motion and dense image matching. These methods utilize conventional digital multiple view images or videos recorded by either a moving aerial platform or terrestrial photography and allow the construction of 3D point clouds, digital surface models and orthophotos. At Breitenhagen, a UAV recorded the beginning of the levee failure. Due to the dynamic character of the breach and the moving areal platform, 4 different surface models show valid data with extrapolated breach widths of 9 to 40 meters. By means of these calculations the flow rate through the breach has been determined. In addition the procedure has been tested in a physical model, whose results will be presented too.
Triple-Band Printed Octagon Shaped Microstrip Patch Antenna for Terahertz Wireless Applications

The increasing number of wireless devices and the expanding demand for faster data transmission rates are driving the growth of wireless communication. As an increasing number of devices connect to wireless networks, the available bandwidth is becoming increasingly scarce. To address this need for greater bandwidth, researchers have been investigating higher frequency bands, such as the terahertz (THz) frequency band. Compared to lower frequency bands, such as microwave and millimeter-wave frequencies, the terahertz frequency band, relatively unexplored in terms of practical applications. Nonetheless, because of its greater available bandwidth, it has the potential to substantially improve data transmission rates. The integration of microstrip antennas with electronics circuits has received considerable interest, especially in the field of high-frequency applications. This paper presents an octagon-shaped triple band microstrip patch antenna operates at 5.62 THz to 5.77 THz, 6.99 THz to 7.14 THz and 8.27 THz to 8.37 THz and the central frequencies are 5.69 THz, 7.07 THz and 8.32 THz respectively.
Adipose-Derived Stem Cells: Angiogenetic Potential and Utility in Tissue Engineering

Adipose tissue (AT) is a large and important energy storage organ as well as an endocrine organ with a critical role in many processes. Additionally, AT is an enormous and easily accessible source of multipotent cell types used in our day for all types of tissue regeneration. The ability of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) to differentiate into other types of cells, such as endothelial cells (ECs), vascular smooth muscle cells, or cardiomyocytes, is used in tissue engineering in order to promote/stimulate the process of angiogenesis. Being a key for future successful clinical applications, functional vascular networks in engineered tissue are targeted by numerous in vivo and ex vivo studies. The article reviews the angiogenic potential of ADSCs and explores their capacity in the field of tissue engineering (TE).
UvA-DARE (Digital Academic Repository) Hyperbolic Image Segmentation

For image segmentation, the current standard is to perform pixel-level optimization and inference in Euclidean output embedding spaces through linear hyperplanes. In this work, we show that hyperbolic manifolds provide a valuable alternative for image segmentation and propose a tractable formulation of hierarchical pixel-level classiﬁcation in hyperbolic space. Hyperbolic Image Segmentation opens up new possibilities and practical beneﬁts for segmentation, such as uncertainty estimation and boundary information for free, zero-label generalization, and increased performance in low-dimensional output embeddings.
The role of animal nutrition in designing optimal foods of animal origin as

Pinotti, L. , Krogdahl, A. , Givens, I. , Knight, C. , Baldi, A. , Baeten, V. , Van Raamsdonk, L. , Woodgate, S. , Perez Marin, D. and Luten, J. (2014) The role of animal nutrition in designing optimal foods of animal origin as reviewed by the COST Action Feed for Health (FA0802). Biotechnologie, Agronomie, Société et Environnement, 18 (4). pp. 471­479. ISSN 1370­6233 Available at http://centaur.reading. ac.uk/39197/
effectiveness of a lifestyle exercise program for older people receiving a restorative home care service: a pragmatic randomized controlled trial

Background: Restorative home care services are short-term and aimed at maximizing a person’s ability to live independently. They are multidimensional and often include an exercise program to improve strength, mobility, and balance. The aim of this study was to determine whether a lifestyle exercise program would be undertaken more often and result in greater functional gains than the current structured exercise program delivered as part of a restorative home care service for older adults. Methods: A pragmatic randomized controlled trial was conducted in an organization with an established restorative home care service. Individuals who were to have an exercise program as part of their service were randomized to receive either a lifestyle and functional exercise program called LiFE (as this was a new program, the intervention) or the structured exercise program currently being used in the service (control). Exercise data collected by the individuals throughout and pre and post intervention testing was used to measure balance, strength, mobility, falls efficacy, vitality, function, and disability. Results: There was no difference between the groups in the amounts of exercise undertaken during the 8-week intervention period. Outcome measurement indicated that the LiFE program was as effective, and on 40% of the measures, more effective, than the structured exercise program. Conclusion: Organizations delivering restorative home care services that include an exercise component should consider whether LiFE rather than the exercise program they are currently using could help their clients achieve better outcomes.
RETURN OF VOLUNTARY MOTOR CONTRACTION AFTER COMPLETE SPINAL CORD INJURY: A PILOT HUMAN STUDY ON POLYLAMININ

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is still a major challenge for translational medicine. Polylaminin is a stabilized form of laminin, a natural multifunctional protein, previously shown to promote neuroprotection and axonal growth after SCI in rodents. Here we present the results of a confirmatory preclinical study performed in rats and of a first in human trial of polylaminin to treat acute SCI. The latter was an open-label, single-armed academic study designed to include only patients diagnosed with functional complete SCI, because no more than 15% of these patients recover motor function spontaneously. Eight participants received a single intraspinal injection of polylaminin shortly after trauma (average time = 2.3 days). Two died within the first days of causes related to the gravity of the condition. The six patients that survived to reach the one-month follow-up were evaluated using the International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (6/6) and motor and somatosensory evoked potentials (3/6). All the six patients regained voluntary motor control below the level of
Constraints on mechanisms of chondrule formation from chondrule precursors and chronology of transient heating events in the protoplanetary disk

Copyright © 2017 by The Geochemical Society of Japan. A, B, C, and forsterite-bearing Type B (for classification of CAIs see MacPherson, 2014)) also satisfy this definition, and, as we argue below, provide important constraints on the earliest transient heating events that melted solids in the protoplanetary disk. Chondrule formation is one of the most important but poorly understood processes that operated in the early Solar System. Among the currently discussed mechanisms of chondrule formation are shock waves of different scale and nature (e.g., Desch et al., 2010; Morris et al., 2012), magnetized turbulence Constraints on mechanisms of chondrule formation from chondrule precursors and chronology of transient heating events in the protoplanetary disk