Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Diffuse-flow conceptualization and simulation of the Edwards aquifer, San Antonio region, Texas

Numerical ground-water flow models for the Edwards aquifer in the San Antonio region of Texas generally have been based on a diffuse-flow conceptualization. That is, although conduits likely are present, the assumption is that flow in the aquifer predominantly is through a network of small fractures and openings sufficiently numerous that the aquifer can be considered a porous-media continuum at the regional scale. Whether flow through large fractures and conduits or diffuse flow predominates in the Edwards aquifer at the regional scale is an open question. A new numerical ground-water-flow model (Edwards aquifer model) that incorporates important components of the latest information and an alternate conceptualization of the Edwards aquifer was developed. The conceptualization upon which the Edwards aquifer model is based emphasizes conduit development and conduit flow, and the model can be considered a test of one of two reasonable conceptualizations. The model incorporates conduits simulated as generally continuously connected, onecell-wide (1,320 feet) zones with very large hydraulic-conductivity values (as much as 300,000 feet per day). The locations of the conduits are based on a number of factors, including major potentiometricsurface troughs in the aquifer, the presence of sinking streams, geochemical information, and geologic structures (for example, faults and grabens). The model includes both the San Antonio and Barton Springs segments of the Edwards aquifer in the San Antonio region, Texas, and was calibrated for steady-state (1939–46) and transient (1947–2000) conditions. Transient simulations were conducted using monthly recharge and pumpage (withdrawals) data. The predominantly conduit-flow conceptualization incorporated in the Edwards aquifer model yielded a reasonably good match between measured and simulated hydraulic heads in the confined part of the aquifer and between measured and simulated springflows. The simulated directions of flow in the Edwards aquifer model are most strongly influenced by the presence of simulated conduits and barrier faults. The simulated flow in the Edwards aquifer is appreciably influenced by the locations of the simulated conduits, which tend to facilitate flow. The simulated subregional flow directions generally are toward the nearest conduit and subsequently along the conduits from the recharge zone into the confined zone and toward the major springs. Structures simulated in the Edwards aquifer model that tend to restrict ground-water flow are barrier faults. The influence of simulated barrier faults on flow directions is most evident in northern Medina County.
Locally Linear Unbiased Randomization Network for Cross-Scene Hyperspectral Image Classification

For hyperspectral cross-domain recognition applications, the unseen target domain (TD) is inevitable, and the model can only be trained on the source domain (SD) but directly applied to unknown domains. A major challenge of this domain generalization (DG) problem comes from the domain shift caused by differences in environments, devices, etc. One feasible strategy is performing domain expansion with latent variables and learning domain-invariant representation. Inspired by this framework, the study proposes a generation network for extension, which consists of a symmetric encoder-decoder to implicitly build local joint feature under style randomization. Moreover, supervised contrastive learning is employed to avoid duplicate augmentation. Besides, considering the trade-off between domain-specific and domain-invariant, an adversarial penalty term is formed by inter-class and intra-class contrastive regularization in the discriminator. Multiple evaluations on three public HSI datasets indicate that the proposed method outperforms state-of-the-art (SOTA) approaches. The codes is available from the website: https://github.com/HUOWUMO/IEEE_HSIC_LLURnet.
Predefined-Time Observer-Based Nonsingular Sliding-Mode Control for Spacecraft Attitude Stabilization

The predefined-time attitude stabilization control problem of a spacecraft with external disturbance is addressed. A predefined-time observer-based control approach is presented using a new nonsingular sliding surface. On this sliding surface, the system states can converge to zero within a predefined time. Moreover, the incorporated disturbance observer is continuous with the chattering phenomenon eliminated. Compared with the existing finite/fixed-time attitude control methods, which need a complex process to determine the settling time, the upper bound of the convergence time ensured by the presented approach is determined by a constant only. Simulation study is further given to confirm that the presented controller is effective.
VEGF and its receptors - formation, structure, and role in the organism

Creating vessels is essential for the development of every organism and the course of repair processes. Under physiological conditions, angiogenesis is a transient and tightly regulated process. Angiogenesis plays a significant role in the development of cancer and the progression of neoplastic diseases. The most well-known pro-angiogenic factors include the VEGF family, mainly VEGF-A. Of great interest in the angiogenesis process are the receptors for VEGF, both soluble and surface-bound. The aim of this work is to elucidate the structure and mechanism of action of VEGF and its receptors.
Predicting head and neck cancer treatment outcomes with pre-treatment quantitative ultrasound texture features and optimising machine learning classifiers with texture-of-texture features

Aim Cancer treatments with radiation present a challenging physical toll for patients, which can be justified by the potential reduction in cancerous tissue with treatment. However, there remain patients for whom treatments do not yield desired outcomes. Radiomics involves using biomedical images to determine imaging features which, when used in tandem with retrospective treatment outcomes, can train machine learning (ML) classifiers to create predictive models. In this study we investigated whether pre-treatment imaging features from index lymph node (LN) quantitative ultrasound (QUS) scans parametric maps of head & neck (H&N) cancer patients can provide predictive information about treatment outcomes. Methods 72 H&N cancer patients with bulky metastatic LN involvement were recruited for study. Involved bulky neck nodes were scanned with ultrasound prior to the start of treatment for each patient. QUS parametric maps and related radiomics texture-based features were determined and used to train two ML classifiers (support vector machines (SVM) and k-nearest neighbour (k-NN)) for predictive modeling using retrospectively labelled binary treatment outcomes, as determined clinically 3-months after completion of treatment. Additionally, novel higher-order texture-of-texture (TOT) features were incorporated and evaluated in regards to improved predictive model performance. Results It was found that a 7-feature multivariable model of QUS texture features using a support vector machine (SVM) classifier demonstrated 81% sensitivity, 76% specificity, 79% accuracy, 86% precision and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.82 in separating responding from non-responding patients. All performance metrics improved after implementation of TOT features to 85% sensitivity, 80% specificity, 83% accuracy, 89% precision and AUC of 0.85. Similar trends were found with k-NN classifier. Conclusion Binary H&N cancer treatment outcomes can be predicted with QUS texture features acquired from index LNs. Prediction efficacy improved by implementing TOT features following methodology outlined in this work.
Imaging of colloidal deposits in granular porous media by X‐ray difference micro‐tomography

High resolution synchrotron‐based X‐ray computed microtomography (X‐CMT) was used to identify the morphology of colloidal deposits formed in porous media. We show that difference microtomography ‐ whereby a tomographic reconstruction is performed across an absorption edge ‐ provides valuable information on the nature and location of the aggregates formed by the deposition of colloidal particles. Column experiments were performed using an idealized porous medium consisting of glass beads through which colloidal ZrO2 particles were transported. Tomographic reconstructions of the porous medium and of the aggregate structure provide an unique opportunity to observe colloidal particle deposits and of their morphology. These results show that the local pore geometry controls particle deposition and that deposits tend to form in a rather heterogeneous manner in the porous medium.
Harmonic Current Control for Wide ZVS Operation of Single-Stage WPT Resonant Converters

Wireless power transfer (WPT) is becoming increasingly popular in consumer electronics. To realize compact WPT systems, low to high-frequency single-stage converters have been widely studied, but without maintaining zero-voltage switching (ZVS) over a wide load range and input voltage to improve efficiency and electromagnetic interference. This article, therefore, proposes an asymmetric modulation method that extends the ZVS range by altering the amplitudes of the second and third harmonic currents of the converter. Experimental results of a 192-W prototype are presented to demonstrate how the ZVS can be achieved over 48–192 W power output and 80–110 V input voltage, with maximum efficiency reaching 90.9%.
Retrieval of land surface temperature by cross-calibrated SVISSR thermal infrared data onboard China geostationary satellite

A practical algorithm is developed to retrieve spatial-temporal land surface temperature (LST) using the Stretched Visible and Infrared Spin Scan Radiometer (SVISSR) time series data from China Feng-Yun 2C (FY-2C) geostationary satellite. A cross-calibration method and a general split-window algorithm for FY-2C/SVISSR data are developed. An automatic procedure is developed to implement the proposed methods for LST retrieval from SVISSR. Results from cross-calibration show that a good linear relationship between the TOA brightness temperatures from FY-2C/SVISSR and that from MODIS was found with correlation coefficients R2 as 0.95 notwithstanding the differences of spectral response function between the two sensors. The results show that the SVISSR derived LST can be evaluated with aggregated AATSR derived LST and In-situ data. Results indicate that, the SVISSR and aggregated AATSR give comparable results (within 4K) both in Arou and YK, on the condition that AATSR LST product overestimates by about 3K than the ground measurement.
A road map of jumping spider behavior

Abstract. The largest family of spiders, jumping spiders (Salticidae), is known for performing complex visually mediated predatory and courtship behavior. As cursorial predators, they rely on their sensory systems to identify objects at a distance. Based on these assessments, salticids perform flexible and target-specific behavioral sequences which demonstrate a high level of cognitive processing. Recent studies have highlighted the role of other sensory modalities in these processes, such as chemoreception and mechanoreception, and elucidated the visual cues used for object identification, including motion, color, contrast, and shape-based cues. Until recently, sensory modalities other than vision were largely overlooked, but current advances in technology now allow us to probe their sensory and cognitive capabilities, as well as how these are shaped by experience. In this review, I provide an overview of current knowledge of salticid behavior and the sensory systems underpinning this behavior, and highlight areas in need of further research. This review focusses on our understanding of salticid communication, parental behavior, personality, antipredator behavior, and diet, as well as habitat selection. I argue that a historical vision-based focus on a small number of species due to their coloration or their unusual behavior provides a springboard for a deeper understanding of the general cognitive and sensory attributes that have evolved in this lineage, of which we yet have much to learn.
Application of Segmentation for Correction of Intensity Bias in X‐Ray Computed Tomography Images

Nondestructive imaging methods such as x‐ray computed tomography (CT) yield high‐resolution, grayscale, three‐dimensional visualizations of pore structures and fluid interfaces in porous media. To separate solid and fluid phases for quantitative analysis and fluid dynamics modeling, segmentation is applied to convert grayscale CT volumes to discrete representations of media pore space. Unfortunately, x‐ray CT is not free of artifacts, which complicates segmentation and quantitative image analysis due to obscuration of significant features or misinterpretation of attenuation values of a single material in different image sections. Images or volumes emanating from polychromatic (industrial) scanners are especially prone to high noise levels, beam hardening, scattered x‐rays, or ring artifacts. These problems can be alleviated to a certain extent through application of metal filters, careful detector calibration, and sample centering, but they cannot be completely avoided. We have developed a simple three‐dimensional approach to numerically correct for image artifacts using sequential segmentation. This procedure leads to a significant improvement of grayscale data as well as final segmentation results with reasonable computational demand.
Design of onboard calibration unit of space-borne imaging spectrometer

The onboard calibration unit is an important part of the space-borne imaging spectrometer and used for the onboard radiometric calibration and spectral calibration of the spectrometer. An imaging spectrometer used in marine satellite is given as an example and its onboard calibration unit is introduced. The onboard calibration unit is in the front of the optical path of the spectrometer, with the sun as the light source, the space qualified PTFE diffusers are used for the onboard radiometric calibration, and the space qualified PTFE diffuser doped with rare earth elements is used for the onboard spectral calibration. The components of the calibration unit are introduced. For the main radiometric calibration diffuser and the redundant radiometric calibration diffuser, the BDRF test results in component level are introduced. Considering the effects of the assembly error and the stray light after the assembly of the spectrometer, the BDRF test method of the radiometric calibration diffuser in system level is introduced. The test results of the directional hemispherical reflectance of the radiometric calibration diffusers and the spectral calibration diffuser are given and the wavelengths of the absorption peaks of the spectral calibration diffuser are obtained. According to the measurement signal of the spectrometer while the onboard spectral calibration, the wavelengths of the absorption peaks of the spectral calibration diffuser which can be used for the onboard spectral calibration are determined. The onboard calibration unit can satisfy the onboard calibration requirements of the spectrometer.
Bayesian inversion of seismic spectral ratio for source scaling: Application to a persistent multiplet in the western Corinth rift

We propose a method to precisely estimate earthquake source parameters as magnitude, size of rupture, stress drop, and coseismic slip, and their uncertainties. This method, which relies on a Bayesian approach, allows the determination of the scalar seismic moment, corner frequency (fc), and their associated uncertainties, by inverting ratios between seismic displacement spectra of nearby located earthquakes. We apply this method to a large earthquake multiplet (56 events) located under the northern coast of the Corinth gulf at 8 km depth. This multiplet is regularly active between 2001 and 2007. Results show fcP/fcS ratios globally between 1.0 and 1.5 which is compatible with the values predicted by Madariaga's circular rupture model. In detail, six earthquakes, however, exhibit corner frequency variations as a function of the station azimuth compatible with linear rupture propagation. Magnitude ranges 1.08 and 2.80 with a b value of 1.04. Source rupture length globally ranges between 40 and 170 m for stress drop between 1 and 100 MPa. We show that the number of ruptures and the cumulated coseismic slip are maximal at the center of the multiplet: this suggests that Multiplet‐866 could be seen as a weak seismogenic patch surrounded by a locked fault. However, the large value of the maximum coseismic slip cumulated over the period 2000–2008 (10 cm) rather suggests creep allowing rapid stress reloading and repeated earthquakes with short delays. We therefore propose that Multiplet‐866 is surrounded by a heterogeneous fault surface with both locked and creeping areas.
Carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur pools in particle-size fractions as influenced by climate

The response of soil organic matter (SOM) dynamics to climate change may be deduced from changes in the distribution of SOM among different C pools. The distribution of soil organic carbon (SOC), total N, and total S in particle-size fractions were measured to assess the influences of climate. Clay (<2 μm), silt (2-20 μm), fine sand (20-250 μm), and coarse sand (250-2000 μm) fractions were obtained from composite soil samples from the top 10 cm of 21 native grassland sites along temperature and precipitation transects from Saskatoon, Canada, to southern Texas, USA. The clay fraction contained about 43% of the total SOC, 56% of the total N, and 62% of the total S. The SOC and total-N concentrations in the clay fraction, relative to those in the bulk soil, increased significantly across sites with increasing annual temperature, decreasing annual precipitation, and decreasing clay content (multiple R 2 = 0.80*** [significant at P = 0.001] for SOC and 0.83*** for N): the concentration of SOM in the fine sand fraction showed the opposite trends. Principal axis component analyses confirmed that both clay and fine sand fractions comprised sensitive SOC and N pools related to climate, whereas S seemed to be controlled by factors other than those regulating the dynamics of SOC and N. These results suggest that SOM is preferably decayed from pools of the fine sand fractions with increasing temperature, resulting in a relative enrichment of SOM stabilized on clay.
The impact of gender on agricultural conservation knowledge and attitudes in an Iowa watershed

Female agricultural land ownership and operatorship are on the rise in Iowa and across the nation, but little research exists that explores agricultural conservation outreach to women and gendered differences in conservation knowledge and attitudes. The authors surveyed all agricultural landowners and operators in the Clear Creek Watershed in eastern Iowa about conservation knowledge and attitudes, as well as preferred sources of information about conservation. Clear Creek is a high-visibility watershed for conservation outreach for several reasons, including its long-standing watershed stakeholder council and its connection to the impaired Iowa River. Analysis of the survey results demonstrated that female respondents had significantly lower levels of knowledge about best management practices and significantly more positive attitudes towards conservation and collaboration than men. Meanwhile, women looked to the same sources for conservation information as male respondents, including neighbors, friends, and conservation agencies like the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Cooperative Extension, and the Farm Service Agency. These gendered results have significant consequences for the future of agricultural conservation practice and policy and for the subsequent health of the nation's soils and waterways. While lacking in knowledge about specific conservation practices, female respondents valued conservation practices, looked to government agencies for information about conservation, and expressed interest in collaborating with government entities for conservation on their land. Agricultural conservation practitioners can use these findings to tailor outreach efforts that will more effectively reach the nation's female landowners and operators.
Deficiencia de oligoelementos durante el primer trimestre del embarazo en Maracaibo, Venezuela

Deficiencies of trace elements is an important public health problem that threatens mainly pregnant women and their products; we propose to determine serum iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) during the first trimester of pregnancy and identify the pathologies associated with a deficiency during the first trimester of pregnancy in pregnant women attending antenatal care at Maternity Dr. Armando Castillo Plaza, University Hospital of Maracaibo, Venezuela during 2012. A descriptive and applied type research, with a non-experimental and prospective design, which includes a non-probabilistic intentional sample of 70 women during the first trimester of pregnancy, which were measured in serum Fe, Zn and Cu. We found that the age mean was 20,5± 6 years; in terms of the concentrations of these trace elements was determined an average of Fe, Zn and Cu of 40,04 ± 1,212 µg/dL, 0,566 ± 0,130 µg/mL and 1,326 ± 0,878µg/mL, respectively; with concentrations of Fe and Zn lower in adolescents ( 0,05). Its concluded that exist a high prevalence of deficiencies of trace elements (Zn, Cu and Fe) in patients without associated diseases and apparently healthy at the beginning of her pregnancy. An Venez Nutr 2013; 26(1): 14 - 22.
Dreaming with Awareness: Exploring Lucid Dreaming as a Bridge Between Reality and Meditation

The article examines the phenomenon of lucid dreaming. The author assumes that lucid dreamers share the experiences typical of meditation practice and lucid dreaming is certainly more than becoming ‘awake’ in a dream state. Most lucid dreamers experience in lucid dreams more intense sense of presence, stillness and peace, joy, compassion and love. it is worthwhile mentioning that lucid dreaming is also different from just being mindful in the dream state as well. The most commonly experienced sensations during a lucid dream run as following: desire to control, desire to fly (most commonly experienced), joy, stillness and peace, euphoria, more intense sense of presence (commonly experienced), compassion, and love (quite commonly experienced). This shows lucid dreaming state is different from the state that ‘dream yoga’ or similar states in other religious traditions try to achieve.
Development and implementation of the MobILcaps application for the teaching and development of information literacy in Higher Education

This paper aims at develop, implement and evaluate the effectiveness of the MobIlCaps mobile application. On the basis of cognitive, constructivist and connectivist theories, it has been developed on an instructional design model, based on the user experience. In the context of mobile teaching in higher education, an innovative application is proposed for the self-learning of information literacy by students of Social Sciences. With the collaboration of both teachers and students, the application was developed, following the ADDIE model, through the phases of analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation. The last phase provided the improvement proposals for the optimization of the final version of the tool, a progressive open access website. The application is organized into six capsules that follow the framework of ACRL (2015): learn, search, evaluate, create, research and disseminate. It includes multimedia resources in the form of microcontents that highlight readability, organization and visualization as characteristics. The app focuses on the user and is a relevant instrument to facilitate teaching The different analyses, followed by proposals for improvement and revisions, led to the achievement of a very useful application for students, teachers and library