Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Central and Peripheral Thermal Signatures of Brain-Derived Fatigue during Unilateral Resistance Exercise: A Preliminary Study

Simple Summary Fatigue is considered a brain-derived emotion that could impact performance during the execution of physical exercises. Infrared thermography is a valuable technique able to measure the psychophysiological state associated with emotions in a contactless manner. The aim of the study is to test the capability of infrared thermography to evaluate the central and peripheral physiological effect of fatigue through facial skin and muscle temperature modulations collected during the execution of a unilateral resistance exercise of the lower limb. Both time- and frequency-domain analyses were performed on the temperature time course of the face and limbs. Particularly, significant correlations between features extracted from the thermal signals and the perceived exertion were found. These findings confirmed the ability of thermal imaging to detect both peripheral and central effects of fatigue in response to physical exercises. These results could foster the employment of infrared thermography to monitor the psychophysiological state of the athletes during training. The possibility to calibrate the training load in accordance with the psychophysiological conditions could improve the performance of the athletes during the training process and competitions. Abstract Infrared thermography (IRT) allows to evaluate the psychophysiological state associated with emotions from facial temperature modulations. As fatigue is a brain-derived emotion, it is possible to hypothesize that facial temperature could provide information regarding the fatigue related to exercise. The aim of this study was to investigate the capability of IRT to assess the central and peripheral physiological effect of fatigue by measuring facial skin and muscle temperature modulations in response to a unilateral knee extension exercise until exhaustion. Rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was recorded at the end of the exercise. Both time- (∆TROI: pre–post exercise temperature variation) and frequency-domain (∆PSD: pre–post exercise power spectral density variation of specific frequency bands) analyses were performed to extract features from regions of interest (ROIs) positioned on the exercised and nonexercised leg, nose tip, and corrugator. The ANOVA-RM revealed a significant difference between ∆TROI (F(1.41,9.81) = 15.14; p = 0.0018), and between ∆PSD of myogenic (F(1.34,9.39) = 15.20; p = 0.0021) and neurogenic bands (F(1.75,12.26) = 9.96; p = 0.0034) of different ROIs. Moreover, significant correlations between thermal features and RPE were found. These findings suggest that IRT could assess both peripheral and central responses to physical exercise. Its applicability in monitoring the psychophysiological responses to exercise should be further explored
Prediction of CD3 T-cell infiltration status in colorectal liver metastases: a radiomics-based imaging biomarker

Colorectal cancer (CRC) continues to be a leading cause of cancer-related death in the developed world due to metastatic progression of the disease. In an effort to improve the understanding of tumor biology and developing prognostic tools, it was found that CD3+ tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) had a very strong prognostic value in primary CRC as well as in colorectal liver metastases (CLM). Quantification of TILs remains labor intensive and requires tissue samples, hence being of limited use in the pre-operative period or in the context of non-operable disease. Computed tomography (CT) images however are widely available for patients with CLM. In this study, we propose a pipeline to predict CD3 T-cell infiltration in CLM from pre-operative CT images. Radiomic features were extracted from 58 automatically segmented CLM lesions. Subsequently, dimensionality reduction was performed by training an autoencoder (AE) on the full feature set. We then used AE bottleneck embeddings to predict CD3 T-cell density, stratified into two categories: CD3hi and CD3low. For this, we implemented a 1D convolutional neural network (1D-CNN) and compared its performance against five machine learning models using 5-fold cross-validation. Results showed that the proposed 1D-CNN outperformed the other trained models achieving a mean accuracy of 0.69 (standard deviation [SD], 0.01) and a mean area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) of 0.75 (SD, 0.02) on the validation set. Our findings demonstrate a relationship between CT radiomic features and CD3 tumor infiltration status with the potential of noninvasively determining CD3 status from preoperative CT images.
Global survey of limestone used in poultry diets: calcium content, particle size and solubility

Limestone is used in poultry diets as a calcium (Ca) source. Feed formulation is often based on an estimate of limestone Ca content or, less frequently, wet chemistry analysis. However, limestone composition may vary, which has not previously been studied on a large scale. In this study, 641 limestone samples supplied to poultry feed mills in 40 countries across eight global regions were collected and analysed for macro- and micromineral content, particle size (geometric mean diameter, GMD), and in vitro solubility. Mean Ca content of fine limestone (GMD<1000 μm, n=566) was 37.8% (range 33.3-39.7%) and for coarse limestone (GMD>1000 μm, n=75) was 38.0% (range 34.7-40.0%). There was marked variation among and within regions in the concentration of other macro minerals and microminerals. Particle size (GMD) of fine limestone was 288 μm (range 37.7-991.9 μm) and 1,689 mm for coarse limestone (range 301.6-3,067.9 μm). In vitro solubility of fine limestone (5 min incubation, pH=3.0) was 68.4% (range 18.8 to 99.4%). Particle size only explained 52% of the variation in 5 min incubation solubility (R2=0.52). For coarse limestone, mean solubility (30 min incubation) was 65.5% (range 23.2-96%) which was not correlated (R2=0.09) with particle size. Particle size and solubility rate of limestone have been shown to alter Ca and phosphorus utilisation in broilers and laying hens. Hence, better understanding of variation in mineral analysis, particle size and solubility rate would enable more accurate feed inclusion and subsequently digestibility to support health and performance.
Chemical vapor deposition merges MoS2 grains into high-quality and centimeter-scale films on Si/SiO2

Two-dimensional molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has attracted increasing attention due to its promise for next-generation electronics. To realize MoS2-based electronics, however, a synthesis method is required that produces a uniform single-layer material and that is compatible with existing semiconductor fabrication techniques. Here, we demonstrate that uniform films of single-layer MoS2 can be directly produced on Si/SiO2 at wafer-scale without the use of catalysts or promoters. Control of the precursor transport through oxygen dosing yielded complete coverage and increased connectivity between crystalline MoS2 domains. Spectroscopic characterization and carrier transport measurements furthermore revealed a reduced density of defects compared to conventional chemical vapor deposition growth that increased the quantum yield over ten-fold. To demonstrate the impact of enhanced scale and optoelectronic performance, centimeter-scale arrays of MoS2 photosensors were produced that demonstrate unprecedentedly high and uniform responsivity. Our approach improves the prospect of MoS2 for future applications.
A model-scale study to assess the influence of ground geometries on aerodynamic flow development around a train

The need for interoperability for rail operators across Europe has resulted in the development of the technical specifications for interoperability: requirements and regulations which include safety limits for train aerodynamics. Safety limits are calculated within guidelines, including environmental conditions, train speeds and ballast shoulder height. However, there are many cases on the European rail network which fall outside ballast shoulder height limits, raising questions about the suitability of the technical specifications for interoperability limits, where European homologation is a requirement. Ballast is a layer of crushed stone onto which the railway track is laid; a ballast shoulder is defined from the top of the ballast layer to the base of the track foundation or ground. This paper describes the detailed model-scale experiments carried out at the University of Birmingham’s moving model TRAIN rig facility to assess the influence of ground geometries on aerodynamic flow development around a train. The technical specifications for interoperability methodology was questioned in relation to whether modest changes to include a wider cross-section of ballast shoulder heights, more appropriate to actual operating conditions, would affect limit values in relation to safety. The influence of ballast shoulder height was investigated for three typical train types. The results showed a similar static pressure development for all the ballast shoulder heights tested. Passenger train results indicated that shallow ballast shoulders confine the aerodynamic flow within a smaller area, increasing the magnitude of slipstream velocities in respect to larger ballast shoulders. The largest slipstream velocities were found for the ground configuration with no ballast shoulder modelled. Measurements within the technical specifications for interoperability-specified range of ballast shoulder heights exhibited little difference in flow development. Analysis of maximum 1 s gusts, calculated using the current technical specifications for interoperability methodology, found values lie close to, but do not break, the existing limits. Increasing ballast shoulder height was shown to decrease values away from technical specifications for interoperability limits.
A piezoresistive dual-tip stiffness tactile sensor for mango ripeness assessment

Abstract Fruit ripeness detection (FRD) has been a very important research area. FRD has focused more on colour segmentation, image processing, odor of fruits and its size. However, fruit stiffness can be an evidence of its ripening. Developing a sensor that focuses on the stiffness of fruit becomes very important. This work presents an approach of mango ripeness detection based on its stiffness using a tactile sensor. A resistance change-based micro tactile sensor is designed for FRD in which it utilizes two cantilevers with different stiffness to estimate mangoes ripeness levels based on their stiffness. The tactile sensor parameters were analyzed and selected to ensure high sensitivity and linearity of the sensor output (Force ratio). The sensor was developed and experimentally tested with five test pieces of known stiffness for proof-of-concept. A finite element analysis was carried out to test the sensor with the same stiffness values of test pieces to compare the results with the analytical results. The error between the analytical and experimental results of the test pieces did not exceed 7%, while the error between the analytical and simulation results of the stiffness of the test pieces did not exceed 2.7%. Finally, the sensor was tested with five mangoes at different ripeness levels, and the sensor clearly differentiated among the mangoes and obtained stiffness values of 1792.95 N/m, 1395.70 N/m, 1078.86 N/m, 317.15 N/m and 67.81 N/m from the stiffest to the softest mango (Mango A—Mango E), respectively. This tactile sensor can be used in fruit sorting industries to complement the existing fruit sorting approaches.
Precipitation regulates the livestock dung seed bank through above ground vegetation productivity in the Qaidam basin

The livestock dung seed bank (DSB) plays an important role in the regeneration and sustainability of grasslands in grazing ecosystems. As global precipitation patterns change, the productivity of the above ground vegetation (AGV) in semiarid and arid regions may be substantially affected, as will both the size and composition of the livestock DSB. However, the effects of altered precipitation patterns remain to be determined. Dung was collected for three consecutive years (2018–2020) from horses, cattle and sheep in the desert region of the Qaidam basin, China. The seedling emergence method was used to examine species richness and seed density in the DSB, and the structure and composition of the DSB and the AGV were also investigated. Combined with precipitation data, a structural equation model was used to explore how precipitation affects the livestock DSB by quantifying changes in the AGV in the basin. The results showed that horses [seedling density 5.32 (2018), 6.30 (2019) and 7.44 (2020) g−1 dung] had greater seed dispersal potential than cattle (3.91, 5.08 and 6.42 g−1 dung) or sheep (0.88, 1.32 and 2.96 g−1 dung), indicating that horse dung contributes the most to the AGV in the Qaidam basin. Furthermore, the seed composition of the DSB differed substantially from species of the AGV, implying that the DSB can promote the diversification of grasslands. An increase in precipitation increased both the productivity of the AGV (and hence livestock forage) and the size and composition of the DSB. These results highlight that the DSB is an essential driver of the development of grasslands in arid areas and that the indirect effect of precipitation on the livestock DSB for the regeneration and conservation of grasslands should be considered in arid regions.
FDTD Analysis of Hotspot-Enabling Hybrid Nanohole-Nanoparticle Structures for SERS Detection

Metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) and metallic nanostructures are both commonly used, independently, as SERS substrates due to their enhanced plasmonic activity. In this work, we introduce and investigate a hybrid nanostructure with strong SERS activity that benefits from the collective plasmonic response of the combination of MNPs and flow-through nanohole arrays (NHAs). The electric field distribution and electromagnetic enhancement factor of hybrid structures composed of silver NPs on both silver and gold NHAs are investigated via finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) analyses. This computational approach is used to find optimal spatial configurations of the nanoparticle positions relative to the nanoapertures and investigate the difference between Ag-NP-on-Ag-NHAs and Ag-NP-on-Au-NHAs hybrid structures. A maximum GSERS value of 6.8 × 109 is achieved with the all-silver structure when the NP is located 0.5 nm away from the rim of the NHA, while the maximum of 4.7 × 1010 is obtained when the nanoparticle is in full contact with the NHA for the gold-silver hybrid structure. These results demonstrate that the hybrid nanostructures enable hotspot formation with strong SERS activity and plasmonic enhancement compatible with SERS-based sensing applications.
Population Genetic Structure and Biodiversity Conservation of a Relict and Medicinal Subshrub Capparis spinosa in Arid Central Asia

As a Tertiary Tethyan relict, Capparis spinosa is a typical wind-preventing and sand-fixing deciduous subshrub in arid central Asia. Due to its medicinal and energy value, this species is at risk of potential threat from human overexploitation, habitat destruction and resource depletion. In this study, our purpose was to evaluate the conservation strategies of C. spinosa according to its genetic structure characteristics and genetic diversity pattern among 37 natural distributional populations. Based on genomic SNP data generated from dd-RAD sequencing, genetic diversity analysis, principal component analysis, maximum likelihood phylogenetic trees and ADMIXTURE clustering, the significant population structure and differentiation were explored. The results showed the following: (1) Six distinct lineages were identified corresponding to geographic locations, and various levels of genetic diversity existed among the lineages for the natural habitat heterogeneity or human interferences; (2) The lineage divergences were influenced by isolation by distances, vicariance and restricted gene flow under complex topographic and climatic conditions. Finally, for the preservation of the genetic integrity of C. spinosa, we suggest that conservation units should be established corresponding to different geographic groups, and that attention should be paid to isolated and peripheral populations that are experiencing biodiversity loss. Simultaneously, monitoring and reducing anthropogenic disturbances in addition to rationally and sustainably utilizing wild resources would be beneficial to guarantee population resilience and evolutionary potential of this xerophyte in response to future environmental changes.
Design and Analysis of High-Gain and Compact Single-Input Differential-Output Low Noise Amplifier for 5G Applications

This letter describes the design, analysis, and testing of a 28-GHz single-input differential-output (SIDO) low-noise amplifier (LNA) with a noise figure of 2.5 dB, compact size (0.25 mm2), and high gain (22.3 dB). The proposed LNA was fabricated using the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) 65-nm CMOS process. This amplifier contains a two-stage common-source (CS) buffer amplifier for a low-noise design and combines CS and common-gate transistors for converting single-ended signal into differential signal. A novel method of common-mode rejection ratio optimization is used to determine the optimal phase compensation transmission line and transistor size to reduce gain and phase imbalances simultaneously. The gain and phase imbalances were 0.042 dB and 2.6° at 28 GHz, respectively. Compared with published LNAs, this SIDO LNA achieved the high figure of merits (FoMs) of 7.17 and 2.27, respectively. Therefore, this LNA can be used for 5G NR band of n257 (26.5–29.5 GHz), n258 (24.25–27.5 GHz), and n261 (27.5–28.35 GHz).
A Novel Method of Multitype Hybrid Rock Lithology Classification Based on Convolutional Neural Networks

Rock lithology recognition plays a fundamental role in geological survey research, mineral resource exploration, mining engineering, etc. However, the objectivity of researchers, rock variable natures, and tedious experimental processes make it difficult to ensure the accurate and effective identification of rock lithology. Additionally, multitype hybrid rock lithology identification is challenging, and few studies on this issue are available. In this paper, a novel multitype hybrid rock lithology detection method was proposed based on convolutional neural network (CNN), and neural network model compression technology was adopted to guarantee the model inference efficiency. Four fundamental single class rock datasets: sandstone, shale, monzogranite, and tuff were collected. At the same time, multitype hybrid rock lithologies datasets were obtained based on data augmentation method. The proposed model was then trained on multitype hybrid rock lithologies datasets. Besides, for comparison purposes, the other three algorithms, were trained and evaluated. Experimental results revealed that our method exhibited the best performance in terms of precision, recall, and efficiency compared with the other three algorithms. Furthermore, the inference time of the proposed model is twice as fast as the other three methods. It only needs 11 milliseconds for single image detection, making it possible to be applied to the industry by transforming the algorithm to an embedded hardware device or Android platform.
Mid-wave and long-wave infrared transmitters and detectors for optical satellite communications—a review

There has been a recent surge in interest for optical satellite communication (SatCom) utilizing lasers. It is clear to see why, as optical SatCom is capable of higher speed, lighter weight, higher directionality, and higher efficiency versus their radio-based counterparts. Research into optical SatCom has focused on devices operating in the short-wave infrared (SWIR), which is due to the maturity and commercial availability of such component’s thanks to significant development in terrestrial telecommunications networks. However, SWIR performs poorly in fog and heavy weather, prompting investigations into longer mid-wave and long-wave infrared bands for optical communication instead due to reduced atmospheric losses. This paper provides a comprehensive review of laser transmitters, detectors, and the science behind selecting longer wavelengths for optical SatCom to boost optical SatCom between ground stations and low earth orbit satellite constellations being deployed.
Genotype-Phenotype Correlation in Familial BAG3 Mutation Dilated Cardiomyopathy

We report the case of a 22-year-old male who visited a cardiologist after the first episode of atrial fibrillation (AF). Echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed decreased left ventricular (LV) systolic function with dilated LV. An intermittent second-degree AV (atrioventricular) block was detected during 24 h Holter monitoring. Genetic test revealed the pathogenic variant of the BAG3 (BLC2-associated athanogene 3) gene. Due to the high risk of heart failure (HF) progression and ventricular arrhythmias, an event recorder was implanted and a pathogenetic HF treatment was prescribed. The analysis of genealogy revealed that the patient’s father, at the age of 32, was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and recurrent AF episodes. Genetic testing also confirmed a pathogenic variant of the BAG3 gene. Currently, with the optimal treatment of HF, the patient’s disease has been stable for three years and the condition is closely monitored on an outpatient basis. So, we demonstrate the importance of early detection for genetic testing and the unusual stability exhibited by the patient‘s optimal medical therapy for 3 years.
Coordination and Advocacy of National Oil Spill Response Center to Achieve Maritime Security in Indonesia

Offshore oil spills that repeatedly occur in Indonesia require government responsibility and supervision. National-scale offshore oil spill response is carried out by PUSKODALNAS (National Center for Command and Control of Operations for Mitigating Oil Spill Emergency at Sea). However, there is still a lack of PUSKODALNAS in the realization of its duties and functions, as seen from the National Legal Development Agency report on the Montara case which states that coordination is not fast and advocacy is not good. The purpose of this study was to analyze the constraints and strategies to overcome the coordination and advocacy constraints on the regulation of offshore oil spill response by PUSKODALNAS. This research is a qualitative type with interviews and literature study methods. The analysis showed that the coordination constraints on the regulation of offshore oil spill response by PUSKODALNAS involve the conception of the oil spill tier, the limitations of derivative regulations, and the dynamics of actors that have not been adjusted; while the advocacy constraints are related to the regulation of advocacy mechanisms, limitations of derivative regulations, and advocacy budget policies. The strategies to overcome coordination constraints on regulations for offshore oil spill response by PUSKODALNAS involve the review of Presidential Regulation 109/2006, technical planning for coordination on derivative regulations, and adjustments to the institutions structure; while the strategies to overcome advocacy constraints are related to the ratification of derivative regulations regarding the Compensation Team and marine quality inventory as well as ratification of international regulations.