Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Tree Crown Allometry on Community Dynamics in Mixed-Species Stands versus Monocultures. A Review and Perspectives for Modeling and Silvicultural Regulation

Many recent studies have shown that the structure, density, and productivity of mixed-species stands can differ from the weighted mean of monospecific stands of the respective species. The tree and stand properties emerging by inter-specific neighborhood should be considered in models for understanding and practical management. A promising approach for this is a more realistic representation of the individual tree allometry in models and management concepts, as tree allometry determines many structural and functional aspects at the tree and stand level. Therefore, this paper is focused on the crown allometry in mixed and mono-specific stands. Firstly, we review species-specific differences in the crown allometry in monospecific stands. Secondly, we show how species-specific differences and complementarities in crown allometry can emerge in mixed-species stands. Thirdly, the consequences of allometric complementarity for the canopy packing density will be analyzed. Fourthly, we trace the crown allometry from the tree level to the stand density and show the relevance for the self-thinning in mixed versus monospecific stands. Fifth, the consequence of the findings for modeling and regulating tree and stand growth will be discussed. The review deals mainly with widespread even-aged, mono-layered stands, but the main results apply for more heterogeneous stands analogously.
Mitigating the impact of fertilization on global warming : can leguminous green manure and compost help to reduce N 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 2 O and CO 2 emissions ?

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Debate on Blood Pressure Lowering Targets after the SPRINT Trial

Hypertension has been for a long time defined as blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg, partly based on the results of actuarial studies of insurance companies showing that blood pressures above 140/90 mmHg were associated with a significant increase in cardiovascular events. Different multicenter randomized studies have confirmed the benefit of lowering the blood pressure of hypertensive patients below 140/90 mmHg [Systolic Hypertension in the Elderly Program or SHEP (1) and The Systolic Hypertension in Europe or Syst-Eur Trial (2)], or below 150/90 mmHg for subjects over 80 years of age (Hypertension in the Very Elderly Trial or HYVET) (3) There have been no studies trying to achieve greater blood pressure lowering except the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) study in diabetic patients, which showed no benefit in decreasing blood pressure to <120/80 compared with <140/90 mmHg. (4) Consequently, most of the therapeutic guidelines recommend lowering blood pressure below 140/90 mmHg in hypertensive patients (5-8) except for the JNC8 guideline (9) which proposes blood pressure <150/90 mmHg for persons ≥60 years, or for elderly people aged ≥80 years in the case of the ASH/ISH (7) and CHEP (8) guidelines based on the HYVET (5) guideline. According to observational studies, we know that the risk of mortality due to coronary artery events or stroke starts at 115/75 mmHg and doubles at each increase of 20/10 mmHg (10). One of the questions that has stopped investigating blood pressures <140/90 mmHg has been whether there is a J curve, as demonstrated in the secondary analysis of high blood pressure treatment clinical studies (11). For these reasons, the NHLBI sponsored the SPRINT trial (12) in subjects at high cardiovascular risk with treated or untreated hypertension, older than 50 years of age, with SBP between 130 and180 mmHg, Agonist ernesto l. sCHiFFrin, mD, phD, FrsC, FrCpC, FaC
Prepared for submission to JCAP Weyl metrics and wormholes

We study solutions obtained via applying dualities and complexifications to the vacuum Weyl metrics generated by massive rods and by point masses. Rescaling them and extending to complex parameter values yields axially symmetric vacuum solutions containing singularities along circles that can be viewed as singular matter sources. These solutions have wormhole topology with several asymptotic regions interconnected by throats and their sources can be viewed as thin rings of negative tension encircling the throats. For a particular value of the ring tension the geometry becomes exactly flat although the topology remains non-trivial, so that the rings literally produce holes in flat space. To create a single ring wormhole of one metre radius one needs a negative energy equivalent to the mass of Jupiter. Further duality transformations dress the rings with the scalar field, either conventional or phantom. This gives rise to large classes of static, axially symmetric solutions, presumably including all previously known solutions for a gravity-coupled massless scalar field, as for example the spherically symmetric Bronnikov-Ellis wormholes with phantom scalar. The multi-wormholes contain infinite struts everywhere at the symmetry axes, apart from solutions with locally flat geometry. ar X iv :1 70 1. 05 53 3v 3 [ he pth ] 2 5 M ay 2 01 7
Data virtualization design model for near real time decision making in business intelligence environment

The main purpose of Business Intelligence (BI) is to focus on supporting an organization‘s strategic, operational and tactical decisions by providing comprehensive, accurate and vivid data to the decision makers. A data warehouse (DW), which is considered as the input for decision making system activities is created through a complex process known as Extract, Transform and Load (ETL). ETL operates at pre-defined times and requires time to process and transfer data. However, providing near real time information to facilitate the data integration in supporting decision making process is a known issue. Inaccessibility to near realtime information could be overcome with Data Virtualization (DV) as it provides unified, abstracted, near real time, and encapsulated view of information for querying. Nevertheless, currently, there are lack of studies on the BI model for developing and managing data in virtual manner that can fulfil the organization needs. Therefore, the main aim of this study is to propose a DV model for near-real time decision making in BI environment. Design science research methodology was adopted to accomplish the research objectives. As a result of this study, a model called Data Virtualization Development Model (DVDeM) is proposed that addresses the phases and components which affect the BI environment. To validate the model, expert reviews and focus group discussions were conducted. A prototype based on the proposed model was also developed, and then implemented in two case studies. Also, an instrument was developed to measure the usability of the prototype in providing near real time data. In total, 60 participants were involved and the findings indicated that 93% of the participants agreed that the DVDeM based prototype was able to provide near real-time data for supporting decision-making process. From the studies, the findings also showed that the majority of the participants (more than 90%) in both of education and business sectors, have affirmed the workability of the DVDeM and the usability of the prototype in particular able to deliver near real-time decision-making data. Findings also indicate theoretical and practical contributions for developers to develop efficient BI applications using DV technique. Also, the mean values for each measurement item are greater than 4 indicating that the respondents agreed with the statement for each measurement item. Meanwhile, it was found that the mean scores for overall usability attributes of DVDeM design model fall under "High" or "Fairly High". Therefore, the results show sufficient indications that by adopting DVDeM model in developing a system, the usability of the produced system is perceived by the majority of respondents as high and is able to support near real time decision making data.
THE TECTONO-STRATIGRAPHIC EVOLUTION OF BASEMENT HIGHS IN HYPEREXTENDED DEEP-WATER RIFTED MARGINS : THE EXAMPLE OF THE BRIANÇONNAIS DOMAIN IN THE ALPS AND COMPARISONS WITH MODERN ANALOGUES

Background and rational of the project The discovery of hydrocarbon systems in hyper-extended deep-water rifted margins in conjunction with technical developments expanded the domain of hydrocarbon exploration into domains that are yet little investigated. The increasing number of high-quality reflection and refraction seismic surveys and drill hole data show that deep-water rifted margins are very different from proximal margins. The new data show evidence for a polyphase rift evolution resulting in complex rift architectures with variable amounts of magmatic activity and local mantle exhumation that cannot be predicted by classical rift models. Thus, understanding the thermal structure, subsidence history, depositional environment and sedimentary architecture is a prerequisite to apply the “play elements” in these yet little investigated domains, which is essential to evaluate the survivability of synto post-rift petroleum systems.
Institution building for regional development : A comparison of Bulgaria , the Czech Republic , Estonia , Hungary , Poland and Slovakia

This article studies the efforts to create regional development policies in six Central and East European countries (CEEC): Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia. Regional development (RD) has attracted increasing attention in the enlargement process of the EU because the main channel to support the economic catch-up process of the CEEC after their accession will be the structural policy of the EU which is focused on RD policy and regional actors. To the extent that the applicant countries are able to institutionalise a working RD policy framework they will be able to utilise EU assistance in order to accelerate their economic catch-up process.
Simplicity and Completeness of Nursing Process Satisfaction Using Nursing Management Information System at the Public Health Service “ X ” Indonesia

Nursing information system is an important part on nursing process. Appropriate information system wil l improve continuity of care and nursing care quality . Information system which is applied on Public Hea lth Center “X” is manually operated, since that human e rror was possibly occurred, important data were loo se and continuity of care was disturbed. This research dev eloped computer-based nursing information system, t hen exploring nurse ‘satisfaction of that new system, t o compare between before and after satisfaction on application computer-based information system. The number of nu rses who are involved 27 people, by filling up questionnaire instrument. The result shows improvem ent on satisfaction of simplicity and completeness of nursing process after using computer-based nursing information system. Simplicity not statistically si gn ficant (p=0.73) and completeness of nursing process satisf action is significant improved (p=0.019). Research result recommends for implementing nursing information sys tem on the whole Public Health Center in Indonesia and improved nurse education for improving quality of d cumentation.
Parent Responses to Stress : PROMIS in the NICU

Parental stress resulting from experiences with infants hospitalized in the NICU is well documented.1–5 Stress emanating from the birth of a premature or sick neonate has received considerable attention and is associated with concurrent parental anxiety and depression.1,6–9 Less well studied is the relationship of parental NICU stress with fatigue and sleep disruption. Lee and others report high rates of sleep disturbance, including average sleep duration less than 7 hours/night, in mothers of infants hospitalized in the NICU, as well as elevated fatigue and reduced wellbeing.10,11 The National Sleep Foundation cites 7– 8 hours/night as the basic sleep need in adults.12 Sleep is a particular concern given the prevalence of postpartum sleep problems (57.7%) and complex relationship between postpartum sleep and depression.13
Epidemiological studies of cholera outbreaks in Western and South India during 2009-2010 reveal involvement of multidrug resistant Vibrio cholerae with altered

Introduction Vibrio cholerae, a Gram negative bacterium has been responsible for several cholera pandemics affecting millions of people over the globe. This is one disease in modern time that is endemic, epidemic and pandemic in nature. Several developing countries are still plagued by recurrence cholera outbreaks times to time. This disease is mainly localized in those areas where primary health and sanitation is still a challenge. In urban areas, generally it erupts due to accidental contamination of drinking water supply. Two distinctive epidemiological features of cholera are its tendency to appear in explosive outbreaks, often starting in several distinct foci simultaneously, and its propensity to cause true epidemics that progressively affect many countries in multiple continents over the course of many years (Kaper et al., 1995). World has already faced seven cholera pandemics in the past two centuries. Among the two biotypes of V. cholerae, El Tor strains are supposed to have better adaptability to survive in the environment and in the human host than classical biotype. Strains of classical biotype are suggested to be more toxigenic than El Tor strains (Huq et al., 1993). However, after 2001, hybrid strain of classical and El Tor biotypes were reported from different parts of India and Bangladesh (Nair et al., 2006). Recently, a new variant of this hybrid strain was reported from India (Goel et al., 2008, Goel and Jiang, 2009). These hybrid strains are reported to be more toxigenic having the potential to produce large amount of cholera toxin. In this study, we have investigated the epidemiological features of V. cholerae isolates from cholera outbreaks in India during 2009-2010.
Evaluation of locally available fertilizer tree / shrub species in Gozamin Woreda , North Central Ethiopia

The objective of the study was to evaluate the locally available fertilizer tree/shrub species in the study area. This study was conducted in two phases; in the first phase, a semi structured questionnaire was prepared to a total of 312 respondents randomly selected from the study area. In the second phase, leaf litter from the selected tree species and soil samples from both under the canopy of the selected tree species and open (controlled) area were collected for further analysis. According to response from respondents, Cordia africana was perceived to be the best by 26% of the respondents; while 39% of the respondents noted that Croton macrostachyus as the best; and 35% of the respondents acknowledge that Hygenia abyssinica is most importantly preferable for soil fertility improvement. Comparisons of potential leaf litter nutrient content (N, P, and K) of each selected tree species nutrient return from each selected species showed that leaf of C. macrostachyus had significantly higher (P < 0.05) K value compared with the leaf of C. africana and H. abyssinica. C. macrostachyus and H. abyssinica also showed higher concentration of N and P than C. africana. Soil properties under the canopy of all the selected tree species differed from the open (controlled) sampling point mainly as a result of nutrient addition from the fallen leaf litter to the underneath soil. Therefore, it is advisable to advise farmers to let these tree species grow on their farms and improve soil condition to achieve maximum production.
A Systems Approach towards Developing a Diagnostic System for Complex Robots

Present day robots are highly complex systems. Most robots perform tasks that are time‐critical in environments where human intervention may not be possible. When a failure occurs in such situations, diagnosing it can be a major challenge. To tackle this, a methodology to develop a diagnostic system using a systems approach is presented in this paper. The use of SysML diagrams as a tool to understand system behavior is highlighted. Finally, this methodology is used to build the diagnostic system of a complex humanoid robot.
EVALUATION MODEL OF SUCCESS AND ACCEPTANCE OF E-LEARNING

E-Learning is a information technology-based learning, allowing participants to access and acquire learning services using the Internet media. Implementation system of e-learning has been widely used in college. The success or failure of the implementation of e-learning system is highly dependent on the level of success and acceptance user. To identification the factors that influence the success and acceptance of elearning systems in higher education, this research proposes an integrated evaluation model using a Model DeLone and McLean Information system sucses models, UTAUT Model, and HOT-Fit Model. This research is important to be conducted in order to know the success and acceptance of E-Learning in University in order to be able to get evaluated. Results of this study was to describe the factors that influence the success of information systems and user acceptance of the e-learning system and can describe the correspondence between man, technology and organization to the E-Learning users respondent to know the success and acceptance of E-Learning in University.
Hoya carandangiana, Hoya bicolensis, and Hoya camphorifolia (Apocynaceae) Species Delineation: Insights from Leaf Architecture

Three species of Hoya; H. carandangiana, H. bicolensis, and H. camphorifolia under the family Apocynaceae, have been studied and re-evaluated using leaf architecture to compare taxonomic markers. The three species seem superficially similar and consequently, controversial. This paper has carefully studied the three species and the results delineate them, proving they are three distinct species. In past decades there have been numerous studies, such as systematic studies and fossil (paleobotanical) studies, which utilized leaf architecture with the aim of resolving certain taxonomic issues. In this present study, leaf architectural characteristics have been utilized to examine the similarities and differences between the three Hoya species. Unifying leaf architectural characters were found, exhibited by the three Hoya species however; characters such as blade shape, blade class, base shape, apex shape, secondary vein category, tertiary vein category and course were found to delineate them. Cluster analysis was also carried out to illustrate relationships between the three Hoya species by using unweighted pairgroup average (UPGMA) and single linkage (nearest neighbor). The results showed that Hoya carandangiana, Hoya bicolensis and Hoya camphorifolia are three distinct species, demonstrating that leaf architectural characters have the capacity to serve as good taxonomic markers.
BIROn - Birkbeck Institutional Research Online

—Analysis of motion patterns is an effective approach for anomaly detection and behavior prediction. Current approaches for the analysis of motion patterns depend on known scenes, where objects move in predefined ways. It is highly desirable to automatically construct object motion patterns which reflect the knowledge of the scene. In this paper, we present a system for automatically learning motion patterns for anomaly detection and behavior prediction based on a proposed algorithm for robustly tracking multiple objects. In the tracking algorithm, foreground pixels are clustered using a fast accurate fuzzy K -means algorithm. Growing and prediction of the cluster centroids of foreground pixels ensure that each cluster centroid is associated with a moving object in the scene. In the algorithm for learning motion patterns,trajectories are clusteredhierarchically using spatialand temporal information and then each motion pattern is represented with a chain of Gaussian distributions. Based on the learned statistical motion patterns, statistical methods are used to detect anomalies and predict behaviors. Our system is tested using image sequences acquired, respectively, from a crowded real traffic scene and a model traffic scene. Experimental results show the robustness of the tracking algorithm, the efficiency of the algorithm for learning motion patterns, and the encouraging performance of algorithms for anomaly detection and behavior prediction.
Modeling Factual Claims by Frames

In this paper we introduce an extension of FrameNet for structured and semantic modeling of factual claims and an adaptation of the frame detection algorithms in Open Sesame for identifying frames and extracting frame elements from text. This claim modeling capability can be leveraged in assisting a variety of steps for automating fact-checking, e.g., matching claims with fact-checks, translating claims to structured queries, and so on. Our preliminary results show that while many challenges remain, which we discuss, frames can potentially improve the aforementioned steps. Further studies will reveal the strength and weakness of this modeling approach in more detail, as well as how to incorporate it into the full pipeline of fact-checking automation.
Macroeconomic Factors and Initial Public Offerings in Poland

The CEE countries’ primary capital markets still seem to be rather poorly developed.The only exception has been represented by Poland. The Warsaw Stock Exchange belongs to the European stock exchanges with the highest number of completed IPOs. The aim of this study is to indicate the influence of macroeconomic factors, consequently GDP growth rates, the reference interest rate, industrial production growth rates, Warsaw Stock Exchange Index (WIG) and the volume of private equity investments on the numbers of IPOs in an emerging market, Poland, over the period of 1992 to 2012. The Spearman correlation analysis is used to identify the relations between the macroeconomic (external) determinants and the number of IPOs. The findings can be summarized as follows: A statistically significant difference was found to exist between firstly the number of IPOs and GDP growth rates and secondly between the number of IPOs and industrial production growth rates. On the other hand, the hypothesis that the reference interest rate have explanatory power for the number of IPOs could not be supported by empirical evidence; neither two other factors, i.e. Warsaw Stock Exchange Index and the volume of private equity investments. Key-Words: Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), Macroeconomic Factors, External Determinants, Corporate Capital Structure, Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), Poland.
INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL FACTORS THAT DETERMINE CORPORATE DIVIDEND PAYOUT : EVIDENCE FROM SELECTED PRIVATE INSURANCE COMPANIES IN ETHIOPIA

: The aim of this study is to investigate the internal and external determinants of dividend payout in selected private insurance companies in Ethiopia over the period of 2006 to 2017. The study employed quantitative research approach and explanatory research design. Random effect panel regression model was employed for 8 purposively selected private insurance companies. The empirical results revealed that profitability, firm age, firm size, lagged dividend, liquidity, GDP, tangibility have positive and significant effect on dividend payout of private insurance companies in Ethiopia. Risk, inflation and leverage have negative and significant effect on dividend payout. On the other hand, growth opportunity and premium are found to be insignificant factors to determine the dividend payout of private insurance companies in Ethiopia.