Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Combining field and remote sensing data to estimate forest canopy damage and recovery following tropical cyclones across tropical regions

As tropical forests cycle the most water and carbon, it is crucial to understand the short- and long-term effects of intensifying cyclones on these ecosystems. Soil nutrient status has been shown to moderate forest cyclone responses using field litterfall measurements, but litterfall is one of the multiple cyclone impact metrtics, which may or may not be correlated with one another or with site nutrients. We used remotely sensed vegetation indices to quantify immediate damage and two-year recovery for 42 cases across nine tropical forests in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Australia, and Taiwan affected by 12 cyclones between 2004 and 2017. We tested whether changes in leaf area index (LAI) and enhanced vegetation index (EVI) correlated with changes in litterfall observations and how changes varied with total soil phosphorus (P) concentrations across regions. We compared cyclone-induced changes and recovery of LAI and EVI to litterfall observations compiled in a pantropical meta-analysis. We found large variation in changes in LAI and EVI across forests, with the greatest reductions in LAI (−77%) and EVI (−77%) in Mexico (Jalisco) and Puerto Rico, respectively. LAI (r = −0.52) and EVI (r = −0.60) changes correlated with those in litterfall across cases. Post-cyclone data showed recovery of LAI by four months, EVI by two months, and litterfall by ten months. We detected larger changes in LAI and EVI in forests with higher soil P, but these relationships were not significant when accounting for cyclone and site as random effects. Principal component analyses indicated a regional clustering of cases related to their contrasting cyclone regimes, with the frequency and intensity of cyclone events negatively correlated. Overall, remote sensing observations complement but do not substitute for ground observations that reveal cyclone damage and post-cyclone recovery in tropical forests, and soil phosphorus moderates some but not all metrics of stability in response to cyclones.
Biochemical Analysis of Ferritin and D-dimer in COVID-19 Survivors and Non-survivors

Background COVID-19 is a major cause of illness and mortality. The management of COVID-19-related illnesses might change if variables connected to their severity and the requirement for ICU admission could be found. The severity of COVID-19 might be efficiently predicted with several laboratory measures, such as ferritin levels and D-dimer analysis. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the association between serum D-dimer and ferritin levels and their effects on mortality in patients with COVID-19. Methods This retrospective observational study included all patients with positive real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) results for COVID-19 who were hospitalized in the Ministry of Health South Al-Qunfudah General Hospital between March and September 30, 2020. Their laboratory parameters, serum D-dimer, and ferritin levels were evaluated. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0 (released 2019; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States) was used to analyze the data. Results A total of 318 COVID-19 patients were analyzed; 56.9% (n=181) were male and 43.1% (n=137) were female. Of these, 78.6% (n=250) survived, including 58% of men and 42% of women. The mean D-dimer was 2.1 mcg/mL (SD=3.16) and the mean ferritin was 698.59 ng/mL (SD=603.11). Non-recovered patients were substantially older (66.16 years old) and had higher D-dimer (5.46) mcg/mL and ferritin levels (992.96) ng/mL. Intubation length and gender did not affect survival. Of the non-survivors, 95.6% (n=239) were admitted to the ICU, and 50% (n=34) required mechanical ventilation. Conclusions COVID-19 infection mortality dramatically increased with older age and increased mean ferritin and plasma D-dimer values, which were significantly higher in COVID-19 non-survivors than in survivors. Therefore, assessing and monitoring these laboratory markers in the early stages of the disease may have a significant impact on preventing disease progression and death.
In Vivo and In Vitro Evidence for an Interplay between the Glucocorticoid Receptor and the Vitamin D Receptor Signaling

Our previous work demonstrated that vitamin D (VitD) reduces experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) disease severity in wild-type (WT) but not in T cell-specific glucocorticoid (GC) receptor (GR)-deficient (GRlck) mice. This study aimed to investigate the interplay between the GR- and VitD receptor (VDR) signaling. In vivo, we confirmed the involvement of the GR in the VitD-induced effects in EAE using WT and GRlck mice. Furthermore, we observed that VitD-enhanced T cell apoptosis and T regulatory cell differentiation are diminished in vitro in CD3+ T cells of GRlck but not WT mice. Mechanistically, VitD does not appear to signal directly via the GR, as it does not bind to the GR, does not induce its nuclear translocation, and does not modulate the expression of two GR-induced genes. However, we observed that VitD enhances VDR protein expression in CD3+ T cells from WT but not GRlck mice in vitro, that the GR and the VDR spatially co-localize after VitD treatment, and that VitD does not modulate the expression of two VDR-induced genes in the absence of the GR. Our data suggest that a functional GR, specifically in T cells, is required for the VDR to signal appropriately to mediate the therapeutic effects of VitD.
Neuropathic Pain in the Emergency Setting: Diagnosis and Management

Neuropathic pain, traditionally considered a chronic condition, is increasingly encountered in the emergency department (ED), accounting for approximately 20% of patients presenting with pain. Understanding the physiology and key clinical presentations of neuropathic pain is crucial for ED physicians to provide optimal treatment. While diagnosing neuropathic pain can be challenging, emphasis should be placed on obtaining a comprehensive medical history and conducting a thorough clinical examination. Patients often describe neuropathic pain as a burning or shock-like sensation, leading them to seek care in the ED after ineffective relief from common analgesics such as paracetamol and NSAIDs. Collaboration between emergency medicine specialists, neurologists, and pain management experts can contribute to the development of evidence-based guidelines specifically tailored for the emergency department setting. This article provides a concise overview of the common clinical manifestations of neuropathic pain that may prompt patients to seek emergency care.
Designing and Developing Video Lessons in Mathematics Using Code-Switching: A Design-Based Research

Unlike books and audio clips, videos provide stronger visual cues. They are made to help learners comprehend the events particularly when situations call for language interpretation. This design-based research developed a module in the form of video lessons covering the least-mastered competencies in Mathematics for Grade 9 students. This study identified the least-mastered competencies through a survey. Using the snowball sampling method, the researcher chose fifty public school teachers as participants in the study. The module was designed and developed with five video lessons, each lesson covering one competency. During the implementation stage, the lecturer employed code-switching to facilitate instruction. Forty Grade 9 learners had utilized the said module, which was evaluated by both learners and experts according to various criteria. Overall, the module was rated “acceptable” by both learners (M=4.44) and experts (M=4.65). Moreover, the module was deemed “highly acceptable” in terms of learning outcomes (M=4.58), and style and presentation (M=4.61). Code-switching as the medium of instruction, was also evaluated and rated by learners as “highly acceptable” in terms of attention (M=4.62), attitude (M=4.53), and success (M=4.74). The developed module achieved its objectives and opened opportunities for technology integration to cater to 21st-century learners. This approach to education caught the learners’ attention in helping them improve their knowledge and critical thinking ability, which are the goals of the secondary school mathematics curriculum. The output of this research may be used by other Mathematics educators as instructional material, and further assessment of its effectiveness is recommended.
Distribution and involvement of Phytophthora cinnamomi in white oak (Quercus alba) decline in mid-Atlantic United States forests

Title of Document: DISTRIBUTION AND INVOLVEMENT OF PHYTOPHTHORA CINNAMOMI IN WHITE OAK (QUERCUS ALBA) DECLINE IN MIDATLANTIC UNITED STATES FORESTS. Megan Elizabeth McConnell, Master of Science, 2013 Directed By: Assistant Professor, Dr. Yilmaz Balci, Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture The association of Phytophthora cinnamomi with declining white oaks was studied at 102 sites in mid-Atlantic oak forests. Seven Phytophthora species were isolated from 44 sites. P. cinnamomi was restricted to USDA plant hardiness zones six and seven, and P. cinnamomi propagules in soil were significantly higher in zone seven than in zone six. When white oak fine root lengths of infected and Phytophthora-free trees were compared, infected trees had significantly lower fine root amounts. However, infected trees in zone seven had more fine roots. Little difference in pathogenicity between 32 P. cinnamomi isolates was found during white oak seedling stem inoculations. Fine root lengths of inoculated white and red oak seedlings decreased most during the spring. Propagule density in soilless potting media decreased with increasing temperature, except at 8°C and 16°C. These studies demonstrated that the impact, survival and spread of P. cinnamomi are strongly linked to environmental conditions and host species. DISTRIBUTION AND INVOLVEMENT OF PHYTOPHTHORA CINNAMOMI IN WHITE OAK (QUERCUS ALBA) DECLINE IN MID-ATLANTIC UNITED STATES FORESTS. By Megan Elizabeth McConnell Thesis submitted to the Faculty of the Graduate School of the University of Maryland, College Park, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science 2013 Advisory Committee: Professor Yilmaz Balci, Chair Dr. Kathryne L. Everts Dr. Arvydas Grybauskas Dr. Karen K. Rane © Copyright by Megan Elizabeth McConnell 2013
ANAEROBIC POWER AND CADENCE CHARACTERISTICS OF ELITE CROSS-COUNTRY AND DOWNHILL MOUNTAIN BIKERS

Introduction Mountain biking (MTB) is composed of several sub-disciplines, with Olympic Cross-Country (XCO) and Downhill (DH) being the most popular. Much of the current research on MTB pertains to the aerobic demands of XCO racing, with comparisons often made to road cycling. No studies have compared elite level XCO and DH bikers. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the anaerobic power and cadence characteristics of elite XCO to DH riders. Methods Twelve male elite mountain bikers (n=6 XCO, n=6 DH; age 21.83 ± 3.71 yrs; stature 179.67 ± 4.40 cm; mass 72.50 ± 5.45 kg) took part in this study. An inertial load cycling test was performed as described in previous studies(3), on an SRM cycle ergometer instrumented with a scientific version SRM Powermeter. Inertial load was adjusted to ensure riders achieved 130-150 revs.min-1 within 4-7 s. Peak power (Wpeak), cadence at Wpeak (CADopt) and power to weight ratio (W.kg-1) were calculated for each rider as the mean from 3 trials. Statistical differences between XCO and DH were determined using independent t-tests with significance set at p≤0.05. Results A significant difference between DH and XCO was found for CADopt (114.93 ± 5.41 and 107.96 ± 4.63 revs.min-1, p<0.05), respectively. No other differences were revealed between groups. The mean recorded values for DH and XCO were 1137.76 ± 135.84 and 1113.86 ± 75.22 W for Wpeak and 15.21 ± 2.05 and 15.95 ± 0.75 W.kg-1 for power to weight ratio, respectively. Discussion The findings of comparable Wpeak between groups may indicate that high anaerobic power is not a prerequisite for success in elite DH. However, significant differences were found in CADopt, where DH riders had a higher cadence when producing Wpeak compared to XCO riders. This may reflect training specificity and the greater emphasis on repeated accelerations in DH(2) and the lower cadences elicited by XCO riders(1). Further research is therefore warranted to compare laboratory and field-based performance in these two population groups.
Proportion of Respiratory Syncytial Virus, SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A/B, and Adenovirus Cases via Rapid Tests in the Community during Winter 2023—A Cross Sectional Study

Respiratory infections constitute a major reason for infants and children seeking medical advice and visiting health facilities, thus remaining a significant public threat with high morbidity and mortality. The predominant viruses causing viral respiratory infections are influenza A and B viruses (Flu-A, Flu-B), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus and coronaviruses. We aimed to record the proportion of RSV, SARS-CoV-2, influenza A/B and adenovirus cases with rapid antigen tests and validate the results with RT-PCR assays of upper respiratory specimens with a wide range of viral loads and (co)-infection patterns in children. Clinical samples were collected from early symptomatic children (presenting with fever and/or cough and/or headache within 5–7 days). The surveillance program was conducted in five private pediatric dispensaries and one pediatric care unit, from 10 January 2023 to 30 March 2023 in central Greece. The total sample of specimens collected was 784 young children and infants, of which 383 (48.8%) were female and 401 were male (51.2%). The mean age of participants was 7.3 + 5.5 years. The sensitivity of the FLU A & B test was 91.15% (95% CI: 84.33–95.67%), and the specificity was 98.96% (95% CI: 97.86–99.58%). The sensitivity and specificity of the adenovirus and RSV test was {92.45% (95% CI: 81.79–97.91%), 99.32% (95% CI: 98.41–99.78%)} and {92.59% (95% CI: 75.71–99.09%), 99.47% (95% CI: 98.65–99.86%)} respectively. Lastly, the sensitivity of the SARS-CoV-2 test was 100.00% (95% CI: 79.41–100.00%) and the specificity was 99.74% (95% CI: 99.06–99.97%). We recorded a proportion of 14.3% and 3.44% for influenza A and B, respectively, followed by a proportion of 6.9% for adenovirus, a proportion of 3.7% for RSV, and finally, a proportion of 2.3% for SARS-CoV-2. The combination of a new multiple rapid test with multiple antigens will probably be a useful tool with a financial impact for health systems targeting the early detection and appropriate treatment of respiratory infections in emergency departments in primary health care facilities.
Filling gaps and disaccumulation of precipitation data for rainfall-runoff model

Precipitation data is one of the most important inputs in rainfall-runoff models. Long records often contain gaps and need to be filled. For the present paper linear regression and multiple linear regression techniques are applied for the estimation of monthly precipitation. For the multiple linear regression technique the tool called HEC4 developed by the U.S. Corps of Engineers is used. The disaccumulation from monthly to daily time scales was done assuming that each station has the same distribution of daily precipitation intensities as the recording station with the highest correlation. The study area considered for this study is part of the Pirai River basin located in Santa Cruz-Bolivia, which is a tributary of the Amazon River. The available data consisted of 33 daily rainfall stations where 8 have more than 25 years of recorded data. These data have been collected by the regional meteorological and hydrological services SENAMHI (Servicio Nacional de Meteorologia e Hidrologia – Bolivia) and SEARPI (Servicio de Encauzamiento de Aguas y Regularizacion del rio Pirai – Bolivia). The spatial distribution and the range of altitudes of the stations are quite high (334 m.a.s.l. to 1875 m.a.s.l.). The rain gauge density for the study area is 81.97 km per station. The gap filling techniques were evaluated based on 32 months extracted from the recorded data. The evaluation was done for 6 days, 3 days and 1 day of disaccumulation period. The multiple linear regression technique applied for the monthly rainfall estimation gives us an important reduction (36%) in the Standard Deviation and Root Mean Squared Error over the linear regression. It is observed that the accuracy of the disaccumulated results decrease when the period of accumulation is smaller. At the daily time scale, the multiple linear and linear regression methods have similar performance.
Effects of Maternal Stress on Breast Milk Production and the Microbiota of Very Premature Infants

Perinatal stress experienced by mothers of very premature newborns may influence the mother’s milk and the infant’s intestinal microbiota. This prospective study of mothers of very preterm infants fed with mother’s own milk (MOM) was carried out in a tertiary hospital over a 2-year period. The assessment of maternal stress in 45 mothers of 52 very preterm newborns using the parental stress scale (PSS:NICU) revealed an inverse relationship between stress and MOM production in the first days of life (p = 0.012). The greatest contributor to stress was the one related to the establishment of a mother–child bond. Maternal stress was lower in mothers in whom the kangaroo method was established early (p = 0.011) and in those with a higher educational level (p = 0.032). Levels of fecal calprotectin (FC) decreased with the passage of days and were directly correlated with birthweight (p = 0.044). FC levels 7 days post-delivery were lower in newborns that received postnatal antibiotics (p = 0.027). High levels of maternal stress resulted in progressive decreases and increases in the proportions of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria species, respectively, over 15 days post-delivery, both in MOM and in fecal samples from premature newborns. These findings underscore the importance of recognizing and appropriately managing maternal stress in neonatal units, given its marked influence on both the microbiota of maternal milk and the intestinal microbiota of premature newborns.
Comparison of field-strength prediction methods in the UHF-range

During the last years a great number of different techniques for the field-strength prediction over irregular terrain have been presented in the literature. They may be classified as empirical, theoretical or as combined methods. Field-strength predictions with these different methods using a terrain data bank were compared with predictions according to CCIR-Recommendation 370-5. The results of these methods were compared with UHF measurements in hilly and partly mountainous terrain in the coverage area of the transmitter Grunten (SWF). For the calculation of coverage areas and regions of interference of a transmitter, an accurate and reliable prediction is necessary. The author gives information about which method yields the best agreement between predictions and measurements in the UHF-range. >
Precision GPS Orbit Determination and Analysis of Error Characteristics

A bi-directional, multi-step numerical integrator is developed to determine the GPS (Global Positioning System) orbit based on a dynamic approach, which shows micrometer-level accuracy at GPS altitude. The acceleration due to the planets other than the Moon and the Sun is so small that it is replaced by the empirical forces in the Solar Radiation Pressure (SRP) model. The satellite orbit parameters are estimated with the least-squares adjustment method using both the integrated orbit and the published IGS (International GNSS Service) precise orbit. For this estimation procedure, the integration should be applied to the partial derivatives of the acceleration with respect to the unknown parameters as well as the acceleration itself. The accuracy of the satellite orbit is evaluated by the RMS (Root Mean Squares error) of the residuals calculated from the estimated orbit parameters. The overall RMS of orbit error during March 2009 was 5.2 mm, and there are no specific patterns in the absolute orbit error depending on the satellite types and the directions of coordinate frame. The SRP model used in this study includes only the direct and once-per-revolution terms. Therefore there is errant behavior regarding twice-per-revolution, which needs further investigation.
Lost and Found in Translation: Cross-Lingual Question Answering with Result Translation

Using cross-lingual question answering (CLQA), users can find information in languages that they do not know. In this thesis, we consider the broader problem of CLQA with result translation, where answers retrieved by a CLQA system must be translated back to the user's language by a machine translation (MT) system. This task is challenging because answers must be both relevant to the question and adequately translated in order to be correct. In this work, we show that integrating the MT closely with cross-lingual retrieval can improve result relevance and we further demonstrate that automatically correcting errors in the MT output can improve the adequacy of translated results. To understand the task better, we undertake detailed error analyses examining the impact of MT errors on CLQA with result translation. We identify which MT errors are most detrimental to the task and how different cross-lingual information retrieval (CLIR) systems respond to different kinds of MT errors. We describe two main types of CLQA errors caused by MT errors: lost in retrieval errors, where relevant results are not returned, and lost in translation errors, where relevant results are perceived irrelevant due to inadequate MT. To address the lost in retrieval errors, we introduce two novel models for cross-lingual information retrieval that combine complementary source-language and target-language information from MT. We show empirically that these hybrid, bilingual models outperform both monolingual models and a prior hybrid model. Even once relevant results are retrieved, if they are not translated adequately, users will not understand that they are relevant. Rather than improving a specific MT system, we take a more general approach that can be applied to the output of any MT system. Our adequacy-oriented automatic post-editors (APEs) use resources from the CLQA context and information from the MT system to automatically detect and correct phrase-level errors in MT at query time, focusing on the errors that are most likely to impact CLQA: deleted or missing content words and mistranslated named entities. Human evaluations show that these adequacy-oriented APEs can successfully adapt task-agnostic MT systems to the needs of the CLQA task. Since there is no existing test data for translingual QA or IR tasks, we create a translingual information retrieval (TLIR) evaluation corpus. Furthermore, we develop an analysis framework for isolating the impact of MT errors on CLIR and on result understanding, as well as evaluating the whole TLIR task. We use the TLIR corpus to carry out a task-embedded MT evaluation, which shows that our CLIR models address lost in retrieval errors, resulting in higher TLIR recall; and that the APEs successfully correct many lost in translation errors, leading to more adequately translated results.