Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Operational and Experimental Precipitation Algorithms and Microphysical Insights during IPHEx

AbstractDuring May and June 2014, NOAA X-Pol (NOXP), the National Severe Storms Laboratory’s dual-polarized X-band mobile radar, was deployed to the Pigeon River basin in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina as part of the NASA Integrated Precipitation and Hydrology Experiment. Rain gauges and disdrometers were positioned within the basin to verify precipitation estimates from various radar and satellite precipitation algorithms. First, the performance of the Self-Consistent Optimal Parameterization–Microphysics Estimation (SCOP-ME) algorithm for NOXP was examined using ground instrumentation as validation and was found to perform similarly to or slightly outperform other precipitation algorithms over the course of the intensive observation period (IOP). Radar data were also used to examine ridge–valley differences in radar and microphysical parameters for a case of stratiform precipitation passing over the mountains. Inferred coalescence microphysical processes were found to dominate within the up.
Phenology, seasonality and trait relationships in a New Zealand forest

The phenologies of flowers, fruits and leaves can have profound implications for plant community structure and function. Despite this only a few studies have documented fruit and flower phenologies in New Zealand while there are even fewer studies on leaf production and abscission phenologies. To address this limitation, I measured phenological patterns in leaves, flowers and fruits in 12 common forest plant species in New Zealand over two years. All three phenologies showed significant and consistent seasonality with an increase in growth and reproduction around the onset of favourable climatic conditions; flowering peaked in early spring, leaf production peaked in mid-spring and fruit production peaked in mid-summer coincident with annual peaks in temperature and photoperiodicity. Leaf abscission, however, occurred in late autumn, coincident with the onset of less productive environmental conditions. I also investigated differences in leaf longevities and assessed how seasonal cycles in the timing of leaf production and leaf abscission times might interact with leaf mass per area (LMA) in determining leaf longevity. Leaf longevity was strongly associated with LMA but also with seasonal variation in climate. All 12 species produced leaves in spring and abscised leaves in autumn. Nevertheless, leaf longevity ranged from 6 months to 30 months among species, leading to several distinct leaf longevity categories (i.e. 6-7 months, 15-18 months and 27-30 months). Finally, I examined the relationship of leaf traits with flower and fruit traits and their relation to the global leaf economic spectrum (LES) that describes multivariate correlations between a combinations of key leaf traits. The results resonated with the patterns of leaf economic spectrum for New Zealand species and provided evidence for significant correlations between leaf and fruit traits, indicating that plants with long lived leaves and higher LMA produce fruits that take more time to develop, stay on the plant longer and have larger seed size. This study contributed to bridging the gap in our understanding of the relationship between vegetative and reproductive traits, it has increased our understanding of phenological patterns in New Zealand forests, and when viewed with earlier phenological studies, provides a first step towards understanding how New Zealand forest might respond to global climate change. In addition, the research illustrates how seasonality in climate can constrain the life times of leaves. In the context of global trait research culminating into the whole plant economics spectrum, this study provides clear evidence of leaf and fruit phenological and morphological trait associations. It helps to further our understanding of phenology, seasonality and plant trait relationships for some common tree species in New Zealand and presents some novel findings that provide a basis for future research.
Beetroot juice supplementation and exercise performance: is there more to the story than just nitrate?

This mini-review summarizes the comparative effects of different sources of dietary nitrate (NO3−), beetroot juice (BRJ) and nitrate salts (NIT), on physiological function and exercise capacity. Our objectives were to determine whether BRJ is superior to NIT in enhancing exercise-related outcomes, and to explore the potential contribution of other putatively beneficial compounds in BRJ beyond NO3−. We conducted a comparative analysis of recent studies focused on the impact of BRJ versus NIT on submaximal oxygen consumption (VO2), endurance performance, adaptations to training, and recovery from muscle-damaging exercise. While both NO3− sources provide benefits, there is some evidence that BRJ may offer additional advantages, specifically in reducing VO2 during high-intensity exercise, magnifying performance improvements with training, and improving recovery post-exercise. These reported differences could be due to the hypothesized antioxidant and/or anti-inflammatory properties of BRJ resulting from the rich spectrum of phytonutrients it contains. However, significant limitations to published studies directly comparing BRJ and NIT make it quite challenging to draw any firm conclusions. We provide recommendations to help guide further research into the important question of whether there is more to the story of BRJ than just NO3−.
Development of glacier mapping in Indian Himalaya: a review of approaches

ABSTRACT The paper reviews the status of glacier mapping with special reference to the Indian Himalaya. The review provides information on various satellite remote sensing data interpretation methods used with special emphasis laid on recent semi-automated algorithms used for glacier and debris-cover mapping, along with their limitations and challenges. Further, the pragmatic solutions on offer are discussed, and the emerging areas of glacier mapping research are highlighted. The review also touches – contribution of Survey of India (SOI) and Geological Survey of India (GSI) in the glacier mapping. Finally, it discusses the wider range of spatial and spectral domains in which remote sensing data helps to inventories glaciers. The review also identifies gaps in using the latest techniques like Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and machine learning algorithms to improvise on the ongoing efforts. At last, the review provides an exhaustive list of references on glacier mapping from the Indian Himalaya as benefit to readers.
Diversified Program and Targeting Lifestyle Modification among Obese Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

: Background : Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a lifestyle-related disorder with a significant global public health concern. Healthy lifestyle changes like dietary adjustments, consistent physical exercise, and gradual weight loss are the ideal strategies which applied together to manage the disease. Aim: to investigate the effect of a diversified program on lifestyle modification among obese patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Research Design: A quasi-experimental research design (pre-posttest) was utilized to achieve the aim of the study. Setting: The study was conducted at the internal medicine outpatient clinics of Menoufia University Hospital in Menoufia Governorate, Egypt. Sample: A purposive sample of 104 adult male and female obese patients with a confirmed diagnosis of NAFLD was selected. Tools: Four tools were utilized to collect data: (I) Personal and Medical Data Form, (2) Patient Knowledge Assessment Questionnaire, (3) Physical Activity Assessment Form, and (4) Lifestyle Modification Assessment Questionnaire. Results: All research hypotheses were supported; statistical significant differences were found between the pre and post intervention in relation to knowledge level, physical activity as well as lifestyle modification. Conclusion: Diversified program has a significant positive effect post intervention on obese patients with NAFLD. Recommendation : Implementing the diversified program on a larger probability sample is recommended.
Potential Association of the Oral Microbiome with Trimethylamine N-Oxide Quantification in Mexican Patients with Myocardial Infarction

Many attempts have been proposed to evaluate the linkage between the oral–gut–liver axis and the mechanisms related to the diseases' establishment. One of them is the oral microbiota translocation into the bloodstream, liver, and gut, promoting a host dysbiosis and triggering the presence of some metabolites such as trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), known as a risk marker for cardiovascular disease, and especially the myocardial infarction (MI). In the present pilot study, the involvement of oral dysbiosis related to the presence of TMAO has been considered an independent component of the standard risk factors (SRs) in the development of MI, which has not been previously described in human cohorts. A positive and significant correlation of TMAO levels with Porphyromonas was identified; likewise, the increase of the genus Peptidiphaga in patients without SRs was observed. We determined that the presence of SRs does not influence the TMAO concentration in these patients. This report is the first study where the relationship between oral dysbiosis and TMAO is specified in the Mexican population. Our findings provide information on the possible contribution of the oral pathogens associated with gut dysbiosis in the development of MI, although further analysis should be performed.
Discrimination amongst Arctic Indigenous Sami and Non-Sami Populations in Norway

Background: Recent research demonstrates that for many indigenous Sami people, experiencing ethnic discrimination is a regular occurrence. The present study was designed to provide estimates of the prevalence of self-reported discrimination in order to identify specific settings where discrimination happened, to identify perpetrators and to examine individuals’ responses to the discrimination. Methods: In 2012, all inhabitants aged between 18 and 69 living in selected municipalities with both Sami and non-Sami settlements in mid- and northern Norway were mailed an invitation to participate in a questionnaire survey covering questions about discrimination (types of discrimination, settings where discrimination happened, and who the perpetrator was). Altogether, 11,600 participated (a response rate of 27 %). Results: In total, 2,496 (21.5 % of the sample) reported discrimination; of these, 29.8 % reported that discrimination happened during the past two years. Ethnic affiliation, age, education level, income and living area were all significantly associated with differences in the frequency of experiencing discrimination. Respondents with a strong Sami affiliation reported the highest levels of discrimination; in total, 50.8 % responded that they had been discriminated against, compared with 14.3 % of the non-Sami respondents (OR=6.16 CI:5.42–7.00). Sami with strong Sami affiliation reported having experienced significantly more discrimination over the past two years more than did the non-Sami respondents (16.5 % vs 4.4 % respectively; p < 0.001; OR=4.15 CI:3.45–4.99). Additionally, Sami respondents reported experiencing discrimination in multiple settings more often than did non-Sami respondents (p < 0.001). Respondents aged between 30 and 49 years, those with a medium high level of education, those with medium household income, and those living in Sami minority areas, reported the highest prevalences of discrimination. In terms of responses to discrimination, 37.6 % reported that they had done something to stop the discrimination, and 19.1 % reported that the discrimination had affected them a lot. Just 1.8 % of those who reported having been discriminated against had been in contact withthe Equality and Anti-Discrimination Ombudsman Service in Norway. Conclusion: The findings from this study show that the Sami people still experience high levels of discrimination in Norwegian society. Our findings suggest that interventions specifically designed to prevent discrimination against the indigenous Sami people of Norway should be implemented.
Towards Sustainable AI: Mitigating Carbon Impact Through Compact Models

As AI technology continues to advance rapidly, it is essential to address the environmental concerns associated with the increasing carbon emissions and their contribution to global warming. The expanding AI industry requires significant computing power, making it a potential major contributor to carbon emissions in the future. Unfortunately, our current understanding of AI models is very limited. We conducted a comprehensive analysis involving 12 distinct AI models, encompassing object detection, translation, and text-to-image generation tasks. Our findings revealed that smaller AI models can achieve equal or even better results compared to larger models while offering a significant reduction of carbon emissions. This highlights the potential for environmental savings by prioritizing smaller models. These findings underscore the importance of considering the environmental impact of AI models and encourage the adoption of strategies such as using smaller models and optimizing workload schedules to reduce carbon emissions. By prioritizing sustainability in AI development and deployment, we can work towards a greener and more sustainable future.
Changes in the stress field after the 2008 M7.2 Iwate‐Miyagi Nairiku earthquake in northeastern Japan

In order to investigate changes in the stress field following the 2008 M7.2 Iwate‐Miyagi Nairiku earthquake in NE Japan, we determined many focal mechanisms within the focal area, using data from both the dense aftershock observation network deployed just after the main shock and other temporary and routinely operated stations in the surrounding area. Applying stress tensor inversions to these focal mechanism data, we estimated the detailed spatial distribution of the principal stress orientations in this event's source area. Estimated orientations of the maximum principal stress (σ1) axes differ significantly before and after the main shock. Before the main shock, the σ1 axis is oriented WNW‐ESE across the entire studied area, which is parallel to the plate convergence direction. After the main shock, however, the orientation of the σ1 axis changed significantly and showed remarkable spatial variation. In the northern and southern parts of the aftershock area, located relatively far from the main shock large slip area, the σ1 axes are oriented WNW‐ESE, similar to those before the main shock. In contrast, to the east and west of the central part of the aftershock area, the σ1 axes are oriented N‐S and NE‐SW, respectively. This characteristic spatial pattern of σ1 axis orientations is approximately consistent with that of static stress change associated with the main shock rupture, which strongly suggests that the spatially heterogeneous stress after the main shock is caused by such static stress change. The differential stress magnitude before the main shock is estimated to be less than 10–30 MPa, suggesting that the main shock faults are weak.
Antibiotic susceptibility trends in bacterial isolates from wound infections

Pyogenic infections leading to pus formation are associated with various inflammatory mediators and the proliferation of microbial flora. Wound infections can be caused by both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, viruses, fungi, or even protozoans. Timely treatment of infected patients is critical since untreated or poorly treated pyogenic infections can lead to mortality or severe complications. Successful treatment is defined by choosing the right antibiotic, which is hindered by the spreading of bacterial drug resistance. It is well documented that overuse of antimicrobials before and especially during the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the emergence of drug resistance among various microorganisms. Our study aimed to identify common etiological agents associated with wound infections and to evaluate their antibiotic resistance patterns. A cross-sectional study was conducted by analyzing the antibiograms of different aerobic bacteria isolated from wound samples of patients from the Palakkad District Hospital in Kerala, India, from 2017 through 2019. All variables, including age, sex, bacterial isolate, and antibiogram, were tabulated and the chi-square test was used for analysis. Out of the 1,269 bacterial isolates analyzed, the most common gram-negative strain was Escherichia coli (23%) followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (20%). Among the gram-positive isolates, Staphylococcus aureus was the most common (19%). We found only 15% of Staphylococcus aureus isolates were methicillin-resistant, against the national average of 41%. The most resistant strain in our study was Acinetobacter baumannii. Statistically significant changes in antibiotic resistance patterns were observed over the three years of the study period.
Does tranexamic acid have a positive effect on the outcome of older multiple trauma patients on antithrombotic drugs? An analysis using the TraumaRegister DGU®

Acute hemorrhage is one of the most common causes of death in multiple trauma patients. Due to physiological changes, pre-existing conditions, and medication, older trauma patients are more prone to poor prognosis. Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been shown to be beneficial in multiple trauma patients with acute hemorrhage in general. The relation of tranexamic acid administration on survival in elderly trauma patients with pre-existing anticoagulation is the objective of this study. Therefore, we used the database of the TraumaRegister DGU® (TR-DGU), which documents data on severely injured trauma patients. In this retrospective analysis, we evaluated the TR-DGU data from 16,713 primary admitted patients with multiple trauma and age > =50 years from 2015 to 2019. Patients with pre-existing anticoagulation and TXA administration (996 patients, 6%), pre-existing anticoagulation without TXA administration (4,807 patients, 28.8%), without anticoagulation as premedication but TXA administration (1,957 patients, 11.7%), and without anticoagulation and TXA administration (8,953 patients, 53.6%) were identified. A regression analysis was performed to investigate the influence of pre-existing antithrombotic drugs and TXA on mortality. A propensity score was created in patients with pre-existing anticoagulation, and matching was performed for better comparability of patients with and without TXA administration. Retrospective trauma patients who underwent tranexamic acid administration were older and had a higher ISS than patients without tranexamic acid donation. Predicted mortality (according to the RISC II Score) and observed mortality were higher in the group with tranexamic acid administration. The regression analysis showed that TXA administration was associated with lower mortality rates within the first 24 h in older patients with anticoagulation as premedication. The propensity score analysis referred to higher fluid requirement, higher requirement of blood transfusion, and longer hospital stay in the group with tranexamic acid administration. There was no increase in complications. Despite higher transfusion volumes, the tranexamic acid group had a comparable all-cause mortality rate. TXA administration in older trauma patients is associated with a reduced 24-h mortality rate after trauma, without increased risk of thromboembolic events. There is no relationship between tranexamic acid and overall mortality in patients with anticoagulation as premedication. Considering pre-existing anticoagulation, tranexamic acid may be recommended in elderly trauma patients with acute bleeding.
Challenges Faced by the Kenya Water Sector Management in Improving Water Supply Coverage

Water is an important component in national development. Despite the efforts of the Kenyan government to increase water coverage throughout the country so that economic development of the nation remains unimpeded, recent statistics show that the rate of water supply improvement is unlikely to support the nation’s long-term development goals. This paper examines literature, reports, studies and other relevant information regarding Kenya’s water sector in order to expose the underlying causes of the challenges the sector management faces. It also analyses the interrelationships between the challenges and discusses opportunities for improvement. From the study, nine root causes of the challenges that are of technical, economic and social in nature were identified. As they evolve, they conjoin into other problem scenarios characterised by: unsustainability of water supply systems, low social acceptance of interventions, low investment in the sector and water-related conflicts. It is also observed that the sector management has opportunity for improving the current situation through adoption of elaborate monitoring strategies for water services and water resources, embracing sustainable technologies and involving target beneficiaries in water supply development. Great strides can be achieved by the sector through Adaptive Management (AM).
Health Promoting Lifestyle Practices among Elderly Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a prevalent condition among elderly individuals, and it can significantly impact their quality of life. Health-promoting lifestyle practices can play a crucial role in managing CKD and improving the well-being of elderly patients. Aim of the study was to assess health promoting lifestyle practices among elderly patients with chronic kidney disease. Subjects and Methods: Research design: A descriptive design was utilized. Setting: This study was conducted at inpatient renal ward in Internal Hospital at Zagazig University Hospital. Subjects : Purposive sample of 100 elderly patients with chronic kidney disease. Tool of data collection: Two tools was used Tool (I) : A structured interview questionnaire sheet consisted of two parts; Part one: Demographic characteristics of the studied elderly patients, Part two: Health profile of the studied elderly patients . Tool (II) : Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II. Results of the current study revealed that (76% (of studied elderly patients not working, (80%) having insufficient income, (64%) of their income is son assistance and (37%) of the studied elderly were illiterate. Regarding medical profile of studied elderly, the result revealed that 68% of the studied elderly have family history of CKD and (67%) have any hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. 70% of studied patients had Moderate Level of health promotion lifestyle practices. Finally; there was statistically significant relations between health promotion lifestyle practices of studied patients and their age (p=0.005), their sex (p=0.019), their educational level(p=0.000) and their current work(p=0.047) and there were statistically significant relations between health promotion lifestyle practices of studied patients and their age(p=0.005), their sex(p=0.019), their educational level(p=0.000) and their current work(p=0.047). Conclusion: that most of the studied elderly patients with chronic kidney disease had moderate level of health promoting lifestyle practices. Recommendations : Further studies to assess adherence to health promoting lifestyle practices of patients with chronic kidney disease.