Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Non-Destructive Estimation of Deciduous Forest Metrics: Comparisons between UAV-LiDAR, UAV-DAP, and Terrestrial LiDAR Leaf-Off Point Clouds Using Two QSMs

Timely acquisition of forest structure is crucial for understanding the dynamics of ecosystem functions. Despite the fact that the combination of different quantitative structure models (QSMs) and point cloud sources (ALS and DAP) has shown great potential to characterize tree structure, few studies have addressed their pros and cons in alpine temperate deciduous forests. In this study, different point clouds from UAV-mounted LiDAR and DAP under leaf-off conditions were first processed into individual tree point clouds, and then explicit 3D tree models of the forest were reconstructed using the TreeQSM and AdQSM methods. Structural metrics obtained from the two QSMs were evaluated based on terrestrial LiDAR (TLS)-based surveys. The results showed that ALS-based predictions of forest structure outperformed DAP-based predictions at both plot and tree levels. TreeQSM performed with comparable accuracy to AdQSM for estimating tree height, regardless of ALS (plot level: 0.93 vs. 0.94; tree level: 0.92 vs. 0.92) and DAP (plot level: 0.86 vs. 0.86; tree level: 0.89 vs. 0.90) point clouds. These results provide a robust and efficient workflow that takes advantage of UAV monitoring for estimating forest structural metrics and suggest the effectiveness of LiDAR in temperate deciduous forests.
The Theory of Reasoned Action and The Prospects of Waqf-Muzar’ah-Supply Chain Model in Zanzibar

The contribution of the agricultural sector to the development of Zanzibar Islands is considerable. This very important sector through the clove industry was the economic backbone upon which the government of Zanzibar relied for its foreign exchange and national revenue. However, since 1964, agricultural productivity particularly clove production has continually and significantly decreased due to many problems and challenges, especially financial ones. For example, financial intermediaries including banks, cooperatives and micro-enterprises provide micro-financing to the farmers but with high interest rates along with collateral requirements. The numerous programmes, measures and policies adopted by the relevant parties to find solutions to the dwindling clove production have failed. This study has therefore proposed a Waqf-Muzara’ah- Supply Chain model (WMSCM) to address the challenges. The study has used Theory of Reasoned Action adopt the model. To the model, SPSS, AMOS and SEM have used accordingly. The results show that, both the attitude and subjective norm of the clove farmers in Zanzibar towards using the proposed model are statistically significant and have influence on their behavioral intention in using the model.
Investigation of Origanum libanoticum Essential Oils Chemical Polymorphism by Independent Components Analysis (ICA)

The essential oils obtained from Origanum libanoticum Boiss. , a plant endemic to Lebanon, were analyzed by GC/MS. Seventy compounds were identified, covering till 99.8% of the total oil composition. All samples were p-cymene and/or β-caryophyllene chemotype, with variable percentage of other compounds such as α-pinene, myrcene, α-phellandrene, limonene, etc. Compared to traditional drying method, lyophilized samples provided the highest essential oil (EO) yields and yields were higher at flowering stage (Chouwen: 0.33% in 2013 and 0.32% in 2014; Qartaba: 0.27% in 2013 and 0.37% in 2014). According to independent components analysis (ICA), date and site of harvest, altitude and drying technique had no effect on the variation of O. libanoticum EO chemical composition. An annual variation of EOs composition was observed since a particular variation in some major components concentration was revealed monthly and annually between 2013 and 2014.
GWO-NR Hybrid Method for Selective Harmonic Elimination in Multilevel Inverter for Distributed Energy Systems

This article presents a hybrid method to solve the selective harmonic elimination (SHE) problem for an adaptive DC bus multilevel inverter (MLI) topology. The proposed hybrid method combines the Grey wolf optimization (GWO) technique and Newton-Raphson (NR) numerical method which drastically minimizes the computational time and further improves the accuracy of the SHE solution. The technique is essentially divided into two stages. In the exploration stage, GWO explores the entire search space of SHE problem and provides initial values of switching angles for a given modulation index with a fast rate of exploration. In the exploitation stage, the NR method uses these initial switching angles as input to iteratively determine the optimum value of the firing angles. This GWO-inspired iterative methodology is implemented on a hybrid MLI topology for photovoltaic (PV) system applications. The performance of proposed SHE method is compared with recently developed metaheuristic SHE techniques based on some key performance indices. From an application point of view, the 11-Level MLI is tested on a PV battery-based stand-alone system to determine the effectiveness of the proposed method in MATLAB/Simulink environment. Finally, a small-scale experimental prototype is developed to validate the proposed method. The simulation and experimental results have been shown to demonstrate the effectiveness of GWO-NR SHE method in terms of excellent control over the targeted harmonics and fast dynamic control in the standalone PV system.
Roles of heat shock proteins in tumor immune microenvironment

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are the most abundant molecular chaperones in cells, categorized based on function and molecular weight into HSP families, namely, HSP40, HSP70, HSP90, HSP110, and HSPB (heat shock protein B), et al. HSPs are involved in protein homeostasis by assisting in the correct folding of proteins or incorrectly folded proteins, refolding partially denatured proteins, and degrading damaged proteins. High levels of HSPs have been shown to participate in oncogenesis, progression, and chemotherapy resistance in many cancers. Recently a new range of functions besides chaperons, mostly in modulation of immune responses, have been shown for these extracellular HSPs. Here, we review the interactions between the HSPs and different immune cells, such as T lymphocytes, B cells, dendritic cells, macrophages, NK cells, and myeloid suppressor cells in the tumor microenvironment, as well as tumor vasculature and angiogenesis in tumor formation. The underlying mechanisms of HSPs’ regulation on immune response in tumor microenvironments are also discussed. The understanding of new functions of HSPs in tumor microenvironment may provide critical insights for the development of effective immunotherapies.
Dietary proteins : their effect on insulin and glucagons in relation to body weight management

• M Claessens, W Calame, AD Siemensma and WHM Saris. The effect of protein hydrolysates on satiety-related plasma hormones in lean subjects. Presented at European Congress on Obesity 2005 in Prague • M Claessens, MA van Baak, S Monsheimer, WHM Saris. The effect of a long- term high-protein or high-carbohydrate ad libitum diet on weight maintenance, hormonal, glucose and lipid profiles. Presented at European Congress on Obesity 2007 in Budapest
Variability of Beryllium-7 and Its Potential for Documenting Soil and Soil Organic Carbon Redistribution by Erosion

Limited understanding of the redistribution of soil and soil organic C (SOC) within landscapes and their corresponding delivery ratios is available. To improve this assignment, the beryllium-7 (7Be) technique and a simple conversion model were used to estimate soil and SOC redistribution rates on a sloping cropland plot (5 m wide and 15 m long with a slope of 10°) in the hilly red soil region of southern China. Results showed that the soil erosion and deposition rates were relatively consistent with the magnitude of a rainfall event, and the estimated net soil and SOC losses were close to the measured values. These findings suggested the potential of 7Be measurements in quantifying soil and SOC redistribution patterns associated with short-term erosion from heavy rainfalls. The spatial redistribution patterns of soil and SOC presented alternating erosion–deposition patterns from the slope crest to the bottom. Heavy erosion occurred in the upperand lower-middle regions of the slope. The estimated net soil and SOC loss were 1.14 kg m−2 and 23.00 g m−2 for tillage from spring to summer (S–S, March–July 2013), clearly exceeding the soil (0.017 kg m−2) and SOC loss (0.43 g m−2)observed for no tillage from summer to winter (S–W, July 2013–January 2014). The sediment delivery rates in the two periods were calculated to be 64.41 and 2.51%, respectively, and the SOC delivery rates were estimated to be 58.17 and 6.48%, respectively. Depending on the weather conditions, tillage can result in a substantial increase in soil and SOC loss under traditional land use.
An evaluation of cephalometric predictors of anterior open bite; An assessment of dental and skeletal parameters in an orthodontic population

BACKGROUND: Anterior open bite (AOB) malocclusion is one of the highly challenging malocclusions. Cephalometric radiographs have been used for the diagnosis of occlusal anomalies in the vertical and anteroposterior directions. This study aims to compare skeletal and dental features in open and non-open bite subjects to identify factors that help predict and categorize open bites in a Nigerian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pretreatment cephalometric radiographs of 82 patients were recruited into this study. This study comprised 41 AOB patients and 41 (Class 1 malocclusion) patients (control group). The radiographs were obtained from the orthodontic unit, Department of Child Dental Health of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba Lagos. Cephalometric tracing and analysis of the obtained radiographs were used to identify and compare the skeletal and dental differences between the two groups. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 20.47 ± 8.05 years. The patients consisted of 26 (31.7%) males and 56 (68.3%) females. There was a significant difference in the open bite depth indicator (ODI) of the open bite (P value < 0.001). There was a statistically significant increase in the vertical skeletal parameters – lower facial height (LFH), total facial height (TFH), posterior facial height (PFH), Frankfort-mandibular plane angle (FMA), mandibular-maxillary angle (MMA), and gonial angle in the AOB group compared to the control group. The vertical height of the dentoalveolar segments measured was all significantly increased in the open bite group compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the skeletal and dental vertical parameters, including ODI of the open bite subjects, varied compared with the non-open bite subjects in the Nigerian population studied and could be used to predict AOB tendency.
The Influence of Nickel-Titanium (Ni-Ti) Rotary Instrument Systems on Debris and Smear Layer Formation in Endodontic Procedures: An In Vitro Scanning Electron Microscopy Study

Background Successful endodontic treatment relies on the effective removal of debris and the prevention of smear layer formation within the root canals. The choice of nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) rotary instrument systems can significantly impact these outcomes. Aim This study aims to evaluate and compare the debris and smear layer formation in root canals of extracted mandibular second premolar teeth following instrumentation with the ProTaper Universal (Dentsply Sirona, Charlotte, NC) (Group II), Twisted File (Kerr Endodontics, Gilbert, AZ) (Group III), and XP Endo (FKG Dentaire, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland) (Group IV) Ni-Ti rotary instrument systems. Methods In this in vitro study, 60 extracted mandibular second premolar teeth were randomly divided into four groups, each containing 15 teeth. Group I served as the control with no instrumentation. Groups II, III, and IV were instrumented with the ProTaper Universal rotary file, the Twisted File, and the XP Endo file systems, respectively. Debris and smear layer formation were evaluated through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and photomicrographs were scored using a standardized index. Results Group II (ProTaper) exhibited the highest mean debris and smear layer scores, with values of 3.50 and 2.70, respectively. Group IV (XP Endo) demonstrated the least debris and smear layer formation, with mean scores of 2.65 and 2.08, respectively. Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences among the groups for both debris and smear layer formation. Conclusion The results highlight the practical importance of selecting appropriate Ni-Ti rotary instrument systems to minimize debris and smear layer formation during endodontic procedures. The XP Endo file system showed promise as a favorable choice in this regard, but further clinical research is needed to validate these findings.
Almond By-Products Substrates as Sustainable Amendments for Green Bean Cultivation

Almond processing generates a high quantity of by-products, presenting the untapped potential for alternative applications and improved sustainability in production. This study aimed to evaluate whether the incorporation of almond by-products (hulls/shells) can improve the biochemical characteristics of green bean pods when used as an alternative to traditional growing media in green bean plants. Four substrates were prepared: the Control substrate (C): 70% peat + 30% perlite; substrate (AS): 70% peat + 30% shells; substrate (AH): 70% peat + 30% perlite + 1 cm hulls as mulch; substrate (MIX): 70% peat + 15% shells + 15% hulls. Plants were grown in each of these substrates and subjected to two irrigation levels, 100% and 50% of their water-holding capacity. Biochemical parameters (photosynthetic pigments, total phenolics, flavonoids, ortho-diphenols, soluble proteins, antioxidant capacity) and color were evaluated in the harvested pods. Results showed that pods from plants growing in AH substrate presented statistically significant higher values in their total phenolic content, while AS and MIX substrates did not reveal significant benefits. Summarily, this study highlights the potential of almond hulls as a promising medium for green bean cultivation, particularly when employed as mulch. Further research is recommended to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the application of almond by-products as natural fertilizers/mulch.
Individualized Perioperative Hemodynamic Management Using Hypotension Prediction Index Software and the Dynamics of Troponin and NTproBNP Concentration Changes in Patients Undergoing Oncological Abdominal Surgery

Introduction: Abdominal oncologic surgeries pose significant risks due to the complexity of the surgery and patients’ often weakened health, multiple comorbidities, and increased perioperative hazards. Hypotension is a major risk factor for perioperative cardiovascular complications, necessitating individualized management in modern anesthesiology. Aim: This study aimed to determine the dynamics of changes in troponin and NTproBNP levels during the first two postoperative days in patients undergoing major cancer abdominal surgery with advanced hemodynamic monitoring including The AcumenTM Hypotension Prediction Index software (HPI) (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA, USA) and their association with the occurrence of postoperative cardiovascular complications. Methods: A prospective study was conducted, including 50 patients scheduled for abdominal cancer surgery who, due to the overall risk of perioperative complications (ASA class 3 or 4), were monitored using the HPI software. Hypotension was qualified as at least one ≥ 1 min episode of a MAP < 65 mm Hg. Preoperatively and 24 and 48 h after the procedure, the levels of NTproBNP and troponin were measured, and an ECG was performed. Results: We analyzed data from 46 patients and found that 82% experienced at least one episode of low blood pressure (MAP < 65 mmHg). However, the quality indices of hypotension were low, with a median time-weighted average MAP < 65 mmHg of 0.085 (0.03–0.19) mmHg and a median of 2 (2–1.17) minutes spent below MAP < 65 mmHg. Although the incidence of perioperative myocardial injury was 10%, there was no evidence to suggest a relationship with hypotension. Acute kidney injury was seen in 23.9% of patients, and it was significantly associated with a number of episodes of MAP < 50 mmHg. Levels of NTproBNP were significantly higher on the first postoperative day compared to preoperative values (285.8 [IQR: 679.8] vs. 183.9 [IQR: 428.1] pg/mL, p < 0.001). However, they decreased on the second day (276.65 [IQR: 609.4] pg/mL, p = 0.154). The dynamics of NTproBNP were similar for patients with and without heart failure, although those with heart failure had significantly higher preoperative concentrations (435.9 [IQR: 711.15] vs. 87 [IQR: 232.2] pg/mL, p < 0.001). Patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery showed a statistically significant increase in NTproBNP. Conclusions: This study suggests that advanced HPI monitoring in abdominal cancer surgery effectively minimizes intraoperative hypotension with no significant NTproBNP or troponin perioperative dynamics, irrespective of preoperative heart failure.
Estimation of trends in rainfall extremes as important input parameters for flood risk assessment

Different statistical characteristics of daily precipitation and discharge data covering the 20th century are investigated with regard to their long term behaviour. Trend analysis, extreme value statistics and wavelet analysis are used in order to examine different aspects of the temporal variability of precipitation characteristics. There is a tendency of increasing extremes in both rainfall and runoff, but this is only valid for a few stations and precipitation indices. Common temporal scales of variability in both parameters are detected by applying cross wavelet spectra with complex phase relations.
Assessing the Efficiency of a Random Forest Regression Model for Estimating Water Quality Indicators

This work evaluates the efficiency of Random Forest (RF) regression for predicting water quality indicators and investigates factors affecting water quality in 11 watersheds in Virginia, District of Columbia, and Maryland. Ten years of daily water quality data along with hydro-meteorological information (such as precipitation) and watershed physiology and characteristics (e.g., size, soil type, land use) are used to predict dissolved oxygen (DO), specific conductivity (K), and turbidity (Tu) across the selected watersheds. The RF regression model is developed for six scenarios, with an increasing number of predictors introduced in each scenario. The first scenario contains the smallest amount of information (water quality indicators DO, K and Tu), while scenario 6 contains all the available variables. The RF model is evaluated based on three statistical metrics: the relative root mean square error, the correlation coefficient, and the percentage of variance explained. In addition, the degree of importance for each predictor is used to rank their importance within each scenario. The model shows excellent performance for DO as the predicted variable. The model predicting K slightly out-performs the one predicting Tu. Scenario 4 (built based on water quality indicators, hydro-meteorological data, watershed physiology and land cover information) provided the best tradeoff between performance and efficiency (quantified in terms of the amount of information needed to develop the model). In conclusion, based on the RF model, land cover plays a significant role in predicting water quality indicators. In addition, the developed RF regression model is adaptable to watersheds in this region over a range of climates.
Latest Trends in Hemodiafiltration

This review provides a detailed analysis of hemodiafiltration (HDF), its progress from an emerging technique to a potential conventional treatment for chronic hemodialysis patients, and its current status. The article covers the advances, methods, and clinical benefits of HDF, specifically focusing on its impact on cardiovascular health, survival rates, and overall well-being. The review also addresses questions about the safety of HDF and provides evidence to dispel concerns related to the elimination of beneficial substances and infection risks. Additionally, the article explores the potential implications of expanded hemodialysis (HDx) as an alternative to HDF, its classification, safety profile, and an ongoing trial assessing its non-inferiority to HDF. Supported by evidence from randomized controlled trials and observational studies, the review emphasizes the superiority of HDF as a hemodialysis modality and advocates for its positioning as the gold standard in treatment. However, it acknowledges the need for extensive research to define the role of HDx in comprehensive treatment approaches in individuals undergoing dialysis. The synthesis of current knowledge underscores the importance of ongoing exploration and research to refine hemodialysis practices for optimal patient outcomes.
Human Capital Productivity and "ageing" Expenditure: An OECD Study

Abstract Demographic ageing that is already evident in many OECD countries will become more acute in the coming decades. The costs associated with this phenomenon are most apparent in spending on pensions, healthcare and long-term care. Among the solutions put forward to deal with this, the productivity of human capital is the one we propose and analyze. According to Mincer's theory, the salary, which represents the reward for production, is the variable that we propose to use in the analysis of human capital productivity. Salary is the materialization of work done, so the higher it is, the more productive it is. Salary variation is therefore our dependent variable and spending on pensions and healthcare are our key independent variables. Our analysis covers 33 of the 37 countries that make up the OECD system. We use the ordinary least squares method on panel data covering the period 2000-2020. Our key independent variables show a negative correlation with salary variation. This would mean that an increase in spending on pensions and healthcare would lead to a reduction in salaries to cover these costs. However, as our education variables (average years of study, employment rate of secondary and tertiary graduates.) show a positive correlation with salary variation, we can undoubtedly state that improving human capital through education and training is the solution to be encouraged by the public authorities in a context of ageing. JEL classification numbers: H51, H55, E24. Keywords: Productivity, Human capital, Pension expenditure, Healthcare expenditure.