Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multiple Approach for Plant Biodiversity Conservation in Restoring Forests

The current extinction crisis requires dramatic action to save the Earth’ s biological diversity. In the mid-1980’s the word “biodiversity” was coined to catch the essence of research into the variety and richness of life on Earth, that is, the variety of life expressed at many levels (Wilson & Peter, 1986). These levels include the genetic diversity within species as well as the array of genera, families, and still higher taxonomic levels that, taken together, comprise communities of organisms within particular habitats and physical conditions that form entire ecosystems. It is widely demonstrated that more species contribute to a greater ecosystemic stability. Moreover, individuals, populations and ecosystems are tightly linked and interact to maintain landscapes, large socio-economic systems and man’s health. As a consequence, biodiversity maintenance is fundamental for the planet life, and should be carried out with “passive” conservation measures implemented with “active” procedures using the most recent progress in technique and policy. In this context, reforestation programmes have to be considered as dynamic actions devoted to the biodiversity conservation toward the recovery and/or the enlargement of such areas essential for coenosis’ evolution. This concept of reforestation is relatively new and still has difficulty to be established. Most conservation biologists recognize that although we can not save everything, we should at least ensure that all ecosystem and habitat types are represented within regional conservation strategies that have been applied at a number of geographical scales, from single watersheds to entire continents (Hummel, 1989; Eriksson et al., 1993; Caldecott et al., 1994; Krever et al., 1994; Noss & Cooperrider, 1994; BSP et al., 1995; Dinerstein et al., 1995; UNEP, 1995; Ricketts et al., 1999; Abell et al., 2000). Forests are the single most important repositories of terrestrial biological diversity. They provide a wide range of products and services to people throughout the world. Forest trees and other woody plants help support many other organisms, and have developed complex mechanisms to maintain high levels of genetic diversity. This genetic variation, both interand intraspecific, serves a number of fundamentally important purposes. It allows trees and shrubs to react to changes in the environment, including those brought about by pests, diseases and climatic change. It provides the building blocks for future evolution, selection and human use in breeding for a wide range of sites and uses. And, at different levels, it supports the aesthetic, ethical and spiritual values of humans. Forest management for
On-ramp traffic merging using cooperative intelligent vehicles: A slot-based approach

The merging of main road and on-ramp traffic is known to lead to congestion under heavy traffic conditions. This is mainly due to the underutilization of the road infrastructure and the lack of efficiency in the way the in which the merging manoeuvre is performed by human drivers. We propose a merging algorithm based on our previous work on slot-based driving which employs cooperation between vehicles within the main motorway as well as between motorway and on-ramp vehicles to achieve a highly efficient merging. The results of the evaluation show that our algorithm achieves a very high throughput and low delay on the on-ramp and clearly outperforms the merging performed by VISSIM's human driver model.
Experiments in adjustable autonomy

Human-robot interaction is becoming an increasingly important research area. In this paper, we present our work on designing a human-robot system with adjustable autonomy and describe not only the prototype interface but also the corresponding, robot behaviors. In our approach, we grant the human meta-level control over the level of robot autonomy, but we allow the robot a varying amount of self-direction with each level. Within this framework of adjustable autonomy, we explore how existing, robot control approaches can be adapted and extended to be compatible with adjustable autonomy.
Preventing Gradient Explosions in Gated Recurrent Units

A gated recurrent unit (GRU) is a successful recurrent neural network architecture for time-series data. The GRU is typically trained using a gradient-based method, which is subject to the exploding gradient problem in which the gradient increases significantly. This problem is caused by an abrupt change in the dynamics of the GRU due to a small variation in the parameters. In this paper, we find a condition under which the dynamics of the GRU changes drastically and propose a learning method to address the exploding gradient problem. Our method constrains the dynamics of the GRU so that it does not drastically change. We evaluated our method in experiments on language modeling and polyphonic music modeling. Our experiments showed that our method can prevent the exploding gradient problem and improve modeling accuracy.
Molecular weight distribution of proteinaceous material in Long Island Sound sediments

Proteinaceous material usually accounts for much of the total nitrogen and organic carbon in marine sediments. Thus, decomposition of protein is frequently investigated as a measure of labile organic matter turnover. The fraction of protein that escapes remineralization to CO2 undergoes transformations that may reflect pathways of preservation in sedimentary environments. We analyzed the molecular weight distribution of sedimentary proteinaceous material extracted with NaOH and evaluated the results in terms of diagenetic changes experienced by this pool. Total protein concentrations were determined in Long Island Sound sediments as total hydrolyzed amino acids (THAA), the sum of concentrations of individual amino acids measured after acid hydrolysis. Although the total fraction of THAA extracted by NaOH decreases slightly downcore, from 55% to 40%, the molecular size of that THAA increases. Proteinaceous material >100 kD increases in relative importance with depth and age of sediment, reaching 70% of the total THAA pool at 3 m depth, or roughly 1,000 yr of sediment accumulation. The fraction of THAA between 10 and 100 kD decreased from 25% to 5% of the total over this depth. The relative abundance of the peptide‐size fraction (<3 kD) remained essentially unchanged. The processes of bacterial production, selective adsorption, geo‐polymerization, and selective preservation were explored to explain these changes.
Illumination invariant face recognition using thermal infrared imagery

A key problem for face recognition has been accurate identification under variable illumination conditions. Conventional video cameras sense reflected light so that image grayvalues are a product of both intrinsic skin reflectivity and external incident illumination, thus obfuscating the intrinsic reflectivity of skin. Thermal emission from skin, on the other hand, is an intrinsic measurement that can be isolated from external illumination. We examine the invariance of Long-Wave InfraRed (LWIR) imagery with respect to different illumination conditions from the viewpoint of performance comparisons of two well-known face recognition algorithms applied to LWIR and visible imagery. We develop rigourous data collection protocols that formalize face recognition analysis for computer vision in the thermal IR.
Deception on the network: thinking differently about covert channels

The concept of covert channels has been visited frequently by academia in a quest to analyse their occurrence and prevention in trusted systems. This has lead to a wide variety of approaches being developed to prevent and identify such channels and implement applicable countermeasures. However, little of this research has actually trickled down into the field of operational security management and risk analysis. Quite recently a number of covert channels and enabling tools have appeared that did have a significant impact on the operational security of organizations. This paper identifies a number of those channels and shows the relative ease with which new ones can be devised. It identifies how risk management processes do not take this upcoming threat into account and suggests where improvements would be helpful.
Body Mass Index and Decline of Cognitive Function

Background The association between body mass index (BMI) and cognitive function is a public health issue. This study investigated the relationship between obesity and cognitive impairment which was assessed by the Korean version of the Mini-mental state examination (K-MMSE) among mid- and old-aged people in South Korea. Methods A cohort of 5,125 adults, age 45 or older with normal cognitive function (K-MMSE≥24) at baseline (2006), was derived from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA) 2006~2012. The association between baseline BMI and risk of cognitive impairment was assessed using multiple logistic regression models. We also assessed baseline BMI and change of cognitive function over the 6-year follow-up using multiple linear regressions. Results During the follow-up, 358 cases of severe cognitive impairment were identified. Those with baseline BMI≥25 kg/m2 than normal-weight (18.5≤BMI<23 kg/m2) were marginally less likely to experience the development of severe cognitive impairment (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.52 to 1.03; Ptrend = 0.03). This relationship was stronger among female (aOR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.40 to 1.00; Ptrend = 0.01) and participants with low-normal K-MMSE score (MMSE: 24–26) at baseline (aOR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.35 to 0.98; Ptrend<0.01). In addition, a slower decline of cognitive function was observed in obese individuals than those with normal weight, especially among women and those with low-normal K-MMSE score at baseline. Conclusion In this nationally representative study, we found that obesity was associated with lower risk of cognitive decline among mid- and old-age population.
Baduangong Exercise Provides New Insights into Neck Type of Cervical Spondylosis

Objective: To evaluate the effects of manual therapy combine with Baduangong exercise to treat neck-type cervical spondylosis. Methods: Patients were randomized to control group (cervical manipulation ) and experimental group (combining cervical manipulation with Baduangong exercise). The two groups received manipulation of the cervical spine alone every other day for 2 weeks, and the experimental group performed Baduangong also. VAS scale and NDI were all completed. Results: There were 21 patients, 12 in control group and 9 in experimental group. The mean age of the patients is 39.1±5.2years. Mean VAS score and NDI of the control group is 3.31±0.99 and 28.67±7.88, while 3.74±0.92, 27.11±2.93 in experimental group, respectively. After treatment, two groups reduce pain significantly, and the experimental group showed a quick improvement. 4 patients (33.3%) relapse in control group and 1 patient (11.1%) in experimental group. Significant differences were found in between pre and pro-treat (P 0.05). Conclusion: It is suggested that manual therapy can relieve neck pain, moreover, combine with Baduangong exercise, it is more beneficial to relieve neck and reduce the recurrence rate.
Krüppel-Like Factor 2 Is Required for Normal Mouse Cardiac Development

Krüppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) is expressed in endothelial cells in the developing heart, particularly in areas of high shear stress, such as the atrioventricular (AV) canal. KLF2 ablation leads to myocardial thinning, high output cardiac failure and death by mouse embryonic day 14.5 (E14.5) in a mixed genetic background. This work identifies an earlier and more fundamental role for KLF2 in mouse cardiac development in FVB/N mice. FVB/N KLF2−/− embryos die earlier, by E11.5. E9.5 FVB/N KLF2−/− hearts have multiple, disorganized cell layers lining the AV cushions, the primordia of the AV valves, rather than the normal single layer. By E10.5, traditional and endothelial-specific FVB/N KLF2−/− AV cushions are hypocellular, suggesting that the cells accumulating at the AV canal have a defect in endothelial to mesenchymal transformation (EMT). E10.5 FVB/N KLF2−/− hearts have reduced glycosaminoglycans in the cardiac jelly, correlating with the reduced EMT. However, the number of mesenchymal cells migrating from FVB/N KLF2−/− AV explants into a collagen matrix is reduced considerably compared to wild-type, suggesting that the EMT defect is not due solely to abnormal cardiac jelly. Echocardiography of E10.5 FVB/N KLF2−/− embryos indicates that they have abnormal heart function compared to wild-type. E10.5 C57BL/6 KLF2−/− hearts have largely normal AV cushions. However, E10.5 FVB/N and C57BL/6 KLF2−/− embryos have a delay in the formation of the atrial septum that is not observed in a defined mixed background. KLF2 ablation results in reduced Sox9, UDP-glucose dehydrogenase (Ugdh), Gata4 and Tbx5 mRNA in FVB/N AV canals. KLF2 binds to the Gata4, Tbx5 and Ugdh promoters in chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, indicating that KLF2 could directly regulate these genes. In conclusion, KLF2−/− heart phenotypes are genetic background-dependent. KLF2 plays a role in EMT through its regulation of important cardiovascular genes.
Experimental and theoretical studies of sequence effects on the fluctuation and melting of short DNA molecules

Understanding the melting of short DNA sequences probes DNA at the scale of the genetic code and raises questions which are very different from those posed by very long sequences, which have been extensively studied. We investigate this problem by combining experiments and theory. A new experimental method allows us to make a mapping of the opening of the guanines along the sequence as a function of temperature. The results indicate that non-local effects may be important in DNA because an AT-rich region is able to influence the opening of a base pair which is about 10 base pairs away. An earlier mesoscopic model of DNA is modified to correctly describe the timescales associated with the opening of individual base pairs well below melting, and to properly take into account the sequence. Using this model to analyze some characteristic sequences for which detailed experimental data on the melting is available (Montrichok et al 2003 Europhys. Lett. 62 452), we show that we have to introduce non-local effects of AT-rich regions to get acceptable results. This brings a second indication that the influence of these highly fluctuating regions of DNA on their neighborhood can extend to some distance.
Verb objectivity and source qualification: Comparison of quotation attributions in offline and online newspapers

This study explored the use of quotations in offline (the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal) and online (Huffington Post and Newsmax) newspapers in terms of verb objectivity and source qualification (transparency and credibility). Individual analyses showed offline papers relatively focused more on verb objectivity, whereas online papers concentrated on source qualification. On analyzing verbs and sources together, the study found better journalistic performance in online papers. While offline papers employed verb objectivity as a sole standard for desirable quotation usage, online papers utilized source qualification and verb objectivity as leverages. More transparent-credible sources outnumbered less transparent-credible sources and objective verbs outnumbered unobjective verbs in online papers, but offline papers only had more objective than unobjective verbs and ignored desirable source use.
Understanding barriers to the introduction of precision medicines in non-small cell lung cancer: A qualitative interview protocol

Background: While precision medicines targeting genetic mutations and alterations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have been available since 2010, their adoption into clinical practice has been slow. Evidence suggests that a number of barriers, such as insufficient clinician knowledge, a need for training of test providers, or a lack of specific clinical guidelines, may slow the implementation of precision in general. However, little attention has been given to the barriers to providing precision medicines in NSCLC. The purpose of this protocol is to outline the design for a qualitative interview study to identify the barriers and facilitators to the provision of precision medicines for NSCLC. Methods: This study will use semi-structured interviews with clinicians (n=10), test providers (n=10), and service commissioners (n=10) to identify the perceived barriers and facilitators to providing historical, current, and future precision medicines in NSCLC. Participants will be identified through mailing list advertisements and snowball sampling. Recruitment will continue until data saturation, indicated by no new themes arising from the data. Interviews will be conducted by telephone to facilitate geographical diversity. The qualitative data will be analysed using a framework analysis with themes anticipated to relate to; relevant barriers to providing precision medicines, the impact of different barriers on medicine provision, changes in the ability to provide precision medicines over time, and strategies to facilitate the provision of precision medicines. Ethics: This study has been approved by the University of Manchester Proportionate Review Research Ethics Committee (Reference number: 2017-1885-3619). Written consent will be obtained from all participants. Conclusion: This study is the first to explore the barriers and facilitators to providing precision medicines for NSCLC in the English NHS. The findings will inform strategies to improve the implementation of future precision medicines. These findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed publications and national and international conferences.
Evaluating the Acute Abdomen or Difficult Postoperative Abdomen

Physical examination of a critically ill patient is often challenging given they may be sedated, intubated, combative, comatose, or paralyzed. However, thorough examination by inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation will usually provide good direction for both definite diagnosis and for appropriate advanced diagnostic investigations. Present and trended vital signs should be carefully evaluated in addition to the intravascular volume status and hemodynamics of a patient. Assessment of end-organ perfusion in critically ill patients is needed to help guide appropriate fluid resuscitation. A focused examination of the abdomen can also give important clues to underlying pathology. Dilated abdominal wall veins indicate advanced portal hypertension. A pulsating upper abdominal mass in a thin patient may suggest a large abdominal aortic aneurysm. Absent or hypoactive bowel sounds is a nonspecific sign of an ileus. Hyperactive sounds or “rushes” are most common with small bowel obstruction. The presence of bowel sounds, however, does not always correlate with normal bowel function. Guarding or rigidity may indicate peritoneal irritation. Assessment of obese patients is often difficult as the assessment for abdominal wall rigidity is unreliable and specific pathologies such as groin or incisional hernias are difficult to identify. Patients with mesenteric ischemia have pain that is out of proportion to the findings of the physical examination. Serial examination is a useful technique to evaluate for the progression of tenderness, and the overall trend toward improvement or deterioration.
Phylo-Allometric Analyses Showcase the Interplay between Life-History Patterns and Phenotypic Convergence in Cleaner Wrasses

Phenotypic convergence is a macroevolutionary pattern that need not be consistent across life history. Ontogenetic transitions in dietary specialization clearly illustrate the dynamics of ecological selection as organisms grow. The extent of phenotypic convergence among taxa that share a similar ecological niche may therefore vary ontogenetically. Because ontogenetic processes have been shown to evolve, phylogenetic comparative methods can be useful in examining how the scaling of traits relates to ecology. Cleaning, a behavior in which taxa consume ectoparasites off clientele, is well represented among wrasses (Labridae). Nearly three-fourths of labrids that clean do so predominately as juveniles, transitioning away as adults. We examine the scaling patterns of 33 labrid species to understand how life-history patterns of cleaning relate to ontogenetic patterns of phenotypic convergence. We find that as juveniles, cleaners exhibit convergence in body and cranial traits that enhance ectoparasitivory. We then find that taxa that transition away from cleaning exhibit ontogenetic trajectories that are distinct from those of other wrasses. Obligate and facultative species that continue to clean over ontogeny, however, maintain characteristics that are conducive to cleaning. Collectively, we find that life-history patterns of cleaning behavior are concordant with ontogenetic patterns in phenotype in wrasses.
Development and Evaluation Research of Measurement Tools for Stereotypes of Doctor Role Perception

Objective To develop a measurement tool of stereotypes of doctor role perception. Methods Adjectives collected from the free response method and interview were integrated to form the word thesaurus for doctor image with semantic analysis method. And then the original measurement tool of stereotypes in role perception of doctors, nurses and patients were developed upon the word thesaurus. 1 614 respondents from groups of doctors, nurses, patients and public were adopted. Item analysis method and exploratory factor analysis were adopted to develop the formal measurement tool of stereotypes in role perception of doctors. Cronbach and split reliability were used to examine the reliability. Results The tool of stereotypes in role perception of doctors contained 3 domains(professional image, professional self discipline and professional accomplishment) and 24 items. Exploratory analysis of the tool's items identified a three first-order factors model that accounted for 63.841%. Its Cronbach was 0.959 and split coefficient was 0.922. Conclusion Selfdeveloped measurement tool of stereotypes in role perception of doctors has good validity and reliability. It can be applied in studying stereotypes of role perception of doctors in different groups and different regions.