Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Using photography to estimate above-ground biomass of small trees

Abstract Quantifying tree biomass is an important research and management goal across many disciplines. For species that exhibit predictable relationships between structural metrics (e.g. diameter, height, crown breadth) and total weight, allometric calculations produce accurate estimates of above-ground biomass. However, such methods may be insufficient where inter-individual variation is large relative to individual biomass and is itself of interest (for example, variation due to herbivory). In an East African savanna bushland, we analysed photographs of small (<5 m) trees from perpendicular angles and fixed distances to estimate above-ground biomass. Pixel area of trees in photos and diameter were more strongly related to measured, above-ground biomass of destructively sampled trees than biomass estimated using a published allometric relation based on diameter alone (R2 = 0.86 versus R2 = 0.68). When tested on trees in herbivore-exclusion plots versus unfenced (open) plots, our predictive equation based on photos confirmed higher above-ground biomass in the exclusion plots than in unfenced (open) plots (P < 0.001), in contrast to no significant difference based on the allometric equation (P = 0.43). As such, our new technique based on photographs offers an accurate and cost-effective complement to existing methods for tree biomass estimation at small scales with potential application across a wide variety of settings.
Characterization and identification of naturally transgenic species Linaria vulgaris pathogenic mycromycetes

In nature there are species containing homologs of T-DNA genes of agrobacteria (сT-DNA) in their genomes. Such plants are called naturally transgenic ones. Interaction with the microbiota is one of the possible functions of cT-DNA, discussed in the literature. Linaria plants are the most suitable for the investigation of the probable ecological role of T-DNA, since they widely spread. The first stage in the evaluation of plant-microbial interactions involving these plants is the description of isolates with contrasting virulence for toadflax. The search and DNA-barcoding of such isolates of Phoma-like fungi was the goal of this work. 14 strains isolated from the plants of the families Plantaginaceae and Scrophullariaceae were analyzed. The of multilocus analysis included amplification and sequencing of internal transcribed spacers, a large subunit of RNA, a tubulin gene. Based on molecular data, 9 strains were assigned to the species Boeremia exigua, which has a wide range of habitats and a wide specialization. Strains of this species were virulent against L. vulgaris, but differed in aggressiveness with respect to this plant. Thus, a collection of strains was characterized, which can later be used for a more detailed study of the immune response of the naturally-transgenic L. vulgaris plant in response to inoculation with the B. exigua phytopathogen. As a result of the work, we identified the narrow host range fungi Heterophoma novae-verbascicola, and broad host range pathogens Plectosphaerella cucumerina, Phoma herbarum and Trichothecium roseum. Among them, only P. cucumerina was a weak pathogen of L. vulgaris. These results confirm the early data on the depleted mycobiota of L. vulgaris.
Research of a Flexible Space-Vector-Based Hybrid PWM Transition Algorithm between SHEPWM and SHMPWM for Three-Level NPC Inverters

In this paper, one model of flexible space-vector-based hybrid pulse width modulation (HPWM) transition algorithm consisting of selective harmonic elimination pulse width modulation (SHEPWM) and selective harmonic mitigation pulse width modulation (SHMPWM) is applied and examined in a 10kV grid with a three-level neutral point clamped (3L-NPC) grid-connected inverter. These two modulation techniques are used to produce the appropriate firing pulses for 3L-NPC grid-connected inverters in different cases. SHMPWM is adopted to the grid-connected inverters to mitigate the required odd non-triplen harmonics according to the requirements of grid codes EN 50160 and CIGRE WG 36-05, while the firing pulses generated using SHEPWM is used to eliminate the primary low-order odd non-triplen harmonics completely. Meanwhile, one smooth and fast transition scheme is proposed by providing a suitable switching angles set at the transition point. Finally, it is demonstrated and validated by the MATLAB/SIMULINK model that smooth and quick transition is realized and there is no sudden change of current during the transition, as expected. Furthermore, this hybrid PWM technique is universal for different PWM methods based on the specific operating conditions.
Does the topology of the river network influence the delivery of riverine ecosystem services?

Riverine ecosystems provide important ecosystem services reflecting their unique forms and functions. While the effects of stressors such as land cover change, climate change and growing economies on riverine ecosystem services (RES) have been well researched, the effect of the structure of the river network itself is less understood. This paper compares the capacity of different river network topologies in the delivery of selected RES. For three contrasting synthetic river network topologies (Long Trellis Narrow; Coastal Dendritic; Inland Dendritic), we applied simple functional equations to model six RES: water supply, hydropower generation, sediment retention, nutrient uptake, flood attenuation and aquatic habitat provision. Results showed that the synthetic topologies deliver different levels of RES, driven by their differences in physical structure. For example, the Inland Dendritic network removed more nitrate and better attenuated flooding due to its relatively longer lower reaches but offered poorer prospects for water supply because the longer reaches were more susceptible to transmission losses (e.g., due to bed seepage). This study provides a valuable first step in understanding the effect of river network topology on RES delivery, and the relative strengths among network types. Understanding these effects can aid decision makers in the conservation and restoration of degraded river basins to preserve RES for future generations.
Determination of Pesticide Residue in Brinjal Sample Using HPTLC and Developing a Cost-Effective Method Alternative to HPLC

Two analytical techniques HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography) and HPTLC (high performance thin layer chromatography) were validated to reveal the quality and quantity of pesticide residues (organophosphorus, organochlorine, and pyrethroids) in brinjal samples collected from a local market of Faisalabad. The HPTLC methods showed linear behavior for standard samples and residue was in the range of 1–130 ng. The organochlorine (α-endosulfan) contaminates the samples at 4, 5, 9, and 10 weeks, and detected quantity was less than MRL (minimum residue level) of the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations), i.e., 0.5 mg·kg−1. The organophosphorus pesticide (chlorpyriphos, methamidophos, monocrotophos, dichlorvos, carbosulfan, profenophos, and dimethoate) residue contaminated the samples and violated the MRL limit. Pyrethroids (deltamethrin, β-cyhalothrin, and cypermethrin) were present at appreciable levels, in samples of 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 9 weeks. The concentration of β-cyhalothrin (0.25 mg·kg−1) and cypermethrin (0.205 mg·kg−1) was significantly higher than that of all detected pesticides. The carbosulfan and deltamethrin contaminated all 10-week samples. The HPLC analysis of samples was carried out to confirm the efficiency of HPTLC as cost-effective method. The concentration of α-endosulfan, chlorpyriphos, dimethoate, monocrotophos, profenophos, deltamethrin, and cypermethrin in brinjal samples through the HPTLC method showed similar residual concentration with HPLC analysis.
Interactions of Cationic and Anionic Dyes with Activated Carbons

Five kinds of activated carbon (AC1, AC2, AC3, AC4, and AC5) were prepared, and the characteristics (scanning electron microscopy images, specific surface area, pore-volume, pHpzc, surface functional groups, and surface hydroxyl groups) of each activated carbon were investigated. Additionally, the adsorption capability of activated carbons and adsorption mechanisms involved in adsorption of cationic and anionic dyes from the aqueous solution were evaluated. The results suggested that the treatment of activated carbon with silver (AC3), titanium oxide (AC4), or magnetic field (AC5) was not useful for increasing specific surface area and micropore volume. Moreover, the amount of cationic and anionic dyes adsorbed using activated carbon prepared from coconut shells (AC1 and AC2) were higher than that adsorbed using AC3, AC4, and AC5. Subsequently, the adsorption mechanism involved in adsorption of cationic and anionic dyes was also assessed. It was found that the amount of cationic and anionic dyes adsorbed was related to the specific surface area, micropore volume, and acidic or basic functional groups. Finally, the interactions between dyes and AC1 were elucidated in this study. Adsorption of dyes onto the AC1 surface was confirmed by the elemental distribution and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. These results provide useful information on the surface interactions between the activated carbon and dyes (high molecular organic compounds).
Employees’ responses to psychological contract breach: The mediating role of organizational cynicism

This study evaluates employees’ responses (turnover intention and counterproductive work behavior) to different forms of psychological contract breach (relational and transactional), and the mediating role of organizational cynicism between employees’ responses and psychological contract breach. This study used a time lag technique for data collection from 411 bank employees in Pakistan. PLS-SEM and SmartPls software were applied for data analyses. The findings show that relational psychological contract breach has no significant impact on turnover intention but transactional psychological contract breach has a significant impact on turnover intention. However, counterproductive work behavior has a significant association with both forms of psychological contract breach (relational and transactional). Organizational cynicism significantly mediates the relation of relational psychological contract breach and turnover intention, but fails to mediate the relation between transactional psychological contract breach and turnover intention. Contrary to this, organizational cynicism partially mediates the relation between psychological contract breach (relational and transactional) and counterproductive work behavior. The implications and future directions are discussed in the last section of this study.
The contribution of cyber-physical production systems to activity-based costing in manufacturing. An interventionist research approach

This study aims to investigate how the use of cyber-physical production systems (CPPS) in small manufacturing firms can facilitate the implementation of the activity-based costing (ABC) method in calculating production costs, thereby increasing the reliability of costing information for decision-making purposes. The collaboration between the research team and managers allowed an in-depth knowledge of the manufacturing problems at the investigated firm, facilitating the analysis of the manufacturing process through both a costing and a managerial perspective. Findings show that the integration of CPPS investments with the ABC method, through real-time measurement of resources by sensors, apps and part programs, leads to useful information about operations, allowing firms to improve performance and reduce resource consumption. As a result, a model of integration between the factory control system, communication network and production system is proposed.
Comprehensive Survey on Abstractive Text Summarization

Over the past few years, we have seen the rise of Automation for the purpose of human convenience. Using ML learning approach, we inch ever closer towards achieving a general purpose AI. The field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) can roughly be divided into three parts namely Machine Learning (ML), Computer Vision and Natural Language Processing (NLP). NLP involves the understanding and handling of human language of which Automatic Text Summarization is an important part. Text summarization is the process of shortening a lengthy document into a short summary. It creates fluent and coherent information while maintaining the context (meaning) of the information. It is a difficult task for human beings to generate a manual summary since it requires a rigorous analysis of the entire document. In order to reduce human efforts and time, automatic summarization techniques prove to be helpful. Text summarization has broadly two techniques, namely Extractive text summarization and abstractive text summarization. Extractive technique relies on extraction of key words, whereas in abstractive text summarization technique utilizes the principles of deep learning to generate the required
Numerical investigation on train-induced environmental vibration in floating ladder tracks

A floating ladder track is established in the present paper as a next-generation non-ballasted track system. The three-dimensional model consists of a track (mass-spring-damping system) and the underlying soil. Rectangular pulse loading with an amplitude of 60 kN is considered as the wheel loading system. A time domain coupled finite element with a semi-infinite absorbing boundary condition is employed using FEM software. Due to axial symmetry of the model instead of the track axle, only half of the model is simulated. It is observed that the performance of the floating ladder track is better in mitigating measured vibration than that of the traditional ballasted track. Numerical results of the floating ladder track reveal that the increase of damping and stiffness yields more vibration responses, which is a straight nonlinear relationship. Although increasing density of the protective layer decreases vibrations on the ground, it has no effect on structural components of the track except for the protective layer. Furthermore, this kind of track is more effective at a closer distance to the source of vibrations.
Synergistic Cooperation between Methamphetamine and

HIV-1 envelope protein gp120 has been extensively studied for neurotoxic effects that have been attributed to the increased expression of various proinflammatory cytokines in the CNS. Recently we have shown that methamphetamine (MA) also increases expression of proinflammatory cytokines in astrocytes. However, combined effect of gp120 and MA is not known. The present study was undertaken to determine cumulative effect and the mechanism(s)/pathways involved in the functional interaction between gp120 and MA in SVGA astrocytes. Our results clearly suggest that gp120 and MA affect IL-6 but not IL-8 in a synergistic manner and this synergy was mediated by PI3K/Akt and NF-kB pathways. Inhibition of either of these pathways could abrogate the increased expression of IL-6 due to MA or gp120 alone, as well as the increased expression of IL-6 when the astrocytes were treated with both gp120 and MA. These results were confirmed by both, using chemical inhibitors/siRNA as well as western blotting. This study therefore provides novel information regarding the interaction between MA and gp120 in terms of the expression of IL-6 and the mechanisms underlying potential synergy between MA and gp120 in astrocytes.
Influence of ractopamine hydrochloride supplementation on pancreatic digestive enzyme activity in finishing steers

Abstract: Sixty-nine finishing steers were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups: supplementation to provide 0 or 267 mg·d−1 of ractopamine hydrochloride (RAC) for 42 d. Twelve steers were slaughtered for tissue and blood collection. Final body weight (BW) tended to be greater with RAC supplementation. Ractopamine hydrochloride supplementation decreased liver mass as a percentage of BW. Pancreatic protein concentration, digestive enzyme activities, serum glucose, and insulin concentrations were not influenced by RAC supplementation. Ractopamine hydrochloride supplementation decreased the pancreatic:α-amylase:trypsin and serum urea nitrogen concentrations. These data suggest that RAC may influence pancreatic exocrine function in cattle.
Development of a computational tool to analyze sounds: A biological study with anuran

The emission of underwater sounds in anuran tadpoles has been documented in only two species from Argentina and one from Madagascar. Underwater sound emission by Ceratophrys ornata (Anura: Ceratophryidae) tadpoles was a novel finding reporting the first evidence in anuran larvae. The sound has been described as part of an antipredator mechanism that diminishes the frequency of predation between conspecifics. The aim of the study was to describe sound variability from tadpoles to adults with a novel technique in bioacoustics. Sounds emitted by tadpoles were both recorded underwater and out of water. The recording system consisted of a microphone and an interface coupled with a laptop. It was first calibrated with an acoustic reference source and compensated in order to obtain a recording system with flat frequency response. Audio recordings were digitalized, and post processed by a computational tool specifically developed in a numerical environment software. Variables selected to describe basic structure of sounds were: sound duration, number of pulses, number of inter pulses and dominant frequency. These variables were supplemented with typical acoustic parameters, such as equivalent continuous pressure level, peak sound pressure level, and spectral analysis with constant bandwidth filters. The interdisciplinary experience allowed developing a reliable system of recording, analysing thousand of sounds in a short period and therefore characterizing the sound of a species considering all variability.
Novel approach to the selection of Psidium guajava genotypes using latent traits to bypass multicollinearity

: Multicollinearity is a very common problem in studies that employ path analysis in agronomic crops, which generates unrealistic results and erroneous interpretations. This study was aimed at assessing the path analysis in data obtained from guava tree full-sib based on modelling multiple regressions applying latent variables to neutralize the effects of multicollinearity. Seven explanatory variables were measured – fruit mass (FM), fruit length (FL), fruit diameter (FD), mesocarp thickness (MT), peel thickness (PT), pulp mass (PM), total number of fruits (NTF) –, plus the main dependent variable, total yield per plant (YIELD). In accordance with the multicollinearity scenario, eleven values were tested with the addition of the constant K to the diagonal of the correlation matrix X’ X. Path analysis was applied in two models: all the explanatory variables with direct effect on the dependent one and another model with multiple regression with more than one chain and the presence of latent variables. The path analysis in the multivariate methodology of structural equation modelling (SEM), which uses latent variable prediction, provided better results than the traditional and ridge path analyses.
Depressão em trabalhadores de linhas elétricas de alta tensão / Depression in high voltage power line workers

Amoebiasis is an infection caused by Entamoeba histolytica and is a potential health risk in countries in which health barriers are inappropriate. Since the discovery of Entamoeba dispar, the prevalence of amoebiasis has been modified. OBJECTIVE: This study has standardized the PCR technique applied for the diagnosis of different species of the E. histolytica/E. dispar complex and has evaluated the prevalence of infection among patients attending private and public clinical laboratories in Salvador City, Bahia State, Brazil. RESULTS: Analysis of 52,704 stool samples by microscopic examination demonstrated that 1,788 (3.4 percent) were positive for the E. histolytica/E. dispar complex and infection occurred more often in samples originated from public clinical laboratories (5.0 percent) than those that came from private laboratories (3.2 percent). PCR performed in approximately 15 percent (262) E. histolytica/E. dispar complex positive samples, randomly chosen, amplified 227 samples (86.6 percent), all of them positive for E. dispar. The non-amplified 35 samples (13.4 percent) were also negative for E. histolytica-specific galactose adhesin. Moreover, to exclude a probable infection caused by E. hartmanni, morphometric analysis demonstrated that non-amplified samples had cyst sizes comparable to E. histolytica/E. dispar (>10 µm). CONCLUSION: The absence of amplification of these samples indicates the presence of PCR inhibitors in the stool samples or the presence of DNA from Entamoeba species other than E. dispar, E. histolytica or E. hartmanni. (AU)
Vibration transmission characteristic analysis of the metro turnout area by constant-Q nonstationary Gabor transform

The problem of vibration in turnout zones caused by passing trains has become increasingly serious due to the complexity of the structure and force of metro turnouts. However, there are only a few studies focusing on the vibration transmission characteristics in turnout zones. In this paper, three typical turnouts in a city were studied to test the vibration responses of track slabs and a tunnel wall in the switch zone and the crossing zone when a train was passing a turnout. First, the short-time Fourier transform, wavelet transform, and constant-Q nonstationary Gabor transform (CQ-NSGT) were applied to the typical time-domain signal of tunnel wall respectively. The comparison results showed that CQ-NSGT delivered a higher time resolution and a higher frequency resolution. Based on this, the CQ-NSGT was used to analyze the vibration signal of the track slabs and specifically study the vertical vibration characteristics of the track slabs in the turnout zone toward the tunnel at the time when a train was passing. The result showed the vibration signal transmitted to the tunnel wall from the track slabs in both the switch and crossing zones will experience high-frequency vibration attenuation. It was noted that different train types have no effects on the vibration signal transmission rule, but an increase in the train speed will increase the vibration energy and expand the frequency band when the signal was transmitted to the tunnel wall.