Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Economics of Adaptation to Climate Change An Integrated Assessment Framework

Current estimates of the cost of climate change in developing countries and of the needed adaptation measures are in very short supply. This is largely because the economics of adaptation to climate change is a new research area and no agreed methodology to assess adaptation costs has yet emerged. In addition, computations are made more complicated by data limitation in vulnerable countries. At the same time, an understanding of the full array of adaptation options is crucial to prioritize the most eective adaptation strategies. Better estimates of the overall budget implications of implementing ”climate resilient development” are needed to both enable developing countries to implement their national strategies and plans and to inform discussions concerning possible international assistance. The objective of this paper is therefore twofold. On the one hand, it develops technical knowledge and methodologies to assist developing countries cost, prioritize and sequence robust adaptation strategies into their development plans and budgets. On the other hand, it intends to estimate the global cost of adaptation to all developing countries in order to inform the international community’s eorts on the additional resources needed to allow developing countries adapt to climate change. As these twin objectives are somewhat at odds with each other, we adopt two dierent strategies in terms of methodology: a bottom-up approach at the country level and a top-down approach at the international level. The former is applied to six country case studies, in order to groundtruth on local databases and on work by national experts, as well as on discussions with local stakeholders. The latter relies on global datasets and combines inter-sectoral linkages within regions together with bilateral linkages among regions.
A new axiid (Crustacea: Decapoda: Axiidea) from the Neogene of Belgium and the Netherlands

From small phosphatic nodules in sandy deposits of Neogene age, previously excavated at Emblem (northwest Belgium) and currently suction dredged at Langenboom (southeast Netherlands), several chelipeds as well as fragments of carapace and abdomen of an axiid shrimp have been collected. These remains are here described as a new genus and species, which constitute the first record of the family Axiidae from Neogene strata in the North Sea Basin and the second species to be reported from Pliocene strata worldwide.
Trend Analysis and Forecasting of Maize Area and Production in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

The present study focuses on making forecast of maize area and production in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan using time series data from 1980-81 to 2011-12 (31 years). Five forecasting models such as Linear trend model, Quadratic trend model, Exponential growth model, Moving Average Model and Double exponential smoothing model were used to find the best fitted model for area and production of maize crop in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Forecasting errors namely mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), mean absolute deviation (MAD) and mean squared deviation (MSD) were used as model selection criteria. The study showed that quadratic model was appropriate for predicting future estimates of maize area and production in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to lowest values of the
Chemistry of Hydrogen Sulfide—Pathological and Physiological Functions in Mammalian Cells

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) was recognized as a gaseous signaling molecule, similar to nitric oxide (-NO) and carbon monoxide (CO). The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the formation of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in the human body. H2S is synthesized by enzymatic processes involving cysteine and several enzymes, including cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS), cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE), cysteine aminotransferase (CAT), 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3MST) and D-amino acid oxidase (DAO). The physiological and pathological effects of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on various systems in the human body have led to extensive research efforts to develop appropriate methods to deliver H2S under conditions that mimic physiological settings and respond to various stimuli. These functions span a wide spectrum, ranging from effects on the endocrine system and cellular lifespan to protection of liver and kidney function. The exact physiological and hazardous thresholds of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in the human body are currently not well understood and need to be researched in depth. This article provides an overview of the physiological significance of H2S in the human body. It highlights the various sources of H2S production in different situations and examines existing techniques for detecting this gas.
Evaluation of Glycogen Synthase Kinase Pathway for Assessing the Antidepressant-like Effect of Glucosamine as a Radioprotector in Rats: Behavioral and Biochemical Studies

Radiotherapy is a very important tool in the treatment of cancer; nevertheless, its side effects are a hindrance to its use. The present study is designed to evaluate glucosamine effects against radiation-induced brain oxidative stress and depression-like effect in rats. Four groups of female Wister rats were used as control, irradiated (4 × 2 Gy), glucosamine (1 g/kg P.O), and glucosamine + irradiated group. The behavioral responses are estimated. The brain hippocampi of the rats are separated to evaluate oxidative stress biochemical parameters and glycogen synthase kinase pathway in addition to the biogenic amines. Irradiation exposure led to disturbances in the behavioral assessments (forced swimming test, light–dark box, and open field test) and a significant decrease in brain GSH, neurotransmitters (serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine), phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K), and phosphorylated protein kinase-B (p-AKT) levels. Additionally, MDA and ROS levels increased significantly post-irradiation along with the phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase (p-GSK3). Glucosamine administration before irradiation caused improvement in the behavioral valuations and the biochemical parameters in the brain as well. Glucosamine might be used as a radioprotector to improve brain function and as an antidepressant drug. It could be promising as a future therapy in managing depression occurring during radiotherapy.
Multi target tracking algorithm based on anchor free detection

In order to alleviate the problems of frequent identity label switching caused by mutual occlusion between targets and missed detection caused by small target sizes in multi-target tracking, this paper proposes a multi-target tracking algorithm based on anchor-free detection. This algorithm first uses YOLOX for detection and embeds the ReID algorithm to enhance pedestrian recognition. Then, it uses the DeepSORT algorithm for tracking and correcting abnormal trajectory algorithms for occluded targets. Finally, experiments are conducted on both the MOT16 dataset and the self-made dataset. This algorithm has higher tracking accuracy than other algorithms, and its tracking performance for small targets has also been effectively improved.
Impact of danger, legibility and mystery on visitor’s preference in fortified landscapes compared with park landscapes in urban areas

Both the parks and historical fortifications constitute important components of urban green spaces in many cities around the world. The approach taken in terms of shaping these spaces often appears similar regardless of provenance. For this reason, recognising the preferences of their visitors is relevant from the perspective of creating and managing spaces that are not only safe, but also interesting. In this study we were interested in how fortress landscapes are perceived compared with typical urban parks in Poland. To this end, we conducted a questionnaire involving 117 participants who evaluated a set of 116 eye-level photographs (58 fortified landscapes and 58 urban parks environments). We analysed a range of correlations and mediation models, testing hypotheses regarding the mediating role of mystery, legibility and danger on preferences towards the two types of studied landscapes. We wished to establish what hidden mechanisms underpin the studied variables as well as their influence on the shaping of the researched landscapes. The results indicate that in the case of fortified landscape, it is important to maintain greenery favoured by the respondents, conducive to diversity and mystery while limiting perceived danger. Legibility can support educational values in the protection and maintenance of fortifications when sites are not devoid of mystery. In the case of park landscapes, legibility should not be improved at the expense of a complete loss of mystery, but should be accompanied by a reduction in perceived danger. In turn, mystery in parks plays an important role because without it, even legible park landscapes cease to be liked by the respondents. In turn, in fortress landscapes, mystery has a strong impact on preference, regardless of its relation to danger and legibility. At the same time, were it not for the fact that legibility reduces sense of danger, legible fortress landscapes would not be liked. Therefore, our findings can support the successful restoration and maintenance of fortress landscapes especially when their function shifts and they need to be managed and maintained in a planned manner in modern green areas.
Dual-Wideband Dual-Frequency Antenna With Large Frequency Ratio for 5G Applications

This communication investigates a new dual-wideband dual-frequency aperture-shared antenna designed for 5G communication systems. The proposed antenna integrates a Sub-6 GHz modified magneto-electric (ME) dipole antenna and a millimeter wave (MMW) inclined-plane horn antenna, with the magnetic dipole of the ME dipole antenna being repurposed as an inclined-plane horn antenna for the MMW band. To improve the antenna performance, a pair of differentially fed multibranch folded probes are introduced to eliminate the asymmetry of the radiation pattern of the ME dipole antenna and improve the gain of the inclined-plane horn antenna. A prototype of the antenna covering the seven FR1 5G bands and two FR2 5G bands is simulated and fabricated. The antenna achieves a wideband of 40.9% and 58.2% for the Sub-6 GHz and MMW bands, respectively, and its two-port isolation is better than 35 dB in both bands. The measured and simulation results are in good agreement. This proposed antenna has promising potential for use in 5G communication systems.
Comparison of Steroidogenic and Ovulation-Inducing Effects of Orthosteric and Allosteric Agonists of Luteinizing Hormone/Chorionic Gonadotropin Receptor in Immature Female Rats

Gonadotropins, including human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), are used to induce ovulation, but they have a number of side effects, including ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). A possible alternative is allosteric luteinizing hormone (LH)/hCG receptor agonists, including the compound TP4/2 we developed, which remains active when administered orally. The aim was to study the effectiveness of TP4/2 (orally, 40 mg/kg) as an ovulation inducer in FSH-stimulated immature female rats, compared with hCG (s.c., 15 IU/rat). TP4/2 stimulated progesterone production and corpus luteum formation; time-dependently increased the ovarian expression of steroidogenic genes (Star, Cyp11a1, Cyp17a1) and genes involved in ovulation regulation (Adamts-1, Cox-2, Egr-1, Mt-1); and increased the content of metalloproteinase ADAMTS-1 in the ovaries. These effects were similar to those of hCG, although in some cases they were less pronounced. TP4/2, in contrast to hCG, maintained normal LH levels and increased the ovarian expression of the LH/hCG receptor gene, indicating preservation of ovarian sensitivity to LH, and did not cause a sustained increase in expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-A involved in OHSS. Thus, TP4/2 is an effective ovulation inducer that, unlike hCG, has a lower risk of OHSS and ovarian LH resistance due to its moderate stimulating effect on steroidogenesis.
Rapid mapping of soils and salt stores Using airborne radiometrics and digital elevation models

Salinisation of land and rivers is a major problem throughout Australia’s agricultural regions. There is a pressing need to map or predict where the salt is, and to understand the nature of salt stores and the conduits through which salt and water are delivered to streams and the land surface. This article describes a new method (an integrated, catchment-based approach) of modelling natural gamma-ray emissions from the Earth’s surface for soil/regolith mapping, and combining the results with topographic indices to delineate salt stores and salt outbreaks in the landscape. Modelled thematic maps produced using this approach allow catchments to be ranked according to their salinity risk, or potential risk, for prioritising remedial management.
A Retrospective Pilot Study of Imagery Rehearsal Therapy Enhanced with Narrative Therapy Principles for the Treatment of Nightmares in US Military Veterans

Abstract Introduction Chronic nightmares are a common and disabling feature of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for which broadly effective treatments are still lacking. While imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT) demonstrates benefits for patients with idiopathic nightmares and some patients with PTSD-related nightmares, research indicates it may be less beneficial for veterans. Narrative therapy (NT) is a form of psychotherapy which is client-centered and value-focused and has demonstrated benefits for PTSD patients. The application of NT principles to IRT may provide a valuable therapeutic approach for treatment in veterans. Objective To perform a retrospective chart review of veteran clients participating in a novel, brief intervention developed by the first author consisting of IRT enhanced with NT principles (N-IRT) for the treatment of nightmares. The primary outcomes were nightmare frequency and intensity, and the secondary outcome was the impact of the intervention on nightmare distress and coping, subjective sleep quality, and overall PTSD symptoms. Materials and Methods We conducted retrospective chart reviews for eight veterans referred to the first author for the treatment of nightmares, who completed N-IRT, including baseline and end-of-treatment measures. The protocol involved a single 60-minute NT-enhanced rescripting session and assigned homework to rehearse the revised dream script, and a follow-up evaluation 4 weeks later. The subjects completed a sleep and nightmare interview developed by the first author and the PTSD Checklist at baseline and after the intervention at the follow-up evaluation. Paired t -tests were conducted to test for pre-to-post differences. Results In the statistical analysis, we observed a statistically significant and clinically meaningful reduction in the frequency ( p = 0.04) and intensity of nightmares ( p = 0.001) from pretreatment to the 1-month follow-up. Measures of nightmare-associated emotional distress, the ability to cope with nightmares, sleep duration and sleep efficiency, as well as overall PTSD symptoms also demonstrated significant improvements. Conclusion These pilot data provide compelling preliminary evidence that a single-session IRT intervention modified with NT (N-IRT) is effective in reducing nightmare frequency and intensity, reducing nightmare distress, improving the act of coping with nightmares, and improving sleep quality and overall PTSD symptoms in veterans. Further investigation of this method with gold-standard clinical trial designs and larger sample sizes is indicated to confirm effectiveness and to better understand the possible mechanisms of treatment effect.
Place Bonding and Trust: The Case of Feral Hog Management Surrounding Big Thicket National Preserve

The management of feral hogs surrounding the Big Thicket National Preserve (BTNP) in Texas calls for managers and stakeholders to work together to manage resource issues. Research has indicated that place bonding can be a common ground upon which managers and stakeholders develop trust in one another to form a basis for collaborative management. However, such research has not examined the different types of trust (e.g., trust in local managers and trust in an entire agency) that exist. This investigation compared several models of trust and then sought to identify the relationship between place bonding and trust. Data were collected through a mail survey of residents living near the BTNP. The results suggested that a conceptualization of trust wherein an individual’s institutional trust in an agency contributes to their social trust in agency managers explained the most variance. The analysis also confirmed a place bonding—trust relationship. Managers of natural resource areas face many issues, including increasing encroachment of human development, changing visitor demographics, and the control of non-native species. In particular, in southeastern Texas (as well as much of the southern United States) management of feral hog populations has been an area of concern (Mapston 2004; Schuett et al. 2007). Issues with feral hogs stem from the beginnings of European exploration of the North American continent. Legend suggests that the first hogs to become feral escaped from Hernando de Soto’s expedition in the first half of the sixteenth century (Mapston 2004). These hogs, along with others from subsequent European settlement, expanded their territory to cover most of the southern United States. Today feral hogs feed on and harm crops, damage landscaping, increase erosion through rooting, and compete with native species for food and habitat. Several methods have been used to control feral hog populations, including the use of fencing to exclude hogs from sensitive areas and organized culling efforts by
Fast-DecoupledNet: An Improved Multi-branch Edge Enhanced Semantic Segmentation Network

There are existing semantic segmentation methods that incorporate the idea of edge detection by using multi-branch networks to focus on edges and subjects separately, but there are a large number of unfocused aspects and limited improvement. In this paper, we suggest the Fast-DecoupledNet, a semantic segmentation network. We design Edge Feature Extractor to extract the target’s edge features more accurately, and the global features obtained by joint downsampling are computed to obtain the subject features and the final features. In addition, we employ a shallower ResNet as the backbone network to reduce computational complexity while ensuring computational accuracy. Our proposed methods achieve the state-of-the-art 72.59 F-score and 77.64% mIoU on the Deepglobe Land Cover Classification dataset.
KeepRunning: A MoCap-Based Rapid Test to Prevent Musculoskeletal Running Injuries

The worldwide popularisation of running as a sport and recreational practice has led to a high rate of musculoskeletal injuries, usually caused by a lack of knowledge about the most suitable running technique for each runner. This running technique is determined by a runner’s anthropometric body characteristics, dexterity and skill. Therefore, this study aims to develop a motion capture-based running analysis test on a treadmill called KeepRunning to obtain running patterns rapidly, which will aid coaches and clinicians in assessing changes in running technique considering changes in the study variables. Therefore, a review and proposal of the most representative events and variables of analysis in running was conducted to develop the KeepRunning test. Likewise, the minimal detectable change (MDC) in these variables was obtained using test–retest reliability to demonstrate the reproducibility and viability of the test, as well as the use of MDC as a threshold for future assessments. The test–retest consisted of 32 healthy volunteer athletes with a running training routine of at least 15 km per week repeating the test twice. In each test, clusters of markers were placed on the runners’ body segments using elastic bands and the volunteers’ movements were captured while running on a treadmill. In this study, reproducibility was defined by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and MDC, obtaining a mean value of ICC = 0.94 ± 0.05 for all variables and MDC = 2.73 ± 1.16° for the angular kinematic variables. The results obtained in the test–retest reveal that the reproducibility of the test was similar or better than that found in the literature. KeepRunning is a running analysis test that provides data from the involved body segments rapidly and easily interpretable. This data allows clinicians and coaches to objectively provide indications for runners to improve their running technique and avoid possible injury. The proposed test can be used in the future with inertial motion capture and other wearable technologies.
IPOP: An Integrative Plant Multi-omics Platform for Cross-species Comparison and Evolutionary Study

Abstract The advent of high-throughput sequencing technologies has led to the production of a significant amount of omics data in plants, which serves as valuable assets for conducting cross-species multi-omics comparative analysis. Nevertheless, the current dearth of comprehensive platforms providing evolutionary annotation information and multi-species multi-omics data impedes users from systematically and efficiently performing evolutionary and functional analysis on specific genes. In order to establish an advanced plant multi-omics platform that provides timely, accurate, and high-caliber omics information, we collected 7 distinct types of omics data from 6 monocots, 6 dicots, and 1 moss, and reanalyzed these data using standardized pipelines. Additionally, we furnished homology information, duplication events, and phylostratigraphic stages of 13 species to facilitate evolutionary examination. Furthermore, the integrative plant omics platform (IPOP) is bundled with a variety of online analysis tools that aid users in conducting evolutionary and functional analysis. Specifically, the Multi-omics Integration Analysis tool is available to consolidate information from diverse omics sources, while the Transcriptome-wide Association Analysis tool facilitates the linkage of functional analysis with phenotype. To illustrate the application of IPOP, we conducted a case study on the YTH domain gene family, wherein we observed shared functionalities within orthologous groups and discerned variations in evolutionary patterns across these groups. To summarize, the IPOP platform offers valuable evolutionary insights and multi-omics data to the plant sciences community, effectively addressing the need for cross-species comparison and evolutionary research platforms. All data and modules within IPOP are freely accessible for academic purposes (http://omicstudio.cloud:4012/ipod/).