Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spatio-temporal changes in forest fragmentation,disturbance patterns over the three giant forested regions of China

The increasingly aggravated forest fragmentation around the globe,particularly,in the developing nations has hindered the pathway to sustainable forest management,which poses a serious threat to the effective conservation of the organisms that are closely forest-dependent.Using the directly comparable Globcover datasets(2005 and 2009),a fragmentation model coupled with geospatial metrics was applied to characterize changes in forest fragmentation,disturbance and spatial interplays patterns over the three giant forest regions of China.The outcomes of the work were designed to evaluate the effectiveness of current forest management approaches as well as several forest ecological projects implemented and invested by the central government.Results suggested that an accelerated fragmentation in southern and southwestern China and a decelerated fragmentation in northeastern China were observed in the current work.Also,there was a descending anthropogenic disturbance in the three giant forested regions.National disturbances have been intensified in southern and southwestern China while almost remained stable in northeastern China.Agricultural land uses in southern and southwestern China were identified as the major contributor catalyzing the fragmentation,while urban land uses had little contribution to forest fragmentation in China.Actually,the observed fragmentation and disturbance patterns are closely related to Chinese land tenure,topography,economic development stages and demographic transition trends.These findings were benefit for developing the strategies of biodiversity conservation and sustainable forest management,and assessing the effectiveness of the existing forestry ecological projects.
ORGANISATIONAL FACTORS PREDICTING PERCEIVED WORKPLACE VIOLENCE AMONG NURSES IN ONDO AND OSUN STATES , NIGERIA

Little is known about the organisational antecedents of workplace violence among nurses in healthcare facilities in Nigeria. The aim of this study was to document the organisational factors predicting perceived workplace violence (PWV) among nurses in Ondo and Osun States, Nigeria. Self-report questionnaires were completed by four hundred and fifteen (415) nurses from primary, secondary and tertiary hospitals in Ondo and Osun States. Participants were selected using multistage sampling techniques. Data was collected using a questionnaire containing items on socio-demographic characteristics, PWV (α = 0.90), staffing adequacy (SA) (α = 0.83), administrative support (AS) (α = 0.88), nurse/physician relationship (NPR) (α = 0.89). Data was analysed using multiple regression and One-way ANOVA, at p≤. 05 level of significance. Results demonstrated that the mean age was 39.89±12.12 years, 83.1%were females. Staffing adequacy, administrative support and nurse/physician relationship significantly jointly predicted PWV (R = 0.13, F (3,410) = 20.2, p<. 01). Nurses in tertiary health centres (? ̅? = 29.45) experience more PWV than nurses in secondary (? ̅? = 27.08) and primary (? ̅? = 25.39) health centres (F (2, 411) = 4.26). Type of hospital moderated the relationship between staff adequacy (ct. = .22), nurses/physician relationship (ct. = .14) and PWV (∆R = .06, ΔF= (7,405) = 3.34, p<. 01). It was concluded that insufficient staffing and the quality of relationship between nurses and physicians were significant factors exacerbating the levels of workplace violence in the hospitals. The Hospital board in conjunction with psychologists should develop policy to review PWV through psycho-education and Employee Assistant Programme (EAP) in addressing PWV.
Introducing deficit irrigation crop techniques derived by crop growth models into a Positive Mathematical Programming model

There is a growing policy pressure to reduce water use in agriculture when this generates sufficiently large environmental benefits and increases the well-being of other water users. Several analysis investigate farmers’ response to water policy by means of mathematical programming models including Positive Mathematical Programming (PMP). The originals PMP methods refer only to activities observed in the reference period. However, under the pressure of new water policies, farmers can adjust not only their cropping patterns but also the irrigation techniques they use. In particular, they could introduce water deficit irrigation crop techniques that were not profitable in past conditions. This paper proposes an extension of the Rohm and Dabbert approach (2003) in order to include deficit irrigation crop techniques not observed in the reference period into a PMP model. These alternative techniques are identified by means of a crop growth model developed by FAO. The proposed methodology is applied to a Mediterranean area performing two sets of simulations considering: the increase of water cost and the reduction of water availability. The results shows that, when water availability decreases, not considering adjustments in irrigation techniques is likely to underestimate the extent of farmers’ response to the new policy scenarios. In facts, introducing deficit irrigation techniques can alleviate the negative impact of decreasing water availability on farm economic results by using more efficiently this resource. However, this is not the case for the considered water cost increases.
Influence of Genetic Variants in EGF and Other Genes on Hematological Traits in Korean Populations by a Genome-Wide Approach

Hematological traits are important health indicators and are used as diagnostic clinical parameters for human disorders. Recently, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identified many genetic loci associated with hematological traits in diverse ethnic groups. However, additional GWAS are necessary to elucidate the breadth of genetic variation and the underlying genetic architecture represented by hematological metrics. To identify additional genetic loci influencing hematological traits (such as hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, white blood cell count, red blood cell count, and platelet count), we conducted GWAS and meta-analyses on data from 12,509 Korean individuals grouped into population-based cohorts. Of interest is EGF, a factor plays a role in the proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic progenitor cells. We identified a novel EGF variant, which associated with platelet count in our study (P combined = 2.44 × 10−15). Our study also replicated 16 genetic associations related to five hematological traits with genome-wide significance (P < 5 × 10−8) that were previously established in other ethnic groups. Of these, variants influencing platelet count are distributed across several genes and have pleiotropic effects in coronary artery disease and dyslipidemia. Our findings may aid in elucidating molecular mechanisms underlying not only hematopoiesis but also inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases.
Numerical modeling of heat and moisture transfer processes in a system lake - soil

A one-dimensional model of the shallow reservoir thermodynamics either describing physical processes of the heat and moisture transport in the underlying soil layer is constructed. The model simulates seasonal variations and year-to-year variability of thermal and hydrological regime of the "lake-soil" system, including the ice and snow layer formation. Using as input data long-term meteorological observations, a number of numerical experiments is performed. The comparison of numerical results with available observational data has showed that the model reproduces thermal and hydrological regimes of shallow lakes in Western Siberia and Yakutat satisfactory.
Louisiana crawfish farmer adoption of best management practices

This study investigated factors influencing the adoption of 18 best management practices in Louisiana crawfish aquaculture production based upon results of a farmer survey. Best management practices included in this survey are those that (1) are primarily vegetative; (2) address water management, including the irrigation system; and/or (3) address nutrient management. Probit results showed that land tenancy, whether a crop rotation was used, whether double cropping of crawfish with rice was practiced, farm size, portion of income from farming, and farmer age, education, risk preference, and technology adoption tendencies influenced best management practice adoption. Adoption rates varied widely, depending upon the best management practice, from 3% to 79%. The most frequently used best management practice was irrigation water management. Results provided information for targeting extension programs on the benefits of best management practice adoption.
Calculations of transmission functions in the infrared CO2 and O3 bands

An efficient method for computing the transmission function in the 15-μm CO2 and the 9.6-μm O3 bands is presented. An inhomogeneous atmospheric path is treated as homogeneous by applying simple pressure and temperature scaling approximations. The transmission functions are then derived from small precomputed tables. Because the atmospheric cooling rate is primarily contributed from adjacent layers, the simple scaling approximations can be used to accurately compute transmission functions in both the middle and lower atmosphere. Applying the parameterization to vastly different atmospheric conditions, the difference with line-by-line calculations is small. In the region between 0.01 mbar and the Earth's surface, the cooling rate difference is < 0.3°C/d in the 15-μm CO2 band and < 0.1°C/d in the 9.6-μm O3 band.
A current review of empirical procedures of remote sensing in inland and near-coastal transitional waters

The empirical approach of remote sensing has a proven capability to provide timely and accurate information on inland and near-coastal transitional waters. This article gives a thorough review of empirical algorithms for quantitatively estimating a variety of parameters from space-borne, airborne and in situ remote sensors in inland and transitional waters, including chlorophyll-a, total suspended solids, Secchi disk depth (z SD), turbidity, absorption by coloured dissolved organic matter (a CDOM) and other parameters, for example, phycocyanin. Current remote-sensing instruments are also reviewed. The theoretical basis of the empirical algorithms is given using fundamental bio-optical theory of the inherent optical properties (IOPs). Bands, band ratios and band arithmetic algorithms that could be used to produce common biogeophysical products for inland/transitional waters are identified. The article discusses the potential role that empirical algorithms could play alongside more advanced model-based algorithms in the future of water remote sensing, especially for near real-time operational monitoring systems. The article aims to describe the current status of empirical remote sensing in inland and near-coastal transitional waters and provide a useful reference to workers. It does not cover ‘inversion’ algorithms.
Policy analysis of the dengue control program in Mexico.

OBJECTIVE To analyze municipal measures implemented to control the dengue epidemic, giving priority to the functions of intersectoral coordination, policy strengthening and community participation. METHODS The observational study was performed in Morelos, Mexico in 2007. Data collected in interviews and direct observations were submitted to contents analysis and policy mapping. Policy Maker software was used to evaluate the values assigned to the stakeholders' performance (i.e., high, medium and low criteria) and to their role (actions undertaken for surveillance, control or management). A strategic analysis of opportunities and challenges regarding public policies and dengue control was conducted. RESULTS The legal framework indicates that the approach to the dengue epidemic should be an intersectoral response. However, the burden of activities in terms of financial and human resources tends to fall on local health services, which contrasts with the contribution of other sectors (e.g., water and sanitation) that do not recognize their responsibilities. A high degree of operational feasibility links, in terms of optimization of resources and objectives fulfillment was detected, particularly among health authorities at state, jurisdictional and municipal levels. CONCLUSIONS A multidisciplinary approach and strengthening of policy stewardship may allow a more efficient response to dengue outbreaks, sustained by intersectoral coordination and the active participation of the affected population.
Gamma Oscillation Maintains Stimulus Structure-Dependent Synchronization in Cat Visual Cortex

[PDF] [Full Text] [Abstract] , June 7, 2006; 26 (23): 6213-6229. J. Neurosci. T. Wolansky, E. A. Clement, S. R. Peters, M. A. Palczak and C. T. Dickson neocortical activity. Hippocampal slow oscillation: a novel EEG state and its coordination with ongoing [PDF] [Full Text] [Abstract] , February 28, 2007; 27 (9): 2338-2348. J. Neurosci. F. Montani, A. Kohn, M. A. Smith and S. R. Schultz The Role of Correlations in Direction and Contrast Coding in the Primary Visual Cortex [PDF] [Full Text] [Abstract] , August 1, 2007; 27 (31): 8422-8429. J. Neurosci. M. Tsanov and D. Manahan-Vaughan Shaping of the Field Response in Rat Visual Cortex Intrinsic, Light-Independent and Visual Activity-Dependent Mechanisms Cooperate in the [PDF] [Full Text] [Abstract] , March 1, 2008; 99 (3): 1333-1353. J Neurophysiol R. C. Muresan, O. F. Jurjut, V. V. Moca, W. Singer and D. Nikolic Neuronal Activity The Oscillation Score: An Efficient Method for Estimating Oscillation Strength in [PDF] [Full Text] [Abstract] , April 2, 2008; 28 (14): 3759-3768. J. Neurosci. Z. Zhou, M. R. Bernard and A. B. Bonds Synchronized Activity in Cat Visual Cortex Deconstruction of Spatial Integrity in Visual Stimulus Detected by Modulation of
RESULTS CONCERNING THE ANALYSIS OF THE REACTION PRODUCTS RESULTING FROM GENOMIC DNA AMPLIFICATION USING AGAROSE GEL ELECTROPHORESIS FOR POTATOES STUDIED OLD VARIETIES

The author is currently involved in collecting, making an inventory, evaluation and preservation the old varieties from the Western part of Romania. In this paper 8 potato old varieties collected during 20 years and 2 varieties from National Institute of Research and Development for potato and Sugar Beet Brasov are presented. The preservation was carried out in vivo and in vitro. Important changes were observed during this time. In our work we identified many gaps in the knowledge and understanding of the origin of transformations. We made a comparison between two big areas of potato growth: Apuseni Mountains (5) and the Maramures County (3). In these areas the potato represents the main food in winter. This work opens opportunities for future researches in the field of political and ethical decisions for potato gene pool conservation. Soon the exchange of genetic resources will be a diplomatic issue.
Physically based rigging for deformable characters

In this paper we introduce a framework for instrumenting ("rigging") characters that are modeled as dynamic elastic bodies, so that their shapes can be controlled by an animator. Because the shape of such a character is determined by physical dynamics, the rigging system cannot simply dictate the shape as in traditional animation. For this reason, we introduce forces as the building blocks of rigging. Rigging forces guide the shape of the character, but are combined with other forces during simulation. Forces have other desirable features: they can be combined easily and simulated at any resolution, and since they are not tightly coupled with the surface geometry, they can be more easily transferred from one model to another. Our framework includes a new pose-dependent linearization scheme for elastic dynamics, which ensures a correspondence between forces and deformations, and at the same time produces plausible results at interactive speeds. We also introduce a novel method of handling collisions around creases.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN STREAM WATER TEMPERATURE AND AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE

The water temperature of streams and rivers is required for various practical purposes and is frequently obtained by calculating the heat budget. This method is tedious and yields rather inaccurate values of the water temperature. This paper presents an alternative approach using cheap and simple means to measure air temperatures, which are believed to be a major factor controlling the water temperature. It is demonstrated that a useful separation can be made between the seasonal cyclic variations and the daily stochastic fluctuations of these temperatures.
Sensitivity of a shark nursery habitat to a changing climate

Nursery area habitats such as estuaries are vital for the success of many fish populations. Climate change is altering conditions in these areas, which can thus impact the availability of suitable nursery habitat. The sandbar shark Carcharhinus plumbeus uses Chesapeake Bay (USA) as a nursery habitat during the summer months from birth up to 10 yr of age. To assess the impacts of climate change on juvenile sandbar sharks, we developed a habitat model using longline data collected from a fishery-independent survey within Chesapeake Bay. With this model, we projected contemporary and future distributions of suitable habitat for juvenile sandbar sharks in Chesapeake Bay under varying environmental regimes. Predicted suitable juvenile sandbar shark habitat was negatively impacted by future increases in temperature, but positively influenced by future decreases in dissolved oxygen. The latter trend was likely related to the habitat partitioning that occurs between different life stages. Changes in salinity had relatively small impacts. By end-of-century the projected amount of suitable bottom habitat decreased; however, when incorporating the entire water column, projected suitable habitat increased. This suggests that juvenile sandbar sharks may need to make a behavioral shift to avoid non-preferred conditions, which could alter their foraging ecology or refuge strategies. As nursery habitats change with climate change, it is crucial to understand how a species may be impacted during this vital life stage when trying to predict overall species success in the future.
Subregional neuroanatomical change as a biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease

Regions of the temporal and parietal lobes are particularly damaged in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and this leads to a predictable pattern of brain atrophy. In vivo quantiﬁcation of subregional atrophy, such as changes in cortical thickness or structure volume, could lead to improved diagnosis and better assessment of the neuroprotective effects of a therapy. Toward this end, we have developed a fast and robust method for accurately quantifying cerebral structural changes inseveralcorticalandsubcorticalregionsusingserialMRIscans.In169 healthy controls, 299 subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 129 subjects with AD, we measured rates of subregional cerebral volume change for each cohort and performed power calculations to identify regions that would provide the most sensitive outcome measures in clinical trials of disease-modifying agents. Consistent withregionalspeciﬁcityofAD,temporal-lobecorticalregionsshowed the greatest disease-related changes and signiﬁcantly outperformed any of the clinical or cognitive measures examined for both AD and MCI. Global measures of change in brain structure, including whole-brain and ventricular volumes, were also elevated in AD and MCI, but were less salient when compared to changes in normal subjects. Therefore, these biomarkers are less powerful for quantifying dis-ease-modifying effects of compounds that target AD pathology. The ﬁndings indicate that regional temporal lobe cortical changes would have great utility as outcome measures in clinical trials and may also have utility in clinical practice for aiding early diagnosis of neurodegenerative disease. two models of treatable effects for power calculations: Model assumes that the study drug modiﬁes both disease- and aging-related changes; Model D assumes that the study drug modiﬁes only AD- or MCI-related changes.
Analysis on pollutants discharge of coal-fired plant and the comprehensive treatments

Based on the domestic statistical data,the analysis and calculations have been made for the pollutants discharge of coal-fired plant.Related treatment measures and comprehensive treatments for different pollutants,which includes dust,sulfide,nitrogen oxide,mercury,ash,dregs,plaster,carbon dioxide and waste water,have been proposed.The influences on the electricity prices by using different treatment measures have been discussed.Some approaches to decrease the pollutants discharge have been put forward.
Economic Growth Centre Working Paper Series Forecasting Business Cycles in a Small Open Economy : A Dynamic Factor Model for Singapore

We apply multivariate statistical methods to a large dataset of Singapore’s macroeconomic variables and global economic indicators with the objective of forecasting business cycles in a small open economy. The empirical results suggest that three common factors are present in the time series at the quarterly frequency, which can be interpreted as world, regional and domestic economic cycles. This leads us to estimate a factor-augmented vector autoregressive (FAVAR) model for the purpose of optimally forecasting real economic activity in Singapore. By taking explicit account of the common factor dynamics, we find that iterative forecasts generated by this model are significantly more accurate than direct multi-step predictions based on the identified factors as well as forecasts from univariate and vector autoregressions.
A Review on Security Issues and Challenges of Mobile Cloud Computing and Preventive Measures

Cloud computing is a set of IT services that are provided to a customer over a network on a leased basis and with the ability to scale up or down their service requirements [1]. Mobile Cloud Computing (MCC) is a revolution in the field of mobile world. Mobile cloud computing is the combination of cloud computing and mobile networks to bring benefits for mobile users, network operators, as well as providers of cloud computing. It advantages to mention but a few include scalability, resilience, efficiency, flexibility and many other. Despite the potential gains achieved from the mobile cloud computing, the people are slow in accepting it due to security issues and challenges associated with it. Security is one of the major issues which hamper the growth of cloud. This paper introduces a detailed analysis of the mobile cloud computing security issues and challenges focusing on the computing types and the service delivery types [1]. It also presents the various ways of preventing the security issues.
Securing the Network Topology in a Source Routing Multi Domain SDN

In this paper we look at the research work on hiding the topology details in a source routing multi domain software defined networking(SDN), in which each domain is handled by a single controller and all are coordinated by a central controller. Secrecy of the topology is maintained by the secret key shared between the central controller and the other controllers. The central controller redistributes the shared secret key among other controllers once if the threshold number of flows are reached. General Terms: Shortest path, Peripheral nodes, Articulation points