Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Invasive species in the flora of the Starobilsk grass-meadow steppe ( Ukraine )

The results of an investigation of the invasive species in the flora of the Starobilsk grass-meadow steppe are presented. Check-list of alien plant has over 386 species of vascular plants of which 28 species are invasive. We have identified 6 transformer species from the invasive plants. We aggregate data on the entry, distribution history, ecology, occurrence in different plant communities, degree of their naturalization and the habitats where they occur. The leading families of invasive species are: Asteraceae. The basis for this group is presented by origin from the North America and the Mediterranean. With respect to the time of immigration, most of them are kenophytes. By the method of introduction, ksenophytes are dominated; according to the degree of naturalization epoecophytes and agriophytes dominate in this group. With regard to the characteristics of life forms, half of invasive species are terophytes. The vast majority of plants are heliophytes and xeromesophytes. Most species are found in biotopes group I: Cultivated agricultural biotopes; least of all species found in biotopes group F: Biotopes dominated by chamephytes and nanophanerophytes. Only 3 species found in biotopes group F: Biotopes dominated by chamephytesand nanophanerophytes. The maps of distribution of 28 invasive species are provided. Most of the species marked dispersed in more than 30 squares.
1, 3- β-D-glucan Assay for Diagnosis of Candidiasis Versus Candida Colonization Index in ICU Patients

Prof. Dr. Nabila Mohamed Fahmy Professor of Anesthesiology & Intensive Care Medicine Faculty of Medicine - Ain Shams University Prof. Dr. Ahmed ALY Fawaz Professor of Anesthesiology & Intensive Care Medicine Faculty of Medicine - Ain Shams University Dr. Dalia Mahmoud Ahmed El-
Three-dimensional hierarchical MoS2 nanoflake array/carbon cloth as high-performance flexible lithium-ion battery anodes

Flexible lithium-ion batteries are the key to powering a new generation of flexible electronics such as roll-up displays, smart electronics, and wearable devices. Here we report, for the first time, one-step hydrothermal synthesis of a three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical MoS2 nanoflake array/carbon cloth which shows potential for improving the performance of flexible lithium-ion batteries. Structural characterizations show that the 3D hierarchical MoS2 nanoflake array/carbon cloth has a similar ordered woven structure to the bare carbon cloth. Each carbon microfiber is covered with many highly ordered 3D MoS2 nanoflake arrays, and a typical MoS2 nanoflake, with expanded spacing of the (002) crystal plane, has a uniform width of about 400 nm and a thickness of less than 15 nm. The flexible 3D MoS2 nanoflake array/carbon cloth as a flexible lithium-ion battery anode has a high reversible capacity of 3.0–3.5 mA h cm−2 at a current density of 0.15 mA cm−2 and outstanding discharging/charging rate stability. Moreover, a fabricated full battery, with commercial LiCoO2 powder and the hierarchical architectures as electrodes, exhibits high flexibility and good electrochemical performance, and can light a commercial red LED even after 50 cycles of bending the full battery.
Closed solutions for the determination of parametric building models from invariant moments of airbo

Airborne laserscanning has proven to be a powerful technique for the detection and modeling of man-made objects such as buildings, which form a substantial part of 3-D city models. As an active technique, laserscanning delivers reliable 3D data points without requirements to surface reflectance variations, thus evading a number of problems occurring with techniques based on 2-D imagery. The publication discusses the use of invariant moments applied to laserscanning data for the determination of roof parameters of simple building types. The technique works on the original, irregularly-distributed laserscanner data points, thus avoiding effects caused by an interpolation to a regular grid. Using only first and second order invariant moments, a number of basic parameters of a building (position, orientation, length, width, height, roof type and roof steepness) can be determined as closed solutions from ratios of binary and height-weighted moments of segmented point clouds. Using higher order moments, more complex roof shapes can be modeled as well. By analyzing differences between point cloud and building model in a second processing step outliers can be detected and systematic deviations from the assumed model such as dorms on a roof can be modeled. The technique was applied to a section of a FLI-MAP laserscanner dataset with an average point density of five points per square meter. No a priori information, such as 2-D GIS data, was used. Instead, the dataset was segmented by a the analysis of height texture measures, followed by morphological filtering and connected component labeling. All detected buildings complying with the assumed simple building types could be detected and modeled successfully. Moreover, most dorms with an extension of greater than two square meters could be modeled in the step of model fit analysis. The precision potential for the building parameters is in the order of 0.1-0.2m for the dimensions and 1-2 degrees for orientation and roof steepness.
Effects of hyperbaric oxygen on adiponect and glucose transporter 4 expression in type 2 diabetic rats

To investigate the effect of Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) on adiponect and glucose transporter 4 (GluT4) expression in type 2 diabetic rats. 10 healthy control subjects (group A, n=10) were randomly selected from a total of 40 male SD rats. They were fed with normal diet. The remaining 30 rats were fed with high-fat and high sugar diet, then the model of type 2 diabetic rats was induced by intraperitoneal injection with small dose of streptozotocin (STZ). The model of type 2 diabetic rats was randomly divided into diabetic control group (group B, n=11) and diabetic hyperbaric oxygen therapy group (group C, n=10). Group C was treated with hyperbaric oxygen for 30 days. After the experiment, the serum and the specimens were obtained. Serum adiponectin, fasting insulin (FINS) and GluT4 were detected by ELISA kit. Serum high density lipoprotein (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein (LDL-C), cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) were detected with a full automatic biochemical analyzer. The expression of adiponectin receptor 2 (AdipoR2) protein in liver specimens were analysised by immunohistochemical methods. Compared with group A, fasting blood glucose(FBG), 30 minutes postprandial blood sugar, 60 minutes postprandial blood glucose, 120 minutes postprandial blood glucose, TG, TC, LDL-C, FINS, AdipoR2 in group B and group C increased significantly. HDL-C, adiponectin, Glut4 expression and insulin sensitivity decreased significantly. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Group C rats were treated with hyperbaric oxygen for 30 days, then compared with group B rats: FBG, 120 minutes postprandial blood sugar, FINS,TG, AdipoR2 significantly decreased HDL-C, adiponectin, Glut4 expression and insulin sensitivity ncreased significantly. Therefore, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The expression level of adiponectin and GluT4 in type 2 diabetic rats was lower than that of normal rats. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for 30 days can improve the content of adiponectin in diabetic rats, increase the expression level of GluT4, promote the oxidation of glucose in the liver increase the uptake of glucose in the cell, lower blood sugar and improve the sensitivity of insulin.
Macroeconomic Activity Under Uncertainty: How Firm-Level and Aggregate-Level Uncertainties Interact

Prior studies suggest that both aggregate and firm-level uncertainty adversely affect economic growth, because they reduce investment and impede the reallocation of resources in the economy. In this paper, we hypothesize and find that the effects of firm-level and aggregate-level uncertainty interact. Therefore, the effects of each type of uncertainty (firm-level or aggregate-level) are exacerbated in the presence of the other, and their combined effect is larger than the sum of the individual effects. We further show that the interaction term explains the puzzling relation between the equity premium and earnings dispersion, and predicts unemployment and industrial production forecast errors. Our findings with respect to the interaction of different forms of uncertainty furthers our understating of how uncertainty affects macroeconomic activity and has implications for policy setters. JEL classification: E32, G12, G14, M41
FGN based telecommunication traffic models

This paper addresses three models of traffic based on fractional Gaussian noise (fGn). The first is the standard fGn (fGn for short) that is characterized by a single Hurst parameter. The second is the generalized fGn (GfGn) indexed by two parameters. The third the local Hurst function. The limitation of fGn in traffic modeling is explained. We shall exhibit that the model of GfGn can be used to release that limitation. Finally, we discuss the local Hurst function to interpret that it is a simple model to express the multifractal property of traffic on a point-by-point basis.
Binocular Camera-based a Docking System for an Amphibious Spherical Robot

In order to fulfill the task about autonomous recovery and charging of robots, a set of robotic docking system based on binocular stereo vision was initially designed and implemented. A binocular camera was used in our docking system. Through the image captured by binocular camera of the surrounding environment, we can obtain the two kinds of image, which include color image and depth image. And in order to get accurate depth information, we conducted a binocular camera calibration experiment. Then according to the depth information, the robot recognize the docking receptacle also as a marker fixed in the pool, then using KCF (Kernelized Correlation Filters) algorithm to track the target and making robot arrive the docking destination accurately. The docking system can be implemented by the process above. During the experiment, we selected the receptacle in the image, the robot recognized target and arrived at the designated location. The experimental results demonstrated the veracity and robustness of the proposed docking system based on binocular stereo vision.
Intraoperative and postoperative infusion of dexmedetomidine combined with butorphanol for intravenous patient-controlled analgesia after radical mastectomy : a double-blind , randomized clinical trial

Objective: To evaluate the safety and the analgesic efficacy of a loading dose of dexmedetomidine followed by a continuous infusion as an adjunct to butorphanol patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) after radical mastectomy. Methods: In this double-blinded, randomized, controlled study, 60 female patients undergoing elective radical mastectomy under general anesthesia were randomized into two groups (n=30 per group). Group DB received a loading dose of dexmedetomidine (0.5 μg/kg) after anesthesia induction, followed by 300 μg dexmedetomidine plus 10 mg butorphanol via PCIA during the postoperative period. Group B received a volume-matched infusion of placebo after anesthesia induction, followed by 10 mg butorphanol via PCIA. Perioperative hemodynamic variables, the scores of visual analogue scale (VAS), the sedation scores, side effects, the pump-press number, additional analgesics cases and patients’ satisfaction were recorded at 24 h after operation. Results: The hemodynamic variables did not show significant difference between two groups during the surgery and 24 hours postoperatively (P>0.05). The VAS scores of group DB was significantly lower than that of group B during postoperative period (P<0.05). The mean total number of button pressing of PCIA in the 24 h postoperatively was significantly decreased in group DB (8.4±4.5 times/each) compared to group B (11.3±5.3 times/each) (P<0.05). Whereas the sedation scores at each observational time point were not significantly different between two groups (P>0.05). Patients in group B displayed more dizziness and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) during the 0-24 h post-surgery (P<0.05). There was no delirium, itch, oversedation, hypotension or bradycardia. The total satisfaction score about postoperative analgesia in group DB was higher than that in group B (P<0.05). Conclusions: For patients after radical mastectomy, a loading dose of dexmedetomidine followed by a continuous infusion as an adjunct to butorphanol PCIA improved the quality of analgesia and also provided an analgesic sparing effect with less adverse effects.
Cutaneous Manifestations in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Data from a Multiethnic Latin American Cohort (GLADEL)

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated features of cutaneous manifestations in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) as well as to evaluate whether cutaneous manifestations are predictors of the occurrence of other clinical manifestations. Material and Methods: SLE patients from 34 centers in nine Latin American countries with a recent diagnosis (≤ 2 years) were studied. Socioeconomic-demographic characteristics and clinical features according to the presence of cutaneous manifestations were examined by univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Their predictive value for the occurrence of other clinical manifestations was also examined. Results: Of the 1480 patients included, 93.7% had cutaneous manifestations, 91.0% of them occurred before the diagnosis of SLE. Cutaneous manifestations occurred more frequently in women (90.5% vs. 80.6%, p = 0.002), and in those with systemic Check for updates
Surface roughness during depositional growth and sublimation of ice crystals

Abstract. Ice surface properties can modify the scattering properties of atmospheric ice crystals and therefore affect the radiative properties of mixed-phase and cirrus clouds. The Ice Roughness Investigation System (IRIS) is a new laboratory setup designed to investigate the conditions under which roughness develops on single ice crystals, based on their size, morphology and growth conditions (relative humidity and temperature). Ice roughness is quantified through the analysis of speckle in 2-D light-scattering patterns. Characterization of the setup shows that a supersaturation of 20 % with respect to ice and a temperature at the sample position as low as −40 ∘C could be achieved within IRIS. Investigations of the influence of humidity show that higher supersaturations with respect to ice lead to enhanced roughness and irregularities of ice crystal surfaces. Moreover, relative humidity oscillations lead to gradual “ratcheting-up” of roughness and irregularities, as the crystals undergo repeated growth–sublimation cycles. This memory effect also appears to result in reduced growth rates in later cycles. Thus, growth history, as well as supersaturation and temperature, influences ice crystal growth and properties, and future atmospheric models may benefit from its inclusion in the cloud evolution process and allow more accurate representation of not just roughness but crystal size too, and possibly also electrification properties.
Annual litterfall dynamics and nutrient deposition depending on elevation and land use at Mt. Kilimanjaro

Abstract. Litterfall is one of the major pathways connecting above- and below-ground processes. The effects of climate and land-use change on carbon (C) and nutrient inputs by litterfall are poorly known. We quantified and analyzed annual patterns of C and nutrient deposition via litterfall in natural forests and agroforestry systems along the unique elevation gradient of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Tree litter in three natural (lower montane, Ocotea and Podocarpus forests), two sustainably used (homegardens) and one intensively managed (shaded coffee plantation) ecosystems was collected on a biweekly basis from May 2012 to July 2013. Leaves, branches and remaining residues were separated and analyzed for C and nutrient contents. The annual pattern of litterfall was closely related to rainfall seasonality, exhibiting a large peak towards the end of the dry season (August–October). This peak decreased at higher elevations with decreasing rainfall seasonality. Macronutrients (N, P, K) in leaf litter increased at mid elevation (2100 m a.s.l.) and with land-use intensity. Carbon content and micronutrients (Al, Fe, Mn, Na) however, were unaffected or decreased with land-use intensity. While leaf litterfall decreased with elevation, total annual input was independent of climate. Compared to natural forests, the nutrient cycles in agroforestry ecosystems were accelerated by fertilization and the associated changes in dominant tree species.
Acute Injury in Natural Diet-Induced Fatty Livers-A Model for Therapy Development

Given the diabesity and Metabolic Syndrome epidemics, fatty liver disease is reaching epidemic proportions. Relatively indolent, this disease is often asymptomatic and the patient is often made aware of its presence only during a routine physical exam. Nevertheless, fatty livers are more susceptible to insult compared to their non-fatty counterparts and persons with fatty livers are at increased risk for morbidity and mortality following consumption of commonly used substances such as alcohol (EtOH) and acetaminophen (APAP). We have developed a rat model of natural diet-induced fatty liver disease and evaluated the effects of two commonly used substances viz. EtOH and APAP in this phenotype. High fat diet (HFD) fed animals exhibited steatosis, liver inflammation and liver fibrosis with an increase in serum aspartate aminotransferase. Bolus administration of EtOH, which was without effect on the livers from standard diet fed animals, had a profound and adverse impact on the HFD fatty liver. Similarly, APAP administration which was without effect on liver function tests in control animals, also provoked an increase in liver enzymes in HFD animals. Treatment with the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 inhibitor (PARP-1), veliparib, reduced the increase in liver function tests secondary to EtOH and APAP. This model forms the framework for identification of fatty liver disease biomarkers given that this disease is relatively asymptomatic but fraught with risk for acute injury. This model also forms the framework for evaluation of novel drugs for acute injury in fatty livers especially given that current strategies for management of acute liver failure in non-fatty livers are inadequate. Also, relevant patents related to the use of liver biomarkers as diagnostic are discussed.
Lipid and apolipoprotein predictors of progression from asymptomatic state or impaired glucose tolerance to type 2 diabetes mellitus.

SUMMARY Background. To relate lipoprotein profile, conventional lipid and glycemia along with abdominal fat to explore the possible risk factors associated with the progression from a non-diabetic, asymptomatic state to IGT, IGF and type-2 DM in Maltese Canadian population. Methods. We conducted analysis of 780 subjects using the ADA and WHO criteria to classify subjects into groups based on: 1) normal glucose tolerance with FBG 6.1 and 2hBG 8-12); and 4) combined IFG/IGT (FBG 6.16.9 and 2hBG 8-12). We compared the three groups for glycemia, insulin secretion, and insulin sensitivity based on their apolipoprotein levels and abdominal fat. Results. The subjects with higher apolipoprotein levels (12.8 (IGT) vs. 8.9 mg/dL (normal), P<0.001), WHR (0.91 (IfG) vs. 0.89 (normal), P<0.01) and higher abdominal fat were found to be suffering from IGF and IGT and were highly insulin resistant. There were significant differences in the 2-h glucose (5.2 for NGT vs. 9.1 for IGT and 13.4 mmol/L for T2DM, P<0.001) and insulin (37.1 vs. 89.3 vs. 53.2, μU/mL). Conclusions. Poor glycemia was associated with potentially more atherogenic lipoprotein profiles and led to the worsening of insulin resistance and insulin secretory dysfunction. The higher apolipoprotein C-III and B levels, BMI and abdominal fat were strongly associated with metabolic abnormalities and shown to be predictors of diabetes.
Studies on Lipid Profile Levels in Hypertensive and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Studies on the effect of non-hypertensive and hypertensive type 2 diabetes on lipid profile was performed to determine whether these biochemical parameters were affected in individuals associated with these disease conditions. A total of one hundred and thirty-three (133) individuals were used for these studies. Of these thirty-five (35) were established hypertensive diabetics and thirty (30) are established non-hypertensive diabetics. The established hypertensive non-diabetics were thirty-three (33) while thirty-five (35) were normal healthy individuals. The results showed that there was no significant differences (P>0.05) in the mean concentrations of cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and glucose between hypertensive diabetics and non-hypertensive diabetics studied. The study also showed that there were no significance differences (P>0.05) in the mean levels of all the parameters measured between hypertensive diabetics and hypertensive non-diabetics subjects studied, except for serum glucose that significantly higher (P 0.05) in hypertensive diabetics compared with normal healthy individuals. It was also observed that the concentrations of cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly higher (P>0.05) in hypertensive non diabetics individuals compared with normal healthy individuals studied. However, the glucose and pulse rate mean levels showed no significant difference (P>0.05) between hypertensive non-diabetics and normal healthy individuals.
Effects of Proton Irradiation on the Mechanical and Physical Properties of Carbon Nanotube Based Composites

Exposure to proton radiation is a major concern for space travel as the space environment is filled with energetic protons from solar particle events (SPEs), galactic cosmic radiation (GCR), and trapped radiation belts. In this study, the effects of proton irradiation on carbon nanotube (CNT)-epoxy composites are investigated for potential applications in radiation shielding for spacecraft. CNT-epoxy composites were prepared using multiwall and single wall CNTs and exposed to proton beams of energies ranging from 6 MeV to 12 MeV. The nanocomposites’ shielding capabilities against the different energetic proton beams were measured by tracking the beam’s energy before and after penetrating the samples. The microstructures of the samples were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The effect of proton irradiation on the electrical resistivity was measured using a high resolution multimeter. Finally the influence of the irradiation on the mechanical properties, such as the elastic modulus and hardness, was probed using instrumented nanoindentation tests. The proton stopping power of the epoxy was shown to be unchanged by the addition of CNTs, which is a promising result since this will allow using shields with more carbon content than hydrogen; adding structural functionality to the shielding material. While the hardness of the samples was shown to be increased by addition of CNTs, the surface of the samples proved to be too rough for nanoindentation to yield more detailed results. This was due to the use of a