Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Potential of L-Band UAVSAR Data for the Extraction of Mangrove Land Cover Using Entropy and Anisotropy Based Classification

Mangrove forests serve as an ecosystem stabilizer since they play an important role in providing habitats for many terrestrial and aquatic species along with a huge capability of carbon sequestration and absorbing greenhouse gases. The process of conversion of carbon dioxide into biomass is very rapid in mangrove forests. Mangroves play a crucial role in protecting the human settlement and arresting shoreline erosion by reducing wave height to a great extent, as they form a natural barricade against high sea tides and windstorms. In most cases, human settlement in the vicinity of mangrove forests has affected the eco-system of the forest and placed them under environmental pressure. Since, a continuous mapping, monitoring, and preservation of coastal mangroves may help in climate resilience, a mangrove land cover extraction method using remotely sensed L-band full-pol UAVSAR data (acquired on 25 February 2016) based on Entropy (H) and Anisotropy (A) concepts has therefore been proposed in this study. The k-Mean clustering has been applied to the subsetted (1-Entropy) * (Anisotropy) image generated by PolSARpro_v5. 0 software’s H/A/Alpha Decomposition. The mangrove land cover of the study area was extracted to be 116.07 Km2 using k-Mean clustering and validated with the mangrove land cover area provided by Global Mangrove Watch (GMW) data.
INHIBITION OF GLUCAGON AND INSULIN RELEASE FROM THE ISOLATED PERFUSED RAT PANCREAS BY CALMODULIN INHIBITORS

Effects of N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-l-naphthalenesulfonamide (W-7) and triﬁuoperazine, speciﬁc calmodulin inhibitors, on the glucose-induced insulin release and arginine-induced glucagon release from the isolated perfused rat pancreas were studied. These two drugs at 50 MM signiﬁcantly suppressed the insulin release in both the ﬁrst and second phases. The extent of suppression was less with W-7 than with triﬁuoperazine at equivalent concentrations. Trifluoperazine at 50 /JM reduced the eﬁiux rate to 25% of the initial level, but the available data indicate that the reduction in the insulin release by triﬁuoperazine is attributable to a direct action of this agent on B cells. Suppression of insulin release by W-7 was initiated within l min after introducing the agent into the perfusion medium; withdrawal of W-7 caused an immediate over-secretion of insulin in response to glucose. Arginine-induced glucagon release from the perfused pancreas was also inhibited by triﬁuoperazine at 25 ;,tM and 50 nM; with W-7, however, glucagon release was inhibited only at a higher concentration (l0O ,uM). These results suggest that calmodulin is involved in the process of insulin release as well as glucagon release from the pancreas.
Galvanically Replaced, Single‐Bodied Lithium‐Ion Battery Fabric Electrodes

Despite extensive research on flexible/wearable power sources, their structural stability and electrochemical reliability upon mechanical deformation and charge/discharge cycling have not yet been completely achieved. A new class of galvanically replaced single‐bodied lithium‐ion battery (LIB) fabric electrodes is demonstrated. As a proof of concept, metallic tin (Sn) is chosen as an electrode active material. Mechanically compliable polyethyleneterephthalate (PET) fabrics are conformally coated with thin metallic nickel (Ni) layers via electroless plating to develop flexible current collectors. Driven by the electrochemical potential difference between Ni and Sn, the thin Ni layers are galvanically replaced with Sn, resulting in the fabrication of a single‐bodied Sn@Ni fabric electrode (Sn is monolithically embedded in the Ni matrix on the PET fabric). Benefiting from the chemical/structural uniqueness and rationally designed bicontinuous ion/electron transport pathways, the single‐bodied Sn@Ni fabric electrode provides exceptional redox reaction kinetics and omnidirectional deformability (notably, origami‐folding boats), which lie far beyond those attainable with conventional LIB electrode technologies.
Frequency control reserve with multiple micro grid participation for power system frequency stability

The introduction of this micro grids into the conventional distribution network system forces a new challenge to the system operation. The failure factor of the power system performance essentially due to the limitation of electrical power generation in which could not meet the load demand. In order to maintain the frequency stability of the system, the power sources must be matched instantaneously among all generators and constantly supply to the load demand. A deviation of system frequency from the set-point value will affect the entire stability of power system network. This paper investigates the impact of utilizing multiple micro grids in supporting and facilitating on grid’s frequency. A method called Frequency Control Reserve (FCR) is introduced, with intention to share the excessive power from all available micro grids. These power will be controlled effectively before being injected into the main grid to stabilize the power frequency. Simulation using MATLAB Simulink have been used to simulate the result and shows great potential to be integrated with distributed generation i.e. solar photovoltaic (PV) for Malaysia power system vicinity.
Concise review: Umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cell bank

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are the most promising stem cells for clinical applications. MSCs are widely used in disease treatment in some different countries. Recently, some MSC banks are developed to cryopreserve MSCs from umbilical cord tissues, adipose tissues and bone marrow. This review aims to discuss some techniques, some advantages as well as disadvantages of umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cell banking (UCMSCB). From 2010 to date, there are more than 10 UCMSCBs established in the world. There are two methods to isolate UCMSCs including tissue culture and single cell culture. Then they are cryopreserved in the liquid nitrogen for long time. Although, UCMSCBs can provide more the choice to store the MSCs from umbilical cord, allogenic MSC transplantation with high efficacy in disease treatment suggests that UCMSCBs should change the with new approaches to use the cryopreserved samples.
Expression of LncRNA RP11-513G11.1 in human gastric cancer tissues and its clinical significance

Objective: To investigate the expression of long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) RP11-513G11.1 in human gastric cancer tissues and its clinical significance. Methods: The expressions of LncRNA RP11-513G11.1 in gastric cancer tissues from 92 patients with gastric cancer, para-cancerous tissues from 70 patients with gastric cancer, and normal gastric tissues from 22 non-gastric cancer patients were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR. The associations of LncRNA RP11-513G11.1 expression with clinicopathological features and the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer were analyzed. Results: The expression level of LncRNA RP11-513G11.1 in gastric cancer tissues was higher than that in para-cancerous tissues and the normal gastric tissues (both P < 0.01). The expression of LncRNA RP11-513G11.1 in patients with gastric cancer was correlated with TNM stage, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, tumor differentiation and the survival status (all P < 0.01). The overall survival time and the progression-free survival time of patients with gastric cancer in high expression of LncRNA RP11-513G11.1 group were shorter than those in the low expression of LncRNA RP11-513G11.1 group (both P < 0.01). The factors including LncRNA RP11-513G11.1 expression, distant metastasis and TNM stage were independent prognostic factors of patients with gastric cancer (all P < 0.01). Conclusion: The expression of LncRNA RP11-513G11.1 is high in gastric cancer tissues and it is an independent prognostic factor of gastric cancer. DOI:10.3781/j.issn. 1000-7431.2017. 33.630
A study of Curtailment Behaviour in the Context of University Students in Indonesia: The Role of Values and Norms

Consumer nowadays have become more aware of environmental issues which urge them to act more sustainably. One of the ways to behave more sustainably is conserving the energy. Consumers can conserve the energy by engaging in curtailment behaviour. Curtailment behaviour is believed to be more reliable and realistic in combating environmental problems, However, curtailment behaviours are still relatively difficult to be fully adopted by the individuals because they usually require sacrifice from the individuals. Therefore, it is fundamental to explore what factors can encourage consumers to engage in curtailment behaviour. This study attempts to explain curtailment behaviour from socio-psychological factors, represented by values and norms. A research model consisting of altruistic values, egoistic values, biospheric values, personal norms, social norms as predictors was then proposed and tested using multiple regression. The total number of 263 respondents were involved in this study. This study found that altruistic values play the biggest contribution in explaining curtailment behaviour of university students in Indonesia, followed by biospheric values and personal norms. Meanwhile, egoistic values and social norms were proven to be insignificant. The result of this study provides understanding for government as a policy maker, as well as university as the education provider in composing the right approach to encourage the adoption of curtailment behaviour in the context of university students in Indonesia. Additionally, limitation and suggestion for further studies were also presented in later part of this paper altruistic values, biospheric values, curtailment behaviour, egoistic values, personal norms, social norms
Thrombogenesis in substrates of atrial fibrillation

ix DECLARATION . xii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . xiii PUBLICATIONS . xv PRESENTATIONS AT NATIONALAND INTERNATIONAL SOCIETYS . xvii PRIZES AND AWARDS DURING CANDIDTURE . xxiv 1 CHAPTER ONE . 1 Review of the Literature . 1 1.
Dengue: An Emerging Health Challenge ?

efinition of emerging and re-emerging infection An çemerging infectioné is defined as a new infection that has never appeared before or a known infection that has recent increase in prevalence. The classic examples of emerging infectious diseases are the HIV pandemic and the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-associated Coronavirus outbreak in the 1980ûs and 2003, respectively. A çre-emerging infectioné is a familiar infection that recurs such as tick borne encephalitis virus and the hemorrhagic fever viruses in Europe. These emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases (EIDS) attract our attention because of their impact on public health and economic consequences.
Risks for public health related to the presence of furan and methylfurans in food

Abstract The European Commission asked EFSA for a scientific evaluation on the risk to human health of the presence of furan and methylfurans (2‐methylfuran, 3‐methylfuran and 2,5‐dimethylfuran) in food. They are formed in foods during thermal processing and can co‐occur. Furans are produced from several precursors such as ascorbic acid, amino acids, carbohydrates, unsaturated fatty acids and carotenoids, and are found in a variety of foods including coffee and canned and jarred foods. Regarding furan occurrence, 17,056 analytical results were used in the evaluation. No occurrence data were received on methylfurans. The highest exposures to furan were estimated for infants, mainly from ready‐to‐eat meals. Grains and grain‐based products contribute most for toddlers, other children and adolescents. In adults, elderly and very elderly, coffee is the main contributor to dietary exposure. Furan is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and is found in highest amounts in the liver. It has a short half‐life and is metabolised by cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) to the reactive metabolite, cis‐but‐2‐ene‐1,4‐dialdehyde (BDA). BDA can bind covalently to amino acids, proteins and DNA. Furan is hepatotoxic in rats and mice with cholangiofibrosis in rats and hepatocellular adenomas/carcinomas in mice being the most prominent effects. There is limited evidence of chromosomal damage in vivo and a lack of understanding of the underlying mechanism. Clear evidence for indirect mechanisms involved in carcinogenesis include oxidative stress, gene expression alterations, epigenetic changes, inflammation and increased cell proliferation. The CONTAM Panel used a margin of exposure (MOE) approach for the risk characterisation using as a reference point a benchmark dose lower confidence limit for a benchmark response of 10% of 0.064 mg/kg body weight (bw) per day for the incidence of cholangiofibrosis in the rat. The calculated MOEs indicate a health concern. This conclusion was supported by the calculated MOEs for the neoplastic effects.
To what extent can cirrus cloud seeding counteract global warming?

The idea of modifying cirrus clouds to directly counteract greenhouse gas warming has gained momentum in recent years, despite disputes over its physical feasibility. Previous studies that analyzed modifications of cirrus clouds by seeding of ice nucleating particles showed large uncertainties in both cloud and surface climate responses, ranging from no effect or even a small warming to a globally averaged cooling of about 2.5 °C. We use two general circulation models that showed very different responses in previous studies, ECHAM6-HAM and CESM-CAM5, to determine which radiative and climatic responses to cirrus cloud seeding in a 1.5 × CO2 world are common and which are not. Seeding reduces the net cirrus radiative effect for −1.8 W m−2 in CESM compared with only −0.8 W m−2 in ECHAM. Accordingly, the surface temperature decrease is larger in CESM, counteracting about 70% of the global mean temperature increase due to CO2 and only 30% in ECHAM. While seeding impacts on mean precipitation were addressed in past studies, we are the first to analyze extreme precipitation responses to cirrus seeding. Seeding decreases the frequency of the most extreme precipitation globally. However, the extreme precipitation events occur more frequently in the Sahel and Central America, following the mean precipitation increase due to a northward shift of the Intertropical Convergence Zone. In addition, we use a quadratic climate damage metric to evaluate the amount of CO2-induced damage cirrus seeding can counteract. Seeding decreases the damage by about 50% in ECHAM, and by 85% in CESM over the 21 selected land regions. Climate damage due to CO2 increase is significantly reduced as a result of seeding in all of the considered land regions.
An Improved Control Technique for Grid Interactive 4-Phase SRM Driven Solar Powered WPS Using Three-Level Boost Converter

This article aims to develop a unique configuration of a solar-powered water pumping system (SPWPS), which ensures an uninterruptable water supply along with the earning possibility for the consumer. This water pumping system utilizing the switched reluctance motor drive, needs no current sensor on the motor side to run the system. The concept of integrating the grid to the SPWPS as an electrical energy storage device, provides assistance against the fluctuations in power, minimum electricity cost and earns from excess of photovoltaic power. An efficient control logic for grid-side voltage source converter is developed in this article. It has multiple intends like to regulate the desired dc-link voltage, to maintain the power quality and to improve the dynamic responses. This controller incorporates the second- and third-order generalized integrator-based filter for fundamental component extraction of grid voltage and has the benefits of both the filters. Moreover, the new control logic for dual output boost converter as a maximum power point tracking converter is also proposed in this article. It helps to simultaneously maximize the solar power as well as to nullify the voltage asymmetry across both dc-link split capacitors of a mid-point converter under all operating modes. The applicability of the developed arrangement with designed control logic is verified by experimental results.
Análisis de Redes Sociales y el Impuesto al Hospedaje: Estudio del arte

Partiendo de la metodología a través del Análisis de Redes Sociales (ARS) en esta investigación se identifica una red de stakeholders y actores que colaboran en el proceso del Impuesto al Hospedaje desde la recaudación y gestión hasta su aplicación a través de la promoción turística. Para esto, se parte primeramente del análisis a un marco normativo aplicable en la política pública del citado gravamen en la entidad federativa de Sonora, México. Los resultados refieren la creación de una matriz de relaciones con fundamental importancia en esferas colaborativas entre el Sector gobierno, la Oficina de convenciones y visitantes, iniciativa privada y Cámaras de Comercio, Servicios y Turismo, Cámaras de Industria y Confederaciones (no lucrativas); identificándose además actores de mayor dominio a efectos del logro de objetivos; a la vez, se perciben áreas de oportunidad para que la política fiscal optimice; ya que de manera aislada y sin esfuerzos conjuntos, difícilmente se lograrían acciones de impacto en el turismo como incidente de desarrollo local a través de la promoción turística.
The Added Value of Large-eddy and Storm-resolving Models for Simulating Clouds and Precipitation

More than one hundred days were simulated over very large domains with fine (0.156 km to 2.5 km) grid spacing for realistic conditions to test the hypothesis that storm (kilometer) and large-eddy (hectometer) resolving simulations would provide an improved representation of clouds and precipitation in atmospheric simulations. At scales that resolve convective storms (storm-resolving for short), the vertical velocity variance becomes resolved and a better physical basis is achieved for representing clouds and precipitation. Similarly to past studies we found an improved representation of precipitation at kilometer scales, as compared to models with parameterized convection. The main precipitation features (location, diurnal cycle and spatial propagation) are well captured already at kilometer scales, and refining resolution to hectometer scales does not substantially change the simulations in these respects. It does, however, lead to a reduction in the precipitation on the time-scales considered – most notably over the ocean in the tropics. Changes in the distribution of precipitation, with less frequent extremes are also found in simulations incorporating hectometer scales. Hectometer scales appear to be more important for the representation of clouds, and make it possible to capture many important aspects of the cloud field, from the vertical distribution of cloud cover, to the distribution of cloud sizes, and to the diel (daily) cycle. Qualitative improvements, particularly in the ability to differentiate cumulus from stratiform clouds, are seen when one reduces the grid spacing from kilometer to hectometer scales. At the hectometer scale new challenges arise, but the similarity of observed and simulated scales, and the more direct connection between the circulation and the unconstrained degrees of freedom make these challenges less daunting. This quality, combined with already improved simulation as compared to more parameterized models, underpins our conviction that the use and further development of storm-resolving models offers exciting opportunities for advancing understanding of climate and climate change.
HPV infections in head and neck cancers (HNSCC) – clinical course and efficiency of therapy

Abstract Head and neck cancers represent a heterogenous group of neoplasms. Among them, the most frequently occurring is squamous cell carcinoma. Risk factors that can contribute to the development of head and neck cancers are smoking, high proof alcohol abuse and human papilloma virus (HPV) infection. Head and neck cancers may be divided into HPV positive and HPV negative. This division shows the different landscape of carcinogen-esis, median age of onset, etiopathogenesis, clinical course and treatment efficiency. Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), especially HPV positive, belongs to highly immunogenic cancers. Its development relates to HPV infection and host immune response, especially with T regulatory lymphocytes response. Programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1), which shows immunosuppressive effect on host’s immune system, takes part in cancerogenesis. That favours carcinogenesis. The development of immuno-oncology and better understanding of HNSCC pathogenesis has contributed to developments in immunotherapy, a method of care which is used preferably in the treatment of advanced, refractory or relapsed cancers that did not respond to standard-of care cancer treatments – in the case of HNSCC it is surgical resection with possible radiochemotherapy or chemotherapy. The idea of immunotherapy is to remove tumor immunosuppressive effect and to boost host immune response to eliminate neoplasm. This article shows a review of current knowledge and new methods of therapy concerned with HNSCC treatment, especially HPV positive HNSCC.
Classification of New Biomarkers of Dilated Cardiomyopathy Based on Pathogenesis—An Update

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a complex heart disease affecting the heart musculature and vasculature, involving one or several underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. Identifying potential biomarkers for dilated cardiomyopathy is a challenge owing to various aetiologies involved. Studying the biomarkers involved in DCM will ultimately give a better insight about which pathophysiological pathways are involved in the onset of the disease. Owing to its multifactorial aetiologies, response to treatment is usually poor. If we can find the exact underlying causes, a better treatment approach could be implemented. One way to obtain better insight of DCM is to study the biomarkers released. Through biomarkers, we can know which underlying mechanisms are involved. Biomarkers can provide us with clinical information such as diagnostic, prognostic, risk stratification as well as response to treatment. Underlying mechanisms such as inflammation, stress/strain, myocyte injury, matrix remodelling, oxidative stress, neurohormones involvement, among others, can contribute to the onset of DCM. Different mechanisms will yield different biomarkers. So it would be wise to classify those biomarkers involving in DCM based on their respective pathogenesis. Moreover, most importantly is to be able to make use of the information that biomarker pertains. However, specificity of those biomarkers poses a problem. One way of making these biomarkers clinically useful is to make use of a biomarker modelling score system.
Radiation induced sarcoma of head and neck: A rare entity

Sarcoma are rare in head and neck region and radiation induced sarcoma (RIS) are even rare and poses challenges for diagnosis and proper management. We report a case of 38 year old male who was treated for carcinoma of right lateral border of tongue with surgery and radiotherapy, and presented with rapidly progressing mass in right floor of mouth after 4 years. Biopsy and imaging confirmed the diagnosis of radiation induced sarcoma and was managed with wide local excision of mass with hemimandibulectomy with reconstruction by pectoralis major mayocutaneous flap. Patient completed the follow up of one and half year and doing well. RIS of head and neck is rare entity and demands multidisciplinary involvement of head and neck, neuro, reconstructive surgeons, radiation oncologists and medical oncologists for optimal management. Though it has poor prognosis but properly managed patients will have the good quality of life.