Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of plot and sample sizes on aboveground biomass estimations in plantation forests using very high resolution stereo satellite imagery

Regular biomass estimations for natural and plantation forests are important to support sustainable forestry and to calculate carbon-related statistics. The application of remote sensing data to estimate biomass of forests has been amply demonstrated but there is still space for increasing the efficiency of current approaches. Here, we investigated the influence of field plot and sample sizes on the accuracy of random forest models trained with information derived from Pleiades very high resolution (VHR) stereo images applied to plantation forests in an arid environment. We collected field data at 311 locations with three different plot area sizes (100, 300 and 500 m2). In two experiments, we demonstrate how plot and sample sizes influence the accuracy of biomass estimation models. In the first experiment, we compared model accuracies obtained with varying plot sizes but constant number of samples. In the second experiment, we fixed the total area to be sampled to account for the additional effort to collect large field plots. Our results for the first experiment show that model performance metrics Spearman’s r, RMSErel and RMSEnor improve from 0.61, 0.70 and 0.36 at a sample size of 24–0.79, 0.51 and 0.15 at a sample size of 192, respectively. In the second experiment, highest accuracies were obtained with a plot size of 100 m2 (most samples) with Spearman’s r =0.77, RMSErel =0.59 and RMSEnor =0.15. Results from an analysis of variance type-II suggest that the overall most important factors to explain model performance metrics for our biomass models is sample size. Our results suggest no clear advantage for any plot size to reach accurate biomass estimates using VHR stereo imagery in plantations. This is an important finding, which partly contradicts the suggestions of earlier studies but requires validation for other forest types and remote sensing data types (e.g. LiDAR).
Human IL-2 receptor β mutations associated with defects in immunity and peripheral tolerance

Interleukin-2, which conveys essential signals for effective immunity and immunological tolerance, operates through a heterotrimeric receptor comprised of α, β and γ chains. Genetic deficiency of the α or γ chain causes debilitating disease. Here we identify human interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) β chain (CD122) gene defects as a cause of life-threatening dysregulation of immunity and peripheral tolerance. We report homozygous mutations in the human IL-2Rβ gene from four consanguineous families, comprising either recessive missense mutations in five children or an early stop-gain mutation in two deceased fetuses and a premature neonate. All patients surviving to childhood presented with autoantibodies, hypergammaglobulinemia, bowel inflammation, and dermatological abnormalities, as well as cytomegalovirus disease in most cases. Patient T lymphocytes lacked surface expression of IL-2Rβ and were unable to normally respond to high-dose IL-2 stimulation. By contrast, patient natural killer (NK) cells retained partial IL-2Rβ expression and cytotoxic function. IL-2Rβ loss of function was recapitulated in a recombinant system, in which endoplasmic reticulum sequestration was revealed as the mechanism by which certain missense mutations cause disease. Hematopoietic stem cell transplant resulted in resolution of clinical symptoms in one patient. The hypomorphic nature of this disease highlights the significance of variable IL-2Rβ expression in different lymphocyte subsets as a means of modulating immune function. Insights from these patients can inform the development of IL-2-based therapeutics for immunological diseases and cancer.
Aerobic Glycolysis Pathway Activation by Epstein-Barr Virus Latent Membrane Protein 1 in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Glucose, is a major source of energy to the cell growth and energy production. During tumors formation and cancer cell growth glycolysis significantly increases as well as glucose uptake and therefore increase biosynthesis, in addition to many more metabolic changes. These transformations are known as “Warburg effect” in presence of adequate oxygen (aerobic glycolysis). LMP-1 regulates and promotes glycolysis through many pathways, genes, gene regulators, tumor suppressors, and enzymes such as PI3-K/Akt, Ras, mTOR, HIF‐1α, c-Myc, NF-κB, p53, GSK3beta, FBW7, FGFR1, the M2 splice isoform of pyruvate kinase PKM2, PDHK1, Hexokinase 2 HK2, VHL, and mutations of isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), and fumarate hydratase (FH). The aim of this study is to analyze the most recent articles on how LMP1 can alter the signaling pathways of glycolysis in the nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
The Association between Family Structure Changes and High School Completion in South Africa

Over the past few years, family structures have been dramatically transformed, yet limited research from South Africa has assessed the effect on children’s developmental outcomes. Using data from the National Income Dynamics Study, we aim to contribute to the literature by examining the relationship between family structure disruption and high school completion in South Africa. Our sample consisted of 1649 young people who were aged 12, 13 and 14 in 2008 and their educational attainment was tracked through to 2017. The results from the logistic regression analysis demonstrate that family structure disruption is negatively associated with high school completion. After controlling for variation in household income change, the child’s educational factors and socio-demographic controls, young people who experienced a change from a co-resident family or were in stable non-resident parent family structures were up to 50% less likely to complete high school relative to those from undisrupted co-resident parent family structures. Given that family structure disruption is a widespread phenomenon in South Africa, research should consider it as a key determinant of educational attainment and policymakers should come up with holistic interventions to support families as well as allocate public resources in ways that can help reduce educational inequalities.
Data-driven trajectory tracking of manipulator with event-triggered model updating

In recent years, robot industry has developed rapidly, which has been widely used in industrial production and social life. The control problem of manipulator system with strong nonlinearity has become a hot spot. The difficulty of the trajectory tracking control of the manipulator is that the manipulator system is generally complex, and its dynamic model is very complex, including multiple mutually coupled inputs and outputs, sensor noise, friction in the manipulator and the flexibility of the joint link, which makes the manipulator system highly nonlinear. At the same time, due to some errors in the measurement of some inherent parameters of the manipulator, as well as different interference in the external environment, it is difficult to establish the accurate mathematical model of the manipulator system. In this paper, the Gauss process feedback linearization method based on the updating of the event triggered model is applied to a manipulator system with three degrees of freedom to realize the trajectory tracking control of the manipulator. And for the real-time requirement of trajectory tracking of manipulator, sparse Gaussian process regression is used to solve the problem of large amount of calculation of Gaussian process regression under large data samples.
A framework for business sustainability performance using meta-synthesis

PurposeThe main objective of the current study is to provide a framework for business sustainability performance (BSP) in Iran.Design/methodology/approachTo determine the dimensions, components and indicators of BSP, the use of the meta-synthesis method allows for the achievement of research goals. For measuring the quality of selected literature, Critical Appraisals Skills Program (CASP) is used. The total of selected texts is 181, of which 139 were excluded.FindingsThis research presented a comprehensive conceptual model for BSP, which includes 23 components and 125 reporting indicators in economic category, social, ethical, environmental and corporate governance.Originality/valueAlthough there is an extensive body of literature exploring the nature and extent of sustainability practices in developed countries, empirical studies examining the framework for BSP using meta-synthesis in emerging markets do not exist.
Occurrence of crassulacean acid metabolism in Colombian orchids determined by leaf carbon isotope ratios

Many Orchidaceae, especially those occupying periodically dry, epiphytic microhabitats in the humid tropics, are believed to engage in the water-conserving crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) photosynthetic pathway. However, the photosynthetic pathway has been studied in only c. 5% of all orchid species. Here we extend the survey to 1079 orchid species, mainly from Colombia, by assessing the presence of CAM based on the carbon isotopic signature (δ 13C values) of herbarium specimens. Ninety-six species, representing 8.9% of those analysed, had δ 13C values less negative than −20‰, indicating CAM. Epiphytism was the predominant life form (75.2% of species sampled), and 9.4% of these epiphytes showed a CAM-type isotopic signature. Isotope values suggested CAM in 19 terrestrial orchid species, 14 species from high elevation (2000–3400 m) and species from six genera that were previously unknown to engage in CAM (Jacquiniella, Meiracyllium, Pabstiella, Psychopsis, Pterostemma and Solenidium). We conclude that CAM is the major pathway of carbon acquisition in a small but broadly distributed fraction of tropical orchids and is more prevalent at lower elevations.
\Survey Of Anuran Chytrid (Batrachochytrium Dendrobatidis) In Kansas And The Influence Of Anuran Life History In Occurrence\

Amphibians are one of the most threatened groups of organisms worldwide. Introduction of non-native predators and habitat destruction, degradation, and fragmentation can be attributed to many declines. However, declines in protected areas might be due to the emergence of novel diseases such as ranavirus and chytridiomycosis. Chytridiomycosis has been implicated in the decline of many species world-wide, including the decline of Boreal Toads and Yellow-Legged Frogs in North America. Chytridiomycosis is caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, or “chytrid”. Chytrid has been detected in Colorado, Nebraska, and Oklahoma, and was first reported in two counties in south-central Kansas in 2014. The objectives of my study was to further assess the presence of chytrid throughout the state and assess aspects of anuran life history that might increase the potential for infection with chytrid. In cooperation with Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, surveys were conducted spring 2015– spring 2017 to collect swab samples from anurans in Kansas. I sent samples to Research Associates Lab (Dallas, TX) for analysis by real-time PCR to detect the presence of chytrid in swab samples. Chytrid was detected at six sample locations across six species. I was unable to assess the potential influence of life history due to low frequencies of chytrid occurrence. I suggest continued monitoring of anuran populations to ensure population health into the future.
Promoter CpG methylation status affects ADRP gene expression level and intramuscular fat content in pigs

Abstract Adipose differentiation-related protein (ADRP) is a lipid droplet-associated protein that is expressed early during adipose differentiation. However, the underlying mechanism is still unclear. In this study, the porcine ADRP (pADRP) gene regulatory mechanism and its relationship to intramuscular fat (IMF) content are analysed. We investigated the characteristics of the pADRP gene prompter as well as its transcription level, core promoter and epigenetic modification status using real-time PCR, Dual-luciferase reporter assays and bisulphite sequencing. The results showed that pADRP mRNA expression in Longissimus Dorsi (LD) muscle of the low IMF (LEAN) group was lower than that in the high IMF (FAT) group (p<.01). Maximum promoter activity was found in the −926 bp to −235 bp region. The methylation level of the pADRP of this region (mainly 7th, 10th, 12th CpG sites) in the low IMF group (86.67%) was significantly higher than that in the high IMF group (46.7%) (p<.01). Our result plays an important role in pADRP transcriptional regulation and provides a good prospect for the marbling traits improvement. Highlights pADRP expression differs in divergent IMF content pigs. Promoter region located −929 to −235 bp, and its methylation contributes to gene expression.
Inferring the model and onset of natural selection under varying population size from the site frequency spectrum and haplotype structure

A fundamental question about adaptation in a population is the time of onset of the selective pressure acting on beneficial alleles. Inferring this time, in turn, depends on the selection model. We develop a framework of approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) that enables the use of the full site frequency spectrum and haplotype structure to test the goodness-of-fit of selection models and estimate the timing of selection under varying population size scenarios. We show that our method has sufficient power to distinguish natural selection from neutrality even if relatively old selection increased the frequency of a pre-existing allele from 20% to 50% or from 40% to 80%. Our ABC can accurately estimate the time of onset of selection on a new mutation. However, estimates are prone to bias under the standing variation model, possibly due to the uncertainty in the allele frequency at the onset of selection. We further extend our approach to take advantage of ancient DNA data that provides information on the allele frequency path of the beneficial allele. Applying our ABC, including both modern and ancient human DNA data, to four pigmentation alleles in Europeans, we detected selection on standing variants that occurred after the dispersal from Africa even though models of selection on a new mutation were initially supported for two of these alleles without the ancient data.
Seawater Desalination: A Review of Forward Osmosis Technique, Its Challenges, and Future Prospects

Currently over 845 million people are believed to be living under severe water scarcity, and an estimated 2.8 billion people across the globe are projected to come under serious water scarcity by the year 2025, according to a United Nations (UN) report. Seawater desalination has gained more traction as the solution with the most potential for increasing global freshwater supplies amongst other solutions. However, the economic and energy costs associated with the major desalination technologies are considered intrinsically prohibitive largely due to their humongous energy requirements alongside the requirements of complex equipment and their maintenance in most cases. Whilst forward osmosis (FO) is being touted as a potentially more energy efficient and cost-effective alternative desalination technique, its efficiency is challenged by draw solutes and the draw solutes recovery step in FO applications alongside other challenges. This paper looks at the present situation of global water scarcity, and a brief leap into the major desalination technologies employed. A closer look at the key drivers of FO as a seawater desalination technique in their individual domain and its outlook as an technology are further highlighted.
Biological and genomic characterization of recent African swine fever strains and field validation of surveillance tools

African swine fever (ASF) is a notifiable animal disease with large impact on the pig farming sector and the wild boar population. As of March 2018, ASF is present in the Baltic Member States of the European Union, Poland, Czech Republic, and Romania, and it threatens to spread further towards Germany. Against this background, early warning strategies have to be implemented and possible control measures updated. Since an effective vaccine is lacking, a profound understanding of the pathogenesis and epidemiology is of utmost importance to design suitable control measures, especially for wild boar. While profound data is available for the sylvatic cycle of the disease in Africa, disease dynamics among European wild boar are far from being understood and remain to be elucidated. For this reason, the presented studies targeted the characterization of relevant virus strains and the further validation of suitable alternative sampling tools to generate diagnostic data. It was already known, that dry-swabs are suitable for pathogen and antibody detection of Classical and African swine fever but the applicability on field samples of poor quality and the combination with point-of-care test systems needed to be assessed. It could be shown, that dry-swabs minimize the risk of contamination and allow still decent diagnostic results without the need of a cooling device during transport and storage. This simple tool could encourage hunters and foresters to intensify the sampling of fallen wild boar which is urgently required for early disease detection. Furthermore, an Estonian field strain has been characterized in detail. Four animal trials including wild boar and different domestic pig breeds have been carried out for biological characterization. Rather variable disease courses with lethalities ranging from 0% (domestic pigs) to 100% (wild boar) have been observed. Full-genome sequencing revealed a large-scale mutation (14 kilo base pairs) in the re-isolated strain and screening of field samples demonstrated a locally and temporally limited circulation of the strain in north-eastern Estonia. In addition, a long-term animal trial provided data on the controversially discussed role of persistently or chronically infected survivor pigs acting as potential carriers. It could be shown, that swine surviving the acute phase of the disease, can recover completely and eliminate the virus. Under the experimental conditions no transmission to sentinel pigs, commingled 99 days after the inoculation was observed. This data contributed to the deeper understanding of the epidemiological behavior of ASF and could help to optimize disease control.
Effect of Vachellia erioloba and Dichrostachys cinerea pod supplementation on performance of does and kids of Namibian Caprivi and Ovambo indigenous goats

An on-station feeding trial was conducted to determine the effects of Vachellia erioloba (VE) and Dichrostachys cinerea (DC) pod supplementation on intake, doe weight changes and growth of kids. Forty-two indigenous lactating does with average weight of 35 ± 0.5 kg from Parities 2 to 4 and grouped by ecotype (Caprivi and Ovambo) were allocated to a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement of treatments in a randomized complete block design with six does per treatment. The main factors were two pod types (VE, DC) at three feeding levels (20%, 40%, 60%), benchmarked against positive control (commercial feed (COM)) resulting in seven treatment diets. Phosphate salt lick and water were available ad libitum. Data were analysed as repeated measures using Proc Mixed (SAS, 2008). Voluntary feed intake (VFI) increased steadily for all treatments, peaking at about Week 5, followed by a drop, and then gradual stabilization in Weeks 7 to 12. Intake of does dropped drastically with VE60 and DC60 diets. Does in Parity 3 had significantly higher VFI than those in Parity 2, but there were no differences with Parity 4 does. Does in Parities 3 and 4 were significantly heavier than those in Parity 2. Doe weights declined from Week 1 to Week 8 and then increased gradually. Male kids were heavier than female kids (13.3 ± 0.2 vs. 10.5 ± 0.1 kg). The regression of kid weights on age (days) was 0.030 ± 0.012. Kids from does in Parities 3 and 4 had significantly higher weights than those from does in Parity 2. Single kids were heavier than twins (13.3 ± 0.2 vs.10.5 ± 0.1 kg). Kid weights from does supplemented with DC20 were similar to those receiving COM, VE20 and VE40, but kid weights of does supplemented with VE60, DC40 and DC60 were inferior to other treatments. Supplementing lactating goats with pod-based diets, particularly V. erioloba at 40%, may lead to increased VFI, reduced bodyweight loss in does and increased kid pre-weaning weights. Keywords: Lactating does, pod-based diets, voluntary feed intake, doe weights, pre-weaning weights of kids
Can we stop the stroke tsunami? Mitigating the barriers, amplifying the facilitators

ABSTRACT In this narrative review article, by critically appraising the Global Burden of Disease 1990–2017 data on stroke and currently used primary stroke prevention strategies, we show that the global burden of stroke will continue to rise unless new primary stroke and cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention strategies are urgently implemented. We provide an overview of the advantages and disadvantagesof population-wide and high CVD risk prevention strategies and mobile technologies available for stroke and CVD prevention on individual and population levels. Our recent NZ pilot RCT demonstrated the feasibility, consumer acceptability, motivational value and a clinically important, albeit statistically non-significant, behaviour change, improvement in diet, and awareness of stroke symptoms. We also identify and discuss causes for failure in the currently used primary stroke and CVD prevention strategies and emphasise the importance of complementary use of population-wide and elevated CVD risk strategies (including polypill interventions with blood pressure and lipid-lowering off-patent medications in middle-aged adults with elevated CVD risk) with motivational population-wide strategy to manage lifestyle and behavioural risk factors regardless of the level of stroke risk. The best mix of population-wide and elevated CVD risk-targeted strategiesfor primary stroke and CVD prevention remains to be determined.
Marigold: From Mandap to Medicine and from Ornamentation to Remediation

Importance of medicinal plants to health care has been great and herbal preparations are being produced at industrial scale particularly in developing countries. The plant products obtained have a long history of use in therapeutics, aromatherapy and food depending on the chemical constituents and their bioactivity. In the recent past, marigolds have received a great attention in scientific research, because of their multiple use and also the information available about their phytochemistry and bioactivity. Tagetes species commonly known as marigold is native to Mexico, being used for medicinal and ornamental purposes. The plant is useful due to its unique phytoconstituents for a range of diseases and disorders and is reportedly effective against piles, kidney troubles, muscular pain, ulcers and wound healing and the flowers are helpful in fever, stomach and liver complaints and also in eye diseases. In India, marigold is also extensively used on religious and social occasions such as in the beautification of mandaps and pooja places; offerings at temples; marriage decorations and landscape planning due to variable size and colour of its flower. Present review is an effort to bring together the different strategies developed for the growth and cultivation of marigold, its ecophysiological and remediation relevance under a variety of environmental conditions and possible allelopathic potential. It includes reports on pharmacological aspects like antibacterial, antifungal, larvicidal, hepatoprotective, insecticidal, mosquitocidal, nematicidal, wound healing, antioxidant, anticancer and antidiabetic properties/activity of Tagetes.