Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimising forest stand management in Galicia, north-western Spain

The present thesis aims at developing instructions for the optimal management of pine stands in Galicia in order to maximise the economic profitability of these stands. Galicia is a Spanish region characterised by the high productivity of its forests, Pinus pinaster, Pinus radiata and Pinus sylvestris being Galicia’s most important conifers. Analytical methods have not been effectively applied in Galician forest management. The main objective of the present thesis was to develop management tools that ease the management in Galician pine stands, thus enhancing the profitability of forestry. Employing stand growth and yield models in combination with an optimisation algorithm, models for the optimal management of pine stands were developed. Since optimal management is sensitive to market conditions, timber price and discounting rate were used as predictors in the models (studies I-III) in addition to other predictors such as site index and planting density. The main challenge for the development of Galician pine stands is the constant presence of forest fires that complicate both management and economic analyses. High risk of fire makes it necessary to include fire risk considerations in the analyses when developing instructions for the optimal management. Fire risk was characterised and analysed as an exogenous (study II) or endogenous (studies III-IV) factor, observing that the manner in which fire risk is characterised affects the conclusions about optimal forest management. Another novelty of this thesis was the analysis of silvopastoral systems as an alternative to mere timberoriented schedules under conditions of high fire risk (study IV). The results (studies I-IV) showed that optimal management was highly sensitive to market and fire risk conditions, an increase in both discounting rate and fire risk shortening rotation optimal lengths. The models for optimal management developed in the thesis allow great flexibility for adapting the instructions to every possible economic and risk situation. Study IV showed that grazing in the forest improved profitability.
Very long-chain fatty acids support synaptic structure and function in the mammalian retina

Elongation of Very Long chain fatty acids-like 4 (ELOVL4) is a fatty acid elongase responsible for the biosynthesis of very long chain (VLC; ≥ C26) fatty acids in the retina, brain, skin, Meibomian gland, and testes. Heterozygous inheritance of mutant ELOVL4 causes juvenile macular degeneration in autosomal dominant Stargardt-like macular dystrophy (STGD3). Retinal photoreceptors are enriched with VLC polyunsaturated fatty acids (VLC-PUFAs), which have been shown by our group and others to be necessary for the survival of rod photoreceptors. Our group performed a series of studies using mice conditionally depleted of retinal Elovl4 (KO) aimed at understanding the role of VLC-PUFAs in long-term retinal health and function, focusing on the role of these fatty acids in mediating synaptic function between the photoreceptors and the rest of the neural retina. The absence of VLC-PUFA from the retina of KO mice resulted in a marked decrease in retinal b-wave responses of the electroretinogram as well as a decrease in the amplitude of the oscillatory potentials mediated by the neural retina. Although there were no measureable differences between KO and wild type (WT) mice in either pre-synaptic rod calcium channel function or post-synaptic bipolar cell glutamate receptor responses, ultrastructural analysis revealed a marked decrease in the diameter of synaptic vesicles in rod terminals. Recent quantification suggests that this decrease in synaptic vesicle size due to the absence of VLC-PUFAs in KO mice, and the consequent decrease in glutamate content, could account for the decrease in b-wave response amplitudes that were previously measured in these animals.
College of Engineering A Low-Power Interface Design for Intelligent Sensor Nodes Utilized in Wireless Sensor Networks

A Low-Power Interface Design for Intelligent Sensor Nodes utilized in Wireless Sensor Networks This thesis describes a means for performing complex event detection at a single sensor node of a wireless sensor network (WSN) by interfacing a low-power mixed signal Programmable System on Chip (PSoC) to a MICA2 wireless sensor node. The proposed system helps to reduce the overall power consumption of the node, by lending it the advance computational capability to process a significant amount of data at the node rather than transmitting it. This allows the node to "intelligently" monitor a signal for impending events instead of transmitting the "raw" signal to the base constantly. Previous work by others has indicated that lowering the transmission data rate lowers the high cost of transmission power [41], [42] in a node thereby lengthening the node life and, ultimately, increasing the reliability of the network [43]. This work implements a threshold technique which controls the data transmission rate depending on the value of the monitored signal and a cardiac monitoring system that performs complex computations at the node for the detection of either a skipped heart beat or a reduced Heart Rate Variability (HRV) whereupon the relevant unprocessed signal is transmitted to the base station for direct observation. A performance analysis of the system demonstrates that there is a reduction in the power consumption of the overall sensor node and a significant reduction in data transmission rate which also results in a reduction of the overall network traffic and congestion.
Statistical spherical wavelet moments for Content-based 3D model retrieval

The description of 3D shapes with features that are invariant under similarity transformations is one of the challenging issues in content-based 3D model retrieval. In this paper we show that shape sampling affects significantly the rotation invariance of existing shape descriptors. Then we propose a new parameterization method that samples uniformly the shape which is then fed to a spherical wavelet analyzer to extract discriminative features. We introduce new shape descriptors based on higher order statistical moments of the sphericalwavelet sub-bands of the spherical shape function. The proposed descriptors are compact and invariant under similarity transformations.We demonstrate their efficiency, using the Princeton Shape Benchmark, regarding the computational aspects and retrieval performance.
Carbonic-calcium system, nutrients and total organic nitrogen in continental runoff to the Galician RÌas Baixas, NW Spain

RÉSUMÉ Fiz F. PÉREZ, Xosé Anton ALVAREZ-SALGADO, Gabriel ROSON, Aida F.RIOS Consejo Superior de Investigacions Cientificas, Instituto de Investigaci6ns Marinas, Eduardo Cabello, 6, 36208 Vigo, Spain. Received 6/02/92, in revised form 12/08/92, accepted 17/10/92. Biogenic element levels in continental runoff and their behaviour during estuarine mixing are studied in the Galician Rias Baixas for the upwelling season (May-October). Alkalinity, calcium, both with average concentrations of about 350 J.Lmol. kg-1, and reactive silica, with 105 J.Lmol. kg-1, show near conservative distributions along the estuarine side of the rias. A good agreement was found between values obtained by direct measurement in the river and those calculated by extrapolation to zero salinity from the mixing diagranis. On the other band, . nitrate (10~40 J.Lmol.kg-1) and mainly phosphate (1 J.Lmol.kg1) are strongly . affected by the biological activity of benthic algae during estuarine mixing. TON and ammonium in the innermost parts of the Rfa de Arousa are also determined. The levels and time variations of these variables are very similar between stations with different water bodies. They show a tendency to increase in time during summer (from 20 to 50 J.Lmol.kg-1 for TON and from 15 to 25 J.Lmol.kg-1 for NH4 +) independent of the water body present in the co luron. ~. "~ . Oceanologica Acta, 1992. 15~ 6, 595-602.
Estimating DSGE-Model-Consistent Trends for Use in Forecasting

The workhorse DSGE model used for monetary policy evaluation is designed to capture business cycle fluctuations in an optimization-based format. It is commonplace to loglinearize models and express them with variables in deviation-from-steady-state format. Structural parameters are either calibrated, or estimated using data pre-filtered to extract trends. Such procedures treat past and future trends as fully known by all economic agents or, at least, as independent of cyclical behaviour. With such a setup, in a forecasting environment it seems natural to add forecasts from DSGE models to trend forecasts. While this may be an intuitive starting point, efficiency can be improved in multiple dimensions. Ideally, behaviour of trends and cycles should be jointly modeled. However, for computational reasons it may not be feasible to do so, particularly with medium- or large-scale models. Nevertheless, marginal improvements on the standard framework can still be made. First, pre-filtering of data can be amended to incorporate structural links between the various trends that are implied by the economic theory on which the model is based, improving the efficiency of trend estimates. Second, forecast efficiency can be improved by building a forecast model for model-consistent trends. Third, decomposition of shocks into permanent and transitory components can be endogenized to also be model-consistent. This paper proposes a unified framework for introducing these improvements. Application of the methodology validates the existence of considerable deviations between trends used for detrending data prior to structural parameter estimation and model-consistent estimates of trends, implying the potential for efficiency gains in forecasting. Such deviations also provide information on aspects of the model that are least coherent with the data, possibly indicating model misspecification. Additionally, the framework provides a structure for examining cyclical responses to trend shocks, among other extensions.
Matrix norms and their sensitivity to noise a computational study

Most of the objective (cost) functions in optimization techniques utilize norms especially when dealing with signals, vectors, or matrices. In this work, three norms were studied, namely matrix One norm, Infinity norm, and Frobenius (Euclidean or Two) norm. The effect of noise on these matrix norms was studied with the aid of a generalized eigen equation. Basic analysis of the effect of noise on matrix norms is provided, which is also complimented with a computer simulated results. It turns out that the Frobenius norm is the least sensitive norm to noise.
Gall-forming insect attack patterns: a test of the Plant Vigor and the Resource Concentration Hypotheses

We tested the following two hypotheses to investigate the attack patterns by gall-inducing insects on their host plant Eriotheca pubescens: (i) vigorous modules are more often attacked by galling insects; and (ii) E. pubescens trees associated with a higher density of co-specific individuals have a higher gall abundance. We collected terminal branches from the host plant to measure their module lengths and gall richness and abundance and determined the E. pubescens densities in a 5m radius around the focal individual. There was a higher availability of short branches. Among the four gall morphotypes, two preferred the higher branches, and the other two morphotypes had no shoot length preference. Gall attack did not present a relationship with the host plant density. Thus, the vigor of E. pubescens was a determining factor only for some gall morphotypes. In contrast, the resource concentration hypothesis was not important at an intraspecific level for gall attack in this system.
The angular two-point correlation of NVSS galaxies revisited

We measure the angular two-point correlation and angular power spectrum from the NRAO VLA Sky Survey (NVSS) of radio galaxies. They are found to be consistent with the best-fit cosmological model from the Planck analysis, and with the redshift distribution obtained from the Combined EIS-NVSS Survey Of Radio Sources (CENSORS). Our analysis is based on an optimal estimation of the two-point correlation function and makes use of a new mask, that takes into account direction dependent effects of the observations, sidelobe effects of bright sources and galactic foreground. We also set a flux threshold and take the cosmic radio dipole into account. The latter turns out to be an essential step in the analysis. This improved cosmological analysis of the NVSS emphasizes the importance of a flux calibration that is robust and stable on large angular scales for future radio continuum surveys.
PREFORMULATION STUDY OF POLOXAMER 407 GELS: EFFECT OF ADDITIVES

Objective: Present work was aimed to observe effect of additives normally used in thermoreversible gel formulation. As, the formulation is temperature sensitive, it seems gelling is likely be additives dependent. Thermoreversible gels for nasal administration of sumatriptan succinate were prepared to improve bioavailability and patient compliance. Methods: In this, effect of concentrations of various additives on that is enthalpy of gelation and enthalpy of gel melting were observed. These include poloxamer 407 (thermoreversible polymer), sorbitol (osmotic agent), carbopol 934 P (mucoadhesive agent), benzalkonium chloride (preservative) and sumatriptan succinate. Aqueous gels containing poloxamer 407 (16%, 18%, 20%, 22%, 24% w/w) were prepared. Gels of all above additives were prepared separately by cold method with a concentration of sorbitol (0.5 M, 1M, 1.5M), carbopol 934 P (0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, 1% w/w), sodium chloride (0.45%, 0.90 %, 1.5% w/w) benzalkonium chloride (0.02, 0.04, 0.06% w/w) and sumatriptan succinate 25mg/100 g. Results: For plain poloxamer gels, as T1 decreases and T2 increases with increase in poloxamer 407 concentrations, enthalpy of gelation was reduced and enthalpy of gel melting increased. Decrease in T1 and T2 was found with sorbitol and extent of decrease in T2 was significant. Carbopol 934 P and sodium chloride was shown to decrease T1 and T2 with increase in their concentration. No effect of benzalkonium chloride and sumatriptan succinate was observed on T1 and T2. Conclusion: There are considerable thermodynamic effects of additives on thermoreversible gelation. It is essential to consider this in formulation development of thermoreversible gel.
Low Power Passive Photovoltaic System Development to Assist Inconvenient Grid Connection Locations

Sun radiation is known as one of the cleanest energy available and free maintenance on the earth to support the extensive demand for electrical power requirement for large and small scale. This energy is known as most promising renewable energy available during the whole year. This fact has shown a very strong interest among the researchers, industries and consumers to develop technology and system that can harvest solar energy to electrical energy. A lot of researches have been done to explore the capability of sun as natural energy source which is capable to provide huge alternative support to the increasing demand of electrical power in society. All the research findings have been adaptively combined to design, develop and structure as a reliable finished product for end users implementation. The fast improving research in photovoltaic application has proven that photovoltaic renewable energy is considered as one of the most promising source to support the increasing demand in electrical utilization. Advantages implementing the photovoltaic technology will benefit during the fuel price increment and be insufficient of the non-renewable energy to support the increasing demand from the society. Looking into this factor, many industries have developed the electrical photovoltaic system in large, medium and small scale for implementation. Electricity is becoming an essential requirement because of the increasing demand for electrical power from the society. Due to the increasing demand for electrical power, many researches are conducted to support the conventional way of generating electricity. This research has explored many other available abundant renewable energy resources such as solar, wind and thermal which are largely available to support the increasing demand. In this research, researchers discovered that the solar energy is the main contributor to support the increasing demand for electricity. The research outcome has helped the industries to develop solar power photovoltaic systems. This paper discusses the approaches to design and develop a real-time 500 Watt DC to AC Solar Power System. The system capability to store the harvested energy is discussed in this paper.
DATA FUSION TECHNOLOGY OF MULTI-PLATFORM EARTH OBSERVATION ON AGRICULTURE

Abstract. Earth observation is the gathering of information via remote sensing technologies supplemented by earth surveying techniques, encompassing the collection, analysis and presentation of data. Remote sensing technology is playing a key role on precision agriculture. From the point of view of remote sensing and photogrammetry field, this article first took an overview of its applications on agriculture throughout past 3 decades, analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of different kinds of remote sensing when applied on agriculture respectively, and then discussed the solution on different platform based remote sensing image and data fusion. Finally, the paper summarizes potential trends tending to broaden the precision agriculture application of remote sensing data fusion.
The Effect of Agroforestry ( Leucaena leucocephala ) Tree Pruning ’ s in Priming Media as a Nutrient Source in Early Crop Establishment for Maize ( Zea mays ) in Zimbabwe * 1

DOI: 10.15580/GJAS.2013. 11.102313921 Maize crop establishment is a major problem in smallholder farming. A field experiment was carried out in Hurungwe district (Zimbabwe) in the 2011/12 growing season to determine the role of agroforestry tree pruning's (Leucaena leucocephala) in priming media for crop establishment. In the experiment, concentrations of 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200g l were used in varying seed with soaking periods of 16, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours in priming media. The results showed that percentage germination, radicle length and the germination time were significantly (p<0.05) affected by soaking period and pruning concentrations. Shoot dry mass of maize was not significantly affected (p<0.05) by pruning concentration and soaking period. Results suggest that the optimum concentration of pruning required for initiation of above ground plant growth falls within the 100-150g l range. Furthermore, increase in concentration resulted in progressive decline in the germination rate. Soaking seeds for 24 hours at 100g l improved the crop establishment. Smallholder farmers can utilize a pruning concentration of 100g l for 24 hours to enhance nutrient availability to the seed. In addition, use of the amended priming media is encouraged to enhance early crop germination and offset the effect of inherent soil acidity and infertility that characterize most parts of the country. Submitted: 23/10/2013 Accepted: 22/11/2013 Published: 29/11/2013
Influence Research of Urban Poverty in Transition Period Market Process

Poverty is the key issue to be discovered in economy, sociology, anthropology and etc. In china, with the increasing developments in economy and the process of marketing, the poverty in urban has become more and more obviously. However, there are rare references concerns about the relationships between them. In this paper, the unemployment rate of urban population index indicates the extent of urban povertyandthe market index constructed by Fan Gang, who represents the degree of market process. The panel data was collected in 30 different provinces in China from the year of 1997 to 2009. After researching the market process which affect the poverty in urban, there is an inverted “U” relationship between the poverty in urban and process of marketing in china. At last, some policies suggestion was raised to solve relevant problems in the issue of poverty in urban. KeywordsUrban Poverty; Marketing Process; Inverted “U”
Internal Proper Motions of Methanol Masers at 6.7GHz in Massive Star-Forming Region Onsala 1

We present the internal proper motions of 6.7 GHz methanol masers in a massive star-forming region, Onsala 1 (ON 1), measured using the Japanese very long baseline interferometry network (JVN) at three epochs spanning 778 days. The methanol masers were clearly distinct from water masers. The methanol masers surrounded an ultracompact (UC) H II region, and their distribution was similar to that of hydroxyl masers. The internal motions of the methanol masers were clearly detected; they show outward motions in roughly the north–south direction with a relative velocity of � 5k m s � 1 . Their motion is similar to that of hydroxyl masers, which showed expansion at � 5k m s � 1 , and these two types of masers seem to trace the expanding UC H II region. Another possibility is that the methanol masers are associated with a molecular outflow observed by H 13 CO + and SiO lines, because the direction and velocity of the methanol masers were similar to those of the molecular lines. Regarding the relative phases of water and methanol masers in the evolutionary stage of massive young stellar objects, we found that the former was earlier than the latter in ON 1 by comparing the sites associated with the masers. The water masers were associated with dust emission at submillimeter wavelengths, whereas the methanol masers were associated with an UC H II region at centimeter wavelengths, which appears at a later evolutionary phase than the dust core.
SOME EFFECTS OF SHADE ON HEREFORD STEERS IN A FEEDLOT

SUMMARY The comparative performance and meat quality of Hereford steers in unshaded and shaded yards were studied in a Queensland feedlot from November 1993 to February 1994. The provision of shade gave no significant (P>O.O5) advantage in liveweight gain (17 1.6 v. 162.2 kg), feed intake (1.12 v. 1.07 t), feed conversion efficiency (0.153 v. 0.152 kg gain/kg feed intake), carcase weight (282.7 v. 277.7 kg), dressing percentage (53.4 v. 53.4%), P8 rump fat (16.3 v. 14.7 mm), fat content (9.0 v. 7.7%), eye muscle area, fat colour, meat colour, marbling score, sarcomere length, ultimate pH and tenderness compared to the unshaded group. A significant (PcO.05) relationship was found between rectal temperature and air temperature. Although the slopes of the regressions were the same in the relationship of rectal temperature against air temperature for treatments, the unshaded steers had a significantly (PcO.05) higher rectal temperature than shaded steers for any particular air temperature recording. Similar relationships were found for respiration rate. Unshaded steers displayed a higher incidence of open mouth breathing than shaded steers and were seen to exhibit behaviour intended to reduce heat loads. At 1400 hours steers had a mean shade use rate of 9 1%. The major implications for industry are that, while shade has little overall effect on production and meat quality, it will markedly improve the thermal status of British breed feedlot cattle during the hot summer