Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Species richness of alien plants in South Africa: Environmental correlates and the relationship with indigenous plant species richness

ABSTRACT This study explores the correlates of alien plant species richness in South Africa at the scale of quarter-degree squares (QDS; ≈ 25 × 27 km; 675 km2). We considered all alien plant species for which we had records and a subset of these – those that invade natural and semi-natural vegetation. The main source of data for species richness of indigenous and alien plant species was a national database based on herbarium specimens. For invasive alien species, data were from a national atlassing project. First, we explored the importance of energy availability and habitat heterogeneity as correlates of indigenous, alien, and invasive alien plant species richness. Linear regression models showed that species richness in the three groups of plants was explained by the same variables: a principal component of climatic factors and topographic roughness were the top-ranking variables for all groups. Next, we examined the role of indigenous species richness together with a range of environmental and human-activity variables in explaining species richness of alien and invasive alien plants. Results reveal an interplay of natural features and variables that quantify the dimension of human activities. If indigenous species richness is ignored, human-activity variables are more strongly correlated with alien species richness than with invasive alien species richness. Numbers of alien and invasive species in QDSs are significantly correlated with indigenous plant species richness in the 1,597 QDSs selected for analysis, a pattern consistent with findings from other parts of the world. Analysis of residuals between observed and predicted values showed that patterns differed between biomes. The results are useful for planning long-term intervention policy at the national scale; they suggest that areas with rich native biodiversity will face a sustained onslaught from invasive alien species and that ongoing management actions will be required to reduce and mitigate impacts from biological invasions in these areas.
Where Do Rewards Come From ? 1

Reinforcement learning (RL) has achieved broad and successful application in cognitive science in part because of its general formulation of the adaptive control problem as the maximization of a scalar reward function. The computational RL framework is motivated by correspondences to animal reward processes, but it leaves the source and nature of the rewards unspecified. This paper advances a general computational framework for reward that places it in an evolutionary context, formulating a notion of an optimal reward function given a fitness function and some distribution of environments. Novel results from computational experiments show how traditional notions of extrinsically and intrinsically motivated behaviors may emerge from such optimal reward functions. In the experiments these rewards are discovered through automated search rather than crafted by hand. The precise form of the optimal reward functions need not bear a direct relationship to the fitness function, but may nonetheless confer significant advantages over rewards based only on fitness.
Whole-body Dixon for skeletal muscle fat fraction quantification in neuromuscular disorders

Figure 2: T1 weighted, second echo of VIBE sequence and fat fraction map of the patient’s calf (GM: medial head of gastrocnemius, GL: lateral head of the gastrocnemius, S: soleus muscle, P: peroneus muscle, AE: anterior extensor muscles) 5670 Whole-body Dixon for skeletal muscle fat fraction quantification in neuromuscular disorders Benjamin Marty, Pierre-Yves Baudin, Benjamin Robert, Alexey Shukelovich, Robert-Yves Carlier, Noura Azzabou, and Pierre G Carlier AIM-CEA Institut de Myologie, Laboratoire RMN, Paris, France, Siemens Healthcare, Saint-Denis, France, AP-HP Hôpital Universitaire Raymond-Poincaré, Garches, France
Layer potential techniques in spectral analysis. Part I: Complete asymptotic expansions for eigenvalues of the Laplacian in domains with small inclusions

We provide a rigorous derivation of new complete asymptotic expansions for eigenvalues of the Laplacian in domains with small inclusions. The inclusions, somewhat apart from or nearly touching the boundary, are of arbitrary shape and arbitrary conductivity contrast vis-a-vis the background domain, with the limiting perfectly conducting inclusion. By integral equations, we reduce this problem to the study of the characteristic values of integral operators in the complex plane. Powerful techniques from the theory of meromorphic operator-valued functions and careful asymptotic analysis of integral kernels are combined for deriving complete asymptotic expansions for eigenvalues. Our asymptotic formulae in this paper may be expected to lead to efficient algorithms not only for solving shape optimization problems for Laplacian eigenvalues but also for determining specific internal features of an object based on scattering data measurements.
AMELIORATIVE EFFECTS OF PROGESTERONE ON PREFRONTAL CORTEX PLAQUES AND NEUROFIBRILLARY TANGLES ASSOCIATED WITH STREPTOZOTOCIN-INDUCED DIABETIC RATS BRAIN

Progesterone, secreted and synthesized by nerve tissues has been implicated in brain functions, such as its neuroprotective and regenerative potentials on the damaged neurons. This study seeks to evaluate the therapeutic potentials of progesterone on the microanatomy of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats’ brain. Forty eight (48) male Wistar rats with an average weight of 225g±5 was used for a duration of 16 weeks. The rats were divided into 6 groups comprising of 8 rats each. To induce diabetes; 30 mg/kg body weight of Streptozotocin was injected intraperitoneally along with an oil vehicle of 0.1ml of citrate buffer solution at pH of 4.5. Groups A served as the control, received 1ml of distilled water, group B received 4 mg/kg/body weight/day of progesterone injection intraperitoneally, group C received 8 mg/kg/body weight/day of progesterone injection intraperitoneally, group D recieved double doses of 30 mg/kg body weight/day of Streptozotocin intraperitoneally, group E received double doses of 30 mg/kg body weight/day of Streptozotocin and 4 mg/kg/body weight/day of progesterone injection intraperitoneally and group F received double doses of 30 mg/kg body weight/day of Streptozotocin and 4 mg/kg/body weight/day of progesterone injection intraperitoneally. Blood glucose levels and histological studies of the Prefrontal cortex of the rats brain was analyzed. Increase in consumption of food, water, and glucose levels was observed in the diabetic animals when compared with control. Body weight decreased in the diabetic animals when compared with control while histological analysis in group D showed the presence of plaques and multiple neurofibrillary tangles in the polymorphic, pyramidal and molecular layers of the cortex while a dose dependent signicant decrease (P<0.05) in neurofibilliary tangles and plaques was observed in groups E and F after exposure to progesterone injection compared with control. Conclusively, this further highlights the ameliorative effects of progesterone injection on the prefrontal cortex of streptozotocin induced diabetic rat brain.
L-PRF with Allograft in the Treatment of Intrabony Defect

Background: The most positive outcome of periodontal regenerative procedures in intra bony defect has been achieved with bone grafts. For complete regeneration, delivery of growth factors in a local environment holds a great deal in adjunct to bone grafts. Platelet rich fibrin (PRF) is considered as second generation platelet concentrate, consisting of viable platelets, releasing various growth factors. Leukocyteand plateletrich fibrin (L-PRF) is a fibrin matrix in which the platelet cytokines, growth factors and cells are trapped and this material has been recruited in reconstruction of various defect. The present case report aims to investigate the effectiveness of autologous PRF along with the use of allograft in the treatment of intra bony defect by comparing clinical and radiographical outcome obtained by combination of PRF and allograft.
Aeromechanics of Membrane Wings with Implications for Animal Flight ArnoldSong, ∗ XiaodongTian, † EmilyIsraeli, ‡ RicardoGalvao, § KristinBishop, ¶ SharonSwartz, ∗∗

5. The lift and drag coefficients were measured for wings of varying aspect ratio, compliancy, and prestrain values. In addition, the static and dynamic deformations of compliant membrane wings were measured using stereo photogrammetry. A theoretical model for membrane camber due to aerodynamic loading is presented, indicating that the appropriate nondimensional parameter describing the problem is a Weber number that compares the aerodynamic load to the membrane elasticity. Excellent agreement between the theory and experiments is found. Measurements of aerodynamic performance show that, in comparison with rigid wings, compliant wings have a higher lift slope, maximum lift coefficients, and a delayed stall to higher angles of attack. In addition, they exhibit a strong hysteresis botharoundazeroangleofattackaswellasaroundthestallangle.Unsteadymembranemotionswerealsomeasured, anditisobservedthatthe membranevibrateswithaspatialstructure thatisclosely relatedto thefreeeigenmodesof themembraneundertensionandthattheStrouhalnumberatwhichthemembranevibratesriseswiththefreestream velocity, coinciding with increasing multiples of the natural frequency of the membrane.
A phenology‐based reconstruction of interannual changes in past spring seasons

[1] Plant phenological observations are accurately dated information of seasonal vegetation variability in midlatitude climates. In order to extend phenological records into the past and assess climate impacts on vegetation on long timescales, there is a need to make use of historical observations of plant phenology. Here we present a continuous, annually resolved reconstruction of a statistical ‘Spring plant’ defined as the weighted mean for the flowering of cherry and apple tree and budburst beech from plant phenological observations across a range of sites in Switzerland from 1702 to 2005. The reconstruction indicates a statistical reconstruction uncertainty (±3.4 days) at interannual timescale. The earliest and the latest year were observed in 1961 (14 April) and 1879 (13 May), respectively. In the context of the last 300 years, the recent three decades do not show a preponderance of very early years as expected from increased spring temperatures. Most of the years in the period after 1990, however, are earlier than the reconstruction mean (27 April). The 1940s, 1910s, 1890s and the early 18th century are periods with similarly early starts of spring season in comparison with the recent decades. Moving linear trend analysis shows unprecedented agreement towards earlier spring onsets in observed and temperature-based, reconstructed plant phenological records in the late 20th/early 21st century. Our reconstructed ‘Spring plant’ provides long-term evidence of vegetation variability for comparisons with temperature measurement and other spring onset indicators such as snow melt. The multicentennial long record offers a high potential for applications in long-term climate impact studies and vegetation model validations.
Toward a unified hydrous olivine electrical conductivity law

It has long been proposed that water incorporation in olivine has dramatic effects on the upper mantle properties, affecting large‐scale geodynamics, and triggering high electrical conductivity. But the laboratory‐based laws of olivine electrical conductivity predict contrasting effects of water, precluding the interpretation of geophysical data in term of mantle hydration. We review the experimental measurements of hydrous olivine conductivity and conclude that most of data are consistent when errors in samples water contents are considered. We report a new law calibrated on the largest database of measurements on hydrous olivine oriented single crystals and polycrystals. It fits most of measurements within uncertainties, and is compatible with most of geophysical data within petrological constraints on mantle olivine hydration. The conductivity anisotropy of hydrous olivine might be higher than dry olivine, but preferential orientation should produce moderate anisotropy (∼0–0.8 log unit). In the oceanic mantle, the enhancement of olivine conductivity is limited to ∼1 log unit in the maximum range of mantle olivine water concentrations (0–500 wt ppm). Strongest enhancements are expected in colder regions, like cratonic lithospheres and subduction settings. High conductivities in melt‐free mantle require great depths and high water concentrations in olivine (>0.1 S/m at >250 km and >200 wt ppm). Thus, the hydration of olivine appears unlikely to produce the highest conductivities of the upper mantle.
THE POSSIBLE CAUSES OF TAX EVASION IN ROMANIA

Only a thorough and systematic analysis of mechanisms escapist phenomenon may lead to the choice of methods, techniques and measures capable of predictable and combat tax evasion. What causes that generate tax evasion phenomenon? and What are the possibilities to combat tax evasion? Here are two questions dependecy. If the answer to first question is complete and relevant, response is obtained for the second question, because it can be discovered ways to combat and eradicate the phenomenon escapist. Through this article, we will try to enumerate the possible causes of tax evasion in Romania, while specifying the possible solutions for their elimination. Key-Words: causes of tax evasion, tax legislation, misunderstanding, high tax pressure, ineffective and inefficient, fiscal control, tax education
A Novel Magnetic pH-sensitive N-Succinyl Chitosan / Alginate Hydrogel Bead for 5-Fluorouracil Delivery

Article history: Received on 22 January 2014 Modified on 20 February 2014 Accepted on 25 February 2014 In this study, a novel magnetic pH-sensitive N-succinyl chitosan/alginate hydrogel bead was prepared by the single factors test design for controlled the delivery of 5Fluorouracil (5-FU) and the bead was evaluated for pH sensitivity due to the drug release characteristics. The structure and surface morphology of the bead were characterized by FTIR, SEM, and VSM. The effects of six different factors influencing the swelling ability of the hydrogel bead were also investigated, such as the weight ratio of N-succinyl chitosan and alginate (X1), the weight ratio of drug to polymer (X2), CaCl2 concentration (X3) ,the volume ratio of N-succinyl chitosan/alginate to CaCl2 (X4), crosslinking time (X5), the weight ratio of Fe3O4 to polymer (X6). In addition, the delivery behavior of 5-FU from the hydrogel bead was studied. The amount of 5-FU released from the hydrogel bead at pH 1.5 was relatively low (47.93%), while this value approached 93.91% at pH 6.8. The results clearly suggested that the N-succinyl chitosan/alginate beads had pH-dependent swelling behaviors and a continuous release of 5-FU. From the magnetometer measurements data, the beads also had super paramagnetic property as well as fast magnetic response. So the magnetic pH-sensitive beads may be a potential polymeric carrier for drug delivery in the intestinal tract.
Pascal Matrices and Restricted Words

In previous papers we examined two functions fm and cm, related to the enumeration of restricted words over a finite alphabet. The definitions of these functions depend on an initial arithmetic function f0 taking nonnegative integer values. In this paper, we consider four types of initial functions, the values of which are binomial coefficients. In particular, we give a new combinatorial interpretation of the figurate numbers.
The thermal expansion behaviour of the framework silicates

Summary This paper gives a revision and expansion of an earlier interpretation of the thermal expansion behaviour of the framework silicates. The partially-collapsed and ideal fully-expanded structures of quartz, cristobalite, and sodalite are characterized by the geometric relationship between the angle of rotation of their tetrahedra from the ideal fully-expanded state, their cell parameters, and the length of the tetrahedron edge. Their thermal expansion behaviour is interpreted as due mainly to the effect of the rotation of the tetrahedra towards the fully-expanded state modified by anisotropic thermal motion of the framework oxygens and distortion of the tetrahedra from a regular form. With the leucite and sodalite groups the significance of the interframework cations is discussed.
Application Of GIS Models In Site Selection OfWaste Disposal In An Urban Area

Site selection using multi-criteria decision is one of the most important abilities for GIS application, which can be helpful for finding the best site based on some favorite factors and constraints. Siting and finding the appropriate place is one of the most important parts of the landfill waste management system for a city. Koya city, with a population of 59,725, is one of the largest cities in the Erbil Province in Kurdistan Regional Government. Due to the recent population increase, the changes in the consumption habits of people and the use of packaging materials have all in recent decades increased the waste volume produced in the city. Despite this problem, there is not still an appropriate way for solid waste disposal in this city. One of the most important factors, which should be considered in the new waste disposal process, is the location of the disposal center. The suitability of selected site for the disposal center affects the amount of generated energy and the cost of disposal generation. Suitable sites should be determined based on technical, economical and socio-environmental issues. Therefore, multiple criteria should be considered in this process. GIS along with appropriate models and a spatial analysis method can be used to define the suitability of different locations for the construction of disposal centers. This research focused on determining suitable locations for the construction of suitable disposal centers. Our case study is Koya city in the Kurdistan Regional Government. At first, important parameters in a hazardous material disposal center siting for the studied area were identified. Then, the maps of the studied area were prepared and integrated. Boolean, index overlay was used for the integrating of maps. Then the Boolean process was run for First International Symposium on Urban Development: Koya as a Case Study 27 www.witpress. com © 2013 WIT Press doi:10.2495/ISUD130041 finding a proper site as the best location. Finally, Boolean processes have found an area.
Enhancing Yields in Organic Crop Production by Eco-Functional Intensification

Organic agriculture faces challenges to enhance food production per unit area and simultaneously reduce the environmental and climate impacts, e.g. nitrate leaching per unit area and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per unit mass produced. Eco-functional intensification is suggested as a means to reach these objectives. Eco-functional intensification involves activating more knowledge and refocusing the importance of ecosystem services in agriculture. Organic farmers manage agrobiodiversity by crop rotation (diversification in time). However, sole cropping (SC) of genetically identical plants in organic agriculture may limit resource use efficiency and yield per unit area. Intercropping (IC) of annual grain species, cultivar mixes, perennial grains, or forage species and forestry and annual crops (agroforestry) are examples of spatial crop diversification. Intercropping is based on eco-functional intensification and may enhance production by complementarity in resource use in time and space. Intercropping is based on the ecological principles of competition, facilitation and complementarity, which often increases the efficiency in acquisition and use of resources such as light, water and nutrients compared to sole crops, especially in low-input systems. Here we show that IC of cereals and grain legumes in European arable organic farming systems is an efficient tool for enhancing total grain yields compared to their respective sole crops. Simultaneously, we display how intercropping of cereals and legumes can be used as an efficient tool for weed management and to enhance product quality (i.e. cereal grain protein concentration). We discuss how intercropping contributes to efficient use of soil N sources and minimizes losses of N by nitrate leaching via Ecological Precision Farming. It is concluded that intercropping has a strong potential to increase yield and hereby reduce global climate impacts such as GHG kg -1 grain. Finally, we discuss likely barriers and lock-in effects for increased use of intercropping in organic farming and suggest a roadmap for innovation and implementation of IC strategies in organic agriculture.
Cooperative Distributed LQR Control for Longitudinal Flight of a Formation of Non-Identical Low-Speed Experimental UAV's

In this paper, an established distributed LQR control methodology applied to identical linear systems is extended to control arbitrary formations of non-identical UAV's. The nonlinear model of a low-speed experimental UAV known as X-RAE1 is utilized for simulation purposes. The formation is composed of four dynamically decoupled X-RAE1 which differ in their masses and their products of inertia about the xz plane. In order to design linear controllers the nonlinear models are linearized for horizontal flight conditions at constant velocity. State-feedback, input and similarity transformations are applied to solve model-matching type problems and compensate for the mismatch in the linearized models due to mass and symmetry discrepancies among the X-RAE1 models. It is shown that the method is based on the controllability indices of the linearized models. Distributed LQR control employed in networks of identical linear systems is appropriately adjusted and applied to the formation of the nonidentical UAV's. The applicability of the approach is illustrated via numerous simulation results.
Locally Undesirable Land Uses in Minority Neighborhoods: Disproportionate Siting or Market Dynamics?

t Associate Professor of Law, New York University School of Law. I would like to thank participants in the New York University School of Law Brown Bag Lunch Series, the University of Maryland's 1993 Quinn, Ward & Kershaw Environmental Symposium, the Resources for the Future Public Policy Lecture Series, the Association of Public Policy and Management Research Conference's Panel on Social and Economic Dimensions of Environmental Concerns, the Stanford Law School Environmental and Natural Resources Law Colloquium, and the Association of American Law Schools' 1994 Annual Meeting Environmental Law Section Panel, as well as Robert Bullard, Michael Gerrard, Bruce Hay, Lewis Komhauser, Richard Lazarus, Richard Revesz, and Rae Zimmerman for their helpful comments on earlier drafts of this paper. I also would like to thank John Fahsbender, Dan Pacheco, Rachel Schuldiner, Todd Smith, and Lewis Tepper for their assistance in the research for this Article. I am grateful for the support of the Filomen D'Agostino and Max E. Greenberg Research Fund at the New York University School of Law.
Deep Semantic Lane Segmentation for Mapless Driving

In autonomous driving systems a strong relation to highly accurate maps is taken to be inevitable, although street scenes change frequently. However, a preferable system would be to equip the automated cars with a sensor system that is able to navigate urban scenarios without an accurate map. We present a novel pipeline using a deep neural network to detect lane semantics and topology given RGB images. On the basis of this classification, the information about the road scene can be extracted just from the sensor setup supporting mapless autonomous driving. In addition to superseding the huge effort of creating and maintaining highly accurate maps, our system reduces the need for precise localization. Using an extended Cityscapes dataset, we show accurate ego lane detection including lane semantics on challenging scenarios for autonomous driving.