Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Born to fly - migratory strategies and stopover ecology in the European Wadden Sea of a long-distance migrant, the Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica)

Although large numbers of birds visit the Wadden Sea each year, consumption by birds amounts only to 8.7 g AFDM m-2 a-1 which equals 10-25 % of the secondary production. A main consumer is the Bar-tailed Godwit. In the Wadden Sea a European and an Afro-Siberian population of Bar-tailed Godwits stopover on their migration between wintering and breeding areas. Birds of the European population stayed during spring stopover for 30-40 days in the study area. Birds were extremely site faithful to their spring stopover site showing an annual mortality of 17-26 %. The use of the northern Wadden Sea as a wintering site is mainly determined by thermostatic costs, which are smaller for females than for males resulting in a female bias during winter. Deciding for northern wintering forms a trade off between energetically cheap wintering and behaviourally avoiding movement to unknown places. On spring migration, European birds follow an energy minimizing and Afro-Siberian birds a time minimizing strategy with much higher energy demands. Afro-Siberian birds could follow this strategy by investing as much time as possible in foraging and keeping to a strict, well timed schedule.
of Balloon-Assisted Coiling Coil Embolization of Brain Aneurysms: Role Intraprocedural Aneurysmal Rupture during

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Intraprocedural aneurysmal rupture is a feared complication of coil embolization of intracranial aneurysms and is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. We report the incidence, endovascular management, and clinical outcome of patients with IAR, with emphasis on the role of the balloon-assisted technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of all intracranial aneurysms treated by coil embolization between September 2001 and June 2011. All patients with IAR were studied. Comparison of immediate clinical outcomes was performed by using univariate analysis (Fisher exact test). RESULTS: Of 652 intracranial aneurysms treated with coil embolization, an IAR occurred in 22 (3.4%). Rupture occurred during placement of coils in 18 cases, microcatheters in 2 cases, and a guidewire in 1 case, and during induction of anesthesia in 1 case. Before treatment, 15 of 22 (68%) patients were in good clinical condition (WFNS grade I). There were fewer patients with worsening of the WFNS grade following an IAR when the balloon-assisted technique was used (7.7%) compared with when it was not (55.5%) ( P (cid:1) . 023). Death occurred in 2 (9.1%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: IAR is a potentially serious complication of coil embolization. If IAR occurs, balloon-assistance is helpful in obtaining rapid hemostasis resulting in better short-term outcomes. ABBREVIATIONS:
3D structural modelling of the southern Zagros fold-and-thrust belt diapiric province

Abstract 3D modelling of geological structures is a key method to improve the understanding of the geological history of an area, and to serve as a drive for exploration. Geomodelling has been performed on a large 60000 km2 area of the Zagros fold-and-thrust belt of Iran, to reconcile a vast but heterogeneous dataset. Topography, geological surface data and dips, outcrop surveys, and well and seismic data were integrated into the model. The method was to construct a key surface maximizing the hard data constraints. The Oligo-Miocene Top Asmari layer was chosen, as this formation was regionally deposited before the main Zagros collision phase and because the numerous outcrops allow proper control of the bed geometry in the fold cores. Interpreted seismic data have been integrated to interpolate the surfaces at depth within the synclines. Several conceptual models of fold geometry have been applied to estimate the best way to convert seismic time signal to depth. Several deeper horizons down to Palaeozoic strata were deduced from this key horizon by applying palaeo-thickness maps. During the construction, the 3D interpolated surfaces could be reconverted to time, using a velocity model, and compared with previous seismic interpretations. This exercise obliged us to revise some early interpretations of seismic lines that were badly tied to wells. The 3D modelling therefore clearly improves regional interpretation. In addition, the 3D model is the only tool that allows drawing consistent cross-sections in areas where there are no seismic lines. Emerging Hormuz salt diapirs were added to the model. Dimensions and shapes of the individual diapirs were modelled using a statistical survey on the cropping out Hormuz structures. Modelling reliably demonstrated that the diapirs, when piercing, show a constant mushroom shape whose diameter depends on the stratigraphic depth of observation. This observation allowed us to exemplify relations between the pre-existing diapirs and the anticlines of the area, and to highlight the morphological changes from the inner onshore areas to the coastal and offshore areas. In addition, one of the surprising results of this study was the observation of the increasing diameter of the diapirs at the time of the Zagros collision and folding event, with growth strata and overhangs on the flanks of the diapirs.
Monitoring land-use change-associated land development using multitemporal Landsat data and geoinformatics in Kom Ombo area, South Egypt

Due to the progressive increase in population, sustainable development of desert land in Egypt has become a strategic priority in order to meet the increasing demands of a growing population for food and housing. Such obligations require efficient compilation of accurate land-cover information in addition to detailed analysis of archival land-use changes over an extended time span. In this study, we applied a methodology for mapping land cover and monitoring change in patterns related to agricultural development and urban expansion in the desert of the Kom Ombo area. We utilized the available records of multitemporal Landsat Thematic Mapper and Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus images to produce three land-use/land-cover maps for 1988, 1999 and 2008. Post-classification change detection analysis shows that agricultural development increased by 39.2% through the study period with an average annual rate of land development of 8.7 km2 year−1. We report a total increase in urbanization over the selected time span of approximately 28.0 km2 with most of this urban growth concentrated to the east of the Nile and occurring through encroachment on the former old cultivated lands. The archival record of the length of irrigation canals showed that their estimated length was 341.5, 461.8 and 580.1 km in the years 1988, 1999 and 2008, respectively, with a 70% increase in canal length from 1988 to 2008. Our results not only accurately quantified the land-cover changes but also delineated their spatial patterns, showing the efficiency of Landsat data in evaluating landscape dynamics over a particular time span. Such information is critical in making effective policies for efficient and sustainable natural resource management.
Altered local and remote functional connectivity in mild Alzheimer’s disease patients with sleep disturbances

Objectives This study aimed to investigate local and remote functional connectivity in mild Alzheimer’s disease patients with sleep disturbances (ADSD) and those without sleep disturbances (ADNSD). Methods Thirty eight mild AD patients with sleep disturbances and 21 mild AD patients without sleep disturbances participated in this study. All subjects underwent neuropsychological assessments and 3.0 Tesla magnetic resonance scanning. Static and dynamic regional homogeneity (ReHo) were used to represent the local functional connectivity. Seed-based whole-brain functional connectivity was used to represent the remote functional connectivity. The seed was chosen based on the results of ReHo. Results Compared to ADNSD, ADSD showed decreased static ReHo in the left posterior central gyrus and the right cuneus and increased dynamic ReHo in the left posterior central gyrus. As for the remote functional connectivity, comparing ADSD to ADNSD, it was found that there was a decreased functional connection between the left posterior central gyrus and the left cuneus as well as the left calcarine. Conclusion The current study demonstrated that, compared with ADNSD, ADSD is impaired in both local and remote functional connectivity, manifested as reduced functional connectivity involving the primary sensory network and the primary visual network. The abnormality of the above functional connectivity is one of the reasons why sleep disorders promote cognitive impairment in AD. Moreover, sleep disorders change the temporal sequence of AD pathological damage to brain functional networks, but more evidence is needed to support this conclusion.
SIMULAÇÃO DO ESCOAMENTO IMISCÍVEL DE UM JATO DE ÓLEO EM MEIO SUBAQUÁTICO PARA O INTERIOR DE UM RESERVATÓRIO DE COLETA

RESUMO – Vazamentos de petróleo no fundo do mar, tanto em situações de explotação como de transporte provocam perdas de natureza econômica, ambiental e social. Para minimizar esses impactos, o desenvolvimento de soluções inovadoras é necessário e devem priorizar a captura do óleo antes da sua ascensão e espalhamento na superfície. Estudos experimentais e de simulação dos fenômenos envolvidos são imprescindíveis até que se possa chegar ao projeto de um equipamento de captura apto a operar em condições de campo. Foram realizadas simulações do escoamento de um jato de óleo através de um bocal de coleta para estudar o comportamento da ascensão do óleo para um dispositivo submerso que o colete e armazene sem os prejuízos do seu espalhamento na superfície Ao se testar diferentes velocidades de injeção do óleo, bem como diferentes diâmetros do bocal de coleta, foi constatada a viabilidade da operação, além de se perceber que é possível minimizar a quantidade de água arrastada pelo jato de óleo que entra no dispositivo.
Optimized miR-124 reporters uncover differences in miR-124 expression among neuronal populations in vitro

Introduction Although intensively studied in the last decades, how microRNAs (miRNAs) are expressed across different cell types in the brain remains largely unknown. Materials To address this issue, we sought to develop optimized fluorescence reporters that could be expressed in precise cellular subsets and used to accurately quantify miR contents in vivo. Results Focusing on miR-124, we tested different reporter designs whose efficiency was confirmed in different in vitro settings including cell lines and primary neuronal cultures from different brain structures. Unlike previous reporters, we provide experimental evidence that our optimized designs can faithfully translate miR levels in vitro. Discussion Tools developed here would enable assessing miRNA expression at the single cell resolution and are expected to significantly contribute to future miRNA research in vivo.
Development of a Three-Dimensional Carotid Ultrasound Image Segmentation Workflow for Improved Efficiency, Reproducibility and Accuracy in Measuring Vessel Wall and Plaque Volume and Thickness

Automated segmentation of carotid lumen-intima boundary (LIB) and media-adventitia boundary (MAB) by deep convolutional neural networks (CNN) from three-dimensional ultrasound (3DUS) images has made assessment and monitoring of carotid atherosclerosis more efficient than manual segmentation. However, training of CNN still requires manual segmentation of LIB and MAB. Therefore, there is a need to improve the efficiency of manual segmentation and develop strategies to improve segmentation accuracy by the CNN for serial monitoring of carotid atherosclerosis. One strategy to reduce segmentation time is to increase the interslice distance (ISD) between segmented axial slices of a 3DUS image while maintaining the segmentation reliability. We, for the first time, investigated the effect of ISD on the reproducibility of MAB and LIB segmentations. The intra-observer reproducibility of LIB and MAB segmentations at ISDs of 1 mm and 2 mm was not statistically significantly different, whereas the reproducibility at ISD = 3 mm was statistically lower. Therefore, we conclude that segmentation with an ISD of 2 mm provides sufficient reliability for CNN training. We further proposed training the CNN by the baseline images of the entire cohort of patients for automatic segmentation of the follow-up images acquired for the same cohort. We validated that segmentation with this time-based partitioning approach is more accurate than that produced by patient-based partitioning, especially at the carotid bifurcation. This study forms the basis for an efficient, reproducible, and accurate 3DUS workflow for serial monitoring of carotid atherosclerosis useful in risk stratification of cardiovascular events and in evaluating the efficacy of new treatments.
Assessing Seismic Behavior in RC Buildings with Varied Vertical Aspect Ratios: A Comparative Study

Limited space in cities due to urbanization and population growth has given rise to tall and distinctively designed buildings. This study focuses on how a building's vertical aspect ratio (height-to-width ratio) affects the seismic performance of residential concrete buildings. In earthquake-prone Nepal, seismic analysis is crucial for buildings in high-risk areas. We investigated the impact of vertical aspect ratio and the presence of masonry infills and soft stories in reinforced concrete frame buildings. Rectangular base models were analysed at 3, 5, and 7 stories. These models were categorized into bare frames, infill frames, and infill frames with soft stories at the ground level. Linear analysis, non-linear analysis, and design of the building have been performed as per the relevant Indian codes of practice. The effect of infills on dynamic characteristics, yield patterns and capacity has been studied with the help of Non-Linear Analysis. The result of the analysis indicates that the structures have lesser capacity and higher drift with the increase in vertical aspect ratio. It also has been observed that infills contribute to a large increase in the stiffness and strength of the structure, so the deformation capacity of the structure gets reduced.
An Expandable Interline DC Power Flow Controller

The power flow control capability of high-voltage dc power grid can be improved by integrating a dc power flow controller into the grid. In this article, an expandable interline dc power flow controller (IDCPFC) is proposed. Compared with the existing dc power flow controller, the proposed IDCPFC has the advantages of high expandability, less active switching devices, simpler control, and wider adjustment range. A three-port IDCPFC is selected as the case study and the performance of IDCPFC is verified through simulation and experiment. Experimental results show that the proposed IDCPFC can achieve multiline power flow control under various conditions.
Protocol for a 20-year follow-up after a randomized controlled trial of a Mediterranean diet in pregnancy: maternal and offspring risk factors for cardiovascular disease

Background An inadequate maternal diet during pregnancy can impair offspring health and may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease later in life. The purpose of the proposed study is to assess the risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease in both mothers and their offspring 20 years following their participation in a Mediterranean diet intervention trial during pregnancy. Methods The “Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Diet In Pregnancy” (CARRDIP) study was a randomized controlled trial performed between 1999 and 2001. The participants were randomized to adhere to either a Mediterranean diet or their regular diet during pregnancy. An extensive amount of data such as diet information, ultrasound measurements, anthropometry, and biomarkers from these mothers during pregnancy and their offspring in the neonatal period were collected. The mother–offspring pairs (n = 269) from the CARRDIP study will be invited to participate in a clinical examination and blood sample collection. This follow-up study, conducted 20 years after the original CARRDIP study, will investigate cardiovascular risk factors in mothers and offspring. The primary outcome will be the blood pressure of the offspring. In addition, the study will explore various aspects of cardiovascular health, including metabolic and inflammatory status, clinical history, and body composition of the participants. Discussion Previous studies investigating the effects of nutrition during pregnancy on maternal and offspring health have been either observational studies, animal studies, or randomized controlled trials with a follow-up period of less than 5 years. This project aims to study the long-term effects of dietary intervention during pregnancy on maternal and offspring cardiovascular risk markers. Clinical Trial Registration Clinicaltrials.gov, identifier (NCT05030922).
THE EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF SILODOSIN FOR THE TREATMENT OF BENIGN HYPERPLASIA PROSTATE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Background: BPH is a prevalent and costly condition affecting the quality of life for older men. adrenoceptor antagonists provide effective relief for bothersome symptoms but do not prevent the need for surgery or acute urinary obstruction. Silodosin, newer adrenoceptor antagonist, offers comparable symptom relief to tamulosin Aim: This systematic review evaluates the efficacy and safety of silodosin for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and its suitability for daily clinical practice. Methods: This systematic review examined the use of silodosin in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Multiple databases were searched for relevant literature. (PubMed and Cochrane Library) Results: This systematic review included four randomized trials involving 2504 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. The analysis showed that silodosin demonstrated significant improvements in International Prostate Symptom Score, specifically in storage and voiding symptoms, compared to placebo. Conclusion: Silodosin shows efficacy and safety for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), but the higher incidence of retrograde ejaculation warrants further high-quality, long-term studies, including direct comparisons with tamsulosin.
Intradialytic Complications and its Associated Factors Among Chronic Kidney Disease Patients in a Tertiary hospital

IntroductionChronic kidney disease is a public health problem affecting millions of people worldwide. Hemodialysis is a life-saving renal replacement therapy for patients with chronic kidney disease(CKD), but it is not without risks. Intradialytic complications, which occur during hemodialysis sessions, can have a significant impact on patients' well-being, treatment outcomes, and overall quality of life. This article aims to identify the intradialytic complications and its associated factors in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis in a tertiary hospital of eastern Nepal.MethodsAn observational cross-sectional study design was employed among 72 patients receiving hemodialysis treatment at Birat Medical College Teaching Hospital from 28 January to 20 May 2023. Total enumeration sampling technique with a structured questionnaire via interview and observation technique was used for data collection. Collected data was entered in Microsoft Excel sheet and transferred to SPSS version 17. Frequency, mean, range, and standard deviation was calculated. Chi square test was used to determine the association. P-value <0.05 was consideredstatistically significant.ResultsAll patients undergoing hemodialysis experienced at least one intradialytic complication. The most common complications reported were nausea/vomiting 59(81.9%) and chills/rigor 57(79.2%). Hypoglycemia was observed in 23.6% of patients, hyperglycemia in 12.5%, hypotension in 8.3%, and arrhythmia in 2 patients.ConclusionsIntradialytic complications are common among chronic kidney disease patients undergoing hemodialysis.The associations between age, dialysis frequency, preexisting diabetes, hypertension, and specific complications emphasize the need for individualized care and tailored interventions.
Soil Carbon Dynamics Following Switchgrass Establishment for Bioenergy Production in Southeastern Ontario

ii Acknowledgements iv Chapter 1 Introduction 1 1.1 Background 1 1.2 Research Objectives 4 1.3 Study Area and Sampling Sites 4 1.3. 1 History of Study Sites 5 1.3. 1.1 Inkerman Site 6 1.3. 1.2 Ameliasburg Site 7 1.3. 1.3 Williamsburg Site 8 1.3. 1.4 Pakenham Site 9 1.4 Thesis Outline 10 Chapter 2 Literature Review 11 2.
Organic agriculture, environment and food security.

Organic agriculture is defined as an environmentally and socially sensitive food supply system. This publication examines its many facets, looking at the contribution of organic agriculture to ecological health, international markets and local food security. It builds on empirical experiences throughout the world and analyses the prospects for a wider adoption of organic agriculture. Numerous scenarios depicted in this publication represent the millions of people from all social and economic backgrounds who have adopted this new agrarian ethic on the integrity of food. The small farmers who seek fully integrated food systems are given recognition throughout the publication.
THE HYDROS AND SMOS SATELLITES: GLOBAL SOIL MOISTURE MAPPING

Within the next five years two satellites will be launched that are designed specifically to map and monitor global soil moisture. Each of these is an exploratory mission and a step toward an operational satellite. Each satellite uses highly innovative but different technologies. The first of these will be the European Space Agency Soil Moisture Ocean Salinity (SMOS) mission scheduled for 2007. SMOS will use synthetic aperture radiometry to achieve a moderate spatial resolution. If successful this technology can be extended to even higher spatial resolutions. The second satellite is the Hydrosphere State Mission (Hydros), which is part of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Earth System Science Pathfinder Program (ESSP). The objective of the mission is to provide global measurements of the earth's soil moisture at 10-km resolution with two- to three-days revisit and land-surface freeze/thaw conditions at 3-km resolution with one- to two-days revisit.
Novel Approaches in Chronic Renal Failure without Renal Replacement Therapy: A Review

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by renal parenchymal damage leading to a reduction in the glomerular filtration rate. The inflammatory response plays a pivotal role in the tissue damage contributing to renal failure. Current therapeutic options encompass dietary control, mineral salt regulation, and management of blood pressure, blood glucose, and fatty acid levels. However, they do not effectively halt the progression of renal damage. This review critically examines novel therapeutic avenues aimed at ameliorating inflammation, mitigating extracellular matrix accumulation, and fostering renal tissue regeneration in the context of CKD. Understanding the mechanisms sustaining a proinflammatory and profibrotic state may offer the potential for targeted pharmacological interventions. This, in turn, could pave the way for combination therapies capable of reversing renal damage in CKD. The non-replacement phase of CKD currently faces a dearth of efficacious therapeutic options. Future directions encompass exploring vaptans as diuretics to inhibit water absorption, investigating antifibrotic agents, antioxidants, and exploring regenerative treatment modalities, such as stem cell therapy and novel probiotics. Moreover, this review identifies pharmaceutical agents capable of mitigating renal parenchymal damage attributed to CKD, targeting molecular-level signaling pathways (TGF-β, Smad, and Nrf2) that predominate in the inflammatory processes of renal fibrogenic cells.