Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Upward Treeline Shifts in Two Regions of Subarctic Russia Are Governed by Summer Thermal and Winter Snow Conditions

Climate warming impacts on alpine treeline dynamics. However, we still lack robust assessments of the long-term impacts of climate on tree recruitment at the treeline, particularly in remote areas such as the subarctic regions of Russia subjected to different climate influences. We expected that the treelines in two regions may have different features and dynamics patterns. We analyzed climate variables and assessed treeline dynamics by quantifying recruitment using the tree rings of ca. 7000 trees of four species (Betula pubescens Ehrh. ssp. tortuosa, Pinus sylvestris L., Picea abies Ledeb. ssp. obovata, Larix gmelinii Rupr.) along 14 altitudinal transects (series of study plots). We compared the Khibiny Massif (Kola Peninsula) and the western Putorana Plateau, subjected to oceanic and continental influences, respectively. In both regions, summers became warmer, and winters became snowier during the past century. At the low part of the treeline ecotone, tree recruitment has slowly increased since the mid-18th century at the Putorana Plateau and the mid-19th century at the Khibiny but accelerated in the early 20th century at both regions and reached a maximum peak in the second half of the past century. Treeline encroachment intensified in the 1930s at the Khibiny and the 1950s at the Putorana Plateau. Trees encroached in the tundra leading to upward treeline shifts in the late 20th century. The slope exposure affected the rates of treeline shift with higher upward advances on southern-oriented slopes. Tree recruitment and early-winter precipitation were positively correlated. The differences in species composition, treeline altitude and influences of slope orientation on treeline dynamics can be explained primarily by differences in the degree of continentality. The abundance of saplings in both regions allows the future encroachment of trees into tundra and further treeline upward shifts to be forecast.
An Improvement to the Routh Approximation Method using Impulse Energy Criterion

This paper proposes a new improvement to the Routh approximation method using impulse energy criterion. The improvement is made so that the reduced model not only inherits the time-moments matching and stability preservation properties of the Routh approximant, but also conserves the impulse energy of the original system. The efficiency of the method proposed is illustrated through the comparison with other improvements suggested in the literature.
Generalized robust servosystem design based on the parametrization of two degrees of freedom controllers

A generalized robust control system design technique for DC servomotors, which is based on the parametrization of two-degrees-of-freedom controllers, is proposed. This servo system greatly improves the characteristics of closed-loop systems, namely, their disturbance suppression performance and their robustness, without changing the command input response. Experimental results are presented showing the excellent control performance obtained. <<ETX>>
Deep-Learning-Based Visual Odometry Models for Mobile Robotics

Odometry is a common problem in navigation systems where there is a need to estimate the position of the vehicle or carrier in the environment. To perform autonomous tasks, robotic or intelligent devices need to be aware of their position in the environment. There are many strategies to solve an odometry problem. This work explores a visual odometry solution with a deep neural network to infer the robotic vehicle's position in a known and mapped environment. The first robot, equipped with a LIDAR, IMU, and camera, maps the environment through a SLAM technique to perform this task. The data gathered by this first robot is used as ground truth to train the neural network, and later, other robots with only one camera can locate themselves in the environment. We also propose a validation and evaluation of the neural network.
"A Review Study on Legs Lameness and Weaknesses Assessment Methods in Commercial Broiler Farming in Pakistan"

The poultry business has expanded dramatically over the last fifty years, with more than 35 billion broiler birds produced each year [1]. Due to the economic benefits of increasing body weight, the need for enhanced growth rate and output has resulted in differential growth of body components, such as rapid muscular growth [2]. This expansion, however, is not accompanied by skeletal development. Lame broilers have trouble walking and, as a result, they can’t go to the feeder or drinker when they are hungry or thirsty [2]. Their quality of life is being harmed by their laziness. The presence of lameness in birds is significantly linked to their weight and fast development [3]. Furthermore, the broilers may experience discomfort as a result of mobility issues. It can reduce ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT
Circulating LIGHT (TNFSF14) and Interleukin-18 Levels in Sepsis-Induced Multi-Organ Injuries

The novel therapeutic target cytokine LIGHT (TNFSF14) was recently shown to play a major role in COVID-19-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This study aims to investigate the associations of plasma LIGHT and another potentially targetable cytokine, interleukin-18 (IL-18), with ARDS, acute hypoxic respiratory failure (AHRF), or acute kidney injury (AKI), caused by non-COVID-19 viral or bacterial sepsis. A total of 280 subjects diagnosed with sepsis, including 91 cases with sepsis triggered by viral infections, were investigated in this cohort study. Day 0 plasma LIGHT and IL-18, as well as 59 other biomarkers (cytokines, chemokines, and acute-phase reactants) were measured by sensitive bead immunoassay and associated with symptom severity. We observed significantly increased LIGHT level in both bacterial sepsis patients (p = 1.80 × 10−5) and patients with sepsis from viral infections (p = 1.78 × 10−3). In bacterial sepsis, increased LIGHT level was associated with ARDS, AKI, and higher Apache III scores, findings also supported by correlations of LIGHT with other biomarkers of organ failure. IL-18 levels were highly variable across individuals and consistently correlated with Apache III scores, mortality, and AKI in both bacterial and viral sepsis. There was no correlation between LIGHT and IL-18. For the first time, we demonstrate independent effects of LIGHT and IL-18 in septic organ failure. The association of plasma LIGHT with AHRF suggests that targeting the pathway warrants exploration, and ongoing trials may soon elucidate whether this is beneficial. Given the large variance of plasma IL-18 among septic subjects, targeting this pathway requires precise application.
Long‐distance dispersal by a male sub‐adult tiger in a human‐dominated landscape

Abstract Conservation of wide‐ranging species and their movement is a major challenge in an increasingly fragmented world. Long‐distance movement, such as dispersal, is a key factor for the persistence of population, enabling the movement of animals within and between populations. Here, we describe one of the longest dispersal journeys by a sub‐adult male tiger (Panthera tigris) through GPS telemetry in Central India. We analyzed movement metrics, directionality, and space use during three behavioral stages of dispersal. We also used the clustering method to identify resting and kill sites (n = 89). T1‐C1 dispersed a straight‐line distance of 315 km over 225 days, moving an average of 8.38 km/day and covering a cumulative displacement of ~3000 km. Movement rate during post‐dispersal was faster (mean = 0.47 km/h) than during dispersal (mean = 0.38 km/h) and pre‐dispersal (mean = 0.13 km/h), respectively. The overall movement rate during the night (0.44 km/h) was significantly faster than during the day (0.21 km/h). Likewise, during dispersal, the movement was faster (mean = 0.52 km/h) at night than day (0.24 km/h). The average size of clusters, signifying resting and kill sites, was 1.68 ha and primarily away from human habitation (mean = 1.89 km). The individual crossed roads faster (mean = 2.00 km/h) than it traveled during other times. During the post‐dispersal phase, T1‐C1 had a space use of 319.48 km2 (95% dBBMM) in the Dnyanganga Wildlife Sanctuary. The dispersal event highlights the long‐distance and multiscale movement behavior in a heterogeneous landscape. Moreover, small forest patches play a key role in maintaining large carnivore connectivity while dispersing through a human‐dominated landscape. Our study underlines how documenting the long‐distance movement and integrating it with modern technology can improve conservation management decisions.
The Relationship between Teacher Candidates’ Affective Dispositions and Instructional Planning Actions in STEM

This study explores the relationship between elementary teacher candidate affective dispositions and the action of STEM lesson planning. While affective dispositions are important, understanding the connection between dispositions and practice is key. Teacher candidates’ affective dispositions about STEM education and instructional planning were examined after participating in a virtual STEM experience. Seventeen elementary teacher candidates experienced STEM instruction via summer virtual courses and field placements. This article focuses on responses to questions about affective dispositions that were coded using inductive analysis. Dispositions towards the following themes were identified: ways to teach integrated STEM, use of inquiry and open ended questions, and confidence. Early childhood lesson plans were coded deductively using the characteristics of model-eliciting activities. Analysis of the data found that teacher candidates who experienced learning, observing, and planning via virtual experiences demonstrated positive affective dispositions towards teaching STEM. However, there were areas of disconnect between the affective dispositions expressed and the instructional action of planning STEM lessons. The data suggest the experiences of learning, observing, and planning STEM lessons can be meaningful in professional growth, but that more needs to be done beyond these experiences to create synergy between instructional actions and affective dispositions related to STEM education.
Association Between Air Pollutants and Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Time Stratified Case‐Crossover Design With a Distributed Lag Nonlinear Model

Acute exacerbation of chronic obstruction pulmonary disease (AECOPD) as a respiratory disease, is considered to be related to air pollution by more and more studies. However, the evidence on how air pollution affect the incidence of AECOPD and whether there are population differences is still insufficient. Therefore, we select PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NO2, CO, and O3 as representatives combined with daily AECOPD admission data from 1 January 2015 to 26 June 2016 in the rural areas of Qingyang, northwestern China to explore the associations of air pollution with AECOPD. Based on a time‐stratified case‐crossover design, we constructed a distributed lag nonlinear model to qualify the single and cumulative lagged effects of air pollution on AECOPD. Stratified related risks by sex and age were also reported. The cumulative exposure‐response curves were approximately linear for PM2.5, “V”‐shaped for PM10, “U”‐shaped for NO2 and inverted‐“V” for SO2, CO and O3. Exposure to high‐PM2.5 (42 μg/m3), high‐PM10 (91 μg/m3), high‐SO2 (58 μg/m3), low‐NO2 (12 μg/m3), and high‐CO (1.55 mg/m3) increased the risk of AECOPD. Females aged 15–64 were more susceptible under extreme concentrations of PM2.5, SO2, CO, and low‐PM10 than other subgroups. In addition, adults aged 15–64 were more sensitive to extreme concentrations of NO2 compared with the elderly ≥65 years old, while the latter were more sensitive to high‐PM10. High‐SO2, high‐NO2, and extreme concentrations of PM2.5 had the greatest effects on the day of exposure, while low‐SO2 and low‐CO had lagged effects on AECOPD. Precautionary measures should be taken with a focus on vulnerable subgroups, to control hospitalization for AECOPD associated with air pollutants.
Effect of metformin on serum vitamin B12 and red blood cell indices in North Indian subjects with diabetes mellitus

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) affecting almost half a billion people worldwide and India is amongst the top ten countries of adults with diabetes. Metformin, the first-line therapy for diabetes, is associated with vitamin B12 malabsorption and subsequently, the development of vitamin B12 deficiency/insufficiency could manifest severe complications like neuropathy or anemia in the future. This study evaluated the effect of metformin on vitamin B12 and RBC indices in the North Indian population.Methods:This study was executed at a tertiary care hospital. 35 T2DM (type 2 DM) participants with ongoing metformin therapy were compared with 27 T2DM participants without metformin therapy. Participants were recruited from outpatient after diagnosis as per American diabetes association (ADA) criteria.Results: Metformin-treated participants had significantly low hemoglobin (t=2.096, df=60, 0.0403) compared to untreated participants. Similarly, MCHC was significantly lower in the metformin group (mean=33.28 gm/dl) compared to non-metformin group (mean=34.53 gm/dl) (t=2.745, df=60, p=0.0080). Moreover, there was a strong negative correlation (r=-0.4613, p=0.0053) among vitamin B12 and MCV in metformin group. There was no statistically significant correlation between vitamin B12 and RBC indices (MCV, MCH, MCHC) in the non-metformin group. Analyzing contingency table (Fisher’s exact test), we found no major difference (p=0.2002) between two groups of vitamin B12 with an odds ratio of 2.026 (95% CI=0.7366 to 5.633). Unpaired t test also confirmed insignificancy (t=0.04077, df=60, p=0.9676). Conclusions:Strong negative correlation was observed between vitamin B12 and MCV. Despite the insignificant difference of vitamin B12 between metformin and non-metformin groups, significantly low MCHC was found in metformin-treated participants.
Microstrip slow-wave line for phase shifting cells

The design, simulation and measurements of microstrip slow-wave lines implemented in a 0.25 µm SiGe bipolar CMOS (BiCMOS) process is addressed for Ku-band (10–15 GHz) applications. The simulation results and the measurements show better performances for the proposed microstrip slow-wave line compared with the classical microstrip transmission line. These lines present very low insertion losses and a high phase constant.
Testing Protocols to Ensure Performance of High Asphalt Binder Replacement Mixes Using RAP and RAS

The use of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) and recycled asphalt shingles (RAS) in asphalt concrete (AC) mixtures can reduce demand for virgin aggregates and asphalt binder, bringing environmental and economic benefits. However, replacing virgin asphalt binder in AC mixtures poses challenges in terms of mixture volumetrics and low-temperature cracking, fatigue cracking, and other deterioration related to cracking. To counter these effects, softer virgin asphalt binder grades or modifying agents are used to improve production consistency. The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate protocols, procedures, and specifications for testing engineering properties and performance of AC mixtures with high amounts (up to 60%) of RAP and RAS. The criteria for selection of the test method were (1) statistically significant spread in test outcome, representing a mix’s cracking resistance; (2) applicability and seamless implementation; (3) correlation to other independent test methods and engineering intuition; and (4) correlation to field performance. A practical test method, the Illinois modified semi-circular bending test (IL-SCB) was developed that can be readily implemented to quantify AC mixture’s cracking potential. In addition, a flexibility index (FI) was introduced to determine cracking resistance in a consistent way. The IL-SCB showed consistent and repeatable trends for changes in AC mix design properties. The developed FI was shown to provide greater separation between AC mixes to capture some of the changes that could not be captured by fracture energy alone. This approach does not enforce any limits on any AC mixture design characteristics, such as RAP and RAS content, or other alternative materials or technologies. Instead, it categorizes AC mixes based on their performance index. Hence, this approach encourages innovation and sustainability at the same time.
The Influence of Hop Phenolic Compounds on Dry Hopping Beer Quality

Background: The article considers the phenolic hop compounds’ effect on the quality indicators of finished beer. The topic under consideration is relevant since it touches on the beer matrix colloidal stability when compounds with potential destabilizing activity are introduced into it from the outside. Methods: The industrial beer samples’ quality was assessed by industry-accepted methods and using instrumental analysis methods (high-performance liquid chromatography methods—HPLC). The obtained statistical data were processed by the Statistics program (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA, USA, 2006). Results: The study made it possible to make assumptions about the functional dependence of the iso-α-bitter resins and isoxanthohumol content in beer samples. Mathematical analysis indicate interactions between protein molecules and different malted grain and hop compounds are involved in beer structure, in contrast to dry hopped beer, where iso-a-bitter resins, protein, and coloring compounds were significant, with a lower coefficient of determination. The main role of rutin in the descriptor hop bitterness has been established in kettle beer hopping technology, and catechin in dry beer hopping technology, respectively. The important role of soluble nitrogen and β-glucan dextrins in the perception of sensory descriptors of various technologies’ beers, as well as phenolic compounds in relation to the formation of bitterness and astringency of beer of classical technology and cold hopping, has been shown. Conclusions: The obtained mathematical relationships allow predicting the resulting beer quality and also make it possible to create the desired flavor profiles.
Impact of decision and action outcomes on subsequent decision and action behaviors

Speed-accuracy tradeoff adjustments in decision-making have been mainly studied separately from those in motor control. In the wild however, animals coordinate their decision and action, freely investing time in choosing versus moving given specific contexts. Recent behavioral studies support this view, indicating that humans trade decision time for movement time to maximize their global rate of reward during experimental sessions. Besides, it is established that choice outcomes impact subsequent decisions. Crucially though, whether and how a decision also influences the subsequent motor behavior, and whether and how a motor error influences the next decision is unknown. Here we address these questions by analyzing trial-to-trial changes of choice and motor behaviors in healthy human participants instructed to perform successive perceptual decisions expressed with reaching movements whose duration was either bounded or unconstrained in separate tasks. Results indicate that after a bad decision, subjects who were not constrained in their action duration decided more slowly and more accurately. Interestingly, they also shortened their subsequent movement duration by moving faster. Conversely, we found that movement errors not only influenced the speed and the accuracy of the following movement, but those of the decision as well. If the movement had to be slowed down, the decision that precedes that movement was accelerated, and vice versa. Together, these results indicate that from one trial to the next, humans are primarily concerned about determining a behavioral duration as a whole instead of optimizing each of the decision and action speed-accuracy trade-offs independently of each other.
Advances in Management of Bladder Cancer—The Role of Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a non-invasive and modern form of therapy. It is used in the treatment of non-oncological diseases and more and more often in the treatment of various types of neoplasms in various locations including bladder cancer. The PDT method consists of local or systemic application of a photosensitizer, i.e., a photosensitive compound that accumulates in pathological tissue. Light of appropriate wavelength is absorbed by the photosensitizer molecules, which in turn transfers energy to oxygen or initiates radical processes that leads to selective destruction of diseased cells. The technique enables the selective destruction of malignant cells, as the photocytotoxicity reactions induced by the photosensitizer take place strictly within the pathological tissue. PDT is known to be well tolerated in a clinical setting in patients. In cited papers herein no new safety issues were identified. The development of anti-cancer PDT therapies has greatly accelerated over the last decade. There was no evidence of increased or cumulative toxic effects with each PDT treatment. Many modifications have been made to enhance the effects. Clinically, bladder cancer remains one of the deadliest urological diseases of the urinary system. The subject of this review is the anti-cancer use of PDT, its benefits and possible modifications that may lead to more effective treatments for bladder cancer. Bladder cancer, if localized, would seem to be a good candidate for PDT therapy since this does not involve the toxicity of systemic chemotherapy and can spare normal tissues from damage if properly carried out. It is clear that PDT deserves more investment in clinical research, especially for plant-based photosensitizers. Natural PS isolated from plants and other biological sources can be considered a green approach to PDT in cancer therapy. Currently, PDT is widely used in the treatment of skin cancer, but numerous studies show the advantages of related therapeutic strategies that can help eliminate various types of cancer, including bladder cancer. PDT for bladder cancer in which photosensitizer is locally activated and generates cytotoxic reactive oxygen species and causing cell death, is a modern treatment. Moreover, PDT is an innovative technique in oncologic urology.
Moyamoya disease in a case of tuberculous meningoencephalitis

Moyamoya disease is an uncommon vascular disease, which causes obstruction and stenosis of arteries of the circle of Willis. This dis ease is seen across the world, but is more common in east Asia. It may cause hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke, or transient ischemic attack. Fever, vomiting and convulsions, are usually suggestive of infective etiology involving brain and meninges. This case report is about a child with meningoencephalitis. Tuberculous meningoencephalitis is the commonest cause, in India, followed by viral type. In our patient we found out that there was an additional finding in form of moyamoya arteritis, which is a rare finding in children.