mlsa-iai-msu-lab/ru_sci_bench_zho_cite_reranking huggingface dataset:
Comparison of estimators of variance for forest inventories with systematic sampling-results from artificial populations

Background: Large area forest inventories often use regular grids (with a single random start) of sample locations to ensure a uniform sampling intensity across the space of the surveyed populations. A design-unbiased estimator of variance does not exist for this design. Oftentimes, a quasi-default estimator applicable to simple random sampling (SRS) is used, even if it carries with it the likely risk of overestimating the variance by a practically important margin. To better exploit the precision of systematic sampling we assess the performance of five estimators of variance, including the quasi default. In this study, simulated systematic sampling was applied to artificial populations with contrasting covariance structures and with or without linear trends. We compared the results obtained with the SRS, Matern's, successive difference replication, Ripley's, and D'Orazio's variance estimators. Results: The variances obtained with the four alternatives to the SRS estimator of variance were strongly correlated, and in all study settings consistently closer to the target design variance than the estimator for SRS. The latter always produced the greatest overestimation. In populations with a near zero spatial autocorrelation, all estimators, performed equally, and delivered estimates close to the actual design variance. Conclusion: Without a linear trend, the SDR and DOR estimators were best with variance estimates more narrowly distributed around the benchmark; yet in terms of the least average absolute deviation, Matern's estimator held a narrow lead. With a strong or moderate linear trend, Matern's estimator is choice. In large populations, and a low sampling intensity, the performance of the investigated estimators becomes more similar.
Tree diametric-species diversity is affected by human impact in old Scots pine dominated forest in boreal Fennoscandia

Background: Forest structural and compositional variability is of fundamental importance for forest ecosystem functioning and species diversity. The purpose of this research was to examine how human impact has affected the compositional-structural diversity of mature pine-dominated boreal forest in boreal Fennoscandia. For this a new approach was used, based on the classification of tree sizes by the diameter at breast height (dbh) and tree species, resulting in a new variable, the diametric-species, the variation of which describes the compositional-structural diversity of the forest. This variable was used to compare the structural-compositional diversity among three forest classes with different degree of human influence, using rarefaction as the main tool of analysis, complemented by analyses based on common diversity indices. Results: The results showed that the near-natural forest was the most diverse and the managed forest the least diverse. On the other hand, the diversity of near-natural and selectively logged forests were similar, suggesting that selectively logged forests are equal to the natural forest in their compositional-structural diversity. The analysis solely on tree species showed no significant differences among the forest classes of different human impact. The Shannon diversity index showed no significant difference between the forest classes for the diametric-species and tree species classifications only, but the Simpson index signaled a slight difference between the selectively logged and managed forest classes for the diametric-species classification. Furthermore, the Sorensen index detected a difference among forest classes in the diametric-species classification. Conclusions: Forest utilization had an adverse impact on forest compositional-structural diversity of mature Scots pine forests. The analysis also shows that the novel approach based on diametric-species classification could be a useful tool for forest diversity analysis and comparison, especially in species-poor forests such as the boreal forest.
Climatic and anthropogenic factors explain the variability of Fagus sylvatica treeline elevation in fifteen mountain groups across the Apennines

Background: Fagus sylvatica forms the treeline across the Apennines mountain range, with an average elevation of 1589 ma.s.l. Previous studies evidenced that the current position of the treeline in the Apennines is heavily depressed as a result of a complex interaction between climatic factors and the past human pressure. In this study we correlated treeline elevation in the fifteen major mountain groups in the Apennines with selected climatic, geomorphological, and human disturbance variables in order to investigate in detail the site-specific features affecting the current treeline distribution. Results: Treeline elevation was lowest in the North Italy (Apuan Alps), while the highest treeline was found in Central Italy (Simbruini). An absolute maximum treeline elevation of F. sylvatica exceeding 2000ma.s.l. was found on 13 mountain peaks in Central and Southern Italy. Noteworthy, treeline elevation was largely lower on warmer south-facing slopes compared to northern slopes, with values several hundred meters lower in the Gran Sasso and Velino-Sirente. Although the causes of this pattern are still unknown, we argue that treeline elevation on southfacing slopes may be limited by the combination of climatic constraints (i.e. summer drought) and human disturbance. Evidence of a pervasive anthropogenic effect depressing treeline elevation was found in the North (Apuan Alps) Central (Gran Sasso, Velino-Sirente, Sibillini) and Southern part of Apennines (Pollino). By contrast, treeline elevation of the Laga, Simbruini, and Orsomarso mountain groups appears less affected by past anthropogenic disturbance. Finally, we recorded in the several mountain groups (i.e. Majella, Marsicani and Pollino) the coexistence of very depressed treelines just a few kilometers away from much higher treelines, among the highest ever recorded for F. sylvatica. Conclusions: Finally, we argue that F. sylvatica treeline across the Apennines is locally shaped both by the interaction of low temperatures experienced by the species in its earliest life stages in snow-free open spaces with summer soil water depletion and human disturbance.
Verification of behavioural models of window opening: The accuracy of window-use pattern, indoor temperature and indoor PM_(2.5) concentration prediction

Occupant-controlled window opening plays a significant role in exposure to indoor environmental hazards such as high temperatures and PM_(2.5). Both the indoor and outdoor environments can affect window opening behaviour of building occupants, while variation in this behaviour is often poorly defined in building simulations. This study examines the robustness of six existing behavioural models of window opening in predicting window-use patterns in Hong Kong flats, and the impact of behavioural models on the accuracy of indoor temperature and indoor PM_(2.5) concentration prediction. The behavioural models were implemented in the EMS application of EnergyPlus. The predicted window-use patterns were compared to those of filed measurements, whilst the predicted indoor temperatures and indoor PM_(2.5) concentrations were benchmarked against those predicted by the EnergyPlus model with the actual occupant window opening behaviour. Results indicate that the ability of individual behavioural models to accurately predict occupant window opening behaviour varies depending on modelling approach, outdoor environmental variable and simulation time-step size. The model providing the best estimate of the duration of window-opening is able to best contribute to accurate predictions about indoor temperatures and indoor PM_(2.5) concentrations. Results also show that a static temperature threshold for window-opening (a common method of modelling occupant window opening behaviour) can lead to a significant difference between the actual and predicted window-use patterns (and therefore indoor temperatures or indoor PM_(2.5) concentrations), underlining the importance of improving model inputs for occupant window opening behaviour.
Comparing predictions by existing explicit emission models to real world observations of formaldehyde emissions from solid materials

Existing general explicit mass transfer models for volatile organic compound emissions have been validated against experimental results from small test chambers. This study compared emission rates predicted by such models to observations from homes, large test chambers and full scale experiments. The comparison revealed that the examined explicit emission models could not simulate behaviour observed under real world conditions for the cases studied. It is hypothesised that the reasons for the observed discrepancies include that: (1) There is a shortage of detailed information on the actual physical conditions at the emitting surfaces under real world conditions. (2) The mathematics behind the explicit emission models does not allow such models to fully capture the dynamic behaviour of a system with varying temperature and relative humidity. (3) The assumption that change in the concentration in an emitting material is determined by diffusion alone, implicitly implying that generation is negligible, may not be valid outside small test chambers.
Comparison of passive cooling techniques in reducing overheating of clay-straw building in semi-arid climate

Residential and tertiary buildings constitute, in Morocco, the largest energy-intensive sector, accounting for 51% of its total electricity consumption. Decreasing the growing building energy demand presents, therefore, one of the key factors for achieving energy autarky and substantially reducing the use of imported fossil fuels for electricity generation. In this paper, we studied several passive cooling techniques integrated into a numerical model of a clay-straw building in semi-arid climate, aiming simultaneously to reduce the energy demand for cooling and improve the building thermal comfort by reducing overheating hours. The results show that automated movable shading is the most effective solution. Moreover, the clay-straw building that integrates the passive cooling techniques shows a reduction of the indoor temperature by 5 °C in the warmest day of summer in comparison to a reference building representative of actual Moroccan villas made of concrete and lacking passive cooling techniques. Furthermore, it reduces the total energy demand by 65% while decreasing the number of discomfort hours resulting from overheating by 25%. In addition, the passive cooling techniques showed quite the same effectiveness in summer conditions whether used in a concrete or a clay-straw building. Eventually, we suggest that the Moroccan thermal code should encourage the use of passive cooling techniques, especially in hot semi-arid climate.
Clinical Features and Treatment of 2019-nCov Pneumonia Patients in Wuhan:Report of A Couple Cases

Till January 20,2020,the 2019-new coronavirus(2019- nCoV)has caused more than one hundred cases in Wuhan(WMHC 2020).During a retrospective study of recent pneumonia patients in our department,we found two patients who are likely being infected with the 2019-nCoV.During the hospitalization,those two patients were appropriately treated,and both were discharged within two weeks.Thus,we are reporting the clinical features and treatment regiment,and hope the information and experience can be shared.
Canopy gap characteristics and spatial patterns in a subtropical forest of South China after ice storm damage

The divergent gap characteristics and spatial patterns of canopy gaps created by natural or artificial disturbances can exert a dominant influence on forest structure and composition. However, little research has been conducted on the effects of ice storm damage on canopy gaps in subtropical mature forests of South China. In this study, one semi-natural site was dominated by a broad-leaf forest and two managed sites were representative of plantations with coniferous forests. Based on airborne laser scanning data and field evidence across sites, statistical analyses were used to examine gap characteristics following ice storms of moderate severity. Generalized Ripley's K-function analysis was applied to test gap spatial patterns at a range of scales, and spatial point pattern analysis was used to quantitate the relative importance of specific influences on patterns of gap occurrence. The results revealed that the average gap size was 75.7 m~2 and that 12.2 gaps occurred per hectare. Most gaps were single-tree fall events. In addition to more gaps, the mean gap size was smaller and the shape was more complex in the semi-natural site than in two managed sites. Large differences in gap characteristics were observed among snapped, uprooted, snag, and artificial gap damage types. Gaps generally showed a clustered distribution at large scales (e.g. 70m), whereas spatial patterns varied with gap damage types at different sites. The occurrence of gaps was strongly related to slope and topographic position at the semi-natural site, whereas slope, stem density, and human accessibility (proximity to pathways) were the most important factors affecting gap occurrence at the managed sites. We suggest that gap-based silvicultural treatments and natural disturbances regimes conjoin, highlighting interactions with other factors such as microsite conditions, non-tree vegetation and more.
Siberian silkmoth outbreaks surpassed geoclimatic barrier in Siberian Mountains

Siberian silkmoth (SSM, Dendrolimus sibiricus Tschetv.) is the most important defoliator of Siberian pine (Pinus sibirica Du Tour) and fir (Abies sibirica Ledeb.) stands. Warming-induced SSM outbreaks are one of the major driving factors of successions within the taiga zone. It is suggested that climate change impacted the SSM range and life cycle. We analyzed the migration of alpine and northerly SSM outbreak boundaries in Siberia and the impact of the climate variables and topography on the outbreak dynamics. We used time-series scenes (multispectral data, and vegetation indexes EVI and NDII) in combination with field studies, climate variables, and GIS techniques. We found that SSM outbreaks in the area of alpine boundary shifted about 370 m uphill since the mid of 1950. The outbreak onset was promoted by increased dryness and active temperatures and decreased root zone moisture content in the spring-early summer period. The terrain topography strongly affected SSM outbreak onset and dynamics. Initially, the outbreak was located at the middle elevations on the gentle concave southeastern slopes, which are the favorable insect habitats between outbreaks. Then the outbreak expanded uphill and downhill, to steeper slopes, and both concave and convex terrains. Alongside with elevation range expansion, SSM surpassed its northern historical outbreak boundary: the potential outbreaks' boundary moved about 300 km northward. Climate warming contributes to SSM migration into former outbreak free conifer stands located in highlands and at northern latitudes.
Tectonic control on slow-moving Andean landslides in the Colca Valley, Peru

The Colca Valley in the Central Andes is a region characterized by the occurrence of large slowmoving landslides and a high level of seismic activity. In this study, we aimed to determine passive and active tectonic control on the formation of selected five large landslides in the Colca Valley and to assess geohazard associated with these features. For that purpose, we performed a post-landslide field survey, applied remote sensing techniques, and obtained eyewitness accounts. Recently, the need to understand mass movement processes in this region is even higher due to the establishment of the Colca y Volcanes de Andagua Geopark (Colca and Andagua Volcanoes Geopark). Our results suggest that the studied landslides usually represent a complex failure mechanism, dominated by translational sliding or rotational displacements, commonly associated with the formation of horst-and-graben like structures. We found a spatial correlation between the distribution of landslides and inherited fault network. The head scarps appear to be limited by the WNW- to NWstriking faults, whereas the lateral extent of some of the reported features seems to be connected with the NNE-striking normal faults, common in both, the Mesozoic strata and the Pleistocene-Holocene deposits.
Sagittal abdominal diameter as a marker of visceral obesity in older primary care patients

Background Longevity, combined with a higher prevalence of obesity, particularly visceral obesity, has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Insulin resistance (IR) is an important link between visceral obesity and cardiovascular diseases. An important association has been found between sagittal abdominal diameter, visceral obesity and IR. The objective of this study is to evaluate sagittal abdominal diameter as a marker of visceral obesity and correlate it with IR in older primary health care patients. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed with 389 patients over 60 years of age (70.6 ± 6.9), of whom 74% were female. Their clinical, anthropometric and metabolic profiles were assessed and their fasting serum insulin level was used to calculate the homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Sagittal abdominal diameter was measured in the supine position at the midpoint between the iliac crest and the last rib with abdominal calipers. Results Sagittal abdominal diameter was significantly correlated with anthropometric measures of general and visceral obesity and with HOMA-IR in both genders. There was no change in the association between sagittal abdominal diameter and HOMA-IR after adjusting for age, sex, diabetes and hypertension. Conclusion It is feasible to use sagittal abdominal diameter in older primary care patients as a tool to evaluate visceral obesity, which is an indicator of cardiovascular risk.
Relationship between high sensitivity C-reactive protein and angiographic severity of coronary artery disease

Background Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Cytokines play a potential role in atherosclerosis pathogenesis and progression. We investigated the association between high sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and severity of CAD. Methods CAD patients were stratified according to hsCRP cut-off value into high levels hsCRP group (≥ 8.4 mg/L) and low levels hsCRP group (< 8.4 mg/L). Severity of CAD was assessed according to artery stenosis degree and the number of vessel involved. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS, version 23.0). Results The mean age was 60.3 ± 11.0 years. The level of hsCRP was increased and ranged from 0.2 to 1020.0 mg/L. Biochemical risk factors and severity of CAD didn't show significant differences between the two groups. In multivariate linear analysis, cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and serum amyloid A (SAA) were predictors of hsCRP. As shown in receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis performed in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and compared to myonecrosis biomarkers, hsCRP (area under the curve (AUC): 0.905; 95%CI: 0.844-0.966; P < 0.001) could be a powerful predictor marker in evaluating the infarct size after myocardial infarction but not better than cTnI. Conclusions HsCRP levels were not associated with the severity of CAD but could be useful in the evaluation of myocardial necrosis in patients with STEMI.
Atrial fibrillation and frailty

Both the prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and frailty are increasing with age, and they often occur simultaneously, leading them to become the central concerns in this aging society. The incidence of frailty in patients with AF is highly variable, ranging from 4.4% to 75.4%, depending on different evaluating instruments used. Moreover, the incidence of frailty among patients with AF is on the rise, which indicated that patients with AF are more prone to frailty compared to patients without AF. The relationship between AF and frailty is complicated. Frailty elevates the risk of stroke and mortality in AF patients and is also associated with longer hospitalizations. On the other hand, it may reduce the appropriate anticoagulation in AF patients. However, the evidence of the effects of frailty on anti-arrhythmic and interventional therapy in patients with AF is scarce. Frailty affects both the management and the prognosis of AF in the geriatric population. Vice versa, AF could worsen the frail state and may represent a marker of frailty. However, there are still questions need to be resolved, for example, the impact of frailty on the interventional therapy of patients with AF. Therefore, the geriatric assessment of frailty should be considered when planning individualized management of AF in older patients.
Opportunistic screening for atrial fibrillation with a single lead device in geriatric patients

Objective To determine the diagnostic yield of repeated screening for atrial fibrillation (AF) among geriatric patients. Methods A pragmatic prospective cohort study into applying opportunistic screening for AF with a handheld single lead ECG device (SLD) in a geriatric cohort. Consecutive patients of 65 years old and older visiting the geriatric outpatient clinic were eligible for inclusion. A 12 lead ECG was performed, followed by measurements with the SLD during every visit to the geriatric outpatient clinic. A frailty index was based on the accumulation of deficits model. Results 478 patients were eligible. Patients were excluded if they did not give informed consent (17 patients), had a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (20 patients), or had incomplete medical files (two patients). After exclusion, 439 patients participated in this study. The mean age was 78 years (range 65 to 100 years), 54% were female. AF was known in 89 patients (20%), first detected on the baseline ECG in four patients (1%) and first detected with the SLD in 20 patients (5%) during follow up visits. Sensitivity of the SLD was 90.0%, specificity 99.0%, negative predictive value 99.7%, and positive predictive value 73.5%. Most patients (82%) with AF were frail and 53% were severely frail. Conclusion Repeated screening in geriatric patients has a five times higher diagnostic yield than usual care. It was easily combined with usual care. Because of the positive predictive value of 73.5%, it remains necessary to confirm AF with a 12 lead ECG or 24-h Holter monitoring.