Numerous engineering cases have demonstrated that the expansive soil channel slope remains susceptible to damage with the implementation of a rigid or closed protective structure. It is common for the protective struc...Numerous engineering cases have demonstrated that the expansive soil channel slope remains susceptible to damage with the implementation of a rigid or closed protective structure. It is common for the protective structure to experience bulging failure due to excessive swelling pressure. To investigate the swelling pressure properties of expansive soil, the constant volume test was employed to study the influence of water content and reserved expansion deformation on the characteristics of swelling pressure in strong expansive soils, and also to explore the evolution mechanism of the swelling pressure. The findings demonstrate that the swelling pressure-time curve can be classified into swelling pressure-time softening and swelling pressure-time stability type. The swelling pressuretime curve of the specimen with low water content is the swelling pressure-time softening type, and the softening level will be weakened with increasing reserved expansion deformation. Besides, the maximum swelling pressure Psmax decreases with increasing water content and reserved expansion deformation, especially for expansion ratio η from 24% to 37%. The reserved deformation has little effect on reducing Psmax when it is beyond 7% of the expansion rate. The specimen with low water content has a more homogeneous structure due to the significant expansion-filling effect, and the fracture and reorganization of the aggregates in the specimens with low water content cause the swelling pressure-time softening behavior. In addition, the proposed swelling pressure-time curve prediction model has a good prediction on the test results. If necessary, a deformation space of about 7% expansion rate is recommended to be reserved in the engineering to reduce the swelling pressure except for keeping a stable water content.展开更多
The reserved judgment can be broadly categorized into three types: Re-Do, Re-Set, and Natural Flowing Case (i.e. step by step in Re-Try). Hori et al. constructed the Bayes-Fuzzy Estimation and demonstrated that system...The reserved judgment can be broadly categorized into three types: Re-Do, Re-Set, and Natural Flowing Case (i.e. step by step in Re-Try). Hori et al. constructed the Bayes-Fuzzy Estimation and demonstrated that system theory can be applied to the possibility of Markov processes, and that decision-making approaches can be applied to sequential Bayes estimation. In this paper, we focus on the Natural Flowing Case within reserved judgment. Here, the possibility of oblique (or principal) factor rotation is considered as a part of the tandem fuzzy system that follows step by step for sequential Bayes estimation. Ultimately, we achieve a significant result whereby the expected utility can be calculated automatically without the need to construct a utility function for reserved judgment. There, this utility in Re-Do can be calculated by the prior utility, and that utility in Re-set does not exist by our research in this paper. Finally, we elucidate the relationship between fuzzy system theory and fuzzy decision theory through an applied example of Bayes-Fuzzy theory. Fuzzy estimation can be applied to only normal making decision, but it is impossible to apply abnormal decision problem. Our Vague, specially Type 2 Vague can be applied to abnormal case, too.展开更多
This paper discusses a method for identifying states in a multistage Decision Making Problem in which an Indifferent Event is either predetermined or can be automatically derived after the fact. First, when they are p...This paper discusses a method for identifying states in a multistage Decision Making Problem in which an Indifferent Event is either predetermined or can be automatically derived after the fact. First, when they are pre-set, the amount of possible information about Indifferent Event tends to be large. Therefore, since the decision is risk tolerant, the Max-Product method of Tanaka et al. is used to calculate the expected utility possibility. Next, in the case of automatic derivation after the fact, the amount of information on the possibility of Indifferent Event is relatively small, so the expected utility possibility is derived using Zadeh’s Fuzzy Event Possibility Measure. Here, it is assumed that the setting of the utility function is independent of the information on the occurrence of the Indifferent Event and is identified by the decision maker by lot drawing using the certainty equivalence method. As a concrete example, we focus on the pass/fail decision of a recommendation test, which is a two choice question in the No-Data Problem, and illustrate the multistage state identification method. .展开更多
This essay mainly discusses the attitude that modern ladies should preserve towards love since people treat love and divorce as less seriously as before.It reveals the idea that to be reserved in front of love should ...This essay mainly discusses the attitude that modern ladies should preserve towards love since people treat love and divorce as less seriously as before.It reveals the idea that to be reserved in front of love should be considered by nowadays people according to analyzing the characteristic of the female image,Jane Bennet,in Jane Austen's novel Pride and Prejudice.展开更多
In recent years, debates on the alarming rate of forest depletion emanating from growth in urban settlement and changed urban land-use patterns have gained prominence across the globe. The present study adopts a deman...In recent years, debates on the alarming rate of forest depletion emanating from growth in urban settlement and changed urban land-use patterns have gained prominence across the globe. The present study adopts a demandside management approach to investigate household’s willingness-to-pay for the restoration and maintenance of protected forest reserves in three municipalities in Ghana. Using survey data of 733 households from the Greater Accra Region of Ghana, we model the demand for forest restoration and maintenance, respectively, by means of the contingent valuation technique. As part of the findings, the study shows evidence that a household is willing to pay Gh￠50.99($8.67) and Gh￠31.12($5.29) per annum to restore and maintain the protected forests,respectively. These amounts constitute less than one percent of the average household income per month.Consequently, critical validity tests are conducted to validate the robustness of the results. This study provides willingness-to-pay estimates for forest and forest resources, and its associated determinants. These estimates seek to bridge the information gap and inform policy decisions toward the overarching aim of ensuring sustainable forest management in Ghana.展开更多
The Constitution (17th Amendment) Act 2018, passed on this 8th July 2018, provides for the tenure of the reserved seats for women in Parliament to be extended for a period of 25 years from the first day of the 11th pa...The Constitution (17th Amendment) Act 2018, passed on this 8th July 2018, provides for the tenure of the reserved seats for women in Parliament to be extended for a period of 25 years from the first day of the 11th parliament. In Bangladesh, there is a consensus in general that women’s political participation is necessary for both the democratic development of the country and women’s empowerment. Studies and research on the constitutionality of the Reserved Seat Provision for women in Parliament show that this Reserved Seat Provision does not actually help women impact in the political process in Parliament and/or in achieving the goals of women empowerment. Hence, this paper shall discuss how this Reserved Seat Provision is affecting the election system, leaving a scope for it to be less democratic, effective, and meaningful. This paper shall highlight that merely a sizable presence of women in Parliament for such a long period won’t aid in achieving the aims and objectives of women empowerment. This paper shall conclude with the recommendation that the Reserved Seat Provision may be integrated in the Constitution in a manner that provides for direct election of reserved seat nominations for women in Parliament and that too should not be in the Constitution for an indefinite period.展开更多
This study aims to estimate the tree diversity status of Rashad Forest Reserves in the Rashad locality of the South Kordofan State of Sudan. For data collection, eight sample plots (20 × 20</span><b> ...This study aims to estimate the tree diversity status of Rashad Forest Reserves in the Rashad locality of the South Kordofan State of Sudan. For data collection, eight sample plots (20 × 20</span><b> </b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">m) were taken randomly, and parameters were determined: </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">trees</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> species diversity, composition, relative density, dominance, important value index, and species richness in the Rashad forest reserve. The results show that a total of 237 and 56 tree species, including 22 families, have been identified in the study area. Fabaceae family and species numbers have the highest number of 13 species in 8 genera, followed by Combretaceae with 8 species belonging to 3 different genera, Malvaceae with 5 species belonging to 4 different genera, Apocynaceae with 3 species belonging to 3 different genera. The Arecaceae, Burseraceae, Capparaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Meliaceae, and Rubiaceae families each had two species, and all the other 11 families had one species each. Among the 56 different tree species found within the reserve. The results also indicated that </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Tamarindus indica</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> L</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">.</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> and </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Ziziphus </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">spina</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">-</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">christi</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> (L.) Desf. had the highest relative density and dominance of 4.64% and 11% respectively. </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Adansonia digitata</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> L</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">.</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">, </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Grewia </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">villosa</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Willd, </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Vepris </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">nobilis</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> (Delile) Mziray had density and dominance of 4.80% and 9%.</span><b> </b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Followed by </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Anogeissus </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">leiocarpa</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> (DC.) Guill. & Perr, </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Adansonia digitata</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> L</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">.</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">, </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Catunaregam </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">nilotica</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> (Stapf) Tirveng. (Syn: </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Xeromphis </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">nilotica</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> (Stapf) Keay, </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Vangueria madagascariensis</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> J. F. Gmel. with 3.38% and 8%, respectively.</span><b> </b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Eleven species recorded the least relative dominance of 0.42%.</span><b> </b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Shannon-Weiner diversity index (H’) value stood at 3.82. And as diversity indices varied with location depending on the species available within an ecological zone, </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Rashad</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> forest reserve is blessed with a moderate diversity index.展开更多
BACKGROUND The neuroendoscopic approach has the advantages of a clear operative field,convenient tumor removal,and less damage,and is the development direction of modern neurosurgery.At present,transnasal surgery for ...BACKGROUND The neuroendoscopic approach has the advantages of a clear operative field,convenient tumor removal,and less damage,and is the development direction of modern neurosurgery.At present,transnasal surgery for sphenoidal pituitary tumor is widely used.But it has been found in clinical practice that some patients with this type of surgery may experience post-operative nausea and vomiting and other discomforts.AIM To explore the effect of reserved gastric tube application in the neuroendoscopic endonasal resection of pituitary tumors.METHODS A total of 60 patients who underwent pituitary adenoma resection via the endoscopic endonasal approach were selected and randomly divided into the experimental and control groups,with 30 in each group.Experimental group:After anesthesia,a gastric tube was placed through the mouth under direct vision using a visual laryngoscope,and the fluid accumulated in the oropharynx was suctioned intermittently with low negative pressure throughout the whole process after nasal disinfection,during the operation,and when the patient recovered from anesthesia.Control group:Given the routine intraoperative care,no gastric tube was left.The number of cases of nausea/vomiting/aspiration within 24 h post-operation was counted and compared between the two groups;the scores of pharyngalgia after waking up,6 h post-operation,and 24 h postoperation.The frequency of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage and intracranial infection were compared.The hospitalization days of the two groups were statistically compared.RESULTS The times of postoperative nausea and vomiting in the experimental group were lower than that in the control group,and the difference in the incidence of nausea was statistically significant(P<0.05).After the patient woke up,the scores of sore throat 6 h after the operation and 24 h after operation were lower than those in the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The number of cases of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage and intracranial infection was higher than that of the control group,but there was no statistically significant difference from the control group(P>0.05).The hospitalization days of the experimental group was lower than that of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Reserving a gastric tube in the endoscopic endonasal resection of pituitary tumors,combined with intraoperative and postoperative gastrointestinal decompression,can effectively reduce the incidence of nausea,reduce the number of vomiting and aspiration in patients,and reduce the complications of sore throat The incidence rate shortened the hospitalization days of the patients.展开更多
It is well known that the system (1 + 1) can be unequal to 2, because this system has both observation error and system error. Furthermore, we must provide our mustered service within our cool head and warm heart, whe...It is well known that the system (1 + 1) can be unequal to 2, because this system has both observation error and system error. Furthermore, we must provide our mustered service within our cool head and warm heart, where two states of nature are existing upon us. Any system is regarded as the two-dimensional variable error model. On the other hand, we consider that the fuzziness is existing in this system. Though we can usually obtain the fuzzy number from the possibility theory, it is not fuzzy but possibility, because the possibility function is as same as the likelihood function, and we can obtain the possibility measure by the maximal likelihood method (i.e. max product method proposed by Dr. Hideo Tanaka). Therefore, Fuzzy is regarded as the only one case according to Vague, which has both some state of nature in this world and another state of nature in the other world. Here, we can consider that Type 1 Vague Event in other world can be obtained by mapping and translating from Type 1 fuzzy Event in this world. We named this estimation as Type 1 Bayes-Fuzzy Estimation. When the Vague Events were abnormal (ex. under War), we need to consider that another world could exist around other world. In this case, we call it Type 2 Bayes-Fuzzy Estimation. Where Hori et al. constructed the stochastic different equation upon Type 1 Vague Events, along with the general following probabilistic introduction method from the single regression model, multi-regression model, AR model, Markov (decision) process, to the stochastic different equation. Furthermore, we showed that the system theory approach is Possibility Markov Process, and that the making decision approach is Sequential Bayes Estimation, too. After all, Type 1 Bays-Fuzzy estimation is the special case in Bayes estimation, because the pareto solutions can exist in two stochastic different equations upon Type 2 Vague Events, after we ignore one equation each other (note that this is Type 1 case), we can obtain both its system solution and its decision solution. Here, it is noted that Type 2 Vague estimation can be applied to the shallow abnormal decision problem with possibility reserved judgement. However, it is very important problem that we can have no idea for possibility reserved judgement under the deepest abnormal envelopment (ex. under War). Expect for this deepest abnormal decision problem, Bayes estimation can completely cover fuzzy estimation. In this paper, we explain our flowing study and further research object forward to this deepest abnormal decision problem.展开更多
Tropical peat comprises decomposed dead plant material and acts like a sponge to absorb water,making it fully saturated.However,drought periods dry it readily and increases its vulnerability to fire.Peat fires emit gr...Tropical peat comprises decomposed dead plant material and acts like a sponge to absorb water,making it fully saturated.However,drought periods dry it readily and increases its vulnerability to fire.Peat fires emit greenhouse gases and particles contributing to haze,and prevention by constructing fire-break canals to reduce fire spread into forest reserves is crucial.This paper aims to determine peat physical and chemical properties near a fire-break canal at different fire frequency areas.Peat sampling was conducted at two forest reserves in Malaysia which represent low fire frequency and high fire frequency areas.The results show that peat properties were not affected by the construction of a fire-break canal,however lignin and cellulose content increased significantly from the distance of the canal in both areas.The study concluded that fire frequency did not significantly influence peat properties except for porosity.The higher fibre content in the high frequency area did not influence moisture content nor the ability to regain moisture.Thus,fire frequency might contribute differently to changes in physical and chemical properties,hence management efforts to construct fire-break canals and restoration efforts should protect peatlands from further degradation.These findings will benefit future management and planning for forest reserves.展开更多
BACKGROUND Invasive functional evaluation by fractional flow reserve(FFR)is considered as a gold standard for the evaluation of intermediate coronary stenosis.However,in patients with diabetes due to accelerated progr...BACKGROUND Invasive functional evaluation by fractional flow reserve(FFR)is considered as a gold standard for the evaluation of intermediate coronary stenosis.However,in patients with diabetes due to accelerated progression of atherosclerosis the outcome may be worse even in the presence of negative functional testing.CASE SUMMARY We present a case of 55-year-old male diabetic patient who was admitted for chest pain.Diagnostic coronary angiography disclosed 2 intermediate stenoses of the obtuse marginal branch with no evidence of restenosis on previously implanted stent.Patient undergone invasive functional testing of intermediate lesion with preserved FFR(0.88),low coronary flow reserve(1.2)and very high index of microvascular resistance(84).Due to discrepancy in invasive functional parameters,intravascular imaging with optical coherence tomography showed fibrotic stenoses without signs of thin-sup fibroatheroma.Because of the preserved FFR and no signs of vulnerable plaque,the interventional procedure was deferred and the patient continued with optimal medications.CONCLUSION Combined functional and anatomic imaging of intermediate coronary stenosis in diabetic patients represent comprehensive contemporary decision pathway in the management of the patients.展开更多
Objective:To conduct a systematic examination and meta-analysis of the most reliable data from experimental studies evaluating the efficacy of autologous platelet-rich plasma(PRP)on low ovarian reserve.Methods:A compr...Objective:To conduct a systematic examination and meta-analysis of the most reliable data from experimental studies evaluating the efficacy of autologous platelet-rich plasma(PRP)on low ovarian reserve.Methods:A comprehensive search was performed utilizing pertinent search terms across electronic databases,including PubMed,Cochrane,and Google Scholar.We included studies that assigned infertile women with low ovarian reserve in experimental studies.Ovarian reserve parameters were measured before and after PRP injection into ovaries.The data of each study was retrieved and subsequently compiled.Results:Of 301 articles collected and reviewed,six studies were finally included in the meta-analysis.Following PRP injection,infertile women showed a non-significant increase in anti-Mullerian hormone(AMH)level(MD=0.10;95%CI-0.04,0.23),a significant increase in antral follicular count(AFC)(MD=1.88;95%CI 0.47,3.29),and a non-significant reduction in follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH)level(MD=-0.22;95%CI-8.32,7.87).Conclusions:Autologous PRP may increase AFC,but not AMH.Although it is found beneficial in enhancing ovarian reserve(AFC),further research with strong evidence is still required.展开更多
BACKGROUND Cartilage defects are some of the most common causes of arthritis.Cartilage lesions caused by inflammation,trauma or degenerative disease normally result in osteochondral defects.Previous studies have shown...BACKGROUND Cartilage defects are some of the most common causes of arthritis.Cartilage lesions caused by inflammation,trauma or degenerative disease normally result in osteochondral defects.Previous studies have shown that decellularized extracellular matrix(ECM)derived from autologous,allogenic,or xenogeneic mesenchymal stromal cells(MSCs)can effectively restore osteochondral integrity.AIM To determine whether the decellularized ECM of antler reserve mesenchymal cells(RMCs),a xenogeneic material from antler stem cells,is superior to the currently available treatments for osteochondral defects.METHODS We isolated the RMCs from a 60-d-old sika deer antler and cultured them in vitro to 70%confluence;50 mg/mL L-ascorbic acid was then added to the medium to stimulate ECM deposition.Decellularized sheets of adipocyte-derived MSCs(aMSCs)and antlerogenic periosteal cells(another type of antler stem cells)were used as the controls.Three weeks after ascorbic acid stimulation,the ECM sheets were harvested and applied to the osteochondral defects in rat knee joints.RESULTS The defects were successfully repaired by applying the ECM-sheets.The highest quality of repair was achieved in the RMC-ECM group both in vitro(including cell attachment and proliferation),and in vivo(including the simultaneous regeneration of well-vascularized subchondral bone and avascular articular hyaline cartilage integrated with surrounding native tissues).Notably,the antler-stem-cell-derived ECM(xenogeneic)performed better than the aMSC-ECM(allogenic),while the ECM of the active antler stem cells was superior to that of the quiescent antler stem cells.CONCLUSION Decellularized xenogeneic ECM derived from the antler stem cell,particularly the active form(RMC-ECM),can achieve high quality repair/reconstruction of osteochondral defects,suggesting that selection of decellularized ECM for such repair should be focused more on bioactivity rather than kinship.展开更多
“Human-elephant conflict(HEC)”,the alarming issue,in present day context has attracted the attention of environmentalists and policy makers.The rising conflict between human beings and wild elephants is common in Bu...“Human-elephant conflict(HEC)”,the alarming issue,in present day context has attracted the attention of environmentalists and policy makers.The rising conflict between human beings and wild elephants is common in Buxa Tiger Reserve(BTR)and its adjoining area in West Bengal State,India,making the area volatile.People’s attitudes towards elephant conservation activity are very crucial to get rid of HEC,because people’s proximity with wild elephants’habitat can trigger the occurrence of HEC.The aim of this study is to conduct an in-depth investigation about the association of people’s attitudes towards HEC with their locational,demographic,and socio-economic characteristics in BTR and its adjoining area by using Pearson’s bivariate chi-square test and binary logistic regression analysis.BTR is one of the constituent parts of Eastern Doors Elephant Reserve(EDER).We interviewed 500 respondents to understand their perceptions to HEC and investigated their locational,demographic,and socio-economic characteristics including location of village,gender,age,ethnicity,religion,caste,poverty level,education level,primary occupation,secondary occupation,household type,and source of firewood.The results indicate that respondents who are living in enclave forest villages(EFVs),peripheral forest villages(PFVs),corridor village(CVs),or forest and corridor villages(FCVs),mainly males,at the age of 18–48 years old,engaged with agriculture occupation,and living in kancha and mixed houses,have more likelihood to witness HEC.Besides,respondents who are illiterate or at primary education level are more likely to regard elephant as a main problematic animal around their villages and refuse to participate in elephant conservation activity.For the sake of a sustainable environment for both human beings and wildlife,people’s attitudes towards elephants must be friendly in a more prudent way,so that the two communities can live in harmony.展开更多
Background: The most common surgical treatment for symptomatic uterine fibroids, particularly in women with fertility concerns, is open myomectomy. Given the high vascularity of the uterus, haemorrhage during the proc...Background: The most common surgical treatment for symptomatic uterine fibroids, particularly in women with fertility concerns, is open myomectomy. Given the high vascularity of the uterus, haemorrhage during the procedure is a serious risk that is often mitigated with a uterine tourniquet. Aim and Objectives: To evaluate the effect of uterine artery occlusion with a tourniquet during open myomectomy on ovarian reserve using serial anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) measurements. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective longitudinal study with a quasi-experimental design and a convenient sampling technique. The study enrolled 47 women who had abdominal myomectomy between September 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022, at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. Blood samples were collected before anaesthesia was administered in theatre, on day two, and three months after open abdominal myomectomy for anti-Mullerian hormone assay. The data was collected using a semi-structured proforma, entered into an Excel spreadsheet, and analyzed using SPSS version 25.0 with a 95% confidence interval. Statistical significance level was set at 0.05. Results: The pre-surgery AMH mean value was 1.67 ± 1.44 ng/ml, while the values after using a uterine tourniquet at myomectomy on the second day and three months later were 1.22 ± 1.24 ng/ml and 1.59 ± 1.43 ng/ml, respectively. There was no statistically significant change in AMH levels, and there was no statistically significant relationship between blood loss and tourniquet time and AMH after open abdominal myomectomy. Conclusion: The use of a uterine tourniquet and blood loss during open myomectomy has no effect on ovarian reserve.展开更多
Maintaining natural habitats is crucial for the preservation of insects and other species that indicate environmental changes. However, the Mpanga/Kipengere Game Reserve and its surrounding farmlands are facing distur...Maintaining natural habitats is crucial for the preservation of insects and other species that indicate environmental changes. However, the Mpanga/Kipengere Game Reserve and its surrounding farmlands are facing disturbance due to human activities, which is putting many wildlife species, particularly larger mammals, at risk. To determine the impact of human activities on butterfly species diversity and abundance in the reserve and its surrounding areas, we conducted a study from November 2021 to October 2023. We collected butterfly data using transect walks and baited traps in two habitat types. Our study yielded 2799 butterfly Individuals ranging in 124 species divided into five families habitat, season, and anthropogenic factors are significant environmental variables influencing species diversity and abundance of butterflies. Therefore, it’s important to protect habitat and dry-season water for the conservation of invertebrates such as butterflies. Our study findings provide essential information for ecological monitoring and future assessment of the Mpanga/Kipengere Game Reserve ecosystem health.展开更多
Inland wetlands in Abu Dhabi Emirate are wintering and stopover sites for migratory birds of prey. We conducted long-term regular monitoring surveys in Al Wathba Wetland Reserve (AWWR) from January 1995 to December 20...Inland wetlands in Abu Dhabi Emirate are wintering and stopover sites for migratory birds of prey. We conducted long-term regular monitoring surveys in Al Wathba Wetland Reserve (AWWR) from January 1995 to December 2022. Both diurnal and occasionally nocturnal surveys were undertaken to record the migratory raptors and owls in the Wetland Reserve. During the study, a total of 1282 regular monitoring visits were undertaken and 27 species of diurnal raptors and owls representing five families and three orders were detected. These represent 57% of the total species of birds of prey recorded in the UAE. Overall, 63% of all the species that we observed were Accipitriformes followed by 26% Falconiformes and 11% Strigiformes. We found that changes in mean daily temperature have a positive effect on raptor species diversity and abundance in the Wetland Reserve. The species encounter rate was higher in low temperature as compared to high temperature and overall regression equation was statistically significant F (4, 1126) = 8.49), p = 0.00). However, the numbers of raptors did not vary significantly across the years (p = 0.51). Western Marsh-harrier (Circus aeruginosus) and Greater Spotted Eagle (Clanga clanga) were recorded to be the most abundant species in the wetland reserve followed by Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus). However, the encounter rate of globally threatened Greater Spotted Eagle was detected to have significantly decreased since 2016. Moreover, 63% of the species detected were uncommon and rarely recorded such as 1) Saker Falcon 2) Lanner Falcon 3) Long-eared Owl & Merlin, which were the rare records from the wetland reserve. Furthermore, 27 years of regular monitoring in the wetland have yielded diverse diurnal raptors and owl fauna (H) = 0.83, (E) = 1.43 (Shannon Diversity Index). The results demonstrate that long-term monitoring surveys in arid environments are essential to determine the trends in the raptor populations and to document rare and globally important species.展开更多
This paper investigates an M/M/1 constant retrial queue with reserved time and vacations.A new arriving customer will take up the server and accept service immediately if the server is idle.Otherwise,if the server is ...This paper investigates an M/M/1 constant retrial queue with reserved time and vacations.A new arriving customer will take up the server and accept service immediately if the server is idle.Otherwise,if the server is busy or on vacation,customers have to join a retrial orbit and wait for retry.Once a service is completed,the server will reserve a random time to seek a customer from the orbit at a constant retrial rate.If there is no arrivals(from the orbit or outside)during the idle period,to save energy,the server will take a vacation.This paper studies the fully unobservable case.First,the steady-state condition of the system is analyzed by using the Foster’s criterion,and the customers’expected waiting time is obtained based on the generating function technique.And then,by introducing an appropriate revenue structure,the equilibrium strategies of customers and the socially optimal strategy are all derived.Furthermore,a comparison between them is made and the effect of some main system parameters is studied.展开更多
In most Sub-Saharan African countries such as Togo, people’s heavy dependence on ecosystem services is a major factor in accelerating the degradation of natural resources, which are already suffering as a result of c...In most Sub-Saharan African countries such as Togo, people’s heavy dependence on ecosystem services is a major factor in accelerating the degradation of natural resources, which are already suffering as a result of climatic factors. This study was initiated to contribute to the sustainable and rational management of forest resources in the south-east of the Mono Biosphere Reserve in Togo. It specifically aims to identify and characterize the flora of the residual forest ecosystems within the reserve through their specific diversity, demographic structure, and carbon sequestration potential. The study was carried out in the forest ecosystems of Avévé. The methodology used was based on the analysis of phytosociological, forestry, ecological, and regeneration inventory data. Overall, the study revealed that the RBMT still has floristically viable habitats, despite the anthropogenic pressures it is subject to revealed a floristic diversity of 160 plant species divided into 52 families and 135 genera. The most represented families are Rubiaceae (29.09%), followed by Fabaceae (27.94%). The most represented species are Mitragyna inermis (Willd.) Kuntze (24.38%), Lecaniodiscus cupanioides Planch. Ex Benth (X) and Lonchocarpus sericeus (Poir.) Kunth (10.93%). The high presence of Mitragyna inermis observed in all the ecological groups identified makes it the characteristic species of the flooded marshy areas of southeast Togo and contributes to the resilience of the ecosystems and populations in the study area. The Shannon index for the formation groups varies between (3.03 and 5.16) bits. Pielou’s equitability varies between (0.43 and 0.63) bits. The overall average density is estimated at 210 stems/ha, with an average diameter of 25.57 ± 21.77 m and an average height of 7.93 ± 3.83 m. The adjustment of the diameter classes of the plant groups to the Weibull distribution gave an “inverted J” shape with coefficient values of less than 1 overall, reflecting the existence of multispecific or uneven-aged stands. Assessment of the horizontal and vertical structure shows a predominance of the shrub layer in all the groups identified. The carbon sequestration potential is 41.89 T/Ha. Despite ongoing anthropogenic pressures, the Mono Biosphere Reserve abounds in a relatively rich diversity of flora, the preservation of which is essential for the survival of biodiversity and even for the riparian population. The data provided by this study would form the basis for sustainable management planning of the forest islands in the biosphere reserve.展开更多
Currently, the number of myopic people in China has reached as high as 600 million, and it shows a trend of “early onset, high incidence, and a high degree of severity”. The issue of myopia among children and adoles...Currently, the number of myopic people in China has reached as high as 600 million, and it shows a trend of “early onset, high incidence, and a high degree of severity”. The issue of myopia among children and adolescents has attracted widespread attention from all sectors of society. Comprehensive myopia prevention and control efforts have been launched nationwide. Popular science education, vision screening, and improving visual environments are effective measures for preventing myopia. However, among the target audience for comprehensive myopia prevention and control, the preschool children group has been neglected, and the work of myopia prevention and control for this group has been significantly weakened and marginalized. Due to insufficient awareness of prevention and control, the hyperopia reserve in the preschool children group is being continuously depleted, leading to the early onset of myopia. In light of this situation, the focus of myopia prevention and control needs to shift forward, and it is worth exploring and pondering how college students with a background in optometry can develop entertaining and engaging popular science education materials and methods.展开更多
基金financially supported by the National Key R&D Program of China (Grant No. 2019YFC1509901)。
文摘Numerous engineering cases have demonstrated that the expansive soil channel slope remains susceptible to damage with the implementation of a rigid or closed protective structure. It is common for the protective structure to experience bulging failure due to excessive swelling pressure. To investigate the swelling pressure properties of expansive soil, the constant volume test was employed to study the influence of water content and reserved expansion deformation on the characteristics of swelling pressure in strong expansive soils, and also to explore the evolution mechanism of the swelling pressure. The findings demonstrate that the swelling pressure-time curve can be classified into swelling pressure-time softening and swelling pressure-time stability type. The swelling pressuretime curve of the specimen with low water content is the swelling pressure-time softening type, and the softening level will be weakened with increasing reserved expansion deformation. Besides, the maximum swelling pressure Psmax decreases with increasing water content and reserved expansion deformation, especially for expansion ratio η from 24% to 37%. The reserved deformation has little effect on reducing Psmax when it is beyond 7% of the expansion rate. The specimen with low water content has a more homogeneous structure due to the significant expansion-filling effect, and the fracture and reorganization of the aggregates in the specimens with low water content cause the swelling pressure-time softening behavior. In addition, the proposed swelling pressure-time curve prediction model has a good prediction on the test results. If necessary, a deformation space of about 7% expansion rate is recommended to be reserved in the engineering to reduce the swelling pressure except for keeping a stable water content.
文摘The reserved judgment can be broadly categorized into three types: Re-Do, Re-Set, and Natural Flowing Case (i.e. step by step in Re-Try). Hori et al. constructed the Bayes-Fuzzy Estimation and demonstrated that system theory can be applied to the possibility of Markov processes, and that decision-making approaches can be applied to sequential Bayes estimation. In this paper, we focus on the Natural Flowing Case within reserved judgment. Here, the possibility of oblique (or principal) factor rotation is considered as a part of the tandem fuzzy system that follows step by step for sequential Bayes estimation. Ultimately, we achieve a significant result whereby the expected utility can be calculated automatically without the need to construct a utility function for reserved judgment. There, this utility in Re-Do can be calculated by the prior utility, and that utility in Re-set does not exist by our research in this paper. Finally, we elucidate the relationship between fuzzy system theory and fuzzy decision theory through an applied example of Bayes-Fuzzy theory. Fuzzy estimation can be applied to only normal making decision, but it is impossible to apply abnormal decision problem. Our Vague, specially Type 2 Vague can be applied to abnormal case, too.
文摘This paper discusses a method for identifying states in a multistage Decision Making Problem in which an Indifferent Event is either predetermined or can be automatically derived after the fact. First, when they are pre-set, the amount of possible information about Indifferent Event tends to be large. Therefore, since the decision is risk tolerant, the Max-Product method of Tanaka et al. is used to calculate the expected utility possibility. Next, in the case of automatic derivation after the fact, the amount of information on the possibility of Indifferent Event is relatively small, so the expected utility possibility is derived using Zadeh’s Fuzzy Event Possibility Measure. Here, it is assumed that the setting of the utility function is independent of the information on the occurrence of the Indifferent Event and is identified by the decision maker by lot drawing using the certainty equivalence method. As a concrete example, we focus on the pass/fail decision of a recommendation test, which is a two choice question in the No-Data Problem, and illustrate the multistage state identification method. .
文摘This essay mainly discusses the attitude that modern ladies should preserve towards love since people treat love and divorce as less seriously as before.It reveals the idea that to be reserved in front of love should be considered by nowadays people according to analyzing the characteristic of the female image,Jane Bennet,in Jane Austen's novel Pride and Prejudice.
基金financial support from the Global Greengrants Fund,UK/Europe/USA(Grant Number:2018-2472).
文摘In recent years, debates on the alarming rate of forest depletion emanating from growth in urban settlement and changed urban land-use patterns have gained prominence across the globe. The present study adopts a demandside management approach to investigate household’s willingness-to-pay for the restoration and maintenance of protected forest reserves in three municipalities in Ghana. Using survey data of 733 households from the Greater Accra Region of Ghana, we model the demand for forest restoration and maintenance, respectively, by means of the contingent valuation technique. As part of the findings, the study shows evidence that a household is willing to pay Gh￠50.99($8.67) and Gh￠31.12($5.29) per annum to restore and maintain the protected forests,respectively. These amounts constitute less than one percent of the average household income per month.Consequently, critical validity tests are conducted to validate the robustness of the results. This study provides willingness-to-pay estimates for forest and forest resources, and its associated determinants. These estimates seek to bridge the information gap and inform policy decisions toward the overarching aim of ensuring sustainable forest management in Ghana.
文摘The Constitution (17th Amendment) Act 2018, passed on this 8th July 2018, provides for the tenure of the reserved seats for women in Parliament to be extended for a period of 25 years from the first day of the 11th parliament. In Bangladesh, there is a consensus in general that women’s political participation is necessary for both the democratic development of the country and women’s empowerment. Studies and research on the constitutionality of the Reserved Seat Provision for women in Parliament show that this Reserved Seat Provision does not actually help women impact in the political process in Parliament and/or in achieving the goals of women empowerment. Hence, this paper shall discuss how this Reserved Seat Provision is affecting the election system, leaving a scope for it to be less democratic, effective, and meaningful. This paper shall highlight that merely a sizable presence of women in Parliament for such a long period won’t aid in achieving the aims and objectives of women empowerment. This paper shall conclude with the recommendation that the Reserved Seat Provision may be integrated in the Constitution in a manner that provides for direct election of reserved seat nominations for women in Parliament and that too should not be in the Constitution for an indefinite period.
文摘This study aims to estimate the tree diversity status of Rashad Forest Reserves in the Rashad locality of the South Kordofan State of Sudan. For data collection, eight sample plots (20 × 20</span><b> </b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">m) were taken randomly, and parameters were determined: </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">trees</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> species diversity, composition, relative density, dominance, important value index, and species richness in the Rashad forest reserve. The results show that a total of 237 and 56 tree species, including 22 families, have been identified in the study area. Fabaceae family and species numbers have the highest number of 13 species in 8 genera, followed by Combretaceae with 8 species belonging to 3 different genera, Malvaceae with 5 species belonging to 4 different genera, Apocynaceae with 3 species belonging to 3 different genera. The Arecaceae, Burseraceae, Capparaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Meliaceae, and Rubiaceae families each had two species, and all the other 11 families had one species each. Among the 56 different tree species found within the reserve. The results also indicated that </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Tamarindus indica</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> L</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">.</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> and </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Ziziphus </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">spina</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">-</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">christi</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> (L.) Desf. had the highest relative density and dominance of 4.64% and 11% respectively. </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Adansonia digitata</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> L</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">.</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">, </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Grewia </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">villosa</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Willd, </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Vepris </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">nobilis</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> (Delile) Mziray had density and dominance of 4.80% and 9%.</span><b> </b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Followed by </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Anogeissus </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">leiocarpa</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> (DC.) Guill. & Perr, </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Adansonia digitata</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> L</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">.</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">, </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Catunaregam </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">nilotica</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> (Stapf) Tirveng. (Syn: </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Xeromphis </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">nilotica</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> (Stapf) Keay, </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Vangueria madagascariensis</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> J. F. Gmel. with 3.38% and 8%, respectively.</span><b> </b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Eleven species recorded the least relative dominance of 0.42%.</span><b> </b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Shannon-Weiner diversity index (H’) value stood at 3.82. And as diversity indices varied with location depending on the species available within an ecological zone, </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Rashad</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> forest reserve is blessed with a moderate diversity index.
基金Traditional Chinese Medicine Science and Technology Project in Jiangsu Province,No.YB2015113the Science and Technology Program of Nantong Health Committee,No.MA2019003,No.MA2021017,No.MB2021026,and No.MB2021027+1 种基金Science and Technology Program of Nantong City,No.Key003,No.MS12015016 and No.JCZ2022040Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University,No.KD2021JYYJYB025,No.KD2022KYJJZD019,No.KD2022KYJJZD022,and No.2023ZC127.
文摘BACKGROUND The neuroendoscopic approach has the advantages of a clear operative field,convenient tumor removal,and less damage,and is the development direction of modern neurosurgery.At present,transnasal surgery for sphenoidal pituitary tumor is widely used.But it has been found in clinical practice that some patients with this type of surgery may experience post-operative nausea and vomiting and other discomforts.AIM To explore the effect of reserved gastric tube application in the neuroendoscopic endonasal resection of pituitary tumors.METHODS A total of 60 patients who underwent pituitary adenoma resection via the endoscopic endonasal approach were selected and randomly divided into the experimental and control groups,with 30 in each group.Experimental group:After anesthesia,a gastric tube was placed through the mouth under direct vision using a visual laryngoscope,and the fluid accumulated in the oropharynx was suctioned intermittently with low negative pressure throughout the whole process after nasal disinfection,during the operation,and when the patient recovered from anesthesia.Control group:Given the routine intraoperative care,no gastric tube was left.The number of cases of nausea/vomiting/aspiration within 24 h post-operation was counted and compared between the two groups;the scores of pharyngalgia after waking up,6 h post-operation,and 24 h postoperation.The frequency of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage and intracranial infection were compared.The hospitalization days of the two groups were statistically compared.RESULTS The times of postoperative nausea and vomiting in the experimental group were lower than that in the control group,and the difference in the incidence of nausea was statistically significant(P<0.05).After the patient woke up,the scores of sore throat 6 h after the operation and 24 h after operation were lower than those in the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The number of cases of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage and intracranial infection was higher than that of the control group,but there was no statistically significant difference from the control group(P>0.05).The hospitalization days of the experimental group was lower than that of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Reserving a gastric tube in the endoscopic endonasal resection of pituitary tumors,combined with intraoperative and postoperative gastrointestinal decompression,can effectively reduce the incidence of nausea,reduce the number of vomiting and aspiration in patients,and reduce the complications of sore throat The incidence rate shortened the hospitalization days of the patients.
文摘It is well known that the system (1 + 1) can be unequal to 2, because this system has both observation error and system error. Furthermore, we must provide our mustered service within our cool head and warm heart, where two states of nature are existing upon us. Any system is regarded as the two-dimensional variable error model. On the other hand, we consider that the fuzziness is existing in this system. Though we can usually obtain the fuzzy number from the possibility theory, it is not fuzzy but possibility, because the possibility function is as same as the likelihood function, and we can obtain the possibility measure by the maximal likelihood method (i.e. max product method proposed by Dr. Hideo Tanaka). Therefore, Fuzzy is regarded as the only one case according to Vague, which has both some state of nature in this world and another state of nature in the other world. Here, we can consider that Type 1 Vague Event in other world can be obtained by mapping and translating from Type 1 fuzzy Event in this world. We named this estimation as Type 1 Bayes-Fuzzy Estimation. When the Vague Events were abnormal (ex. under War), we need to consider that another world could exist around other world. In this case, we call it Type 2 Bayes-Fuzzy Estimation. Where Hori et al. constructed the stochastic different equation upon Type 1 Vague Events, along with the general following probabilistic introduction method from the single regression model, multi-regression model, AR model, Markov (decision) process, to the stochastic different equation. Furthermore, we showed that the system theory approach is Possibility Markov Process, and that the making decision approach is Sequential Bayes Estimation, too. After all, Type 1 Bays-Fuzzy estimation is the special case in Bayes estimation, because the pareto solutions can exist in two stochastic different equations upon Type 2 Vague Events, after we ignore one equation each other (note that this is Type 1 case), we can obtain both its system solution and its decision solution. Here, it is noted that Type 2 Vague estimation can be applied to the shallow abnormal decision problem with possibility reserved judgement. However, it is very important problem that we can have no idea for possibility reserved judgement under the deepest abnormal envelopment (ex. under War). Expect for this deepest abnormal decision problem, Bayes estimation can completely cover fuzzy estimation. In this paper, we explain our flowing study and further research object forward to this deepest abnormal decision problem.
基金This research was funded by the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia via the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme(FRGS/1/2020/WAB03/UPM/02/1)。
文摘Tropical peat comprises decomposed dead plant material and acts like a sponge to absorb water,making it fully saturated.However,drought periods dry it readily and increases its vulnerability to fire.Peat fires emit greenhouse gases and particles contributing to haze,and prevention by constructing fire-break canals to reduce fire spread into forest reserves is crucial.This paper aims to determine peat physical and chemical properties near a fire-break canal at different fire frequency areas.Peat sampling was conducted at two forest reserves in Malaysia which represent low fire frequency and high fire frequency areas.The results show that peat properties were not affected by the construction of a fire-break canal,however lignin and cellulose content increased significantly from the distance of the canal in both areas.The study concluded that fire frequency did not significantly influence peat properties except for porosity.The higher fibre content in the high frequency area did not influence moisture content nor the ability to regain moisture.Thus,fire frequency might contribute differently to changes in physical and chemical properties,hence management efforts to construct fire-break canals and restoration efforts should protect peatlands from further degradation.These findings will benefit future management and planning for forest reserves.
文摘BACKGROUND Invasive functional evaluation by fractional flow reserve(FFR)is considered as a gold standard for the evaluation of intermediate coronary stenosis.However,in patients with diabetes due to accelerated progression of atherosclerosis the outcome may be worse even in the presence of negative functional testing.CASE SUMMARY We present a case of 55-year-old male diabetic patient who was admitted for chest pain.Diagnostic coronary angiography disclosed 2 intermediate stenoses of the obtuse marginal branch with no evidence of restenosis on previously implanted stent.Patient undergone invasive functional testing of intermediate lesion with preserved FFR(0.88),low coronary flow reserve(1.2)and very high index of microvascular resistance(84).Due to discrepancy in invasive functional parameters,intravascular imaging with optical coherence tomography showed fibrotic stenoses without signs of thin-sup fibroatheroma.Because of the preserved FFR and no signs of vulnerable plaque,the interventional procedure was deferred and the patient continued with optimal medications.CONCLUSION Combined functional and anatomic imaging of intermediate coronary stenosis in diabetic patients represent comprehensive contemporary decision pathway in the management of the patients.
文摘Objective:To conduct a systematic examination and meta-analysis of the most reliable data from experimental studies evaluating the efficacy of autologous platelet-rich plasma(PRP)on low ovarian reserve.Methods:A comprehensive search was performed utilizing pertinent search terms across electronic databases,including PubMed,Cochrane,and Google Scholar.We included studies that assigned infertile women with low ovarian reserve in experimental studies.Ovarian reserve parameters were measured before and after PRP injection into ovaries.The data of each study was retrieved and subsequently compiled.Results:Of 301 articles collected and reviewed,six studies were finally included in the meta-analysis.Following PRP injection,infertile women showed a non-significant increase in anti-Mullerian hormone(AMH)level(MD=0.10;95%CI-0.04,0.23),a significant increase in antral follicular count(AFC)(MD=1.88;95%CI 0.47,3.29),and a non-significant reduction in follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH)level(MD=-0.22;95%CI-8.32,7.87).Conclusions:Autologous PRP may increase AFC,but not AMH.Although it is found beneficial in enhancing ovarian reserve(AFC),further research with strong evidence is still required.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.U20A20403This study was conducted in accordance with the Animal Ethics Committee of the Institute of Antler Science and Product Technology,Changchun Sci-Tech University(AEC No:CKARI202309).
文摘BACKGROUND Cartilage defects are some of the most common causes of arthritis.Cartilage lesions caused by inflammation,trauma or degenerative disease normally result in osteochondral defects.Previous studies have shown that decellularized extracellular matrix(ECM)derived from autologous,allogenic,or xenogeneic mesenchymal stromal cells(MSCs)can effectively restore osteochondral integrity.AIM To determine whether the decellularized ECM of antler reserve mesenchymal cells(RMCs),a xenogeneic material from antler stem cells,is superior to the currently available treatments for osteochondral defects.METHODS We isolated the RMCs from a 60-d-old sika deer antler and cultured them in vitro to 70%confluence;50 mg/mL L-ascorbic acid was then added to the medium to stimulate ECM deposition.Decellularized sheets of adipocyte-derived MSCs(aMSCs)and antlerogenic periosteal cells(another type of antler stem cells)were used as the controls.Three weeks after ascorbic acid stimulation,the ECM sheets were harvested and applied to the osteochondral defects in rat knee joints.RESULTS The defects were successfully repaired by applying the ECM-sheets.The highest quality of repair was achieved in the RMC-ECM group both in vitro(including cell attachment and proliferation),and in vivo(including the simultaneous regeneration of well-vascularized subchondral bone and avascular articular hyaline cartilage integrated with surrounding native tissues).Notably,the antler-stem-cell-derived ECM(xenogeneic)performed better than the aMSC-ECM(allogenic),while the ECM of the active antler stem cells was superior to that of the quiescent antler stem cells.CONCLUSION Decellularized xenogeneic ECM derived from the antler stem cell,particularly the active form(RMC-ECM),can achieve high quality repair/reconstruction of osteochondral defects,suggesting that selection of decellularized ECM for such repair should be focused more on bioactivity rather than kinship.
文摘“Human-elephant conflict(HEC)”,the alarming issue,in present day context has attracted the attention of environmentalists and policy makers.The rising conflict between human beings and wild elephants is common in Buxa Tiger Reserve(BTR)and its adjoining area in West Bengal State,India,making the area volatile.People’s attitudes towards elephant conservation activity are very crucial to get rid of HEC,because people’s proximity with wild elephants’habitat can trigger the occurrence of HEC.The aim of this study is to conduct an in-depth investigation about the association of people’s attitudes towards HEC with their locational,demographic,and socio-economic characteristics in BTR and its adjoining area by using Pearson’s bivariate chi-square test and binary logistic regression analysis.BTR is one of the constituent parts of Eastern Doors Elephant Reserve(EDER).We interviewed 500 respondents to understand their perceptions to HEC and investigated their locational,demographic,and socio-economic characteristics including location of village,gender,age,ethnicity,religion,caste,poverty level,education level,primary occupation,secondary occupation,household type,and source of firewood.The results indicate that respondents who are living in enclave forest villages(EFVs),peripheral forest villages(PFVs),corridor village(CVs),or forest and corridor villages(FCVs),mainly males,at the age of 18–48 years old,engaged with agriculture occupation,and living in kancha and mixed houses,have more likelihood to witness HEC.Besides,respondents who are illiterate or at primary education level are more likely to regard elephant as a main problematic animal around their villages and refuse to participate in elephant conservation activity.For the sake of a sustainable environment for both human beings and wildlife,people’s attitudes towards elephants must be friendly in a more prudent way,so that the two communities can live in harmony.
文摘Background: The most common surgical treatment for symptomatic uterine fibroids, particularly in women with fertility concerns, is open myomectomy. Given the high vascularity of the uterus, haemorrhage during the procedure is a serious risk that is often mitigated with a uterine tourniquet. Aim and Objectives: To evaluate the effect of uterine artery occlusion with a tourniquet during open myomectomy on ovarian reserve using serial anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) measurements. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective longitudinal study with a quasi-experimental design and a convenient sampling technique. The study enrolled 47 women who had abdominal myomectomy between September 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022, at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. Blood samples were collected before anaesthesia was administered in theatre, on day two, and three months after open abdominal myomectomy for anti-Mullerian hormone assay. The data was collected using a semi-structured proforma, entered into an Excel spreadsheet, and analyzed using SPSS version 25.0 with a 95% confidence interval. Statistical significance level was set at 0.05. Results: The pre-surgery AMH mean value was 1.67 ± 1.44 ng/ml, while the values after using a uterine tourniquet at myomectomy on the second day and three months later were 1.22 ± 1.24 ng/ml and 1.59 ± 1.43 ng/ml, respectively. There was no statistically significant change in AMH levels, and there was no statistically significant relationship between blood loss and tourniquet time and AMH after open abdominal myomectomy. Conclusion: The use of a uterine tourniquet and blood loss during open myomectomy has no effect on ovarian reserve.
文摘Maintaining natural habitats is crucial for the preservation of insects and other species that indicate environmental changes. However, the Mpanga/Kipengere Game Reserve and its surrounding farmlands are facing disturbance due to human activities, which is putting many wildlife species, particularly larger mammals, at risk. To determine the impact of human activities on butterfly species diversity and abundance in the reserve and its surrounding areas, we conducted a study from November 2021 to October 2023. We collected butterfly data using transect walks and baited traps in two habitat types. Our study yielded 2799 butterfly Individuals ranging in 124 species divided into five families habitat, season, and anthropogenic factors are significant environmental variables influencing species diversity and abundance of butterflies. Therefore, it’s important to protect habitat and dry-season water for the conservation of invertebrates such as butterflies. Our study findings provide essential information for ecological monitoring and future assessment of the Mpanga/Kipengere Game Reserve ecosystem health.
文摘Inland wetlands in Abu Dhabi Emirate are wintering and stopover sites for migratory birds of prey. We conducted long-term regular monitoring surveys in Al Wathba Wetland Reserve (AWWR) from January 1995 to December 2022. Both diurnal and occasionally nocturnal surveys were undertaken to record the migratory raptors and owls in the Wetland Reserve. During the study, a total of 1282 regular monitoring visits were undertaken and 27 species of diurnal raptors and owls representing five families and three orders were detected. These represent 57% of the total species of birds of prey recorded in the UAE. Overall, 63% of all the species that we observed were Accipitriformes followed by 26% Falconiformes and 11% Strigiformes. We found that changes in mean daily temperature have a positive effect on raptor species diversity and abundance in the Wetland Reserve. The species encounter rate was higher in low temperature as compared to high temperature and overall regression equation was statistically significant F (4, 1126) = 8.49), p = 0.00). However, the numbers of raptors did not vary significantly across the years (p = 0.51). Western Marsh-harrier (Circus aeruginosus) and Greater Spotted Eagle (Clanga clanga) were recorded to be the most abundant species in the wetland reserve followed by Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus). However, the encounter rate of globally threatened Greater Spotted Eagle was detected to have significantly decreased since 2016. Moreover, 63% of the species detected were uncommon and rarely recorded such as 1) Saker Falcon 2) Lanner Falcon 3) Long-eared Owl & Merlin, which were the rare records from the wetland reserve. Furthermore, 27 years of regular monitoring in the wetland have yielded diverse diurnal raptors and owl fauna (H) = 0.83, (E) = 1.43 (Shannon Diversity Index). The results demonstrate that long-term monitoring surveys in arid environments are essential to determine the trends in the raptor populations and to document rare and globally important species.
文摘This paper investigates an M/M/1 constant retrial queue with reserved time and vacations.A new arriving customer will take up the server and accept service immediately if the server is idle.Otherwise,if the server is busy or on vacation,customers have to join a retrial orbit and wait for retry.Once a service is completed,the server will reserve a random time to seek a customer from the orbit at a constant retrial rate.If there is no arrivals(from the orbit or outside)during the idle period,to save energy,the server will take a vacation.This paper studies the fully unobservable case.First,the steady-state condition of the system is analyzed by using the Foster’s criterion,and the customers’expected waiting time is obtained based on the generating function technique.And then,by introducing an appropriate revenue structure,the equilibrium strategies of customers and the socially optimal strategy are all derived.Furthermore,a comparison between them is made and the effect of some main system parameters is studied.
文摘In most Sub-Saharan African countries such as Togo, people’s heavy dependence on ecosystem services is a major factor in accelerating the degradation of natural resources, which are already suffering as a result of climatic factors. This study was initiated to contribute to the sustainable and rational management of forest resources in the south-east of the Mono Biosphere Reserve in Togo. It specifically aims to identify and characterize the flora of the residual forest ecosystems within the reserve through their specific diversity, demographic structure, and carbon sequestration potential. The study was carried out in the forest ecosystems of Avévé. The methodology used was based on the analysis of phytosociological, forestry, ecological, and regeneration inventory data. Overall, the study revealed that the RBMT still has floristically viable habitats, despite the anthropogenic pressures it is subject to revealed a floristic diversity of 160 plant species divided into 52 families and 135 genera. The most represented families are Rubiaceae (29.09%), followed by Fabaceae (27.94%). The most represented species are Mitragyna inermis (Willd.) Kuntze (24.38%), Lecaniodiscus cupanioides Planch. Ex Benth (X) and Lonchocarpus sericeus (Poir.) Kunth (10.93%). The high presence of Mitragyna inermis observed in all the ecological groups identified makes it the characteristic species of the flooded marshy areas of southeast Togo and contributes to the resilience of the ecosystems and populations in the study area. The Shannon index for the formation groups varies between (3.03 and 5.16) bits. Pielou’s equitability varies between (0.43 and 0.63) bits. The overall average density is estimated at 210 stems/ha, with an average diameter of 25.57 ± 21.77 m and an average height of 7.93 ± 3.83 m. The adjustment of the diameter classes of the plant groups to the Weibull distribution gave an “inverted J” shape with coefficient values of less than 1 overall, reflecting the existence of multispecific or uneven-aged stands. Assessment of the horizontal and vertical structure shows a predominance of the shrub layer in all the groups identified. The carbon sequestration potential is 41.89 T/Ha. Despite ongoing anthropogenic pressures, the Mono Biosphere Reserve abounds in a relatively rich diversity of flora, the preservation of which is essential for the survival of biodiversity and even for the riparian population. The data provided by this study would form the basis for sustainable management planning of the forest islands in the biosphere reserve.
文摘Currently, the number of myopic people in China has reached as high as 600 million, and it shows a trend of “early onset, high incidence, and a high degree of severity”. The issue of myopia among children and adolescents has attracted widespread attention from all sectors of society. Comprehensive myopia prevention and control efforts have been launched nationwide. Popular science education, vision screening, and improving visual environments are effective measures for preventing myopia. However, among the target audience for comprehensive myopia prevention and control, the preschool children group has been neglected, and the work of myopia prevention and control for this group has been significantly weakened and marginalized. Due to insufficient awareness of prevention and control, the hyperopia reserve in the preschool children group is being continuously depleted, leading to the early onset of myopia. In light of this situation, the focus of myopia prevention and control needs to shift forward, and it is worth exploring and pondering how college students with a background in optometry can develop entertaining and engaging popular science education materials and methods.
