Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Differences in spatial predictions among species distribution modeling methods vary with species traits and environmental predictors

Prediction maps produced by species distribution models (SDMs) influence decision-making in resource management or designation of land in conservation planning. Many studies have compared the prediction accuracy of different SDM modeling methods, but few have quantified the similarity among prediction maps. There has also been little systematic exploration of how the relative importance of different predictor variables varies among model types and affects map similarity. Our objective was to expand the evaluation of SDM performance for 45 plant species in southern California to better understand how map predictions vary among model types, and to explain what factors may affect spatial correspondence, including the selection and relative importance of different environmental variables. Four types of models were tested. Correlation among maps was highest between generalized linear models (GLMs) and generalized additive models (GAMs) and lowest between classification trees and GAMs or GLMs. Correlation between Random Forests (RFs) and GAMs was the same as between RFs and classification trees. Spatial correspondence among maps was influenced the most by model prediction accuracy (AUC) and species prevalence; map correspondence was highest when accuracy was high and prevalence was intermediate (average prevalence for all species was 0.124). Species functional type and the selection of climate variables also influenced map correspondence. For most (but not all) species, climate variables were more important than terrain or soil in predicting their distributions. Environmental variable selection varied according to modeling method, but the largest differences were between RFs and GLMs or GAMs. Although prediction accuracy was equal for GLMs, GAMs, and RFs, the differences in spatial predictions suggest that it may be important to evaluate the results of more than one model to estimate the range of spatial uncertainty before making planning decisions based on map outputs. This may be particularly important if models have low accuracy or if species prevalence is not intermediate.
PHOSPHORUS USE EFFICIENCY OF TRITITICUM AESTIVUM L. AS AFFECTED BY BAND PLACEMENT OF PHOSPHORUS AND FARMYARD MANURE ON CALCAREOUS SOILS

This study was conducted to explore the role of different phosphorus (P) levels and application methods in improving wheat grain yield, P uptake and phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) on calcarious soils. Five P levels viz., 0.0, 27.0, 47.0, 81.0 and 111.0 kg P2O5 ha -1 (calculated using adsorption isotherms) and three application methods i.e., broad casting, band placement and top dressing was included in the study. The experiment was conducted with and without FYM application. Band placement of P at 81 kg P2O5 ha -1 improved grain yield and yield components, grain protein contents, P uptake and PUE with and without FYM application. Nonetheless, application of 111.0 kg P2O5 ha -1 resulted in maximum straw and grain P contents and uptake, grain protein contents, Olsen P and PUE of wheat. Broad casting of P performed poor at all P levels. Application of FYM with P fertilizer improved wheat yield and PUE as compared with fertilizer alone.
APOE effect on Alzheimer’s biomarkers in older adults with significant memory concern

Background—This study assessed APOE ε4 carrier status effects on Alzheimer’s disease (AD) imaging and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers in cognitively normal older adults with significant memory concerns (SMC). Methods—Cognitively normal, SMC, and early mild cognitive impairment participants from ADNI were divided by APOE ε4 carrier status. Diagnostic and APOE effects were evaluated with emphasis on SMC. Additional analyses in SMC evaluated the effect of the interaction between APOE and [18F]Florbetapir amyloid positivity on CSF biomarkers. Results—SMC ε4+ showed greater amyloid deposition than SMC ε4−, but no hypometabolism or MTL atrophy. SMC ε4+ showed lower Aβ1–42 and higher tau/p-tau than ε4−, which were most abnormal in APOE ε4+ and cerebral amyloid positive SMC. Conclusion—SMC APOE ε4+ show abnormal changes in amyloid and tau biomarkers, but no hypometabolism or MTL neurodegeneration, reflecting the at-risk nature of the SMC group and the importance of APOE in mediating this risk.
Reconstruction of a meteotsunami in Lake Erie on 27 May 2012: Roles of atmospheric conditions on hydrodynamic response in enclosed basins

On 27 May 2012, atmospheric conditions gave rise to two convective systems that generated a series of waves in the meteotsunami band on Lake Erie. The resulting waves swept three swimmers a 0.5 mi offshore, inundated a marina, and may have led to a capsized boat along the southern shoreline. Analysis of radial velocities from a nearby radar tower in combination with coastal meteorological observation indicates that the convective systems produced a series of outflow bands that were the likely atmospheric cause of the meteotsunami. In order to explain the processes that led to meteotsunami generation, we model the hydrodynamic response to three meteorological forcing scenarios: (i) the reconstructed atmospheric disturbance from radar analysis, (ii) simulated conditions from a high-resolution weather model, and (iii) interpolated meteorological conditions from the NOAA Great Lakes Coastal Forecasting System. The results reveal that the convective systems generated a series of waves incident to the southern shore of the lake that reflected toward the northern shoreline and reflected again to the southern shore, resulting in spatial wave focusing and edge wave formation that combined to impact recreational users near Cleveland, OH. This study illustrates the effects of meteotsunami development in an enclosed basin, including wave reflection, focusing, and edge wave formation as well as temporal lags between the causative atmospheric conditions and arrival of dangerous wave conditions. As a result, the ability to detect these extreme storms and predict the hydrodynamic response is crucial to reducing risk and building resilient coastal communities.
Phase diagrams of bed states in steady, unsteady, oscillatory and mixed flows

In many flow or wave dominated environments the bed material is moulded in morphological features. In a hydraulic sense, basically two genetic types of forms are distinghuised. First, those generated by interaction of general, changing flow or wave conditions with the bed, such as scroll bars in rivers and nearshore bars in coastal environments. Second, bedforms generated by interaction of the bed with the turbulent or orbital structures of the flow, such as current ripples, dunes and orbital ripples are formed. These bedforms may be predictable from data of appropriate hydraulic and sediment conditions. This paper is about the bedforms. In the past decades a goal of sedimentological studies of bedforms and other bed phases was to develop empirical phase diagrams that show the regimes in which various bed states, e.g., bedforms and sheet flow, are stable. Such diagrams (e.g., Southard and Boguchwal, 1990) are used for two purposes: for assessing the likely bed states in roughly known flow conditions and sediment composition, and to reconstruct the flow conditions from known bed state or sedimentary structures in palaeo- and extraterrestrial environments. In addition, the diagrams direct further research on bed state stability. Phase diagrams of bed states provide a high-altitude view of current ripples, dunes, orbital ripples and other bed states and the conditions in which these occur. They are not intended to replace more detailed models (e.g. Nielsen, 1981, Van Rijn, 1993) which predict not only their emergence and disappearance but also their length or height. Both the phase diagrams and models are empirically well verified, but when plotted together in the bed phase diagrams, there is a striking disagreement. Moreover, bed states in combined waves and currents are much less well documented and understood than in currents only. The aim of this paper is 1) to compare existing phase diagrams with existing bedform and bed state predictors, and 2) to rationalise the diagrams for currents, waves and combined flow based on more physically-based models for bed phases. First, the nondimensional variables along the axes of the diagrams are compared. Next, a short review is given of existing phase diagrams and bed state predictors. A set of new diagrams is then presented for currents, waves and combined flow. Rather than to fill these diagrams with many datasets, they are compared to the lines of existing, empirically well verified diagrams. Finally, the limitations and problems of the new diagrams are discussed, such as the predictability of large bedforms with poor time-adaptation in large water depths and under transient conditions (e.g. floods, tides, storms)
Alchemy & algorithms: perspectives on the philosophy and history of open science

This paper gives the reader a chance to experience, or revisit, PHOS16: a conference on the History and Philosophy of Open Science. In the winter of 2016, we invited a varied international group to engage with these topics at the University of Helsinki, Finland. Our aim was to critically assess the defining features, underlying narratives, and overall objectives of the open science movement. The event brought together contemporary open science scholars, publishers, and advocates to discuss the philosophical foundations and historical roots of openness in academic research. The eight sessions combined historical views with more contemporary perspectives on topics such as transparency, reproducibility, collaboration, publishing, peer review, research ethics, as well as societal impact and engagement. We gathered together expert panellists and 15 invited speakers who have published extensively on these topics, allowing us to engage in a thorough and multifaceted discussion. Together with our involved audience we charted the role and foundations of openness of research in our time, considered the accumulation and dissemination of scientific knowledge, and debated the various technical, legal, and ethical challenges of the past and present. In this article, we provide an overview of the topics covered at the conference as well as individual video interviews with each speaker. In addition to this, all the talks, Q&A sessions, and interviews were recorded and they are offered here as an openly licensed community resource in both video and audio form.
Partial root-zone irrigation effects on growth, metabolism and calcium status of Mangosteen seedling (Garcinia mangostana L.)

Efficient irrigation technique for mangosteen seedling was evaluated, from October 2016 to May 2017, in order to determine the growth and morphophysiology of both the conventional deficit irrigation (CD) and partial root-zone irrigation (PR). A set of randomized block design, with 4 replicates each, was applied on 100% field capacity (control), 50% field capacity (CD1), 30% field capacity (CD2), and ratios of 100:50% field capacity (PR1), 100%:30% field capacity (PR2) and 50:30% field capacity (PR3). The results showed a restriction in mangosteen growth, except control, as indicated by decrease in total dry mass, which due to decrement in leaf number, photosynthetic rate and root growth. Malondialdehyde (MDA) level and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity was higher while proline accumulation was lower in PR compared to those of both CD and control treatments. Secondary metabolites content changes in treatments, such as octacosane, cysteamine sulfonic acid, propyl oleate, 1-nanodecene, and 2-butyn-1-ol-4metoxy were synthesized in the low soil moisture conditions. Leaf Ca-pectate, Ca-phosphate and dissolved Ca tended to increase in low soil moisture. The PR1 treated plant had the highest water use efficiency. Therefore, PR technique could be applied when the soil moisture level represents 50% (or more) of the field capacity
Large-scale stability and astronomical constraints for coupled dark-energy models

We study large-scale inhomogeneous perturbations and instabilities of interacting dark energy (IDE) models. Past analysis of large-scale perturbative instabilities, has shown that we can only test IDE models with observational data when its parameter ranges are either $w_{x}\geq -1$ and $\xi \geq 0,$ or $w_{x}\leq -1~$ and $~\xi \leq 0$, where $w_{x}$ is the dark energy equation of state (EoS), and $\xi$ is a coupling parameter governing the strength and direction of the energy transfer. We show that by adding a factor $(1+w_{x})$ to the background energy transfer, the whole parameter space can be tested against all the data and thus, the instabilities in such interaction models can be removed. We test three classes of interaction model using the latest astronomical data from different sources. Precise constraints are found. Our analysis shows that a very small but non-zero deviation from pure $\Lambda$-cosmology is suggested by the observational data while the no-interaction scenario can be recovered at the 68.3% confidence-level. In particular, for three IDE models, identified as IDE 1, IDE 2, and IDE 3, the 68.3% CL constraints on the interaction coupling strengths are, $\xi= 0.0360_{-0.0360}^{+0.0091}$ (IDE 1), $\xi= 0.0433_{-0.0433}^{+0.0062}$ (IDE 2), $\xi= 0.1064_{-0.1064}^{+0.0437}$ (IDE 3). In addition, we find that the dark energy EoS tends towards the phantom region taking the 68.3% CL constraints, $w_x= -1. 0230_{-0.0257}^{+0.0329}$ (IDE 1), $w_x= -1. 0247_{-0.0302}^{+0.0289}$ (IDE 2), and $w_x= -1. 0275_{-0.0318}^{+0.0228}$ (IDE 3). However, the possibility of $w_{x}>-1$ is also not rejected by the astronomical data used here. Moreover, we find in all IDE models that, as the value of Hubble constant decreases, the behavior of the dark energy EoS shifts from phantom to quintessence type with its EoS very close to that a simple cosmological constant at the present time.
Structural reforms and income distribution

This paper provides new empirical evidence on the effects of structural policies on household disposable incomes at different income levels. More specifically, it investigates the extent to which structural policies have differential long-run impacts on GDP per capita and on household incomes at different points of the distribution. One aim is to verify whether policy decisions may face tradeoffs between objectives of economic efficiency and equity. Many growth enhancing structural reforms are found to deliver stronger income gains for households at the lower end of the distribution compared with the average household, an indication that they may reduce inequality in disposable incomes. Such is the case of reducing regulatory barriers to domestic competition as well as to trade and FDI; stepping-up job-search support and activation programmes. Conversely, other reforms involve trade-offs between the efficiency and equity objective. This is the case of the tightening of unemployment benefits for the long-term unemployed, which is found to lift GDP per capita and average household incomes, but also to reduce disposable incomes at the lower end of the distribution. Reformes structurelles et la distribution des revenus Cette etude presente des nouveaux resultats d’analyse empirique sur les effets des politiques structurelles sur le revenue dispoanible des menages a differents niveaux de revenu. De maniere plus specifique, elle examine la mesure dans laquelle les politiques strucuturelles ont des impacts differents a long terme sur le PIB par habitant et le revenu des menages, a differents points de la distribution. Un objectif consiste a verifier si les choix de politiques impliquent des arbitrages entre les objectifs d’efficacite economique et ceux d’equite. Les resultats indiquent que plusieurs politiques favorables a la croissance entrainent des gains plus eleves pour les menages qui se trouvent dans le bas de la distribution que pour les menages situe autour de la moyenne, conduisant ainsi a une baisse des inegalites de revenus disponibles. C’est le cas notamment des mesures visant a reduire les barrieres reglementaires a la concurrence domestique ainsi qu’au commerce exterieur et aux investissement etranger, de meme que pour celles conduisant a un renforcement de l’aide a la recherche active d’emploi pour les chomeurs. A l’inverse, un resserement des indemnites chomage cible sur les chomeurs de longue duree reduit le revenue des menages les plus modestes tandis qu’il entraine une hausse du PIB par habitant et du revenu des menages autour de la moyenne.
Optimal Ramsey Capital Income Taxation —A Reappraisal

This paper addresses a long-standing problem in the optimal Ramsey capital taxation literature. The tractability of our model enables us to solve the Ramsey problem analytically along the entire transitional path. We show that the conventional wisdom on Ramsey tax policy and its underlying intuition and rationales do not hold in our model and may thus be misrepresented in the literature. We uncover a critical trade off for the Ramsey planner between aggregate allocative efficiency in terms of the modified golden rule and individual allocative efficiency in terms of self-insurance. Facing the trade-off, the Ramsey planner prefers issuing debt rather than taxing capital if possible. In particular, the planner always intends to supply enough bonds to relax individuals'' borrowing constraints to achieve the modified golden rule by crowding out capital. A capital tax is not the optimal tool to achieve aggregate allocative efficiency, despite possible over-accumulation of capital. Thus, the optimal capital tax can be zero, positive, or even negative, depending on the Ramsey planner's ability to issue debt. The modified golden rule can fail to hold whenever the government encounters a debt limit. Finally, the planner's desire to relax individuals'' borrowing constraints may lead to unlimited debt accumulation, resulting in a dynamic path featuring no steady state.
Genetic Variability, Correlation and Path Analysis of Yield, and Yield Components in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

This study was conducted to determine variability, heritability, and correlations between yield and yield components in 15 kabuli chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes for 2 years. Direct and indirect effects of yield components on seed yield per plant were investigated. Genotypic variance was the highest for 1000 seed weight, followed by seed number per plant. Broad-sense heritabilities ranged from 5.47% (days to flowering) to 51.66% (seed number per plant). Heritabilities for seed number, 1000 seed weight, and number of full pods were greater than those for the other traits. Positive and significant (P < 0.05) relationships were determined between seed yield per plant and plant height, first pod height, secondary branch, total pod, and number of full pods and seeds per plant. The path coefficient analysis based on seed yield per plant, as a dependent variable, revealed that all of the other traits, except days to flowering, first pod height, and total pod number, exhibited high positive direct effects. Number of seeds and full pods showed the highest direct influence with 47.49% and 44.73%, respectively. Therefore, this research suggests that seed and full pod numbers can be good selection criteria for improving seed yield per plant in kabuli winter chickpea.
A Provincial Perspective of Nonlinear Okun’s Law for Emerging Markets: The Case of South Africa

Abstract A provincial analysis of Okun’s law in South Africa is provided in this article from 1996 to 2016. Empirically, we rely on the nonlinear autoregressive distributive lag (N-ARDL) model whilst the Corbae-Ouliaris filter is used to extract the ‘gap’ variables required for our regression estimates. Okun’s law is found to be significant hold in the long-run exclusively for the Western Cape and Kwa-Zulu Natal provinces whereas the remaining provinces partially display significant short-run effects. Our sensitivity analysis in which panel N-ARDL estimations for all provinces finds insignificant long-run Okun effects for the country as a whole, whilst validating the relationship only in the short-run. Our study hence advises that the epicenter of policy efforts in addressing the country’s high unemployment and low economic growth dilemma should be concentrated at a provincial level.
An Introduction to Temporal-Geographic Information Systems (TGIS) for Assessing, Monitoring and Modelling Regional Water and Soil Processes

In this chapter we introduce the concept of temporal-geographic information systems (TGIS). We first describe some nontemporal concepts of GIS, consider the issues of scale and of continuous and discrete data, and give a brief background to the basis of remote sensing measurements. Using the concept of the ‘data construct’ as a tool for understanding TGIS data structures, we explain the relationship between characteristics (extent, resolution and density) and domains (attribute, spatial and temporal) of each dataset. Finally, we discuss two emerging issues in TGIS: the assessment of spatial‐temporal accuracy and uncertainty, and the use of metadata systems.
Endoscopic Band Ligation in Patients with Variceal Bleeding

Introduction: Esophageal varices (EV) affect about 50% of patients with liver cirrhosis. Mortality rate from the initial EV bleeding can rise up to 30% in patients with advanced liver disease and large varices. Several RCTs have shown endoscopic variceal banding to be more effective than sclerotherapy for the long-term prevention of variceal bleeding.Objective: This study was conducted to see the outcome of endoscopic banding in the management of esophageal varices in Nepalese population.Methodology: This was a prospective observational study conducted in the Department of Surgical Gastroenterology, College of Medical Sciences and Teaching Hospital (COMS-TH), Bharatpur, Nepal over a period of 2 years. Patients attending the COMS emergency/surgical OPD with history of UGI bleed with features consistent with portal hypertension during this period were enrolled. The endoscopic variceal band ligation was done based on similar principles applied to Barren and ligation in the treatment of internal haemorrhoids.Results During this period of two years 50 patients were analysed. The mean age of the study subjects was 52.26+/-12.80 years and male predominance was seen (M:F=42:8). Alcoholic chronic liver disease (CLD) (74%) was the most common cause of portal hypertension. Child's B score was seen among 54%, grade III varices were seen in 36% and grade II in 32%. Acute bleeding of varices was present in nine (18%) cases. On an average 3.8 sessions were required to obliterate the varices. Control of acute bleed and variceal eradication was seen in 77.78% cases and in 96% cases respectively. Complications following banding were seen in 20% cases. Mortality was seen in two (4%) cases.Conclusions: Alcoholic cirrhosis was the most common cause of portal hypertension and endoscopic banding of oesophageal varices in Nepalese population had comparable eradications, complications and recurrences with similar other studies conducted in other parts of the world. BJHS 2018;3(1)5 : 320-324