Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Taxonomic Biases Persist from Listing to Management for Canadian Species at Risk

ABSTRACT Management planning for Canadian species at risk of extinction begins with recommendation for legal protection under the Species at Risk Act (SARA), and ends with Action Plans that guide management implementation. Roughly five years after the enactment of SARA in 2002, multiple studies identified taxonomic biases associated with the SARA listing process. Here, we provide a comprehensive test of whether taxonomic biases remain over a decade later. We also test whether biases in listing are propagated through to management implementation. We find that birds, reptiles and plants are more likely to be legally protected than other species. Arthropods and fishes are less likely to be protected, with unlisted fish species being twice as likely to be threatened by resource use than other unlisted species. We also find that arthropods and amphibians are less likely to have Action Plans than other species. In addition, we find no evidence that biases in listing or management have improved over time. Canadian species at risk recovery programs appear to be biased both in legal protection and management, disfavouring arthropods, amphibians and harvested fishes. If SARA is to fulfil its stated purpose, such biases must be directly addressed, through a transparent and formalised prioritisation system.
Safety Effectiveness of Intersection Left- and Right-Turn Lanes

The results of research involving a well-designed before-and-after evaluation of the safety effects of providing left- and right-turn lanes for at-grade intersections are presented. Geometric design, traffic control, traffic volume, and traffic accident data were gathered for a total of 280 improved intersections as well as 300 similar intersections that were not improved during the study period. The types of improvement projects evaluated included installation of added left-turn lanes, added right-turn lanes, and extension of the length of existing left- or right-turn lanes. An observational before-and-after evaluation of these projects was performed by using several alternative evaluation approaches. Three contrasting approaches to before-and-after evaluation were used: the yoked comparison or matched-pair approach, the comparison group approach, and the empirical Bayes approach. The research not only evaluated the safety effectiveness of left- and right-turn lane improvements but also compared the performances of these three alternative approaches in making such evaluations. The research developed quantitative safety effectiveness measures for installation design improvements involving added left-turn lanes and added right-turn lanes. The research concluded that the empirical Bayes method provides the most accurate and reliable results. Further use of this method is recommended.
Hilbert Metric Nonexpansive Maps

My research deals with the dynamics of nonexpansive maps and the analysis of positive operators on cones. The study of positive operators seeks to extend well known linear algebra results for nonnegative matrices, such as the Perron-Frobenius theorem, to nonlinear operators on general cones. In my thesis, I focus on applying Hilbert’s projective metric to problems in this area. I am also interested in the asymptotic behavior of iterated nonexpansive maps in Banach spaces, as well as in the Hilbert geometry.
The Role of Transcranial Doppler in Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis

To evaluate whether transcranial Doppler (TCD) monitoring plays a role as a prognostic indicator, by being both a diagnostic as well as a monitoring tool for increased intracranial pressure and cerebral vasospasm (VSP), in traumatic brain injury (TBI). Electronic databases and gray literature (unpublished articles) were searched under different MeSH terms from 1990 to the present. Randomized control trials, case–control studies, and prospective cohort studies on TCD in TBI (>18 years old). Clinical outcome measures included Glasgow Coma Outcome Scale (GCOS) and Extended GCOS and mortality. Data were extracted to Review Manager Software. Twenty-five articles that met the inclusion criteria were retrieved and analyzed. Ultimately, five studies were included in our meta-analysis, which revealed that patients with TBI with abnormal TCD (mean flow velocity [MFV] >120 cm/sec or MFV <35 cm/sec and Pulsatility Index >1.2) have a >3-fold higher likelihood of having poor clinical outcome in comparison to patients with TBI and normal TCD monitoring (odds ratio [OR]: 3.87; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.97–5.04; P < 0.00001). Subgroup analysis revealed that abnormal TCD has a 9-fold higher likelihood of mortality (OR: 9.96; 95% CI: 4.41–22.47; P < 0.00001). Further, subgroup analysis based on TCD findings revealed that the presence of hypoperfusion on TCD (middle cerebral artery [MCA] <35 cm/s) is associated with a three-fold higher likelihood of having poor functional outcome (OR: 3.72; 95% CI: 1.97–7.0; P < 0.0001). The presence of VSP (MCA >120 cm/s) is associated with three-fold higher likelihood of poor functional outcome (OR: 3.64; 95% CI: 1.55–8.52; P = 0.003). TCD is an evolving diagnostic tool that might play a role in determining the prognosis of patients with TBI. Further prospective study is needed to prove the role of TCD in TBI.
Pengaruh Model Pembelajaran Berbasis Masalah dan Gaya Kognitif Siswa Terhadap Hasil Belajar Matematika Siswa di Kelas VIII SMP Negeri 7 Kerinci

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh model pembelajaran berbasis masalah dan gaya kognitif terhadap hasil belajar matematika siswa, korelasi antara gaya kognitif terhadap hasil belajar matematika siswa, dan pengaruh interaksi antara penggunaan model pembelajaran dan gaya kognitif siswa terhadap hasil belajar matematika siswa di kelas VIII (Delapan) SMP Negeri 7 Kerinci tahun pelajaran 2016/2017. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan metode penelitian eksperimen semu dengan menerapkan desain faktorial 2 × 2. Populasi penelitian adalah siswa SMP Negeri 7 Kerinci Kelas VIII Semeseter genap tahun pelajaran 2016/2017. Sampel penelitian terdiri dari kelas eksperimen berjumlah 32 orang siswa dan kelas kontrol berjumlah 31 orang siswa. Pengumpulan data dilakukan menggunakan dua macam instrumen yakni intrumen Group Embedded Figures Test (GEFT) untuk mengukur gaya kognitif siswa dan instrumen tes hasil belajar matematika siswa dalam bentuk essay. Hasil analisis data dan uji statistik menunjukkan bahwa model pembelajaran berbasis masalah dan gaya kognitif berpengaruh terhadap hasil belajar matematika, terdapat korelasi antara gaya kognitif terhadap hasil belajar matematika, tidak terdapat interaksi antara model pembelajaran dan gaya kognitif terhadap hasil belajar matematika siswa. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian tersebut disarankan kepada guru, khususnya guru matematika agar penerapan model pembelajaran berbasis masalah dikembangkan sebagai satu inovasi dalam proses belajar mengajar.
An Ensemble Learning-Based Vehicle Steering Detector Using Smartphones

Due to easy access to smartphones, recent years have witnessed an increasing interest in using the mobile phone as a sensing and computation platform for vehicle steering detection. However, relatively lower accuracy of smartphone sensors than on-board diagnostic (OBD)-based systems often leads to lower accuracy. We propose an ensemble learning-based model combined with the heuristic algorithm for smartphone-based vehicle steering detection in this paper. Ensemble learning has been widely recognized for its powerful generalization capability, high accuracy, and rapid convergence. However, applying the ensemble learning approach to steering detection of the smartphone-based vehicle entails many challenges due to the limitation of smartphone storage, the constraint on power consumption, and the requirement of being real-time. To address these challenges, we propose a series of techniques to reduce the complexity of the model and energy consumption, while at the same time maintaining high detection accuracy. The performance of the proposed system has been demonstrated using a real dataset and can achieve an accuracy of 97.37%. We also conduct two case studies on real road environment in Beijing with different smartphones.
Exploring Novice Thai EFL Lecturers’ Perceptions of Intercultural Communication Competence

With the rapid changes of world population, people are likely to come into contact with others with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Accordingly, Thai graduates are often required to have intercultural communication skills. The skills are parts of professional communication skills that the students should be acquired so as to respond to employers’ demand. As such, institutions are placing more consideration on intercultural communication competence (ICC). This study, therefore, aims to: 1) investigate teachers’ perceptions of ICC; and 2) investigate how teachers integrated ICC into their classes/lessons. Six novice EFL teachers from Thai universities were interviewed. Then, the interview data was transcribed and grouped into themes. According to the findings, overall, the participants have various understanding of ICC. For the ICC’s integration, participants’ answers can be categorized into five main groups, which are: 1) intercultural attitudes, 2) knowledge, 3) skills of interpreting and relating, 4) skills of discovery and interaction, and 5) critical cultural awareness. This study shows the teachers’ perceptions of ICC and how they could integrate ICC in classes. The results also reveal that the teachers are willing to intercorporate activities regarding ICC into their teaching contexts. Pedagogical implications of this study are proposed. On the basis of these findings, the pedagogical implications and suggestions are included in this paper.
Understanding Transience and Participation in University Student-Led Food Gardens

In an increasingly mobile world, transience is becoming the norm. Sustainable community food initiatives, therefore, must organise to withstand high turnover of volunteers. Using a case study of the United Kingdom’s National Union of Students’ food growing scheme in universities, this paper aims to map the causes and effects of short-term, irregular, and low participation using a causal loop diagram to understand how to mitigate their negative impacts and improve participation. Data was gathered through interviews, workshops, photovoice, a fishbowl discussion, and a reflective diary. We found three amplifying feedback loops increasing short-term, irregular and low participation, their causes, and their impacts. These feedback loops were precariously buffered by a continuous in-flow of new potential participants each academic year. We also found that the stakeholders of these gardens conceptualised time akin to both temporary and permanent organisations, and these differing conceptualisations were a source of tension. Furthermore, although ‘organisational amnesia’ was a problem, the gardens were still learningful spaces. We recommend both upstream and downstream solutions are implemented to buffer the impacts of transience and suggest that university and students’ union staff could play a crucial and subtle supporting role.
Influences of Cu Content on the Microstructure and Strengthening Mechanisms of Al-Mg-Si-xCu Alloys

The effects of the Cu content on the microstructure and strengthening mechanisms of the Al-Mg-Si-xCu alloys were systematically investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and mechanical tensile tests. The results show that, the strengthening mechanisms change with the Cu content. For as-quenched alloys, solution strengthening (σSS) is predominant when the Cu content ≥2.5 wt. %, and of equivalent importance as grain size strengthening (σH-P) when the Cu content ≤1.0 wt. %. With respect to peak-aged alloys, precipitation strengthening (σppt) is predominant when the Cu content ≥2.5 wt. %, but σSS becomes predominant when the Cu content is 4.5 wt. %. As the Cu content increases from 0.5 to 4.5 wt. %, the main type of precipitates in alloy tends to change from a β″ phase to Q′ phase, and then to a θ′ phase. Among the three types of precipitates, θ′-precipitate causes the largest increase in yield strength (σ0.2) and the largest decrease rate in elongation. β″-precipitate leads to the smallest increase in σ0. 2 and the smallest decrease rate in elongation. The increase of Cu content reduces Si solubility in the Al matrix and thus decreases the nucleation rate of β″ phase during subsequent aging.
Terrorism and Attitudes Toward Out-groups: A Political Perspective

Terrorist attacks often lead to public backlashes. Following the attacks on July 22, 2011 in Norway, Norwegians showed support for democratic values such as “openness,” “democracy,” and “tolerance” in the public debate and in the commemorations across the country. They also reported higher out-group trust. This paper explores two possible reasons for this increase in trust using a unique panel fielded before and right after the attacks. The first is that cognitive dissonance led people to dissociate from the terrorist and his ideology. The second is that the increase in trust was a response to the public backlash after the attacks. The increase in trust was not caused by cognitive dissonance. Rather, people who were already positive towards immigration, or who saw positive effects of the attacks, became more trusting than others did, and Progress Party supporters increased their trust less than others. These findings are interpreted as a response to the attacks and the political characteristics of the backlash. The study concludes by discussing implications for our understanding of the different consequences of attacks for the terrorists’ imagined constituencies and for the broader public.
CImP: Cellular Imprinting Proteomics applied to ocular disorders elicited by Congenital Zika virus Syndrome

IMPORTANCE Ocular complications in infants with Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS) have been reported. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying of eye dysfunctions are presently unknown. OBJECTIVE A method (termed Cellular Imprinting Proteomics, CImP) for the identification and quantification of the ocular surface proteome using a minimally invasive membrane filter device is described. Moreover, The CImP method was applied to profile the molecular alterations in the eyes of infants exposed to Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during gestation. DESIGN, SETTINGS AND PARTICIMPANTS The CImP method was applied to a cohort divided into three conditions: 1) Ctrl (infants with no infectious diseases, n=5). 2) Zikv (infants exposed to ZIKV gestation, with no microcephaly, n=5). 3) ZikvCZS (infants exposed to ZIKV, with microcephaly, n=3). All conditions were age and sex-matched. An improved impression cytology method was used to capture the outermost ocular surface cells. The number of impression cytology membrane collected was: Ctrl (12), Zikv (14) and ZikvCZS (8). Proteins were extracted and analysed using mass spectrometry-based proteomics technology followed by statistical analysis. Parallel reaction monitoring was performed to validate the expression of specific protein markers. RESULTS Using the CImP method, 2209 proteins were identified on the membrane-captured conjunctiva epithelial cells. Modulation of neutrophil degranulation, cell death, ocular and neurodevelopment pathways are reported in infants with CZS compared to matched controls. Moreover, the molecular pattern of ocular surface cells retrieved from infants infected during the gestation but with no CZS was different from matched controls. CONCLUSIONS AND PERSPECTIVES Molecular alterations in the ocular cell surface associated to ZIKV infection with and without CZS complications are reported for the first time. We predict that this method will be introduced successfully in the study of several neurological diseases with the aim to identify novel diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers.
Investigating the Emotional Theory of Mind in Iranian Married Women: A Descriptive Phenomenological Study

In marital relationships, the type of perception of the spouse’s behavior affects how the social information and behavior of the other couple is processed, leading to psychological consequences. Thus, a higher perception of each other’s mental state is followed by sincerity and more satisfaction with the relations. The present study was performed by using a descriptive phenomenological qualitative approach with the aim of investigating emotional theory of mind in 19 married Iranian women who were selected by purposive sampling in 2017. In order to coding data, MAXQDA 2018 software and the Colaizzi’s method were used for coding and analyzing the data, respectively. Finally, about three concepts including the emotion type, emotion expression and emotion regulation were extracted from the interviews. Results showed in emotion type, women remarked positive emotions of satisfaction and gratitude and negative emotions of sorrow and sadness only about themselves. Although emotion expression was possible through three ways but in women's view point, men did not react to positive emotion non-verbally. In the third category, coping with negative emotions in the form of going into retreat was raised merely about men and emotion discharge and forgetfulness merely about women. The findings of the present study, a qualitative examination of emotions of the two genders from the viewpoint of women, is to a great extent in line with previous self-report and quantitative studies; they can be applied for Iran and other countries with similar culture and structure.
Sediment and Nutrient Concentration from Different Land Use and Land Cover of Bukit Merah Reservoir (BMR) Catchment, Perak, Malaysia

This study was based on plots under various types of land use and covers at North Pool, Bukit Merah Reservoir (BMR) catchment. The rainfall was generated from a rainfall simulator to produce constant intensity of 53 mm/hour. Runoff, sediment and nutrient losses were measured. The results show that sediment concentration was highest from the bare soil plot (429.80 mg/L), and the lowest is from the grass plot (135.80 mg/L). Soil types in the catchment area also influenced the infiltration rate and the amount of surface runoff. The result also shows that the nutrient concentration in the totality of all forms of nitrogen is highest from the bare soil plot. This is due to the highest surface runoff were generated and the top layer soil was exposed to erosion activities of flowing water. The highest implication to the catchment management or soil conservation and nutrient retention has deteriorated water quality supplying to Bukit Merah reservoir. In controlling this problem, best management practice (BMP) should be maintained in the agricultural areas and convert the bare soil areas to at least as a grassy area or back to natural forest. Kajian ini dijalankan berdasarkan plot yang dibina di pelbagai jenis penggunaan tanah dan meliputi kawasan tadahan di Kolam Utara, Bukit Merah Reservoir (BMR). Hujan telah dijana menggunakan pensimulasi hujan untuk menghasilkan intensiti hujan yang tetap iaitu 53 mm/ jam. Air larian, kepekatan sedimen dan nutrien telah diukur. Keputusan menunjukkan bahawa kepekatan sedimen adalah paling tinggi daripada plot tanah kosong (429.80 mg/L), dan yang paling rendah adalah daripada plot rumput (135.80 mg/L). Jenis tanih di kawasan tadahan juga akan mempengaruhi kadar penyusupan dan jumlah air larian yang dihasilkan. Hasil kajian juga menunjukkan bahawa kepekatan nutrien dalam keseluruhan semua bentuk nitrogen adalah tertinggi daripada plot tanah yang terdedah. Ini adalah disebabkan oleh air larian yang paling tinggi telah dihasilkan kerana tanih lapisan atas telah terdedah dengan aktiviti hakisan oleh air yang mengalir. Implikasi yang paling besar dalam konteks pengurusan kawasan tadahan atau pemuliharaan tanah dan pengekalan nutrien ialah menyebabkan kemerosotan kualiti bekalan air yang mengalir masuk ke kolam Takungan Bukit Merah. Untuk mengawal masalah itu, langkah terbaik adalah mengekalkan kawasan pertanian berdasarkan kepada amalan pengurusan terbaik (BMP) dan menukar kawasan tanah terdedah kepada sekurang-kurangnya kawasan berumput atau kembali kepada hutan semula jadi.
A Model of the Neuronal Representation of Interaural Phase Differences

Most mammals including humans are able to localize sound sources in space by making use of the differences in the sound signals arriving at the two ears. One important physical cue are interaural phase differences -- the frequency-specific difference in phase between the two ear signals. This thesis develops a biologically plausible computational model of the neuronal representation of interaural phase differences in mammals and evaluates predictions of this model using psychoacoustic experiments.
Temporal Variations in Water Chemistry of the (Lower) Brahmaputra River: Implications to Seasonality in Mineral Weathering

Dissolved major ions and Sr concentrations of the Brahmaputra River at Guwahati, India, have been investigated on weekly basis for one year to understand the seasonality in weathering pattern and relative contributions from possible solute sources. Comparison of major ion data sets from present and earlier studies for this location shows no appreciable change during last ~50 years. Elemental concentrations and Ca/Na* (Na* = Na − Cl) ratio of the Brahmaputra covary (inversely) with the water discharge; the degree of seasonality, however, is less pronounced compared to other Himalayan (e.g., Ganga and Salween) rivers. The monthly averaged Ca/Si ratios of the Brahmaputra (3.7 ± 0.2), which is lower by ~2 times than those reported earlier for the Ganga outflow (6 ± 1), show minimal (~6%) seasonal changes. Seasonal variability in Na*/K with higher ratios during non‐monsoon period has been attributed to proportionally higher Na supply from hot springs and/or alkaline salts. The silicate‐derived cations (Cats) and Sr (Srs) have been estimated using an inversion method. Although these estimated values broadly show seasonal changes, the average Cats and Srs values for the monsoon (26 ± 4% [Cats]; 26 ± 6% [Srs]) and non‐monsoon (27 ± 3% (Cats); 24 ± 4% (Srs)) seasons are statistically same. These estimates indicate a weak runoff‐weathering linkage for the Brahmaputra river. Outcomes from this study suggest that the chemical weathering intensity of this basin is more dominated by regional rapid weathering around the eastern syntaxis than the climatic (runoff) parameters.