Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Groundwater uptake by woody vegetation in a semiarid oak savanna

Groundwater can serve as an important resource for woody vegetation in semiarid landscapes, particularly when soil water is functionally depleted and unavailable to plants. This study examines the uptake of groundwater by deciduous blue oak trees (Quercus douglasii) in a California oak savanna. Here we present a suite of direct and indirect methods that demonstrate its occurrence and quantify its rates. The study site is underlain by a thin soil layer and fractured metavolcanic bedrock. Typical depth to groundwater is approximately 8 m. A variety of water storage and flux measurements were collected from 2005 to 2008, including groundwater levels, soil moisture contents, sap flows, and latent heat fluxes. During the dry season, groundwater uptake rates ranged from 4 to 25 mm month−1 and approximately 80% of total ET during June, July, and August came from groundwater. Leaf and soil water potentials supported these results, indicating that groundwater uptake was thermodynamically favorable over soil water uptake for key portions of the growing season. These findings strongly suggest that blue oaks should be considered obligate phreatophytes and that groundwater reserves provide a buffer to rapid changes in their hydroclimate, if these assets are not otherwise depleted by prolonged drought or human consumption. While groundwater uptake may provide for short‐term protection, it should be viewed not as a mechanism for continued plant growth. It allows the woody vegetation to subsist during the summer but not to flourish.
Multi-level error annotation in learner corpora

Learner corpora – principled collections of learner language – provide interesting insights into the mechanisms by which a foreign language is acquired. For overviews over the current state of learner corpus research see Granger (2002, to appear), Nesselhauf (2004), and Pravec (2002). Learner corpora are used to test hypotheses in the theory of acquisition in two main ways. First, learner corpora can be used for the so-called contrastive interlanguage analysis (CIA), i.e. the quantitative comparison of learner language and native language to find patterns of overuse or underuse. For CIA, a corpus does not have to be tagged. In this article we are concerned with the second main area of learner corpus research: error tagging. While error-tagging is problematic in many theoretical respects, it is probably not controversial anymore that error-tagged learner corpora can be useful for a number of research questions if the tagging follows certain guidelines. In this paper we do not argue for the need for error annotation (see Granger, to appear, for a motivation) or discuss the theoretical problems involved but are concerned only with issues of error tagging and corpus architecture. We argue for a multi-level standoff architecture (rather than a flat token-tag architecture) for error-tagged learner corpora. By using the German learner corpus Falko as an example, we show how multilevel approaches to learner corpora can help solve some of the problems that occur in error tagging if flat annotation models are used.
Noise Pollution and Control in Mechanical Processing Wood Industries

High level of noise is a disturbance to the human environment. Noise in industries is also an occupational hazard because of its attendant effects on workers’ health. Noise presents health and social problems in industrial operations, and the source is related to the machineries used in the industries. One of the unique features of the noise associated with wood machinery is the level of exposure and duration. Equipment used in a factory can be extremely loud. They can produce noise at decibels high enough to cause environmental health and safety concerns. The mechanically driven transport and handling equipment, cutting, milling, shaping and dust extractor installations in the wood industry generate noise. The sources of noise pollution have increased due to non-compliance with basic safety practices. The increased use of locally fabricated machine in the industry has increased the level of noise and vibration. The effects of industrial noise pollution as discussed include: increase in blood pressure; increased stress; fatigue; vertigo; headaches; sleep disturbance; annoyance; speech problems; dysgraphia, which means reading/learning impairment; aggression; anxiety and withdrawal. As presented in this paper, noise control techniques include; sound insulation, sound absorption, vibration damping and Vibration isolation.
The power of extraverts: Testing positive and negative mood regulation

Extraversion is a personality trait which has been systematically related to positive affect and well-being. One of the mechanisms that may account for these positive outcomes is the ability to regulate the responses to positive, as well as negative, moods. Prior research has found that extraverts’ higher positive mood maintenance could explain their higher levels of positive affect. However, research exploring differences between extraverts and introverts in negative mood regulation has yielded mixed results. The aim of the current study was explore the role of different facets of mood regulation displayed by extraverts, ambiverts, and introverts. After been exposed to a sad vs. happy mood induction, participants underwent a mood regulation task. Extraverts and ambiverts exhibited higher positive mood regulation than introverts, but similar mood repair. Thus, this research highlights the importance of positive mood regulation in the psychological functioning of extraverts, and opens new conceptualizations for developing interventions for introverts to improve their positive mood regulation and, hence, overall positive affect and well-being.
Multidimensional Suicide Inventory-28 (MSI-28) Within a Sample of Military Basic Trainees: An Examination of Psychometric Properties

Suicide and suicidal ideation are serious public health concerns. Accurate detection and assessment are critical first steps in addressing this challenging issue. The present study examined self-reported suicidal ideation in a sample of United States Air Force enlisted active duty basic trainees (N = 470) using the Multidimensional Suicide Inventory (MSI-28). Exploratory factor analyses revealed a 4-factor structure for the MSI-28 in this sample. Together, these 4 factors explained approximately 72% of the variance in the MSI-28. The MSI-28 evidenced moderate to strong associations with measures of resilience (Dispositional Resilience Scale-15; DRS-15) and psychological distress (Outcome Questionnaire; OQ-30.2). These findings demonstrate that the MSI-28 is a promising tool for clinical measurement of self-reported suicidality. Future directions for further validation of the MSI-28 are discussed.
FRACTURE PROPERTIES OF PLAIN AND STEEL-POLYPROPYLENE-FIBER-REINFORCED HIGH-PERFORMANCE CONCRETE LASTNOSTI LOMA NAVADNEGA IN VISOKOZMOGLJIVEGA BETONA, OJA^ANEGA S POLIPROPILENSKIMI VLAKNI

doi:10.17222/mit.2014. 180 The aim of this research was to establish the fracture properties of high-performance concrete (HPC) containing two widely used types of fibers. The experimental investigation consisted of the tests on cubes, cylinders and notched prismatic samples made of plain HPC and fiber HPC (FHCP) with variable contents of steel or/and polypropylene fibers ranging from 0.25 % to 1 %. Extensive data on compressive, splitting and flexural tensile behaviors, modulus of elasticity and fracture energy were recorded and analyzed. The experimental investigations showed that HPC in fracture mode I exhibit brittle/softening behavior. The FHPC materials showed a more ductile behavior compared to that of the HPC materials. Fiber bridges cracked on the fracture surface during the loading and delayed cracking, thus the element did not break. The results of the bending tests showed an extended post-peak softening behavior. The shape of the descending branch was dependent on geometrical and mechanical properties as well as the quantity of the fibers used. The results of the research were evaluated and it was shown that the fibers contributed considerably to the structural integrity and stability of the HPC elements, thereby improving their durable service life.
In Vitro Antibacterial Activity of Polylactic Acid Film Incorporated with Ethanolic Propolis Extract and Ziziphora clinopodioides Essential Oil

 Ziziphora Essential Oil (ZEO) and Ethanolic Propolis Extract (EPE) revealed synergistic antibacterial effect.  Polylactic acid films enriched with ZEO showed better antibacterial activity than EPE-incorporated films.  Polylactic acid films enriched with ZEO showed higher antibacterial effect on Gram-positives than Gram-negatives. ABSTRACT Background: Innovative bioactive films incorporated with antimicrobial agents have been recently developed for food preservation. The aim of this study was to evaluate antibacterial activity of Polylactic Acid (PLA) films incorporated with Ziziphora clinopodioides Essential Oil (ZEO) and Ethanolic Propolis Extract (EPE) against some common food-borne pathogens. Methods: The volatile chemical compounds of ZEO were identified by analytical gas chromatography. Different PLA film groups were prepared using ZEO (1% and 2%) and EPE (1% and 2%), separately and in combination. Disk diffusion method was used in order to evaluate antibacterial activity of experimental groups. The analysis was performed using SPSS 16.0. Results: The PLA films enriched with the ZEO possess better antibacterial activity compared to the films incorporated with EPE ( p <0.05). The descending order antibacterial effects were as follows: Staphylococcus aureus > Listera monocytogenes > Bacillus subtilis > B. cereus > Salmonella entritidis serovar Typhimurium> Escherichia coli O157:H7. The combination of ZEO and EPE showed significantly higher antibacterial effects against all bacteria than those of obtained with each single ZEO or EPE ( p <0.05). Conclusion: The PLA films incorporated with ZEO and EPE had considerable antibacterial activity, indicating potential of these films for application as active packaging in food industry.
The Caulerpa racemosa Complex (Caulerpales, Ulvophyceae) in the Mediterranean Sea

Abstract The compendium of literature citations for Caulerpa racemosa (Forsskål) J. Agardh in the Mediterranean Sea, together with available fresh and preserved material from both known and new localities, were critically examined. This analysis suggests that three distinct taxa of C. racemosa co-exist in the Mediterranean Sea. (i) C. racemosa var. turbinata—uvifera, known since 1926 and 1931 in Tunisia and in the Levantine basin (ii) var. lamourouxii f. requienii, known since the 1950s in the Levantine basin and (iii) an invasive variety which has been quickly spreading, since the early 1990s, throughout most of the Mediterranean Sea (Balearic Islands, France, Western and Southern Italy, Sardinia, Sicily, Greece, Crete, Turkey, Cyprus, Libya and Lampedusa Island, off Tunisia). The last variety differs mainly from the two first varieties by its upright axes with clavate, more or less inflated branchlets, which are uncrowded and radially to distichously disposed. Within the C. racemosa complex, several taxa are known to bear uncrowded, radially and/or distichously arranged branchlets. Among them, C. racemosa var. occidentalis, a tropical taxon widely distributed throughout the tropical seas, appears to be closest to the invasive Mediterranean variety of C. racemosa. Various criteria (taxonomy, kinetics of spread, tendancy to pullulate) suggest that C. racemosa aff. var. occidentalis could be a taxon recently introduced to the Mediterranean Sea.
Stretchable persistent spin helices in GaAs quantum wells

The Rashba and Dresselhaus spin-orbit (SO) interactions in 2D electron gases act as effective magnetic fields with momentum-dependent directions, which cause spin decay as the spins undergo arbitrary precessions about these randomly-oriented SO fields due to momentum scattering. Theoretically and experimentally, it has been established that by fine-tuning the Rashba $\alpha$ and Dresselhaus $\beta$ couplings to equal $\it{fixed}$ strengths $\alpha=\beta$, the total SO field becomes unidirectional thus rendering the electron spins immune to dephasing due to momentum scattering. A robust persistent spin helix (PSH) has already been experimentally realized at this singular point $\alpha=\beta$. Here we employ the suppression of weak antilocalization as a sensitive detector for matched SO fields together with a technique that allows for independent electrical control over the SO couplings via top gate voltage $V_T$ and back gate voltage $V_B$. We demonstrate for the first time the gate control of $\beta$ and the $\it{continuous\,locking}$ of the SO fields at $\alpha=\beta$, i.e., we are able to vary both $\alpha$ and $\beta$ controllably and continuously with $V_T$ and $V_B$, while keeping them locked at equal strengths. This makes possible a new concept: "stretchable PSHs", i.e., helical spin patterns with continuously variable pitches $P$ over a wide parameter range. The extracted spin-diffusion lengths and decay times as a function of $\alpha/\beta$ show a significant enhancement near $\alpha/\beta=1$. Since within the continuous-locking regime quantum transport is diffusive (2D) for charge while ballistic (1D) for spin and thus amenable to coherent spin control, stretchable PSHs could provide the platform for the much heralded long-distance communication $\sim 8 - 25$ $\mu$m between solid-state spin qubits.
Large effects due to electron–phonon-impurity interference in the resistivity of Pt/C-Ga composite nanowires

The temperature-dependent resistivity of highly disordered Pt/C-Ga composite nanowires is shown to be well described by the interference of electron–phonon scattering and elastic electron scattering from boundaries and defects. The strongly disordered nature of these wires, combined with a high value of their Debye temperature, are responsible for the pronounced nature of the interference effects in their resistivity.
Time-of-Day Effects on Younger and Older Adult Executive Functioning

The most recent time-of-day (TOD) body of research has explored how TOD effects can influence certain cognitive domains such as semantic memory, episodic memory, processing speed, and executive functioning (Allen et al., 2008). Research by Horne and Ostberg (1976) has shown how differences in age can be associated with a preference for a certain TOD (i.e., morning or afternoon). Seventy-five percent of adults 65 years or older tend to prefer the morning, whereas fewer than 10% of younger adults tend to prefer the afternoon (Horne & Ostberg, 1976; West et al., 2002). Research by Allen and colleagues (2008) has shown how performance on certain tasks related to assessing different cognitive domains can be influenced by TOD effects (Allen et al., 2008; IntonsPeterson, Rocci, West, McLellan, & Hackney, 1998; May & Hasher, 1998; May, Hasher, & Stoltzfus, 1993). The adult western society has tended to focus on morning performance; however, the opposite effect is seen for younger adults. Morning performance has been found to be slightly impaired for younger adults when compared to older adult performance in the morning, and younger adults have shown the greatest advantage on tasks performed in the afternoon, when compared to older adults. To date, research has not examined the effects from TOD using a comprehensive and standardized measure of executive functioning (i.e., The Delis-Kaplin Executive Function System or D-FEFS) to compare difference in younger and older adult performance. The current
Time-dependent cervical vagus nerve stimulation and frequency-dependent right atrial pacing mediates induction of atrial fibrillation

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of right cervical vagus trunk simulation (RVTS) and/or right atrial pacing (RAP) on the induction of atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: Twenty-four healthy adult dogs were randomly divided into four groups: RAP groups comprising RAP500 (RAP with 500 beats/min) and RAP1000 (RAP with 1000 beats/min) and RVTS groups comprising RVTS and RAP500+RVTS. All dogs underwent 12-h intermittent RAP and/or RVTS once every 2 h. The AF induction rate, AF duration, atrial effective refractory period (ERP), and dispersion of ERP (dERP) were compared after every 2 h of RAP or/and RVTS. Results: All groups had successful AF induction. The RAP1000 group had the highest AF induction rate and the longest AF duration. The RAP1000 group also had a shortened ERP in comparison to the other groups as well as the maximum dERP. Compared to the RAP500 group, RAP500+RVTS had an increased capacity to induce AF as measured by the AF induction rates, AF duration, ERP, and dERP. Conclusion: Increased tension in the vagus nerve and the intrinsic cardiac autonomic nervous system plays an important role in AF induction through different potential mechanisms. Interventions involving the vagus nerve and/or intrinsic cardiac autonomic nervous system can be a future potential therapy for AF.
MOBILE LEARNING APPLICATION BASED ON AUGMENTED REALITY FOR SCIENCE SUBJECT: ISAINS

The use of technology in education is no longer foreign. Various forms of technologies have been applied in order to attract and increase students’ attention in the learning process. Therefore, the development of an application based on science education which includes Augmented Reality technology and Thinking Map concept are considered desirable. The development of this application is mainly due to the identification of several shortcomings by the lack of students' involvement during the teaching and learning process, less mobile aid learning approach, and lack of existing mobile application for science subject for primary schools. The main objective of this research is to design and develop a new mobile application that can be an additional tool in learning science. This application called iSains was developed based on Rapid Application Development methodology for two topics which are the day and night, and moon phases. This research has contributed to the development of mobile application of science subject for primary school in Malaysia by integrating a new emerging technology in education which is Augmented Reality that allows students to view 3D model of moon phases through their text book. Thinking map concept has also been implemented in the application in order to improve the organization of the learning content. This mobile application is expected to assist primary students in Malaysia to learn about the day and night, and moon phases, effectively.
Use of biomarkers as prognostic indicators in dogs with natural heartworm

1Mario de la Puente, 2Rodrigo De Lavalle Galvis, 3Jorge G. Rodríguez, 4Ariel M. Duarte, 5Amanda R. Riquett, 6María de la Puente, 7Maria B. Viloria 1Research Group I.A, Universidad del Norte, Colombia, 2Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, Colombia, 3Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, Colombia, 4 Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, Colombia,5 Department of Veterinary Medicine, UDCA University, Colombia.6Department of Veterinary Medicine, UDCA University, Colombia.7Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Simón Bolivar University, Colombia.
Towards a Principled Kernel Prediction for Spatially Varying BSSRDFs

While the modeling of sub-surface translucency using homogeneous BSSRDFs is an established industry standard, applying the same approach to heterogeneous materials is predominantly heuristical. We propose a more principled methodology for obtaining and evaluating a spatially varying BSSRDF, on the basis of the volumetric sub-surface structure of the simulated material. The key ideas enabling this are a simulation-data driven kernel for aggregating the spatially varying material parameters, and a structure-preserving decomposition of the sub-surface transport into a local and a global component. Our current results show signiﬁcantly improved accuracy for planar materials with spatially varying scattering albedo, with added discussion about extending the approach for general geometries and full heterogeneity of the material parameters. Categories and Subject Descriptors (according to ACM CCS) : I.3. 7 [Computer Graphics]: Three-Dimensional Graphics and Realism—; I.3. 3 [Computer Graphics]: Picture/Image Generation—;
A COMPARISION OF DELTA-9-TETRAHYDROCANNABINOL DEPENDENCE IN C57Bl/6j MICE AND FATTY ACID AMIDE HYDROLASE KNOCK OUT MICE

Title of Thesis: A COMPARISION OF DELTA-9-TETRAHYDROCANNABINOL DEPENDENCE IN C57Bl/6j MICE AND FATTY ACID AMIDE HYDROLASE KNOCK OUT MICE By Brittany Leigh Alice Carlson, B.S. A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2007 Major Director: Aron H. Lichtman Ph.D., Associate professor, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology The idea that humans and laboratory animals can become physically dependent on marijuana or its primary psychoactive constituent, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is gaining acceptance. However, there are no currently approved pharmacotherapies to treat cannabinoid withdrawal. The objective of this thesis was to evaluate whether elevating endogenous anandamide levels using mice lacking fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), the
Mortality, inappropriate medication and length of hospital stay in older hip fracture patients: A general population-based cohort study

Purpose: To assess if potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) or length of hospital stay (LOS) are related to mortality in older hip fracture patients. Methods: A population-based cohort study in hip fracture patients’ ≥ 60 years, data from national registers. Mortality and LOS, were studied in patients exposed to PIM, compared to un-exposed patients. Beers’ criteria and a corresponding Swedish list were used to identify PIM. Logistic regression was used and data adjusted for age, sex and polypharmacy. Results: Of 2043 patients, 81.5% were exposed to PIM. Mortality was higher in males, age ≥ 80 years, and with polypharmacy (p<0.001, respectively). Exposure to any PIM was related to higher adjusted mortality, 30-day odds ratio (OR) 1.79 (95% CI 1.25-2.57) and 90-day 1.57 (95% CI 1.16-2.12). Exposure to PIM-analgesics (tramadole or dextropropoxyphene) was related to higher adjusted mortality; 30-day OR 2.59 (95%CI 1.85-3.63), 90-day 1.94 (95%CI 1.50-2.51), and 180-day 1.62 (95%CI 1.29-2.05). The increase was mainly due to tramadole and this effect was not seen with other strong analgesics. Adjusted LOS of ≥ 10 days, compared to 0-9 days, was associated with higher six-month mortality (p<0.001). Conclusion: Older hip fracture patients are frequently prescribed inappropriate medication, a potentially avoidable risk factor for adverse outcome. Inappropriate medication, especially analgesics, and an in-hospital stay of ten days or more can presumably be associated with higher mortality. To reduce adverse outcomes in older hip fracture patients, it is important to individually adapt medication, pain management and length of hospital stay.