Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biogeochemical Proxies of Anthropic Impact in Mediterranean Forest Soils

Quantitative changes in soil organic matter (SOM) from undisturbed Mediterranean forests and neighbouring deforested sites were assessed by analysing soil lipids and humic acids (HAs), in total studying 80 variables. Changes in the composition of free lipids reflected vegetation types, whereas HAs analysed by visible and C NMR spectroscopy, sodium perborate degradation and Curie-point pyrolysis indicated the extent of structural alteration of lignin in soil. The molecular fractions released by degradation techniques applied to HAs showed that demethoxylation and oxidation were associated with the removal of forest vegetation, and the aromatic compounds consisted mainly of methoxyphenols and benzenecarboxylic acids. Decreased concentration of alkanes and increased amounts of alcohols were observed after removal of forests. The chain lengths of alkyl compounds also tended to decrease. In forest soil, there was a series of diterpene resin acids, whereas in pasture soil steroids from animal origin and a root-derived triterpenoids with friedelan structure were found. In relation to the total quantity and quality of soil C, the overall chemical descriptors indicated that clearing and cultivation (semiarid cereal fields) lead to intense mineralization of SOM (mainly particulate, free organic matter) but the residual humic substances have enhanced maturity in terms of structural condensation and potential resilience. Conversely, the cleared forest soil under pasture had a comparatively higher potential for C sequestration, but the HA characteristics suggested selective preservation of plant biomacromolecules directly incorporated as underground biomass.
Problems Closing the Energy Balance over a Homogeneous Snow Cover during Midwinter

Application of the energy balance approach to estimate snowmelt inherently presumes that the external energy fluxes can be measured or modeled with sufficient accuracy to reliably estimate the internal energy changes and melt rate. However, owing to difficulties in directly measuring the internal energy content of the snow during melt periods, the ability to close the energy balance is rarely quantified. To address this, all of the external energy balance terms (sensible and latent heat fluxes, shortwave and longwave radiation fluxes, and the ground heat flux) were directly measured and compared to changes of the energy content within an extensive, homogeneous, snowpack of a level field near Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. The snow was observed to lose significant amounts of energy because of a persistent longwave radiation imbalance caused by low incoming fluxes during cold, clear-sky periods, while solar heating of the snow surface caused an increase in the outgoing fluxes. The sum of the measured turbulent heat fluxes, ground heat flux, and solar radiation fluxes were insufficient to offset these losses, however the snowpack temperatures were not observed to cool. It was concluded that an unmeasured exchange of sensible heat was occurring from the atmosphere to the snowpack. The exchange mechanism for this is not known but would appear to be consistent with the concept of a windless exchange as employed to close the energy balance in various snow models. The results suggest that caution should be exercised when using the energy balance method to determine changes in internal energy in cold snowpacks.
Measuring the contribution of human capital to the development of the Catalan factory system (1830-61)

The article argues that for a region adopting a technology from elsewhere, an existing stock of (relevant) human capital was essential to the rapid and successful adoption of the technology. But once the technology has been fully assimilated, increments to human capital would not be expected to be important in its further growth. Thus, Catalan industrialisation was possible because the level of human capital present in industry was enough to adopt and modify new technologies. Human capital stock was mainly the result of past investments in on-the-job training, and children's informal education took place in the workplace rather than the schoolroom. Therefore, the level of human capital present in the workforce was higher than literacy and schooling rates showed. However, evidence is also presented on the low contribution made by human capital to growth rates.
Assessing the Feasibility and Pre-Post Impact Evaluation of the Beta (Test) Version of the BeUpstanding Champion Toolkit in Reducing Workplace Sitting: Pilot Study

Background The Web-based, evidence-informed BeUpstanding Champion Toolkit was developed to provide employers (via a “train-the-champion approach”) with resources and support to help in reducing prolonged sitting in their own desk-based workplace. As part of a five-phase research-to-dissemination process, this study reports on the evaluation of the beta (test) version of this toolkit (Phase 2). Objective The objective of our study was to evaluate (1) the implementation of the toolkit by workplace champions and (2) the impact of the toolkit on sitting (primary outcome), standing, and moving; use of activity-promoting strategies; knowledge and attitudes; and indicators of health and work performance. Methods An implementation study using a pre-post design was conducted in 7 desk-based workplaces in Australia (September 2015 to May 2016), with work teams (one per workplace) purposively recruited to ensure representation across a range of sectors (white- or blue-collar), organizational sizes (small or medium or large), and locations (metropolitan or regional). All staff within participating teams were invited to participate in the relevant toolkit activities. Implementation outcomes (time commitment required by champions and toolkit activities completed) were collected from each champion via telephone interviews. Changes in impact outcomes, measured via a Web-based questionnaire completed by employees at baseline and 3 months postimplementation, were assessed using mixed models, correcting for clustering. Results Champions reported a 30-60 minutes per week time commitment to the toolkit activities. All teams formed a wellbeing committee and sent the staff surveys at both time points; most champions held a staff consultation workshop (6/7), identified team-level strategies within that workshop (5/7), used the communication resources provided within the toolkit (emails, posters; 6/7), and completed the action plan (5/7). In total, 52% (315 of ≈600) employees participated in at least one survey and 97 (16%) participated in both. At follow-up, there was a significant (P<.05) reduction in self-reported workplace sitting time compared to baseline (−6.3%, 95% CI −10.1 to −2.5; n=85) equating to ≈30 minutes per workday. Significant benefits were also observed for the use of activity-promoting strategies, with small, nonsignificant changes observed for knowledge and attitudes and indicators of health and work performance. Conclusions The beta version of the BeUpstanding Champion Toolkit was feasible to implement and effective in reducing self-reported workplace sitting across a broad range of desk-based workplaces. The next phase (Phase 3) will build on these findings to optimize the toolkit for wider-scale implementation and longer term evaluation.
From plant traits to invasion success: Impacts of the alien Fallopia japonica (Houtt.) Ronse Decraene on two native grassland species

Abstract Alien invasive plants threaten biodiversity, productivity and ecosystem functioning throughout the world. We examined the effect of Fallopia japonica on two native grassland species (Trifolium repens, Lolium perenne). We hypothesized that its negative effects on the native species are dependent on three mechanisms: (i) allelochemicals released and accumulated in soil with a history of invasion, (ii) altered soil biota and (iii) direct resource competition. We measured the response of the native species as the difference in their functional traits when grown under the three conditions. Our results demonstrate that neither allelochemicals nor soil biota from soil with history of F. japonica invasion had measurable effects on either species. Competition with the invader strongly reduced height, biomass and specific leaf area (SLA) of T. repens, while it had a lower effect on L. perenne. Furthermore, our results reveal that F. japonica took advantage of a positive plant–soil and plant–plant interaction. The results show that the prominent mechanism underpinning the invasion success of F. japonica in the grassland was the direct resource competition. This prominent role is also confirmed by the significant interactions between competition, allelochemicals and soil biota from soils with history of invasion of F. japonica on SLA of the native species.
Bioefficacy of Duranta erecta leaf extract on yellow fever and dengue vector, Aedes aegypti Linn. in Nigeria

Mosquitoes are considered as a major problem in public health. Control measures mainly by chemical insecticides, have led to several environmental and health problems in addition to development of resistance. The bioefficacy of aqueous extract of leaves of Duranta erecta against the yellow fever and dengue vector, Aedes aegypti was evaluated as a step towards developing a safe and eco-friendly agent to combat the problems of mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases. Pulverized leaves of D. erecta were macerated in 2 L of distilled water for 24 h, filtered and concentrated. The aqueous extract of D. erecta leaves at different dilutions such as 50, 200, 500, 700, 900 and 1000 mg/L were tested against 525 eggs and 1050 fourth instar larvae of A. aegypti using emersion method. The percentage ovicidal, larvicidal activities, pupal and adult emergence, adult immergence and fecundity inhibition were studied. A concentration dependent increase in ovicidal, larvicidal, inhibition of adult emergence and fecundity were recorded. High ovicidal activity (low egg hatchability) was recorded with LC50 (95% CL) values of 340.085 mg/L (250.85-430.17mg/L). High larvicidal, emergence and fecundity inhibition were recorded with LC50 value of 420.59 mg/L (33.34-520.06 mg/L). Preliminary phytochemical analysis showed the presence of tannins, saponins, alkanoids, flavonoids, glycosides and anthroquinone. The results indicated that these botanicals may play an important role in reducing the use of chemicals for mosquito control. In-depth investigations to elucidate the active ingredients of the extract responsible for mosquitocidal activity in Aedes aegypti should be conducted and small scale field trials are needed for utilization. Key words: Duranta erecta, aqueous extract, Aedes aegypti, mosquitocidal activity.
Improvement of Bioactive Compounds Content and Antioxidant Properties in Crackers with the Incorporation of Prickly Pear and Potato Peels Powder

Prickly pear peel (PPP) and potatoes peel (PP) are considered as a waste by-products which obtained during processing of prickly pear and potatoes, huge amount of peels are generated, and their disposal is a major problem and causes environmental pollution. In the present study, PPP and PP were dehydrated under vacuum at 70°C for 3 hrs to obtain prickly pear peel powder (PPPP) and potatoes peel powder (PPP) with 7% moisture content. These by-products were phytochemically analyzed, incorporated into crackers at 5% levels as a potential source of bioactive compounds. Bioactive compounds analysis indicated that PPPP and PPP contains high levels of many valuable bioactive compounds/antioxidants such total phenolics, (421 and 1388 mg GAE.g-1 DW) and carotenoids (217.11 and 135.76 mg.g-1 DW) as well as total dietary fiber (39.53 and 45.91 g.100g-1 DW). The total dietary fiber, carotenoids and total phenolics content in crackers increased from 5.89, 3.01 and 110.23 to 8.11, 14.34 and 143.28 with 5% incorporation of PPPP and 8.74 g.100g-1, 7.88 mg.g-1 and 192.79 mg EGA.g-1 with 5% incorporation of PPP, respectively. Also, the antioxidant activity (AA) in control crackers was 30.11% which increased to 38.14 and 42.07% with the incorporation of PPPP and PPP by 5%, respectively. In conclusion, the results suggest that by incorporating PPPP and PPP, it is possible to enhance the nutritional and functional quality (bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity) of crackers without affecting on their sensory characteristics.
Effects of Elevated Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide on Insect‐Plant Interactions

Abstract: In the enriched carbon dioxide atmosphere expected in the next century, many species of herbivorous insects will confront less nutritious host plants that will induce both lengthened larval developmental times and greater mortality. The limited data currently available suggest that the effect of increased atmospheric CO2 on herbivory will be not only highly species‐specific but also specific to each insect‐plant system. Several scenarios can be predicted, however: (1) local extinctions will occur; (2) the endangered species status as well as the pest status of some insect species will change; (3) geographic distributions for some insect species will shift with host‐plant ranges; and (4) changes in the population dynamics of affected insect species will influence their interactions with other insects and plants. For insect conservation purposes, it is critical to begin long‐term studies on the effects of enhanced CO2 levels on insect populations. An analysis of the available literature indicates that many orders containing insect species important for ecosystem conservation, and even those important as agricultural or medical pests, have not been examined. Without a major increase in research on this topic, we will be unprepared for the species changes that will occur, we will lose the opportunity to document just how some insects adapt to elevated CO2 levels, and we will lack the information necessary for effective conservation efforts.
The Lsat, Law School Exams and Meritocracy: The Surprising and Undertheorized Role of Test-Taking Speed

Within the field of psychometrics, it is widely acknowledged that test-taking speed and reasoning ability are separate abilities with little or no correlation to each other. The LSAT is a univariate test designed to measure reasoning ability; test-taking speed is assumed to be an ancillary variable with a negligible effect on candidate scores. This Article explores the possibility that test-taking speed is variable common to both the LSAT and actual law school exams. This commonality is important because it may serve to increase the predictive validity of the LSAT. The author obtained data from a national and a regional law school and followed the methodology of a typical LSAT validity study, with one important exception: student performance was disaggregated into three distinct testing methods with varying degrees of time pressure: (1) in-class exams, (2) take-home exams, and (3) papers. Consistent with the hypothesis, the data showed that the LSAT was a relatively robust predictor of in-class exams and a relatively weak predictor on take-home exams and papers. In contrast, undergraduate GPA was a relatively stable predictor on all three testing methods.The major implication of this study is that the current emphasis on time-pressured law school exams increases the relative importance of the LSAT as an admission criterion. Further, because the performance gap between white and minority students tends to be larger on the LSAT than UGPA (the other important numerical admissions criteria), heavy reliance on time-pressured law school exams is likely to have the indirect effect of making it more difficult for minority students to be admitted through the regular admissions process. The findings of this study also suggest that when speed is used as a variable on law school exams, the type of testing method, independent of knowledge and preparation, can change the ordering (i.e., relative grades) of individual test-takers. The current emphasis on time-pressured exams, therefore, may skew measures of merit in ways that have little theoretical relationship to the actual practice of law. Finally, this study found some preliminary evidence that the performance gap between white and minority students may be smaller on less time-pressured testing methods, including blindgraded take-home exams. Definitive evidence on this issue will require a larger sample size.
Propensity to Migrate and Willingness to Pay Related to Air Pollution among Different Populations in Wuhan, China

ABSTRACTObjective: To understand parents’ propensity to migrate and willingness to pay with respect to outdoor air pollution, and to explore related affecting factors. Methods: This study used a convenience sample and subjects were collected from a community in Wuchang District and Children’s Hospital of Wuhan, respectively. A designed questionnaire was used for this study. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were applied to analyze the relationship between parents’ individual and familial characteristics and related behavioral intensions to air quality improvement. Statistical analysis was done with SAS 9.1. Results: The questionnaire was completed by 865 subjects (response rate = 86.5%). The number of people with migrant intent was 150(36.4%) from hospital group, and 139(30.7%) from community group. In the hospital group, subjects with higher knowledge of air quality (OR = 6.268, p < 0.05) and higher average annual household income (AAHI), which was equal or more than 50,000 Yuan (OR = 2.045, p < 0.01), were found to be more intent to migrate. AAHI (OR = 1.939, p < 0.05) was also the affecting factor in the community group correspondingly. Those willing to pay for air quality improvement included 297 people (72.1%) from the hospital group and 333 people (73.5%) from the community group, and affecting factors was the public responsibility for air quality improvement (hospital group: OR = 3.380, p < 0.01; community group: OR = 4.436, p < 0.01). Conclusions: This study indicated high tendency of propensity to migrate for avoiding poor air condition and willingness to pay to improve air quality in Wuhan. Local governments should pay more attention to parents’ knowledge of air pollution and attitudes towards government management of air quality, especially those willing to migrate.
On the average size of independent sets in triangle-free graphs

We prove an asymptotically tight lower bound on the average size of independent sets in a triangle-free graph on $n$ vertices with maximum degree $d$, showing that an independent set drawn uniformly at random from such a graph has expected size at least $(1+o_d(1)) \frac{\log d}{d}n$. This gives an alternative proof of Shearer's upper bound on the Ramsey number $R(3,k)$. We then prove that the total number of independent sets in a triangle-free graph with maximum degree $d$ is at least $\exp \left[\left(\frac{1}{2}+o_d(1) \right) \frac{\log^2 d}{d}n \right]$. The constant $1/2$ in the exponent is best possible. In both cases, tightness is exhibited by a random $d$-regular graph. Both results come from considering the hard-core model from statistical physics: a random independent set $I$ drawn from a graph with probability proportional to $\lambda^{|I|}$, for a fugacity parameter $\lambda>0$. We prove a general lower bound on the occupancy fraction (normalized expected size of the random independent set) of the hard-core model on triangle-free graphs of maximum degree $d$. The bound is asymptotically tight in $d$ for all $\lambda =O_d(1)$. We conclude by stating several conjectures on the relationship between the average and maximum size of an independent set in a triangle-free graph and give some consequences of these conjectures in Ramsey theory.
Implications of spatial distributions of snow mass and melt rate for snow-cover depletion: observations in a subarctic mountain catchment

Abstract Spatial statistics of snow water equivalent (SWE) and melt rate were measured using spatially distributed, sequential ground surveys of depth and density in forested, shrub and alpine tundra environments over several seasons within a 185 km2 mountain catchment inYukonTerritory, Canada.When stratified by slope/aspect sub-units within landscape classes, SWE frequency distributions matched the log-normal, but multiclass surveys showed a more bimodal distribution. Within-class variability of winter SWE could be grouped into (i) windswept tundra and (ii) sheltered tund ra/forest regimes. During melt, there was little association between the standard deviation and mean of SWE. At small scales, a negative correlation developed between spatial distributions of pre-melt SWE and melt rate where shrubs were exposed above the snow. This was not evident in dense-forest, alpine-tundra or deep-snowdrift landscape classes. At medium scales, negative SWE and melt-rate correlations were also found between mean values from adjacent slope sub-units of the tundra landscape class. Themedium-scale correlation was likely due to slope effects on insolation and blowing-snow redistribution. At the catchment scale, the correlation between mean SWE and melt rate from various landscape classes reversed to a positive one, likely influenced by intercepted and blowing regimes, shrub exposure during melt and adiabatic cooling with elevation rise. Covariance at the catchment scale resulted in a 40% acceleration of snow depletion. These results suggest that the spatial variability and covariability of both SWE and melt rate are scale- and landscape-class-specific and need to be considered in a landscape-stratified manner at the appropriate scale when snow depletion is described and the snowmelt duration predicted.
Treatment Options for Cranial Cruciate LigamentRupture In Dog - A Literature Review

Cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) breaks in dogs can be treated by surgical and non-surgical methods. Choice of the treatment method of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in dog continues to be a real problem for veterinarian clinicians. This topic has been the subject of many studies. Investigation of the speciality literature data concerning the surgical treatment options in the management of cranial cruciate ligament injuries) in dogs, remains, in the conditions of an informational avalanche, a present concern, The purpose of this study was to analyze additional evidence which have appeared in the literature in the period of 2006 January 2017 and which advocate with concrete evidences in the favour or disfavour of a particular method of dogs’ cranial cruciate ligament injuries treatment. Analysis of online searches using PubMed engine in 403 articles suggest that the data analyzed do not allow accurate comparisons between different treatment procedures of cranial cruciate ligament deficiency in dogs and did not show significant differences nor major changes when compared to previous reports (from 1963 to 2005). New long-term clinical studies must be designed and further biomechanical and kinematic analyses are required to determine the optimal technique, and whether these procedures are superior to other stabilization methods.