Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A large-scale simulation model to assess karstic groundwater recharge over Europe and the Mediterranean

Abstract. Karst develops through the dissolution of carbonate rock and is a major source of groundwater contributing up to half of the total drinking water supply in some European countries. Previous approaches to model future water availability in Europe are either too-small scale or do not incorporate karst processes, i.e. preferential flow paths. This study presents the first simulations of groundwater recharge in all karst regions in Europe with a parsimonious karst hydrology model. A novel parameter confinement strategy combines a priori information with recharge-related observations (actual evapotranspiration and soil moisture) at locations across Europe while explicitly identifying uncertainty in the model parameters. Europe's karst regions are divided into four typical karst landscapes (humid, mountain, Mediterranean and desert) by cluster analysis and recharge is simulated from 2002 to 2012 for each karst landscape. Mean annual recharge ranges from negligible in deserts to > 1 m a−1 in humid regions. The majority of recharge rates range from 20 to 50% of precipitation and are sensitive to subannual climate variability. Simulation results are consistent with independent observations of mean annual recharge and significantly better than other global hydrology models that do not consider karst processes (PCR-GLOBWB, WaterGAP). Global hydrology models systematically under-estimate karst recharge implying that they over-estimate actual evapotranspiration and surface runoff. Karst water budgets and thus information to support management decisions regarding drinking water supply and flood risk are significantly improved by our model.
Biceps Neurotization Versus Biceps and Brachialis Neurotization in Brachial Plexus Injury : Comparative Study

Background: Restoration of elbow flexion has a high priority in brachial plexus injury, and many techniques were described to achieve it. Between these techniques fascicular nerve transfer has popularity between reconstructive surgeons. Whether single or double fascicular transfer should be the master technique is a matter of controversy. The purpose of this study is to compare the results for restoration of elbow flexion with single and double fascicular transfer from median and ulnar nerves. Patients and Method: From June 2009 to December 2015 forty one patients with complete paralysis of elbow flexors after brachial plexus injuries were managed by either Oberlin procedure (Group A) or transfer a fascicle from ulnar nerve to motor branch of biceps muscle and another fascicle from median nerve to brachialis muscle. Results: Patients underwent the double fascicular transfer showed significant better muscle power according MRC score than who had single transfer. Objectively patients with double fascicular transfer rated their procedures rather than who were under a single transfer, and finally we found that the level of injury did not have a considerable effect on the final results. Conclusion: Double fascicular transfer is an effective, simple and short time procedure that can be done in nontraumatized tissue near the target muscle and has low morbidity.
Optimal cubic Lagrange interpolation : Extremal node systems with minimal Lebesgue constant

In the theory of interpolation of continuous functions by algebraic polynomials of degree at most n− 1 ≥ 2, the search for explicit analytic expressions of extremal node systems which lead to the minimal Lebesgue constant is still an intriguing topic in mathematics today [33]. The first non-trivial case n − 1 = 2 (quadratic interpolation) has been completely resolved, even in two alternative fashions, see [25], [27]. In the present paper we proceed to completely resolve the cubic case (n− 1 = 3) of optimal polynomial Lagrange interpolation on the unit interval [−1, 1]. We will provide two explicit analytic expressions for the uncountable infinitely many extremal node systems x∗1 < x ∗ 2 < x ∗ 3 < x ∗ 4 in [−1, 1] which all lead to the (known) minimal Lebesgue constant of cubic Lagrange interpolation on [−1, 1]. The descriptions of the extremal node systems (which need not be zero-symmetric) resemble the solutions for the quadratic case and incorporate two intrinsic constants expressed by radicals, of which one constant looks particularly intricate. Our results encompass earlier related work provided in [17], [23], [24], [29], [30] and are guided by symbolic computation. Mathematics Subject Classification (2010): 05C35, 33F10, 41A05, 41A44, 65D05, 68W30.
Common wave behavior for mergers and acquisitions in OECD countries? a unique analysis using new Markov switching panel model approach

This paper investigates whether or not there is co-waved merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in 26 OECD countries. We apply the Markov Switching model to panel data (MSP hereafter), an approach which has not previously been attempted. Two distinct regimes are recognized in emerge from M&A data: the wave merger regime and normal merger regime. Our MSP captures the co-wave pattern of the sample countries and has a much better fit than either the univariate Markov Switching model or the conventional linear panel model.
Deficits in fine motor skill as an important factor in the identification of gifted underachievers in primary school

The underachievement of gifted students is one of the most disturbing and, simultaneously, most enduring problems for gifted education. Previously, the identification of underachievement has largely focused on discrepancies between achievement and cognitive abilities. This is partially due to the fact that, despite having detected some of the reasons for underachievement, current knowledge is still fragmentary and cannot fully explain the phenomenon. In particular the association with fine motor skills has not yet been adequately investigated. In a study with 4 th grade students, it was demonstrated that achievement differences between gifted underachievers (n = 31) and achievers (n = 97) could best be explained by their fine motor skills and the interaction between fine motor skills and concentration. These results provide the first indications that deficits in fine motor skills can be predictors of underachievement and, consequently, could well be integrated into the identification process in the future. The findings are discussed with regard to action regulation and in terms of educational implications.
Stem labeling results in different patterns of 14C rhizorespiration and 15N distribution in plants compared to natural assimilation pathways

To investigate C and N rhizodeposition, plants can be 13C-15N double-labeled with glucose and urea using a stem-feeding method (wick method). However, it is unclear how the 13C applied as glucose is released into the soil as rhizorespiration in comparison with the 13C applied as CO2 using a natural uptake pathway. In the present study, we therefore compared the short-term fate of 14C and 15N in white lupine and pea plants applied either by the wick method or the natural pathways of C and N assimilation. Plants were pulse-labeled in 14CO2-enriched atmosphere and 15N urea was applied to the roots (atmosphere–soil) following the natural assimilation pathways, or plants were simultaneously labeled with 14C and 15N by applying a 14C glucose–15N urea solution into the stem using the wick method. Plant development, soil microbial biomass, total rhizorespiration, and distribution of N in plants were not affected by the labeling method used but by plant species. However, the 15N : N ratio in plant parts was significantly (p < 0.05) affected by the labeling method, indicating more homogeneous 15N enrichment of plants labeled via root uptake. After 14CO 2 atmosphere labeling of plants, the cumulated 14CO 2 release from roots and soil showed the common saturation dynamics. In contrast, after 14C-glucose labeling by the wick method, the cumulated 14CO 2 release increased linearly. These results show that 14C applied as glucose using the wick method is not rapidly transferred to the roots as compared to a short-term 14CO 2 pulse. This is partly due to a slower 14C uptake and partly due to slow distribution within the plant. Consequently, 14C-glucose application by the wick method is no pulselabeling approach. However, the advantages of the wick method for 13C-15N double labeling for estimating rhizodeposition especially under field conditions requires further methodological research.
Microbial 16S rDNA Sequencing of Cultivable Bacteria Associated with Toxic Dinoflagellate, Pyrodinium bahamense var. compressum

Bacteria associated with toxic dinoflagellate, Pyrodinium bahamense var. compressum play an important role in paralytic shellfish toxin production during harmful algal bloom occurrences, which frequently spotted in the coastal waters of Sabah. The outbreak has caused a remarkable impact on economic losses to Sabah aquaculture industries, even worse, human illness and fatalities. The expression of PST during a toxic bloom remains elusive, furthermore studies on the bacterial diversity associated with Sabah P. bahamense are limited. Thus the study aimed to examine the cultivable bacteria diversity associated with P. bahamense through 16S rDNA sequence analysis. A total of 74 isolates were successfully obtained, which were predominated by the phyla proteobacteria. 41 of the isolates were gammaproteobacteria; Alteromonas sp. (37), Marinobacter sp. (3), Methylophaga sp. (1), and 34 of the isolates were alphaproteobacteria; Ruegeria sp. (29), Lutimaribacter sp. (5). The major bacteria strains identified were Alteromonas sp. and Ruegeria sp. which were previously reported as a possible PST-producing bacterium. The information from this study will provide important insights into the understanding the relationship between dinoflagellate-bacteria association as well as the role of these bacteria in toxin production.
Financial Innovation and Fragility

In this paper, I evaluate the impact of innovative activity of financial agents on their fragility in a competitive framework. There exist a vast array of concerns about the interconnection of financial innovations, financial distress of firms and financial crises provided by theoretical arguments. I build on these and assess empirically the causal link between a financial agents' innovativeness and stability. Using a unique data set on financial innovations in the USA between 1990 and 2002, I show that a larger degree of innovation negatively (positively) affects firm stability (fragility) after controlling for the underlying firm characteristics. The results are robust against different modifications of innovation measures and against different fragility parameters indicating profitability, activity risk and risk of insolvency.
Dispersion Managed Optical Links with Optical Phase Conjugator Placed at the Various Positions

The needs of ultra-high optical backbone systems are currently increased to transmit the high-quality multimedia services. For transmitting the ultra-high speed optical signals with better performance, the techniques to suppress or mitigate the optical signal distortion due to group velocity dispersion and optical Kerr effects are required. Dispersion management (DM), optical phase conjugation, and the combination of these two are promising techniques to compensate for the signal distortion. The goal of this paper is to investigate the possibility of the flexible configurations of the ultra-high and long-haul optical backbone systems using optical links with the random distribution of residual dispersion per span (RDPS) and optical phase conjugator (OPC) placed at the various positions. We confirm that the proposed link configurations should be one of the methods suitable for implementing the flexible optical backbone systems, also, the possibility is more available to longer backbone.
AMPHICARPIC LEGUMES FOR TROPICAL PASTURE PERSISTENCE

Centrosema rotundifolium: Performance and seed production. This species is adapted to light-textured, acid and low-fertility Oxisols where herbage yields, however, are rather modest. The nutritive value (16-29% crude protein content; 44-71% in vitro dry-matter digestibility; phosphorus and calcium contents of 0.15-0.79 % and 0.311.07%, respectively) is intermediate to high (Schultze-Kraft et al., 1994; Schmidt et al., 1996). C. rotundifolium forage is palatable to grazing cattle. In the Colombian Llanos Orientales, the underground reproductive phase began simultaneously with the above-ground reproductive phase; it seems to be favoured by grazing or cutting. Aerial seed production seems to depend on tripping of flowers by insects (Schmidt et al., 1996). Seed yields can be very high on sandy soils: In eastern Venezuela, a destructive harvest of six C. rotundifolium accessions yielded between 920 and 1900 kg of underground seed (in pod)/ha; seed yields from aerial pods were 13856 kg/ha (I. Rodríguez, pers. comm.). Underground pods are mostly one-seeded. From seeds buried as deep as 30 cm, still 19% seedling emergence has been measured (Schmidt et al., 1996). C. rotundifolium shows good regrowth after burning.
DETERMINATION OF PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PARAMETERS AND SOME HEAVY METALS IN SELECTED HERBAL DRUGS SOLD IN KARA MARKET , SOKOTO-NIGERIA

The use of Herbal drugs for various medicaments has been on the increase in Nigeria as it is in other developing and even developed countries. This study was aimed at determining the physico-chemical parameters and the levels of heavy metals (Cr, Cd, Mn , Cu, Fe, Pb, Zn and Ni) concentration in selected crude drugs sold in Kara market, Sokoto-Nigeria. The physico-chemical param eters were determined using standard analytical methods and the heavy metals we re determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) after wet digestion. The mo isture was found to be 3.56 – 5.0 %, total ash, 11. 7 – 19.0 % and acid insoluble ash contents 0.5 – 9.3 %. The results also revealed maximum concentrations (mg/Kg) of the heavy metals in the samples as: 0.15 6±0.001, 0.103±0.005, 44.900±0.002, 0.275±0.003, 18.496±0.001, 1.133±0.001, 3.649±0.001 and 0.340±0. 003 for Cr, Cd, Mn, Cu, Fe, Pb, Zn and Ni, respectively. The moisture indicated an excellent p reservative state of the crude drugs but insoluble ash values indicated the likely presence of silica as c ontaminant in the drugs. The levels of Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb , Zn and Ni were all found to be within the World Health Organization (WHO) limits for heavy metals in plan t samples. While, Cr in Cassia singueana and Anogeissus leiocarpus leaves; as well as Mn in Guiera senegalensis, Combretum micranthum and Deuterium microcarpum D. senegalense exceeded the WHO limits. Prolong intake of these plants could build toxic concentration of even the metals that were be low WHO limit. It is therefore suggested that the quali ty, safety and efficacy of these crude drugs be imp roved through pharmacovigilance.
Nepali Bhutanese Refugees Reap Support Through Community Gardening

Effectively addressing psychological needs of refugees is a challenge for service providers operating within an expensive health care system based on Western constructs of mental health. In response to this challenge, refugee resettlement agencies throughout the United States use community gardens to promote psychological healing, self-sufficiency, community engagement, and a return of human dignity. Although the success of these programs has been reported in the popular press, they have not been studied systematically. The present exploratory mixed methods study drew upon quantitative and qualitative data to explore perspectives on participating in a community garden among Nepali Bhutanese refugees (N = 50; 62% female). Participants self-selected to engage in gardening prior to research (n = 22), or were part of the nongardening comparison group (n = 28). Results revealed no significant group differences in regard to symptoms of depression, anxiety, somatic complaints, or adjustment to life in the United States. Quantitative results indicated that community gardening was significantly positively associated with social support, a key contributor to optimal functioning within communal cultures. Qualitative data provided additional context within which to understand these results, and further supported the role of social support in community gardening. Implications for clinical research, advocacy, and community care are discussed and suggestions for further research are provided.
Pollution Control Instruments in the Presence of an Informal Sector

We examines the challenges faced by the regulator in managing pollution when there is a linkage between a formal and an informal industrial sector across the stages of production. The formal sector is more productive than the informal sector and the latter saves cost by evading pollution regulation due to incomplete monitoring. This creates a natural tendency for the more polluting processes to be concentrated in the informal sector. We show the unintended effects of the standard Pigouvian tax (emission fee), which might lead to further deterioration by encouraging the shift of stages in favour of the informal sector. Instead, we propose a second-best hybrid instrument, comprised of a tax on polluting input and a subsidy on proper disposal of residual waste.
Biological activities of the essential oil and total extract of Salvia macrosiphon Boiss.

Introduction: Salvia macrosiphon Boiss. (Lamiaceae) is an aromatic perennial herb that its phytochemical analysis has shown presence of flavonoid and phenolic compounds. Material and Methods: Essential oil of the aerial parts of S. macrosiphon collected from south of Iran was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Cytotoxic activity of the essential oil and the total extract of this herb were investigated by using MTT assay on three cell lines. Results: Twenty six components, representing 100% of the total oil, were identified. The main components of the essential oil were Linalool (19%), β-Cedrene (14.64%) and β-Elemene (13.33%). Both of the total extract and the essential oil showed remarkable cytotoxic activity against all tested cell lines. Moreover, the volatile oil exhibited significant antioxidant and anti-acetylcholinesterase activities; however the total extract did not exhibit any effect on inhibition of acetylcholinesterase. Conclusion: According to achieved results, this herb could be considered as a valuable source of antioxidant, cytotoxic and anti-AChE compounds.
Optimal control of Formula 1 race cars in a VDrift based virtual environment

Abstract Control of autonomous vehicles and providing recommendations to drivers in real time are challenging tasks from an algorithmic point of view. To include realistic effects, such as nonlinear tire dynamics, at least medium-sized mathematical models need to be considered. Yet, fast feedback is of utmost importance. Existing Nonlinear Model Predictive Control (NMPC) algorithms need to be enhanced to comply with these two contradictory requirements. As the testing of algorithms in an automatic driving context is cumbersome and expensive, we propose a virtual testbed for NMPC of driving cars. We use the open source race simulator VDrift as virtual real world, in which algorithms need to cope with the mismatch between the detailed physical model in the simulator and a coarser approximative model used for NMPC. We present the general framework of this virtual environment and an optimal control problem based on a medium-sized ordinary differential equation model and a generic and flexible parameterization of the track constraint. We discuss one possible algorithmic approach to the task of minimum time driving including gear shifts and give preliminary open loop numerical results for a Porsche on Germany's Formula One racing circuit Hockenheimring. This can be used as a reference against which other (closed loop) solutions can be compared in the future.
Moving onwards: an action continuation strategy in finding the way

In four studies, we examined people's strategies when deciding between multiple routes of equivalent length in way-finding tasks. The results reveal the important role of continuing behavior when faced with a choice from multiple viable routes. After affirming the existence of asymmetric preferences for alternatives (Studies 1 and 2), we observed that variations of simple known-environment mazes supported action continuation as prevailing process over alternative strategies such as preference for long initial path segments, paths with a least deviating angle, and a modified hill climbing strategy (Study 3). Moreover, asymmetric preferences disappeared with the absence of initial behavior to inform subsequent decision making (Study 4). Results are discussed within the context of decision making, navigation strategies, and everyday life path finding.
Associations of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase and Estrogen Receptor-alpha Gene Polymorphisms with Coronary Artery Disease

Molekyylibiologisten menetelmien kehittymisen myota on tarjoutunut mahdollisuus tutkia sepelvaltimotaudin taustalla olevia perinnollisia tekijoita. Tutkimuksen kohteena on ollut kaksi verisuonen sisakalvon eli endoteelin toimintaan keskeisesti vaikuttavaa geenia. Ensimmaisen geenin tuote, typpioksidisyntaasi-niminen entsyymi, osallistuu typpioksidin tuottamiseen soluissamme ja sen muodostumisen seurauksena verisuonet laajenevat ja verihiutaleiden kiinnittyminen endoteeliin vahenee. Toisen tutkimuskohteena olleen geenin tuote, estrogeenireseptori, toimii viestinviejana soluissa. Niissa sen valittomat vaikutukset verisuonen seinamaan liittyvat vasodilataatioon mahdollisesti typpioksidisyntaasin aktivoitumisen kautta ja pitempiaikaiset vaikutukset verisuonen seinaman paksuuntumisen seka ateroskleroosin estoon. Estrogeenireseptorin vaikutukset ja vaikutusmekanismit eivat kuitenkaan ole taysin selvilla. Koska molemissa tutkimuksen kohteena olevissa geeneissa esiintyy rakennevaihtelua eli polymorfiaa, on mahdollista, etta vaihtelulla on merkitysta ateroskleroosin muodostumisessa. Tutkimuksessa selvitettiin, miten edella mainitut geenipolymorfiat ovat yhteydessa atreroskleroosin ja sydaninfarktin esiintymiseen keski-ikaisilla miehilla. Lisaksi haluttiin selvittaa, onko eri geenimuodon omaavilla nuorilla miehilla eroja sepelvaltimoiden verenvirtauksessa. Tutkimuksen kohteena olivat 700 akkikuollutta miesta, joiden keski-ika oli 53 vuotta. Miesten sepelvaltimoista mitattiin sepelvaltimotaudin aste, ateroskleroottiset muutokset, sepelvaltimotulpan ja sydaninfarktin esiintyminen. Omaisten haastattelulla selvitettiin elintapoja seka mahdollisia sairauksia. Toinen aineisto koostui 44 lievasti hyperkolesterolemisesta nuortesta miehesta. Miehet jaettiin kahteen ryhmaan, joista toinen ryhma sai kolesterolia alentavaa laakitysta puolen vuoden ajan, toinen ei. Veren virtausta sepelvaltimoissa tutkittiin kerroskuvauksella (ns. PET eli positron emission tomography- menetelma). Yksiloiden valiset erot saatiin esiin monistamalla tutkittujen henkiloiden DNA:ta. Tulosten mukaan estrogeenireseptorigeenin saatelyalueella olevan toistojakson pituudella on yhteys sepelvaltimotautiin. Myos typpioksidisyntaasia koodaavassa geenissa oleva polymorfia nayttaisi liittyvan sepelvaltimotautiin, silla tutkimusaineistossamme harvinaisempi geenimuoto oli yhteydessa alentuneeseen sydaninfarktiriskiin. Tulokset nuorilla miehilla tehdyista sepelvaltimoiden verenvirtausta mittaavista tutkimuksista tukivat havaintoja siita, etta typpioksidisyntaasigeenissa oleva rakennevaihtelu vaikuttaa endoteelin toimintaan. Saatujen tulosten mukaan seka estrogeenireseptori- etta typpioksidisyntaasigeeneissa esiintyvat polymorfiat nayttaisivat osin selittavan yksiloiden valisia eroja alttiudessa sairastua sepelvaltimotautiin ja sen komplikaatioihin. ; The most commonly studied polymorphic candidate genes for atherosclerosis are involved in lipid metabolism, hemostasis, fibrinolysis and inflammation. Genes affecting the function and tone of the artery have not been in the…