Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Is New Always Better? Frontiers in Global Climate Datasets for Modeling Treeline Species in the Himalayas

Comparing and evaluating global climate datasets and their effect on model performance in regions with limited data availability has received little attention in ecological modeling studies so far. In this study, we aim at comparing the interpolated climate dataset Worldclim 1.4, which is the most widely used in ecological modeling studies, and the quasi-mechanistical downscaled climate dataset Chelsa, as well as their latest versions Worldclim 2.1 and Chelsa 1.2, with regard to their suitability for modeling studies. To evaluate the effect of these global climate datasets at the meso-scale, the ecological niche of Betula utilis in Nepal is modeled under current and future climate conditions. We underline differences regarding methodology and bias correction between Chelsa and Worldclim versions and highlight potential drawbacks for ecological models in remote high mountain regions. Regarding model performance and prediction plausibility under current climatic conditions, Chelsa-based models significantly outperformed Worldclim-based models, however, the latest version of Chelsa contains partially inherent distorted precipitation amounts. This study emphasizes that unmindful usage of climate data may have severe consequences for modeling treeline species in high-altitude regions as well as for future projections, if based on flawed current model predictions. The results illustrate the inevitable need for interdisciplinary investigations and collaboration between climate scientists and ecologists to enhance climate-based ecological model quality at meso- to local-scales by accounting for local-scale physical features at high temporal and spatial resolution.
Default Risk and Stock Returns: Evidence from Indian Corporate Sector

Default risk is associated with the probability that a leveraged firm is not able to pay its financial obligation on time. Relationship between default risk and stock returns is very important from investor’s point of view because it has important implication for risk and return trade off. Relationship between default risk and returns is debatable issue and contradictory results are found in the literature regarding the relationship between default risk and stock returns. Default risk assessment helps the investors and lenders to accurately assess the risks to which investors or lenders are exposed. There are several models which can be used to assess the probability of default. In the present study, the widely used Altman’s Z-score model is used as a measure of default risk to find out the relationship between default risk and stock returns using simple linear regression analysis. It is found that Altman’s Z-score can be used as a measure of default risk and results indicate the existence of positive relationship between Z-score and stock return and hence a negative relationship between default risk and stock return.
Diurnal variations in the thickness of the inner bark of tree trunks in relation to xylem water potential and phloem turgor

Why this research Matters The inner bark plays important roles in tree stems, including radial exchange of water with the xylem and translocation of carbohydrates. Both processes affect the water content and the thickness of the inner bark on a diurnal basis. For the first time, we simultaneously measured the diurnal variations in the inner bark thickness of hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) by using point dendrometers and those of local xylem potential by using stem psychrometers located next to the dendrometers to determine how these variations were related to each other, to phloem turgor and carbohydrate transport. We also estimated the axial hydrostatic pressure gradient by measuring the osmolality of the sap extracted from the inner bark. The inner bark shrunk during the day and swelled during the night with an amplitude related to day‐to‐day and seasonal variations in climate. The relationship between changes in xylem water potential and inner bark thickness exhibited a hysteresis loop during the day with a median lag of 2 h. A phloem turgor‐related signal can be retrieved from the diurnal variations in the inner bark thickness, which was higher at the upper than at the lower position along the trunk. However, a downward hydrostatic pressure gradient was only observed at dawn, suggesting diurnal variations in the phloem sap flow velocity.
Nomograms for Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma Patients Based on the Eighth AJCC Staging and Competing Risks Model

Abstract Background Differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) patients have a long survival period and good prognosis, so they are easily affected by competing risk events. The purpose of this study was to use the competing risks model to identify prognostic factors for cause-specific death (CSD) and death due to other causes (DOC) in patients with DTC. Methods Our screening process identified 34 585 DTC patients in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database and randomly divided them into a training cohort and a validation cohort. We used the Fine and Gray subdistribution hazards model to establish the CSD and DOC nomograms. The distinguishing ability and consistency of the nomograms were evaluated using the consistency indexes and calibration plots. Results Our analysis of a competing risks model revealed that pathological grade, tumor size, histological type, American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC)–8 stage, surgery status, adjuvant radiotherapy status, adjuvant chemotherapy status, and log odds of positive lymph nodes are prognostic factors for CSD, and age at diagnosis, year of diagnosis, sex, pathological grade, tumor size, AJCC-8 stage, surgery status, adjuvant radiotherapy status, and lymph node ratio are prognostic factors for DOC. The 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year concordance indexes in the validation cohorts were 0.942, 0.931, and 0.913 for the CSD nomogram and 0.813, 0.746, and 0.776 for the DOC nomogram. The calibration plots showed good consistency in both nomograms. Conclusions Our nomograms can be used as a tool to help clinicians individually predict the probability of CSD and DOC in DTC patients at 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years, which has certain guiding value in clinical applications.
Culture and social norms: Behavioral decisions about grassland conservation among ethnically Tibetan pastoralists

ABSTRACT Conceptions of what is typical (descriptive norms) and socially appropriate (injunctive norms) are constrained by culture. Based on interviews with Tibetan pastoralists in Western China, we examine social norms and behaviors associated with managing domesticated animals. We describe the ways that behavioral decisions are influenced by interpersonal communication and observation of norms, along with ecological, market, and policy forces. Explicit communication about norms occurs primarily under problematic conditions, in times of change or policy introduction. Findings reinforce the relevance of understanding the culturally bound dimensions of social norms and the need to ground theory and research on social influence in intercultural communication concepts.
Pain hypersensitivity in a pharmacological mouse model of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Significance Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that often exhibits comorbid alterations in sensitivity. Patients with ADHD report sensitization to pain, but no data exist on the mechanisms involved. We used a validated mouse model to characterize nociceptive sensitization to peripheral stimuli in ADHD-like conditions, and to demonstrate that this sensitization is further amplified in a pathological inflammatory state. We provide functional evidence that nociceptive sensitization relies on top-down circuits that originate in the cortex and modify nociceptive spinal networks. Our data indicate that ADHD and persistent pain are mutually worsening comorbid disorders with reciprocal worsening of nociceptive sensitization and hyperactivity, and new treatments should target overlapping mechanisms for better efficiency.
Potential of non-Saccharomyces yeast for improving the aroma and sensory profile of Prokupac red wine

This work aimed to analyse the effect of non-Saccharomyces yeasts on the volatile composition, aromatic profile and sensory properties of wine made from autochthonous Serbian grape variety Prokupac (Vitis vinifera). Fermentation was performed with two commercial yeasts, Metschnikowia pulcherrima and Torulaspora delbrueckii, in pure and sequential fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The standard analysis of produced wines indicated that the application of both non-Saccharomyces yeast (in pure or in sequential fermentation) significantly reduces the content of alcohol when compared to the control. The use of M. pulcherrima in both pure and sequential fermentation resulted in a higher content of different groups of polyphenols, anthocyanins and flavonoids or better colour characteristics compared to the wines obtained in fermentations with T. delbrueckii. HS-SPME GC/MS analysis revealed the presence of 27 different compounds in the wine samples, with higher alcohols and ethyl esters being the most dominant. It was proven that the presence of non-Saccharomyces yeasts in the initial stage of fermentation with later inoculation with S. cerevisiae contributes to increased complexity of the wine, as well as increased higher alcohol content and total extracts. Wines produced from sequential fermentation with T. delbrueckii showed floral and spice attributes, probably due to 1-pentanol and 2-phenylethanol detected in the wine, as well as to the large amount of ethyl acetate. The use of M. pulcherrima in pure fermentation resulted in wines with the lowest sensorial characteristics (i.e., lacking fruity and floral aroma) probably due to the lowest relative contribution of ethyl esters. The control wine in this study (from pure fermentation with S. cerevisie), had the most intense ‘red berries’ and ‘black berries’ note and low intensity of spices or vegetable aroma, which may be explained by the highest relative contribution of ethyl octanoate and ethyl decanoate. The PCA results also clearly differentiated the analysed samples produced in the sequential, pure and control fermentation trials, leading to the conclusion that the aromatic profile of Prokupac wines produced in sequential fermentation was more complex compared to the wines produced in pure fermentation.
Job Satisfaction and Gender: A Global Comparison of Job Satisfaction in the Hospitality Industry

ABSTRACT Research has been inconclusive in determining if men or women experience more job satisfaction. A global comparison examining extrinsic and intrinsic factors, work relations, and work–life balance determinants found few differences; however, work relations and work–life balance factors were more significant for male than female workers across occupations. The current study uses International Social Survey Program data representing 37 countries to explore differences in job satisfaction in the hospitality industry. Findings demonstrate that mean job-satisfaction scores for females are lower across hospitality occupations except for hotel receptionists, housekeeping supervisors, and hotel cleaners. Regression results revealed additional differences such as the significance of coworker relations, the negative impact of being discriminated against and harassed at work, working weekends, marital status, and supervisory status for women with autonomy, work stress, education, and employment relationship being more salient for men. Interesting work, work being useful to society, job security, pay, relations with management, and work interfering with family were significant for both males and females.
Effect of the Addition of Non-Saccharomyces at First Alcoholic Fermentation on the Enological Characteristics of Cava Wines

Background: Cava is considered to be a high-quality wine internationally. Hence, it has undergone consistent improvement and/or the preservation of its aromatic qualities, bouquet, color, and foamability, throughout its elaboration and aging. Methods: This study investigates the use of different Saccharomyces and non-Saccharomyces yeasts strains (Torulaspora delbrueckii and Metschnikowia pulcherrima) in Chardonnay and Xarel.lo cava wines. The usual enological parameters, the volatile composition, the protein contents, and foamability were determined, and sensory analyses were also performed for all of the vinifications (both before tirage and after 18 months of aging on the lees). Results: the protein and foamability results show that there is a direct relationship between both parameters, with better foam persistence achieved in some non-Saccharomyces fermentation. M. pulcherrima base wines showed a high protein content, improving foamability and foaming persistence. In addition, the results of the aromatic composition and the sensory analysis showed that the use of T. delbrueckii at first fermentation produced interesting cavas from an aromatic perspective. These cavas showed the highest values of ethyl isovalerate (120–126 µg/L), providing aromatic fruity notes, especially fresh green apple. Conclusions: the use of non-Saccharomyces yeasts in the base wine fermentation can be an alternative to produce cavas with differentiated aromatic characteristics and interesting foaming ability.
ChSch9 is required for infection-related morphogenesis and pathogenicity in Colletotrichum higginsianum

Colletotrichum higginsianum is an economically important anthracnose pathogen of crucifers that causes losses worldwide. For comprehensive control of anthracnose disease, it is essential to understand the mechanisms of pathogenicity in C. higginsianum. The Ser/Thr kinase Sch9 belonging to the AGC (protein kinase A, G, and C) kinase family, commonly found in eukaryotes, plays a vital role in various cell signalling pathways and development. However, it has not been studied in Colletotrichum species. Three domains, Protein kinase C conserved region 2 (C2), Serine/Threonine protein kinase catalytic (S_TKc) and Extension to Ser/Thr-type protein kinases (S_TK_X), were identified in the C. higginsianum Sch9 (ChSch9) protein. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that ChSch9 is closely related to the AGC kinase family, which is conserved in fungi. Deletion of ChSch9 caused defects in hyphal morphology, growth and conidiation. In addition, deletion of ChSch9 was associated with reduced tolerance to hyperosmotic, cell wall and oxidative stresses in C. higginsianum, and ChSch9 deletion mutants were more tolerant to heat. Furthermore, we found that ChSch9 might be involved in the pyruvate–acetaldehyde fermentation pathway. Importantly, deletion of ChSch9 led to a reduction in appressoria and infective hyphae formation, resulting in defects in virulence. Collectively, the results of this study indicate that ChSch9 is required for infection-related morphogenesis and virulence in C. higginsianum.
Cause-Related Marketing in the Telecom Sector: Understanding the Dynamics among Environmental Values, Cause-Brand Fit, and Product Type

Due to heightened ecological awareness and concern in recent years, many businesses have started to employ cause-related marketing (CRM) strategies aiming at communicating sustainability-based value to their potential targets. Building on the growing body of research on cause-brand fit and product types, the present study incorporates environmental values to explore the effectiveness of CRM messages in the telecom industry. A 4 × 2 online experiment was conducted in which a total of 1175 adults in Taiwan participated. The results demonstrated that CRM campaigns were effective for increasing perceived corporate image and purchase intentions. However, corporate image and purchase intentions did not vary with different levels of cause-brand fit. The results also showed that corporate image mediated the relationship between CRM campaigns and purchase intentions. Furthermore, this indirect relationship was moderated by environmental values, especially for necessary products. Theoretical and practical implications on corporate social responsibility to promote environmental sustainability are discussed.
Socio-Economic and Spatial Characteristics of Wielkopolski National Park: Application of the Hedonic Pricing Method

The study aimed to determine the influence of the proximity of Wielkopolski National Park (WNP) on the value of dwelling units in Mosina municipality. The research was conducted based on 1182 residential property transactions in the period from 2014 to 2018. The input data were subjected to spatial and statistical analysis. The main part of the analysis was performed with the use of the hedonic price method (HPM)—WLS (weighted least squares). The use of statistical tools made it possible to find undeniable evidence that the housing prices are positively related to the presence of Wielkopolski National Park, which has also been confirmed by previous research works conducted in other parts of the world.
Does athletic spending improve the academic mission of the university? A quantitative study of the relationship between athletic spending and institutional enrollment in FCS athletic institutions

ABSTRACT As university budgets face fiscal challenges, it is important that university leaders make smart fiduciary choices. Critics of athletic spending, on the other hand, argue that money spent on college sports could be spent in other areas of the university. Using a fixed-effects regression, the purpose of this analysis was to examine the relationship between intercollegiate athletics and college enrollment at FCS schools during the period between 2003 and 2015. Specifically, the researcher sought to examine whether institutional athletics expenditures had an impact on the total enrollments, number of applications, or quality of applicants at each of the universities within the Southland Conference. The results of this study showed virtually no relationships between athletic spending and any of the dependent variables under study. Instead, this research suggested that at the FCS level, institutional spending on athletics did not statistically significantly impact university enrollment, application or student quality measures.
Rolling Ironstones from Earth and Mars: Terrestrial Hydrothermal Ooids as a Potential Analogue of Martian Spherules

High-resolution images of Mars from National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) rovers revealed mm-size loose haematite spherulitic deposits (nicknamed “blueberries”) similar to terrestrial iron-ooids, for which both abiotic and biotic genetic hypotheses have been proposed. Understanding the formation mechanism of these haematite spherules can thus improve our knowledge on the possible geologic evolution and links to life development on Mars. Here, we show that shape, size, fabric and mineralogical composition of the Martian spherules share similarities with corresponding iron spherules currently forming on the Earth over an active submarine hydrothermal system located off Panarea Island (Aeolian Islands, Mediterranean Sea). Hydrothermal fluids associated with volcanic activity enable these terrestrial spheroidal grains to form and grow. The recent exceptional discovery of a still working iron-ooid source on the Earth provides indications that past hydrothermal activity on the Red Planet is a possible scenario to be considered as the cause of formation of these enigmatic iron grains.
Titanium incorporated with UiO-66(Zr)-type Metal–Organic Framework (MOF) for photocatalytic application

A UiO-66-type metal–organic framework (MOF) fabricated with titanium was successfully prepared via a facial modified post-grafting method. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ultraviolet-visible adsorption spectroscopy (UV-vis), and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) techniques. The introduction of titanium enhanced the optical properties of UiO-66 via the formation of oxo-bridged hetero-Zr–Ti clusters, but led to a sacrifice in crystallinity. The removal of methylene blue (MB) over these samples could be attributed to the dual function of the adsorption and photo-degradation mechanisms. The highest MB removal efficiency of 87.1% was achieved over UiO-66(1.25Ti) under simulated sun-light irradiation.
Comparison of Ultrasound-Guided Supra-scapular Plus Axillary Nerve Block with Interscalene Block for Postoperative Pain Management in Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery; A Double-Blinded Randomized Open-Label Clinical Trial

Background Post-arthroscopic shoulder surgery pain is severe enough to interfere with initial recovery and rehabilitation. Objectives We aimed to evaluate the analgesic effects of postoperative ultrasound-guided suprascapular plus axillary nerve blocks superficial subepidermal axon bundles (SSAB) with interscalene block (ISB) in arthroscopic shoulder surgery. Methods In this single-blind randomized, open-label clinical trial, 80 candidates of elective arthroscopic shoulder surgery were randomly allocated to receive either SSAB or ISB at a postoperative care unit. The severity of resting and changing position pain was measured using visual analogue scale (VAS) score at 4h, 8h, 12h, 16h, and 24h, postoperatively. Timing of first opioid request, 24h dose requirement, patients' satisfaction rate, and side effects were also recorded. All registered data were analyzed using SPSS software version 23 for Windows (SPSS, Chicago, IL). Results Resting and changing position pain scores were comparable between SSAB and ISB groups in the most time intervals. At 12h, moving and resting pain was significantly lower in ISB than SSAB group, while moving pain was more severe in ISB group at 24h assessment. Patient satisfaction scores were comparable between the two groups except for 12h assessment. Time to first analgesic requirement and total dose of 24h opioid requirement were not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusions Suprascapular plus axillary nerve block could be an effective and safe alternative for interscalene block for pain management after arthroscopic shoulder surgery.
Evidence for the Existence of Oxygen Clustering and Understanding of Structural Disorder in Prussian Blue Analogues Molecular Magnet M1.5[Cr(CN)6]·zH2O (M = Fe and Co): Reverse Monte Carlo Simulation and Neutron Diffraction Study

A detailed structural disorder investigation of Prussian blue analogues M1.5[Cr(CN)6]·zH2O (M = Fe and Co) has been done by carrying out a reverse Monte Carlo (RMC) simulation on the powder neutron diffraction data. X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, Mossbauer spectroscopy, and dc magnetization measurements have also been employed to investigate the structural and magnetic properties of the compounds. The Rietveld refinement of the X-ray and neutron diffraction patterns reveals that both compounds are in a single phase with a face-centered cubic crystal structure (space group Fm3m). The observation of characteristic absorption bands in the range 1900–2200 cm–1 of infrared (IR) spectra, which corresponds to the CN stretching frequency of MII—N≡C—CrIII sequence, confirms the formation of Prussian blue analogues, M1.5[Cr(CN)6]·zH2O. The IR study also infers the presence of cyanide flipping in the Fe1.5[Cr(CN)6]·zH2O compound. The Mossbauer study on the Fe1.5[Cr(CN)6]·zH2O compound confirms the presenc.