Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Soil Bacterial Community Shifts Are Driven by Soil Nutrient Availability along a Teak Plantation Chronosequence in Tropical Forests in China

Simple Summary Tropical forests play an important role in the global carbon cycle, especially in the context of global climate change. Soil microorganisms are essential to the functions, services, and productivity of terrestrial ecosystems as a link to maintain the connections and interactions between the aboveground and belowground ecosystems. The interactions between plants and the soil microbiome are crucial for plant growth, health, and resistance to stressors. However, information on the response of soil microbial communities to a chronosequence of woody plants is lacking, especially in tropical forests. This study compares the soil properties, diversity, composition, and co-occurrence patterns of bacterial communities in the rhizosphere and bulk soils along a teak plantation chronosequence. The results show that the composition and co-occurrence patterns of the bacterial communities are statistically different among the plantations, while stand age has no significant impact on soil bacterial alpha diversity. The results further show that soil nutrients play a key role in shaping the soil bacterial community. The study also provides information about the dynamics and characteristics of these soil bacterial communities and adds valuable information that may underpin new strategies for the management of teak plantations. Abstract Soil bacterial communities play crucial roles in ecosystem functions and biogeochemical cycles of fundamental elements and are sensitive to environmental changes. However, the response of soil bacterial communities to chronosequence in tropical ecosystems is still poorly understood. This study characterized the structures and co-occurrence patterns of soil bacterial communities in rhizosphere and bulk soils along a chronosequence of teak plantations and adjacent native grassland as control. Stand ages significantly shifted the structure of soil bacterial communities but had no significant impact on bacterial community diversity. Bacterial community diversity in bulk soils was significantly higher than that in rhizosphere soils. The number of nodes and edges in the bacterial co-occurrence network first increased and then decreased with the chronosequence. The number of strongly positive correlations per network was much higher than negative correlations. Available potassium, total potassium, and available phosphorus were significant factors influencing the structure of the bacterial community in bulk soils. In contrast, urease, total potassium, pH, and total phosphorus were significant factors affecting the structure of the bacterial community in the rhizosphere soils. These results indicate that available nutrients in the soil are the main drivers regulating soil bacterial community variation along a teak plantation chronosequence.
Design and evaluation of combined solar and biomass dryer for small and medium enterprises for developing countries

A small scale demonstration model consisting of a combined solar and biomass cabinet dryer with 3 equally spaced drying trays was designed, constructed and evaluated. The results, obtained using fresh yam chips as test material over a four day test period, were satisfactory and useful for optimization purposes. Maximum tray temperature of 53°C was obtained in combination with solar and biomass heating sources even though the ambient temperature for the test period was between 24 and 30°C. An optimal drying rate of 0.0142 kg/hr was achieved with the combined solar and biomass dryer, compared to the lower drying rate of 0.00732 kg/h for the solar drying and 0.0032 kg/h for the biomass drying. This study proved that the efficiency of agricultural dryers could be increased through the use of a combination of solar and biomass heating sources, compared to conventional dryers with only solar or only biomass heating sources. It implies that improvements in the design and construction of the various components of the system would lead to more efficient dryers for use in small and medium business enterprises for sustainable development of developing countries. Using combined solar and biomass dryers have the potential to increase the productivity and resultant economic viability of small and medium-scale enterprises producing and processing agricultural produce in developing countries. African countries, with large quantities of natural resources, like forests and solar radiation, could make the most use of these types of dryers.
MicroRNA Profile of Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells during Hepatic Differentiation and Therapy

Background and Aims: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in hepatocyte differentiation from human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) and the therapeutic application in vivo. However, the mechanisms of miRNA regulation are still unknown. This study aimed to profile the miRNA basis for improving the function of hBMSC-differentiated hepatocyte-like cells (hBMSC-Heps). Methods: Characteristic miRNAs of hBMSC-Heps were identified by transcriptome sequencing and validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). An in vivo hBMSC transplantation model was used to assess the regulatory effects of miRNAs on liver regeneration during hBMSC therapy in pigs with fulminant hepatic failure (FHF). The biological functions of significant miRNA molecules were confirmed by transfection of miRNA activators or inhibitors into hBMSCs during hepatogenic differentiation. Results: The transcriptome of hBMSC-Heps showed characteristics distinct from those of undifferentiated hBMSCs. A total of 77 miRNAs were significantly differentially expressed in hBMSC-Heps at day 10 and day 20 after hBMSC differentiation that were directly related to the functions of hepatocytes. Among the top 10 significantly differentially expressed and the top 10 most abundant miRNAs, nine miRNAs that exhibited a pattern of gradual change were chosen for further analysis. The expression of nine miRNAs was confirmed by qRT-PCR in vitro and showed the same changing trends in vivo in an hBMSC transplantation model in pigs. Functional experiments with these miRNAs showed that activators of hsa-miR-26b-5p and hsa-miR-148a-3p and an inhibitor of hsa-miR-423-3p were sufficient to improve the differentiation of hBMSCs into hepatocyte-like cells. Conclusions: Transcriptome profiles of miRNA revealed the basis of the differentiation and development of hBMSC-Heps. Manipulation of three miRNAs (hsa-miR-26b-5p, hsa-miR-148a-3p and hsa-miR-423-3p) significantly improved hepatocyte generation and liver regeneration, indicating the potential of these miRNAs for future clinical applications.
Elevation drives activity of soil bacteria, but not of bacterial viruses

Soil microbial diversity affects ecosystem functioning and global biogeochemical cycles. Soil bacterial communities catalyze a diversity of biogeochemical reactions and have thus sparked considerable scientific interest. One driver of bacterial community dynamics in natural ecosystems has so far been largely neglected: the predator-prey interactions between bacterial viruses (bacteriophages) and bacteria. To generate ground level knowledge on environmental drivers of these particular predator-prey dynamics we propose an activity-based ecological framework to simultaneous capture community dynamics of bacteria and bacteriophages in soils. An ecological framework and specifically the analyses of community dynamics across latitudinal and altitudinal gradients have been widely used in ecology to understand community-wide responses of innumerable taxa to environmental change, in particular to climate. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the activity of bacteria and bacteriophages co-decline across an elevational gradient. We used metatranscriptomics to investigate bacterial and bacteriophage activity patterns at 5 sites across 400 elevational meters in the Swiss Alps in 2015 and 2017. We found that metabolic activity (transcription levels) of bacteria declined significantly with increasing elevation, but activity of bacteriophages did not. We showed that bacteriophages are consistently active in soil along the entire gradient. Bacteriophage activity pattern, however, is divergent from that of their putative bacterial prey. Future efforts will be necessary to link the environment-activity relationship to predator-prey dynamics, to understand the magnitude of viral contributions to mobilize bacterial cell carbon when infection causes bacterial cell death, a process that may represent an overlooked component of soil biogeochemical cycles.
Mandibular Pre-Molars Endodontic Anatomy and Role in Sex Dimorphism for Western Asia Population Using CBCT 3D Imaging Technique

anatomy role sex SUMMARY: Cone Beam Computerized Tomography (CBCT) imaging technique can be used for identifying the root canal anatomy and its use in determining sexual dimorphism. The aim of current study was to identify the commonly found root canal morphology and gender dimorphism for mandibular pre-molars in Western Asia population according to Vertucci’s classification using CBCT 3D imaging technique. On ethical approval 470 patients from Western Asia population with intact healthy mandibular first and second premolars were included in the study. The selected patients were sent to radiology department of Riyadh University, Arabia for CBCT images. The observations recorded included: i) number of roots; and ii) type of root canal morphology based on Vertucci’s classification. All the mandibular first and second pre-molars had single root both in males and females. The type of Vertucci’s classification commonly observed was Type I both in males (88.94 %) and females (100 %) in mandibular first pre-molars. Similarly Type I was identified as a common root canal configuration in mandibular second pre-molars for males (82.77 %) and females (100 %). The two canal configurations Type IV and V were only observed in the males. It can be concluded from the results mandibular first and second pre-molars in the Western Asia population are single rooted with common Vertucci’s Type I canal configuration in the females with rare evidence of two canals in males. Additionally CBCT is an effective technique and should be used for detection of root canals in the mandibular pre-molars which can aid dentists in providing a successful endodontic therapy. ayu-dar a los dentistas a proporcionar una terapia endodóntica exitosa.
Comparative Analysis of the Old Music Curriculum and the Music Aspect of the Introduced CCA Curriculum of Upper Basic Education in Nigeria

This study carried out qualitative and quantitative comparative analysis of the old music curriculum and the music contents of the present cultural and creative arts curriculum. A sample of (60) CCA Music Teachers of Upper Basic Education (UBE) 1-3, derived from the six (6) educational zones in Anambra state was used. The instruments were structured questionnaire and relevant documents study. The analytical tools applied were frequency, percentage and chi-square   2  statistical inference technique. The study got that 86.6% of factors are negatively affecting the introduction of CCA and 13.3% factors were insignificant. Amazingly the factors that are positively affecting the amalgamation polled 0%. The result showed very glaringly that the introduced CCA curriculum as it affects music stood disapproved. Some of the various areas negatively affecting the introduction are percentage of the contents, socio-cultural background, broadening of scope, arrangement, number of practical topics for each subject, proportional distribution of the topics in each level and functional relevance.
Cavitation and Rotordynamic Activities at Centrospazio

Centrospazio has long been carrying out an articulated program of experimental, theoretical and numerical research on cavitation and two-phase flow dynamics in connection with liquid propellant rocket fuel feed systems. The areas of involvement dealt with in recent years range from the modeling and simulation of cavitation to the study of rotordynamic fluid forces in whirling and cavitating axial inducers and journal bearings. Specifically, this paper illustrates the development of a new cavitation model accounting in an approximate but physical way for the occurrence of thermal cavitation and liquid quality effects, and the realization of the CPRTF (Cavitating Pump Rotordynamic Test Facility), a water loop for the measurement of rotordynamic fluid forces on whirling and cavitating turbopump impellers, and the TCT (Thermal Cavitation Tunnel), a modified version of the CPRTF for cavitation experiments in fluid dynamic and thermal cavitation similarity. Representative results of the application of cavitation model to journal bearings, hydrofoils and helical inducers and the typical performance of the CPRTF and TCT are presented.
STRENGTH OF JOINTS THAT COMBINE BOLTS AND WELDS

In steel construction, sometimes bolts and welds must be combined in a single joint. Provisions for the design of these combination joints can be found in existing specifications, but the design rules generally have not been verified by physical tests. In addition, the rules appear to be illogical in some cases. An experimental study using full-scale tension lap splices that combined high-strength bolts and fillet welds was carried out in order to develop a better understanding of combination joints. The results showed that the orientation of the welds and the bearing condition of the bolts are two key factors that must be considered when determining the extent of load sharing in combination joints. Design recommendations based on the results of this study are presented.
Phase change in engineering knowledge production - from an academic to an entrepreneurial context.

This study uses the characterization of contrastin g modes of knowledge production to follow the engineering design and research activity of a g roup of engineers who migrated from an academic environment to a successful startup firm. Semi-stru ctured interviews were used to construct a narrative approach characterizing their activities in the two settings. We relate their practice to Mo de 1 and Mode 2 knowledge production phases and note t he importance of a phase change in the transition between the two modes.
Automated Analysis of Pedestrian Crossing Speed Behavior at Scramble-phase Signalized Intersections Using Computer Vision Techniques

ABSTRACT This study investigates changes in pedestrian speed behavior following the implementation of a scramble phase. The aim is to demonstrate the feasibility of automatic collection of pedestrian data; and to study pedestrian speed variations with respect to design changes to intersection crossings. The results show that the average crossing speed is higher after the implementation of the scramble phase. Within the scramble, the average crossing speed is higher for diagonal crossing than side crosswalk crossing. The average crossing speed is lower for pedestrians crossing during the Walk interval. Pedestrians have higher speed through the first half of the crosswalk.
The effect of financial literacy on behavioral biases of individual investors in the Egyptian stock exchange

The purpose of this paper is to examine how the dimensions of financial literacy could affect the behavioral biases of individual investors in the Egyptian stock exchange. The study examines the data collected from 403 individual investors in Egypt. The findings revealed the presence of some kinds of behavioral biases among individual investors in the Egyptian stock exchange, which could be categorized into three main categories: belief perseverance biases, information processing biases, and emotional biases (Pompian, 2012). This supports the view that individual investors do not necessarily act rationally. The findings also support the general view that financial literacy has a negative effect on behavioral biases; however, the effect differs between the categories of the behavioral biases, with the most effect on information processing biases, moderate effect on belief perseverance biases, and low effect on emotional biases. Also, this study indicated that the impact of financial literacy on behavioral biases is greater on females than males (Baker, Kumar, Goyal, & Gaur, 2019). Financial intermediaries and consultants can possibly become more effective by understanding the decision-making processes of individual investors. This study adds to the limited academic research that attempted to tackle the impact of financial literacy on the categories of behavioral biases
Effects of the COVID-related stay-at-home order on hospitality sales and automobile traffic counts: evidence from the State of Maine, USA

This paper examines the effects of the COVID-related Stay-at-Home order on hospitality sales and automobile traffic counts in the State of Maine, USA. Empirical results show that the Stay-at-Home order did not have a statistically significant impact on either measure of state economic activity. Instead, households adjusted their behavior as a result of COVID-19 in advance of the Stay-at-Home order. This is an important public policy issue given the large health and economic impacts of the pandemic, and widespread use of Stay-at-Home orders. Even beyond the COVID pandemic, however, the extent to which people respond to government restrictions is important for policy development and implementation.
Influence of Foundation Scour on the Dynamic Response of an Existing Bridge

Foundation scour is a major issue affecting the structural safety of existing bridges, hence its monitoring is of paramount importance. This paper reports a case history of assessment and monitoring with dynamic tests for a bridge affected by scouring and subjected to retrofitting. Two different approaches measuring traffic-induced vibrations are applied as potential tools for monitoring foundation scour. The modal identification of bridge spans is one approach, and the observation of the dynamic response of pier foundations is the other approach. A finite-element model is used to choose the parameters for scour monitoring. Both approaches are applied to the experimental data collected about the structure prior to and after retrofitting to show their effectiveness.
A generalized Catoni’s M-estimator under finite α-th moment assumption with α∈(1,2)

We generalize the { ${\rm M}$-estimator} put forward by Catoni in his seminal paper [C12] to the case in which samples can have finite $\alpha$-th moment with $\alpha \in (1,2)$ rather than finite variance, our approach is by slightly modifying the influence function $\varphi$ therein. The choice of the new influence function is inspired by the Taylor-like expansion developed in [C-N-X]. We obtain a deviation bound of the estimator, as $\alpha \rightarrow 2$, this bound is the same as that in [C12]. Experiment shows that our generalized ${\rm M}$-estimator performs better than the empirical mean estimator, the smaller the $\alpha$ is, the better the performance will be. As an application, we study an $\ell_{1}$ regression considered by Zhang et al. [Z-Z] who assumed that samples have finite variance, and relax their assumption to be finite {$\alpha$-th} moment with $\alpha \in (1,2)$.
Acute Ischaemic Stroke: Management, Recent Advances and Controversies

Acute ischaemic stroke is a major cause of death and disability. It may become an enormous burden to the patients themselves, their families as well as the health care systems. Patients at risk of airway, breathing and circulatory compromise should receive prompt resuscitation. Vital parameters and neurological status should be closely monitored. Attentions to blood pressure, temperature and sugar profile are important. The significance of early and correct diagnosis and subsequent treatment cannot be over-emphasised. There have been tremendous recent advances in different treatment modalities in acute stroke management. Various recanalisation modalities include intravenous and/or intra-arterial thrombolysis, acute defibrinogenation, anti-platelet treatment and anticoagulation. Carotid endarterectomy and endovascular strategies are recommended in selected patients. Advanced neuro-imaging techniques and neuroprotectants are being evaluated. Multidisciplinary stroke teams have been shown to improve patient survival and functional outcome. Pre-defined algorithms and protocols should be in place to expedite smooth and effective delivery of stroke service. Future directions should be aimed at exploring safer recanalisation modalities and extending the limit of the current 3-hour treatment window for thrombolysis.
Ontology-based Investigation of Construction Delay Analysis Methodologies in Egypt

Delays in construction projects are more commonplace than most of us wish. The intensified market competition is driving all to accept tighter schedules, shrinking budgets and slimmer contingency allowances. Such pressures give rise to claims, disputes, and litigation in courts. Understanding how to utilize Critical Path Method (CPM) Delay Analysis Methodologies (DAMs) is inevitable to resolving these problematic project situations. This study was initiated to investigate the level of awareness, frequency of usage, information needs, complexity of application, and success rate of each CPM DAM used in the Egyptian construction market where authors work or had previously worked. Research was conducted through a triangulation approach for data collection that employed a Quantitative Questionnaire and a Qualitative Interview. Distribution of questionnaire followed a thorough analysis of the market structure, size of organizations in the Egyptian construction market, and the required sample size to sufficiently reflect the differences between the targeted groups. Collected data was subsequently analyzed with the aid of SPSS software. An unbiased hypothetical determination of the level of awareness, usage and success rate of each DAM among different groups within the Egyptian construction market shall develop an understanding of the DAMs that should be adopted for a more successful settlement and resolution of disputes.
Non‐linear behavior of mass concrete in three‐dimensional problems using a smeared crack approach

A smeared crack approach has been proposed to model the static and dynamic behavior of mass concrete in three‐dimensional space. The proposed model simulates the tensile fracture on the mass concrete and contains pre‐softening behavior, softening initiation, fracture energy conservation and strain rate effects under dynamic loads. The validity of the proposed model has been checked using the available experimental results under static and dynamic loads. The direct and indirect displacement control algorithms have been employed under incremental increasing static loads. It was found that the proposed model gives excellent results and crack profiles when compared with the available data under static loads. The Koyna Dam in India has been used to verify the dynamic behavior of the proposed model. It was found that the resulting crack profiles were in good agreement with the available experimental results. Finally, the Morrow Point Dam was analyzed, including the dam–reservoir interaction effects, to consider its non‐linear seismic behavior. It was found that the resulting crack profiles were in good agreement with the contour of maximum principal stresses and no numerical instability occurred during the analysis. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.