Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multi-scale investigation on streamflow temporal variability and its connection to global climate indices for unregulated rivers in India

With the increasing stress on water resources for a developing country like India, it is pertinent to understand the dominant streamflow patterns for effective planning and management activities. This study investigates the spatiotemporal characterization of streamflow of six unregulated catchments in India. Firstly, Mann Kendall (MK) and Changepoint analysis were carried out to detect the presence of trends and any abrupt changes in hydroclimatic variables in the chosen streamflows. To unravel the relationships between the temporal variability of streamflow and its association with precipitation and global climate indices, namely, Niño 3.4, IOD, PDO, and NAO, continuous wavelet transform is used. Cross-wavelet transform and wavelet coherence analysis was also used to capture the coherent and phase relationships between streamflow and climate indices. The continuous wavelet transforms of streamflow data revealed that intra-annual (0.5 years), annual (1 year), and inter-annual (2–4 year) oscillations are statistically significant. Furthermore, a better understanding of the in-phase relationship between the streamflow and precipitation at intra-annual and annual time scales were well-captured using wavelet coherence analysis compared to cross wavelet transform. Furthermore, our analysis also revealed that streamflow observed an in-phase relationship with IOD and NAO, whereas a lag correlation with Niño 3.4 and PDO indices at intra-annual, annual and interannual time scales.
Proportions of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Umbilical Cord Blood at Birth Are Related to Atopic Eczema Development in the First Year of Life

Atopic eczema, the most common atopic disease in infants, may pave the way for sensitization and allergy later in childhood. Fatty acids have immune-regulating properties and may regulate skin permeability. Here we examine whether the proportions of fatty acids among the infant and maternal plasma phospholipids at birth were associated with maternal dietary intake during pregnancy and development of atopic eczema during the first year of age in the Nutritional impact on Immunological maturation during Childhood in relation to the Environment (NICE) birth cohort. Dietary data were collected with a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, fatty acids were measured with GC-MS and atopic eczema was diagnosed by a pediatric allergologist at 12 months of age. We found that higher proportions of n-6 PUFAs (including arachidonic acid) but lower proportions of n-3 PUFAs (including DPA) in the infant’s phospholipids at birth were associated with an increased risk of atopic eczema at 12 months of age. The n-6 and n-3 PUFAs were related to maternal intake of meat and fish, respectively. Our results suggest that prenatal exposure to unsaturated fatty acids is associated with eczema development in the infant. Maternal diet during pregnancy may partly explain the fatty acid profiles in utero.
Natura 2000 Network vs. Tourism and Investment Potential of Communes—A Case Study of Czarnkowsko-Trzcianecki County

The Natura 2000 is a network of protected areas established in the European Union on the basis of EU Directives. Simultaneously it is the youngest form of protected areas in Poland. Hence conflicts between conservation objectives and opportunities as well as needs of community economic development are quite common. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the tourism and investment potential of Czarnkowsko-Trzcianecki County and determine whether the Natura 2000 network is a factor in increasing the tourism and investment development of the commune or limiting it. We evaluated the tourism and investment potential based on modification of the Gołembski method (i.e., multidimensional comparative analysis) and measured the proportion of the Natura 2000 network in the total area of the commune. The Trzcianka commune was found to have the greatest tourism development and investment potential, but the Wieleń commune was the most attractive in terms of tourism, and Czarnków (municipal commune) was found to have the highest investment attractiveness. Moreover, there was no correlation between the Natura 2000 network and tourism and investment potential of communes. However, these areas had a negative impact on the investment attractiveness of communes, due to socio-economic and technical aspects, which may cause future potential limitation of development.
The Association between the Serum Uric Acid Level and Hypertension in Middle-Aged and Elderly Adults

Background Studies on serum uric acid (sUA) levels and hypertension (HTN) are controversial. To investigate the association between the sUA level and the incident of HTN in middle-aged and elderly adults, we performed this study. Methods 6399 participants aged ≥40 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were included. Weighted multiple logistic regression analysis was carried out to evaluate the relationship between the sUA level and the incident of HTN, exploring the potential nonlinear relationship using the fitted smoothing curves. If nonlinearity was observed, the inflection point was further calculated by a recursive algorithm. Results A positive relationship between the sUA level and the incident of HTN was found. However, it may differ in different race groups, nor between male and female. Moreover, the association between the sUA level and the incident of HTN followed a U-shaped curve in male (turning point: sUA 4.1 mg/dL) and Whites (turning point: sUA 7.9 mg/dL). Conclusions The results revealed that the sUA level is positively correlated with the incident of HTN, in middle-aged and elderly adults. However, it followed a U-shaped curve in males and Whites.
Effects of an Engaging Process-Genre Approach on Student Engagement and Writing Achievements

Abstract Exploring students’ experiences with instructional approaches and learning environments is of paramount significance, as students’ experiences influence their engagement and achievements. To this end, 148 students’ experiences with an engaging process-genre approach to research writing were explored to document their engagement with the approach and factors influencing their engagement and to examine whether students’ writing quality improved significantly. Students’ narratives, the researcher’s reflective journals, and students’ pretest and posttest scores on the Introduction part-genres were collected and analyzed through thematic analyses and a paired samples t-test. Our findings identified facilitators and indicators of student engagement with the approach and showed that students assisted each other agentively not only in doing the activities but also in sustaining engagement in and beyond the classroom. Students attributed their sustained engagement and achievements to observing the negotiated norms, to the teaching-learning cycle of the engaging process-genre approach, and to the teacher’s kindness, patience, and professional advice. These findings highlight the significance of learning experiences and suggest that teachers should consider adopting the engaging process-genre approach to establish negotiated norms, routines, and roles to trigger and sustain students’ engagement with learning-to-write activities and writing.
The Correlation Between Whole Blood Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn) Levels and Cu/Zn Ratio and Sepsis-Induced Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction (SILVSD) in Patients with Septic Shock: A Single-Center Prospective Observational Study

Purpose This study aimed to explore relationships between whole blood copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and Cu/Zn ratio and cardiac dysfunction in patients with septic shock. Subjects and Methods Between April 2018 and March 2020, septic shock patients with sepsis-induced left ventricular systolic dysfunction (SILVSD, left ventricular ejection fraction, LVEF<50%) and with no sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction (non-SIMD, septic shock alone and LVEF>50%) and controls were prospectively enrolled. Whole blood Cu and Zn levels were measured using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results Eighty-six patients with septic shock including both 41 SILVSD and 45 non-SIMD and 25 controls were studied. Whole blood Cu levels and Cu/Zn ratio were significantly higher and Zn levels were lower in SILVSD compared with non-SIMD and controls (Cu, p=0.009, <0.001; Zn, p=0.029, <0.001; Cu/Zn ratio, p=0.003, <0.001). Both increased whole blood Cu and Cu/Zn ratio and reduced Zn were associated with lower LVEF (all p<0.001) and higher amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) (Cu, p=0.002; Zn, p<0.001; Cu/Zn ratio, p<0.001) and had predictive values for SILVSD (Cu, AUC=0.666, p=0.005; Zn, AUC=0.625, p=0.039; Cu/Zn ratio, AUC=0.674, p=0.029). Whole blood Cu levels and Cu/Zn ratio were increased but Zn levels were reduced in non-survivors compared with survivors (Cu, p<0.001; Zn, p<0.001; Cu/Zn ratio, p<0.001). Whole blood Cu and Zn displayed the value of predicting 28-day mortality (Cu, AUC = 0.802, p<0.001; Zn, AUC=0.869, p<0.001; Cu/Zn ratio, AUC=0.902, p<0.001). Conclusion Findings of the study suggest that whole blood Cu levels and Cu/Zn ratio are increased in SILVSD patients and positively correlated with cardiac dysfunction, while whole blood Zn levels are reduced and negatively associated with cardiac dysfunction. Moreover, both whole blood Cu, Zn and Cu/Zn ratio might distinguish between SILVSD and non-SIMD in septic shock patients and predict 28-day mortality. Trial Registration Registered at http://www.chictr. org.cn/ChiCTR1800015709.
Preservation of neural synchrony at peak alpha frequency via global synaptic scaling compensates for white matter structural decline over adult lifespan

We propose that preservation of functional integration, estimated from measures of neural synchrony, is a key neurocompensatory mechanism associated with healthy human ageing. To support this proposal, we demonstrate how phase-locking at peak alpha frequency from Magnetoencephalography (MEG) data is invariant over lifespan in a large cohort of human participants, aged 18-88 years. Using empirically derived connection topologies from diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data, we create an in-silico model of whole-brain alpha dynamics. We show that enhancing inter-areal coupling can cancel the effect of increased axonal transmission delay associated with age-related degeneration of white matter tracts and thus, preserve neural synchrony. Together with analytical solutions for non-biological all-to-all connection scenarios, our model establishes the theoretical principles by which frequency slowing with age, frequently observed in the alpha band in diverse populations, can be viewed as an epiphenomenon of the underlying neurocompensatory mechanisms.
Bonding of different resin luting materials to composite, polymer-infiltrated and feldspathic ceramic CAD/CAM blocks

Abstract This in-vitro study aimed to evaluate the micro-tensile bond strength (μTBS; MPa) of a highly-filled flowable composite (G-aenial Universal Flo; GC, UF), a micro-hybrid composite (G-aenial; GC, C) and dual-cure resin cement (Linkforce; GC, LF) used as luting materials to composite (Cerasmart; GC, CS), polymer infiltrated-ceramic (Enamic; Vita, VE) and feldspathic ceramic (Cerec; Sirona, CE) CAD/CAM blocks with and without additional universal adhesive (G-Premio Bond; GC, UA) application. CAD/CAM blocks (n:3) from each material were cut into slabs of 4 mm thickness and were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of UA application. Slabs from VE, CS and CE were luted together with UF, C and LF. Following storage in distilled water at 37 °C for 24 h, µTBS (n:24 with UA; n:24 without UA, Instron Inc) was evaluated and analyzed with three-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey’s tests (p < 0.05). µTBS was significantly influenced by the type of CAD/CAM material (p = 0.0001), resin luting material (p = 0.0001) and UA application (p = 0.0001). VE + UF resulted in significantly the highest µTBS with and without UA (p < 0.05). UF and LF exhibited similar µTBS to CS and CE with and without UA (p > 0.05), while UA significantly increased bonding in the VE + C, CS + C and CE + C groups (p < 0.05). The bonding performance of the highly filled flowable composite to VE, CS and CE was similar or significantly higher than that of the micro-hybrid composite and dual-cure resin cement with and without UA application. Additional UA application improved bonding of the micro-hybrid composite to all CAD/CAM materials.
Distinct representations of body and head motion are dynamically encoded by Purkinje cell populations in the macaque cerebellum

The ability to accurately control our posture and perceive spatial orientation during self-motion requires knowledge of the motion of both the head and body. However, whereas the vestibular sensors and nuclei directly encode head motion, no sensors directly encode body motion. Instead, the integration of vestibular and neck proprioceptive inputs is necessary to transform vestibular information into the body-centric reference frame required for postural control. The anterior vermis of the cerebellum is thought to play a key role in this transformation, yet how its Purkinje cells integrate these inputs or what information they dynamically encode during self-motion remains unknown. Here we recorded the activity of individual anterior vermis Purkinje cells in alert monkeys during passively applied whole-body, body-under-head, and head-on-body rotations. Most neurons dynamically encoded an intermediate representation of self-motion between head and body motion. Notably, these neurons responded to both vestibular and neck proprioceptive stimulation and showed considerable heterogeneity in their response dynamics. Furthermore, their vestibular responses demonstrated tuning in response to changes in head-on-body position. In contrast, a small remaining percentage of neurons sensitive only to vestibular stimulation unambiguously encoded head-in-space motion across conditions. Using a simple population model, we establish that combining responses from 40 Purkinje cells can explain the responses of their target neurons in deep cerebellar nuclei across all self-motion conditions. We propose that the observed heterogeneity in Purkinje cells underlies the cerebellum’s capacity to compute the dynamic representation of body motion required to ensure accurate postural control and perceptual stability in our daily lives.
Potential Use of Eggshell as Bone Graft Compared with Bovine for Bone Defect: A Systematic Review Study

Background : The use of Bone Graft in the management of Bone Defect is a challenge in the world of orthopedics. Recently, eggshell containing hydroxyapatite has become a new hope in the use of an economical and efficient bone graft in the treatment of bone defects. The aim of this systematic review was to explore the available literature on the clinical performance of eggshells as bone grafts in guided bone regeneration. Method : Two databases (PubMed and Cochrane) were searched from January 2010 to September 2020. Clinical trials using eggshells as bone grafts were included in the review. Animal and in vivo studies were excluded from the review. Results : A total of 202 studies were taken, then screened and 15 studies finally included. Clinical and radiological evaluations show complete recovery after the procedure. Comparison with synthetic hydroxyapatite shows similar healing characteristics. Conclusion : Eggshell compared to bovine showed no difference in bone healing. Within the limitations of the included studies, eggshells can be used safely and efficiently in integrated bone regeneration procedures. Keywords: Bone tissue regeneration; eggshell; bovine; bone defect; bone graft
A single training session of visual choice reaction time after mild stroke: a proof of concept

Purpose. Visual choice reaction time can be measured in reaching, which is an important task to investigate after stroke owing to its high clinical importance in activities of daily living. The study aim was to evaluate the visual choice reaction time during reaching tasks in the ipsilateral and contralateral spaces before and after a single training session of choice reaction time in patients after a mild stroke. Methods. The cross-sectional study involved 7 individuals after a mild stroke. The visual choice reaction time was evaluated during reaching in the affected and unaffected sides in the ipsilateral and contralateral spaces. All individuals trained the choice reaction time during a functional reaching task in a single session. In the training, 6 circles were used in a randomized sequence in 5 blocks, with 10 stimuli per block, for a total of 50 repetitions. Results. There was a significant reduction in the choice reaction time for the unaffected side in the ipsilateral space after training (p = 0.041). The other task conditions did not show a statistical difference, but a clinical relevance based on Cohen’s d (d > 0.60). Conclusions. A single training session can decrease the choice reaction time for the affected side during tasks in the ipsilateral space after a mild stroke.
Skills shortage and innovation

ABSTRACT Skilled labour is a key input to the innovation process. A shortage in supply may impede innovation activities and result in lower productivity gains. While governments are concerned about these likely negative impacts, there is only limited empirical evidence whether and to what extent skills shortage affects innovation activities. The paper addresses this question using panel data from two waves of the German innovation survey. We measure skills shortage by job openings that could not be filled at all, not with the required skills or only with significant delay, distinguishing different skill levels. We analyse whether skills shortage is linked to stopping or abandoning innovation projects. Endogeneity issues are tackled by instrumental variable estimation techniques. Our results show that innovative firms are more likely to be subject to skills shortage, whereas skills shortage induces the cancellation of innovation projects.
The Role of Along‐Fault Dilatancy in Fault Slip Behavior

Earthquakes result from fast slip that occurs along a fault surface. Interestingly, numerous dense geodetic observations over the last two decades indicate that such dynamic slip may start by a gradual unlocking of the fault surface and related progressive slip acceleration. This first slow stage is of great interest, because it could define an early indicator of a devastating earthquake. However, not all slow slip turns into fast slip, and sometimes it may simply stop. In this study, we use a numerical model based on the discrete element method to simulate crustal strike‐slip faults of 50 km length that generate a wide variety of slip‐modes, from stable‐slip, to slow earthquakes, to fast earthquakes, all of which show similar characteristics to natural cases. The main goal of this work is to understand the conditions that allow slow events to turn into earthquakes, in contrast to those that cause slow earthquakes to stop. Our results suggest that fault surface geometry and related dilation/contraction patterns along strike play a key role. Slow earthquakes that initiate in large dilated regions bounded by neutral or low contracted domains, might turn into earthquakes. Slow events occurring in regions dominated by closely spaced, alternating, small magnitude dilational and contractional zones tend not to accelerate and may simply stop as isolated slow earthquakes.
Frequency modulation of body waves to improve performance of sidewinding robots

Sidewinding is a form of locomotion executed by certain snakes and has been reconstructed in limbless robots; the gait is beneficial because it is effective in diverse terrestrial environments. Sidewinding gaits are generated by coordination of horizontal and vertical traveling waves of body undulation: the horizontal wave largely sets the direction of sidewinding with respect to the body frame while the vertical traveling wave largely determines the contact pattern between the body and the environment. When the locomotor’s center of mass leaves the supporting polygon formed by the contact pattern, undesirable locomotor behaviors (such as unwanted turning or unstable oscillation of the body) can occur. In this article, we develop an approach to generate desired translation and turning by modulating the vertical wave. These modulations alter the distribution of body–environment contact patches and can stabilize configurations that were previously statically unstable. The approach first identifies the spatial frequency of the vertical wave that statically stabilizes the locomotor for a given horizontal wave. Then, using geometric mechanics tools, we design the coordination between body waves that produces the desired translation or rotation. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our technique in numerical simulations and on experiments with a 16-joint limbless robot locomoting on flat hard ground. Our scheme broadens the range of movements and behaviors accessible to sidewinding locomotors at low speeds, which can lead to limbless systems capable of traversing diverse terrain stably and/or rapidly.
Gendered Activation at the Expense of Gender Equality? Activation and Gender Equality as Competing Logics in the Swedish Welfare State

This study aims to understand how goals of activation and gender equality interact in labor market programs directed towards activating unemployed participants. The study draws on interviews with 28 social workers and managers at four Swedish municipally governed labor market programs typically targeted towards poor, unemployed individuals with little to no attachment to the labor market or social insurance system. Our findings show that activation goals are understood to be clear cut and a dominant logic within the labor market programs. The gender equality goals are understood as fuzzy and subordinate to the activation logic. Our theoretical analysis, based on neo-institutional theory, shows that gendered activation as a hybrid logic is created within the four programs as a means of handling the competing logics of gender equality and activation. Gendered activation may be reasonable on an individual level, where women in long-term unemployment can sustain a higher income through work and become financially independent. In the context of the gender segregated labor market, gendered activation reproduces gendered inequalities when an increasing interest for activation policy among welfare states overshadows claims of gender equality. Furthermore, our study exemplifies the systemic reproduction of racist discourse within social- and labour market policies. Within the logic of gendered activation, migrant women become singled out as specifically problematic for Swedish society to handle when unemployment is given gendered and cultural explanations. Through the logic of gendered activation, gender equality goals become no-matter-what employment rather than employment leading to equal outcomes.