Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparing acoustic survey data for European bats: do walked transects or automated fixed-point surveys provide more robust data?

Abstract Context. Monitoring schemes provide vital data on the distribution and population dynamics of species. This information can be used to inform conservation management and, especially for legally protected species, ensure legislative compliance in development contexts. For bats, acoustic activity surveys are widely used and often involve (1) deployment of automated fixed-point detectors or (2) using bat detectors on walked or driven transects. Transect surveys are typically performed for 2 h, commencing approximately at sunset; automated fixed-point surveys record continually between sunset and sunrise, often over multiple consecutive nights. Aims. Despite both walked transects and fixed-point surveys being common methods used to survey bat activity in many parts of the world, often just one technique is used per site. We test the similarity of these two survey methods by comparing acoustic data encompassing 12 species of European bat to determine whether data from different surveys are directly comparable. Methods. In this study, we use acoustic data covering 2349 survey hours over a 3-year period to investigate the relative effectiveness of walked activity transects and automated fixed-point methods for 12 species of European bats. Key results. A greater number of bat species were recorded via the fixed-point method. Three species, namely, greater horseshoe (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum), lesser horseshoe (Rhinolophus hipposideros) and Daubenton’s (Myotis daubentonii), were recorded only by using automated detectors, possibly because the survey window encompassed the entire night rather than the period immediately after sunset. However, activity transects recorded a significantly higher mean species richness per hour than fixed-point surveys. When both methods were used at the same sites on the same nights, providing paired data for direct comparison, detection of brown long-eared (Plecotus auratus) and soprano pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmaeus) bat activity was significantly higher for transect surveys. Conclusions and implications. This study demonstrated important differences in the data resulting from different bat survey methods and highlighted the potential for combining acoustic survey types to obtain rigorous and reliable monitoring data for bat populations.
Assessment of the Spatial and Temporal Variabilities of Phosphorus Sorption Index of the Sediments in the Maryland Coastal Bays

ABSTRACT Gurung, D.P.; Chen, N. ; Waguespack, Y. ; Ishaque, A.B. , and Chigbu, P., 2022. Assessment of the spatial and temporal variabilities of phosphorus sorption index of the sediments in the Maryland Coastal Bays. Journal of Coastal Research, 38(4), 766–775. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. Coastal bays are valuable ecosystems that can act as a sink of phosphorus (P), so it is essential to understand P sorption in sediments to investigate the dynamics of P in the coastal bays. The objectives of this study were to examine spatial and temporal variability of P sorption index (PSI) of the sediments of Maryland Coastal Bays (MCBs) and to identify factors that affect adsorption of P in sediments. Sediment samples were collected at 13 sites from 2012 to 2014 and PSI of dried sediments was measured. The PSI was comparatively higher in sediments at sites with finer particles than at sites where sediments comprised coarser particles. Water column dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) was significantly lower in 2013 than in 2012 throughout the MCBs. No clear pattern in spatial variation of average water column DRP occurred at each site. A positive relationship between PSI and percentage contribution of clay/silt to the sediment was observed, indicating that sediment grain size is a major factor influencing P sorption in the MCBs. Negative relationships between PSI and salinity were observed, suggesting that salinity is an important factor determining P sorption by sediment particles. There was, however, no clear influence of DRP, pH, and temperature in water column and L.Adsorp-P fraction in sediments on PSI in sediment in MCBs.
Estimating the Different Return Periods of Storm Impact Regimes on Beach and Foredune Systems Based in Hindcast Data: Applications to Exposed and Sheltered Beaches of Santa Catarina Island, Brazil

ABSTRACT Prado, M.F. V. ; Dalinghaus, C. ; Gomes da Silva, P.; Weschenfelder, J., and Klein, A.H. F. , 2022. Estimating the different return periods of storm impact regimes on beach and foredune systems based in hindcast data: Applications to exposed and sheltered beaches of Santa Catarina Island, Brazil. Journal of Coastal Research, 38(4), 844–859. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. This paper presents an adapted methodology to estimate the different return periods of storm-induced impacts on beaches and foredune systems based on hindcast data, with examples of applications in areas exposed to and sheltered from the wave action. The methodology consists of using wave, tide, and surge reanalysis data to obtain large series of total water level, which are used to estimate the values related to different return periods (5,10, 25, and 50 years). Those levels are summed to the corresponding projection of sea level rise from the worst-case scenario projections. The final values are used to classify the beaches according to the coastal storm impact regime as (1) swash, (2) collision, (3) overwash, and (4) inundation. Finally, the limit between each regime is established based on the relation among dynamical and geomorphological parameters. The methodology was applied to the east (exposed beaches) and north (sheltered beaches) coasts of Santa Catarina Island (Florianópolis, Southern Brazil), a zone constantly submitted to extreme storm events and where large series of measured data are commonly missing. The results for Santa Catarina Island indicate that the storm impact regime in most of the exposed beaches is similar for different return periods (most of them classified as collision regime). Overwash regime is predominant on sheltered beaches. Sectors with an intense urban occupation are classified as under inundation regime for all return periods, while zones with well-developed foredune are classified as the collision regime. Some of those results could be qualitatively verified with observations from recent storm events, highlighting the value of this kind of methodology to estimate the impact of coastal storms in zones with an important lack of measurements.
The Influence of Seasonal Recharge and Groundwater Pumping on the Seawater Intrusion in a Coastal Karst Aquifer

ABSTRACT Wu, X. ; Xu, Z. ; Xu, Z. ; Hu, B.X. ; Chang, Q. , and Hu, Y. , 2022. The influence of seasonal recharge and groundwater pumping on the seawater intrusion in a coastal karst aquifer. Journal of Coastal Research, 38(4), 785–794. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. Groundwater resources in the coastal karst aquifers are threatened by long-distance seawater intrusion. The severity of groundwater contamination can be affected by hydrologic and anthropogenic factors, including rainfall conditions and pumping situations. A better understanding of these factors' control on the seawater intrusion is critical for their vulnerability estimation and aquifer management. The aquifer salinization, pumping safety, and the vulnerability of inland springs were examined by a synthetic-modeling work in this study. Different pumping locations, pumping rates, the comparison of dynamic seasonal recharge (DSR), and steady-state recharge (SSR) were considered in this study. Several time-based metrics were developed to estimate the aquifer vulnerability and water quality. The results show that the distance of pumping location to the shoreline significantly impacts seawater intrusion. The near-shore pumping leads to lower aquifer contamination while higher salinity in pumped water, and the inland pumping causes more aquifer salinization with cleaner pumped water. In addition, aquifer, pumping water quality, and inland spring are more vulnerable to seawater intrusion under the DSR condition than SSR condition. The difference of aquifer salinization between DSR and SSR condition increases with pumping rate from 50 to 150 m3/day and then decreases from 150 to 200 m3/day, which shows a threshold pumping rate in comparing DSR and SSR conditions. The insights from this work provide essential suggestions for groundwater simulations and related management decisions.
A Survey of Antimalarial Drug Use Practices among Urban Dwellers in Abeokuta, Nigeria

: Drug-use pattern of anti-malarial has been associated with development of resistant strain and therapeutic failure. This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out to assess anti-malarial drug-use practices among dwellers of Adigbe communities within Abeokuta environment. The study documented the knowledge, the attitude and behaviour of three hundred and fifty (350) respondents in terms of drug preference, attitude to drug use and the effects of non-compliance to antimalarial drug. Structured questionnaires were used for data collection, as total of 370 questionnaires were distributed and 350 questionnaires were retrieved for analysis. One hundred and twenty five (125) (35.71) of the respondents frequently experienced malaria attack and practiced self-medication. One hundred and fifteen (115) (32.86%) of the respondents treated their malaria episode with Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine (SP) combination while 90 (25.71%) of the respondents frequently purchased Artesunate as monotherapy for malaria treatment due to cost-implication of the newer and available Artemisinin combination therapy (ACT’s). The finding reveals that 43 (12.29%) of the respondents only purchased Artemisinin-Combination Therapy (ACTs). One hundred and eight can 118 (33.71%) of the respondents practiced self-medication with anti-malarial drug. The results revealed therapeutic failure to conventional use of Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine (SP) by the respondents as One hundred and thirty nine (139) (33.71%) of the respondents experienced no cure and have to repeat the treatment with anti-malarias. If drug-use pattern of anti-malarials is not monitored, there is possibility of early emergence of resistance to the highly effective anti-malarial drugs presently in use.
In vitro culture of Gigaspora decipiens and Glomus clarum in transformed roots of carrot: the influence of temperature and pH

Monoxenic cultures of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in transformed roots have been used to better understand the symbiosis with these fungi, but few species have been successfully established in vitro. The object was to establish monoxenic cultures of Gigaspora decipiens and Glomus clarum and to verify the effects of temperature and pH on spore formation. Cultures were established from superficially disinfested spores that were germinated on an agar and water. After germination, the spores were transferred to Petri dishes containing transformed carrot roots. After 4-6 days formed newly formed spores and structures typical. The effects of temperature (22, 25, 28 or 32°C) and pH (4.0, 4.5, 5.5 or 6.5) on the production of spores were assessed over three months, resulting in sigmoidal growth curves. The spore increased from 22°C, reaching higher values 28oC and 32oC there was a reduction in the production. The highest spore production of G. decipiens occurred in a pH of 6.5, whereas for G. clarum was pH of 4.0. The cultivation of other species is still necessary to elucidate particular aspects of the symbiosis that so far are unclear, including the effects of environmental factors on the production of spores of different AMF species.
Rado Numbers and SAT Computations

Given a linear equation E, the k-color Rado number Rk(E) is the smallest integer n such that every k-coloring of {1,2,3,. ,n} contains a monochromatic solution to E. The degree of regularity of E, denoted dor(E), is the largest value k such that Rk(E) is finite. In this article we present new theoretical and computational results about the Rado numbers R3(E) and the degree of regularity of three-variable equations E.
The professional identity of the Iranian teachers: a case of professional practices

ABSTRACT The study intended to explore teachers’ professional identity in terms of teachers’ perceptions of their practices. The study employed mixed-methods design, including 80 survey participants and 19 interviews with teachers. In the quantitative section, teachers’ perceptions of their commitment to professional practices and how their perceptions were influenced by variables such as gender, age, educational degree, and teaching experience were explored. The results of descriptive statistics revealed that teachers were strongly committed to professional practices. Additionally, data analysis indicated significant differences in teachers’ perceptions with reference to age and teaching experience, but teachers’ gender and education degree did not appear significant. The qualitative findings revealed that teachers mainly tended to exercise professional practices of personal growth and interactional practices, and considered ‘teaching/learning materials’ as an important contributing factor in implementing professional practices. The data also showed that teachers’ professional identity practices were influenced by contextual factors and macro-political policies.
The Role of Privacy in the Acceptance of Smart Technologies: Applying the Privacy Calculus to Technology Acceptance

ABSTRACT The ongoing digitization and novel smart technologies can deliver enormous benefits to society and individuals. However, smart services often require the vast collection of data conflicting with users’ privacy. The integration of privacy concerns into acceptance research is needed to portray and predict user decisions in smart technologies. To allow a privacy-integrated prediction of users’ technology acceptance, we apply the privacy calculus theory to adoption behavior. We test the new model in three usage contexts, autonomous driving (transportation), activity trackers (fitness), and cardiac device remote monitoring (medical treatment). Using an online questionnaire, 624 German participants evaluated all three technologies. The model fits well in all contexts, although also context-related differences in the weighing of perceived benefits and privacy concerns showed. It is concluded that the trade-off between perceived benefits and privacy concerns is a central keystone not only for the willingness to disclose information but also for technology acceptance.
Post-colonial architecture: deterritorialisation of apartheid township housing and mass-housing

This qualitative ethnographic study presents how intergenerational relationships have shaped the architecture of housing in the former apartheid township Kuisebmond in Walvis Bay, Namibia. The township housing, which was designed for nuclear families, now accommodates multiple generations. The original, small, single-family dwellings have become family houses by horizontal additions and extensions. The plots are often skilfully developed according to the families’ needs. In some cases, they have become impressive buildings, housing many individuals. Since formal housing provision has not been able to keep pace with urbanisation, informal housing has been constructed in the form of backyard shacks on the plots of the former township dwellings. These often mimic the former township housing units, albeit on a very small scale. Formal housing, reconstructed or not, together with backyard shacks, constitutes a social geography of intergenerational relations of the extended family. This pattern of urban restructuring affords a scaffolding for extended family needs and an architecture of resistance to apartheid social engineering. The paper reveals an important lesson for housing providers, which is intended as a critical commentary on the persistent tendency of present-day government to continue with the formula of mass-housing with spatially limited single-family dwellings as the former township houses.
Long‐term quantification of leaf‐cutting ant damage in willow forestations in the lower delta of the Paraná River, Argentina

Leaf‐cutting ants are major pests of Neotropics forest plantations. The lower delta of the Paraná River contains the main Argentine Salicaceae production, strongly attacked by Acromyrmex lundii and Acromyrmex ambiguus. Nevertheless, there is no damage quantification in willow plantations attributed to leaf‐cutting ant species. In an area without leaf‐cutting ant control, we installed 15 blocks with eight willow stakes each: four clones × two treatments; with and without leaf‐cutting ant exclusion. We used two traditional (Americano, Nigra 4) and two new (Géminis, Yaguareté) commercial clones. During 2014–2018, we measured the damaged foliage, height and diameter of each tree. Foliage was damaged intensely during the first 2 years. After 1537 days, the loss in height and diameter was greater in Americano (70%), followed by Géminis (50%–60%), Yaguareté (40%–50%) and Nigra 4 (45%–40%). Stake survival with exclusion was greater (>80%) than stakes without exclusion (<50%). Total loss of wood volume was 93% for Americano, followed by Géminis (77%), Yaguareté (66%) and Nigra 4 (51%). Although the new clones were heavily attacked, they produced two to three times more wood volume than Americano; replacing Americano with the new clones would help to reduce leaf‐cutting ants impact on plantations and pesticides released into the environment.
How the information system utilization context may lead to unintended technology use: A case of a maternal mHealth intervention in Kenya

Context contributes to how a repertoire of Information Systems are used. In mHealth, some studies have explored use in light of contextual realities, and fewer considered unintended use of the interventions. This paper presents an analysis of maternal health clients' technology sense‐making against the backdrop of the implementers' goals, and how these perceptions may result in unintended use. The study adopted a cross‐sectional case study method using a purposive sample of 38 participants. Data was collected using interviews, focus group discussions, observations, informal discussions, and document reviews. The findings show that maternal health clients interacted with the mHealth intervention based on their perceptions of its value as constructed within their healthcare‐seeking context. Their divergent perceptions on the role of the intervention as intended by the mHealth implementers resulted in incongruence. The subsequent unintended use that ensued based on these perceptions include (1) using technology as a substitute for visiting the healthcare provider (2) humanizing technology (anthropomorphism). Subsequently, in the empirical context considered in this study, the unintended use led to undesired outcomes: (3) dissonance in use, and (4) technology coping strategies. Our findings offer insights to mHealth designers and implementers to consider how context may affect use; and how these interactions may influence the usage experience.
Innovation and trends in olfactory marketing: A review of the literature

Abstract Aim/purpose – Olfactory marketing is a phenomenon that is in the current trend of usage by marketing experts to ensure that consumers are more involved in the purchase decision-making process. This paper aims to review the studies involved in consumer purchase intentions influenced by fragrance and develop a framework for modeling consumer responses. Design/methodology/approach – PRISMA technique was used as a methodological approach. First, the researchers made criteria for inclusion and exclusion of studies along with the application of a set of keyword research strings to identify the relevant research articles. Second, prominent scientific search databases like EBSCO Host, Scopus, and ScienceDirect were used to mainly search the relevant literature. Findings – This article advances knowledge on the topic of fragrance marketing and proposes an integrative framework of consumer purchase responses considering the mutual relationship shared between fragrance, the influence of control variables, and response outcomes focusing on cognitive responses, intentions and behavior. The results of the conducted review also suggest that retail consumers tend to develop a positive attitude and behavior towards the place where the product and service are being sold. Research implications/limitations – The paper would be particularly helpful for managers in designing the right strategy for creating loyalty for their retail outlets and thereby creating a niche for themselves. Originality/value/contribution – The study assists marketers in understanding the impact of olfactory marketing in increasing short-term and long-term retail sales and determines future research directions to enrich the existence of these theories to fathom the essence behind consumers’ interpretations of olfaction in retail outlets.
Memorable Tourism Experiences in Red Tourism: The Case of Jiangxi, China

Red tourism, as a form of special interest tourism (SIT), becomes widespread among Chinese tourists. This study aims to explore memorable tourism experiences (MTEs) in red tourism destinations and examines how country competence affects intention to visit similar destinations through the influences on MTEs, destination image, red tourism place attachment, and overall satisfaction. The partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis is utilized to analyze the data from 556 tourists. Empirical results reveal that country competence positively influences MTEs and destination image. Furthermore, both MTEs and destination image influence overall satisfaction and red tourism place attachment, but do not influence intention to visit other similar destinations; the relationships between overall satisfaction, intention to visit other similar destinations, and place attachment are all confirmed as well. This study represents one of the few studies that classify red tourism as a form of historical-based SIT, with the purpose of promoting country competence. The outcomes provide a better understanding of both scholars and practitioners of historical-based SIT planning and businesses on how to promote destination image and country competence.
Identification of TLR2 as a Key Target in Neuroinflammation in Vascular Dementia

Vascular dementia (VaD) is the second most common cause of dementia. At present, precise molecular processes of VaD are unclear. We attempted to discover the VaD relevant candidate genes, enrichment biological processes and pathways, key targets, and the underlying mechanism by microarray bioinformatic analysis. We selected GSE122063 related to the autopsy samples of VaD for analysis. We first took use of Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) to achieve modules related to VaD and hub genes. Second, we filtered out significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Third, significant DEGs then went through Geno Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis. Fourth, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was performed. At last, we constructed the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network. The results showed that the yellow module had the strongest correlation with VaD, and we finally identified 21 hub genes. Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) was the top hub gene and was strongly correlated with other possible candidate genes. In total, 456 significant DEGs were filtered out and these genes were found to be enriched in the Toll receptor signaling pathway and several other immune-related pathways. In addition, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis results showed that similar pathways were significantly over-represented in TLR2-high samples. In the PPI network, TLR2 was still an important node with high weight and combined scores. We concluded that the TLR2 acts as a key target in neuroinflammation which may participate in the pathophysiological process of VaD.