Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spatial-Temporal Differences and Influencing
Factors of Agricultural Water Use Efficiency
in the Main Grain-Producing Areas of the Middle
Reaches of the Yangtze River

Improving the utilization efficiency of agricultural water resources (AWRUE) in major grain-producing areas (MGPA) is an effective means to ensure grain production. Using a DEA model and ESDA, this study explored the temporal and spatial characteristics of AWRUE in the main grain-producing areas of the middle reaches of the Yangtze River (MRYR) from 2006 to 2020 and analyzed the influencing factors via the Tobit model. The results indicate that (1) from 2006 to 2020, the comprehensive efficiency of AWRUE was 0.733, which was at a high level but not as effective as that of DEA; (2) AWRUE showed a characteristic of “high in the northwest and low in the southeast”; and (3) the added value of the primary industry positively impacted AWRUE. The effective irrigated area, per capita disposable income of rural residents, and per capita water resources had a negative impact on AWRUE. In the future, the following suggestions should be proposed to guide the effective utilization of regional water resources: improving water-saving technology, strengthening publicity and education, conducting regional cooperation and assigning water-saving strategies. Moreover, scientific references are provided for promoting AWRUE.
In vitro apical extrusion of debris and instrumentation time following root canal instrumentation with Reciproc and Reciproc Blue instruments and a novel stainless steel rotary system (Gentlefile) versus manual instrumentation

Background. This study compared apical extrusion of debris and instrumentation time following root canal instrumentation with Reciproc, Reciproc Blue, and Gentlefile (GF) rotary instruments versus the manual step-back technique. Methods. This in vitro study was conducted on 80 extracted mandibular premolars with mature apices and a root curvature of<10°. The teeth were randomly assigned to 4 groups (n=20), standardized regarding working length, and placed in pre-weighed vials. The root canals were instrumented with Reciproc, Reciproc Blue, and GF systems and the manual step-back technique in the four groups. The vials containing the collected debris were then dried and weighed. The instrumentation time was also recorded for each group. Data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA and post hoc Games-Howell test (α=0.05). Results. Minimum apical debris extrusion was noted in Reciproc, followed by Reciproc Blue, GF, and manual technique (P<0.05). Pairwise comparisons showed significantly lower apical extrusion of debris in the Reciproc compared with GF (P=0.015) and manual instrumentation (P=0.011) groups. The Reciproc system also had the shortest instrumentation time, followed by Reciproc Blue, GF, and manual instrumentation (P<0.05). Pairwise comparisons showed significant differences between all the systems (P<0.05) except between Reciproc and Reciproc Blue (P>0.05) in this respect. Conclusion. Although all systems caused apical extrusion of debris, manual instrumentation caused maximum extrusion of debris. In contrast, the Reciproc system was superior to others regarding minimal apical extrusion of debris and the shortest instrumentation time.
Impact of the COVID-19 vaccine booster strategy on vaccine protection: a pilot study of a military hospital in Taiwan

Purpose The global fight against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has led to widespread vaccination efforts, yet the optimal dosing schedule for SARS-CoV-2 vaccines remains a subject of ongoing research. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of administering two booster doses as the third and fourth doses at different intervals to enhance vaccine protection. Materials and Methods This study was conducted at a military regional hospital operated by the Ministry of National Defense in Taiwan. A cohort of vaccinated individuals was selected, and their vaccine potency was assessed at various time intervals following their initial vaccine administration. The study participants received booster doses as the third and fourth doses, with differing time intervals between them. The study monitored neutralizing antibody titers and other relevant parameters to assess vaccine efficacy. Results Our findings revealed that the potency of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine exhibited a significant decline 80 days after the initial vaccine administration. However, a longer interval of 175 days between booster injections resulted in significantly higher neutralizing antibody titers. The individuals who received the extended interval boosters exhibited a more robust immune response, suggesting that a vaccine schedule with a 175-day interval between injections may provide superior protection against SARS-CoV-2. Conclusion This study underscores the importance of optimizing vaccine booster dosing schedules to maximize protection against SARS-CoV-2. The results indicate that a longer interval of 175 days between the third and fourth doses of the vaccine can significantly enhance the neutralizing antibody response, potentially offering improved protection against the virus. These findings have important implications for vaccine distribution and administration strategies in the ongoing battle against the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Further research and large-scale trials are needed to confirm and extend these findings for broader public health implications.
Effect of Late Season Water Stress on Corn in Northwest Kansas

Four separate studies were conducted over the years 1993 through 2008 at the Kansas State University Northwest Research Extension Center at Colby, Kansas to examine the effects of post-anthesis (after silking) water stress on field corn. Prior to anthesis, all treatments in each of the studies were fully irrigated according to their need. The results of these studies suggest that corn yield is nearly linearly related to the amount of crop water use during the post-anthesis period and that total crop water use amounts during the period may average nearly 430 mm. Producers should plan for crop water use during the last 30 and 15 day periods that may average nearly 125 and 50 mm, respectively, to avoid yield reductions. Management allowable depletion during the post-anthesis period should be limited to 45% of the available soil water for a 2.4 m profile on the deep silt loam soils of this climatic region.
Chapter 1: The Evolution of the Tethys Region throughout the Phanerozoic: A Brief Tectonic Reconstruction

Abstract The Tethyan region is a major petroleum province. The paleogeographic position and tectonic history is a major control on sedimentation across the region, and this has influenced the sequestration of hydrocarbons in the region. The North African-Arabian plate evolved along the Tethyan margins (Proto-Tethys, Paleo-Tethys, Neo-Tethys) from Pre-Cambrian to Recent. Paleogeographic maps have been reconstructed for selected time intervals: Cambrian, Late Ordovician, Early Devonian, Early Permian, Permian-Triassic boundary, Norian, Callovian, Aptian, Cretaceous-Cenozoic boundary, and Late Eocene. For each time interval both the general picture of the major plate tectonic configuration and a detail of the paleogeography and paleoenvironment of North Africa to the Middle East are presented. On these maps, the major paleoenvironmental settings (from continental to shallow marine and deep ocean) are shown for the area stretching from North Africa to Afghanistan in all the selected time slices. Besides the major tectonic events, the global climate evolution and their interplay are discussed, which in some cases led to significant biotic turnovers or even to mass extinctions (e.g., Late Ordovician, Permian-Triassic boundary, Cretaceous-Cenozoic boundary). Paleogeographic maps have been compiled from literature, selecting those based on sound paleomagnetic/paleobiogeographic data. Each map is accompanied by the description of the major tectonic events that characterized the considered time interval. When contrasting paleogeographic reconstructions were available, their differences have been discussed. In general, major differences concern the interpretation of the setting and positioning of the microplates and terranes between the major continental plates. This chapter provides the introductory overview of the paleogeographic location and general tectonic history of the Tethyan margin through time. This is elaborated on and linked with depositional systems and hydrocarbon endowment in the subsequent chapters.
Interdecadal Changes in the Linkage Between North Pacific Oscillation During May and Northeast China Precipitation During Mid‐Summer: The Influence of North Atlantic Oscillation

Many previous studies have documented the relationship between the North Pacific Oscillation (NPO) and the weather/climate of upstream and downstream regions. However, the stability of NPO precursor signals of East Asian summer precipitation, which is important for climate prediction, has received little attention. This study identified temporal variations in the connection between the May NPO and subsequent midsummer precipitation over Northeast China (NEC) during 1961–2020. During 1986–2010, the correlation between the May NPO and midsummer precipitation over NEC was found significantly positive, whereas the relation was found statistically insignificant during 1961–1985/2011–2020. Further results indicated that the NPO stimulated a Rossby wave source over the North Pacific that was stronger during 1986–2010 than during 1961–1985/2011–2020. The Rossby wave source anomalies shifted to North America and to the North Atlantic during the subsequent June and midsummer, respectively. Consequently, a teleconnection wave train, which originated over the North Pacific, propagated eastward to North America, across the North Atlantic, and on to East Asia on the subseasonal time scale, influencing midsummer precipitation over NEC through modulation of the atmospheric circulation (e.g., horizontal wind, moisture transport, and vertical movement). Moreover, the intensified Rossby wave anomalies associated with the May NPO were attributed to the strengthened NPO, which could be related to the enhanced standard deviation of SLP over the North Pacific. Additionally, the strengthened out‐of‐phase relation between the NPO and the North Atlantic Oscillation, resulting from changes in the background circulation, partially contributed to intensification of the Rossby wave train.
The Effect of Various Sterilization Methods and Volume Containers on Phytochemical Content of Methanol Extract of Phyllanthus urinaria

Phyllanthus urinaria is an annual perennial herbal species found in tropical Asia, America, China, and the Indian Ocean islands. Phyllanthus urinaria is used in folk medicine as a cure to treat jaundice, diabetes, malaria, and liver diseases. Sterilizing the substrate is a crucial step in the fermentation process. This process ensures that the inoculated microorganism is entirely single. Autoclave sterilization is widely favored within the scientific community. In autoclaving, pressurized steam is employed to deliver heat, effectively reducing the bioactive compounds present in the substrate. Comparative studies on various sterilization methods have been reported. This study aims to investigate the effects of substrate containers in sterilization methods of the herbal plant on phenol and flavonoid compounds by LC-MS (Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) analysis. Three sterilization methods (pasteurization, steam, and autoclave sterilization) were each applied to the meniran herbal plant (Phyllanthus urinaria) for 15 minutes. Using the aluminum chloride colorimetric assay, the sterilization results were measured for total phenol content, the Folin-Ciocalteu test, and total flavonoid content. The LC-MS analysis showed that the methanol extract of Phyllanthus urinaria (APU) sterilized by autoclaving resulted in the most significant reduction in active phenolic and flavonoid compounds. Pasteurization, steaming, and autoclaving in a big container resulted in total flavonoid content of 1.80±0.034, 1.70±0.021, and 1.71±0.029 mg QE/g extract. The total phenolic content was 26.49±0.591, 22.77±0.230, and 22.097±0.155 mg GAE extract/g, respectively. Meanwhile, using a small container, each method produced a total flavonoid content of 1.73±0.024, 1.71±0.051, and 1.62±0.015 mg QE/g extract, respectively. The total phenolic content was 20.56±0.093, 19.79±0.295, and 20.09±0.124 mg GAE/g extract. Furthermore, the LC-MS profile revealed that APU experienced a reduction in ρ-hydroxybenzaldehyde and naringenin compounds, leading to a decrease in rutin, methyl brevifolincarboxylate, and ethyl gallate compounds. From the results of LC-MS analysis, this research determined that pasteurization using a big container is the most effective sterilization method for preserving the highest levels of total flavonoid and phenolic content in Phyllanthus urinaria while minimizing adverse effects on phytochemical compounds.
PATTERN RECOGNITION METHODOLOGIES AND DETERMINISTIC EVALUATION OF SEISMIC HAZARD: A STRATEGY TO INCREASE EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS

Several algorithms, structured according to a general pattern-recognition scheme, have been developed for the space-time identification of strong events. Currently, two of such algorithms are applied to the Italian territory, one for the recognition of earthquake-prone areas and the other, namely CN algorithm, for earthquake prediction purposes. These procedures can be viewed as independent experts, hence they can be combined to better constrain the alerted seismogenic area. We examine here the possibility to integrate CN intermediate-term medium-range earthquake predictions, pattern recognition of earthquake-prone areas and deterministic hazard maps, in order to associate CN Times of Increased Probability (TIPs) to a set of appropriate scenarios of ground motion. The advantage of this procedure mainly consists in the time information provided by predictions, useful to increase preparedness of safety measures and to indicate a priority for detailed seismic risk studies to be performed on a more detailed scale.
Tracking the Middle-Income Trap: What is it, Who is in it, and Why?

This paper provides a working definition of what the middle-income trap is. We start by defining four income groups of GDP per capita in 1990 PPP dollars: low-income below $2,000; lower-middle-income between $2,000 and $7,250; upper-middle-income between $7,250 and $11,750; and high-income above $11,750. We then classify 124 countries for which we have consistent data for 1950–2010. In 2010, there were 40 low-income countries in the world, 38 lower-middle-income, 14 upper-middle-income, and 32 high-income countries. Then we calculate the threshold number of years for a country to be in the middle-income trap: a country that becomes lower-middle-income (i.e., that reaches $2,000 per capita income) has to attain an average growth rate of per capita income of at least 4.7 percent per annum to avoid falling into the lower-middle-income trap (i.e., to reach $7,250, the upper-middle-income threshold); and a country that becomes upper-middle-income (i.e., that reaches $7,250 per capita income) has to attain an average growth rate of per capita income of at least 3.5 percent per annum to avoid falling into the upper-middle-income trap (i.e., to reach $11,750, the high-income level threshold). Avoiding the middle-income trap is, therefore, a question of how to grow fast enough so as to cross the lower-middle-income segment in at most 28 years, and the upper-middle-income segment in at most 14 years. Finally, the paper proposes and analyzes one possible reason why some countries get stuck in the middle-income trap: the role played by the changing structure of the economy (from low-productivity activities into high-productivity activities), the types of products exported (not all products have the same consequences for growth and development), and the diversification of the economy. We compare the exports of countries in the middle-income trap with those of countries that graduated from it, across eight dimensions that capture different aspects of a country’s capabilities to undergo structural transformation, and test whether they are different. Results indicate that, in general, they are different. We also compare Korea, Malaysia, and the Philippines according to the number of products that each exports with revealed comparative advantage. We find that while Korea was able to gain comparative advantage in a significant number of sophisticated products and was well connected, Malaysia and the Philippines were able to gain comparative advantage in electronics only.
Auditory Cortex Maturation and Language Development in Children with Hearing Loss and Additional Disabilities

A significant portion of hearing-impaired children have additional disabilities, but data about the maturation of their auditory cortex are scarce. In these children, behavioral tests are often unreliable, and objective tests are needed for diagnostics and follow-up. This study aimed to explore auditory cortical maturation and language development, and the usability of an objective electroencephalogram-based biomarker in children with multiple disabilities. In 65 hearing aid and cochlear implant users (36 females; 36 with multiple disabilities; 44.3 ± 18.5 months of age, mean ± SD), auditory processing was examined using the P1 cortical auditory evoked response biomarker, and language development with the Preschool Language Scales 5th edition (PLS-5). During the study, all of the children received intensive extra language therapy for six months. No significant differences were found between the groups in P1 latency development, the proportion of abnormal P1 latencies, or the number of children whose P1 latencies changed from abnormal to normal during the study. The PLS-5 total language scores, auditory comprehension scores, or expressive communication scores did not differ between groups either. The P1 latencies showed meaningful negative correlations with the language scores. The results suggest that auditory cortex development is similar in hearing-impaired children with/without additional disabilities, and the P1 biomarker is a feasible tool to evaluate central auditory maturation in children with multiple disabilities.
Unusual Barrier/Inlet Behaviour Associated with Active Coastal Progradation and River-Dominated Estuaries

ABSTRACT Green, A. ; Cooper, J.A. G. , and LeVieux, A. , 2013. Unusual barrier/inlet behaviour associated with active coastal progradation and river-dominated estuaries. The mesoscale behaviour of unusual barrier inlets on the east coast of South Africa is described. The inlets are associated with river-dominated estuaries and are consequently subject to periodic closure during low river flow. They are also located on a prograding barrier coast. Deflection of the estuary channel of a small river in the direction of longshore transport by 1230 m resulted in its capture by the estuarine channel of a larger river. The larger catchment river was not deflected by coastal progradation but maintained its position by periodic breaching of a channel through the barrier during floods. Flood breaches reseal by landward reworking of ephemeral deltas and may undergo limited migration. A tidal inlet at the northern end of the barrier is maintained by a small tidal prism and has a flood-tidal delta. It exhibits limited lateral migration and closes occasionally when wave-generated sediment transport filling the channel overcomes the flushing ability produced by tidal currents and freshwater discharge by the river. Large swell waves and the development of a washover channel cause the occasional breaching of the barrier, creating an ephemeral inlet midway along the barrier. The position of this breach is likely controlled by wave refraction patterns.
Trends in ozone, its precursors, and related secondary oxidation products in Los Angeles, California: A synthesis of measurements from 1960 to 2010

Decreases in ozone (O3) observed in California's South Coast Air Basin (SoCAB) over the past five decades have resulted from decreases in local emissions of its precursors, nitrogen oxides (NOx = NO + NO2) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Ozone precursors have been characterized in the SoCAB with measurements dating back to 1960. Here we compile an extensive historical data set using measurements in the SoCAB between 1960 and 2010. Faster rates of decrease have occurred in abundances of VOCs (−7.3 ± 0.7% yr−1) than in NOx (−2.6 ± 0.3% yr−1), which have resulted in a decrease in VOC/NOx ratio (−4.8 ± 0.9% yr−1) over time. Trends in the NOx oxidation products peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) and nitric acid (HNO3), measured in the SoCAB since 1973, show changes in ozone production chemistry resulting from changes in precursor emissions. Decreases in abundances of PAN (−9.3 ± 1.1% yr−1) and HNO3 (−3.0 ± 0.8% yr−1) reflect trends in VOC and NOx precursors. Enhancement ratios of O3 to (PAN + HNO3) show no detectable trend in ozone production efficiency, while a positive trend in the oxidized fraction of total reactive nitrogen (+2.2 ± 0.5% yr−1) suggests that atmospheric oxidation rates of NOx have increased over time as a result of the emissions changes. Changes in NOx oxidation pathways have increasingly favored production of HNO3, a radical termination product associated with quenching the ozone formation cycle.
Distribution of iodine in soils of Northern Ireland

ABSTRACT Using ED(P)-XRFS (Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry) analytical methodology, iodine is now routinely determined as part of a multi-element XRFS analysis package on samples (soils and stream sediments) collected for regional geochemical baseline mapping in the United Kingdom. For the first time, a high density regional geochemical map of iodine in soils is presented. These new data for iodine greatly increase the worldwide database for iodine in soils and the regional map of iodine offers an opportunity to better understand the factors that control its distribution in the surface environment. Iodine is often cited as the classic example of how a trace element deficiency in the environment affects human health, in the case of iodine endemic diseases collectively referred to as iodine deficiency disorders. The proximity to the sea coast, providing a supply of iodine via the atmosphere, and the organic content of the soil are seen as the two most important factors in determining the iodine status of the soil.