Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Groundwater Potential Using Aquifer Characteristics in Urambo District, Tabora Region, Tanzania

In developing countries like Tanzania, groundwater studies are essential for water resource planning, development, and management. Limited hydrogeological information on groundwater occurrence, availability, and distribution in Urambo District is termed a key factor that hinders groundwater development. This research was aimed at the evaluation of groundwater potential zones in a granitic gneiss aquifer in Urambo District by integrating six indicators (transmissivity, specific capacity, static water level, yield, total dissolved solids, and geology) that were developed and applied in the study area. The indicators were further combined, and a groundwater potential index map (GWPIM) was prepared using relative weights derived from the analytical hierarchy process (AHP). The results show that 67% and 27% of the study area are categorized as moderate and high groundwater potential zones, respectively. Groundwater is controlled by both Quaternary sediments (sands and gravels) and weathered to fractured granitic gneiss. Quaternary sediments host the major shallow aquifers (<35 m) with relatively high transmissivity, specific capacity, and yield (1.5 m2/day, 16.36 m2/day, and 108 m3/day, respectively). Granitic gneiss is not strongly fractured/weathered and forms an aquifer with a relatively low yield of about 10.08 m3/day. The findings were validated using three boreholes, and the results are consistent with the developed GWPIM. Such findings are of great importance in groundwater development as the techniques applied can be extended to other areas in Tanzania as well as other countries that experience similar geological environments.
Life cycle assessment of apple exported from Japan to Taiwan and potential environmental impact abatement

A life cycle assessment (LCA) was performed for fresh apples exported from Japan to Taiwan to identify hotspots along the supply chain. We further explore how to minimize the environmental impact of the post-harvest chain to mitigate the carbon footprint of the apple chain. Within the climate change impact category, the hotspots were cultivation and truck transport with cooling in Japan. Based on the hotspots, introducing a modal shift in Japanese domestic transportation and changing to a port closer to the farm for ship distribution would decrease the climate change impact by 13 - 22 % relative to the base case. This study provided essential insights for the development of a more environmentally friendly apple distribution process from Japan to Taiwan.
Agricultures' adaptation to water management policies and global change : the interest of economic programming models

This thesis develops and discusses agricultural-supply modeling approaches for representing the adaptation of farming to global changes and water policies: their effects on agricultural economics and water resources comprise critical information for decision makers. After a summary and a review chapter, four essays are presented. The first essay describes a representation of the behavior of ten typical farms using a risk linear programming model connected to a plant-soil-hydrodynamic model chain, to assess the future level of nitrate contamination in the upper Rhine valley aquifer. The baseline, liberal, and interventionist scenarios for 2015 all result in lower nitrate concentrations. The second essay explores the effects of the economic uncertainty of global changes by means of a Monte Carlo approach distinguishing various levels of dependence on uncertain parameters. Analyses for a nitrate-oriented and a water-use model (in Alsace and southwestern France) show that the environmental objectives can be targeted withsufficient confidence. The third essay develops a flexible specification for positive mathematical programming - constant elasticity of substitution with decreasing returns - to explore how irrigated farming adapts to increased water scarcity in Beauce, France. The possibility of adjusting the application of water per hectare accounts for about 20% of the response. The last essay presents the development of a holistic hydro-economic model of Beauce’s agriculture and aquifer under climate-change uncertainty, so as to evaluate various water policies, as well as the open-access case, up to the year 2040. The results show that the baseline policy is more cost-effective than the other instruments tested (tax, transfer,etc.).
Cascaded 2D Micromirror with Application to LiDAR

This paper introduced a novel approach to enhance the vertical scanning angle of a large aperture 2D electromagnetic micromirror through the utilization of a cascaded torsional beam design. The primary objective was to increase the vertical scanning angle without compromising the robustness, which was achieved by optimizing the trade-off between the rotation angle and the first mode of resonant frequency. The cascaded design provides flexibility to either increase the outer frame’s rotation angle without sacrificing torsional stiffness or enhance the torsion beam’s stiffness while maintaining the same rotation angle, thus elevating the first-mode resonant frequency and overall robustness. The effectiveness of the cascaded design was demonstrated through a comparative study with a non-cascaded 2D micromirror possessing the same aperture size, torque, and mass moment of inertia. Theoretical analysis and finite-element simulation are employed to determine critical parameters such as the stiffness ratio between the cascaded torsion beams, and to predict improvements in the scanning angle and primary resonant frequency brought by the cascaded design. Prototypes of both cascaded and non-cascaded designs are fabricated using a flexible printed circuit board combined with Computer numerical control (CNC) machining of a Ti-alloy thin film, confirming the superior performance of the cascaded 2D micromirror. The cascaded design achieved vertical scanning angles up to 26% higher than the traditional design when both were actuated at close resonance frequencies. Additionally, the micromirror was successfully integrated into a 3D LiDAR system. The light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system was modelled in Zemax OpticStudio to find the optimized design and assembly positions.
A Pilot Study of Proactive Team REBOA to Avoid Delays to Definitive Care

As experience using resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) has expanded over the past few years, best practices for implementing a REBOA program have emerged. Early practice was single-surgeon focused, but we have learned that a team approach to REBOA practice is common in successful programs. Key components of our contemporary team approach are defining a patient selection algorithm, uniform acceptance of early CFA access, full team training, regular case reviews, and implementation of a process improvement program. This team approach to REBOA has resulted in numerous benefits for trauma patients with, most importantly, a significantly decreased time to definitive hemorrhage control. Here, we describe our experience and outcomes as a Level 1 Trauma Center implementing a REBOA program, shifting our hemorrhage control paradigm from reactive to proactive, and subsequently improving time to both temporary and definitive hemorrhage control maneuvers.
An Observational Study of the Implementation of the Tobacco-Free Film and Television Policy in India

Background Positive portrayals of tobacco use in entertainment media can normalize and perpetuate use. In 2012, the Government of India implemented the Tobacco-Free Film and Television Rules, a first-of-its-kind comprehensive regulation to restrict tobacco depiction in films and television programs. Two complementary studies were undertaken to assess the implementation of the film rules on television and in movie theaters. Methods In the first part, movie theater observations and exit surveys were conducted from Feb. 3 to March 24, 2015. In total, 308 movie theaters were selected for the observation of films. A total of 3080 exit surveys were conducted to assess moviegoers’ reactions toward the film rule. The second part comprised the systematic observation of 424 prerecorded television programs that aired from Nov. 20 to Dec. 30, 2015. Results Compliance with the Tobacco-Free Film and Television Rules policy was lower on television than in movie theaters. While 66% of television programs with tobacco scenes implemented at least 1 of the 3 elements of the film rule, not a single program executed all required elements correctly. In movie theaters, 99% of films that contained tobacco scenes implemented at least one element of the film rule. However, all elements of the film rules were implemented correctly during 27% of the films observed. Exit surveys showed that among moviegoers who recalled viewing at least one element of the film rule, there was increased concern about tobacco’s harms and intentions to quit. Conclusion Implementation of the film rules was higher in movie theaters than on television, though there were gaps in implementation for both. Despite inconsistent application, audience reactions to the anti-tobacco messages were favorable, with increased concern about tobacco’s harms and intention to quit. Overall, the film rules offer a strong tool for countering tobacco promotion, reaching hundreds of millions with anti-tobacco messaging.
High Prevalence of Depression Symptoms Among Bisexual Women: The Association of Sexual Orientation and Gender on Depression Symptoms in a Nationally Representative U.S. Sample

Abstract Bisexual individuals experience higher rates of depression than heterosexual individuals and women experience higher rates of depression than men; however, few studies have quantified the joint effects of sexual orientation and gender. In the 2013–2014 and 2015-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, depression symptoms were assessedusing the Patient Health Questionnaire. We used pooled and gender-stratified Poisson regression with robust variances to determine the independent effects of sexual orientation and gender on depression symptoms and calculated relative excess risk due to interaction to examine the joint effects of bisexual orientation and women’s gender on depression symptoms. In adjusted models, depression symptoms were 1.78 times higher in women than in men (99% confidence interval [CI]: 1.776, 1.782), 1.73 times higher in bisexual individuals than in heterosexual individuals (99% CI: 1.726, 1.735), and 3.15 times higher in bisexual women than in heterosexual men (99% CI: 3.145, 3.163). We found evidence for a non-additive model of the excess prevalence of depression symptoms among bisexual women. Gender-specific services addressing the unique mental health needs of bisexual women are needed.
The feasibility and acceptability of an online mind-body wellness program for patients with primary biliary cholangitis.

Background Persons with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) experience significantly higher rates of mental distress and impaired health related quality of life (HrQoL) than the general population. Given limited evidence, but a high need, our primary aim was to assess feasibility and acceptability of a 12-week, online, mind-body wellness program in people with PBC. Methods This was a single-group, sequential mixed-methods, pre-post feasibility, and acceptability study. Core program components included follow-along movement, meditation and breathwork videos, and cognitive behavioural therapy informed activities. This was supplemented by weekly phone check-ins. Feasibility was assessed by recruitment, adherence, and retention. The pre-post exploratory efficacy assessment included surveys for fatigue, perceived stress, anxiety, depression, HrQoL, and resilience. A qualitative descriptive approach with semi-structured interviews evaluated study experiences. Results Thirty-two participants were recruited within 30 days and 29 (91%) were retained to end-of-study. Of these, 25 (86%) adhered to carrying out the mind-body practice at least 2-3 days per week. Feedback supported acceptability (satisfaction score 90%). Significant improvements were observed in fatigue (13%, p = 0.004), anxiety (30%, p = 0.005), depression (28%, p = 0.004), and five PBC-40 domains (itch, fatigue, cognitive, emotional, general symptoms). Qualitative interviews revealed improved stress management, better coping, and a more positive mindset. Fatigue and self-sabotaging thoughts were cited as barriers to participation. Conclusions These findings suggest that a 12-week online mind-body intervention is feasible and acceptable in patients with PBC. After iterative refinement, a randomized controlled trial will be designed using this feedback.
Paraglacial slope instability in Scottish fjords: examples from Little Loch Broom, NW Scotland

Abstract Lateglacial–Holocene fjord sediments in Little Loch Broom preserve evidence of extensive slope instability. The major area of reworking is in the outer loch and mid-loch sill region where ice-contact/ice-proximal deposits of the Lateglacial Assynt Glaciogenic Formation have been disrupted by sliding and mass-flow processes linked to the Little Loch Broom Slide Complex and the adjacent Badcaul Slide. Mass failure was instigated about 14–13 ka BP, and is probably the response of the landscape to deglaciation immediately following the removal of ice support during glacial retreat. An initial phase of translational sliding was followed by rotational sliding, as revealed by the superimposition of scallop-shaped slumps on a larger-scale rectilinear pattern of failure. Paraglacial landscape readjustment may also have been enhanced by episodic seismic activity linked to glacio-isostatic unloading. In the inner fjord, evidence of Holocene mass failure includes the Ardessie debris lobe and a discrete intact slide block preserved within the postglacial basinal deposits. The former is a localized accumulation linked to a fluvial catchment on the adjacent An Teallach massif. These mass-transport deposits may represent an ongoing response to paraglacial processes, albeit much reduced (relative to the major slides) in terms of sediment supply to the fjord.
Bimodal Trust: High and Low Trust in Vehicle Automation Influence Response to Automation Errors

Extended exposure to reliable automation may lead to overreliance as evidenced by poor responses to auto-mation errors. Individual differences in trust may also influence responses. We investigated how these factors affect response to automation errors in a driving simulator study comprised of stop-controlled and uncon-trolled intersections. Drivers experienced reliable vehicle automation during six drives where they indicated if they felt the automation was going too slow or too fast by pressing the accelerator or brake pedal. Engage-ment via pedal presses did not affect the automation but offered an objective measure of trust in automation. In the final drive, an error occurred where the vehicle failed to stop at a stop-controlled intersection. Drivers’ response to the error was inferred from brake presses. Mixture models showed bimodal response times and revealed that drivers with high trust were less likely to respond to automation errors than drivers with low trust.
Agricultural Insurance Schemes II

Index insurances, diversely from traditional agricultural insurances, do not refer to the actual farm losses but to the losses evaluated from an index. The study evaluates the feasibility of index insurances for EU and makes a cross-validation based on the yield loss risk calculated from FADN data. Premiums have been estimated for a Regional Yield Insurance (RYI) for FADN regions and a number of arable crops. Some meteorological, agro-meteorological and NDVI indicators were also analysed according to the model of the area yield-tailored insurance. From the statistical analysis the indicators do not explain yields optimally. Due to the strong heterogeneity within the EU regions, a meteorological yield-tailored index could have a better explanation capacity at a more disaggregated level. FADN data are used to compute and map the risk of yield reduction for major field crops and of income reduction by farm type. The cross validation of area yield insurance consisted on the calculation of the risk with FADN data with and without insurance. Results show that the risk reduction capacity of yield area index for the case analysed is not very high, but in some regions the risk can be reduced up to a 68%. The risk reduction capacity of other indexes is expected to be lower than the yield area index. Finally, the study shows that index products efficiency is relatively low at farm level due to the European heterogeneity of climates and geography and to the large geographical scale that had to be used in the study. So, index products could be more efficient for reinsurance that works at aggregated level.
What Is behind In-Stream Advertising on YouTube? A Remote Neuromarketing Study employing Eye-Tracking and Facial Coding techniques

Not all elements displayed in a YouTube in-stream video ad are attributable to the ad itself. Some of those are automatically introduced by the platform, such as the countdown timer and the time progress bar. In recent years, some authors started exploring the effects associated with the presence of such non-ad items, providing valuable findings. However, objective evaluation of viewers’ visual attention is lacking in this context as well as emotional investigation. In addition, previous research showed how the manipulation of seemingly negligible details can yield dramatically different outcomes in the context of in-stream advertising. To extend knowledge, the authors explored the effects of the non-ad items’ presence by employing eye-tracking and facial coding techniques in combination with self-reports in a between-subjects experimental design focusing on the YouTube 15-s, mid-roll, non-skippable in-stream ad format. Results showed that the ad format currently employed by YouTube performs worse than its equivalent without the non-ad items on all the investigated measures and than its equivalent in which the non-ad items’ presence was experimentally reduced on facial coding disgust, self-reported disgust, ad irritation, and ad attitude. Managerial insights and challenges concerning the future of in-stream advertising and neuromarketing are highlighted.
Later Wittgenstein on ‘Truth’ and Realism in Mathematics

Abstract I show that Wittgenstein's critique of G.H. Hardy's mathematical realism naturally extends to Paul Benacerraf's influential paper, ‘Mathematical Truth’. Wittgenstein accuses Hardy of hastily analogizing mathematical and empirical propositions, thus leading to a picture of mathematical reality that is somehow akin to empirical reality despite the many puzzles this creates. Since Benacerraf relies on that very same analogy to raise problems about mathematical ‘truth’ and the alleged ‘reality’ to which it corresponds, his major argument falls prey to the same critique. The problematic pictures of mathematical reality suggested by Hardy and Benacerraf can be avoided, according to Wittgenstein, by disrupting the analogy that gives rise to them. I show why Tarskian updates to our conception of ‘truth’ discussed by Benacerraf do not answer Wittgenstein's concerns. That is, because they merely presuppose what Wittgenstein puts into question, namely, the essential uniformity of ‘truth’ and ‘proposition’ in ordinary discourse.
Comparison of questionnaire items for discomfort glare studies in daylit spaces

When studying discomfort glare, researchers tend to rely on a single questionnaire item to obtain user evaluations. It is unclear whether the choice of questionnaire item affects the distribution of user responses and leads to inconsistencies between studies. This study aims to investigate if different glare questionnaire items yield similar distributions of user discomfort in daylit environments. We conducted a comparative study of selected questionnaire items from previous glare experiments, testing them in three independent user studies with different lighting conditions and glare stimuli. We compared the resulting outputs across questionnaire items with 540 data points from 149 participants. Results indicated that ordinal questionnaire outputs show strong correlations (0.68 < ρ < 0.85), high internal reliability (α = 0.93) and captured the same latent construct. Binary questionnaire items reflected different glare thresholds but still correlated well with ordinal items. The construct validity of tested questionnaire items was confirmed through responses to an open-ended question. These findings suggest that the tested questionnaire items may be used for category rating-type discomfort glare evaluations and consistently capture the same construct.
Characterization of Cellulose-Degrading Bacteria Isolated from Silkworm Excrement and Optimization of Its Cellulase Production

An abundance of refractory cellulose is the key limiting factor restricting the resource utilization efficiency of silkworm (Bombyx mori) excrement via composting. Screening for cellulose-degrading bacteria is likely to provide high-quality strains for the safe and rapid decomposition of silkworm excrement. In this study, bacteria capable of degrading cellulose with a high efficiency were isolated from silkworm excrement and the conditions for cellulase production were optimized. The strains were preliminarily screened via sodium carboxymethyl cellulose culture and staining with Congo red, rescreened via a filter paper enzyme activity test, and identified via morphological observation, physiological and biochemical tests, and phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rDNA sequence. Enzyme activity assay was performed using the 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid method. DC-11, a highly cellulolytic strain, was identified as Bacillus subtilis. The optimum temperature and pH of this strain were 55 °C and 6, respectively, and the filter paper enzyme activity (FPase), endoglucanase activity (CMCase), and exoglucanase activity (CXase) reached 15.40 U/mL, 11.91 U/mL, and 20.61 U/mL. In addition, the cellulose degradation rate of the treatment group treated with DC-11 was 39.57% in the bioaugmentation test, which was significantly higher than that of the control group without DC-11 (10.01%). Strain DC-11 was shown to be an acid-resistant and heat-resistant cellulose-degrading strain, with high cellulase activity. This strain can exert a bioaugmentation effect on cellulose degradation and has the potential for use in preparing microbial inocula that can be applied for the safe and rapid composting of silkworm excrement.
Magnetic Longitudinal and Local Time Variations of Polar Electrojet and Field‐Aligned Currents

In this work, prominent longitudinal variation of polar electrojet (PEJ) and field‐aligned currents (FACs) are reported for the first time in different local times and hemispheres. Larger longitudinal differences exist mostly in the south than in the north with nearly opposite phase except for the nighttime. The most prominent longitudinal variation occurs around noontime. In the nighttime, the longitudinal changes of PEJ and upward FACs in both hemispheres are similar. The larger northern summer FACs and PEJ at noon occur more frequently around 0°–60° and 300°–360° magnetic longitude (MLon), while the larger southern summer currents occur around 120°–300° MLon. The summer‐winter hemispheric differences in PEJ and upward FACs disappear in the midnight sector. The northern FACs dominance exists around 0°–120° and 270°–360° MLon, except for winter when the northern dominance of upward FACs at night exist in nearly all longitudes. In local summer, PEJ shows northern dominance around 0°–60° and 270°–360° MLon, and southern dominance around 120°–240° MLon. In local winter, PEJ shows northern dominance around 180° MLon near midnight, while in most other local times, PEJ shows northern dominance around 270° MLon. These longitudinal, seasonal and hemispheric differences are discussed in terms of mixing effects of ionospheric conductance and merging electric field in different local time sectors.