Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Selfing in epiphytic bromeliads compensates for the limited pollination services provided by nectarivorous bats in a neotropical montane forest

Abstract Abstract. Plants with specialized pollination systems frequently exhibit adaptations for self-pollination, and this contradictory situation has been explained in terms of the reproductive assurance function of selfing. In the neotropics, several plant lineages rely on specialized vertebrate pollinators for sexual reproduction, including the highly diverse Bromeliaceae family, which also displays a propensity for selfing. Thus far, the scarce evidence on the role of selfing in bromeliads and in other neotropical plant groups is inconclusive. To provide insights into the evolution and persistence of self-fertilization in the breeding systems of Bromeliaceae, we studied four sympatric epiphytic species from the genus Werauhia (Tillandsioideae) in Costa Rica. We documented their floral biology, pollination ecology and breeding systems. We estimated the contribution of selfing by comparing the reproductive success between emasculated flowers requiring pollinator visits and un-manipulated flowers capable of selfing and exposed to open pollination across two flowering seasons. The studied species displayed specialized pollination by nectar-feeding bats as well as a high selfing ability (auto-fertility index values > 0.53), which was attained by a delayed selfing mechanism. Fruit set from natural cross-pollination was low (<26% in both years) and suggested limited pollinator visitation. In line with this, we found a very low bat visitation to flowers using video-camera recording, from 0 to 0.24 visits per plant per night. On the contrary, the contribution of selfing was comparatively significant since 54–80% of the fruit set from un-manipulated flowers can be attributed to autonomous self-pollination. We concluded that inadequate cross-pollination services diminished the reproductive success of the studied Werauhia, which was compensated for by a delayed selfing mechanism. The low negative effects of inbreeding on seed set and germination likely reinforce the persistence of selfing in this bromeliad group. These results suggest that selfing in bat-pollinated bromeliads may have evolved as a response to pollinator limitation.
Comparative Study of Functional Outcome of Idiopathic Congenital Talipes Equinovarus Treated between Ponseti Technique and Accelerated Ponseti Technique using Pirani Score

Background and Objectives: Congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV), also known as clubfoot, is one of the most prevalent birth disorders affecting the musculoskeletal system and affects one in 1000 live births. The tried-and-true Ponseti method of therapy entails weekly adjustment of the deformity followed by a long-leg cast. Modified accelerated treatment protocols were designed to reduce the total duration of treatment. This study was conducted to compare the efficacy of accelerated Ponseti method versus standard Ponseti method. Methods : A randomized controlled study was conducted with participants randomized to two groups-Study group and Control groups. All feet were scored using Pirani score, recorded by an independent assessor at each visit. Plaster treatment was continued until clinical correction achieved. Results : The study had 100% subject retention in both the groups from baseline to follow-up. The current study had comparable demographic distribution between the groups. Accelerated Ponseti technique has relatively shorter duration of manipulation compared to the standard Ponseti technique. Total number of casts used is not significantly different for accelerated Ponseti technique compared to the standard Ponseti technique. Accelerated Ponseti technique for club foot management was found to be equally effective compared to the standard Ponseti technique in managing idiopathic CTEV assessed by Pirani scoring. Interpretation and Conclusion : According to the best evidence synthesis, no evidence exists to support the use of a cast change interval of 1 week. It can be concluded that the accelerated versions of the Ponseti method can safely be used in the treatment of clubfoot without risking any significant increase in the required number of casts.
Earnings Management, Leverage, Good Corporate Governance, And Tax Avoidance

The purpose of this research is to analyze the influence of earnings management, leverage and good corporate governance against tax avoidance. The sample used in this research is raw materials sector companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) during the period 2019 until 2022. The population of this research is 97 companies in the raw materials sector. The sampling technique used is purposive sampling So the total sample used in this research was 16 companies in the raw materials sector. The design of this research is causality which looks for the influence of cause and effect relationships. The data analysis technique in this research uses multiple linear regression analysis. The results of the research indicate that partially the earnings management and good corporate governance has no effect on tax avoidance, while the variable leverage has a positive effect on tax avoidance. Earnings management variables, leverage, and good corporate governance simultaneously influences tax avoidance. Keywords: Earnings Management, Leverage, Good Corporate Governance, Tax Avoidance
Physical Health and Transition to Psychosis in People at Clinical High Risk

Background: The clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR-P) construct represents an opportunity for prevention and early intervention in young adults, but the relationship between risk for psychosis and physical health in these patients remains unclear. Methods: We conducted a RECORD-compliant clinical register-based cohort study, selecting the long-term cumulative risk of developing a persistent psychotic disorder as the primary outcome. We investigated associations between primary outcome and physical health data with Electronic Health Records at the South London and Maudsley (SLaM) NHS Trust, UK (January 2013–October 2020). We performed survival analyses using Kaplan-Meier curves, log-rank tests, and Cox proportional hazard models. Results: The database included 137 CHR-P subjects; 21 CHR-P developed psychosis during follow-up, and the cumulative incidence of psychosis risk was 4.9% at 1 year and 56.3% at 7 years. Log-rank tests suggested that psychosis risk might change between different levels of nicotine and alcohol dependence. Kaplan-Meier curve analyses indicated that non-hazardous drinkers may have a lower psychosis risk than non-drinkers. In the Cox proportional hazard model, nicotine dependence presented a hazard ratio of 1.34 (95% CI: 1.1–1.64) (p = 0.01), indicating a 34% increase in psychosis risk for every additional point on the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that a comprehensive assessment of tobacco and alcohol use, diet, and physical activity in CHR-P subjects is key to understanding how physical health contributes to psychosis risk.
Integral Quadratic Constraints on Linear Infinite-dimensional Systems for Robust Stability Analysis

: This paper proposes a framework to assess the stability of an ordinary diﬀerential equation which is coupled to a 1D-partial diﬀerential equation (PDE). The stability theorem is based on a new result on Integral Quadratic Constraints (IQCs) and expressed in terms of two linear matrix inequalities with a moderate computational burden. The IQCs are not generated using dissipation inequalities involving the whole state of an inﬁnite-dimensional system, but by using projection coeﬃcients of the inﬁnite-dimensional state. This permits to generalize our robustness result to many other PDEs. The proposed methodology is applied to a time-delay system and numerical results comparable to those in the literature are obtained.
Mathematical Modeling and Optimization for the Power Density of the Free-Standing Magnetic Field Energy Harvester

The free-standing magnetic field energy harvester (FSMFEH) offers a potential solution for powering sensors in the power grid. However, designing the FSMFEH through finite element simulations and experiments is time-consuming and difficult to summarize generalized design guidelines. To address this issue, a mathematical model relating the power density to the coil and core parameters is developed in this article. A correction term is introduced to reflect the aggregation of the H-shaped core to the external magnetic field. The experimental results show that the model error is less than 4%. Based on this model, the core geometry, core material, coil turns, and wire radius are optimized to enhance the power density of the FSMFEH. It is found that the coil has a significant impact on the power density, which deviates from previous studies that solely focus on the core volume. The induced voltage of the coil is also considered in the optimization procedure. The optimized FSMFEH attains an output power of 6.33 mW with a magnetic field of 200 μT/50 Hz. Compared to previous studies, the FSMFEH designed in this work can achieve high power and power density with a smaller size and weaker external magnetic field.
Influence of material nonlinearity of foundation on seismic damage of koyna gravity dam

Based on the theory of damage mechanics, continuum mechanics and thermodynamics, this paper gives the concrete tension constitutive equation, then, the selection principle of the relevant parameters of the foundation rock is given. Finally, considering the damage evolution of rock foundation in the calculation process, this paper describes the real seismic damage characteristics of dam foundation system. The main conclusions are as follows: when the foundation rock mass and the dam use damage model, the earthquake damage area and damage degree of the dam are reduced, which makes the dam more partial safety. The result will be closer to the actual, which has certain reference significance to the guiding project.
From Swimming Skill to Water Competence: Towards a More Inclusive Drowning Prevention Future

Brenner, Moran, Stallman, Gilchrist and McVan, (2006) recommended that “swimming ability be promoted as a necessary component of water competence, but with the understanding that swimming ability alone is [often] not sufficient to prevent drowning” (p. 116). Tradition and expert opinion are no longer enough. Science can now help us select essential competencies. What does research evidence show us about the protective value of specific individual personal competencies? Since the term “water competence’’ was coined by Langendorfer and Bruya (1995) and adapted for drowning prevention by Moran (2013), it has gained in use and acceptance. As a construct, it is indeed more inclusive than “swimming skill’’ alone for addressing drowning prevention. Our proposed taxonomy of water competencies re-emphasizes the need for a broad spectrum of physical aquatic competencies as well as the integration of cognitive and affective competencies. The purpose of this review article is to a) identify all the key elements of water competence, b) support each recommended type of water competence with examples of research evidence, and c) suggest areas requiring further research.
Evaluation of Adaptability and Improvement of Tef [Eragrostis Tef (Zucc.) Trotter] Varieties in Western Part of Ethiopia

DOI: 10.15580/GJAS.2018. 10.102918052 Thirty six Tef varieties including local check were evaluated with the objective of Evaluation of Adaptability and Improvement of Tef [Eragrostis Tef (Zucc.) Trotter] in Western Part of Ethiopia during 2016/17 G.C cropping season at Assosa Agricultural Research Center, Tongo and Begi sub-site; Benishangul Gumuz Regional Sate of Ethiopia. This trials were put into trial at Assosa Agricultural Research on station,Tongo and Begi sub-site. The trial was conducted in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The size of the plot was 1.2m x 2m with gap of 1m between plot and 1.5m between blocks. Various character data were collected such as days to heading, days to maturity, above ground biomass, grain yield, and plant height and panicle length. Data was subjected to analysis of variance and there was highly significant difference (p<0.01) among the varieties and other agronomic traits. The combined analysis of variance indicated that there were highly significant yield difference between the local check and the released Tef varieties over three locations. Tseday, Boset, Simada, Amarach and Lakech gave the highest grain yield; 1892.1, 1752.5, 1709.7, 1664.5, and 1653 kg/ha respectively. Therefore, based on objectively measured traits (days to heading, days to maturity, above ground biomass, grain yield, plant height and panicle length), Tseday and Boset were recommended for wider cultivation in three locations of western part of Ethiopia while varieties Simada, Amarach and Lakech, showed specific adaptability. Submitted: 29/10/2018 Accepted: 10/11/2018 Published: 15/11/2018
The profile of personal autonomy in athlete and non-athlete adolescents

During adolescence, the individual makes the transition to maturity, their personality and self-concept being intensely developed due to sociocultural environmental factors. Among the essential changes occurring within this stage, rendering its specificity, we mention the development of personal autonomy. This characteristic is defined by self-control and self-determination, being one of the most relevant determinant factors in building efficiency, resilience and psychosocial behaviour in general. On the contrary, low levels of personal autonomy may lead to poor school and professional results, as well as some behavioural disorders. This study aims at identifying the characteristics of personal autonomy in adolescent subjects, by comparing them to age-matched athletes. The participants in this study were 158 students aged 15 years from the “Grigore Moisil” National College in Bucharest. Twenty of them (12.65%) practice sport on a regular basis. In order to describe the profile of personal autonomy for the subjects through the four related components (“Value component of autonomy”, “Behavioural autonomy”, “Cognitive autonomy”, “Emotional autonomy”), the survey method was used, having as a specific tool the Personal Autonomy (PA) assessment questionnaire, this being part of the Cognitrom Assessment System platform for psychological issues. Using the t-test for independent samples, we have analysed whether there are statistical differences between the surveyed groups: adolescent athletes vs. adolescents who do not engage in systematic sport activities, a comparison regarding the means of the investigated dependent variables – the value component of autonomy, behavioural autonomy
Correlation between ridge subduction and a ﬂuid reservoir in the Hyuganada accretionary prism: insights from a passive seismic array

Subducted reliefs, such as seamounts and ridges, aﬀect ﬂuid processes in accretionary prisms of subduction zones. The Kyushu– Palau Ridge subducts along with the Philippine Sea Plate in Hyuganada, which is one of the regions that are best suited for studying the role of subducting topography. This study investigates the shear wave velocity structure using an array of ocean-bottom seismometers (OBSs) with a 2 km radius. Teleseismic Green’s functions and a surface wave dispersion curve are inverted to one-dimensional shear wave velocity structures using transdimensional inversion. The results indicate the presence of a low-velocity zone 3–4 km below the seaﬂoor. The reduced shear wave velocities are consistent with a compressional velocity structure obtained in a previous seismic refraction survey. We conclude that the low velocities are representative of high pore ﬂuid pressure. In addition, the resolved lithological boundaries exhibit a sharp oﬀset that consistently appears across the OBS array, suggesting the presence of a blind fault beneath it. The predicted fault, which is located at the ﬂank of the Kyushu–Palau Ridge and oriented roughly parallel to the ridge axis, is likely caused by the ridge subduction. The fracture caused by the ridge subduction may act as a ﬂuid conduit, forming a ﬂuid reservoir beneath the well-compacted sediment layers. The compilation of previous refraction surveys implies that the reservoir has a lateral extension of > 100 km. Its spatial distribution roughly correlates with the ridge location, highlighting the signiﬁcant role the ridge plays in the formation of the reservoir.
Risk-taking over the Life Cycle: Aggregate and Distributive Implications of Entrepreneurial Risk

We study the risk-taking behavior over the life cycle of entrepreneurs subject to partial insurance against idiosyncratic shocks. The model quantitatively accounts for the life-cycle profiles of consumption and risk-taking, the aggregate and idiosyncratic risk premia, and the patterns of wealth inequality observed in the data. A reform that relaxes the risk constraints leads to a reduction in the idiosyncratic risk premium and an investment boom. Consistent with a Kuznets curve, inequality increases in the short run and declines in the long run. The initial generation of entrepreneurs benefits from better insurance, but future generations of entrepreneurs are worse-off after the reform.
Spatial Variability in Seasonal Prediction Skill of SSTs: Inherent Predictability or Forecast Errors?

AbstractSeasonal prediction skill of SSTs from coupled models has considerable spatial variations. In the tropics, SST prediction skill in the tropical Pacific clearly exceeds prediction skill over the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Such skill variations can be due to spatial variations in observing system used for forecast initializations or systematic errors in the seasonal prediction systems, or they could be a consequence of inherent properties of the coupled ocean–atmosphere system leaving a fingerprint on the spatial structure of SST predictability. Out of various alternatives, the spatial variability in SST prediction skill is argued to be a consequence of inherent characteristics of climate system. This inference is supported based on the following analyses. SST prediction skill is higher over the regions where coupled air–sea interactions (or Bjerknes feedback) are inferred to be stronger. Coupled air–sea interactions, and the longer time scales associated with them, imprint longer memory and thereb.
item stem structure: Effects on item diffculty

This article examined two item-writing guidelines: the format of the item stem and homogeneity of the answer set. Answering the call of Haladyna, Downing, and Rodriguez (2002) for empirical tests of item writing guidelines and extending the work of Smith and Smith (1988) on differential use of item characteristics, a mock multiple-choice driver’s license examination was administered to high school students with items having item stems that were either open-ended or in question form and with distractors structured to be either similar or dissimilar to the correct answer. Analyses at the test level indicated that the similarly structured distractors raised the mean difficulty level by . 12. No effect was found for item-stem format. Differential item function analyses on each of the test items further supported the effect of distractor similarity on test performance. Implications of this study for item writing and standard setting, as well as implications for future research, are discussed.
Regulating New Product Testing: the FDA vs. the Invisible Hand

Product testing plays an important role in the functioning of markets for innovative new products, where uncertainty exists regarding the product’s safety, quality, or other attributes. In spite of this, an incomplete understanding of the economic trade-offs and their quantitative welfare implications has contributed to different products facing a wide range of regulatory regimes and private testing incentives (and even similar or identical products facing disparate regulations across geography and time). In this paper, we develop a dynamic model of innovation, testing, and competition between firms to examine the interplay between private incentives to test and regulatory requirements. We calibrate the model using data from the medical device sector and then consider the welfare implications of different regulatory regimes, unpacking the economic forces that drive them. Our results highlight that even in the absence of regulatory requirements, firms have substantial private incentives to conduct their own product tests, and accounting for these is critical to good policy. Optimal regulation weighs the treatment effect of inducing more testing with the selection effect that more testing requirements deter some products from entering the market. Our model also reveals a new and important dynamic “pruning” effect, whereby selection that excludes lower quality products increases market incentives for higher quality products. We also quantify the substantial inefficiency of ex-post quality regulation. By contrast, simple ex-ante minimum testing regulations perform surprisingly well in our calibrated model.
Digital Comprehensive Summaries of Uppsala Dissertations from the Faculty of Science and Technology 1171 Sensor Networks and Their Radio Environment On Testbeds , Interference , and Broken Packets

Hermans, F. 2014. Sensor Networks and Their Radio Environment. On Testbeds, Interference, and Broken Packets. Digital Comprehensive Summaries of Uppsala Dissertations from the Faculty of Science and Technology 1171. 73 pp. Uppsala: Acta Universitatis Upsaliensis. ISBN 978-91-554-9019-5. Sensor networks consist of small sensing devices that collaboratively fulfill a sensing task, such as monitoring the soil in an agricultural field or measuring vital signs in a marathon runner. To avoid cumbersome and expensive cabling, nodes in a sensor network are powered by batteries and communicate wirelessly. As a consequence of the latter, a sensor network's communication is affected by its radio environment, i.e., the environment's propagation characteristics and the presence of other radio devices. This thesis addresses three issues related to the impact of the radio environment on sensor networks. Firstly, in order to draw conclusions from experimental results, it is necessary to assess how the environment and the experiment infrastructure affect the results. We design a sensor network testbed, dubbed Sensei-UU, to be easily relocatable. By performing an experiment in different environments, a researcher can asses the environments’ impact on results. We further augment Sensei-UU with support for mobile nodes. The implemented mobility approach adds only little variance to results, and therefore enables repeatable experiments with mobility. The repeatability of experiments increases the confidence in conclusions drawn from them. Secondly, sensor networks may experience poor communication performance due to crosstechnology radio interference, especially in office and residential environments. We consider the problem of detecting and classifying the type of interference a sensor network is exposed to. We find that different sources of interference each leave a characteristic "fingerprint" on individual, corrupt 802.15. 4 packets. We design and implement the SoNIC system that enables sensor nodes to classify interference using these fingerprints. SoNIC supports accurate classification in both a controlled and an uncontrolled environment. Finally, we consider transmission errors in an outdoor sensor network. In such an environment, errors occur despite the absence of interference if the signal-to-noise ratio at a receiver is too low. We study the characteristics of corrupt packets collected from an outdoor sensor network deployment. We find that content transformation in corrupt packets follows a specific pattern, and that most corrupt packets contain only few errors. We propose that the pattern may be useful for applications that can operate on inexact data, because it reduces the uncertainty associated with a corrupt packet.