Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Snowmelt Infiltration into Alpine Soils Visualized by Dye Tracer Technique

Abstract Snowmelt infiltration into alpine soils can be severely reduced and even impeded by soil frost. In order to learn more about the true nature of infiltration pathways into alpine soils, dye tracer experiments were set up at 2 locations in southern Switzerland: at Hannigalp (2100 m) and at Gd St Bernard. Over the course of two winters (2000–2001 and 2001–2002) we excavated vertical soil profiles during snowmelt to examine the distribution of a dye tracer (Brilliant Blue FCF) that had been applied on the surface of a 7-m2 plot at the beginning of the winter. Soil conditions varied between the winters, with the soils remaining unfrozen during the first and a significant frozen layer forming during the second. With this method the dominant infiltration processes at these 2 sites were identified. During the first winter the water infiltration at Hannigalp showed a pronounced preferential behavior, whereas at Gd St Bernard we found a more homogeneous front-like infiltration. During the second winter the impeding impact of the frozen soil was clearly seen at the Hannigalp site—however, only in the first stage of the snowmelt. More decisive for the formation of lateral surface runoff was the buildup of an ice layer on the soil surface due to melting and refreezing. Cold-chamber experiments, in which intact soil columns were irrigated with a dye tracer and a fluorescent tracer solution, confirmed our in situ observations with regard to heterogeneity and soil frost effect on the infiltration pattern. Our study showed that both tracers can be applied to frozen soil in the laboratory, whereas at the remote alpine locations only the dye tracer method was applicable.
Quality problems in raw material of olive oil mills and marketing channels: case of Turkey

Most of the olive oil mills exist in Izmir, in Turkey. The aim of this study is to determine the quality problems of the olive and olive oil, and to suggest some solutions regarding the problems. 41.7% of mills’ managers stated that they had some problems about olive quality. Percentage and likert scale were used for analyzing the data. Refined olive oil factories and middle scaled olive oil factories have an important role in the marketing channel. 70% of the yield is delivered to these factories. The second important factor in the marketing channel is the bulk suppliers (20%). The bulk suppliers give almost all the yield to the middle and large sized factory. The rest (10%) is constituted of the self consumption of the farmers.
European Conference on Information Systems ( ECIS ) 2007 IT Portfolio Management : A Framework for Making Strategic IT Investment Decisions

IT spending has been recognised as representing a large percentage of the budget for organisations. Research has shown that significant value can be derived from IT investments if organisations actively and effectively manage their IT investments using a portfolio management approach. The goal of this paper is to contribute to the understanding of how IT portfolio management affects strategic IT investment decision making. First, an IT Portfolio Management Maturity Index is developed so that IS managers can readily assess the level of maturity of their organisation’s IT portfolio management. Second, a structural model is presented to examine the influence of IT portfolio management on decision rationality and organisational political behaviour. Next, we examine how these two outcomes of IT portfolio management impact firm performance. The proposed framework can be used as a benchmark for managers to understand how to allocate IT resources most effectively. It also serves as a foundation for further research in IT portfolio Management and other IT governance mechanisms.
Precocious Puberty: Types, Pathogenesis and Updated Management

Precocious puberty (PP) means the appearance of secondary sexual characters before the age of eight years in girls and nine years in boys. Puberty is indicated in girls by the enlargement of the breasts (thelarche) in girls and in boys by the enlargement of the testes in either volume or length (testicular volume = 4 mL, testicular length = 25 mm, or both). Two types of PP are recognized - namely central PP (CPP) and peripheral PP (PPP). This paper aims to describe the clinical findings and laboratory workup of PP and to illustrate the new trends in the management of precocious sexual maturation. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-independent type (PPP) refers to the development of early pubertal maturation not related to the central activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. It is classified into genetic or acquired disorders. The most common forms of congenital or genetic causes involve McCune-Albright syndrome (MAS), familial male-limited PP, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia. The acquired causes include exogenous exposure to androgens, functioning tumors or cysts, and the pseudo-PP of profound primary hypothyroidism. On the other hand, CPP is the most common and it is a gonadotropin-dependent form. It is due to premature maturation of the HPG axis. CPP may occur as genetic alterations, such as MKRN3, DLK1, or KISS1;as a part of mutations in the epigenetic factors that regulate the HPG axis, such as Lin28b and let-7; or as a part of syndromes, central lesions such as hypothalamic hamartoma, and others. A full, detailed history and physical examination should be taken. Furthermore, several investigations should be conducted for both types of PP, including the estimation of serum gonadotropins such as luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones and sex steroids, in addition to a radiographic workup and thyroid function tests. Treatment depends on the type of PP: Long-acting GnRHa, either intramuscularly or implanted, is the norm of care for CPP management, while in PPP, especially in congenital adrenal hyperplasia, the goal of management is to suppress adrenal androgen secretion by glucocorticoids. In addition, anastrozole and letrozole - third-generation aromatase inhibitors - are more potent for MAS.
Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses to SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccination in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: An Israeli Multi-Center Experience Following 3 Vaccine Doses

Background Immunomodulatory/immunosuppressive activity of multiple sclerosis (MS) disease modifying therapies (DMTs) might affect immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 exposure or vaccination in patients with MS (PwMS). We evaluated the effect of DMTs on humoral and cell-mediated immune responses to 2 and 3 vaccinations and the longevity of SARS-Cov-2 IgG levels in PwMS. Methods 522 PwMS and 68 healthy controls vaccinated with BNT162b2-Pfizer mRNA vaccine against SARS-CoV-2, or recovering from COVID-19, were recruited in a nation-wide multi-center study. Blood was collected at 3 time-points: 2-16 weeks and ~6 months post 2nd vaccination and 1-16 weeks following 3rd vaccination. Serological responses were measured by quantifying IgG levels against the spike-receptor-binding-domain of SARS-CoV-2, and cellular responses (in a subgroup analysis) by quantifying IFNγ secretion in blood incubated with COVID-19 spike-antigen. Results 75% PwMS were seropositive post 2nd or 3rd vaccination. IgG levels decreased by 82% within 6 months from vaccination (p<0.0001), but were boosted 10.3 fold by the 3rd vaccination (p<0.0001), and 1.8 fold compared to ≤3m post 2nd vaccination (p=0.025). Patients treated with most DMTs were seropositive post 2nd and 3rd vaccinations, however only 38% and 44% of ocrelizumab-treated patients and 54% and 46% of fingolimod-treated patients, respectively, were seropositive. Similarly, in COVID-19-recovered patients only 54% of ocrelizumab-treated, 75% of fingolimod-treated and 67% of cladribine-treated patients were seropositive. A time interval of ≥5 months between ocrelizumab infusion and vaccination was associated with higher IgG levels (p=0.039 post-2nd vaccination; p=0.036 post-3rd vaccination), and with higher proportions of seropositive patients. Most fingolimod- and ocrelizumab-treated patients responded similarly to 2nd and 3rd vaccination. IFNγ-T-cell responses were detected in 89% and 63% of PwMS post 2nd and 3rd vaccination, however in only 25% and 0% of fingolimod-treated patients, while in 100% and 86% of ocrelizumab-treated patients, respectively. Conclusion PwMS treated with most DMTs developed humoral and T-cell responses following 2 and 3 mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations. Fingolimod- or ocrelizumab-treated patients had diminished humoral responses, and fingolimod compromised the cellular responses, with no improvement after a 3rd booster. Vaccination following >5 months since ocrelizumab infusion was associated with better sero-positivity. These findings may contribute to the development of treatment-stratified vaccination guidelines for PwMS.
Spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris) resting habitat in Samadai Reef (Egypt, Red Sea) protected through tourism management

The daily presence of spinner dolphins, Stenella longirostris, inside a small reef offshore the Red Sea coast of southern Egypt was monitored from January 2004 to January 2006. Observations indicated marked seasonal and daily variations in the use of the reef as a resting and socializing area by the dolphins, consistent during the two years of monitoring. Overall, the mean number of dolphins present in the reef at any day was 39.2 (SD ¼ 39.34, range 0–210), with the lowest presence in February to April and the highest in June. Similar to other populations of this species in other oceans, dolphins entered the reef between daybreak and mid-morning, and started exiting during the afternoon hours. Although calves were seen in all seasons, a sharp peak was observed in June. Monitoring data provided indications relevant to governmental management efforts, which were implemented in 2004 to ensure that the dolphins could continue using the reef for their resting needs while a sustainable, respectful tourist activity is allowed in a designated zone of the reef adjacent to the dolphins’ core habitat.
Population and evolutionary dynamics in spatial systems

Physical and mathematical models are extremely useful to understand key processes in population and evolutionary dynamics. Such models allow the study of many diverse features in spatial systems such as front propagation, the evolution of the population number density, interactions between species (or individuals), the evolution of strategies, etc. This thesis is devoted to several physical models describing spatial systems. The first model focuses on the effects of the population structure in two-dimensional invasive fronts. An expression for the front speed is derived from the equations for structured populations. The second model is devoted to the study of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus infections. In this case, reaction-diffusion equations are used to describe the interactions between uninfected cells, infected cells and virus populations. In the last model, the Prisoner's Dilemma game is used to study the evolution of cooperation and defection strategies
Evaluation of cultivars of strawberry, a temperate fruit for its adaptability as well as productivity in sub-tropical agro-climatic condition of Supaul district in Bihar.

HIND AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND TRAINING INSTITUTE ABSTRACT : The findings of a field trial conducted in 2012-13 and 2013-14 to assess different cultivars of strawberry in Supaul district of Bihar revealed that short day cultivars were more tolerant to insect pests than day neutral cultivars, particularly in later stage of fruit development leading to record higher yield. It was also revealed that a suitable micro-climate was required for optimum plant growth, higher crop yield and the best quality fruits. Festival was found to be the best performing variety in respect of weight per fruit, yield and marketable fruit quality having maximum growth, plant height (21.34cm), flowering duration (60.09 days), fruiting duration (55.62 days) and yield (15.26 tons/ha).
Diagnostic Dilemmas: Overlapping Features of Brugada Syndrome and Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) and Brugada syndrome are distinct clinical entities which diagnostic criteria exclude their coexistence in individual patients. ARVC is a myocardial disorder characterized by fibro-fatty replacement of the myocardium and ventricular arrhythmias. In contrast, the Brugada syndrome has long been considered a functional cardiac disorder: no gross structural abnormalities can be identified in the majority of patients and its electrocardiographic hallmark of coved-type ST-segment elevation in right precordial leads is dynamic. Nonetheless, a remarkable overlap in clinical features has been demonstrated between these conditions. This review focuses on this overlap and discusses its potential causes and consequences.
Sound weed management options for sustainable crop production.

An investigation was carried out to evaluate the performance of different weed management options regarding effective weed control, yield and yield contributing characters of three popular BRRI (Bangladesh Rice Research Institute) released aman varieties (BRRI dhan39, BRRI dhan49 and BR11) having different growth duration in the year of 2008 and 2009 at Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, regional station, Rajshahi. Weed management options were pre (Pretilachlor) and post emergence (Pyrozosulfuran-ethyl) herbicide, BRRI weeder, hand weeding (three times), pre and post emergence herbicide along with one supplement hand weeding and control (no weeding). Weed dry matter was significantly highest in control plot
Hardware Implementation of Convolutional Neural Network Based on Systolic Matrix Multiplier

In this paper, we consider possibility of using matrix multipliers in hardware implementation of convolutional neural networks. Literature review has been conducted, existing matrix multiplication methods and their hardware implementations has been analyzed. Systolic algorithm for matrix multiplication (SMM) based on divide-and-conquer approach is proposed. This algorithm has been implemented as parameterized generator of hardware descriptions. Its positive and negative aspects are identified. Main difficulties of preparing feature maps for matrix multiplication are analyzed. Comparative analysis of hardware implementations of MobileNet neural network has been carried out for implementations based on convolutional blocks and implementations based on systolic matrix multiplier. A combined method is proposed that has the advantages of both approaches.
Would Adopting the Australian Dollar Provide Superior Monetary Policy in New Zealand?

Counterfactual experiments with the Reserve Bank of New Zealand's core model provide some insight into the implications for New Zealand's economic performance over the 1990s, had it credibly fixed its currency to the Australian dollar. If New Zealand had faced the relatively more stimulatory Australian monetary conditions prevailing over the 1990s, then output growth may have been temporarily boosted. However, demand pressures would have probably been greater and inflation higher. In particular, results suggest that over the latter part of the 1990s annual inflation would have been around 1 percentage point higher on average. Stochastic simulation experiments provide a vehicle to analyse what the implications of currency union might be more generally. Results suggest that if New Zealand were to lose its ability to set monetary policy independently, then the variability of inflation and output would increase over the business cycle.
Would Adopting the Australian Dollar Provide Superior Monetary Policy in New Zealand?

Counterfactual experiments with the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s core model provide some insight into the implications for New Zealand’s economic performance over the 1990s, had it credibly fixed its currency to the Australian dollar. If New Zealand had faced the relatively more stimulatory Australian monetary conditions prevailing over the 1990s, then output growth may have been temporarily boosted. However, demand pressures would have probably been greater and inflation higher. In particular, results suggest that over the latter part of the 1990s annual inflation would have been around 1 percentage point higher on average. Stochastic simulation experiments provide a vehicle to analyse what the implications of currency union might be more generally. Results suggest that if New Zealand were to lose its ability to set monetary policy independently, then the variability of inflation and output would increase over the business cycle. 1 Aaron Drew: OECD, Paris, France. Viv Hall: School of Economics and Finance, Victoria University of Wellington. Corresponding author: Viv Hall, Email: viv.hall@vuw.ac. nz We would like to thank David Archer, Arthur Grimes, and colleagues at the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, for valuable comments and suggestions. The views expressed in the paper are those of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect those of the OECD or the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. © Reserve Bank of New Zealand
Interferon-alpha: a key factor in autoimmune disease?

PURPOSE Interferon (IFN)-alpha is an effective drug for treatment of uveitis in Behçet's disease. This study was undertaken to investigate the mechanism of action of IFN-alpha in the treatment of various types of noninfectious sight-threatening uveitis. METHODS Eleven patients with refractory uveitis, and 13 healthy individuals were enrolled. The number of circulating plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) and their capacity to produce IFN-alpha in culture on stimulation with synthetic oligodinucleotides containing the CpG-motif were studied. Peripheral blood CD4+ T-cell phenotype and activation status were evaluated by flow cytometry at 0, 2, and 8 weeks after treatment for expression of CD69, CD62L, chemokine receptors (CCR4, CXCR3, and CCR5), and intracellular cytokines (TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, and IL-10). RESULTS All patients experienced a positive clinical response to IFN-alpha treatment. There was no significant difference between patients and control subjects in the number of circulating pDCs, but there was a significant decrease in the capability of patients' pDCs to produce IFN-alpha in response to CpG (P < 0.001). Peripheral blood CD4+ T cells expressed reduced levels of surface CD62L (P < 0.005) as a measure of activation and higher levels of chemokine receptors CXCR3, CCR4, and CCR5 (P < 0.005, P < 0.05, and P < 0.05, respectively); in addition, intracellular T-cell IL-10 levels were increased once the treatment was initiated (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS The data suggest that IFN-alpha may control uveitis by promoting induction of IL-10-producing T-cells, possibly T-regulatory cells. Dysregulation of the T-cell population in patients with uveitis may be associated with a defect in the pDCs' ability to produce IFN-alpha, which can be circumvented with administration of exogenous IFN-alpha.
Gaseous composition of smoke samples obtained at a tropical peatland fire

Tropical peatland in Indonesia is one of the most important atmospheric carbon sources due to rapid peat decomposition and frequent wildfire. To obtain a basic data to evaluate the influence of fire on carbon and greenhouse gas release from peatland, gaseous composition of smoke samples were analysed. The concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) were determined and compared with each other. The concentrations of CO and CH4 were highly correlated to that of CO2. The ratio of CO2 : CO : CH4 = 1.0 : 0.38 : 0.026. The concentrations of CO2 and N2O also had a high correlation, showing a slightly different trend from the other two gases.
Geochemistry of Ferrar Dolerite sills and dykes at Terra Cotta Mountain, south Victoria Land, Antarctica

At Terra Cotta Mountain, in the Taylor Glacier region of south Victoria Land, a 237 m thick Ferrar Dolerite sill is intruded along the unconformity between basement granitoids and overlying Beacon Supergroup sedimentary rocks. Numerous Ferrar Dolerite dykes intrude the Beacon Supergroup and represent later phases of intrusion. Major and trace element data indicate variation both within and between the separate intrusions. Crystal fractionation accounts for much of the geochemical variation between the intrusive events. However, poor correlations between many trace elements require the additional involvement of open system processes. Chromium is decoupled from highly incompatible elements consistent with behaviour predicted for a periodically replenished, tapped and fractionating magma chamber. Large ion lithophile element-enrichment and depletion in Nb, Sr, P and Ti suggests the addition of a crustal component or an enriched mantle source. The trace element characteristics of the Dolerites from Terra Cotta Mountain are similar to those of other Ferrar Group rocks from the central Transantarctic Mountains and north Victoria Land, as well as with the Tasmanian Dolerites. This supports current ideas that the trace element signature of the Ferrar Group is inherited from a uniformly enriched mantle source region.
Plant growth-form and climate controls on production and decomposition in northern peatlands

Sphagnum mosses form a major component of northern peatlands, which are expected to experience substantially higher increases in temperature and winter precipitation than the global average. Sphagnum may play an important role in the responses of the global carbon cycle to climate change. We investigated the responses of summer length growth, carpet structure and production in Sphagnum fuscum to experimentally induced changes in climate in a sub-arctic bog. Thereto, we used open-top chambers (OTCs) to create six climate scenarios including changes in summer temperatures, and changes in winter snow cover and spring temperatures. In winter the OTCs doubled the snow thickness, resulting in 0.5-2.8 °C higher average air temperatures. Spring air temperatures in OTCs increased by 1.0 °C. Summer warming had a maximum effect of 0.9 °C, while vapor pressure deficit was not affected. The climate manipulations had strong effects on S. fuscum. Summer warming enhanced the length increment by 42-62 %, whereas bulk density decreased.