Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Marginal land conversion to perennial energy crops with biomass removal enhances soil carbon sequestration

Marginal land conversion to perennial energy crops can provide biomass feedstocks and climate change mitigation. However, the effect of perennial energy crop cultivation on soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration and its underlying mechanism in marginal land still remains incomplete. Here, SOC turnover, stability, and its potential sequestration were evaluated based on 10 years of land use change from C3 grass‐dominated marginal land to C4 energy crops Miscanthus and switchgrass cultivation. The naturally occurring 13C signature down to 60 cm depth was used to determine the energy crops‐derived C. Compared to reference marginal land, Miscanthus plantation increased the SOC stock at 0–60 cm depth by 17.8% and 64.3% in bulk and root zone, respectively. Similarly, the SOC stock under switchgrass was also 16.5% and 93.0% higher in bulk and root zone than in reference marginal land, respectively. The higher SOC stock in the root zone of switchgrass relative to Miscanthus was supported by the higher contribution of C4‐derived C to SOC (44.5% vs. 32.4%). The mean residence time of old C was higher under switchgrass than Miscanthus in the bulk zone across 0–60 cm (p < 0.05) but remained the same at 0–20 cm in the root zone. Specific SOC mineralization and temperature sensitivity were lower in soils under Miscanthus and switchgrass compared to reference marginal land. The partial least squares path model revealed that perennial energy crop cultivation enhances soil C stock via increased C4‐derived C input and reduced mineralization. In conclusion, marginal land conversion to perennial energy crops is a win–win strategy for C sequestration to mitigate climate change and support the growing bioenergy sector with biomass supply.
Relationship Between COVID-19-related Factors and Self-management Behaviors in People with Type-2 Diabetes: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a risk factor for long-term complications and mortality in people with diabetes. Diabetes self-management can prevent the adverse effects of COVID-19. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the association between COVID-19-related personal, familial, and psychological factors and diabetes self-management. Methods: The research was conducted using the simple non-probability sampling method at the Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism of Iran University of Medical Sciences. A total of 102 people with type-2 diabetes participated in the study. Their inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of type-2 diabetes for at least one year, an age of 30 to 65 years, literacy, and no personal or family history of COVID-19 for the past two months. The Diabetes Self-management Questionnaire assessed the participants' self-management behaviors. Their personal and family data were recorded in a personal information form. The Diabetes Distress Scale and the Patient Health Questionnaire measured diabetes distress and depressive symptoms, respectively. COVID-19-related psychological factors were evaluated using the COVID-19-related Psychological Distress Scale, the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale, and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale. Results: The Pearson correlation test showed that the number of times one or their family members were infected or hospitalized due to COVID-19, diabetes distress, and depressive symptoms were negatively related to diabetes self-management. Doses of COVID-19 vaccine injection were also positively related to self-management and negatively correlated with depressive symptoms and diabetes distress (P < 0.05). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed diabetes regimen and interpersonal distress, COVID-19-related psychological distress, and the number of one's family members with chronic disease as the predictors of diabetes self-management (adjusted R2 = 96%, P < 0.001). Conclusions: People with diabetes can improve their participation in self-management activities by taking care of themselves and their families against COVID-19 and controlling negative emotions. COVID-19 vaccination can reduce the depressive symptoms and diabetes distress in people with type-2 diabetes and facilitate their participation in self-management.
A 33-GHz Very Small Array survey of the Galactic plane from l = 27{\deg} to 46{\deg}

The Very Small Array (VSA) has been used to survey the l = 27 to 46 deg, |b|<4 deg region of the Galactic plane at a resolution of 13 arcmin. The survey consists of 44 pointings of the VSA, each with a r.m.s. sensitivity of ~90 mJy/beam. These data are combined in a mosaic to produce a map of the area. The majority of the sources within the map are HII regions. We investigated anomalous radio emission from the warm dust in 9 HII regions of the survey by making spectra extending from GHz frequencies to the FIR IRAS frequencies. Acillary radio data at 1.4, 2.7, 4.85, 8.35, 10.55, 14.35 and 94 GHz in addition to the 100, 60, 25 and 12 micron IRAS bands were used to construct the spectra. From each spectrum the free-free, thermal dust and anomalous dust emission were determined for each HII region. The mean ratio of 33 GHz anomalous flux density to FIR 100 micron flux density for the 9 selected HII regions was 1.10 +/-0.21x10^(-4). When combined with 6 HII regions previously observed with the VSA and the CBI, the anomalous emission from warm dust in HII regions is detected with a 33 GHz emissivity of 4.65 +/- 0.4 micro K/ (MJy/sr) at 11.5{\sigma}. The anomalous radio emission in HII regions is on average 41+/-10 per cent of the radio continuum at 33 GHz.
Equal in effectiveness but not yet perception: smartphones and laptops for completing brief academic tasks

ABSTRACT Students frequently recruit digital devices to aid their academics. Past research has often focused on computers, with growing research on more mobile devices like tablets. Despite owning smartphones at high rates, little research has focused on college students’ use of smartphones for academics. In the present study, students were randomly assigned to use either their smartphone or laptop to complete six brief academic tasks. They then answered questions regarding perceptions of these devices for the research tasks as well as their more general experiences with, and perceptions of, such mobile devices in education. Results showed that smartphones and laptops were equally effective for completing the tasks, but student perceptions favored laptops over smartphones. Quantitative and qualitative data also suggested that, while students saw significant educational value in laptops, views on smartphones were mixed. That said, students also identified approaches where smartphones could be particularly useful for classroom activities. If implemented in ways that highlight their affordances, both laptops and smartphones can be effective educational tools allowing for diverse approaches in the classroom.
General Musical Self-Efficacy Scale: Adaptation and validation of a version in Spanish

This article presents the process of translation into Spanish, adaptation, and validation of the General Musical Self-Efficacy Scale by Ritchie and Williamon. After having carried out reverse translation and a preliminary study, the scale was tested on a sample of 668 students enrolled in six Spanish music academies (secondary school and university level). Our results corroborated the two original subscales: one for self-efficacy for learning (α = .792 and α = .734), and the other for self-efficacy for public performance (α = .773 and α = .780), after having removed one item in each subscale on the basis of internal consistency indicators and factorial analysis. The subscales we thereby obtained likewise presented good temporal stability (r = .513 and .539); they both correlated with performance anxiety (stage fright); both correlated more highly with the public performance subscale. Validation data signaled higher scores obtained by students enrolled in university-level music academies, by students who had started music training at an earlier age, for the boys at secondary level, and for the younger group of students at secondary level. To summarize, this version of the General Musical Self-Efficacy Scale is a valid, reliable tool for measuring self-efficacy in Spanish music students.
Palmer Amaranth Control by Glufosinate Depends on Application Time of Day

Glufosinate is used widely to control glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats.) in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Previous research has shown weed control with several herbicides, including glufosinate, can be affected by application time of day. The response sometimes has been attributed to diurnal leaf movement (leaf orientation) in the weeds. The objectives of our research were to determine the influence of time of day of glufosinate application on Palmer amaranth control and to determine if the response was related to diurnal leaf orientation. Field experiments in five states evaluated Palmer amaranth control with glufosinate applied at nine intervals ranging from 1 h before sunrise to 6 h after sunrise and nine intervals ranging from 6 h before sunset to 1 h after sunset. Greatest Palmer amaranth control was achieved with glufosinate applied 2 h after sunrise to 1 h before sunset. Ammonium sulfate, added only to glufosinate 1 h before sunrise or 1 h after sunset treatments, did not improve control. Leaf angles of Palmer amaranth and velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti L.) were determined in a greenhouse at 1 h before light, 2 h after light, mid-day, 2 h before dark, and 1 h after dark. Leaves of velvetleaf oriented downward during the dark periods but time of day had no effect on leaf orientation of Palmer amaranth. These results demonstrate the need for sunlight for optimum glufosinate efficacy on Palmer amaranth.
Bioimprinting as a Receptor for Detection of Kwakhurin

Bioimprinting was performed against ovalbumin (OVA) to confer its binding cavities for kwakhurin (Kwa), an isoflavonoid, produced solely by Pueraria candollei var. mirifica (P. candollei). The characterization of bioimprinted-OVA (biOVA), evaluated by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), revealed that it functioned as a specific receptor for Kwa. Using biOVA, two systems, i.e., an indirect competitive ELISA (icELISA) and the even simpler and more rapid competitive enzyme-linked bioimprinted-protein assay (cELBIA), were developed as novel techniques for the quantitative analysis of Kwa in P. candollei and its related products. The two analysis methods were found to have limits of detection (LOD) of 4.0 and 2.5 µg/mL, respectively. The high reliability of the developed icELISA and cELBIA using biOVA was also demonstrated by various validation analyses. Subsequently, bioimprinting was performed using eight other proteins to investigate them as candidate scaffolds for the generation of binding cavities for Kwa. Interestingly, two bioimprinted-IgG monoclonal antibodies (biMAbs) recognized Kwa, but their original binding affinity to hapten was lost. That is, the MAbs obtained a new binding ability to Kwa in exchange for their original binding affinity, raising the possibility that biMAb could be alternatively used as a probe for the quantitative analysis of Kwa as well as biOVA. This is the first report of small molecules recognition by MAbs used as proteins for bioimprinting.
Inter-Communal Relations in the Context of a Sectarian Society: Communal Fear Spawns Everyday Practices and Coping Mechanisms among the Maronites of Lebanon

Abstract This paper explores why the production of communal fear via demographic and political-economic factors can explain group behavior (here the Maronites of Lebanon) in diverse ethnic, religious and sectarian plural societies rather than a strict reliance on structural and instrumental explanations. It argues that communal fear, deeply entrenched in political, socioeconomic and anthropological interpretations of groups’ fertility rates, migration patterns, land ownership and shares of industry and agriculture inter alia, can explain Maronites’ everyday practices of preferring land purchases in certain (ethno-religiously defined-) areas, occupying specific jobs and dominating certain economic sectors. While we acknowledge the role of individual cognition—Lebanese citizens’ ability—in breaking away from the clutches of group thinking, we find that many pervasive political, economic and social factors reaffirm group solidarity in plural societies; thus rendering useful the concept of communal fear in explaining how members of groups adopt everyday practices to hedge against perceived risks.
Effect of Comorbidities on Inflammatory Bowel Disease-Related Colorectal Cancer: A Nationwide Inpatient Review

Introduction The risk of inflammatory bowel disease-associated colorectal cancer (IBD-CRC) is known to increase with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and a family history of CRC. However, the impact of comorbidities such as liver disease, obesity, diabetes, chronic lung, heart, and renal disease, and psychiatric illness on the risk of IBD-CRC remains unclear. We evaluated the effect of these comorbidities on the risk of IBD-CRC. Methods A retrospective review from 2009 to 2014 was conducted using the National Inpatient Sample data for adults 18 years and older. Patients with IBD (360,892), of whom 2,831 had CRC were identified using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes (ICD-9). Data on comorbidities were also obtained. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and confidence intervals (CI) were computed via logistic regression to evaluate the effect of comorbidities on the risk of IBD-CRC; the p-value was set at <0.05. Results The mean age of IBD patients in this study was 52.36±0.03. A majority of the patients with IBD-CRC were white and were significantly older compared to those without cancer (60 vs 52 years, p<0.05). The risk of colon cancer in IBD was increased by having a non-cholestatic liver disease (aOR 1.51, CI 1.23-1.86, p<0.01). Also, patients younger than 50 years with liver disease were at an increased risk of IBD-associated colon cancer in comparison to older patients (aOR 1.83 vs 1.34, p<0.05). Notably, diabetes, chronic pulmonary disease, renal failure, psychiatric illnesses, and rheumatoid diseases, were inversely associated with the risk of IBD-CRC (p<0.05). After stratifying by IBD subtypes, non-cholestatic liver disease was still independently associated with a higher risk for colon cancer in patients with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease (ulcerative colitis: aOR 1.43, CI 1.08-1.89; Crohn's disease: aOR 1.46, CI 1.10-2.00). Conclusions Patients with IBD who have non-cholestatic liver disease might have a higher risk for colon cancer, even at a younger age. These patients may require close colon cancer surveillance.
Oral Symptoms and Factors Associated with COVID-19: A Case-Control Study

Background and Aim: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a serious pandemic situation. Assessment of associated factors contributing to its severity is of clinical significance. This study assessed the factors associated with COVID-19 and its severity. Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, we assessed self-reports of 93 COVID-19 patients and 50 healthy controls regarding demographics, smoking habit, sinusitis, rhinoplasty or tonsillectomy history, xerostomia, dysosmia, dysgeusia, taste disturbances (metallic taste and foul taste), and bleeding or inflammation in the oral cavity. Further admission to ICU or death were recorded later. We also assessed the patients’ laboratory tests including WBC, neutrophils, lymphocytes, basophils, eosinophils, C reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) at the time of admission. Diagnosis of patients was based on clinical assessments, Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and chest computed tomography (CT) scan results. Healthy controls had no flu like signs and symptoms in the past 1 month prior to the study. Associations between the abovementioned factors and disease, and disease severity were analyzed by the Chi-square test, independent-sample t-test, one-sample t-test, and Spearman’s correlation coefficient (α=0.05). Results: Variables with statistically significant associations with COVID-19 included smoking (P=0.004), xerostomia (P=0.000), dysgeusia (P=0.000), dysosmia (P=0.000), and taste disturbances (P=0.000). CRP (P=0.000), ESR (P=0.000), and neutrophil percentage (P=0.000) were also elevated in patients. Eosinophil (P=0.000) and basophil percentages (P=0.016) were lower than normal range in patients. Age was associated with death (P=0.010) and ICU admission (P=0.009). Conclusion: Xerostomia, dysgeusia, dysosmia, and taste disturbances can be early markers of COVID-19. Older ages are prone to more severe forms of disease.
Links between dwarf and classical novae, and implications for the space densities and evolution of cataclysmic binaries

The effects of mass and angular momentum losses during a nova eruption are investigated by simulation in the context of a new nova evolution model. It is argued that surveys for cataclysmic variables (CVs) are very incomplete and that the local space density of CVs could well be 0.0001/cu pc. It is shown that the competing effets of mass and angular momentum loss usually increase the separation of a red and white dwarf during a nova eruption. The reasons why old novae remain bright for about a century after eruption and why they reduce the mass transfer rate (MTR) and eventually go into a state of hibernation for a thousand to a million years, eventually reviving as dwarf novae or novalike variables, are discussed. The results of these simulations are used to demonstrate the consistency of variable MTR in resolving the MTR discrepancy. 43 references.
Utilization of Traditional Korean Medicine Services by the Older Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

Korean healthcare service is divided into conventional medicine and traditional Korean medicine (TKM). This cross-sectional study compared the older population (65 years and older) with two groups of the general population (19–50 years and 51–64 years) to understand the current patterns in the use of TKM services by the older population. Using data from the 2017 National Survey of TKM Usage, we analyzed the main purpose and diseases or symptoms for TKM use, the reason for choosing TKM over other types of medicine, and the treatments provided. Both age groups sought TKM services to “[treat] a disease”. The top five diseases and symptoms in the older adult (65 and older) group were musculoskeletal and are as follows: arthritis and joint diseases (37.8%, n = 166), disc-related diseases (25.5%, n = 112), back pain (8.4%, n = 37), frozen shoulder and shoulder pain (7.7%, n = 34), and sprain (5.9%, n = 26). The most frequently used treatments for these diseases were acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, and physiotherapy. The present study suggests that older adults primarily used TKM clinics for the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases. Further studies are necessary to assess the clinical effectiveness of conventional medicine versus TKM versus a combination of both in treating musculoskeletal disorders.
Investigation of Annual Lake Water Levels and Water Volumes with Şen Innovation and Mann-Kendall Rank Correlation Trend Tests: Example of Lake Eğirdir, Turkey

Lakes are the most important freshwater resources for humans. It is stated that together with population growth, unplanned urbanization, excessive water consumption, industrialization, and unconscious irrigation, global climate change causes changes in the water levels and volumes of lakes. Lake Eğirdir in Turkey, which is important in terms of drinking and irrigation water use, was chosen as the study area. Lake Eğirdir water level (LWL) and water volume (LWV) values measured between 1988–2019 were used. Dependencies in the annual LWL and LWV were examined by autocorrelation analysis, and trend changes were examined by regression analysis, the Mann-Kendall rank correlation test, and the Şen innovation trend test. The research has shown a significant decrease since 2000 in LWL and since 1990 in LWV. The LWL has decreased by −1.272 to −3.514 m and the LWV has decreased by −72.980 to −1082.134 hm3 in approximately 32 years. The actions to be taken based on the values determined in this study will help protect the water resources of lakes. As a result of the tests used in our study, it was determined that there were decreases in both the water level and the volume of the lake. The climatic changes in the lake basin and the decrease in the water resources feeding the lake are shown as the biggest factor in these reductions.
Multiscale modeling of brain network organization

A complete understanding of the brain requires an integrated description of the numerous scales of neural organization. It means studying the interplay of genes, synapses, and even whole brain regions which ultimately leads to different types of behavior, from perception to action, while asleep or awake. Yet, multiscale brain modeling is challenging, in part because of the difficulty to access simultaneously to information from multiple spatiotemporal scales. While some insights have been gained on the role of specific microcircuits (e.g., thalamocortical), a comprehensive characterization of how changes occurring at one scale can have an impact on other ones, remains poorly understood. Recent efforts to address this gap include the development of new analytical tools mostly adapted from network science and dynamical systems theory. These theoretical contributions provide a powerful framework to analyze and model interconnected complex systems exhibiting interactions within and between different scales, or layers. Here, we present recent advances for the characterization of the multiscale brain organization in terms of structure-function, oscillation frequencies and temporal evolution. Efforts are reviewed on the multilayer network properties underlying higher-order organization of neuronal assemblies, as well as on the identification of multimodal network-based biomarkers of brain pathologies, such as Alzheimer's disease. We conclude this Colloquium with a perspective discussion on how recent results from multilayer network theory, involving generative modeling, controllability and machine learning, could be adopted to address new questions in modern neuroscience.