Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Carbon Isotopic Fractionation of Alkenones and Gephyrocapsa Coccoliths Over the Late Quaternary (Marine Isotope Stages 12–9) Glacial‐Interglacial Cycles at the Western Tropical Atlantic

The sensitivity of coccolithophores to changing CO2 and its role modulating cellular photosynthetic carbon isotopic fractionation (εp) is crucial to understand the future adaptation of these organisms to higher CO2 world and to assess the reliability of εp for past CO2 estimation. Here, we present εp measured on natural fossil samples across the glacial‐interglacial (G‐I) CO2 variations of marine isotope stages 12 to 9 interval (454–334 ka) at the western tropical Atlantic Ocean Drilling Program Site 925 together with a set of organic and inorganic geochemical, micropaleontological and morphometrical data from Gephyrocapsa coccoliths in the same samples. The ∼2‰ variation in εp is significantly correlated with the CO2[aq] concentrations calculated from assumption of air‐sea equilibrium with measured ice core pCO2 concentrations. The sensitivity of εp to CO2[aq] is similar to that derived from a multiple regression model of culture observations and is not well simulated with the classical purely diffusive model of algal CO2 acquisition. The measured range of Gephyrocapsa cell sizes is insufficient to explain the non‐CO2 effects on εp at this location, via either direct size effect or growth rate correlated to cell size. Primary productivity, potentially triggered by shifting growth rates and light levels, may also affect εp. Proposed productivity proxies % Florisphaera profunda and the ratio between the C37 to C38.et alkenone (C37/C38.et ratio) both correlates modestly with the non‐CO2 effects on εp. When the observed G‐I εp to CO2 sensitivity at this site is used to estimate pCO2 from εp since the Miocene, the inferred pCO2 declines are larger in amplitude compared to that calculated from a theoretical εp diffusive model. We find that oxygen and carbon stable isotope vital effects in the near monogeneric‐separated Gephyrocapsa coccoliths (respectively Δδ18OGephyrocapsa–Trilobatus sacculifer and εcoccolith) are coupled through the time series, but the origins of these vital effects are not readily explained by existing models.
Transformation of tourism and hospitality customers’ perception of risk and customers’ needs for control

Although tourism and hospitality have transformed to be much safer activities compared with the past with the developments in transportation and information technologies, they still involve many risks. This review paper explains and discusses the influence of the perception of risk on consumer behaviour in tourism and hospitality and strategies that can be used to reduce consumers’ risk perceptions. As eliminating or reducing consumers' risk perceptions help tourism and hospitality businesses attract more customers and maintain them, understanding concepts of risk and control may enable tourism and hospitality businesses to establish competitive advantage over their competitors. With this background in mind, the study introduces the concept of risk and the types of risks that may be associated with tourism and hospitality activities. The study also explains factors such as personality, personal characteristics which may influence customers' risk perceptions, and how these influences may take place in various contexts. Then, the study explains the theory of control and types of control which may be used to reduce consumers’ risk perceptions.
Vegetation survey of the Khomas Hochland in central-western Namibia: syntaxonomical descriptions

Background: The Great Escarpment of southern Africa takes the form of an extended mountainous highland in central-western Namibia, commonly referred to as the ‘Khomas Hochland’. It is regarded as an area of high botanical diversity. Yet only few localised studies on the vegetation composition are available. The Khomas Hochland is formed on the southern part of the Damara Orogen and dominated by metamorphosed sediments. Climatically it forms a transition between the hot desert of the Namib and the slightly cooler hot steppe in the inland.Objectives: To classify and provide syntaxonomical descriptions of the vegetation of the Khomas Hochland.Methods: A dataset comprising 1151 relevés and 914 species was compiled from various surveys, mostly collected under, and to the standards of, the umbrella project ‘Vegetation Survey of Namibia’. For first classifications, the data set was reduced to a synusial set consisting of trees, shrubs, dwarf shrubs and grasses only.Results: The classification resulted in four major landscape units, being the Pre-Namib and Escarpment zone, the Khomas Hochland proper, riverine habitats as well as surrounding lowlands. The classification was further refined using Cocktail procedures to produce 30 associations, one with four sub-associations. These are described in this paper.Conclusion: A classification of synoptic data grouped the associations into five orders and one undefined cluster of associations on specialised desert habitats. Four of these orders correspond to the habitat types identified in the first classification. The fifth order, the Senegalio hereroensis–Tarchonanthoetalia camphorathi, represents high mountains of the central Khomas Hochland, which link biogeographically to the grassland biome in South Africa.
Numerical Investigation of Residual Displacement of Rocking Self-Centering Columns Under Cyclic Loading

Well-designed rocking self-centering (RSC) columns are capable of achieving small residual displacement. However, few studies conducted the quantitative analysis for the residual displacement of RSC columns. The residual displacement is the product of the struggle between the self-centering (SC) capacity and the energy dissipation (ED) capacity. In this study, a SC factor and an ED parameter were defined to reflect the SC and ED capacity of the RSC column, respectively. The influence of eight common design parameters on the SC factor and the ED parameter was explored using factorial analysis. Parametric analysis was performed to investigate the tendency of the SC factor and the ED parameter with the increase of maximum drift. According to the results of the parametric analysis, the effect of the SC factor and the ED parameter on the distribution of the residual drift was researched statistically. A simplified formula was proposed to calculate the upper limit of the residual drift. What is more, a set of predictive regression formulas was established to estimate the actual residual drift, these regression formulas have an applicable condition that the ED parameter should be larger than 0.75. When the ED parameter was less than 0.75, the residual drift is approximate to zero.
Leveraging Gynura procumbens (Lour.) Merr. response to drought and climate change in tropical country on plant productivity in backyard

Food is a primary requirement and source of life, which is important as it nourishes the body and sustaining the very existences of humans. It is found to be increasing by number of calories from 2441 kcal in 1970 to 2,950 kcal in 2015, and projected to be 3,040 kcal per capita in 2030. The calories increment is determined from different types of food, including vegetables. This study aims to leverage Gynura procumbens response to drought and climate change in tropical country, on plant productivity in backyard. The cultivation of Gynura procumbens was carried out experimentally with 4 different treatments for 6 months. The plant showed preference for microclimate conditions, such as soil moisture that varies between 70-90%, light intensity ranging from 128, and a temperature range of 31-32 °C. However, it was found that Gynura procumbens still survive in microclimate conditions above or below its preference.
Physics Teacher Retention, Migration, and Attrition

ABSTRACT The issue of science teacher turnover has been examined in many national studies, yet most educational policies related to teacher preparation and student performance are determined at the state level. There has been a lack of research that explores this issue in specific science domains. The present nonexperimental longitudinal study examined physics teacher retention, attrition, and migration patterns over a five-year period from 2012 to 2017 in the case of New York State. The theoretical framework is based upon theories of teacher retention, attrition, and migration, specifically with regard to teacher preparation, organizational culture, and student performance in physics. The sample included 1472 teachers, 105 of whom retired from the profession. Of the remaining 1367 physics teachers, 78.3% (n = 1070) were retained in their schools, 13.2% (n = 181) left public school teaching all together preretirement, and 8.5% (n = 116) migrated to work in other school districts. Multinomial logistic regression determined physics teacher attrition was predicted by years of teaching experience (professional age), school-level socioeconomic status, school locale, and course load taught in physics. A significant interaction between professional age and urban locale suggested novice teachers in urban schools were particularly vulnerable. Physics teacher migration was predicted by professional age and school-level socioeconomic status. Of the novice teachers who migrated to other schools, approximately one-third left urban and rural schools to work in suburban schools while most of the others migrated to similar locales. Implications for the support and preparation of novice physics teachers, particularly those who work in high need schools, are discussed.
Government Size and Corruption: A Non-linear Analysis in the Case of EMCCA

This article analyzes the relationship between Government size and corruption. Unlike the works in the way which suppose a linear relationship between the two variables, we estimate a panel with change of the modes to characterize the impact of the size of the Central Government on corruption, in the countries of the economic community and monetary of Central Africa (EMCCA). The results show that there is a non-linear relationship between these two variables. Indeed, a strong involvement of the Government in economic activity results in a significant increase in corruption when the Government exceeds a size of 13.5508% of the GDP.
Evolution of surface topography and optical band gap of ZnO film deposited on NiO/Si(100)

Evolution of surface features and optical band gap of ZnO thin films deposited on different NiO/Si(100) are reported. In order to create different initial microstructure, we first deposited NiO film on Si(100) at 3 different temperatures (400°C, 650°C, and 700°C) by pulsed laser deposition. These NiO/Si(100) films are used as substrate for the deposition of ZnO films. Combining the results obtained from grazing incidence X‐ray diffraction, atomic force microscope, and UV‐Visible characterization, our study indicated that the microstructure of the substrate takes the important role in dictating properties of the film. Our study also indicated that one needs to choose appropriate synthesis condition to achieve good quality ZnO films.
Investigating the relevance of the traditional marketing mix across different stages of change: Empirical evidence from household recycling

Purpose This study aims to provide empirical evidence and a different perspective on the relevance of the traditional marketing mix in social marketing programmes. This is a response to the ongoing debate about the (in)compatibility of the traditional marketing mix (the 4Ps) in the field of social marketing. In doing so, this study examines the important role that the stages of behaviour change play in influencing the effectiveness of traditional marketing mix elements in the context of recycling in South African households. Design/methodology/approach This study follows a quantitative method, relying on a survey of 699 heads of households in South Africa. Multigroup analysis and structural equation modelling were applied to test the impact of stages of changes on the potential effect of marketing mix elements on the intention to recycle household waste. Findings The results established that although the traditional marketing mix elements have a marginal effect on the intention to recycle household waste, further analyses revealed that this impact of the marketing mix is contingent on the stage of change in which the target audience is found. Thus, the findings indicated that the marketing mix elements significantly influence the intention to recycle when the target audience is at the contemplation and preparation phases. Originality/value Whilst both critics and proponents of the adoption of the traditional marketing mix in social marketing initiatives have provided relevant arguments, the debate had remained largely theoretical. This study discusses the limitations of the traditional marketing mix in behaviour change programmes and the need for a segmented approach based on the stages of behaviour change when using the 4Ps. However, given the hegemony of the 4Ps in the social marketing literature, this study sheds light on the appropriate “Ps” to activate to influence recycling behavioural intention at different stages of change.
Hierarchical NiCo/NiO/NiCo2O4 composite formation by solvothermal reaction as a potential electrode material for hydrogen evolutions and asymmetric supercapacitors

Electrochemical energy storage and conversion mechanisms are highly viable routes in the current scenario, and hence supercapacitor and electrolysis of water splitting have gained significant attention in recent times. Thus, transition metal nickel cobalt oxides are widely inspected as promising electrode materials for electrocatalysis and supercapacitors. However, the pure NiCo2O4 was highly hindered by its widespread uses due to low electronic conductivity and deficient active edges. This study is aimed to fabricate the NiCo/NiO/NiCo2O4 composite using a solvothermal process with different ratios of solvents. The inherent NiCo/NiO/NiCo2O4 composite holds plentiful active edges and improved electrical conductivity than the pure. Interestingly, the electrocatalytic results revealed that the NiCo/NiO/NiCo2O4 (NC) composite prepared by a solvent ratio of (double distilled water (DDW) to N, N‐Dimethylformamide (DMF)) 2:1 (NC1) displayed the small overpotentials of 144 and 142 mV to realize 10 mA cm−2 with the robust durability during a 24 hours hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) test in the acid and alkaline electrolyte, respectively. Moreover, the designed NC1 composite as a supercapacitor electrode exhibited considerable capacitance of 638 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1. In comparison, the analog DDW to DMF ratio 1:1 (NC2) and 1:2 (NC3) structures showed 514 F g−1 and 415 F g−1, respectively. Further, a dual‐electrode device was fabricated using the NC1 composite and activated carbon, exhibited an energy density of 28.14 W h kg−1 at 414.45 W kg−1 power density with excellent device stability (89.4%) for 10 000 charge/discharge cycles.
Perceived consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and childbearing intentions in Poland

Objective: We aim to investigate how the perceived consequences of COVID-19 affect people's childbearing intentions in Poland. Background: With the pandemic having an impact on virtually all spheres of people's lives, some evidence already exists that it will lead to fertility postponement, as people are reluctant to make their reproductive choices in such uncertain times. Method: We analyse a nationally representative sample of 1000 respondents aged 18-49. In the sample, 234 respondents declared that they had intended to have a child before the outbreak of the pandemic and about 20% of them stated having postponed or foregone their intention because of COVID-19. We perform logistic regression analyses to verify which perceived consequences of the pandemic are most decisive for this choice. We supplement our analyses with insights from qualitative, open-ended question on the effects of the pandemic. Results: We find that people’s decision to postpone childbearing is related to respondents' perceived lower sense of financial security and worse mental well-being in the pandemic. In the model, where both factors are included, only mental well-being remains significant. Qualitative analyses point to several other factors important to fertility decisions in the pandemic, e.g., women’s fear of lonely childbirth. Conclusion: People’s decision to postpone childbearing because of COVID-19 is mostly related to pandemic-induced financial insecurity and this effect seems to be mediated by the psychological reaction to the situation.
Phosphorus-Rich Ash from Poultry Manure Combustion in a Fluidized Bed Reactor

The aim of this study was to examine the physico-chemical and phase characteristics of ash obtained in the process of the combustion of Polish poultry manure in a laboratory reactor with a bubbling fluidized bed. Three experiments, differing in the grain size and morphology of the raw material, the method of its dosing and the type of fluidized bed, were carried out. The contents of the main chemical components and trace elements in the obtained ash samples were determined using WDXRF, and the phase composition was examined through the XRD method. The morphology and the chemical composition of grains in a given micro-area using the SEM/EDS method were also investigated. The highest concentration of phosphorus (from 28.07% wt. to 29.71% wt. as P2O5 equivalent), the highest proportion of amorphous substance (from 56.7% wt. to 59.0% wt.) and the lowest content of unburned organic substance (LOI from 6.42% to 9.16%) (i.e., the best process efficiency), was obtained for the experiment in which the starting bed was quartz sand and poultry manure was fed to the reactor in the form of pellets. It has been calculated that in this case, the amorphous phase contains more than half of the phosphorus. The method of carrying out the combustion process has a significant impact on the phase composition and, consequently, on the availability of phosphorus.
Extraction, Phenolic Content and Hydrogen Peroxide Scavenging Capacity of Extracts from Some Honey Samples, Propolis and Bee Pollen

Honey and propolis is natural food, produced by honey bees (Apis mellifera) and largely used by the local population for its medicinal properties. Our work aims to extract and evaluate the hydrogen peroxide scavenging capacity of different phenolic extracts from some bee products. Phenolic compounds from honey samples, propolis, and bee pollen were extracted by methanol and subjected to radical scavenging activity towards hydrogen peroxide. The results showed the highest values for the total phenolic and total flavonoïd contents in propolis and bee pollen, and a great hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) inhibition (IC50: 0.205 - 2.210 µg/mL) with honey extracts, while sample “multiflower” is the better antioxidant, more than ascorbic acid used as control. The less scavenging activity was observed with the extract from bee pollen (IC50: 39.383 µg/mL). To combat the harmful effects of free radicals, especially reactive oxygen species including hydrogen peroxide, it is important to use phenolic extracts instead of using honey as it is, and extracts from the honey of different types are excellent antioxidants compared to other bee products.
Sea Level‐Driven Marsh Migration Results in Rapid Net Loss of Carbon

Sea level rise alters coastal carbon cycling by driving the rapid migration of coastal ecosystems, salinization of freshwater systems, and replacement of terrestrial forests with tidal wetlands. Wetland soils accumulate carbon (C) at faster rates than terrestrial soils, implying that sea level rise may lead to enhanced carbon accumulation. Here, we show that carbon stored in tree biomass greatly exceeds carbon stored in adjacent marsh soils so that marsh migration reduces total carbon stocks by ∼50% in less than 100 years. Continued marsh soil carbon accumulation may eventually offset forest carbon loss, but we estimate that the time for replacement is similar to estimates of marsh survival (i.e., centuries), which suggests that forest C may never be replaced. These findings reveal a critical C source not included in coastal C budgets driven by migrating ecosystems and rapidly shifting allocations between carbon stored in soils and biomass.
Association of Cardiovascular Disease and Long-Term Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) in the Southeastern United States

There is a well-documented association between ambient fine particulate matter air pollution (PM2.5) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality. Exposure to PM2.5 can cause premature death and harmful and chronic health effects such as heart attack, diabetes, and stroke. The Environmental Protection Agency sets annual PM2.5 standards to reduce these negative health effects. Currently above an annual average level of 12.0 µg/m is considered unhealthy. Methods. We examined the association of long-term exposure to PM2.5 and CVD in a cohort of 44,610 individuals who resided in 12 states recruited into the Southern Community Cohort Study (SCCS). The SCCS was designed to recruit Black and White participants who received care from Federally Qualified Health Centers; hence, they represent vulnerable individuals from low-income families across this vast region. This study tests whether SCCS participants who lived in locations exposed to elevated ambient levels of PM2.5 concentrations were more likely to report a history of CVD at enrollment (2002–2009). Remotely sensed satellite data integrated with ground monitoring data provide an assessment of the average annual PM2.5 in urban and rural locations where the SCCS participants resided. We used multilevel logistic regression to estimate the associations between self-reported CVD and exposure to elevated ambient levels of PM2.5. Results. We found a 13.4 percent increase in the odds of reported CVD with exposure to unhealthy levels of PM2.5 exposure at enrollment. The SCCS participants with medical histories of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and smoking had, overall, 385 percent higher odds of reported CVD than those without these clinical risk factors. Additionally, Black participants were more likely to live in locations with higher ambient PM2.5 concentrations and report high levels of clinical risk factors, thus, they may be at a greater future risk of CVD. Conclusions: In the SCCS participants, we found a strong relation between exposures to high ambient levels of PM2.5 and self-reported CVD at enrollment.