Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Distinct body-size responses to warming climate in three rodent species

In mammals, body-size responses to warming climates are diverse, and the mechanisms underlying these different responses have been little investigated. Using temporal and spatial datasets of three rodent species distributed across different climatic zones in China, we investigated temporal and spatial trends of body size (length and mass), identified the critical drivers of these trends, and inferred the potential causes underlying the distinct body-size responses to the critical drivers. We found that body mass of all species remained stable over time and across space. Body length, however, increased in one species over time and in two species across space. Generally, body-length variation was predicted best by minimum ambient temperature. Moreover, in two species, body length changed linearly with temperature differences between ancestral and colonization areas. These distinct temperature–length patterns may jointly be caused by species-specific temperature sensitivities and experienced magnitudes of warming. We hypothesize that species or populations distributed across distinct temperature gradients evolved different intrinsic temperature sensitivities, which affect how their body sizes respond to warming climates. Our results suggest that size trends associated with climate change should be explored at higher temporal and spatial resolutions, and include clades of species with similar distributions.
A novel statistical framework for exploring the population dynamics and seasonality of mosquito populations

Understanding the temporal dynamics of mosquito populations underlying vector-borne disease transmission is key to optimizing control strategies. Many questions remain surrounding the drivers of these dynamics and how they vary between species—questions rarely answerable from individual entomological studies (that typically focus on a single location or species). We develop a novel statistical framework enabling identification and classification of time series with similar temporal properties, and use this framework to systematically explore variation in population dynamics and seasonality in anopheline mosquito time series catch data spanning seven species, 40 years and 117 locations across mainland India. Our analyses reveal pronounced variation in dynamics across locations and between species in the extent of seasonality and timing of seasonal peaks. However, we show that these diverse dynamics can be clustered into four ‘dynamical archetypes’, each characterized by distinct temporal properties and associated with a largely unique set of environmental factors. Our results highlight that a range of environmental factors including rainfall, temperature, proximity to static water bodies and patterns of land use (particularly urbanicity) shape the dynamics and seasonality of mosquito populations, and provide a generically applicable framework to better identify and understand patterns of seasonal variation in vectors relevant to public health.
Ergodic descriptors of non-ergodic stochastic processes

The stochastic processes underlying the growth and stability of biological and psychological systems reveal themselves when far-from-equilibrium. Far-from-equilibrium, non-ergodicity reigns. Non-ergodicity implies that the average outcome for a group/ensemble (i.e. of representative organisms/minds) is not necessarily a reliable estimate of the average outcome for an individual over time. However, the scientific interest in causal inference suggests that we somehow aim at stable estimates of the cause that will generalize to new individuals in the long run. Therefore, the valid analysis must extract an ergodic stationary measure from fluctuating physiological data. So the challenge is to extract statistical estimates that may describe or quantify some of this non-ergodicity (i.e. of the raw measured data) without themselves (i.e. the estimates) being non-ergodic. We show that traditional linear statistics such as the standard deviation, coefficient of variation and root mean square can break ergodicity. Time series of statistics addressing sequential structure and its potential nonlinearity: fractality and multi-fractality, change in a time-independent way and fulfil the ergodic assumption. Complementing traditional linear indices with fractal and multi-fractal indices would empower the study of stochastic far-from-equilibrium biological and psychological dynamics.
Body size and food–web interactions mediate species range shifts under warming

Species ranges are shifting in response to climate change, but most predictions disregard food–web interactions and, in particular, if and how such interactions change through time. Predator–prey interactions could speed up species range shifts through enemy release or create lags through biotic resistance. Here, we developed a spatially explicit model of interacting species, each with a thermal niche and embedded in a size-structured food–web across a temperature gradient that was then exposed to warming. We also created counterfactual single species models to contrast and highlight the effect of trophic interactions on range shifts. We found that dynamic trophic interactions hampered species range shifts across 450 simulated food–webs with up to 200 species each over 200 years of warming. All species experiencing dynamic trophic interactions shifted more slowly than single-species models would predict. In addition, the trailing edges of larger bodied species ranges shifted especially slowly because of ecological subsidies from small shifting prey. Trophic interactions also reduced the numbers of locally novel species, novel interactions and productive species, thus maintaining historical community compositions for longer. Current forecasts ignoring dynamic food–web interactions and allometry may overestimate species' tendency to track climate change.
Repo-Man/protein phosphatase 1 SUMOylation mediates binding to lamin A and serine 22 dephosphorylation

Lamin A phosphorylation/de-phosphorylation is an important process during cells division as it allows for nuclear envelope (NE) disassembly at mitotic entry and its re-assembly during mitotic exit. Several kinases have been identified as responsible for these phosphorylations, but no protein phosphatase has been implicated in their reversal. One of the mitotic phosphosites in lamin A responsible for its dynamic behaviour is serine 22 (S22) which is de-phosphorylated during mitotic exit. Recent evidence has also linked the nuclear pool of lamin A S22ph in interphase to gene expression regulation. Previous work suggested that the phosphatase responsible for lamin A S22 de-phosphorylation is chromatin bound and interacts with lamin A via SUMO-SIM motives. We have previously reported that Repo-Man/protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) is a chromatin-associated phosphatase that regulates NE reformation. Here we propose that Repo-Man/PP1 phosphatase mediates lamin A S22 de-phosphorylation. We indeed show that depletion of Repo-Man leads to NE defects, causes hyperphosphorylation of lamin A S22 that can be rescued by a wild-type but not a SUMOylation-deficient mutant. Lamin A and Repo-Man interact in vivo and in vitro, and the interaction is mediated by SUMOylation. Moreover, the localization of Repo-Man/PP1 to the chromatin is essential for lamin A S22 de-phosphorylation.
Exploring Key HR Challenges in Managing a Multigenerational Indian Workforce

The present study aims at understanding practitioners’ perspectives on managing generational differences at workplace. Participants included 30 HR manages from varied organisations in Mumbai and Delhi. In-depth interviews were conducted, transcribed and analysed to generate themes. Seven key challenges emerged from the discussion which HR managers reckon with while managing a multigenerational team: ‘understanding the generational markers unique to the Indian context’, understanding generational groups’ perspectives on ‘career’, ‘learning’, ‘leadership’, ‘communication and technology’, ‘attitudes towards work’ and ‘understanding generational differences in blue-collared workers’. While generational differences may cause conflicts and tensions, understanding and appreciating them would help managers to deal with these differences in a gainful manner.
Conceptual design of the dual-coolant blanket within the framework of the EU power plant conceptual study (TW2-TRP-PPCS12). Final report

The dual-coolant (DC) blanket - characterized by its simple construction, simple function, and high thermal efficiency - is one of the EU advanced blanket concepts to be investigated within the framework of the power plant conceptual study (PPCS). Its basic concept is based on the use of helium-cooled ferritic steel structure, a self-cooled Pb-17Li breeding zone, and SiC f /SiC flow channel inserts serving as electrical and thermal insulators. The present PPCS stage III is largely based on the preparatory study on fusion plant availability (PPA) carried out in 1999 with the objective to perform the conceptual design of the DC blanket (model C). Some details are to be selected in accordance with the overall strategy, which allows an extrapolation of the present knowledge between the near-term blanket concept solutions: water-cooled lead-lithium (WCLL, model A), helium-cooled pebble bed (HCPB, model B), and the very advanced concept of self-cooled Pb-17Li SiC f /SiC (SCLL, model D). In the PPCS the electrical reactor power is normalized to a typical value of commercial reactors of 1,500 MW, which requires iterative calculations between the blanket layout and the system code analysis. This work is coordinated by FZK in co-operation with CEA, EFET/IBERTEF, UKAEA, VR, and VTT Processes. In this report, the present state of development of model C shall be described; the final results of the study shall be summarized and discussed.
The St. Olaf College Fieldhouse Project: A Case Study in Designing to Target Cost

Consumer product development uses a technique called 'designing to target cost' to systematically improve product profitability. In brief, a manufacturer sets a cost for a product to be developed that will allow an acceptable profit given the price that product is expected to fetch in the market. That target cost for the product is then split into target costs for each functional system within the product. In effect, the 'buyer' is setting the price he is willing to pay for each system. This can be extended to subsystems and components, and even to parts of components where the relevant buyer is able to impose on or negotiate prices with their suppliers. Target costing is used in the initial development of a product, in subsequent product modifications, and in the manufacturing of the product throughout its life, where the focus shifts to the production processes themselves. Designing to target cost is very likely done in some form in construction, but is not well documented and could potentially benefit from a more systematic approach. The Boldt Company very successfully introduced a form of target costing at the facility system level on a design-build project, the St. Olaf Fieldhouse project. This paper presents a study of the Fieldhouse project intended to reveal the potential for positive impact on project performance of designing to target cost, and to support the need for further research into target costing. It concludes with recommendations for next steps in developing a methodology for designing to target cost in the construction industry.
Propellers for Military and Civil Aircraft

The main purpose of this paper is to outline the position which the propeller holds in current aircraft propulsion, its construction, operation and its future. The paper has been arranged in four parts, as follows:– 1. Present and future types of aircraft foreseen with propellers. 2. Engines for turbo-prop power units. 3. The Propeller. 4. The Future. In the present military field propellers are used for the following types of aircraft:—Heavy transport and Army reconnaissance, for example the Beverley and Pioneer, Submarine reconnaissance, Naval Strike Fighters and R.A. F. Trainers as exemplified by the Gannet, Wyvern and Provost.
An Approach for Detecting Noise in Cotton Fiber Properties Data Using Nearest Neighbor Algorithm

: The purpose of the current study is to decrease noise of cotton fiber properties data using one of methods for machine learning such as K Nearest Neighbor (KNN). The present investigation was carried out at Egyptian & International Cotton Classification Center (EICCC). The first data was for Giza 87, Giza 88, Giza 86, Giza 90 and Giza 95 each one separately and the second data was for combination of all previous cotton varieties. A wide range of lint cotton grades used in this work. The studied traits were basic fiber properties; length, strength and micronaire value. The highest classification accuracy were 117.65 % for G 87 and 149.25 % for combined data. The integrated statistics among fiber length, strength and micronaire value concluded that spinning consistency value (SCI) which is the most intrinsic technological value were in acceptable range for Giza 87, Giza 88, Giza 86, Giza 90, Giza 95 separately and combined data. For instance, SCI values were 163.74 and 174.85 for G 87 of data treated without KNN and with KNN, respectively. Therefore, any study of cotton fiber properties plays a crucial role in determining spinning performance.
Sub-Saharan Africa: Building Resilience to Climate-Related Disasters

: This paper assesses the impact of climate-related disasters on medium-term growth and analyzes key structural areas that could substantially improve disaster-resilience. Results show that (i) climate-related disasters have a significant negative impact on medium-term growth, especially for sub-Saharan Africa; and (ii) a disaster’s intensity matters much more than its frequency, given the non-linear cumulative effects of disasters. In sub-Saharan Africa, electrification (facilitating irrigation) is found to be most effective for reducing damage from droughts while improved health care and education outcomes are critical for raising resilience to floods and storms. Better access to finance, telecommunications, and use of machines in agriculture also have a significant impact.
Effect of Yellow-Split Chickpeas on Hepatosteatosis-Induced Serum Oxidative Damage in Rats

: Hepatosteatosis represents a severe health hazard to humans due to its prevalence in last time. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate the effect of phosphatidylcholine (PC), C. arietinum-enriched PUFA (CAP), and its prepared phytosome form (CAPP) against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in rats. Forty-eight rats were randomly divided into eight experimental groups. Control groups including normal, PC, CAP, and CAPP. Normal group received normal diet and distilled water for 45 days. Other control groups received normal diet and administered distilled water for 15 days then administered 500 mg/kg b.wt of PC, CAP, and CAPP, respectively for another 30 days. NAFLD group, rats received a high fat diet (HFD) and injected tamoxafene (TAM) (200 mg/kg body weight) intraperitoneally for 15 consecutive days, then administered distilled water for another 30 days. NAFLD + PC, NAFLD + CAP, and NAFLD + CAPP groups received HFD and injected with tamoxafene for 15 days, then administered PC, CAP, and CAPP, respectively for an additional 30 consecutive days. The results revealed that NAFLD elicited oxidative stress which was evident due to the significant increase of s-LPO, and significant decrease of s-GSH, s-SOD, s-GPx, and s-GRD. However, treatment with PC/ CAP/ CAPP ameliorates the oxidative changes caused by NAFLD. CAPP showed the best regimen which may be due to its phytosome form that allows bioavailability of CAP.
Spectrum normalization method in vibro-acoustical diagnostic measurements of hydroturbine cavitation

Full-scale vibro-acoustical diagnostic measurements of cavitation in four Francis 6 MW double runner turbines were performed. Two types of sensors were used-a hydrophone sensing waterborne noise at the pressure side of a runner and an accelerometer mounted at various points at the outer turbine casing, facing the runner's pressure side. The correlation of noise and acceleration intensity with suction-side pressure fluctuations and runner position was checked. A simple but efficient method of spectrum normalization, which rejects the influence of the measurement set characteristics and vibro-acoustical characteristics of a turbine, was developed. The resulting spectra reveal the dependence of cavitation source strength on the turbine power as a function of noise or acceleration frequency.
Control methods for compensation and inhibition of muscle fatigue in neuroprosthetic devices

For individuals that suffer from paraplegia activities of daily life are greatly inhibited. With over 5,000 new cases of paraplegia each year in the United States alone there is a clear need to develop technologies to restore lower extremity function to these individuals. One method that has shown promise for restoring functional movement to paralyzed limbs is the use of functional electrical stimulation (FES), which is the application of electrical stimulation to produce a muscle contraction and create a functional movement. This technique has been shown to be able to restore numerous motor functions in persons with disability; however, the application of the electrical stimulation can cause rapid muscle fatigue, limiting the duration that these devices may be used. As an alternative some research has developed fully actuated orthoses to restore motor function via electric motors. These devices have been shown to be capable of achieving greater walking durations than FES systems; however, these systems can be significantly larger and heavier. To develop smaller and more efficient systems some research has explored hybrid neuroprostheses that use both FES and electric motors. However, these hybrid systems present new research challenges. In this dissertation novel control methods to compensate/inhibit muscle fatigue in neuroprosthetic and hybrid neuroprosthetic devices are developed. Some of these methods seek to compensate for the effects of fatigue by using fatigue dynamics in the control development or by minimizing the amount of stimulation used to produce a desired movement. Other control methods presented here seek to inhibit the effects of muscle fatigue by adding an electric motor as additional actuation. These control methods use either switching or cooperative control of FES and an electric motor to achieve longer durations of use than systems that strictly use FES. Finally, the necessity for the continued study of hybrid gait restoration systems is facilitated through simulations of walking with a hybrid neuroprosthesis. The results of these simulations demonstrate the potential for hybrid neuroprosthesis gait restoration devices to be more efficient and achieve greater walking durations than systems that use strictly FES or strictly electric motors.
Use of Moringa spp. seeds for coagulation : a review of a sustainable option

Regrettably, it is still common to find places without access to safe drinking water due to a lack of resources or appropriate technologies to support adequate solutions. Remedial efforts will need to focus on appropriate solutions for such locations. Coagulation with Moringa spp. seeds has been proposed as a sustainable option for water treatment for low-income locations due to the many other uses of the Moringa tree. Yet, its application is not limited to particle separation. A survey of the databases of WOK (Web of Knowledge) and CSA (Cambridge Scientific Abstracts) identified studies utilising Moringa spp. seeds as a coagulant. Although the majority of the studies were of laboratory or household applications, there were also reported trials in pilot- and full-scale treatment trains. Moringa spp. seed extracts were assessed as primary coagulants, co-coagulants (with aluminium sulfate) or secondary coagulant aids (flocculants). Turbidity reduction efficiencies vary according to the source water characteristics, coagulant preparation technique, and seed type. Treatment benefits of coaqulation with Moringa spp. seeds are objectively assessed and have been contrasted with practical considerations in view of its sustainable application.
Sex-specific stress and biobehavioral responses to human experimenters in rats

The sex of the experimenter may cause stress in animal models and be a major confounding factor in preclinical research. We studied the effects of the sex of the experimenter on female and male rat anxiety behaviours using thigmotaxis in the open field test, anxiety-induced changes in brain and back temperature using infra-red thermography, and alterations in plasma concentrations of stress hormones, corticosterone and oxytocin. Female rats displayed consistently exacerbated anxiety-related behaviours along with increased infrared cutaneous temperature during repeated exposure to male experimenters. Experimental stress further intensified thermal responses to a male experimenter, especially in female rats. These behavioural responses to a male experimenter in females were associated with higher circulating corticosterone and lower oxytocin levels. Similar responses were induced by a T-shirt worn by a human male. These findings suggest that emotional and physiological responses of female rats to a male experimenter are influenced by visual and olfactory cues. These results emphasize the need to standardize and report experimenter sex throughout a study to avoid ambiguity in interpretation of the results.
Triple Solutions with Stability Analysis of MHD Mixed Convection Flow of Micropolar Nanofluid with Radiation Effect

This paper deals with two-dimensional steady boundary layer flow, heat, and mass transfer characteristics of micropolar nanofluid past on exponentially stretching/shrinking surface. The effect of different physical parameters like magnetic field, buoyancy, thermal radiation, and connective heat transfer are examined. Furthermore, similarity solutions are obtained by similarity transformation on the governing system of partial differential equations. The shooting method with help of the Maple software is used to achieve the numerical solutions of the equations. For the different ranges of the applied parameters, triple solutions are obtained for both cases of the surface. In view of the triple solutions, stability analysis is performed by bvp4c in the MATLAB software, where only first solution is found feasible which is discussed. The main findings of the first solution indicate the skin friction, drag force, heat, and mass transfer rates are increasing for the λ > 0 and decreasing for λ < 0 as the K is enhanced. The velocity profiles decrease with increase in magnetic, slip velocity, and suction parameters. The temperature profiles increase with increase in magnetic, thermophoresis, thermal radiation, and Brownian motion parameters, whereas concentration profiles reduce with increase in Schmitt number and Brownian motion.