Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Standard, Point of Use, and Extended Energy Return on Energy Invested (EROI) from Comprehensive Material Requirements of Present Global Wind, Solar, and Hydro Power Technologies

Whether renewable energy sources (RES) will provide sufficient energy surplus to entirely power complex modern societies is under discussion. We contribute to this debate by estimating the current global average energy return on energy invested (EROI) for the five RES technologies with the highest potential of electricity generation from the comprehensive and internally consistent estimations of their material requirements at three distinct energy system boundaries: standard farm-gate (EROIst), final at consumer point-of-use (EROIfinal), and extended (including indirect investments, EROIext). EROIst levels found fall within the respective literature ranges. Expanding the boundaries closer to the system level, we find that only large hydroelectricity would currently have a high EROIext ~ 6.5:1, while the rest of variable RES would be below 3:1: onshore wind (2.9:1), offshore wind (2.3:1), solar Photovoltaic (PV) (1.8:1), and solar Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) (<1:1). These results indicate that, very likely, the global average EROIext levels of variable RES are currently below those of fossil fuel-fired electricity. It remains unknown if technological improvements will be able to compensate for factors, which will become increasingly important as the variable RES scale-up. Hence, without dynamically accounting for the evolution of the EROI of the system, the viability of sustainable energy systems cannot be ensured, especially for modern societies pursuing continuous economic growth.
Diversity and abundance of soil macrofauna in three land use systems in eastern Amazonia

ABSTRACT Given the influence of edaphic macrofauna in the physical, chemical, and biological processes that sustain the organic matter cycle in the soil of tropical ecosystems, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of the sequence: Secondary Forest – Pasture – Eucalyptus monoculture on the macrofauna structure in Southeast of Para State, Brazil. In each land use system, two 350 m transect were taken. The data was collected in 8 sampling sites, which were 50 m apart in each transect [. ]
Invited perspective: What lies beneath a changing Arctic?

Abstract. As permafrost thaws in the Arctic, new subsurface pathways open for the transport of groundwater, energy, and solutes. We identify different ways that these subsurface changes are driving observed surface consequences, including the potential for increased contaminant transport, modification to water resources, and enhanced rates of infrastructure (e.g. buildings and roads) damage. Further, as permafrost thaws it allows groundwater to transport carbon, nutrients, and other dissolved constituents from terrestrial to aquatic environments via progressively deeper subsurface flow paths. Cryohydrogeology, the study of groundwater in cold regions, should be included in northern research initiatives to account for this hidden catalyst of environmental and societal change.
Conservation Lessons from the Study of North American Boreal Birds at Their Southern Periphery

Many North American boreal forest birds reach the southern periphery of their distribution in the montane spruce–fir forests of northeastern United States and the barren coastal forests of Maritime Canada. Because the southern periphery may be the first to be impacted by warming climates, these populations provide a unique opportunity to examine several factors that will influence the conservation of this threatened group under climate change. We discuss recent research on boreal birds in Northeastern US and in Maritime Canada related to genetic diversity, population trends in abundance, distributional shifts in response to climate change, community composition, and threats from shifting nest predators. We discuss how results from these studies may inform the conservation of boreal birds in a warming world as well as open questions that need addressing.
Effect of Alkyl Structure (Straight Chain/Branched Chain/Unsaturation) of C18 Fatty Acid Sodium Soap on Skin Barrier Function

Anionic surfactants are commonly used as detergents and emulsifiers. However, these compounds are potent skin irritants. In this study, we evaluated the effect of the alkyl structure of anionic surfactants on the skin barrier function using the transmission index (TI) method. The TI method is used to measure the skin penetration rate of drugs. Sodium soaps of C18 fatty acids with different structures were evaluated. Sodium laurate was used as the control. In addition, microscopic observations of the skin tissue treated with different soaps and controls were performed to study the mechanism of skin permeation. Results showed that unsaturated fatty acid soaps exerted the most potent effect on the skin barrier function and saturated fatty acid soaps exerted the least effect; saturated branched fatty acid soap had an intermediate effect. This could be attributed to the differences in the melting points of different fatty acids. In addition, unlike lauric acid soap, C18 fatty acid soap did not cause morphological changes in the skin tissue. Thus, differences in the alkyl structure of fatty acids resulted in differences in the effect of fatty acid soaps on the skin barrier function. The mechanism was presumed to be an effect on intercellular lipids.
Years of life lost estimates cannot always be taken at face value: Response to “COVID-19 – exploring the implications of long-term condition type and extent of multimorbidity on years of life lost: a modelling study”

In their recent analysis, Hanlon et al. estimated the years of life lost (YLL) in people who have died with COVID-19 by following and expanding on the WHO standard approach. We welcome this research as an attempt to draw a more accurate picture of the mortality burden of this disease which has been involved in the deaths of more than 300,000 people worldwide as of May 2020. However, we argue that obtained YLL estimates (13 years for men and 11 years for women) are interpreted in a misleading way. Even with the presented efforts to control for the role of multimorbidity in COVID-19 deaths, these estimates cannot be interpreted to imply “how long someone who died from COVID-19 might otherwise have been expected to live”. By example we analyze the underlying problem which renders such an interpretation of YLL estimates impossible, and outline potential approaches to control for the problem.
GENETIC DIVERSITY ANALYSIS AMONG B AND R LINES FOR PRODUCTIVITY TRAITS IN PEARL MILLET [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.]

The study was conducted to assess the magnitude of genetic diversity and variability among pearl millet genotypes involving 48 maintainer lines, 75 restorer lines and 3 checks and were planted in a RBD design during kharif 2014 at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Vijayapura. Using Mahalanobis’s D2 statistics, 126 genotypes were grouped into nine clusters. Cluster I was the largest with 81 genotypes followed by cluster-II with 22 genotypes and cluster-III had 17 genotypes. Cluster-IV, V, VI, VII, VIII and IX were solitary. Inter-cluster D2 values were ranged from 9.73 between cluster-IV and cluster-VI to 396.51 between cluster-VIII and cluster-IX indicating wide genetic variability. Based on the overall ranking for each cluster across nine characters, cluster III ranked first followed by clusters V and IV, it is suggested that genotypes in above clusters can be utilized for future breeding programme. Among the nine quantitative characters studied the most important trait contributing to the divergence was panicle weight. The traits like grain yield per plot, panicle girth, stover weight per plot, 1000 seed weight, number of productive tillers and panicle length, were next in the order. Among B lines CPBLT-102, CPBLT-104, TPBLT-103 were recorded high grain yield and stover yield, among R lines CPRT-108, CPRT-116, CPRT-117 were recorded high grain yield and stover yield. The study revealed wide range of variability and high heritability coupled with high genetic advance for panicle girth, grain yield per plot, 1000 seed weight, panicle weight and stover weight indicating that simple selection would be sufficient for these traits to bring genetic improvement in desired direction. Among 123 genotypes screened for rust disease and stem borer incidence under field condition the genotypes viz., TPBLT-110 among B line, CPRT-104 and CPRT-109 among R lines were found promising to both rust disease and stem borer incidence.
Functional State of Endothelium in Aging

It is known that the older age is an independent non-modifiable risk factor for the development of cardiovascular pathology. An important role in the development of cardiovascular pathology in the older age is played by age-dependent changes in the structure and function of the endothelium [1]. The deterioration of the functional state of the endothelium an important role in the development of vascular pathology. Literatura suggest that endothelial dysfunction is a factor that precedes vascular pathology and provokes its development [2,3,4]. It was found that endothelial damage is a pathogenetic link of diseases of the cardiovascular system. Thus, changes in the endothelium of endocardial micro vessels lead to a decrease of myocardial fibers contractility [5], a clear relationship of pressure in the left ventricular cavity from nitric oxyde NO synthesis [6]. Endothelin-1 has been shown to be an autocrine-paracrine factor in the development of myocardial hypertrophy [7,8].
Shading and its reflections on growth and gas exchanges of Microdesmia rigida (Benth.) Sothers & Prance

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito do sombreamento no crescimento e nas trocas gasosas de mudas de oiticica (Microdesmia rigida), mantendo-as a 0% (pleno sol), 50% e 70% de sombreamento, dispostos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado (DIC), com quatro repeticoes. Foram analisados os parâmetros altura da planta, diâmetro do caule, razao altura/diâmetro, taxa de crescimento absoluto, area foliar, peso da materia seca da planta, razao raiz/parte aerea, Indice de qualidade de Dickson (DQI), taxa de transpiracao, condutância estomatica, taxa de fotossintese, concentracao interna de CO2, teores de clorofila a, b e total. Foi verificada reducao na taxa de transpiracao e aumento na condutância estomatica, taxa de fotossintese e concentracao interna de CO2 com o aumento do sombreamento. O sombreamento diminuiu a concentracao de clorofila a enquanto promoveu aumento da clorofila b e clorofila total, sem diferenca significativa entre os niveis de 50% e 70% do sombreamento. Os ambientes sombreados proporcionaram maior crescimento em altura, diâmetro, area foliar, alem de propiciar maior acumulo de massa seca e DQI. Recomenda-se a producao de mudas de mudas de oiticica, durante a fase de viveiro, sob 50% de sombreamento, pois essa condicao possibilita a obtencao de melhores indices de qualidade de mudas.
L2 Writing Anxiety, Writing Self-efficacy and Writing Motivatio

The aim of this study was to investigate the predictability of global L2 writing performance of Iraqi Kurdistan English as a foreign language (EFL) learners through the affective and linguistic variable of L2 writing anxiety, writing self-efficacy and writing motivation. To this end three types of lingua-affective questionnaires were distributed among 129 EFL learners whose age range was between 18 to 24. They were also required to hand in a writing performance in one session which were scored by two different scorers to have inter-rater reliability. Using a correlational design and running a linear regression test, the researchers investigated the correlation of L2 witting anxiety, writing self-efficacy, writing motivation with global L2 witting performance. The results indicated that writing self-efficacy and writing motivation had a positive and significant relationship with global L2 writing performance while L2 writing anxiety was a different variable from them, indicating a significant but negative correlation with L2 writing performance. The linear regression also indicated that the sole predicting variable to predict L2 writing performance was observed to be writing motivation and the writing self-efficacy though having a high and significant relationship with L2 writing performance and expected to be among the predictors, did not do this.
Recent Progress of Electrocatalysts and Photocatalysts Bearing First Row Transition Metal for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER)

The design and modification of metal–organic complexes for hydrogen (H2) gas production by water splitting have been intensively investigated over the recent decades. In most reported mechanistic pathways, metal hydride species are considered as crucial intermediates for H2 formation where the metal present at the active site plays an imperative role in the transfer of electron and proton. In the last few decades, much consideration has been done on the development of non-precious metal–organic catalysts that use solar energy to split water into hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2) as alternative fossil fuels. This review discussed the design, fabrication, and evaluation of the catalysts for electrocatalytic and photocatalytic hydrogen production. Mechanistic approach is addressed here in order to understand the fundamental design principle and structural properties relationship of electrocatalysts and photocatalysts. Finally, we discuss some challenges and opportunities of research in the near future in this promising area.
Generative systems in the architecture, engineering and construction industry: A systematic review and analysis

Researchers have been extensively exploring the employment of generative systems to support design practices in the architecture, engineering and construction industry since the 1970s. More than half a century passed since the first architecture, engineering and construction industry’s generative systems were developed; researchers have achieved remarkable leaps backed by advances in computing power and algorithms’ capacity. In this article, we present a systematic analysis of the literature published between 2009 and 2019 on the utilization of generative systems in the design practices of the architecture, engineering and construction industry. The present research studies present trends, collaborations and applications of generative systems in the architecture, engineering and construction industry in order to identify existing shortcomings and potential advancements that balance the need for theory development and practical application. It provides insightful observations that are translated into meaningful recommendations for future research necessary to progress the incorporation of generative systems into the design practices of the architecture, engineering and construction industry.
What Characteristics Help Entrepreneurs ‘Make It’ Early on in Their Entrepreneurial Careers? Findings of a Regional Study from Romania

Entrepreneurship plays an essential role in modern urban growth and development. Successful businesses engage more growth potential, but also failed ones produce significant losses. Therefore, in order to reduce losses, it becomes important to understand what contributes to entrepreneurial success. Based the character-based approach, the current study considers the entrepreneur a critical agent for the survival and success of the business, and aims to examine the differences between successful and unsuccessful entrepreneurs in terms of human capital and personal characteristics. The sample consisted of 123 Romanian nascent urban entrepreneurs who participated in a government sponsored entrepreneurial support program and competed for a subsidy to start their business. A positive outcome in the competition (achieved by 39 study participants) was considered as entrepreneurial success. Based on the competition outcome, we split the sample in successful and unsuccessful entrepreneurs and analyzed the differences between the two groups from the perspective of human capital and personal characteristics. In terms of human capital (education, professional experience, age, and sex), the results showed small differences between the successful and unsuccessful entrepreneurs in the sample. In terms of personal characteristics, compared to their unsuccessful counterparts, the successful entrepreneurs registered increased levels of entrepreneurial self-efficacy, and of problem-solving confidence, higher levels of trust in their capacity of taking up challenges, increased levels of adaptive assertiveness, and a greater confidence in their ability to control their entrepreneurial behaviour. No significant differences were recorded for the need for autonomy, tolerance of ambiguity, risk-taking propensity, impulsivity, and interpersonal reactivity. The findings indicate that the personal characteristics of entrepreneurs may have different influences on their success, depending on the stage in their entrepreneurial career.
Dynamic Modulation Band Rejection Filter Based on Spoof Surface Plasmon Polaritons

In this paper, we proposed a dynamic modulation band rejection filter based on the spoof surface plasmon polaritons (SSPPs) waveguide. The dynamic adjusting mainly derives from changing the capacitance between the U-shape and the waveguide configuration. The capacitance can modulate the cut-off frequency of fundamental mode. The rejection band is formed by the high order propagation mode and the cut-off frequency of fundamental mode. We analyzed the dispersion curve and transmission performance of the band rejection filter with different capacitances. Compared with the previous scheme, the design we proposed here has a simpler and more delicate configuration to process and decreases the mechanical error. We experimentally demonstrated the excellent performance of the device by changing the direct voltage loaded on the varactor diode and achieved real time modulation around 2 GHz.
Dimensions of Luxury Hospitality Service Personal Values in Confucian Culture: Scale Development and Validation

Abstract The measurement of service personal values has attracted the interest of scholars recently. However, the related scales’ dimensionality and generalizability have put a limit on the ordinary services and Western cultural boundaries. This paper presents a scale development in measuring the luxury hospitality service personal values construct in Confucian culture. The study employed a rigorous multi-stage scale development process with four separate studies. Resulting scale contains four dimensions: experiential life, self-enhancement, social recognition, and social integration. The scale proposes a new approach to measure customers’ personal values for luxury hospitality service consumption to reflect their unique and specific meanings in the Confucian culture. The findings support the positive relationship between the scale, and customers’ satisfaction and positive word-of-mouth. Also, theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
The Value of Cerebrospinal Fluid Polymerase Chain Reaction Test in the Diagnosis of Enteroviral Meningitis in Children

Abstract: Background: Non-polio enteroviruses (EVs) are emerged as the most common pathogens of aseptic meningitis in children. In this study we aimed to evaluate clinical, laboratory, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings and the usefulness of CSF EV polymerase chain reaction on management of pediatric patients diagnosed as EV aseptic meningitis. Material-methods:This study included the pediatric patients with aseptic meningitis between January 2014 and January 2016. Results: A total of 23 patients (69.5% boys) diagnosed with EV aseptic meningitis with a median age of 57 months old (range; 1-168 months) were included. The most common months of the patients' admission to hospital were July and May. The most common clinical complaints were womiting (77.2%), fever (73.9%), headache (59%), neck stiffness (36.3%), seizure (22.7%) and altered consciousness (22.7%). CSF pleocytosis was observed in 16 (69.5%) patients and the median CSF white blood cell (WBC) count was 50 cells/mm3 ranged from 0 to 500 cells/mm3. It was found that, CSF cell count was significantly increased with age (p=0.02), whereas acute phase reactant levels and CSF biochemical components were statistically similar according to age (p>0.05). Median duration for hospitalization was 6 days (range: 1-28 days). Eight patients (34.7%) did not receive any antibiotics. Conclusion: Absence of pleocytosis may be a diagnostic challange in very young infants with aseptic meningitis and CSF cell count significantly increases with age. By using rapid EV-PCR assays in the initial diagnosis of aseptic meningitis, the unnecessary usage of antibiotics in viral meningitis can be reduced and also the duration of hospitalization can be shortened.
Deformation analysis of geosynthetic-encased stone column-supported embankments using cavity expansion model

Abstract This article presents an analytical solution to predict the deformation of geosynthetic-encased stone columns (GESCs) and the surrounding soil in GESC-supported embankments, taking into account the effect of anisotropy of surrounding soil. Based on the theory of cylindrical cavity expansion, the elastoplastic constitutive relationship of the surrounding soil is described by the K 0-based Modified Cam-Clay (K 0-MCC) model, analysing the relationship between the radial displacement and the elastic-plastic boundary displacement. According to elastoplastic model of stone column materials, the relationship between stress and deformation of the stone column is analysed via the radial stress and the vertical stress equilibrium. This method has been verified by the existing numerical data of GESC-supported embankments and shows a good agreement. As for the isotropic in situ stress state, the K 0-MCC model-based solution of this study reduces to the MCC model-based solution of previous studies. However, the results show that the predictions generated from the isotropic model underestimate the deformation of the surrounding soil. Parametric studies are conducted to investigate the impact of the embankment fill height, the geosynthetic reinforcement stiffness, anisotropy of the soil, overconsolidation ratio, area replacement ratio, initial pore water pressure and encasement length on the deformation of GESC-supported embankments.