Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Isotope hydrology to provide insights into the behaviour of temporary wetlands as a basis for developing sustainable ecohydrological management strategies in Mediterranean regions

The lack of hydrological considerations in the existing protection statutes for small temporary wetlands has recently been pointed out as the main cause of their rapidly increasing disappearance. In the present study, we aim to demonstrate the interest of using the tools of isotope hydrology to obtain a rapid and cost effective understanding of the hydrological connectivity of Mediterranean temporary wetlands in order to define the optimal environmental conditions needed to ensure their sustainability. By combining physical and isotope measurements, we have investigated the fragile balance of direct precipitation, subsurface water and groundwater influencing the hydroperiod of a typical Mediterranean temporary pond. The use of the water stable isotopes enabled us to demonstrate (i) the major role played by groundwater and subsurface water in the flooding phase of the temporary pond; (ii) the involvement of different water reservoirs in varying proportions over time to maintain the pond filled with water: precipitation, subsurface and groundwater by using d‐excess; (iii) the main role played by evaporation in starting the drying up phase; and (iv) the connection existing between a geographically isolated wetland and the regional groundwater body. These results highlight the urgent need to consider both surface and groundwater fluxes in specific protection statutes for wetlands. To this end, we recommend the use of the water stable isotopes to provide insights into the hydrological behaviour of the wetlands in order to dispose of additional cost‐effective arbitration arguments to help ensure their sustainability. The lack of hydrological considerations in existing protection statutes for small temporary wetlands has recently been pointed out as the main cause of their disappearance. Here, by combining physical and isotopes measurements, we first highlight the main role played by groundwater in the flooding phase of the temporary pond and the involvement of different water reservoirs in varying proportions over time to maintain the pond filled. These results demonstrate the connection existing between a geographically isolated wetland and the regional groundwater and highlight the urgent need to consider both surface and groundwater fluxes in specific protection statutes for wetlands.
Assessing energy misperception in Europe: evidence from the European social survey

ABSTRACT The present study investigates the determinants of differences between public preferences for energy sources and the actual country-level energy mix (“dissatisfaction”). Nineteen European countries have been examined, drawing on data from the 2016 European Social Survey. The main findings are that trusting individuals express lower dissatisfaction with the share of renewable energy sources and greater dissatisfaction with the share of fossil fuels and nuclear power; and individuals who are worried about energy security expressed an inflated preference for programmable energy sources (e.g. fossil fuels and nuclear power). The implications of the findings and the importance of public energy preferences for shaping policy views are briefly discussed.
Updates to Building-Code Maps for the 2015 NEHRP Recommended Seismic Provisions

With the 2014 update of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Seismic Hazard Model (NSHM) as a basis, the Building Seismic Safety Council (BSSC) has updated the earthquake ground motion maps in the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) Recommended Seismic Provisions for New Buildings and Other Structures, with partial funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Anticipated adoption of the updated maps into the American Society of Civil Engineers Minimum Design Loads for Building and Other Structures and the International Building and Residential Codes is underway. Relative to the ground motions in the prior edition of each of these documents, most of the updated values are within a ±20% change. The larger changes are, in most cases, due to the USGS NSHM updates, reasons for which are given in companion publications. In some cases, the larger changes are partly due to a BSSC update of the slope of the fragility curve that is used to calculate the risk-targeted ground motions, and/or the introduction by BSSC of a quantitative definition of “active faults” used to calculate deterministic ground motions.
Do Canine and Human Personality Assessments Predict Successful Adoptions?

ABSTRACT The goal of this study was to investigate whether dog personality, human personality, and dog–human personality domain combinations predict successful adoption of dogs. First, we investigated the level of consistency of the Monash Canine Personality Questionnaire-Revised (MCPQ-R) on five different dog personality domains (Extraversion, Motivation, Training Focus, Amicability, and Neuroticism) by comparing the ratings of relinquishers and new adopters (n = 136 relinquisher–adopter pairs). The intra-class correlation, ranging from –0.12 for Motivation to 0.24 for Amicability, indicated low consistency between both groups of raters. Second, we evaluated the correlation of dog personality domains and adopter personality domains, utilizing the MCPQ-R and the International Personality Item Pool (IPIP) (n = 173 relinquisher-rated MCPQ-R/IPIP pairs; n = 136 adopter-rated MCPQ-R/IPIP pairs). Spearman correlation coefficients showed weak associations between human and dog personality across all dog–human joint personality domains (ranging from –0.11 to 0.16). Third, we evaluated the association between the personality dimensions of the MCPQ-R/IPIP and the Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale (LAPS) (n = 185). The regression results indicated that among the five dog personality domains, Training Focus showed the strongest (negative) correlation with LAPS score, indicating that human–animal attachment increased when the percentage of Training Focus of dogs increased, in both rater groups. Fourth, dog personality, human personality, and dog–human personality domain combinations did not have good discriminative ability for post-adoption attachment and retention, with the area under the ROC curves ranging from 58 to 80% (n = 185). In summary, the mechanisms leading to a successful adoption of a shelter dog is complicated and personality (both dog and human) alone cannot sufficiently determine it. A multifactorial approach may include pre-adoption conversation-based interviews and post-adoption support services such as education about positive reinforcement and force-free training methods.
Operation and control of an insulated gate bipolar transistor-based current controlling device for power flow applications in multi-terminal high-voltage direct current grids

One of the main problems that need to be solved to allow the realisation of multi-terminal high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission systems is the absence of a practical power flow control method. Industry leaders and researchers have proposed a few methods of power flow control based on either the control of converter station or the connection of new power electronic equipment to the grid. This study presents the operation and control of a three-port insulated gate bipolar transistor-based current flow control (CFC) device suitable for multi-terminal HVDC systems. Key features and functionalities of the proposed controller including the balancing of cable currents, limiting the magnitude of cable current and current nulling are demonstrated. The three-port CFC was simulated using power system computer aided design (PSCAD)/electromagnetic transient and direct current (EMTDC), network simulation software to evaluate its steady state and dynamic performance. Furthermore, low-power prototypes are implemented for a two and three-ports CFC to experimentally validate their different functionalities. Simulation and experimental studies explore the fast dynamic response and the results show that the CFC studied may have a significant role to play in the control of power flows in multi-terminal high-voltage DC systems.
Spheroid-Based Tissue Engineering Strategies for Regeneration of the Intervertebral Disc

Degenerative disc disease, a painful pathology of the intervertebral disc (IVD), often causes disability and reduces quality of life. Although regenerative cell-based strategies have shown promise in clinical trials, none have been widely adopted clinically. Recent developments demonstrated that spheroid-based approaches might help overcome challenges associated with cell-based IVD therapies. Spheroids are three-dimensional multicellular aggregates with architecture that enables the cells to differentiate and synthesize endogenous ECM, promotes cell-ECM interactions, enhances adhesion, and protects cells from harsh conditions. Spheroids could be applied in the IVD both in scaffold-free and scaffold-based configurations, possibly providing advantages over cell suspensions. This review highlights areas of future research in spheroid-based regeneration of nucleus pulposus (NP) and annulus fibrosus (AF). We also discuss cell sources and methods for spheroid fabrication and characterization, mechanisms related to spheroid fusion, as well as enhancement of spheroid performance in the context of the IVD microenvironment.
Early considerations of genetics in aphasia rehabilitation: a narrative review

ABSTRACT Background Early investigations linking language and genetics were focused on the evolution of human communication in populations with developmental speech and language disorders. Recently, studies suggest that genes may also modulate recovery from post-stroke aphasia. Aims Our goal is to review current literature related to the influence of genetics on post-stroke recovery, and the implications for aphasia rehabilitation. We describe candidate genes implicated by empirical findings and address additional clinical considerations. Main Contribution We describe existing evidence and mechanisms supporting future investigations into how genetic factors may modulate aphasia recovery and propose that two candidate genes, brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and apolipoprotein E (APOE), may be important considerations for future research assessing response to aphasia treatment. Evidence suggests that BDNF is important for learning, memory, and neuroplasticity. APOE influences cognitive functioning and memory in older individuals and has also been implicated in neural repair. Moreover, recent data suggest an interaction between specific alleles of the BDNF and APOE genes in influencing episodic memory. Conclusions Genetic influences on recovery from aphasia have been largely unexplored in the literature despite evidence that genetic factors influence behaviour and recovery from brain injury. As researchers continue to explore prognostic factors that may influence response to aphasia treatment, it is time for genetic factors to be considered as a source of variability. As the field moves in the direction of personalized medicine, eventually allied health professionals may utilize genetic profiles to inform treatment decisions and education for patients and care partners.
The contribution of outdoor particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5, PM10) to school indoor environment

The contributions of outdoor and indoor sources to the indoor concentrations of particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5, and PM10) were investigated in a secondary school in Wroclaw, Poland. PM measurements were performed one week per month from December 2009 to October 2010. The sizes of the aerosols generated form indoor sources were in the range of 1–2.5 µm in winter and 2.5–10 µm in summer. It was found that the indoor PM1 concentrations in the school were mostly due to infiltration, with an infiltration factor of 0.65 in winter and 0.68 in summer. These findings, complemented with single particle analyses (using electron probe X-ray microanalysis) revealed that the finest particles, mostly infiltrated from outdoor air, were dominated by organic carbon, sulphates and that organic carbon particles were associated with fly ash or soil dust. Organic carbon was also associated with larger particles of fly ash or soil dust. As part of mineral dust calcium carbonate, salt particles and aluminosilicates were identified. Thus, it is necessary to evaluate the health risks posed to school children associated with the high exposure to indoor PM containing potentially toxic materials in this and probably other schools.
Job Exposure Matrix for Chrysotile Asbestos Fibre in the Asbestos Cement Manufacturing (ACM) Industry in Zimbabwe

Occupational chrysotile asbestos exposure data in Zimbabwe is limited. The aim of this study was therefore to develop a job exposure matrix (JEM) specific to the chrysotile asbestos cement manufacturing industry using the available personal exposure concentration data. Quantitative personal exposure chrysotile fibre concentration data collected by the two factories from 1996 to 2020 were used to construct the JEM. Exposure groups from which data was extracted were classified based on the Zimbabwe Standard Classification of Occupations (ZSCO), 2009–2019. Analysis of amphiboles in raw chrysotile was done by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Descriptive statistics, namely mean, standard deviation and range were computed for the main variable, job/occupation. All jobs/occupations in both factories had annual mean personal exposure concentrations exceeding the OEL of 0.1 f/mL, except for the period from 2009 to 2016 in the Harare factory and the period from 2009 to 2020 in the Bulawayo factory. Despite the Harare factory having no AC manufacturing activity since 2017, personal exposure concentrations showed elevated levels for the period 2018–2020. Amphiboles were detected in almost all bulk samples of chrysotile asbestos analysed. The established JEM, which has been generated from actual local quantitative exposure measurements, can be used in evaluating historical exposure to chrysotile asbestos fibre, to better understand and predict occurrence of ARDs in future.
Comparative Study of Single Pass Collector and Double Pass Solar Collector Filled with Porous Media

This research reports a comparative study of the conventional single pass flat plate collector and the double pass solar collector filled with porous media such as gravel and metal chips at the lower channel of absorbing unit. The component materials, design, performance efficiencies, capabilities and the application of the solar collectors are presented to show various disparities that exist between the collectors. Emphasis was laid on the multi-pass approach as a gate way to future development on solar collectors.
But He Loves Me: Teens’ Comments about Healthy and Unhealthy Romantic Relationships

Romantic relationships can positively affect adolescent development. However, adolescents may not always have a clear understanding of what healthy dating looks like, which may place some adolescents at risk for dating violence. The present study examined the following research questions: (1) What are adolescents’ perceptions of healthy and unhealthy attributes of romantic relationships? (2) How do adolescents perceive jealousy and potentially controlling behaviors? (3) What is the relationship between adolescents’ attitudes toward jealousy and controlling behaviors and their willingness to intervene in a peer’s unhealthy romantic relationship? The study included a predominantly female, ethnically diverse sample of 72 adolescents (M = 17.5 years) who participated in an internet-based health promotion intervention that allowed peers and health educators to interact. Adolescents commented on message boards and completed a survey. Findings showed that adolescents can articulate both healthy and unhealthy romantic relationship attributes. Some adolescents struggled to understand relationship attributes including jealousy and possessiveness, as these behaviors can be perceived as expressions of strong romantic interest. Adolescents may benefit from programs that strengthen healthy dating behaviors, teach youth to distinguish healthy from unhealthy behaviors, address conflict in respectful ways, and tactfully intervene when they witness abusive behaviors in the relationships of others.
Cationic Lignocellulose Nanofibers from Agricultural Waste as High-Performing Adsorbents for the Removal of Dissolved and Colloidal Substances

The accumulation of dissolved and colloidal substances (DCS) in the increasingly closed paper circulating water system can seriously lower the productivity and safety of papermaking machines, and it has been a challenge to develop an adsorbent with low cost, high adsorption efficiency and large adsorption capacity for DCS removal. In this study, cationic lignocellulose nanofibers (CLCNF) were obtained by cationic modification of agricultural waste bagasse in deep eutectic solvents (DES) followed by mechanical defibrillation, and then CLCNF were employed as an adsorbent for DCS model contaminant polygalacturonic acid (PGA) removal. CLCNF was characterized by transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, elemental analysis, X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis. The analytical results confirmed the successful preparation of CLCNF with 4.6–7.9 nm diameters and 0.97–1.76 mmol/g quaternary ammonium groups. The effects of quaternary ammonium group contents, pH, contact time and initial concentration of PGA on the adsorption were investigated in a batch adsorption study. According to the results, the cationic modification significantly enhanced the adsorption of PGA by CLCNF and the adsorption performance increased with the increase of the quaternary ammonium group contents. The adsorption of PGA on CLCNF followed the pseudo-second-order and the fitted Langmuir isotherm model. The adsorption showed fast initial kinetics and the experimental maximum adsorption capacity was 1054 mg/g, which is much higher than PGA adsorbents previously reported in the literature. Therefore, CLCNF with high cationic group content developed in this paper is a promising adsorbent for DCS removal.
The Effects of Sleeper and Superman Stretches on Time-Zero Shoulder Range of Motion in Collegiate Athletes

Purpose This study aimed to determine whether prone cross-body adduction (superman stretch) improves range of motion (ROM) more than the sleeper stretch. Methods Collegiate overhead athletes were randomized to either a sleeper group or a superman stretch group. ROM measurements were collected before and after stretches by three orthopedic surgeons. Results We assessed a total of 212 shoulders. Both stretches demonstrated significant improvements in ROM, except horizontal adduction, which only improved in the superman stretch group. Conclusions The superman stretch may be superior in producing immediate improvements in horizontal adduction when compared to the traditional sleeper stretch.
Independent directors in Sweden and their influence on earnings through accrual and real activities management

The dominating perspective grounded in agency theory predicts that independent boards are more effective in monitoring and thereby reducing earnings management, yet the extant empirical evidence is inconclusive. We nuance the relationship between board independence and earnings management by introducing two additional theories that explain independent directors’ role on the board: the theory of personal dependence and praxis theory. According to personal dependence theory, the influence of independent directors on earnings management is a function of their competitiveness in the labor market, whereas the praxis theory attributes directors’ influence to the influence of the dominant coalition. We focus on two dimensions of earnings management  accrual and real activities management, and account for both direction and magnitude of directors’ influence. Through an empirical test on 148 Swedish corporations from 2017, our findings indicate that the presence of independent directors may not necessarily reduce earnings management. Instead, independent directors may be subject to multiple and sometimes conflicting task demands which differently influence both magnitude and direction of earnings management. Implications for our understanding of the role of independent directors and their influence on corporations are presented
Key preferences of tourists during COVID-19 pandemic in luxury hotels: Evidence from qualitative data

There is a decline in revenue and occupancy rates in the hotels during the pandemic. For the sustainable and long-term recovery of the hotel industry, the guests need to be analyzed for their stay preferences. This study attempts to find the preferred attributes of the travelers visiting the Indian luxury hotels during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research investigated the post-visit experiences from the online reviews published by tourists on TripAdvisor.com. Thematic salience valence analysis and lexical salience valence analysis was used to identify the vital attributes of the hotel industry. The study revealed staff, location, food, hygiene, and rooms as the preferred hotel attributes, in which the coastal locations were highly considered for location based marketing of luxury hotels, and non-compliance of COVID-19 standards and complaints for upgradations in the rooms were the non-recommenders for the luxury hotels. The dashboard-based salience valence zone analysis was used to provide suggestions to the hotel authorities by revealing the significant and critical hotel attributes simultaneously for prompt handling of the issues during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Development of a Novel UPLC-MS/MS Method for the Simultaneous Determination of 16 Mycotoxins in Different Tea Categories

The contamination of potential mycotoxins in tea production and consumption has always been a concern. However, the risk monitoring on multiple mycotoxins remains a challenge by existing methods due to the high cost and complex operation in tea matrices. This research has developed a simple ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry strategy based on our homemade purification column, which can be applied in the detections of mycotoxins in complex tea matrices with high-effectively purifying and removing pigment capacity for 16 mycotoxins. The limits of detection and the limits of quantification were in the ranges of 0.015~15.00 and 0.03~30.00 µg·kg−1 for 16 mycotoxins, respectively. Recoveries from mycotoxin-fortified tea samples (0.13~1200 µg·kg−1) in different tea matrices ranged from 61.27 to 118.46%, with their relative standard deviations below 20%. Moreover, this method has been successfully applied to the analysis and investigation of the levels of 16 mycotoxins in major categories of tea and the monitoring of multiple mycotoxins in processed samples of ripened Pu-erh. In conclusion, the proposed strategy is simple, effective, time-saving, and low-cost for the determination of a large number of tea samples.