Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The impacts of large-scale, low-intensity fires on the forests of continental South-east Asia

South-east Asia's tropical forests harbour high levels of species richness and endemism. In continental South- east Asia strong rainfall seasonality driven by the Asian monsoon lead to ground-fires during the dry season in most years. How these fires influence the region's landscape mosaic of evergreen and deciduous forests and the biodiversity they support is poorly understood. In this paper we report on the impacts of the El Nino-Southern Oscillation-induced 1997-98 fires that burned across much of western Thailand. We compare fire effects in the three common regional forest types - seasonal evergreen (SEG); mixed deciduous (MDF); and deciduous dipterocarp - and use data from a 50-ha study plot to evaluate the impacts of fire on these forests. We found few differences among the forest types. The fires created more large gaps in MDF than the other forest types. The SEG experienced greater fire mortality in the smallest size classes, abundant resprouting, and showed some evidence of lagged mortality among larger trees. The resilience of the SEG to fire and lack of major differences in fire effects among the forest types suggest that infrequent landscape-scale fires may have little effect on biodiversity in the landscape mosaic of seasonal tropical forests of continental South-east Asia.
Geochronology of clinker and implications for evolution of the Powder River Basin landscape, Wyoming and Montana

In the Powder River Basin of southeast Montana and northeast Wyoming, coal beds exposed by regional erosion have burned naturally from as early as the Pliocene to the present. Layers of reddish clinker, formed by baking, welding, and melting of sediments above burned coal beds, cover over 4000 km and cap ridges and escarpments throughout the dissected landscape of the Powder River Basin. Fission-track (ZFT) and (U-Th)/He (ZHe) ages of zircon grains from baked sandstones in clinker provide new insights about rates of regional erosion as well as episodic advance of coal fi res into hillsides. Older, resistant clinker layers up to 60 m thick, formed by the burning of thick coal beds, cap summits and broad benches. Younger clinker rims, from thinner coals, form ledges on valley sides. ZHe ages of clinker, mainly from the Wyodak-Anderson coal zone of the Fort Union Formation in the Rochelle Hills east of Wright, Wyoming, and from the Wyodak-Anderson and Knobloch coal zones in the Tongue River valley near Ashland and Birney, Montana, range from 1.1 Ma to 10 ka. These dates generally agree with ZFT ages of clinker analyzed in the early 1980s, but they are a more precise record of ancient coal fi res in the region. Our data indicate 0.2–0.4 km of vertical erosion in the past 1 m.y. Spatial-temporal patterns of clinker ages may prove to be useful in deciphering the patterns of fl uvial incision and basin excavation in the Powder River Basin during the late Cenozoic and in weighing the relative importance of uplift, variations in climate, and base-level change.
Athletes Can Benefit from Increased Intake of EPA and DHA—Evaluating the Evidence

Fatty fish, which include mackerel, herring, salmon and sardines, and certain species of algae (e.g., Schizochytrium sp., Crytthecodiniumcohnii and Phaeodactylumtricornutum) are the only naturally rich sources of the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). EPA and DHA are the most biologically active members of the n-3 PUFA family. Limited dietary sources and fluctuating content of EPA and DHA in fish raise concerns about the status of EPA and DHA among athletes, as confirmed in a number of studies. The beneficial effects of EPA and DHA include controlling inflammation, supporting nervous system function, maintaining muscle mass after injury and improving training adaptation. Due to their inadequate intake and beneficial health-promoting effects, athletes might wish to consider using supplements that provide EPA and DHA. Here, we provide an overview of the effects of EPA and DHA that are relevant to athletes and discuss the pros and cons of supplements as a source of EPA and DHA for athletes.
Association of Sand With Mud Deposits Accumulating on Continental Shelves

Abstract Significant rates of sediment accumulation on modem continental shelves are generally associated with fluvial dispersal systems. These dispersal systems primarily contain fine-grained sediment and form mud (silt and clay) deposits. The mud deposits also contain some sand and, despite low proportions of sand, represent the greatest rates of sand accumulation in modern shelf environments. This paper summarizes recent studies of several shelves on which mud deposits are accumulating, and focuses on the relationships of sand with the predominantly muddy deposits. Generally, for small rivers ( 108 tons/yr), sediment can also accumulate on the inner shelf, forming mud deposits that extend from the shore across the mid-shelf region. The inner-shelf deposit associated with the Amazon River dispersal system (109 tons/yr) is characterized by rapid accumulation (1 to 10 cm/yr) and negligible biological mixing in proximal regions. This leads to preservation of stratified mud and sand. Generally, with increasing distance from proximal regions, accumulation rates decrease, mixing rates increase, mud and sand become homogenized, and sand content decreases. The distal portion of the Huangho dispersal system (109 tons/yr) contains only mud, which accumulates slowly (<0.2 cm/yr) over a transgressive sand layer. At the boundary between the mud and sand, a homogenized deposit of bimodal sediment is present. Viewed on a larger scale, both mid-shelf and inner-shelf mud deposits bury the transgressive sand layer and the bedding structures it contains. The presence of a transgressive sand layer on shelves where mud deposits probably formed during periods when the sea level was high, suggests that these deposits can be “cleaned” (i.e., silt and clay removed, and sand concentration increased) by successive regressions and transgressions of the shoreline.
Work-Up and Treatment Strategies for Individuals with PIK3CA-Related Disorders: A Consensus of Experts from the Scientific Committee of the Italian Macrodactyly and PROS Association

PIK3CA-related disorders encompass many rare and ultra-rare conditions caused by somatic genetic variants that hyperactivate the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway, which is essential for cell cycle control. PIK3CA-related disorders include PIK3CA-related overgrowth spectrum (PROS), PIK3CA-related vascular malformations and PIK3CA-related non-vascular lesions. Phenotypes are extremely heterogeneous and overlapping. Therefore, diagnosis and management frequently involve various health specialists. Given the rarity of these disorders and the limited number of centers offering optimal care, the Scientific Committee of the Italian Macrodactyly and PROS Association has proposed a revision of the most recent recommendations for the diagnosis, molecular testing, clinical management, follow-up, and treatment strategies. These recommendations give insight on molecular diagnosis, eligible samples, preferable sequencing, and validation methods and management of negative results. The purpose of this paper is to promote collaboration between health care centers and clinicians with a joint shared approach. Finally, we suggest the direction of present and future research studies, including new systemic target therapies, which are currently under evaluation in several clinical trials, such as specific inhibitors that can be employed to downregulate the signaling pathway.
Distributed extended state observer‐based fault‐tolerant control for nonlinear multi‐agent systems with switching topologies

In this paper, a novel fault‐tolerant control scheme is designed and analyzed for multi‐agent systems (MASs) with incipient faults, disturbances, parameter uncertainties, time delay, and nonlinear terms, and the proposed MAS with switching communication topologies. Firstly, the proposed distributed extended state observer estimates the incipient fault and system states in follower agents, which extends the incipient fault vector to a new system state. Meanwhile, the designed observer considers the output errors of itself and other agents. Further, a state estimation feedback‐based fault‐tolerant controller is constructed, composed of a delay estimator and a non‐delay estimator to guarantee the proposed MASs have good operation performance. Then, some stability analysis conclusions of the MAS with incipient faults, time delay, disturbances, parameter uncertainties, and nonlinear terms are obtained. The proposed results can also be applied to practical systems like the wireless power transfer system. Finally, two simulation results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed fault‐tolerant control technique.
Market Efficiency During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Some Insights Using Non-Parametric Tests

ABSTRACT This paper examines the weak form of the Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH) across fourteen European Stock Markets from October 2018 to April 2021, a period divided into subsamples based on the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using non-parametric tests, including Runs, Bartel’s rank, and Wright’s rank and sign test, the findings indicate that EMH holds for developed capital markets. However, capital markets in Central and Eastern Europe exhibited a heterogeneous response to the pandemic. Some markets violated the efficiency hypothesis (Latvia and Lithuania), others consistently adhered to it (Hungary and Slovenia), while others became less efficient post-pandemic (Estonia and Romania).
Geochemical evaluation of the carbonaceous shale associated with the Permian Mikambeni Formation of the Tuli Basin for potential gas generation, South Africa

Abstract The increasing demand for energy and global commitment to reduce CO2 emissions to mitigate climate change has spurred countries to pursue unconventional hydrocarbon generation for power production. The investigation of the carbonaceous shale from the Permian Mikambeni Formation of the Tuli Basin in South Africa aims to assess the potential for gas generation. The Rock-Eval 6 pyrolysis of the studied samples shows total organic carbon (TOC) content ranging from 10.10 to 37.61 wt%, indicating an excellent source rock quality since it exceeds the threshold limit of 5 wt%. The produced gas that emanated from the thermal breakup of remaining hydrocarbon (S2) ranged from 14.30 to 65.55 mg HC/g rock while the hydrogen index (HI) ranged from 56.55 to 198.22 mg/g TOC. The plot of the HI against T max indicates the predominance of type-III kerogen, prone to gas generation. The thermal maturity parameters, T max (430–466°C), and vitrinite reflectance, VRo (0.6–1.2), showed a matured organic material. The production index value (0.06) of the samples indicates a moderately mature source generating a biogenic gas. The carbon isotopic composition, δ 13C (−20.0 to −23.4‰), indicates a predominant influx of organic matter derived from a vascular higher plant. The studied samples showed relatively depleted values of oxygen isotopic composition δ 16O (14.1–18.8‰), suggesting a brackish water depositional environment. Additionally, the Ba concentration (303.15–331.27 ppm) exceeds the 200 ppm threshold for the marine environment, indicating a non-marine environment characterised by low marine paleo-productivity and high detrital influx. Based on the evaluation, the studied coaly-shale is found with a matured and type-III kerogen that is prone to gas generation in a fluvial, paleo-depositional environment.
Postoperative analgesic effects of intravenous dexamethasone for patients undergoing cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia at Dilla University Referral Hospital, Ethiopia, 2023: a double-blind randomized controlled trial

Background: The use of cesarean section (CS) worldwide has increased to unprecedented levels. In Ethiopia, the CS delivery rate is above the rate recommended by the WHO. The postoperative pain experience is moderate to severe in most patients during their postoperative period. The administration of intravenous dexamethasone is thought to have an analgesic effect after surgery even though the analgesic profile of preoperatively administered dexamethasone is less addressed. Objective: This study aimed to assess the postoperative analgesic effect of preoperative intravenous dexamethasone for patients undergoing cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia at Dilla University Referral Hospital, Southern Ethiopia. Methodology: A double-blinded randomized controlled trial (RCT) was done on 112 patients undergoing elective CS under spinal anesthesia who were allocated randomly into normal saline and dexamethasone groups. Total analgesic consumption, time to first analgesic request, and postoperative pain score with the numerical rating scale (NRS) were followed for 24 h in both groups. Shapiro–Wilk tests were used to check normality. Independent samples t-test was used for the comparison of means between groups, Mann–Whitney U test for non-normally distributed data, and χ 2 test for categorical variables, and P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant with a power of 80%. Result: The finding of this study showed that the postoperative pain score of the dexamethasone group was significantly lower than the normal saline group at 2, 4, 6, 12, 18, and 24 h with a statistically significant P-value <0.05. There was also a significant difference in the time to the first rescue analgesic request between the two groups, with the dexamethasone group (median=347.5 min) and the normal saline group (median=230 min) with P=0.001. Conclusion and recommendation: The authors conclude that preoperative administration of 8 mg of dexamethasone prolongs the first analgesic request time, decreases postoperative tramadol and diclofenac consumption, and decreases the postoperative pain score. The authors recommend that researchers conduct further RCTs with a different dose of dexamethasone and on a multicenter basis.
TRENDS IN VERTEBRATE PESTICIDE USE AND NEW DEVELOPMENTS: NEW ZEALAND INITIATIVES AND INTERNATIONAL IMPLICATIONS

Author(s): Eason, Charles; Murphy, Elaine; Ogilvie, Shaun; Blackie, Helen; Ross, James; Kavermann, Mathew; Sam, Shona; Statham, Mick; Statham, Helen; Lapidge, Steven; Humphrys, Simon; Henderson, Ray; MacMorran, Duncan; Gibson, Troy; Gregory, Neville; Harrison, Joanne; Giles, Gregory; Sammut, Ivan; Jansen, Paul; Conole, Daniel; Rennison, David; Brimble, Margaret | Abstract: In New Zealand, sodium fluoroacetate (1080) has been used for vertebrate pest control for several decades. Since the 1990s, some 1080 users have switched to brodifacoum for possum and rodent control because of its ready availability and ease of use. An awareness that field use of brodifacoum results in persistent residues provides the impetus to develop alternatives and provide new tools and greater flexibility. Looking to the future, we seek toxins which increasingly combine “low-residue” characteristics with humaneness, and more selective bait and delivery systems enabling better and more acceptable control of possums, wallabies, mustelids, rodents, feral cats, and rabbits. Experience gained in the 1990s with the introduction of cholecalciferol (Feracol®) and a cyanide pellet (Feratox®), which both kill possums without secondary poisoning, underpins the extension in 2009 of the Feratox® registration to include introduced Dama wallabies. To date, zinc phosphide has not been registered in NZ, despite its field use in Australia and the U.S. and low secondary poisoning risk compared with 1080. Research and registration dossiers are being assessed in 2009-10 for zinc phosphide containing products for possum and rodent control. Registration documents are also being prepared for a combination of cholecalciferol and coumatetralyl to provide a slow-acting alternative to brodifacoum for the field control of possums, rodents, and rabbits with low risk of bio-accumulation. Anticipated timelines for product availability are 2010 (zinc phosphide) and 2011-13 (cholecalciferol and coumatetralyl). Our intention now is to move beyond these conventional rodenticides and develop new vertebrate pesticides. For example, we are pursuing the registration of para-aminopropiophenone (PAPP) for humane control of stoats and feral cats, and a series of related novel toxins and other compounds that target the red blood cell for other pest species including rodents. PAPP products should be available in 2010, subject to registration approvals. New research initiatives in 2010 will increasingly result in a shift in focus to the development of novel rodenticides aided by new international research collaborations.
Strategies of enhancing students’ mathematics perception and self-efficacy to improve their mathematics achievement

Abstract This study implemented intervention strategies to enhance grade 12 students’ mathematics perception and self-efficacy to improve their mathematics achievement. Conveniently selected 394 students (200 as comparison & 194 as treatment group) were involved. Two FGDs were conducted. Forty items of mathematics achievement test were administered for both groups. Next, interventional training focusing on mathematics perception and self-efficacy enhancement strategy (innovative classroom-based) was given to the treatment groups. Counseling psychologist and mathematics teachers participated in the training that took 12 class-periods within 3 weeks. Math test, perception, and self-efficacy given before were given for the second time for both groups at the end of the training. Quantitative data were double-entered into SPSS version 26, cleaned, and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. Qualitative data were transcribed, coded using Atlas Ti7 software, and analyzed in the form of narration. The finding of this study revealed a statistically significant mean difference in students’ mathematics perception [t (392) = −5.28, p < . 001], self-efficacy [t (392) = −3.40, p < . 001], and mathematics achievement [t (392) = −6.45, p < . 001] between comparison and treatment groups. The effect size result of both of students’ mathematics perception and self-efficacy revealed a small effect (r = .257 & .169), respectively, whereas mathematics achievement revealed a moderate effect (r = .309). Interventional training was given to adjust students’ mathematics perception [t (193) = −3.64, p < . 001], and self-efficacy [t (193) = −14.98, p < . 001] was effective. There was no statistically significant difference between male and female students in their mathematics achievement post-test result, i.e. [t (192) = . 45, p = . 66].
“It’s Like Listening to the Radio with a Little Interference”: A Qualitative Study Describing Pain Management among Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis

Pain is one of the most important areas to focus on in the assessment and treatment of psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and treatment should be individualized and based on the needs of the patient. Therefore, our aim was to explore and describe the management of pain among patients with PsA. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 11 participants with PsA (3 men and 8 women) and used qualitative content analysis to analyze the text. The results showed a main overarching theme of meaning and three subthemes. They were ‘Taking charge of life despite the constant murmur of pain’ through ‘Sorting out vulnerability’, ‘Reaching acceptance and engagement’, and ‘Directing focus to change’. Nine categories further described the components of pain management: ‘face uncertainty for the future, ‘consider restrictions’, ‘illuminate the invisible’, ‘increase awareness’, ‘find a permissive environment and social support’, ‘enhance inner endurance’, ‘reformulate emotions and thoughts’, ‘use distracting activities’, and ‘adjust activities’. The action components of pain management interpreted from a theoretical perspective highlight the importance for the patients of attaining the satisfaction of three basic psychological needs, i.e., competence, autonomy, and relatedness. Health professionals therefore need to increase the skills required for needs-supportive behaviors as well as facilitating spouse and peer support in the management of pain in PsA.
Mother's Perception of the Effect of the Bina Keluarga Balita (BKB) Program on Growth Development

The Bina Keluarga Balita (Toddler Family Development) program is designed to monitor and handle problems in the community. Mother's perception of this program should be assessed to find out their understanding of this program, monitor the growth of toddlers by examining the Kartu Menuju Sehat (Health Care Cards), and observe the development of toddlers by examining the Kartu Kembang Anak (Child Development Cards). This study aims to assess mothers' perception of the influence of the Bina Keluarga Balita program on the growth and development of toddlers. This quantitative research employed a cross-sectional design. The data were processed using a chi-square test. This study involved 45 mothers of children under five, The sampling was determined using the Lameshow formula. This study has revealed a relationship between mothers' perception of the growth and development of toddlers, as shown by the statistical result of p < 0.05. Meanwhile, the relationship between the mothers' perception of the growth and development of toddlers has a p-value = 0.007. Finally, the relationship between the mother's perception of the development and the development of toddlers has a p-value = 0.017. It is concluded that the mothers’ perception and toddlers' growth and development have an interrelated relationship. Thus, a good perception will create more significant growth and development in toddlers.
Immunotherapy Plus Stereotactic Radiosurgery or Fractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy in Patients with Brain Metastases

1.1. Aim: To investigate the association of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) plus immunotherapy with overall survival (OS) compared to 3-5 fractions of stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT) plus immunotherapy in patients with brain metastases (BMs) from breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and melanoma.
Effect of base saturation and nitrogen dose on cultivation of crambe

The grain production potential of crambe reported in literature may vary from 1000 to 1500 kg ha-1, but there are not yet any recommendations regarding specific nitrogen (N) fertilization for this crop. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of base saturation and the addition of N doses on plant development and productivity of crambe. This study was developed at the Sao Tomaz Jatoba farm in the municipality of Rio Verde, GO in a Distroferric Red Latosol. The experiment consisted of a factorial (4×3) design with four repetitions totaling 48 plots distributed in random blocks. Four levels of base saturation (V%) were evaluated as follows: 34 (natural soil), 40, 50 and 60. Moreover, the following three N doses were evaluated: Control (without application de N), 40 kg ha-1 N and 80 kg ha-1 N. The experimental plots were rectangular and measured 9 m2 with five planted lines and a spacing of 0.45 m between rows. Planting was performed on March 8th, 2011 using the FMS Brilhante cultivar. The following variables were evaluated: Root dry mass and shoot dry mass in three distinct periods (35, 45 and 55 days after emergence); grain yield; and oil content. The addition of the N doses increased the root dry masses, shoot dry masses and yield, but N addition did not influence oil content. In general, the best N dose was 40 kg ha-1. Base saturation linearly or quadratically influenced all parameters evaluated, and the best base saturation observed in this study was 50%. Key words: FMS Brilhante cultivar, nitrogen fertilization, productivity, oil content, Brazil.