Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Contribution of magnetic resonance soundings for characterizing water storage in the unsaturated zone of karst aquifers

Understanding the role of the unsaturated zone in aquifer recharge and contaminant attenuation processes is a major challenge for the protection and management of karstic water resources. We present the potential of the magnetic resonance soundings (MRS) geophysical method for characterizing the vadose zone of karst aquifers composed of epikarst and infiltration layers. To investigate the hydraulic functioning of the Durzon karst system located on the Larzac plateau (southern France), we used the MRS method at 16 sites. The MRS results have been compared with available geologic information and to core water content measurements. The remarkable spatial variability of the MRS response observed in the study area makes it possible to determine ranges of water storage properties in relation to the lithology of the investigated carbonate formations (dolomite, marly, and siliceous limestone). All soundings found either constant or increasing MRS water content with depth, which demonstrates that the infiltration zone might be the major water storage entity for permanent water storage, with important consequences for recharge quality and quantity. These results show the feasibility and potential of the MRS method for the characterization of the karst unsaturated zone and for understanding the vertical distribution of water content, which impacts the overall functioning of karst systems. Read More: http://library.seg. org/doi/10.1190/geo2015-0411.1
Transformation of humus status in cultivated chernozems

The concepts of minimal, modal, and maximal levels of humus content in chernozems are offered. These levels are unequal in different subtypes of chernozems and depend on the soil texture and on the provincial and zonal conditions. The system of indices for assessment of the agrogenic transformation of the humus state of chernozems is recommended. These indices are subdivided into permanent (unchanging or slowly changing) and diagnostic (quickly changing) ones.
The progression of environmental changes during the onset of the Paleocene- Eocene thermal maximum (New Jersey Coastal Plain)

Chemostratigraphic and biostratigraphic studies of Paleocene-Eocene boundary sequences in the New Jersey Coastal Plain reveal that the Paleocene-Eocene thermal maximum (PETM) corresponds to a basin-wide, thick clay unit. Benthic foraminifera have been studied at low resolution, but we present the first high-resolution benthic foraminiferal data and paleoecologic interpretations of the more landward Wilson Lake and more seaward Bass River drill sites. Graphic correlation allows refinement of the site-to-site correlation, providing insight in the succession and timing of environmental changes associated with the onset of the PETM. Uppermost Paleocene glauconitic sandy strata were deposited at very low sedimentation rates (Bass River ~ 1 cm/kyr and Wilson Lake ~ 0.1 cm/kyr). Deposition occurred in stable, well-oxygenated deep middle neritic (Wilson Lake,) to outer neritic environments (Bass River). No changes in benthic assemblages are associated with the start of the Apectodinium acme or the proposed pre-PETM sea surface temperature rise. The onset of the PETM, as characterized by the base of the carbon isotope excursion (CIE), is at the transition from glauconitic sands to silty clay, coinciding with a major benthic foraminiferal change towards a more outer neritic assemblage consisting of opportunistic taxa. The onset of the PETM is represented in a transitional fauna present in the updip Wilson Lake site (sedimentation rate ~ 16.9 cm/kyr), whereas the more downdip section (Bass River) contains a relatively condensed interval (sedimentation rate ~ 2.8 cm/kyr). In the record from the expanded Wilson Lake sequence, the start of a major sea level rise coincided with the onset of the CIE and preceded the establishment of the dysoxic eutrophic conditions in the earliest PETM as indicated by the low-diversity, opportunist dominated benthic foraminiferal assemblages. This low-diverse assemblage probably reflects the establishment of persistent stratification and subsequent dysoxic sea floor conditions. Increasing benthic diversity indicates a steady environmental recovery later in the PETM, during which seasonal dysoxic eutrophic conditions still created periodic stress for the benthic biota. Site-tosite correlation indicates an increase in sedimentation rates for this interval (Wilson Lake ~ ≥21.4 cm/kyr and Bass River ~ ≥10.0 cm/kyr), in association with high influxes of low-salinity tolerant dinoflagellates. Overall, benthic communities indicate no environmental changes prior to the PETM and the rapid development of a stratified water column during the PETM, leading to permanent dysoxic bottom water conditions, followed by a gradual decline in stratification and only seasonal dysoxia. ___________________________________________
Spatial delineation of zones with the same dominating runoff generation processes

A spatial delineation of the dominating runoff generation processes, based on previous tracer experiments, was conducted in a mountainous area in the Black Forest in southwestern Germany. On saturated areas and boulder trains, rapid runoff is generated (Guntner et al., 1998; Mehlhorn, 1998). The area is dominated by periglacial drift cover on moderate to steep hillslopes, producing mainly delayed runoff (Leibundgut et al., 1998). Rainfall on hilly uplands and consolidated moraines results in slow runoff components (Lindenlaub, 1998). Characteristics of the drift cover and slope serve as main criteria for the differentiation of runoff generation processes. With the aid of a geographical information system, eight classes of spatial units with a characteristic runoff behaviour are defined.
Comments on the ophiuroid family Protasteridae and description of a new genus from the Lower Devonian of the Fox Bay Formation, Falkland Islands

Hunter, A.W. , Rushton, A.W. A. & Stone, P., September 2016. Comments on the ophiuroid family Protasteridae and description of a new genus from the Lower Devonian of the Fox Bay Formation, Falkland Islands. Alcheringa 40, xxx–xxx. ISSN 0311-5518 Asterozoan fossils are comparatively rare in Gondwana compared with Laurentia, especially in the Devonian. We examined the only fossil ophiuroid yet known from the Falkland Islands and assess its significance for the evolution of the clade. This ophiuroid, herein distinguished as a new genus and species, Darwinaster coleenbiggsae, belongs to the same suprageneric group as Protaster, which was established on a series of Middle–Upper Ordovician taxa and persisted into the late Palaeozoic remarkably little changed in morphology. This single example is part of a much wider fauna that includes fossils from the Bokkeveld Group, South Africa and the Precordillera of Argentina. Existing palaeobiogeographic reconstructions confirm that these faunas once existed on contiguous terranes and characterized a distinct suite of similar palaeoenvironments within the Malvinokaffric Realm. This study reviews the existing record of Devonian asterozoans and revises Protasteridae. Aaron W. Hunter* [aaron.hunter@curtin.edu. au], Department of Applied Geology, Western Australian School of Mines, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia; Adrian W. A. Rushton [a.rushton@nhm.ac. uk], Department of Earth Sciences, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UK; Philip Stone [psto@bgs.ac. uk], British Geological Survey, The Lyell Centre, Research Avenue South, Edinburgh EH14 4AP, UK. *Also affiliated with: Department of Earth Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EQ, UK.
Promoting the Health Benefits of Walking and Bicycling to Work: A Qualitative Exploration of the Role of Healthcare Providers in Addressing Barriers to Active Commuting

1Don Mills Family Health Team, 20 Wynford Drive, Suite 200, Toronto, ON M3C 1J4, Canada 2Department of Family and Community Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, 30 Bond St., Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada 3Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada *Corresponding author Rebecca Wallace, MD, CCFP Don Mills Family Health Team 20 Wynford Drive, Suite 200 Toronto, ON M3C 1J4, Canada Tel. 416-444-6161 Fax: 416-444-5849 E-mail: rebecca.wallace@medportal.ca
Curriculum Quality, Process Innovation, School Reputation, and Perceived Value Affecting the Loyalty of Chinese Higher Education Students in Thailand

This qualitative case study investigates the factors influencing the loyalty of Chinese higher education students in Thailand, focusing on curriculum quality, process innovation, institution reputation, and perceived value. Through in-depth interviews of 30 selected students and content analysis of the transcripts, the study uncovered the nuanced perspectives of Chinese students and revealed the significance of these factors in shaping their loyalty. Findings highlighted the importance of curriculum quality, faculty reputation, and support services in influencing perceived value, while also introducing the concept of process innovation as a key factor impacting loyalty. The study offered valuable insights to the understanding of loyalty to an institution and provided actionable recommendations for higher education institutions aiming to enhance the loyalty of their international student populations in the context of global competition and the unique challenges faced by Chinese students in Thailand.
Effect of Some culture conditions and medium composition on bacteriocin Production from Lactobacillus helveticus DF

: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of some culture conditions and components of the culture medium on the production of bacteriocin from Lactobacillus helveticus DF to get maximum bacteriocin yield. The results showed that the best culture conditions for maximum bacteriocin production were; pH 6, incubation temperature 37°C, incubation period 48 hours and the best culture medium MRS at anaerobic conditions. Optimization of the medium ingredients was also investigated. The production of active antimicrobial peptide bacteriocin, active against Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms including P.aeruginosa (B) and E. Feacalis (A), by L. helveticus DF isolated from feces of infants is influenced by complex nitrogen sources and carbon sources in the production medium. Medium components, especially peptone, beef extract and yeast extract, and their concentration contributed to an increase in the production during the stationary phase. The Optimal nitrogen sources for their production were 1.5%, 2%, 2% (w/v) of peptone, beef extract and yeast extract respectively, accordingly, the present result evidenced that the increment in bacteriocin production was attributed to nitrogen source. Bacteriocin production by L. helveticus DF emphasized that the higher bacteriocin yield was attained in the medium supplied with Tween 80 compared to the medium without the addition of tween 80, the optimal concentration for their production 0.75%. Carbon source supplementation in culture media favored the maximum bacteriocin yield by L. helveticus DF, maximum bacteriocin yield when cultured in MRS supplemented with glucose and mannose (2%w/v). Bacteriocin production was affected differently by the presence of different concentrations of K2HPO4 or KH2PO4. Optimal bacteriocin production was recorded in the presence of 0.25% K2HPO4.
Syntrichia ruralis as a suitable bioindicator for urban areas – the case study of Tallinn city

Environmental pollution is one of the most important problems in urban environment. Mosses are good indicatorsof air pollution. In Estonia, heavy metals have been measured from Pleurozium schreberi and Hylocomium splendens, whichdo not grow in areas of Tallinn with a higher pollution load. In the present study, Cu, Fe and Cd were measured from fivemoss species growing in contaminated as well less polluted areas of Tallinn. Based on stationary and street pollution sourceinventory and air pollution dispersion modelling, the long-term average concentrations of fine particles (PM10) and nitrogenoxides (NOx) in air were estimated. The work revealed that it is possible to find a moss species that is common in Tallinnand grows in both polluted and less polluted areas – Syntrichia ruralis, which is the most suitable species for bioindicationbased on this work. Moss species Ceratodon purpureus accumulated the most Cd, Cu, and Fe, then Brachytheciumrutabulum/Sciuro-hypnum curtum, and Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus the least. Statistically significant higher Fe concentrationswere in the Syntrichia ruralis, compared to the Sciuro-hypnum curtum and Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus. The Syntrichia ruralisalso had significantly higher Cd content compared to the Brachythecium rutabulum/Sciuro-hypnum curtum. The results ofthe GLM analysis showed that the content of various heavy metals depends on the moss species and the degree of fine particlesin the environment, and it didn't depend on whether the moss grows on the soil or a hard substrate such as concrete, stoneor asphalt.
Does Government Performance Influence Public Trust? The Case of Sustainable Development Goals Policies at Local Level

In the recent past, governments have faced a number of crises (i.e. climate change, economic crisis, COVID-19, Russia-Ukraine conflict) that affect their overall performance. Crises directly impact citizens as they yield increased unemployment and debt crisis, lead to global warming, spark high inflation, and raise the cost of living. These issues which normally mirror the way governments perform, seem to have an impact on public trust. It remains unclear how and to what extent performance influences public trust. In addition, there has been difficulty identifying accurate ways to measure performance in the public sector, especially at the local level. Using data from IDEA Consult and Gemeente-en stadsmonitor (GSM), we propose to use Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a holistic way of measuring performance and show how this performance determines public trust. Results reveal that the performance in specific SDGs (such as SDG6, SDG7, and SDG9) positively influences public trust, suggesting that government performance in some areas may be more influential in shaping public trust than others. SDG16 has the strongest statistically significant impact on public trust.
Zhao's reply to the Discussion of ‘The First Discussion Meeting on Statistical Aspects of the Covid‐19 Pandemic’

Correspondence James L. Wei, Department of Maths, Imperial College, 180 Queen’s Gate, London SW7 2AZ, UK. Email: james.wei19@ic.ac. uk Abstract Knowledge of the current state of economies, how they respond to COVID-19 mitigations and indicators, and what the future might hold for them is important. We use recently developed generalised network autoregressive (GNAR) models, using trade-determined networks, to model and forecast the Purchasing Managers’ Indices for a number of countries. We use networks that link countries where the links themselves, or their weights, are determined by the degree of export trade between the countries. We extend these models to include node-specific time series exogenous variables (GNARX models), using this to incorporate COVID-19 mitigation stringency indices and COVID-19 death rates into our analysis. The highly parsimonious GNAR models considerably outperform vector autoregressive models in terms of mean-squared forecasting error and our GNARX models themselves outperform
Kuldeep Kumar's second contribution to the ‘First Discussion Meeting on Statistical Aspects of the Covid‐19 Pandemic’

Correspondence James L. Wei, Department of Maths, Imperial College, 180 Queen’s Gate, London SW7 2AZ, UK. Email: james.wei19@ic.ac. uk Abstract Knowledge of the current state of economies, how they respond to COVID-19 mitigations and indicators, and what the future might hold for them is important. We use recently developed generalised network autoregressive (GNAR) models, using trade-determined networks, to model and forecast the Purchasing Managers’ Indices for a number of countries. We use networks that link countries where the links themselves, or their weights, are determined by the degree of export trade between the countries. We extend these models to include node-specific time series exogenous variables (GNARX models), using this to incorporate COVID-19 mitigation stringency indices and COVID-19 death rates into our analysis. The highly parsimonious GNAR models considerably outperform vector autoregressive models in terms of mean-squared forecasting error and our GNARX models themselves outperform
Impact of the Narcotics Information Management System on Opioid Use Among Outpatients With Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders: Quasi-Experimental Study Using Interrupted Time Series

Background Opioids have traditionally been used to manage acute or terminal pain. However, their prolonged use has the potential for abuse, misuse, and addiction. South Korea introduced a new health care IT system named the Narcotics Information Management System (NIMS) with the objective of managing all aspects of opioid use, including manufacturing, distribution, sales, disposal, etc. Objective This study aimed to assess the impact of NIMS on opioid use. Methods We conducted an analysis using national claims data from 45,582 patients diagnosed with musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders between 2016 and 2020. Our approach included using an interrupted time-series analysis and constructing segmented regression models. Within these models, we considered the primary intervention to be the implementation of NIMS, while we treated the COVID-19 outbreak as the secondary event. To comprehensively assess inappropriate opioid use, we examined 4 key indicators, as established in previous studies: (1) the proportion of patients on high-dose opioid treatment, (2) the proportion of patients receiving opioid prescriptions from multiple providers, (3) the overlap rate of opioid prescriptions per patient, and (4) the naloxone use rate among opioid users. Results During the study period, there was a general trend of increasing opioid use. After the implementation of NIMS, significant increases were observed in the trend of the proportion of patients on high-dose opioid treatment (coefficient=0.0271; P=.01) and in the level of the proportion of patients receiving opioid prescriptions from multiple providers (coefficient=0.6252; P=.004). An abrupt decline was seen in the level of the naloxone use rate among opioid users (coefficient=–0.2968; P=.04). While these changes were statistically significant, their clinical significance appears to be minor. No significant changes were observed after both the implementation of NIMS and the COVID-19 outbreak. Conclusions This study suggests that, in its current form, the NIMS may not have brought significant improvements to the identified indicators of opioid overuse and misuse. Additionally, the COVID-19 outbreak exhibited no significant influence on opioid use patterns. The absence of real-time monitoring feature within the NIMS could be a key contributing factor. Further exploration and enhancements are needed to maximize the NIMS’ impact on curbing inappropriate opioid use.
Allelopathy: Current Status and Future Goals

Lichen Allelopathy: A Review Overcoming Alleopathic Growth Inhibition by Micorrhizal Inoculation Allelopathic, Herbaceous, Vascular Hydrophytes Identification of Allelochemicals in Eucalyptus citriodora and Polygonum sachalinense Quercetin and Quercitrin from Pluchea lanceolata and Their Effect on Growth of Asparagus Bean Mechanism of Action of Allelochemicals in Allelopathy Allelopathic Properties of Alkaloids and Other Natural Products: Possible Modes of Action The Value of Model Plant-Microbe-Soil Systems for Understanding Processes Associated with Allelopathic Interaction: One Example Characterization of the Mechanisms of Allelopathy: Modeling and Experimental Approaches Plant Stress and Allelopathy Chemical Communication Between the Parasitic Weed Striga and Its Crop Host: A New Dimension in Allelochemistry Allelopathy and Self-Defense in Barley Tillage and Allelopathic Aspects of the CornSoybean Rotation Effect Intercropping Allelopathic Crops with Nitrogen-Fixing Legume Crops: A Tripartitie Legume Symbiosis Perspective Allelopathy and Sustainable Agriculture Allelopathy in Mexican Plants: More Recent Studies Allelopathic Activity of Naturally Occurring Compounds from Mung Beans (Vigna radiata) and Their Surrounding Soil Potential of Hydroxamic Acids in the Control of Cereal Pests, Diseases, and Weeds
Cycloidal Propulsion Applied to Aircraft

After reporting observations on the flight of gulls which indicated that the wing top moves with a cycloidal motion, the author proceeds to an analysis of this type of motion as it might be applied to the propulsion of aircraft. Various aspects of cycloidal propellers, including their efficiency, are discussed, and their application to heavier-than-air and lighter-than-air craft is urged. The advantages of this method of propulsion are discussed. Tests of model and full-size propellers are referred to, but are not included in the paper.
Analysis of the impact of ultrasonic disintegration on changes in the physico-chemical and biological properties of municipal wastewater

Raw municipal wastewater is a reservoir of many physical, chemical and microbiological pollut-ants. The treatment process carried out in municipal wastewater treatment plants focuses on giving the wastewater physical and chemical properties similar to those of surface waters. It does not take into account the microbiological properties of wastewater. The aim of the conducted research was therefore to determine the impact of ultrasonic disintegration on changes in the physico-chemical and microbiological properties of municipal wastewater. Raw wastewater samples were subjected to ultrasound with a frequency of 26 kHz, and the results of the work allowed to determine the effect of sonication on changes in physico-chemical (pH, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, total nitrogen, total phosphorus and total suspensions) and microbiological properties (total number of bacteria, coliform, streptococcal faeces, Clostridium bacteria) of raw municipal wastewater. An additional aspect was to carry out biotests of raw wastewater samples to determine their acute toxicity using the Microtox system and Aliivibrio fischeri lumi-nescent bacteria. The obtained results allowed to conclude that the impact of ultrasounds with a frequency of 26 kHz causes a significant reduction in the number of microorganisms present in raw wastewater – by nearly 93% in relation to the total number of bacteria after 10 min of the sonication process and about 73% of bacteria of the Clostridium genus, 98% of coliform, as well as complete reduction of fecal streptococci after 25 min of sonication. In addition, it has been proven that ultrasonic disintegration does not significantly change the physico-chemical properties of raw municipal wastewater or the acute toxicity of the tested wastewater.
Prevalencia de conducta ortoréxica en estudiantes de educación media de Temuco Prevalence of orthorexic behaviour in high school students of Temuco

This research aims to determine the prevalence of orthorexic behavior in high school students from private and municipal schools located in Temuco, city Chile. The study had a non-experimental, descriptive, cross-sectional design with a quantitative approach. A non-probabilistic approach was used for selecting the sample, which included 205 students divided into 94 females and 111 males ranging from 16 to 18 years of age. The instrument used is called “ORTHO-15”. The results indicate that 30.7% of students presented orthorexic behavior, and its prevalence was higher in the municipal school (35.3%) and men (35.1%). Finally the instrument should be applied in wider populations to confi rm the presence of this behavior and eventually report its effects.