Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impacts of growing‐season climate on tree growth and post‐fire regeneration in ponderosa pine and Douglas‐fir forests

We studied the impacts of climate variability on low-elevation forests in the U.S. northern Rocky Mountains by quantifying how post-fire tree regeneration and radial growth varied with growingseason climate. We reconstructed post-fire regeneration and radial growth rates of Pinus ponderosa and Pseudotsuga menziesii at 33 sites that burned between 1992 and 2007, by aging seedlings at the root–shoot boundary. We also measured radial growth in adult trees from 12 additional sites that burned between 1900 and 1990. To quantify the relationship between climate and regeneration, we characterized seasonal climate before, during, and after recruitment pulses using superposed epoch analysis. To quantify growth sensitivity to climate, we performed moving regression analysis for each species and for juvenile and adult life stages. Climatic conditions favoring regeneration and tree growth differed between species. Water deficit and temperature were significantly lower than average during recruitment pulses of ponderosa pine, suggesting that germination-year climate limits regeneration. Growing degree days were significantly higher than average during years with Douglas-fir recruitment pulses, but water deficit was significantly lower one year following pulses, suggesting moisture sensitivity in two-year-old seedlings. Growth was also sensitive to water deficit, but effects varied between life stages, species, and through time, with juvenile ponderosa pine growth more sensitive to climate than adult growth and juvenile Douglas-fir growth. Increasing water deficit corresponded with reduced adult growth of both species. Increases in maximum temperature and water deficit corresponded with increases in juvenile growth of both species in the early 20th century but strong reductions in growth for juvenile ponderosa pine in recent decades. Changing sensitivity of growth to climate suggests that increased temperature and water deficit may be pushing these species toward the edge of their climatic tolerances. Our study demonstrates increased vulnerability of dry mixed-conifer forests to post-fire regeneration failures and decreased growth as temperatures and drought increase. Shifts toward unfavorable conditions for regeneration and juvenile growth may alter the composition and resilience of low-elevation forests to future climate and fire activity.
Theta/beta ratio in EEG correlated with attentional capacity assessed by Conners Continuous Performance Test in children with ADHD

Introduction Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder affecting children worldwide; however, diagnosing ADHD remains a complex task. Theta/beta ratio (TBR) derived from electroencephalography (EEG) recordings has been proposed as a potential biomarker for ADHD, but its effectiveness in children with ADHD remains controversial. Behavioral assessments, such as the Conners Continuous Performance Test–3rd edition (CPT-3), have been utilized to assess attentional capacity in individuals with ADHD. This study aims to investigate the correlation between TBR and CPT-3 scores in children and adolescents with ADHD. Methods In a retrospective analysis, we examined patients regularly monitored for ADHD at Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, who underwent both EEG and CPT-3 assessments. Severity of ADHD was evaluated using parent- and teacher-completed Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham (SNAP)-IV rating scales. Results The study encompassed 55 ADHD patients (41 with abnormal CPT-3 scores, 14 with normal CPT-3 scores) and 45 control subjects. TBR demonstrated elevation in ADHD patients with abnormal CPT-3 scores, indicating its potential to represent attentional capacity akin to behavioral assessments like CPT-3. However, significant correlations between TBR values and CPT-3 variables or SNAP-IV rating scales were not observed. Moreover, TBR values exhibited considerable overlap across the groups, leading to diminished sensitivity and negative predictive value as a potential neurophysiological ADHD biomarker. Discussion While our study underscores the utility of both TBR and CPT-3 in assessing attentional capacity, their sensitivity in diagnosing ADHD is limited. A comprehensive evaluation, integrating clinical expertise, parental input, and detailed neuropsychometric tests, remains pivotal for a thorough and precise diagnosis of ADHD.
Reliability and power loss analysis: A case study of a power plant in Nigeria

Abstract The consequence of electric power outage goes beyond the frustration experienced. Electric power outage could lead to injuries and sometimes deaths especially when it interferes with the elements of daily utility like the powered elevators in towers and life-saving equipment in the hospitals. In this study, an assessment of the reliability of a power generating plant was carried out to provide an opportunity to checkmate frequent fault occurrence and prolonged outages. Historical data were obtained from a generating plant in Nigeria. The data were used to evaluate the overall performance of the plant and its generating units. The results showed reliability results of the six units of the plant as 0.00%, 82.39%, 8.25%, 18.60%, 45.98% and 83.41% for units 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, respectively, while the overall reliability was 55.73%. The plant’s availability and capacity factor were 50% and 35%, respectively. The generation loss analysis indicated that gas restriction, grid constraints and plant unavailability prevented the plant from running at maximum continuous ratings (MCR). It was recommended that to have an optimum operation of the entire system, further study should be extended to the transmission and distribution arms of the power system.
Evaluation of Osteoinductive and Osteoconductive Effect of the Amniotic Membrane in Bone Defects due to Open Fractures in Rabbits

Introduction: The repair of long bone segmental defects is one of the most challenging problems in orthopaedic surgery. In this study, the researchers decided to carry out animal experiments on the use of HAM in the bone defect to evaluate the osteoinductive effects of it, and to also use it as a guide for the regular production of bone, without waiting for membrane production (MASQUELET method). Materials and Methods: Twenty New Zealand white male adult rabbits were used in the study, and divided into 4 groups. The surgical site was prepared with the purpose of working on the left forearm diaphysis. In each radius, a bone defect of 15mm in length was created . The fixation of the radius was not done because the support of the ulna was sufficient . The defect was not filled with anything in group 1; however, a tube shaped HAM was inserted in group 2, a Tendon shaped HAM was utilized for group 3 and a Tube shaped HAM +bone graft (DBM) was used in group 4. Results: Bone formation was radiographically observed in the defects which had been implanted using tube shaped HAM (group 2), that was complete in 60% and partially complete in 40% of the cases. No bone formation was seen at up to 8 weeks after surgery in group 1 and 3.A small amount of bone formation was observed at both ends and the ulnar site of the defect in group 4. Conclusion: These results of the study indicate that tube shaped HAM could have an osteoconductive and osteoinductive effects in large segmental bone defects. Key Words: Human Amniotic membrane (HAM),rabbits,osteoconductive, osteoinductive. مقدمه: ترمیم دیفکت های استخوانی بلند یکی از مشکلات مورد بحث در ارتوپدی می باشد. در این مطالعه محققان تصمیم گرفتند تا با مطالعه روی حیوانات و استفاده از غشای آمنیوتیک در دیفکت استخوانی به بررسی اثرات استئواینداکتیو آن بپردازند، همچنین از آن به عنوان یک گاید برای تولید منظم استخوان استفاده کنند و منتظر جهت تولید غشاء ( که در روش ماسکوله استفاده می شود) نباشیم. روش کار: بیست عدد خرگوش بالغ سفید نر در این مطالعه استفاده شد و به چهار گروه تقسیم شدند. محل جراحی برای کار روی دیافیز ساعد چپ آماده شد. در هر رادیوس یک دیفکت استخوانی به طول 15mm ایجاد شد. فیکسیشن رادیوس به علت ساپورت کافی استخوان اولنا لازم نبود و صورت نگرفت. در گروه یک ( کنترل) هیچ ماده ای استفاده نشد. در گروه دو غشای آمنیوتیک لوله شکل به کار رفت. در گروه سه غشای آمنیوتیک به شکل تاندون ( پرکردن کل دیفکت ) استفاده شد. و در گروه چهار غشای آمنیوتیک لوله شکل و بون گرافت به کار رفت. نتایج: تولید استخوان از نظر رادیولوژیک در گروه دو مشاهده شد. که در 60 درصد کامل و در 40 درصد نسبی بود. هیچ تولید استخوانی در گروه های یک و سه بعد از هشت هفته از جراحی مشاهده نشد. مقدار کمی تولید استخوان در دو طرف دیفکت و سمت اولنار دیفکت در گروه چهار مشاهده شد. بحث و نتیجه گیری: نتایج این مطالعه نشان دادند که غشای آمنیوتیک لوله شکل می تواند اثرات استئواینداکتیو و استئوکانداکتیو در دیفکت های استخوانی بزرگ داشته باشد. واژگان کلیدی: غشای آمنیوتیک، خرگوش، استئواینداکتیو، استئوکانداکتیو
Image Quality Evaluation of HJ-1 Satellite CCD Sensor

The quality of the images obtained by the CCD sensor onboard HJ-1 satellite is evaluated and analyzed in two aspects of image project quality and image application quality.By comparing the result with that of the same temporal Landsat TM image,the quality of the images from the CCD sensor onboard HJ-1 satellite is evaluated objectively.The image project quality evaluation is carried out in three aspects of statistical feature,texture feature and energy feature.The result shows that HJ-1 CCD images can exhibit the shapes,details and textures of objects.The image application quality evaluation is carried out by using HJ-1 CCD images to extract the urban vegetation information in Beijing.The result shows that its information extraction accuracy is better and its total classification accuracy is up to 84.45%which is suitable for the extraction of unban vegetation information.
The Role of Human Values and Pro-Environmental, Vegetarian and Activist Behaviors in the Formation of Expanded Sustainable Behavior

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the role of human values and pro-environmental, vegetarian and activist behaviors in the formation of, here called, Expanded Sustainable Behavior. Theoretical framework: The theoretical framework was divided into five parts: Theory of Planned Behavior; Schwartz's Theory of Values; pro-environmental behavior; behavioral profile of vegetarians, and consumers as activists. Based on the theoretical framework, a framework was created based on the 10 hypotheses outlined in the study. Method/design/approach: This is a survey carried out with 211 vegetarians and their variations. Data collection occurred through the application of a self-administered questionnaire, using non-probabilistic, cross-sectional sampling. Regarding the analysis, descriptive statistics, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) techniques were used. Results and conclusion: The results indicate that the values of self-transcendence and conservation do not influence pro-environmental attitudes. However, the values of self-enhancement and openness to change influence pro-environmental attitudes: the first in a negative way and the second in a positive way. Furthermore, pro-environmental behavior is formed by attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control, being in line with what the TCP suggests. Regarding Expanded Sustainable Behavior, it was observed that pro-environmental behavior does not lead to vegetarian behavior. On the other hand, activism is positively influenced by pro-environmental and vegetarian behaviors. Research implications: Based on the knowledge developed and presented in this study, it is expected to stimulate empirical research that analyzes sustainable behavior in its different dimensions, with its multiple influences, in addition to expanding the discussion on issues of sustainability and conscious consumption. Originality/value: This study contributes to the literature as it proposes the concept of Expanded Sustainable Behavior which emerges from the chain of pro-environmental, vegetarian, and activist behaviors, as well as their connections and mutual influences. Thus, the study signals that it is possible to expand the analysis of sustainable behavior and study it with a diverse number of variables, covering both personal and collective dimensions.
Exploring Rice Consumption Habits and Determinants of Choice, Aiming for the Development and Promotion of Rice Products with a Low Glycaemic Index

Current consumption drivers, particularly those related to health and wellbeing, have been influencing trends for the lower consumption of cereals, particularly rice, due to their typical high glycaemic index (GIs) and consequent impacts on obesity. To satisfy this consumer concern, more food innovations that promote healthy eating habits are required. Such innovations must be consumer-oriented to succeed, understanding the dynamics of consumer habits and responding to consumer expectations. This study explored these habits, from acquisition to consumption practices, and the expectations of the European market from the perspective of the major European consumer, Portugal, to obtain insights that support the development of low glycaemic index (GI) rice products. A mixed-methods approach was applied. For the first quantitative questionnaire, 256 Portuguese rice consumers aged 18–73 years were recruited. Twenty-four individuals were selected according to their gender and rice consumption profiles for in-depth interviews. The results confirmed that rice was the main side dish for the participants and was mainly consumed at home, cooked from raw milled rice. The drivers of consumption differ according to the provisioning process stage. In the acquisition stage, participants reported benefits from the rice’s dynamic market by comparing products on price, brand, and rice types. In the preparation stage, participants reported the adequacy of the recipe and occasion, while in the consumption stage, participants enhanced their sensory preferences, depending on the rice dish. Although the GI concept was unknown to half of the participants, it was perceived as interesting and positive for healthy eating. Consumers showed concern about the taste and naturalness of the product, preferring it to be as close to a homemade dish as possible. The negative perceptions we verified were interpreted to be due to a lack of knowledge about the GI concept. Therefore, awareness actions and informative campaigns are recommended to promote low-GI rice products.
The Effect of Bismuth and Tin on Methane and Acetate Production in a Microbial Electrosynthesis Cell Fed with Carbon Dioxide

This study investigates the impacts of bismuth and tin on the production of CH4 and volatile fatty acids in a microbial electrosynthesis cell with a continuous CO2 supply. First, the impact of several transition metal ions (Ni2+, Fe2+, Cu2+, Sn2+, Mn2+, MoO42−, and Bi3+) on hydrogenotrophic and acetoclastic methanogenic microbial activity was evaluated in a series of batch bottle tests incubated with anaerobic sludge and a pre-defined concentration of dissolved transition metals. While Cu is considered a promising catalyst for the electrocatalytic conversion of CO2 to short chain fatty acids such as acetate, its presence as a Cu2+ ion was demonstrated to significantly inhibit the microbial production of CH4 and acetate. At the same time, CH4 production increased in the presence of Bi3+ (0.1 g L−1) and remained unchanged at the same concentration of Sn2+. Since Sn is of interest due to its catalytic properties in the electrochemical CO2 conversion, Bi and Sn were added to the cathode compartment of a laboratory-scale microbial electrosynthesis cell (MESC) to achieve an initial concentration of 0.1 g L−1. While an initial increase in CH4 (and acetate for Sn2+) production was observed after the first injection of the metal ions, after the second injection, CH4 production declined. Acetate accumulation was indicative of the reduced activity of acetoclastic methanogens, likely due to the high partial pressure of H2. The modification of a carbon-felt electrode by the electrodeposition of Sn metal on its surface prior to cathode inoculation with anaerobic sludge showed a doubling of CH4 production in the MESC and a lower concentration of acetate, while the electrodeposition of Bi resulted in a decreased CH4 production.
LATE HOLOCENE RELATIVE SEA-LEVEL CHANGES, ARCATA BAY, CALIFORNIA: EVALUATION OF FRESHWATER SYNCLINE MOVEMENT USING COSEISMICALLY BURIED SOIL HORIZONS by

LATE HOLOCENE RELATIVE SEA-LEVEL CHANGES, ARCATA BAY, CALIFORNIA: EVALUATION OF FRESHWATER SYNCLINE MOVEMENT USING COSEISMICALLY BURIED SOIL HORIZONS By Chad James Pritchard, Master of Science, Geology Paleoseismic investigation to identify late Holocene upper crustal movement beneath Arcata Bay has confirmed four buried marsh soils that represent three, possibly four, great southern Cascadia subduction zone earthquakes. Estimated ages of earthquakes are: 250, 1350 to 1190, and 1590 to 1390 cal yr BP, with a possible earthquake at 1290 to 1100 cal yr BP. Coseismically buried soils were identified using lithostratigraphy, estimated diatom biostratigraphy, and radiocarbon age determinations. To test for late Holocene movement of the onshore section of the Freshwater syncline, buried low salt marsh soil horizons were correlated around Arcata Bay. The only continuous buried soil horizon in Arcata Bay is the youngest, which probably subsided coseismically in A.D. 1700 during a regional megathrust event along the Cascadia subduction zone. The youngest buried soil is not warped by the Freshwater syncline and marsh accretion rates are similar at multiple sites, indicating similar depositional histories at the margin of Arcata Bay. Evidence suggests that the Freshwater syncline has not deformed during, or since, the most recent Cascadia subduction zone earthquake.
COVID-19 vaccination willingness among people living with HIV in Shijiazhuang, China: a cross-sectional survey

Objectives The COVID-19 pandemic imposed an enormous disease and economic burden worldwide. SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is essential to containing the pandemic. People living with HIV (PLWH) may be more vulnerable to severe COVID-19 outcomes; thus, understanding their vaccination willingness and influencing factors is helpful in developing targeted vaccination strategies. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted between 15 June and 30 August 2022 in Shijiazhuang, China. Variables included socio-demographic characteristics, health status characteristics, HIV-related characteristics, knowledge, and attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination and COVID-19 vaccination status. Multivariable logistic regression was used to confirm factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination willingness among PLWH. Results A total of 1,428 PLWH were included, with a 90.48% willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. PLWH were more unwilling to receive COVID-19 vaccination for those who were female or had a fair/poor health status, had an allergic history and comorbidities, were unconvinced and unsure about the effectiveness of vaccines, were unconvinced and unsure about the safety of vaccines, were convinced and unsure about whether COVID-19 vaccination would affect ART efficacy, or did not know at least a type of domestic COVID-19 vaccine. Approximately 93.00% of PLWH have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine among PLWH, and 213 PLWH (14.92%) reported at least one adverse reaction within 7 days. Conclusion In conclusion, our study reported a relatively high willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccination among PLWH in Shijiazhuang. However, a small number of PLWH still held hesitancy; thus, more tailored policies or guidelines from the government should be performed to enhance the COVID-19 vaccination rate among PLWH.
Effect of larval handling on black soldier fly life history traits and bioconversion efficiency

Introduction The black soldier fly is considered the most promising insect species for mass production; however, information on the effects of handling, which is unavoidable during experimental trials and rearing practices, is still limited. Materials and methods To address this gap, three different manipulation intensities were tested on 100 6-day-old larvae per replica (6 replicates/treatments) fed on Gainesville diet: (1) hard-handled (HH), larvae underwent continuous manipulation until the end of larval stage, (2) soft-handled (SH), larvae were manipulated after the appearance of the first prepupa, (3) no-handled (NH), larvae remained untouched. Every 4 days from the beginning to the end of the larval stage, the manipulations lasted 30 min and occurred under laboratory conditions (20°C). During the sampling operations, at least 30 larvae were randomly extracted, washed, dried, and weight-mimicked. At the end of larval stage, all the boxes remained untouched until the adult fly stage, and the emergency rate and sex ratio were evaluated on dead flies. Data were statistically analyzed using IBM SPSS V20.0. 0 software and the considered significance level was p < 0.05. Results The larval stage lasted 8.2 days for both HH and SH (p > 0.05). Despite the HH larvae being the most manipulated, no difference was also observed in final weight (HH, 160 mg; SH, 150 mg; p > 0.05) and survival rate (HH, 96.2%; SH, 94.5%; p > 0.05). The manipulation did not influence the bioconversion capacity of the larvae (bioconversion efficiency corrected for the residue: HH, 14.3%; SH, 12.91%; reduction rate: HH, 58.4%; SH, 55.9%; waste reduction index: HH, 7.28%/day; SH, 7.25%/day; p > 0.05). Finally, the development time from larva to fly (about 20.7; p > 0.05), the emergency rate (NH: 92.8%; SH: 89.5%; HH: 82.7%) and sex ratio (~1.2% to male flies) were not affected by the handling (p > 0.05). Discussion In conclusion, the handling procedures used in the current study did not influence the life history traits of the black soldier fly. However, further studies are needed to evaluate if different experimental protocols on various scales, the colony strain or other handling procedures may suggest a different scenario or confirm the results.
Aliso: a Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany Endemism in the Vascular Flora of the Juan Fernandez Islands Endemism in the Vascular Flora of the Juan Fernandez Islands

The Juan Fernandez archipelago contains 361 vascular plant species including 53 ferns, 65 monocots, and 243 dicots. Represented are 73 families and 219 genera. There is one endemic family (Lactori-daceae), 12 endemic genera, and 126 endemic species. The native vascular flora has II% endemism at the generic level and 60% at the specific level. Among the endemic species, 23 are ferns, 15 are monocots, and 88 are dicots. Of the endemic dicots, 29 species are Compositae, making up 33% of the endemic dicot flora. Most (97%) of the endemic angiosperms are perennials, and 64% of the dicots are woody (shrubs, rosette-trees, and trees). The endemic angiosperms are found in all of the major ecological zones in the islands: fern forest; dry forest; alpine zone; open ridges and cliffs; dry, open slopes; canyons (quebradas); and the shore. They are most abundant in the dry forest (38%) and open ridges and cliffs (22%). There is no evidence of change in chromosome number during evolution of the endemic dicots, and genetic differences between congeneric endemic species at isozyme loci are minimal. The endemic angiosperms are definitely in a fragile state with 75% of the species being regarded as either extinct, threatened, rare, or occasional. Santa/urn fernandezianum (Santalaceae) is definitely extinct, and Dendroseris macrantha (Compositae) presumed so.