Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Warm‐season Grazing Benefits Species Diversity Conservation and Topsoil Nutrient Sequestration in Alpine Meadow

Seasonal grazing is one way of the moderate grazing regimes, but little information is available on compared study of seasonal grazing in alpine meadow. We studied the aboveground and belowground properties among warm‐seasonal grazing meadows and cold‐seasonal grazing meadows on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau. Results showed that the warm‐seasonal grazing increased forb functional group proportion, plant density and evenness index but decreased root biomass, plant height and graminoid functional group proportions. Grazing seasons affected variation in soil bulk density, soil water content, pH and soil nutrient content, and the variations caused the various of soil carbon and nitrogen density. The highest values of soil carbon and nitrogen contents and densities in the warm‐season grazing meadow occurred at the top 10‐cm soil, while the highest values in the cold‐season grazing meadow occurred at the depth of 30‐ to 50‐cm soil. Our results indicated that the warm‐season grazing is suitable for the species diversity conservation and the nutrient sequestration at the topsoil. However, the cold‐season grazing is suitable for the nutrient sequestration at the deep soil. This study implied that the warm‐season and cold‐season grazing might be exchanged regularly to practice continuous carbon and nitrogen sequestration. Periodic cold‐season and warm‐season grazing would be the suitable grazing regime to keep alpine meadow sustainability. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Population Characteristics of Largemouth Bass Associated with Changes in Abundance of Submersed Aquatic Vegetation in Lake Seminole, Georgia

Population characteristics of largemouth bass ( Micropterus salmoides L.) including growth, body condition (relative weight), survival, and egg production were examined in relation to abundance of submersed aquatic vegetation (SAV) coverage (primarily hydrilla [ Hydrilla verticillata L.f. Royle]) in three embayments of Lake Seminole, GA, and compared to a previous study conducted in 1998. Hydrilla in the Spring Creek arm was reduced by a drip-delivery fluridone (1-methyl3-phenyl-5-[3-(trifluoromethyl) phenyl]-4(1H)-pyridinone) system beginning in May 2000; total SAV coverage declined from 76% to 22% between 2000 and 2001. In contrast, SAV in the Flint River arm increased slightly from 1997 to 2000 (32% to 40%) then declined again in 2001 (28%). Plant coverage in the Chattahoochee River arm remained similar between 1997 and 2000 (26%) and declined in 2001 (15%). Following hydrilla reduction in Spring Creek, relative weight increased 3% to 7% between 1998 and 2003 for two of four length groups of largemouth bass. In the other two reservoir arms relative weight either declined or remained the same between the time periods. Growth of age 1-3 largemouth bass was higher in Spring Creek than in the other embayments and time to reach 305 mm and 406 mm decreased by 17% and 33%, respectively, between 1998 and 2003. Time to reach 305 mm and 406 mm remained similar between 1998 and 2003 in 1
In vivo biocompatibility testing of nanoparticle-functionalized alginate–chitosan scaffolds for tissue engineering applications

Background: There is a strong interest in designing new scaffolds for their potential application in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The incorporation of functionalization molecules can lead to the enhancement of scaffold properties, resulting in variations in scaffold compatibility. Therefore, the efficacy of the therapy could be compromised by the foreign body reaction triggered after implantation. Methods: In this study, the biocompatibilities of three scaffolds made from an alginate–chitosan combination and functionalized with gold nanoparticles (AuNp) and alginate-coated gold nanoparticles (AuNp + Alg) were evaluated in a subcutaneous implantation model in Wistar rats. Scaffolds and surrounding tissue were collected at 4-, 7- and 25-day postimplantation and processed for histological analysis and quantification of the expression of genes involved in angiogenesis, macrophage profile, and proinflammatory (IL-1β and TNFα) and anti-inflammatory (IL-4 and IL-10) cytokines. Results: Histological analysis showed a characteristic foreign body response that resolved 25 days postimplantation. The intensity of the reaction assessed through capsule thickness was similar among groups. Functionalizing the device with AuNp and AuNp + Alg decreased the expression of markers associated with cell death by apoptosis and polymorphonuclear leukocyte recruitment, suggesting increased compatibility with the host tissue. Similarly, the formation of many foreign body giant cells was prevented. Finally, an increased detection of alpha smooth muscle actin was observed, showing the angiogenic properties of the elaborated scaffolds. Conclusion: Our results show that the proposed scaffolds have improved biocompatibility and exhibit promising potential as biomaterials for elaborating tissue engineering constructs.
Influence of Annealing, Normalizing Hardening Followed By Tempering And Laser Treatments on Some of The Static and Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Medium Carbon Steel

This research illustrates the influence of different heat treatments on the mechanical properties such as stress-strain cur ves ,wear resistance and fatigue properties of medium carbon steel,. This s teel was treated by annealing, normalizing, hardening followed by tempe ring and laser treatments. The bulk mechanical properties of ultimate ,fracture and yield tensile strength were evaluated. Surface mechanical properti es of fatigue, wear resistance and hardness were evaluated as well. Microstructure of trea ted alloys also were inspected. Results showed that (harde ned -tempered) steel had improved tensile strengt h, fatigue{limit, life}, wear resistance, hardness then laser surf ace treated alloy, then the normalized alloy came in order ,but annealed alloy had the lowest mechanica l properties. Annealing caused softening and growth of alloy structure. It was found that the microstructure of treated alloy play an important role in the improvement or deterioration of bulk and surface mechanical properties and by analyzing the obtained results. For (Quenched -tempered) allo y found fine tempered martensititic structure, laser surface treated alloy had martensititic structure in the skin and ferritic-pearlitic structures in the core . Normalized alloy had ferritic-pearlitic structures, Annealed alloy had coarse ferritic-pearlitic structures
Economic Effects of Natural Disasters: New Insights from New Data

How do natural disasters affect economic activity? While climate warming has led to renewed interest in this question, empirical studies are hampered by inadequate data. In this paper, we construct an alternative set of data based on pure physical measurement from primary sources for 1979 to 2010. Using an event based dataset, we show that the probability of a disaster with given physical magnitude to be reported in the Emergency Events Database (EM-DAT) depends strongly on the affected country’s GDP per capita. To highlight the impact of natural disasters on GDP per capita, we present results using our novel and comprehensive dataset on a countryyear basis. Our analyses provide pervasive evidence that natural disasters do lower GDP per capita temporarily. A disaster whose physical strength belongs to the top decile of the country-level disaster distribution reduces growth by about 3 percentage points on impact. This effect is halved when looking at disasters belonging to the top 15% and is again halved when looking at the top 20%. Finally, we find that countries with high quality institutions, countries more open to trade, financially more open economies, and countries that receive lower official development assistance can, on average, better cope with earthquakes, floods and droughts.
Momentum transfer collision frequency of O+‐O

The interaction of the thermosphere and ionosphere is largely governed by collisions between ions and neutral particles. On Venus and the Earth, O+ is a dominant ion, and atomic O dominates throughout much of the thermosphere; therefore an accurate O+-O cross section is an important prerequisite for understanding the dynamics of planetary upper atmospheres. The cross section and momentum, transfer collision frequency are calculated with a quantum mechanical code which includes resonance charge exchange, polarization, and charge-quadrupole effects. Our results agree well with earlier calculations of Stubbe [1968] and Stallcop et al [1991].
Melatonin mitigates oxidative damage induced by anthracycline: a systematic-review and meta-analysis of murine models

Background Oxidative stress induced by the excessive production of reactive oxygen species is one of the primary mechanisms implicated in anthracycline (ANT)-induced cardiotoxicity. There is a strong clinical need for a molecule capable of effectively preventing and reducing the oxidative damage caused by ANT. In vitro and in vivo studies conducted in mice have shown that melatonin stimulates the expression of antioxidative agents and reduces lipid peroxidation induced by ANT. Methods We investigated this issue through a meta-analysis of murine model studies. The outcome of the meta-analysis was to compare oxidative damage, estimated by products of lipid peroxidation (MDA = Malondialdehyde) and markers of oxidative stress (SOD = Superoxide Dismutase, GSH = Glutathione), along with a marker of cardiac damage (CK-MB = creatine kinase–myocardial band), assessed by measurements in heart and/or blood samples in mice undergoing ANT chemotherapy and assuming melatonin vs. controls. The PubMed, OVID-MEDLINE and Cochrane library databases were analysed to search English-language review papers published from the inception up to August 1st, 2023. Studies were identified by using Me-SH terms and crossing the following terms: “melatonin”, “oxidative stress”, “lipid peroxidation”, “anthracycline”, “cardiotoxicity”. Results The metanalysis included 153 mice administered melatonin before, during or immediately after ANT and 153 controls from 13 studies. Compared with controls, the levels of all oxidative stress markers were significantly better in the pooled melatonin group, with standardized mean differences (SMD) for MDA, GSH and SOD being −8.03 ± 1.2 (CI: −10.43/−5.64, p < 0.001), 7.95 ± 1.8 (CI: 4.41/11.5, p < 0.001) and 3.94 ± 1.6 (CI: 0.77/7.12, p = 0.015) respectively. Similarly, compared with controls, CK-MB levels reflecting myocardial damage were significantly lower in the pooled melatonin group, with an SMD of −4.90 ± 0.5 (CI: −5.82/−3.98, p < 0.001). Conclusion Melatonin mitigates the oxidative damage induced by ANT in mouse model. High-quality human clinical studies are needed to further evaluate the use of melatonin as a preventative/treatment strategy for ANT-induced cardiotoxicity.
Association of Dietary Vitamin C Consumption with Serum Klotho Concentrations

Background: Klotho is widely recognized as a protein that combats aging and possesses antioxidative characteristics, which have been implicated in the pathophysiology of numerous diseases. There is emerging evidence suggesting that the consumption of dietary nutrients, particularly those rich in antioxidants, could be associated with serum Klotho concentrations. Dietary vitamin C is one of the critical nutrients that possesses antioxidant properties. Nonetheless, the association between dietary vitamin C consumption and serum Klotho concentrations remains unclear. Objective: Aiming to evaluate the relationship between serum Klotho concentrations and dietary vitamin C consumption among Americans aged 40 to 79, we conducted a population-based study. Methods: From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2007 and 2016, a grand total of 11,282 individuals who met the criteria were selected as eligible participants for the study. Serum Klotho concentrations were measured using an ELISA kit that is commercially available. Trained interviewers evaluated the consumption of dietary vitamin C in the diet through a 24-hour dietary recall technique. A generalized linear model was used to evaluate the correlation between the consumption of dietary vitamin C in the diet and serum Klotho concentrations. Further examination was conducted using restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis to explore the non-linear correlation between dietary vitamin C consumption in the diet and serum Klotho concentrations. Results: After accounting for possible confounding factors, serum Klotho concentrations rose by 1.17% (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.37%, 1.99%) with every standard deviation (SD) rise in dietary vitamin C consumption. With the first quintile of dietary vitamin C consumption as a reference, the percentage change of serum Klotho concentrations in the fifth quintile of dietary vitamin C consumption was 3.66% higher (95% CI: 1.05%, 6.32%). In older, normal-weight, and male participants, the subgroup analysis revealed a stronger correlation between dietary vitamin C consumption and serum Klotho concentrations. Analysis of RCS showed a linear positive association between dietary vitamin C consumption and the levels of serum Klotho concentrations. Conclusion: The findings of this research indicate a strong and positive correlation between dietary vitamin C consumption and serum Klotho concentrations among the general adult population in the United States. Further studies are needed to validate the present findings and to explore specific mechanisms.
North Cascadia heat flux and fluid flow from gas hydrates: Modeling 3‐D topographic effects

The bottom‐simulating reflector (BSR) of gas hydrate is well imaged from two perpendicular seismic grids in the region of a large carbonate mound, informally called Cucumber Ridge off Vancouver Island. We use a new method to calculate 3‐D heat flow map from the BSR depths, in which we incorporate 3‐D topographic corrections after calibrated by the drilling results from nearby (Integrated) Ocean Drilling Program Site 889 and Site U1327. We then estimate the associated fluid flow by relating it to the topographically corrected heat flux anomalies. In the midslope region, a heat flux anomaly of 1 mW/m2 can be associated with an approximate focused fluid flow rate of 0.09 mm/yr. Around Cucumber Ridge, high rates of focused fluid flow were observed at steep slopes with values more than double the average regional diffusive fluid discharge rate of 0.56 mm/yr. As well, in some areas of relatively flat seafloor, the focused fluid flow rates still exceeded 0.5 mm/yr. On the seismic lines the regions of focused fluid flow were commonly associated with seismic blanking zones above the BSR and sometimes with strong reflectors below the BSR, indicating that the faults/fractures provide high‐permeability pathways for fluids to carry methane from BSR depths to the seafloor. These high fluid flow regions cover mostly the western portion of our area with gas hydrate concentration estimations of ~6% based on empirical correlations from Hydrate Ridge in south off Oregon, significantly higher than previously recognized values of ~2.5% in the eastern portion determined from Site U1327.
Inundation and Views in Coastal Residential Property Values. Does the Sale Price Reflect the Trade Off

This study proposes a modeling approach to disentangle the discount due to flooding in residential properties that are located in coastal areas. The study makes three contributions. The first is to incorporate a continuous measure of flood risk in a study of coastal areas, as earlier studies modeled flood risk using a binary variable. The second is to estimate a discount over a three dimensional amenitiesâ€™ set (degrees of view of the ocean, proximity to the ocean and proximity to other waterways), in order to provide a valuation of the trade oâ†µ between â€™views/proximityâ€™ and flooding. And, finally it is the first study of its kind for Australia. Data for two coastal sites in the state of Queensland, Australia are used in the study. The results indicate that the identification of a significant discount due to inundation risk is highly dependent on views and proximity to ocean and waterways, but the study demonstrates the methodology proposed here is able to disentangle statistically significant discounts due to inundation risk.
Evaluation of 10 Different Pipelines for Bacterial Single-Nucleotide Variant Detection

Abstract Bacterial genome sequencing is a powerful technique for studying the genetic diversity and evolution of microbial populations. However, the detection of genomic variants from sequencing data is challenging due to the presence of contamination, sequencing errors and multiple strains within the same species. Several bioinformatics tools have been developed to address these issues, but their performance and accuracy have not been systematically evaluated. In this study, we compared 10 variant detection pipelines using 18 simulated and 17 real datasets of high-throughput sequences from a bundle of representative bacteria. We assessed the sensitivity of each pipeline under different conditions of coverage, simulation and strain diversity. We also demonstrated the application of these tools to identify consistent mutations in a 30-time repeated sequencing dataset of Staphylococcus hominis. We found that HaplotypeCaller, but not Mutect2, from the GATK tool set showed the best performance in terms of accuracy and robustness. CFSAN and Snippy performed not as well in several simulated and real sequencing datasets. Our results provided a comprehensive benchmark and guidance for choosing the optimal variant detection pipeline for high-throughput bacterial genome sequencing data.
Highlighting some mechanisms of crack formation and propagation in clays on drying path

The objective of this research was to analyse the formation and propagation of cracks related to desiccation in clay and to provide a better understanding of the behaviour of two clays, a kaolinite, and a mixture of kaolinite and montmorillonite. At the macroscopic level, the strain tensors of the two clays during drying, as well as the cracking phenomenon, were studied using digital image correlation. The method is based on the determination of the local two-dimensional strains and displacements fields using the programs Vic-2D and Vic-3D. Different mechanisms of crack formation were identified: opening mode, sliding mode and tearing mode. At the end of desiccation, the cracks form a network similar to thermal fatigue or thermal shock networks. Bifurcation and coalescence of cracks can also be observed in soil. Another objective was to explore the effect of mineralogy on the behaviour of these clays. It is the reason why two different mixtures of kaolin and montmorillonite were chosen, with liquid limits.
An early start at a professional soccer academy is no prerequisite for world cup soccer participation

Introduction 829 players from 32 nations on five continents participated in the 2022 men's World Cup tournament in Qatar. Not much is known about the youth careers of World Cup players from all over the world, especially about the age at which they began playing youth soccer in a professional academy. This study aimed to provide insights in the age national team players participating in World Cup Qatar 2022 started playing for a professional soccer academy and whether their starting age relates to continent and their current playing position (i.e., goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards). Method Systematic online desk research was conducted to determine the age at which World Cup players started playing for professional youth soccer organizations. The median and interquartile ranges were expressed for the starting age in professional youth soccer organizations and the current age at the World Cup. The variables were compared with playing position, the continent of the player's World Cup nation, and the continent on which the player was raised. Results The results reveal that World Cup Qatar 2022 players started playing for professional soccer academies at a median age of 13.2 years (range: 4.2–22.6). In Europe, players started playing for professional youth soccer organizations earlier than players on other continents [χ2 (4) = 142.0, p < 0.001]. We also found a younger starting age in forwards than goalkeepers (p < 0.05). Discussion In most established soccer nations in Europe and South-America, World Cup players started playing for professional soccer academies before the age of 12. However, a significant number of players started later, especially players on other continents, which reveals the different pathways youth players can follow to the elites.
Relationships Between Student Characteristics and Perception of the Quality of Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure Courses According to the SERVQUAL Scale

This study sought to identify relationships between the characteristics of students and their perceptions of the quality of tourism, hospitality and leisure courses provided by the Federal Institute of Santa Catarina (FISC) at the Florianopolis-Mainland campus by using the SERVQUAL scale. The study’s methodological approach is classified as a quantitative, descriptive survey in which regression analysis was used to assess relationships between the respondents’ characteristics (independent variables) and perceived quality (dependent variables). The resulting data indicated that the respondents’ characteristics are more related to the perceived quality than to their expectation of it. Still, it was also observed that the perceived quality was statistically significantly related to age, including the variables ‘do not know/do not want to take another course at FISC’ and ‘intend to start a business’. These results will allow the managers to design strategies for maximisation of the quality of services on the basis of knowing that students who ‘do not know/do not want to take another course at FISC’, ‘choose the course in the field in which they already work’ and ‘choose the course intending to open a business’ have expectations and perceptions of the courses.
Prevalence of Serum Antibody Titers against Core Vaccine Antigens in Italian Cats

Feline core vaccines strongly recommended for all cats are against Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), Felid herpesvirus type 1 (FeHV-1), and Feline calicivirus (FCV), but cats can be classified as low- and high-risk based on their lifestyle. The aim of this study was to determine the actual seroprotection against FPV, FeHV-1, and FCV in a large cohort of Italian cats by using the VacciCheck test. A total of 740 cats (567 owned and 173 stray cats; 435 vaccinated and 305 unvaccinated) were analyzed for Protective Antibody Titers (PATs). Differences related to origin, sex, age, breed, FIV/FeLV status, health status, and time elapsed since last vaccination were evaluated. Less than half of the entire cohort (36.4%) had PATs for all three diseases simultaneously, increasing to 48.6% if weak positive values were also considered and 50.3% when considering only the 435 vaccinated cats. Particularly, antibodies were detected against FCV, FPV, and FeHV-1 at protective titers (PATs) in 78.6%, 68.1, and 49.1% of the cats, respectively. In general, owned, neutered, and adult FIV- and/or FeLV-negative cats were the most protected categories, even if not always for the three viruses. Most cats maintained high PATs for 3 years or longer after vaccination against FPV and FCV but not FeHV-1. Long-lasting protective immunity persisted for many years after the last vaccination (more than 18 years in the oldest cats). Nevertheless, since not all cats were protected after so many years and for all pathogens, checking protection via antibody titration could be the best choice to prevent immunity breakdowns. The discussion also focuses on the reliability of antibody titration for the two URTD (upper respiratory tract disease) viruses which, unlike for FPV, is not widely accepted as a valid index of protection.