Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Performance and N2O Formation of the Deammonification Process by Suspended Sludge and Biofilm Systems—A Pilot-Scale Study

A two-stage deammonification pilot plant with two different second-stage reactors, namely a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) with suspended sludge and a moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) with biofilm carriers, was investigated over a 1.5-year period to compare reactor performances. Additionally, dissolved nitrous oxide (N2O) was measured to determine the reactors’ N2O formation potential. Although the nitritation performance was moderate (NO2-N/NH4-N effluent ratio of 0.32 ± 0.15 in combination with SBR and 0.25 ± 0.14 with MBBR), nitrogen turnover and degradation rates exceeding 500 g N/(m3∙day) and 80%, respectively, were achieved in both second stages, yet requiring additional aeration. The SBR’s average nitrogen removal was 19% higher than the MBBR’s; however, the SBR’s nitrite influent concentration was comparably elevated. Concerning N2O formation, the nitritation reactor exhibited the lowest N2O concentrations, while the buffer tank, interconnecting the first and second stages, exhibited the highest N2O concentrations of all reactors. Given these high concentrations, a transfer of N2O into the second stage was observed, where anoxic phases enabled N2O reduction. Frequent biomass removal and a decreased hydraulic retention time in the buffer tank would likely minimize N2O formation. For the second stage, enabling anoxic periods in the intermittent aeration cycles right after feeding to support N2O reduction and thus minimize the stripping effects or the implementation of a complete anoxic ammonium oxidation will mitigate N2O emissions.
Effect of Debt-to-Asset Ratio, Maturity, Guarantees, and Company Size on Bond Ratings in Construction Companies

The purpose of this study was to determine and analyze effect of the debt-to-assets ratio, maturity,guarantee, and company size on construction company bond ratings. The population and sample of thisresearch is construction companies that publish complete financial reports from 2014 to 2022. Dataanalysis uses logistic regression analysis. The results showed that: 1) Debt to assets ratio has nosignificant effect on the probability of bond ratings, because investors tend to buy bonds because they seethe company's reputation not from the Debt to Assets Ratio obtained by the company; 2) Maturity has nosignificant effect on bond ratings, because investors tend to buy bonds with ages under 3 years, becausecompanies with maturity under 3 years are able to pay off their obligations to pay the loan principal atmaturity; 3) Guarantees have no significant effect on bond ratings, because investors tend to buy bondsbecause they look at the company's reputation, not from what is guaranteed and not guaranteed to thecompany; 4) Company size has no significant effect on bond ratings, because investors tend to buy bondsnot in terms of company size but from the company's reputation; 5) The debt-to assets ratio, maturity,guarantee, and company size affect bond ratings.
Intra-and interspecific kleptoparasitism in the American Black Vulture Coragyps atratus (Aves: Cathartidae) in a garbage dump in Ecuador

Kleptoparasitism is recognized as an important ethological feeding strategy that enables many animals to feed on a limited resource. Research on avian scavengers is significant because their consumption of carrion and food discarded by humans helps reduce foci of infection due to animals that die from disease, thereby preventing the spread of infection through the ecosystem. Scavenging birds provide key environmental and hygienic services valued at billions of dollars and here we document, analyze, and discuss the first cases of inter-and intraspecific kleptoparasitism reported in the American Black Vulture Coragyps atratus within the context of Calceta garbage dump (Manabí, Ecuador). The sampling work was documented with photos and videos over a period of 69 hours. A total of 48 events of intraspecific kleptoparasitism and 19 of interspecific kleptoparasitism were recorded. The intraspecific kleptoparasitism was triggered by the discharge of large amounts of waste from trucks, while the interspecific kleptoparasitism occurred when the Black Vultures took advantage of domestic dogs and their olfactory abilities to accurately locate food and then steal it. The efficiency of interspecific kleptoparasitism indicates that cooperative groups with more vultures are more likely to succeed in obtaining food. The data suggest that there is an optimal size beyond which larger group sizes will begin to incur foraging costs. This acquired behavior shows a high tolerance to anthropogenic conditions and illustrates the great adaptive phenotypic plasticity of this species.
ICT Scalability and Replicability Analysis for Smart Grids: Methodology and Application

The essential role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in modern electricity grids makes it necessary to consider them when evaluating the scalability and replicability capabilities of smart grid systems. This paper proposes a novel step-by-step methodology to quantitatively perform an ICT scalability and replicability analysis (SRA) in a smart grid context. The methodology is validated and exemplified by applying it to two real case studies that are demonstrated in the EU-funded RESPONSE project and comprise solutions relying on different communication technologies. The results of the proposed methodology are summarised through ICT scalability and replicability maps, which are introduced in this paper as a quick way of obtaining an overview of the scalability and replicability capabilities of an ICT system and as an efficient way of estimating the feasibility of scenarios not covered in the SRA.
Invasion of temperate riparian forests by Acacia dealbata affects macroinvertebrate community structure in streams

The riparian forest determines many of the stream characteristics such as physicochemical variables and the availability and quality of food resources for aquatic communities. In central Portugal, native mixed deciduous forests are being heavily invaded by Acacia dealbata, which is an evergreen and nitrogen-fixing tree species, but effects on stream benthic macroinvertebrate communities are unknown. We assessed invasion effects on macroinvertebrate communities by comparing streams flowing through native forests (native streams) and streams flowing through forests heavily invaded by A. dealbata (invaded streams), in central Portugal. We did not find major differences in macroinvertebrate abundance, total taxa richness or diversity between native and invaded streams, due to high variation among native streams. However, taxonomic structure of macroinvertebrate communities differed between stream types, with invaded streams showing lower percentage of sensitive taxa. Macroinvertebrate communities structure based on functional feeding groups also differed between stream types, with a tendency for higher abundance of shredders and scrapers/grazers and lower abundance of filter feeders in native than invaded streams, probably due to altered composition of leaf litter inputs and canopy cover within invaded streams. Our findings suggest that invasion by A. dealbata affect macroinvertebrate community mostly in terms of taxonomic and functional structure. Since A. dealbata is rapidly spreading in all southern Europe, this study highlights the importance of enhancing the comprehension of its impact on aquatic communities to identify ecological risks and formulate effective mitigation strategies.
Gut Microbiota and Vascular Diseases: An Update

Vascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, aneurysms, and vascular calcification, are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In past decades, the gut microbiota has been found to be an indispensable population exerting effects on hosts under physiological and pathological conditions. Gut microbiota-derived metabolites, such as trimethylamine-N-oxide and short-chain fatty acids, mediate these effects by regulating vascular cells systematically. Translation of research knowledge to clinical scenarios has led to the development of new therapies including dietary interventions and metabolite inhibitors. This review describes recent advancements in understanding of the interplay between the gut microbiota and vascular dysfunction, and potential treatments for vascular diseases.
How to win in FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022? A study on the configurations of technical and tactical indicators based on fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis

The FIFA World Cup, which represents the highest level in football, is regarded as a showcase to unfold the development trends of modern football, thus arousing great interest among researchers. However, most of the previous research designs studied the simple linear correlation between technical indicators and game outcomes, which may overlook the complex causalities in football performance. The aim of current study was to introduce a new method to examine winning patterns emerging from Qatar 2022 through a configurational lens. To this end, fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) was conducted using 98 samples (n = 98) out of 49 Qatar 2022 matches discriminating winning and losing teams in regular time (group stage) and in 30 min of extra time (knockout stage). Then, we selected seven variables as our causal conditions, namely, shots on target, possession, defensive line breaks, crosses, receptions in the final third, forced turnovers, and direct pressures. Necessity analysis and sufficiency analysis of configurations were conducted according to fsQCA requirements. The fsQCA operation showed that no individual causal condition is necessary to winning a game and four configurations were derived from the QCA results and these combinations of conditions fall into three typologies of play style: a possession play style, direct play style, and all-round play style. The results confirmed the fact that football is a complex system and suggested that a winning outcome is often produced by combinations of multiple factors. The findings of the current study contribute to the literature by introducing the configurations of various technical and tactical indicators that could raise the possibility of winning and can be used by practitioners working within the fields of player development, coaching, and match preparation.
NON-INDUSTRIAL PRIVATE FOREST LANDOWNER ENGAGEMENT AND AMENITY- DRIVEN MIGRATION IN WILDFIRE-PRONE LANDSCAPES OF THE INLAND NORTHWEST

Rural counties in the Inland Northwest have a ‘working lands’ culture that supports livelihoods dependent on the health of wildfire-prone private and public forests. Wildfires threaten economic livelihoods and exacerbate the challenges of working landscapes impacted by changing economies, demographic trends, and forest conditions. The main objectives of this thesis are to investigate: 1) what comprises amenity-driven migration and how are amenitydriven migration and wildfire severity related? ; 2) are amenity-driven migrants engaged in forest management activities in Wallowa County, Oregon and what is forest management engagement? ; 3) how does landowner parcel proximity from WUI, USFS land relate to perspectives of healthy forest, wildfire risk and how do geographic characteristics of amenitydriven migration relate to landowner perceptions of forest community transitions? First, amenity-driven migration is defined as depending on natural amenities, seasonal homes, protected area, older adult net migration rate, and creative industry using a principal component analysis. Generalized least squares modeling of the Inland Northwest from 19922009 indicates significant statistical relationships between amenity-driven migration, urbanization and drought with annual burned acres on USFS land. Second, interviews with thirty non-industrial private forest landowners from Wallowa County, OR, emphasize the importance of a clear definition of forest management engagement. Interviews outline two varying types of forest management engagement as: 1) engagement on own forestland; 2) engagement in the broader community forest management. Third, interviews with thirty non-industrial private forest landowners from Wallowa County, OR emphasize that landowner perspectives of changing Wallowa County community dynamics are more prominent for landowners who dwell near their forest parcels. Furthermore, analyses of the qualitative interviews emphasize the continued need for forestry information outreach to landowners in or nearby the WUI to clarify forest management understanding. This research is especially useful for residents, landowners and policy-makers to better understand transitions faced by NIPF owners on the landscape and community level when establishing forest management and land use policies within wildfireprone landscapes.
Distribución de mamíferos marinos y su relación con el krill en el estrecho de Bransfield. ANTAR XXI

Aguilar R, Vega D. 2016. Distribution of marine mammals and its relationship with krill in Bransfield Strait. ANTAR XXI. Bol Inst Mar Peru. 31(2): 223-228.The observations were made along 332.14 nm, during the Expedition Peru Antar XXI, from 15th to 22nd February 2013 along the Bransfield Strait and surroundings of Gibbs island. A total of 86 sightings of marine mammals were recorded: 55 cetaceans and 31 pinnipeds. Out of the 135 individuals of marine mammals; 96 were cetaceans and 39 were pinnipeds. The three species of cetaceans identified belonged to the Family Balaenopteridae: humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) and minke whale (Balaenoptera bonaerensis). The relative abundances indices were: 0.361 individual per 10 nm observed for fin whales, 0.481 individuals per 10 nm observed minke whales and 0.840 individuals per 10 nm observed for humpback whales. The pinnipeds identified belonged to a single species of the Familiy Otariidae: Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella), which accounted for 36.05% of the mammal sightings. Relative abundance of pinnipeds was 1.174 individuals per 10 miles observed. Humpback whales were associated with krill aggregations on top of the water column, while minke whales were associated with krill aggregations in deeper areas.
Optimization of modularity during development to simplify walking control across multiple steps

Introduction Walking in adults relies on a small number of modules, reducing the number of degrees of freedom that needs to be regulated by the central nervous system (CNS). While walking in toddlers seems to also involve a small number of modules when considering averaged or single-step data, toddlers produce a high amount of variability across strides, and the extent to which this variability interacts with modularity remains unclear. Methods Electromyographic activity from 10 bilateral lower limb muscles was recorded in both adults (n = 12) and toddlers (n = 12) over 8 gait cycles. Toddlers were recorded while walking independently and while being supported by an adult. This condition was implemented to assess if motor variability persisted with reduced balance constraints, suggesting a potential central origin rather than reliance on peripheral regulations. We used non-negative matrix factorization to model the underlying modular command with the Space-by-Time Decomposition method, with or without averaging data, and compared the modular organization of toddlers and adults during multiple walking strides. Results Toddlers were more variable in both conditions (i.e. independent walking and supported by an adult) and required significantly more modules to account for their greater stride-by-stride variability. Activations of these modules varied more across strides and were less parsimonious compared to adults, even with diminished balance constraints. Discussion The findings suggest that modular control of locomotion evolves between toddlerhood and adulthood as the organism develops and practices. Adults seem to be able to generate several strides of walking with less modules than toddlers. The persistence of variability in toddlers when balance constraints were lowered suggests a link with the ability to explore rather than with corrective mechanisms. In conclusion, the capacity of new walkers to flexibly activate their motor command suggests a broader range of possible actions, though distinguishing between modular and non-modular inputs remains challenging.
Connections of bullying experienced by Kyokushin karate athletes with the psychological state: is “a Cure for Bullying” safe?

Although some authors propose practicing martial arts as a prevention against bullying, little is known about bullying among karate athletes and the consequences of negative behaviour for athletes' psychological state. This study aims to explore the effect of bullying on the psychological state of Kyokushin karate athletes. A total of 371 athletes were surveyed to measure bullying experiences and signs of stress, anxiety, and depression. It was determined that 75.5% of Kyokushin karate athletes had experienced unethical behaviour by their coaches or other athletes towards them at least once, and the scores on the signs of stress, anxiety, and depression correlated with damage in the fields of communication, social relations, and physical health. The results of binary logistic regression have shown that the qualifications of karate athletes and their participation in competitions influence the risk of being bullied. Organisations in which Kyokushin karate athletes do sports should devote more attention to preventing bullying among karate athletes themselves, especially when preparing for competitions as bullying can harm communication, social relations, and physical health.
Mauremys reevesii (Gray 1831) – Reeves’ Turtle, Chinese Three-Keeled Pond Turtle

050.1 Conservation Biology of Freshwater Turtles and Tortoises: A Compilation Project of the IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group A.G. J. Rhodin, P.C. H. Pritchard, P.P. van Dijk, R.A. Saumure, K.A. Buhlmann, J.B. Iverson, and R.A. Mittermeier, Eds. Chelonian Research Monographs (ISSN 1088-7105) No. 5, doi:10.3854/crm.5. 050.reevesii. v1.2011 © 2011 by Chelonian Research Foundation • Published 31 December 2011
Genome Sequencing and Analysis of Nigrospora oryzae, a Rice Leaf Disease Fungus

Nigrospora oryzae is one of several fungal pathogens known to cause brown streaks, leaf spots, and latent infections in rice. In this study, the entire 42.09-Mb genome of N. oryzae was sequenced at a depth of 169× using the Oxford Nanopore Technologies platform. The draft genome sequence was comprised of 26 scaffolds, possessed an average GC content of 58.83%, and contained a total of 10,688 protein-coding genes. Analysis of the complete genome sequence revealed that CAZyme-encoding genes account for 6.11% of all identified genes and that numerous transcription factors (TFs) associated with diverse biological processes belong predominantly to Zn-clus (22.20%) and C2H2 (10.59%) fungal TF classes. In addition, genes encoding 126 transport proteins and 3307 pathogen–host interaction proteins were identified. Comparative analysis of the previously reported N. oryzae reference strain GZL1 genome and the genome of a representative strain ZQ1 obtained here revealed 9722 colinear genes. Collectively, these findings provide valuable insights into N. oryzae genetic mechanisms and phenotypic characteristics.
Relationships between Observed Hydrocarbon Column Heights, Occurrence of Background Overpressure and Seal Capacity within North West Europe

When reservoir pore pressures approach the fracture pressure the risk of hydrocarbon leakage increases as a result of mechanical failure. Here, relationships between overpressure, hydrocarbon column heights and seal capacities (fracture pressure – pore/aquifer pressure) will be explored, and best practice criteria for assessing seal capacity is discussed. The term overpressure (OP) can be applied to any formation with pore pressures higher than the hydrostatic pressure. From a 129 field database, critical shear failure pressures, fault reactivation pressures and tensile failure pressures were derived. Calculating the difference between such pressures and the aquifer pressures at structural crests within fields allows quantification of the envelope between the reservoir pressure and failure pressure - a term coined by Swarbrick et al. (2010) as “aquifer seal capacity” (ASC). Conventional approaches suggest that fractures will form when the pore fluid pressure equals that of σ3 plus the tensile strength of the rock (Gaarenstroom et al. 1993; Converse et al. 2000; Nordgard Bolas & Hermanrud 2003; Winefield et al. 2005). However, there remains the distinct possibility that it is aquifer pressure that governs failure (Bjorkum et al. 1998; Swarbrick et al. 2010). This research suggests a convergence of the fracture pressure gradient and Sv at 14,500 ft within the Central North Sea. At this point, the principal stresses switch. Furthermore, a general reduction in hydrocarbon column height (HCH) is observed with a) increasing aquifer OP and b) a reduction in ASC. The possibility of applying upper bound cutoff lines is explored, i.e. column heights are not expected greater than χ ft given an aquifer OP. The HPHT Shearwater field is an exception for all trends within the research. The concept of a protected trap is suggested as an explanation for this apparently anomalous trap integrity. Understanding the nature of how, when and why pressure-related seal failure occurs can help alleviate drilling dry holes and unsuccessful exploration ventures.
Sequential Electron Acceptor Model of Intrinsic Bioremediation at a BTEX Contaminated LUST Site in Laurel Bay, South Carolina

Contaminant transport modeling is being used with increasing frequency at petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated sites in an attempt to aid engineers in evaluating the feasibility of natural attenuation as a remediation alternative in groundwater systems. In this research, a threedimensional sequential electron acceptor computer model, SEAM3D, developed by Waddill and Widdowson (1997) was used to simulate contaminant transport at a leaking underground storage tank site in Beaufort, South Carolina. Gasoline containing benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) as well as methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) leaked into the subsurface at the site late in 1990, and monitoring of the water table elevations and contaminant concentrations began in 1993. Using the field data, the groundwater flow model MODFLOW was used to develop and calibrate a flow model for the Laurel Bay site using GMS (Groundwater Modeling System) v2.1. MODFLOW was coupled with the SEAM3D contaminant transport model, and the available concentration levels were used to calibrate, verify, and validate the site model. The results indicated that SEAM3D simulated complex, interconnected processes including biodegradation, and the transport of multiple hydrocarbon compounds, electron acceptors, and end products over time and space at a specific petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated site. Once the model was calibrated and verified, the model output was used to study the changes in contaminant mass distribution, contaminant mass loss, and mass loss rates for each terminal electron accepting process (TEAP) over time. It was found that the natural attenuation capacity of the aquifer was insufficient to stabilize the plume and prevent it from reaching the defined point of contact (POC). Contamination was shown to have reached the POC by 1994, just four years into the simulation. Results indicated that despite oxygen limitation within the BTEX plume, aerobic biodegradation was responsible for the greatest amount of mass loss, close to 70 %, relative to the sum of the anaerobic processes after 20 years.