Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pairing litter decomposition with microbial community structures

Including information about soil microbial communities into global decomposition models is critical for predicting and understanding how ecosystem functions may shift in response to global change. Here we combined a standardised litter bag method for estimating decomposition rates, Tea Bag Index (TBI), with high-throughput sequencing of the microbial communities colonising the plant litter in the bags. Together with students of the Federal College for Viticulture and Fruit Growing, Klosterneuburg, Austria, acting as citizen scientists, we used this approach to investigate 30 the diversity of prokaryotes and fungi colonising recalcitrant (rooibos) and labile (green tea) plant litter buried in three different soil types and during four seasons with the aim of (i) comparing litter decomposition [decomposition rates (k) and stabilisation factors (S)] between soil types and seasons, (ii) comparing the microbial communities colonising labile and recalcitrant plant litter between soil types and seasons (iii) correlating microbial diversity and taxa relative abundance patterns of colonisers with litter decomposition rates (k) and stabilisation factors (S). Stabilisation factor (S), but not 35 decomposition rate (k), correlated with the season and was significantly lower in the summer. This finding highlights the necessity to include colder seasons in the efforts of determining decomposition dynamics in order to quantify nutrient cycling in soils accurately. With our approach, we further showed selective colonisation of plant litter by fungal and prokaryotic taxa sourced from the soil. The community structures of these microbial colonisers differed most profoundly between summer and winter, and rooibos litter was generally a stronger selector than green tea litter. Moreover, this study 40 indicates an equal, if not higher, importance of fungal vs prokaryotic degraders for recalcitrant and labile plant litter decomposition. Our results collectively demonstrate the importance of analysing decomposition dynamics over multiple seasons and isolating the effect of the active component of the microbial community. https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-2021-110 Preprint. Discussion started: 21 October 2021 c © Author(s) 2021. CC BY 4.0 License.
Accuracy of office hysteroscopy in the diagnosis of chronic endometritis

Background: To test the accuracy of office hysteroscopy in the diagnosis of chronic endometritis (CE) as compared to histopathological diagnosis. Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted in a private hospital from July 2018 to January 2020. 220 infertile women were scheduled for first attempt of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Patients ranging in age from 20–40 with history of primary infertility scheduled for ICSI for the first time were included, while patients with chronic diseases, severe vaginal bleeding, previous failed ICSI, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or endometriosis were excluded. All patients received postmenstrual office hysteroscopy to rule out the presence of CE; at the same setting, endometrial biopsy was taken and sent for histopathological examination. Results: 174 cases (79.1%) were diagnosed as CE at hysteroscopy, while 162 (73.6%) cases were positive at histopathology. 99.4% of the cases presented with hyperaemia, followed by oedema in 74.7% and micro-polypi in 58.6% of cases with CE. There was a significant difference between the hysteroscopic and the histopathologic diagnosis of CE (p < 0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of hysteroscopy were 93.83%, 62.07%, 87.36% and 78.26% respectively. Conclusions: Office hysteroscopic evaluation is relatively accurate on its own but can be further confirmed by CD138 staining.
Two-way relationship between inequality and growth within fiscal policy channel: an empirical assessment for European countries

We investigate the role of fiscal policy, through several measures of government revenues and expenditures and redistribution, on disposable and market income inequality and economic growth as well as the interaction between inequality and growth for 31 European countries from 1995 to 2019. In this article, we employ SUR regressions and SEM models, and we conclude that: i) while post-tax and transfers inequality has a negative impact on public expenditure variables and redistribution, pre-tax and transfers inequality has a positive impact; ii) public expenditure variables and direct taxation negatively influence economic growth; iii) average post-tax and transfers inequality has a negative effect on growth and average pre-tax and transfers inequality has a positive impact; iv) growth contributes to the reduction of average post-tax and transfers inequality and to the increase in average pre-tax and transfers inequality; and v) fiscal policy allows for the attenuation of disposable income inequality. The different results between the role of pre and post-tax and transfers inequality levels lead us to suggest tax progressivity as an important feature to take into account when analyse the trivariate relationship between fiscal policy, growth, and inequalities.
Consolidating the Covid Debt

One of the main functions of public debt is to smooth taxes and spending over time. In the Covid crisis, the Maastricht deficit restrictions were temporarily suspended to allow for large temporary deficits. As recovery sets in, countries are confronted with the task of consolidating the Covid debt. This paper explores a fiscal consolidation strategy combined with growth enhancing tax and expenditure reform. We quantitatively illustrate that this reform based strategy, by reaping substantial efficiency gains and inducing strong growth, eliminates the Covid debt, protects per capita social entitlements and yet avoids increasing tax rates. With slow consolidation, marginal tax rates are reduced right from the beginning. JEL classification: E62, H24, H25, H55, H63.
A MODEL FOR ASSESSING ADAPTABILITY IN HERITAGE BUILDINGS

The various aspects of the diversity within communities can be highlighted by heritage buildings and the traditions they represent. Adaptive reuse of heritage buildings can be seen as a strategy to protect these buildings and their associated values. However, in practice, adaptability assessment of heritage buildings and making informed decisions related to adaptive reuse remains a challenge amongst stakeholders. A comprehensive review of published works on adaptive reuse shows existing models to assess adaptive reuse are mainly focused on commercial and office buildings, and are only partially applicable to heritage buildings. As such, the development of a new, simple model is proposed to assess the adaptability of heritage buildings, at different stages of buildings lifecycle, would benefit all parties engaged with heritage buildings and their ongoing use. By reviewing previous adaptive reuse assessment and decision-making models, as well as identifying the challenges to adaptive reuse, a new model applicable to heritage buildings is developed. The model is applied to two heritage listed city halls in Queensland, Australia, as illustrative case studies. Application of this model in practice over time may result in its further extension and strengthen its validity.
Measurement of 226-Ra, 232-Th, 40-K and 137-Cs concentrations in sediment samples and determination of annual effective dose due to these radionuclides in vicinity of hot springs in Kerman Province

Background : Natural and artificial radioactive materials are the most important sources of radiation for human existing in all over the world, thus investigating their radioactivity is of great importance because of their ionizing properties and harmful effects on human health. Therefore, this study was conducted to measure radionuclides concentrations of 226 Ra, 232 Th, 40 K and 137 Cs in sediment samples collected from various hot springs in Kerman province and also determining received annual effective dose. Materials and Methods : Thirteen sediment samples were collected from different hot springs and concentrations of radionuclides in sediment samples were measured via spectrometry method and using HPGe detector. To evaluate radiation hazards caused by these radionuclides, radium equivalent activity, absorbed dose rate in air, and annual effective dose of samples were calculated. Results : Concentrations of 226 Ra, 232 Th, 40 K and 137 Cs in sediment samples varied from 21.01±0.71 to 193.16±1.72, 16.84±1.21 to 245.92±2.69, 90.13±3.37 to 667.81±14.59 and < MDA to 5.81±0.66 Bqkg - 1 , respectively. Also, minimum and maximum values of annual effective dose were determined as 0.17±0.00 and 1.48±0.01 in mSvy - 1 , respectively. Conclusion : Comparison of radionuclides concentrations and annual effective dose obtained in this study with the worlds̓ average values determined by UNSCEAR (2000) reports showed that concentrations of 226 Ra and 232 Th in 69% and concentration of 40 K in 46% of measured samples were higher than the worlds̓ average values. Also, annual effective dose of 30% of samples was found to be higher than the worlds̓ average value.
Modeling the regeneration and early stand dynamics of Missouri Ozark Forests

Projecting the effects of silvicultural choices on forest regeneration has traditionally been difficult. In an effort to improve upon this, a collection of empirical models based on leading hypotheses and theories of tree and stand development were constructed to simulate regeneration and early stand dynamics in Missouri Ozark forests. The stochastic models of establishment across a gradient of residual overstory density (Chapter 2) are consistent with the variable nature of the regeneration process. Linking establishment outcomes with models of annual height growth based on residual overstory density (Chapter 3) and size (Chapter 4) provides a powerful tool for both applied and empirical objectives. Quantitative interpretation of the regeneration process is as important as simulation of it. Developmental milestones for successful canopy recruitment were identified to improve evaluations of individual trees in even-aged stands during the regeneration process (Chapter 4). The reference chart methodology presented in Chapter 5 increases the inference obtainable from a single measurement by providing interpretation of individual tree development in the context of a variety of peer groups. Though imperfect, the combination of these models and tools should increase our understanding and ability to recreate the regeneration process, and as a result, the efficacy of our efforts to manipulate it. 1 Chapter 1: Introduction
In-vitro radiological and toxicological detection in urine samples of cancer patients in Al- Diwaniyah governorate, Iraq

Background : The examination of the urine samples is the preferable procedure to observing the inner exposure to radioactive and toxic pollutants in human body. This study focuses on the uranium concentrations (UC) and toxic metal concentrations (TMC) in urine samples of cancer patients and healthy volunteers from Al - Diwaniyah governorate. Materials and Methods : Fission track technique with CR - 39 track detectors and atomic absorption spectrophotometry were used to determine the uranium and toxic metals, respectively. Results : For the patients group the result of UC ranged between 5.04 μ g /l to 2.21 μ g/l, with the average value was 3.83 μ g/l, while the data of UC of the healthy group varied from 3.15 μ g/l to 0.49 μ g/l, with the average value was 1.91 μ g/l. The average values of TMC (Pb, Ni and Cd) in urine samples of cancer patients were 0.342 mg/l, 0.231 mg/l, and 0.075 mg/l respectively, whereas the average values of corresponding elements in urine samples of healthy subjects were 0.233 mg/ l, 0.127 mg/l, and 0.025 mg/l, respectively. Conclusion : The current in vitro investigation shows the pollution in urine samples of the participants through UC and TMC and also finds that the UC and TMC in urine of cancer patients significantly higher than healthy volunteers. The results of (UC) and (TMC) in urine samples of the participants exceeded the recommended limits.
Investigating Transformational Leadership Practices in Private Schools from Teachers’ Perspectives

This study investigates teachers' perceptions of transformational leadership as practiced by private school principals in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. The study examines the leadership practices of idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individual consideration, analyzed by selected demographic variables, i.e., (gender, level of qualification, and years of experience). The study was guided by three research questions. The first examined the extent to which school principals practice transformational leadership, as seen from the teachers’ perspectives. The second considered statistical differences in the practice of transformational leadership due to gender, qualifications and experience, while the third looked at teachers’ suggestions for enhancing transformational leadership practices. The researcher uses a quantitative methodology, incorporating a descriptiveinferential survey. The convenience sample comprised 363 teachers at 15 private schools in Al Ain. The data were analyzed using the Statistics Package for Social Sciences. Descriptive statistics were used to determine how well the perceptions of participants align with the conceptualization of transformational leadership. One-way analysis of variance and multiple comparisons were used to explore differences in perceptions of transformational leadership according to participant qualifications and years of experience. T-tests were used to find differences in perception by gender. The results of the study showed that principals usually practice transformational leadership in Al Ain's private schools. The study found significant differences in teachers’ perspectives according to their qualifications and experience. However, there was no significant difference between the perspectives of men and women. It is hoped that educational institutions will benefit from the study by identifying factors which may help learners and researchers to understand the most effective ways to implement a transformational leadership style in this setting.
Examining factors associated with BCG and Poliomyelitis vaccination coverage in Tanzanian and Kenyan children aged 12 to 23 months using DHS surveys

The rapid spread of infectious diseases in eastern Africa has made vaccination a major health factor in the region. This study aims to evaluate the factors affecting vaccination coverage with the BCG and Poliomyelitis vaccines in Tanzanian and Kenyan children aged 12 to 23 months. In May 2021, we collected data from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) from 2014-2016 for Kenya and Tanzania and evaluated how different variables such as the sex of the child, maternal age, maternal educational level, availability of health facilities, access to electricity in the household, and birth order affect the vaccination coverage. We used Pearson’s chi-squared tests with Yates’ continuity correction and Welch Two Sample t-tests to analyze the dependence of vaccination coverage on different variables. We found out that the sex of the child, access to electricity, and birth order do not affect the BCG and Poliomyelitis vaccination coverage, but variables such as the child receiving at least one of the vaccines, maternal age, maternal education, and availability of health facilities significantly affect the BCG and Poliomyelitis vaccination coverage in Tanzania and Kenya.
INVESTIGATING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BRAND ATTRIBUTES AND BRAND LOYALTY AMONG TOOTH PASTE USERS IN GREATER ACCRA REGION OF GHANA

The purpose of this study is to investigate the association between brand attributes and brand loyalty among tooth paste users in Greater Accra region of Ghana. The main objective is to examine the relationship between brand attributes on brand loyalty. Four hundred and twenty-one (421) copies of questionnaires were retrieved through convenient sampling method. With the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) the following statistics were employed: Descriptive statistics, Cranach’s alpha, Kurtosis and Skewness and Regression analysis were used to measure the relationship of independent variables (packaging, price, and brand awareness) on dependent variable (brand loyalty). The findings revealed that all three attributes of brand; packaging, price and brand awareness had a significant and positive relationship with brand loyalty. The research suggests that tooth-paste producers in Ghana should adopt green packaging marketing strategy to outwit multinational competitors.
ANTI-DIABETIC MECHANISMS OF WATER-SOLUBLE PALM FRUIT EXTRACT

Water-Soluble Palm Fruit Extract (WSPFE) obtained from the aqueous vegetation liquor of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) fruit milling demonstrated anti-diabetic effects in Nile rats, but the related mechanisms were unknown. Here, we investigated the potential effects of WSPFE samples on glucose uptake and enzymes involved in carbohydrate hydrolysis and incretin degradation. Glucose uptake assays were performed using spray dried (SD) WSPFE, freeze dried (FD) WSPFE, WSPFE ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) and seven individual WSPFE fractions obtained from WSPFE EAF on everted mouse intestinal sacs ex vivo and Caco-2 cell monolayers in vitro. α-glucosidase, α-amylase and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPPIV) enzymatic assays were performed in vitro. Glucose uptake assays revealed that all the WSPFE samples tested did not inhibit glucose absorption. However, WSPFE EAF consistently had stronger inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase, α-amylase and DPPIV enzymes compared to SD WSPFE and FD WSPFE. SD WSPFE inhibited α-amylase better than FD WSPFE. In terms of individual fractions, F2 demonstrated the strongest inhibitory effects against α-glucosidase and DPPIV. Hence, although WSPFE samples did not inhibit glucose uptake, they showed inhibitory effects on the three enzymes tested, especially WSPFE EAF and F2. Further studies to investigate their effects on carbohydrate digestion and postprandial hyperglycaemia are warranted.
Reversible Bilateral Basal Ganglia and Brainstem Lesions in Neuropsychiatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Case Report

The pathophysiology behind neuropsychiatric SLE (NPSLE) remains poorly understood and its clinical and radiological manifestations are highly varied. In this report, we present a complex case of an adolescent female patient with a three-week history of systemic symptoms (fever, nausea, vomiting, weight-loss, polyarticular joint pain), progressive motor weakness, tremor, and altered mental status. Physical examination was significant for oromandibular and cervical dystonia rigidity, and general weakness with imposed right-sided hemiparesis. A head MRI demonstrated bilateral hyperintense lesions of the basal ganglia and brainstem, SS without restricted diffusion. The patient was diagnosed with NPSLE, lupus nephritis, electrolyte imbalance, severe hypoalbuminemia, lupus cardiomyopathy, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, pulmonary tuberculosis, and sepsis. The patient was given treatment in the ICU with pulse dose corticosteroids, intravenous antibiotics, intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg), and supportive treatment with correction of hematologic and electrolyte abnormalities. Her condition improved rapidly. Full alertness was regained, and symptoms of oromandibular dystonia, tremor, and weakness diminished significantly. A follow-up MRI three weeks later revealed complete disappearance of lesions, which we attribute to resolution of the inflammatory process in the brain.
Assessing Gender Bias in Particle Physics and Social Science Recommendations for Academic Jobs

We investigated gender bias in letters of recommendation as a possible cause of the under-representation of women in Experimental Particle Physics (EPP), where about 15% of faculty are female—well below the 60% level in psychology and sociology. We analyzed 2206 letters in EPP and these two social sciences using standard lexical measures as well as two new measures: author status and an open-ended search for gendered language. In contrast to former studies, women were not depicted as more communal, less agentic, or less standout. Lexical measures revealed few gender differences in either discipline. The open-ended analysis revealed disparities favoring women in social science and men in EPP. However, female EPP candidates were characterized as “brilliant” in nearly three times as many letters as were men.
On the design of scalable networks to reject polynomial disturbances

: This paper is concerned with the problem of designing distributed control protocols for network systems aﬀected by delays and disturbances consisting of a polynomial component and a residual signal. We propose the use of a multiplex architecture to design distributed control protocols to reject polynomial disturbances up to ramps and guarantee a scalability property that prohibits the ampliﬁcation of residual disturbances. For this architecture, we give a delay-independent suﬃcient condition on the control protocols to guarantee scalability and ramps rejection. The eﬀectiveness of the result, which can be used to study networks of nonlinearly coupled nonlinear agents, is illustrated via a robot formation control problem.
Deep Ensembles Work, But Are They Necessary?

Ensembling neural networks is an effective way to increase accuracy, and can often match the performance of individual larger models. This observation poses a natural question: given the choice between a deep ensemble and a single neural network with similar accuracy, is one preferable over the other? Recent work suggests that deep ensembles may offer distinct benefits beyond predictive power: namely, uncertainty quantification and robustness to dataset shift. In this work, we demonstrate limitations to these purported benefits, and show that a single (but larger) neural network can replicate these qualities. First, we show that ensemble diversity, by any metric, does not meaningfully contribute to an ensemble's uncertainty quantification on out-of-distribution (OOD) data, but is instead highly correlated with the relative improvement of a single larger model. Second, we show that the OOD performance afforded by ensembles is strongly determined by their in-distribution (InD) performance, and -- in this sense -- is not indicative of any"effective robustness". While deep ensembles are a practical way to achieve improvements to predictive power, uncertainty quantification, and robustness, our results show that these improvements can be replicated by a (larger) single model.
Transformer Memory as a Differentiable Search Index

In this paper, we demonstrate that information retrieval can be accomplished with a single Transformer, in which all information about the corpus is encoded in the parameters of the model. To this end, we introduce the Differentiable Search Index (DSI), a new paradigm that learns a text-to-text model that maps string queries directly to relevant docids; in other words, a DSI model answers queries directly using only its parameters, dramatically simplifying the whole retrieval process. We study variations in how documents and their identifiers are represented, variations in training procedures, and the interplay between models and corpus sizes. Experiments demonstrate that given appropriate design choices, DSI significantly outperforms strong baselines such as dual encoder models. Moreover, DSI demonstrates strong generalization capabilities, outperforming a BM25 baseline in a zero-shot setup.