Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterising spatiotemporal vegetation variations using LANDSAT time‐series and Hurst exponent index in the Mekong River Delta

Spatiotemporal analysis and monitoring of vegetation help us investigate ecological health and guide better forest conservation and land management practices for sustainable development. This paper proposes the use of spatial analysis approaches (i.e., ordinary least squares [OLS] and the Hurst exponent) combined with time‐series analysis using enhanced vegetation index (EVI) data, derived from LANDSAT via the Google Earth Engine, to estimate the trends and sustainability of vegetation dynamics in the Tra Vinh Province in the Mekong River Delta. We also assessed the EVI changes connected to land change issues to examine the influence of land use conversion on vegetation dynamics. Results show that a large portion of the study area was covered by abundant vegetation (over 50% of the total area), and the increased EVI area was about 5.5‐times greater than the area of EVI reduction. Additionally, vegetation sustainability was being seriously compromised (e.g., a decrease in the total area of 8,275 ha) due to several land conversion drivers such as shrimp farming, urbanisation, and industrialisation. Furthermore, results obtained from this research provide insight into the spatiotemporal dynamics of vegetation coverage and reveal the consistency of future vegetation trends. Moreover, the study also quantitatively assessed the positive impacts of Buddhist doctrines on reducing the negative trend of vegetation change in the study area. These findings can lay the ground to formulate sustainable land and environmental plans that meet the 11th, 13th and 15th Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (i.e., the sustainable cities and communities, the climate actions, and the life on land). Besides, the analytical procedure adopted in this study can also be applicable to any other coastal areas that require the accurate assessment of vegetation status over time.
Processes of sand entrainment and emplacement in sand injection complexes of the Viking Graben

Abstract The Balder Field reservoir sandstone has been interpreted as remobilized from a Mesozoic parent bed. This paper seeks to address the questions raised about this unusual origin. Research and broadly analogous processes are reviewed, leading to the proposal that the parent beds may have been fluidized by bedding-parallel retrogressive entrainment of Statfjord Formation sands by a connected larger source of overpressured fluids. These fluids are identified as most likely derived by lateral migration from the Viking Graben, initiated in response to early Eocene basin inversion related to North Atlantic rifting. The event probably involved breaching of the topseal in multiple places over a large section of the Utsira High. The geometry of large sills formed from small breach points and the internal differentiation seen may show that the sills inflated by lateral accretion from a medial active flowing zone of turbulent, transitional or laminar flowing suspension. It is suggested that sequence-stratigraphic and structural context should be considered as additional criteria to discriminate between depositional and intruded sands.
Animal Forest Mortality: Following the Consequences of a Gorgonian Coral Loss on a Mediterranean Coralligenous Assemblage

In this work, the consequences of a local gorgonian coral mortality on the whole coralligenous assemblage were studied. A Before/After-Control/Impact sampling design was used: the structure of the coralligenous assemblage was compared before and after the gorgonian mortality event at the mortality site and two control sites. At the mortality site, a relevant decrease in alpha and beta diversity occurred, with a shift from a stratified assemblage characterized by gorgonians and other invertebrates to an assemblage dominated by algal turfs; conversely, neither significant variations of the structure nor decrease in biodiversity were observed at the control sites. The assemblage shift involved the main taxa in different times: in autumn 2018, a large proportion of the plexaurid coral Paramuricea clavata died, but no significant changes were observed in the structure of the remaining assemblage. Then, in autumn 2019, algal turfs increased significantly and, one year later, the abundance of the gorgonian Eunicella cavolini and bryozoans collapsed. Although the mechanisms of the assemblage shift following gorgonian loss will remain uncertain and a cause-effect relationship cannot be derived, results suggest the need for detecting signs of gorgonian forests stress in monitoring programs, which should be considered early indicators of their condition. in the coralligenous monitoring programs for detecting any sign of gorgonian forests stress which should be considered an early indicator of the assemblage condition.
Asian Emissions Explain Much of the Arctic Black Carbon Events

There is ample evidence that Black Carbon (BC) is harmful to the Arctic. BC can darken the otherwise highly reflective surfaces of snow and ice and increase atmospheric and ice surface temperatures. Because of the importance of BC to the Arctic, this work was designed to resolve the most significant source regions of Arctic BC as measured by monitoring stations in the Arctic. Using a bottom‐up approach, it is shown for the first time that there is one particular BC transport pathway from lower latitudes into the Arctic that registers at all but one of the Arctic surface monitoring stations included in this study. Through this pathway, pollutants are transported from the Indo‐Gangetic plane over Central Asia into the high Arctic in as little as 7 days. The measurement sites and BC pathways in this study are shown to be well representative of the Arctic as a whole.
Temporary Employment and Family Formation: An Income or Insecurity Effect?

Recent studies show that temporary workers postpone family formation transitions, but it remains unclear whether this effect is due to the lower income or the stronger perceptions of job insecurity that go with a temporary contract. To address this question, we link data from a large-scale survey among Dutch employees to longitudinal population register data on marriage and first births. Logistic regression models estimate the effects of temporary employment on marriage and first birth, and mediation analyses assess to what extent these effects are explained by income and perceptions of job insecurity. Results show that temporarily employed women delay first birth. There is also some evidence that temporarily employed men postpone marriage and first birth. These effects are partly explained by income, which increases marriage and first birth rates among men and women alike. Perceptions of job insecurity generally had little effect on family formation, although higher marriage rates were found among women who experienced affective job insecurity. Overall, this shows that it is their low income rather than their feelings of insecurity about future employment that explains why temporary employees postpone family formation.
From entrepreneurial experience to expertise: A self-regulated learning perspective

ABSTRACT Entrepreneurial experience alone may not necessarily guarantee venture success. Some entrepreneurs develop into experts through learning from their experiences, whereas others fail to do so. To explain the missing link between experience and expertise, we introduce a social-cognitive model of self-regulated entrepreneurial learning (SREL) to demonstrate how entrepreneurial expertise can be systematically developed to increase the probability of entrepreneurial success. We identify key self-regulatory learning processes essential to entrepreneurial learning by developing propositions and related practice-oriented applications of the SREL model for entrepreneurs.
The impact of quarantine duration on psychological outcomes and vaccination intention during the second outbreak of COVID-19 in China

Objectives A second outbreak of COVID-19 happened in China. We assessed the impact of quarantine duration on psychological outcomes and vaccination intention. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was employed. Participants were invited to complete the measurement of quarantine duration, social distancing, psychological distress, wellbeing (WHO-5), and vaccination intention. Multiple linear and logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between quarantine duration and social distancing, psychological distress, wellbeing, as well as vaccination intention. Results Of the 944 participants, 17.2% (7.8% quarantined for 1–7 days and 9.4% quarantined for > 7 days) of the sample have been quarantined. Quarantine for 1–7 days raised the social distancing(β = 2.61 95% CI 1.90–3.33) and vaccination intention (OR = 2.16 95% CI 1.22–3.82) . While quarantine for > 7 days was associated with the increases the social distancing(β = 3.00 95% CI 2.37–3.64) and psychological distress (β = 1.03 95% CI 0.22–1.86), and the decrease of wellbeing(β = 1.27 95% CI 0.29–2.26). Conclusions Longer quarantine duration reported a greater impact on social distancing and psychological distress, and a poorer wellbeing during the second COVID-19 pandemic. Quarantine for 1–7 days associated with the increase of vaccination intention. The duration of quarantine should be considered when preparing for immunization programs and preventing psychological disorders during COVID-19 pandemic.
Characterization of the Geophagic Materials and Their Associated Rocks and Soils from Anfoega, Ghana

This study was conducted to examine the physico-chemical and mineralogical properties of geophagic materials and their associated rocks and soils from Anfoega, Ghana. The geophagic materials were sampled from pits >10 m deep overlain by massive sandstones and shallow soils which were also sampled. The pH of the geophagic materials was strongly acid. The pH of the soils from the three sites was slightly to moderately acid, that of the fourth site was moderately acid in the surface but strongly acid in the lower layers. While the geophagic materials were enriched with clay, the soil samples contained high amounts of sand. The CEC of the geophagic materials (18.0 to 23.2 cmolc kg -1) was higher than that of the soils (5.3 to 22.6 cmolc kg -1). Thin sections of the rocks showed high amounts of quartz and accessory feldspars and sericite. The geophagic materials contained high amounts of clay (with >79% SiO2), quartz, feldspars and sericite. X-ray diffractograms of the geophagic materials, rocks and soils were dominated by quartz, kaolinite, muscovite and feldspars. The sialic minerals in the geophagic materials (shales) were probably leached from the overlying sandstones. The mineralogy of the soils indicated that they were formed in-situ from the underlying sandstones.
Glue modelling in variation management of compliant assemblies: critical issues and possible solutions

ABSTRACT Variation management aims to reduce the effects of geometric variations of parts to assemble. Industry is facing a digital revolution in being able to manage geometrical deviation data along the entire lifecycle of a product. This requires the development of new assembly simulation models and tools. New design trends are orienting towards more and more lighter products. They are constituted by thin metal sheets or in composite material. Lighter products in composite materials are always joined through structural adhesive. This work presents different ways to model the adhesive inside a simulation that allows to predict the geometrical variations of an assembly constituted by compliant parts. Three different ways to model adhesive, i.e. glue contact, beam and shell elements, were taken into account. Different thickness values, different component constraints and application points of part variations were also considered. Two lighter assemblies were considered: one constituted by two metal plane sheets that are partially overlapped; the second is formed by three thin sheets in composite material, one plane and two L-shaped. The critical issues connected with the three different solutions to model adhesives in a simulation to manage geometric variations from component to assembly were underlined to guide a possible choice.
“Something wasn’t right”—parents of children with drug problems looking back at how the troubles first began

Abstract In this study we analyze how parents of adult children with drug use problems view the initial stages of identifying their children’s troubles as a severe drug problem. We focus on the parents’ accounts of the discovery process by identifying significant events in the parents’ narratives through ‘the micro-politics of trouble’. The study is based on an analysis of 32 semi-structured interviews with parents of adult children (aged 18+) with drug problems. Four themes emerged from the parents’ narratives: (1) the first signs of a problem, (2) drug problem or teenage defiance? (3) the awakening, (4) a passing phase. The different themes show how the parents’ interpretations of the situation influence their definitions and thus their actions. Early signs and indicators of something being wrong do not initially result in parents framing the situation as problematic as they are perceived as everyday concerns and dealt with as such. Our focus on the initial phase of the problem definition process and how this affects the parents may provide a better understanding of the parents’ situation and needs for support. This may be of use to professionals in the fields of social work and drug treatment who meet these parents and may have a role to play in the development of support measures that can improve their situation.
Knowledge management as a tool for increasing the efficiency of municipality management in Slovakia

ABSTRACT Knowledge management is a key element of any prosperous organisation. Under local government conditions, modern management trends are applied slowly and gradually. The aim of this article is to identify the current state of knowledge management as an instrument for increasing efficiency of municipality management in Slovakia. Focus is on the analysis of perception, application, and barriers of knowledge management. These issues are investigated on theoretical and practical level, with collection of data by the questionnaire method in selected municipalities in Slovakia. The result is that in the self-governments systematic knowledge management is still weak. Attention to this area of management is growing and various benefits have been declared, but there is a certain lack of knowledge in terms such as knowledge, information, data, etc., more precisely confusion with other concepts. There is a lack of emphasis on the sharing of knowledge while technological understanding of this concept is dominating.
COMPRESSION AND TENSION CREEP BEHAVIOUR OF LVL SENGON (PARASERIANTHES FALCATARIA)

This study was aimed to investigate the creep behavior of laminated veneer lumber (LVL) Sengon, especially under the application of compression and tension stress parallel-to-the-grain. In Indonesia LVL made from the fast-growing Sengon (Paraserianthes falcataria) species is designed to be used as a substitution for solid wood in building construction. Creep test was conducted on the specimens with reference to the ASTM D143‐09 standard test methods for small clear specimens of timber. Moreover, the constant loads were made equal to about 20%, 30%, and 40% of the 60% ultimate load derived from the static test and the creep test was conducted in a chamber having an average temperature of 25C and minimum relative humidity of 65%. The results of creep test for a period of 90 days showed that the creep factors were 0.51, 0.52, and 0.41, respectively for the specimens under tension stress level of 20%, 30%, and 40%, respectively. In the case of specimen under compression stress parallel-to-the-grain, the creep factors were 0.42, 0.41, and 0.31, respectively, for stress level equals to 20%, 30%, and 40%. It can be concluded that the creep factor under tension stress is slightly higher than that of specimens under compression stress, and these obtained creep factors are much lesser than the values provided in the code.
A common model for the breathlessness experience across cardiorespiratory disease

Chronic breathlessness occurs across many different conditions, often independently of disease severity. Yet, despite being strongly linked to adverse outcomes, the consideration of chronic breathlessness as a stand-alone therapeutic target remains limited. Here we use data-driven techniques to identify and confirm the stability of underlying features (factors) driving breathlessness across different cardiorespiratory diseases. Questionnaire data on 182 participants with main diagnoses of asthma (21.4%), COPD (24.7%), heart failure (19.2%), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (18.7%), other interstitial lung disease (2.7%), and “other diagnoses” (13.2%) were entered into an exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Participants were stratified based on their EFA factor scores. We then examined model stability using 6-month follow-up data and established the most compact set of measures describing the breathlessness experience. In this dataset, we have identified four stable factors that underlie the experience of breathlessness. These factors were assigned the following descriptive labels: 1) body burden, 2) affect/mood, 3) breathing burden and 4) anger/frustration. Stratifying patients by their scores across the four factors revealed two groups corresponding to high and low burden. These two groups were not related to the primary disease diagnosis and remained stable after 6 months. In this work, we identified and confirmed the stability of underlying features of breathlessness. Previous work in this domain has been largely limited to single-diagnosis patient groups without subsequent re-testing of model stability. This work provides further evidence supporting disease independent approaches to assess breathlessness. Using machine learning techniques, four underlying factors of breathlessness in cardiorespiratory disease were identified. These underlying factors of the breathlessness experience were similar across diseases and remained stable over time. https://bit.ly/3brtD8c
Charles A. Dice Center for Research in Financial Economics Competition for Attention in the ETF Space

The interplay between investors’ demand and providers’ incentives has shaped the evolution of exchange-traded funds (ETFs). While early ETFs offered diversification at low cost, later ETFs track niche portfolios and charge high fees. Strikingly, over their first five years, specialized ETFs lose about 30% in risk-adjusted terms. This underperformance cannot be explained by high fees or hedging demand. Rather, it is driven by the overvaluation of the underlying stocks. Overall, providers appear to cater to investors’ extrapolative beliefs by issuing specialized ETFs that track attention-grabbing themes.
Topoclimate and wine quality: results of research on the Gewürztraminer grape variety in South Tyrol, northern Italy

The aim of the study was to identify the ecological indicators that facilitate predictive analysis and to search for patterns in local geographical information to identify risks and opportunities in viticulture. The study focused on environmental factors that significantly affect the ripeness of the Gewurztraminer grape variety cultivated near Tramin, a village in northern Italy. In particular, the reliability of the new Solar Radiation Identity (SRI) topoclimate classification method was tested, along with its predictive capability in terms of the biosynthetic activity of the vine and the quality of its grapes. The SRI index characterises each vineyard in a precise and comparable way and helps to understand the way in which the topoclimate acts as an important abiotic stress factor for vines. A direct relationship between grape must sugar content and the SRI topoclimate index was observed. Our findings indicate an increase in sugar content of approximately 0.8 °KMW for every 10 points of the SRI index. Thus, a novel prediction model of grape ripening based on an SRI curve analysis is proposed. The correct application of the SRI index could be useful for discriminating and predicting geographical charactersitics of a given area strongly connected to ecological diversity and wine quality. It could support decision making in viticulture in terms of, for example, correctly matching vineyard and grape varieties, reducing wine vulnerability and production risk and predicting optimal ripeness and harvesting days. The use of the SRI prediction curve could help in adopting a more sustainable approach to agriculture and in finding new methods for adapting to climate change, such as by improving the match between the cultivars’ phenological status, vineyard location and growing season average temperature.
Transferring Hydrologic Data Across Continents – Leveraging Data‐Rich Regions to Improve Hydrologic Prediction in Data‐Sparse Regions

There is a drastic geographic imbalance in available global streamflow gauge and catchment property data, with additional large variations in data characteristics. As a result, models calibrated in one region cannot normally be migrated to another without significant modifications. Currently in these regions, non‐transferable machine learning models are habitually trained over small local data sets. Here we show that transfer learning (TL), in the senses of weight initialization and weight freezing, allows long short‐term memory (LSTM) streamflow models that were pretrained over the conterminous United States (CONUS, the source data set) to be transferred to catchments on other continents (the target regions), without the need for extensive catchment attributes available at the target location. We demonstrate this possibility for regions where data are dense (664 basins in Great Britain), moderately dense (49 basins in central Chile), and scarce with only remotely sensed attributes available (5 basins in China). In both China and Chile, the TL models showed significantly elevated performance compared to locally trained models using all basins. The benefits of TL increased with the amount of available data in the source data set, and seemed to be more pronounced with greater physiographic diversity. The benefits from TL were greater than from pretraining LSTM using the outputs from an uncalibrated hydrologic model. These results suggest hydrologic data around the world have commonalities which could be leveraged by deep learning, and synergies can be had with a simple modification of the current workflows, greatly expanding the reach of existing big data. Finally, this work diversified existing global streamflow benchmarks.
Assessing genetic diversity and DNA barcodes efficiency of Salacia and related species from Western Ghats, Karnataka

The genetic diversity of 10 genera belonging family Celastraceae (four Salacia species and nine other genera) was analyzed using 11 intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR) primers. Species discriminating ability of DNA barcodes rbcL, matK, and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) was evaluated for Salacia species sequences originating from Western Ghats of Karnataka and Kerala. For ISSR analysis, a total of 46 samples were collected from Western Ghats of Karnataka. ISSR primers revealed a mean polymorphism of 29.21 ± 7.89%. The DNA barcodes showed a high level of universality for polymerase chain reaction and sequencing. The ITS had the highest discriminate ability of 67.13% in the neighbor-joining tree-based method and in TaxonDNA software’s, Best match (BM) and Best close match (BCM) had 59.59% and 58.58% correct identification success, respectively. Consortium for the Barcode of Life Plant Working Group’s recommended barcodes matK, rbcL, and combined matK + rbcL, had lower correct identification success in both the tree-based method and TaxonDNA’s BM and BCM.