Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Specialised Clothing for Firefighters in Poland – a Comparison of the Latest Set with the One Currently Used

Abstract Specialist clothing for firefighters must comply with a number of various standards in terms of e.g. water vapour resistance. The use of different materials and constructional solutions may affect the results of thermal parameters of the clothing. A search for new solutions can lead to ergonomic products. The aim of the article was to show whether there were differences in thermal parameters between the special clothing currently used for firefighters in Poland and clothing that takes into account new materials and trends in the construction of the above-mentioned type of clothing. The research results indicate no difference between the sets of clothing tested in terms of global thermal parameters; however, differences are recorded for values of local thermal insulation and water vapour resistance. These differences are attributable mainly to the construction of the clothing and not to the materials used.
Effects of magnetically treated irrigation water and exposure the roots to constant magnetic field on nodules formation in the bean crops.

This study was conducted in private farm in Rifai District Thi-Qar Governorate Southern of Iraq at winter agriculture season of 2017 to realize the effects of irrigation by magnetically treated water and exposure the roots to constant magnetic field on nodules formation in the root of vicia faba, as an attempt to find renewable sources for nitrogen as environmentally friendly procedure. Five treatments as showed in the procedure and materials were applied with three replications for each treatment which distributed randomly according to the Completely Random Design. The results showed that the exposure of roots to the high constant magnetic intensity (T5) caused high average weight of the roots and high average weight of nodules, followed by the treatment that depended on continuously irrigation with magnetically treated water (T3), for that the study recommended to utilize the technique which be indicated to, for obtaining additional quantity of nitrogen that is necessary to plant growth and increasing soil nitrogen content through the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen by the root nodules that be formed as a result of application of mentioned technique .
Green Plastics: An Introduction to the New Science of Biodegradable Plastics

Burger has organized her book into several sections with one or more chapters per section. The book begins with a two-chapter introduction where the author describes some of the organisms and processes that characterize pine barrens by presenting stories of her work and other connections with the barrens. She provides the geographic setting of the book (primarily the Atlantic Coastal Plain), with a primary emphasis on pine barrens in New York and New Jersey and with a lesser focus in South Carolina and Florida. She also differentiates between pine barrens and pine forests. Burger states (p. 15) that “most pine barrens” in the United States occur along the Atlantic Coastal Plain. It would be helpful to provide an acreage figure that could be compared to similar natural communities in other parts of the country, such as the Midwest (e.g., 0.9 million hectares of pine barrens in presettlement Wisconsin (Curtis, 1959)). In the following sections, Burger quickly jumps into individual pine barrens. In each section, written from north to south, Burger generally describes the geologic history, ecological processes, plants and animals, and human use, from paleo-Indians into this century of pine barrens. The author also discusses some of the conservation issues associated with each pine barrens system, and, in general, is pretty optimistic about the prospects. She effectively creates these portraits through a series of vignettes and personal experiences.
Estimating the parameters of the Baranyi model for bacterial growth

Abstract The identifiability properties of the Baranyi model for bacterial growth were investigated, both structurally and applied to real-life data. Using the Taylor-series approach, it was formally proven that the model is structurally identifiable, i.e. it is now ascertained that it is certainly possible to give unique values to all parameters of the model, provided the bacterial growth data are of sufficiently good quality. The model also has acceptable practical identifiability properties in the presence of realistic data, which means that the confidence intervals on the parameter values are reasonable. However, there was a relatively high correlation between the maximum specific growth rate μ max and the suitability indicator h 0 . An optimal experimental design to improve parameter estimation uncertainty was worked out, using the sampling times of the microbial growth curve as experimental degree of freedom. Using a D-optimal design criterion, it could be shown that the optimal sampling times were concentrated in four time periods (initial, start and end of exponential growth, end of experiment), each providing maximum information on a particular parameter. Because the optimal experimental design requires a priori estimates of the parameters, the propagation of the parameter uncertainty into the experimental design was assessed with a Monte Carlo simulation. In this way, 95% confidence intervals could be established around the optimal sampling times to be used in the optimal experiment. Based on these intervals, a design was proposed and experimentally validated. The error on the parameter estimates was more than halved, their correlation diminished and the nonlinearity of the result improved.
Establishment success of lichen diaspores in young and old boreal rainforests: a comparison between Lobaria pulmonaria and L. scrobiculata

Abstract This study compares the success of vegetative diaspore establishment of the old forest lichens Lobaria pulmonaria and L. scrobiculata sown on Picea abies branches in boreal rainforests. The larger diaspores of L. pulmonaria (green algal photobiont) established more successfully, and showed a greater flexibility in ecological amplitude, than the smaller diaspores of L. scrobiculata (cyanobacterial photobiont). The establishment success apparently depended on species-specific differences in morphological and physiological traits of the diaspores. Both species established as well in young plantations as in old forests. Lobaria scrobiculata was most successful on short branches and small trees. In contrast, L. pulmonaria responded positively to trunk circumference in the old stands. The establishment success of both species decreases with increasing canopy openness, indicating that the soredia/isidioid soredia failed to establish on the most exposed branches. The probability of establishment did not change with bark-pH or with distance from the nearest stream. Despite a successful establishment in regeneration forests, the long-term survival in managed forests is still uncertain.
Anthropogenic disturbance extraction using object-oriented image classification software: A comparison of Overwatch Feature Analyst and Definiens Developer

Pixel-based classifications of remotely sensed image data have considerable difficulty dealing with the rich information embedded in high resolution imagery. The object-oriented classification paradigm has the potential to overcome these difficulties by using the spectral, spatial and contextual characteristics of groups of pixels. Over the past decade, several object-oriented classification software tools have been developed, each with their own capabilities and shortcomings. In this research we compare two of these techniques - Definiens Developer (eCognition) and Overwatch Feature Analyst - for the extraction of anthropogenic disturbance features in high resolution colour infrared images of the boreal forest. Procedurally, Definiens Developer segments an image into objects of various sizes and then classifies them using a rule set based on user-defined attributes. The Feature Analyst software, on the other hand, uses training samples, hierarchical learning cycles, and algorithm settings to extract objects in the image. We demonstrate that both methodologies are effective in extracting areas of anthropogenic disturbance in images dominated by the natural environment. We conclude that the Definiens Developer software can provide better results for extracting and classifying the disturbance features when multiple scenes are involved.
Differences in the onset of laying between island and mainland Mediterranean Blue Tits Parus caeruleus: phenotypic plasticity or genetic differences?

Blue tits Parus caeruleus breeding in deciduous or in evergreen woodlands on the mainland of Europe start to lay 3–4 weeks earlier than Blue Tits on the island of Corsica breeding in evergreen woodlands. A similar difference in average laying date between the two Blue Tit populations has been found in a relatively small sample of captive birds held in outdoor aviaries on the mainland. To provide data on the habitat contrast in Corsica for comparison with that on the mainland, a new study area was started in one of the few deciduous woodlands on Corsica. In addition, new data on laying dates of captive Blue Tits were gathered to increase the sample size of independent pairs in aviaries. This study shows that the habitat effect (deciduous ν evergreen woodland) on the average laying date of Blue Tits is relatively small in comparison with the geography effect (European mainland ν Corsica). The laying date differences between mainland and insular Blue Tits persisted whatever the type of habitat (deciduous, evergreen or outdoor aviaries on the mainland). The data support the hypothesis that the observed differences in the onset of laying between the mainland and insular Blue Tits were mainly influenced by genetic effects and relatively little by non-genetic maternal effects of by genotype—environment interactions.
Nitrogen Isotope Composition of Peat Samples as a Proxy for Determining Human Colonization of Islands

The Aleutian Islands comprise a unique ecosystem, providing nesting grounds and habitat for more than ten million seabirds. No doubt their numbers were even larger prior to the introduction of foxes and rats, invasive species that have shaped the current population sizes and distributions of bird-breeding colonies. Here we present evidence that the peopling of the Aleutian Islands had the same dramatic effect on seabird populations. Analyses of nitrogen stable isotopes in Shemya Island peat deposits revealed significant 15N enrichment of layers formed cal. 4,700–2,800 yrs BP suggesting high seabird guano input at that time. Following this period there was a sharp decline in δ15N that coincides with the first appearance of human settlement and reflects drastic reduction in seabird abundance. The isotope signature of marine-derived nitrogen vectored by seabirds is specific only for coastal peat deposits; neither 15N enrichment nor decline was detected in inland peat deposits.
Research Paper: Comparing the Effect of Transcra- nial Direct Current Stimulation With Cognitive-Be- havioral Intervention on Craving and Resilience of Volunteers for Quitting Addiction

Methods: The study population comprised all addicts referring to addiction clinics in. To implement the research, 45 participants were selected purposely from these clinics based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria and randomly assigned to three groups (15 participants in each group). The experimental group number 1 received electrical stimulation of the brain over the skull twice a week for the 10 sequential sessions. Experimental group number 2 received 10 sessions of CBT. Research tools were drug craving and resilience questionnaires.
First-in-Man: Case Report of Selective C-Reactive Protein Apheresis in a Patient with SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Patient: Male, 72-year-old Final Diagnosis: SARS-CoV-2 Symptoms: Dyspnea Medication: Standard Clinical Procedure: C-reactive protein apheresis Specialty: Immunology Objective: Unusual clinical course Background: C-reactive protein (CRP) plasma levels in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a novel viral disease, are surprisingly high. Pulmonary inflammation with subsequent fibrosis in SARS-CoV-2 infection is strongly accelerated. Recently, we have developed CRP apheresis to selectively remove CRP from human plasma. CRP may contribute to organ failure and pulmonary fibrosis in SARS-CoV-2 infection by CRP-mediated complement and macrophage activation. Case Report: A 72-year-old male patient at high risk was referred with dyspnea and fever. Polymerase chain reaction analysis of throat smear revealed SARS-CoV-2 infection. CRP levels were ∼200 mg/L. Two days after admission, CRP apheresis using the selective CRP adsorber (PentraSorb® CRP) was started. CRP apheresis was performed via peripheral venous access on days 2, 3, 4, and 5. Following a 2-day interruption, it was done via central venous access on days 7 and 8. Three days after admission the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit and intubated due to respiratory failure. Plasma CRP levels decreased by ∼50% with peripheral (processed blood plasma ≤6000 mL) and by ∼75% with central venous access (processed blood plasma ≤8000 mL), respectively. No apheresis-associated side effects were observed. After the 2-day interruption in apheresis, CRP levels rapidly re-increased (>400 mg/L) and the patient developed laboratory signs of multi-organ failure. When CRP apheresis was restarted, CRP levels and creatinine kinases (CK/CK-MB) declined again. Serum creatinine remained constant. Unfortunately, the patient died of respiratory failure on day 9 after admission. Conclusions: This is the first report on CRP apheresis in a SARS-CoV-2 patient. SARS-CoV-2 may cause multi-organ failure in part by inducing an excessive CRP-mediated autoimmune response of the ancient innate immune system.
Emotional Creativity Across Adulthood: Age is Negatively Associated with Emotional Creativity

Previous research has shown that cognitive creativity decreases in older adulthood. However, the impact of age on emotional creativity remains unknown. The main aim of the present study was to explore how emotional creativity differs across adulthood. A total of 407 participants (251 women, 156 men) consisting of older, midlife and younger adults were administrated the Emotional Creativity Inventory (ECI). A hierarchical multiple regression was used to determine whether emotional creativity differed with age. Age was negatively associated with the ECI total score and two components of the ECI, emotional novelty and emotional preparedness. In contrast, emotional effectiveness/authenticity was constant across adulthood. The results indicate that the tendency to think about one’s emotions and to evaluate them as novel and unique decreases with age, whereas the ability to respond effectively in situations requiring novel emotional responses remains relatively intact across adulthood.
Emotion Regulation Strategies in Paramedic Crew Leaders during a Simulated Stressful Task: A Qualitative Inquiry

In spite of a large body of research in the field of emotion regulation, it has not yet been studied vigorously in naturalistic settings, especially not in the context of task performance. Therefore, it remains uncertain whether predominant theoretical conceptualisations of emotion regulation (e.g., Gross, 1998) can be applied to this sort of situation. In this qualitative study, we aimed to identify emotion regulation strategies of paramedic crew leaders (n = 30) in a simulated task with a sudden onset of a stressful incident. For this purpose, we analysed their emotional behaviour (i.e. facial expression, voice volume, body posture and movements, etc.) on video recorded performance, and their affective states and emotion regulation strategies based on interviews realized right after the task. Verbal reports were analysed via phenomenologically-laden template analysis. We classified emergent strategies into two basic categories: task-related (e.g., attention narrowing, mobilization to action, monitoring) and self-supportive (e.g., emotional distancing, behavioural withdrawal, detachment and selective attention). Results of our analysis suggest that regulatory strategies are often implemented on an implicit level of processing and their function might be a better criteria for their distinction than a type of mental process.
Insights through dynamic analysis of structures at liquefied sites

Several buildings in Christchurch settled differentially and were damaged as a result of soil liquefaction during the Canterbury earthquake sequence. Nonlinear effective stress soil-structure interaction analyses were performed to gain insights regarding the mechanisms contributing to building movements. Shear strains in the foundation soils developed due to shaking-induced ratcheting of buildings into cyclically softened soil or due to a transient loss of bearing due to soil softening in several cases. This led to a significant part of the liquefaction-induced building settlement. Damaging building settlement due to volumetric strains in the foundation soils were largely due to liquefaction of shallow soils, if they were present. The dynamic soil-structure interaction analyses captured these mechanisms of nonlinear soil response. However, the influence of the loss of ground due to sediment ejecta, which was another important factor in some cases, was not captured with this continuum based approach. Engineers should employ simplified procedures and judgment to assess this mechanism.
Adjustment Level of Students and Its Relation with Academic Achievement of Technical and Non-technical students

This study is conducted to know the levels of adjustment of class XII technical and non-technical students. Being a social animal, man needs society and to remain in society he has to adjust with the values of society. Without social adjustment man cannot live happily. Man lives by himself in the changing circumstances of the society. Adjustment is a process of making suitable responses to inner and outer stimuli. It is the relationship between an individual’s needs and his/her environment. The other objectives of the study are to find out the relationship between adjustment and academic achievement of the students and to know whether the level of adjustment differs according to the gender(Male-Female), residential place (Rural-Urban) and educational streams (Arts-Science) of the students. The study is a descriptive survey research. Purposive non-random sampling technique is used for the study. Total 150 students are selected as sample. Indian Adaptation of Bell’s Adjustment Inventory developed by Dr. (Mrs.) Lalita Sharma is used for the study. Collected data are analyzed using percentage, coefficient of correlation and t-test. The results indicate that 82% students of class XII have average level of adjustment.
PREVALENCE AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL CHANGES OF BOVINE FASCIOLIASIS, WITH UNUSUAL MIGRATION TO LUNG IN NEW-VALLEY GOVERNORATE

The main objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of fascioliasis in cattle, and to describe the histopathological changes in liver and lung. A total of 600 slaughtered bull's l ≤ 2 years were examined grossly to investigate Fasciola infection, from abattoirs in New-Valley Governorate. The livers of 120 bulls (20%) were positive for fascioliasis, with unusual migration to lung. The results indicated that Fasciola hepatica was more prevalent than other flukes infections including Fasciola gigantica and Fasciola hepatogigantica (58.3 vs. 12.5 and 29.2%, respictivelly). The histopathological examinations illustrate the presence of acute fascioliasis (66.7%), chronic fascioliasis (33.3%), and ectopic lesion of Fascioliasis (3.3 %). From the above results it could be concluded that bovine fascioliasis is endemic in New –Valley, constitutes a major cause of economic losses and threat public health.
Reduced light increases herbivore production due to stoichiometric effects of light/nutrient balance

Ecological common sense says that decreased solar energy should reduce herbivore production because of reduced energy flow through primary producers. However, a field experiment in a phosphorus-limited lake showed that production of zooplankton herbivores was increased by shading. This paradoxical outcome was caused by a decoupling of producer carbon fixation and nutrient uptake under high light that reduced food quality for herbivores. At low nutrient supplies, shading increased nutrient contents relative to carbon within algal food, outweighing effects of decreased primary production. Thus, light/ nutrient balance affects the degree of mismatch between primary producers and herbivores in nature, which in turn influences mass-transfer efficiencies along food chains. To predict how energy transfer efficiency and biological interactions will respond to perturbations, it is essential to take into account changes in light/nutrient balance and its effects on the stoichiometry of autotroph-herbivore interactions.
Phytoplankton growth and new production in the Weddell Sea marginal ice zone in the austral spring and autumn

Rates of primary production, N03- uptake, and NH,l uptake by phytoplankton were measured in the marginal ice zone of the Weddell Sea in austral spring 1983 and autumn 1986. In spring Chl concentrations averaged 3 pg liter-‘, primary productivity 490 mg C m-2 d-l, and surface phytoplankton growth rates 0.30 doublings d-l. In autumn these rates were all much lower, averaging 0.14 pg liter- l, 126 mg C m-2 d-l, and 0.14 doublings d-l. During both seasons NH,+ was consistently the preferred source of N, but because of the much greater availability of N03- in the euphotic zone (21-28 PM NO,- vs. -0.4 yM NH,+ during both seasons), N03- uptake rates generally equaled or exceeded those of NH, +. Vertically integrated&ratios (the ratio of NO3- uptake to the sum of NO,- plus NH,+ uptake) averaged 0.52 (range from 0.35 to 0.70) in spring and 0.72 (range from 0.60 to 0.84) in autumn. In 1983 we observed sharply elevated relative preference indices for NH,+ whenever the ambient NH,+ concentration was ~0.3 PM, which we interpret as evidence that Antarctic phytoplankton growing at NH. ,+ concentrations CO.3 PM have the ability to increase their rate of NH,+ uptake rapidly in response to increased availability. We estimate the new production of the marginal ice zone to be at least 49 g C m-2 yr-1 for the NovemberMarch period. This value supports previous findings that the ice edge is the main site of production in the Southern Ocean and that it is likely to dominate the annual cycle of organic matter flux from the euphotic zone.
Influence of Climatic Variables on the Abundance of a Brazilian Salamander (Bolitoglossa paraensis) in Santa Bárbara Do Pará, Brazil

ABSTRACT. Very little is known on the ecological attributes of Neotropical salamanders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two abiotic factors on the temporal and spatial abundance of B. paraensis. Data were collected during four periods, in 23 plots of 250 m2 distributed randomly in Gunma Ecological Park, in the Brazilian state of Para. In each plot, temperature and relative humidity of the air were measured during searches, and abundance of salamanders was determined by active nocturnal searches. The abundance of salamanders varied significantly during the course of the year. The highest abundance (0–18) was recorded in the mid wet season, followed by the late wet season (0–7), early dry season (0–9), and late dry season (0–6). Spatial abundance of salamanders was influenced by climatic conditions only in the late dry season. Temporal and spatial variation in the abundance of the salamanders is associated with relative humidity, which was highest in the mid wet season, and lowest in the late dry season, affecting their activity and consequently their detectability during the searches.