Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The contribution of anthropogenic influence to more anomalous extreme precipitation in Europe

Anthropogenic influences can modulate the low‐frequency variability of extreme precipitation and increase the likelihood of flooding events. It is not, however, clear how much and in what manner the low-frequency variability has changed in recent decades as global warming has intensified. Here, we investigate the contribution of anthropogenic influences to the time evolution of extreme precipitation anomalies in different seasons using Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) and CMIP5 model simulations and observations over Europe. Our results show a latitudinal dependence of changes in extreme precipitation anomalies for all seasons due to anthropogenic impacts. While the contribution of anthropogenic influences to extreme precipitation anomalies at low latitudes (<50°) is less than 8% in all seasons, it goes up to 26% and 41% at mid (50°–60°) and high (>60°) latitudes. Without the offsetting effect of anthropogenic aerosols, anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases alone should have produced larger anomalies than observed. For all seasons, the more extreme the precipitation, the larger the anthropogenic influences.
Silencing inconvenient memories: refugees from Asia Minor in Greek historiography

ABSTRACT This paper explores the link between memory and history ‘from below’ as well as the (non-) use of histories of past migration in Greece. It analyses how the memory of the 1920s Asia Minor refugees was guarded by Greek state over the course of time. It explores how state agents (historiography, education system, commemorations, etc.) acted as guardians of collective memory ‘from above’, presenting a rosy past that ignored the experiences of these refugees in Greece. It also examines how this process of constructing historical memory ‘from above’ (re)produced national belonging through homogeneity, without taking notice of refugees’ diversities or problems faced during their settlement in the social, cultural or economic space of Greece. The paper adopts a critical approach to the cultural and social spaces in which refugee memory was selectively constructed as the only past that has to be remembered, stored and recalled, and aims to rescue from oblivion memories that were condemned to silence in the contemporary national narrative. These silenced memories could help us to write a history ‘from below’ and find analogies with the experiences of contemporary refugee flows as well as to combat ever-present xenophobia, prejudice and racism in the present society.
Profils morpho-biometriques de la poule locale du Burkina Faso

Au Burkina Faso les informations sur la poule locale sont rares entrainant des difficultes objectives de son exploitation rationnelle. Un total de 948 individus (692 femelles et 256 mâles) provenant de 251 elevages reparties dans les 3 zones agro-ecologiques du Burkina Faso a ete evalue pour 13 traits corporels quantitatifs et 09 qualitatifs dans le but de caracteriser la variabilite phenotypique de la poule locale. Il ressort 13 coloris de plumage avec le blanc (19,16%) et l’hermine (16,75%) comme couleurs dominantes. Le site et le sexe ont eu une influence (p<0,05) sur les traits corporels analyses. L’Analyse en Composante Principale revele l’existence de 2 sous-populations: une souche legere de petit gabarit (0,91 kg) dans les trois zones agro-ecologiques et une souche lourde de grand gabarit (1,37 kg) dans les zones soudano-sahelienne et soudanienne, laissant presager des differences d’adaptation liees aux facteurs environnementaux. Un dimorphisme sexuel en faveur des mâles a ete observe au niveau du poids vif moyen (1,64 kg vs 1,14 kg), de la longueur du corps (42,16 cm vs 37,30 cm) et du perimetre thoracique (29,01 cm vs 25,96 cm). Les resultats rapportes dans cette etude serviront de base pour l’elaboration de programmes de developpement bases sur une exploitation rationnelle de la poule locale.Mots cles : Caracterisation phenotypique, poules locales, zones agro-ecologiques, Burkina Faso. In Burkina Faso, information on poultry genetic resources is scarce and this scenario does not allow an accurate identification and management strategy for this species. A total of 948 individuals (692 females and 256 males) belonging to 251 different household, accros the 3 agro-ecological zones of Burkina Faso have been assessed for 13 quantitative traits and 9 qualitative traits in order to characterize phenotypic variability of local poultry. The most frequent plumage colors are white (19.16%) and hermine (16.75%) out of 13 different coulors identified. The site and the sex of the individuals had a statistically significant influence (P <0.05) on the 13 body measurements analyzed. Principal Component Analysis reveals the existence of 2 subpopulations in the 3 agro-ecological zones, a light hen with small size (0.91 kg) and a heavy and large size hen (1.37 kg), almost encountered in Sudan-Sahel and Sudan areas, suggesting differences in adaptation due to environmental factors. A sexual dimorphism was observed in favor of the males considering bodyweight (1,64 kg vs 1,14 kg), body length (42.16 cm vs 37.30 cm) and the Heart girth (29.01 cm vs 25.96 cm for females). The results reported in the current study will be useful for the establishment of breeding programme based on rational management of local poultry in Burkina Faso.Keywords : Phenotypic characterization, local hens, agro-ecological zones, Burkina Faso.
Conformity or Counter-Conformity Behavior? The Effect of Prior Charitable Giving in Donation-Based Crowdfunding

Charitable crowdfunding is a new and rapidly developing way of fundraising, attracting interest from academics and practitioners. Existing research on reward-based crowdfunding and charitable giving cannot fully explain donation behaviors in donation-based crowdfunding. Developing methods for promoting donations is of interest to practitioners, and it remains unclear whether prior donation information promotes or inhibits subsequent contributions. To explore this question, we used data from the Tencent Philanthropy platform to analyze the impact of previous donation information. The results revealed a negative relationship between the cumulative donation amount and subsequent contributions. The cumulative donation amount had no significant impact on the number of donors, but reduced the amounts of individual contributions. Although a larger cumulative number of previous donors resulted in larger individual donation amounts, this number was associated with a smaller number of subsequent donors, resulting in a zero net effect of donor number on subsequent donations. Our results indicate that conformity and anti-conformity donation behaviors exist simultaneously in donation-based crowdfunding, elucidating the mechanisms underlying the effects of prior donation information on reducing subsequent contributions. Our findings deepen the theoretical understanding of individual donation behavior, providing helpful insight for practitioners designing presentation strategies for charitable crowdfunding projects.
Study on seismic failure probability of high earth-rock dam considering dam body deformation and slope stability

Abstract The reliability analysis is one of the main methods for the quantitative analysis of the safety in the geotechnical engineering. This method can provide the failure probability with a clear physical meaning. Due to the complex structure of high earth-rock dams and the non-linear characteristics of the material properties, it is very difficult to perform the reliability analysis on such large nonlinear structures. Currently, there are few studies on the reliability analysis of high earth-rock dams that consider the earthquakes, the dam body deformation and the dam slope stability at the same time. In this paper, the dam cracks generated by the earthquakes are used as the criteria for the dam body seismic deformation evaluation, and the inclination method is adopted for the dam body seismic deformation analysis. The simplified Bishop method combined with the ratio of the safety margin method is used to analyze the dam slope stability. In order to consider the soil material properties, the thickness of the compressible soil layer and the uncertainty of the earthquakes, a seismic failure probability analysis method for evaluating the seismic danger of high earth-rock dams considering the dam body deformation and the dam slope stability is established based on the reliability theory. Taking a concrete face rockfill dam as an example, the method is used to analyze the seismic failure probability of the dam during the design reference period. It provides the reference for the seismic design and the risk analysis, and establishes the risk level of high earth-rock dams.
Synergistic effect between LH and estrogen in the acceleration of cumulus expansion via GPR30 and EGFR pathways

The estrogen membrane receptor GPR30 (also known as G-protein coupled receptor 30) has recently been shown to be involved in the regulation of oocyte maturation and cumulus expansion. However, whether GPR30 expression is regulated by gonadotropin stimulation and how it participates in the regulation of the maturation process is still not clear. In this study, we explored the mechanism underlying the synergy between luteinizing hormone and 17β-estradiol (17β-E2) to improve the epidermal growth factor (EGF) response in cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) during oocyte maturation in mice. The expression and distribution of GPR30, EGFR, and EGF-like growth factors were examined by real-time quantitative PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence staining. Lyso-Tracker Red labeling was performed to detect the lysosomal activity in follicle granular cells (FGCs). Cumulus expansion of COCs was evaluated after in vitro maturation for 16 h. We found that EGF-like growth factors transmit LH signals to increase GRP30 levels by inhibiting protein degradation in lysosomes. Meanwhile, 17β-E2 stimulates the GPR30 signaling pathway to increase EGF receptor levels, enhancing the response ability of EGF signaling in COCs and thus promoting cumulus expansion. In conclusion, our study reveals the synergistic mechanism between LH and estrogen in the regulation of cumulus expansion during oocyte maturation process.
Computer-Aided Fracture Size Measurement in Orbital Fractures—An Alternative to Manual Evaluation

Objective: We aimed to present a novel semiautomated tool for orbital fracture size measurement and to compare the variability of the proposed method with traditional manual measurements. Methods: Maximal anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) dimensions of orbital fractures from computed tomography images were measured for 15 patients with unilateral orbital fractures by 2 surgeons manually and with a semiautomatic software. Variability was assessed with Bland-Altman limits of agreement plots and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs). Results: The intra-observer ICCs in manual and automatic measurements were high, >0.9. The inter-observer ICCs in manual measurements were 0.926 (AP) and 0.631 (ML) and in automatic measurements 0.989 (AP) and 0.989 (ML). The ICCs for manual and semiautomated variability were 0.899 (AP) and 0.669 (ML). The differences were thus particularly pronounced in the ML dimensions. In addition, with the semiautomated technique, a total fracture area could be measured and compared with the total area of the bony orbit and a 3-dimensional reformatted image could be generated. Conclusions: Intra- and inter-observer variability proved to be very low for measuring fracture maximal AP length and ML width, making both the manual and the semiautomatic methods feasible clinically. The semiautomatic fracture size analysis allows better observer-independent repeatability for fracture size measurements and provides the possibility for total fracture area measurements at any orbital bony site, even in challenging nonplanar topography.
The effects of reflection on seventh grade social studies student learning and perception

ABSTRACT Educators manage student readiness for learning by applying models of instruction. The most common model used, however, is imprecise about cognitive operations. One way educators address this issue is with reflection, but reflection means many different things. An approach for narrowing reflection is to focus on metacognition. Literature has shown that educators structure metacognition with different kinds of prompts. This study examined the effects of open and closed prompts on the learning and perception of seventh grade students in social studies. Characteristics of prompts that affected performance on a content-specific test include 1) referencing criteria for judging performance, 2) using procedures for self-monitoring, 3) directing students towards error detection and correction, 4) encouraging continuous adjustment, 5) elaborating on information and connecting ideas, and 6) repeating use of prompts. Results also showed that open prompts provide an additional benefit in terms of expressing thoughts and ideas.
A Survey of Viruses Found in Grapevine Cultivars Grown in Missouri

In 2017 a survey was initiated of vineyards throughout Missouri for the presence of 19 different grapevine viruses. A total of 400 samples were collected from 25 grape cultivars, with a sample consisting of 16 petioles (four petioles from four different vines). Sampling within vineyard blocks was random, without regard to the presence or absence of symptoms. After nucleic acids were extracted from petiole samples, nucleic acid samples were analyzed using reverse transcriptase-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) to detect viral RNA/DNA. At least one virus was detected in 90% of the samples. The most common virus detected in the survey was grapevine rupestris stem pitting-associated virus, which was found in 59% of the samples, followed by grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3 (53%), grapevine red blotch virus (35%), grapevine virus E (31%), grapevine leafroll-associated virus 2 (19%), grapevine virus B (17%), grapevine fleck virus (13.5%), grapevine leafroll-associated virus-2 Redglobe (9%), grapevine vein clearing virus (8%), grapevine virus A (0.5%), and grapevine leafroll-associated virus 4 strain 5 (0.2%). Two or more viruses were detected in ~65% of the samples, with an upper limit of seven viruses detected in one sample. An analysis of the survey results indicated that each grapevine cultivar appears to be infected by specific virus combinations that are, for the most part, unique to that cultivar.
Supporting SoTL Development through Communities of Practice

Increasingly, academics are engaging with the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL). However, within United Kingdom higher education, the definition of and activities that constitute SoTL remain open to debate. In this article, we explore SoTL through four career histories that give insight into how SoTL has developed and played a role in the careers of four life sciences-based, teaching-focused academics in UK universities at different points in their careers. The recurring themes in the career histories include collaboration; professional development; sharing and dissemination; and funding. The career histories also highlight aspects of and the importance of communities of practice. We reflect on the role of communities of practice in supporting SoTL and discuss how communities of practice external to one’s home institution can play a role in developing SoTL and teaching practice. Internationally there is a growing focus on SoTL, and although the four career histories presented here are authored by academics based in UK institutions and focused on the UK context, the themes they reveal are widely applicable.
Asparagopsis armata Exudate Cocktail: The Quest for the Mechanisms of Toxic Action of an Invasive Seaweed on Marine Invertebrates

Simple Summary The invasive red seaweed Asparagopsis armata exhibits a strong invasive behavior, producing harmful secondary metabolites that negatively affect the surrounding community. This study addressed the antioxidant defenses, oxidative damage, and a neuronal parameter, as well as the fatty acid composition responses to sublethal concentrations of A. armata released compounds on the marine snail Gibbula umbilicalis and the shrimp Palaemon serratus. Results revealed that the test species had different metabolic responses to the A. armata exudate concentrations tested. Impacts in G. umbilicalis does not seem to arise from oxidative stress or neurotoxicity, while for P. elegans, an inhibition of AChE and the decrease of antioxidant capacity and increase of LPO suggest neurotoxicity and oxidative stress as contributing to the observed toxicity. Additionally, there were different fatty acid profile changes between species, but omega-3 PUFAs ARA and DPA increased in both invertebrates, indicating a common regulation mechanism of inflammation and immunity responses. Abstract The seaweed Asparagopsis armata exhibits a strong invasive behavior, producing halogenated compounds with effective biological effects. This study addresses the biochemical responses to sublethal concentrations of A. armata exudate on the marine snail Gibbula umbilicalis whole body and the shrimp Palaemon elegans eyes and hepatopancreas. Antioxidant defenses superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST), oxidative damage endpoints lipid peroxidation (LPO) and DNA damage, the neuronal parameter acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and the fatty acid profile were evaluated. Results revealed different metabolic responses in both species. Despite previous studies indicating that the exudate affected G. umbilicalis’ survival and behavior, this does not seem to result from oxidative stress or neurotoxicity. For P. elegans, the inhibition of AChE and the decrease of antioxidant capacity is concomitant with the increase of LPO, suggesting neurotoxicity and oxidative stress as contributor mechanisms of toxicity for this species. Fatty acid profile changes were more pronounced for P. elegans with a general increase in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) with the exudate exposure, which commonly means a defense mechanism protecting from membrane disruption. Nonetheless, the omega-3 PUFAs arachidonic acid (ARA) and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) increased in both invertebrates, indicating a common regulation mechanism of inflammation and immunity responses.
How can mobile phone usage affect micro and small enterprises' performance in Saudi Arabia?

The use of mobile phones for business purposes has revolutionized various sub‐sectors of the economy, including micro and small enterprises in both Saudi Arabia, the context of this study, and other countries. This study uncovers how the use of mobile phones has affected the performance of micro and small enterprises in both monetary and nonmonetary terms. Using a survey instrument, data were collected from 300 micro and small enterprise owners across Saudi Arabia and then analyzed using SmartPLS. Among the major findings, we suggest that no direct correlation exists between mobile phone usage and micro and small enterprises' monetary performance. However, mobile phones were found to have a significant influence on the nonmonetary performance of micro and small enterprises. This study contributes to the literature on technology adoption and economic performance by providing further evidence of the relationship between mobile phones and micro and small enterprises' performance. These findings can help micro and small enterprise owners, telecommunications companies, policymakers in related authorities (such as the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology and the Ministry of Commerce) and academics to make informed decisions. Conclusions and recommendations are drawn, and priorities are proposed for continuing research.
Behavioural Intention To Use Mobile Banking In Islamic Banks: A Conceptual Model

The asymmetry between mobile internet subscription and mobile banking subscription in Malaysia has sparked an important issue for Malaysian Islamic banks to address. Malaysia is a hub for Islamic banking with among the highest market share amongst other countries, yet in terms of mobile banking usage rate, Malaysia is still left behind in comparison to its neighbouring countries. It is important to address the low mobile banking usage rate so that Malaysian banking system which significantly include the Islamic banking to remain competitive along with the global mainstream banking. The main objective is to scrutinize the factors that influence people’s intent to adopt mobile banking technology among Islamic banking customers by means of literature research. It is hypothesised that religiosity, perceived lifestyle and personal innovativeness are three additional important determinants that affect consumer attitude and ultimately the consumer intention towards using mobile banking. This paper utilises the decomposed theory of planned behaviour DTPB to explain how these determinants.
Simple Controllers for Wave Energy Devices Compared

The design of controllers for wave energy devices has evolved from early monochromatic impedance-matching methods to complex numerical algorithms that can handle panchromatic seas, constraints, and nonlinearity. However, the potential high performance of such numerical controller comes at a computational cost, with some algorithms struggling to implement in real-time, and issues surround convergence of numerical optimisers. Within the broader area of control engineering, practitioners have always displayed a fondness for simple and intuitive controllers, as evidenced by the continued popularity of the ubiquitous PID controller. Recently, a number of energy-maximising wave energy controllers have been developed based on relatively simple strategies, stemming from the fundamentals behind impedance-matching. This paper documents this set of (5) controllers, which have been developed over the period 2010–2020, and compares and contrasts their characteristics, in terms of energy-maximising performance, the handling of physical constraints, and computational complexity. The comparison is carried out both analytically and numerically, including a detailed case study, when considering a state-of-the-art CorPower-like device.
Etude de la régulation transcriptionnelle de deux ARN régulateurs de Staphylococcus aureus : implication d'un facteur de transcription de la famille SarA

Staphylococcus aureus est une bacterie pathogene portee par 30% de la population humaine. Cette bacterie agressive est responsable d'1/5eme des maladies acquises a l’hopital (infections nosocomiales). Le passage d’un etat commensal (portage) a un etat infectieux implique le controle de l’expression de facteurs de virulence (toxines, adhesines…) ; ce qui necessite un large arsenal de regulateurs bacteriens comprenant des proteines (facteurs de transcription) et des ARN regulateurs (ARNreg). Parmi ces derniers, l’ARN Srn_3610_SprC est implique, entre autres, dans la prevention de la phagocytose et dans l’attenuation de la virulence de la bacterie. Or, cet ARN, dont l’expression est habituellement faible, se retrouve fortement exprime durant les premieres minutes de la phagocytose. Le but de cette these a ete d’identifier les regulateurs transcriptionnels de srn_3610_sprC. SarA, un des facteurs de transcription majeur de S. aureus implique dans de nombreuses etapes cle de la virulence (antibioresistance, formation de biofilm…), a ete caracterise comme le represseur fort de l’expression de srn_3610_sprC. L’identification du site de fixation de SarA sur le promoteur de ce gene a permis de reveler un second ARNreg, Srn_9340, dont l’expression est egalement reprimee par SarA. Dans les 2 cas, SarA empeche la fixation de l’ARN polymerase sur leur promoteur, entrainant un faible niveau de transcription. La recherche du signal permettant l’induction de la transcription de ces genes via le decrochage de SarA est en cours. En parallele, les donnees de fixation de SarA sur ces 2 promoteurs ont permis d’identifier de nouvelles cibles de SarA. Nous poursuivrons cette recherche de cibles via une analyse a haut debit par RNASeq.