Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Long-term Residue and Water Management Effects on Soil Respiration and Soil Aggregate Stability in a Wheat-soybean, Double-crop System in Eastern Arkansas

Sustainability in agriculture is paramount to assuring continued production from our most naturally fertile soils. Storing carbon (C) in soil as organic matter through sustainable agricultural management practices can both remove atmospheric C and improve soil quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term effects of water management (irrigation and dryland), residue management [burn and no-burn, conventional (CT) and no-tillage (NT)] and residue/fertility level (high and low) on soil respiration and aggregate stability in a wheat(Triticum aestivum L.) soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. ], double-crop system in a silt-loam soil (Aquic Fraglossudalf) in the Mississippi River Delta region of eastern Arkansas after more than six years of consistent management. To this end, soil respiration was measured every two weeks during the 2011 and 2012 soybean growing seasons. A wet-sieving procedure was used to assess total and size-separated (i.e., 0.25-0.5, 0.5-1, 1-2, and > 2 mm diameters) water-stable aggregates (WSA). Soil respiration was greater under irrigation and CT on the majority of days sampled and averaged 27.4 and 16.3% greater than under dryland and NT management, respectively. Soil respiration was reduced by an average of 9.7% by residue burning, as compared to non-burning. The effects of residue level, achieved by differential N-fertilization, on soil respiration were inconsistent and generally non-significant. Soil water-stable aggregates were unaffected by burning, but were affected by all other field treatments. Total WSA concentrations were 19% greater under CT than NT within the dryland-low-fertility treatment combination. Total WSA concentrations under high-fertility were 18% less than under low-fertility within the irrigated-NT treatment combination, despite greater residue levels produced within the high-fertility treatment. The smallest two size classes (i.e., 0.25 to 0.5 and 0.5 to 1.0 mm) comprised over 80% of the total WSA. The WSA concentrations of the largest two size classes (1to 2and >2-mm) were unaffected by all treatments imposed. Understanding how long-term agricultural management practices affect soil C storage and cycling can help improve policies for soil and environmental sustainability throughout the lower Mississippi River Delta region.
Population-Based Study of Pertussis Incidence and Risk Factors among Persons >50 Years of Age, Australia

Despite vaccination programs, pertussis has been poorly controlled, especially among older adults in Australia. This longitudinal, retrospective, observational study aimed to estimate the incidence and risk factors of pertussis among persons ≥50 years of age in Australia in the primary care setting, including those with underlying chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma. We used the IQVIA general practitioner electronic medical record database to identify patients ≥50 years of age with a clinical diagnosis of pertussis during 2015–2019. Pertussis incidence rates ranged from 57.6 to 91.4 per 100,000 persons and were higher among women and highest in those 50–64 years of age. Patients with COPD or asthma had higher incidence rates and an increased risk for pertussis compared with the overall population ≥50 years of age. Our findings suggest that persons ≥50 years of age in Australia with COPD or asthma have a higher incidence of and risk for pertussis diagnosis.
The Persistence of Hypertriglyceridemia and the Risk of Early Onset Colorectal Cancer According to Tumor Subsites: A Nationwide Population-based Study.

Purpose The incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer (EoCRC) is increasing worldwide. The association between hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) and EoCRC risk remains unclear. Materials and Methods We conducted a nationwide cohort study of 3,340,635 individuals aged 20-49 years who underwent health checkups between 2009 and 2011 under the Korean National Health Insurance Service. HTG was defined as serum triglyceride (TG) level ≥ 150 mg/dL. According to the change in TG status, participants were categorized into persistent normotriglyceridemia (NTG, group 1), NTG to HTG (group 2), HTG to NTG (group 3), and persistent HTG (group 4) groups. The EoCRC incidence was followed up until 2019. Results In total, 7492 EoCRC cases developed after a mean of 6.05 years of follow-up. Group 4 had the highest risk of EoCRC (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 1.097, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.025-1.174). While the risk of rectal cancer was significantly increased in groups 3 and 4 (aHR [95% CI]: 1.236[1.076-1.419] and 1.175[1.042-1.325], respectively), no significant risk differences were observed in right colon cancer. In group 4, male sex and diabetes were associated with a further increased risk of EoCRC (aHR [95% CI]:1.149[1.082-1.221] and 1.409[1.169-1.699], respectively). In addition, there was a dose-response relationship between serum TG levels and the risk of EoCRC (p for trends < 0.0001). Conclusion Persistent HTG increased the risk of EoCRC, which was significantly higher only for rectal cancer and marginally higher for other colonic subsites.
The role of home and classroom literacy environment and expectations in early vocabulary development in bilingual primary education

Abstract This study examined the unique contribution of Home Literacy Environment (HLE), Classroom Literacy Environment (CLE), and parent and teacher expectations to the development of Dutch (L1) and English (L2) vocabulary in children in Dutch-English bilingual primary education. The children (n = 106) were tested on vocabulary in both languages in kindergarten (mage = 5–10) and grade 1 (mage = 6–10). Their parents (n = 106) and teachers (n = 16) filled out questionnaires on respectively HLE and CLE, and shared their expectations of children’s future L1 and L2 achievement through a second questionnaire. Results indicated that L2 HLE correlated with L2 vocabulary and number of L1 books at home correlated with L1 vocabulary. L1 vocabulary development was predicted by teacher expectations, but not by parent expectations, HLE or CLE. L2 vocabulary development was predicted by parent expectations, but not by teacher expectations, L1 vocabulary level in kindergarten, HLE or CLE. These findings highlight the importance of parent and teacher expectations in early bilingual vocabulary development. They suggest a unique but also combined role of two systems in which children learn and develop a second language: the home and the classroom.
Quantifying Agulhas Leakage in a High-Resolution Climate Model

AbstractThe leakage of warm and salty water from the Indian Ocean via the Agulhas system into the South Atlantic may play a critical role in climate variability by modulating the buoyancy fluxes associated with the meridional overturning circulation (MOC). New climate models, such as the Community Climate System Model, version 3.5 (CCSM3.5), are now able to resolve the Agulhas retroflection and constrain the inertially choked Agulhas leakage to more realistic values. These ocean-eddy-resolving climate models are poised to bolster understanding of the sensitivity and influence of Agulhas leakage in the coupled climate system. Here, a strategy is devised to quantify Agulhas leakage in CCSM3.5 by applying an offline Lagrangian particle-tracking approach, finding a mean interbasin transport of 11.2 Sv (1 Sv ≡ 106 m3 s−1). It is shown that monthly mean outputs can be used to produce a reliable time series of Agulhas leakage variability on longer-than-seasonal time scales (correlation coefficient r = 0.88; p < .
Connection Between Chorus Wave Amplitude and Background Magnetic Field Inhomogeneity: A Parametric Study

Whistler mode chorus waves frequently appear as discrete, repetitive, and quasi‐monochromatic emissions with frequency chirping. With different wave amplitude and frequency chirping rate, chorus waves have been observed not only in the magnetosphere of the Earth but also in the magnetospheres of other planets, such as Saturn and Jupiter. Motivated by understanding different properties of chorus waves at these planets using the recently proposed “Trap‐Release‐Amplify” (TaRA) model, we perform a parametric study using Particle‐In‐Cell simulations by varying background magnetic field inhomogeneity and the corresponding threshold hot electron number density. We show the consistency between simulation results and theoretical predictions for threshold hot electron number density, chorus chirping rate, and wave amplitude. Our results suggest the significant role of the background magnetic field inhomogeneity in affecting chorus wave properties, including its amplitude at different planets as predicted by the TaRA model.
The Impact of Diet and Physical Activity on Fat-to-Lean Mass Ratio

In this retrospective study, we evaluated the efficacy of a personalised low-calorie Mediterranean Diet (MD) in promoting fat mass (FM) reduction while preserving fat-free mass (FFM). This study involved 100 Caucasian adults aged 18–65 years who followed a tailored low-calorie MD for two months. The total energy expenditure was assessed using a multi-sensor armband. The change in body composition (BC) was evaluated using the Δ% FM-to-FFM ratio, calculated as the difference in the FM to FFM ratio before and after the diet, divided by the ratio before the diet, and multiplied by 100. A negative value indicates a greater decrease in FM than FFM, while a positive value suggests a greater increase in FM than FFM. This study demonstrated a significant FM reduction, with an average decrease of 5% (p < 0.001). However, the relationship between caloric reduction and the Δ% FM-to-FFM ratio showed a weak negative correlation (r = −0.03, p > 0.05). This suggests that the calorie deficit had a minimal direct impact on the BC changes. Subjects over the age of 30 showed an increase in muscle mass, while younger subjects showed no significant changes. Moreover, a direct correlation was observed between the changes in MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) values and the Δ% FM-to-FFM ratio, indicating that improved average physical activity intensity positively influences BC. In the female subgroup, high protein intake, exercise intensity, and the duration of physical activity were positively correlated with an improvement in the Δ% FM-to-FFM ratio. However, for individuals with BMI 20–25 kg/m2, high fibre intake was surprisingly negatively correlated with the Δ% FM-to-FFM ratio. This study underscores the intricate interplay between calorie restriction, physical activity intensity, and BC changes. It also suggests that individual factors, including age, gender, and BMI, may influence the response to a low-calorie MD. However, further prospective studies with larger sample sizes are necessary to confirm and expand upon these findings.
Factor Rankings in Influencing Spatial Pattern of Global Net Primary Production from 2005 to 2011

ABSTRACT Net primary production (NPP) is one of the fundamental sources of energy for human lives. Due to the tremendous speed of population growth and industrialization, the anthropogenic impact on natural resources is becoming more and more apparent. However, most methods in analyzing potential impact factors of NPP among biosphere parameters are based on process-based models using experimental data mostly collected in the field, which are quite subjective and difficult to share. The process-based models are limited by various premises due to various understandings in constructing the model. To objectively understand the impact factors on calculating global NPP, we build a data-driven model to calculate NPP and analyze each feature variable importance. The features cover biosphere parameters, solar radiation parameters, anthropogenic activities, and atmospheric gas concentrations. The study shows our data-driven model is capable to calculate NPP comparatively well than the process-based model. It further suggests that anthropogenic activities, land cover type, and normalized vegetation index should be considered more in the future NPP-relevant researches, compared with the commonly used biosphere features, such as aerosol index, soil moisture, and precipitation.
Variability of Glucosinolates in Pak Choy (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) Germplasm

Glucosinolates are sulfur-containing phytochemicals generally abundant in cruciferous vegetables such as pak choy. Glucosinolates participate in a range of biological activities essential for promoting a healthy human body. In this study, we aimed to elucidate glucosinolate variability present in pak choy germplasm that are under conservation at the Rural Development Administration Genebank, Jeonju, Republic of Korea. The Acquity Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC) analytical system was used in profiling the glucosinolate content in leaf samples of various accessions. We identified a total of 17 glucosinolates in the germplasm. Based on principal compoment analysis performed, three separate groups of the accessions were obtained. Group 1 contained the cultivar cheongsacholong which recorded high content of glucobrassicin (an indole), glucoerucin (aliphatic), gluconasturtiin (aromatic) and glucoberteroin (aliphatic). Group 2 consisted of six accessions, BRA77/72, Lu ling gaogengbai, 9041, Wuyueman, RP-75 and DH-10, predominatly high in aliphatic compounds including glucoiberin, glucocheirolin, and sinigrin. Group 3 comprised the majority of the accessions which were characterized by high content of glucoraphanin, epiprogoitrin, progoitrin, and glucotropaeolin. These results revealed the presence of variability among the pak choy germplasm based on their glucosinolate content, providing an excellent opprtunity for future breeding for improved glucosinolate content in the crop.
Healthcare System Digital Transformation across Four European Countries: A Multiple-Case Study

Digitization has become involved in every aspect of life, including the healthcare sector with its healthcare professionals (HCPs), citizens (patients and their families), and services. This complex process is supported by policies: however, to date, no policy analysis on healthcare digitalization has been conducted in European countries to identify the main goals of digital transformation and its practical implementation. This research aimed to describe and compare the digital health policies across four European countries; namely, their priorities, their implementation in practice, and the digital competencies expected by HCPs. A multiple-case study was performed. Participants were the members of the Digital EducationaL programme invoLVing hEalth profEssionals (DELIVER), a project funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ programme, involving three countries (Denmark, Italy, and Slovenia) and one autonomous region (Catalonia—Spain). Data were collected using two approaches: (a) a written interview with open-ended questions involving the members of the DELIVER project as key informants; and (b) a policy-document analysis. Interviews were analysed using the textual narrative synthesis and the word cloud policy analysis was conducted according to the Ready, Extract, Analyse and Distil approach. Results showed that all countries had established recent policies at the national level to address the development of digital health and specific governmental bodies were addressing the implementation of the digital transformation with specific ramifications at the regional and local levels. The words “health” and “care” characterized the policy documents of Denmark and Italy (309 and 56 times, 114 and 24 times, respectively), while “development” and “digital” (497 and 478 times, respectively) were common in the Slovenia document. The most used words in the Catalonia policy document were “data” and “system” (570 and 523 times, respectively). The HCP competencies expected are not clearly delineated among countries, and there is no formal plan for their development at the undergraduate, postgraduate, and continuing educational levels. Mutual understanding and exchange of good practices between countries may facilitate the digitalization processes; moreover, concrete actions in the context of HCP migration across Europe for employment purposes, as well as in the context of citizens’ migration for healthcare-seeking purposes are needed to consider the differences emerged across the countries.
Impact of Disease Modifying Therapy on MS-Related Fatigue: A Narrative Review

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system by causing inflammation, demyelination and neurodegeneration. Fatigue is the most prevalent and one of the most disabling symptoms among people with MS (pwMS). Due to its complexity and subjective character, fatigue is still little understood despite its frequent occurrence and severe impact. The potential causes, effects, and treatments of fatigue associated with MS have been extensively studied in recent years. Though the benefits of such a variety of contributions are obvious, there have not been many attempts to evaluate the effect of disease modifying therapies (DMTs) on MS-related fatigue. In this review, we summarize clinical trials and research studies, and we discuss the effect of different DMTs on MS-related fatigue.
Effects of intraocular lens glistenings on visual function: a prospective study and presentation of a new glistenings grading methodology

Objective To investigate the effect of intraocular lens (IOL) glistenings on visual performance and evaluate a new glistenings grading methodology. Methods and Analysis Thirty-four patients (34 eyes) were recruited. Corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), mesopic gap acuity (MGA), functional contrast sensitivity (FCS) and forward light scatter were measured (Advanced Vision and Optometric Tests, City Occupational, London, UK). The IOL centre was imaged and glistenings density graded by three observers using the Miyata scale and a new system. Inter-rater reliability, association between the two grading scales, and correlations between glistenings grades and visual performance parameters were evaluated. Results The intraclass correlation coefficient between graders for the new grading system was 0.769 (95% Confidence Interval [CI] 0.636 to 0.868). There was a significant association between the Miyata scale and the new grading system for all graders (rs=0.533–0.895, p≤0.001). There was no association between CDVA or MGA and glistenings grade (rs=− 0.098, p=0.583 and rs=0.171, p=0.359, respectively). There was no association between FCS at mesopic light levels and glistenings grade (rs=−0.032, p=0.864), or the straylight parameter and glistenings grade (rs=0.021, p=0.916). No association was found between the integrated straylight parameter and glistenings grade (rs=0.078, p=0.701). Conclusion The new glistenings grading scale was highly reproducible. In this cohort, glistenings in the same hydrophobic acrylic IOL after cataract surgery were not associated with changes in visual function, as assessed by a series of tests not previously used in glistenings research.
A Pragmatic Study on Managing Rapport in Responding to Reprimands in Jordanian Arabic

This study aimed to investigate both the strategies Jordanians use to respond to reprimands and the impact of gender on them. Data were collected from 95 Jordanian university students at the Hashemite University using IDCTs, including Emotion Liker-Scales. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses were conducted utilizing Spencer-Oatey’s (2008) rapport management approach. Twelve strategies were used for responding to reprimands: illocutionary force indicating device, admission of responsibility, intermediate responsibility, denying responsibility, other responsibility-related examples, managing the problem, expressing reprimands, irony, and sarcasm, swearing, opting out, working out compromises and using violence. The results showed gender differences in the type and frequency of responding to reprimand strategies, reflecting good observance of the socio-contextual variables. The findings of the study revealed that Jordanian native speakers of Arabic took into account a rapport-enhancing perspective, weighing the costs and benefits, and rapport-threatening perspectives, including asserting autonomy and infringing upon principles of association and involvement. The study concludes with some pedagogical implications and recommendations for further promising research.
A Model for Teaching Critical Reading in an ESL Curriculum

This case study explores one Bhutanese ESL teacher’s implementation of Freebody and Luke’s (1990) four resources model (FRM) to teach critical reading (CR) in his grade-9 English classroom. A semi-structured interview was conducted with the teacher and thematically analysed to understand his initial perspectives on CR and teaching strategies. Based on his initial interview data, the researcher recommended him implementing the FRM to teach a poem of his choice from the grade-9 English curriculum in three lessons. The FRM is organised around four reader roles that engage and empower readers as text decoders, text participants, text analysts and text users. A thematic approach was used to analyse the audio recordings of the teacher’s FRM implementation and written lesson reports. The study also analysed his post-implementation interview data to examine the implications and challenges of using the FRM in ESL classrooms. The study showed that the teacher found the FRM effective and practical, allowing him to scaffold and enhance his students’ knowledge and skills to engage in various forms of meaning construction, learn and analyse language usage, critically engage with the text and promote literacy practices.
Online Collaborative Writing through Wikis and Google Docs

Many studies on language learning have highlighted the advantages of collaborative writing (CW) in promoting learners’ writing skills (Strobl, 2014). To achieve the end product of collaborative writing tasks, learners are required to work collaboratively in various stages of planning and editing the writing as well as finalizing the shared texts (Woodrich & Fan, 2017). According to Storch (2011), although CW has been widely used and found to be very effective in promoting writing learning, it has been practiced mostly outside the context of second language (L2) learning. However, Kessler et al. (2012) suggested that with the assistance of technologies, we can integrate Web 2.0[1] applications and pedagogical practices in teaching and learning writing to enhance students’ writing via online CW.