Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ontogenetic and seasonal shifts in movement and habitat selection of the alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii)

We aimed to discern the seasonal movement patterns, home range sizes, and microhabitat associations of subadult Macrochelys temminckii in a West Tennessee population. Because this population was previously monitored (i.e., telemetry and habitat use) as juveniles after the initial release in 2005, studying the movement ecology and habitat use of the same released cohort 12 years later allows for unique comparisons between hatchling and subadult ecology. We used radio telemetry to collect movement and microhabitat data of 16 subadult M. temminckii during one year. Our results suggest that seasonal and ontogenetic variation in movement patterns and habitat selection occur within a cohort of M. temminckii. Compared to juveniles, subadults used deep slough areas with high overstory tree cover and had larger home ranges (100% minimum convex polygons [MCP]). Additionally, as subadults, the mean distance moved (m) varied among seasons and furthest during summer. Subadults used deeper water, with higher temperatures and significantly more tree canopy cover, than random locations. Overall, the home range estimate for subadults (mean MCP ± SE; 1.64 ± 0.57 ha) was greater than for juveniles (0.044 ± 0.021 ha). These home-range estimates and habitat usage patterns were similar to subadults in other studies. The seasonal and ontogenetic variations suggest that habitat heterogeneity is critical to sustain populations of introduced M. temminckii.
Electrochemical Detection of Human Interleukin-15 using a Graphene Oxide-Modified Screen-Printed Carbon Electrode

ABSTRACT Biofunctionalizing a simple and disposable graphene oxide-modified screen-printed carbon electrode with anti-interleukin-15 antibodies has been successfully demonstrated for the first time for the label-free electrochemical detection of interleukin-15, a biomarker of early HIV infection. To improve the electrochemical reactivity and introduce carboxylic groups on the surface of screen-printed carbon electrode, high-quality graphene oxide was used for the modification of screen-printed carbon electrode. With simple modification of the screen-printed carbon electrode, the device exhibited satisfactory sensitivity, selectivity, stability, reproducibility, and regenerability. The immunosensor provided a detection limit of 3.51 ng mL−1 and a sensitivity of 0.5655 µA cm−2 mL ng−1. The simply constructed immunosensor thus rendered promising device for immunoreactions on the surface of the electrode.
A bibliometric analysis of drinking water research in Africa

A total of 1 917 publications of drinking water research in Africa from 1991 to 2013 were identified from the data hosted in online version of SCI-Expanded, Thomson Reuters Web of Science, for bibliometric analysis. The analysis included publication output, distribution of keywords, journals and subject areas, and performances of countries, institutions, and authors. Citation trends and highly-cited publications are also reported. We found that the publication output of related documents increased over the entire period of study. The results showed that ‘water’, ‘drinking water’, and ‘oxidative stress’ were the most frequent terms in publication titles, authors’ keywords and KeyWords Plus. The top three subject areas were ‘water resources’, ‘environmental science’, and ‘environmental and occupational public health’. The ten most productive institutions were located in South Africa and Egypt, and the University of Pretoria was the overall most productive institution. Thus, a quarter of all of the articles published were from South Africa. It was found that articles became increasingly collaborative with greater numbers of authors, page counts and bibliographies. More than half of the internationally collaborative articles were co-authored with researchers from Europe. French and US institutions contributed to the highest number of collaborative articles. Keywords: Africa, bibliometric review, drinking water, publications, research collaborations, water research
Numerical Simulation Study on Distribution of Bubble in Flow near Aerator Based on CFD-PBM Coupled Model in Tunnel

The aerator can reduce erosion by mixing a large amount of air into the water in the solid wall area. The effectiveness of erosion reduction is mainly based on air concentration and its bubble size distribution. However, simultaneous simulation of the air concentration and its bubble size distribution in numerical simulations is still a hot and difficult area of research. Aiming at the downstream aerated flow of hydraulic aeration facilities, several numerical models, such as VOF, mixture, Euler, and Population Balance Model (PBM), are compared and verified by experiments. The results show that the CFD-PBM coupled model performs well compared to other conventional multiphase models. It can not only obtain the evolution law of the bubble distribution downstream of the aerator but also accurately simulate the recombination and evolution process of bubble aggregation and breakage. The Sauter mean diameter of the air bubbles in the aerated flow decreases along the way and eventually reaches a stable value. The bubble breakage is the main process in the development of the bubbles. It reveals the aeration law that the small air bubbles are closer to the bottom plate, while the large bubbles float up along the aerated flow, which provides a powerful support for the basic research on the mechanism of aeration and erosion reduction.
The Recent Development of the Surgical Treatment for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

The optimal treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) should be selected based on tumor conditions, liver functional reserve, and performance status. Surgical treatment, such as liver resection and liver transplantation, is the most favorable treatment method; however, its indication criteria differ according to each country’s guidelines. In Western countries, liver resection is indicated only for early-stage HCC patients with Barcelona-Clinic Liver Cancer staging classification (BCLC) 0/A. While in Asian countries, liver resection is one of the treatment options for advanced HCC, such as BCLC B/C. Recently, the treatment of HCC is about to enter a drastic transitional period. It started with the widespread use of minimally invasive surgery for HCC, followed by a high rate of hepatitis C virus eradication with the advent of direct acting antivirals and developing a multidisciplinary treatment for highly advanced HCC. As a result, the importance of liver resection for HCC is increasing, and it is time to reconsider the criteria for selecting treatment methods for HCC patients. This article outlines current topics in the surgical treatment of HCC.
Can Self-Efficacy and Task Values Buffer Perceived Costs? Exploring Introductory- and Upper-Level Physics Courses

Abstract Students’ cost perceptions have been associated with lower retention and academic performance in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Guided by expectancy-value theory, we examined whether relations between perceived costs and physics outcomes (i.e., engagement and achievement) varied as a function of self-efficacy or task values among undergraduate physics students (N = 1,124). We also examined whether the interactive relations were further moderated by course level in the curricular sequence. Overall, findings from moderated moderation analyses indicated that perceived costs were negatively related to different components of engagement (i.e., effort, persistence, procrastination, and choice) and achievement (i.e., physics course grades). However, the magnitude of relations often depended on levels of self-efficacy or task value. Some of the interactive relations between these variables also differed between introductory- and upper-level physics courses. Taken together, results indicated that higher self-efficacy or task values do not compensate for the negative effects of perceiving high cost on engagement. Moreover, cost perceptions were in some cases more negatively related to engagement when students reported higher self-efficacy or task values. Finally, mitigating cost perceptions may be particularly important in introductory undergraduate physics courses. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Intestinal parasites among primary and secondary school children of Egor Local Government Area, Edo State

The study was carried out to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites among school children of Egor Local Government Area, Edo State. The correlation between their various activities like source of water, type of toilet, method of washing hands with the infection were examined. 250 stool samples of participants consisting of 111 males and 139 females were examined using the formol-ether concentration method. Questionnaires were administered to the children to collect information on Sociodemographic activities. The overall prevalence rate of the various parasitic infections was 16(6.4%), with 6(5.4%) prevalence rate of infection among males and 10(7.2%) among the females. From the study, the age group of 10-13 years old have high rate of infection 13(9.8%) followed by 6-9years old 3(4.4%). Sex did not (p 0.05) but age affected it significantly The children with Ascaris lumbricoides recorded the highest prevalence rate of 6(2.4%), followed by Hookworm (Ancylostoma duodenale) infection 3(1.2%); Enterobius vermicularis 2(0.8%); Entamoeba coli 2(0.8%); Schistosoma japonicum 1(0.4%); Strongyloides stercoralis 1(0.4%) and Round worm 1(0.4%). The results further support public education on good personal hygiene and the dangers of open defeacation in fields and water ways.
FFRAMEWORK FOR PLATFORM BUSINESSES BASED ON CONSCIOUS CAPITALISM

Initiatives that go beyond seeking only profit generation are gaining more space in the business environment. The Conscious Capitalism (CC) approach defines that the company should have, besides economic results, a central purpose that seeks positive social impact on society. In a platform business, the interactions between two end-users are commercialized and the added value for both parties needs to be clear in order to develop the necessary network. This article establishes a connection between the above-mentioned approaches, proposing a framework that supports the decision-making process of entrepreneurs. To do so, the design research method was adopted. It is understood that this study adds knowledge since it establishes a connection between the approaches of the platform business and Conscious Capitalism, exemplifying how this can occur and its transforming potential.
MgO-ZrO 2 共沉淀体系的结构表征及单层分散现象

A series of mgo-zro2 composites with various compositions were prepared by co-precipitation with nh4oh from mixed aqueous solution of nitrates and calcination at 500 degrees c and 600 degrees c respectively. the samples were characterized by xrd, xps, bet, tem, exafs and dta measurements. the results exhibit that mgo tends to dissolve into the bulk phase of zro2 to form solid solution as mg/zr molar ratio is lower than 1. after the dissolution reaches saturation, mgo starts to disperse onto the surface of the solid solution, and at the same time the separate crystalline phase of mgo appears. however, when the content of mgo is high, zro2 does not dissolve into the bulk phase of mgo and not form the separate crystalline phase of zro2, but disperses onto the surface of the crystallite of mgo. and the properties of the surfaces of the samples were obviously affected by the dispersion of zro2. these results suggest that in the samples prepared by co-pre-cipitation, one component can disperse as a monolayer onto the surface of the separate crystalline phase of the other component or the solid solutions composed of the two components. in a certain content range. this phe-nomenon might exist in many binary oxide systems and deserves much more attention.
A mechanism for thermosynthesis based on a thermotropic phase transition in an asymmetric biomembrane

A blueprint is given for a heat engine consisting of (1) an asymmetric biomembrane of which the surface dipole potential of one monolayer changes with the temperature during a thermotropic phase transition, and (2) an aptly regulated ATPsynthase that can charge and discharge the membrane at different H + /ATP-stoichiometries. The heat engine yields net ATP during thermal cycling around the phase transition temperature. Possible in vivo occurrence of the engine is discussed
The preference for water nipples vs. water bowls in pregnant ewes

ABSTRACT This study included 6 groups of 6 pregnant ewes with a change-over design. In period 1 group 1, 2 and 3 had access to the water nipples and group 4, 5 and 6 had access to water bowls and vice versa in period 2. In period 3 all six groups had access to both types of water dispensers. The ewes’ water intake was significantly higher when drinking only from water nipples (3.27 ± 0.29 l/ewe and day) than only from water bowls (2.04 ± 0.22 l/ewe and day) (F = 78.28, P < 0.001). The water wastage for nipples was 36% of water usage and negligible for bowls. When offered both dispensers the ewes' water intake tended to be higher from water nipples (t = 0.69, P < 0.10), and there seemed to be no specific preference for water nipples or bowls in ewes.
An Integrated Ecological Approach to Mapping Variations in Collectivism Within China: Introducing the Triple-Line Framework

Measurable regional variations in collectivism have been found across the Chinese mainland, challenging the simple classification of China as a “collectivistic society” in cross-national studies. In previous studies, a small number of distal or proximal ecological factors have been used to explain these regional variations of collectivism. However, there has been little consensus on which ecological factors best predict regional collectivism. In this article, the authors propose the “triple-line framework,” an integrated perspective on regional variations in collectivism. This framework divides China into four regions using three lines—the Hu Huanyong Line, the Great Wall Line, and the Qinling–Huaihe Line—according to their ecological, historical, and social characteristics. A growing body of empirical research is largely consistent with this framework. The authors conclude by discussing the potential for this framework to generate new, testable hypotheses and consider some ways in which this approach to intranational variation could be used by cultural psychologists working in other parts of the world.
Impact of Color Matching Primaries on Observer Matching: Part II – Observer Variability

ABSTRACT In this study, the observer variability in a 10° achromatic color matching experiment using systematically different primaries under immersive, perceptually neutral (4673 K) and stable adapted viewing conditions have been investigated for four different sets of CIE color matching functions (CMFs). The matching reference was illuminated by a spectrally broadband light source at 70 cd/m2 and 4613 K. Fifty-four observers varying in age, gender, ethnicity and eye color participated. The results indicate that certain wavelength regions are more sensitive to generate interobserver variability, such as when a short wavelength primary (404 nm) was applied. Furthermore, of the primary sets investigated, that with peak-wavelengths (636–521–447 nm) close to the “typical” RGB-primaries widely known and used in industry had the smallest interobserver variability. In addition to the significant effect of primary set and CMF set, a significant effect of age on matching variability is also found, whereby the change of the blue primary resulted in a substantial difference in dispersion between younger and older observers, likely caused by age-induced yellowing of the lens. Furthermore, different primary sets tend to have a different impact on intra-observer variability than on interobserver variability. Finally, by comparing the observer variability in the current work with previous studies, the CIE standard deviate observer is found to substantially underestimate the interobserver variability, especially for the primary sets containing a 404 nm LED. Our observers also tend to have similar to smaller inter-variability than those reported in literature, possibly due to methodological differences.
Social influence and UTAUT in predicting digital immigrants’ technology use

ABSTRACT This study explored how social norms around digital immigrants’ tablet adoption affect their new technology use using expanded social influence measures, including three types of social norms and subculture variables, along with the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) variables. We found that social influence took a different role from UTAUT variables in predicting digital immigrants’ tablet adoption before and after a four-week community workshop – tablet training. Subjective norms (before training) and injunctive norms and subculture (following training) were significant determinants of intentions to use tablets while intention to use tablets (before training) and effort expectancy (before and after training) significantly predicted actual tablet use. Findings underscore that positively perceived social norms around digital immigrants as new technology adopters can increase their intention to use new technology, however, expected difficulties in using tablets are still impeding their adoption even when their actual knowledge of tablets improves overall.
The JPL Planetary and Lunar Ephemerides DE440 and DE441

The planetary and lunar ephemerides called DE440 and DE441 have been generated by fitting numerically integrated orbits to ground-based and space-based observations. Compared to the previous general-purpose ephemerides DE430, seven years of new data have been added to compute DE440 and DE441, with improved dynamical models and data calibration. The orbit of Jupiter has improved substantially by fitting to the Juno radio range and Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) data of the Juno spacecraft. The orbit of Saturn has been improved by radio range and VLBA data of the Cassini spacecraft, with improved estimation of the spacecraft orbit. The orbit of Pluto has been improved from use of stellar occultation data reduced against the Gaia star catalog. The ephemerides DE440 and DE441 are fit to the same data set, but DE441 assumes no damping between the lunar liquid core and the solid mantle, which avoids a divergence when integrated backward in time. Therefore, DE441 is less accurate than DE440 for the current century, but covers a much longer duration of years −13,200 to +17,191, compared to DE440 covering years 1550–2650.
Sustainability reporting disclosure practices among Bangladeshi companies in line with Global Reporting Initiatives

Research aim: The core objective of this study is to identify the nature and extent of sustainability reporting disclosure practices among Bangladeshi listed companies, in line with global reporting initiatives (GRI). Design/Methodology/Approach: The content analysis method is used in this study to examine a total of 48 items, consisting of 17 environmental and 31 social disclosure items, in line with GRI. Data were drawn from the published annual reports of a sample of 51 listed companies for the financial year of 2016/2017.Research findings: On average, 13.73% of the sample companies did not disclose any issue on sustainability reporting. The overall sustainability reporting index of these companies is 10.70% (environmental: 11.42% and social: 10.31%). The level of overall disclosure is low, with the Cement industry focusing on both social (21.18%) and environmental (14.19%) areas, the Textile industry mainly focusing on the environmental (17.06%) area, and the Bank industry mainly focusing on the social (25.16%) area. There is a paucity of disclosure of both social and environmental issues in Food & Allied and Pharmaceuticals & Chemicals industries. Companies are reluctant to disclose issues related to emission, effluent, waste, and compliance under the environmental dimension, and human rights and social performance indicators under the social dimension.Theoretical contribution/ Originality: Several studies have been conducted on either corporate social reporting or environmental reporting, but there is a dearth of an integrated investigation into the level of sustainability reporting practices in Bangladesh. This study enumerates the sustainability reporting practices in Bangladesh based on the most recognised global non-financial reporting standard, namely GRI.Practitioner/ Policy implication: With the growing awareness among stakeholders and the initiatives taken by regulators, there might be an increasing trend in sustainability reporting practices. This study is expected to contribute to the introduction of more regulatory requirements for a comprehensive framework on sustainability reporting.Research limitation: This study focuses on only quantity and not quality in preparing the disclosure index and considers only one period.Keywords: Social Reporting, Environmental Reporting, Sustainability Reporting, Global Reporting Initiatives, BangladeshType of Manuscript: Research paperJEL Classification: M14
Rapid Contraction of the Radius of Maximum Tangential Wind and Rapid Intensification of a Tropical Cyclone

During the intensification of a tropical cyclone (TC), the radius of maximum tangential wind (RMW) often contracts due to the spin‐up of tangential wind being much faster inside the RMW than at the RMW itself. However, rapid RMW contractions prior to rapid intensification (RI) of TCs are observed. Statistical analysis of best‐track data for the North Atlantic between 2000 and 2017 indicates that rapid RMW contraction (≥20 nmi within 24 h) does not necessarily cause RI (≥30 kt within 24 h) of a TC. An efficient TC RI is generally seen if the RMW contracts to ≤30 nmi. The change (contraction or expansion) of the RMW is prevalent for weak storms, and RMW contraction is found to be at its most rapid for TC initial intensities ≤60 kt. Rapid RMW contraction and simultaneous RI generally occurs when the initial RMW is >30 nmi. Convective heating associated with very deep convective clouds with infrared brightness temperatures <208 K appearing toward the storm center is important for RMW contraction and sufficient amounts of the convective heating are important for intensification. Less convective heating is required to have the same intensification rate for a storm with an initially smaller RMW. A storm is more likely to experience RI with relatively less convective heating after the RMW contracts to a smaller size. This study demonstrates the role of convective heating on RMW contraction and storm spin‐up through different processes in the early stages of a TC.
Experimental Determination of Metal Sorption and Transport Parameters for Graphene Oxide

by Thomas Alan Duster The goal of this dissertation is to measure the ability of graphene oxide (GO) to sorb protons and metals, and to assess its mobility in saturated porous media. In Chapter 2 and Chapter 3, we illustrate that multi-layered GO (MLGO) exhibits a striking capacity to buffer aqueous solutions and sorb metals, with the sorption behaviors being influenced in varying degrees by pH and ionic strength. We use surface complexation modeling to calculate equilibrium constants for the surface sorption reactions between MLGO and protons, Cd, Pb, and U(VI), and we account for ionic strength effects as a competition between the target adsorbate and Na from the background electrolyte. In Chapter 4, we use deposition rate coefficient measurements to establish that pH, ionic strength, and sand surface coatings all play critical roles in determining the transport of single-layered GO (SLGO) through laboratory columns. Collectively, the sorption and mobility measurements in this dissertation are tailored to better inform remediation strategies that employ GO as a sorbent in natural and engineered systems.