Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Movement can mediate temporal mismatches between resource availability and biological events in host–pathogen interactions

Abstract Global change is shifting the timing of biological events, leading to temporal mismatches between biological events and resource availability. These temporal mismatches can threaten species’ populations. Importantly, temporal mismatches not only exert strong pressures on the population dynamics of the focal species, but can also lead to substantial changes in pairwise species interactions such as host–pathogen systems. We adapted an established individual‐based model of host–pathogen dynamics. The model describes a viral agent in a social host, while accounting for the host's explicit movement decisions. We aimed to investigate how temporal mismatches between seasonal resource availability and host life‐history events affect host–pathogen coexistence, that is, disease persistence. Seasonal resource fluctuations only increased coexistence probability when in synchrony with the hosts’ biological events. However, a temporal mismatch reduced host–pathogen coexistence, but only marginally. In tandem with an increasing temporal mismatch, our model showed a shift in the spatial distribution of infected hosts. It shifted from an even distribution under synchronous conditions toward the formation of disease hotspots, when host life history and resource availability mismatched completely. The spatial restriction of infected hosts to small hotspots in the landscape initially suggested a lower coexistence probability due to the critical loss of susceptible host individuals within those hotspots. However, the surrounding landscape facilitated demographic rescue through habitat‐dependent movement. Our work demonstrates that the negative effects of temporal mismatches between host resource availability and host life history on host–pathogen coexistence can be reduced through the formation of temporary disease hotspots and host movement decisions, with implications for disease management under disturbances and global change.
Local and External Stakeholders Affecting Educational Change during the Coronavirus Pandemic: A Study of Facebook Messages in Estonia

Education worldwide was affected by the coronavirus pandemic when many countries, including Estonia, had to switch to distance learning. It was an unexpected change in education and required a response from relevant stakeholders. This study aims to understand the activities of different stakeholders as revealed in the messages of the Facebook group ‘Homeschooling with technology’ from 6 March to 26 April 2020. A mixed method study design was used, including quantitative and qualitative content analysis of 872 messages posted by members of the Facebook group, which were divided into eight role groups. Teachers, educational technologists, principals and parents represented local stakeholders while external stakeholders included members from government institutions, supporters, teacher educators and members with other roles. The analysis covered activeness of each role group, emotional expressions, speech acts and topics represented in messages. The results indicate that educational technologists played a key role in handling the coronavirus pandemic situation in education. However, local stakeholders also received support from external stakeholders. The results help capture the roles, experiences and views of different stakeholders during the educational change caused by the coronavirus pandemic in order to learn from this and to be prepared for such situations in the future.
Robust smooth control for global uniform asymptotic stabilization of underactuated surface vessels with unknown model parameters

This paper investigates how to design controllers to stabilize the underactuated surface vessel to desired constant location and orientation with vanishing velocities. The first control law is designed as a smooth function of position and orientation errors without using model parameters, where a gain is made time‐varying to get over the nonholonomic constraint on model. Skew‐symmetric and damping terms in model are exploited to help construct two particular Lyapunov functions, and Barbalat's lemma are combined to verify the global uniform asymptotic convergence of errors and velocities. Then, the second and the third control laws are devised as the forms of the first controller plus velocity feedbacks and can achieve the same stability as the first one but have a weaker gain condition. All the three controllers are robust to model parameters due to their absence in controllers and only require three model parameters' upper/lower bounds, decreasing the identification workload greatly. Moreover, they are the first smooth ones capable of achieving global uniform asymptotic full‐state stabilization control of vessel with unknown model parameters. Effectiveness of the proposed controllers is demonstrated by numerical simulations.
The Effects of Landscape Change on Plant Diversity and Structure in the Bale Mountains National Park, Southeastern Ethiopia

Bale Mountains National Park is one of the protected areas in Ethiopia that holds the largest area of Afroalpine habitat in Africa and the second largest stand of moist tropical forest. Nevertheless, human settlements, overgrazing, and recurrent fire are the main problems in the park. This study aimed to determine the effects of human-induced landscape change in floristic composition and structure in the park. The vegetation data were collected systematically from 96 sample plots laid along 24 line transects in the edge and interior habitats of the six land cover types. Vegetation composition and landscape structural analysis were made using R software version 3.5. 2 and FRAGSTATS version 4.2. 1, respectively. Patch number was strong and positively affected species richness (r = −0.90, p < 0.05 ), diversity (r = −0.96, p < 0.01 ), and basal area (r = −0.96, p < 0.001 ), whereas mean patch size was strong and negatively influenced species richness (r = 0.95, p < 0.05 ), diversity (r = 0.87, p < 0.05 ), and basal area (r = 0.82, p < 0.05 ). The overall species richness, Shannon diversity index, and Margalef index were significantly higher in the edge habitat; however, the mean basal area of woody species was significantly higher in the interior habitat at p < 0.05 . This study uncovered that the park is floristically rich and diverse, and it provides a variety of ecological and economic benefits to the surrounding community and to the nation at large. However, these benefits are gradually declining due to the high level of anthropogenic activities in the park. Thus, integrated environmental management strategy that blends with sustainable use of natural resources should be implemented to minimize the threats.
Influences of Recent Particle Formation on Southern Ocean Aerosol Variability and Low Cloud Properties

Controls on pristine aerosol over the Southern Ocean (SO) are critical for constraining the strength of global aerosol indirect forcing. Observations of summertime SO clouds and aerosols in synoptically varied conditions during the 2018 SOCRATES aircraft campaign reveal novel mechanisms influencing pristine aerosol‐cloud interactions. The SO free troposphere (3–6 km) is characterized by widespread, frequent new particle formation events contributing to much larger concentrations (≥1,000 mg−1) of condensation nuclei (diameters > 0.01 μm) than in typical sub‐tropical regions. Synoptic‐scale uplift in warm conveyor belts and sub‐polar vortices lifts marine biogenic sulfur‐containing gases to free‐tropospheric environments favorable for generating Aitken‐mode aerosol particles (0.01–0.1 μm). Free‐tropospheric Aitken particles subside into the boundary layer, where they grow in size to dominate the sulfur‐based cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) driving SO cloud droplet number concentrations (Nd ∼ 60–100 cm−3). Evidence is presented for a hypothesized Aitken‐buffering mechanism which maintains persistently high summertime SO Nd against precipitation removal through CCN replenishment from activation and growth of boundary layer Aitken particles. Nudged hindcasts from the Community Atmosphere Model (CAM6) are found to underpredict Aitken and accumulation mode aerosols and Nd, impacting summertime cloud brightness and aerosol‐cloud interactions and indicating incomplete representations of aerosol mechanisms associated with ocean biology.
Assessment of Acidic Biochar on the Growth, Physiology and Nutrients Uptake of Maize (Zea mays L.) Seedlings under Salinity Stress

The application of an acidic biochar can improve plant growth and soil properties in saline conditions. In this study, we investigated the effect of acidic biochar on plant growth and nutrients contents in saline soil. Seven treatments were arranged in a complete randomized design, including control (CK), 0, 30, and 45 g biochar added to a soil having 1% and 1.5% salts; these treatments were termed as B0S1, B30S1, B45S1 and B0S1.5, B30S1.5, B45S1.5 respectively. Experimental results showed that the plant height, leaves plant−1, leaf area, and shoot fresh and dry biomass, and root fresh and dry biomass were increased for the B45S1.5, respectively. Similarly, the highest total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), total potassium (TK), and total sodium (Na) concentration in maize shoot were observed for B30S1, B0S1.5, CK, and B0S1.5, respectively. The highest concentrations of TN, TP, TK, and Na in root were obtained with the treatments B0S1, B0S1, B45S1, and B0S1, respectively. Soil pH, and EC decreased and nutrients concentration improved by the addition of acidic biochar. We conclude that the use of acidic biochar can be a potential source for the improvement of maize plant growth as well as mitigate the adverse effect of salt stress.
Variation in feral cat density between two large adjacent islands in Australia

Despite contributing to the ongoing collapse of native mammal populations across northern Australian savannas, we have limited understanding of the ecological constraints of feral cat population density in this system. Addressing such knowledge gaps is a crucial step towards mitigating the impacts of feral cats, and is particularly important for the large islands off northern Australia that remain as strongholds for numerous species vulnerable to cat predation. Here, we investigated cat density across Melville and Bathurst Island, two large islands in Australia’s monsoon tropics. We deployed large grids (~13 km2) of 70 camera-traps at four locations to investigate how feral cat density varies under different combinations of fire frequency, and feral herbivore presence. Using spatially-explicit capture-recapture models, we estimated feral cat density on Melville Island to be 0.15 cats km−2. We did not record any cat detections on Bathurst Island. Using simulations, we predicted that if cat density on Bathurst Island was equal to that on Melville Island, we would have expected to record 27.9 detections of 9.9 individual cats. Our results, coupled with other recent surveys, suggest that the density of cats is much lower on Bathurst Island than the adjacent Melville Island. The absence of feral herbivores on Bathurst Island may have contributed to this variation in cat density. Management that enhances understorey vegetation density, through feral herbivore control, as well as fire management, could help mitigate the impact of feral cats on northern Australian savanna biodiversity.
‘Family stigma’ among family members of people with mental illness in Indonesia: A grounded theory approach

Abstract Stigma is of central importance to people with mental illness and their families. It impacts how they experience their illness and access available health services. An important principle in mental healthcare is empowering patients to live independently and productively, which requires optimal caring from family members. Stigma can seriously hinder this principle. This qualitative study was based on Straussian grounded theory. Participants were 25 family members of people with mental illness. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, field notes and memos, and managed using Paillé data analysis. We extracted four interrelated categories: pasung (confinement), demonic/devil possession, alternative treatments and social isolation. Because of misunderstandings about mental illness, participants turned to alternative treatments provided by shamans and religious leaders. Participants reported being expelled from or isolated by their community, suggesting stigma is a reality experienced by families of people with mental illness in Indonesia. Addressing family stigma is important to ensure on-going support for patients and families. It is also important to develop and evaluate anti-stigma interventions in the Indonesian context. The present findings are relevant for mental healthcare professionals, related practice areas where families may be exposed to stigmatization and for international audiences with similar cultural and religious contexts.
Spatial-Temporal Evolution of Scientific Production about Genetically Modified Maize

Maize is the grain cereal that is the basis of human and animal diets in Mexico and Latin America; it constitutes an essential crop for global food security. The objective of this study was to analyze the spatial–temporal evolution of scientific production on the theme of GMO maize, through a bibliometric analysis of the texts available in the main editorial houses (Elsevier, Scopus, and Springer), open access journal articles database (Conricyt, Scielo, Redalyc, Latindex, Claryvate Analytics, Periodica, and DOAJ), and freely accessible web search engine Google Scholar, to determine the factors that influence the impact of the studies. From 1991 to 2019, 917 texts were found whose spatial–temporal evolution showed a linear growth that concentrated in Latin America (58.56%). The low impact (measured by the number of bibliographic citations) of scientific studies developed in countries of Latin America was related to their publication in journals edited in their own countries and in Spanish, which restricts the constructive criticism of peer review. For the case of Mexico, a spatial discrepancy was also found between research centers and production areas, which limits the transference of technology; and no specialized author in theme of GMO maize was found; the researchers responded to “scientific trends” in agreement with the agrarian policies of the time.
From xbox to the ballot box? The influence of leisure activities on political engagement and vote choice

ABSTRACT How does engagement in leisure activities, such as playing videogames, affect political behavior and preferences? Are young adult gamers just a group of basement-dwellers who are disengaged from politics, or are there specific political issues that gamers care about? Analysis of panel data of Swedish young adults suggests that avid gamers are more likely than non-gamers to care about issues that fall under the umbrella of Pirate politics, and therefore support the Swedish Pirate Party. Avid gamers are also more likely to use the Internet to engage in political behavior. These findings help explain the political attitudes of the ever-growing number of young adult gamers, and the effects of seemingly apolitical leisure activities on political behavior more broadly.
Concept and simulation of an unmanned agricultural spraying aircraft

In recent years, the Brazilian agriculture production expanded by 900 % over 1990, while the cultivated areas increased at a rate of 2 % per year. Due to this expansion, pulverization turned from manual to mechanical using ground equipment and aircraft. As a result of the new tendencies, recent statistics show the negative impacts on the health of pilots and operators of terrestrial machinery and on the environment. The present study evaluates the concept of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for pulverization of defensive products, named here as AVANT. In this study, new airfoils are evaluated, lifting line technique, vortex and panels method are used to define the geometry of the wings, fuselage and tail elements. Simulations were realized to verify the performance of the AVANT during operational shots and maneuvers. The basic parameters of the proposed AVANT are, Wingspan: 6 m; Monoplane; High wing; Piston engine (gasoline); Propeller; Tractor type; Installed power: 18 hp; Length: 5.5 m; Height: 1.477 m; Tail dragger type; Tail width: 2.6 m; Empty weight: 108.585 kg; Gross weight: 150 kg; Maximum Endurance: 9 h; Fuel capacity: 28 L; Agrochemicals capacity: 20 L; The results show that the AVANT is adequate for the proposed application.
Virus Load and Incidence Olfactory, Gustatory, Respiratory, Gastrointestinal Disorders in COVID-19 Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Objectives: This study investigated the relationship between viral load and the incidence and recovery of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction (OD and GD), incidence of respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms in COVID-19 patients. Design: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Setting and Participants: In total 599 outpatients’ cases polymerase chain reaction (PCR)–confirmed COVID-19-positive patients in Golestan province were included in the study. Main Outcome Measures: The incidence of OD, GD, their severity and the time of recovery was determined. The association of these variables with cycle threshold (CT) values of SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction was assessed. Results: The mean age of patients was 38.27 ± 13.62 years. The incidence of general symptoms included myalgia 70.1%, headache 51.8%, fever 47.7%, and dyspnea 21.4%. 41.9% of patients had gastrointestinal symptoms, including abdominal pain 26.5%, diarrhea 25.2%, nausea 20.5%, and vomiting 12.9%. 12.2% of patients had comorbidity. The trimester recovery rates of OD and GD were 93.94% and 94.74%, respectively. The mean recovery time of OD and GD was 14.56±13.37 and 13.8±3.77 days, respectively. The mean CT value in all patients was 27.45±4.55. There were significant associations between CT value with headache (P=0.04), GD (P=0.002) and OD (P=0.001). Conclusions: The intensity and the recovery of OD and GD in Covid-19 patients may be affected by initial viral load. Unlike to respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms, the OD and GD were associated with lower viral load. Therefore, it may be recommended to use these clinical symptoms as an indicator in the initial screening of patients during pandemics.
Estimating the potential impact of climate change on sunflower yield in the Konya province of Turkey

Abstract The impact of climate change on agricultural productivity is difficult to assess. However, determining the possible effects of climate change is an absolute necessity for planning by decision-makers. The aim of the study was the evaluation of the CSM-CROPGRO-Sunflower model of DSSAT4.7 and the assessment of impact of climate change on sunflower yield under future climate projections. For this purpose, a 2-year sunflower field experiment was conducted under semi-arid conditions in the Konya province of Turkey. Rainfed and irrigated treatments were used for model analysis. For the assessment of impact of climate change, three global climate models and two representative concentration pathways, i.e. 4.5 and 8.5 were selected. The evaluation of the model showed that the model was able to simulate yield reasonably well, with normalized root mean square error of 1.3% for the irrigated treatment and 17.7% for the rainfed treatment, a d-index of 0.98 and a modelling efficiency of 0.93 for the overall model performance. For the climate change scenarios, the model predicted that yield will decrease in a range of 2.9–39.6% under rainfed conditions and will increase in a range of 7.4–38.5% under irrigated conditions. Results suggest that temperature increases due to climate change will cause a shortening of plant growth cycles. Projection results also confirmed that increasing temperatures due to climate change will cause an increase in sunflower water requirements in the future. Thus, the results reveal the necessity to apply adequate water management strategies for adaptation to climate change for sunflower production.
What do people value in urban green? Linking characteristics of urban green spaces to users’ perceptions of nature benefits, disturbances, and disservices

Now, and in the future, the majority of the world’s population is and will be living in cities. Thus, efficient urban green spaces (UGS), such as urban parks providing ecosystem services, are essential for human well-being. Besides their location, the characteristics of UGS, for example, size, availability of facilities (such as sports infrastructure or benches), and green characteristics, can determine the benefits derived or disturbances and disservices perceived by visitors. Knowing which components of UGS contribute to which benefits can help to meet the various demands of urban dwellers. The objective of this research is to present positive and negative aspects (benefits and disturbances/disservices, respectively) of UGS that people perceive and the difference in these perceptions across age groups and UGS. We surveyed more than 1700 users of 18 urban parks and 18 brownfields in Leipzig, Germany. Benefits related to natural elements and landscape aesthetics were most important especially for older age groups. Younger people placed more importance on size, availability, and location as well as sports facilities. The most frequently mentioned disturbance/disservice in urban parks was litter followed by the undesirable activities of other users. Tree cover, sports facilities, seating possibilities, and inhabitant density in the neighborhood influenced the perception of parks providing regulating services (noise mediation and shade provision) and social and cultural interactions. Brownfields were often appreciated as additional UGS close to people’s homes and for their wilderness aspects. Implementing specific facilities and varying tree cover can influence perceived benefits from UGS. Adapted management measures can therefore increase multiple benefits and minimize trade-offs between UGS users and uses, for example, the integration of wild areas into UGS including low or near-natural management areas.
Thermodynamics of Barrow Holographic Dark Energy with Specific Cut-Off

Motivated by the work of Saridakis (Phys. Rev. D102, 123525 (2020)), the present study reports the cosmological consequences of Barrow holographic dark energy (HDE) and its thermodynamics. The literature demonstrates that dark energy (DE) may result from electroweak symmetry breaking that triggers a phase transition from early inflation to late-time acceleration. In the present study, we incorporated viscosity in the Barrow HDE. A reconstruction scheme is presented for the parameters associated with Barrow holographic dark energy under the purview of viscous cosmology. The equation of state (EoS) parameter is reconstructed in this scenario and quintessence behaviour is observed. Considering Barrow HDE as a specific case of Nojiri–Odintsov (NO) HDE, we have observed quintom behaviour of the EoS parameter and for some values of n the EoS has been observed to be very close to −1 for the current universe. The generalised second law of thermodynamics has come out to be valid in all the scenarios under consideration. Physical viability of considering Barrow HDE as a specific case of NO HDE is demonstrated in this study. Finally, it has been observed that the model under consideration is very close to ΛCDM and cannot go beyond it.