Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
How does it feel? An exploration of neurobiological and clinical correlates of alexithymia in trauma-exposed police-officers with and without PTSD

ABSTRACT Background: Alexithymia, an inability to recognise one’s emotions, has been associated with trauma-exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Previous research suggests involvement of the oxytocin system, and socio-emotional neural processes. However, the paucity of neurobiological research on alexithymia, particularly in trauma-exposed populations, warrants further investigation. Objective: Explore associations between alexithymia, endogenous oxytocin levels, and socio-emotional brain function and morphometry in a trauma-exposed sample. Method: Dutch trauma-exposed police officers with (n = 38; 18 females) and without PTSD (n = 40; 20 females) were included. Alexithymia was assessed with the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20). Endogenous salivary oxytocin was assessed during rest, using radioimmunoassay. Amygdala and insula reactivity to socio-emotional stimuli were assessed with functional MRI, amygdala and insula grey matter volume were derived using Freesurfer. Results: Alexithymia was higher in PTSD patients compared to trauma-exposed controls (F(1,70) = 54.031, p < . 001). Within PTSD patients, alexithymia was positively associated with PTSD severity (ρ(36) = 0.497, p = . 002). Alexithymia was not associated with childhood trauma exposure (β = 0.076, p = .509), police work-related trauma exposure (β = −0.107, p = .355), oxytocin levels (β = −0.164, p = .161), insula (β = −0.170, p = .158) or amygdala (β = −0.175, p = .135) reactivity, or amygdala volume (β = 0.146, p = .209). Insula volume was positively associated with alexithymia (β = 0.222, p = .016), though not significant after multiple testing corrections. Bayesian analyses supported a lack of associations. Conclusions: No convincing neurobiological correlates of alexithymia were observed with any of the markers included in the current study. Yet, the current study confirmed high levels of alexithymia in PTSD patients, independent of trauma-exposure, substantiating alexithymia’s relevance in the clinical phenotype of PTSD. HIGHLIGHTS Little is known about neurobiological correlates of alexithymia in trauma-exposed and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) populations. In this highly trauma-exposed sample, alexithymia was associated with PTSD symptoms, but not with childhood or adult trauma exposure, suggesting alexithymia is not a direct consequence of trauma. Alexithymia was not convincingly associated with salivary oxytocin, amygdala and insula reactivity to socio-emotional stimuli, amygdala or insula grey matter volume.
Dynamic Simulations and Control of a Group of Wind Driven Martian Rovers [invited]

A group of wind driven rovers inspired by tumbleweeds can be used to explore vast regions of Mars. This paper predicts the mobility of tumbleweed rovers in a Mars rock field and presents effective mechanisms for the control of individual rovers and a rover group. Wind tunnel experiments were performed to determine the drag coefficients for several tumbleweed rover designs. A three-dimensional dynamic model was used to quantify tumbleweed obstacle navigation and control mechanisms. Results from the dynamic model were used as a physics anchor for a stochastic simulation of multiple tumbleweed rovers. The stochastic simulation uses a swarming algorithm to allow the rovers to disperse from a common location and systematically explore the surface of Mars.
Cumulative effects assessment: learning from Canadian case studies

Cumulative effects assessment (CEA) for environmental impact assessments are required by some Canadian and American legislation. However, there is confusion concerning exactly what CEA involves. This clarifies the requirements of CEA and illustrates its use in a number of case studies. Practitioners must: identify valued ecosystem components (VECs) affected by the proposed project; determine what other past, present and future human activities have affected or will affect these VECs; predict the impacts on the VECs of the combined activities; and suggest how to manage these cumulative effects.
The Canary Debris Flow: source area morphology and failure mechanisms

The morphology of the source area of the Canary Debris Flow has been mapped using both GLORIA reconnaissance and TOBI high‐resolution sidescan sonar systems. West of ≈19°W, the seafloor is characterized by a strongly lineated downslope‐trending fabric. This fabric can be interpreted as being caused by streams of debris separated by longitudinal shears. Multiple flow pulses are indicated by a series of asymmetrical lateral ridges which mark the northern boundary of the flow. East of ≈19°W, GLORIA data show only a weak fabric of irregular patches and alongslope lineaments. The TOBI data show the patches to be coherent sediment blocks up to 10 km across, surrounded by debris flow material. These are interpreted as in situ areas of seafloor sediment which have survived the slope failure and debris flow event rather than transported fragments of a failed sediment slab. TOBI data from the best developed area of alongslope lineaments show a series of small faults downstepping to the west. This area of seafloor is interpreted as one of partial sediment failure, where the failure process became ‘frozen’ before total mobilization of the seafloor sediments could occur. The overall morphology of the failure area indicates removal of a slab‐like body of sediment, although we cannot distinguish between retrogressive and slab‐slide failure mechanisms. If the latter mechanism is applicable, fragmentation of the failing ‘slab’ must have commenced concurrently with the onset of downslope transport. Immediately upslope from the debris flow source area, a seafloor of characteristic rough blocky texture is interpreted as the surface of a debris avalanche derived from the slopes of the island of El Hierro. The debris flow and avalanche appear to be simultaneous events, with failure of the slope sediments occurring while the avalanche deposits were still mobile enough to fill and disguise the topographic expression of the debris flow headwall. Loading of the slope sediments by the debris avalanche most probably triggered the Canary Debris Flow.
The Effect of Self-Efficacy, Competence and Training on Employee Performance PT. Petro Oxo Nusantara Gresik

Employee performance is a measure used to assess individual achievement because it includes various indicators to measure the quality and amount of work completed, as well as the behavior and actions of employees in carrying out their duties. Evaluation of human resource performance has an important role because it can affect the company's quality in the future. This study aims to understand the influence of Self-Efficacy, Competence, and Training on Employee Performance at PT. Petro Oxo Nusantara Gresik. This study uses a quantitative approach by taking samples from the production employees of PT. Petro Oxo Nusantara Gresik. The sampling technique used is a Saturated Sample involving 50 respondents. The data analysis method used is PLS (Partial Least Square), by conducting validity, reliability, and hypothesis testing. The findings from this study indicate that Self-Efficacy, Competence, and Training have a positive and significant impact on Employee Performance at PT. Petro Oxo Nusantara Gresik. This confirms that these factors influence employee performance in the company environment.
The Implementation of THIEVES Strategy in Teaching Reading Comprehension of Descriptive Text

This study aimed to investigate whether the THIEVES strategy is effective or not in teaching reading comprehension of the descriptive text to students in the eighth grade at SMP Negeri 2 Ketungau Tengah, Sintang, Kalimantan Barat. It also investigates how effective it is. This research is a one-group pre-test and post-test design. In this research, the total population is 36 students, 18 from VIII A and 18 from VIII B. The researchers used random cluster sampling to select 18 students from class VIII A as the research sample. The researchers also collected and analyzed pre-test and post-test data using a t-test. The average pre-test score was 52.5, while the average post-test score was 62.5. The result of the t-test was 4,41, as shown by the data. Based on the above data analysis, the null hypothesis (Ho) is rejected, and the alternative hypothesis (Ha) is accepted because the t-test was higher than the t- table (4.41>1.740). Therefore, it indicated that the THIEVES strategy is effective in teaching reading comprehension. In addition, the effect size was 1,19, indicating a strong effect (>1.00). In conclusion, implementing the THIEVES strategy in teaching reading comprehension of descriptive text to the eight grade students in the school is highly effective.
Effect of Different Levels of Soil Salinity on Vegetative Growth Indicators of Four Genotypes of Broad Bean Vicia faba L.

A field experiment for the winter season (2022-2023) was carried out in the field of the Department of Crops / Faculty of Agriculture - Al-Qasim Green University, to find out the effect of different levels of soil salinity on vegetative growth indicators for four genetic structures of beans using the design of complete random sectors according to factor experiments, as the main panels included Genotypes (local, Turkish, Spanish, Dutch) while the secondary panels included three levels of soil salinity (2, 6 and 9 ds/m). The results indicated that there are significant differences at the level of probability of 5% of the studied qualities, as the Turkish variety outperformed the average vegetative growth, as it gave the highest average in the characteristic of plant height, number of branches, number of leaves, leaf area, root length and dry weight of the root system, either the local variety outperformed in the characteristic of the number of days of planting up to 50% flowering. , leaf area, root length and dry weight of the root system, Compared to the salt level (9 ds/m), which achieved the lowest average of these traits, which differed significantly from the comparison treatment by achieving the lowest number of days of cultivation up to 5% flowering.
A systematic review of remote sensing and machine learning approaches for accurate carbon storage estimation in natural forests

The assessment of carbon storage in natural forests is paramount in the ongoing efforts against climate change. While traditional field-based methods for quantifying carbon storage pose challenges, recent advancements in remote sensing and machine learning offer efficient and innovative alternatives. This systematic literature review investigates the latest developments in utilising optical, radar, and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) remote sensing data, coupled with cutting-edge machine learning algorithms, to estimate carbon storage in natural forests. Non-parametric machine-learning algorithms commonly applied to multispectral datasets have emerged as prominent tools for predicting aboveground carbon storage. Nonetheless, accurately assessing forest carbon storage using remote sensing data can be arduous in regions characterised by complex terrain and diverse species where dataset noise may be pronounced. Alternatively, the adoption of freely available optical sensors with moderate resolution has showcased reliability in estimating forest carbon storage. Hence, leveraging the integration of multi-sensor data with machine learning techniques has yielded substantial improvements in the accuracy of carbon storage estimation. This study identifies the most sensitive remote sensing variables that correlate with measurable biophysical parameters, thus highlighting the pivotal role of geospatial technologies in estimating terrestrial aboveground carbon storage. The study also delineates gaps and limitations inherent in current practices, underscoring the need for further investigations in this rapidly evolving field. Through the unification of conventional methods with state-of-the-art technologies, this study contributes to the advancement of accurate and efficient carbon storage assessments. By assuming such a transformative role, this research holds substantial promise in bolstering global climate change mitigation efforts. Ultimately, the purpose of this study was to demonstrate to researchers, policy makers and practitioners the importance of embracing the combined power of remote sensing and machine learning as a tool for safeguarding our natural forests and fight against climate change.
Egg quality of three laying hen genotypes kept in conventional cages and on litter Eiqualität bei drei Legehennenherkünften in konventionellen Käfigen und in Bodenhaltung

Many poultry flocks are kept in controlled environment houses, which can give accurate control over microclimate. In recent years, there has been a significant trend to develop and use litter housing systems rather than conventional cages regarding the well being of animals utilized for food production. However, it is reported that egg quality traits including albumen height, Haugh units, yolk index, egg shell thickness are superior in birds housed in cages than in birds kept on litter (MOORTHY et al., 2000; LEYENDECKER et al., 2001a; JENDERAL et al., 2004; TŮMOVA and EBEID, 2005; LICHOVNIKOVA and ZEMAN, 2008; TŮMOVA et al., 2009; SINGH et al., 2009). Contradictory results were revealed for egg weight in eggs from litter and cages. Heavier eggs were found in cages by MOORTHY et al. (2000), LEYENDECKER et al. (2001a) and JENDERAL et al. (2004), whereas, TŮMOVA and EBEID (2005), PISTĚKOVA et al. (2006), ZEMKOVA et al. (2007), and SINGH et al. (2009) detected heavier eggs in litter systems. Deviations in egg quality indicators in different studies may be connected with the used genotype of hens as egg quality has a genetic basis and the parameters of egg quality vary between strains of hens (PANDEY et al., 1986; SILVERIDES et al., 2006). Notwithstanding, egg components depend on egg weight and then their proportions presumably vary too (JOHNSTON and GOUS, 2007). In addition, interactions of genotype and housing system probably play an important role in egg quality determination. LEYENDECKER et al. (2001b), WALL and TAUSON (2002), CAMPO et al. (2007), TŮMOVA et al. (2009), and SINGH et al. (2009) found an interaction between genotype and housing system for egg weight, and (LEYENDECKER et al., 2001b; VITS et al., 2005; SINGH et al., 2009; TŮMOVA et al., 2009) for albumen and yolk quality characteristics. A genotype and housing interaction was also described for egg shell parameters (LEYENDECKER et al., 2001b; WALL and TAUSON, 2002; VITS et al., 2005; CAMPO et al., 2007; SINGH et al., 2009; TŮMOVA et al., 2009). Not only housing and genotype influence egg quality but also hen age affects results of egg quality measurements. JOHNSTON and GOUS (2007) stated that egg component proportion changes with increasing age. In correspondence, increasing albumen weight with age is described by SUK and PARK (2001), while RIZZI and CHIERICATO (2005) detected that albumen percentage decreased. Moreover, interactions of age and housing system were revealed. VAN DEN BRAND et al. (2004) found significant interactions between housing and layer age for egg weight, egg shell weight and albumen height and SINGH et al. (2009) for egg shell weight. The author also revealed a significant 3-way interaction of housing, strain and age for yolk and albumen weight, albumen height and yolk colour. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the interaction of housing system (conventional cages vs. litter), genotype (ISA Brown, Hisex Brown and Moravia BSL) and age on egg quality parameters.
THE SEDIMENTARY FEATURES OF THE JURASSIC-TERTIARY TERRESTRIAL STRATA IN SOUTHEAST CHINA

The NEE strike and the SE NW zoning features of the Late Mesozoic strata of Southeast China is shown by the Jurassic Cenozoic stratagraphic distribution, sedimentation, and tectonic characteristics. Five geometric shapes of the basins are recognized. The analysitic result shows that there was an extension and rift intergrowth sedimentary environment during the Early and Middle Jurassic period that was developed into bimodal volcanic rocks in South Jiangxi, West Fujian and Northeast Guangdong. These features were the results of Tethysan tectonism together with Pacific Plate movement. It probably had been compressed regionally after the Middle Jurassic together with thrusting structure from SE to NW seen in Northwest Zhejiang, North Jiangxi and South Anhui. During the Early Cretaceous, there were volcanisms of varying extents in the whole Southeast China that were concentrated in the coastal regions of Zhejiang and Fujian. The whole area turnd to be extensional after Early Cretaceous period and formed a series of middle and small basins such as fault basins, etc. And the crust continued to be extensional during the Late Cretaceous and Tertiary period resulting from the volcanic sedimentary association with the rift type characteristics. They were caused by the action of the Pacific Plate with varying subduction angles, rates and directions after Middle Jurassic time.
Effect of Different Irrigation Periods and Mulching on Growth of Paulownia tomentosa (Thunb.) Steud. Seedlings.

To obtain high quality and quantity forest seedlings, silvicultural practices have been implemented in the nursery. Watering and mulching are two the most important silvicultural treatments that must be managed carefully in forest nursery in order to obtain healthy seedlings. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of irrigation periods, mulching treatments and their interactions on the growth and development of Paulownia tomentosa seedlings. A factorial completely randomized design (CRD) with two factors was applied. The first factor was four irrigation periods which were once daily (D1), once every two days (D2), once every three days (D3), and once every four days (D4). The second factor was two mulching treatments which were mulching (M1) and non-mulching (M2). Each treatment was replicated five times. Morphological and physiological parameters of identified seedlings were studied. It is found that the irrigation periods significantly effect on the studied parameters, where the highest value of stem height increment (45.5 cm), stem diameter increment (4.74 cm), leaf number increment (10.3), stem dry weight (28.78 g), leaf dry weight (18.21 g), root dry weight (63.04 g), total dry weight (110.01 g), stem mass ratio (0.27), Dickson quality index (1.84), leaf area (3656.78 cm 2 ) and specific leaf area (200.18 cm 2 g -1 ) were recorded from the seedlings that watered daily(D1), while the lowest value of these parameters were obtained from the seedlings that watered once every four days(D4). Moreover, most of the biomass and physiological parameters were significantly affected by mulching treatments and the maximum value of them were found in the seedlings that mulched with hay. Thus, the study suggested that to enhance growth and development of Paulownia seedlings, the seedlings should be watered daily and mulched with an organic material.
Effect of Chromium Treatment on Growth and Some Blood Parameters of Local Lambs in Hot Climates

This study was conducted in the animal field of the Department of Animal Production in the College of Agriculture - University of Tikrit for the period from 7/6/2022 until 7/9/2022. by (93) days, preceded by an introductory period for a period of (13) days to study the effect of chromium treatment on productive traits represented in growth (weight gain) and some blood parameters and biochemistry and the concentration of some hormones. (15) Awassi lambs were used in this experiment, their ages ranged between 4-5 a month and with an average initial weight of 22.6 + 0.9 kg, the experimental treatments were divided into three treatments distributed randomly. on three transactions. The first transaction is the control and treatment the second is addition chrome on Chromium Yeast form at 0,5 mg / day / lamb and the third transaction is addition of Chromium 1 mg / day / lamb, five lambs for every transaction. The results indicated that there is Significant increase (P ≤ 0.05) between treatments in the rate of daily weight gain of lambs, as the third treatment (1 mg chromium / lamb / day) excelled compared to the first treatment (control) that was free of additives, and the second treatment contained (0.5 mg / lamb / day). These results were reflected in the total weight gain of the lambs, as the third treatment (1 mg chromium /day/lamb) was significantly superior (P ≤ 0.05) at a rate of (16.35) kg compared to the first treatment. (control) (9.85) kg and the second (0.5 mg / day / lamb) (10.92) kg. The results also showed that there was a significant (P ≤ 0.05) superiority of the third treatment (1 mg chromium / day / lamb) in the efficiency of feed conversion at a rate of (5.53 fodder/kg meat) Compared to the second and third treatments (7.68 and 9.64 feed/kg meat), respectively, It was also seen there are no differences between the treatments in the daily feed consumption rate. With regard to the results of blood biochemical characteristics (glucose, cholesterol, total protein) at the end of the experiment, there was a significant increase in glucose, as the third treatment recorded a significant increase (P ≤ 0.05) in its concentration compared to the second and first treatment, while the hormone thyroxine was recorded. T4 significantly increased (P ≤ 0.05) for the third treatment (1 mg chromium / day / lamb) at a rate of 8.202 nano moles / liter Compared to the first and second treatment (0.5 cholesterol / lamb / day) at a rate of 4.165 and 6.360 nano moles / liter respectively, In general the study showed that the addition of chromium to the diet led to an improvement in the weight of the lambs, achieving a significant weight gain and improving the efficiency of feed conversion in the Awassi lambs.
A safe haven? Women's experiences of violence in Australian immigration detention

Western nations like Australia should be safe havens for people fleeing their home countries due to war, persecution, and other threats. People make often perilous journeys in search of asylum expecting protection from violence. However, these expectations are not matched by the realities of Australian immigration detention. This study explores the realities of detention by analysing women's experiences of violence, including intimate partner violence, within Australian long-term immigration detention. The study uses quantitative data derived from 629 Commonwealth Ombudsman reports on 252 women. The results show that violence against women is rife in Australian detention facilities, where women are victims of multiple forms of violence perpetrated by partners, families, other detainees, and staff. Personal and situational factors are explored, including type and length of detention, family and kinship networks, as well as previous experiences of violence.
Enhancing Leadership and Management Effectiveness: Leveraging Actor-Network Theory for Project Risk Mitigation

: Investment decisions of leaders and managers influence the adoption and use of digital technologies that then transform their organization’s products, services, and operations. To foster transformation, project management methods are commonly used. However, project failure rates often exceed success rates regardless of the industry sector, or project management methodology. While project success has traditionally been measured in terms of time, cost, and quality, recent research suggests that success includes the dynamic interaction between multiple actors in diverse networks. Traditional project management methods may not adequately identify and help mitigate the risks associated with complex and dynamic influence of leadership and management on project success. This study uses actor-network theory (ANT) to examine opportunities to enhance the effectiveness of leadership and management in projects and mitigating associated risks. By doing so, this study aims to provide insights into how organizations can improve project success rates.