Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Salinity shapes food webs of lakes in semiarid climate zones: a stable isotope approach

ABSTRACT In arid and semiarid regions, extreme temperature events and the frequency and duration of drought will increase toward 2050, leading to increased salinisation of inland waters, aggravated by catchment erosion and human activities (e.g., crop irrigation). With salinisation, a decline in biodiversity is expected, with potential negative effects on food web structure and ecosystem dynamics. Our objective was to assess the changes in community and food web structure in 24 lakes along a wide salinity gradient (i.e., subsaline to hypersaline) in a semiarid region in northwest China. Fish, zooplankton, and macroinvertebrate communities were sampled for taxonomic determination, size structure, and stable isotope analysis (SIA; δ13C and δ15N). Based on SIA, we calculated the Layman metrics: nitrogen range, carbon range, total area, standard ellipses area, and the trophic position, for each community and for the entire food web. We found a reduced number of taxa of all analysed communities, and the complexity of the entire food web decreased in most saline lakes. In addition, the trophic diversity and trophic position declined, less so in the larger lakes, but these effects were not significant when studying the community food webs separately. Our results suggest that increasing salinisation with ongoing climate warming will have negative effects on lake ecosystems in arid and semiarid regions, emphasising the need to implement management measures at the watershed level to prevent or mitigate future changes in food web structure and biodiversity due to salinisation.
Increasing Buffering Capacity Alters Rumen Microbiota Composition and Enhances Rumen Fermentation Characteristics of High-Concentrate Fed Hanwoo Steers

Background: Rumen bacterial community is mainly affected by the type of diet consumed by the host animals. High concentrate diet increases the abundance of lactic acid producers and utilizers due to high level of non-structural carbohydrates thus reducing the number of fiber-degrading bacteria because of drastic decrease in pH. Dietary buffers are essential in regulating rumen pH through the compounds responsible in resisting drastic decrease in pH once cattle were fed with high-concentrate diet. However, no study has evaluated the effects of buffering capacity and efficiency in alleviating chronic acidosis in rumen. Ruminal metataxonomic and fermentation characteristics analyses were conducted to evaluate the effect of different buffering capacities on in vitro and in vivo experiments in high-concentrate fed Hanwoo steers. Results: Results revealed that BC0.9% and BC0.5% had similar and significant effect (P < 0.05) on in vitro ruminal fermentation at 3 to 24 h incubation. Both BC0.9% and BC0.5% had significantly highest (P < 0.05) buffering capacity, pH, and ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N) than BC0.3% and CON at 24 h of incubation. Individual and total volatile fatty acids (VFA) were significantly lowest in CON. Increasing buffering capacity concentration showed linear effect on pH at 6 to 24 h while total gas and NH3-N at 3 and 12 h. Phylum Bacteroidetes dominated all treatments but a higher abundance of Firmicutes in BC0.5% than others. Ruminoccocus bromii and Succiniclasticum ruminis were dominant in BC0.5% and Bacteroides massiliensis in BC0.3%. The normalized data of relative abundance of observed OTUs’ representative families have grouped the CON with BC0.3% in the same cluster, whereas BC0.5% and BC0.9% were clustered separately which indicates the effect of varying buffering capacity of buffer agents. Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) on unweighted UniFrac distances revealed close similarity of bacterial community structures within and between treatments and control, in which BC0.9% and BC0.3% groups showed dispersed community distribution. Conclusion: Our findings showed that increasing buffering capacity enhances rumen fermentation parameters and affects rumen microbiome by altering bacterial community through distinct structure between high and low buffering capacity, thus an important factor contributed to the prevention of ruminal acidosis during a high-concentrate diet.
The dynamics of flow-induced flutter of a thin flexible sheet

The dynamics of the flow-induced flutter of a thin flexible sheet attached to a streamlined support was experimentally studied in a low-speed wind tunnel. In this study, both the structural dynamics and the fluid dynamics aspects of flutter were considered. The kinematics of the oscillating sheet was investigated using high-speed imaging and the flowfield was examined using hotwire anemometry and particle image velocimetry (PIV). The small-scale perturbation in the flow over the sheet was found to induce a low-amplitude vibration, which changed to a large-amplitude flutter as the wind speed was increased to a critical value. The initiation of flutter occurs with the second mode limit cycle oscillation (LCO), bypassing the first mode, and changes to third mode LCO at a higher wind speed. Based on the behavior of the sheet, five different regimes are identified and discussed in this paper. The natural frequencies of the sheet were found to have a significant role in the initiation of the LCO and its transition to the higher modes. The PIV results show a highly accelerated flow over the curved surface of the oscillating sheet, which induces a lift force that acts as a driving force. The accelerated flow over the sheet separates at its tail and forms a large-scale undulating wake. In the LCO regimes, any large-scale flow separation over the sheet could not be observed and the flow appears to be attached even at high deflection of the sheet.
More than a century of direct glacier mass-balance observations on Claridenfirn, Switzerland

Abstract Glacier mass-balance observations at seasonal resolution have been performed since 1914 at two sites on Claridenfirn, Switzerland. The measurements are the longest uninterrupted records of glacier mass balance worldwide. Here, we provide a complete re-analysis of the 106-year series (1914–2020), focusing on both point and glacier-wide mass balance. The approaches to evaluate and homogenize the direct observations are described in detail. Based on conservative assumptions, average uncertainties of $\pm$0.25 m w.e. are estimated for glacier-wide mass balances at the annual scale. It is demonstrated that long-term variations in mass balance are clearly driven by melting, whereas decadal changes in accumulation are uncorrelated with mass balance and can only be relevant in short periods. Mass change of Claridenfirn is impacted by dry calving at a frontal ice cliff. Considerations of ice volume flux at a cross-profile reveal long-term variations in frontal ice loss accounting for $\sim$9% of total annual ablation on average. The effect of changes in frontal ablation mostly explains $\lt$10% of the mass-balance difference relative to the period 1960–1990, but accounts for $\sim$20% in 2010–2020. Glacier mass changes are discussed in the context of observations throughout the European Alps indicating that Claridenfirn is regionally representative.
The Correlation between Perceptions and Compliance in the Use of Personal Protective Equipment of Nurses at RSU Haji Surabaya

Introduction: According to previous studies, the level of compliance with the use of personal protective equipment of the nurses at RSU Haji Surabaya was still quite low. Only 17.8% of the nurses were compliant in using masks, whereas 82.2% of the nurses were not. Moreover, 57.8% nurses were compliant in using medical gloves, whereas 42.2% were not. The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship between perception and compliance with the use of personal protective equipment of the nurses at at RSU Haji Surabaya. Methods: This study was an observational and cross-sectional study. The population used in this study was the nurses who served in the operating and lung room of at RSU Haji Surabaya. Total sampling technique was used to 33 samples. Moreover, the data were taken by questionnaires and observations. Data analysis was performed by coefficient contingency test by looking at the value of C. Results: The results show that 85.7% of nurses in the operating room are non-compliant and 33.3% nurses in the lung room are non- compliant with the use of PPE. The results also showthat the perception variable that has the strongest relationship with compliance is perception of severity (C = 0.312). Conclusion: The closest relationship between the two variables are the relationship of compliance of PPE usage with the gender of nurses, and the determination of nurses' perceptions is based on the Health Belief Model approach. Keywords: compliance, nurse, perception, personal protective equipment
Performance of EME2 mixtures produced using warm asphalt technology

In order to explore the potentials of a foam-based warm-mix asphalt(WMA) technology for the production of EME2 mixtures, an extenstive laboratory study was carried out. In this study EME2 mixtures incoporating 0% and 30% reclaimed asphalt (RA) were produced at 120°C using WMA technology. As control mixtures, hot-mix variants of these mixtures were also produced at 180°C. The performances of these mixtures were determined using various methods. Among others, the water sensitivity, stiffness, fatigue and resistance to permanent deformation characteristics of the mixtures were investigated. Rheological tests were also performed on virgin and recovered binders. Results showed that using the WMA method a significant reduction in production temperature can be achieved. Despite differences in production temperatures, the WMA mixtures showed equivalent performance to their hot-mix variants. Rheological results indicate the additional benefits of WMA in preserving the bitumen by limiting oxidation during production and compaction process.
Combining the management of water level regimes and plant structures for waterbird habitat provision in wetlands

The survival of waterbirds depends heavily on habitat, particularly aquatic plants. For each kind of aquatic plant, there are specific water level regime requirements to meet its germination and growth. Previous studies usually focused on the use of water level management to achieve protection and restoration of aquatic plants. However, the water level regimes in many wetlands have been greatly changed and their ecological objectives usually cannot be achieved by water level management alone. Accordingly, this study combined water level management and artificial planting for waterbird habitat provision in wetlands. The Hongze Lake National Wetland Nature Reserve was taken as the research area. In this study, we considered the needs of waterbirds for nesting and foraging, and determined the aquatic plant species to be planted. According to the seasonal water level requirements of these plants, we simulated the plantable areas of different aquatic plants under different water level regimes. We then further optimized the water level regimes according to the needs of waterbirds, and determined the optimal water level management scheme. In addition, we formulated planting principles, explored the planting structure under each water level regime, so that the plant structure can better serve the waterbirds. The results showed that the current water level regime of Hongze Lake is not consistent with the growth rhythm of aquatic plants. Because of the human regulation, the water level of the wetland is high in winter and low in summer, which is contrary to the requirements of aquatic plant growth. A combination of water level regimes and plant structure management, however, could effectively expand the area for waterbird habitat. The results of this study will help wetland managers to make informed decisions about how to restore the waterbird habitat in other similar regulated wetlands.
Current strategies in the reduction of stigma among caregivers of patients with mental illness: a scoping review

Mental healthcare and wellness are a global concern and have increasingly become an essential service and priority from a human rights perspective. However, negative attitudes towards mental health, such as stigmatisation and discrimination from communities and family members, continue to pose challenges for deinstitutionalisation and home care of mentally ill persons. This study aimed to review the literature on the content and implementation methods of stigma reduction interventions for family/community caregivers of patients with mental illness to inform the development of an anti-stigma intervention for such caregivers in low- and middle-income countries like South Africa. A scoping literature review was conducted of English language studies published from 2008 to 2019 in peer-reviewed journals, using established guidelines for the study objectives. Primary interventions targeting caregivers of mental health patients were searched from PsycINFO, ScienceDirect, CINAHL, and Medline. In total, nine full-text articles were extracted for inclusion in the review, indicating a scarcity of literature on anti-stigma interventions aimed at primary caregivers of mental health patients. Interventions varied in terms of educational content, duration, delivery methods, and sample sizes. Intervention delivery was primarily through face-to-face, telephone, and online methods. Anti-stigma interventions for caregivers of patients with mental illness are varied and show positive short-term impacts on mental health stigma reduction among family caregivers. The evolution of health systems is a feasible approach towards integrating learning and trials that are needed to assess long-term impacts.
Pengaruh Earning Per Share, Return On Asset dan Debt to Equity Ratio Terhadap Harga Saham

Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan tujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh Earning Per Share, Return On Asset dan Debt to Equity Ratio Terhadap Harga Saham. Pendekatan yang dilakukan pada penelitian ini adalah kuantitatif deskriptif. Populasi pada penelitian ini adalah perusahaan Tekstil dan Garmen yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia tahun 2016-2018. Metode pengambilan sampel yang dipakai adalah metode purposive sampling dan didapatkan jumlah sampel yang memenuhi persyaratan sebanyak 51 perusahaan. Sumber data adalah data sekunder berupa laporan keuangan tahunan yang dikeluarkan oleh masing-masing perusahaan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Earning Per Share berpengaruh postif dan signifikan terhadap harga saham, Return On Asset berpengaruh postif dan signifikan terhadap harga saham, dan Debt to Equity Ratio berpengaruh negatif dan signifikan terhadap harga saham.
Utilization of a Novel Low-Cost Gibto (Lupinus Albus) Seed Peel Waste for the Removal of Malachite Green Dye: Equilibrium, Kinetic, and Thermodynamic Studies

The aim of this study was to investigate the adsorption characteristics of malachite green (MG) dye onto the raw (RLAPW) and activated (ALAPW) surface of Lupinus albus seed peel waste prepared via physicochemical activation under alkaline condition as a dye adsorbent. Proximate analysis, surface area (Sears’ method), point of zero charge (pHzpc), and FTIR analysis were used to characterize the adsorbents. The effects of operational parameters such as pH (4) for ALAPW and pH (6) for RLAPW, adsorbent dose (0.2 g), initial dye concentration (30 mg/L), contact time (60 min), and temperature (298 K) were optimized. The experimental data well fitted with the Freundlich adsorption isotherm with the adsorption capacity of 7.3 mg/g for activated Lupinus albus seed peel waste (ALAPW) and Sips isotherm for raw Lupinus albus seed peel waste (RLAPW) with the adsorption capacity of 6.6 mg/g. The kinetics data well fitted to pseudo-second-order kinetic model for both adsorbents. Thermodynamic study revealed that the bioadsorption process using bioadsorbents was spontaneous and exothermic in nature. Desorption experiment was conducted and showed desorption efficiency at an acidic pH of 2. The results showed that the prepared adsorbents exhibited good adsorption capacity and can be used as an alternative adsorbent for the adsorptive removal of malachite green dyes.
High quality factor, protein-based microlasers from self-assembled microcracks

In the last decade, microlasers with biological origin have shown their great potential in biosensing and bioimaging. Several micro-structures have been developed for high quality (Q) factor biolasers including Fabry–Pérot, distributed feedback and whispering gallery mode cavities. However, the fabrication of these lasers is generally complicated and their operation is strongly affected by cavity defects. In this work, we demonstrate random protein-based microlasers fabricated by a simple one-step self-assembled method. The lasing can be achieved from microcracks with random structures. The lasing threshold is around 14 mJ cm−2 and the quality factor of lasing modes can be up to 3×103 which are comparable with other conventional biolasers. Our work opens a new possibility for the fabrication of high Q factor microlasers from biocompatible materials, with great potential for biosensing and biomedical applications.
Assessment of the impact of medPlan®, a medication reminder mobile application, in glaucoma patients in Benin City, Nigeria

Purpose: To assess the impact of medPlan®, a medication reminder mobile application in glaucoma patients in Benin City, Nigeria. Methods: In a randomized control trial with 2 months follow-up period, 200 patients receiving drug therapy for glaucoma were randomized into either into a control or study group. The study group comprised participants who made use of a medication reminder mobile application, medPlan®, while the control group consisted of those patients who did not use the application. Adherence to medication was measured for all the patients in both groups. Data was collected using a carefully designed questionnaire and statistically analyzed. Results: This study recorded 100 % response rate from the participants. In the study group, 56 % were very adherent while 18 % were moderately adherent, and 26 % were non-adherent respondents as against 45 % very adherent, 13 % moderately adherent and 42 % non-adherent respondents from the control group. In addition, 78 % of those in the study group agreed that there was improvement in their medication adherence since they started using the medication reminder application. This showed a significant positive impact of the medication reminder application (p = 0.0110) on adherence to medication. Conclusion: Medication adherence was improved in glaucoma patients who used medPlan®, a smartphone medication reminder application. This study lays a foundation for further research on medication reminder mobile applications.
Experimental study of occlusion break surge volume in 3 different phacoemulsification systems

Using a mechanical spring eye model, the Centurion with Active Sentry had smaller aqueous volume losses after occlusion break than the WhiteStar Signature Pro or Stellaris PC phacoemulsification systems. Purpose: To evaluate surge volume after occlusion breaks in 3 different phacoemulsification systems. Setting: Alcon Research LLC, Lake Forest, California. Design: Experimental study. Methods: A mechanical spring eye model was used to test the Centurion with Active Sentry, WhiteStar Signature Pro, and Stellaris PC. Raw oscilloscope data were converted to volumetric and pressure measurements. Fitted average surge traces were generated for each test condition and used to develop an interpolation algorithm to predict transient occlusion break surge events. Two-dimensional heat maps were generated. Results: During occlusion break surge, the Centurion with Active Sentry had smaller aqueous volume losses than the WhiteStar or Stellaris PC. Maximum surge volumes within the mechanical spring eye model displacement limit were 74.7 μL, 157.5 μL, and 151.7 μL using Centurion with Active Sentry, WhiteStar, and Stellaris PC, respectively. In the aphakic state, heat maps showed that Centurion with Active Sentry had less than 20% aqueous volume loss across all vacuum limits and target intraocular pressure; WhiteStar and Stellaris PC systems had up to 35% and 50% aqueous volume losses, respectively, at the higher vacuum limits. In the phakic state, Centurion with Active Sentry had up to 30% aqueous volume loss and WhiteStar and Stellaris PC systems had up to 50% aqueous volume losses. In addition, predicted transient traces demonstrated that Centurion with Active Sentry had the lowest percentage simulated aqueous volume loss compared with WhiteStar or Stellaris PC. Conclusions: Centurion with Active Sentry had lower aqueous volume losses after occlusion break than WhiteStar and Stellaris PC systems at all surgical settings.
Finding trustworthy common ground: analysis of Chinese trust in Americans (2012–2018)

ABSTRACT Using four waves of CFPS data from 2012 to 2018, we focused on the degree of Chinese individuals’ trust in Americans, and found that the Chinese interviewees were ‘very distrustful’ Americans. We employed the random-effects ordered probit method to estimate the model, and made the following key conclusions: in terms of individual characteristics, (1) gender factors affect Chinese trust in Americans, the degree of trust among males is higher than that among females; (2) the Chinese individuals’ trust in Americans gradually decreases with the advance of age; (3) the level of education has a positive correlation with international trust. Meanwhile, socioeconomic factors play an important role in explaining the degree of Chinese individuals’ trust in Americans. Chinese individuals with higher social status and relative income are more likely to trust Americans. Moreover, the attitude and evaluation of individuals towards the government are also worthy of attention. Importantly, in contrast to earlier published findings, we found that Chinese Communist Party members were more likely to trust Americans, while military veterans, however, have a low degree of trust in American people, which might be highly correlated with the China–US political relations.
Investigating the simultaneous effects of building orientation and thermal insulation on heating and cooling loads in different climate zones

ABSTRACT This paper investigates the simultaneous effect of orientation and thermal insulation of the building on each other and on the heating and cooling loads of buildings. For this aim, the heating and cooling loads of a sample building are calculated with different orientations and amounts of thermal insulation in multiple cities in Iran, which have different climatic conditions. The optimum building orientation in all the surveyed cities is when the main façade faces south, which can reduce the energy consumption of the building by 11–39%. This reduction was greater in cities with higher cooling-degree-days (CDD); which means the effect of orientation on the cooling load of a building is more significant than its effect on the heating load. Increasing the thermal insulation of the exterior walls also reduced the energy consumption of the building. 5–10% reduction in total energy consumption of the building was observed by decreasing the u-value of external walls from 0.8 to 0.4 W/m2K. This reduction was higher in cities with higher heating-degree-days (HDD) which means that the effect of insulation on heating energy consumption is more significant than its effect on cooling energy consumption. In addition, the results indicate that the building orientation and thermal insulation improve each other’s efficiency. Highlights The effect of building orientation on energy consumption was investigated. Building envelope insulation effect on heating and cooling demands was investigated. The simultaneous effect of building orientation and insulation was analyzed. The results were discussed concerning different climates and climatic conditions.