Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic analysis of African swine fever viruses based on E183L (p54) gene, circulating in South Sumatra and Lampung province, Indonesia

Background and Aim: African swine fever (ASF) is a disease that emerged in Indonesia in 2019 in the North Sumatra province and spread rapidly to other areas, such as South Sumatra and Lampung, in 2020. This study aimed to identify the phylogenetics of the ASF virus (ASFV) in the provinces of South Sumatra and Lampung. Materials and Methods: Nine ASFV isolates collected from the Disease Investigation Center in Lampung were used in this study. The isolates were from ASF cases in South Sumatra and Lampung in 2020–2022. The isolates were sequenced and compared with other ASFV isolates to establish the virus genotype. Sequencing was performed using the complete E183L gene target encoding the p54 protein. Results: This study showed that ASFV from South Sumatera and Lampung Province belongs to genotype II. Conclusion: Based on the analysis of the E183L gene, all nine ASFV isolates that originated from South Sumatra and Lampung were identical to other genotype II ASFV isolates from Georgia, China, Vietnam, and Timor Leste.
Effects of bark beetle‐caused tree mortality on biogeochemical and biogeophysical MODIS products

Disturbances affect forest‐atmosphere exchanges of carbon, water, and energy, thereby influencing weather and climate. Bark beetle outbreaks are one such disturbance type that alters biogeochemical and biogeophysical processes in forests. Few studies have documented bark beetle impacts to leaf area index (LAI), gross primary productivity (GPP), evapotranspiration (ET), land surface temperature (LST), and surface albedo with satellite observations. Our objective was to use Landsat‐derived estimates of bark beetle‐caused tree mortality and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) land surface products to estimate beetle‐caused changes in LAI, GPP, ET, LST, and surface albedo in northern Colorado. Following bark beetle‐caused tree mortality, decreases occurred in LAI (0.02–0.80 m2m−2, 1–40%), annual GPP (50–248 gC m−2 yr−1, (5–26%), and daily summer ET (0.20–0.70 mm day−1, 13–44%), whereas increases occurred in August LST (1–3.9 K) and February albedo (0.03–0.09, 19–52%). We found greater responses of these variables in areas of greater mortality severity. The extent and severity of tree mortality in northern Colorado caused substantial changes in land surface variables (9–23%) when averaged across all forested areas of our study area. Our results demonstrate that land surface variables are sensitive to bark beetle‐caused tree mortality and that bark beetle outbreaks can significantly impact biogeochemical and biogeophysical processes.
A demographic and socio-economic portrait of cohabitation in Botswana

Abstract This study examines the general patterns of cohabitation in Botswana. Using published data from the past two population censuses, the study begins by presenting estimates of the prevalence and the age-sex patterns of this lifestyle. A 2001 national sample survey is then used to examine the demographic and socio-economic profiles of cohabitants relative to married people at the time of the survey. Finally a logistic regression model is used to assess which factors are significantly associated with being in a cohabiting union as opposed to a legal marriage. The results reveal an increasing trend in the prevalence cohabitation and show that, contrary to observations made in many sub-Saharan African countries where cohabitants are often economically independent, cohabitation in Botswana is associated with low socioeconomic status.
Climatic Fluctuations and the Timing of West Coast Streamflow

Abstract Since about 1950 there has been a trend in the California Sierra Nevada toward a decreasing portion of the total annual streamflow occurring during April through July, while the streamflow during autumn and winter has increase. This trend not only has important ramifications with regard to water management, it also brings up the question of whether this represents a shift toward earlier release of the snowpack resulting from greenhouse warming. Therefore, the observed record has been examined in terms of relative influences of temperature and precipitation anomalies on the timing of streamflow in this region. To carry out this study, the fraction of annual streamflow (called the fractional streamflow) occurring in November-January (NDJ), February-April (FMA), and May-July (MJJ) at low, medium, and high elevation basins in California and 0regon was examined. Linear regression models were used to relate precipitation and temperature to the fractional streamflow at the three elevations for each seas.
Adrenal Incidentalomas and Other Endocrine-Related Adenomas: How Much Does Cortisol Secretion Matter?

Simple Summary This article reflects a comprehensive analysis between cortisol secretion and the presence of other endocrine-related adenomas (specifically thyroid, parathyroid and pituitary). Cortisol has anti-inflammatory properties but has also been related to impaired cell proliferation and function. Specifically, its role in the presence of other benign lesions has not been described. For these reasons, we analyzed the prevalence of these other endocrine-related benign lesions in patients with nonfunctioning adrenal incidentalomas and with mild autonomous cortisol secretion. We observed that mild autonomous hypercortisolism does not affect the prevalence of other endocrine-related adenomas but is associated with increased metabolic comorbidities and mortality in these patients. Abstract Background: Adrenal incidentalomas (AI) are frequent findings in clinical practice. About 40% of AIs are associated with hypercortisolism of variable severity. Although mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS) has been associated with the impaired clinical outcome of several diseases, its effect on the development of benign neoplasms is unknown. Aim: To compare the prevalence of adenomas (thyroid, parathyroid, pituitary and other locations) in patients with nonfunctioning AIs (NFAIs) and MACS. Methods: A multicenter, retrospective study of patients with AIs evaluated in four tertiary hospitals was performed. Results: A total of 923 patients were included. Most patients were male (53.6%), with a mean age at diagnosis of 62.4 ± 11.13 years; 21.7% presented with bilateral AIs. MACS was observed in 29.9% (n = 276) of patients, while 69.9% (n = 647) were NFAIs. Adenomas in locations other than the adrenal gland were observed in 36% of the studied population, with a similar distribution in patients with MACS and NFAIs (33% vs. 32%; p > 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the prevalence of pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid or other endocrine-related adenomas between both groups, but the prevalence of metabolic comorbidities and mortality was increased in patients with MACS, specifically in patients with thyroid and other endocrine-related adenomas (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Adenomas in locations other than the adrenal glands occur in one third of patients with AIs. Mild autonomous hypercortisolism does not affect the prevalence of other endocrine-related adenomas but is associated with increased metabolic comorbidities and mortality, especially in patients with thyroid adenomas and adenomas in other locations.
Validating land cover maps with Degree Confluence Project information

We propose the use of Degree Confluence Project (hereby DCP) information as a new method for validating land cover maps. The DCP is a volunteer‐based project that aims to collect onsite information from all the degree confluences (intersections of integer level latitude and longitude gridlines) in the world. We assessed the reliability and effectiveness of DCP‐derived data in validating land cover maps. As a result, we obtained land cover validation information superior to the validation information obtained by visual interpretation of Landsat images. By using DCP‐derived validation information (at 749 confluences), we evaluated existing land cover maps for Eurasia (GLC2000, MOD12, UMD, and GLCC). The agreements between the DCP‐derived validation information and the land cover maps were 55% for GLC2000, 58% for MOD12, 54% for UMD, and 50% for GLCC. Although MOD12 and GLC2000 had somewhat better agreements than the other maps, there is no significant difference between the two.
Psychological assessment of AI-based decision support systems: tool development and expected benefits

This study aimed to develop an evaluation tool that assesses the use of AI-based decision support systems (DSSs) in professional practice from a human-centered perspective. Following the International Organization for Standardization, this perspective aims to ensure that the use of interactive technologies improves users' psychological load experience and behavior, e.g., in the form of reduced stress experience or increased performance. Concomitantly, this perspective attempts to proactively prevent or detect and correct the potential negative effects of these technologies on user load, such as impaired satisfaction and engagement, as early as possible. Based on this perspective, we developed and validated a questionnaire instrument, the Psychological Assessment of AI-based DSSs (PAAI), for the user-centered evaluation of the use of AI-based DSSs in practice. In particular, the instrument considers central design characteristics of AI-based DSSs and the corresponding work situation, which have a significant impact on users' psychological load. The instrument was tested in two independent studies. In Study 1, N = 223 individuals were recruited. Based on the results of item and scale analyses and an exploratory factor analysis, the newly developed instrument was refined, and the final version was tested using a confirmatory factor analysis. Findings showed acceptable-to-good fit indices, confirming the factorial validity of the PAAI. This was confirmed in a second study, which had N = 471 participants. Again, the CFA yielded acceptable-to-good fit indices. The validity was further confirmed using convergent and criterion validity analyses.
Models of synthetic aperture radar backscattering for bright flows and dark spots on Titan

The synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging mode of the Cassini RADAR instrument enables us to map the surface of Titan through its thick atmosphere. The first Cassini close flyby, acquired on 26 October 2004, revealed a complex surface, with areas of low relief and dome-like volcanic constructs, flows, and sinuous channels. In particular, fan-like features with strong radar backscattering were observed. Such structures, extending from tens of kilometers to more than 200 km in length, could be the result of cryovolcanism. Several radar dark spots, up to 30 km across, were also observed; they may correspond to smooth hydrocarbon deposits. We present here a first modeling of these radar-bright and radar-dark features on the basis of classical radar backscattering models. We considered two main materials which could constitute the surface of Titan, tholins and water-ammonia ice, and modeled both single- and two-layer cases, taking into account volume and subsurface scattering. Our results show that SAR-bright regions could better be explained by the effect of a thin layer of water-ammonia ice covering a tholin substratum. Radar-dark spots can be modeled in two ways: a rough tholin surface or a smooth one with some volume scattering. We show that multi-incidence SAR data could help discriminate between the various scenarios proposed.
ATRIBUTOS TOPOGRÁFICOS NA DIFERENCIAÇÃO DE ARGISSOLOS

The topographic conditions controls many hydrological, geomorphological and pedological processes, affectting the solar radiation, pluvial precipitation, superficial water flow, evaporation, soil moisture and vegetation types, among others. Topographic properties derived from a digital elevation model were used to explain the differentiation between soils with an argillic horizon in the region of ''Mar de Morros'' in the northwestern State of Rio de Janeiro. Eight soil profiles (four Red Argisols and four Red-Yellow Argisols) developed from noritic granulites, in the municipalities of Sao Jose de Uba and Itaperuna, were studied. The topographic data of each soil profile (elevation, slope, aspect, curvature plan and profile, solar radiation and combined topographic index) were extracted using a 7 x 7 pixel window, with the profiles in the center. Argisols on slopes facing northwest and northeast receive most solar radiation (warmer and drier) and for this reason are red, eutrophic and have no oxic horizon, whereas soils on slopes facing southeast (relatively cold and wet) are yellowish-red, dystrophic and have an oxic horizon. The solar radiation, slope and aspect are the topographic attributes that differ between the soils profiles. The topographic properties analyzed by multivariate techniques were effective to distinguish eutrophic Red Argisols from dystrophic Red-Yellow Argisols, except for P7 (PVe). Studies on the influence of solar radiation on pedogenesis under tropical conditions are scarce, and although less active in tropical regions directly determined the soil differentiation of the studied area.
Biogeophysical Consequences of a Tropical Deforestation Scenario: A GCM Simulation Study

Abstract Two 3-year (1979–1982) integrations were carried out with a version of the GLA GCM that contains the Simple Biosphere Model (SiB) for simulating land-atmosphere interactions. The control case used the usual SiB vegetation cover (comprising 12 vegetation types), while its twin, the deforestation case, imposed a scenario in which all tropical rainforests were entirely replaced by grassland. Except for this difference, all other initial and prescribed boundary conditions were kept identical in both integrations. An intercomparison of the integrations shows that tropical deforestation • decreases evapotranspiration and increases land surface outgoing longwave radiation and sensible heat flux, thereby warming and drying the planetary boundary layer. This happens despite the reduced absorption of solar radiation due to higher surface albedo of the deforested land. • produces significant and robust local as well as global climate changes. The local effect includes significant changes (mostly reductions).
Can climate variability contribute to the “missing” CO2 sink?

The contemporary carbon budget for the atmosphere requires a large “missing” carbon sink to balance anthropogenic carbon inputs. We investigated climatic effects on carbon exchanges between the atmosphere and the undisturbed biosphere and assessed the possible contribution of climate variability to the carbon sink. Empirical models and global temperature and precipitation data sets were used in the study. It was found that climate perturbations during 1940-1988 caused considerable variations in plant productivity and soil respiration. The different sensitivities of the fluxes to climate perturbations led to a significant carbon accumulation in the biosphere. The cumulative carbon sink for the period 1950-1984 (∼20±5 GtC or 1012 kg C) was predominantly located in mid-latitudes in the northern hemisphere (30°–60°N) and could amount to half of the missing CO2 sink as derived from deconvolution analyses. Our results indicate that climate variations have unequal impacts on biospheric carbon fluxes from different ecosystems and imply that caution must be exercised in generalizing in situ observations to the globe.
Simulation of a fully coupled 3D glacial isostatic adjustment – ice sheet model for the Antarctic ice sheet over a glacial cycle

Abstract. Glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA) has a stabilizing effect on the evolution of the Antarctic ice sheet by reducing the grounding line migration following ice melt. The timescale and strength of this feedback depends on the spatially varying viscosity of the Earth's mantle. Most studies assume a relatively long and laterally homogenous response time of the bedrock. However, the mantle viscosity is spatially variable, with a high mantle viscosity beneath East Antarctica and a low mantle viscosity beneath West Antarctica. For this study, we have developed a new method to couple a 3D GIA model and an ice sheet model to study the interaction between the solid Earth and the Antarctic ice sheet during the last glacial cycle. With this method, the ice sheet model and GIA model exchange ice thickness and bedrock elevation during a fully coupled transient experiment. The feedback effect is taken into account with a high temporal resolution, where the coupling time steps between the ice sheet and GIA model are 5000 years over the glaciation phase and vary between 500 and 1000 years over the deglaciation phase of the last glacial cycle. During each coupling time step, the bedrock elevation is adjusted at every ice sheet model time step, and the deformation is computed for a linearly changing ice load. We applied the method using the ice sheet model ANICE and a 3D GIA finite element model. We used results from a regional seismic model for Antarctica embedded in the global seismic model SMEAN2 to determine the patterns in the mantle viscosity. The results of simulations over the last glacial cycle show that differences in mantle viscosity of an order of magnitude can lead to differences in the grounding line position up to 700 km and to differences in ice thickness of the order of 2 km for the present day near the Ross Embayment. These results underline and quantify the importance of including local GIA feedback effects in ice sheet models when simulating the Antarctic ice sheet evolution over the last glacial cycle.
Inter‐annual variability in the effects of riparian woodland on micro‐climate, energy exchanges and water temperature of an upland Scottish stream

The influence of riparian woodland on stream temperature, micro‐climate and energy exchange was investigated over seven calendar years. Continuous data were collected from two reaches of the Girnock Burn (a tributary of the Aberdeenshire Dee, Scotland) with contrasting land use characteristics: (1) semi‐natural riparian forest and (2) open moorland. In the moorland reach, wind speed and energy fluxes (especially net radiation, latent heat and sensible heat) varied considerably between years because of variable riparian micro‐climate coupled strongly to prevailing meteorological conditions. In the forested reach, riparian vegetation sheltered the stream from meteorological conditions that produced a moderated micro‐climate and thus energy exchange conditions, which were relatively stable between years. Net energy gains (losses) in spring and summer (autumn and winter) were typically greater in the moorland than the forest. However, when particularly high latent heat loss or low net radiation gain occurred in the moorland, net energy gain (loss) was less than that in the forest during the spring and summer (autumn and winter) months. Spring and summer water temperature was typically cooler in the forest and characterised by less inter‐annual variability due to reduced, more inter‐annually stable energy gain in the forested reach. The effect of riparian vegetation on autumn and winter water temperature dynamics was less clear because of the confounding effects of reach‐scale inflows of thermally stable groundwater in the moorland reach, which strongly influenced the local heat budget. These findings provide new insights as to the hydrometeorological conditions under which semi‐natural riparian forest may be effective in mitigating river thermal variability, notably peaks, under present and future climates. © 2014 The Authors. Hydrological Processes published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
A model for the diurnal universal time variation of the Dst index

Using a simple model for the asymmetric ring current, we show that the main reason for the diurnal universal time (UT) variation of Dst index is the uneven distribution of the Dst network stations. The model takes into account the four Dst stations and the strong disturbance due to the partial ring current in the 1800 LT sector. In agreement with the equinoctial theory the diurnal variation is found to be larger in local summer than winter for Hermanus (HER). However, while Hermanus is the only Southern Hemisphere Dst station, this leads to a larger UT variation in the Dst index in the Northern Hemisphere summer. Moreover, we find evidence that the diurnal LT minimum is shifted by a couple of hours closer to the midnight during local winter, supporting the Malin-Isikara effect. We also note that the Russell-McPherron (RMP) effect is in phase (out of phase) with the modeled diurnal variation of the Dst index around vernal (autumnal) equinox, thus increasing (decreasing) the diurnal variation in the Dst index in spring (fall) by 20–30%. However, the RMP effect is not responsible for the overall diurnal UT variation of the Dst index.
Contrasting structural styles of gold deposits in the Leonora Domain: evidence for early gold deposition, Eastern Goldfields, Western Australia

The Leonora Domain contains seven significant gold deposits that display markedly different structural styles. Deposits such as Gwalia, Tower Hill and Harbour Lights are characterised by strongly folded and boudinaged veins. In contrast, the Tarmoola/King of the Hills deposit comprises gold lodes that have not experienced ductile conditions. The complex geometry of many of the deposits here has led to multiple interpretations for the timing and nature of gold deposition. The Leonora Domain, located along the margin of the Raeside Batholith 250 km north of Kalgoorlie, is dominated by a strong extensional fabric that wraps around the edge of the batholith and formed during D1 extension and exhumation of the granite body. In all localities the extensional fabric (S1b) is overprinted by upright folds and shears produced by the onset of east–west compression (D2 event) and sinistral transpression (D3 event). Subsequent east-northeast−west-southwest D4 shortening produced abundant dextral shears that overprinted and reactivated the D3 structures. Late orogenic collapse during the D5 event produced abundant steep planar normal faults. New structural observations presented here provide evidence that deposits such as Gwalia, Tower Hill and Harbour Lights formed at a very early stage of D1 extension, prior to the main exhumation event (D1b). In contrast, gold lodes at Tarmoola/King of the Hills are related to sinistral-reverse shears that developed in the deformed carapace of a large granite body during strong east–west compression (D3 event). The lodes have formed as a result of strong competency contrast between the granite and the surrounding ultramafic rocks and are more typical of gold deposits elsewhere in the Eastern Goldfields. The spatial distribution of the major early deposits in the Leonora Domain indicates that the first-order control on gold distribution is the major shear along the contact of the Raeside Batholith. The regular spacing of the deposits around the Raeside Batholith likely reflects the rheology and thickness of the extending sequence. Gwalia, Tower Hill and Harbour Lights deposits are located at an apparent bulge in the eastern side of the Raeside Batholith, which may have originally been the highest part of the batholith and, with the onset of extension, may have focused structures and rising hydrothermal fluids into this area.