Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Environmental Factors on Carbon Stocks of Dry Evergreen Afromontane Forests of the Choke Mountain Ecosystem, Northwestern Ethiopia

The purpose of this research was to quantify and compare carbon stocks in two selected dry evergreen montane forests of the Choke Mountain ecosystem that are under different management regimes. The study also attempted to assess the carbon stock along environmental gradients. The average carbon stock throughout the whole plots investigated in Anshirava forest (protected) was 180.18 t·ha−1 (53%) in AGB, 111.43 t·ha−1 (33%) in soil, 36.43 t·ha−1 (11%) in BGB, 6.09 t·ha−1 (2%) in USB, 2.69 t·ha−1 (1%) in litter, and 1.36 t·ha−1 (less than 1%) in DW. In Ziba forest (high human intervention), the average carbon stock was 106.71 t·ha−1 (44%) in AGB, 100.07 t·ha−1 (42%) in soil, 21.34 t·ha−1 (9%) in BGB, 5.41 t·ha−1 (2%) in USB, 4.82 t·ha−1 (2%) in litter, and 2.00 t·ha−1 (1%) in DW. The AGB had the greatest carbon share in both forests, followed by soil. In Anshirava and Ziba forests, the mean total carbon stocks (TCS) were 338.18 t·ha−1 and 240.36 t·ha−1, with CO2 equivalents of 1241.14 t·ha−1 and 882.12 t·ha−1, respectively. The study indicated a significant variation between the two forests. Anshirava forest has larger total carbon stocks than Ziba forest. For lower, medium, and higher altitudes, the total carbon stock variation along an altitudinal gradient was 289.67 t·ha−1, 347.93 t·ha−1, and 414.89 t·ha−1 in Anshirava forest and 270.99 t·ha−1, 204.24 t·ha−1, and 224.82 t·ha−1 in Ziba forest, respectively. As a result, a greater amount of carbon was stored at higher altitudes in Anshirava and at lower altitudes in Ziba, with no significant difference in both forests. The total carbon stock variation along slope gradient was 392.60 t·ha−1, 344.59 t·ha−1, and 295.49 t·ha−1 in Anshirava forest and 258.74 t·ha−1, 222.46 t·ha−1, and 171.46 t·ha−1 in Ziba forest for flat, intermediate, and steep slopes, respectively. This resulted in higher carbon being stored in flat slopes in both forests. Also, only at the Ziba site, a significant difference was found along the slope gradient. In each forest, eight distinct aspect facings were observed, with the western (W) aspect containing the highest value of total carbon stock in both forests. Lower values, on the other hand, were recorded in the south (S) and flat (F) aspects of Anshirava and Ziba forests, respectively. The slope aspects of both forests varied significantly. As a result, the research reveals that environmental factors have a significant impact on carbon stock value of Choke Mountain forest ecosystem, but the impact is not consistent among carbon pools.
Factors Associated with Mental Health Outcomes in Hospital Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Methods Study

Background: We investigated some of the factors associated with depression, perceived stress, and anxiety in clinical and nonclinical healthcare workers of two hospitals. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was used. The sample included clinical (physicians, nurses, and others) and nonclinical (security and cleaning staff) healthcare workers of two tertiary hospitals in Peru. Participants completed an online self-survey. In the qualitative analysis, data were subjected to thematic analysis. Results: We analyzed data from 613 participants, of which 8.6%, 9.0%, and 78.2% had moderate-to-severe anxiety, depression, and perceived stress, respectively. Having a previous mental health problem, being concerned about losing one’s job, having at least two COVID-19 symptoms in the preceding two weeks, and being afraid of infecting family members increased the prevalence of experiencing moderate-to-severe depression and anxiety. The qualitative analysis allowed us to identify five recurring factors that caused a negative impact on workers’ lives during the pandemic: emotional distress linked to hospital experiences of suffering and death, modification of routines, fear of COVID-19, exacerbation of mental disorders, and physical problems associated with emotional distress. Conclusions: Clinical and nonclinical healthcare workers in Peru have experienced depression, anxiety, and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Future research and interventions are necessary to improve psychological support for hospital workers.
LIQUIDITY, LEVERAGE, TAX AVOIDANCE: THE MODERATING ROLE OF FIRM SIZE

This study examines the effect of liquidity and leverage on tax avoidance. In addition, this study employs firm size as a moderating variable. This type of research is quantitative by using purposive sampling. The population in this study are all mining companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2016-2020. Determination of research sample based on purposive sampling method with a total sample of 60 observations. Research data is secondary data accessed through www.idx. co.id and www.idnfinancials. com. This study concludes that liquidity is positively associated with tax avoidance, while leverage is not associated with tax avoidance. Other findings indicate that firm size does not provide a moderating role in testing the effect of liquidity and leverage on tax avoidance. This study suggests that the Indonesia Tax Authority needs to pay attention to the characteristics of certain companies in identifying tax avoidance by companies.
Production economics of harvesting small-diameter hardwood stands in central Appalachia

Three harvesting systems of chainsaw/cable skidder, feller-buncher/grapple skidder, and harvester/forwarder were simulated in harvesting three hardwood stands 30 to 50 years old in central Appalachia. Stands were generated by using a 3D stand generator. Harvesting prescriptions included clearcut, shelterwood cut, selective cut, diameter limit cut, and crop tree release cut. The interactions among stands, harvest prescriptions, and harvesting systems were evaluated statistically in terms of production, cost, and traffic intensity. The weekly production of the chainsaw/cable skidder system was 5,773 ft³ ( 163 m³) with a unit cost of $38 per 100 cubic feet (cunit) ($13.4/m³). The feller-buncher/grapple skidder and harvester/forwarder systems could produce 22,153 ft³ (627 m³), and 8,423 ft³ (239 m³) with the unit cost of $34.3/cunit ($12/m³) and $46.8/cunit ($17/m³), respectively. Results indicated that the feller-buncher/grapple skidder system was the most productive and cost-effective system for harvesting small-diameter hardwood stands in central Appalachia under the simulated harvesting prescriptions. Compared to harvesting mature stands, harvesting small-diameter hardwood stands was about 15 percent (felling) and 14 percent (extraction) less productive, and 29 percent (felling) and 13 percent (extraction) more expensive. Results should help planners, loggers, and foresters efficiently manage and utilize small-diameter materials in the region.
Dissolved Nitrogen, Chloride, and Potassium Loss from Fields in Conventional and Conservation Tillage

Losses of soluble nutrients from cropland and their transport to surface and groundwater are a continuing water quality concern. In this study, we evaluated tillage impacts on dissolved losses of ammonium (NH 4 -N), nitrate nitrogen (NO 3 -N), chloride (Cl), and potassium (K) during rotational cotton and peanut production. Tillage treatments were strip tillage (ST), in which crops were planted into 15 cm strips tilled into cover crop residue mulch, and conventional tillage (CT), in which all crop residues were turned into the soil prior to planting. Winter cover crops were used in both tillage systems. Tillage and irrigation treatments were uniformly applied within two 0.6 ha fields located on a moderately sloping hillslope in the southern Atlantic Coastal Plain region of south-central Georgia. Tile drains were installed at the base of the slope of each field to capture and measure lateral subsurface flow. Each field was subdivided into three 0.2 ha plots, with the three plots making up a single tillage block. H-flumes were used for flow measurement and sample collection. During the five-year study, annual precipitation ranged from 910 to 1488 mm, with an annual average of 1201 mm. Annual surface runoff averaged 17% of annual rainfall from the CT field and 11% from the ST field. Because of relatively low variability in concentrations, surface runoff loads closely tracked surface runoff volumes. Annual surface runoff loadings of NH 4 -N, NO 3 -N, and Cl from the ST treatment were found to be significantly less than those from the CT treatment. The total five-year load of N (NH 4 -N and NO 3 -N) in surface runoff from CT was 8.3 kg ha -1 , while it was 5.6 kg ha -1 from ST, equivalent to 1.5% of the total N applied to CT and 1.0% of that applied to ST. Annual subsurface flow averaged 12% of annual precipitation for CT and 21% for ST. Annual average subsurface flow loadings of NH 4 -N, NO 3 -N, and K from ST were significantly greater than from CT. The total five-year load of N (NH 4 -N and NO 3 -N) in subsurface flow was 45 kg ha -1 from CT and 99 kg ha -1 from ST, equivalent to 8.3% and 18.4% of the total N applied to CT and ST, respectively. Data showed that subsurface flow was the primary hydrologic pathway for dissolved N and Cl loss in both tillage systems. Overall, ST was found to be an effective method for reducing surface runoff and associated soluble losses, but increased infiltration with this practice significantly increased subsurface losses. This introduces a challenge to nitrogen management in reduced tillage systems such as ST in the region.
Mission, Organization, and Future Direction of the Serological Sciences Network for COVID-19 (SeroNet) Epidemiologic Cohort Studies

Abstract Background Global efforts are needed to elucidate the epidemiology of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the underlying cause of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), including seroprevalence, risk factors, and long-term sequelae, as well as immune responses after vaccination across populations and the social dimensions of prevention and treatment strategies. Methods In the United States, the National Cancer Institute in partnership with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, established the SARS-CoV-2 Serological Sciences Network (SeroNet) as the nation’s largest coordinated effort to study coronavirus disease 2019. The network comprises multidisciplinary researchers bridging gaps and fostering collaborations among immunologists, epidemiologists, virologists, clinicians and clinical laboratories, social and behavioral scientists, policymakers, data scientists, and community members. In total, 49 institutions form the SeroNet consortium to study individuals with cancer, autoimmune disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, cardiovascular diseases, human immunodeficiency virus, transplant recipients, as well as otherwise healthy pregnant women, children, college students, and high-risk occupational workers (including healthcare workers and first responders). Results Several studies focus on underrepresented populations, including ethnic minorities and rural communities. To support integrative data analyses across SeroNet studies, efforts are underway to define common data elements for standardized serology measurements, cellular and molecular assays, self-reported data, treatment, and clinical outcomes. Conclusions In this paper, we discuss the overarching framework for SeroNet epidemiology studies, critical research questions under investigation, and data accessibility for the worldwide scientific community. Lessons learned will help inform preparedness and responsiveness to future emerging diseases.
Promoting the professional development of Saudi female students in the apparel and textiles discipline

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to identify the key skills and knowledge that Saudi college graduates need to succeed in the apparel retail industry (ARI) in Saudi Arabia (SA) today. The participation of women in the Saudi workforce is only 14.4%, with the unemployment rate of Saudi female college graduates at 54%. The Saudi government is now fostering the replacement of foreign salesmen with Saudi women in its apparel retail stores; however, this is being done without properly preparing these young women to succeed in the industry. Qualitative data were collected through interviewing 21 human resource managers and apparel store managers in SA to explore the major objectives of this study. Based on the findings, an equal emphasis in developing students’ hard and soft skills is needed in preparing female students for apparel retail positions in SA. Additionally, social support is valuable in supporting the success of Saudi women in the ARI.
Research on the influence of prenatal exercises on anthropometric and vascular parameters in pregnant women

Introduction/Objective. The frequency of a sedentary lifestyle during pregnancy increases. This contributes to gestational weight gain and has a negative impact on health. This study researched the impact of prenatal exercise on gestational weight gain, blood pressure, and microcirculation in pregnant women who exercised and those who did not exercise. Methods. The study included seventy pregnant women with a normal pregnancy, who attended a psychophysical preparation program for childbirth for eight weeks. The control group (n=35) attended theoretical classes on childbirth, and the experimental group (n=35) attended prenatal exercises as well. Gestational weight gain, blood pressure, and nailfold capillary density were determined and compared between the two groups. Results. Gestational weight gain of 19.94 kg in non-exercising pregnant women was significantly greater than the gestational weight gain of 11.65 kg in pregnant women who exercised. Pregnant women who did not exercise had an increase in systolic (by 15.56 mmHg) and diastolic pressure (by 16.08 mmHg), which is significantly higher compared to pregnant women who exercised. In this group, systolic pressure increased by 2.5 mmHg, while diastolic did not change. A significant difference in the nailfold capillary density at the end of the prenatal program has not been determined. Conclusion. Prenatal exercise of moderate-intensity has a positive effect on gestational weight gain and the level of blood pressure in pregnant women. The nailfold capillary density has not differed significantly after the prenatal program in pregnant women who have exercised and in those who have not.
Assessing the Water-Resources Potential and Soil Erosion Hotspot Areas for Sustainable Land Management in the Gidabo Watershed, Rift Valley Lake Basin of Ethiopia

For development of a comprehensive sediment management plan, it is crucial to categorize watersheds on the basis of soil erosion hotspot areas to extend the useful life of water bodies (e.g., Gidam reservoir). The goal of this study was to assess the surface water potential and identify erosion hotspot areas of the Gidabo watershed in Ethiopia using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model. The SUFI-2 (Sequential Uncertainty Fitting Version 2) program was used to calibrate the model, and the model’s performance was evaluated. According to the catchment prioritization analysis, some of the sub-basins with similar land use, land cover, and soil type but with higher slope would generate higher sediment yield. Furthermore, the soil conservation scenarios were developed in SWAT, and the model result showed that average annual sediment yield could be reduced by the application of grassed waterway, filter strips, terracing, and contouring by 49%, 37.53%, 62.32%, and 54.6% respectively. It was concluded that sediment yield reduction by applying terracing was more effective than other conservation measures for affected sub-basins. The surface water potential of the watershed varies spatially from sub-basin to sub-basin, and the mean monthly surface water potential of the watershed is 33 million cubic meters. These findings can help decision-makers to develop appropriate strategies to minimize the erosion rate from erosion hotspot areas and to allocate the watershed water potential for different types of water demands. Strip planting, terracing, or contour farming may be necessary on chosen hotspot erosion sites to reduce the effect of slopes on surface runoff flow velocity and sediment transport capacity.
Olfactory Stimulation with Volatile Aroma Compounds of Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) Essential Oil and Linalool Ameliorates White Fat Accumulation and Dyslipidemia in Chronically Stressed Rats

We explored the physiological effects of inhaling basil essential oil (BEO) and/or linalool and identified odor-active aroma compounds in BEO using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and GC–olfactometry (GC–O). Linalool was identified as the major volatile compound in BEO. Three groups of rats were administered BEO and linalool via inhalation, while rats in the control group were not. Inhalation of BEO for 20 min only reduced the total weight gain (190.67 ± 2.52 g) and increased the forced swimming time (47.33 ± 14.84 s) compared with the control group (219.67 ± 2.08 g, 8.33 ± 5.13 s). Inhalation of BEO for 5 min (392 ± 21 beats/min) only reduced the pulse compared with the control group (420 ± 19 beats/min). Inhalation of linalool only reduced the weight of white adipose tissue (5.75 ± 0.61 g). The levels of stress-related hormones were not significantly different among the groups. The total cholesterol and triglyceride levels decreased after inhalation of BEO for 20 min (by more than −10% and −15%, respectively). Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were lowered (by more than −10%) by the inhalation of BEO and linalool, regardless of the inhalation time. In particular, BEO inhalation for 20 min was associated with the lowest level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (53.94 ± 2.72 mg/dL). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels increased after inhalation of BEO (by more than +15%). The atherogenic index and cardiac risk factors were suppressed by BEO inhalation. Animals exposed to BEO and linalool had no significant differences in hepatotoxicity. These data suggest that the inhalation of BEO and linalool may ameliorate cardiovascular and lipid dysfunctions. These effects should be explored further for clinical applications.
Power and Identity Transition in Symphonic Music: Shanghai Symphony Orchestra from the 1920s to the Early 1950s

ABSTRACT Power transition creates distinct social discourses, forming new identities in the process. This article takes the founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as an epoch-making historical event and features the transformation of practices and power plays within the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra (SSO), the oldest symphony orchestra in Asia, before and after the PRC (from the 1920s to the early 1950s). This article aims to understand the transition of political power and subsequent identity negotiation within music and the broader context in Shanghai and China. The SSO was initially established by and catered for Western settlers in Shanghai. When the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) took over Mainland China in 1949, it first purified the SSO’s ethnicity. Due to Sino-Soviet relations, the SSO was used as cultural diplomacy to reaffirm China’s position in the socialist bloc. Materials for this research are mainly collected from the SSO Archive and Shanghai Municipal Archive, generally overlooked by existing literature.
Utilization of Archaic Dictions in Buginese Song Lyrics in Globalization Era

Buginese songs are the literary treasures of the South Sulawesi region. One interesting aspect to talk about is song lyrics by looking at the stylistic aspect, including choosing the right words to express the creator's thoughts and felt. The term "archaic," which possesses ancient qualities, is used in Buginese song lyrics. Writing about archaic diction was conducted by four song writers, i.e., Jauzi Saleh, Yusuf Alamudi, Haji Mustafa Bande, and Hasan Pulu. The research is descriptive qualitative by applying the method of listening, recording, and interviewing. The study results reveal that the diction of archaic words in Buginese song lyrics contains a poetic value and prioritizes aesthetic elements. Bittara' sky,' limbanni ri majeng 'died/passed away,' mamminanga 'sail,' and lo mattaneteni tampungna' old tomb,' are archaic words that have specific meanings in Buginese songs. The public does not commonly use the archaic term, but it is beneficial for authors to get an aesthetic, solid effect, and impression on the song. The diction of archaic words by the creator considers meanings and values of the taste, atmosphere, and inner vibrations of the audience through the power of the sound of the song lyrics.
Why does import competition favor republicans? Localized trade shocks and cultural backlash in the US

ABSTRACT Evidence that local exposure to Chinese import competition favors right-wing parties has often been attributed to the success of economic nationalism. We test an alternative account. Trade shocks catalyze cultural backlash, which drives support for conservative candidates, as they compete electorally by targeting out-groups. We assess this hypothesis in the 2008–2016 US presidential elections. Using individual-level survey data, we provide evidence that Chinese import shocks drive negative attitudes towards minorities and positive feelings towards in-groups. Opinions about free trade and redistribution are not affected. Results indicate that this rightward shift is primarily driven by non-Hispanic white and male respondents. These findings point to the role played by trade-induced cultural backlash in shaping political outcomes in the US.
The Importance of Voice Control in Public Speaking: A Case Study of Tokoh NILAM Primary School

Good voice control can attract the interest and attention of the audience. However, these skills are difficult to master among students due to a lack of knowledge and experience. Studies related to voice control in Malay language education verbal skills are also lacking. Therefore, this study is done to iden-tify the delivery strategy among Tokoh NILAM from the aspect of voice control while doing public speaking. A total of fourteen participants were selected using purposive sampling. They are fourteen Tokoh NILAM who won the NILAM Award at the state level from fourteen schools. Data collection was done through semi-structured interviews and observations. The data were then analyzed using thematic analysis. The results of the study show that voice control skills play an important role in public speaking because they can effectively produce public speaking. Therefore, it is hoped that this study can be used as a basic guide to improve students’ verbal skills in the aspect of voice control while doing public speaking.
Extraction and Evaluation of Discriminative Indexes of the Wearing Condition for High-Precision Blood Pressure Pulse Wave Measurement

In this paper, we report a new discriminant index for evaluating the wearing condition of a blood pressure pulse wave measurement device with small variability. The prototype device consists of MEMS 3-axis force sensors, a 3-axis push-in adjustment mechanism, a fixed jig, and a signal processing board. The arterial tonometry method is used by this device to measure blood pressure pulse waves. However, to accurately measure the blood pressure pulse wave, the device must be appropriately worn. The evaluation of the wearing condition using the amplitude of the blood pressure pulse wave was complicated by the wearing process due to the large variability. Therefore, we propose the ratio of the blood pressure pulse wave component to the noise component as an index that can evaluate the wear condition of the device. The correlation coefficient between the discriminant index and the amplitude of the blood pressure pulse wave had a correlation coefficient of 0.879. Furthermore, the discriminant index reduced the coefficient of variation by 12.8%. Therefore, it was suggested that the discriminant index is an index that can evaluate the pressing amount, one of the wearing conditions of the blood pressure pulse wave measurement device with a small influence of variation.