Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE APPLICATION OF TREND ESTIMATION MODEL IN PREDICTING THE AVERAGE SELLING PRICE OF TIMBER

The article analyzes the possibility of adopting trend estimation model to predict the average selling price of timber (CGUS). The study used information about the average selling prices of timber in chosen periods (2006-2017). The data concerning the actual CGUS was used to create a trend estimation model. The models and CGUS predictions were conducted based on three different time series encompassing 5-year periods. The predicted (CGUS) trend estimation in particular years was requested based on extrapolation, which exceeded the accepted set of information used in the study to create a trend estimation model. On the basis of the conducted study it was ascertained that the method of modeling linear trend estimation should be adopted in the price prediction process. The error assessment with which the linear function formulas are burdened, it was noticed that the value of the coefficient of residual variation was between 4.40% and 7.82%. It was also noticed that the linear modeling of CGUS trend estimation, despite unfavorable values of coefficient of determination and convergence, to some extent, can be viewed as an assistance tool in the decision-making process in the scope of predicting the height of the analyzed price. This view was supported by the achieved predictions which were verified with the actual prices of timber. The price difference between the actual and the predicted one was between -1.59 PLN to 2.27 PLN, and in relative terms the predictive error was between 0.83 to 1.15%. In our opinion the presented research process can constitute a reference point as a comparative element to verify the results for other, new price prediction models. The process of modeling timber prices should be extended by other predicators which are connected with forest market chain.
Multi-Modal Contrastive Learning for LiDAR Point Cloud Rail-Obstacle Detection in Complex Weather

Obstacle intrusion is a serious threat to the safety of railway traffic. LiDAR point cloud 3D semantic segmentation (3DSS) provides a new method for unmanned rail-obstacle detection. However, the inevitable degradation of model performance occurs in complex weather and hinders its practical application. In this paper, a multi-modal contrastive learning (CL) strategy, named DHT-CL, is proposed to improve point cloud 3DSS in complex weather for rail-obstacle detection. DHT-CL is a camera and LiDAR sensor fusion strategy specifically designed for complex weather and obstacle detection tasks, without the need for image input during the inference stage. We first demonstrate how the sensor fusion method is more robust under rainy and snowy conditions, and then we design a Dual-Helix Transformer (DHT) to extract deeper cross-modal information through a neighborhood attention mechanism. Then, an obstacle anomaly-aware cross-modal discrimination loss is constructed for collaborative optimization that adapts to the anomaly identification task. Experimental results on a complex weather railway dataset show that with an mIoU of 87.38%, the proposed DHT-CL strategy achieves better performance compared to other high-performance models from the autonomous driving dataset, SemanticKITTI. The qualitative results show that DHT-CL achieves higher accuracy in clear weather and reduces false alarms in rainy and snowy weather.
The Impact of Price Fairness on the Perceived Value and Customer Satisfaction Under the Exchange Rate Change in Hotels in Egypt

Economic policies and exchange rate fluctuations significantly impact the hotel industry. These changes force hotels to focus on providing value based on customer purchasing power. Customers compare prices with the benefits gained from products or services provided. Therefore, price fairness is crucial to determining value and customer satisfaction. Specifically, when the value of the product or service matches the price. Based on the current change in the exchange rate and its impact on prices and customers’ evaluations of products and services in hotels, and a lack of previous studies that dealt with the topic in Egypt. The research developed and examined a conceptual model grounded on three theoretical perspectives; equity theory, dual entitlement theory, and expectation-disconfirmation theory. The proposed model investigated the relationship between price fairness, perceived value, and customer satisfaction under the exchange rate change in hospitality industry in Egypt. Both paper-based questionnaires and web-based questionnaires were distributed to a stratified random sample of 384 guests in three, four, and five-star hotels in the Red Sea and Luxor governorates. The results show that the change in the Egyptian pound exchange rate increased food and beverage prices, and accommodation prices in hotels, moreover had a positive impact on the tourists’ decision to purchase. Additionally, price fairness affects both the perceived value (functional, emotional, social, and value for money, and customer satisfaction. Moreover, perceived value acts as a mediator in the relationship between price fairness and customer satisfaction. This research contributes to filling a knowledge gap and offers practical implications.
EFFECT OF CURCUMIN SUPPLEMENTATION ON PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE AND BLOOD METABOLITE PARAMETERS OF SHEEP

(2023). Effect of curcumin supplementation on production performance and blood metabolite parameters of sheep. Anbar Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 12(2): 437-445. The objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of curcumin supplementation on animal performance and health. Fifteen local dairy sheep assigned randomly into three equal groups: control (C) without supplement, T1 (50 mg curcumin /head/day), and T2 (100 mg curcumin /head/day). The results were demonstrated that ewe’s milk in curcumin group treatments on day 20 and 40 had significantly lower content of milk fat and higher in protein compared to control group. In both T1 and T2, a marginal drop in the total amount of protein in the serum was observed. It appears that triglycerides was significantly decreased in T2 on day 20 and 40 compared to the other groups. It seems that lymphocytes in curcumin treatment groups were reduced on day 20 and 40. Also, it was noticed the inclusion of curcumin in the diet of dairy sheep has the potential to enhance animal health and production due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Numerical and Statistical Analysis of the Influence of Damage and Temperature on EMI for Structural Health Monitoring

Structural health monitoring (SHM) is a process of implementing a system to monitor the structural condition of a structure and assess the structural health. SHM is used to detect damage, predict future performance, and monitor the overall structural health of a structure. Electromechanical impedance (EMI)-based SHM is a non-destructive evaluation (NDE) technique that can be used to detect damage in structures by measuring the changes in the electrical impedance of a piezoelectric transducer that is bonded to the structure. EMI has several advantages over other NDE techniques, including being a passive, local, and relatively inexpensive technique. However, one of the challenges of using EMI for structural health monitoring (SHM) is the effect of damage and temperature on the impedance of the piezoelectric transducer. As the damage and temperature changes, the impedance of the transducer will also change. This can make it difficult to detect small damage if the damage and temperature co-exist on the same structure (aluminum plate). This research presents a numerical and statistical study to investigate the effects of damage and temperature on EMI-based SHM. The numerical model uses ANSYS software to simulate an aluminum plate at different temperatures. The findings have shown that both damage and temperature have a significant effect on the impedance of the transducer. However, the study has also demonstrated that it is still possible to detect structural damage using EMI even under varying damage and temperature conditions. This underscores the robustness of EMI-based damage detection methodologies in practical applications.
Seasonal Variation and Morphometric Differentiation of Egyptian Strain of Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Acari: Ixodidae)

HE BROWN dog tick ( Rhipicephalus sanguineus ), which is thought to be the most common tick in the world and a carrier of numerous infections to both human and dogs, is currently the subject of debate regarding its taxonomic classification. The objective of this study was to evaluate the differences in biological parameters between the winter and summer and the morphological difference of R. sanguineus reared on different host (dogs and rabbits). Regarding the difference in biological parameters between different stages of ticks recorded in winter and summer, there were significant differences in the preoviposition, oviposition, incubation , hatching periods, longevity of larvae, nymphs and unfed adults in addition to feeding periods of larvae, nymphs and unfed adults. The total life cycle of ticks in winter took longer time (75±4.58 days) than in summer (61.56±4.79 days). Otherwise, there are some morphological differences recorded in the unfed and fed R. sanguineus reared on dogs versus those reared in rabbits. These differences were significant and noticed in the size of different stages of R. sanguineus tick as the shape of the dorsal tail of spiracular plate is longer in adult male tick reared on dog than those tick reared on rabbits. Also, the eggs were spherical in shape in ticks fed on dog, but were slightly oval in ticks fed on rabbits. In conclusion, there were some variations in the biological parameters of R. sanguineus ticks between different seasons in addition , the morphometric features of ticks were varied according to host.
Examining English Language Teachers’ Perceptions of the EIL Paradigm: Creating Awareness and Change

English as an International Language (EIL) refers to a paradigm shift in second language (L2) education as a response to complexities arising from the rapid spread of the English language around the globe in recent decades; therefore, EIL is, now, regarded as a paradigm for thinking, research and practice in L2 teaching. Due to the importance of the teacher’s perceptions and attitudes and the influence they can have on their practicing English Language Teaching (ELT), the present study sought to explore what Iranian L2 teachers’ perceptions were about EIL and to see if awareness and change could be created in this respect through educational workshops. To this end, an explanatory sequential mixed-methods study was designed and 139 Iranian L2 teachers’ perceptions of the EIL paradigm were measured before and after an educational workshop. Also, 22 participants were interviewed to explore their perceptions of the EIL. Results indicated that the participants, by and large, did not possess appropriate perceptions of the EIL paradigm in
Impact of nivolumab vs standard, single-agent therapy of investigator’s choice on patient-reported outcomes in recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: health-related quality-of-life results from CheckMate 141, a randomized, phase 3 trial

change from baseline to week 15 on the EQ-5D visual analogue scale, in contrast to a clinically meaningful deterioration in the IC arm (+7·3 vs −7·8). Differences between arms were statistically significant and clinically meaningful at weeks 9 and 15 in favour of nivolumab for role functioning, social functioning, fatigue, dyspnoea, and appetite loss on the EORTC QLQ-C30 and pain and sensory problems on the EORTC QLQ-H&N35. Median time to deterioration was significantly longer with nivolumab vs IC for 13 (37%) of 35 domains assessed across the three questionnaires
Indigenous Polynesian Agriculture in Hawaiʻi

Agriculture in Hawaiʻi was developed in response to the high spatial heterogeneity of climate and landscape of the archipelago, resulting in a broad range of agricultural strategies. Over time, highly intensive irrigated and rainfed systems emerged, supplemented by extensive use of more marginal lands that supported considerable populations. Due to the late colonization of the islands, the pathways of development are fairly well reconstructed in Hawaiʻi. The earliest agricultural developments took advantage of highly fertile areas with abundant freshwater, utilizing relatively simple techniques such as gardening and shifting cultivation. Over time, investments into landbased infrastructure led to the emergence of irrigated pondfield agriculture found elsewhere in Polynesia. This agricultural form was confined by climatic and geomorphological parameters, and typically occurred in wetter, older landscapes that had developed deep river valleys and alluvial plains. Once initiated, these wetland systems saw regular, continuous development and redevelopment. As populations expanded into areas unable to support irrigated agriculture, highly diverse rainfed agricultural systems emerged that were adapted to local environmental and climatic variables. Development of simple infrastructure over vast areas created intensive rainfed agricultural systems that were unique in Polynesia. Intensification of rainfed agriculture was confined to areas of naturally occurring soil fertility that typically occurred in drier and younger landscapes in the southern end of the archipelago. Both irrigated and rainfed agricultural areas applied supplementary agricultural strategies in surrounding areas such as agroforestry, home gardens, and built soils. Differences in yield, labor, surplus, and resilience of agricultural forms helped shape differentiated political economies, hierarchies, and motivations that played a key role in the development of sociopolitical complexity in the islands.
Responses of salt-affected French basil plants grown in new reclamation lands to biofertilization and selenium

The current study aimed to investigate the effects of inoculate application with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), Azospirillum brasilense bacteria (AZSB) and Azotobacter chrococcum bacteria (AZBB) individually or in combination with selenium spraying at rates 0, 25, 50 and 100 ppm as well as their interaction on vegetative growth, herb yield, chemical composition of leaf and volatile oil productivity of French basil ( Ocimum basilicum L.) plants grown in salinity affected soil in sandy new reclamation land. A field trial was conducted in two successive seasons (2021 and 2022) at a private farm located at Sanur Village, Biba Bistrict, Beni-Suef Governorate, Egypt. The obtained results indicated that inoculated basil plants with the three micro-organisms (AMF, AZSB, and AZBB) or/and spraying selenium at different concentrations significantly enhanced all vegetative growth parameters, herb yield, leaf main pigments and mineral composition, volatile oil content, and volatile oil yield. Also, the companies application of micro-organisms and selenium application was superior to using each one individually. The highest values of investigated parameters were found in plants that were inoculated with AMF and sprayed with selenium at 50 or 100 ppm. Whereas there were no significant variations between the two higher selenium concentrations. Consequently, we recommended that inoculating French basil plants with AMF and selenium spraying at 50 ppm in the form of sodium selenite could be an effective method of enhancing the growth, yield, and oil productivity of plants grown in similar conditions.
Carboniferous ostracods from central Honshu, Japan

Abstract Silicified beyrichiocopid and podocopid ostracods from limestone nodules derived from the middle part of the Ichinotani Formation within the Hida Gaien Terrane of central Honshu Island, Japan, are associated with fusulinid foraminifera that indicate strata of the middle Moscovian (Pennsylvanian, Carboniferous). This is a rare record of ostracods from the Palaeozoic of Japan and the first systematic description of ostracods from the Carboniferous of the Hida Gaien Terrane. The fauna comprises six ostracod species (two new) assigned to the genera Amphissites, Kirkbya, Bairdia, Aechmina and Healdia, and additional material of possible cavellinids. The numerical dominance of ornamented beyrichiocopids such as Kirkbya and Amphissites, along with smaller numbers of smooth podocopids such as Bairdia, indicates an ‘Eifelian mega-assemblage’ ecotype (sensu G. Becker), that is typical of mid Palaeozoic shallow marine, high-energy environments in a fore-reef ecosystem.
A metasomatic setting, the Russian River Arch, and gravitational emplacement in the history of eclogites at the classic eclogite locality of Jenner, California, USA

ABSTRACT Blocks of metamorphic rock designated as ‘high-grade’ blocks, commonly less than 100 m in diameter, consisting of garnet-glaucophane- and hornblende-schists and gneisses and rare eclogite, are widely distributed within mélanges of the Franciscan (accretionary) Complex of California. Eclogite-glaucophane schist blocks present at Jenner, California, have been studied for petrographic, geochemical, structural, and age characteristics, but their relationship to associated Franciscan rocks is poorly understood. The studied blocks are not in situ, but rather occur in landslide deposits and beach sands. The landslide deposits overlie the low to middle slope exposures of sandstone-rich broken formations of the Franciscan Complex that are not known to contain high-grade blocks. Geochemical studies suggest a serpentinite host for the blocks. Upslope, a serpentinite-matrix mélange contains numerous high-grade blocks, including rare retrograded eclogite, and is the likely block source. The Jenner terrain as a whole was uplifted relative to rocks to the north and south near Annapolis and Freestone, respectively, by uplift along the post-Pliocene Russian River (anticlinal) Arch, as indicated by the regional distribution of arching, wave-cut, post-Franciscan surfaces with overlying Miocene/Pliocene marine sedimentary rocks. Local uplift increased landsliding and colluvial downslope movement of the blocks. In addition, local, wave-influenced transportation of smaller blocks, together with the downslope mass movements, brought the high-grade blocks to their present positions. The high-grade blocks are thus displaced from upslope exposures of the original serpentinite-matrix mélange host, in which the blocks likely experienced the metasomatism that converted eclogite to glaucophane schist. In general, the relationship of blocks to the original serpentinite host is a critical element of subduction zone architecture related to subduction zone processes and history, and should be analysed, in any studies that seek to explain the architecture and history of any accretionary complex with similar high-grade blocks.
ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS FOR WATER TRANSPORT PLANNING IN THE MORAVIAN-SILESIAN REGION IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

The planning of the inland water transport is influenced by technical, environmental, economic and functional aspects. Environmental aspects comprise interactions of the waterway with its surrounding. Requirements of nature protection and biological, social, economic, cultural criteria are formed for environmental relationships. The presented paper states environmental problems and requirements for the planned Oder branch waterway of the significant European waterway Danube - Oder - Elbe. The Moravian-Silesian region in the Czech Republic is passed by the biggest part of this planned Oder branch waterway. Its development depends on solution of environmental requirements.
Estacionariedade das Afluências às Usinas Hidrelétricas Brasileiras

Alteracoes nos regimes de afluencias para as usinas hidreletricas do Sistema Interligado Nacional (SIN) tem sido observadas, principalmente a partir do final da decada de 1960. Processos antropicos nas bacias hidrograficas, sobretudo ligadas a alteracoes no uso do solo, podem ser diretamente apontados como causas para essas alteracoes. Aparte das origens ou justificativas possiveis, o presente trabalho possui por objetivo uma investigacao expedita na condicao de estacionariedade de 146 series de afluencias referentes a usinas hidreletricas do SIN. A analise e feita baseada em seis testes estatisticos de enfoques distintos (t-Student, Cox-Stuart, Wilcoxon, Coeficiente de Correlacao de Spearman, Mann-Kendall e F-Snedecor), todos caracteristicos na verificacao de tendencias em series temporais. Os resultados sao demonstrados em termos de p-valores para todos os casos. Ao final, um metodo simples de correcao da nao estacionariedade e sugerido, visando a melhora na representatividade das series em modelos de planejamento do sistema eletrico brasileiro
Ethnic Disparities in Lipid Metabolism and Clinical Outcomes between Dutch South Asians and Dutch White Caucasians with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) poses a higher risk for complications in South Asian individuals compared to other ethnic groups. To shed light on potential mediating factors, we investigated lipidomic changes in plasma of Dutch South Asians (DSA) and Dutch white Caucasians (DwC) with and without T2DM and explore their associations with clinical features. Using a targeted quantitative lipidomics platform, monitoring over 1000 lipids across 17 classes, along with 1H NMR based lipoprotein analysis, we studied 51 healthy participants (21 DSA, 30 DwC) and 92 T2DM patients (47 DSA, 45 DwC) from the MAGNetic resonance Assessment of VICTOza efficacy in the Regression of cardiovascular dysfunction in type 2 dIAbetes mellitus (MAGNA VICTORIA) study. This comprehensive mapping of the circulating lipidome allowed us to identify relevant lipid modules through unbiased weighted correlation network analysis, as well as disease and ethnicity related key mediatory lipids. Significant differences in lipidomic profiles, encompassing various lipid classes and species, were observed between T2DM patients and healthy controls in both the DSA and DwC populations. Our analyses revealed that healthy DSA, but not DwC, controls already exhibited a lipid profile prone to develop T2DM. Particularly, in DSA-T2DM patients, specific lipid changes correlated with clinical features, particularly diacylglycerols (DGs), showing significant associations with glycemic control and renal function. Our findings highlight an ethnic distinction in lipid modules influencing clinical outcomes in renal health. We discover distinctive ethnic disparities of the circulating lipidome and identify ethnicity-specific lipid markers. Jointly, our discoveries show great potential as personalized biomarkers for the assessment of glycemic control and renal function in DSA-T2DM individuals.