Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of pathogenic fungi, herbivores and predators on secondary succession of tropical rainforest vegetation

There is growing evidence that top–down biotic factors play an important role in plant community dynamics and are able to maintain the high plant diversity of primary tropical forests. However, the top–down impact by herbivores on the accumulation of plant biomass, richness and the community assembly process remains poorly known for the initial stages of secondary ecological succession. Here we test the top–down effects of natural enemies on the biomass, richness, diversity, community composition, trait dynamics and randomness during the assembly process on an early successional community in a lowland tropical forest in Papua New Guinea. We initiated secondary succession on 36 vegetation plots (5 × 5 m) organized in six blocks. After 1 year we evaluated successional community characteristics in each block containing a control plot and five treatment plots: experimentally excluding (a) insects by insecticides, (b) fungal pathogens by fungicides, (c) vertebrate predators and ants with exclosures and traps and experimentally adding (d) low and (e) high levels of a generalist herbivore species. Insects were responsible for increased plant diversity, shifts in plant community composition and a decrease in community weighted mean of leaf dry matter content. The lack of herbivores resulted in a diversifying effect but did not affect plant biomass and stem density. No other treatment had a significant effect on plant diversity during succession. The highest level of artificially increased herbivore density reduced plant biomass, while the fungicide treatment decreased stem density of woody plants. Using a null model approach, we showed that the removal of insects and their vertebrate predators increased randomness during the community assembly processes for woody plants, whilst the same effect was not found for the removal of fungi or elevated herbivore abundances. Synthesis. Early rainforest succession was not entirely plant driven. During the early succession of lowland tropical forest, insect herbivores enhanced plant diversity and caused shifts in community structure by promoting species with acquisitive leaf traits. As expected, the early successional communities were highly variable, but insects and vertebrate predators reduced randomness during the assembly process. Insect and vertebrate communities can thus impact the regeneration dynamics of tropical forests. In contrast, fungal pathogens were less important in maintaining high diversity of successional communities in our system.
The paradox of diversity in the Israeli academia: reproducing white Jewishness and national supremacy

ABSTRACT This paper claims that policies designed to promote diversity and provide Ethiopian Jews with opportunities in Israeli institutions of higher learning create a paradox where, rather than diversifying student bodies and faculties in universities, they bolster the reproduction of national and religious supremacy of white Jews in the Israeli academia. Interviews with 50 Ethiopian students reveal that the racialized cultural indexes on which Israeli society structures its racialized attitudes towards Ethiopian immigrants have not been purged from university campuses. Instead, I argue, they continue to suffuse and shape those very programs designed to combat them by reinventing Jewish privilege and national exclusivity in Israeli universities.
Smartphone User Authentication Based on Holding Position and Touch-Typing Biometrics

: In this advanced age, when smart phones are the norm, people utilize social networking, online shopping, and even private information storage through smart phones. As a result, identity authentication has become the most critical security activity in this period of the intelligent craze. By analyzing the shortcomings of the existing authentication methods, this paper proposes an identity authentication method based on the behavior of smartphone users. Firstly, the sensor data and touch-screen data of the smart phone users are collected through android programming. Secondly, the eigenvalues of this data are extracted and sent to the server. Thirdly, the Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) are introduced to train the collected data on the server end, and the results are finally yielded by the weighted average. The results show that the method this paper proposes has great FRR (False Reject Rate) and FAR (False Accept Rate). proposes an identity authentication method based on mobile phone user The entire authentication process to users and the experiment results Firstly, the of and into the eigenvalues combining the weighted results
Motivation of School Board Members to Support Equity and Social Justice in Public Education

ii TABLE OF CONTENTS . iii LIST OF FIGURES . v LIST OF TABLES . vi DEDICATION AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS . vii Chapter I – Introduction . 1 Problem Statement . 8 Statement of Purpose . 10 Research Question . 12 Overview of Methodology . 12 Rationale and Significance . 14 Definition of Key Terminology . 15 Organization of Dissertation . 16 Chapter II – Review of Literature . 17 Review of Literature . 19 Summary . 42 Chapter III – Methodology . 44 Positionality of the Researcher . 44 Rationale for Research Approach . 46 Research Context and Sampling Strategy . 49 Data Sources and Participant Recruitment . 53 Data Collection Methods . 58 Data Analysis Methods . 60 Role of the Researcher . 65 Responsibilities . 65 Issues of Trustworthiness . 65 Limitations and Delimitations . 68 Summary . 68 Chapter IV – Findings . 70 Research Questions . 70 Findings . 73 Conclusion . 98 Chapter V – Implications, Recommendations, and Conclusions . 101
What motivates members to transact on social C2C communities? A theoretical explanation

This paper aims to investigate the consumer motivation to buy products on consumer-to-consumer (C2C) communities on social networking sites (SNSs). These transactions involve no intermediation or payment of fees by any party. The phenomenon is in contrast with the traditional C2C transactions, on websites such as eBay, where the company website facilitates the transaction between consumers, charges a fee to sellers and provides limited information about buyers and sellers. ,Drawing from media richness theory and social capital theory, this paper thus proposes and empirically tests a theoretical model developed using data collected from people making transactions on these communities that synthesize the motivations behind consumers’ intention to buy. ,The results indicate that the media richness of the Facebook platform increases the social capital and sense of virtual community among users, which further impacts the purchase intentions of users. Social capital alone does not lead to purchase intention and indirectly impacts purchase intentions through the trust dimension. ,This study contributes to theorizing the role of the platform, social capital and sense of virtual community in buying behavior on SNSs and provides valuable new insights into these constructs for the brand managers on social media sites. ,Existing research on social commerce does not hold true for C2C communities on SNSs. This paper provides a new perspective into these communities through the lens of media richness and social capital constructs as antecedents of purchase intentions on these communities.
Detecting Attempted Hand Movements from EEGs of Chronic-Stroke Survivors for Therapeutic Applications

By ABIRAMI MURALIDHARAN Rehabilitation interventions that require active participation and repetitive practice of functionally-relevant tasks have been shown to be the most effective in enhancing motor-function-recovery in stroke survivors. Novel techniques based on the above principles being evaluated in clinical trials include: 1) forced use of the affected limb in activities of daily living by constraining the ‘normal’ limb, and 2) using assistive devices triggered by the users ‘movement-intent’ to generate movement in very weak or completely paralyzed limbs. Intent-to-move can be deduced from changes in brain signals, muscle activity or from movement sensors. Brain signals have the following advantages: 1) they can be measured from individuals who are completely paralyzed and 2) intent-to-move can potentially be detected prior to motor-actions in the periphery. The time-advantage gained by detecting ‘movement-intent’ prior to the actual onset of movement may be important for facilitating changes in the brain that are necessary for function recovery. Hence, the specific objectives of this study are: 1) to demonstrate the feasibility of detecting ‘movement-intent’ from electroencephalograms (EEGs) prior to movementonset in moderately-impaired stroke survivors 2) to determine if the intent-to-move could
Defense Expenditures and Income Inequality: Evidence from Chosen Euro Using Countries

Bu calisma, 2005-2016 doneminde kuresel ekonomik kriz oncesinde, sirasinda ve sonrasinda avro kullanan on bes Avrupa Birligi uyesi ulkedeki gelir esitsizligi ve savunma harcamalari arasindaki es butunlesme ve nedenselligi bulmayi amaclamaktadir. Panel verisine es butunlesme ve nedensellik testleri uygulanarak gelir esitsizligi ve savunma harcamalari iliskisine dair literaturdeki eksikligin doldurulmasi amaclanmistir.
Study of the influence of road congestion on the fatigue level of a sanguine driver

The object of research is the process of the driver's labor activity on city roads in the city's transport system during the transportation of goods and passengers. The influence of traffic congestion on the functional state of a sanguine driver is studied, which is one of the most common types of temperament. The main hypothesis of the study is that the level of driver fatigue in traffic congestion, which affects the driver's reaction time and road safety, depends on the driver's condition and traffic congestion parameters. The driver's fatigue level is determined based on the concept of the cardiovascular system, as an indicator of the adaptive and adaptive activity of the body by measuring the electrocardiogram. In this case, the unevenness of the cardio intervals is analyzed, which is a universal response to any kind of load. Fatigue level is calculated in arbitrary units according to a special algorithm that takes into account statistical indicators, histogram indicators and data of spectral analysis of cardio intervals. Using a non-linear model of changing the functional state of a sanguine driver, the patterns of changes in the fatigue level under various conditions of stay in traffic congestion are obtained. It is revealed that the most significant factor that affects the final level of driver fatigue in traffic congestion is its initial value before traffic congestion. The second most important parameter affecting the change in the fatigue level of the sanguine driver is the duration of traffic congestion, which affects the initial function only together with the initial fatigue level. The influence of the age of the sanguine driver on the fatigue level in the traffic congestion is manifested to a lesser extent. However, the conditions of stay in traffic congestion most noticeably affect older drivers (sixty or more years) compared with young drivers of twenty years. Analysis of the research results shows that traffic congestions lasting more than twelve minutes lead to a significant increase in the fatigue level of a sanguine driver. This may increase the likelihood of a traffic accident. The trends in the fatigue level of sanguine driver in traffic congestions identified during the study allow to predict the driver's behavior after exiting a traffic congestion and evaluate possible patterns of road traffic development that directly affect road safety.
Mechanisms of nuclear localization of glutathione reductase, subnuclear colocalization with thioredoxin, and genetic analysis of a chemically induced glutathione reductase knockout

Glutathione reductase [GR; EC 1.6. 4.2] is a ubiquitous, highly conserved protein that has been identified in plants, bacteria, yeast, and mammals. GR expressions and functions in cytosol and mitochondria have been studied, but little is known about mechanisms of import or functions of GR within the nucleus. No classical nuclear localization signal has been identified in GR, but cDNAs containing either mitochondrial targeting signals (MTS) from human MnSOD or from human GR (hGR) target GR transgene products to both the mitochondria and the nucleus. In contrast, cells transfected with a construct coding for a hGR-MTS/GFP fusion protein demonstrated fluorescence only in the mitochondria. Subsequent mutational deletion analyses of the hGR MTS indicated a tight correlation between nuclear and mitochondrial levels of expression and with the numbers of amino acids in the truncated MTSs. The MTS is necessary but not sufficient for nuclear localization of GR. Microscopy studies of cells in culture revealed GR-dependent immunofluorescence in subnuclear clusters. Subsequent investigations indicated that the GR-containing clusters do not colocalize with proteins found in subnuclear structures that exhibit morphologies similar to the anti-GR immunoreactive forms, or with p-histone 3, a protein involved in replication. In both native and transfected cells, GR was colocalized with glutaredoxin, and ii more strongly with thioredoxin, and colocalization with thioredoxin also exhibited subnuclear clustering. The functions served by the colocalization between GR and TRX protein are not known at this time. A GR-deficient mouse (Neu) was generated by treatment with isopropyl methanesulfonate (a chemical mutagen). RT-PCR analysis indicated that the defect in the GR gene was due to a deletion. Using PCR and Southern blot strategies, the deletion was isolated to the region between intron 1 and intron 5. Sequence analysis of a PCR product that included the putative deletion identified the precise breakpoints of the deletion and indicated that the Neu mice have a 12.8 kb deletion in their genomic GR gene and are a genetic knockout. The Neu mice are surprisingly healthy despite the absence of a gene so highly conserved across such a wide range of life forms.
Telephone-based management for patients with osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions

xiv Chapter One: Thesis introduction . 1 1.1 Overview . 2 1.2 Types of musculoskeletal conditions . 2 1.3 Prevalence of osteoarthritis and spinal pain . 3 1.4 The burden of osteoarthritis and spinal pain . 4 1.5 Risk factors for osteoarthritis and spinal pain . 6 1.6 Management of osteoarthritis and spinal pain . 6 1.7 Current provision of care of osteoarthritis and spinal pain . 10 1.8 Use of telehealth for care delivery . 12 1.9 Economic evaluation of telephone-based interventions . 15 1.10 Summary . 16 1.11 Aims of thesis . 16 1.12 References . 17
Dekarbonisierung des Energiesystems durch verstärkten Einsatz erneuerbaren Stroms im Wärme-, Verkehrs- und Industriesektor bei gleichzeitigen Stilllegungen von Kraftwerken – Auswirkungen auf die Versorgungssicherheit in Süddeutschland

Der Umbau der Energieversorgung zu einem von erneuerbaren Energien dominierten Energiesystem stellt die Versorgungssicherheit im Stromsektor vor neuen Herausforderungen. Zur Analyse der Versorgungssicherheit wird daher ein Modellkonzept entwickelt und angewendet, das sowohl die Untersuchung der Entwicklung der Stromnachfrage als auch die der optimalen Erzeugungstechnologien unter Berucksichtigung technischer, okonomischer und klimapolitischer Restriktionen gestattet.
Drilling Performance Evaluation Using Advanced BHA Modeling and Field Validation

A methodology to optimize bottomhole assembly (BHA) designs to deliver improvements in wellbore quality has been developed. BHA modeling accurately simulates the drilling process and is combined with measurements of the wellbore to establish selected drilling key performance indicators (KPIs) leading to the successful optimization of BHA designs. The benefit of improved hole quality is to drill further, faster, and increase downhole tool life. The methodology evaluates the drilling performance of mud motor runs using KPIs that evaluate the borehole quality and drilling performance. A BHA model evaluates the bending moment at critical housing locations at incremental measured depths. Changes in bending moment throughout the wellbore indicate variations in borehole tortuosity. Variation in borehole diameter during the slide and rotate modes identifies overall borehole rugosity. Multiple mud motor field runs in different basins in North America were analyzed to establish the KPIs. The tortuosity KPI results demonstrated the differences in borehole quality as a function of bending moment, where a tortuous borehole is attributable to increased bend ing moment. The fatigue life of the motor stator connections and the rate of life consumption with a larger accumulation of bending stress cycles was established. The borehole rugosity KPI demonstrated the increase in number of slide/rotate transitions, particularly in curve sections. In horizontal sections, the percentage of slide accounted for loss in rate of penetration (ROP) and consequently increased drilling time and borehole tortuosity. The combination of these factors was used to rank the different BHA designs in terms of their effectiveness to deliver a good quality borehole delivered in the least drilling time. Once the ranking was established, the effectiveness of each of the BHA design elements was established and this information used to improve the subsequent BHAs. The approach creates a new performance evaluation methodology by combining both BHA modeling and field data to optimize designs. This methodology can be implemented before drilling to select the proper BHA design and post-job to evaluate a BHA designs performance.
The Hume-Rothery electron concentration rule studied through interference phenomena in a series of cP12 compounds with either a true gap or pseudogap across the Fermi level

ABSTRACT Among binary MX2-type cP12 compounds with space group , there are many compounds with either a true gap or pseudogap at the Fermi level. They are grouped into two with respect to the total valence electrons per atom (VEC), the first being at 14/3, while the second at 20/3. The ratio of the number of itinerant valence electrons per atom e/a over VEC is used as a measure to evaluate a drastic change in the electronic structure from the nearly free electron-like to the tight binding-like. The Full-potential Linearized Augmented Plane Wave (FLAPW) band calculations were performed to study to what extent the value of e/a can be well defined. We claim that the Hume-Rothery electron concentration rule holds for As2Si, P2Si and MgTe2, where the ratio above is higher than 90%. For compounds with M = Fe, Ru and Os and X = S, Se and Te, where the ratio is between 60 and 70%, the discussion based on a large Brillouin zone is still meaningful but the validity of Hume-Rothery electron concentration rule is judged to be marginal. The value of e/a is lowered below 20% and the Hume-Rothery electron concentration rule fails in MgO2 and O2Os.
Rantes Gene Polymorphisms are Not Associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Meta-Analysis

A few recent studies have suggested that regulated on activation, normal T-cell-expressed and secreted (RANTES) polymorphisms (−403 G/A, −28C/G) are not associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, there still exist studies confirming this correlation. The objective of this study is to evaluate the relationship of RANTES and SLE using a meta-analysis. Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane library databases were systemically searched. Data were extracted by two independent reviewers and pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. Six studies were considered, including a total of 838 cases and 906 controls of −403 G/A, as well as 305 cases and 303 controls of −28C/G in this meta-analysis. The overall ORs and 95% CIs of −403A were 0.79, 0.64–0.97 (P=0.07); and 1.09, 0.64–1.87 (P=0.287) in dominant and recessive models, respectively. The overall ORs and 95% CIs of −28G were 0.64, 0.44–0.94 (P=0.379), and 0.63, 0.21–1.86 (P=0.580) in dominant and recessive models, respectively. No publication bias was found in this meta-analysis. This meta-analysis showed that RANTES-403 G/A and −28C/G were not associated with SLE.
Mutual Fund Returns and Their Characteristics: A Simple Approach to Selecting Better Performing Actively-Managed Funds

Using a survivorship bias-free dataset set of over 4,300 actively-managed US equity and international equity funds for the period 2000–2018, the authors examine whether funds chosen based on various fund characteristics in a given year can yield superior performance the following year. The authors find that a portfolio of funds chosen based on the combination of characteristics of lowest expense ratio, and lowest turnover and highest Sharpe ratio, generates considerably better future performance than the average actively-managed fund, and the difference in returns is statistically significant. TOPICS: Portfolio theory, portfolio construction, style investing, performance measurement Key Findings • Actively-managed mutual funds with lower expense ratios provide higher returns in the following year. • But considerably better returns are achievable from low-expense funds with low portfolio turnover and high Sharpe ratios. • There is sufficient persistence in cost and risk-control characteristics that investors can obtain better long-run results using the selection criteria proposed.
Influence of the Upscale Café Servicescape on Satisfaction and Loyalty Intention

This study aims to examine the relationship between servicescape, satisfaction, and loyalty intention in the Upscale Café setting. The sample of this study was 186 customers of Upscale Café in Tarakan City, Indonesia, on August 2019. To achieve the objectives of this study, SmartPLS 3.0 Professional was used to test convergent validity and discriminant validity as well as tools to develop structural models and test hypotheses. The results of this study indicated that servicescape had an insignificant direct effect on loyalty intention and satisfaction had a significant direct effect on loyalty intention. Meanwhile, the role of satisfaction in mediating the effect of servicescape on loyalty intention towards was fully mediated. Theoretically, the results of this study contribute to the development of the customer loyalty model, whereas pragmatically, it could be applied for marketing strategies to increase the Upscale Café customer loyalty.
A review of acellular immersion tests on bioactive glasses––influence of medium on ion release and apatite formation

When evaluating new bioactive glass compositions for their suitability as a bioma-terial, one of the first steps is the study of their behavior in contact with aqueous solutions. Ion release, pH changes, and apatite precipitation are investigated during immersion experiments, and a wide variety of solutions is used, including simulated body fluid, Tris buffer solution, various cell culture medium formulations or deionized water. This paper reviews the different parameters used for immersion experiments on bioactive glasses. Results show that, depending on solution composition, pH, and buffering capacity, the experimental outcome is likely to vary. In addition, bioactive glass particle size and solution volume/glass surface area ratio affect the resulting ion concentration in solution, and, thus, the rate at which apatite is formed. It is, therefore, important to consider these effects when planning experiments, interpreting results or comparing the results of experiments performed in different laboratories.