Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spatio-temporal differences in leaf physiology are associated with fire, not drought, in a clonally integrated shrub

Abstract In highly disturbed environments, clonality facilitates plant survival via resprouting after disturbance, resource sharing among interconnected stems and vegetative reproduction. These traits likely contribute to the encroachment of deep-rooted clonal shrubs in tallgrass prairie. Clonal shrubs have access to deep soil water and are typically thought of as relatively insensitive to environmental variability. However, how leaf physiological traits differ among stems within individual clonal shrubs (hereafter ‘intra-clonal’) in response to extreme environmental variation (i.e. drought or fire) is unclear. Accounting for intra-clonal differences among stems in response to disturbance is needed to more accurately parameterize models that predict the effects of shrub encroachment on ecosystem processes. We assessed intra-clonal leaf-level physiology of the most dominant encroaching shrub in Kansas tallgrass prairie, Cornus drummondii, in response to precipitation and fire. We compared leaf gas exchange rates from the periphery to centre within shrub clones during a wet (2015) and extremely dry (2018) year. We also compared leaf physiology between recently burned shrubs (resprouts) with unburned shrubs in 2018. Resprouts had higher gas exchange rates and leaf nitrogen content than unburned shrubs, suggesting increased rates of carbon gain can contribute to recovery after fire. In areas recently burned, resprouts had higher gas exchange rates in the centre of the shrub than the periphery. In unburned areas, leaf physiology remained constant across the growing season within clonal shrubs (2015 and 2018). Results suggest single measurements within a shrub are likely sufficient to parameterize models to understand the effects of shrub encroachment on ecosystem carbon and water cycles, but model parameterization may require additional complexity in the context of fire.
Nondestructive Detection of Moisture Content in Walnut Kernel by Near-Infrared Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy

The rapid and accurate detection of the moisture content is of great significance to the quality evaluation and oil extraction process of walnut kernel. Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is an ideal method for measuring the moisture content in walnut kernel. In this study, a regression model for moisture content in walnut kernel was developed based on NIR diffuse reflectance spectroscopy using chemometric methods. The different spectral pretreatment methods were adopted to preprocess the original spectral data. The whole spectra band was divided into 5 subbands, 10 subbands, 15 subbands, and 20 subbands to screen specific wavelengths relevant to the walnut kernel moisture content. PLS (partial least square regression), MLR (multivariate linear regression), PCR (principle component regression), and SVR (support vector regression) were used to establish the relationship model between the spectral data and measurement values of the moisture content. In comparison, the optimized modeling conditions were determined as follows: detection wavelength 1349–1490 nm, SNV-FD (standard normal variate transformation and first derivative) preprocessing method, and PLS algorithm. Under these conditions, the square correlation coefficient (R2) and root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of the prediction model were 0.9865 and 0.0017, respectively. The results of this study provided a feasible method for the rapid detection of moisture content in walnut kernel. To improve the performance and applicability of the model, it is necessary to continuously expand the size of the sample set.
Navigating gender stereotypes as educational leaders: An ecological approach

This paper employs the feminist educational leadership perspective to analyse the ecological context and its influence on the leadership experiences of school head teachers within a patriarchal cultural setting. Methodology: This paper forms part of a mixed methods study that included a quantitative random survey during the first research phase to determine the leadership styles of 350 secondary school head teachers across nine districts in the Punjab province of Pakistan using the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire. This paper is based on the second research phase that analyses empirical data from semi structured interviews of a purposive-stratified sample of 14 head teachers, selected from among the 264 survey respondents, comprising of seven males and seven females. Bronfenbrenner’s ecological development theory is employed as an analytical framework for thematic analysis. Findings: The study reveals that females must navigate gender stereotypes in a society where they have to fight to establish authority, encounter misogynistic attitudes, rely upon familial support to begin their career, gain spiritual support from a higher power, face work-family conflicts all while practicing educational leadership with high motivation. On the other hand, males assume themselves to be natural leaders and appear to be spared from ecological challenges that impede their leadership journeys. Implications: The findings confirm the prevalence of gender stereotypes that position leadership within the masculine domain in a patriarchal context. The study proposes a complete restructuring of the socio-cultural framework to create a gender neutral society that provides equal educational and professional opportunities to all social members in order to maximize human capital development that is crucial for a country’s economic progress. The findings reflect several subtle and non-subtle socio-cultural challenges faced by female leaders around the world. Originality – This study contributes to enhancing the literature on gender and educational leadership in a patriarchal cultural context.
Enhancing belonging within community leisure settings

Experiences of belonging are associated with positive wellbeing. Unfortunately, many individuals in our communities do not experience belonging and are prone to isolation and loneliness. In this paper, we describe five themes that highlight ways to help enhance belonging, particularly for individuals susceptible to exclusion. These themes consist of community spaces that are open, inviting, and accessible; are welcoming; provide opportunities for participation and contribution; support social connections around a common interest; and establish and follow policies that create a culture of belonging. We discuss these themes specifically in relation to community leisure settings and explain that being intentional about inclusionary practices is an important and necessary commitment to enhancing a sense of belonging within these settings.
China–Pakistan Economic Corridor, Logistics Developments and Economic Growth in Pakistan

The study aims to analyze the impact of China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) logistics-related developments on economic growth in Pakistan. The study defined a Cobb–Douglas type of research framework in which the country’s real income level relates to four factor inputs, e.g., employed labor force, logistics development, financial development, and energy consumption in an economy. The study utilized the time series data set for the period 1972–2018. To estimate the long run relationship and short run adjustment mechanism, the study used Johansen’s method of co-integration and error correction model. Estimated results showed that the country’s logistics developments have a significant positive impact on economic growth in both the long run and the short run. It implies that China–Pakistan collaborative efforts for logistics developments will have a strong positive impact on economic growth in Pakistan.
Dual-focused transformational leadership and individual creativity: moderating effects of team scout activity and individual perspective-taking

Abstract This paper developed and tested a research model in which team- and individual-focused transformational leadership (TFL) influence individual creativity through psychological empowerment and the positive effects of team- and individual-focused TFL are moderated via team scout activity and individual perspective-taking. Using multilevel and multisource matched data collected from 44 team leaders and 151 employees in 21 companies, we found that team- and individual-focused TFL had a significant indirect effect on individual creativity through psychological empowerment. The effect of team-focused TFL was significant only when team scout activity was high, whereas the effect of individual-focused TFL was significant only when individual perspective-taking was high.
Real-time multimodal 3D imaging system for remote estimation of vital signs

The contactless estimation of vital signs based on conventional color cameras and ambient light can be affected by motions of patients and changes in ambient light. In this work, a multimodal 3D imaging system with an irritation-free controlled illumination was developed in order to mitigate these both problems. In the developed system the real-time high-precision 3D imaging is combined with VIS-NIR multispectral imaging and thermal imaging. Based on 3D data and color images, an approach was proposed for the efficient compensation of head motions, and novel approaches based on 3D regions of interest were developed for the estimation of heart rate, oxygen saturation, respiration rate, and body temperature from NIR multispectral video data and thermal video data. A proof-of-concept for the developed imaging system and algorithms can be delivered with first experimental results.
Pancreas before Kidney Transplant in Diabetic Patients with Uremia

Theoretically, pancreas before kidney transplant (PBK) could also be one of the options for those waiting for both pancreas and kidney grafts, but it has never been reported. This study is to clarify the justification and feasibility of PBK. There were 160 cases of pancreas transplant in this study, including 26 (16%) PBK. Rejection (3.8%) of pancreas graft was significantly lower in PBK group, followed by 16.7% in pancreas after kidney transplant (PAK), 29.8% in simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplant (SPK) and 37.0% in pancreas transplant alone (PTA). There was no chronic rejection in PBK and PAK groups. Fasting blood sugar and serum HbA1c levels after PBK were not significantly different from those by other subgroups. The serum C-peptide levels were significantly higher in PBK group than those by other subgroups. The 5-year pancreas graft survival was 100% for PBK and PAK, 97.0% for SPK and 77.9% for PTA. In conclusion, PBK could be a treatment option for patients with diabetes complicated by end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in terms of surgical risks, endocrine function, and immunological and graft survival outcomes. However, given the inferior patient survival outcome, PBK is still not recommended unless SPK and PAK is not available.
Cardiac Effects of a Rowing Training Program in Breast Cancer Survivors

The aim of this study was to determine whether a rowing training program could improve cardiac function in women (n = 28) with the mean age of 52.30 ± 3.78 years who survived breast cancer (stage 1: 4.55%; 2: 36.36%; 3: 54.54%; and 4: 4.55%) diagnosed 4.68 ± 3.00 years previously and underwent subsequent surgery (preservation: 56.52%; total mastectomy: 39.13%; and double mastectomy: 4.35%). Participants completed a 12-week training program consisting of three weekly sessions lasting 60–90 min with a progressive intensity increase according to the Börg scale. The assessments performed were blood pressure and pulse measurements both at rest and after performing the six-minute walk test to collect data on cardiac behavior and aerobic performance. The results showed statistically significant differences in cardiovascular system efficiency measured on the basis of heart rate both before (−12.63 ± 14.68 bpm) and after the six-minute walk test (−11.46 ± 28.39 bpm), increase in the distance achieved in the aerobic endurance test (51.56 ± 48.26 m) as well as decrease in diastolic (−13.6 ± 7.85 mm Hg) and systolic (−6.60 ± 9.10 mm Hg) blood pressure. These results suggest that rowing training programs could be a strategy to consider in this population for the benefits observed in heart rate, blood pressure and aerobic performance, which would lead to improved general health and quality of life.
Long-Term Measures of Climate Unpredictability Shape the Avian Endocrine Stress Axis

The vertebrate glucocorticoid stress response is an important mechanism facilitating pleiotropic phenotypic adjustments for coping with environmental change and optimizing fitness. Although circulating glucocorticoid hormones are mediators of plasticity that individuals can adjust rapidly in response to environmental challenges, they are also shaped by ecological selection. It remains unclear, however, how environmental variation on different timescales influences glucocorticoids. Here, we use an intraspecific comparative approach to determine how variation in precipitation on different timescales (months, years, decades) shapes distinct components of the glucocorticoid response. We sampled superb starlings (Lamprotornis superbus) at eight sites across Kenya in multiple years that differed in precipitation. Among-population variation in baseline glucocorticoids was shaped by both short- and long-term precipitation, whereas variation in stress-induced levels was poorly explained by precipitation on any timescale. Adrenal sensitivity, quantified via adrenocorticotropic hormone injections, was shaped by long-term precipitation and was highest in unpredictable environments. Together, these results suggest that variation in glucocorticoids can be best explained by environmental variation at timescales that extend beyond the lives of individuals, although baseline glucocorticoids also reflect short-term environmental conditions. Patterns of long-term precipitation may represent a microevolutionary selective pressure shaping the endocrine stress axis across populations and influencing how individuals cope with environmental change.
Studi Ketebalan Elektroda Pada Produksi Gas HHO (Hidrogen Hidrogen Oksigen) Oleh Generator Hho Tipe Basah Dengan Katalis NaHCO3 (Natrium Bikarbonat)

Abstrak . Salah satu energi alternatif yang efektif dikembangkan sekarang ini untuk mengganti bahan bakar minyak yaitu hidrogen. Untuk mendapatkan gas hidrogen dapat dilakukan melalui proses elektrolisis air dengan memecahkan senyawa H 2 O menjadi gas HHO (Hidrogen Hidrogen Oksigen) dengan bantuan listrik arus searah (Direct Current) melalui media elektroda berupa plat stainless steel 304. Pada penelitian ini, akan diteliti hasil produksi gas HHO oleh generator HHO tipe basah dengan metode elektrolisa H 2 O menggunakan variasi ketebalan elektroda jenis stainless steel 304 yaitu 0,8 mm, 1 mm dan 1,2 mm dengan katalis NaHCO 3 (Natrium Bikarbonat) pada larutan elektrolitnya. Karakteristik yang diketahui meliputi konsumsi daya listrik yang digunakan oleh generator, volume gas yg dihasilkan, laju produksi gas HHO yang dihasilkan dan efisiensi generator. Hasil penelitian dan pengujian generator HHO tipe basah ini didapatkan generator terbaik pada ketebalan elektroda 1 mm diperoleh data hasil pengujian dengan daya HHO yang digunakan sebesar 59,11 Watt, laju produksi gas HHO yang dihasilkan sebanyak 0,00054 kg/s dan efisiensi generator HHO sebesar 9,42 %. Study On The Electrode Thickness In HHO (Hidrogen Hidrogen Oksigen) Gas Production By Wet Type HHO Generator With Catalyst NaHCO 3 (Natrium Bikarbonat) Abstract . One of the alternative energy that effective and currently being developed to replace fossil fuels is hydrogen. To obtain the hydrogen gas can be done through the process of electrolysis of water by breaking the compound H 2 O into HHO (Hydrogen Hydrogen Oxygen) gas by using an electric direct current through the medium of 304 stainless steel plate as an electrode. This research will be developing and observing HHO gas production process using HHO generator wet type (wet cell) through electrolysis H 2 O with thickness variation of electrode that used 0.8 mm, 1 mm and 1.2 mm of electrode 304 stainless steel plate with NaHCO 3 (Nathrium Bicarbonat) catalyst in the electrolyte solution. Characteristics that will be observed including the consumption of electrical power used by the generators, produced gas volume, HHO gas production rate and generator efficiency. Results of research and HHO generator wet type (wet cell) testing have obtained the best generator at a thickness of 1 mm electrode, testing data obtained with the use of HHO power of 59.11 watts, the rate of production of HHO gas is 0.00054 kg/s and HHO generator efficiency by 9.42%.
Perturbing Topography in a Convection‐Allowing Ensemble Prediction System for Heavy Rain Forecasts

Four methods to perturb model terrain are demonstrated in a convection‐allowing scale (3 km) ensemble prediction system (EPS) for heavy rain forecasts. The impact of methods was examined in terms of ensemble mean, spread‐skill relationship and probabilistic forecast. The study was carried out for four major precipitation events. It is found that: (a) using different combinations of topography smoothing and interpolation is a promising way to perturb model topography. Even perturbing the topography alone can greatly improve heavy rain forecasts. The benefit of ensemble forecasts increases with the increase in rainfall amount. (b) Adding random perturbations to model topography is not ideal and could hurt ensemble performance due to a too noisy structure although it increases ensemble spread. Perturbation structure plays a more important role than perturbation size. (c) Using the terrain difference between a higher and lower resolution model to estimate possible errors in model terrain is explored. By adding such terrain differences to the terrain‐generating‐scheme based perturbation (the control experiment) can not only enlarge perturbation size but also keep a good spatial structure. Such a modified ensemble performed similarly in ensemble mean forecasts but improved the ensemble spread and probabilistic forecast. It is recommended that perturbed model terrain should be included in operational EPSs to improve heavy precipitation forecasts. The simple terrain‐generating‐scheme based perturbation method, as described in this study, is effective and can be implemented in an existing operational EPS without extra computing cost.
Variant translocation t(6;10)(p21;q22) in pulmonary chondroid hamartoma

Banding cytogenetics and fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of a pulmonary chondroid hamartoma (PCH) showed the presence of a t(6;10)(p21;q22). A cytogenetically identical translocation has previously been found in another case of PCH, suggesting that it could represent a variant form of the standard t(6;14)(p21;q24). Genes Chromosom Cancer 15:246–248 (1996). © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
2D and 3D ultraviolet fluorescence applications on cultural heritage paintings and objects through a low-cost approach for diagnostics and documentation

This contribution presents some examples of the application of ultraviolet fluorescence (UVF) photography and photogrammetry on cultural heritage objects and paintings. The used approach is based on low-cost systems sustainable in terms of costs for restorers and conservators, but, at the same time, able to supply valid and relevant information for a better knowledge of the preservation state, of previous restoration interventions and of possible superimposed materials. This knowledge is fundamental for planning and addressing the restoration activities, such as cleaning and consolidation, in the most appropriate way as possible. Specific cases studies will be reported concerning large paintings and 3D objects. In the first case, it has been necessary to acquire several images by dividing the surface into various parts, as function of the dimensions of the investigated area, and then by using photogrammetric tools to recompose the images into a single one (orthophotomosaic of the painting). In the second case, the UVF images are acquired all around the 3D objects and then processed in order to obtain a photorealistic model under ultraviolet fluorescence. The image acquisitions were obtained by using a digital camera equipped with different lens and filters. Lighting of the surfaces was obtained by UV projectors. The acquired images have been then processed through photogrammetric tools in order to obtain the final 2D and 3D ultraviolet fluorescence outputs of the investigated artworks that can be explored and profitably used for gathering metrically precise information and material response to UV radiation.
The need for robust critique of research on social and health impacts of the arts

ABSTRACT This paper outlines the growth of interest in the UK in the social and health impacts of the arts from the late 1990s onwards. It highlights the early critiques of claims made about such impacts by Belfiore and Mirza (Mirza, 2006a). Attention is given to two recent commissioned reviews of arts and health research, by the World Health Organization (WHO) Europe, and the UK Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), which conclude that the can arts have an important role in promoting health and reducing social and health inequalities. These reports have substantial limitations, however, and the critical concerns raised by Belfiore and Mirza remain to be addressed. The paper concludes that broad scoping reviews are ill-advised as a guide for practice and policy development, and future progress should be guided by rigorous, systematic and transparent methods that ensure that review results are trustworthy. The arts and cultural engagement may have a part to play in promoting wellbeing, but whether or not they can have a substantial role in promoting population health and reducing social and health inequalities is yet to be demonstrated.
Exploring the Factors Influencing the Use of Communication and Collaboration Applications

Over the recent years, online communication and collaboration applications have been extensively used in teaching, learning, and research. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the attitudes and perceptions of higher education students concerning these applications and their use in learning activities. The research was conducted on 748 Romanian students. The findings have revealed that social networks represent the main category of communication and collaboration applications used for learning purposes. Additionally, gender-induced differences have been found, as well as variances among undergraduates and graduates by several dimensions of the unified technology acceptance model, while students' learning engagement proved to mediate the relationship between personality traits, technology self-efficacy, and the use of collaboration tools. The paper also offers a comparative analysis between the students' and the academics' responses to the use of online communication and collaboration applications in the same cultural and organizational context. Practical implications are also presented.
Finite difference modified WENO schemes for hyperbolic conservation laws with non‐convex flux

The Weighted Essentially Non‐Oscillatory (WENO) reconstruction provides higher‐order accurate solutions to hyperbolic conservation laws for convex flux. But it fails to capture composite structure in the case of non‐convex flux and converges to the wrong solution (Qiu & Shu SIAM J Sci Comput. 2008;31:584‐607). In this article, we have developed a Modified WENO (MWENO) scheme in the finite difference framework, which can resolve the composite structure and ensures the entropic convergence. The MWENO reconstruction procedure involves the identification of the troubled‐cells, followed by the use of first‐order monotone modification in the troubled‐cells and employ the fifth‐order WENO reconstruction in the non‐troubled cells. A new troubled‐cell indicator is developed using the information of the smoothness indicator of the WENO reconstruction. Numerical experiments are performed for 1D and 2D test cases, which ensure the entropic convergence of the proposed schemes.