Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Global soil organic carbon–climate interactions: Why scales matter

Soil organic carbon (SOC) holds the largest terrestrial carbon stock because of soil conditions and processes that favor soil carbon persistence. Vulnerable to climate change, SOC may cross a tipping point toward liberating carbon‐based greenhouse gases, implying massive self‐amplifying SOC‐ climate interactions. Estimates of SOC persistence are challenging as we still lack broad mechanistic insights. Upscaling mechanistic details from small to larger scales is challenging because the driving factors are not available at the needed resolution. Downscaling is problematic as many modeling studies point to the highest uncertainties deriving from the SOC response to climate change, while models themselves have difficulties in replicating contemporary soil properties and dynamics. To bridge the problems of scaling, strict process orientation seems adequate. Holdridge Life Zones (HLZ) classification, as one example, is a climate classification framework at a mesoscale that provides a descriptive approach to facilitate the identification of potential hotspots and coldspots of SOC‐climate interaction. Establishing coordinated experiments across all HLZ, but also including multiple global change drivers, has the potential to advance our understanding of general principles regulating SOC‐climate interaction and SOC persistence. Therefore, regionally tailored solutions for both experiments and modeling are urgently needed and can lead to better management of soil and the ecosystem services provided. Improving “translations” from the scales relevant for process understanding to the scales of decision‐making is key to good management and to predict the fate of our largest terrestrial carbon stock.
Integrating a first-year engineering program with a living-learning community

Timothy Hinds, Michigan State University TIMOTHY J. HINDS is an Academic Specialist in the Michigan State University College of Engineering Undergraduate Studies and Department of Mechanical Engineering. He is the lead instructor for the Cornerstone Engineering / Spartan Engineering program teaching courses in engineering design and modeling. He has also taught courses in machine design, manufacturing processes, mechanics, computational tools and international product design as well as graduate-level courses in engineering innovation and technology management. He has over 25 years of combined academic and industrial management experience. He received his BSME and MSME degrees from Michigan Technological University.
A Faster and More Accurate Iterative Threshold Algorithm for Signal Reconstruction in Compressed Sensing

Fast iterative soft threshold algorithm (FISTA) is one of the algorithms for the reconstruction part of compressed sensing (CS). However, FISTA cannot meet the increasing demands for accuracy and efficiency in the signal reconstruction. Thus, an improved algorithm (FIPITA, fast iterative parametric improved threshold algorithm) based on mended threshold function, restart adjustment mechanism and parameter adjustment is proposed. The three parameters used to generate the gradient in the FISTA are carefully selected by assessing the impact of them on the performance of the algorithm. The developed threshold function is used to replace the soft threshold function to reduce the reconstruction error and a restart mechanism is added at the end of each iteration to speed up the algorithm. The simulation experiment is carried out on one-dimensional signal and the FISTA, RadaFISTA and RestartFISTA are used as the comparison objects, with the result that in one case, for example, the residual rate of FIPITA is about 6.35% lower than those three and the number of iterations required to achieve the minimum error is also about 102 less than that of FISTA.
Deep Learning-Based Cow Tail Detection and Tracking for Precision Livestock Farming

Cow tail detection and tracking in videos provide valuable information for individual identification, calving process, behavior analysis, and body condition monitoring. Although deep learning-based detection methods have demonstrated good performance, many of them have high complexity and still require an improvement in video object detection by reducing the computation time and false positives. To fully exploit the interframe information and achieve a real-time online detection, the optimized cow tail detection and tracking method is proposed based on an improved single shot multibox detector (SSD) and Kalman filter. Here, our improved SSD-integrated DenseNet and Inception-v4 reduce detection information loss and network parameters. Then, an improved window function-based Kalman filter and Hungarian are adopted to remove error detections and enhance the cow tail tracking accuracy. Experiments on our acquired rear-view videos show that the proposed approach achieved fast tail detection with an accuracy of 96.97%, a speed of 96 fps, a smaller model size of 25 MB, and higher position accuracy with an average 6.45 pixels deviation. The proposed approach outperformed the region-based R-CNN models and other tracking methods (e.g., particle filter), which provides a new solution to automatic cow detection and tracking in smart livestock farming.
The Therapeutic Treatment with the GAG-Binding Chemokine Fragment CXCL9(74–103) Attenuates Neutrophilic Inflammation and Lung Dysfunction during Klebsiella pneumoniae Infection in Mice

Klebsiella pneumoniae is an important pathogen associated with hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP). Bacterial pneumonia is characterized by a harmful inflammatory response with a massive influx of neutrophils, production of cytokines and chemokines, and consequent tissue damage and dysfunction. Targeted therapies to block neutrophil migration to avoid tissue damage while keeping the antimicrobial properties of tissue remains a challenge in the field. Here we tested the effect of the anti-inflammatory properties of the chemokine fragment CXCL9(74–103) in pneumonia induced by Klebsiella pneumoniae in mice. Mice were infected by intratracheal injection of Klebsiella pneumoniae and 6 h after infection were treated systemically with CXCL9(74–103). The recruitment of leukocytes, levels of cytokines and chemokines, colony-forming units (CFU), and lung function were evaluated. The treatment with CXCL9(74–103) decreased neutrophil migration to the airways and the production of the cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β) without affecting bacterial control. In addition, the therapeutic treatment improved lung function in infected mice. Our results indicated that the treatment with CXCL9(74–103) reduced inflammation and improved lung function in Klebsiella pneumoniae-induced pneumonia.
Conical dielectric resonator antenna with improved gain and bandwidth for X-band applications

In this paper, a simple conical-shaped dielectric resonator antenna operating in HEM11δ mode is presented for X-band wireless applications. A rectangular slot with a running microstrip line is used for excitation purpose. By placing a FR-4 based superstrate at 7 mm height from the ground FR-4 substrate and incorporating a set of modified ground plane on either side of the feed line, gain is improved by 42.85% and bandwidth by 68.92%, simultaneously. A prototype of designed antenna is fabricated and characterized. The measured results are found to be good in matching with the simulated ones.
The toxicity of Meistera chinensis rhizome fraction by shrimp larvae with the BSLT method

Meistera chinensis is a species that belong to the Zingiberacea family. In Southeast Sulawesi, a population of Meistera chinensis was found in the Abuki forest of Konawe Regency. Empirically, its consumed by the community as a cooking spice and body fitness. The results of previous research revealed that Meistera chinensis fruit is efficacious as an antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial and antifungal. Research on the rhizome has never been done. This study aims to determine the potential for toxicity and the LC50 value of Meistera chinensis rhizome using the BSLT method. The rhizomes were extracted with 96% ethanol and concentrated using a rotary evaporator. Then fractionation was carried out with methanol and ethyl acetate as solvents. The concentration of the rhizome fraction was 7.81 ppm, 15.63 ppm, 32.25 ppm, 62.5 ppm, 125 ppm, 250 ppm, 500 ppm and 1000 ppm. Positive control used of 1.4 mg potassium bichromate and negative control is DMSO. Toxicity was determined based on the mortality of shrimp larvae and calculated by determining the LC50 value. The results showed that the LC50 values ​​for the methanol, ethyl acetate and positive control fractions of Meistera chinensis rhizome were 252.88 mg/L, 57.17 mg/L, and 6.22 mg/L, respectively. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the Meistera chinensis rhizome fraction has a toxic effect on shrimp larvae (≤1,000 mg/L).
Impact of multidisciplinary approach in managing pott spine - A case report

In approximately 40 to 50 % of tuberculosis cases, Pott's spine is the commonest musculoskeletal manifestation. Impoverished nutrition, addiction, the introduction of drug-resistant tuberculosis strains, ineffective tuberculosis control efforts, overcrowding, and increased migration appear to be contributing factors to the global increase in TB incidence. In humans, the earliest recorded infectious disease is spinal tuberculosis that has the potential for significant morbidity. Severe deformities along with neurologic impairments are frequently found in spinal tuberculosis. It usually results in angular kyphotic deformity and anterior wedging by damaging the disc space between two vertebrae and also damaging the bodies of the neighboring vertebrae. In this paper, we describe a case of a 36-year-old male who had low back pain and loss of sensation, and bilateral weakness in the lower extremities. On further investigations, the patient was diagnosed with Tuberculosis infecting the spine and was on anti-tubercular medications. Due to increased severity of symptoms patient was planned for D9 Costo transversectomy with D9 corpectomy with pedicle screw and rod fusion at D8-D10 and decompression surgery for the lumbar spine. So along with it, the patient was given planned goal-oriented physiotherapy pre and postoperatively which was found to be highly beneficial for the patient and improved functional independence and quality of life. The outcome measure used was the lower limb functional Scale.
Preparing Vulnerable Populations for Science Literacy and Young Adults for Global Citizenship through Service Learning

The establishment of links between the University and the community in which it is embedded is a permanent challenge. Exploring new ways to open university doors to vulnerable populations is a means of developing young adults’ civic responsibility and global citizenship. This relationship of enrichment and mutual benefit does not only crystallize through the transfer of knowledge but also through service. When, within the community, this service is aimed at students with specific needs of educational support (SNES), we enter fully into the field of inclusive education, developing competencies and reaching sustainable development goals, which go far beyond those of mere knowledge-sharing. This paper presents service-learning (SL) projects carried out in English class by undergraduate Engineering and Education students at a Special Education Center for adults. The main goal was to develop a basic linguistic competence in English so that SNES students could understand science texts and technological instructions to handle ICTs with some autonomy. Face-to-face versus online modality use, forced by the pandemic, are contrasted and results are compared over a three-year period. University students’ perceptions on how this pedagogical approach of service learning contributes to their personal growth and consolidation of global citizenship are presented.
Global Sensitivity Analysis of the LPJ Model for Larix olgensis Henry Forests NPP in Jilin Province, China

Parameter sensitivity analysis can determine the influence of the input parameters on the model output. Identification and calibration of critical parameters are the crucial points of the process model optimization. Based on the Extended Fourier Amplitude Sensitivity Test (EFAST) and the Morris method, this paper analyzes and compares the parameter sensitivity of the annual mean net primary productivity (NPP) of Larix olgensis Henry forests in Jilin Province simulated by the Lund–Potsdam–Jena dynamic global vegetation model (LPJ model) in 2009–2014 and 2000–2019, and deeply examines the sensitivity and influence of the two methods to each parameter and their respective influence on the model’s output. Moreover, it optimizes some selected parameters and re-simulates the NPP of Larix olgensis forests in Jilin Province from 2010 to 2019. The conclusions are the following: (1) For the LPJ model, the sensitive and non-influential parameters could be identified, which could guide the optimization order of the model and was valuable for model area applications. (2) The results of the two methods were similar but not identical. The sensitivity parameters were significantly correlated (p < 0.05); parameter krp was the most sensitive parameter, followed by parameters αm, αa, and gm. These sensitive parameters were mainly found in the photosynthesis, water balance, and allometric growth modules. (3) The EFAST method had a higher precision than the Morris method, which could calculate quantitatively the contribution rate of each parameter to the variances of the model results; however, the Morris method involved fewer model running times and higher efficiency. (4) The mean relative error (MRE) and mean absolute error (MAE) of the simulated value of LPJ model after parameter optimization decreases. The optimized annual mean value of NPP from 2010 to 2019 was 580 g C m−2 a−1, with a mean annual growth rate of 2.13%, exhibiting a fluctuating growth trend. The MAE of the simulated value of LPJ model after parameter optimization decreases.
Iron (II) Removal Using Activated Silica/Lignin Composite: Kinetic and Equilibrium Studies

Recently, the Indonesian industry has been rapidly developed and affects the number of heavy metal ions waste such as iron (II). Iron (II) is dangerous to the environment because it is harmful to aquatic systems and carcinogenic. This research used activated silica/lignin to remove iron (II) in water. The activated silica/lignin was isolated from rice husk and activated by sodium periodate with a 10% weight of lignin in the range of pH of 2–5 at 55 °C. Then its specific surface area was analyzed with the methylene blue adsorption method. It is found that the condition in pH 2 showed the best isolation and activation condition to achieve the lowest impurity (cellulose and hemicellulose) in silica/lignin composite. Furthermore, the activated silica/lignin composite, isolated in pH 2, has a specific surface area of 366.6372 m2/g with the highest adsorption value of 1.1825 mg g-1 for iron (II) ions solution (5 ppm) within a contact time of 90 minutes. Moreover, the adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, also the adsorption isotherm fitted with the Freundlich model. This research showed that activated silica/lignin could be used as an alternative of environmentally friendly material for iron (II) removal in water.
Enabling Healthy Aging to AVOID Frailty in Community Dwelling Older Canadians

The Canadian population is aging. With aging, biological and social changes occur increasing the risk of developing chronic conditions and functional loss leading to frailty. Older adults living with frailty are more vulnerable to minor stressors, take longer to recover from illness, and have difficulty participating in daily activities. The Canadian Frailty Network’s (CFN) mission is to improve the lives of older adults living with frailty. In September 2019, CFN launched the Activity & Exercise, Vaccination, Optimization of medications, Interaction & Socialization, and Diet & Nutrition (AVOID) Frailty public health campaign to promote assessing and reducing risk factors leading to the development of frailty. As part of the campaign, CFN held an Enabling Healthy Aging Symposium with 36 stakeholders from across Canada. Stakeholders identified individual and community-level opportunities and challenges for the enablement of healthy aging and frailty mitigation, as part of a focused consultative process. Stakeholders ranked the three most important challenges and opportunities at the individual and community levels for implementing AVOID Frailty recommendations. Concrete actions, further research areas, policy changes, and existing resources/programs to enhance the AVOID Frailty campaign were identified. The results will help inform future priorities and behaviour change strategies for healthy aging in Canada.
Data-driven prediction-control system modeling for magnetorheological damping force

As a new type of intelligent damper, the magnetorheological damper has been widely used in robot, automobile NVH, and intelligent structure. However, for the intelligent response control from the structural excitation, it is the challenge to realize the intelligent control of the magnetorheological damping system. In this paper, the prediction-control mechanism of the magnetorheological damping system is modeled by a data-driven method, such as neural network and classification algorithm. The NARX (Nonlinear autoregressive with external input) neural network is used to predict the desired damping force required for the structural system in the forward direction, and the decision tree classification algorithm is used to reversely-control the desired current of the magnetorheological damping system in instant response to the structural system’s damping force requirement. The analysis results show that the prediction-control method is feasible to realize the intelligent control of the damper based on the state data of the damped system, which provides a new idea for the intelligent control of the magnetorheological damper system.
Characterization and phylogenetic analysis of the complete mitochondrial genome of the rainbow krib, Pelvicachromis pulcher (Perciformes: Cichlidae)

Abstract We report the complete mitochondrial genome information of the rainbow krib, Pelvicachromis pulcher (Boulenger 1901). Illumina HiSeq genome sequencing allowed the assembly of a circular mitogenome of 17,196 base pairs (bp) from P. pulcher consisting of 47% GC nucleotides, 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and a putative control region in the typical teleost gene composition. The gene order of the P. pulcher mitogenome was identical to that of other cichlid species. A maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree based on mitochondrial PCGs showed a relationship of P. pulcher with a cichlid Tylochromis polylepis (Boulenger 1900), suggesting that more complete mitogenomes are needed to explore mitogenome evolution in West African tribes and riverine cichlids, as this genomic information is the first complete mitogenome in the tribe Chromidotilapiini.
The complete mitochondrial genome of Buccinum bayani (Gastropoda: Buccininae) in Korea

Abstract This study is the first to report the complete 15,262 base pair mitochondrial genome of Buccinum bayani, consisting of 13 protein-coding genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, and a control region (D-loop). The overall base composition of the complete genome is A (29.87%), T (39.11%), G (15.86%), and C (15.16%), with a high AT content of 68.98%. Phylogenetic analysis showed that B. bayani was most closely related to B. undatum. The mitogenome of B. bayani will provide helpful information to further our phylogenetic and evolutionary understanding of the family Buccininae.
Foreign ownership and firm performance in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract Our study investigates the effects of foreign ownership on firm performance with respect to profitability, productivity, export intensity, and skills acquisition in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. This is particularly important given that in the last three decades, the stock of FDI has increased by over 20,000% in SSA countries. To achieve the objectives of this paper, we employed firm- and country-level data from the World Bank Enterprise Surveys and the World Bank Development Indicators, respectively. Results of the least squares dummy variable (LSDV) and propensity score matching (PSM) estimations showed that foreign ownership was positively associated with higher levels of financial profitability, productivity, exports, and skilled labour acquisition. Policy implications were deduced from the findings.
Gauging financial conditions in South Africa

This paper investigates the relevance of financial conditions indices (FCIs) as an additional gauge of South Africa’s economic metabolism. As a starting point, a background is provided on FCIs in terms of evolution, methodologies and uses. In general, FCIs were found to have a very broad definition, are used for different purposes and can be calculated with different statistical techniques. The first step in developing an FCI for South Africa was to identify a purpose for it. From the purpose followed the data selection, sourced from regular updated financial data since 2003. The selection was differentiated from other South Afri-can FCIs by including commodity prices, as well as BER financial survey data. The final selection of indicators was tested for unit roots. The second process was the calculation of weights, in which case the principle components method was used. However, to avoid revising the historical data of the FCI each new month, a real-time principle component series was constructed. This method implies that the weights are recalculated every month, based on a rolling window of 60 months historical data, starting from 2005 onwards. In the third and final step, the real-time principle component series was purged from the real-time nominal GDP growth rate (capturing both output and inflation). The purged real-time principle component series was taken as the final FCI. The impact of the global financial crisis and the drastic monetary policy that followed is clearly visible in the FCI. The periodical divergence between the FCI and the real economy also served as an indication on the effectiveness of monetary policy. This FCI was found, over shorter horizons, to lead economic growth by nine months, and it improved on a naive forecast of GDP growth.