Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ecosystem services enhanced through soundscape management link people and wildlife

1. Burgeoning urbanization, development and human activities have led to reduced opportunities for nature experience in quiet acoustic environments. Increasing noise affects both humans and wildlife alike. 2. We experimentally altered human-caused sound levels in a paired study using in-formational signs that encouraged quiet behaviours in week-on, week-off blocks on the trail system of Muir Woods National Monument, California, USA to test if the soundscape influences both wildlife and human experiences. 3. Using continuous measurements from acoustic recording units ( n = 13) spatially distributed within the park, we found signs significantly lowered sound levels by approximately 1.2 decibels (A-weighted), thereby increasing listening area by 24% and bird availability by approximately 5.8% for every 1 decibel decrease. 4. Visitor-intercept surveys ( n = 537) revealed that our mitigation increased the number of birds perceived by visitors, rankings of soundscape pleasantness, and importantly, preferences for soundscape management. 5. By lowering human-caused sound levels, we created an acoustic environment equivalent to a ~ 21% reduction in visitors. The positive feedback cycle we de-scribe may lead to increased conservation support in a time when the extinction of nature experience looms.
Extensive analysis of strong black liquor

Seventeen black liquor samples of different origin have been extensively analysed. Detailed data are presented for inorganic and organic compounds and for physical properties. New quantities describing the organic components have been introduced. A method for the determination of the molar mass disribution of polysaccharides is described. The content of polysacharides was much higher in liquors from soda and NSSC processes than from kraft pulping. Liquors from hardwood pulping were richer in high molar mass polysaccharides than liquors from softwood pulping. An increase in the content of high molar mass polysaccharides resulted in an increase in viscosity of the strong black liquor. The surface strength values for liquors at about, 50% dry solids content were higher than previously assumed. Liquor from a mill producing medium yield pulp (Kappa number 50) differed considerably from the liquor from mills producing bleachable pulp grades.
Multifrequency Impedance Method Based on Neural Network for Root Canal Length Measurement

Root canal therapy is the most fundamental and effective approach for treating endodontics and periapicalitis. The length of the root canal must be accurately measured to clean the pathogenic substances in it. This study aims to present a multifrequency impedance method based on a neural network for root canal length measurement. A circuit system was designed which generates a current of frequencies from 100 Hz to 20 kHz in order to augment the data of impedance ratios with different combinations of frequencies. Several impedance ratios and other quantified characteristics, such as the type of tooth and file, were selected as features to train a neural network model that could predict the distance between the file and apical foramen. The model uses leave-one-out cross-validation, adopts the Adam optimizer and regularization, and has two hidden layers with nine and five nodes, respectively. The neural network-based multifrequency impedance method exhibits nearly 95% accuracy, compared with the dual-frequency impedance ratio method (which demonstrated no more than 85% accuracy in some situations). This method may eliminate the influence of human and environmental factors on measurement of the root canal length, thereby increasing measurement robustness.
Do wild suids from Ndumo Game Reserve, South Africa, play a role in the maintenance and transmission of African swine fever to domestic pigs?

Warthogs (Phacochoerus africanus) and bushpigs (Potamochoerus larvatus) are considered as the wild reservoirs of ASF. They are both present in Ndumo Game Reserve (NGR), located in the Northern South African Province of KwaZulu on the border with Mozambique. In that area, the occurrence of tick-warthog sylvatic cycle of ASF has been suspected for years. To assess if wild suids represent a risk of ASF virus spillover to domestic pigs, wild suid abundance and incursions outside NGR boundaries were estimated using transect counts, fence patrols and camera traps. Also, the presence of Ornithodoros ticks was explored in 35 warthog burrows within NGR. In addition, blood samples were taken from 67 domestic pig farms located outside NGR to be tested for ASF antibodies. Information on interactions between domestic and wild suids and ASF occurrence was gathered using interviews with pig farmers (n = 254) in the study area. In conclusion, the bushpigs and warthog's population estimates in NGR are 5 and 3-5 individuals/km2 , respectively. Both species move out of the reserve regularly (15.4 warthogs/day and 6.35 bushpigs/day), with movements significantly increasing in the dry season. Some farmers observed warthogs and bushpigs as far as 8 and 19 km from NGR, respectively, but no reports of direct wild-domestic suids interactions or ASF outbreaks. Also, no soft ticks were detected in all warthog burrows and all the pig blood samples were negative for ASF antibodies. The absence of ticks in warthog burrows, the absence of antibodies in pigs sampled, the absence of reported outbreaks, and no familiarity with ASF in the study area, suggest that a sylvatic cycle of ASF is, at present, unlikely in NGR. This conclusion must be confirmed by a larger survey of warthog burrows and monitoring potential antibodies in warthogs from NGR.
Lavandula angustifolia aqueous extract ameliorates anxiety and depressive-like behaviors in chronic mild stress-treated male rats

The study aims to show the possible anxiolytic and antidepressant-like properties of an oral lavender’s flower aqueous extract (LAE) in chronic mild stress (CMS) model of rats. Test and control rats received LAE (200 or 400 mg/ kg) and distilled water respectively. Tests of Sucrose preference (SP), elevated plus maze (EPM), and open field (OFT) were used to evaluate rats’ behavioral changes. The percentage of SP in the CMS group was 2.6 times less than that of the unstressed group (p<0.05). However, administration of LAE (200 and 400 mg / kg) increased SP of CMS rats by 2.0 and 3.01 times respectively in comparison to those of the stressed animals. EPM analysis revealed that 5-week CMS exposure significantly reduced the number of entries in open arm (0.8 times) as compared to unstressed rats (6.6 times). LAE (200 and 400 mg / kg) reversed CMS by increasing both the total time spent (1.73 and 1.23% respectively) and the number of entries in open arm (5 and 5.7 times respectively) compared to those related to unstressed group (p< 0.05). CMS decreased the number of entries and time spent in the central zone of OFT. Administration of LAE (200 and 400 mg/ kg) to stressed rats enhanced the total distance traveled respectively by 3.30 and 2.65% than the control rats. Taken together, oral lavender aqueous extracts showed ameliorating effects on the depression and anxiety-related behaviors in rats. Key words: Depression, lavender, chronic mild stress, anxiety, aqueous extract.
Biofilm in the Parisian suburbs drinking water distribution system

Internal pipe surfaces within drinking water distribution systems (DS) are colonised by bacteria forming a biofilm. Detachment of cells from the biofilm leads to a deterioration of the microbiological water quality. This justifies the requirement for biofilm investigation in DS. This paper presents data on biofilm gained over a long period in the different areas of the Parisian suburbs DS. Two different systems were tested to incubate cast-iron coupons in DS to measure biofilm after colonisation in order to study biofilm. It shows that a simple and inexpensive system can be efficiently used for this purpose. Fixed bacterial biomass was routinely estimated, in this study, on cast-iron coupons by potential exoproteolytic activity (PEPA) and sometimes by epifluorescence microscopic enumeration performed after bacteria detachment from the support by sonication. Bacterial biomass in the biofilm ranged from 0.009 to 0.56 μgC cm-2 in the studied distribution systems. Comparing bacterial numbers in the water phase, on one hand, and fixed to pipe walls, on the other hand, showed that fixed cells were much more abundant than the suspended cells in DS (25 times in a 100 mm diameter pipe). The large set of data gained on biofilm within the Parisian suburbs DS allows us to demonstrate, on full scale data, the major role of disinfectant (chlorine) residual and biodegradable dissolved organic carbon (BDOC) as controlling factors of the biofilm in DS.
Removal of vasopressin cells from the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus enhances lipopolysaccharide‐induced sickness behaviour in mice

Vasopressin (AVP) cells in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) are activated during sickness and project to multiple nuclei responsible for the anxiety, social and motivated behaviours affected during sickness, suggesting that these cells may play a role in sickness behaviours, typically expressed as reduced mobility, increased anxiety, anhedonia and social withdrawal. In the present study, we selectively ablated AVP neurones in the PVN of male and female mice (Mus musculus) and induced sickness behaviour via injection of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We found that PVN AVP ablation increased the effects of LPS, specifically by further decreasing sucrose preference in males and females and decreasing the social preference of males, monitored within 24 hours of LPS injection. These results suggest that PVN AVP contributes to the change in motivated behaviours during sickness and may help promote recovery from infection.
Managing knowledge in the context of gastronomy and culinary tourism: a knowledge-based view

ABSTRACT This study examines the nexus between knowledge management and gastronomy, and associated implications for the development of a region’s culinary destination image. The journey of three model restaurateurs is investigated considering key perspectives of the knowledge-based view of the firm. Face-to-face, unstructured interviews conducted on-site revealed the significance of capacity for aggregation, appropriability, specialisation, and knowledge requirements of production in defining the path of the business, including by adopting sustainable food sourcing and production practices, with transferability being partly manifested. Complementing these findings, a distinctive dimension of capacity for aggregation emerged. Indeed, along with their growing expertise and knowledge of culinary arts, participants advocated for stronger principles, including with regard to the consistency of product and service delivery across their industry, seemingly taking a leadership role, setting standards and seeking to inspire others. The links between the knowledge-based foundations and the findings are illustrated through a proposed theoretical framework.
Transcending Taekwondo Competition to Sustain Inter-Korean Sports Diplomacy

Abstract Taekwondo has long been used by the Republic of Korea (ROK; South Korea) and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK; North Korea) for diplomatic purposes. ROK athletes practice a Taekwondo best identified as Kukki (National) Taekwondo, the competition rules for which are overseen by World Taekwondo (WT). In the North, the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) governs all aspects of that country’s Taekwondo. A shortage of other soft diplomacy tools for inter-Korean dialogue all but demands that Taekwondo diplomacy be maintained in the interests of peace. For this reason, the two organizations desire to hold joint competitions rather than the currently held joint demonstrations that have seen moderate success to date. By adopting Galtung’s conflict resolution theory (CRT) of transcendence, this study utilizes Peace Studies research to 1) permit ROK and DPRK practitioners to participate in joint competitions, 2) continue sport and cultural diplomacy efforts between WT and the ITF, and 3) allow both Kukki and ITF Taekwondo to remain intact. The examples of open Taekwando competitions provided illustrate how CRT may overcome the decades-long friction between these Taekwondo groups, thus providing an avenue for improved sports diplomacy.
Transformation of Geospatial Technology Knowledge in Pre-service and Experienced Geography Teachers as Pedagogical Tools in the Technological-Pedagogical-Content Knowledge Framework

This study aims to uncover GST's gaps and patterns (Geospatial Technology) knowledge transformation among Pre-service and experienced geography teachers using GST as an educational tool based on the Technological, Pedagogical, and Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework. GST integration into material content is implemented as a basis for thinking and acting to solve problems and decision-making, especially geographic content. This study is doing a cross-sectional survey with 600 respondents of the population. They were divided into five groups, such as Pre-service teachers, in the beginning, middle, final semester, and then beginner and experienced teachers, and each group consisting of 120 respondents. The measured GST component includes conceptual knowledge, implementation, and reasoning acquired by tests. The obtained test values were analyzed by the SPSS software for statistic descriptive and plotting gap knowledge value in the scatterplot-graph. Then, deviation values were obtained; the transformation model was mapped and interpreted in the Cartesian diagram. The results showed a GST knowledge gap between Pre-service and experienced geography teachers. The low implementation ability of experienced teachers means that GST is not optimal as a pedagogical tool in geography learning with the TPACK framework. Therefore, the TPACK framework needs to be practiced in continuous geography learning and changing the paradigm learning from GST Be learning with GST to strengthen the curriculum.
Diversity, morphological phylogeny, and distribution of bats of the genus Molossus E. Geoffroy, 1805 (Chiroptera, Molossidae) in Brazil

ABSTRACT Tenuous descriptions of many species and subspecies of mastiff bats make the taxonomy of Molossus E. Geoffroy, 1805 confusing and unstable. Molossus is one of the most diverse genera of free tailed bats in the pantropical family Molossidae Gervais, 1856. Given their impressive variation due to geography, sex, and ontogeny, and incomplete knowledge about species boundaries, a comprehensive taxonomic revision of the genus is needed. In addition, the level of genetic divergence, even among morphologically well-characterized species is low, often making diagnosis of groups difficult and likely resulting in an underestimation of the number of species. Brazil has a wide territory harboring many different physiognomies, but with no study focusing on the morphological variation and taxonomy of Molossus available. Therefore, we have analyzed qualitative and quantitative characters from 493 specimens belonging to nine species of Molossus, and conducted a wide comparative morphological analysis of the species occurring in Brazil. In addition, we propose a hypothesis of phylogenetic relationships within Molossus based on morphology, establishing the morphological characters for diagnosis and identification of species, and update the geographic distribution of Molossus species in Brazil, with range extensions for four taxa. Six species, Molossus rufus E. Geoffroy, 1805, Molossus molossus (Pallas, 1776), Molossus coibensis Allen, 1904, Molossus aztecus Saussure, 1860, Molossus currentium Thomas, 1901, and Molossus pretiosus Miller, 1902 occur in Brazil. We bring support for the synonymy of Molossus bondae Allen, 1904 with M. currentium, as suggested by several authors.
Leveraging Interfirm Relationships in China: Western Relational Governance or Guanxi? Domestic Versus Foreign Firms

With the growing importance of strategic alliances and supply chains as competitive units, academics and practitioners are interested in understanding the techniques used by firms to leverage interfirm relationships to gain a competitive advantage. Studies conducted in the Western context underline the role of relational governance (i.e., the modern Western way), whereas works in the Chinese context highlight the importance of guanxi (i.e., the traditional Chinese way). Today’s Chinese economy operates as a hybrid of the Western modern business model and traditional Chinese patterns with the coexistence of Western relational governance and guanxi. Therefore, this study addresses two issues: (1) whether these two types of governance interact as substitutes or complements in leveraging interfirm relationships and (2) whether and how foreign firms differ from their Chinese domestic counterparts in the use of these two types of governance to improve performance. Drawing on data collected from 132 third-party logistics providers in China, this study shows that Western relational governance and guanxi function as substitutes in improving performance. Moreover, while guanxi contributes to performance in a similar manner in Chinese domestic firms and foreign firms, Western relational governance is more effective for foreign firms than for Chinese domestic firms. Furthermore, the joint role (i.e., interaction effect) of Western relational governance and guanxi in improving performance also differs: these two forms of governance function as substitutes in foreign firms, whereas they have no significant interaction in Chinese domestic firms.
Intersubject Spatial Pattern Correlations During Movie Viewing Are Stimulus-Driven and Nonuniform Across the Cortex

Abstract A fundamental step to predicting brain activity in healthy and diseased populations is characterizing the common spatio-temporal response to a shared experience. Multivoxel pattern analysis allows us to investigate information encoding through these patterns; however, we have yet to explore local, stimulus-driven, patterns of cortical activity during naturalistic stimulation. We sought to examine these patterns with minimum interpolation—excluding functional alignment—to characterize the most basic degree of shared response between subjects. We used an unbiased analytic approach, combined with rich, naturalistic, and nonsemantic stimulation to estimate shared spatial patterns in functional magnetic resonance imaging responses across a large group. We found that meso-scale spatial patterns were shared nonuniformly across the visual cortex and represent information distinct from the shared temporal response. Shared spatial patterns were stimulus-driven, modulated by pattern size, and more sensitive to the contrast of 3D versus 2D stimulus differences than the temporal signals. Although the grand functional structure of the brain is understood to be common, these results suggest that even at a meso-scale, we share common spatial structures with anatomical alignment alone. The strength of this similarity varies across the cortex, suggesting some spatial structures are innately organized, whereas others are shaped by factors such as learning and plasticity.
Resonant Network Design Method to Reduce Influence of Mutual Inductance between Receivers in Multi-Output Omnidirectional Wireless Power Transfer Systems

Many studies have been conducted on multi-output systems that transfer power to multiple receivers in conventional planar-type wireless power transfer (WPT) systems; however, few studies and analyses have taken into account the mutual inductance between receivers in multi-output omnidirectional WPT systems. In this paper, the correlation between the mutual inductance between receivers and the power transfer efficiency (PTE) in a multi-output omnidirectional WPT system is analyzed, and a limitation in terms of a reduction in the PTE with an increase in the influence of the mutual inductance between the receivers is presented. To solve this problem, a resonant network design method is proposed to reduce the influence of mutual inductance between receivers, and appropriate canceling capacitor values are selected using the weighted sum method among multi-objective optimization methods. The proposed method is through simulations and experiments, and it presents the potential for improvement in the problems that occur when transferring power to multiple receivers.
Improved Personalized Survival Prediction of Patients With Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma Using Gene Expression Profiling

Background30-40% of patients with Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) have an adverse clinical evolution. The increased understanding of DLBCL biology has shed light on the clinical evolution of this pathology, leading to the discovery of prognostic factors based on gene expression data, genomic rearrangements and mutational subgroups. Nevertheless, additional efforts are needed in order to enable survival predictions at the patient level. This study investigated new machine learning models of survival based on transcriptomic and clinical data.MethodsGene expression profiling (GEP) in 2 different publicly available retrospective cohorts were analyzed. Cox regression and unsupervised clustering were performed in order to identify probes associated with overall survival on the largest cohort. Random forests were created to model survival using combinations of GEP data, COO classification and clinical information. Cross-validation was used to compare model results in the training set, and Harrel’s concordance index (c-index) was used to assess model’s predictability. Results were validated in an independent test set. Results233 and 64 patients were included in the training and test set, respectively. Initially we derived and validated a 4-gene expression clusterization that was independently associated with lower survival in 20% of patients. These genes were TNFRSF9, BIRC3, BCL2L1 and G3BP2. Thereafter, we applied machine-learning models to predict survival. A set of 102 genes was highly predictive of disease outcome, outperforming available clinical information and COO classification. The final best model integrated clinical information, COO classification, 4-gene-based clusterization and 50 gene expression data (training set c-index, 0.8404, test set c-index, 0.7942). ConclusionThis study indicates that modelling DLBCL survival with transcriptomic-based machine learning algorithms can largely outperform other important prognostic variables such as disease stage and COO.
One Real Problem at a Time: Revisiting the Status of Regional Science and Female Economists

West (1996) discussed the status of women economists as well as the field of regional science within economics in her SRSA Presidential Address In this paper, we revisit these issues and examine if and how things have changed over the last several decades We focus on progress that has been made and areas where additional changes may be needed in order to continue to improve In addition, we discuss how the current COVID-19 pandemic may be relevant in the future for women in academia as well as academics in general as we move into a more virtual world © Southern Regional Science Association 2020
A Note on Inflation and the Swampland

We provide some comments about the constraints on the inflationary models inferred from the two Swampland criteria which have been recently proposed. In particular we argue that, in the absence of any knowledge about the origin of the adiabatic curvature perturbations, within the slow‐roll single field models of inflation there is no tension between the swampland criteria and the current lower bound on the tensor‐to‐scalar ratio.