Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rising Trends in Heatwave Metrics Across Southern California

Research on heatwaves has gained significant impetus over the past decade due to a warming planet and rapid 21st century urbanization. This study examines driving factors influencing heatwave trends and interannual variability across Southern California (SoCal) from 1950–2020. Inland urban areas of Los Angeles county are the most susceptible to heatwaves with strong increasing trends in frequency, duration, and intensity that are closely tied to nighttime warming. Coastal and rural areas are less impacted but show a significant increase in heatwave frequency over the past two decades. Heatwave nighttime temperatures combined with high humidity have been increasing at a rapid rate of ~1°C/decade since the 1980s—elevating heat stress and mortality risk to vulnerable urban communities. The increased nighttime humidity is associated with an anomalous moisture source off the coast of Baja California that has intensified over the past decade and is linked to ocean warming trends and changes in the California current system. Heatwaves are starting earlier and ending later in the year for urban regions. This augments public health risks and sets the stage for more intense fall wildfires by enhancing the drying of fuels. Droughts and heatwaves are strongly linked, particularly in inland urban and rural areas that have a high statistical probability of heatwaves increasing in frequency (42%), duration (26%), and daily mean temperature (2.2%) during severe drought conditions. Better understanding of heatwave climate drivers and underlying physical processes could help with prediction skill, in addition to providing effective data‐driven recommendations for mitigation efforts in SoCal's vulnerable urban regions.
Inulin: A Review of its Functional Properties in Relation to Calcium Absorption in Humans

Inulin is a term applied to a heterogeneous blend of fructose polymers found widely distributed in nature as plant storage carbohydrates. Recent evidence suggests a role for inulin in enhancing Ca absorption and thereby promoting bone health. Numerous investigations performed using animal models during the past 10 years have consistently shown that inulin stimulates calcium absorption and increases bone mineral content. Short and long term human studies have indicated that inulin increases Ca absorption in adolescents. This article reviews current research studies (both animal and human) that have been conducted to determine inulin's role in enhancing Ca metabolism. Animal studies appear to confirm inulin-type fructans' positive role in enhancing Calcium absorption from the gut while several short-term human studies indicate a similar trend. However, the evidence for the positive effects of inulin on Ca metabolism in man, in particular adults and post-menopausal women, is currently inadequate and awaits well planned long-term human trials before any firm conclusions can be reached. Keywords: : Inulin; Inulin-type fructans; Calcium Absorption; Bone Health DOI: 10.4038/jfa.v1i1. 1837 Journal of Food and Agriculture Vol.1(1) 2008 pp.26-35
Karyological Study in Some Indian Species of Drosophilidae

SUMMARYThe mitotic metaphase chromosomes for nineteen species of Drosophilidae were analysed through modern air-dried technique. Of the species examined, the karyotypes of D. andamanensis, D. prolongata, D. jambulina, D. obscuricornis and D. paratriangulata are to be reported for the first time. Moreover, the present study has also detected some differences with respect to the morphology of both autosomes as well as sex-chromosomes in D. latifshahi, D. malerkotliana, D. parabipectinata, D. eugracilis, D. ficusphila, D. rajasekari, D. nasuta, Zaprionus paravittiger and Scaptomyza pallida. Further, no intraspecific karyotype variation is known to occur in the Indian populations of D. takahashii, D. immigrans and D. kikkawai. However, heterochromatin polymorphism could be detected in the Indian strains of some Drosophila species.
Delayed (21 Days) Post Stroke Treatment With RPh201, a Botany-Derived Compound, Improves Neurological Functional Recovery in a Rat Model of Embolic Stroke

Background Despite the recent advances in the acute stroke care, treatment options for long-term disability are limited. RPh201 is a botany-derived bioactive compound that has been shown to exert beneficial effects in various experimental models of neural injury. The present study evaluated the effect of delayed RPh201 treatment on long term functional recovery after stroke. Methods Adult male Wistar rats subjected to embolic middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) were randomized into the following experimental groups (n = 20/group): (1) RPh201 treatment, and (2) Vehicle (cottonseed oil). RPh201 (20 μl) or Vehicle were subcutaneously administered twice a week for 16 consecutive weeks starting at 21 days after MCAO. An array of behavioral tests was performed up to120 days after MCAO. Results Ischemic rats treated with RPh201 exhibited significant (p < 0.05) improvement of neurological function measured by adhesive removal test, foot-fault test, and modified neurological severity score at 90 and 120 days after MCAO. Immunohistochemistry analysis showed that RPh201 treatment robustly increased neurofilament heavy chain positive axons and myelin basic protein densities in the peri-infarct area by 61% and 31%, respectively, when compared to the Vehicle treatment, which were further confirmed by Western blot analysis. The RPh201 treatment did not reduce infarct volume. Conclusion Our data demonstrated that RPh201 has a therapeutic effect on improvement of functional recovery in male ischemic rats even when the treatment was initiated 21 days post stroke. Enhanced axonal and myelination densities by RPh201 in ischemic brain may contribute to improved stroke recovery.
Structural Analysis of the Western Afar Margin, East Africa: Evidence for Multiphase Rotational Rifting

The Afar region in East Africa represents a key location to study continental breakup. We present an integrated structural analysis of the Western Afar Margin (WAM) aiming to better understand rifted margin development and the role of plate rotation during rifting. New structural information from remote sensing, fieldwork, and earthquake data sets reveals that the N‐S striking WAM is still actively deforming and is characterized by NNW‐SSE normal faulting as well as a series of marginal grabens. Seismicity distribution analysis and the first‐ever borehole‐calibrated sections of this developing passive margin show recent slip concentrated along antithetic faults. Tectonic stress parameters derived from earthquake focal mechanisms reveal different extension directions along the WAM (82°N), in Afar (66°N) and in the Main Ethiopian Rift (108°N). Fault slip analysis along the WAM yields the same extension direction. Combined with GPS data, this shows that current tectonics in Afar is dominated by the local rotation of the Danakil Block, considered to have occurred since 11 Ma. Earlier stages of Afar development (since 31–25 Ma) were most likely related to the large‐scale rotation of the Arabian plate. Various authors have proposed scenarios for the evolution of the WAM. Any complete model should consider, among other factors, the multiphase tectonic history and antithetic fault activity of the margin. The findings of this study are not only relevant for a better understanding of the WAM but also provide insights into the role of multiphase rotational extension during rifting and passive margin formation in general.
Seminal plasma composition and its relationship with physical spermatological parameters of Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) semen: with emphasis on sperm motility

In this research, the mineral and organic composition of the seminal plasma, physical spermatological parameters and their physiological relationships were investigated in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). The seminal plasma contained 98.14±5.23 mM L−1 (Na+), 380.85±25.95 mM L−1 (K+), 30.25±4.96 mg dL−1 (Ca2+), 19.16±1.70 mEq L−1 (Mg2+), 1.36±0.11 mg dL−1 glucose, 0.37±0.08 g dL−1 total protein, 12.02±1.18 mg dL−1 cholesterol, 14.85±1.50 mg dL−1 triglyceride and 43.5±9.56 mg dL−1 urea. The following spermatological parameters were found: sperm volume 14.44±1.16 mL, sperm motility 80.60±1.55%, movement duration 67.68±4.32 s, density 15.43±0.72 × 109 mL−1, total density 337.43+45.86 × 109 and pH 7.24±0.17. The Na+ and Ca2+ ions correlated negatively with spermatozoa motility (r=−0.453, P>0.05 and r=−0.192, P>0.05) respectively. The K+ ion correlated positively with spermatozoa motility (r=0.545, P>0.05). But a statistically significant correlation was not observed between sperm motility and seminal plasma parameters. The following correlations were observed between mineral and organic components. The Mg2+ was positively correlated with glucose and cholesterol (r=0.692, P<0.05 and r=0.680, P<0.05) respectively. A highly significant positive relationship was also found between Mg2+ and total protein (r=0.837, P<0.01). On the other hand, a significantly negative relationship was found between Ca2+ and triglyceride (r=−0.639, P<0.05). These parameters should be considered when developing procedures for either artificial fertilization or for cryopreservation of grass carp sperm.
Fuzzy Logic-Integral Backstepping Control for PV Grid-Connected System with Energy Storage Management

To solve the problems of nonlinearity and power fluctuation linked on the Photovoltaic panel (PV) connected storage system and grid, because of the temperature and irradiation variation. We integrated three parts of the control. The first part, dedicated to developing an algorithm to eliminate the nonlinearity; therefore, we have obtained the Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) via the control of the duty cycle of DC/DC boost converter. Consequently, to achieve the MPPT, we combined between tow algorithms Fuzzy Logic and Integral Backstepping (Fuzzy Logic-Integral Backstepping Controller) as a new strategy of MPPT. This MPPT based on the performances of the Fuzzy Logic Controller (FLC) as an estimator of the reference voltage, next, we apply the Integral Backstepping approach to generate the law control founded on the Lyapunov theory to augment the robustness and stability of the PV connected storage system and grid. Then, in the second part of the control, we add a Batteries Energy Storage System with a control management algorithm in the DC/DC side to eliminate any fluctuation of the output power of the PV system. In the third part of the control linked to the grid side, we use the three-phase Voltage Source Inverter Control (VSIC) as a charge controller for the stability of the grid parameters.
Fusion of Digital Fingerprint Quality Assessment Metrics

The quality assessment of biometric samples is a crucial issue in biometrics, indeed, many studies showed its significant impact on the subsequent performance of the biometric system. Many metrics have been proposed and studied in the literature in order to quantify their usefulness. In this paper, we propose to merge different metrics in order to improve the utility estimation of the quality assessment. We use the enrollment selection validation approach in order to compute the utility estimation of the fused metrics. We show the efficiency of the proposed approach comparing with 7 well known metrics on the 12 FVC datasets and 5 synthesized SFinGE-based databases with two matching algorithms. Experimental results show a good improvement on the fused metric to better qualify the quality of digital fingerprints. Those results demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach.
Parental care in the Small Tree Finch Camarhynchus parvulus in relation to parasitism and environmental factors

The parental food compensation hypothesis suggests that parents may compensate for the negative effects of parasites on chicks by increased food provisioning. However, this ability differs widely among host species and may also depend on ecological factors such as adverse weather conditions and habitat quality. Although weed management can improve habitat quality, management measures can bring about a temporary decrease in food availability and thus may reduce parents’ ability to provide their nestlings with enough energy. In our study we investigated the interaction of parasitism and weed management, and the influence of climate on feeding rates in a Darwin’s tree finch species, which is negatively impacted by two invasive species. The larvae of the invasive parasitic fly Philornis downsi ingest the blood and body tissues of tree finch nestlings, and the invasive Blackberry Rubus niveus affects one of the main habitats of Darwin’s tree finches. We compared parental food provisioning of the Small Tree Finch Camarhynchus parvulus in parasitized and parasite‐free nests in three different areas, which differed in invasive weed management (no management, short‐term and long‐term management). In a parasite reduction experiment, we investigated whether the Small Tree Finch increases food provisioning rates to nestlings when parasitized and whether this ability depends on weed management conditions and precipitation. Our results provide no evidence that Small Tree Finches can compensate with additional food provisioning when parasitized with P. downsi. However, we found an increase in male effort in the short‐term management area, which might indicate that males compensate for lower food quality with increased provisioning effort. Furthermore, parental food provisioning was lower during rainfall, which provides an explanation for the negative influence of rain on breeding success found in earlier studies. Like other Darwin’s finches, the Small Tree Finch seems to lack the ability to compensate for the negative effects of P. downsi parasitism, which is one explanation for why this invasive parasite has such a devastating effect on this host species.
The mechanism of solvent-mediated desolvation transformation of lenvatinib mesylate from dimethyl sulfoxide solvate to form D

The solvent-mediated desolvation process of newly discovered lenvatinib DMSO solvate to form II at different water volume fractions and temperatures was investigated. It is confirmed that the activity of water is the most important factor affecting the desolvation process: the desolvation process only occurs when the activity of water is greater than the activity of DMSO, and one new mechanism of solvent-mediated desolvation process was proposed.
Bayesian Optimized Echo State Network Applied to Short-Term Load Forecasting

Load forecasting impacts directly financial returns and information in electrical systems planning. A promising approach to load forecasting is the Echo State Network (ESN), a recurrent neural network for the processing of temporal dependencies. The low computational cost and powerful performance of ESN make it widely used in a range of applications including forecasting tasks and nonlinear modeling. This paper presents a Bayesian optimization algorithm (BOA) of ESN hyperparameters in load forecasting with its main contributions including helping the selection of optimization algorithms for tuning ESN to solve real-world forecasting problems, as well as the evaluation of the performance of Bayesian optimization with different acquisition function settings. For this purpose, the ESN hyperparameters were set as variables to be optimized. Then, the adopted BOA employs a probabilist model using Gaussian process to find the best set of ESN hyperparameters using three different options of acquisition function and a surrogate utility function. Finally, the optimized hyperparameters are used by the ESN for predictions. Two datasets have been used to test the effectiveness of the proposed forecasting ESN model using BOA approaches, one from Poland and another from Brazil. The results of optimization statistics, convergence curves, execution time profile, and the hyperparameters’ best solution frequencies indicate that each problem requires a different setting for the BOA. Simulation results are promising in terms of short-term load forecasting quality and low error predictions may be achieved, given the correct options settings are used. Furthermore, since there is not an optimal global optimization solution known for real-world problems, correlations among certain values of hyperparameters are useful to guide the selection of such a solution.
Integrated Source Apportionment, Screening Risk Assessment, and Risk Mapping of Heavy Metals in Surface Sediments: A Case Study of the Dongting Lake, Middle China

ABSTRACT Surface sediment samples were collected from 10 typical locations throughout the Dongting Lake, China, in January 2009. Samples were assayed by atom absorption spectrophotometer and cold atomic fluorescent spectrophotometer for Pb, Cd, As, Hg. In order to investigate the spatial distribution characteristics, sources, and potential ecological risks of heavy metals, the geostatistics method, potential ecological risk index, and multivariate statistical analysis were applied. The results showed that except for the content of Hg, the contents of Pb, Cd, and As had similar spatial distribution characteristics. The average contents of Cd and As exceeded the second class contents of the National Standard for Soil Environment Quality (GB15618-1995), especially that for Cd. The potential ecological risk posed by these heavy metals decreased in the order of the outlet of the Dongting Lake > the East Dongting Lake > the South Dongting Lake > the West Dongting Lake spatially. From the results of multivariate statistical analysis, Pb and Cd, as the first group, were considered to be rooted in mining smelting processes for developed mining and heavy industry. And Hg, as the second group, was mainly derived from parent material weathering, while As was probably considered to originate from both sources above.
Designing a Model for Swimming Coaches' Job Retention based on Talent Management and Quality of Working Life

Background. Organizations are always trying to retain and empower their talented employees so that they can perform well. However, they are still afraid of losing their human capital. Objectives. The purpose of this study was to design a job retention model for swimming coaches based on talent management and the quality of working life. Methods. It was an applied descriptive-survey study. The statistical population included the swimming coaches of East Azarbaijan province (773 persons). According to the Cochran formula, 285 people were selected by a stratifiedproportional random sampling method. Data collection tools included Katajar Employees' Talent Management Questionnaire (2012), Stephen et al.'s (2015) Quality of Working Life Questionnaire and a Researcher-made Job Retention Questionnaire. Results. The results showed the direct and significant effect of talent management and quality of working life on job retention. The mediator role of quality of working life also had a mediating effect on the relationship between talent management and job retention. Finally, the proposed model has a good fit. Conclusion. Since talent management system plays an essential role in enhancing the quality of working life and job retention of swimming coaches, managers and officials of swimming federation need to do careful planning to improve the talent management system.
Proactive Divestiture and Business Innovation: R&D Input and Output Performance

We investigate the impact of proactive divestitures on innovative activities at a firm-level. Research concerning the relationship between proactive divestiture and innovation performance remains unexplored and requires a close investigation. Furthermore, we argue that proactive-divestiture is an essential means to achieve corporate sustainability by fostering innovation outcomes. To explore such a relationship, this study integrates research on knowledge-based view and organizational inertia and encompasses the model of financial distress. We hypothesize that proactive divestiture increases both the firm’s R&D intensity and the number of patents and propose that prior divestiture experiences and divested-unit size would moderate this relationship. Results indicate that proactive post-divestiture firms have increased in R&D inputs but not significantly in output. We found mixed results for such a relationship as prior experiences increased, but interestingly, the relationship revealed to be more significant for both input and output as divested-unit size decreased. This study contributes to our understandings of how proactive divestiture can reinforce knowledge capacity, distant from a traditional resource-based view that mainly regarded divestiture as a mere responsive action vis-à-vis financial pressure.
How Much Do We Learn from Addresses? On the Syntax, Semantics and Pragmatics of Addressing Systems

An address is a specification that refers to a unique location on Earth. While there has been a considerable amount of research on the syntactic structure of addressing systems in order to evaluate and improve their quality, aspects of semantics and pragmatics have been less explored. An address is primarily associated by humans to the elements of their spatial mental representations, but may also influence their spatial knowledge and activities through the level of detail it provides. Therefore, it is not only important how addressing components are structured, but it is also of interest to study their meaning as well as the pragmatics in relation to an interpreting agent. This article studies three forms of addresses (i.e., structured as in Austria, semi-formal as in Japan, and descriptive as in Iran) under the principles of semiotics (i.e., through levels of syntax, semantics, and pragmatics). Syntax is discussed through formal definitions of the addressing systems, while semantics and pragmatics are assessed through an agent-based model to explore how they influence spatial knowledge acquisition and growth.
A functional analysis of large‐scale temporal shifts from 1970 to 2000 in weed assemblages of sunflower crops in France

Questions: What are the relationships between weed species traits and their change in distribution over a 30-year period? What does it tell us about factors that have driven shifts in the composition of weed communities? Location: France. Methods: We analysed the links between change in the status of weed species in sunflower crops (decreasing or increasing) and a set of 17 traits using data sets collected in the 1970s and the 2000s, respectively. We analysed the contribution of traits to explain changes in the status of species both individually and in a multivariate way by mean of a clustering of species into functional groups. Results: 69% of the most widespread species had significantly changed their frequency rank status over the last 30 years. Nearly two thirds of the increasing species belonged to a single functional group, out of the five groups identified in this analysis. Overall, the weed flora occurring in sunflower crops has specialised since the 1970s in favour of ‘sunflower mimicking’ functional groups: increasing species were more nitrophilous, more heliophilous, less sensitive to sunflower herbicides and shared a rapid summer life cycle. Conclusions: The individual trait approach gave some indication as to the environmental factors likely to have caused the shift in sunflower weed communities. The functional group approach seemed to outperform direct trait comparisons as it accounted for major traits combinations i.e. cases where a species has a number of favourable traits, but is severely disadvantaged by the possession of one or a few deleterious traits.