Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improving the use of early timber inventories in reconstructing historical dry forests and fire in the western United States

Early timber inventories in dry forests of the western United States offer detailed data sets that might provide historical information to guide restoration and preparation for future forests, but inventories have errors, biases, and limitations. We reviewed early documentation of errors and estimated errors by comparing inventory estimates to nearby tree-ring and plot estimates. In a case study in the Greenhorn Mountains, southern Sierra Nevada, California, we studied how selection and use of evidence affects findings and compared timber-inventory, land-survey, and other early evidence about historical forests and fire. Early documents showed inventories were unreliable, often with large underestimation errors from poor visual estimates, requiring correction multipliers of 2.0–2.5. Comparing inventory estimates to treering estimates, we found commonly used two-chain-wide inventories required correction multipliers of about 1.4–3.2, consistent with, but wider than the 2.0–2.5 range. These needed corrections were not applied in any study. The case study showed (1) tree-density estimates from narrower one-chain-wide inventories could be more accurate, (2) data are often available, but unused, that provide quantitative evidence about historical high-severity fires consistent with nearby historical reports, and (3) differences in forest structure between inventories and land surveys may be explained by tree growth, stand development, and especially a significant fire. Our review also documented biased placement of inventories in merchantable timber, often excluding younger forests, chaparral, and other indicators of preceding mixed/high-severity fires. We found added significant bias introduced by omitting areas burned in mixed/high-severity fires, or by missing evidence of these fires on parts of forms or associated archival materials. Use of early timber inventories could be improved by (1) avoiding use of unreliable two-chain-wide inventories or applying correction multipliers to inventory estimates, (2) completing an accuracy test of one-chain-wide inventories, (3) locating and using notes, maps, and other data about small trees and high-severity fires often available in inventory archives, or omitting conclusions about these, (4) deriving an envelope model of inference space for inventories, and (5) specifying a large area, then including all available inventory data within it, or using unbiased selection criteria. These improvements could help bring timber-inventory data into congruence with other historical sources.
Optimization of postblast ore boundary determination using a novel sine cosine algorithm-based random forest technique and Monte Carlo simulation

The accurate determination of postblast ore boundaries can significantly help to control ore loss and dilution in opencast mines. Determining the boundaries is difficult using methods other than direct and expensive blast-induced rock movement monitoring, so many mines directly use the preblast ore boundary to guide the shovel. A new postblast ore boundary determination method using a soft computing technique and stochastic modelling method is proposed. Based on a case study and performance comparison, a high-precision hybrid metaheuristic model combined with the sine cosine algorithm and random forest technique (SCA-RF) was developed and used in a Monte Carlo simulation to analyse the probability distribution and parameter sensitivity. Mining engineers can obtain a more accurate postblast ore boundary by moving the preblast ore boundary toward the free face by a certain distance after considering the probability distribution of blast-induced rock movement, which is significantly better than using the preblast ore boundary.
Metabolomics investigations in body fluids of smokers and non-smokers

The influence of tobacco smoke on the human metabolome was investigated using a newly developed and validated GC-TOF-MS method. Metabolomics analysis was conducted in smokers’ and non-smokers’ urine, saliva and plasma samples, obtained from a strictly controlled clinical study. To further investigate the metabolic pathways, affected by smoking, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine species in plasma and tyramine in saliva were analyzed by targeted HILIC-MS/MS methods.
Incorporating capture heterogeneity in the estimation of autoregressive coefficients of animal population dynamics using capture–recapture data

Abstract Population dynamic models combine density dependence and environmental effects. Ignoring sampling uncertainty might lead to biased estimation of the strength of density dependence. This is typically addressed using state‐space model approaches, which integrate sampling error and population process estimates. Such models seldom include an explicit link between the sampling procedures and the true abundance, which is common in capture–recapture settings. However, many of the models proposed to estimate abundance in the presence of capture heterogeneity lead to incomplete likelihood functions and cannot be straightforwardly included in state‐space models. We assessed the importance of estimating sampling error explicitly by taking an intermediate approach between ignoring uncertainty in abundance estimates and fully specified state‐space models for density‐dependence estimation based on autoregressive processes. First, we estimated individual capture probabilities based on a heterogeneity model for a closed population, using a conditional multinomial likelihood, followed by a Horvitz–Thompson estimate for abundance. Second, we estimated coefficients of autoregressive models for the log abundance. Inference was performed using the methodology of integrated nested Laplace approximation (INLA). We performed an extensive simulation study to compare our approach with estimates disregarding capture history information, and using R‐package VGAM, for different parameter specifications. The methods were then applied to a real data set of gray‐sided voles Myodes rufocanus from Northern Norway. We found that density‐dependence estimation was improved when explicitly modeling sampling error in scenarios with low process variances, in which differences in coverage reached up to 8% in estimating the coefficients of the autoregressive processes. In this case, the bias also increased assuming a Poisson distribution in the observational model. For high process variances, the differences between methods were small and it appeared less important to model heterogeneity.
DESIGN OF ACADEMIC INFORMATION SYSTEM BASED ON BOT TELEGRAM IN SMART CAMPUS CONCEPT

The goal for many education institutions is the existence of the Smart Campus concept. Smart Campus is the concept of a smart campus to provide maximum service to the entire academic community by monitoring and managing existing resources effectively and efficiently. Smart Campus can also provide appropriate information to students or campus institutions in every activity, or even in unexpected events. In this research, it is proposed to maximize the academic information system which is integrated with the Telegram messenger application. This Telegram application can be obtained for free, lightweight and multiplatform by having a fairly complete and more developed Bot API. Students get real time notifications and can chat / communicate with the Telegram Bot which is designed to provide all the information on STTAL. The admin can upload lecture material into the Telegram Bot then students can download it from the Telegram Bot. There are 11 commands designed in this study as a prototype. This research was tested by trying all the commands provided. This Bot Telegram application is very helpful for study program staff and lecturers to convey information to students especially using this application is quite easy. Keywords: Smart Campus, Bot Telegram, and Information Media
The Role of Life Planning in Finding Purpose and Living Out One’s Career Calling Among Indonesian Emerging Adults

The ability to plan effectively has been reported to have a positive effect on one’s life satisfaction, sense of direction, and future positive experiences. As emerging adults begin to discover what they want to be, they must also choose what kind of career they will pursue. The current perspective on career development views planning one’s career as a part of one’s larger life planning. Surprisingly, research examining how planning contributes to one’s presence of purpose and career is still lacking. The aim of this research is to assess the effect of planning on one’s career calling and purpose. The results show that planning positively predicted the presence of purpose and living out one’s career calling. Planning was not a significant predictor of the search for purpose, while the search for purpose negatively predicted the presence of purpose.
Prevalence of Aflatoxin Biosynthesis Genes According to Aflatoxin Levels in Maize of Different Varieties in Kenya.

Aims: To determine aflatoxin biosynthetic genes in fungal isolates in relation to aflatoxin levels in maize grain varieties from epidemiologically aflatoxicosis hot spots and non-aflatoxin hot spots agroecological zones in Kenya. Study Design: Purposeful sampling technique was applied targeting regions of variable aflatoxicoses susceptibilities. Original Research Article Chebon et al.; BJI, 19(2): 1-21, 2017; Article no.BJI. 28685 2 Place and Duration of Study: Samples were sourced from Kitui/Kibwezi counties, an aflatoxin hot spot, during 2008-2010 Maize growing seasons. Comparative samples were from Uasin-Gishu county and Perkerra irrigation scheme in Baringo County, both with no previous acute aflatoxicosis and practicing commercial cultivation under rain-fed and irrigation farming systems, respectively. Methodology: Maize samples (n=295) and fungal isolates (n=61) were analyzed for aflatoxin contamination and presence of aflatoxin biosynthetic genes, respectively. Total aflatoxin quantification was by a commercial Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kits, Boratest ® , while molecular characterization of Aspergillus flavus (n=40) and A. parasiticus (n=21) isolates applied Quadruplex Multiplex PCR technique encompassing four aflatoxin biosynthetic genes: nor-1, ver-1, omt-A and aflR. Findings from the study variables were analyzed according to maize variety, agro-ecological origin of maize samples and fungal species besides type of farming system. Results: Uasin-Gishu maize samples (n=158) assayed for aflatoxins belonged to six maize commercial varieties; H614, H629, H6213, H6210, H613 and H628 alongside an indigenous variety, Kipkaa. All Perkerra samples (n=61) also belonged to a commercial variety, H513. Contrastingly, all Kitui/Kibwezi samples (n=76) belonged to an indigenous variety, Kikamba (Kinyanya). The varieties H613, H628 and Kipkaa all had the samples (100%) within the Kenyan statutory safe total aflatoxin limit (≤10.0 ppb) whereas Kikamba and H513 varieties had 82.9% and 83.6% samples within safety limits, respectively. Similarly, the mean aflatoxin content for all the seven Uasin-Gishu varieties was only 1.62 ppb while Kikamba and H513 had means of 14.6 ppb and 15.6 ppb, respectively (P=0.05). Positive PCR amplification results were obtained in 96.3%, 84.2% and 80% for Kitui/Kibwezi, Perkerra and Uasin-Gishu isolates, respectively whereas regional distribution of amplicon spectrum was 6, 3 and 2 out of 8, respectively. A similar regional pattern was established regarding prevalence of PCR positive isolates and whose maize samples of origin also tested ELISA-aflatoxin positive, having been 81.5%, 52.6% and 26.7% for Kitui/Kibwezi, Perkerra and Uasin-Gishu. Interestingly, the only isolate PCR positive for all the four genes under assay and whose maize sample of origin had aflatoxins was coincidentally from Kitui/Kibwezi, an epidemiologically aflatoxicosis hot spot agro-ecological zone.
Oncogeriatrics (part 8.). Frailty screening tools

Various frailty screening tools have been developed. However, there is currently no single ideal model; some scores are better for population-level, whereas others are best suited for clinical screening and preoperative assessment. Therefore, the choice of the score might relay on specific clinical condition, the aim of the tool and department resources. The G8 and the aCGA seem to be the the most suitable in the case of preoperative frailty assessments of older patients with solid abdominal cancer who are undergoing high-risk surgery. They also may be used to identify patients at risk for adverse postoperative outcomes. They may support the decision process particularly in situations of lack of experience in full Geriatric Assessment (easy to master and implement), in acute admitted patients (time pressure or some of the domains cannot be assessed) and in case of low-/moderate-risk surgery (where extensive frailty evaluation may not influence the postoperative outcome).
Sequence-directed action of RSC remodeler and pioneer factors positions +1 nucleosome to facilitate transcription

Accessible chromatin is important for RNA polymerase II recruitment and transcription initiation at eukaryotic promoters. We investigated the mechanistic links between promoter DNA sequence, nucleosome positioning and transcription. Our results indicate that precise positioning of the transcription start site-associated +1 nucleosome in yeast is critical for efficient TBP binding, and is driven by two key factors, the essential chromatin remodeler RSC and a small set of ubiquitous pioneer transcription factors. We find no evidence for recruitment of RSC by pioneer factors, but show instead that the strength and directionality of RSC action on nucleosomes depends upon the arrangement of two specific DNA motifs that promote its binding and nucleosome displacement activity at promoters. Thus, despite their widespread co-localization, RSC and pioneer factors predominantly act independently to generate accessible chromatin. Our results provide insight into how promoter DNA sequence instructs trans-acting factors to control nucleosome architecture and stimulate transcription initiation.
Small RNAs in Gossypium and Their Roles in the Response to Heat Stress

ii Acknowledgments. iv List of Tables . vii List of Figures . viii List of Abbreviations . x Chapter I LITTERATURE REVIEW . 1 1. Plant Response to Heat Stress . 1 2. Small Regulatory RNAs: An overview . 11 3. Summary and Proposal . 31 Reference . 34 Chapter II IDENTIFICATION OF SMALL REGULATORY RNAS IN GOSSYPIUM RAIMONDII L. AND DETERMINATION OF THEIR ROLE IN THE LEAF HEAT STRESS RESPONSE . 60 Abstract . 6
Comparison of depression among medical and dental students of Qassim University 2019

In the modern era, there is some importance gained at the higher education level for better opportunities. In this context, medical, dental and nursing education taken big momentum for good opportunities as well as society respectful professions. At the same time those students scored with maximum percentage and merit people only will enter into the professional medical education college or university. Though medical and dental students joined through merit list, initial phase in the university adjustment with other students, infrastructure, professional language skills and also orientation to medical and dental subjects and time bound task completion leads to tendency to develop stressful situation, that indirectly affect the students’ performance in the examinations. Sometimes it leads to suicidal tendencies also in some individuals.
Design Guidance for Location-based Play: a review of research frameworks

How to best make use of design research contributions in a domain to distil the guidance they offer for design students? We outline a typology of design guidance for location-based interactive experiences, compiled from a review of existing design tools, research frameworks, and empirical studies that cited an intention to support the understanding and design of location-based play. Motivated by our reflections on teaching courses that focus on non-traditional, novel interaction methods, we sought to extract value from design tools knowing how useful they can be to students working in unfamiliar genres. Design tools fell across two broad intents: facilitating generation and supporting understanding. Guidance within these is further characterised as establishing benchmarks, generating and developing ideas, alternative considerations, design documentation, structural elements and qualities of experience. Less visible was guidance for the process of design, for translating design into development, and for how designers might respond to the advice.
Whistler waves produced by monochromatic currents in the low nighttime ionosphere

Abstract. We use a full-wave approach to find the field of monochromatic whistler waves, which are excited and propagating in the low nighttime ionosphere. The source current is located in the horizontal plane and can have arbitrary finite distribution over horizontal coordinates. The ground-based horizontal magnetic field and electric field at 125 km are calculated. The character of wave polarization on the ground surface is investigated. The proportion in which source energy supplies the Earth–ionosphere waveguide or flows upward can be adjusted by distribution of the source current. Received results are important for the analysis of ELF/VLF emission phenomena observed both on the satellites and on the ground.
Enological tannins affect acetaldehyde evolution, colour stability and tannin reactivity during forced oxidation of red wine

Summary The addition of enological tannins is a practice admitted and widely used to improve wine phenolic compositions. Although wine ageing is an oxidative process involving phenolic compounds and acetaldehyde production and consumption, the effect of enological tannins on the acetaldehyde and chromatic and phenolic changes of a red wine during oxidation is still not known. In this study, three enological tannins preparations containing gallotannins GT, ellagitannins ET and condensed tannins CT were added to a young commercial Lambrusco red wine in order to obtain wines with three different phenolic compositions. Samples were then treated with hydrogen peroxide to trigger oxidation. All added tannins have determined a production of acetaldehyde greater than control. Acetaldehyde was then consumed in 30 days. The samples treated with CT and ET showed, after oxidation, an increase in colour intensity, determined as the sum of 420, 520 and 620 nm absorbances. A simultaneously increase in polymeric pigments was detected. No significant variation of the Saliva Precipitation Index (SPI), an index useful to give an indirect measure of wine astringency, was observed after 30 days of treatment of CT and ET samples. Results highlight that the addition of CT and ET can help to stabilise colour without affecting wine reactivity towards salivary proteins. A significant role of acetaldehyde has been even detected. These are the first data showing the effect of different enological tannins on the production and consumption of acetaldehyde formation during an oxidation process.
Microbial Structure and Energy Generation in Microbial Fuel Cells Powered with Waste Anaerobic Digestate

Development of economical and environment-friendly Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) technology should be associated with waste management. However, current knowledge regarding microbiological bases of electricity production from complex waste substrates is insufficient. In the following study, microbial composition and electricity generation were investigated in MFCs powered with waste volatile fatty acids (VFAs) from anaerobic digestion of primary sludge. Two anode sizes were tested, resulting in organic loading rates (OLRs) of 69.12 and 36.21 mg chemical oxygen demand (COD)/(g MLSS∙d) in MFC1 and MFC2, respectively. Time of MFC operation affected the microbial structure and the use of waste VFAs promoted microbial diversity. High abundance of Deftia sp. and Methanobacterium sp. characterized start-up period in MFCs. During stable operation, higher OLR in MFC1 favored growth of exoelectrogens from Rhodopseudomonas sp. (13.2%) resulting in a higher and more stable electricity production in comparison with MFC2. At a lower OLR in MFC2, the percentage of exoelectrogens in biomass decreased, while the abundance of genera Leucobacter, Frigoribacterium and Phenylobacterium increased. In turn, this efficiently decomposed complex organic substances, favoring high and stable COD removal (over 85%). Independent of the anode size, Clostridium sp. and exoelectrogens belonging to genera Desulfobulbus and Acinetobacter were abundant in MFCs powered with waste VFAs.
Hierarchical Bayesian estimation of unobserved salmon passage through weirs

We developed a hierarchical Bayesian model (HBM) to estimate missing counts of Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha (Walbaum in Artedi, 1792)) at a weir on the Kogrukluk River, Alaska, between 1976 and 2015. The model assumed that fish passage during a breach of the weir was typical of passage during normal operations. Counts of fish passing the weir were missing for some days during the runs, or only partial counts for a given 24-hour period were available. The HBM approach provided more defensible estimates of missing data and total escapement than ad hoc or year-by-year model estimates, because estimates of passage for a given year were informed not only by counts for the current year, but also by counts for all previous years. The results of the HBM yielded less variable estimates of escapement than did ad hoc or year-by-year model estimates. The HBM represents a standardized approach to estimate missing counts and total escapement and eliminates the need for ad hoc estimates of missing counts. The model also provides managers with a measure of uncertainty around estimates of escapement and around estimates of hyper-parameters to define run curves in subsequent years with incomplete fish counts.
Application of silica extracted from rice husk ash for the encapsulation of AFB1 antibody as a matrix in immunoaffinity columns

The extraction of silica from rice husk ash (RHA) for the encapsulation of aflatoxin B1 antibody (Ab-AFB1) and its application as a matrix in immunoaffinity columns (IACs) were achieved. The RHA extraction was performed using 4 M NaOH, which yielded sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) for the synthesis of silica gel. The obtained silica was used for encapsulating Ab-AFB1 using the sol-gel technique. One milliliter of 1 M Na2SiO3:H2O:H3PO4 (0.43:0.11: 0.46) could generate silica gel that was suitable for encapsulating 1.36 mg of Ab-AFB1 at pH 7. After 48 hours of aging, the silica gel modified with AbAFB1 (SG-Ab-AFB1) was ground, and packed as the matrix in the IAC for aflatoxins purification. The modified silica gel was characterized using FTIR and SEM. The properties of IAC with SG-Ab-AFB1 were investigated by evaluating AF recovery, binding capacity, and reusability. The recovery of AFB1 was 94.11 ± 4.62%. In addition to AFB1 recovery, the column also retained AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2 with recovery values of 98.22 ± 3.74%, 92.22 ± 7.62%, and 83.00 ± 6.31%, respectively. This column, which contained 0.5 g of SG-AbAFB1 had a binding capacity of approximately 50 ng of AFs per column, and could be reused at least 5 times with a recovery of more than 80%.