Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Soil water dynamics at 15 locations distributed across a desert landscape: insights from a 27‐yr dataset

Desert ecosystems are primarily limited by water availability. Within a climatic regime, topography, soil characteristics, and vegetation are expected to determine how the combined effects of precipitation, temperature, and evaporative demand of the atmosphere shape the spatial and temporal patterns of water within the soil profile and across a landscape. To forecast how desert landscapes may respond to future climatic conditions, it is imperative to improve our understanding of these ecohydrologic processes. Here, we report on 27 yr of monthly soil volumetric water content (VWC) measurements and associated soils data from a site in the northern Chihuahuan Desert of North America. The dataset includes VWC and soil properties measured to 3 m in depth across 15 locations that encompass a range of Chihuahuan Desert vegetation types. We use this unique dataset (1) to generate insights into general temporal and depth patterns in VWC, (2) to analyze how VWC corresponds to measures of climatic conditions, and (3) to qualitatively evaluate the relative importance of soils, topographic setting, and vegetation type in mediating temporal patterns in VWC. Analyses of this unique dataset emphasize the importance of soil and topographic setting in determining depth and temporal patterns in VWC across time. Results emphasize the episodic nature of deep wetting events in our study system—essentially limited to three large events over the 27-yr record driven primarily by wetter than normal winters. Comparison of soil water dynamics between mesquite shrub coppice dunes and interspace soils suggests the “island of fertility” concept does not extend to soil water. Median VWC was strongly coupled to climatic conditions over surprisingly long windows at most locations (6–18 months), suggesting that soil water at depth is decoupled from short climatic pulses. However, VWC dynamics and VWC–climate relationships varied among locations, depths, and seasons, with unexpected similarities in ecohydrologic dynamics observed among very different vegetation types (e.g., an eroded creosote shrubland and a playa grassland). These results further underscore the importance of ecohydrological investigations in these ecosystems, given forecasts for a warmer and more variable climate in deserts globally.
Experiences of midwives and accoucheurs in implementation of pregnancy HIV guidelines in Limpopo province, South Africa

Introduction: Each year, about 43,000 pregnant women and mothers die world-wide due to pregnancy-related birth conditions. Most of these deaths are avoidable and preventable. An update on the maternal mortality of 2017 indicated that 976 pregnant women died between 2014 and 2016, despite being initiated on anti-retroviral drugs. Although, an improvement on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in pregnancy guidelines implementation was achieved, with 35% of maternal deaths occurring due to HIV infections, therefore there is a need to investigate the experience of midwives/accoucheurs regarding the implementation of HIV guidelines during pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to investigate and describe the experience of midwives/accoucheurs in implementing pregnancy HIV guidelines in the Limpopo province of South Africa. Material and methods: This was a qualitative study using exploratory-descriptive design, and included professional nurses with midwifery qualification. Non-probability, purposive sampling was used for 18 participants based on data capacity. Data was collected through an in-depth, unstructured face-to-face interview and analyzed using Tesch’s open coding method. Measures to ensure dependability, conformability, transferability, and credibility were applied. Results: Three main subjects emerged from raw data, namely: experiences of midwives/accoucheurs during provision of care to HIV-positive pregnant women, management of pregnant HIV-positive women as per guidelines, and challenges experienced by midwives caring for pregnant HIV-positive women. Conclusions: Midwives implemented the HIV guidelines during pregnancy; however, shortage of nurses during pregnant women’s first visit resulted in prolonged waiting time for other patients. The prolonged time for patients’ results and shortage of consulting rooms affected the implementation of HIV guidelines. The completion of different records was not accurately done. Non-adherence amongst clients affected the overall provision of HIV care.
Location, Context, and Social Objectives Using Knowledge-Based Rules and Conflict Resolution for Security in Internet of Things

Security and knowledge systems effectively identify the node behavior based on device identity, location, social attributes, and networking parameters. In this article, we propose a novel approach of location, context, and social objectives using knowledge-based rules and conflict resolution for security (LOCSKS) in the Internet of Things. The proposed system applies the Bayesian decision theory and analyzes the node behavior based on prior and posterior knowledge of the location, context, and social objectives in the Internet of Things. LOCSKS exclusive and economical keys consider the context to service type mapping and risk levels to ensure the location privacy and trust in the system. The knowledge-based and inference rules identity the conformity and conflicting nodes. The conflict resolution approach blocks the invalid nodes, suspends the malicious nodes, and delays the suspicious nodes. Simulations indicate that the proposed LOCSKS scheme effectively identifies the node behavior and conflicting conditions, reduces the key violations, and enhances location privacy as compared to the existing schemes.
Bio-economic Implications of Feeding Fermented Ground Mature Prosopis Juliflora Pods to Grower Rabbits

Prosopis juliflora plant is readily available in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) of Kenya, producing mature pods throughout the year. However, its inclusion in livestock diets compromises performance due to anti-nutrients which can be reduced using fermentation. At Tatton Agriculture Park, Egerton University, a study was done to investigate the effect of inclusion of graded levels of fermented ground mature Prosopis juliflora pods (FGMPP) replacing maize in the diets of growing rabbits on growth and economic benefit. Sixty (60), 42-day old rabbits weighing 0.5 ± 0.04 kg (mean ± SD) were housed in cages measuring (75 * 55 * 40) cm; three rabbits of the same sex per cage. In a randomized complete block design (RCBD) 5 diets; control (formulated standard grower diet), 15% unfermented ground mature pods of Prosopis juliflora (UGMPP), 30% UGMPP, 15% FGMPP and 30% FGMPP replacing maize in formulated standard grower diets were offered in four replicates per treatment (six males and six females). Analysis data was done using the general linear model (GLM) of Statistical Analysis Systems (SAS). Tukey’s range procedure at (p? 0.05) significance was used to separate means. The results show that 30% FGMPP inclusion resulted in a superior (p? 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) and economic benefit (p? 0.05). The study concluded that replacing 30% maize in diets of grower rabbits with FGMPP will make economic sense. This will ensure sustainability in rabbit production, improvement of farmer livelihoods, and improvement of food and nutritional security to the Kenyan human population.
A Method for Evaluating Frequency Regulation in an Electrical Grid – Part I: Theory

The first part of this two-part paper proposes a technique that consists in the measurement, through phasor measurement units, of bus frequency variations to estimate the rate of change of regulated power, and in the definition of a local index that is able to discriminate between devices that modify the frequency at the connection bus and devices that do not. A taxonomy of devices based on their ability to modify locally the frequency is proposed. A byproduct of such an index is to estimate the inertia or equivalent inertia of the monitored device. The proposed index is shown to be a relevant consequence of the concept of frequency divider formula recently published by the authors on the IEEE Transactions on Power Systems. The properties of the proposed index is illustrated through examples based on the synchronous machine and its controllers.
Bidirectional Soft-Switching Converter With Reduced Current Ripple at Low-Voltage Side

Bidirectional dc–dc converters with storage devices and high-voltage conversion ratio are widely utilized in renewable energy systems in order to manage power flow between renewable sources, storage devices, and load. One of the most important parameters in these converters, which affects the lifetime of storage devices, is the pulsating current flowing through them. This article presents a bidirectional buck/boost converter that employs a coupled inductors technique to increase the voltage conversion ratio while the current in low-side voltage source is continuous. Furthermore, only an active clamp circuit, including a clamp capacitor and an auxiliary active switch, is utilized to create soft-switching conditions for the main switches and absorb the leakage inductance energy of coupled inductors for both high step-up/step-down operating states. In this converter, the soft-switching condition is provided for all switches without any extra element in the power flow direction. Also, all diodes turn off at the ZCS condition, which removes the reverse recovery problem. A low number of elements and fully soft-switching condition for all semiconductor devices have contributed to the converter efficiency. Theoretical analysis of the proposed converter in both operating states is presented in detail, and a 500-W prototype circuit is implemented to verify the validity of the theoretical analysis and converter performance.
Effects of Sicklebush (Dichrostachys cinerea (l.) wight and arn.shrub) Encroachment on Floristic and Vegetation Structure in Semi-arid Savannah of Southern Ethiopia

Anthropogenic drivers in Protected Areas particularly overgrazing in National Parks may enable the spread of native plant species into non-encroached areas, a phenomenon witnessed with sicklebush ( Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Weight and Arn. Shrub) in Semi-arid Savannah Plains of Nech Sar National Park (NSNP). This study was conducted in the Savannah Plains of NSNP, to investigate the effects of sicklebush encroachment on native floristic and vegetation structures. Two sicklebush encroached patches, each greater than one hectare and two adjacent non-encroached sites of the same size were selected randomly to establish sampling units. A total of 32 (10m by 10m) plots were established being eight from each of the four encroached and non-encroached sites. Five 1m by 1m quadrats were laid in each plot to collect vegetation data except for aboveground biomass. Aboveground biomass was clipped from 0.25m 2 sub-quadrats of each quadrat. Species composition, richness, diversity, vegetation live cover, vegetation dead cover, bare ground cover and vegetation height and aboveground biomass were compared between encroached and non-encroached sites. A total of 46 plant species were identified in the study area, of which 27 were found only in non-encroached site and 19 were common for both sites, implying that 58.7% of the species were absent in sicklebush encroached sites. Non-encroached sites harboured a total of 18 families and 43 genera, whereas encroached sites harboured only 7 families and 18 genera. There were significant differences ( p <0.05) in species richness, species diversity, species composition, vegetation live and dead cover, vegetation height between encroached and non-encroached areas, with non-encroached areas recording higher values than encroached areas. Vegetation height did not show significant difference between the compared sites for the plant growth forms but it did show for few of dominant species. On the other hand, bare ground cover record was high in encroached areas compared to non-encroached areas. This implies that the native plant species of the savannah plains of the study area were under pressure due to sicklebush encroachment unless treated properly in short term. Keywords: bush encroachment, effect, Nech Sar National Park, savannah, sicklebush encroachment Corresponding author: Bayisa Bussa Gonfa, Natural Resources Management Department, College of Agriculture Science, Bule Hora University, P.O. Box: 144, Bule Hora, Ethiopia DOI: 10.7176/JEES/10-8-01 Publication date: August 31 st 2020
Thermal Neutron Discrimination Using a Novel Phoswich Detector of Gd3Ga3Al2O12:Ce,B and CsI:Tl Single Crystals

A phoswich detector was fabricated using a combination of single-crystal scintillators of CsI:Tl and Gd<sub>3</sub>Ga<sub>3</sub>Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>12</sub>:Ce,B. The performance characteristics of this novel phoswich detector were investigated for thermal neutron detection in the presence of different gamma backgrounds using an Am–Be source and in a research reactor beam line. High atomic density and excellent thermal neutron capture cross section of Gd leads to the high detection efficiency for thermal neutrons in a 1-mm thin disk of Gd<sub>3</sub>Ga<sub>3</sub>Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>12</sub> crystal. The high figure of merit of ~6.5 obtained for thermal neutron detection ensures the detector’s excellent discrimination property in the presence of high gamma background.
Open healing of contained and non-contained extraction sockets covered with a ribose cross-linked collagen membrane: a pilot study

Purpose This study investigated whether the placement of ribose cross-linked collagen (RCLC) membranes without primary soft tissue closure predictably resulted in sufficient alveolar ridge preservation in contained and non-contained extraction sockets. Methods Membranes were positioned across extraction sockets, undermining full-thickness flaps, and the gingival margins were fixed by double-interrupted sutures without crossed horizontal mattress sutures for 1 week. In non-contained sockets, a bone substitute was used to support the membrane within the bony envelope. Radiographs and clinical images obtained 4 months later were analyzed by ImageJ software using non-parametric tests. Results In 18 patients, 20 extraction sockets healed uneventfully and all sites received standard-diameter implants (4.1, 4.8, or 5.0 mm) without additional bone augmentation. Soft tissues and the muco-gingival border were well maintained. A retrospective analysis of X-rays and clinical photographs showed non-significant shrinkage in the vertical and horizontal dimensions (P=0.575 and P=0.444, respectively). The new bone contained vital bone cells embedded in mineralized tissues. Conclusions Within the limitations of this pilot study, open healing of RCLC membranes may result in sufficient bone volume for implant placement without additional bone augmentation in contained and non-contained extraction sockets.
Caracterização de cultivares de cafeeiros resistentes à ferrugem submetidas à poda tipo esqueletamento ; Characterization of coffee cultivars resistant to rust submitted to framework pruning

The use of techniques with the aim of improving conventional methods for coffee selection is of great importance for the development of national coffee production. These techniques, such as framework pruning, favor the identification of more productive cultivars, responsive to management techniques. Thus, we aimed at evaluating the anatomical, physiological and agronomic traits, as well as the relation between them, in coffee cultivars originated from germplasm supposedly resistant to rust, and its response to framework pruning. The experiment was installed in an experimental area of the Deparment of Agriculture, coffee culture sector of the Universidade Federal de Lavras, using a randomized blocks design, with three replicates, in spacings of 3.5 x 0.7 m and plots of 12 plants. We evaluated 25 coffee cultivars, with 23 originated from germplasm supposedly resistant to rust and 2 commercial cultivars considered susceptible. We analyzed density and stomata functionality; number and diameter of the xylem vessels; thickness of the phloem, adaxial cuticle, adaxial and abaxial epidermis, palisade and spongy parenchyma, mesophile and limbus; length of the plagiotropic branch and number of knots; net photosynthetic rate; transpiratory rate; water use efficiency; fluorescence and chlorophyll index; foliar area index, incidence of rust and productivity. In conclusion, cultivars Catuaí Amarelo 20/15 cv 479, Araponga MG1 and Tupi 1669-33 presented high response to framework pruning given their high productivity allied to high stomata functionality, photosynthetic rate, water use efficiency and low transpiratory rate. In addition, the two last cultivars presented low incidence of rust. Cultivar Acauã presented good response to this type of pruning for presenting high productivity associated with greater cuticle thickness and lower disease incidence. Cultivar Catuaí Vermelho 785/15 was unresponsive to the framework pruning for presenting lower productivity, high incidence of rust, low vegetative growth and low water use efficiency.
An Unsupervised Intelligent Method for Cutting Pick State Recognition of Coal Mining Shearer

This paper proposes an intelligent recognition method for shearer cutting state based on deep learning theory, to solve the problems where the picks are prone to various failure forms during the cutting of coal and rock masses by the shearer. The failure will lead to the decline on the stability of the entire machine of the shearer and affect the safety production. Specially, a 1:1 simulation bench is used for simulating underground mining conditions to measure and collect the cutting loads of picks and establish a sample database. Deep learning-based intelligent recognition method is an effective tool that can break away from the dependency of prior knowledge and recognition experience, and sparse. In this paper, a promising deep learning method called sparse filtering is proposed for intelligent recognition of shearer cutting. So sparse filtering is applied to construct an automatic feature extraction model, and softmax regression is adopted as a classifier for cutting pick state recognition. Furthermore, $L_{1/2}$ regularization term is added to the cost function of sparse filtering to prevent the problem of excessive model training and weights. The proposed method for identifying the cutting status of the shearer can effectively monitor the cutting status of the picker, thereby improving the safety and stability of the cutting of the shearer and promote the coal mining efficiency.
The Impact of COVID-19 international travel restrictions on services-trade costs

This report casts light on the impact of regulatory restrictions on the movement of people across international borders on services trade costs. Such restrictions were implemented on health and safety grounds following the COVID-19 outbreak in March 2020. The analysis relies on several illustrative scenarios in which all the countries are assumed to close their borders to passengers, but leave freight trade open. Services trade costs are estimated to increase by an average of 12% of export values across sectors and countries in the medium term in such a hypothetical scenario. The analysis identifies a large variability in the increase in services-trade costs across sectors and across countries, reflecting the stringency of initial regulations and the relative importance of business travel and labour mobility to international services trade.
Effects of Elevated Temperature and Carbon Dioxide Concentrations on the Response of Two Common Reed (Phragmites australis) Haplotypes to Glyphosate

Abstract Common reed [Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud. ], an aggressive invader in North American wetlands, is likely to undergo a range expansion as the climate changes. Increased atmospheric [CO2] and temperature have been shown to cause morphological and physiological changes in many species, sometimes altering the way they respond to herbicides. To understand how climate-related environmental parameters may impact P. australis management, we grew two P. australis haplotypes (the Gulf Coast type and the Eurasian type) under ambient (400 ppm CO2, 32/21 C) or elevated (650 ppm CO2, 35/24 C) climate conditions. After 6 wk, the Gulf Coast type had reduced leaf area, increased stomatal conductance, and increased transpiration under the elevated conditions. The Eurasian type had lower Vcmax (the maximum carboxylation rate of Rubisco) and lower Jmax (the maximum electron transport rate of RuBP regeneration) under elevated climate conditions. Results likely reflected a greater impact of higher temperatures rather than increased [CO2], After the 6-wk period, plants were either treated with glyphosate (0.57 kg ae ha-1) or remained an untreated control. Data were collected 30 d after treatment (DAT) and 60 DAT to evaluate herbicide efficacy. Overall, the Gulf Coast type was less responsive to glyphosate applications under the elevated climate conditions than under current climate conditions. The lower leaf area of the Gulf Coast type in these climate conditions may have resulted in less herbicide interception and uptake. Glyphosate efficacy was less impacted by climate treatment for the Eurasian type than for the Gulf Coast type.
Safety Analysis of a Modified Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control Algorithm Accounting for Communication Delay

Cooperative adaptive cruise control (CACC) is a promising technology to improve traffic efficiency and enhance road safety. In this paper, a modified CACC control model considering the communication time delay is proposed, which is used to investigate the longitudinal safety impacts of the communication time delay to the CACC platoon. Then, the communication time delay model is integrated into the CACC model to simulate the realistic information transfer process in the CACC platoon. Then a microscopic CACC platoon simulation is designed and conducted to verify the feasibility and reliability of the modified CACC control algorithm. The obtained results reveal that the modified CACC control algorithm can not only reduce about 96.6% of inter-vehicle spacing error, but also enhance the vehicles’ ability to sense the upstream traffic changes. Furthermore, to quantitatively analyze the longitudinal safety influence of the time delay caused by representative communication systems, sensitivity analysis experiments of headway time were designed and conducted. In the sensitivity analysis, the time exposed time-to-collision (TET) and the time-integrated time-to-collision (TIT) were introduced as the key performance indicators (KPIs) to quantify the rear-end collision risks. Sensitivity analysis results demonstrate that the performance of the CACC platoon is strictly related to the applied wireless communication style. Furthermore, the CACC system supported by the 5th generation (5G) communication system shows great advantages in narrowing the minimal headway time gap and reducing the rear-end collision risks.