Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Preferential flow in water repellent sandy soils; model development and lysimeter experiments.

When water enters a water-repellent topsoil, preferential flow paths develop and the flow bypasses a large part of the unsaturated zone. Therefore, preferential flow caused by water- repellency is expected to accelerate solute leaching to the groundwater. In soils with water-repellent toplayers and groundwater-affected wettable sublayers, a flow pattern develops that consists of three regions. In the top few centimeters, water flow converges toward the tops of the preferential flow paths. Within the preferential flow paths, water moves vertically downward. In the wettable subsoil, the flow diverges due to matric: forces. A new analytical three-region model is developed to calculate convective transport of an inert tracer in this steady-state flow system. Calculations with this model show that the wettable subsoil largely determines the residence time in the unsaturated zone and the shape of the breakthrough curve. For a sandy soil with a wettable soil of 1.20 m thickness on average, model results indicate that spreading of the solute front on the field scale caused by soil heterogeneity can be much larger than the front spreading caused by the diverging flow in the wettable subsoil.A new type of lysimeter was built to study the spatial distribution of drainage and solute leaching with a resolution of 5 cm from an undisturbed sandy soil column with a water-repellent toplayer (1.00 m 2 area, 0.55 m height). The experiments provided strong support for the concepts underlying the preferential flow model. Additionally, during an eight-month period of uninterrupted experimentation, unique observations of the long-term dynamics of unsaturated flow were made. Areas of high drainage moved over lateral distances of up to 0.25 m, and the distribution of drainage over different areas with large drainage amounts varied slowly but strongly. The three-region analytical model can reproduce without calibration the breakthrough of a chloride pulse reasonably well. In combination with the support provided by the lysimeter data for the underlying concepts, this makes the model a promising starting point for a transient, numerical model for solute transport in fields with water-repellent toplayers.
Insulin Clearance at the Pubertal Transition in Youth with Obesity and Steatosis Liver Disease

No data are available on insulin clearance (ClI) trends during the pubertal transition. The aim of this study was to investigate in 973 youths with obesity whether ClI in fasting and post-oral glucose challenge (OGTT) conditions varies at the pubertal transition in relation to the severity of obesity and the presence of steatosis liver disease (SLD). The severity of obesity was graded according to the Centers for Disease Control. SLD was graded as absent, mild and severe based on alanine amino transferase levels. ClI was defined as the molar ratio of fasting C-peptide to insulin and of the areas under the insulin to glucose curves during an OGTT. In total, 35% of participants were prepubertal, 72.6% had obesity class II, and 52.6% had mild SLD. Fasting ClI (nmol/pmol × 10−2) was significantly lower in pubertal [0.11 (0.08–0.14)] than in prepubertal individuals [0.12 (0.09–0.16)] and higher in class III [0.15 (0.11–0.16)] than in class I obesity [0.11 (0.09–0.14)]. OGTT ClI was higher in boys [0.08 (0.06–0.10)] than in girls [0.07 (0.06–0.09)]; in prepubertal [0.08 (0.06–0.11)] than in pubertal individuals [0.07 (0.05–0.09)]; in class III [0.14 (0.08–0.17)] than in class I obesity [0.07 (0.05–0.10)]; and in severe SLD [0.09 (0.04–0.14)] than in no steatosis [0.06 (0.04–0.17)]. It was lower in participants with prediabetes [0.06 (0.04–0.07)]. OGTT ClI was lower in youths with obesity at puberty along with insulin sensitivity and greater secretion. The findings suggest that the initial increase in ClI in youth with severe obesity and SLD is likely to compensate for hyperinsulinemia and its subsequent decrease at the onset of prediabetes and other metabolic abnormalities.
The Possum Pied Piper: the development and investigation of an audio lure for improved possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) monitoring and control in New Zealand

The Possum Pied Piper: the development and investigation of an audio lure for improved possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) monitoring and control in New Zealand by Matthew J. Kavermann Improving vertebrate pest control operations relies on increasing pest animal encounters and interactions with control devices, primarily toxic baits and traps. Encounters and interactions are encouraged using a variety of baits and lures that stimulate an animal’s visual, olfactory or auditory senses, which attract and orientate the target species towards the control device. Likewise, attractants can be used to improve interaction rates with monitoring and detection devices providing more accurate estimates of the distribution and changes in the relative abundance of invasive pest species. In New Zealand, the Australian brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) is a major invasive pest of conservation and agricultural estates and is the subject of on-going management to keep population densities below environmental damage and disease transfer thresholds. Possum control operations have, traditionally, used visual and, to a lesser extent, olfactory lures for attracting possums to control devices and much research has been undertaken to make improvements to traditional lures. However, the potential for an auditory stimulus to attract possums remains largely unexamined and underutilised for possum control in New Zealand. Research presented in this thesis expands on previous studies with captive animals and examines the development and field testing of an audio lure for possum control. Preliminary field trials showed that possums found audio-lured devices sooner than silent devices, and that a greater proportion of audio-lured devices were located by possums over time. In addition, possums were recorded investigating audio-lured sites at higher rates compared to silent sites, suggesting that possums were more likely to interact with a control device if it had an audio lure. In areas where possum populations were high (>5/ha), audio lures were no better than traditional lures at attracting possums, with all sites becoming saturated by possum activity, suggesting audio lures may be most effective in areas with lower possum densities.
Peripartum factors associated with variation in voluntary postpartum hay intake in dairy cows

Graphical Abstract Summary: Variation in hay intake among fresh cows and factors related to the hay intake were evaluated. Cows were offered ad libitum hay, separate from total mixed ration (TMR), for the first 5 days in milk. Hay intake was very variable among cows, and was negatively correlated with intake 2 days before calving, and positively correlated with postcalving plasma β-hydroxybutyrate and serum haptoglobin concentration. These findings show that lower precalving intake and a greater concentration of ketone and inflammatory markers are associated with greater voluntary hay intake in fresh cows.
Vulnerability of Small Island Development States. Does good governance help

Small island states have in recent decades been identified as particularly vulnerable to natural disasters and climate change. Violent winds, floods, and draughts have had severe consequences for millions of people and currently present an increasingly significant challenge for development and poverty alleviation in small islands. However, although islands tend to have similar geographical features, natural hazards produce widely different outcomes in different island states, indicating great variation in resilience. While some islands seem to cope and adapt fairly well, others suffer tremendously. That is the impact of natural hazards of the same physical magnitude ranges from going more or less unnoticed or causing only small disturbances to resulting in severe catastrophes. The overall objective of this paper is to explore the suggested sources of this variation further. More specifically, with the point of departure in theories about how institutions and social contracts affect collective action and adaptive capacities, this paper sets out to investigate how political institutions such as democracy, corruption, and government effectiveness impact the overall resilience of island states. While claims over the importance of institutions are well abound in the literature, there is a serious lack of systematic empirical accounts testing the validity of such claims. This shortcoming is addressed by this study’s quantitative, time series cross-sectional analysis using data from the International Disaster Risk database and the Quality of Government dataset. Martin Sjöstedt The Quality of Government Institute Department of Political Science University of Gothenburg Martin. sjöstedt@gu.se Marina Povitkina The Quality of Government Institute Department of Political Science University of Gothenburg Marina.povitkina@gu.se
Investigation of Short-Term Health Effects of Air Pollution in Türkiye with E-Nabız Sensor Data

, Objectives: The aim of the study is to reveal the short-term health effects of exposure to air pollution (respiratory rate, heart rate and sleep duration) through sensor data. Methods: The average number of daily admissions of asthma and COPD patients with ICD 10 J41, J43, J44 and J45 diagnosis codes obtained from the Ministry of Health E-Nabız system in 1 month before the date of increase in air pollution and the average number of daily admissions in 1 month after that date were taken on the basis of age group, clinic and province. Results: Analyses were conducted on 1,040,235 people reached through the E-Nabız sensor data. 54.2% of the participants were male, 69.4% were aged between 25-39 years, 49.9% lived in the Marmara Region and 92.7% lived in urban areas. The mean respiratory rate of the participants was 18.01±1.345 per minute, and the mean respiratory rate was higher in women, those younger than 25 years of age (p<0.05). The mean heart rate of the participants was 84.54±3.722 per minute, and the mean heart rate was higher in women, those younger than 25 years of age (p<0.05). The mean sleep duration of the participants in the study was calculated as 403.83±42.570 minutes, and women, those younger than 25 years and older than 65 years (p<0.05). Conclusion: The design of the study based on the analysis of sensor data made it possible to evaluate the short-term health effects of air pollution at the national level for the first time in Türkiye.
Influence of the hydrological changes on the phytoplankton structure and dynamics in a subtropical wetland-lake system.

Influence of the hydrological changes on the phytoplankton structure and dynamics in a subtropical wetland-lake system. The hydroperiod-phytoplankton response in wetlands-lake coastal system is proposed in this study. The samples were taken monthly in three subsystems (North, transition and South) of Taim's Hydrologic System (THS), since March to December in 2001. Only five species, two diatoms (Aulacoseira granulata and Synedra acus) and three cyanobacteria (Aphanocapsa delicatissima, Cylindrospermopsis raciborski and Planktolyngbya contorta) were related to water dynamics from 333 phytoplankton species identified to the THS. Diatoms species showed high densities in Mangueira Lake (north zone) during spring, when the highest wind velocity and water level were registered. On the other hand, cyanobacteria species were abundant in Mangueira Lake during calm periods and low water level. In the subsystems North and transition, none spatial phytoplankton patterns were identified as observed in South subsystem. Subsystems North and transition are constituted by small lakes where the wind force is not strong enough to drive hydrodynamics process. Therefore, in Mangueira Lake (South subsystem from THS) the hydrodynamic was the force which drove phytoplankton structure.
Cryo-electron microscopy in the fight against COVID-19—mechanism of virus entry

Cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and electron tomography (cryo-ET) have become a critical tool for studying viral particles. Cryo-EM has enhanced our understanding of viral assembly and replication processes at a molecular resolution. Meanwhile, in situ cryo-ET has been used to investigate how viruses attach to and invade host cells. These advances have significantly contributed to our knowledge of viral biology. Particularly, prompt elucidations of structures of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and its variants have directly impacted the development of vaccines and therapeutic measures. This review discusses the progress made by cryo-EM based technologies in comprehending the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-Cov-2), the virus responsible for the devastating global COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 with focus on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and the mechanisms of the virus entry and replication.
Lived Experiences of Grade – 11 Stem Students in Mathematics Using Modular Distance Learning

This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of Grade – 11 STEM students in mathematics using modular distance learning. With the aim of understanding the challenges, coping strategies, support systems, emotional factors, and perceived advantages associated with this learning modality, the research design employed a phenomenological approach. Data collection involved one-on-one interviews with 12 participants, and thematic analysis was utilized to identify common themes. The findings revealed challenges in understanding complex topics, managing the modular structure, and dealing with distractions and connectivity issues. Participants adapted through self-regulated learning, utilization of online resources, and independent learning strategies. The study highlighted the importance of teacher and parental support, effective guidance, and the promotion of positive emotional experiences. The advantages identified include access to information, flexible time management, and autonomous exploration of resources. The implications of these findings would contribute to the design and implementation of educational interventions, addressing challenges, and enhancing distance learning experiences. The study concluded by offering recommendations for educators, policymakers, and researchers to optimize distance learning programs and support student success.
The Hierarchical Classification for The Rituals of Hajj Using Ontology

In our dynamic world, knowledge is linked to data and information that already exists, and knowledge management can be shared and linked. In a broader scope, it can be used to structure ontology. Using ontology helps users understand structure easier and faster. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in developing and building an ontology for many fields. However, relatively few works related to the religious aspect were conducted, especially regarding the pilgrimage and its rituals. This research paper was proposed given the importance of this field in Islam and the knowledge and exchange of everything related to it. Therefore, the proposed field was represented in ontology by showing the relationships between the categories that make up this field, which was organized hierarchically. When the relationship is already defined, the structure of the ontology can be modeled in the field of knowledge (pilgrimage and its rituals), and an appropriate methodology has been used for this work, which we will explain later. This paper proposes to perform a hierarchical classification of pilgrimage rituals using an ontology file generated using the Protégé tool for modeling the ontology structure. This ontology structure will help share knowledge about Hajj and its rituals.
Assessment of Heavy Metals Pollution in the Sediments of Iraqi Coastlines

Twenty three samples were collected from the sediments of Iraqi coastlines, from seven sites, Fao, Raas AlBishah area, Khor Abdullah, Khor Shytianah, Hacham Island, Khor AlZubair, and Shatt AlBasrah. The collected samples has been assessed for Fe, Co, Zn, Cu, Ni, and Pb metals to detected the sediments pollution in the study area by used three of main indices; geo- accumulation (I- geo) , contamination factor (CF), and pollution load index (PLI). The results reflect that the average concentrations of the studied heavy metals were relatively lower in Khor Abdullah, Khor Shytianah , and Hacham Island sites than the other studied sites. I-geo shows that the studied heavy metals have relatively values of (class 0 and 1) in the studied sites reflect unpolluted to slightly polluted areas . The CF for Fe and Ni classified as class 2 which indicate moderately contamination in all samples. While, CF for Pb, Cu, Zn and Co classified as class 1 and 2 (Low to Moderate contamination). The Contamination factor (CF) for Co in all the studied sites classified as class 1 representing a low contamination. PLI values in the studied sites are ranges from 1.05 to 1.57 classified as class 2 (Deterioration on site quality) indicating local pollution, except for Khor Shytianah site that show the range of PLI value of 0.74-1.32 indicates denote perfection with (class 0) and appear no pollution to deteriorating on site quality . The indication of slightly to moderately pollution of sediments in the studied area may be as a result to anthropogenic activities, oil spelling, and daily toxicity wastes that throw for the main rivers in Basra city.
Exploration and Sterilization Coronavirus in Air based on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

In recent years, the academic and industrial science community has shown great interest in the Internet of Things and the decentralization of Blockchain networks, particularly in smart cities and emerging communities. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have gained significant attention in military and commercial systems, serving as emergency transport during natural disasters and epidemics such as the Coronavirus pandemic. In such scenarios, the use of Ad-Hoc wireless networks to cover large areas can be more secure if implemented as a shared database, such as Blockchain. This paper suggests the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles as a solution for the location and sterilization of coronavirus contaminated areas. Thus, one of these aerial vehicles will locate the infected area and update its spatial data block. Also, the surrounded aerial vehicles comply with this modification and change their location information in the Blockchain to pursue the target location, and together start to spray sterilizer. To improve localization accuracy, a swarm intelligence algorithm is employed, while Blockchain technology serves as a decentralized database for clusterization of other UAVs. Through realistic studies and analyses of localization and clusterization, the proposed method proves effective in locating and sterilizing polluted air regions. Additionally, this database technique provides a higher level of security, making it challenging to attack. Ultimately, this research contributes to the advancement of emergency transport networks, Blockchain technology, and IoT services.
Green Building Consumption Perception and Its Impact on Fitness Service Purchasing Intentions: An Extended Institutional Analysis and Development Decision-Making Model Analysis

Green buildings play a pivotal role in advancing ecological civilization and promoting green, low-carbon development. Numerous studies have delved into the construction techniques, process attributes, economic benefits, risk management, and benefit assessments associated with green buildings. Concurrently, research on the profitability models, marketing strategies, and public purchasing intentions of commercial fitness clubs has also yielded extensive findings. Yet, there is a noticeable gap: limited research has investigated the nexus between green building development and consumers’ propensity to purchase fitness services from these commercial establishments. Building upon the foundation set by previous scholars and employing the Extended IAD Decision-Making Model, this study utilizes the PLS-SEM method to analyze collected questionnaire data. Through path analysis, we examine the relationships between variables. Our findings indicate that: (1) Positive perceptions of green building consumption bolster the purchasing intentions toward fitness services in commercial fitness clubs. (2) Perceived risk mediates the relationship between green building consumption perceptions and consumers’ fitness service purchasing intentions in commercial fitness clubs. (3) Environmental awareness enhances the correlation between green building consumption perceptions and the propensity to purchase services in these clubs. The goal of this research is to underscore the importance of green buildings both in environmental and economic contexts and to offer insights that can elevate the profitability of commercial fitness clubs.
Fault-Tolerant Analysis of Kalman Filter Sensor Fusion for Sensorless Control of a Multiphase Machine

This paper investigates the feasibility and the performance of a Kalman filter sensor fusion in a sensorless drive. The algorithm is developed for a six-phase synchronous reluctance motor. Multi-stator (MS) approach is used to decompose the machine into two three-phase windings. Each winding is supplied by a dedicated inverter and a position estimation algorithm is implemented for each system resulting into two estimated positions. Firstly, the performance of the Kalman fusion algorithm are compared with a non-weighted average by analyzing different supply scenarios. Then, a sensorless control strategy for a multiphase machine is proposed in the case of a fault in the position sensor. Both control loops are closed on the estimated position from the Kalman fusion algorithm and the motor is able to operate sensorless with good performance without using complex compensation methods. The developed sensorless control strategy is validated through an extensive experimental stage.
Episodes of high productivity and cooling in the early Aptian Alpine Tethys

A palynological and organic geochemical study of the early Aptian Selli unit (oceanic anoxic event 1a) of the western Tethys provides new information about paleoceanography and documents pronounced changes in the regional climate pattern. It also emphasizes the role of oxic degradation of organic matter, even at horizons with the highest rates of organic carbon (Corg) accumulation. The absence of anoxia indicates that enhanced primary production is the main reason for these organic carbon accumulations, and variations in preservation are related to pulses in primary production and nutrient recycling. Despite the high-productivity character of the Selli unit black shales, the δ13Ccarb values are not marked by a positive shift, but by an interval of unchanged values. Warm climatic conditions for deposition of the Selli unit are inferred from the presence of southern provenance pollen and low δ18O values. For the interval above the Selli unit, changes in the pollen spectrum and an increase in δ18O values reflect a hitherto undocumented late early Aptian cooler and more humid climate and/or a reorganization of the Tethyan oceanographic circulation pattern.