Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Estimating galvanic-distortion magnetic fields in magnetotellurics

SUMMARY Telluric distortion occurs when electric charges accumulate along near-surface inhomogeneities. At low frequencies, the electric currents associated with these charges can be neglected compared to currents induced deeper in the Earth. At higher frequencies, the magnetic fields associated with these currents may be significant. Some parameters describing the distortion magnetic fields can be estimated from measured magneto-telluric impedance matrices. For regional magnetic fields aligned with regional strike directions, parameters associated with the distortion magnetic field component parallel to the regional magnetic field are undeterminable, whereas parameters associated with the distortion magnetic field component perpendicular to the regional magnetic field can be estimated. Optimal estimates are straightforward even for the realistic case of measurement errors that are correlated between elements of a measured impedance matrix. In a simple example of a 1-D anisotropic model with anisotropy direction varying with depth, the modelling of distortion magnetic fields results in regional impedance estimates corresponding more closely to the responses of uncoupled isotropic models, allowing sensible interpretation of an additional one and a half decades of data.
Electronic Journal of Plant Breeding Research

Salinity is a major abiotic stress that affects plant growth and development in rice. In this study, 37 genotypes along with 2 checks were screened for salinity at the seedling stage using hydroponics. Analysis of variance revealed a significant difference among genotypes for the recorded traits. Most studies have evaluated the salt tolerance based on the independent mean performance of traits. However, this study aimed to utilize membership function values which account for cumulative tolerance from all traits. Based on average MFV, three genotypes were classified as highly tolerant, four genotypes were classified as tolerant, 25 genotypes were classified as moderately tolerant, six genotypes were classified as susceptible, one genotype as highly susceptible. Simple linear regression analysis indicated total fresh weight is the reliable trait for salinity screening in rice at the seedling stage. Further, a multiple regression-based mathematical model was developed, which identified that a membership function-based evaluation system can be utilized for salinity tolerance grading. The identified highly tolerant and tolerant genotypes can be utilized for the improvement of salt tolerance at
Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) conservation in Bardia National Park, Nepal: Assessing population structure and habitat characteristics along the river channel amidst infrastructure development

Abstract Nepal initiated numerous hydropower and irrigation‐related infrastructure projects to enhance and promote green energy, water security, and agricultural productivity. However, these projects may pose risks to natural habitats and the well‐being of aquatic fauna, leading to significant effects on delicate ecosystems. To understand these potential impacts, it is crucial to gather reliable baseline data on the population status and habitat characteristics of species. This study specifically focuses on Gharials (Gavialis gangeticus), a critically endangered species. We recorded data on pre‐determined habitat variables at stations spaced 500 m apart along the two major river streams of Bardia National Park, as well as at locations where Gharials were sighted between February and March 2023. We used binary logistic regression with a logit link function to investigate the habitat characteristics related to the occurrence of Gharials. The presence/absence of Gharials at sampling points served as the dependent variable, while 10 other predetermined variables (ecological variables and disturbance variables) served as independent variables. Our study recorded 23 Gharials, comprising 14 adults, six sub‐adults, and three juveniles, with a sex ratio of 55.56 males per 100 females. Most individuals (83%) were found basking. Among the 10 habitat predictors, three variables (mid‐river depth, river width, and water temperature) were significantly correlated (p < .05) with the probability of Gharial occurrence. The model shows that Gharial detection probability increases with greater mid‐river depth and width and lower water temperature. This study establishes a population baseline for Gharials within the river system before the construction of large infrastructure projects, such as dams and irrigation canals. It also recommends continuous monitoring of Gharial populations after water release and/or diversion to evaluate the impact of large infrastructure projects on the population and their associated habitat characteristics. This will help enable more informed and targeted conservation efforts.
Sports Stars Brazil in children with autism spectrum disorder: A feasibility randomized controlled trial protocol

Background Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) children have lower levels of participation in recreational and sporting activities when compared to their peers. Participation has been defined based on the Family of Participation-Related Constructs (fPRC) which defines participation as including both attendance and involvement, with sense of self, preferences and activity competence related to a child’s participation. Modified sports interventions such as Sports Stars can act on physical literacy and some of the fPRCs components. This study aims to assess the feasibility of the Sports Stars Brazil intervention for children with ASD. Methods This study will be conducted with 36 participants with ASD aged 6 to 12 years old following the CONSORT for pilot and feasibility recommendation. Participants will be randomly allocated into two groups. Intervention group will receive eight, weekly Sports Stars sessions. Each session will include of sports-focused gross motor activity training, confidence building, sports-education and teamwork development. Study assessments will occur at baseline, immediately post-intervention and 20-weeks post-randomization. First, we will assess process feasibility measures: recruitment, assessment completion, adherence, adverse events and satisfaction. Second, we will investigate the scientific feasibility of the intervention by estimating the effect size and variance at the level of achievement sports-related activity and physical activity participation goals (Goal Attainment Scaling), activity competence (Ignite Challenge, Test of Gross Motor Development-second edition, Physical Literacy Profile Questionnaire, Pediatric Disability Assessment Inventory–Computer Adaptive Test—PEDI-CAT—mobility, 10×5 Sprint Test and Muscle Power Sprint Test), sense of self (PEDI-CAT—responsibility), and overall participation at home, school and community, (Participation and Environment Measure for children and young people, PEM-CY). Discussion The results of this feasibility study will inform which components are critical to planning and preparing a future RCT study, aiming to ensure that the RCT will be feasible, rigorous and justifiable. Trial registration The trial was registered with the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials database (ID: RBR-9d5kyq4) on June 15, 2022.
Safety of a change in specifications of the novel food oleoresin from Haematococcus pluvialis containing astaxanthin pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283

Abstract Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on the safety of a change of specifications of the novel food (NF) oleoresin from Haematococcus pluvialis containing astaxanthin (ATX) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. The NF is already authorised as ingredient for the use in food supplements as defined in Directive 2002/46EC in accordance to Regulation (EU) 2017/2470. The NF concerns an oleoresin which contains ~ 10% ATX, obtained by supercritical CO2 extraction of the homogenised and dried biomass of cultivated H. pluvialis. This NF has been assessed by the Panel in 2014. With the present dossier, the applicant proposed to lower the minimum specification limits for protein and ATX monoesters for the NF, and to increase the maximum specification limit for the relative amount of ATX diesters in total ATX. An increase of the maximum specification limit for the 9‐cis isomer is also applied for. Although the data are limited regarding bioavailability and distribution in humans of these three naturally occurring ATX isomers, the available in vitro and in vivo data suggest that the 13‐cis rather than the 9‐cis ATX is selectively absorbed, i.e. has a higher bioavailability and/or possibly emerges from isomerisation of all‐trans ATX. The Panel notes that the toxicity of the individual ATX isomers has not been studied individually. However, the ADI of 0.2 mg/kg, which was established for synthetic ATX and ATX from H. pluvialis, applies also for ATX in the oleoresin from H. pluvialis with the proposed changes of specifications. The Panel concludes that the NF, oleoresin from H. pluvialis containing ATX, is safe with the proposed specification limits.
Gig worker’s perceived algorithmic management, stress appraisal, and destructive deviant behavior

With the advance of data technologies, gig platforms have applied data and algorithms to their management and put more stringent requirements on gig workers through algorithmic management. Gig workers might perform destructive deviant behavior when coping with algorithmic management. It is meaningful to examine how the algorithmic management applied to gig platforms could lead to gig workers’ destructive deviant behavior. Based on the challenge–hindrance framework, we developed a research model and validated it with survey data collected from 423 food delivery riders. We employed multi-level linear regression analysis in data analysis and found that perceived algorithmic management was appraised as both a hindrance and a challenge. As a hindrance, it elicits working/family deviant behavior; as a challenge, it helps reduce working/family deviant behavior. Regulatory focus (a prevention focus vs. a promotion focus) moderates the effect of perceived algorithmic management on stress appraisals (hindrance appraisals vs. challenge appraisals). This study explains algorithmic management’s impact on gig workers’ destructive deviant behavior through the appraisal of algorithmic management as both a challenge and a hindrance. It also provides practical advice to gig platforms, gig workers and policymakers on how to balance the challenge and hindrance roles of algorithmic management in gig work.
Generation of porcine PK-15 cells lacking the Ifnar1 or Stat2 gene to optimize the efficiency of viral isolation

Because pigs are intermediate or amplifying hosts for several zoonotic viruses, the pig-derived PK-15 cell line is an indispensable tool for studying viral pathogenicity and developing treatments, vaccines, and preventive measures to mitigate the risk of disease outbreaks. However, we must consider the possibility of contamination by type I interferons (IFNs), such as IFNα and IFNβ, or IFN-inducing substances, such as virus-derived double-stranded RNA or bacterial lipopolysaccharides, in clinical samples, leading to lower rates of viral isolation. In this study, we aimed to generate a PK-15 cell line that can be used to isolate viruses from clinical samples carrying a risk of contamination by IFN-inducing substances. To this end, we depleted the IFN alpha and beta receptor subunit 1 (Ifnar1) gene in PK-15 cells using a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 method. Treatment of PK-15 cells lacking Ifnar1 with IFNβ resulted in no inhibitory effects on viral infection by a lentiviral vector, influenza virus, and Akabane virus. These results demonstrate that PK-15 cells lacking Ifnar1 could represent a valuable and promising tool for viral isolation, vaccine production, and virological investigations.
Data Report: Intact membrane lipis as indicators of subsurface life in Cretaceous and Paleogene sediments from Sites 1257 and 1258

We report results from the analysis of intact polar lipids (IPLs) in sediments from Ocean Drilling Program Sites 1257 and 1258. IPLs, constituting the cell membranes of living organisms, were detected in organic-lean sediments but not in underlying organic-rich black shales. Microbial activity in organic-lean sediments is likely due to sulfatedependent oxidation of methane whereas difficulties detecting IPLs in black shales are interpreted to result from unfavorable signal-to-noise ratios due to low cell concentrations in combination with extremely high analytical noise created by uncharacterized organic matrix. IPLs found are consistent with a low-diversity community of archaea and bacteria. The concentrations of IPLs are more than one order of magnitude lower than those in Neogene deep subsurface sediments at the Peruvian margin, suggestive of significantly lower cell concentrations in Demerara Rise. This finding is consistent with inferred low rates of subsurface microbial activity.
Determinantes del aprendizaje del alumno ante el reto de la convergencia europea.

espanolA la hora de afrontar el cambio que supone la adaptacion de los estudios universitarios actuales al Espacio Europeo de Educacion Superior, se perfila como clave conocer las deficiencias del sistema actual en aras a poner solucion a las mismas para obtener como resultado individuos con mejores niveles de capacitacion y especializacion en diferentes areas de conocimiento. No en vano, los objetivos recogidos en la Declaracion de Bolonia, reforzados con los comunicados de Praga, Berlin y Bergen, dejan patente el compromiso con la conversion de los planes de estudio de diferentes paises del viejo continente en un Sistema Europeo de Formacion Superior capaz de fomentar e incrementar el empleo. En este sentido, el presente trabajo lleva a cabo un analisis de las percepciones que los alumnos pertenecientes a dos universidades espanolas tienen sobre la metodologia docente empleada asi como su opinion sobre los posibles aspectos de mejora vinculados a sus expectativas para el empleo futuro. De esta forma, el analisis estadistico de la informacion obtenida permite establecer pautas de mejora en la docencia, superando las debilidades actuales y, facilitando al mismo tiempo, la consecucion de profesionales satisfechos con la formacion proporcionada para su rentabilizacion futura. EnglishAdapting current university education to the European Space for Higher Education will mean considerable change. It will be essential to understand the deficiencies of the current system in order to be able to resolve them, with the goal being individuals with superior competences. Indeed, the objectives outlined in the Bologna Declaration, and reiterated with the communiques of Prague, Berlin and Bergen, reflect the commitment of the various European countries to converting their university syllabuses into a European System for Higher Education capable of favouring and increasing employment. In this respect, the current work analyses the perceptions of students of two Spanish Universities about the educational methodology used, as well as their opinions about possible improvements in relation to their expectations for future employment. On the basis of the statistical data analysis carried out, the work offers guidelines for improving teaching methodologies. These should help overcome the current weaknesses and at the same time facilitate the preparation of professionals satisfied with the education they receive and confident that it will serve them well in the future.
Staging Parkinson's disease according to the MNCD classification correlates with caregiver burden

Recently, we demonstrated that staging Parkinson's disease (PD) with a novel simple classification called MNCD, based on four axes (motor, non‐motor, cognition, and dependency) and five stages, correlated with disease severity and patients’ quality of life. Here, we analyzed the correlation of MNCD staging with PD caregiver's status.
The ventilatory response to modified rebreathing is unchanged by hyperoxic severity: implications for the hyperoxic hyperventilation paradox.

Normobaric hyperoxia stimulates ventilation (V̇E) in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Whether this occurs via an oxygen (O2)-specific mechanism or secondary to carbon dioxide (CO2) retention at the central chemoreceptors remains unclear. We measured the ventilatory response to hyperoxic CO2 rebreathing with O2 clamped at increasingly higher pressures. We hypothesized that the V̇E versus PCO2 relationship is fixed and independent of PO2. On four occasions, twenty participants (10F; mean±SD age: 24±4 years) performed three repetitions of modified rebreathing in 4, randomized, isoxic-hyperoxic conditions: mild: PO2=150 mmHg; moderate: PO2=200 mmHg; high: PO2=300 mmHg; and extreme: PO2≈700 mmHg. Breath-by-breath V̇E, end-tidal CO2 (PETCO2) and O2 (PETO2)were measured by pneumotach and gas analyzer. For each rebreathing trial, the PETCO2 at which V̇E rose was identified as the ventilatory recruitment threshold (VRT, mmHg), data before VRT provided baseline V̇E (V̇EBSL, L∙min-1) and the slope of the response above VRT gave central chemoreflex sensitivity (V̇ES, L∙min-1∙mmHg-1). For each condition, VRT, V̇EBSL, and V̇ES from like-trials were averaged and repeated measures ANOVA assessed between-condition differences. There were no effects of PETO2 on V̇EBSL(mild: 7.4±4.2 L∙min-1; moderate: 6.9±4.2 L∙min-1; high: 6.5±3.7 L∙min-1; extreme: 7.5±2.7 L∙min-1; p=0.24), VRT (mild: 42.8±3.2 mmHg; moderate: 42.5±2.7 mmHg; high: 42.3±2.7 mmHg; extreme: 41.8±2.7 mmHg; p=0.07), or V̇ES (mild: 4.88±2.6 L∙min-1∙mmHg-1; moderate: 4.76±2.2 L∙min-1∙mmHg-1; high: 4.81±2.3 L∙min-1∙mmHg-1; extreme: 4.39±1.9 L∙min-1∙mmHg-1; p=0.41). The V̇E-PCO2 relationship is unaltered across a range of mild to extreme PO2. Brief exposure to normobaric hyperoxia may not independently stimulate breathing nor does it alter central chemoreflex sensitivity.
Three-Dimensional Remodeling of SARS-CoV2-Infected Cells Revealed by Cryogenic Soft X-ray Tomography

Plus-strand RNA viruses are proficient at remodeling host cell membranes for optimal viral genome replication and the production of infectious progeny. These ultrastructural alterations result in the formation of viral membranous organelles and may be observed by different imaging techniques, providing nanometric resolution. Guided by confocal and electron microscopy, this study describes the generation of wide-field volumes using cryogenic soft-X-ray tomography (cryo-SXT) on SARS-CoV-2-infected human lung adenocarcinoma cells. Confocal microscopy showed accumulation of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) and nucleocapsid (N) protein in compact perinuclear structures, preferentially found around centrosomes at late stages of the infection. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed accumulation of membranous structures in the vicinity of the infected cell nucleus, forming a viral replication organelle containing characteristic double-membrane vesicles and virus-like particles within larger vesicular structures. Cryo-SXT revealed viral replication organelles very similar to those observed by TEM but indicated that the vesicular organelle observed in TEM sections is indeed a vesiculo-tubular network that is enlarged and elongated at late stages of the infection. Overall, our data provide additional insight into the molecular architecture of the SARS-CoV-2 replication organelle.
Performance assessment of surgical tracking systems based on statistical process control and longitudinal QA

Abstract A system for performance assessment and quality assurance (QA) of surgical trackers is reported based on principles of geometric accuracy and statistical process control (SPC) for routine longitudinal testing. A simple QA test phantom was designed, where the number and distribution of registration fiducials was determined drawing from analytical models for target registration error (TRE). A tracker testbed was configured with open-source software for measurement of a TRE-based accuracy metric ε and Jitter (J). Six trackers were tested: 2 electromagnetic (EM – Aurora); and 4 infrared (IR − 1 Spectra, 1 Vega, and 2 Vicra) – all NDI (Waterloo, ON). Phase I SPC analysis of Shewhart mean (x¯) and standard deviation (s) determined system control limits. Phase II involved weekly QA of each system for up to 32 weeks and identified Pass, Note, Alert, and Failure action rules. The process permitted QA in <1 min. Phase I control limits were established for all trackers: EM trackers exhibited higher upper control limits than IR trackers in ε (EM: x¯ε ∼2.8–3.3 mm, IR: x¯ε ∼1.6–2.0 mm) and Jitter (EM: x¯jitter ∼0.30–0.33 mm, IR: x¯jitter ∼0.08–0.10 mm), and older trackers showed evidence of degradation – e.g. higher Jitter for the older Vicra (p-value < .05). Phase II longitudinal tests yielded 676 outcomes in which a total of 4 Failures were noted − 3 resolved by intervention (metal interference for EM trackers) – and 1 owing to restrictive control limits for a new system (Vega). Weekly tests also yielded 40 Notes and 16 Alerts – each spontaneously resolved in subsequent monitoring.
Strategic donor behaviour and country vulnerability in health aid transitions

Background When countries reach the middle-income threshold, many multilateral donors, including Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (Gavi), begin to withdraw their official development assistance (ODA), known as graduation. We hypothesised that bilateral donors might follow Gavi’s lead, except in countries where they have strategic interests. We aim to understand how bilateral donors behave after a recipient country graduates from Gavi support and how bilateral donors might treat Gavi support countries differently, based on ‘strategic interest’. We also aim to identify countries that were more vulnerable to ‘simultaneous’ transitions and financial cliffs after Gavi transition. Methods This is an observational dyadic analysis using longitudinal data. We collected country-level data on 77 Gavi-eligible countries between 2009 and 2018 and paired donor and recipient country in a specific year to conduct dyadic analysis. We included Gavi graduation status and Gavi disbursement as explanatory variables. We controlled for (1) donor–recipient relationship variables that represent potential strategic relationships (eg, distance between donor and recipient country) and (2) recipient-level characteristics (eg, population, income). We used Odinary Least Squares regression, Tobit and two-part model in Stata SE 15.0. Findings We found a country would receive $3.1 million less all sector ODA from a bilateral donor, and $0.6 million less health ODA, after they graduate from Gavi. For every additional 1% ODA a country would receive from Gavi, it would receive 0.14% more ODA and 0.16% more health ODA from individual bilateral donors. Gavi’s graduation status or disbursement brought more change in percentage term to health ODA than to total ODA. Additionally, Gavi’s graduation was observed to have a larger negative impact on bilateral ODA in the longer term. Countries that sent more migrants, had been colonised, and received more US military assistance tended to receive more ODA. There are similarities and differences across different donors and bilateral donors tend to provide more ODA to nearby countries and countries receiving fewer exports from the donor. We found that former colonies did not see a decline in aid after Gavi graduation. Conclusion Bilateral donors behave in a similar manner to Gavi when it comes to funding health systems in low and middle-income countries. Therefore, some countries may be at risk of losing donor resources for health from a multitude of sources around the same time. However, countries that have a strategic interest in bilateral donors may be spared from such funding cliffs. This research has important implications for global health donors’ funding policies and approaches in addition to recipient countries’ transition planning.