Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The influence of grass competition and soil moisture on the growth and phenology of Karoo shrubs in the Eastern Upper Karoo

Rainfall in the Nama-Karoo is sporadic and a plant’s ability to access and utilise available soil moisture will determine its ability to persist in the system and to successfully recruit. When summer rainfall in the Eastern Karoo increases, grassiness increases at the expense of shrub canopy cover. This may drive a transition from shrubland toward grassland. The effect of grass–shrub competition on shrub growth and phenology in the Eastern Karoo is not adequately explained by the root–niche separation hypothesis or the succession hypothesis. In an experiment, we measured shrub growth and phenology in the absence (clipping treatment) and presence (control treatment) of grass over the 2017/2018 rainfall season. Grass clipping changed grass species composition over this period, but grass clipping did not benefit shrubs. We found no competitive effect of grasses on shrubs. However, shrub canopy cover showed a strong linear response to soil moisture, as did canopy cover to temperature. Similarly, soil moisture and temperature were important for stem growth and shrub phenology. Patterns of shrub growth and phenology in response to summer and winter rainfall provide important insight for land managers for optimising production while enabling phenological processes that allow recruitment to take place.
Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer Observations of an Outburst of Recurrent X-Ray Nova GS 1354–644

We present the results of Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) observations of GS 1354–644 during a modest outburst in 1997-1998. The source is one of a handful of black hole X-ray transients that are confirmed to be recurrent in X-rays. A 1987 outburst of the same source observed by Ginga was much brighter and showed a high/soft spectral state. In contrast, the 1997-1998 outburst showed a low/hard spectral state. Both states are typical of black hole binaries. The RXTE All-Sky Monitor observed an outburst duration of 150-200 days. PCA and HEXTE observations covered ~70 days near the maximum of the light curve and during the flux decline. Throughout the observations, the spectrum can be approximated by Compton upscattering of soft photons by energetic electrons. The hot electron cloud has a temperature kT ~ 30 keV and optical depth τ ~ 4-5. To fit the data well, an additional iron fluorescent line and reflection component are required, which indicates the presence of optically thick cool material, most probably in the outer part of the accretion disk. Dramatic fast variability was observed and has been analyzed in the context of a shot noise model. The spectrum appeared to be softest at the peaks of the shot noise variability. The shape of the power spectrum was typical for black hole systems in a low/hard state. We note a qualitative difference in the shape of the dependence of fractional variability on energy when we compare systems with black holes and with neutron stars. Since it is difficult to discriminate these systems on spectral grounds, at least in their low/hard states, this new difference might be important.
Library Environmental Conditions and Undergraduates’ Patronage of Public University Libraries in Delta State, Nigeria

The university library is basically setup to make available information resources and service to their users, patronage of the library, therefore, is the major reason for the existence of the library. The study examined the association between undergraduate library use at Delta State and the characteristics of the different types of library environments. To examine the questionnaire survey was developed to collect data from 272 library users. According to the report, public university library facilities have inadequate environmental conditions. Undergraduates expressed a high level of satisfaction with the design and surroundings of their university libraries. Most respondents seldom patronise the university library’s materials and services. The study equally made bare that substantial correlation exists between the kind of library environmental circumstances and undergraduates’ patronage of public university libraries, patronage of library resources/services was minimal. The study concluded that the prevailing library environment conditions influenced undergraduate patronage of public university libraries in Delta States. As a result, it was advised that the library management should implement necessary strategies to establish and maintain a calm and welcoming library environment. It was equally advised to utilise all available strategies, including regular orientation and word-of-mouth marketing of library resources/services, as this can significantly encourage an increase in patronage of the university libraries.
In the Eye of the Hurricane: Careers under Lockdown

The COVID-19 pandemic has created career disruptions and shocks for many individuals, due to layoffs, reduced work hours and increased work–life conflict. Our study aimed to explore individual-level perceptions of people regarding their careers during the first lockdown in the UK, and to test potential implications of the situation for individuals’ career sustainability. For a deeper understanding of these perceptions, we used a sequential mixed-methods research design. First, we conducted a qualitative study, using semi-structured interviews to explore how people perceive their careers during early stages of the pandemic. We identified two themes that characterize the common experiences during this time period, namely employer support and careful optimism, that play an important role in the way careers unfold. Then, in the quantitative study, we conducted an online survey to empirically test a research model that links the concept of employer support with employability, career satisfaction and mental well-being. We also investigate the mediating role of career empowerment, which is a motivational cognitive construct that captures individual cognitions of agentic control over one’s career. Our research provides a rich snapshot that depicts people’s perceptions of careers during a shock event, which has both theoretical and practical implications.
Robotic versus laparoscopic right colectomy for colon cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Aim The aim of the study was to compare the short-term surgical outcomes of robotic right colectomy (RRC) with laparoscopic right colectomy (LRC) for colon cancer, to evaluate the safety and feasibility of the robotic surgery system. Material and methods A systematic literature review was conducted using the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases regarding the comparison of RRC vs. LRC for colon cancer in the last 5 years. Studies were included as per the PICOS criteria, and relevant event data were extracted. Results Fifteen studies (RRC: 1116 patients; LRC: 4036 patients) were evaluated. RRC demonstrated lower conversion to laparotomy (p = 0.03) and shorter length of hospital stay (p = 0.01), compared with LRC. However, operation times were longer in RRC than in LRC (p < 0.001). The estimated blood loss, retrieved lymph nodes, and overall postoperative complications were similar between RRC and LRC (p > 0.05). Conclusions RRC can be regarded as a feasible and safe technique for colon cancer.
The post-common-envelope X-ray binary nucleus of the planetary nebula NGC 2392

Abstract The Chandra X-ray Observatory has detected relatively hard X-ray emission from the central stars of several planetary nebulae (PNe). A subset has no known late-type companions, making it very difficult to isolate which of several competing mechanisms may be producing the X-ray emission. The central star of NGC 2392 is one of the most vexing members, with substantial indirect evidence for a hot white dwarf (WD) companion. Here we report on the results of a radial velocity (RV) monitoring campaign of its central star with the HERMES échelle spectrograph of the Flemish 1.2 m Mercator telescope. We discover a single-lined spectroscopic binary with an orbital period of 1.902208 ± 0.000013 d and an RV semi-amplitude of 9.96 ± 0.13 km s−1. The high degree of nebula ionisation requires a WD companion (M ≳ 0.6M⊙), which the mass-function supports at orbital inclinations ≲ 7°, in agreement with the nebula orientation of 9°. The hard component of the X-ray spectrum may be explained by the companion accreting mass from the wind of the Roche lobe filling primary, while the softer component may be due to colliding winds. A companion with a stronger wind than the primary could produce the latter and would be consistent with models of the observed diffuse X-ray emission detected in the nebula. The diffuse X-rays may also be powered by the jets of up to 180 km s−1, and active accretion would imply that they may be the first active jets of a post-common-envelope PN, potentially making NGC 2392 an invaluable laboratory to study jet formation physics. The 1.9 d orbital period rules out a double-degenerate merger leading to a Type Ia supernova, and the weak wind of the primary likely also precludes a single-degenerate scenario. We suggest that a hard X-ray spectrum, in the absence of a late-type companion, could be a powerful tool to identify accreting WD companions.
Psicologia e ideologia: uma introdução crítica à psicologia escolar

Este trabalho é, acima de tudo, um depoimento. É o relato do início de uma trajetória profissional difícil, que tem suas raízes na tradição positivista dos cursos brasileiros de formação de psicólogos: nos laboratórios de psicologia animal e de mensuração psicofísica e psicológica de seres humanos, nos contextos terapêuticos em que o objetivo é a remoção de comportamentos disfuncionais, nos projetos de pesquisa nos quais os chamados “sujeitos” não passam de objetos, observados e medidos em situações supostamente assépticas, neutras, objetivas. Partindo da crítica da psicologia instrumental (do conhecimento psicológico como dimensão da consciência necessária da sociedade, isto é, da consciência das classes dominantes), este trabalho pretende colaborar na elaboração permanente de uma psicologia crítica (de um conhecimento psicológico enquanto dimensão da consciência possível da sociedade, ou seja, da consciência das classes exploradas), capaz de situar historicamente seu próprio conhecimento, seus compromissos e suas possibilidades de transformação social.
Multiwavelength photometric and spectropolarimetric analysis of the FSRQ 3C 279

In this paper, we present light curves for 3C 279 over a time period of six years; from 2008 to 2014. Our multiwavelength data comprise 1 mm to gamma-rays, with additional optical polarimetry. Based on the behaviour of the gamma-ray light curve with respect to other bands, we identified three different activity periods. One of the activity periods shows anomalous behaviour with no gamma-ray counterpart associated with optical and NIR flares. Another anomalous activity period shows a flare in gamma-rays, 1 mm and polarization degree, however, it does not have counterparts in the UV continuum, optical and NIR bands. We find a significant overall correlation of the UV continuum emission, the optical and NIR bands. This correlation suggests that the NIR to UV continuum is co-spatial. We also find a correlation between the UV continuum and the 1 mm data, which implies that the dominant process in producing the UV continuum is synchrotron emission. The gamma-ray spectral index shows statistically significant variability and an anti-correlation with the gamma-ray luminosity. We demonstrate that the dominant gamma-ray emission mechanism in 3C 279 changes over time. Alternatively, the location of the gamma-ray emission zone itself may change depending on the activity state of the central engine.
Gaussian approximation for finitely extensible bead-spring chains with hydrodynamic interaction

The Gaussian Approximation, proposed originally by Ottinger [J. Chem. Phys., 90, 463–473 (1989)] to account for the influence of fluctuations in hydrodynamic interactions in Rouse chains, is adapted here to derive a new mean-field approximation for the FENE spring force. This FENE-PG force law approximately accounts for spring-force fluctuations, which are neglected in the widely used FENE-P approximation. The Gaussian Approximation for hydrodynamic interactions is combined with the FENE-P and FENE-PG spring force approximations to obtain approximate models for finitely extensible bead-spring chains with hydrodynamic interactions. The closed set of ordinary differential equations governing the evolution of the second moments of the configurational probability distribution in the approximate models is used to generate predictions of rheological properties in steady and unsteady shear and uniaxial extensional flows, which are found to be in good agreement with the exact results obtained with Brownian dynami.
A Spectroscopic Study of the Rich Supernova Remnant Population in M83

We report the results from a spectrophotometric study sampling the candidate supernova remnants (SNRs) in M83 identified through optical imaging with Magellan/IMACS and Hubble Space Telescope/WFC3. Of the 118 candidates identified based on a high [S ii] λλ 6716, 6731 to Hα emission ratio, 117 show spectroscopic signatures of shock-heated gas, confirming them as SNRs—the largest uniform set of SNR spectra for any galaxy. Spectra of 22 objects with a high [O iii] λ5007 to Hα emission ratio, selected in an attempt to identify young ejecta-dominated SNRs like Cas A, reveal only one (previously reported) object with the broad ( ) emission lines characteristic of ejecta-dominated SNRs, beyond the known SN1957D remnant. The other 20 [O iii]-selected candidates include planetary nebulae, compact H ii regions, and one background QSO. Although our spectroscopic sample includes 22 SNRs smaller than 11 pc, none of the other objects show broad emission lines; instead their spectra stem from relatively slow ( ) radiative shocks propagating into the metal-rich interstellar medium of M83. With six SNe in the past century, one might expect more of M83's small-diameter SNRs to show evidence of ejecta; this appears not to be the case. We attribute their absence to several factors, including that SNRs expanding into a dense medium evolve quickly to the ISM-dominated phase, and that SNRs expanding into regions already evacuated by earlier SNe are probably very faint.
Drag Prediction for the NASA CRM Wing-Body-Tail Using CFL3D and OVERFLOW on an Overset Mesh

In response to the fourth AIAA CFD Drag Prediction Workshop (DPW-IV), the NASA Common Research Model (CRM) wing-body and wing-body-tail configurations are analyzed using the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) flow solvers CFL3D and OVERFLOW. Two families of structured, overset grids are built for DPW-IV. Grid Family 1 (GF1) consists of a coarse (7.2 million), medium (16.9 million), fine (56.5 million), and extra-fine (189.4 million) mesh. Grid Family 2 (GF2) is an extension of the first and includes a superfine (714.2 million) and an ultra-fine (2.4 billion) mesh. The medium grid anchors both families with an established build process for accurate cruise drag prediction studies. This base mesh is coarsened and enhanced to form a set of parametrically equivalent grids that increase in size by a factor of roughly 3.4 from one level to the next denser level. Both CFL3D and OVERFLOW are run on GF1 using a consistent numerical approach. Additional OVERFLOW runs are made to study effects of differencing scheme and turbulence model on GF1 and to obtain results for GF2. All CFD results are post-processed using Richardson extrapolation, and approximate grid-converged values of drag are compared. The medium grid is also used to compute a trimmed drag polar for both codes.
Functional traits and phylogeny explain snake distribution in the world's largest dry forest ecoregion, the Gran Chaco

Abstract Macroecological studies describe large‐scale diversity patterns through analyses of species distribution patterns and allows us to elucidate how species differing in ecology, physical requirements, and life histories are distributed in a multidimensional space. These patterns of distributions can be explained by vegetation, and climatic factors, and are determined by historical and current factors. The continuous accumulation of information on the distribution patterns of species is essential to understand the history and evolution of the biota. In this study, we aimed to identify functional and evolutionary drivers that explain the geographic patterns of vertical stratification. We compiled morphological, ecological, and distribution data of 140 species of Chacoan snakes and constructed null models to map their geographic pattern. We used a range of environmental variables to assess which drivers are influencing these biogeographic patterns. Lastly, we used evolutionary data to build the first map of the phylogenetic regions of Chacoan snakes. We found a latitudinal pattern, with a marked verticality in the snake assemblies in the Chaco. Verticality and long‐tailed species richness increased in areas with high stratified habitats and stable temperature. Fossoriality is driven mainly by soil conditions, especially soils with fewer sand particles and less stratified habitat. Phylogenetic regions in the Chaco showed a marked latitudinal pattern, like that observed in the geographic pattern of verticality. The distribution pattern of Chacoan snakes also reflects their evolutionary history, with a marked phylogenetic regionalization.
Development of a two-degree-of-freedom piezoelectric rotary-linear actuator with high driving force and unlimited linear movement

Piezoelectric actuators are considered as standard structural elements in Microsystems Technology. A piezoelectric transducer conventionally works as a pure linear motor (piezotranslator). If a rotation is required from the piezoelectric transducer, a transmission mechanism must be designed. This article presents a study on the development of a novel two-degree-of-freedom piezoelectric rotary-linear actuator system, including (1) conceptual design, (2) dynamic modeling, (3) control, and (4) prototype. The experimental validation of these concepts was performed. The preliminary result of the experiment has shown that the proposed concept works very well; in particular, the system has achieved (1) the linear displacement resolutions: 26nm, (2) the angular displacement resolution: 0.019°, (3) the maximum driving force: 2.09N, and (4) the maximum driving torque: 12.20Nmm.
Design elements and first data from a new Doppler backscattering system on the MAST-U spherical tokamak.

A new Doppler backscattering (DBS) system has been installed and tested on the MAST-U spherical tokamak. It utilizes eight simultaneous fixed frequency probe beams (32.5, 35, 37.5, 40, 42.5, 45, 47.5, and 50 GHz). These frequencies provide a range of radial positions from the edge plasma to the core depending on plasma conditions. The system utilizes a combination of novel features to provide remote control of the probed density wavenumber, the launched polarization (X vs O-mode), and the angle of the launched DBS to match the magnetic field pitch angle. The range of accessible density turbulence wavenumbers (kθ) is reasonably large with normalized wavenumbers kθρs ranging from ≤0.5 to 9 (ion sound gyroradius ρs = 1 cm). This wavenumber range is relevant to a variety of instabilities believed to be important in establishing plasma transport (e.g., ion temperature gradient, trapped electron, electron temperature gradient, micro-tearing, kinetic ballooning modes). The system is specifically designed to address the requirement of density fluctuation wavevector alignment which can significantly reduce the SNR if not accounted for.
RX J2217.9-5941: A highly X-ray variable Narrow-Line Seyfert1 galaxy

We report the discovery of a highly X-ray variable AGN, RX J2217.9{5941. This object was bright during the ROSAT All-Sky Survey (RASS), during which a decrease in the count rate by a factor of 12 was observed. It was found to be much fainter in follow-up HRI observations and is therefore an X-ray transient AGN candidate. On long time scales of years, its count rate decreased by a factor of about 30 between the RASS and the ROSAT HRI and ASCA observations in 1998. Analysis of the ASCA data, complicated by source confusion and poor statistics, tentatively indicates a steep spectrum in the faint state. There is no evidence for variability among 5 optical observations of the object obtained between 1992 and 1998. We discuss the variability of RX J2217.9{5941 and its possible X-ray transient nature.
Our Nuts and Bolts in The Permanent Pacemakers’ Explanation Techniques

Objective: Our goal is to share our two decades of experience with implantable electrical device explanation at our electrophysiology centre at Hayat Abad Medical Complex in Peshawar. Methodology: After baseline patient were brought nil by mouth to catheterization laboratory (Cath: lab). A temporary pacemaker (TPM) implanted for backup. In case of box change, a new device is attached after checking the integrity of the lead and device placed in the same pocket. But if of lead extraction was also needed, then stylet was put inside the lead and with twisting movement and mild traction the lead removed and new lead implanted with Seldinger,s technique, battery attached and wound closed in layers. Results: Out of 1670, there were 1535 (91.9%) new implantations and 135 (8.08%) repeat procedures. The pulse generator was replaced without lead replacement in 59 (3.5%) patients. In 36 (2.15%) patients, the ventricular lead or atrial lead was successfully reposition. A total of 32 (1.9%) successful explanations were performed in the study period. Conclusion: The explanation of devices like implantation needs special gadgets and training for the safe and successful procedure.
Non-Parametric Statistical Analysis of Current Waveforms through Power System Sensors

The protection, control, and monitoring of the power grid is not possible without accurate measurement devices. As the percentage of renewable energy sources penetrating the existing grid infrastructure increases, so do uncertainties surrounding their effects on the everyday operation of the power system. Many of these devices are sources of high-frequency transients. These transients may be useful for identifying certain events or behaviors otherwise not seen in traditional analysis techniques. Therefore, the ability of sensors to accurately capture these phenomena is paramount. In this work, two commercial-grade power system distribution sensors are investigated in terms of their ability to replicate high-frequency phenomena by studying their responses to three events: a current inrush, a microgrid “close-in”, and a fault on the terminals of a wind turbine. Kernel density estimation is used to derive the non-parametric probability density functions of these error distributions and their adequateness is quantified utilizing the commonly used root mean square error (RMSE) metric. It is demonstrated that both sensors exhibit characteristics in the high harmonic range that go against the assumption that measurement error is normally distributed.