Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rainwater harvesting using dead level contours and infiltration pits under semi-arid conditions in Zimbabwe

The persistent droughts and in-season dry spells, and chronic food insecurity in semi-arid areas necessitate the introduction of more robust rainwater harvesting and soil water management technologies. It is rare for drought or in-season dry spells not occur during the growing season in semi-arid parts of Zimbabwe. The current study was conducted to assess the influence of dead level contours and infiltration pits on in-field soil water dynamics over two growing seasons. The study was conducted at four farms, two farms having dead level contours only while the other two farms had dead level contours and infiltration pits located along the contour. A transect consisting of six access tubes, spaced at 5 m interval, was established across each dead level contour with or without an infiltration pit before the onset of the rains. Two access tubes were installed upslope of the contour while four tubes were installed on the downslope side. Dead level contours with infiltration pits captured more rainwater than dead level contours only resulting in more lateral soil water movement. Significant lateral soil water movement was detected at 3 m downslope following rainfall events of 60-70 mm. The 0.2-0.6 m soil layer benefited more from the lateral soil water movement at all the farms. Our results suggest
University of New Hampshire Scholars' Repository University of New Hampshire Scholars' Repository

Possessing a negative body image is associated with unhealthy eating habits and eating disorders in college women and has been linked to depression and negative feelings of self worth. Limited research exists on protective factors that have the potential to mitigate body image dissatisfaction. This paper examines the relationship of resilience to body image dissatisfaction in college women. Female, undergraduate college students were studied using previously validated measures. Results indicate that increased resilience is associated with improved body image
Why Age Matters: Inflammation, Cancer and Hormones in the Development of Sarcopenia

In an aging population, the decline in muscle mass and strength in combination with a high prevalence of osteoporosis and cancer leads to a multitude of clinical manifestations. In the recent years, mouse models of wasting in cancer and inflammation, including xenograft, genetic and chemically induced models, allowed to uncover several key mechanisms underlying muscle loss. These include inflammation, hormone alterations and deregulated protein degradation. Inflammation is associated with increased expression of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), and interleukin (IL)-6 and is therefore linked to inflammatory bowel diseases or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Moreover, active NF-κB signaling and IL-6 secretion commonly occurs in malignancies and cancer-induced cachexia. The ubiquitin proteasome-mediated degradation of proteins represents a second pathway underlying sarcopenia and is partially initiated by inflammatory signaling. Consequently, increased levels of the E3 ligases Muscle RING-Finger Protein-1 (MuRF1), Atrogin-1/Muscle Atrophy F-box (MAFbx), and tumor necrosis factor α receptor adaptor protein 6 (TRAF6) are associated with high rates of protein degradation. Furthermore, hormonal alterations, such as the aging-related decline of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), lead to a reduction of muscle mass. Interestingly, experimental targeting of several of those sarcopenia-associated factors in vivo resulted in a rescue of muscle mass and function. While therapeutic options nowadays still need to be evaluated regarding their clinical practicability, IL-6 antibodies, inhibition of cyclooxygenases and inhibitors of myostatin appear promising.
Advances and Challenges in Cancer Stem Cells for Onco-Therapeutics

Six decades have passed since the foundational recognition of the primary properties of the stem cells. Research on stem cells has since remained at the forefront of efforts to combat a spectrum of diseases, most notably cancer. Despite remarkable progress in medical science, a definitive cure for cancer has remained elusive, spurring the pursuit of diverse therapeutic strategies, among which stem cell therapy is a particularly promising avenue. Moreover, the utilization of cancer stem cells as a therapeutic source holds immense potential for addressing intractable diseases. The strategy of targeting cancer stem cells is beset with challenges, including immune rejection and disease relapse. Additionally, the capacity to inadvertently generate cancer stem cells upon transplantation underscores the critical need to eliminate these cells to ensure the efficacy of cell-based therapies. This paper underscores the pivotal role of cancer stem cells in onco-therapeutics and their potential to aid in early cancer diagnosis. With the proliferation of tissue banks and their collection of malignant tissue types, a renewable source of medications to combat cancer is on the horizon. While cancer stem cell-based therapy presents sophisticated and significant challenges, it offers unprecedented opportunities to extend human life. Continued technological advancements in stem cell therapy promise to provide new insights and refine approaches for cancer treatment, ushering in a new era of hope and innovation in the fight against this formidable disease.
Polarimetric Roll-Invariant Features and Applications for Polarimetric Synthetic Aperture Radar Ship Detection: A comprehensive summary and investigation

Polarimetric radar, which can acquire full polarization information, has become mainstream in microwave remote sensing. However, radar target scattering responses are strongly orientation dependent, which makes applications such as target detection and recognition more difficult. Polarimetric roll-invariant features, which are independent of target orientations along the radar line of sight (LOS), exhibit great importance and have achieved successful applications in many fields. During the development of radar polarimetry, a number of polarimetric roll-invariant features have been found and reported. A comprehensive summary and investigation of these polarimetric roll-invariant features is necessary and valuable for current studies and further developments. This article is dedicated to this purpose and contains two main contributions. First, according to the authors’ knowledge, polarimetric roll-invariant features are thoroughly investigated. Based on their original derivation fashion, they are partitioned into six groups, including those derived from the Sinclair matrix, the Graves matrix, the polarimetric coherency and covariance matrices, eigenvalue–eigenvector-based decompositions, polarimetric coherence/correlation patterns, and the Kennaugh matrix. Meanwhile, their expressions, inner relationships, and physical interpretations are further examined and presented. Second, since ship detection is an important application for polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (PolSAR), the potential of these independent features for PolSAR ship detection is investigated and demonstrated. Experimental studies with Radar Satellite-2 (RADARSAT-2) and Gaofen-3 PolSAR datasets are carried out. It is validated that the selected polarimetric roll-invariant features exhibit superior performance compared with normal polarimetric features.
Land Surface Climate in the Regional Arctic System Model

AbstractThe Regional Arctic System Model (RASM) is a fully coupled, regional Earth system model applied over the pan-Arctic domain. This paper discusses the implementation of the Variable Infiltration Capacity land surface model (VIC) in RASM and evaluates the ability of RASM, version 1.0, to capture key features of the land surface climate and hydrologic cycle for the period 1979–2014 in comparison with uncoupled VIC simulations, reanalysis datasets, satellite measurements, and in situ observations. RASM reproduces the dominant features of the land surface climatology in the Arctic, such as the amount and regional distribution of precipitation, the partitioning of precipitation between runoff and evapotranspiration, the effects of snow on the water and energy balance, and the differences in turbulent fluxes between the tundra and taiga biomes. Surface air temperature biases in RASM, compared to reanalysis datasets ERA-Interim and MERRA, are generally less than 2°C; however, in the cold seasons there are .
Numerical Analysis of Vortices Behavior in a Pump Sump

A Pump sump or intake is a hydraulic structure with specific dimensions used to contain the water which has to be pumped into the piping system. Recently, the designers and engineers of pump station realized that the efficiency of pump station largely depends on sump structure design, not only on the performance of the selected pump. However, the poor intake design may result in many undesirable phenomena such as a form of swirl and vortices, which lead to affect the pump efficiency. In this study, both numerical and experimental analysis of a rectangular pump sump was carried out to predict swirl angle and free surface vortices formation. The swirl angle experimentally was obtained using a traditional swirl meter installed at the suction pipe in rectangular single pump intake. The objective was to obtain the average tangential velocity at different suction pipe diameter. For free surface vortices the objective was to observe the different vortex formation, air entrance and location. The swirl angle and average tangential velocity estimated by CFD simulation was in agreement with experimental results. The four types of free surface vortices (Surface swirl, Surface dimple, air bubbles and full air core to intake) was also observed clearly in ANSYS CFX.
Reassessing properties and radiative forcing of contrail cirrus using a climate model

Contrail cirrus is the largest known component contributing to the radiative forcing associated with aviation. Despite major advances simulating contrail cirrus, their microphysical and optical properties and the associated radiative forcing remain largely uncertain. We use a contrail cirrus parameterization in a global climate model which was extended to include a microphysical two‐moment scheme. This allows a more realistic representation of microphysical processes, such as deposition and sedimentation, and therefore of the microphysical and optical properties of contrail cirrus. The simulated contrail microphysical and optical properties agree well with in situ and satellite observations. As compared to estimates using an older version of the contrail cirrus scheme, the optical depth of contrail cirrus is significantly higher, particularly in regions with high air traffic density, due to high ice crystal number concentrations on the main flight routes. Nevertheless, the estimated radiative forcing for the year 2002 supports our earlier results. The global radiative forcing of contrail cirrus for the year 2006 is estimated to be 56mW/m2. A large uncertainty of the radiative forcing estimate appears to be connected with the, on average, very small ice crystal radii simulated in the main air traffic areas, which make the application of a radiative transfer parameterization based on geometric optics questionable.
Snakehead Fish Extract in Increasing Skin Collagen & Fibroblasts

This study aim is to gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms by which snakehead fish extract affects the skin, opening doors for the development of more effective and natural skincare products. The study employs a systematic literature review method using PRISMA strategy, identifying 156 relevant articles through platforms such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, SINTA, spanning from 2018 to 2023. Findings encompass increased VEGF production and NO levels with snakehead fish extract dosages, wounds healing potential of honey and snakehead fish skin combination in hydrogel formulations, increased fibroblast counts, reduced skin erythema, and decreased wound crust formation. Additionally, marine collagen exhibits promise in skin healing and bone repair. Collagen supplements, whether oral or topical, also prove beneficial in delaying skin aging. The study reveals crucial insights into the potential of snakehead fish extract in skincare and wound healing, supporting the development of more effective and natural skincare products.
Synthbuster: Towards Detection of Diffusion Model Generated Images

Synthetically-generated images are getting increasingly popular. Diffusion models have advanced to the stage where even non-experts can generate photo-realistic images from a simple text prompt. They expand creative horizons but also open a Pandora's box of potential disinformation risks. In this context, the present corpus of synthetic image detection techniques, primarily focusing on older generative models like Generative Adversarial Networks, finds itself ill-equipped to deal with this emerging trend. Recognizing this challenge, we introduce a method specifically designed to detect synthetic images produced by diffusion models. Our approach capitalizes on the inherent frequency artefacts left behind during the diffusion process. Spectral analysis is used to highlight the artefacts in the Fourier transform of a residual image, which are used to distinguish real from fake images. The proposed method can detect diffusion-model-generated images even under mild jpeg compression, and generalizes relatively well to unknown models. By pioneering this novel approach, we aim to fortify forensic methodologies and ignite further research into the detection of AI-generated images.
Evaluating the active sports tourist experience of open water swimmers

This study focuses on the increasingly popular activity of open water swimming, which takes place in a variety of bodies of water such as lakes, rivers and oceans. Participants travel and some of them stay over at a range of destinations to engage in open water swimming and in doing so could be identified as tourists. In the present study, an explanatory research was sought to gain a deeper understanding of the active sports tourist experience of open water swimmers and to explore the key factors that influence it. The research in this study was guided by an interpretative philosophy using an inductive approach and the generated data is the result of in-depth, semi-structured interviews with twelve open water swimmers. In order to provide description and interpretation of the primary research findings, data was analysed utilising framework analysis. The analysis of primary data demonstrated that the active sports tourist experience of open water swimmers is a complex phenomenon shaped by a number of elements and inseparable from the key factors that influence it. The findings illustrated that for open water swimmers, as the active sports tourists, the experience represented a challenge that occurred on both the physical and mental level, because interviewees faced fears and risks of pain and dangers that were linked to the activity and the environment where the activity took place. There was also a sense of novelty and unknown attached to the experience of open water swimmers. Apart from the challenge, which one may perceive as negative, pleasurable states were evoked, because open water swimmers enjoyed being in the natural environment. Through the completion of the swim, open water swimmers experienced a sense of accomplishment, achievement, and fulfilment on both a personal and group level. Subsequently, along with the mental and physical states, a great range of emotions was attached to the active sports tourist experience of open water swimmers. In addition, the destination played a role in the experiences of open water swimmers, particularly the water environment offered privileged views of the landscape and enjoyment of the ‘off shore’ surroundings. As the open water swimmers encountered other people, social experiences were also evident, but the social experiences of open water swimmers entailed something more than a social interaction, participants experienced bonding with likeminded people and a sense of camaraderie. By providing these findings, the present study offers a deeper understanding of the active sports tourist experience of open water swimmers who can be recognised as a valuable subgroup of the active sports tourists.
Effects of bioflocs on immune responses of Fleshy shrimp,
 Fenneropenaeus chinensis postlarvae and adults as related
 to the different feeding abilities

The present study compared the structure of mixilliped of Fenneropenaeus chinensis between the larval and adult stage and investigated the effect of the structural difference on the immunity of F. chinensis . A fourteen day and a one-month long culture trial were conducted each with postlarvae and adults of F. chinensis in the biofloc, mixed water (50% biofloc:50% clear seawater) and seawater control. Immune-related genes mRNA expressions of postlarvae was analysed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). And the analysis of adult stage immunity was carried out using phenoloxidase (PO) enzyme activation in haemocyte. In the postlarvae, the final body weights were 51.43 and 58.47 mg for the biofloc water and the control seawater, respectively. On the other hand, the final body weights of the adults were significantly different between biofloc water and seawater. The survival rate showed the opposite trend to the growth rate. Immune related genes mRNA expression levels in the postlarvae in the biofloc water were significantly lower than those in the seawater. While, the adult stage showed significantly higher PO enzyme activations in the biofloc water than in the seawater with the PO enzyme activation increasing proportionally to the biofloc concentration. This result is considerably explained by the observations of setal morphological structures of the third maxilliped: postlarvae have short serrulated setae that compose the small ‘net’ structure while adults had long and dense plumose setae. It is understood that the morphological difference of the maxilliped structure resulted in the different feeding abilities in the postlarvae and the adult F. chinensis to use bioflocs as food source.
Use, Production and Conservation of Palm Fiber in South America: A Review

Abstract South American ethnic groups traditionally use palm fiber, which provides materials for domestic, commercial, and ceremonial purposes. A literature review of 185 references was carried out in order to identify and understand the extent of palm fiber production and the sustainability of harvesting and use in South America. The reports recorded 111 palm species and 37 genera used for fiber in the region; the genera Attalea, Astrocaryum and Syagrus had the highest diversity of fiber-producing species. Mauritia flexuosa and Astrocaryum chambira were the species mostly reported and with the largest number of object types manufactured with their fibers. The geographical distribution of the species use nearly overlaps the natural distribution of palms in South America, reaching its highest diversity in northern Amazonia, where palms are used mostly by indigenous people and peasants. The techniques used for extraction, harvesting and processing are usually basic and minimal. Most species are represented by wild populations found on common lands, the little detailed information available suggests that when use is intensive it is mosly unsustainable, and those with a greater market demand usually become locally extinct. Market demand, ecosystem conservation, and management practices used to boost fiber production are the major variables determining the sustainability of fiber extraction.
Modelling the critical success factors of agile software development projects in South Africa

It has long been understood that a large portion of software development projects fail. Recent estimates note that approximately 65% of software development projects, in general, do not meet their time frame and incur high costs to the organisation (Bossini & Fernández 2013). Organisations are spending a large amount of money adopting agile development processes with an expectation that the software projects are going to be completed on time with less cost (Ambler 2009; Chow & Cao 2008). However, many software development projects, even those adopting an agile methodology, continue to incur costs to the company which were not budgeted for, and are completed beyond the initially agreed time frame (Dyba & Dingsøyr 2015).
Hydrogeochemical characteristics of high-fluorine groundwater in the Gaomi area,Shandong, China

Fluorosis is a kind of biogeochemistry disease occurring in a particular geographic environment.Fluorosis in the Gaomi area has something to do with local drinking water.According to China's national standard for drinking water,high-fluorine water is the water in which the fluorine content exceeds 1 mg/L.The average fluorine content in six townships in the northern part of the Gaomi area is generally 5 mg/L and may reach a maximum of 18.00 mg/L,and when the local residents drink high-fluorine water for a long time,great harm will be done to their physical and mental health.The formation of high-fluorine groundwater is affected and con- strained by many factors.The terrain in the Gaomi area slopes from south to north,the highest elevation being 92 m and the lowest 7.5 m above sea level.The groundwater is mainly recharged by meteoric water and the water level declines from south to north gradually. This paper deduces the genesis of high-fluorine groundwater by analyzing the geographical,geomorphological,petrological and hydro- chemical characteristics and put forward rational and feasible measures for controlling high-fluorine groundwater in the Gaomi area.
Blended Learning Assisted Learning as an Effort to Increase Students' Learning Motivation in the New Normal Era

Learning motivation is an important aspect, because low learning motivation has an impact on student learning outcomes. Therefore, learning motivation needs attention and studies are carried out so that teachers can determine the right solution to problems that arise in student learning outcomes. This study aims to determine student motivation during the new normal period in assisted learning with the blended learning model. Covid-19, which has had an impact on the education system, has forced teachers to apply distance learning both offline and online. Entering the new normal era, learning can be done face to face. Therefore, the application of a learning model that combines distance and face-to-face learning can be done proportionally. It is important to understand how student learning motivation is affected by changes in learning from non-face-to-face learning to blended learning. This research was conducted in class V SDN Inpres Silae, Palu City, Central Sulawesi. Using a qualitative approach with a phenomenological design, with a focus on data collection on three things, namely observation, interviews and document study. Data analysis was carried out through three stages, namely data reduction, data presentation, drawing conclusion. The results showed that increasing student motivation in social studies subjects in Class V SDN Inpres Silae, namely evaluators, class managers, mediators and facilitators, and demonstrators. Increasing student motivation in social studies subjects with the help of a blended learning model in class V SD Inpres Silae includes persistence in learning, tenacity in facing difficulties, keen interest and attention in learning, achievement in learning and independence in learning. These findings have been implied to be important in designing learning strategies that are appropriate to the new normal context. Teachers and educational institutions need to pay attention to developing bold and interesting learning experiences, increasing social interaction in face-to-face learning, and providing continuous support to maintain students' learning motivation. In addition, it is also necessary to pay attention to the flexibility of space and time in learning so that students can take full advantage of their potential.