Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spatiotemporal pattern of gross primary productivity and its covariation with climate in China over the last thirty years

The uncertainties of China's gross primary productivity (GPP) estimates by global data‐oriented products and ecosystem models justify a development of high‐resolution data‐oriented GPP dataset over China. We applied a machine learning algorithm developing a new GPP dataset for China with 0.1° spatial resolution and monthly temporal frequency based on eddy flux measurements from 40 sites in China and surrounding countries, most of which have not been explored in previous global GPP datasets. According to our estimates, mean annual GPP over China is 6.62 ± 0.23 PgC/year during 1982–2015 with a clear gradient from southeast to northwest. The trend of GPP estimated by this study (0.020 ± 0.002 PgC/year2 from 1982 to 2015) is almost two times of that estimated by the previous global dataset. The GPP increment is widely spread with 60% area showing significant increasing trend (p < .05), except for Inner Mongolia. Most ecosystem models overestimated the GPP magnitudes but underestimated the temporal trend of GPP. The monsoon affected eastern China, in particular the area surrounding Qinling Mountain, seems having larger contribution to interannual variability (IAV) of China's GPP than the semiarid northwestern China and Tibetan Plateau. At country scale, temperature is the dominant climatic driver for IAV of GPP. The area where IAV of GPP dominated by temperature is about 42%, while precipitation and solar radiation dominate 31% and 27% respectively over semiarid area and cold‐wet area. Such spatial pattern was generally consistent with global GPP dataset, except over the Tibetan Plateau and northeastern forests, but not captured by most ecosystem models, highlighting future research needs to improve the modeling of ecosystem response to climate variations.
Contagion and Interdependence Among Gold, Oil, Forex, and Asian Emerging Equity Markets

The terms contagion and interdependence strike the mainstream literature, specifically in times of crisis in financial markets. This study put an effort to examine the contagion and interdependence among Asian Emerging Equity Markets (AEEMs) (e.g., China, Taiwan, Pakistan, Malaysia, Thailand, South Korea, Philippines, India, and Indonesia), and the developed market of the US, Gold, WTI, and UDI during the Global Financial Crisis (GFC). This study adds to the literature on portfolio diversification by testing the dynamic correlation among AEEMs, gold prices, oil prices, and forex markets during tranquil and turmoil situations. The multivariate GARCH-DCC model is applied to data series. To measure interdependence and contagion, the data is divided into tranquil and turmoil time period. Hence, in this study for GFC, the data is divided into tranquil (03-01-2005 to 16-07-2007) and turmoil (17-07-2007 to 31-08-2009) time period. The results show that except for China, Philippines, Taiwan, gold and forex markets, most of the AEEMs and oil markets were influenced by the contagion effect during the U.S. subprime crisis. The study indicates that in order to reduce the risk of equity portfolio at the time of crises, investors can add gold and forex in their portfolios.
Potential Suitability of Coenocytic Green Algae as an Indicator of the Coastal Environment in the Kuroshio Region

Potential suitability of coenocytic green algae (CGAs) such as Valonia spp. and Caulerpa spp as indicator species of the coastal environment in the Kuroshio Current region was examined by means of biological and socio/economical approaches. The investigations included the following: 1) field surveys in the five study areas in the Philippines, Taiwan and Japan; 2) fixed point observation in northern Luzon; 3) laboratory experiments using culture strains of collected specimens; 4) a case study in Green Island, Taiwan. Nine CGA species were recognized in the study areas and the results of the above investigations indicated that CGAs were potentially suitable species as indicators of coastal environments in the Kuroshio region.
Organizational Factors for Successful Management of Software Development

For some years, the information technology industry has been flourishing in both China and Hong Kong. In view of the cost-efficiency and abundant supply of staff in China, more and more Hong Kong organizations have set up software development labs in China in the form of wholly-owned establishments or joint ventures. Due to different environmental factors, there are differences in software project management issues in China and Hong Kong. This study focuses on two variables that impact the success of a project: software development management practices and organizational factors. Through a questionnaire survey, we have identified a list of good management practices adopted in the two regions. We have also developed a list of organizational factors that affect the adoption of management practices. The adoption of management practices and differences in organizational factors in the two regions are then compared against those of European countries. In view of the growing importance and close connection of software industries in both regions, this study contributes to a better understanding of project management issues in an organizational context.
Molecular Identification of Two Sibling Species of Puntius in Taiwan

Chia-Hao Chang, Yi-Ta Shao, and Hsiao-Wei Kao (2006) Molecular identification of two sibling species of Puntius in Taiwan. Zoological Studies 45(2): 149-156. Puntius fish from Taiwan and South China were collected and analyzed. Specimens from the northern and central Taiwan were characterized by the absence of barbels. On the contrary, specimens from the southern Taiwan and South China were characterized by the presence of barbels. These characteristics morphologically match P. snyderi and P. semifasciolatus respectively (Oshima 1919). We hypothesized that there were two species of Puntius in Taiwan. To test this hypothesis, we amplified and sequenced the cytochrome b gene from fish specimens of China and Taiwan. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the existence of two major clades of Puntius fishes with an average genetic distance of 0.12 between them. The fish specimens from southern Taiwan were clustered with P. semifasciolatus of China, but fish specimens from northern and central Taiwan were clustered together. The estimated evolutionary rate of cytochrome b gene for Puntius was 0.368% per million yrs (MY). Thus the divergence time between P. snyderi and P. semifasciolatus was about 26.93 million years ago (MYA) and the divergent time between Taiwan's and China's P. semifasciolatus was about 4.40 MYA. Taken together, our results supported the existence of two species of Puntius fishes in Taiwan. P. snyderi is distributed in northern and central Taiwan, while P. semifasciolatus is in southern Taiwan. http://zoolstud.sinica. edu.tw/Journals/45.2/149.pdf.
Anal swab as the potentially optimal specimen for SARS-CoV-2 detection to evaluate the hospital discharge of COVID-19 patients

Since December 2019, an outbreak of SARS coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) began in Wuhan, and has rapidly spread worldwide. Previously, discharged patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients met the criteria of China’s pneumonia diagnosis and treatment program of novel coronavirus infection (trial version 7) for cure of viral infection. Nevertheless, positive detection of SARS-CoV-2 has been found again in several cured COVID-19 patients, leading to conflicts with current criteria. Here, we report clinically cured cases with positive results only in anal swabs, and investigate the clinical value of anal swabs for SARS-CoV-2 detection.
Studies on impact of different processing methods on phyto-chemical and antioxidant activity of dried ginger (Zingiber officinale L.) rhizome

Present work have been undertaken to study the effects of different processing methods on essential oil and oleoresin contents, phyto-chemical constituents and antioxidant activity of dried ginger rhizome. Ginger (Zingiber officinale roscoe) is branched and horizontal rhizome and its size is near about 5 to 15 cm in length, 3 to 6 cm width and 0.5 to 1.5 cm thickness. Ginger is grown in most Indian states namely Meghalaya, Kerala, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Nagaland Mizoram, and Orissa. Ginger is known for its analgesic, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antidiabetic, antiemetic, antifungal, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, antithrombic, antitumor, antitussive, antiulcer, antiviral properties. The medicinal properties of ginger are contributed by presence of bioactive components, polyphenolic compound, flavonoids etc. The dried ginger rhizome (Sunth) can be prepared by using commercially adopted technologies like Surat method, Malabar method and MPKV method. From the investigation it was observed that ginger processed by MPKV method got superior result over Surat and Malabar method with respect to essential oil, oleoresin and gingerol contents i.e. 1.61 percent, 4.28 percent and 79.04 µg/ml respectively. The dried ginger (MPKV method) possess highest content of poly phenolic compounds, total flavonoids and total alkaloids i.e. 80.43 µg/ml, 426.40 µg/ml and 2.52 percent respectively. It was observed that highest antioxidant activity was found in dried ginger processed by MPKV method i.e. 5.31 mg/ml. From the present investigation it was concluded that the ginger sample processed by MPKV, rahuri method found significantly superior over other processing method with respect to phyto-chemical constituents and antioxidant activity.
Increased risk of developing dental diseases in patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome—A secondary cohort analysis of population-based claims data

Background Although it is known that patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) have impaired dental conditions, incidence rates and incidence rate ratios of various dental diseases in these patients are not clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and prevalence of dental diseases in patients with pSS, and to evaluate the risk of common dental diseases in these patients. Methods A population-based retrospective cohort study was conducted using the data from the Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database. A total of 709 patients with newly diagnosed pSS between 2000 and 2012 were identified to form the pSS cohort. A comparison cohort of patients without pSS was assembled based on frequency matching for sex, 5-year age interval, and index year at a ratio of 10:1. All participants were followed until the end of the follow-up period or when the outcome of interest occurred. The incidence of dental caries, pulpitis, gingivitis, periodontitis, oral ulceration, and stomatitis were calculated using multiple Poisson regression models. Results A significantly higher prevalence (74.6% vs. 63.0%, P = 0.001) and frequency (median 5.37 vs. 1.45 per year, P < 0.001) dental visits were observed in patients with pSS compared with patients in the comparison cohort. The risk of dental caries (adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR] 1.64, P < 0.001), pulpitis (aIRR 1.42, P < 0.001), gingivitis (aIRR 1.43, P < 0.001), periodontitis (aIRR 1.44, P < 0.001), oral ulceration (aIRR 1.98, P < 0.001), and stomatitis (aIRR 2.06, P < 0.001) were significantly higher in patients with pSS. Conclusions In this nationwide, population-based cohort study, a higher prevalence and frequency of dental visits were found in patients with pSS. Patients with PSS had increased risk of six most common dental disorders, including dental caries, pulpitis, gingivitis, periodontitis, oral ulceration, and stomatitis. Rheumatologists should remain vigilant for the dental health of patients with pSS.
Henckelia siangensis (Gesneriaceae): a remarkable new species from Northeast India

Abstract Henckelia siangensis, a new species from Arunachal Pradesh of Northeast India, is described and illustrated here. The new species is remarkably different from all other allied species by its 5-winged calyx and elliptic-ovate calyx segments. It superficially resembles H. calva in glabrous stem and petioles, but differs from it in having persistent bracts, a campanulate 5-winged calyx and a style with glandular indumentum. A detailed morphological description, photographic illustration, and distribution of the new species are presented.
Effect of Mycorrhizal Application on Plant Growth and Nutrient Uptake of Piper mullesua Plantlets under Sterilized, Unsterilized and Field Soil Condition

Piper mullesua D. Don. (syn P. brachystachyum Wall ex Hook. f), an important medicinal plant belonging to the family Piperaceae. It is commonly known as Pipli, Pahari peepal, is indigenous to Arunachal Pradesh (India) and widely distributed in the Eastern Himalayan region at an altitude of about 600m to 1500m. Male and female flowers are found in separate spikes of the plant. Male spikes are 3-6 cm long, erect, slender and cylindrical. Female spikes are globose, oblong erect.
Need for Greater Attention to Joint Damage in Rhupus Patients: Results from an Ultrasound Study

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of inflammation and bone destruction of hand joints in rhupus patients through ultrasound examination. Material/Methods Ten rhupus patients and 33 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with hand arthropathy were recruited in this single-center study, and the clinical features and ultrasound manifestations of these patients were analyzed. Results We discovered that rhupus patients were older (47.31±4.35 years vs. 38.58±2.50 years, P=0.040), had longer duration of disease (median 72 months vs. median 12 months, P=0.040), had a higher positive rate (70% vs. 10.71%, P<0.001), and had higher titers of anti-CCP antibody (42.633±14.520 vs. 2.121±0.970, P<0.001) than SLE patients with arthropathy. More importantly, the prevalence rates of synovial hyperplasia (90% vs. 42.42%, P=0.008), synovitis (90% vs. 18.18%, P<0.001), synovial hyperplasia (70% vs. 10.71%, P<0.001), and bone destruction (70% vs. 6.06%, P<0.001) were higher in rhupus patients than in SLE patients with arthropathy. Conclusions Rhupus patients are more prone to develop synovitis, synovial hyperplasia, and bone destruction. Therefore, more attention should be paid to protection of the joints in rhupus patients.
Right-Wing Waves: Applying the Four Waves Theory to Transnational and Transhistorical Right-Wing Threat Trends

ABSTRACT The increasing global prominence of right-wing extremism and terrorism has been noted by scholars and government agencies alike. While right-wing terrorism has been documented throughout postwar history, groups have evolved, resulting in diverse materializations of violence perpetrated on behalf of varying ideologies and perceived threats. This paper draws upon Campion’s research into Australian right-wing extremism and terrorism, where three ideological threat narratives were identified. The aim of this research was to determine the applicability of Rapoport’s “wave” theory to the international evolution of extreme right-wing activity. In doing so, Campion’s framework is utilized and a case study analysis undertaken, investigating anti-communist, anti-immigration and anti-Islamic rhetoric on a transnational and transhistorical basis. It is argued that waves are found internationally, and that Rapoport’s model is therefore applicable to the right-wing milieu. The paper concludes that the extreme right is on the cusp of the next wave and discusses trends that may inform those in a position to counteract the forthcoming wave of activity. There remains a need for law enforcement and security agencies to monitor right-wing extremism and terrorism activity to remain attuned to the ever-evolving threat as the next wave manifests.
Mobile Apps Leveraged in the COVID-19 Pandemic in East and South-East Asia: Review and Content Analysis

Background The COVID-19 pandemic increased attention to digital tools to support governmental public health policies in East and South-East Asia. Mobile apps related to the COVID-19 pandemic continue to emerge and evolve with a wide variety of characteristics and functions. However, there is a paucity of studies evaluating such apps in this region, with most of the available studies conducted in the early days of the pandemic. Objective This study aimed to examine free apps developed or supported by governments in the East and South-East Asian region and highlight their key characteristics and functions. We also sought to interpret how the release dates of these apps were related to the commencement dates of other COVID-19 public health policies. Methods We systematically searched for apps in Apple App Store and Google Play Store and analyzed the contents of eligible apps. Mobile apps released or updated with COVID-19–related functions between March 1 and May 7, 2021, in Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea, China (mainland), Japan, Thailand, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines were included. The CoronaNet Research Project database was also examined to determine the timeline of public health policy commencement dates in relation to the release dates of the included apps. We assessed each app’s official website, media reports, and literature through content analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize relevant information gathered from the mobile apps using RStudio. Results Of the 1943 mobile apps initially identified, 46 were eligible, with almost 70% of the apps being intended for the general public. Most apps were from Vietnam (n=9, 20%), followed by Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand (n=6 each, 13%). Of note, most apps for quarantine monitoring (n=6, 13%) were mandatory for the target users or a population subset. The most common function was health monitoring (32/46, 70%), followed by raising public health awareness (19/46, 41%) through education and information dissemination. Other functions included monitoring quarantine (12/46, 26%), providing health resources (12/46, 26%). COVID-19 vaccination management functions began to appear in parallel with vaccine rollout (7/46, 15%). Regarding the timing of the introduction of mobile solutions, the majority of mobile apps emerged close to the commencement dates of other public health policies in the early stages of the pandemic between March and April 2020. Conclusions In East and South-East Asia, most governments used mobile health apps as adjuncts to public health measures for tracking COVID-19 cases and delivering credible information. In addition, these apps have evolved by expanding their functions for COVID-19 vaccination.
The effect of national differences on multinational ERP implementation: An exploratory study

Previous ERP implementation studies focused primarily on single-site and domestic implementations. The issue of ERP implementation at facilities across nations has been seldom discussed, although industry has indicated such a need. This exploratory study investigates the relationships between national differences and multi-national ERP implementation. Using case research that involves direct observation and systematic interview at four US and Taiwanese manufacturing firms, this study investigates what and how national differences affect implementation practices across nations. The results suggest that language, culture, politics, government regulations, management style, time zone, and labour skills impact several ERP implementation practices. Understanding such effects will enable companies to be more proactive in planning for multinational ERP implementation. Managerial implications of the findings and future research issues are discussed.
Public Subsidies for Private Schools:

Private education has long been the choice of elites and those seeking religious education for their children in post-Enlightenment secular societies. In that role it has rarely been questioned even after the rise of mass public education. If parents wanted to pay for their children’s education using private resources, they have almost universally— except in fascist or communist dictatorships—been accorded the right to do so. This parallel existence of mass public and specialized private education has been the norm in Europe, the United States, Latin America, Oceania, and parts of Asia for more than a century. However, in the past few decades, private education has been pushed politically into a new role—as a “preferred alternative” to public education in terms of a strategy to improve mass education and to make it more cost-effective. This version of educational politics claims that as a preferred alternative, private schools should have a similar right to public funding as public schools.
Newborn screening of mucopolysaccharidosis type I

Abstract Mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I), a lysosomal storage disease caused by a deficiency of α-L-iduronidase, leads to storage of the glycosaminoglycans, dermatan sulfate and heparan sulfate. Available therapies include enzyme replacement and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. In the last two decades, newborn screening (NBS) has focused on early identification of the disorder, allowing early intervention and avoiding irreversible manifestations. Techniques developed and optimized for MPS I NBS include tandem mass-spectrometry, digital microfluidics, and glycosaminoglycan quantification. Several pilot studies have been conducted and screening programs have been implemented worldwide. NBS for MPS I has been established in Taiwan, the United States, Brazil, Mexico, and several European countries. All these programs measure α-L-iduronidase enzyme activity in dried blood spots, although there are differences in the analytical strategies employed. Screening algorithms based on published studies are discussed. However, some limitations remain: one is the high rate of false-positive results due to frequent pseudodeficiency alleles, which has been partially solved using post-analytical tools and second-tier tests; another involves the management of infants with late-onset forms or variants of uncertain significance. Nonetheless, the risk-benefit ratio is favorable. Furthermore, long-term follow-up of patients detected by neonatal screening will improve our knowledge of the natural history of the disease and inform better management.