Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Urbanization on the Mycorrhizal Associations and Survival of Three Species of Eastern Hardwoods

Mycorrhizal fungi colonization can be a significant determinant of plant health and establishment success. By protecting roots from pathogens and increasing plant uptake of nutrients and water, mycorrhizal colonization can determine the outcome of competitive interactions between plants, thereby shaping plant community composition. Currently, in remnant forest patches, plants and their fungal symbionts are exposed to varied anthropomorphic effects related to the encroachment of metropolitan areas into rural landscapes. However, little is known about the impact of urbanization on the plant-mycorrhizal fungi association. To assess the effect of urbanization on mycorrhizal fungi root colonization and their role on seedling establishment, we investigated the relationship between mycorrhizal colonization of tree seedlings and seedling survival along an urbanization gradient typical of the mid-western region of the USA. We planted three species of temperate tree seedlings (Acer rubrum, Carya ovata, and Quercus rubra) in each of three landscape types: urban, suburban, and rural forests. We measured the percent of root length of the seedlings colonized by ectomycorrhizal (ECM) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and monitored seedling survival during their first growing season. We analyzed the percent root length colonized by mycorrhizae as a function of landscape type (urban-rural) and additional variables known to contribute mycorrhizal colonization (soil phosphorus, soil nitrogen, and initial plant height). We then analyzed seedling survival as a function of the degree of mycorrhizal fungi colonization associated with the landscape gradient and of additional environmental factors (available light and soil moisture). Within a species, we found no changes in levels of mycorrhizal fungi colonization across the urban landscape gradient. Environmental variables (light, soil moisture, soil nutrients) did not significantly vary along the urban gradient, and differences in these variables did not have a measureable effect upon mycorrhizal colonization or survival. Each seedling species had markedly different levels of colonization and responded differently to increasing levels of mycorrhizal colonization. For A. rubrum, survival was independent of mycorrhizal colonization, Q. rubra had a statistically non-significant rise in survival as colonization increased, and C. ovata had a significant positive survival response to more than 60 % colonization. These findings highlight the resilience of mycorrhizal communities across the rural-urban gradient and the potential sensitivity of some species to lower levels of mycorrhizal colonization. First and foremost, I would like to thank my adviser Inés Ibáñez and committee member Don Zak for their encouragement and support. I would also like to thank the students in …
Multi-modal Surface Wave Inversion and Application to North Sea OBN Data

Surface-wave inversion (SWI) for S-wave velocity plays an important role in near surface characterization and PS-wave velocity model building for depth migration. The inversion requires dispersion curves picked from the spectrum of surface waves. Robust f-k spectral analysis is achieved by superposition of surface-wave spectra, with a careful balance struck between larger transform apertures that provide higher spectral resolution, and smaller apertures that provide higher spatial resolution. A hybrid cost function is used in the inversion to reduce non-linearity for a multi-modal inversion without a-priori identification of higher order modes. This method is applied to a North Sea ocean bottom node (OBN) survey to produce a shallow Vs model that penetrates 120 m depth below the seabed. It has similar spatial resolution to the Vp model from Full Waveform Inversion while highlighting shallow structures that are not visible in the Vp model. The Vp/Vs ratio from these inversions provides a powerful tool for near-surface characterization. Furthermore, the high-resolution shallow Vs model from SWI complements the use of PS-wave tomography in illuminating the near surface, and is shown to improve the PS image at both shallow and deep targets.
Using Human Mobility Patterns to Forecast Outliers in Citizen Complaints Data

Cities have been growing ever larger especially in the most recent decades. As neighborhoods and boundaries of cities are expanding, the resident-service related problems within these cities increase. Such problems are often reported by residents, and city administrators rely on the submission of these complaints for an accurate depiction of the most prevalent issues in a neighborhood. We address the problem of predicting when new citizen complaints are submitted and when an increase of complaints is likely to occur in a city. The submitted complaints are a type of spatiotemporal data, of which it was not well understood in earlier research how to use both the spatial and temporal dimension for complaint prediction. In this paper, a generalized framework is proposed that uses both the spatial and the temporal dimensions simultaneously to predict outliers of a (primary) stream of data using a possibly correlated secondary stream of data. It computes the optimal offset between the secondary stream in regard to the primary stream of data and trains a semi-supervised model to predict unseen data. Subsequently, outliers are detected from the predicted data. To evaluate the framework, we use a dataset that contain human mobility in NYC as one stream and another dataset with complaints as the other stream. The experimental evaluation showed promising results in an absolute sense and also compared to a baseline model when using the error in the predicted number of submitted complaints. Particularly for interesting complaints, the error between the prediction and ground truth is minimal. The tool and the datasets of this work are publicly available under https://github.com/Staartvin/outlier-prediction-framework
Higher rating of perceived exertion and lower perceived recovery following a graded exercise test during menses compared to non-bleeding days in untrained females

The underrepresentation of the female population in exercise sciences could be attributed, at least in part, to difficulty in appropriately accounting for the effects of the menstrual cycle (MC). Previous studies examining the effects of the MC on aerobic performance and subjective measures of aerobic performance show conflicting results. Purpose: The study examined how the MC affects the objective and subjective measures of aerobic performance within untrained female participants and in comparison with untrained male participants assessed at similar time intervals. Methods: Twenty-one participants (12 females and 9 males) completed a graded exercise test (GXT) on a cycle ergometer. The female participants were tested during their early follicular (EF; menses), ovulatory (O), and mid-luteal (ML) phases of the MC. The male participants were included as the control group and were randomly assigned to a menstrual cycle phase for each visit. During GXT, maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), maximal heart rate (HRmax), peak blood lactate, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were determined. Twenty-four hours post-exercise, the perceived recovery status (PRS) was assessed. The MC phase was estimated using basal body temperature (BBT) in the female participants. Results: The male participants obtained a higher peak power and VO2max compared to the female participants (p < 0.05). All objective measures of aerobic performance did not significantly differ across the MC phases or time points that were tested. In the untrained female participants, an effect of the MC phase on RPE was found, with RPE being higher at EF (8.92 ± 0.79) compared to O (7.67 ± 1.23; p < 0.05) and ML (7.75 ± 1.06; p < 0.05). In addition, an effect of the MC phase on PRS was found, with perceived recovery being lower at EF (6.83 ± 0.94) compared to O (8.83 ± 1.12) and ML (8.67 ± 0.65; all p < 0.005) for the untrained female participants. No significant differences in RPE and PRS were found between tests in the untrained male participants. The female participants had lower perceived recovery following EF (6.83 ± 0.94) compared with the male participants (9.00 ± 1.00; p < 0.001). Conclusion: The untrained female participants perceived greater exertion during GXT and impaired recovery following GXT in EF compared to O and ML. These results may be attributed to either a drop in female sex hormone concentrations or discomfort associated with menses. The male participants did not exhibit any changes over time. Future studies using subjective parameters such as perceived exertion to track the internal load of training in the naturally menstruating female population should consider menses.
Synonymous variants in the ATP6AP2 gene may lead to developmental and epileptic encephalopathy

Objective To the literature, variants in the ATP6AP2 gene may cause abnormal nervous system development and associated neurological symptoms. Methods We report a patient with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) carrying an ATP6AP2 c.858G > A (p.Ala286=) synonymous variant. In addition, an overview of reported patients with the same variant were collected and summarized to compare our findings. Results The patient started experiencing tonic seizures at 3.5 months of age, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) indicated impaired brain white matter development and reduced left hippocampal volume. Furthermore, electroencephalography showed multifocal interictal epileptiform discharges. Treatment with various anti-seizure medications yielded unsatisfactory results, and the disorder eventually developed into epileptic spasms. An in vitro splicing assay for the ATP6AP2 gene mRNA revealed that the variant caused a deletion in exon 8 and a corresponding protein truncation. A review of previously reported ATP6AP2-related DEE patients found that synonymous variants in the ATP6AP2 gene can cause early DEE onset, progressive changes in early-life MRI, and exon skipping in all ATP6AP2-related DEE patients. Significance We found that synonymous variants in ATP6AP2 may have significant pathogenicity and are highly correlated with DEE. Due to increased isoform production, ATP6AP2 synonymous variants may cause nervous system developmental disorders by competitively reducing the generation of full-length transcripts, resulting in defects in ATP6AP2-related physiological processes.
Quality Assessment of Research Comparisons in the Open Research Knowledge Graph

The Open Research Knowledge Graph (ORKG) is a digital library for machine-actionable scholarly knowledge, with a focus on structured research comparisons obtained through expert crowdsourcing. While the ORKG has attracted a community of more than 1,000 users, the curated data has not been subject to an in-depth quality assessment so far. Here, proposed as a first exemplary step, within a team of domain experts, we evaluate the quality of six selected ORKG Comparisons based on three criteria, namely: 1) the quality of semantic modelling, 2) the maturity of the Comparisons in terms of their completeness, syntactic representation, identifier stability, and their linkability mechanisms ensuring the interoperability and discoverability. Finally, 3) the informative usefulness of the Comparisons to expert and lay users. We have found that each criterion addresses a unique and independent aspect of quality. Backed by the observations of our quality evaluations presented in this paper, a fitting model of knowledge graph quality appears one that is indeed multidimensional as ours.
Allium ampeloprasum var. Porrum (Alliaceae) Improves Metabolic and Reproductive Disorders Associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Wistar Rats

To provide scientific evidence of the efficacy of Allium ampeloprasum against female infertility, the effects of the aqueous extract of the said plant (AE) were evaluated in rats with letrozole-induced polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). AE was administered orally to PCOS rats at doses of 192, 384, and 768 mg/kg. The positive control was co-treated with clomiphene citrate (1 mg/kg) and metformin (200 mg/kg). Normal and negative controls received distilled water. The vaginal contents of rats were examined daily under a microscope before (7 days) and during treatment. Treatments were administered orally for 15 days, and then, 6 rats from each group were sacrificed for biochemical and histological analyses. The remaining rats were mated with males of proven fertility for 5 days. The daily examination of vaginal smears allowed the evaluation of fertility index. After parturition, additional fertility parameters were determined. Results showed that in PCOS rats, AE decreased body weight (p < 0.001), abdominal fat weight (p < 0.001), serum levels of LH (p < 0.001), testosterone (p < 0.001), total cholesterol (p < 0.05), and LDL cholesterol (p < 0.01). HDL cholesterol increased and atherogenic indices decreased (p < 0.001). The number of Graafian follicles and corpora lutea increased, while cystic (p < 0.001) and atretic (p < 0.05) follicles decreased. AE also decreased oxidative stress in the ovaries, restored the estrous cycle, induced uterine epithelial cell hypertrophy, and improved fertility. These effects were attributed to phenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, and anthocyanins present in AE. The overall results justify the traditional use of A. ampeloprasum against female infertility and suggest its potential use as a dietary supplement for PCOS patients.
Projected Seasonal Water Consumption And Water Restrictions For Row Crop Irrigation In The A.C.F. Basin

Water consumption in the Flint River Basin depends upon seasonal irrigation of the major row crops — corn, peanut, cotton, and soybean. Knowledge of each crop's water use pattern, water retention by major soil types, and probable weather patterns is essential for comprehensive water management in the basin. Crop model prediction of yield and water use under weather patterns of the past 58 years showed that irrigation water withdrawals can exceed 1200 million gal/day during peak use periods in drought years. If emergency irrigation restrictions that eliminated irrigation for 30to 60-day periods were imposed to curtail irrigation water consumption, water savings could amount to 6 to 60 billion gallons annually in the Flint River Basin. However, in-season curtailment of irrigation for 30to 60-days would cause direct economic losses to growers of $4 to $148 million, depending on timing and duration of restrictions. Alternative water management strategies should be developed for reducing irrigation demands in drought years.
Sosyal Refah Rejimleri, Kurumlar ve Eşitsizlik

Bu çalışma ülkeler arası kurumsal farklılıkların ücret ve gelir eşitsizliğine etkilerini sosyal refah rejimleri üzerinden incelemektedir. Literatürde, işgücü piyasası kurumlarının eşitsizliğe etkilerini araştıran birçok çalışma bulunmaktadır. Ancak farklı sosyal refah rejimlerinde eşitsizlikte bir farklılık olup olmadığını araştıran oldukça az çalışma mevcuttur. Aslında sosyal refah rejimleri sınıflandırmaları da kurumlara dayalı olarak yapıldığından önsel olarak farklı refah rejimlerinin farklı eşitsizlik düzeyleri yaratacağı düşünülebilir. Çalışmada Esping-Andersen ve Leibfried’in refah rejimleri sınıflandırmaları kullanılarak 1970-2015 ve 1990-2015 dönemleri olmak üzere iki farklı dönemde refah rejimlerinin eşitsizliğe etkisi panel veri analizi ile incelenmiştir. Araştırma bulgularına göre sosyal demokrat refah rejimlerinde hem ücret hem de gelir eşitsizliği diğer refah rejimlerine göre anlamlı şekilde daha düşükken liberal ve Güney Avrupa refah rejimlerinde eşitsizlik diğerlerine göre daha yüksektir. Sonuç olarak ülkelerin sosyal refah rejimleri eşitsizlik üzerinde belirleyicidir ve evrenselci rejimlerde eşitsizlik düzeyi düşükken, kalıntı rejimlerinde yüksektir.
Assessment of a service-learning project experience in mobility and spatial data

To enhance sustainable and walkable cities we need to know which aspects of the urban environment affect children’s walkability and working on measures related to communication and education to ensure widespread awareness in society as a whole. The aim of this paper is to advance the implementation of participative and dynamic techniques at university level and targeting children from a sustainable mobility perspective. Through the Service-Learning project “Let's Walk Safely to School! ” three specific objectives – related with learning, service and teaching are addressed. While learning, university students conducted a community service and resolved several challenges related with complementary skills for pedestrian mobility and Geographic Information Systems, while children learn mobility concepts. Its development combines the resolution of a challenge, learning by doing – since the whole process was carried out in a real context –, and cooperative learning. Using the results of a survey of 200 children studying in a school in Madrid, field work, and digital mapping, eight University students developed an interactive web map which classifies the streets around the school according to the children’s comfort level, safety/security and ease of travel. The participants broadened their academic competencies, while exchange skills, knowledge and expertise, and also acquired transversal competencies related to teamwork, organisation and planning, effective communication and knowledge of ICTs.
FAKTOR-FAKTOR ANTESEDEN LOYALITAS PELANGGAN: PENGGUNAAN MEDIA SOSIAL, KEPERCAYAAN, DAN RISIKO PEMBELIAN PELANGGAN B2B UMKM

In the digital era, B2B personnel are encouraged to build relationships with customers through social media to build trust and reduce purchase risks affecting customer loyalty. This study aimed to analyze the antecedents of customer loyalty, which include the use of social media, trust, and purchasing risk of B2B MSMEs customers. The type of research used is causal explanatory. The research sample was MSMEs related to suppliers and uses social media for business activities. Data collection applied in this study was a survey technique with a questionnaire distributed to 226 respondents. Meanwhile, the data analysis method employed was a regression with mediation. The results of this study indicate that the role of trust is greater than purchase risk in mediating the effect of using social media on customer loyalty.
Sarah Kubitschek Hospital-Salvador, Brazil: principles for a healing architecture at latitude 13°

The Sarah Kubitschek Hospitals Chain in Brazil have been in operation since early 1990's. Today, with 9 hospitals designed and constructed throughout Brazil, the chain deliver high quality treatment for social disadvantaged patients with locomotor apparatus problems. For this paper, the pioneer of such buildings, the Sarah Hospital in Salvador - Bahia, located in the tropical northeast coast of Brazil (latitude 13°S) will be discussed. This is a building that runs almost completely without air conditioning in a city that more than 70% of the new residential apartment buildings are fitted with small air conditioning units. On the other side of the globe, also at latitude 13°S we find the Royal Darwin Hospital, located in Darwin, capital of the Northern Territory, Australia. The hospital was initially built in the early 1970's (based on a Canadian design typology) and had an additional wing built between 2003/04. This is a building that runs completely with air conditioning in a city that 90% of residential buildings are fitted with air conditioning units. The implications of such initial design decisions are extensive, and have significant impact on the psychological, social and environmental well being of users along with their ability to recover and heal. The direct relationship of a person to the environment (e.g.visual, thermal, acoustic comfort) and the way the spaces mediate the relationship with people (e.g.use of spaces, privacy, views) are the two main features in which architecture plays an important role on the design of healing spaces. This paper discusses through comparisons of design principles and processes, along with monitored data (on aspects of thermal comfort), how the architectural design of two places, with similar climatic conditions, at same latitude, have resulted on very different responses to its environment and users.
Nutrition appliquée à la performance sportive

The aim of this review is to identify nutritional demands among populations of athletes practising different sports, which are divided into three categories for simplification: a) sports of high intensity and short duration, b) intermittent sports and c) sports of more moderate intensity and longer duration. Regardless of the sport performed by an athlete, a nutrition considered balanced must include all nutrients in adequate quantities in order to ensure recuperation, physical performance and maintenance of health. The importance of the fluid intake and of carbohydrates in regard to physical performance is clearly demonstrated. Thus, athletes must adopt an alimentary strategy capable of providing a fluid equilibrium and a rapid restoration of glycogen reserves, without neglecting nutrional balance which results from a diverse choice of aliments high in nutritional density. The general recommendations quoted in this review apply to different populations of athletes, in a broad sense. The application of these recommendations to specific athletes must be the subject of an individual analysis. Résumé
The Role of Value Co-Creation Towards Non-financial Performances: Mediating Effect of Customer Support Ticket in the Context of Life Insurance Sector in Sri Lanka

Nowadays, value co-creation plays a vital role in acquiring new business and retaining customers in the competitive business world. Understanding customers and providing them with personalized experiences has become a trend. Value co-creation also plays a crucial role in brand development, as it contributes to brand equity, reputation, and credibility. These factors guide consumer decisions, determining whether they become loyal to a brand or switch to another. Despite its importance, the specific mechanisms through which value co-creation impacts non-financial performances in the life insurance sector in Sri Lanka have not been thoroughly explored. Therefore, the main purpose of this research is to study the impact of value co-creation on the non-financial performances of life insurance policies in Sri Lanka. Dimensions of value co-creation, such as relational orientation, customer involvement, freedom of co-creation, and degree of collaboration, will be examined, along with the mediating effect of customer support tickets. A quantitative research strategy will be employed, utilizing data collected through surveys. The researcher has developed a scale based on previous literature to measure value co-creation and non-financial performances. Reliability and validity of the scales were tested using survey data. The study was conducted in a descriptive manner, allowing for natural settings and avoiding researcher interference. Primary data were collected from a convenient sample of 142 employees working in life top performing insurance companies residing in the Western Province. Regression and multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationships. The results revealed that all elements of value co-creation significantly impact the non-financial performances of life insurance policies, and the moderator and mediator effects supported the framework. Finally, the researcher presented several recommendations for marketing strategies based on the study's results. This research contributes to the existing literature and fills the practice gap, providing avenues for future researchers to explore potential areas. Overall, this study emphasizes the importance of value co-creation in the life insurance sector, highlights its impact on non-financial performances, and offers valuable insights for marketing strategies in Sri Lanka.