Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of shrubs on soil chemical properties in Alxa desert steppe, China

Alxa desert steppe is one of severely the degraded rangelands in the Northwest China. Shrubs, as the dominant life form in the desert steppe, play an important role in protecting this region from further desertification. Chemical properties of three soil layers (0 to 10, 10 to 20 and 20 to 30 cm) at three locations (the clump center [A], in the periphery of shrub canopies [B], and the inter-shrub space [C], at least one m away from the edge of shrub canopies) were investigated in two prominent shrub communities (Zygophyllum xanthoxylum, Ammopiptanthus monglicus) in Alxa desert steppe. The results showed that: (1) soils in three layers at the clump center exhibited significantly higher contents of organic carbon (SOC), total N, total P, and lower pH value compared to the inter-shrub space. Soils in the 0 to 10-cm and 10 to 20-cm depths under periphery of shrub canopy showed significantly higher contents of SOC and total N, and slight, but significantly lower, pH value compared to the same soil layers in the inter-shrub space. However, there was no significant difference in total P in three soil layers between shrub periphery and inter-shrub space; (2) the soil enrichment ratios of SOC, total N, and total P at clump center were significantly higher, while ratio for pH significantly lower compared to the shrub periphery; and (3) SOC and total P contents at all locations around Z. xanthoxylum were higher, while total N and pH values lower compared to soils around A. monglicus. The enrichment ratios of SOC, total N, and total P at the same location were not significantly different between Z. xanthoxylum and A. monglicus. The litter-fall seems to influence the soil chemical properties at clump center, shrub periphery, and inter-shrub open space, resulting in “fertile island” under shrub canopies. This study shows that shrubs play a vital role in accumulating SOC and nutrients and maintaining soil fertility in Alxa desert steppe.
Incorporation of Yogurt Acid Whey in Low-Lactose Yogurt Ice Cream

Yogurt acid whey (YAW), a by-product of strained yogurt production, is a strong environmental pollutant because of its high organic load. Hence, efforts are made for its utilization to minimize its disposal in the environment. This study deals with the incorporation of YAW in yogurt ice cream (YIC) by partial replacement of yogurt with simultaneous lactose hydrolysis (LH) of the formulated YIC mix. Six YIC mix formulations were made, two without YAW (non-LH- and LH-control samples, A and AH), two with 12.5% YAW (samples B and BH), and two with 18.75% YAW (samples C and CH). The results showed that the partial replacement of yogurt with YAW decreased significantly (p < 0.05) the total solids of B, BH, C, and CH products (31.72 ± 0.14%, 31.92 ± 0.21%, 30.94 ± 0.14%, and 31.27 ± 0.10%, respectively) compared to the total solids of control products A and AH (33.30 ± 0.36% and 33.74 ± 0.06%, respectively). In contrast, the overruns increased (51.50 ± 2.36%, 58.26 ± 0.09%, 56.86 ± 1.92%, and 65.52 ± 1.30% for the B, BH, C, and CH products, respectively) compared to control samples (42.02 ± 2.62% and 49.53 ± 2.12% for A and AH, respectively). LH significantly decreased the freezing point and the viscosity of the YIC mixes but increased the overruns of the products as shown previously. YAW significantly decreased the hardness of the B and C products (56.30 ± 2.11 N and 43.43 ± 3.91 N, respectively) compared to control A (81.14 ± 9.34 N), and LH decreased it even more, leading to a rather soft scoop YIC. AH, BH, and CH YICs exhibited better melting properties despite the lack of fat destabilization in all samples. After 60 days of storage, counts of yogurt starter microorganisms were still >107 cfu/g and DPPH radical scavenging activity had increased in all products. In the sensory evaluation test, lactose-hydrolyzed samples AH, BH, and CH had less intense sandiness and, as expected, more intense sweetness. In conclusion, in the framework of the circular economy, it is possible for the YAW to be used as a resource material at a ratio of 12.5% to produce a YIC product without leaving behind any new waste.
Effects of climatic variability and flow regulation on ice‐jam flooding of a northern delta

Ice-induced backwater has been shown to be the only method by which flooding has supplied water to perched basins within the Peace‐Athabasca Delta, one of the world’s largest freshwater deltas. The frequency of such events, however, markedly declined in the mid-1970s. To explain this shift, various hydrometeorological conditions that control the severity of river ice break-up were analysed. Specific emphasis was placed on the roles of flow regulation and climate variability. Flow regulation seems to have produced only minor changes in factors such as ice thickness and strength, and not to have reduced the flow at the time of break-up. Moreover, regulation has actually led to an increase in spring flow originating from the headwater region. Since the mid-1970s, however, spring runoA has declined in the downstream portions of the basin unaAected by regulation. This has been linked to a decrease in the magnitude of the winter snowpack. Elevated ice levels and winter flows resulting from regulation have further reduced the potential of tributary runoA to produce severe break-up floods. Thus the absence of a high-order event between 1974 and 1992 seems to be related to a combined eAect of flow regulation and the vagaries of climate. #1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Potenciais antecedentes da adoção de Business Analytics na contabilidade

O objetivo desta pesquisa é analisar quais fatores antecedem a intenção de adoção de Business Analytics (BA) na contabilidade, de acordo com profissionais atuantes na área. Aplicou-se métodos mistos com estratégia explanatória sequencial operacionalizada por meio de survey e por entrevistas semi-estruturadas, com profissionais de contabilidade. Como técnicas de análise de dados utilizou-se PLS e análise de conteúdo. O resultado da pesquisa apresentou diversos fatores tecnológicos, organizacionais, ambientais e humanos que impactam negativa ou positivamente na intenção para adotar BA, a maior parte com lastro na literatura, contudo surgiram fatores novos, alguns específicos do contexto contábil. Evidenciaram-se variáveis moderadoras da intenção de adoção de BA. A pesquisa apresenta uma lista de fatores que contribuem para direcionar a adoção de BA e abrir possibilidades para que a comunidade contábil, gestores e fornecedores de tecnologia atuem na promoção da adoção de BA.
Foraging behavior of free-ranging Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddelli) in the Antarctic fast-ice environment

Understanding foraging behavior is important for addressing ecological questions for all predators, but is particularly challenging for air-breathing marine vertebrates. The inability to directly observe this group underwater has made it difficult to classify and understand foraging behaviors with certainty and accuracy. To determine the underwater behavior of one air-breathing marine predator, free-ranging, adult Weddell seals were equipped with animal-borne video and data recorders (VDRs). Eighteen dive descriptors summarizing the duration, depth, speed, stroking frequency, gliding, and energetic cost of 234 dives were calculated. Dive descriptors were included in non-hierarchical cluster analyses that identified five distinct groups of dives. Eight of the 18 dive descriptors contributed strongly to the discrimination between groups. Presence of prey on the video record confirmed Groups 1, 4, and 5 as foraging dives. Group 1 dives were deep and exceeded the estimated aerobic dive limit, while Group 4 dives were also deep but probably remained aerobic. Group 5 dives were shallow and aerobic. Comparisons with prior classifications showed that deep aerobic dives were similar to foraging dives identified previously, but shallow aerobic and deep anaerobic dives represented new foraging categories. The proportion of successful dives and the number of prey encountered per successful dive varied among groups and locations. The distribution of foraging dive types also varied among these locations, and appeared to result from the depth of silverfish, the main prey item in this region, and bathymetric variability. Seals diving along the coast used more deep anaerobic and shallow aerobic dives, while deep aerobic dives were most common offshore. This suite of foraging dive types shows how
3D Scene Reconstruction from Video Camera for Virtual 3D City Modeling

The main purpose of this study is to explore the potential of normal digital video camera for virtual 3D City modeling. For any photogrammetric project work, image acquisition is the main issue. Cost, time, and success of any close range photogrammetric project is mainly dependent on image acquisition method. Video recording is an easy way to capture the large city area in less time. In the present study a simple method for 3D scene reconstruction by using digital video camera is developed for virtual 3D City modeling. The digital video camera used was Sony DSC HX7V camera for video recording. From this video data, image frames created and identified for suitable image frames for image based modeling. After processing some intermediate products were obtained and finally textured 3D model of area was created. Study area was Civil engineering department, IIT-Roorkee, India. Agisoft Photoscan software was used for this work. This paper covers the methodology, result, discussion, conclusion, advantages and limitations of the method.
Effects of an Eight Week Very Low-Calorie Ketogenic Diet (VLCKD) on White Blood Cell and Platelet Counts in Relation to Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) in Subjects with Overweight and Obesity

Obesity and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) are frequently associated conditions characterized by low-grade inflammation. Very low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) strategies are commonly used to simultaneously obtain weight loss and an improvement of liver steatosis. We evaluated the efficacy of 8 weeks’ VLCKD in decreasing the white blood cell (WBC) and platelet (PLT) counts, as well as liver steatosis and fibrosis, diagnosed using transient elastography (FibroScan). Metabolic and anthropometric parameters commonly associated with MASLD were also evaluated. This study included 87 participants; 58 women and 29 men aged between 18 and 64 years with overweight (18%) or obesity (82%), but not taking any medication. Anthropometric measurements, bioimpedance analysis, and biochemical assays were performed before and after the dietary intervention. BMI (kg/m2) (p-value < 0.001), waist circumference (cm) (p-value < 0.001), and fat mass (kg) (p-value < 0.001) were significantly decreased following VLCKD. After VLCKD, the FibroScan parameter CAP (db/m), which measures the accumulation of fatty liver, significantly decreased (p-value < 0.001), as did liver stiffness (kPA), the FibroScan parameter quantifying liver fibrosis (p-value < 0.05). Seemingly, WBC (p-value < 0.001) and PLT (p-value < 0.001) counts were lowered by VLCKD in the whole group; however, the decrease in WBC and platelet counts were significant only in patients with steatosis (CAP ≥ 215 dB/m). Fasting blood glucose (p-value < 0.001), insulin (p-value < 0.001), HbA1c (p-value < 0.001), triglycerides (p-value < 0.001), total cholesterol (p-value < 0.001), LDL-cholesterol (p-value < 0.001), HDL-cholesterol (p-value < 0.001); γGT (p-value < 0.001) blood levels and insulin resistance (as measured by HOMAIR) (p-value < 0.001); and systolic (p-value < 0.001), and diastolic (p-value < 0.001) blood pressure levels, were all significantly lower after VLCKD. In contrast, blood levels of vitamin D were higher following the diet (p-value < 0.001). We conclude that treating subjects with overweight and obesity with VLCKD is followed by a simultaneous reduction in WBCs and platelets, the expression of low-grade inflammation, and of liver steatosis and fibrosis. Therefore, we can hypothesize that VLCKD decreases general and liver low-grade inflammation, thus improving liver health.
A framework for developing user-based adaptive gamified systems

Gamification, which is the use of game elements in a non-game context, has become a trend in many industries. It is used as a means for motivating and engaging users and influencing their behaviors. Thus, during the last few years, many researchers have attempted to find a way to design and implement gamified systems that are adaptively personalized based on user types. This paper proposes a framework that aims to aid software engineers in systematically designing adaptively personalized gamification applications of any context type by adapting the appearance of gamification elements based on each user type. The framework introduces a method that provides a systematic means to modify the system at runtime (i.e., while the system is in use) based on the user’s preferences and behavior by changing the existing elements based on the usage of each user. The researchers validate the proposed framework using a case study conducted with employees of a large-scale software development company. By applying all their practical comments, the methods of the proposed framework were enhanced. Moreover, to formalize the proposed framework the researchers develop an ontology that implements the mappings between game elements and user types by defining rules that govern their usage. In this paper, an ontology validation is presented including the use of Reasoner, Instances, SPARQL queries, and requirements model implementation. Also, a sample prototype is presented on one of the most used applications and show how the researchers apply this framework to it
Heuristic Evaluation of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Displays

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) is a computer software architecture that collects, analyzes, and delivers real-time production data to an accompanying human-machine interface (HMI) display. SCADA displays can help ensure efficiency in industrial settings by allowing users to monitor and control production processes, see system issues, and directly interact with equipment or devices (e.g., sensors, motors). However, SCADA displays tend to be highly complex and cluttered with data and interactive components. In this research, we conducted an evaluation of various SCADA displays available online using Neilson’s ten usability heuristics. The findings revealed that those displays scored poorly in the evaluation, indicating the need for redesign concepts that prioritize user needs. We then provide redesigned displays, conduct computational modeling to ensure the effectiveness of the redesigns, and propose a set of SCADA display design guidelines aimed at improving those displays to support user needs and, ultimately, improve user performance.
Geometry and kinematics of the Nuncios detachment fold complex: Implications for lithotectonics in northeastern Mexico

Using recent geologic mapping combined with digital elevation data, aerial photo interpretation, and cross section balancing, we describe the three‐dimensional (3‐D) geometry and kinematics of the Nuncios Fold Complex in the Monterrey Salient of northeastern Mexico. This map‐scale, evaporite‐cored detachment fold structure involves Upper Jurassic through Cretaceous rocks deformed during the Laramide orogeny and comprises two westward plunging anticlines and an intervening, eastward plunging syncline. Seven balanced cross sections and a 3‐D model of this north vergent structure document substantial along‐strike variations in both fold geometry and detachment depth, suggesting that 3‐D flow of the detachment layer may have occurred during folding. Comparison of folds in the Monterrey Salient with those in the neighboring Parras Basin suggests that the latter south vergent folds root to a shallower detachment. We suggest that northward transport of the Monterrey Salient folds on the lower evaporite detachment may have been inhibited by a thick sequence of foreland basin rocks in the northeastern Parras and southern La Popa basins and that the smaller, south verging folds formed where the lower detachment was abandoned and slip was transferred to the shallower detachment, forming a triangle zone at the front of the Sierra Madre orogenic wedge.
Oocyte-Specific Deletion of Slc6a9 Encoding the GLYT1 Glycine Transporter Eliminates Glycine Transport in Mouse Preimplantation Embryos and Their Ability to Counter Hypertonic Stress

Early preimplantation mouse embryos are sensitive to increased osmolarity, which can block their development. To overcome this, they accumulate organic osmolytes to maintain cell volume. The main organic osmolyte used by early mouse embryos is glycine. Glycine is transported during the mature egg and 1-cell to 4-cell embryo stages by a transporter identified as GLYT1, encoded by the Slc6a9 gene. Here, we have produced an oocyte-specific knockout of Slc6a9 by crossing mice that have a segment of the gene flanked by LoxP elements with transgenic mice expressing iCre driven by the oocyte-specific Gdf9 promoter. Slc6a9 null oocytes failed to develop glycine transport activity during meiotic maturation. However, females with these oocytes were fertile. When enclosed in their cumulus-oocyte complex, Slc6a9 null oocytes could accumulate glycine via GLYT1 transport in their coupled cumulus cells, which may support female fertility in vivo. In vitro, embryos derived from Slc6a9 null oocytes displayed a clear phenotype. While glycine rescued complete preimplantation development of wild type embryos from increased osmolarity, embryos derived from null oocytes failed to develop past the 2-cell stage even with glycine. Thus, Slc6a9 is required for glycine transport and protection against increased osmolarity in mouse eggs and early embryos.
The Impact of Economic Growth on the Highways in Sao Paulo: An Application of Input-Output Model Combined with GIS (O Impacto Do Crescimento Econômico Sobre as Rodovias De São Paulo: Uma Aplicação Do Modelo De Insumo-Produto Combinado Com O Geoprocessamento)

The knowledge of the transport infrastructure is essential to define development strategies, especially in countries with continental dimensions like Brazil. Information about the spatial distribution of the economic agents and its commercial transactions allow the creation of specific regional plans. This study attempts to estimate the impact of the economic growth on the highways, using economic data of the Sao Paulo State. Initially, the economic flows among the cities of the State are estimated using an input-output gravity model, considering entropy maximization model and the inter-industry relationships derived from the input-output systems; later, these flows are incorporated in a geographic information system applied to transport network. Thus, the economic value associated to each highway is determined, allowing evaluate the difference between the years of 2002 and 2012, through the analysis of impact using the Leontief inverse matrix. The results are demonstrated by maps, making possible the direct evaluation about demand of transport network, easily understood by other areas technicians.
Local geomagnetic indices and the prediction of auroral power

The aurora has been related to magnetometer observations for centuries and to geomagnetic indices for decades. As the number of stations and data processing power increases, just how auroral power (AP) relates to geomagnetic observations becomes a more tractable question. This paper compares Polar ultraviolet imager AP observations during 1997 with a variety of indices. Local time (LT) versions of the SuperMAG auroral electrojet (SME) are introduced and examined, along with the corresponding upper and lower envelopes (SMU and SML). Also, the east‐west component, BE, is investigated. We also consider whether using any of the local indices is actually better at predicting local AP than a single global index. Each index is separated into 24 LT indices with a sliding 3 h magnetic local time (MLT) window. The ability to predict AP varies greatly with LT, peaking at 19:00 MLT, where about 75% of the variance (r2) is predicted at 1 min cadence. The aurora is fairly predictable from 17:00 MLT to 04:00 MLT, roughly the region in which substorms occur. AP is poorly predicted from auroral electrojet indices from 05:00 MLT to 15:00 MLT, with the minimum at 10:00–13:00 MLT. In the region of high predictability, the local index which works best is BE (east‐west), in contrast to long‐standing expectations. However, using global SME is better than any local index. AP is best predicted by combining global SME with a local index: BE from 15:00 to 03:00 MLT and either SMU or SML from 03:00 to 15:00 MLT. In the region of the diffuse aurora, it is better to use a 30 min average than the cotemporaneous 1 min SME value, while from 15:00 to 02:00 MLT, the cotemporaneous 1 min SME works best, suggesting a more direct physical relationship with the auroral circuit. These results suggest a significant role for discrete auroral currents closing locally with Pedersen currents.
Enhancing automated defect detection through sequential clustering and classification: An industrial case study using the Sine-Cosine Algorithm, Possibilistic Fuzzy c-means, and Artificial Neural Network

Most existing inspection models solely classify defects as either good or bad, focusing primarily on separating flaws from perfect ones. The sequential clustering and classification technique (SCC) is used in this work to not only identify and categorize the defects but also investigate their root causes. Conventional clustering techniques like k-means, fuzzy c-means, and self-organizing map are employed in the first stage to find the defects in the finished products. Then, a novel clustering method, that combines a sine-cosine algorithm and possibilistic fuzzy c-means (SCA-PFCM), is proposed to classify the detected defects into multiple groups to identify the defect categories and analyze the root causes of failures. In the second stage, the ground truth labels taken from the clustering technique are used to construct an automated inspection system using back propagation neural networks (BPNN). The proposed approach is applicable for detecting and identifying the causes of errors in manufacturing industry. This study applies a case study in nipper manufacture. The SCA-PFCM algorithm can detect 97 % of defects and classify them into four types while BPNN shows a predicted accuracy of up to 96 %. Additionally, an automated inspection system is developed to reduce the time and cost of the inspection process.