MASTREE+ : time-series of plant reproductive effort from six continents

Significant gaps remain in understanding the response of plant reproduction to environmental change. This is partly because measuring reproduction in long-lived plants requires direct observation over many years and such datasets have rarely been made publicly available. Here we introduce MASTREE+, a data set that collates reproductive time-series data from across the globe and makes these data freely available to the community. MASTREE+ includes 73,828 georeferenced observations of annual reproduction (e.g. seed and fruit counts) in perennial plant populations worldwide. These observations consist of 5971 population-level time-series from 974 species in 66 countries. The mean and median time-series length is 12.4 and 10 years respectively, and the data set includes 1122 series that extend over at least two decades (≥20 years of observations). For a subset of well-studied species, MASTREE+ includes extensive replication of time-series across geographical and climatic gradients. Here we describe the open-access data set, available as a.csv file, and we introduce an associated web-based app for data exploration. MASTREE+ will provide the basis for improved understanding of the response of long-lived plant reproduction to environmental change. Additionally, MASTREE+ will enable investigation of the ecology and evolution of reproductive strategies in perennial plants, and the role of plant reproduction as a driver of ecosystem dynamics

MASTREE+: Time-series of plant reproductive effort from six continents.

Significant gaps remain in understanding the response of plant reproduction to environmental change. This is partly because measuring reproduction in long-lived plants requires direct observation over many years and such datasets have rarely been made publicly available. Here we introduce MASTREE+, a data set that collates reproductive time-series data from across the globe and makes these data freely available to the community. MASTREE+ includes 73,828 georeferenced observations of annual reproduction (e.g. seed and fruit counts) in perennial plant populations worldwide. These observations consist of 5971 population-level time-series from 974 species in 66 countries. The mean and median time-series length is 12.4 and 10 years respectively, and the data set includes 1122 series that extend over at least two decades (≥20 years of observations). For a subset of well-studied species, MASTREE+ includes extensive replication of time-series across geographical and climatic gradients. Here we describe the open-access data set, available as a.csv file, and we introduce an associated web-based app for data exploration. MASTREE+ will provide the basis for improved understanding of the response of long-lived plant reproduction to environmental change. Additionally, MASTREE+ will enable investigation of the ecology and evolution of reproductive strategies in perennial plants, and the role of plant reproduction as a driver of ecosystem dynamics

Variations among dentists in visual and radiographic diagnosis of occlusal caries

"nBackground and Aim: Diagnosis of occlusal caries in early stages is more difficult than other types, and  needs practical proficiency and accuracy as well as application of advanced and modern equipments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the variations among dentists in diagnosis of occlusal caries. "nMaterials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 6 permanent first molar teeth of 8-10 years old children with occlusal caries of 1, 2 and 3 degrees were selected (Espelid method). Color photographs and bitewing radiographs of teeth were displayed on computer monitor and 157 general dentists were asked to determine the existence and depth of caries. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and chi-square test. P<0.05 was considered as the level of significance. "nResults: 94% of dentists did not diagnose any lesion in grade I caries.3.8% reported enamel caries (correct diagnosis) and 1.9% reported dentin caries. In grade II caries, 15.7% of dentists could not diagnose any caries, 60.7% recognized the caries at the level of enamel (correct diagnosis), and 22.31% reported the dentin level, and 1.3% reported pulp exposures.7% of dentists could not diagnose any caries in grade III, while 27.2% recognized lesions at enamel and 58.9% at dentin level (correct diagnosis), 6.1% of dentists reported pulp exposures and 0.3% did not respond. Female dentists showed significantly higher correct diagnosis compared to males (p=0.013). "nConclusion: Based on the results of this study, despite considerable variations among general dentists in diagnosis of occlusal caries, the total accuracy was acceptable

Optimization of NDE Characterization Parameters for a RF-SQUID Based System Using FEM Analysis

We have investigated the dependence of the optimal Non Destructive Evaluation (NDE) characterization on different excitation parameters in an eddy current SQUID NDE system for samples with known flaw depths. The considered parameters in our study include the configuration of the excitation-coil and its current frequency. The system is based on a High-T-C YBCO gradiometer RF-SQUID sensor with a flux noise level below 100 mu Phi(0)/root Hz 100 Hz in an unshielded environment, while being shielded against external rf EMI (Electromagnetic Interference). According to experimental results and the associated numerical analysis using Finite element (FEM) simulations, we have derived the optimized parameters for the maximum sensitivity of the system. The optimized parameters are found using a new model for excitation coil and eddy current anomalies caused by the flaws. Very good agreement between experimental and numerical approaches confirmed our model and the resultant implemented optimization method

An Efficient Finite-Element Approach for the Modeling of Planar Double-D Excitation Coils and Flaws in SQUID NDE Systems

Incorporating an efficient approach for the finite-element simulation of eddy current superconductive quantum interface device (SQUID) nondestructive evaluation (NDE) systems, an appropriate finite-element method (FEM) has been presented for simulating and analyzing such systems. We have introduced a new model for the planar double-D coils, which are used as the excitation source in eddy current SQUID NDE systems, and also another model for the description of the flaw effect on the induced current. We have also examined our simulation results with their associated measurements. Our system is based on a high-T-C YBCO gradiometer RF-SQUID sensor with a flux noise level below 100 mu Phi(0)/root Hz at 100 Hz in an unshielded environment while being shielded against external RF electromagnetic interference. The very good agreement between experimental and numerical approaches confirmed our model for the 3-D FEM simulation of the system, which is being done in reasonable time and using reasonable computer resources

2D Analysis of the Effects of Geometry on the Response of High-T-c Superconductive Bolometric Detectors

We present a new approach for analytical modeling and calculating the response of high-T-c superconductive transition edge sensors in a wide range of modulation frequencies for different configurations of the film patterns. The method used here is based on solving the heat transfer differential equation for two different time varying heat sources, which are related to the absorbed radiated power. The used method employs two-dimensional boundary conditions for describing meander-line patterned devices. The results from the applied method are in better agreement with those obtained from the frequency response measurements of the characterized samples, than the previously developed models. In addition, the method is capable of being used for analysing the effect of the device configurative parameters on its ultimate sensitivity. Therefore, it has also been applied to investigate the effects of changing track and spacing width, substrate thickness, and absorption coefficient of the absorber layer on the magnitude of bolometric response. In this calculation, the effect of surface absorption caused by the superconducting thin film and absorber layer, as well as bulk absorption in the depth of the substrate are considered simultaneously. Analytical results are presented and compared with previous analytical works and measured data from YBCO samples. Through extensive numerical calculations, we demonstrate that the responsivity of superconductor bolometers is a strong function of geometry, and there exists an optimal track width to spacing ratio of about 0.2

The role of circadian rhythm stability and amplitude in musculoskeletal disorder prevalence and work�family conflict

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effect of circadian rhythm stability and amplitude on musculoskeletal disorder prevalence and work�family conflict among nurses. Design: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 386 nurses working in three hospitals, in Shahroud, Iran. Method: The data were collected using the Circadian Rhythm Inventory, Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorders, and Carlson Work-Family Conflict questionnaires. Results: The highest prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was reported in the lower back (68.4), upper back (65.5) and shoulders (53.6), respectively. No significant relation was found between circadian rhythm stability and amplitude, and musculoskeletal disorders prevalence. The nurses who could not overcome drowsiness reported more Work Interference with Family (WIF), Family Interference with Work (FIW) (time-based) and FIW (strain-based) compared to the nurses who overcame drowsiness. In addition, the appropriate nurses for shift work experienced less WIF, FIW (behavioural-based) and WIF (strain-based) compared to the nurses who could not work overtime or at night. © 2021 The Authors. Nursing Open published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd

An incomplete information static game evaluating community-based forest management in Zagros, Iran

The present study adopts a game theory approach analyzing land-use planning in Zagros forests, Iran. A Static Game of Incomplete Information (SGII) was applied to the evaluation of participatory forest management in the study area. This tool allows a complete assessment of sustainable forest planning producing two modeling scenarios based on (i) high and (ii) low social acceptance. According to the SGII results, the Nash Bayesian Equilibrium (NBE) strategy suggests the importance of landscape protection in forest management. The results of the NBE analytical strategy show that landscape protection with barbed wires is the most used strategy in local forest management. The response to the local community includes cooperation in conditions of high social acceptance and noncooperation in conditions of low social acceptance. Overall, social acceptance is an adaptive goal in forest management plans