Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of different concentrations of diluted seawater on yield and quality of lettuce

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of irrigating lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv. Funly) with different concentrations of diluted seawater (0%, 2.5%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%) on the fresh yield, marketable yield and quality (DM, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, total sugar, vitamin C, NO3-N, protein, and total oxalate content). The experiments were conducted in a greenhouse in the autumn of 2012. The fresh yield, marketable yield, and DM of lettuce irrigated with 2.5% and 5% seawater were similar to those of control, but these parameters decreased in response to 10% seawater, and the lowest values were obtained in response to 20% seawater. The 2.5% seawater treatment had no effect on the vitamin C and NO3-N content, but both significantly decreased when lettuce was irrigated with seawater concentrations higher than 2.5%. Total soluble solids, total sugar, and protein content significantly increased in response to low salinity (2.5% and 5%) but decreased in response to increasing seawater stress. The titratable acidity values remained unchanged under the various saline conditions. Irrigation with diluted seawater did not affect the total oxalate content up to a concentration of 5%, but increasing the concentration of seawater above 5% increased oxalate content. The results of this study demonstrated that low concentrations of seawater are suitable for lettuce production and lettuce can be grown successfully using diluted seawater at concentrations of 2.5% and 5%.
Insight: A Confounding Variable in Therapy for Patients with Mood Disorders

Introduction: Psychotherapy is governed by an interplay of various patient, therapist and process variables. The patients’ engagement and their level of insight play a significant role in guiding the therapeutic journey. Methodology: Integrating concepts borrowed from client centred, metacognitive and insight-oriented therapies, this paper theoretically explores the role of insight as a confounding variable within the process of a cognitive-behavioural therapy setting, using qualitative findings derived from clinical case observations long-term therapy for a patient with mood disorder. Discussion: Active involvement of patients within the formulation and progression of therapy has been hypothesized to improve the outcomes, as greater insight aids patients in the identification and regulation of their emotions, and relapse prevention. Conclusion: This paper reiterates the importance of transcending the structured models of cognitive-behaviour therapy to explore the establishment of an insight-based alliance between the patient and the therapist, to achieve greater therapeutic outcomes both in terms of coping and resilience building.
Micropropagation prospective of cotyledonary explants of Decalepis hamiltonii Wight & Arn.—An endangered edible species

The study was undertaken to standardize the development of callus, shoot and root regeneration from cotyledonary explant of Decalepis hamiltonii Wight & Arn. through the tissue culture techniques. The MS medium supplemented with 6-benzyl amino purine (BA), 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D), kinetin (Kn), gibberelic acid (GA3), indole acetic acid (IAA), indole butyric acid (IBA) and 1-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) was used for callus, shoot and root regeneration. The maximum percentage (82.0%) of callus formation was achieved on 0.5 mg/L BA in combination with 0.05 mg/L Kn, followed by 78.5% of callus formation on 0.5 mg/L 2,4-D fortified with 0.05 mg/L Kn. The highest shoot proliferation (4.6 shoots/callus) and shoot length (6.9 cm) was achieved on 1.0 mg/L BA combined with 0.1 mg/L GA3, followed by 3.8 shoots per callus and 5.8 cm shoot length on 1.0 mg/L IAA combined with 0.1 mg/L GA3. The highest root formation (38.2 roots/shoot) and root length (11.8cm) was achieved on 1⁄2 strength MS medium fortified with 0.4 mg/L IBA, followed by 36.5 roots per shoot and root length of 10.7 cm on 0.4 mg/L NAA. The well-developed rooted plantlets were hardened in the mixtures of forest soil, soil and vermiculite (1:1:1) and 97.5% plantlets survived after hardening.
PLASMA TURBULENCE AND KINETIC INSTABILITIES AT ION SCALES IN THE EXPANDING SOLAR WIND

The relationship between a decaying strong turbulence and kinetic instabilities in a slowly expanding plasma is investigated using two-dimensional (2D) hybrid expanding box simulations. We impose an initial ambient magnetic field perpendicular to the simulation box, and we start with a spectrum of large-scale, linearly polarized, random-phase Alfvénic fluctuations that have energy equipartition between kinetic and magnetic fluctuations and vanishing correlation between the two fields. A turbulent cascade rapidly develops; magnetic field fluctuations exhibit a power-law spectrum at large scales and a steeper spectrum at ion scales. The turbulent cascade leads to an overall anisotropic proton heating, protons are heated in the perpendicular direction, and, initially, also in the parallel direction. The imposed expansion leads to generation of a large parallel proton temperature anisotropy which is at later stages partly reduced by turbulence. The turbulent heating is not sufficient to overcome the expansion-driven perpendicular cooling and the system eventually drives the oblique firehose instability in a form of localized nonlinear wave packets which efficiently reduce the parallel temperature anisotropy. This work demonstrates that kinetic instabilities may coexist with strong plasma turbulence even in a constrained 2D regime.
Contract Farming and Food Security

&NA; Contract farming has often been associated with an increase in the income of participating households. It is unclear, however, whether contract farming increases other aspects of household welfare. We use data from six regions of Madagascar and a selection‐on‐observables design in which we control for a household's marginal utility of participating in contract farming, which we elicited via a contingent valuation experiment, to show that participating in contract farming reduces the duration of a household's hungry season by about eight days on average. Moreover, participation in contract farming makes participating households about 18% more likely to see their hungry season end at any time. Further, we find that these effects are more pronounced for households with more children, and for households with more girls. This is an important result as children—especially girls—often bear the burden of food insecurity.
Assessment of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) radio occultation refractivity under heavy precipitation

Abstract. A positive bias at heights between 3 and 8 km has been observed when comparing the radio-occultation (RO)-retrieved refractivity with that of meteorological analyses and reanalyses in cases where heavy precipitation is present. The effect of precipitation in RO retrievals has been investigated as a potential cause of the bias, using precipitation measurements interpolated into the actual three-dimensional RO ray paths to calculate the excess phase induced by precipitation. The study consisted of comparing the retrievals when such extra delay is removed from the actual measurement and when it is not. The results show how precipitation itself is not the cause of the positive bias. Instead, we show that the positive bias is linked to high specific-humidity conditions regardless of precipitation. This study also shows a regional dependence of the bias. Furthermore, different analyses and reanalyses show a disagreement under high specific-humidity conditions and, in consequence, heavy precipitation.
Improved L-929 cell growth from self assembled PDADMAC/gelatin thin films

This article demonstrates the advantages of using PDADMAC/gelatin over chitosan/gelatin multilayer thin films to improve L-929 mouse fibroblast growth. Although chitosan-based materials are often preferred in cell culture, we put in evidence the problematic low stability and decomposition of chitosan based film under physiological pH. Two kinds of coating were assembled using either chitosan or Poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) as polycationic polyelectrolyte and gelatin as the anionic counterpart. The non-toxic nature of each coating was confirmed by MTT assay for cell viability and cell proliferation. Using optical microscopy, it was observed that the L-929 fibroblast spread preferentially on the PDADMAC/gelatin surface when compared with the chitosan/gelatin surface. The lack of stability of the chitosan/gelatin films was put in evidence using atomic force microscopy (AFM) by monitoring the changes in thickness for each film when exposed to physiological buffer conditions. While PDADMAC/gelatin films were stable for several hours, chitosan/gelatin films presented a loss of thickness of nearly 40%. This loss of thickness could explain the observed detachment of the cell and poor spreading of the fibroblast cells when using the chitosan/gelatin coating.
The Evaluation of Enzyme Histochemical and Histopathological Findings in the Diagnosis of Marek's Disease

Marek's disease (MD) and other lymphoproliferative diseases such as lymhoid leucosis show similar clinical symptoms. Age of the bird, neural lesions, histopathologic and cytologic changes are important criteria in the differentiation of these diseases. T lympohcytes were reported as predominant in MD and Alpha Naphtyl Acetate Esterase (ANAE) demonstration has been used in the description of T cells in chickens. In this study, results of the lymphocyte enzyme histochemistry were compared with macroscopic and histopathologic findings, and also, value of enzyme histochemical findings were evaluated in the diagnosis of MD. For this reason, ANAE was demonstrated in peripheral blood and tissue samples in animals showing clinical signs of MD and compared with histopathological results. The proportion of ANAE positive lymphocytes was found significantly higher in both peripheral blood and lymphocytic infiltration in affected tissues of animals displaying clinical symptoms of MD and these results were supported by gross and microscopic findings. It is concluded that ANAE demonstration in peripheral blood and tissue sections is useful method with clinical and histopathological findings in the diagnosis of MD.
Histomorphometry aspect of thyroid gland and biochemical profile in pregnant and non-pregnant dromedary camels

Modulation of body physiology and metabolism is a prerequisite for successful pregnancy in camels, which is about a year and few months. The present study was carried out to verify the effect of pregnancy on histomorphometry and functional traits of thyroid gland, as well as some biochemical indices of liver and kidney functions and mineral profile in one humped camels, under Egyptian climatic conditions or desert conditions. The thyroid tissues were fixed in 10% formalin solution and processed following routine histological techniques after gross examination and biometric assessment. Serum levels of thyroid hormones (triiodothyronine, thyroxineand thyroid stimulating hormone), serum blood metabolites (total bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine), liver enzymatic activity (aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)), and minerals (sodium, potassium, calcium and phosphorus) were estimated in pregnant (n=30) and non-pregnant (n=30) camels. There were no significant differences between the right and left thyroid lobes between pregnant and non-pregnant camel. Pregnant status in camels had insignificant influence on histological and functional traits of thyroid as well as serum blood metabolites, liver enzymes and minerals levels, as compared with non-pregnant animals during the first six months of pregnancy. Therefore, reproductive status (during early pregnancy) has no substantial effect on camel physiological mechanisms or metabolic activity. Key words: Biochemical, dromedary, histology, thyroid gland, thyroid hormones.
Student Behaviors and Perceptions in a Flipped Classroom: A case in undergraduate mathematics

Over the past years, engineering education has been challenged to embed creativity and innovation into undergraduate and postgraduate programs, in order to produce graduates who can easily adapt to these changes [1]. Moreover, a number of engineering programs have arisen that transcend the division between technical, scientific and creative disciplines (e.g. Architecture and Design, Media Technology, Sustainable Design). In relation to mathematics education, this new development has led to a transposition from an industrial use of mathematics, where it is employed intensively by mechanical and construction engineers as a tool in order to develop products and build constructions, towards a situation where mathematics is increasingly used as the actual building blocks in various new digital products and creative expressions. This transposition has implications on how mathematics should be taught in such engineering studies.
THE EFFECT OF DIFFERENT FIXED FACTORS ON PIG CARCASS QUALITY AND MEAT TRAITS

Objective of the paper was to investigate the effect of the sire breed (Swedish landrace and Large Yorkshire) and sex (female animals and male castrates) on quality of carcass and pig meat. Established fat thickenss was the highest at withers (33,21 mm) and the thinnest at rump in the center of m. gluteusa medius (18,48 mm). Sire breed had influence (p 0,05).
Imaging Functional Information on Meningiomas Through Perfusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging

This article focuses on the use of perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and in particular dynamic susceptibility contrast-enhanced MRI (DSC-MRI), to assess haemodynamics in meningiomas. We first introduce the basic principles of DSC-MRI and the most popular imaging techniques and perfusion parameters for data analysis of DSC-MRI. We then review the blood supply characteristics of meningiomas and how perfusion MRI is applied in meningiomas to help the subtyping of different meningiomas and to differentiate between benign and malignant meningiomas. Our first-hand experiences are also included. We conclude that DSC perfusion MRI can provide critical information on the vascularity of meningiomas that is not available with conventional MRI. DSC perfusion MRI measurements are helpful in the pre-operative subtyping and grading of meningiomas.
Non-Comparative Versus Comparative Advertising as a Quality Signal

Two firms produce a product with a horizontal and a vertical characteristic. We call the vertical characteristic quality. The difference in the quality levels determines how the firms share the market. Firms know the quality levels, consumers do not. Under non-comparative advertising a firm may signal its own quality. Under comparative advertising firms may signal the quality differential. In both scenarios the firms may attempt to mislead at a cost. If firms advertise, in both scenarios equilibria are revealing. Under comparative advertising the firms never advertise together which they may do under non-comparative advertising.
Ultrasonographic morphology of carotid plaque and the risk of perioperative complications vs. the degree of carotid stenosis: a prospective controlled study

Wstep. Celem pracy byla analiza zalezności pomiedzy stopniem zwezenia tetnicy szyjnej wewnetrznej a morfologicznym obrazem blaszki szyjnej, a takze stwierdzenie, czy wraz ze wzrostem stopnia zwezenia zmian wzrasta ryzyko wystąpienia powiklan okolooperacyjnych. Material i metody. Badaniem objeto 97 chorych leczonych w Klinice Chirurgii Naczyniowej i Angiologii w latach 2002–2003. Analizowano obraz ultrasonograficzny blaszki szyjnej. Do analizy uzyto techniki szczegolowej oceny rozkladu zmian w skali szarości uzyskanych obrazow. Zmiany nastepnie oceniano środoperacyjnie (ocena wizualna blaszki w trakcie endarteriektomii) i porownano z wynikiem badania histopatologicznego. Chorych monitorowano w trakcie zabiegu metodą dopplerowską przezczaszkową (TCD). Pooperacyjnie, we wszystkich wskazanych przypadkach wykonywano tomografie komputerową lub rezonans magnetyczny w celu potwierdzenia lub wykluczenia wystąpienia powiklania. Wszystkie uzyskane dane przeanalizowano pod wzgledem wielkości zmiany, ocenianej poprzez określenie stopnia zwezenia tetnicy szyjnej wewnetrznej. Wyniki analizowano statystycznie z zastosowaniem modelu predykcyjnego analizy wielowariantowej oraz testu Pearsona (chi2) oraz Kruskal-Willisa. Wyniki. Wykazano bardzo dobrą dokladnośc zastosowanej metody komputerowej analizy obrazu (szczegolowa ocena rozkladu zmian w skali szarości) i ustalono kryteria blaszki wysokiego ryzyka okolooperacyjnego (p = 0,029; OR 0,05 [95-procentowy CI]). Zgodnośc tej metody z oceną środoperacyjną zmian miazdzycowych byla niezwykle wysoka (p Wnioski. Stopien zwezenia tetnicy szyjnej wewnetrznej nie koreluje ze zmianami w echogeniczności szyjnej blaszki miazdzycowej i nie stanowi niezaleznego czynnika ryzyka związanego z morfologicznym charakterem blaszki szyjnej. Potwierdzono, ze szczegolowa analiza rozkladu pikseli w skali szarości obrazu ultrasonograficznego blaszki jest metodą przydatną w ocenie zmian morfologicznych szyjnej blaszki miazdzycowej.
In vitro activity of antifungal agents on yeasts isolated from vaginal secretion

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is the second most frequent cause of vaginal infection, having high incidence and recurrence, which requires longer treatments. The genus Candida, specially the species C. albicans, is the most common agent. However, other species, more difficult to eradicate, may also be involved. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of vaginal colonization by yeasts and to evaluate susceptibility to three drugs, which are indicated for the VVC treatment. Vaginal secretion was collected from four hundred and twelve unselected women. The overall rate of yeast colonization was 20.15%. Candida albicans was the most frequent (84%), followed by C. glabrata (7%), C. tropicalis (4%), Torulopsis sp (2%), C. parapsilosis (2%) and S. cerevisiae (1%). In vitro susceptibility tests revealed that 96,4% of the isolated yeasts were susceptible to fluconazole, 71% to nistatin and 98,8% to amphotericin B.
Performance Measurement System, Attitude Toward Risk and the Performance of Profit Sharing Financing in Indonesian Islamic Bank

This study was undertaken to investigate the relationship between diagnostic and interactive use of performance measurement system (PMS), attitude toward risk and profit sharing (PS) financing performance in Islamic banks. PS financing performance is conceptualised using two dimensions, i.e. the quantity and the quality performance. Utilising a survey method, questionnaires were mailed to 115 Islamic Rural Banks in Indonesia, out of them, 69(62%) were returned and used for analysis. The results found positive relationship between diagnostic use of PMS and attitude towards risk and negative relationship between interctive use of PMS and attitude towards risk. Although the results also provide support for the negative relationship betweeb attitude toward risk and the quality of PS financing, we find no support for the relationship between attitude toward risk and quantity of PS financing. This study provides evidence on the role of PMS in Islamic banking institutions. ABSTRAK Kajina ini bertujuan untuk mengenal pasti hubungan antara sistem pengukuran prestasi (SPP) yang digunakan secar diagnostik dan secara interaktif, sikap terhadap risiko, dan prestasi pembiayan perkongsian untung (PPU) dalam perbankan Islam. Prestasi PPU dinyatakan dalam dua aspek iaitu kuantiti dan kualiti pembiyaan. Kajian ini menggunakan reka bentuk survei lapangan, dengan mengirimakn 115 soal selidik kepada Bank Perkreditan Rakyat di seluruh Indonesia. Daripada seluruh soal selidik yang dikiromkan 69 (62%) dikembalikan dan digunakan sebagai dasar analisis. Kajian ini menemukan adanya hubungan positif antara SPP yang digunakan secara diagnostik dan sikap terhadap risiko serta menyokong hubungan negatif SPP yang digunakan secara diagnostik dan sikap terhadap risiko . Meskipun kajian ini juga menyokong hubungan negatif antara sikap terhadap risiko dengan kualiti PPU, penemuan kajian tidak menyokong adanya hubungan positif anatar sikap terhadap risiko dengan kuantiti PPU. kajian ini menunjukkan bukti empirikal tentang peranan SPP dalam perbankan Islam.
A study on the aerosol optical properties over East Asia using a combination of CMAQ-simulated aerosol optical properties and remote-sensing data via a data assimilation technique

Abstract. To more accurately estimate direct radiative forcing (DRF) by aerosols, and better investigate particulate pollution over East Asia, precise calculations of the optical properties of aerosols, such as aerosol optical depth (AOD), single scattering albedo (SSA) and aerosol extinction coefficient (σ ext ), are of primary importance. The aerosol optical properties over East Asia were investigated in this study, based on US EPA Models-3/CMAQ v4.5. 1 model simulations. The CMAQ model simulations in this study were improved in several ways compared to those in a previous study (Song et al., 2008). Although the details of the improvements were described in the manuscript, the following points should be emphasized: (1) two data assimilation techniques were employed for producing more accurate AOD products and meteorological fields over East Asia; (2) updated/upgraded emission inventories were used in the CMAQ model simulations with a fine grid resolution of 30 × 30 km 2 ; and (3) the 4-D particulate composition calculated from the CMAQ model simulations was converted into 3-D or 4-D aerosol optical products, using the Malm and Hand (2007) algorithm with significant further modifications. The results from the CMAQ model simulations (without assimilation) showed great improvements compared to those from a previous study. For example, in terms of the regression coefficients ( R ), R values were increased from 0.48–0.68 (previous study) to 0.62–0.79 (this study). The monthly-averaged CMAQ-simulated single scattering albedo (SSA) also agreed well with the AERONET SSA, with the exceptions of the Hong Kong and Taipei sites, where the air qualities were strongly influenced by active biomass burning events from January to April. There were also excellent matches between the vertical profiles of the CMAQ-simulated σ ext and LIDAR-retrieved σ ext . It was also found that the contributions of (NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 during summer, NH 4 NO 3 during winter, sea-salt particles during winter and dust particles during spring to the total AOD were large over East Asia. In particular, the largest contribution of NH 4 NO 3 to the total AOD was found over East Asia during winter. Therefore, it was suggested that this contribution of NH 4 NO 3 should not be neglected. In order to produce more accurate AOD products, the CMAQ-simulated AODs were further assimilated with the MODIS-retrieved AODs. Both of the assimilated and AERONET AODs were better correlated with each other than the CMAQ-simulated and AERONET AODs. The obvious benefits from this study would be that with these improved aerosol optical properties, the particulate pollution (e.g. AOD can be served as a proxy to PM 2.5 or PM 10 ) and DRF by aerosols over East Asia can be more satisfactorily investigated in future.