Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterising root density of peach trees in a semi-arid Chernozem to increase plant density

Abstract The available information on root system in fully mature peach orchards in semi-arid regions is insufficient. This paper presents a study on the root system density in an irrigated peach orchard from Dobrogea, Romania, using the trench technique. The old orchard has clean cultivation in inter-row and in-row. The objectives of the study were to: test the hypothesis that the roots of fully mature peach trees occupy the whole soil volume; find out if root repulsive effect of adjacent plants occurred for the rootstocks and soil conditions; find relationships between root system and soil properties and analyse soil state trend. Some soil physical properties were significantly deteriorated in inter-row versus in-row, mainly due to soil compaction induced by technological traffic. Density of total roots was higher in-row than inter-row, but the differences were not significant. Root density decreased more intensely with soil depth than with distance from tree trunks. Root density correlated with some soil properties. No repulsive effect of the roots of adjacent peach trees was noted. The decrease of root density with distance from trunk can be used in optimising tree arrangement. The conclusions could also be used in countries with similar growth conditions.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Cervicitis in Married Women in Shahroud, Northeast of Iran

Introduction: Mucopurulent cervicitis (MPC) is a clinical syndrome characterized by mucopurulent discharge from the cervix and other signs of inflammation. In this study, we evaluated the prevalence and risk factors of MPC in married women referred to health centers of Shahroud (northeast of Iran) in 2016. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 346 married women aged ≥18 years were screened for MPC via clinical examination by a gynecologist. Logistic regression was used to evaluate association of sociodemographic, behavioral and sexual health related variables with prevalence of cervicitis. Results: Mean age of subjects was 31.5 years (range 14–69 years) and 121 (35%) subjects had MPC. In addition, 38.2% of the subjects were with less than a high school diploma and 72.8% were housekeeper. The mean (standard deviation) value of body mass index was 25.2 (4.3) Kg/m (range: 16.2-38.5 Kg/m). Coital frequency per week (P=0.004) and method of delivery (P=0.02) were significantly associated with the prevalence of cervicitis. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that weekly coital frequency, method of delivery, vaginal discharge and history of genital herpes may be associated with the risk of cervicitis.
Stock-Based Incentives: Design and Implications for Firm Performance

We examine performance implications of stock-based incentive programs. While agency theory makes a strong case for stock-based incentives, empirical evidence of the effect on firm performance so far is mixed. Using a novel hand-collected data-set of German Prime Standard firms, we also find that on average stock-based long-term incentives do not improve firm performance. However, when we take a closer look at the design of the incentive structures, we find that ill-designed programs go along with poor post performance, while ambitious programs boosts firm performance. We confirm these findings by using different performance measures, addressing endogenity concerns, and controlling for various governance mechanisms like ownership and board structures, as well as other design dimensions of the stock-based incentive plans.
The Role of Immune System in Thalassemia Major: A Narrative Review

Abstract Context: Thalassemia is a genetic disorder of hemoglobin production. Patients with thalassemia major (TM) require regular blood transfusions to keep a compatible hemoglobin level for oxygenating organs. These patients suffer from different complications such as infections, autoimmunity and alloimmunization due to transfusion. Such complications link the immune system to TM pathogenesis. In the present study, we have reviewed the latest data available on interactions of TM pathophysiologic determinants and immune system components. Evidence Acquisition: A comprehensive search was performed on PubMed, Scopous, and Web of Knowledge databases using keywords thalassemia, immune system, autoimmune, alloimmune, adaptive immunity, innate immunity, complications, and immunesenescnce. Results: It seems that persistent antigenic stimulation and oxidative stress from excessive iron are the 2 main pathophysiologic factors of TM impacting the immune system. Regarding innate immunity, functional activity of neutrophils, and natural killer cells (NKCs) is decreased in TM. On the other hand, higher levels of TNF-α and IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and C-reactive protein proinflammatory cytokines have been observed in the serum of patients. TM patients have demonstrated higher ratios of regulatory B lymphocytes (CD19+, CD38+, CD24+), helper T cells, suppressor T cells, and T regulatory (CD4+/CD25+/Foxp3+) lymphocytes. TM patients have shown significant higher levels of IgA immunoglobin respective to normal counterparts that may predispose them to diabetes and coeliac disease. Immune cells, however, rendered lower than optimal activity in TM patients, which may be due to nutritional insuf- ficiencies. Potential relationships have been suggested between immune system and various thalassemia compilations including heart infraction, hypertension, atherosclerosis, diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, and osteoporosis. Conclusions: Immune genetic determinants may be involved in modulating the clinical picture of TM. TM patients generally represents with higher immune cell counts, likely as a result of persistent antigenic challenge from blood transfusions. However, these patients face compromised immune cell functions. The role of immunologic interactions in pathogenesis of TM needs to be further divulged in future studies.
Effect of unsaturated zone soil moisture content on vapor phase pollutant propagation in controlled laboratory experiments

Experiments were conducted to assess and model the effects of unsaturated zone soil moisture content on vapor-phase pollutant propagation in a controlled setting. A two-dimensional sandtank was utilized for controlled vapor-phase experiments, with pollutant vapors of octane and diesel fuel introduced through a finely slotted source tube. Soil moisture content was varied from 0% to 10% by weight for octane experiments, and from 0% to 5% by weight for diesel fuel. The effects of introduced soil moisture on the transport o f each pollutant vapor were observed via soil-gas sampling from access ports. Soil-gas samples were analyzed with FID gas chromatography to determine a gross hydrocarbon concentration for discrete time intervals and distances from the vapor source. Analytical modeling methods based on Fickian diffusion, developed by Kreamer (1982), were used to estimate two primary diffusion parameters Dg, the effective diffusion coefficient, and A*, the sorption corrected porosity. Estimations were carried out using a FORTRAN program with a non-linear subroutine. The estimated parameters were used to model concentration curves for each moisture content. The modeling indicated adverse effects on vapor propagation near 2% moisture content for octane and 2% moisture content for diesel fuel.
Inclusión educativa universitaria para personas en condición de discapacidad intelectual y la visión social de las neurociencias (teoría informacional)

This paper explains how a university is utilizing an inclusive education approach to help a student who has a condition of intellectual disability. We propose that neocortical development is different for every individual, which means that internal processes are being conditioned by external influences. By the same token, we have analyzed the current local regulations and norms regarding the concept of disability; in particular in reference to inclusion for students with special needs at the university level. Consequently, a research has been carried out to figure out the regulations that would help us interpret these aspects of especial education in Peru, as well as in Spain and Chile. Likewise, we propose that a closer look at the social aspects of the neurosciences would help create the appropriate space for educational inclusion in Peru.
Geomagnetic control of the midlatitude foF1 and foF2 long‐term variations: Recent observations in Europe

A new very simple method, allowing an easy control, has been applied to extract long‐term (11 year) δfoF2 11y and δfoF1 11y variations from June foF2 and foF1 monthly median observations at European Slough/Chilton and Juliusruh stations, including recent data until 2015. The aim of the analysis was to check the validity of the geomagnetic control of foF2 and foF1 long‐term variations in the 21st century with the main accent on the period including the last deep solar minimum in 2008–2009. The geomagnetic control was shown to be valid. Moreover, the dependence on geomagnetic activity has become more pronounced and explicit after 1990. A simultaneous analysis of foF2 and foF1 long‐term variations improves the reliability of the obtained conclusions and helps understand the physical mechanism of these variations. Due to common neutral composition and the similarity of photochemical processes noontime foF2 and foF1 demonstrate similar long‐term variations: the correlation coefficient between δfoF2 11y and δfoF1 11y is 0.834 at Slough/Chilton and 0.884 at Juliusruh with the 99% confidence level according to Fisher's F criterion. Midnight long‐term δfoF2 11y variations also manifest a pronounced dependence on Ap11y which may be interpreted in the framework of the geomagnetic control concept.
Silicate consumption: an indicator for long-term trends in spring diatom development in the Baltic Sea

Long-term data sets from 1979 to 2011 were analysed for trends in spring diatom development. As irregular phytoplankton sampling cannot record phytoplankton blooms completely, diatom growth during spring was estimated by silicate consumption. The spring diatom biomass decreased sharply at the end of the 1980s in the Baltic Proper but not in the neighbouring western Baltic area. The diatoms, mainly Thalassiosira spp. and Chaetoceros spp. , reappeared after a series of cold winters. A strong negative correlation between the minimum water temperature and the magnitude of the diatom growth in the southern Baltic Proper confirms that diatom growth has decreased after mild winters, when motile phytoplankton, such as dinoflagellates and Mesodinium rubrum, may form blooms instead of diatoms. Silicate limitation did not occur in the Baltic Proper. Decreased convective mixing after mild winters may hamper diatom growth (stratification hypothesis), but this effect could not be proved. Our study supports the hypothesis that increased selective grazing pressure after mild winters may control diatom spring blooms (feeding hypothesis).
The fit between product market strategy and business model: implications for firm performance

We examine the fit between a firm's product market strategy and its business model. We develop a formal model in order to analyze the contingent effects of product market strategy and business model choices on firm performance. We investigate a unique, manually collected dataset, and find that novelty-centered business models—coupled with product market strategies that emphasize differentiation, cost leadership, or early market entry—can enhance firm performance. Our data suggest that business model and product market strategy are complements, not substitutes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
THE RELATİONSHİP BETWEEN BULLYİNG INVOLVEMENT AND THE SELF-CONCEPT AND SCHOOL ACHİEVEMENT OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHİLDREN İN TURKEY

Bullying is a growing and significant problem in schools worldwide. Involvement in bullying of any form can have long-term effects on those involved, including both bullies and victims. The present study aims to provide important insight into the nature of bullying in Turkish elementary schools by examining the relationship between types of bullying involvement (victim, bully, bully/victim, neither bullies nor victims) and students’ school achievement and self-concept. Participants were 259 girls (50.8%) and 251 boys (49.2%), aged 10-15 years (M = 11.62, SD = 1.27), who came from a public elementary school located in the West Anatolian region of Turkey. Results revealed significant overall differences in self-concept between the different types of bullying involvement.
The effects of Feeding Regimens and duration of Zilpaterol h ydrochloride on meat C haracteristics of fattening lambs

Fifty six Lori - Bakhtiari feedlot lambs (initial BW=44± 4 . 7 kg) were used in a 2 × 3+1 factorial experimental design, with the objective of evaluating the ef fects of different methods supplementation of zilpaterol hydrochloride ( ZH ) (every day, 1day on, 1day off and 2days on, 2days off supplementation) for the last 28 and 42 days of feeding period on meat quality . Each group was consisted of 8 lambs. Lambs wer e fed a diet with %14 CP and 2.36 Mcal/kg of metabolizable energy supplemented with 0.2 mg/kg of live weight d - 1 zilpaterol. The control group was fed basal diet without ZH. Different methods supplementation and feeding period of ZH had not significantly ( P > 0.05) effect on the ultimate PH, cooking loss , drip loss and meat cholesterol . Duration of feeding ZH had no significant effect on shear force but Feeding regimen had a significant effect on shear force (P = 0.0 13 ) with the higher value in the daily re gimen compared to intermittent regimens. Lambs fed ZH in group daily - 42 had higher shear force compared to the control group (P < 0. 05). Feeding regimen had a significant effect on tenderness (P = 0.025) with the higher value in the intermittent regimens compared to daily regimen but, Regimen and duration did not affect other sensory characteristics of meat (Juiciness, Flavor, odor and Overall acceptability) . Overall, feeding ZH in group daily - 42d increased shear force value and tenderness of meat , while t he other meat characteristics w ere not affected by treatments in Lori - Bakhtiari fat - tail lambs .
Field studies and projections of climate change effects on the bearded horse mussel Modiolus barbatus in the Gulf of Thermaikos, Greece

The role of thermal stress phenomena in setting stratified distribution limits was investigated in the bearded horse mussel Modiolus barbatus in response to the seasonal temperature regime in the field. Mussels were transplanted from their natural depth range at ca. 20 m to 3 m depth, where they then experienced enhanced variability of ambient conditions. In specimens from both depths, thermal stress was assessed from the inducible heat shock response (HSR), the accumulation of irreversibly damaged proteins, and from metabolic characters including the putative shift from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism. During both winter and summer, the HSR became involved more at shallow depths than at 20 m depth. The accumulation of succinate during summer indicates transition to anaerobiosis. The results suggest that the development of anaerobic conditions and the exploitation of the HSR are closely intertwined. The field data corroborate that glycolytic capacity, the level of energy turnover, and also protection from protein damage play a role in setting passive tolerance to extremes in environmental temperature. We suggest that limits to vertical distribution of M. barbatus are set by the time and degree of exploitation of the mechanisms sustaining passive thermal tolerance and the avoidance of protein damage in the warmth.
Can intense exposure to hand-washing and hygiene information campaigns affect children's socio-emotional skills ? evidence from Senegal

Hygiene information and practices play a critical role in preventing diseases, particularly among children. Hygiene behaviors practiced in the household have been linked to development outcomes such as socio-emotional skills. This paper exploits data from impact evaluation surveys of a hygiene information campaign conducted in Senegal, where the randomized design suffered from contamination between comparison groups. The variations in exposure and intensity to hygiene information campaigns captured in the surveys were used to understand contamination biases. Such variations were interacted with the presence of household communication assets to explore potential effects on children’s socio-emotional scores. In the presence of contamination biases, the study exploited the longitudinal sample of children in the surveys to reduce time-dependent biases. For robustness, statistical matching was applied between the impact evaluation surveys and Demographic and Health Surveys conducted in 2008 and 2011. Socio-emotional outcomes were the imputed into Demographic and Health surveys to expand sample sizes. By applying matching techniques and imputing outcomes into a larger sample, impacts were non-negligible. Double-difference estimates showed that children’s socio-emotional scores were higher when intervention status was interacted with the presence of communication assets within households. Without the presence of communication assets in the households the impacts were close to zero. Evaluating the effect of hygiene campaigns on children’s socio-emotional skills is challenging because of the biases from contamination that exist when information flows between comparison groups. Targeted hygiene information to the poorest households is relevant for reducing risks of recurrent infections and enables better conditions for socio-emotional development of children.
A survey of the 6.7 GHz methanol maser emission from IRAS sources - I. Data

We report the rst results of a search for 6.7 GHz methanol masers in the direction of 1399 IRAS objects north of declination 20 with the flux densities greater than 100 Jy at 60 m and the flux density ratio F60=F25 > 1. Observations were made with the sensitivity of 1.7 Jy and the velocity resolution of 0.04 km s 1 using the 32-m Toru n radio telescope. Maser emission was found in 182 sources, including 70 new detections. 32 new sources were identied with objects of radio emission associated with star-forming regions. Comparison of the present data set with other observations suggests that about 65% of methanol masers exhibit moderate or strong variations on time-scales of about 4 and 8 years.
Homing in green turtles Chelonia mydas: oceanic currents act as a constraint rather than as an information source

As open sea navigators, green turtles Chelonia mydas have to deal with oceanic currents. These currents may have a mechanical influence, forcing turtles away from their desired course, but they may also provide information to navigating turtles by bringing chemical cues down-current from their target area. In the present paper, we have introduced new path analysis methods, coupling remote-sensing oceanographic data and satellite-tracking data in order to test these hypotheses. These methods were exemplified on the homing routes of 3 green turtles nesting on Europa, an isolated island in the southern part of Mozambique Channel. The turtles, displaced by ship east-southeast from Europa, returned to their nesting island in 13 to 59 d, following long, circuitous routes, and hence apparently displaying poor navigational abilities. Path analysis showed that turtles were unable to compensate for the deflecting action of currents, which moved them away from their intended course and lowered their orientation performance. At large distances from Europa, green turtles did not appear to find navigational information in water masses that had previously been in contact with their target area.
Magnetic fluctuations and energy transport in RFX

In thermonuclear fusion plasmas, transport losses are usually believed to be caused by turbulent fluctuations. Particularly in the outer region of tokamaks, stellarators and reversed field pinches, electrostatic turbulence accounts for particle transport. In tokamaks, electrostatic fluctuations can also be responsible for the radial energy flux; in reversed field pinches, energy transport cannot be ascribed to electrostatic turbulence only. In the plasma edge of the reversed field experiment device, identified as the region between the toroidal field reversal and the first wall, an extensive study of magnetic fluctuations and of the related radial energy flux has been performed. It is found that magnetic fluctuations carry most of the radial flux of energy. However, close to the wall the magnetic fluctuation-driven energy flux decreases abruptly, so that another mechanism must be invoked. There are indications that the energy flux channel in this region is the macroscopic magnetic deformation due to the phase locking of magnetic modes.
An Investigation of the Relation Between Self-Esteem, Indirect Strategy Use and Iranian Intermediate EFL Learners' Oral Language Proficiency

The main purpose of the present study was to empirically investigate the possible relationship between Iranian intermediate EFL learners’ self-esteem, their use of indirect strategies (meta-cognitive, affective and social), and their foreign oral language proficiency. From among 136 EFL learners who were studying English in two language institutes in Anzali- Iran, 30 intermediate students whose scores were 31+ in grammar and vocabulary and 8+ in reading section of the OPT test( oxford solution,2005)were selected as the main sample for the present study. Oxford' strategy inventory including 21 items for the indirect strategies along with Sorenson self-esteem test were administered to the main participants of the study. Besides, an oral language test (TOEIC test) was administered to assess the participants' oral language proficiency. The non-parametric test of chi- square along with measures of association namely Eta and Spearman Rank Order Correlation test were run to the data gathered through the questionnaires and the oral test. The findings revealed statistically significant relationship between Iranian intermediate EFL learners' self-esteem, their use of indirect strategies, and oral language proficiency. The findings of the study may have some pedagogical implications for foreign language teachers, course designers, parents, and learners.
Recent trends in preparation of poly(lactide- co -glycolide) nanoparticles by mixing polymeric organic solution with antisolvent

In recent years, there have been a plethora of nanoengineering approaches for the development of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticulate carrier systems. However, overlooking the multifaceted issues in the preparation and characterization of PLGA-based nanoparticles, many reports have been focused on their in vivo behaviors. It is imperative to fully assess technological aspects of a nanoencapsulation method of choice and to carefully evaluate the nanoparticle quality. The selection of a nanoencapsulation technique should consider drug property, nanoparticle quality, scale-up feasibility, manufacturing costs, personnel safety, environmental impact, waste disposal, and the like. Made in this review are the fundamentals of classical emulsion-templated nanoencapsulation methods used to prepare PLGA nanoparticles. More specifically, this review provides insight into emulsion solvent evaporation/extraction, salting-out, nanoprecipitation, membrane emulsification, microfluidic technology, and flow focusing. Innovative nanoencapsulation techniques are being developed to address many challenges existing in the production of PLGA-based nanoparticles. In addition, there are various out-of-the-box approaches for the development of novel PLGA hybrid systems that could deliver multiple drugs. Latest trends in these areas are also dealt with in this review. Relevant information might be helpful to those who prepare and develop PLGA-based nanoparticles that meet their specific demands.