Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Erosão hídrica em semeadura direta de milho e soja nas direções da pendente e em contorno ao declive, comparada ao solo sem cultivo e descoberto

Soil and water loss data from rainfall erosion studies are fundamental for the planning of soil conservation. Despite the implantation of no-tillage systems, introduced in the 1970s, conservation practices, e.g., contour cropping and terracing, are still required for an effective control of rainfall erosion, especially in areas with high rainfall amounts. Another alternative for erosion control is the planting of cover crops for soil protection. The objective of this study was to quantify water and soil losses by rainfall erosion from a soil under no-tillage soybean and maize, sown along and perpendicularly to the slope contour lines. The experiment was conducted on an Inceptisol, in the 2010/2011 growing season, with application of four simulated rainfall tests. There were five treatments, in two replications: soybean sown perpendicularly to the contour lines (SD); soybean along the contour lines (SC); maize perpendicular to the contour lines (MD); maize along the contour lines (MC); and control - no crop and bare soil (T). The crops were planted on wheat crop residues in the no tillage system. Soybean along the contour lines was more effective in controlling soil loss than soybean perpendicular to the contour. Maize was more effective in controlling soil loss than soybean, regardless of the form of seeding, and both were more effective than the control. Water losses were only influenced by the form of sowing and negatively correlated with soil moisture before the onset of the rains and the beginning of runoff.
Recombinant alpha-fetoprotein C-terminal fragment: The new recombinant vector for targeted delivery

The specific receptor of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a universal tumor marker, being expressed on the surface of many tumor cells, but not in normal human tissues. AFP enters the cell by receptor-mediated endocytosis; its receptor-binding site is hypothetically localized in the third domain of AFP. A recombinant C-terminal AFP fragment, which contains all the third and a part of the second domains of hAFP, was produced. This AFP fragment was bound specifically to the AFP receptor on the surface of tumor cells and was accumulated by them with the same efficiency as the full-size hAFP. Similar to hAFP, the recombinant C-terminal fragment inhibited the estradiol-induced growth of hormone-dependent MCF-7 cells in vitro. Hence, the recombinant C-terminal AFP fragment can be used as a protein vector for the targeted delivery of cytostatic drugs to tumor cells.
Creaseproofing Cotton by in Situ Polymerization of N-Methylol Acrylamide (NMA), Acrylamide (AM), and Tetrakis (Hydroxymethyl) Phosphonium Chloride (THPC)

Cotton fabric was impregnated with partially methylolated acrylamide, THPC, and zinc acetate, then cured and washed. In situ polymerization was encouraged. In a second step, fabric was padded with ceric ammonium nitrate catalyst, cured, and washed. A very favorable balance of crease recovery 1/tensile strength was obtained when condi tioned crease recovery angles (W + F) were less than 260°. However, beyond this angle, strength loss increased rapidly with increasing crease recovery and approached that of conventional treatments. If the balance of crease recovery/tensile strength is optimized, there is not sufficient phosphorus in the fabric for flameproofing.
Heating Conditions and Bread‐Making Potential of Substandard Flour

Heating weak bread flours (commercial cookie flour; commercial stone-milled bread flour; Fundulea, a weak bread cultivar) at 80°C for 15 min had a positive effect on bread volume (P < 0.05). This positive effect was best seen when ascorbic acid was removed from bread formulation. Crumb springiness and fineness of grain, but not crumb hardness, were significantly improved after flour heating; cohesiveness improved with heated cookie flour (P < 0.05). After heating, flour a-amylase content was lower; dough-mixing stability of cookie flour doubled to 7.1 min but dropped from 18.0 to 4.8 min with standard bread flour. Heating offers possibility to upgrade substandard flour for bread-making applications, especially in oxidant-free dough system.
Composted Amendment Affects Soil Quality and Hedges Performance in the Mediterranean Urban Landscape

ABSTRACT The influence of increasing rates (0, 15, 30, and 45%) of composted sewage sludge (CSS) in the plantation hole on both urban soil properties and three native Mediterranean woody hedge growth was monitored over a two-year period after establishment. The results indicate that the urban soil physical characteristics were positively influenced by the compost: the highest CSS rate showed an increase in both moisture and infiltration values. The chemical properties of the amended soils were also directly affected by the CSS rate, but the compost effect on organic matter, N and K contents decreased over time. At the end of the trial, the hedge grown on the 30% CSS rate showed significantly higher dry weight values compared to the 45% CSS. The growth response to the compost rates of the three species was not similar: mock privet presented hedges with higher dry weight value than the Mediterranean buckthorn mean value, whereas the lowest ones were found in Tarentum myrtle. Phillyrea, in our experimental conditions, developed regularly not being stressed by the presence of high pH values (45% compost rate); it encourages, in the the Mediterranea basin, sustainable landscaping and xerogardening. The results proved that, compared to urban non amended soils, the amended ones are more suitable to the hedge growth; therefore, a plan of hedge establishment based on the use of composted sludge as amendment for sclerophyllous could be feasible and, what is more, helpful to mitigate the environmental impact of organic waste disposal.
The primary process in the photolysis of hexafluoroacetone vapour V. Mechanistic considerations

Data presented in the previous parts of this series are discussed in terms of the mechanism adopted for the primary process and it is noted that the data follow the general trends predicted by that mechanism. Five independent tests applied to the data indicate that the vibrational relaxation in the S1 state occurs by a cascade of weak collisions; although the number of stages involved cannot be determined with precision, it is unlikely to exceed five. Rate constants are evaluated from the data for reactions (4) to (9). A reasonably reliable value of E8 = 16 kcal/mole was obtained. The value of As suggests that the decomposition from the trip let occurs along a single potential surface. This hypothesis is developed to suggest that molecules which decompose from the singlet state possibly do so via an unbounded region of the triplet surface.
Interaction of Water with Alkali-Metal Cation-Exchanged X Type Zeolites: A Temperature-Programmed Desorption (TPD) and X-ray Diffraction Study†

We have investigated the interaction of water with alkali-metal cation-exchanged X type zeolites with different Si/Al ratios by means of temperature-programmed desorption (TPD). The nonisothermal desorption of water shows, depending on the type of cation (Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+, and Cs+) and the exchange degree, differently structured desorption profiles. Using a numerical regularization method, desorption energy distribution functions have been calculated. The width of the distributions of about 30−50 kJ mol-1 shows clearly the energetic heterogeneity of the water−zeolite interaction. All desorption energy distributions exhibit two characteristic ranges. Beside a small part at lower energy values the distribution functions have a pronounced main peak between 55 and 65 kJ mol-1 and a second range at higher energy values (65−95 kJ mol-1). The systematic changes with respect to position and intensity of the peaks at higher energy values show clearly the influence of the respective cation on the water desorption .
All Guest Speakers Are Not Created Equal: Diverse Students Require Diverse Speakers

The importance of staying relevant when teaching advertising courses is hardly a new concept, nor is the use of inviting guest speakers to achieve this goal. However, empirically assessing advertising students’ perceptions of guest speakers is an underexplored area. To address this gap and consider the perspectives of diverse student populations, this article analyzes data collected from an introductory advertising course at a large southern Hispanic-serving university (N = 263). Results indicate students find value in having guest speakers, but not all speakers are created equal, and faculty need to strategically select who they invite and guide the presentation styles. Students prefer knowledgeable and passionate industry professionals as well as alumni who can share personal and industry examples. Gender and racial differences indicate women and Hispanic students have greater interest in learning from guest speakers. Additionally, first-generation (FG) college students demonstrated greater investment in guest speakers than non-FG college students.
Mindfulness-based group therapy for inpatients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders – feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary outcomes of a rater-blinded randomized controlled trial

Introduction The therapeutic effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) has been shown for various mental disorders. However, for schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD), only a few trials have been conducted, mostly in outpatient settings. Objectives This study aimed to investigate feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of a four-week mindfulness-based group therapy (MBGT) for in-patients with SSD. Methods A pre-registered randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted at the in-patient ward for SSD. All measures were employed at baseline, post-intervention (4-weeks), and follow-up (12-weeks). The primary outcome was ‘mindfulness’. Secondary outcomes were rater-blinded positive- and negative symptoms, depression, social functioning, as well as self-rated mindfulness, depression, anxiety, psychological flexibility, quality of life, and medication regime. Results N=40 participants were randomized into either four-week treatment-as-usual (TAU; n=19) or MBGT+TAU (n = 21). Protocol adherence was 95.2%, and the retention rate to treatments was 95%. ANCOVA analysis revealed significant improvements in the MBGT+TAU compared to TAU for the primary outcome and negative symptoms. Exploratory analyses showed medium-to-large intervention effects on secondary outcomes mindfulness, positive, negative, and depressive symptoms, psychological flexibility, quality of life, and social functioning for MBGT+TAU and small-to-moderate changes on positive symptoms and social functioning for TAU. No serious adverse effects were reported. Conclusions This study supports the feasibility and acceptability of MBGT for in-patients with SSD, including high protocol adherence and retention rates. A proof of concept of the MBIs and corresponding improvements on various clinical and process parameters warrant a fully powered RCT to determine effectiveness, cost-efficiency, and longitudinal outcomes of MBGT for SSD. Disclosure No significant relationships.
Structural characterization of flocs in relation to their settling performances

This paper reports on the use of particle size analysis and settling tests for characterizing the structure of metal coagulation floes and further identifying optimum conditions for their settling and dewatering. A velocity-size variation law was established for model floes created from colloidal clay particles suspensions with different initial clay concentrations using two coagulants [aluminium sulphate, A1 2 (SO 4 ) 3 and ferric chloride, FeCl 3 ]. It allowed deduction of the volume fractal characteristic D 3 of each clay floe family and their settling performances. Floes also appeared to be made from three basic units, the size of which was estimated from particle size analyses performed at different stages of the coagulation/flocculation. All the D 3 values obtained were high, about 2.5, nearly independent of the initial clay concentration. In contrast, the floe and the basic unit sizes decreased with the clay concentration increase. More concentrated suspensions led to lower settling rates. Ferric floes appeared to be made from larger basic units than aluminium ones and to be less dense and less compact with lower settling rates. They were therefore thought to contain more water.
Usefulness of Foliar Nitrogen-Sulfur Ratio in Spring Red Wheat

ABSTRACT Sulfur (S) availability indicators are necessary for a rational use of fertilizers. Experiments were carried out to evaluate the sensitivity and stability of nitrogen (N):S ratio in spring red wheat. Yield responses were determined in three replications over five experimental sites. Sulfur application did not increase N concentration in plant, whereas the effect on total S concentration was varied. Results showed 25, 35, 80, and 85% correctly diagnosed samples at stages Z22, Z24, Z31, and Z39, respectively. In treatments without S limitations, a decrease in N:S ratio was observed as the crop cycle advanced. Nitrogen: S ratio differed according to the site; however, these variations tend to decrease as the crop cycle advance. In summary, for spring red wheat, N:S ratio in plant is a useful method for S deficiencies diagnostic from the end of tillering to flag leaf.
THE EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE AND WATER POTENTIAL ON SULFUR OXIDATION IN SOILS

The effectiveness of elemental sulfur fertilizers depends on the rate of their oxidation to the plant-available sulfate form. Although soil temperature and water potential are known to exert strong influences on sulfur oxidation, these effects have not been quantified. A laboratory incubation study, including a complete factorial of four temperature treatments (3, 15, 23, and 30†;C) and six water potential treatments (ranging from approximately −0.007–10 MPa), was conducted to define the influence of these parameters on the rate of oxidation in six soils. Oxidation rates and maximum rates were generally parabolically related to water potential at all temperatures. The maximum oxidation rate was observed at water potentials near field capacity, except in two soils with extreme moisture retention capacities: a sand (<-0.01 MPa) and a clay (–0.27 MPa). These differences were attributed to different air-filled porosities at high water potentials. Oxidation rates were exponentially related to temperature, and mean Q10 values ranged from 3.2–4.3, indicating that sulfur oxidation is much more responsive to changes in soil temperature than most other biologically mediated reactions. This sensitivity to temperature probably accounts for the limited effectiveness of most elemental sulfur fertilizers in Western Canada, where soil temperatures remain below 15†C for most of the year. Defining oxidation rate as a function of temperature and water potential will facilitate prediction of plant-available sulfur release from elemental sulfur and lead to the development of improved fertilizers and fertilization practices.
Characterisation and determination of phytochelatins in plant extracts by electrospray tandem mass spectrometry

A method based on pneumatically assisted electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry (ESI MS-MS) was developed for the identification, sequencing and determination of phytochelatin (PC) peptides in plant tissue and plant cell cytosols. The ionization and fragmentation conditions were optimized using a series of (GluCys)2Gly (PC2), (GluCys)3Gly (PC3), and (GluCys)4Gly (PC4) standards prepared from glutathione by enzymatically (γ-glutamylcysteine dipeptyl transpeptidase) assisted biosynthesis in the presence of Cd2+. Phytochelatins were found to ionize readily to produce a characteristic mono-protonated ion. The collision-induced dissociation (CID) of this ion followed by mass spectrometry (MS-MS mode) allowed the determination of the amino acid sequence of each of the PCs. Calibration curves were linear up to a concentration of 2 µg ml–1 in the MS and MS-MS modes with the detection limits at the low ng ml–1 level. The method was applied to the determination of phytochelatin peptides biosynthesized by a number of plant cell cultures exposed to the Cd stress. The results agreed with those obtained by an independent procedure based on reversed-phase HPLC with post-column derivatization of the –SH groups with 5,5′-dithiobis-2-nitrobenzoic acid and spectrophotometric detection.
Assessing the spatio-temporal climate variability in semi-arid Karamoja sub-region in north-eastern Uganda

Semi-arid areas show climatic variability on a spatio-temporal scale. There are few studies on the long-term trends and intensity of this variability from East Africa. We used National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration re-analysis climate data (1979–2009) in this study. Rainfall exhibited a non-significant long-term trend. The climate of the area is variable (coefficient of variation-CV >35.0%) with spatio-temporal oddities in rainfall and temperature. A rise in minimum (0.9 °C), maximum (1.6 °C) and mean (1.3 °C) temperature occurred between 1979 and 2009. There were more months with climate variability indices below the threshold (<1.0) from 1979 to 1994 than between 1995 and 2009, with wetness intensity increasingly common after 2000, leading to the observed reduction in the recurrence of multi-year drought events. More extreme wet events (rainfall variability index >2.6) were experienced between 2004 and 2009 than between 1984 and 2003. We consider that the use of spatio-temporal climatic information for timely adjustment to extreme climate variability events is essential in semi-arid areas.
RELATIONSHIPS AND PARTNER PREFERENCES

The purpose of this research was to determine whether or not the father absence literature can be successfully used to predict patterns of female preferences for facial masculinity in young adulthood. Predictions were made based on the effect father absence may have on the development of (a) sexual strategy, and (b) female ‘condition’, and were tested in two independent samples. Results for the link between father absence and masculinity preference were mixed; across both studies, however, daughters who reported low quality relationship with parents during childhood showed lower masculinity preference. These results predominantly support the condition dependence predictions that early family stress should be associated with reduced ability to compete for mates and thus preference for less masculine men. Additionally, in Study 2, family background was associated with facial preferences and age of menarche only amongst women who were not currently in happy and committed relationships, which suggests that there are systematic physiological and/or psychological differences between women for whom father absence is and is not related to long term outcomes.
Three Centuries of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Teriterpane Records In Tebrau Strait, Malaysia; Recent Pollution Concern in a Pristine Marine Environment

In the last century, application of fossil fuel as the primary source of energy caused environmental pollution in many countries including Malaysia. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are an important class of petroleum contamination. Two sediment cores were collected from the Tebrau Strait at the southern part of Peninsular Malaysia near the border line to Singapore, where entering into the South China Sea. The samples were sliced in certain intervals, extracted with Dichloromethane in Soxhlet apparatus, cleaned and fractionated in 2-steps column chromatography, and analyzed in Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry. The results showed that PAHs input were started soon after World War II and exponentially increased from 1980 onward by 310 ng/g d. w. , in comparison it was negligible and probably nature derived during 18th and 19th century. The application of compound-specific ratios and pentacyclic teriterpanes suggested the vicinity of sources that atmospherically transported to the sampling locations. They were originated from combusted oil of Southeast Asian and the Middle East, polluting urban sediment and street dusts prior to final deposition. Biomass burning appeared historically as a predominant minor background pollution of both cores. Remarkably, crankcase oil was not traced in this study while it was reported as a predominant source in Malaysia. This study suggested ocean-going ships and Singapore International Airport as the main sources of petroleum pollution in recent decades since there was insignificant rural development surrounding the studied area.
Acceleration of chemistry computations in two-dimensional detonation induced by shock focusing using reduced ISAT

A reduced in situ adaptive tabulation (RISAT) method, which was originally proposed by Pope (Combustion Theory and Modelling, 1997, 1, 41–36), is developed for the applications of multidimensional transient reactive flow computations. The RISAT method, which based on the storage/retrieval operation processes of data, employs the constant approximation of chemical reactions and the dynamic deletion of a data table to limit the table size during the computations. It is incorporated in the computations of two-dimensional detonation of CH4/O2 premixed gas induced by shock waves focusing to enhance the computational performance of combustion chemistry. The effects of query tolerance and table size on the computational efficiency are examined. A maximum chemical speedup factor of 17.88 can be obtained by using the RISAT, without losing the computational accuracy. It is concluded from the computational results that the RISAT method is strongly dependent on the table size, tolerance and physics of transient reactive flow problems.
Surface Tension and Molecular Correlations near the Critical Point

The van der Waals, Cahn—Hilliard theory of interfacial tension is reformulated for a fluid in the neighborhood of its critical point. The reformulated theory becomes equivalent to the Ornstein—Zernike, Debye theory of molecular correlations when the interface thickness is identified with the correlation length. When account is taken of the nonclassical behavior of the compressibility and coexistence curve, the theory is found to be in good agreement with independently known facts in three‐dimensional systems, yet slightly but unambiguously wrong in two dimensions. When one of the hypotheses of the original theory is replaced by an alternative hypothesis, the resulting theory is found to be correct in both two and three dimensions.