Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Surface pH Record (1990–2013) of the Arabian Sea From Boron Isotopes of Lakshadweep Corals—Trend, Variability, and Control

Atmospheric CO2 rise in post‐industrial era has resulted in decline in surface ocean pH, commonly known as “ocean acidification (OA),” which has become a threat to marine calcifiers. Instrumental records of ocean pH and its reconstruction utilizing boron isotope (δ11B) composition of corals demonstrate a long‐term OA trend characterized by large spatio‐temporal variability in both Pacific and Atlantic oceans. However, no such record exists to elucidate long‐term OA trend of the Indian Ocean. We report the first sub‐annually resolved pH record (1990–2013) from the Arabian Sea based on δ11B measurements on Porites coral from Lakshadweep coral reefs. This pH record is characterized by large variability ranging from 7.93 to 8.65 with no long‐term discernable trend. The long‐term declining trend expected from the ∼50 ppm increase in atmospheric CO2 during the coral growth interval appears to be obscured by large surface pH variability in the Arabian Sea. Our investigation reveals that physical oceanographic processes for example, upwelling, downwelling and convective mixing modulated by El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) largely control surface pH variability and masked expected long‐term OA trend resulting from anthropogenic CO2 rise. Combining the model‐based predictions of increase in frequency and amplitude of ENSO events in a future warming scenario and the observed ENSO dependency of surface water pH, we predict more frequent and large pH variability (“pH extremes”) in this region. Such pH extremes and their occurrences might be critical for the resilience and adaptability of corals and other calcifiers in Arabian Sea and other similar oceanic settings elsewhere.
Past and future drought trends, duration, and frequency in the semi‐arid Urmia Lake Basin under a changing climate

Although the Urmia Lake has undergone remarkable drought conditions within the past decades mainly due to climate change, drought studies covering the entire Urmia Lake Basin and all drought aspects are lacking. The present study investigated the spatial and temporal drought conditions in the Urmia Lake Basin for the past (1988–2017) and future (2021–2050 and 2051–2080) periods using five general circulation models (GCMs) under the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) scenarios RCP 2.6, RCP 4.5, and RCP 8.5. The standardized precipitation index (SPI) and standardized precipitation and evapotranspiration index (SPEI) were compared. The SPEI predicted more drought events than the SPI, and it seemed to be a more suitable drought index than the SPI for the basin. In general, the future periods would encounter less drought conditions in terms of significant drought trends and duration than the observed period under all scenarios, but the frequency of quarterly severe drought events in the future periods would be higher than in the observed period. Furthermore, the stations Urmia (western bank) and Tabriz and Maragheh (eastern banks) would face the highest frequency of different types of quarterly drought events in the future periods compared with the observed period. The predicted high frequencies of drought events for the future periods can intensify the current low water level situation of the Urmia Lake, which seriously threatens all types of ecosystems in the basin. Therefore, serious actions need to be taken into account for efficient ecosystem and water resources management in the basin.
Does Car-Sharing Reduce Car Ownership? Empirical Evidence from Germany

The sharing economy is making its way into our everyday lives. One of its business models, car-sharing, has become highly popular. Can it help us increase our sustainability? Besides emissions and vehicle miles traveled, one key aspect in the assessment regards the effect of car-sharing on car ownership. Previous studies investigating this effect have relied almost exclusively on surveys and come to very heterogeneous results, partly suggesting spectacular substitution rates between shared and private cars. This study empirically explores the impact of car-sharing on noncorporate car ownership and car markets in 35 large German cities. The analysis draws on publicly available data for the years 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2017, including, among others, the number of shared cars per operating mode (free-floating and station-based) and the number of cars owned and registered by private individuals (i.e., excluding company cars). We find that one additional station-based car is associated with a reduction of about nine private cars. We do not find a statistically significant relation between car ownership and free-floating car-sharing. Neither type of car-sharing appears to impact the markets for used and new cars significantly. Given the measurable impacts on car ownership levels, this result is surprising and invites future research to study car-sharing’s impact on the dynamics of car markets.
Exploring determinants of innovation potential of enterprises in Kazakhstan

The study aims to analyze the innovation potential of enterprises, explain the use of the binary regression methodology, and explore different indicators of the enterprises in the regions of Kazakhstan for building an effective management strategy. Methodological substantiation is based on the complex survey data analysis, provided by the World Bank Enterprises Survey (WBES) for Kazakhstan. WBES database has covered a sociological survey of enterprises, which was conducted using a random survey and representativeness among 1,296 enterprises, mainly in the production sector. Besides, the data were collected among companies regarding their experience in environmental perception (including innovation activity), in which they worked. The results have demonstrated that the age of the company, exporter status, type, sector, or activity – all these have a positive influence on the company’s tendency to innovations. However, as part of the study, it has found out that competitors in the marketplace and regions of activity of enterprises predominantly negatively affect the prospects of introducing innovation. It was also in evidence that the same factors (foreign ownership, advanced training, type, size, and sector of an enterprise) are essential determinants of product, technology, R&amp;D, ICT, and innovation. Obtained results can be used by enterprises for building an effective management strategy of own business innovative development, as well as by local authorities to upgrade the competitive performance. AcknowledgmentsThis study has been funded by the Science Committee of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Grant “Priorities and mechanisms of inclusive regional development of Kazakhstan in the context of overcoming the economic recession” No. AP09259004).
Crystal structure of 4-aminopyridinium 4-acetyl-(pyridin-4-yl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-5-olate monohydrate, C14H16N6O3

Abstract C14H16N6O3, triclinic, space group P1̅ (no. 2), a = 7.7890(5) Å, b = 8.6069(6) Å, c = 12.4753(8) Å, α = 77.064(4)°, β = 72.754(3)°, γ = 67.148(3)°, V = 730.40(9) Å3, Z = 2, Rgt(F) = 0.0594, wRref(F2) = 0.1542, T = 297(2) K.
Wall shear stress angle determines aortic growth in patients with bicuspid aortic valves

Type of funding sources: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship. Main funding source(s): The Dutch Heart Foundation Patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) have altered flow velocity patterns with different wall shear stress (WSS) distributions in the ascending aorta compared to patients with tricuspid aortic valves. These WSS distributions are associated with aortic dilatation in cross sectional studies, however, longitudinal data demonstrating a potential causative role is missing. The aim of this study was to assess the differences in WSS distributions between BAV patients and healthy subjects and to determine the predictive value of WSS for aortic growth in patients with a BAV. Forty patients with a BAV and 32 healthy matched subjects were prospectively studied by 4D-flow cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). Peak velocity, pulse wave velocity, aortic distensibility, peak systolic WSS (magnitude), the different WSS components (axial and circumferential), and WSS angle were assessed in the proximal ascending aorta. WSS angle was defined as the angle between the WSSmagnitude and WSSaxial component. In the BAV patients, aortic volumetric growth over three years was determined in the proximal ascending aorta (first 5cm) based on CT angiography. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of aortic volumetric growth. Of the BAV patients, 21 (53%) had a left-right fusion pattern and eight patients had Turner syndrome. WSSaxial was significantly lower in BAV patients compared to healthy subjects (p = 0.008) and WSScircumferential and WSS angle were significantly higher (both p < 0.001, see Figure). WSSmagnitude, pulse wave velocity, and aorta distensibility were not statistically significant different. WSSmagnitude (0.69 N/m² [0.51-0.81] vs 1.08 N/m² [0.89-1.24], p = 0.005), WSSaxial (0.50 N/m² [0.39-0.61] vs 0.72 N/m² [0.54-0.94], p = 0.015) and WSScircumferential (0.34 N/m² [0.32-0.46] vs 0.64 N/m² [0.47-0.81], p = 0.008) were significantly lower in BAV Turner patients compared to BAV non-Turner patients, while WSS angle (40° [34-41] vs 40° [32-48], p = 0.607) was not statistically significant different. During a follow-up of three years, there was a significant growth of the proximal ascending aorta in the BAV patients (1.2 cm3 [-0.2-2.5], p = 0.001). In multivariate analysis corrected for baseline aortic volume and diastolic blood pressure, WSS angle was the only independent predictor for proximal aortic volume growth (β=0.108, p = 0.030). Increased WSScircumferential and especially WSS angle are present in patients with BAV. WSS angle was the only independent predictor of aortic growth. These findings highlight the potential role of WSS measurements in patients with BAV to stratify patients at risk for aortic dilation.
Millennial’s perception on cyberloafing: workplace deviance or cultural norm?

ABSTRACT This research examines the perceptions of ‘Millennials’ on cyberloafing, as a form of workplace deviance, and uncovers their rationale for cyberloafing to better understand, how organisations can mitigate this issue. Employing a qualitative research methodology, a total of 90 semi-structured interviews were conducted with postgraduate students, where 65% of the participants were international and 34% were local from Australia and all had work experience. The gender was evenly distributed, and their average age was 23 years. Results suggested that Millennials viewed cyberloafing to be a relatively inconsequential form of workplace deviance and a social and cultural norm among their cohort. Cyberloafing was seen as a tool to work faster and to enhance their productivity in the long-term. Other themes that emerged included, cyberloafing as an escape from boredom/idletime, and a stress reliever. Many respondents justified their behaviour and explained that cyberloafing has developed as an ingrained habit and is a brilliant necessity in today’s competitive world and is good for business. Our findings suggest that organisations will need to develop policies in collaboration with Millennials to reach a middle ground between deterrence and laissez-faire policies to curb this menace that is costing organisations millions of dollars in productivity.
Phosphorylated and cross-linked wheat starches in the presence of polyethylene oxide and their application in biocomposite films.

Wheat starch is modified by phosphorylation and cross-linking. Starches are evaluated for phosphorus content, amylose content, swelling power, solubility, pasting properties, crystallinity, and morphology. Films are made with phosphorylated and cross-linked starches, and with addition of 10% (w/w) polyethylene oxide (PEO). The films are evaluated for morphology, water vapor permeability, mechanical properties, crystallinity, roughness, and angle of contact with water. Phosphorylated starch shows higher phosphorus content, amylose content, swelling power, and solubility than cross-linked starch and native starch did. The starch film containing PEO presents discontinuous morphology, is more crystalline and rugged, and less hydrophilic than starch films without PEO. The biocomposite proves promising for usage in flexible packaging.
COVID-19: A Comprehensive View of Diverse Mitigation Measures, Biomaterials and Outlook

COVID-19 the existing contagion is caused by SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2). As of 1st March, 2021, the statistical study shows, 114 million people all over the world have been affected by COVID-19 and in this about 2.53 million deaths have been reported with a recovery of 64.4 million cases. The most commonly testified signs of COVID-19 infection are pyrexia, tussis and tiredness; other symptoms that are less common include deprivation in senses (odor or flavor), pharyngitis, stuffy nose, cephalgia, gastroenteritis etc. Among the reported cases, approximately 10-15% progress to severe disease and 5% becomes critically ill. Most people recover at 2-6 weeks after exposure to the virus, but it is reported that there are some patients who may recur some symptoms for weeks or months after initial recovery although they are not infectious during this period. In this review article, we have briefly discussed the different diagnostic and detection measures that are being clinically practiced and the treatment methods including medicines and vaccines which has been undertaken in the fight against COVID-19. Recent advances in various regulatory measures comprising the application of biomaterials engineering (nanomaterials, biosensors, quantum dots, polymeric array-based vaccines, etc.) and the digital technologies are also discussed. Organoid cultures are also used against SARS-CoV-2 to understand the biological phenomena taking place in the human body through infection, and thereby establishing the necessary trials to control the infection. In short, there is a requirement of the combination of study from multidisciplinary areas to understand the virus better and develop more effective mitigation measures. There are still studies under examination to improve the public health and to have complete control over this novel virus.
The relation between physical and mental load, and the course of physiological functions and cognitive performance

Abstract The objective of our study was to investigate differences in cognitive performance connected with physical load of varying intensities. One half of 88 examined persons sat on office chairs, and the other half sat on chairs with the added modification of the gymnastic (Swiss) ball called the dynamic directional seat pad (pad). The first rest phase was followed by the load phase, in which the subjects were administered a 20-minute sustained attention test. The number of correct answers and errors was evaluated. A BIOPAC apparatus continually recorded thoracic respiration, electrodermal activity, finger temperature, heart rate, and heart rate variability. Females on pads made 58% fewer errors than females on chairs; the number of errors was closely related to the depth of their breathing (tidal volume). It was found out that the use of the pad, in addition to the already known health benefits, also brings an increase in the precision of cognitive performance. LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
Molecular genetics of the Rh blood group system: alleles and antibodies—a narrative review

Objective: This work proposes a review of the antibodies which have been associated with variant RHD and RHCE alleles, except null alleles. Background: The data on this topic is dispersed in the literature. Methods: A review of the articles referenced in PubMed and of abstract books from major conferences was performed. Most antibodies have been published in full-length articles, and several more have been reported in conference abstracts. The anti-D antibodies reported in carriers of D variants and the antibodies to CE antigens reported in carriers of CE variants were listed, including antibodies to low prevalence antigens. The RHCE alleles for which the RH10 (V) and RH20 (VS) phenotypes have been reported were also collected. The reports of antibody formation were compared to the prevalence evaluated by the Erythrogene database in the 1000 Genomes dataset. Conclusions: It is noted in this review that studies reporting anti-D or antibodies to CE antigens associated with Rh variants only rarely include detailed serological descriptions of the findings. This review lists several alleles which are not exceptional, and for which no carrier has been reported to form the antibody to the expressed antigen(s) (e.g., no allo-anti-D has been reported so far in carriers of RHD *01EL.01 , c.1227A). Considering the antibody reports in carriers or absence thereof and the prevalence for each RH allele, it may become possible to propose case-by-case recommendations for more RH alleles in the near future. 20 (RH49)
Recent land cover and use in Romania: A conservation perspective

The study of land cover and use changes is important for sustainability, given that they are part of the global changes affecting our environment. In order to understand the mechanisms determining them, land cover and use changes must be studied based on their associated transitional dynamics. The present research aims to look at the most recent land cover and use changes from Romania, chosen as an example for post-socialists transitions. The methodology was based on applying geo-spatial analyses to data on land cover and use changes and natural protected areas. The results indicate that the most prominent transitional dynamics are deforestations and abandonment of cropland, rooted in the post-socialist property restitution. Furthermore, the study identified transitional dynamics indicating the human pressure within the natural protected areas, including urbanization, development of agriculture, and deforestation. Although subject to limitations bound to the use of CORINE data, the findings are important for understanding the environmental impact of socio-economic drivers, and provide additional evidence for the fact that emerging economies tend to sacrifice the environment during the economic crises.
O uso de psicofármacos e/ou psicotrópicos: Uma revisão integrativa

The prescription of psychotropic and / or psychotropic drugs has increased significantly in recent years, with this class of medication being one of the most prescribed today. It is an integrative review of the literature in which the search was carried out in the VHL, selecting the databases LILACS and BDENF. Twenty journal articles published from 2009 to 2019 were analyzed, in English, Portuguese and Spanish. The results show that the country with the greatest production of articles was Brazil and indicate that from young adults to the elderly, they are the main users of these drugs. Among the most prescribed psychotropic and / or psychotropic drugs are Clonazepam, Diazepam and Fluoxetine and the main prescribers are general practitioners. The situations in which these drugs are prescribed are complaints of anxiety and insomnia. Regarding the time of use of these medications, there is a prevalence of use between three to six years. It is concluded that the use of this class of drugs is highly prevalent, demonstrating the need for Continuing and Permanent Education in Mental Health to these professionals, emphasizing the rational use of these drugs.
Personality Disorders and Correlates of Homicide Offenders: A Comparative Analysis

ABSTRACT Homicide is one of the most severe crimes in the criminal justice system. Evidence shows that the majority of offenders are likely to have a mental disorder. Studies have established a relationship between personality disorders, substance use and violence among offenders. The need to understand the concept of personality disorders related to homicide and non-homicide offending cannot be over-emphasized in low-and-middle-income countries. This study compared personality disorders, substance use, and correlates between homicide and non-homicide offenders. Faschingbauer’s Abbreviated Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (FAM) was used. Personality disorders were identified in a comparative study involving 204 homicide and non-homicide offenders in a Nigerian prison. Results indicated that paranoid personality disorder was prevalent among homicide offenders while antisocial personality disorder was prevalent among non-homicide offenders. The highest percentage of substance use was related to opioids among non-homicide offenders. The study helps to understand the importance of psychiatric assessment, mental health services and treatment options for offenders in custody.
Late blight resistance of Ecuadorian potato landraces: field evaluation and farmer’s perception

Late blight, caused by Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary, is one of the most devastating diseases of potato world-wide. A field experiment, in a location under high P. infestans pressure, was carried out in Ecuador to assess resistance or susceptibility to late blight of 31 potato landraces collected in Carchi, Chimborazo and Loja. Resistant commercial varieties (I-Fripapa) and a susceptible (Superchola) were included as references. Based on the Area Under the Disease Progress Curve (AUDPC) three categories were scored: resistant, intermediate and susceptible. The landraces under study showed different responses to late blight in the experimental field. Only, five landraces showed the best field resistance: Uva, Chaucha roja, Guata amarilla, Coneja and Chaucha ratona. Additionally, a survey to 150 farmers growing potato landraces in these three provinces identified the main diseases affecting their potatoes. Informal conversations with these farmers both during the collections and during farmer meetings provided additional information regarding late blight and their perception of landrace resistance. Similar to farmers growing commercial varieties also farmers currently cultivating landraces consider late blight as the main disease in their potatoes. Probably the broad crop diversity on their farms and the planting of potato landrace mixtures reduces the late blight severity effects within their potato fields. Possible strategies to improve late blight resistance in potato in Ecuador could include the identification of accessions with resistance among local landraces, wild potato relatives and/or the introduction of new sources of resistance from other origins.