Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effect of methyl salicylate on the induction of direct and indirect plant defense mechanisms in poplar (Populus × euramericana ‘Nanlin 895’)

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of different concentrations of methyl salicylate (MeSA) on direct defense and indirect defense in poplar cuttings (Populus × euramericana ‘Nanlin 895’). Four defense-related enzyme activities, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC1.15.1.1), oxydoreductases peroxidase (POD, EC1.11.1.7), catalase (CAT, EC1.11.1.6), and polyphenol oxidase (PPO, EC 1.14.18.1), were measured. The results showed that the SOD activities were induced by 1.0 and 10.0 mM MeSA and the POD activities were induced by MeSA. The CAT activity was induced at low concentrations of MeSA but was inhibited by high concentrations, and the PPO activity was affected by 0.1, 1.0, and 10.0 mM MeSA. Furthermore, the volatiles were detected using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and gas chromatography. Twenty-one volatile compounds were tentatively identified in the emissions from plant leaves. Of these volatile compounds, (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol and cis-3-hexenyl acetate emissions were the highest. (Z)-3-Nonen-1-ol, (E)-2-hexen-1-ol, 1-octanol, (E,Z)-3,6-nonadien-1-ol, β-ionone, and hexadecanamide were six compounds that were only produced after treatment by 10.0 mM MeSA. These results showed that direct and indirect defense mechanisms in poplars were induced by MeSA.
Metocean Criteria for Internal Solitary Waves Obtained from Numerical Models

A numerical model in slice configuration was applied to the Central Andaman Sea in order to derive metocean operational and design criteria associated to internal solitary waves which are large amplitude interfacial waves. For that purpose, a 10 year hindcast was generated. The model was driven by tides at the open boundary and included realistic stratification and topography. The results have been compared to data mostly taken from satellites and proved to be accurate in determining parameters such as phase speed and interpacket distance. The phase speeds range from 2.21 m/s in March to 2.5 m/s in November. Corresponding interpacket distances range from 99 km to 111 km in close agreement with available data. According to the model results internal solitary waves are more/less frequent in March/August. Model outputs were specifically analyzed at 2 arbitrary locations. Maximum current speeds obtained with the model at those locations occur in November reaching a value close to 1.5 m/s. The computed velocities associated to return periods of 1, 10, 50, 100 and 1000 years are, respectively, 1.67 m/s, 1.76 m/s, 1.8 m/s, 1.81 m/s and 1.84 m/s.
Corporate Well-Being Programme in COVID-19 Times. The Mahou San Miguel Case Study

Employees’ health is being affected not only by the possibility of contracting COVID-19, but by all the negative consequences that this pandemic has brought, such as confinement, social distancing, and self-isolation. In recent decades, more companies have opted for corporate well-being programmes in their workplaces, improving the health and quality of life of their employees. The effects generated by the current COVID-19 pandemic require these programmes to adapt to this new situation. The objective of this case study is to analyse the corporate well-being programme, in times of COVID-19, of Mahou San Miguel, a benchmark company in corporate well-being in Spain. A mixed method approach to data collection was used. The findings show the benefits achieved in its adaptation to this new physical-virtual environment. This paper could help other companies around the world to adapt their corporate well-being programmes to the new reality brought about by COVID-19.
Phased array probe for the inspection of large steel forgings

Abstract Reliable inspection of large steel forgings is a significant problem across multiple industries. When the dimensions of forgings are at least 1000 mm in each direction, ultrasonic phased array inspection becomes difficult because conventional probes are not designed to transmit and focus acoustic energy over such large distances. Using simulations and experiments, this article aims to discuss the possibilities and limitations of phased array imaging of large forged steel ingots. Simulations were used to design a transducer based on the reflected amplitude, as well as the lateral and axial resolutions of defects in a 1000 mm thick block. It was shown that when limiting the aperture to allow easy handling in an industrial inspection setting, the lateral resolution and the reflected amplitude were the main limitations. Increasing the element width maximizes the energy transmitted into the material, but it also moves elements away from each other, thus reducing the lateral resolution. Based on the simulations, an experimental phased array transducer was manufactured with eight elements of 9.25 × 22.5 mm. The probe was used to perform measurements and generate total focusing method images of three different at a depth of 370 mm in a 776 mm forged steel block.
Survival of South African children with cerebral palsy.

BACKGROUND The South African (SA) public healthcare sector has experienced a surge in birth injury claims in recent years, particularly in respect of cerebral palsy (CP). The lump sum settlements in these matters are a function of the expected survival curve of the individual concerned. It is known from international studies that the life expectancy of children with CP is shorter than that of the general population, and depends on the pattern and severity of their disabilities. However, empirical estimates of survival for children with CP in SA are not available. OBJECTIVES To construct survival curves according to the pattern of gross motor skills for CP children in SA and compare these with international studies. METHODS We collected data on mortality and functional status for 339 CP children on whose behalf claims for medical negligence had been instituted. Motor disabilities were classified according to the five-level Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). Children who were unable to walk unaided were further classified according to more basic motor skills, including the ability to lift their heads or chests in the prone position, rolling and sitting. Mortality rates were calculated and survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS No deaths were observed among 119 children in GMFCS levels I - IV. Among the 220 children in GMFCS V, there were 20 observed deaths. The proportions surviving to ages 10 and 15 years were 85% (standard error (SE) 5%) and 55% (SE 11%), respectively. The former is comparable to what has been reported for children in California and Sweden, but the survival to age 15 is lower. Among 82 children who could not lift their heads in the prone position, there were 11 observed deaths for a mortality rate of 48.5 (95% confidence interval (CI) 24.2 - 86.9) deaths per 1 000 person-years. Among 72 children who could lift their heads but not their chests, there were 6 observed deaths for a mortality rate of 33.5 (95% CI 12.3 - 73.0) deaths per 1 000 person-years. These mortality rates are 22% and 15% higher than the corresponding figures documented for children with comparable abilities and disabilities in California. CONCLUSIONS Life expectancy of children with CP in SA is lower than that of children with comparably severe disabilities in high-income countries.
Glass-forming tendency in the K2O-BaO-B2O3-Al2O3-TiO2 system

Vitrification in the system of K2O-BaO-B2O3-Al2O3-TiO2 containing (mol%): K2O (0 to 28), BaO (0 to 28), B2O3 (5 to 24), Al2O3 (7 to 25) and TiO2 (33 to 60) was investigated by fusion at 1450°C for 2 h. The fields of vitrification were analyzed with different forms of diagrams. It is shown that stable glasses can be produced with batchs containing 62 to 75 mol% of glass-formers ([TiO2]+[B2O3]+[Al2O3]) including (TiO2) up to 48 mol% and (R2O3)>20 mol%. For those compositions with (TiO2)=35 to 47 mol%, the molar ratio of (Al2O3) / (B2O3) can be varied in the range of 1 to 2.5. The structure of obtained glasses was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and infrared (IR); the investigated glasses contained one or two vitreous phases depending on their chemical composition. One-phase glasses can be obtained with compositions of (Al2O3) / (B2O3)≥1.75. The vitreous phase of one-phase glasses and the main glassy phase of two-phase glasses are formed by octahedra of TiO6/2 and AlO6/2 as well as (B3O6)3- rings; the droplets of the second vitreous (borate) phase was formed by BO3/2, TiO4/2 and BO4/2-, AlO4/2- groups combined with Ba2+ and K+ cations. Key words: Vitrification, borate, titanate, two-phase glasses.
Early Exploration of MOOCs in the U.S. Higher Education: An Absorptive Capacity Perspective

Advanced information technologies have enabled Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) , which have the potential to transform higher education around the world. Why are some institutions eager to embrace this technology-enabled model of teaching, while others remain reluctant to jump aboard? Applying the theory of absorptive capacity, we study the role of a university's educational IT capabilities in becoming an early MOOC producer. Examining the history of MOOC offerings by U.S. colleges and universities, we find that prior IT capabilities, such as (1) the use of Web 2.0, social media and other interactive tools for teaching and (2) experience with distance education and hybrid teaching, are positively associated with the early exploration of MOOCs. Interestingly, we also find that the effect of educational IT capabilities is moderated by social integration mechanisms and activation triggers. For example, when instructional IT supporting services are highly decentralized, educational IT capabilities have a greater impact on the probability of a university offering a MOOC. In addition, for colleges facing an adverse environment, such as those experience a decline in college applications, the effect of IT capabilities on the exploration of MOOCs is much stronger.
Final analysis of overall survival (OS) and relapse-free-survival (RFS) in the intergroup S1404 phase III randomized trial comparing either high-dose interferon (HDI) or ipilimumab to pembrolizumab in patients with high-risk resected melanoma.

9501 Background: We assessed whether or not adjuvant pembrolizumab given over 1 year would improve OS and RFS in comparison to high dose ipilimumab (ipi10) or HDI - the two FDA-approved adjuvant treatments for high risk resected melanoma at the time of study design. Methods: Patients age 18 or greater with resected stages IIIA(N2), B, C and IV were eligible. Patients with CNS metastasis were excluded. At entry, patients must have had complete staging and adequate surgery to render them free of melanoma including completion lymph node dissection for those with sentinel node positive disease. Prior therapy with PD-1 blockade, ipilimumab or interferon was not allowed. Two treatment arms were assigned based on stratification by stage, PD-L1 status (positive vs. negative vs. unknown), and intended control arm (HDI vs. Ipi10). Patients enrolled between 10/2015 and 8/2017 were randomized 1:1 to either the control arm [(1) interferon alfa-2b 20 MU/m2 IV days 1-5, weeks 1-4, followed by 10 MU/m2/d SC days 1, 3, and 5, weeks 5-52 (n=190), or (2) ipilimumab 10 mg/kg IV q3w for 4 doses, then q12w for up to 3 years (n=465)], or the experimental arm [pembrolizumab 200 mg IV q3w for 52 weeks (n=648)]. The study had three primary comparisons: 1) RFS among all patients, 2) OS among all patients, 3) OS among patients with PD-L1+ baseline biopsies. Results: 1,426 patients were screened and 1,345 patients were randomized with 11%, 49%, 34%, and 6% AJCC7 stage IIIA(N2), IIIB, IIIC and IV, respectively. This final analysis was performed per-protocol 3.5 years from the date the last patient was randomized, with 512 RFS and 199 OS events. The pembrolizumab group had a statistically significant improvement in RFS compared to the control group (pooled HDI and ipi10) with HR 0.740 (99.618% CI, 0.571 to 0.958). There was no statistically signifcant improvement in OS in the 1,303 eligible randomized overall patient population with HR 0.837 (96.3% CI, 0.622 to 1.297), or among the 1,070 (82%) patients with PD-L1 positive baseline biopsies with HR 0.883 (97.8% CI, 0.604 to 1.291). Gr 3/4/5 event rates were as follows: HDI 69/9/0%, ipi10 43/5/0.5% and pembrolizumab 17/2/0.3%. Conclusions: Pembrolizumab improves RFS but not OS compared to HDI or ipi10 in the adjuvant treatment of patients with high-risk resected melanoma. Pembrolizumab is a better tolerated adjuvant treatment regimen than HDI or Ipi10. Support: NIH/NCI NCTN grants CA180888, CA180819, CA180820, CA180863; and in part by Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA. Editorial Acknowledgement: With special thanks to Elad Sharon, MD, MPH, and Larissa Korde, MD, MPH. National Cancer Institute, Investigational Drug Branch, for their contributions to this trial, as well as Nageatte Ibrahim, MD, and Sama Ahsan, MD Merck. Clinical trial information: NCT02506153.
Cocoa farmers perceptions of soil organic carbon effects on fertility, management and climate change in the Ashanti region of Ghana

Farmers can play an important role in climate change mitigation through sustainable soil management practices. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in the Atwima Nwabiagya municipality of Ashanti region, Ghana, to explore farmers' knowledge and perceptions of their soils, soil fertility, applied management practices, and climate change on soil organic carbon. The interviews included topics related to farmers’ access to training and its impact in adopting and changes in management strategies. Summary for interviews was prepared based on notes and recordings and analyzed with the Qualitative Content Analysis (QCAmap) software using emergent codes. Results show that farmers had a lot of knowledge on soil organic matter (SOM) and how it affects climate and the relationship between SOM and soil fertility. They also acknowledged that their management practices affect quantities of SOM in topsoil and subsoil and soil fertility. The adoption of current and new management practices including, the use of organic and inorganic fertilizers, manure, mulching, and shade management, is a reflection of their newly acquired knowledge and understanding of fertility sustaining processes. The study highlights the relationship between farmers' training and changes in their adopted practices and how management practices affect SOC influencing climate change and soil fertility. Key words: soil organic carbon, cocoa farmers, perception, soil management, soil fertility and climate change.
Deterministic Seismic Microzonation of the NCT-Delhi (India) and Earthquake Engineering Implications

A deterministic seismic microzonation of the NCT Delhi (The capital of INDIA) and its earthquake engineering implications is presented in this paper. The NCT Delhi with population density around 21,000/sq. Km has experienced several severe earthquake shakings in the past due to earthquake occurrences in its vicinity and in the Great Himalaya. The exposed central quartzite ridge, Badarpur-Okhala hillocks and River-Yamuna are responsible for the very large spatial variation of sediment thickness (10 m to more than 300 m) in the NCT Delhi. The dynamic properties of sediment layers over the quartzite basement at 158 sites, well distributed in the NCT Delhi, are considered for seismic microzonation. First, we have finalised the maximum credible earthquake (MCE) for each considered site based on the deterministic seismic hazard analysis. Thereafter, acceleration time history at basement level is computed at each site using stochastic finite-fault method with dynamic corner frequency and the geometry as well as rupture-dimension of the respective MCE. The basement ground motion is numerically transferred to the free surface using the rheological parameters and thickness of sediment layers overlying the quartzite basement. Different maps of earthquake engineering interest like peak ground acceleration (PGA), peak ground velocity (PGV) and peak ground displacement (PGV) at basement level and the free surface level are developed and analysed for earthquake implications. The obtained range of PGA (0.08-0.30g), PGV (3.34-26.58cm/s) and PGD (0.55-7.2cm) at the free surface and fundamental frequency of the sediment deposit (0.4-7.0Hz) reveals that the NCT Delhi needs special attention by the planners, engineers and decision makers for earthquake disaster preparedness.
On the Challenges Faced by Female Members of Agricultural Cooperatives in Southeast Nigeria

This study uses structural equation modelling (SEM) and path diagram techniques to examine challenges faced by women in the agricultural sector cooperatives in Southeast Nigeria. The data are from a cross-section survey of randomly selected women cooperative members. Results suggest that women with poor economic status are less likely to have access to improved technology, labour, off-farm employment, and improved infrastructure. The authors also found that cultural factors increase women’s failure to own land, farm inputs, and agricultural credit. Additionally, the results show that compared to men, institutional factors increase women’s unequal access to extension training as well as their domestic workload. This study also found that older women face fewer challenges in the agricultural sector cooperatives than younger ones while more educated ones face more challenges. This study provides useful policy insights to mitigate the challenges women face in agricultural cooperatives. Most importantly, they argue that economic freedom among women in cooperatives may not be achieved unless they are emancipated from existing cultural, economic, institutional, and management constraints. Key words: confirmatory factor analysis, path diagram, structural equation model, Nigeria
Content of zinc and iron in common bean seeds (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in different weed control methods.

A field experiment was conducted in 2010-2012 on a private farm located in the village of Frankamionka in the administrative district (powiat) of Zamośc, on brown soil with slightly acidic pH, and the average abundance of zinc and iron. The experiment was set up in a random split-plot design with four replications, with seven methods for controlling weed infestation: 1) no weeding control, 2) hand weeding control, 3) linuron (Afalon dyspersyjny 450 SC), 4) linuron + metribuzin (Afalon dyspersyjny 450 SC + Mistral 70 WG), 5) linuron + chlomazone (Harrier 295 ZC), 6) linuron + chlomazone + metribuzin (Harrier 295 ZC + Mistral 70 WG), 7) bentazon (Basagran 480 SL twice). The objective of the study was to determine the effect of weeding control methods on the content of iron and zinc in the seeds of cv. Jaś Karlowy common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). The highest seed yield, on average 29.39 dt ha-1, was obtained on the plots where weeds were controlled by the application of the herbicides Harrier 295 ZC + Mistral 20 WG just after sowing. The lowest seed yield was harvested on unweeded plots – 6.77 dt ha-1 on average. Statistical analysis showed a significant effect of the weed control methods and the weather conditions in growing seasons on the content of iron and zinc in bean seeds. The lowest amount of zinc, an average of 36.11 mg kg-1, was found in beans from unweeded plots. The use of the herbicides Afalon dyspersyjny 450 SC + Mistral 70 WG, Harrier 295 ZC and Harrier 295 ZC + Mistral 70 WG significantly increased the zinc content compared to the un weeded control and manual weeding. The highest iron concentration, on average 75.12 mg kg-1, was observed in seeds from unweeded plots. Significantly less iron accumulated in beans from plots weeded manually and by application of the herbicides Harrier 295 ZC and Harrier 295 ZC + Mistral 70 WG.
A Low Cost Baby Incubator Design Equipped with Vital Sign Parameters

Article Info Abstract Article History: Received: April 5, 2021 Revision: April 15,2021 Accepted: May 10, 2021 A baby incubator is a heating device for premature babies so that the baby's temperature matches the temperature in the mother's womb. Premature babies are babies born in abnormal conditions where the baby's body size is below average or the gestational age has not reached 9 months. The aim of this study was to create a compact system at a low cost in an infant incubator. Apart from stabilizing the temperature, it can also calculate the premature baby's heart rate and oxygen saturation value. The contribution of the system being built can detect the early symptoms of congenital abnormalities so that abnormalities detection becomes more practical. The temperature stability in this system uses a threshold system, where the sensor readings are compared with the set point value. Meanwhile, the SpO2 system uses a finger sensor attached to the baby's finger to detect oxygen saturation and heart rate. The signal from the sensor is processed in a signal conditioning circuit consisting of an astable circuit, filter and amplifier, LPF, and demultiplexer. Based on the results of testing and measurement, the difference produced by this tool is only 0.13 0.182 ° C. The biggest error in the system is 0.517%. Measurement of skin temperature was carried out on 10 respondents with an average value of 34.825 ° C. so that the difference generated from this tool is only 0.175 ° C, the difference on the Humidity parameter is 0.21%. The average BPM reading of respondent 1 was 81 beats per minute and the average SpO2 value was 97%. The average BPM reading of respondent 2 was 83 beats per minute and the average SpO2 value was 98%. You can see that the module with the Arduino control system can work automatically and is able to adjust the stability of the baby incubator according to the settings. In addition, the BPM and SpO2 systems are within tolerance so they can be used for patient measurements.
Synthesis, characterization and cytotoxic activity of 5- aminotetrazole Schiff bases

The incidence and prevalence of cancer has been on the rise in recent years and this has been linked to environmental factors, adoption of westernized lifestyle and aging populations. This situation is further complicated by the inadequacies of currently used anticancer agents such as toxicity and resistance which has prompted the search for new and more effective drugs. In this study, Schiff bases of 5-aminotetrazole were prepared by condensing 5- aminotetrazole with various aromatic aldehydes. Preliminary confirmation of compound formation was done using thin layer chromatography while FT-IR, UV-Visible, proton and carbon-13 NMR spectroscopy were used for structural characterization of the compounds. The cytotoxicity of the compounds was evaluated using the brine shrimplethality assay. The compounds were synthesized in good yield ranging from 80 to 88 % and found to be soluble in polar solvents. Results of the spectroscopic analyses were indicative of the formation of the new compounds. The 5- aminotetrazole Schiff bases were found to demonstrate considerable cytotoxicity compared to the standard drug used, with the o-vanillin Schiff base (OVASB) showing the highest cytotoxicity (LC50 0.23 µg/mL). The results indicate that the compounds have potential for further development in the search for safe and potent anticancer agents. Keywords: Cancer; Schiff base; 5-Aminotetrazole; Aromatic aldehydes; Brine shrimp assay