Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sensing the electrical properties of roots: A review

Thorough knowledge of root system functioning is essential to understand the feedback loops between plants, soil, and climate. In situ characterization of root systems is challenging due to the inaccessibility of roots and the complexity of root zone processes. Electrical methods have been proposed to overcome these difficulties. Electrical conduction and polarization occur in and around roots, but the mechanisms are not yet fully understood. We review the potential and limitations of low‐frequency electrical techniques for root zone investigation, discuss the mechanisms behind electrical conduction and polarization in the soil–root continuum, and address knowledge gaps. A range of electrical methods for root investigation is available. Reported methods using current injection in the plant stem to assess the extension of the root system lack robustness. Multi‐electrode measurements are increasingly used to quantify root zone processes through soil moisture changes. They often neglect the influence of root biomass on the electrical signal, probably because it is yet to be well understood. Recent research highlights the potential of frequency‐dependent impedance measurements. These methods target both surface and volumetric properties by activating and quantifying polarization mechanisms occurring at the root segment and cell scale at specific frequencies. The spectroscopic approach opens up a range of applications. Nevertheless, understanding electrical signatures at the field scale requires significant understanding of small‐scale polarization and conduction mechanisms. Improved mechanistic soil–root electrical models, validated with small‐scale electrical measurements on root systems, are necessary to make further progress in ramping up the precision and accuracy of multi‐electrode tomographic techniques for root zone investigation.
Towards the Optimization of eDNA/eRNA Sampling Technologies for Marine Biosecurity Surveillance

The field of eDNA is growing exponentially in response to the need for detecting rare and invasive species for management and conservation decisions. Developing technologies and standard protocols within the biosecurity sector must address myriad challenges associated with marine environments, including salinity, temperature, advective and deposition processes, hydrochemistry and pH, and contaminating agents. These approaches must also provide a robust framework that meets the need for biosecurity management decisions regarding threats to human health, environmental resources, and economic interests, especially in areas with limited clean-laboratory resources and experienced personnel. This contribution aims to facilitate dialogue and innovation within this sector by reviewing current approaches for sample collection, post-sampling capture and concentration of eDNA, preservation, and extraction, all through a biosecurity monitoring lens.
Lingonberries (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L) and blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) contain discrete epicatechin anthocyanin derivatives linked by ethyl bridges

BACKGROUND: Lingonberries have been associated with a range of potential bioactivities related to their polyphenol content and composition, in particular anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin derivatives. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to examine the anthocyanin composition of extracts of lingonberry and related Vaccinium berries with respect to previously unidentified anthocyanin-like components. METHODS: Extracts were prepared from lingonberries, blueberries and a commercial cranberry juice product and examined
Availability of workplace policy for prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 and its relationship with personal protection behaviours: A survey of employees

Background: The evolving pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a severe threat to public health, and the workplace presents high risks in terms of spreading the disease. Few studies have focused on the impact of workplace policy on individual behaviours. This study aimed to examine the relationship of workplace guidelines and measures with employees’ behaviours regarding COVID-19 prevention. Methods: A cross-sectional survey using an online questionnaire was conducted to gather employees’ access to workplace guidelines and measures as well as their personal protection behaviours. Statistical associations between these two factors in different occupations were examined using multiple ordinal logistic regressions. Results: A total of 1048 valid questionnaires across five occupational groups were analysed. Manual labourers reported lower availability of workplace guidelines and measures (76.9% vs. 89.9% for all, P = 0.003). Employees with available workplace guidelines and measures performed personal protection behaviours with higher frequency, and this association was more significant among managers/administrators and manual labourers. Conclusions: Awareness about the disease and pandemic among employers and administrators should be promoted, and resources should be allocated to publish guidelines and implement measures in the workplace. Manual labourers may require specific attention regarding accessibility of relevant information, given their poorer experience of workplace policy and their work nature. Governments should guide the establishment of appropriate policies and responses at the workplace level. Further studies are needed to test the effectiveness of specific workplace policies on COVID-19 prevention.
Analisis Faktor yang Mempengaruhi Perilaku Masyarakat untuk Berpartisipasi dalam Program Citarum Harum

Perilaku masyarakat yang berada pada Daerah Aliran Sungai (DAS) sungai citarum dalam membuang sampah, memberikan pengaruh secara langsung terhadap kerusakan dan pencemaran yang dialami oleh sungai citarum. Maka dari itu, program citarum harum diharapkan mampu mengubah perilaku masyarakat DAS Citarum terutama dari segi pengelolaan sampah. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui faktor-faktor yang memengaruhi dan secara signifikan berpengaruh terhadap behavioral intention (niat perilaku) masyarakat DAS citarum untuk mewujudkan citarby theum harum. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan survei melalui kuesioner kepada 170 responden. Setelah dilakukan pengumpulan data, kemudian data tersebut diolah menggunakan metode Partial Least Square (PLS) dengan software SmartPLS 3.0. Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa faktor Perceived Behavioral Control (PBC), Incentive Measure (IM), dan Personal Norms (PN) secara signifikan berpengaruh positif terhadap Behavioral Intention (BI) masing-masing sebesar 16,3%, 15,9%, dan 19,1%. Sedangkan faktor Environment Theory Knowledge (ETK) dan Environment Practice Knowledge memberikan pengaruh terhadap Attitude Toward the Behavior (ATT) untuk berpartisipasi dalam mewujudkan citarum harum masing-masing sebesar 38,4% dan 21,7%.
Comparisons of chest computed tomography patterns between survivors and non-survivors with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): a case-control study

Objectives To compare the chest computed tomography (CT) findings between survivors and non-survivors with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Materials and Methods Between 12 January 2020 to 20 February 2020, the records of 124 consecutive patients diagnosed with COVID-19 were retrospectively reviewed and divided into survivor (83/124) and non-survivor (41/124) groups. Chest CT findings were qualitatively compared on admission and serial chest CT scans were semi-quantitively evaluated between two groups using curve estimations.Results Elder age (median: 69 vs. 43y, p<0.001), higher male ratio (31/41 vs. 32/83, p<0.001), and more comorbidities were observed in non-survivor group. On admission, significantly more bilateral (97.6% vs. 73.5%, p=0.005) and diffuse lesions (39.0% vs. 8.4%, p<0.001) with higher total CT score (median: 10 vs. 4) were observed in non-survivor group compared with survivor group. Besides, crazy-paving pattern was more predominant in non- survivor group than survivor group (39.0% vs. 12.0%, p=0.004). From the prediction of curve estimation, in survivor group total CT score increased in the first 20 days reaching the peak of 6 points and then gradual decreased for more than other 40 days (R2=0.545, p<0.001). In non- survivor group, total CT score rapidly increased over 10 points in the first 10 days and gradually increased afterwards until ARDS occurred with following death events (R2=0.711, p<0.001). Conclusions Persistent progression with predominant crazy-paving pattern was the major manifestation of COVID-19 in non-survivors. Understanding this CT feature could help the clinical physician to predict the prognosis of the patients.
Dose-Response Effect of Exogenous Enzymes Treatment of Tomato and Watermelon Crop Byproducts on In vitro Nutrient Degradability and Rumen Fermentation Kinetics

| This study aimed to investigate the potential of exogenous enzymes treatment of tomato and watermelon crop byproducts (TCB and WCB, respectively) on gas production, rumen fermentation characteristics, and feed degradability using in vitro gas production method. Four different concentrations (0, 6, 12, and 24 mg/g) of ENZ were added with the substrate (TCB and WCB) inside the incubation tubes. Berseem hay substrate was used as a positive control. The results of chemical analyses of TCB and WCB showed that most of the nutrients are lower than those in berseem hay. The untreated WCB and TCB displayed a significant reduction in cumulative gas production (GP), microbial crude protein, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA), nutrient degradability, net energy (NE), and metabolizable energy (ME) contents. Still, they increased the partitioning factor value in comparison with berseem hay. However, increased GP, SCFA, ME, and NE with increasing ENZ levels were observed in both crop residues with a significant effect at the level of 24 mg/g. Also, the application of ENZ enhanced the degradation of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), and crude fiber (CF) compared with untreated WCB and TCB. All ENZ levels did not elicit any significant alterations in the ruminal pH, NH3–N concentration, and protozoa count. Conclusively, the results suggest that treatment of crop residues with ENZ, especially at 24 mg/g DM, could have the potential to improve the efficiency of feed utilization fed to ruminants, as evidenced by better gas production, in vitro DM, CF, and CP degradability.
Harvesting, Trade and Impact of Logging Pterocarpus Erinaceous in Bali LGA of Taraba State, Nigeria

This study investigated the harvesting, trade and impact of logging Pterocarpus erinaceous in Bali local government area of Taraba State, Nigeria. Two study sites selected were: Mai-Labari in Garba Chede and Bayan Dutse in Bali town all in Bali LGA. The study was carried out to: identify reasons for the harvest of Pterocarpus erinaceous K , examine the environmental effect and impact of logging Pterocarpus erinaceous in the study area. Data was generated through research questionnaire, interview, and physical observations of the major sites and key informants who were fully involved in the logging and trading of Pterocarpus erinaceous . The findings showed that, the high exploitation of Pterocarpus erinaceous K is like a „rush for gold‟ because harvesting of the log wood provides employment opportunities to the unemployed youths in the area; environmental effects, illegal logging has been identified as the main driver of degradation and loss of forests in the area. Also high incidence of absconding of bees from their beehives was observed. This was attributed to noise pollution from chainsaw activities and felling of shade and foraging trees. Residual waste left by loggers served as ready fuel for the wild fires during the dry season. Despite the enactment of the act forbidding indiscriminate tree felling in State, harvesting and trading of Pterocarpus erinaceous is still ongoing in the interior areas. Finding also showed that, Artificial intelligence has made monitoring illegal activities in the forest easier. With drones, aerial survey and snapshots of hundreds of acres of forests within few hours is feasible. The results of the study shows that an individual cuts down 3 trees stands of P. erinaceus daily and this gives an estimates of 15 trees weekly, 60 trees monthly and 720 stand yearly per individual. The logging activity is at an alarming rate. This result is in line with the findings of FAO (2006) which stated that Nigeria was considered the highest deforested country from 1990 to 2010; Nigeria has lost 55.7% of its primary forest with an average yearly loss rate of 409,700 hectares due to logging.
Remaining Useful Life Assessment for Lithium-Ion Batteries Using CNN-LSTM-DNN Hybrid Method

The prediction of a Lithium-ion battery's lifetime is very important for ensuring safety and reliability. In addition, it is utilized as an early warning system to prevent the battery's failure. Recent advance in Machine Learning (ML) is an enabler for new data-driven estimation approaches. In this paper, we suggest a hybrid method, named the CNN-LSTM-DNN, which is a combination of Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), Long Short Term Memory (LSTM), and Deep Neural Networks (DNN), for the estimation of the battery's remaining useful life (RUL) and improving prediction accuracy with acceptable execution time. A comparison against various ML estimation algorithms is carried out to show the superiority of the proposed hybrid estimation approach. For that, three statistical indicators, i.e., the MAE, R², and RMSE, are selected to assess numerically the prediction results. Experimental validation is performed using two datasets of different lithium-ion batteries from NASA and CALCE. Thus, results reveal that hybrid methods perform better than the single ones, also the effectiveness of the suggested method in reducing the prediction error and in achieving better RUL prediction performance compared to the other methods.
Initial Mechanisms for an Overall Behavior of Lignin Pyrolysis through Large-Scale ReaxFF Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Initial reaction mechanisms of lignin pyrolysis were studied by large-scale ReaxFF molecular dynamics simulations (ReaxFF MD) facilitated by the first GPU-enabled code (GMD-Reax) and the unique reaction analysis tool (VARxMD). Simulations were performed over wide temperature ranges both for heat up at 300–2100 K and for NVT at 500–2100 K with a large lignin model, which contained 15920 atoms and was constructed based on Adler’s softwood lignin model. By utilizing the relatively continuous observation for pyrolysate evolution in slow heat up simulations, three stages for lignin pyrolysis are proposed by pyrolysate fractions. The underlying mechanisms for the three stages are revealed by analyzing the species structure evolution and the reactions of linkages, aryl units, propyl chains, and methoxy substituents. Stage I is characterized with the complete decomposition of source lignin molecules at low temperatures dominated by breaking of α-O-4 and β-O-4 linkages. The temperature in stage II is relatively hi.
Effectiveness of the self-retrieval basketing technique for stone extraction during flexible ureteroscopy for urolithiasis

Background To assess the safety and effectiveness of using the self-retrieval basketing technique by solo surgeon as a method for stone extraction during flexible ureteroscopy (f-URS) for urolithiasis. Methods This retrospective study enrolled patients with urinary calculus who underwent f-URS at two institutions in Japan between September 2014 and November 2019. A total of 100 cases were performed by one experienced surgeon using the self-retrieval basketing technique. With this approach, the f-URS apparatus was manipulated with the nondominant hand and the basket catheter was manipulated with the dominant hand. The self-retrieval basketing technique employed two parts—specifically, a “front catch” and “side catch” to gather fragmented stones visible in the front and side of the ureteroscopic view, respectively. We retrospectively examined perioperative results, complications, and the stone free rate (with “stone-free” defined as ≤ 2 mm with kidney ureter bladder (KUB) 1 month after f-URS) to estimate the safety and effectiveness for comparison with results of the conventional retrieval basketing technique. Results Among our study population, the median stone size was 14 mm and the median operative time was 80 minutes. A stone free status was achieved in 87 patients (87%). The median stone fragmentation time was 16 minutes and the stone retrieval time was 32 minutes. All included cases were completed with the self-retrieval basketing technique. Complications related to stone retrieval were identified in two cases (2%); the degree of ureter injury being Clavien grade IIIa. There were no intraoperative complications such as heavy hematuria not to detect ureteral mucosa. Conclusions The self-retrieval basketing technique is safe and effective for the extraction of stone fragments during f-URS for urolithiasis. The self-retrieval basketing technique does not require assistance for basketing; therefore, f-URS with active retrieval basketing could be completed by solo surgeon.
Effects of pH and storage temperatures on antibacterial activity of bacteriocin produced by lactic acid bacteria isolated from ogi.

Aims: Lactic acid bacteria are important organisms recognized for their fermentative ability. They produce various compounds including bacteriocins which are proteinaceous antimicrobial compounds. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the lactic acid bacterial content of ogi, extract crude bacteriocin from the lactic acid bacterial isolate(s) and determine the effects of pH and storage temperature on the antimicrobial properties of the crude bacteriocin extract. Study Design: The study was designed to isolate and characterise lactic acid bacteria from ogi, thereafter extract crude bacteriocins from the isolates and then determine the antibacterial activities of the bacteriocins so extracted against some known indicator organisms. Place and Duration of Study: Ogi samples were purchased from vendors who hawk it around the Benson Idahosa University campus and the study was done at the Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, Benson Idahosa University, Benin City, Nigeria; between Short Communication Ohenhen et al.; BMRJ, 9(3): 1-9, 2015; Article no.BMRJ. 13471 2 October 2012 and June 2013. Methodology: Preliminary isolation and characterization of lactic acid bacteria was done using standard microbiological methods after which the bacteriocins were extracted by propagating in 500ml MRS broth (pH 7.0 glucose 0.25% w/v) and incubated for 72 h at 30oC under anaerobic conditions. Extract was obtain by centrifuging cultures at 10,000 rpm for 20 min. Antimicrobial activity of the extract was determined using agar well diffusion method. Indicator organisms utilized were; Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The effects of pH and storage temperatures of the crude bacteriocin, on the antimicrobial properties were determined using standard methods. Results: Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus fermentum and Lactobacillus jensenii were the lactic acid bacteria species isolated and identified from the Ogi samples. Lactobacillus plantarum had the highest zone of inhibition during the screening test for antibacterial activity and was used to produce the bacteriocins used for the subsequent tests. At pH 2, there was a high antimicrobial activity but at pH 10, there was no antimicrobial activity. Crude bacteriocin extract stored at -20oC also showed the highest antimicrobial activity. Conclusion: This study has established that Ogi is a viable source of several lactobacilli which are capable of producing several antimicrobial compounds such as bacteriocins. It also established that bacteriocins recovered from Lactobacillus plantarum have a potent antimicrobial activity against a variety of both diarrhoeagenic and spoilage bacterial.
Properties of different silage maize hybrids

The aim of this study was to observe the properties of ten maize hybrids from Serbia including agronomic traits, lignocellulosic fibre composition and in vitro dry matter digestibility. Five yellow kernel dent hybrids and five analogue red kernel hybrids were used in this study to evaluate the agronomic traits, dry matter content of the whole plant, lignocellulosic fibre composition, ratios between different fibres, in vitro dry matter and NDF digestibility. Correlation coefficients between the investigated traits of the maize hybrids were assessed. Even though the results of our study showed variations regarding nutritional composition of the whole maize plant between the investigated maize hybrids, the hybrid and the differences in kernel colour (yellow or red) did not considerably affect the properties that influence quality of the maize hybrids for silage production. The highest IVDMD was determined in yellow kernel hybrid ZP 388, while the maximum NDFD was detected in the red kernel hybrid ZP 606red which also showed the lowest ADL/NDF and ADF/NDF ratios. The results indicate that all of the hybrids used in this study are good candidates for the production of high-quality silage for ruminant nutrition.
Primary and secondary aerosols in Beijing in winter: sources, variations andprocesses

Abstract. Winter has the worst air pollution of the year in the megacity of Beijing. Despite extensive winter studies in recent years, our knowledge of the sources, formation mechanisms and evolution of aerosol particles is not complete. Here we have a comprehensive characterization of the sources, variations and processes of submicron aerosols that were measured by an Aerodyne high-resolution aerosol mass spectrometer from 17 December 2013 to 17 January 2014 along with offline filter analysis by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Our results suggest that submicron aerosols composition was generally similar across the winter of different years and was mainly composed of organics (60 %), sulfate (15 %) and nitrate (11 %). Positive matrix factorization of high- and unit-mass resolution spectra identified four primary organic aerosol (POA) factors from traffic, cooking, biomass burning (BBOA) and coal combustion (CCOA) emissions as well as two secondary OA (SOA) factors. POA dominated OA, on average accounting for 56 %, with CCOA being the largest contributor (20 %). Both CCOA and BBOA showed distinct polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) spectral signatures, indicating that PAHs in winter were mainly from coal combustion (66 %) and biomass burning emissions (18 %). BBOA was highly correlated with levoglucosan, a tracer compound for biomass burning (r2 = 0.93), and made a considerable contribution to OA in winter (9 %). An aqueous-phase-processed SOA (aq-OOA) that was strongly correlated with particle liquid water content, sulfate and S-containing ions (e.g. CH2SO2+) was identified. On average aq-OOA contributed 12 % to the total OA and played a dominant role in increasing oxidation degrees of OA at high RH levels (> 50 %). Our results illustrate that aqueous-phase processing can enhance SOA production and oxidation states of OA as well in winter. Further episode analyses highlighted the significant impacts of meteorological parameters on aerosol composition, size distributions, oxidation states of OA and evolutionary processes of secondary aerosols.