Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Competition and monopoly in the U.S. economy: What do the industrial concentration data show?

A recent series of academic studies, think-tank reports, and news articles shows widespread attention to rising industrial concentration and market power in the U.S. economy. In this paper, we focus on concentration in the U.S. nonfinancial corporate sector to make three contributions to the literature. First, we use examples from the debate on industrial concentration to show that there are often-divergent predictions in the theoretical literature surrounding the expected consequences of concentration and monopolization for nonfinancial firms. Second, we use industry-level concentration data to describe recent trends in average concentration. We show that, while concentration increases across the majority of industries after the late 1990s, the retail and information-services sectors are particularly key for understanding recent trends in average industrial concentration. Third, we link our industry-level analysis with firm-level data to describe the relationship between industrial concentration and nonfinancial corporations’ profitability, markups, and investment. Consistent with the ambiguities in the theoretical literature, we find that these relationships are not uniform: while some highly concentrated industries confirm standard expectations with high markups, high profitability, and low investment rates, other highly concentrated industries earn lower-than-average markups and profits, suggesting that – in some industries – increased concentration and intensified competition may go hand in hand.
From Nar Nar Goon to Koo Wee Rup: Can Participatory Food Policy Making Processes Contribute to Healthier and Fairer Food Systems in the Australian Municipal Context? A Case Study from Cardinia Shire, Melbourne

ABSTRACT Cardinia Shire is experiencing a range of social and health challenges, many of which could be addressed by a healthier food system. This research documents the conception, design and implementation of a participatory food policy making process used by Cardinia Shire Council in the development of its first food strategy. Ethnographic research involving participant observation in Kitchen Table Conversations, as well as interviews with key informants, documents the development of this policy from a variety of perspectives. Using a case study approach, this paper explores how a participatory food policy making process can contribute to a healthier food system.
The Microbiota of Edam Cheeses Determined by Cultivation and High-Throughput Sequencing of the 16S rRNA Amplicon

The aim of this study was to evaluate the microbiome of industrially produced ripened Edam cheeses by next-generation sequencing. The samples for analyses were collected in spring and autumn. Spring samples were characterized by significantly higher Lactococcus and Bacillus counts and lower counts of Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococcus, and yeasts than autumn samples. The predominant microorganisms identified by the Illumina high-throughput sequencing technology belonged to four phyla: Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes. The dominant species were starter culture bacteria. Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus kefiri, Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens, Lactobacillus casei, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Bifidobacterium had the highest share of microbial cheese communities. The number of γ-Proteobacteria reads was higher in autumn cheese samples. A high number of reads was also noted in the genus Clostridium. The counts of spore-forming bacteria of the genus Bacillus were higher in cheeses produced in spring. The study revealed highly similar relationships between the analyzed production periods. The present results contribute to the existing knowledge of cheese microbiota, and they can be used to improve and modify production processes based on the composition of microbial communities, as well as to improve the quality of the final product.
The Multidimensional Structure of Interest

There is increasing attention for interest as a powerful, complex, and integrative construct, ranging in appearance from entirely momentary states of interest to longer-term interest pursuits. Developmental models have shown how these situational interests can develop into individual interests over time. As such, these models have helped to integrate more or less separate research traditions and focus the attention of the field more on the developmental dynamics. This, however, also raises subsequent questions, one being how development can be understood in terms of interest structure. The developmental models seem to suggest that development occurs roughly along the line of six dimensions, which we summarize as the dimensions of historicity, value, agency, frequency, intensity, and mastery. Using an experience sampling method that was implemented in a smartphone application, we prompted 94 adolescents aged 13 to 16 (60% female) to rate each interest they experienced during two weeks on these six dimensions. A latent profile analysis on 1247 interests showed six distinct multidimensional patterns, indicating both a homogeneous and heterogeneous structure of interest. Four homogeneous patterns were indicated by more or less equal levels on all six dimensions in varying degrees, and contained 86% of the interests. Two heterogeneous patterns were found, describing variations of interest that are interpreted and discussed. These results endorse the complexity of the construct of interest and provide suggestions for identifying different manifestations of interest.
Monitoring BTEX compounds and asbestos fibers in the ambient air of Tehran, Iran: Seasonal variations, spatial distribution, potential sources, and risk assessment

ABSTRACT The toxic air pollutants such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX) as well as asbestos are considered hazardous because of their role in adverse impacts on human health. Accordingly, this research was conducted to evaluate the levels, seasonal variations, spatial mapping, potential sources, and health risk assessment of BTEX compounds as well as asbestos fibres in the ambient air of Tehran. Air samples were collected by the NIOSH1501 method at 15 different sample stations from March 2018 to February 2019. Charcoal glass tube was used to collect samples and BTEX concentration was further determined using GC-FID method. The sampling of asbestos fibres was carried out via a low volume peripheral pump with analysis performed according to the NIOSH 7400 method via phase contrast microscopy (PCM). The findings showed that the mean±SD concentrations of ∑BTEX were 33.44 ± 11.77 and 59.97 ± 33.76 µg/m3 in warm and cold seasons, respectively. It was 1.46 × 10−3 and 2.31 × 10−3 fibre/ml for asbestos in the warm and cold seasons, respectively. The spatial mapping indicated that the maximum levels of both pollutants were observed in sampling sites S1, S11, and S15, which were located close to factories downtown (S1) and heavy traffic roads (S11 and S15). The mean inhalation lifetime cancer risk (LTCR) value for benzene was 1.64 × 10−5, which was higher than US EPA and WHO recommended limits. Further, the excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) suggested that the exposure to asbestos fibre in Tehran would cause the risk of developing cancer in 0.5 to 3.53 people per every 1000 individuals. Hence, much suitable managing strategies are required to control the concentration of these pollutants in the ambient air of Tehran.
Which is a better chelating agent in beluga, Huso huso (L.), coriander, Coriandrum sativum, or active charcoal?

To compare the chelating effect of coriander, Coriandrum sativum, and active charcoal on beluga, Huso huso , a total of 270 beluga (260±2 g) were initially fed with a diet containing 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 g of coriander and charcoal per kg of diet for 60 days. The fish were then subjected to 1 mg/L of heavy metals (lead, cadmium, and copper) for seven days. The best growth and feeding performances before and after challenging with heavy metals were observed in fish fed with 15 g/kg active charcoal. Also, the best growth performance before challenging with heavy metals was observed in fish fed with 5 and 10 g/kg coriander followed by fish fed with 10 and 15 g/kg coriander after the challenging stage. The growth and nutritional efficiency were better in coriander than the charcoal treatments, especially in the pre-challenge stage. No mortalities were observed in charcoal treatments at all. While mortality occurred only in fish fed with 20 g/kg coriander in the first stage, a 100% survival rate was observed only in the second stage of fish fed with 10 g/kg coriander. In both stages of the experiment, the highest percentages of carcass protein and lipid were obtained in fish fed with 10 g/kg coriander and 15 g/kg of charcoal. Also, the lowest ash and the highest moisture were related to the control group. The amounts of protein and ash were higher in carbon treatments while the amounts of lipid and moisture were higher in coriander treatments. Minimum amounts of cadmium, copper, and lead were obtained in fish fed with 15 and 20 g/kg charcoal and coriander. The concentration of the heavy metals was significantly lower in fish fed with carbon ( P <0.05). Therefore, 5-10 g/kg coriander is a better additive in low heavy metal concentration. But in an environment with a higher concentration of heavy metals, adding 15 g/kg active charcoal to beluga diet is recommended.
PHENOLOGY OF Anacardium occidentale (ANACARDIACEAE) AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH CLIMATIC FACTORS

Phenology of Anacardium occidentale (Anacardiaceae) and its relationship with climatic factor. Anacardium occidentale (Anacardiaceae) is a species of great economic importance for central-west Brazil and few studies have been published on its phenology. This study aimed to describe the reproductive phenology of an A. occidentale population in Montes Claros de Goias, state of Goias, Brazil. The following phenophases were recorded monthly in 20 A. occidentale individuals between June 2012 and July 2015: flower bud, anthesis, underripe fruit, and ripe fruit. Data were analyzed using the Fournier index, presence-absence method, Spearman correlation, and circular statistics. Flowering and fruiting were synchronous in the dry season and the two events ended with the onset of the rains, resulting in a negative significant correlation between flowering and rainfall (r s = −0,73) and a positive significant correlation between fruiting and temperature (r s = 0,7). All reproductive events showed a seasonal pattern.
Revisiting the palaeoenvironmental and climatic history of the Cherangani Hills using fungal spores

Fungi are highly sensitive to environmental and climatic changes. Palaeoecological reconstructions utilising tropical African fungal spores, however, are rare and patchy. Here, we show that fossil fungal spores preserved in core KAP‐01 from the Cherangani Hills in Kenya tracks critical environmental changes in the African tropics since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), largely synchronous with observations in the pollen record from the same site. Consistent with the pollen record, the presence of fungal taxa in the record, albeit meagre, during the LGM point to an intermittent wetter Cherangani that allowed for the presence of the observed taxa and the prevalence of cool, dry conditions during the last deglaciation. The elevated fungal spore activity during the Late Holocene is evidence for warm, moist environmental conditions and broadly consistent with the pollen record. These different fungal spore taxa, which can be employed to track distinct environmental conditions and processes, provide a dimension that can be overlooked if the reconstruction of the palaeoenvironment were to rely solely on pollen. Thus the fungal spore record enables us to affirm the interpretation of the prevalence of warm, moist conditions evident from such as the Holocene pollen record.
Transforming plans into community impact: Strategic planning as service-learning in public and nonprofit administration graduate programs

Service-learning is highly praised as a successful pedagogical tool for students’ learning. Benefits are attributed to students, the university, and the community. However, the literature also cautions that the benefits of service-learning are largely assumed without empirical testing, warranting a closer review of this pedagogical method. The purpose of this research is to investigate how previously identified service-learning best practices affect the level of strategic impact for community partners. The study utilizes the rich and varied 20-year history of a strategic planning service-learning course at the University of Central Florida School of Public Administration to test these relationships, producing evidence to demonstrate that group team structure and the designation of a service-learning director do indeed improve partner outcomes while longer semesters and greater organizational capacity may not. Ultimately, the study endorses a programmatic approach to service-learning that transcends a particular assignment or course, requiring significant attention, investment, and evaluation to ensure positive community impact—especially in cases where broader university service-learning resources are lacking.
Spearmint (Mentha spicata L.) essential oil from tipaza (Algeria): in vivo anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities in experimental animal models

Introduction: Although analgesic and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are usually used to treat a diversity of illnesses, their administration is linked with acute kidney injury and gastrointestinal side effects. The research of new biomolecules and natural products is still needed such as medicinal plants. Aims: The present research was aimed to investigate, for the first time, the anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects of spearmint essential oil (SEO) in mouse models of acute inflammation and pain. Materials and Method: Chemical analysis of SEO was done by gas chromatography. The anti-inflammatory activity was tested using two models of acute inflammation namely carrageenan-induced paw edema and xylene-induced ear edema. Histological examination of both non-inflamed and inflamed tissues was evaluated. The anti-nociceptive activity was tested using the pain model induced by
Investigation of Non-Methane Hydrocarbons at a Central Adriatic Marine Site Mali Lošinj, Croatia

For the first time, volatile hydrocarbons were measured in Croatia, at Mali Lošinj in the period from autumn 2004 to autumn 2005. Mali Lošinj site is conveniently located as a gateway to Croatia for any potential pollution from either Po valley in Italy, or other locations in southern Europe or even Africa. The sampling was performed on multisorbent tubes and then analyzed by thermal desorption gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector. The aim was to determine and estimate the non-methane hydrocarbons in Mali Lošinj, a location with Mediterranean vegetation and species which emit large quantities of volatile organic compounds. Ozone volume fraction and meteorological parameters were also continuously measured, from April to October 2005. Ethane, ethene, ethyne, propane, propene, n-pentane, n-hexane, benzene and toluene were identified in all air samples. Benzene and toluene have been found in ambient air and significant positive correlations between ethyne and ethane, propane and propene indicate emissions from transport.
Somatostatin-Expressing Interneurons Co-Release GABA and Glutamate onto Different Postsynaptic Targets in the Striatum

The functional contribution of somatostatin-expressing interneurons (SST-INs) to the synaptic organization of the striatum is poorly understood. Using electrophysiological recordings, optogenetic stimulation, and single-cell PCR analysis, we investigated functional patterns of synaptic connectivity in striatal SST-INs expressing channelrhodopsin-2. Photostimulation of these cells induced both glutamatergic excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) and GABAergic inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) in striatal spiny projection neurons (SPNs) and fast-spiking interneurons (FSIs). The two synaptic components showed equally fast onset latencies, suggesting a mechanism of co-transmission. Accordingly, single-cell PCR analysis revealed that individual striatal SST-INs expressed mRNAs for both glutamate and GABA vesicular transporters (VGLUT1 and VGAT, respectively). During relatively prolonged optical stimuli (0.5-1s), IPSC arrays consistently outlasted EPSCs. As a result, photostimulation of SST-INs caused a transient burst of action potentials followed by a prolonged inhibition in postsynaptic cells. These data suggest that striatal SST-INs are specialized to locally project synapses exerting a composite excitatory and inhibitory effect through GABA/glutamate co-transmission onto different postsynaptic targets.
What Do You (Really) Meme? Pandemic Memes as Social Political Repositories

Abstract The commentary examines coronavirus memes circulating around forms of generational conflict that have risen from experiences of self-isolation. Employing participant-observation methods within online spaces of meme circulation, the commentary analyzes the political, social, and affective aspects of the memes considered. The commentary offers insight into how we operationalize our social media spaces in times of deep uncertainty in order collectively bring differing experiences and perspectives into a contingent, shifting, and affectively constituted public sphere.
The Gender Pay Gap in Urology.

INTRODUCTION Female physicians earn less than males in every medical specialty. We sought to determine whether a pay gap existed in urology and explore potential associated factors. METHODS We used 2,323 responses to the 2017 American Urological Association census to represent all 12,517 U.S. urologists. We limited analysis to ages 34 to 65 and matched on years in practice. We explored the association between self-reported salary (more than $350,000 vs less than $350,000) and gender using multivariable logistic regression adjusted for age and practice. RESULTS On bivariate analysis males were more likely to make more than $350,000 (56.9% vs 39.7%, p=0.01). There were no gender differences in weekly clinical (43.1 female vs 46.9 male, p=0.13) or nonclinical hours (7.9 female vs 9.1 male, p=0.23). Men do more inpatient procedures per month (7.8 vs 5.6, p=0.02) and more patient visits per week (78.4 vs. 68.4, p=0.04). Women spent more time with each patient (17.6 vs 14.9 minutes, p <0.01). On unadjusted logistic regression men were more likely to earn more than $350,000 (OR 2.01, p=0.02). On multivariable regression, gender was no longer significant (OR 1.59, p=0.11). Factors associated with earning more than $350,000 include more clinical/fewer nonclinical hours, shorter/more office visits, more inpatient surgeries, private practice, subspecialty training, Northeast location and nonWhite race. CONCLUSIONS This analysis suggests a gender pay gap. While men and women work equal hours, women urologists are more likely to work in less profitable settings, perform fewer inpatient procedures and see fewer patients. Future research needs to understand whether women choose these practices or whether external factors compel them to do so.
Response of soil characteristics and bacterial communities to nitrogen fertilization gradients in a coastal salt‐affected agroecosystem

Understanding the relationship between fertilization and soil bacterial communities in a salt‐affected environment is essential for alleviating the adverse impact of excessive salinity on soil biochemical functioning. However, how soil bacterial communities respond to consecutive fertilization across nitrogen gradients in coastal agroecosystem has not yet been clarified. We conducted a field plot experiment with four nitrogen fertilization rates (0, 150, 300, and 450 kg N hm−2 yr−1) on coastal salt‐affected soil for three consecutive years. Temporal dynamics of soil chemical and microbial properties was characterized, and soil bacterial community composition against N fertilization rates was investigated using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Results indicated that consecutive N fertilization significantly increased soil organic carbon, total nitrogen (TN), available nitrogen (AN), available phosphorous, microbial biomass carbon (MBC), microbial biomass nitrogen and net nitrogen mineralization rate (NMR). N fertilization rates and cultivation years exhibited interactive effect on TN, AN, MBC and NMR. Soil bacterial community richness and diversity increased with the nitrogen rates. Predominant bacterial classes were Deltaproteobacteria, Anaerolineae, Alphaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Planctomycetia. Increasing nitrogen fertilization resulted in an elevation in the relative abundance of classes Alphaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, Planctomycetia and Nitrospira, and a decline in Anaerolineae, Acidobacteria_Gp6, Cytophagia, Bacilli and Acidobacteria_Gp10. Community composition of Alphaproteobacteria, Planctomycetia and Nitrospira was significantly associated with potential nitrification rate (PNR), whereas that of Actinobacteria was relevant to carbon mineralization rate. Results underlined that nitrogen fertilization improved nutrients, biochemical characteristics and metabolic activities to create more suitable bacterial microhabitats in the coastal agroecosystem.
Nitrogen and sulphur fertilization on yield and nutrient-uptake pattern of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) under Mollisols of Uttarakhand

A field experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) seasons of 2015–16 and 2016–17 at Pantnagar, district Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand, to study the effect of nitrogen and sulphur fertilization on yield and nutrientuptake pattern of ‘RGN 73’ Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj. & Cosson]. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with 2 factors, viz. Factor A (nitrogen 80, 120, 160 kg/ha) and Factor B (sulphur 0, 20, 40, 60 kg/ha). Each replication comprised 12 treatment combinations of different levels of nitrogen and sulphur and replicated thrice. Application of 120 kg N/ha in combination with 40 kg S/ha resulted in increased siliqua length, higher seeds/siliqua, 1, 000-seed weight and ultimately the seed yield over the control (80 kg N/ha and 0 kg S/ha), but was found at par with 160 kg N/ha and 60 kg S/ha. Increasing the levels of nitrogen up to 160 kg/ha significantly increased the uptake of nitrogen (65.49, 39.68 kg/ha), phosphorus (14.29, 20.56 kg/ha), potassium (19.59, 97.44 kg/ha), sulphur (9.46, 14.07kg/ha) and carbon (2482, 865 kg/ha) during both the years in the seed and stover of the crop compared with the control (80 kg N/ha). Among the different sulphur levels, 60 kg S/ha resulted in achieving significantly higher nutrient uptake in Indian mustard in 2015–16 and 2016–17. The cost of cultivation was found to be 2.10% and 2.17% lower with the combination 120 kg N/ha and 40 kg S/ha compared to 160 kg N/ha and 60 kg S/ha; hence it could be adopted for achieving higher yield levels and nutrient uptake in Indian mustard under Mollisols of Uttarakhand.
DNA Barcoding of Endangered Paphiopedilum species (Orchidaceae) of Peninsular Malaysia

In this study, the efficacy of four DNA markers and their combinations (rbcL, matK, ITS, trnH-psbA) as barcode markers were tested across the endangered Paphiopedilum species from Peninsular Malaysia. Four species of Paphiopedilum were sampled and barcoded. The DNA barcodes reliabilities were evaluated using NCBI BLASTn program, phylogenetic tree via Neighbour-Joining method with 1000 bootstrap replicates in MEGA 6 and barcoding gap assessment. matK is the most promising barcode with high sequence quality (100%), high accuracy in BLASTn (100%), clear resolution of species in Neighbour-Joining phylogenetic tree (100%) and a distinct barcoding gap followed by ITS, trnH-psbA and rbcL. The combination of barcode regions revealed the lack of variation in rbcL and trnH-psbA but they are still useful for preliminary identification followed up by matK for accurate identification.