Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relationship between Cash Flow, Bank Credit, Taxes, and Innovation

Specialized literature has centered on analyzing the relationship between the entrepreneur and innovation, since the former is considered to be a driver for innovation. However, there are other factors that can influence innovation that should be considered: business cash flow, because it uses its own resources to innovate; bank credit, the possibility of accessing external financing; and taxes, which account for a reduction in businesses’ cash flow when they increase. The objective of this article is to analyze the existing relationship between these factors and innovation and the latter with growth. To achieve this, an empirical study has been carried out using a Partial Least Square (PLS) estimation with eleven European countries.
Reinforcement Learning-Based Load Forecasting of Electric Vehicle Charging Station Using Q-Learning Technique

The electric vehicles’ (EVs) rapid growth can potentially lead power grids to face new challenges due to load profile changes. To this end, a new method is presented to forecast the EV charging station loads with machine learning techniques. The plug-in hybrid EVs (PHEVs) charging can be categorized into three main techniques (smart, uncoordinated, and coordinated). To have a good prediction of the future PHEV loads in this article, the Q-learning technique, which is a kind of the reinforcement learning, is used for different charging scenarios. The proposed Q-learning technique improves the forecasting of the conventional artificial intelligence techniques such as the recurrent neural network and the artificial neural network. Results prove that PHEV loads can accurately be forecasted by using the Q-learning technique under three different scenarios (smart, uncoordinated, and coordinated). The simulations of three different scenarios are obtained in the Keras open source software to validate the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed Q-learning technique.
Nitrogen requirement of sugar beet grown on mineral soils

SUMMARY The effect of nitrogen fertilizer on the yield of sugar beet was tested in 170 experiments done between 1957 and 1966; results of 88 experiments, some testing five and six amounts of N, have not previously been published. On most sites, nitrogen increased sugar yields sharply and almost linearly up to an optimum beyond which yield changed little or decreased only slightly up to 1·8 cwt N/acre, the largest amount tested. In the two series of experiments giving most information, the mean increase from sub-optimal amounts of N was 2·5 cwt sugar/0·1 cwt N/acre. Usually 0·4–0·8 cwt N/acre was enough for maximum yield; more was needed on a few sites and on about a fifth of them nitrogen fertilizer was not needed. In 7 of the 10 years, the average optimum was 0·6–0·8 cwt N/acre; less was needed in the other years, the driest three years of the decade. In most, though not all, years, site-to-site differences in response between 0·9 and 1·8 cwt N/acre were no greater than could be expected from experimental error alone; much of the apparent difference in response between seasons were also attributable to this source. After taking account of experimental error, there were substantial between-site differences in response to amounts of N up to 0·9 cwt/acre, but attempts to explain them in terms of weather, soil and husbandry factors had little success. There was slight evidence of diminished responses to N where sugar beet followed crops other than cereals, and of responses somewhat greater than average on Chalky Boulder Clay soils of the Hanslope and Stretham Series; no other relationships were large or consistent enough to be useful for prediction. As between-site differences in response are largely unpredictable, and because a grower risks much greater crop losses by applying too little N than by applying too much, the recommended dressing is 1·0 cwt N/acre, substantially more than is needed, on the average, to obtain maximum yield. More N should be given on soils of the Hanslope and Stretham Series and on light sands poor in organic matter; less need be applied where crop residues are likely to supply much nitrogen.
The first five years of the Italian‐Australian joint programme on the Adélie Penguin: An overview

Abstract About 2000 breeding pairs of Adélie penguin (Pygoscelis adeliaë) nest in Edmonson Point (Wood Bay, 74°21’ S, 165°10’ E). The penguin colony is located on a raised terrace, divided into 13 discrete small units or colonies separated by unoccupied areas, where South polar skua (Catharacta maccormicki) nest. Colony layout, breeding chronology, breeding success, diet, and foraging areas were studied for five consecutive austral summers. Satellite transmitters, time‐depth recorders, and electronic tagging were used for monitoring feeding behaviour and nest attendance. An Automated Penguin Monitoring System was installed which records weight, identity, and direction of penguins as they move between the sea and their breeding colony. So far, the results of this study are documentation on colony trends, breeding biology, and differences in foraging strategies at different stages of the reproductive period and during different study seasons.
Survival of short dental implants in atrophied jaw: a systematic review

Aim: Short implants are manufactured for use in atrophic regions of the jaw. Therefore, the current does not sufficiently reveal a direct correlation between the impact of implant length on implant survival. The purpose of this systematic review was to compile the evidence of short implant survival in atrophied jaws. Methods: Electronic and manual literature searches were performed by two independent reviewers in several databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register, for articles up to September 2015 using the following terms in some combinations: “short implant”, “mandible/atrophied jaws”, and “implant survival/ survival rate/ survival analysis”. Results: The 19 included studies present in average 5.5 years (range 1.0–20.0 years) follow-up and 96.1% (range 73.4–100.0 percent) survival rate of the short implants in atrophied mandibular. Conclusions: This systematic review found evidences regarding to safety of short implant placement in atrophied jaws although stronger evidence is essential to confirm this finding.
Are large frugivorous birds better seed dispersers than medium‐ and small‐sized ones? Effect of body mass on seed dispersal effectiveness

Abstract Frugivorous birds vary in seed dispersal effectiveness (SDE) depending on their body mass. It has been suggested that large birds are more effective dispersers than small ones because they consume a large number of fruits, disperse seeds of distinct sizes, and transport seeds over long distances. Yet, few studies have evaluated the impact of body mass on SDE of birds. In this study, we compiled one database for the quantity (i.e., frequency of visits to plants and number of seeds removed per visit) and quality (i.e., germination of seeds after gut passage and gut retention time of seeds) of seed dispersal by frugivorous birds to evaluate the impact of body mass on SDE. In addition, we compiled data on plant characteristics such as life‐form, fruit type, number of seeds per fruit, and size of seed to evaluate their influence on the quantity and quality of seed dispersal. Data were analyzed with linear mixed effects models and quantile regressions to evaluate the relationship between body mass of birds and quantity, quality, and SDE, in addition to the influence of plant characteristics on SDE. The body mass of birds was negatively related to the frequency of visits to plants. Furthermore, it was positively related to the number of seeds removed per visit, although negatively related to seed size. The life‐form of plants was the only factor explaining the germination of seeds after gut passage. Yet, the body mass of birds was positively related to the gut retention time of seeds. Small and medium birds have a relatively higher SDE than large birds. These results differ from the assertion that large birds are more effective dispersers of plants. Small and medium birds are also effective dispersers of plants that should be preserved and protected from the impact of human activities.
Novel Hybrid PETG Composites for 3D Printing

This paper is focused on the preparation of novel hybrid polymer composite materials for 3D filaments. As the reinforcing filler, expanded graphite, carbon fibers, and combinations thereof were used in various ratios up to 10%. The mechanical and thermal properties of virgin and recycled polyethylene phthalate glycol-modified (PETG) composite materials were determined. Almost all prepared composite materials were suitable for 3D printing and they have enhanced mechanical properties compared to the neat PETG matrices. Addition of the fillers to both polymer matrices has an only slight effect on the thermal stability, but the addition of carbon fibers significantly reduced the thermal expansion coefficient. The composites from cheaper recycled PETG have comparable properties to virgin PETG composites, which is of economic and ecological importance. New and cheaper materials can help expand 3D printing to manufacturing plants and the use of 3D printers for special applications.
MORPHOLOGICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES OF A POSITIVE PLANT INTERACTION

It is known that plants can create acceptable environments for other plant species that may be unable to physiologically adjust to harsh physical conditions in isolation. In this study, we explore the morphological and physiological responses of a positive interaction on a common New England salt marsh shrub, Iva frutescens L. In previous experiments, we have shown that Iva benefits from the presence of the black rush, Juncus gerardi Loisel. Juncus removal in the lower marsh caused increases in soil salinity and anoxia, which resulted in lower Iva biomass, growth, and survival. We hypothesize that the positive effect of Juncus on Iva is a consequence of (1) the turf morphology of Juncus shading soil surfaces, thereby minimizing salt accumulation, and (2) the increased soil oxygen content surrounding Juncus caused by radial oxygen loss from its rhizosphere. However, the specific morphological and physiological benefits conferred on Iva are un- known. We conducted experiments in the salt marsh to isolate the effects of Juncus neighbors, waterlogging, and salt water stress on Iva. We found that Iva, when exposed to salty, oxygen- deprived soil conditions created in the absence of Juncus, responded more negatively to salinity than waterlogging, although the interaction between salinity and waterlogging was often significant. Iva without neighbors showed decreases in plant height, leaf density, leaf area, and flower density compared to controls or plants with fresh-water additions. Leaves of Iva without neighbors responded to salt stress and waterlogging by increasing leaf thickness and succulence. The increase in soil salinity of plants without neighbors caused plants to have corre- spondingly low water potentials, indicating that they were severely water stressed. Phys- iologically, Iva plants had a low mean photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, water-use efficiency, and stomatal conductance compared to controls or Iva with fresh-water additions. Low water-use efficiency in Iva without neighbors was correlated with stomatal closure but also with high intercellular CO2 concentrations. The mechanisms behind this apparent anomaly may include both nonstomatal inhibition of photosynthesis as well as patchy stomatal closure, although it is uncertain which predominates from our data. Our results show that the presence of Juncus, with its superior ability to withstand waterlogging and salt stress, can create a hospitable environment for Iva, extending its distribution to lower intertidal habitats in which it does not have the morphological or physiological plasticity to normally cope.
Temperature effects on growth and maturity of butterfish (Pholis gunnellus) in Iceland

The effect of temperature on growth of butterfish, Pholis gunnellus on the west coast of Iceland was studied from September 1995 to March 1997. Butterfish were collected monthly at two sites with different temperature regimes. According to otolith readings butterfish can reach 12 years. The fish in the area with higher sea temperature were larger at all ages but had similar growth rates. Higher temperature seems to result in a shorter incubation time of butterfish eggs and/or higher growth rate of the larvae, leading to larger larvae size at settlement.
Dehydrated brewery residue for pigs in the growth phase under high temperature conditions

This research was developed to evaluate the nutritional, digestible (DE) and metabolizable (ME) energy values of dehydrated brewery residue (DBR) for growing pigs, as well as to evaluate the performance of these animals, subjected to five levels of DBR inclusion (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20%). The experimental design was of randomized blocks, based on animal weight. In the digestibility assay, 12 male piglets of average weight of 34.8±4.8 kg were utilized, while the performance assay had 40 piglets with average weight of 26.7±3.3 kg. Digestible and metabolizable protein values of dehydrated brewery residue for growing pigs reared in an environment of high temperatures were 22.47 and 22.06%, respectively, whereas digestible and metabolizable energy values of DBR were 3,371 and 3,364 kcal/kg, respectively. Dehydrated brewery residue can be included in diets for growing pigs up to the level of 20%.
Magnetic Sorbent for the Removal of Selenium(IV) from Simulated Industrial Wastewaters: Determination of Column Kinetic Parameters

A novel meso- and microporous tire-derived-carbon support with magnetic iron oxide nanoparticle adsorbents that selectively adsorbs Se(IV) ions from simulated contaminated water has been developed. In this work, the physicochemical characteristics of the composite adsorbent are characterized with respect to porosity and surface area, chemical composition, and microstructure morphology. The kinetics of this composite adsorbent in a fixed-bed setting has been determined. Several column runs were conducted and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) to determine the concentration gradient vs time. These results were then fit to a pseudo-second order rate law to obtain equilibrium values. Combining calculated equilibrium values with effluent concentration data, enabled the application of the Adams–Bohart model to determine reaction constants and column coefficients. Column parameters obtained from different flow rates and fittings of the Adams–Bohart model were remarkably consistent. These findings enable the application of this sorbent to fixed-bed column systems and opens up further research into mixed pollutants tests with real wastewater and scaling of selenium pollutant removal.
Long lengths of stay, large numbers, and trends of the Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa in rice fields during spring migration

Rice fields provide functional wetlands for declining shorebirds and other waterbirds around the world, but fundamental aspects of their stopover ecology in rice fields remain unknown. We estimated the length of stay of Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa migrating through rice fields, and showed the international importance of Extremadura’s rice fields (south-west Spain) for this Near Threatened shorebird species. Overall, large numbers of Black-tailed Godwits en route to their breeding grounds had long lengths of stay in the rice fields (34.7 ± 1.7, 14.4 ± 2.0 and 8.3 ± 1.2 days in godwits radio-tagged in late January, early February, and late February, respectively). The long lengths of stay of godwits in rice fields, together with some aspects of their feeding ecology, suggest that rice fields are suitable staging habitats, and therefore they could play an important role as buffer habitats against the loss or degradation of natural wetlands. Extremadura’s rice fields supported at least 14% of the declining Western European population of Black-tailed Godwit, and its increasing number in south-west Spain probably reflects a population shift towards the northern part of the winter range. We strongly suggest the inclusion of Extremadura’s rice fields as a Special Protection Area for birds under the European Union Directive on the conservation of wild birds.
The status of leaf feeding resistance and oviposition preference of Busseola fusca (Fuller) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) for sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) landraces

Sweet sorghums are readily attacked by Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) and Busseola fusca (Fuller) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and have potential for use as trap crops for these species. The aim of this study was to assess the status of stem-borer resistance of sweet sorghum landraces and also to determine if they could be used as trap crops for maize stem-borers. Four greenhouse experiments were conducted to evaluate indigenous sweet sorghum landraces for resistance to larval feeding by C. partellus and B. fusca. Plants were artificially infested with first instar larvae of C. partellus and B. fusca. Multiple-choice tests were conducted to determine oviposition preference among different landraces. All the landraces were highly susceptible to both stem-borer species. Some of the highest mean larval masses of B. fusca and C. partellus were recovered from the landraces Motale and Pataletso while some the lowest larval masses were recorded from Mariri and SA4481. These differences were, however, not statistically significant. These varieties were subsequently used in oviposition preference studies. No significant differences in the numbers of eggs per plant on the different sweet sorghum landraces were recorded for any of the stem-borer species. No significant differences were observed in the number of eggs laid by C. partellus on maize and sorghum landraces in any of the two-choice tests. However, B. fusca laid significantly more eggs on maize than on sorghum landraces. None of the sweet sorghum varieties holds promise as trap crop for stem-borers on maize.
Methanogenic archaea in adult human faecal samples are inversely related to butyrate concentration

Background: We have examined the relationship between the presence and numbers of methanogenic archaea in the faeces of humans and levels of the short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), especially butyrate, to gain insight into factors that may influence bowel health. In doing so, we have carried out the first cultivation-independent, molecular analysis of methanogen diversity and abundance in the human gastrointestinal tract. Materials and methods: The faeces of eight healthy individuals on their normal diets were collected weekly over a 12 week period. DNA was extracted from the faeces and PCR-based assays, using methanogen-specific 16S rRNA gene primer sets, were used in conjunction with denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) to identify and enumerate methanogens present. Results: Methanogens were detected in all faecal samples from five of the eight individuals tested. Three distinct methanogen phylotypes were found, with two or three phylotypes present in some individuals. DNA sequencing of DGGE bands indicated that all phylotypes were closely related to Methanobrevibacter smithii (99–100%). Real-time PCR analyses revealed that faecal methanogen numbers varied significantly between individuals and over time by up to two orders of magnitude. Concentrations of acetate, butyrate and propionate in faeces also varied significantly between individuals and with time. There was a negative correlation between mean faecal butyrate concentration and methanogen abundance (R = − 0.729, p<0.05, n=8), but no significant relationship existed for acetate, propionate or total SCFAs, and no relationship was found between total bacterial abundance and pH, SCFA concentration or methanogen abundance. Conclusion: As butyrate appears to be an important mediator of colonic health, the inverse relationship with methanogens uncovered here suggests that methanogens may be useful biomarkers of bowel health.
Thickness Effect on Microstructure, Strength, and Toughness of a Quenched and Tempered 178 mm Thickness Steel Plate

We investigate here the thickness effect on microstructures and mechanical properties of a quenched and tempered 178 mm thickness ASTM A517 GrQ steel. The microstructures at sub-surface, 1/4 thickness (t/4), and 1/2 thickness (t/2) were characterized. A comparison of hardness, strength, and impact toughness of the different positions shows that the lowest strength and toughness occurred at t/2, where a mixture of coarse, tempered martensite and bainite were found, and their inter-lath boundaries were occupied with highly dense, film-like or coarse, spheroidized carbides. The cooling rate for transformation was measured to be 0.6 °C/s at t/2 from the industrial processing data. In addition, the alloy elements at t/2 were heavily segregated, as revealed by electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) and a microhardness test. The resulted coarse microstructures thus lowered both the yield strength and the impact energies significantly, e.g., the crack propagation energy was completely lost at −60 °C. This study correlates the variation of mechanical properties to varied transformed microstructures based on the industrial quenching condition, which shows promise for improving the designing of the hardenability and controlling the carbides for ultra-thick quenched and tempered steel.
The development of thieno[2,3-b]pyridine analogues as anticancer agents applying in silico methods

The chemical space surrounding a class of thieno[2,3-b]pyridines was investigated by testing their commercially available derivatives against the NCI60 panel of human tumour cell lines. The results from the nineteen analogues revealed that ortho- and meta- double substitution (derivative 1) on the phenyl ring is the most active with growth inhibition (GI50) between 20–40 nM for a range of melanoma, breast, lung, central nervous system (CNS) and leukaemia cell lines. It was also discovered that the phenyl moiety can be replaced by α-naphthyl (16) with GI50 in the 60–240 nM range for the same cell lines. Molecular modelling studies show a good fit with a phosphoinositide specific-phospholipase C (PLC) docking scaffold suggesting that these compounds inhibit this enzyme class, which is in line with previous findings. Finally, a virtual screen using the PLC model resulted in four compounds with increased specificity against the leukaemia cell lines compared to the other tumour lines in the NCI60 panel possibly indicating their specificity against the PLC-γ2 isoform.
Screening for consequences of trauma – an update on the global collaboration on traumatic stress

ABSTRACT This letter provides an update on the activities of “The Global Collaboration on Traumatic Stress” (GC-TS) as first described by Schnyder et al. in 2017. It presents in further detail the projects of the first theme, in particular the development of and initial data on the Global Psychotrauma Screen (GPS), a brief instrument designed to screen for the wide range of potential outcomes of trauma. English language data and ongoing studies in several languages provide a first indication that the GPS is a feasible, reliable and valid tool, a tool that may be very useful in the current pandemic of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Further multi-language and cross-cultural validation is needed. Since the start of the GC-TS, new themes have been introduced to focus on in the coming years: a) Forcibly displaced persons, b) Global prevalence of stress and trauma related disorders, c) Socio-emotional development across cultures, and d) Collaborating to make traumatic stress research data “FAIR”. The most recent theme added is that of Global crises, currently focusing on COVID-19-related projects.