Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Agronomic performance of maize and Brachiaria grasses cultivated at monocropping and intercropping in a compacted Latossolo

Obtaining adequate yields by intercropping maize and grasses in soils with poor physical quality is a challenge for managing croplivestock systems in the Cerrado region. The aim of the present study was to verify the viability of maize in intercropping with Brachiaria grasses in the second crop season in a physically degraded Latossolo. The experiment was carried out in accordance with a split-plot completely randomized block design with four replications. Seven treatments (T) were evaluated in the plots: Brachiaria brizantha cv. Paiaguas (p), Brachiaria brizantha cv. Xaraes (x), Brachiaria ruziziensis (r) and maize (m) as monocrops (Tp1, Tx1, Tr1 and Tm1) and maize in intercropping with each of the three Brachiaria species (Tp2, Tx2 and Tr2). Two grass management systems were evaluated in each subplot: with (M1) and without simulated grazing (M2) of the grasses. Soil physical quality was estimated by the least limiting water range of undisturbed soil samples collected at layers of 0-0.05, 0.05-0.10 and 0.10-0.20 m. Crop agronomic yield evaluations were carried out for maize, and both the forage biomass and mulch biomass of the grasses were evaluated. Water deficit during the reproductive crop phase and soil compaction explained the low productivity observed in the experiments. The replacement of the maize crops with pasture during the second crop season is indicated in physical degradation soil conditions. Use of the Brachiaria ruziziensis grass in the intercropping system under simulated pasture grazing resulted in a satisfactory forage yield in the off-season and was the best alternative for oversowing in the intercropping systems. Mulch biomass production in intercropping systems with simulated grazing did not reach adequate amounts for soil cover, and suppression of the last cut could potentially result in increased biomass accumulation and system viability. Overall, it is recommended that maize cultivation during the second crop season in Brazil be preceded by a soil compaction diagnosis.
The Speciation of Uranium in a Smectite Clay: Evidence for Catalysed Uranyl Reduction

X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) is used to determine the uranium speciation in exchanged and surface-modified clays. XAS data from uranyl-loaded bentonite clays are compared with those obtained after the particle surfaces have been coated with alkylsilanes. These silane films, which render the surface of the clay hydrophobic, are added in order to minimize the ability of extemal water to exchange with the water in the clay interlayer, thereby decreasing the release rate of the exchanged-uranium species. Mild hydrothermal conditions are used in an effort to mimic potential geologic conditions. The uranyl monomer species remain unchanged in most samples, except for those samples that were both coated with an alkylsilane and hydrothermally treated. When the clay is coated with an organic film, hydrothermal treatment results in the aggregation of a U(IV) species. This uranyl reduction, which occurs only in the presence of both the clay and the organic coating, is compared to similar Fe and Cu reductions that occur when exchanged clays are used as catalysts for organic reactions. The implications of the uranyl reduction to environmental remediation are discussed.
Pengembangan LKPD Pada Model Pembelajaran Kooperatif Tipe TTW untuk Meningkatkan Kemampuan Pemahaman Konsep Matematis Siswa

Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian pengembangan yang bertujuan untuk menghasilkan Pengembangan LKPD pada model pembelajaran kooperatif tipe Think Talk Write (TTW) yang dapat meningkatkan kemampuan pemahaman konsep matematis siswa. Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian pengembangan atau dikenal juga sebagai Research and Development (R&D). Penelitian pengembangan ini bersifat terbatas, tahapan R&D hanya dilakukan hingga langkah 3. Develop preliminary from produk atau mengembangkan desain. Tahapan pengembangan ini dimulai dari studi pendahuluan, penyusunan pengembangan model pembelajaran dan sampai dengan validasi uji ahli dan praktisi. Penelitian dilaksanakan di SMK Negeri Pertanian Pembangunan Lampung pada Semester Genap Tahun pelajaran 2019/2020. Pengumpulan data melalui observasi, wawancara dan angket validasi perangkat pembelajaran dan LKPD yang divalidasi oleh ahli pakar materi, pakar media dan praktisi pendidikan. Selanjutnya perangkat pembelajaran dan LKPD direvisi sesuai pendapat para ahli. Perangkat pembelajaran dan LKPD divalidasi oleh 2 pakar ahli media dan materi, 2 praktisi guru dan 5 praktisi siswa. Hasil validasi para ahli diperoleh bahwa perangkat pembelajaran dan LKPD layak digunakan dan diimplementasikan setelah memenuhi kriteria valid dan praktis. Hal ini dapat dilihat dari hasil skor penilaian validator adalah diatas 85% yang memiliki kriteria valid dan kategori sangat praktis
Early Detection of Decline in Tree Health. Could the Pace of Stem Water Be an Effective Indicator?

The health and vitality assessment of each single tree is one of the most important actions for an optimal urban forest management program. The development of new technology able to continuously monitor the tree vitality and underlying trends, could help reduce the frequency of the monitoring assessment and help overcome problems related to the rapid decline in tree health. Our aim was to test the suitability of point dendrometers in evaluating the tree vitality trend through high resolution stem cycle analyses. To achieve this objective, we installed point dendrometers on twelve Pinus radiata each currently in one of three defined vitality classes (alive, compromised, and dead) growing in an urban area. The stem cycle analysis approach was used to synchronize dendrometer signals with the stem water status and temperature. Our results showed that both, the trend of stem growth (GRO) and the time lag between the occurrence of the minimum temperature and the onset of the stem shrinkage, are all promising indicators of tree vitality in Pinus radiata. These parameters could be integrated in network systems able to send “early alerts” to experts. It could allow them to keep multiple trees under continuous monitor and control simultaneously, and reduce costs due to the reduced monitoring visits.
Will Asset Managers Survive the Advent of Robots? An Optimal Contracting Approach

In this paper, we study the adoption of automation technology in asset management. We build a principal-agent model in continuous time in which delegation of asset management to an agent is subject to moral hazard and will become automatable at an uncertain time. While the characteristics and the advent of the automation technology are exogenous and publicly observable, automation may not be as efficient as the agent. We derive an optimal long-term contract that adjusts the provision of incentives to the availability of such a technology so that automation impacts the agent since the contracting date. Our model suggests that the empirically observed layoffs that accompany the emergence of an automation technology may have a contractual foundation. Compared to the situation where automation is never feasible, we predict that (1) some poor performers are kept employed longer only to be instantaneously substituted at the technology advent, and (2) bonuses are front-loaded and then dropped once the technology becomes available.
Persistent and Rough Volatility

This paper contributes to an ongoing debate on volatility dynamics. We introduce a discrete-time fractional stochastic volatility (FSV) model based on the fractional Gaussian noise. The new model has the same limit as the fractional integrated stochastic volatility (FISV) model under the in-fill asymptotic scheme. We study the theoretical properties of both models and introduce a memory signature plot for a model-free initial assessment. A simulated maximum likelihood (SML) method, which maximizes the time-domain log-likelihoods obtained by the importance sampling technique, is employed to estimate the model parameters. Simulation studies suggest that the SML method can accurately estimate both models. Our empirical analysis of several financial assets reveals that volatilities are both persistent and rough. It is persistent in the sense that the estimated autoregressive coefficients of the log volatilities are very close to unity, which explains the observed long-range dependent feature of volatilities. It is rough as the estimated Hurst (fractional) parameters of the FSV (FISV) model are significantly less than half (zero), which is consistent with the findings of the recent literature on `rough volatility'.
Green synthesis of ZnO Nanoparticles using Phyllanthus embilica Stem extract and their Antibacterial activity

In this paper, a green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles using Phyllanthus embilica stem extract as a reducing/capping agent. The prepared ZnO nanoparticles were characterized using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis-DRS), X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The synthesized ZnO nanoparticles are wurtzite hexagonal structure with an average average crystallite size of ZnO prepared using Phyllanthus embilica stem extract was smaller (25.96 nm) when compared to the same ZnO prepared using a chemical method (36.73 nm). FT-IR spectra revealed the functional groups and the presence of protein as the stabilizing agent for surrounding the ZnO nanoparticles. The antibacterial activity of the ZnO was tested against gram negative bacteria Salmonella typhi and Klebsiella phnemonea by disc diffusion method. ZnO nanoparticles were subjected to antimicrobial studies and significant results were obtained.
Numerical solution of the dynamics of director fields in nematic liquid crystals

Since their discovery in the late 1800s, liquid crystals have become an important part of the technology of the modern world. As a consequence the study of anisotropic liquids in general, and liquid crystals in particular, has grown into a large interdisciplinary field involving physics, mathematics, chemistry and biology to name a few. In a series of papers we consider numerical solution of the evolution of the director, a vector valued field giving the local average orientation of the long axis of molecules in nematic liquid crystals. The flow field is assumed to be stationary throughout this work. We consider both the free elastic dynamics of the director as well as the case with applied electric fields on a finite domain. We study the dynamics of the 1D Fréedericksz transition, where an applied electric field forces reorientation in the director field. The director is assumed strongly anchored and the boundaries. Herein, we study the role of inertia and dissipation on the time evolution of the director field during the reorientation. In particular, we show through simulations that inertia will introduce standing waves that might effect transition time of the reorientation, but only for very small time scales or extremely high molecular inertia. The Fréedericksz transition is also numerically studied with weak boundary anchoring. For this problem it has been shown analytically that there exists a hierarchy of meta-stable equilibrium configurations. This is in sharp contrast to the strongly anchored case, where the equilibrium is globally well defined. We derive an implicit numerical scheme for this problem and show the well-posedness of the discrete equation system. The method can be used for the fully nonlinear model with coupled electric field. Through simulations we show that the director can transition into different meta-stable i
Impact of the Fused Deposition (FDM) Printing Process on Polylactic Acid (PLA) Chemistry and Structure

Polylactic acid (PLA) is an organic polymer commonly used in fused deposition (FDM) printing and biomedical scaffolding that is biocompatible and immunologically inert. However, variations in source material quality and chemistry make it necessary to characterize the filament and determine potential changes in chemistry occurring as a result of the FDM process. We used several spectroscopic techniques, including laser confocal microscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and photoacousitc FTIR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) in order to characterize both the bulk and surface chemistry of the source material and printed samples. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to characterize morphology, cold crystallinity, and the glass transition and melting temperatures following printing. Analysis revealed calcium carbonate-based additives which were reacted with organic ligands and potentially trace metal impurities, both before and following printing. These additives became concentrated in voids in the printed structure. This finding is important for biomedical applications as carbonate will impact subsequent cell growth on printed tissue scaffolds. Results of chemical analysis also provided evidence of the hygroscopic nature of the source material and oxidation of the printed surface, and SEM imaging revealed micro- and submicron-scale roughness that will also impact potential applications.
Ludwigites: From natural mineral to modern solid solutions

Ludwigites is a type of oxyborates compounds with BO3 groups, which have low‐dimensional elements: stairs, zigzag walls, tapes. Such structural features influence on the physical properties of the compounds and cause charge ordering, the existence of two magnetic subsystems, ordered at different temperatures in the perpendicular direction, the quasi‐one‐dimensional magnetism, spin‐glass state. In this survey, we have summarized all known experimental and theoretical studies and analyzed the proposed by the authors mechanisms of phase transitions in the ludwigite structure oxyborates.
Contribution of age on girl child academic performance in Primary schools in Nyatike Sub-County, Migori County, Kenya

The purpose of the study was to establish the contribution of age on girl child academic performance in primary schools in Nyatike Sub-County, Migori County, Kenya. The study used descriptive survey research designs. The target populations was 48 head teachers, 423 Teachers, 1037 Parents, 5 Zonal Quality Assurance and Standards Officers (ZQASOs). The researcher used purposive sampling technique to select 48 head teachers and 5 ZQASOs; while 30% technique was used to sample parents 311 and 127 teachers. The instruments of dat a collection were questionnaires, in-depth interview, and document analysis. Validity of the study was done by soliciting the experts opinions from the school of education in Kisii University. Reliability of the instruments was addressed through piloting and test-retest in 5 schools and reliability coeffi cients obtained was 0.721 which indicated that the instruments were reliable. Data was analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Qualitative data was analyzed using an ongoing process as themes and sub-themes emerged. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The finding reveal ed that 72 percent of teachers concurred that age influenced the girl child academic performance. It was concluded that age signi ficantly influenced the girls academic performance. It recommended that the schools and the community should develop relations that would assist girl child explore the full potentialities needed for academic performance. The researcher considered the ethics including plagiarism and getting the consent of respondents among others.
A realistic evaluation of evidence-based therapeutic processes in mental health services– Context-Mechanisms-Outcomes

Background Evidence-based clinical practice is an inherent component of developed countries mental health professional practice, however, little is known about Ghana mental health professional perspectives on evidence-based practice. This paper outlines the processes involved in the delivery of best practice in Ghana. The paper describes a realistic evaluation of mental health nurses and allied health opinions regarding the evidenced-based therapeutic process in Ghana mental health facilities. Methods A purposive sample of 30 Mental Health Professionals (MHPs) was recruited to participate in semi-structured in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. A programme theory of Context + Mechanism = Outcome (CMO) configuration was developed from the analysis. Results The thematic analysis identified two CMO configurations: 1) technical competency stimulates evidence-based mental health services; and, 2) therapeutic alliance-building ensures effective interaction. The study demonstrated that contextual factors (technical competencies and therapeutic alliance building) together with mechanisms (intentional and unintentional) help to promote the quality of mental health services. However, contextual factor such as the lack of sign language interpreters yielded an unintended outcome such as consumer-provider communication barrier for consumers with hearing impaired and those from linguistically minority background. Conclusion We conclude that government stakeholders and policymakers should prioritize policy documents, periodic monitoring and adequate financial incentives to support the on-going mechanisms that promote mental health professional technical competence and therapeutic alliance building.
Role of Teachers in Developing English Reading and Writing Skills at Elementary Level in Azad Jammu and Kashmir

The main purpose of the study was to evaluate the role of English teachers in developing reading and writing skills at the elementary level. The study was descriptive, and the survey method was used for the collection of data. All the elementary English teachers of District Kotli were the population of the study. The researcher selected 256 teachers through a simple random sampling technique. A questionnaire-based on a five-point Likert scale was developed to collect the data from the elementary school teachers. The reliability of the instrument was measured, and it was found 0.790. The researcher applied mean and standard deviation for analyzing the data. It was found that the elementary teachers did not encourage students to use simple past tense for describing pasts events. It is recommended that for the development of language skills, teachers can use different forms of text vocabulary proficiency through classroom reading, and different forms of genres and texts. Moreover, teachers may provide different picture books and other visual and instructional material in other to encourage writing skills in elementary schools.
Atomic transport properties of liquid gallium and indium

ABSTRACT We have done an investigation of viscosity and self-diffusion coefficient of gallium and indium in a wide temperature range using the interaction potentials of constituent particles in disordered media. Correlation and reliance between the viscosity constant and diffusion constant have been determined theoretically and justify with experimental results. The calculation of pair distribution functions and correlations for the hard sphere fluid are based on generalised mean spherical approximation. At the functional temperature of the melting point, the metallic viscosity becomes minimised gradually with decreasing density. The excellent agreements between the present results and experimental data concluded the appropriate use of our advanced model potential.
Characterisation of the Vaginal Microbiota Using Culturomics and Metagenomics Suggests Transplantation of Gut Microbiota Into the Vagina During Bacterial Vaginosis

Background: Bacterial vaginosis is a very common vaginal disorder, with a gynaeco-obstetrical impact, but remains poorly understood. Current antibiotic treatment most often fails. Our objective was to exhaustively map the bacterial community present in bacterial vaginosis and normal flora, using not only a molecular approach but also a highly efficient culture approach, culturomics. Vaginal bacterial diversity was evaluated using both strategies for 24 Caucasian French women, including 7 cases of bacterial vaginosis, and 10 rural Senegalese women, including 5 cases of bacterial vaginosis. An additional 16 specimens (three cases of bacterial vaginosis and 13 normal flora) obtained during the follow-up visits of five French women with bacterial vaginosis were analysed using metagenomics.Results: The combination of culturomics and metagenomics reveals the richness and diversity of vaginal microbiota. Our data demonstrated that compared to healthy women, those with bacterial vaginosis present a shift in vaginal flora. The microbiota of the bacterial vaginosis group can be easily distinguished from that of healthy group by their increased bacterial diversity, abundance of Bacteroidales and Leptotrichiaeceae, and depletion of Proteobacteria and Lactobacillaceae species. In addition, a complex of 10 genera was associated with bacterial vaginosis: Gardnerella, Atopobium, Snethia, Aerococcus, Prevotella, Gemella, Facklamia, Porphyromonas, Mycoplasma, and Urinacoccus. Overall, the microbial population detected in bacterial vaginosis flora was largely similar to the bacterial communities found in gut microbiota. The two approaches showed a diverse vaginal microbiota that was largely non-overlapping, with only 146 common species. Furthermore, culturomics extends the repertoire of human-associated bacteria with the isolation of 27 new bacterial species.Conclusions: This study provides the most representative topology of the vaginal microbiota of normal flora and bacterial vaginosis and suggests the transplantation of gut microbiota into the vagina during bacterial vaginosis. Several sets of clinically relevant anaerobic bacteria and new species were also isolated from the human vagina, confirming that some previously “uncultivated” species may be cultivated using an appropriate strategy. Exhaustive characterisation of vaginal microbiota will enable a better understanding and management of bacterial vaginosis. Obtaining isolates will allow us to explore the bacterial interactions of the vaginal microbiota and will serve as a basis for the potential development of bacteriotherapy to prevent or treat vaginal dysbiosis.
Regeneration of Belowground Properties and Nutrient Pools in Soil after Compaction: Response to the Reforestation with Native Tree Species in the Hyrcanian Forest

The current study characterizes the regeneration in the floor layer and topsoil at a depth of 0–10 cm in the skid trails, dealing with the reforestation of four tree species (Fraxinus excelsior, FE; Prunus avium, PA; Acer cappadocicum, AC; and Quercus castaneifolia, QC) after clear-cutting in degraded forests, comparing to the undisturbed natural forest (Carpinus betulus-Parrotia persica; CB-PP). Results showed significant differences in litter layer properties among tree species, with the highest litter thickness, C (carbon), and C/N ratio under QC and AC, and the greatest litter N in CB-PP and FE. FE plantation resulted to enhance soil bulk density (1.14 g cm−3), total porosity (55.85%), macroporosity (37.72%), penetration resistance (1.43 MPa), soil moisture (33.4%), and aggregate stability (51.7%), compared to other tree plantations, whereas these values under the FE plantation were still lower than those of the CB-PP stand over a 30-year period after logging operation. Litterfall on soil surface under planted tree species (FE and PA in particular) can be considered as a primary food resource (i.e., soil C and soil organic matter) driving biological and microbial activities. Results of the current study can improve our knowledge to select suitable tree species to maintain soil quality and nutrients pool to deal with ecosystem restoration programs and reforestation in degraded forest areas.