Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biodegradation in Biofilters: Did the Microbe Inhale the VOC?

Biofiltration is a promising technique for air pollution control. Unfortunately, very little is known about the physiology of the biofilter microflora and about the metabolism of the pollutant undergoing treatment. A question of interest for process optimization and basic understanding of the biofiltration is whether the pollutants are only biocatalyzed to carbon dioxide, or whether the pollutants are incorporated into new cellular material. In the experiments reported herein, Ctoluene was used as a tracer, and the dynamic pattern of the CO2 release after injection of labeled toluene to a bench-scale biofilter was studied. The release of labeled carbon dioxide was very rapid (most within 5 hours after labeled toluene injection) and depended on the age of the packing, the oldest packing exhibited the slowest release. For experiments with packing that was more than two months old, a radioactivity recovery of about 70% of the value expected was obtained. The recovery dropped to 30% for packing that was three weeks old, suggesting an incorporation of C-toluene into the cells during the early phase of the biofilter life. The rate of CO2 release could be linearly correlated to the overall performances of the biofilter, providing a biological explanation for the decrease observed during the operation of a biofilter.
Adversity Quotient and Classroom Management among Iranian EFL Teachers: An Analysis of Personality Styles

Personality types and professional/psychological attributes of teachers have long been the subject of extended debate and research in all fields of education, namely ELT. Accordingly, the focus of this study was to investigate the relationship between introvert and extrovert EFL teachers’ adversity quotient and their effective classroom management. To this end, the Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPI) was distributed among 200 teachers who volunteered to participate in this study and ultimately the 60 teachers who were introverts and the 60 who were extroverts were chosen or the study. All the participants were 30 females and 30 males aged 25-50 with at least three years of teaching experience in different language schools in Tehran. The Adversity Quotient Profile (AQP) was administered among these 120 participants and each teacher’s class was subsequently observed by the researchers through which the teacher’s classroom management was assessed using Murdoch’s (2000) Checklist. To find out the relationship between the two main variables of this study, both descriptive and inferential statistics including Pearson Correlation and linear regression were carried out. The results showed that both introvert and extrovert teachers’ AQ was a significant predictor of their classroom management. These findings delineate that teachers’ AQ is possibly a more decisive factor predicting their classroom management than their extroversion/introversion.
Human Capital and Innovative Performance in Manufacturing Companies: Evidence from Ecuador, Peru, and Chile

Orly Carvache-Francoa*, Miguel A. Bustamante U.b, Elsie Zerda Barrenoc, Glenda Gutiérrez Candelad, Mauricio Carvache-Francoe, Wilmer Carvache-Francof, a,c,dFacultad de Especialidades Empresariales, Universidad Católica de Santiago de Guayaquil, Av. Carlos Julio Arosemena Km. 11⁄2 vía Daule, Guayaquil, Ecuador, bFacultad de Economía y Negocios, Universidad de Talca, Dos Norte 685, 3465548 Talca, Chile, eUniversidad Espíritu Santo-Ecuador, Km. 2.5 Vía a Samborondón, Samborondón, Ecuador, fEscuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL. Facultad de Ciencias Sociales y Humanísticas, Campus Gustavo Galindo Km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador, Email: a*orly.carvache@cu.ucsg. edu.ec, bmabu@utalca.cl, celsie.zerda@cu.ucsg. edu.ec, dglenda.gutierrez@cu.ucsg. edu.ec, emauricio2714@hotmail.com, fwcarvach@espol.edu.ec
Effect of fertility levels on Yield and Yield attribute of different Sorghum [ Sorghum bicolar (L.) Moench] genotypes

A field experiment was conducted at Udaipur in calcareous soil during kharif 2016 to study the effect of fertility levels on the yield and yield attributes of grain sorghum genotypes. Soil of experimental field was calcareous in nature. It was medium in available nitrogen (296.50 kg ha), phosphorus (20.80 kg ha ) and high in available potassium (355.60 kg ha). The experiment consisted of 15 treatment combinations comprising five genotypes (SPV 2293, SPV 2308, SPV 2307, CSV 17 and CSH 14 with three levels of fertility (75, 100 and 125 % RDF) laid out in factorial randomized block design and replicated thrice. Results showed that among the fertility levels 125 % and 100 % RDF significantly enhanced the grain weight panicle over 75 % RDF. However, 100 % and 125 % fertility levels were found at par with each other. Fertility levels failed to show any significant variation in number of panicles m. Application of 125 % RDF provided significantly higher 1000-grain weight, grain, stover and biological yields over 75 % and 100 % RDF. However, harvest index was found nonsignificant to different fertility level. The genotypes did not show significant variation in number of panicle m. CSH 14 recorded maximum grain weight panicle (34.05 g) which was statistically superior over rest of the genotypes but at par with CSV 17. CSH 14 recorded maximum 1000-grain weight which was significantly superior over SPV 2293 and SPV 2307 but found at par with CSV 17 and SPV 2308. csh 14 exhibited significant superiority in terms of grain yield (4230 kg ha) and harvest index (32.53 %) was reported higher in CSV 17, however highest stover yield (12707 kg ha) and biological yield (15940 kg ha) were recorded in SPV 2293.
Uniform distribution of 35S promoter-driven mDII auxin control sensor in leaf primordia

The DII sensor has been an invaluable tool to map spatiotemporal auxin response and distribution in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. The DII sensor and mDII control sensor are driven by the widely used constitutive 35S promoter. However, the reliability of DII sensor has recently been questioned (Bhatia and Heisler, 2018). Here we provide additional evidence to show that the mDII control sensor is indeed uniformly distributed in early leaf primordia, which echoes the original reports (Vernoux et al., 2011; Brunoud et al., 2012). We also use DII/mDII and the PRS5A promoter-driven R2D2 sensors to confirm asymmetric auxin signaling in early leaf primordia. On the other hand, we provide evidence that light penetration may lead to artifacts during whole-mount imaging.
Value Relevance of Earnings and Book Value in Indonesian Exchange Listed Firms

Informasi Artikel Abstract Tanggal masuk 17-11-2019 This study investigates the value relevance of accounting information on manufacturing companies listed on the IDX for 2012-2017. This study uses the accounting-based Ohlson's (1995) model, which includes earnings (EPS) and book value (BVS) as variables. This study shows a direct relationship between financial statements and firm value. The value relevance does not increase, yet both the value relevance for EPS and BVS, although in specific years, does. The results show that individual BVS decreases with a better amount than EPS from 2012 to 2015. Meanwhile, in 2016-2017 BVS value decreased below EPS value. Tanggal revisi 18-12-2019
Audio-Vestibular Findings in Patients with Hyperuricemia

Background: Hyperuricemiais a common biochemical disturbance in which serum concentration of uric acid exceeds the normal values which is 7.0 mg/dl in men and more than 6.0 mg/dl in women leading to deposition of monosodium urate [MSU] crystals in joints and soft tissues resulting in inner ear functions affection. Aim of the work: To elaborate the effect of hyperuricemia on the peripheral hearing as well as peripheral vestibular functions. Subjects and Methods: This study included 40 subjects with hyperuricemia and 40 healthy controls. Participants underwent serum uric acid assay, full history taking, basic audiological evaluation and vestibular evaluation. Results: 37[92.5%] hyperuricemic subjects had normal peripheral hearing sensitivity, only 3[7.5%] had mild high frequencies sensori-neural hearing loss [SNHL] at 8 kHz. 31[77.5%] Hyperuricemic patients had normal peripheral vestibular functions, only 9[22.5%] subjects had BPPV; They also had higher serum uric acid [SUA] level. No correlation between duration of hyperuricemia and occurrence of BPPV. Conclusions: The hyperuricemic subjects had a significant higher incidence of BPPV. Other investigations to detect early and subtle changes in cochlear function of hyperuricemic subjects were recommended.
Validation of a Thermoplastic Composite Material Model for Low Carbon Vehicle Applications

The methods developed for creating and validating a thermoplastic composite (TPC) material model in LS-DYNA are presented. Included are details of the mechanical characterisation methods and test types required to fulfil the input requirements of MAT058. Model input data are validated through correlation between coupon and sub-system physical tests and simulations with justification of the boundary conditions. The test methods are explored in more detail following the sub-system model validation, giving a clear understanding of the need for integration between CAE and test. Validation of the material model is further explored with results from quasi-static and impact tests. Results show that confidence in the predictive capabilities of MAT058 is high.
Mathematical Modeling and Pattern Formation for Bacterial Colonies

In this thesis, we study models for pattern formation in the Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. Starting from gene regulation mechanisms, we derive a reaction-diffusion model including quorum sensing and biofilm formation and demonstrate the potential of the model by finite element simulations. Furthermore we consider a front instability approach to determine the onset of pattern formation and investigate effects related to Darcy’s law using level set simulations.
FACTORS AFFECTING THE ECONOMIC GROWTH IN THE MEKONG DELTA

The objective of the study is to find out factors affecting the economic growth (GDP) of the 13 provinces/cities in the Mekong Delta. The study used secondary data from Statistical Yearbook of Statistical Office of 13 provinces cities in the Mekong Delta in the period of 2005 - 2014 . The study included 12 independent variables which impact on the ability of the local GDP method, which has turned "economic crisis" to a dummy variable. With technical analysis panel regression, regression of GDP variables is made by macro factors and local characteristics. This study has found that the elements of economic crisis had a stronger impact and adverse effects on GDP. In addition, factors such as the state capital, private investment in the country, the situation of balancing the state budget revenues and expenditures, the open economy, inflation, and the total workforce retail sales also affect GDP. In particular, most of the variables are affected in the same way except two variables GDP which is inflation and balance of payment of the state budget (mixed impacts). From the research findings, some recommendations are proposed to promote economic growth of the Mekong Delta.
Isolation and Structure Identification of Flavonoids

Flavonoids, which possess a basic C15 phenyl-benzopyrone skeleton, refer to a series of compounds in which two benzene rings (ring A and B) are connected to each other through three carbon atoms. Based on their core structure, flavonoids can be grouped into different flavonoid classes, such as flavonols, flavones, flavanones, flavanonols, anthocyanidins, isoflavones and chalcones. Flavonoids are often hydroxylated in posi- tions 3, 5, 7, 3 0 , 4 0 and/or 5 0 . Frequently, one or more of these hydroxyl groups are methylated, acetylated, prenylated or sulfated. In plants, flavonoids are often present as O- or C-glycosides. The O-glycosides have sugar substituents bound to a hydroxyl group of the aglycone, usually located at position 3 or 7, whereas the C-glycosides have sugar groups bound to a carbon of the aglycone, usually 6-C or 8-C. The most common carbohydrates are rhamnose, glucose, galactose and arabinose. This chapter mainly introduces the methods of isolation and structure identification of flavonoids.
Aberystwyth University Evidence of isotopic frractionation during vapor exchange between the atmosphere and the snow surface in Greenland

Citation for published version (APA): Madsen, M. V. , Steen-Larsen, H. C. , Hörhold, M. , Box, J., Berben, S. , Capron, E. , Faber, A. -K. , Hubbard, A. , Jensen, M. , Jones, T. , Kipfstuhl, S. , Koldtoft, I. , Pillar, H. , Vaughn, B. , Vladimirova, D. , & Dahl-Jensen, D. (2019). Evidence of isotopic frractionation during vapor exchange between the atmosphere and the snow surface in Greenland. Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres. https://doi.org/10.1029/2018JD029619
Weak proximal normal structure and coincidence quasi-best proximity points

We introduce the notion of pointwise cyclic-noncyclic relatively nonexpansive pairs involving orbits. We study the best proximity point problem for this class of mappings. We also study the same problem for the class of pointwise noncyclic-noncyclic relatively nonexpansive pairs involving orbits. Finally, under the assumption of weak proximal normal structure, we prove a coincidence quasi-best proximity point theorem for pointwise cyclic-noncyclic relatively nonexpansive pairs involving orbits. Examples are provided to illustrate the observed results.
Internet Usage Pattern among Adolescents in South India – A Cross-sectional Study

Background : With improved science and technology, Internet is being widely used for various purposes such as education, entertainment, social networking, and information sharing. However, Internet users are also prone to develop addictive behavior, mainly due to social networking and easy access. Objective: The objective of the study was to study the pattern of Internet usage and Internet addiction among adolescent students in South India. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1372 engineering/arts and science college students in Tamil Nadu in January 2019 about their Internet usage pattern and addiction using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Both boys and girls were included in the study. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16.0. Results: On average, boys use Internet for seven hours a day while girls use for 4.8 hours. Boys started using Internet at much earlier than girls. Boys spend Rs. 130 more on an average for mobile data each month. Boys outnumber girls in frequently using mobile phone unnecessarily, using Internet despite important work, and sleep deprivation. Girls outnumber boys in strained relationship due to excessive mobile phone usage. Conclusion: On the whole, the use of Internet for education purpose is very less and for social media is very high. Boys were found to be significantly more addicted to Internet usage compared to girls. Proper counseling and strict enforcement by college authorities regarding the usage of cell phones in college and restricting cell phone use time in the hostel will help reduce the addiction. Key words: Internet usage, addiction, adolescents
Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements For the Degree of Master in English

Presented by: Supervised by: Ms. SANAT Zahia Mr. AMEZIANE Hamid Ms. SLIMANI Zahia Board of Examiners: Chair: Ms. Fedoul Malika, MAA, Mouloud Mammeri University of Tizi-Ouzou. Supervisor: Mr. Ameziane Hamid, Pr, Mouloud Mammeri University of Tizi-Ouzou. Examiner: Ms. Benaissa Amel, MAA, Mouloud Mammeri University of Tizi-Ouzou. The Techniques used by EFL Teachers to motivate their Learners in the Algerian Secondary Schools The case of the secondary schools of Draa-El-Mizan and Tizi Gheniff
Letters to the Editor

and Blunted pressor and intramuscular metabolic responses to voluntary isometric exercise in multiple sclerosis. J. Appl. Physiol. 88: 871–880, 2000. —To test the hypothesis that a lower mean arterial pressure (MAP) re- sponse during voluntary isometric exercise in multiple sclerosis (MS) is related to a dampened muscle metabolic signal, 9 MS and 11 control subjects performed an isometric dorsi-ﬂexor contraction at 30% maximal voluntary contraction until target failure (endurance time). We made continuous and noninvasive measurements of heart rate and MAP (Fi- napres) and of intramuscular pH and P i (phosphorus mag-netic resonance spectroscopy) in a subset of 6 MS and 10 control subjects. Endurance times and change in heart rate were similar in MS and control subjects. The decrease in pH and increase in P i were less throughout exercise in MS compared with control subjects, as was the change in MAP response. Differences in muscle strength accounted for some of the difference in MAP response between groups. Cardio- vascular responses during Valsalva and cold pressor tests were similar in MS and control subjects, suggesting that the blunted MAP response during exercise in MS was not due to a generalized dysautonomia. The dampened metabolic re- sponse in MS subjects was not explained by inadequate central muscle activation. These data suggest that the blunted pressor response to exercise in MS subjects may be largely appropriate to a blunted muscle metabolic response and differences in contracting muscle mass.
Evaluation of barnyard millet diversity in central Himalayan region for environmental stress tolerance

SUMMARY The mountain ecosystem of the Central Himalayan Region is known for its diversity of crops and their wild relatives. In spite of adverse climatic conditions, this region is endowed with a rich diversity of millets. Hence, the aim of the present study was to explore, collect, conserve and evaluate the diversity of barnyard millet (Echinochloa frumentacea) to find out the extent of diversity available in different traits and the traits responsible for abiotic stress tolerance, and to identify trait-specific accessions for crop improvement and also for the cultivation of millets in the region as well as in other similar agro-ecological regions. A total of 178 accessions were collected and evaluated for a range of morpho-physiological and biochemical traits. Significant variability was noted in days to 50% flowering, days to 80% maturity, 1000 seed weight and yield potential of the germplasm. These traits are considered to be crucial for tailoring new varieties for different agro-climatic conditions. Variations in biochemical traits such as lipid peroxidation (0·552–7·421 nmol malondialdehyde formed/mg protein/h), total glutathione (105·270–423·630 mmol/g fresh weight) and total ascorbate (4·980–9·880 mmol/g fresh weight) content indicate the potential of collected germplasm for abiotic stress tolerance. Principal component analysis also indicated that yield, superoxide dismutase activity, plant height, days to 50% flowering, catalase activity and glutathione content are suitable traits for screening large populations of millet and selection of suitable germplasm for crop improvement and cultivation. Trait-specific accessions identified in the present study could be useful in crop improvement programmes, climate-resilient agriculture and improving food security in areas with limited resources.
The roles of cytoplasmic aspartate aminotransferase in trypanosoma brucei

African trypanosomes cause sleeping sickness (trypanosomiasis), a debilitating disease that affects both humans and wild or domestic animals. Trypanosomiasis is accompanied by alterations in the levels of host circulating aromatic amino acids, and an increased excretion of aromatic ketoacids by the host. Here, the role of a cytoplasmic aspartate aminotransferase (cASAT) in T. brucei is investigated using multiple experimental approaches. Using a combination of RNAi and enzymatic assays, it is shown that cASAT activity is essential for the growth and viability of the bloodstream form of T. brucei, but not the procyclic form, and that reduction of of TbcASAT activity leads to a corresponding decrease in parasite-secreted aromatic ketoacids. Preliminary N-tryptophan metabolomic analysis suggests that TbcASAT may play an important role in both pyrimidine biosynthesis and purine salvage, which may explain the lethality of cASAT ablation. Purification of recombinant cASAT from T. brucei (TbcASAT) and T. cruzi (TccASAT) allowed enzymatic assays and crystallisation trials to be undertaken. The enzymatic assays revealed that both enzymes have broad substrate specificities, but have a notable preference for the utilisation of aromatic amino acids in transamination reactions. The preferred α-ketoacid amino acceptor in these transamination reactions appears to be oxaloacetate. It is possible that this preference for oxaloacetate is used to generate aspartate for metabolic purposes, and precludes the possibility of a methionine salvage pathway functioning in T. brucei. The rates of secretion of aromatic ketoacids have been determined for the first time. These rates are significantly high, and suggest that the increase in host circulating aromatic ketoacids is entirely due to secretion by T. brucei. Moreover, a combination of C-NMR and RNAi techniques has been used to demonstrate that the
sFlt-1 (sVEGFR1) induces placental endoplasmic reticulum stress in trophoblast cell: implications for the complications in preeclampsia- an in vitro study

Background The concentration of sFlt-1, a major anti-angiogenic protein in maternal circulation has been seen to be raised in preeclamptic pregnancies. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress represents one of the three (immunological, oxidative and ER stress) major stresses which placenta undergoes during pregnancies. The present study is designed to investigate the role of sFlt-1 in induction of ER stress in trophoblast cells. Materials and Methods Maternal serum levels of anti-angiogenic protein sFlt-1 and central regulator of unfolded protein response GRP78 was measured using sandwich ELISA. The expression of various ER stress markers (GRP78, eIF2α, XBP1, ATF6 and apoptotic protein CHOP) were analyzed depending on various treatments given to the trophoblast cells using Immunofluorescence, western blot and q-RT PCR. Results Increased expression of ER stress markers (GRP78, eIF2α, XBP1 ATF6 and apoptotic protein CHOP) was detected in the placental trophoblast cells treated with raised concentration of sFlt-1. Conclusion Significant upregulated expression of ER stress markers in trophoblast cells exposed with increased concentration of sFlt-1 suggested that it may be one of the anti-angiogenic factors present in maternal sera which not only contributes to oxidative stress but also may cause endoplasmic reticulum stress.
WHAT AREN’T CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP OUTCOMES? AN EXPANSION OF BELL’S THEORETICAL MODEL OF CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP

This paper extends Bell’s (2019) theoretical development of a model of Christian leadership, which explored the dimensions of toxic leadership and their associations with the leadership characteristics Jesus rejected as revealed in Matthew 23:1–7. Bell inferred those rejected characteristics form the antitheses for a model of healthy (Christian) leadership consisting of at least six dimensions. Bells’ suggestion that the seven woes of Matthew 23 address toxic leaders was accepted, and those verses were analyzed for their insights into the potential outcomes of toxic leadership, which, it is assumed, also form the antitheses of the outcomes of healthy leadership. Those outcomes and the toxic behaviors and qualities of another popular model were mapped to Bell’s dimensions and compared. The analyses suggest at least one additional dimension of toxic leadership: incompetence.