Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phenylalanine Ammonia-Lyase Enzyme Activity in the Symbiotic System Glycine max – Bradyrhizobium japonicum by Seed Inoculation Different in Activity and Virulation Strain and Treatment with Fungicides

Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) is a key enzyme of the phenylpropanoid pathway and provides precursors for the synthesis of many secondary metabolites, which are necessary for the development and protection of plants from external factors of various natures, in particular plays an important role in the formation and development of their symbiosis with microorganisms. Aim. To study the activity of PAL in soybean plants in the early stages of legume-rhizobial symbiosis under the influence of seed inoculation with Bradyrhizobium japonicum strains with different symbiotic properties on the background of fungicide treatment. Methods. Microbiology (bacterial culture growing, seeds inoculation), physiological (pot experiment), biochemical (determining the PAL enzyme activity). Results. Inoculation of soybean seeds with active virulent rhizobia induces a significant decrease in PAL activity in the roots at the primordial leaf stage and a significant increase in its activity level at the first true leaf stage, compared to inactive symbiosis. At the stage of third true leaf, the activity of PAL increased more significantly in soybean root nodules formed by inactive rhizobia, compared to active symbiosis. However, at the stage of third true leaves, the activity of PAL in soybean root nodules formed by inactive rhizobia increased significantly compared to active symbiosis. The use of fungicides for pre-sowing treatment of soybean seeds induces changes in the level of PAL activity in roots and nodules, which do not affect the overall dynamics of enzyme activity in different effective symbiotic systems Glycine max - Bradyrhizobium japonicum. Conclusions. The activity of PAL in the roots and especially in the root nodules of soybeans in the early stage of plant development in the case of fungicides using and bacterization is primarily due to the action of the inoculation factor, and is determined by the symbiotic properties of rhizobia strains, in particular, their virulence and nitrogen fixation activity.
Multi-Step Calibration Approach for SWAT Model Using Soil Moisture and Crop Yields in a Small Agricultural Catchment

The quantitative prediction of hydrological components through hydrological models could serve as a basis for developing better land and water management policies. This study provides a comprehensive step by step modelling approach for a small agricultural watershed using the SWAT model. The watershed is situated in Petzenkirchen in the western part of Lower Austria and has total area of 66 hectares. At present, 87% of the catchment area is arable land, 5% is used as pasture, 6% is forested and 2% is paved. The calibration approach involves a sequential calibration of the model starting from surface runoff, and groundwater flow, followed by crop yields and then soil moisture, and finally total streamflow and sediment yields. Calibration and validation are carried out using the r-package SWATplusR. The impact of each calibration step on sediment yields and total streamflow is evaluated. The results of this approach are compared with those of the conventional model calibration approach, where all the parameters governing various hydrological processes are calibrated simultaneously. Results showed that the model was capable of successfully predicting surface runoff, groundwater flow, soil profile water content, total streamflow and sediment yields with Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) of greater than 0.75. Crop yields were also well simulated with a percent bias (PBIAS) ranging from −17% to 14%. Surface runoff calibration had the highest impact on streamflow output, improving NSE from 0.39 to 0.77. The step-wise calibration approach performed better for streamflow prediction than the simultaneous calibration approach. The results of this study show that the step-wise calibration approach is more accurate, and provides a better representation of different hydrological components and processes than the simultaneous calibration approach.
Single Strain Probiotic Bifidobacteria Approach in Health and Non-Health Fields

Single strain probiotic bifidobacteria approach is promising for the future in health and non-health fields. Recent studies show that intestinal lumen microbial content and tissue microbial content are different, so the personalized microbiome approach with the 16S rRNA analysis comes to the fore with the single strain probiotic bifidobacteria (BB-12,Infantis) approach. In addition to their immune modulation effect, they have beneficial effects such as preventing pathogens from binding to the intestinal mucosa via the biofilm layer they produce, and also their electrophysical properties in various atmospheric conditions, They have the ability to be used in non-health areas such as microplastic biodegradition, nanostructures, food and agriculture fields. The availability of single strain probiotic bifidobacteria in health, ecological and food systems are signs that progress in the single strain probiotic bacteria approach will be more accurate.
Estimating expansion of the range of oak processionary moth (Thaumetopoea processionea) in the UK from 2006 to 2019

The expansion of oak processionary moth (OPM) in South‐East England continues despite ongoing efforts to control the pest since its introduction in 2006. Using locations of OPM larval nests, supplied by the Forestry Commission and recorded as part of ongoing surveillance and control measures from 2006 onwards, we show that the expansion of the range of OPM in South‐East England up to 2019 was biphasic with a higher rate of expansion from 2015 onwards. The maximum rate of OPM range expansion in the United Kingdom from 2006 to 2014 was estimated as 1.66 km/year (95% CI = [1.22, 2.09]), whereas the 2015–2019 expansion rate was estimated as 6.17 km/year (95% CI = [5.49, 6.84]). This corresponds to an estimated species range distribution area of 7077 km2 in 2019. To explain the faster expansion of OPM range from 2015 onwards, we discuss potential reasons that include: natural capability of species of both short‐ and long‐distance dispersal; external factors such as environmental heterogeneity; a reduction of active control.
L-sepiapterin restores SLE serum-induced markers of endothelial function in endothelial cells

Objective SLE serves as an independent risk factor` for endothelial dysfunction (ED) not explained by Framingham risk factors. We sought to understand the development of SLE-induced ED on a cellular level in order to develop strategies aimed at reversing cellular abnormalities. This study assessed the impact of SLE patient serum on endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), nitric oxide (NO) production and functional changes in the cell. Methods Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) cultured in serum of either SLE (n=25) or healthy patients (n=14) or endothelial basal medium 2 (EBM-2) culture media supplemented with fetal bovine serum with or without L-sepiapterin were used for our studies. We applied the fluorescent probe DAF-FM diacetate for intracellular NO detection using flow cytometry. Total RNA isolates were analysed using reverse transcription PCR for eNOS mRNA expression. Oxygen consumption rate was determined using seahorse analysis. Neutrophil adhesion and migration were determined using a calcein AM microscopy assay. Results The mRNA expression of eNOS was increased in SLE cultured HUVECs compared with healthy control (p<0.05). The SLE eNOS mRNA level correlated with SLE patient age (p=0.008); however, this trend was not observed with healthy patients. SLE serum reduced NO production in HUVECs compared with EBM-2 cultured cells (p<0.05). Co-treatment of endothelial cells with L-sepiapterin preserved HUVEC capacity to produce NO in SLE conditions (p<0.01). SLE serum enhanced neutrophil migration (p<0.01) but not neutrophil adhesion compared with healthy controls. The bioenergetic health index was not different. Conclusions SLE likely causes disruption of endothelial cell eNOS function and NO modulated pathways.
Reflective functioning and teacher burnout: the mediating role of self-efficacy

ABSTRACT Teacher burnout is a mental state resulting from job strain that arises when teachers lack the adequate coping abilities to successfully handle the demands of the teaching profession. When compared to other professions, teachers exhibit high levels of exhaustion and cynicism, which are the core dimensions of burnout. Teacher self-efficacy is a well-established predictor of burnout, yet little research has investigated potential psychological predictors of self-efficacy. Reflective functioning is a psychological construct that reflects a cognitive ability to understand and analyze one’s own and other peoples’ behavior in the context of their mental states. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role that reflective functioning plays in predicting self-efficacy, and in turn, teacher burnout. Forty-six elementary school teachers in the United States participated in a cross-sectional, survey-based research study. Mediation analyses indicate an indirect effect between reflective functioning and teacher burnout, with teacher self-efficacy mediating this relationship. The findings from this study suggest teachers who are more reflective view themselves as more self-efficacious, which collectively prevents the gradual development of burnout. Future studies should further examine the relationships between these variables as it may have important implications for future teacher professional development initiatives.
Advanced Trajectory Control for Piezoelectric Actuators Based on Robust Control Combined with Artificial Neural Networks

In applications where high precision in micro- and nanopositioning is required, piezoelectric actuators (PEA) are an optimal micromechatronic choice. However, the accuracy of these devices is affected by a natural phenomenon called “hysteresis” that even increases the instability of the system. This anomaly can be counteracted through a material re-shape or by the design of a control strategy. Through this research, a novel control design has been developed; the structure contemplates an artificial neural network (ANN) feedforward to contract the non-linearities and a robust close-loop compensator to reduce the unmodelled dynamics, uncertainties and perturbations. The proposed scheme was embedded in a dSpace control platform with a Thorlabs PEA; the parameters were tuned online through specific metrics. The outcomes were compared with a conventional proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller in terms of control signal and tracking performance. The experimental gathered results showed that the advanced proposed strategy had a superior accuracy and chattering reduction.
Stabilization at Santinho-Ingleses dunefield, Southern Brazil: What will be the future of sediment input to Ingleses Beach?

— This paper describes the overpassing process using a case study from southern Brazil, that present a decadal pulse of sediment entering in the system. A transgressive dune field extends across a headland from Santinho beach to Ingleses beach. Analysis of precipitation data (1961-2014), wind direction and speed (1964-2014), aeolian drift potential (DP), aerial photographs/satellite images (between 1938 and 2016) and morphological data (2002, 2010 and 2014) make it possible to analyze the decadal-scale dune field evolution. The wind historical data showed southern wind as the stronger, moving the dune crests to north. The rainfall analysis presents an increasing trend leading to a decrease in drift potential and favors dune stabilization by vegetation growth. There is a decadal pulse of sediment inputs to the system, as well. The northern sector of Santinho beach has a
Understanding CSR and Customer Loyalty: The Role of Customer Engagement

ABSTRACT This study investigates the effect of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on customer loyalty and explores the role of customer engagement. The moderating role of gender is also examined. A total of 348 valid responses collected via the intercept approach from life insurance customers in Ghana were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results suggest that CSR dimensions (economic, environmental, and social responsibility) positively impact customer loyalty. Also, the results indicate a partial mediating influence of customer engagement between CSR dimensions and customer loyalty. Further, the results establish the moderating effect of gender between economic and environmental dimensions of CSR and customer engagement. However, the study finds no moderating effect of gender between the social dimension of CSR and customer engagement. The study provides an empirical basis for CSR strategies that can drive customer engagement and customer loyalty in the insurance sector in many economies.
The relationship between academic integrity of online university students and its effects on academic performance and learning quality

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the relationship between academic integrity of online university students and its effects on academic performance and learning quality. The first hypothesis aimed to see if there is statistically significant relationship between academic honesty of students taking online classes and their apparent academic performance. The second hypothesis aimed to see if there is a statistically significant difference in academic integrity among male and female students. The third hypothesis aimed to see if there was a statistically significant relationship between academic honesty of students and their quality of learning. Design/methodology/approach This is a quantitative study; data was collected via student emails from 155 active online university students. Findings There was a positive linear relationship for the first hypothesis, the relationship is relatively weak as the value of Pearson correlation was (0.172). For the second hypothesis, the results showed that there was no significant difference between males and females. The results for the third hypothesis showed that there is a statistically significant relationship between academic integrity of students taking online classes and academic learning quality. This relationship is relatively strong. Research limitations/implications The sample size may have been a limitation for generalizing the results. Practical implications As a practical implication, authors recommend that education administrators focus on training their faculty members to stress and instill strong ethical values, such as academic integrity and honesty, in their students all throughout their academic journey. Social implications As for social implication, the embracing of ethical values in students, graduates may continue to embrace such values in the workplace which may lead to more reputable and profitable work environment where the society at large benefits. Originality/value This research is among the pioneers that attempted to study the connection of academic integrity and learning quality from the students’ perspective.
The Effects of Enmeshment and Familism in Armenian Mothers

Abstract One-third of mothers experience emotional and psychological stress due to the demands of motherhood. This qualitative study analyzed the impact of enmeshment on the emotional and psychological well-being in the family of Armenian origin as well as new mothers current parenting styles and the impacts of their past experiences on their current families. Participants included 19 Armenian mothers, aged 20–40, living in Los Angeles, California, with at least one child in enmeshed paternal families. Results indicated that participants had minimal decision-making opportunities and open communication in their families. Participants experienced low confidence levels and increased pressure due to enmeshment, and how these experiences shaped parenting styles. This information can be used to encourage mental health professionals to assist with cultural dynamics within the Armenian population, while aiding mothers in improving parenting practices.
Global Flash Drought Monitoring Using Surface Soil Moisture

Abrupt onset and swift intensification characterize flash droughts. Global surface soil moisture (θRS) from NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) satellite can facilitate a near‐real‐time assessment of emerging flash droughts at a 36‐km footprint. However, a robust flash drought monitoring using θRS must account for the (a) short observation record of SMAP, (b) nonlinear geophysical controls over θRS dynamics, and (c) emergent meteorological drivers of flash droughts. We propose a new method for near‐real‐time characterization of droughts using Soil Moisture Stress (SMS, drought stress) and Relative Rate of Drydown (RRD, drought stress intensification rate)—developed using SMAP θRS (March 2015–May 2021), footprint‐scale seasonal soil water retention parameters and land‐atmospheric coupling strength. SMS and RRD are nonlinearly combined to develop Flash Drought Stress Index (FDSI) to characterize emerging flash droughts (FDSI ≥ 0.71 for moderate to high RRD and SMS). Globally, FDSI shows a high correlation with concurrent meteorological anomalies. A mechanistic evaluation of flash droughts is presented for the Northern Great Plains, Central South Africa, and Eastern Australia using FDSI, SMS, and RRD. About 5.6% of the earth's landmass experienced flash droughts of varying intensity and duration during 2015–2021 (FDSI ≥ 0.71 for >30 consecutive days), majorly in global drylands. FDSI shows high skill in forecasting vegetation health with a lead of 0–2 weeks, with exceptions in irrigated croplands and mixed forests. With readily available parameters, low data latency, and no dependence on model simulations, we provide a robust tool for global near‐real‐time flash drought monitoring using SMAP.
North Korea and the ‘Peace Games’: media representations of sport and politics at the 2018 winter Olympics

ABSTRACT The reopening of the border hotline between North and South Korea started the process for a unified nation marching in the opening ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympics. The event was described as the ‘Peace Games’, highlighting the intersection of sport and politics on a global stage. This article examines the representations in media reporting of North Korea at the 2018 Winter Olympics in six regionally and internationally significant nations. There were 660 online articles from six English-language news websites from North Korea, South Korea, Japan, China, the US, and UK dealing with North Korea’s return to the global sporting arena. The results provide an understanding of the different narratives applied when reporting on North Korea in sporting contexts, which in this sample also include broader political elements. In this example, even though North Korea’s participation in the Winter Olympics was part of a major sporting event, the importance of political concerns and issues was greater compared with sporting achievements in newsmedia representations of the 2018 Winter Olympics.
How (Dis)trust in Scientific Information Links Political Ideology and Reactions Toward the Coronavirus Pandemic: Associations in the U.S. and Globally

U.S.-based research suggests conservatism is linked with less concern about contracting coronavirus and less preventative behaviors to avoid infection. Here, we investigate whether these tendencies are partly attributable to distrust in scientific information, and evaluate whether they generalize outside the U.S., using public data and recruited representative samples across four studies (Ntotal=37,790). In Studies 1–3, we examine these relationships in the U.S., yielding converging evidence for a sequential indirect effect of conservatism on compliance through scientific (dis)trust and infection concern. In Study 4, we compare these relationships across 19 distinct countries, finding that they are strongest in North America, extend to support for lockdown restrictions, and that the indirect effects do not fully appear in any other country in our sample other than Indonesia. These effects suggest that rather than a general distrust in science, whether or not conservatism predicts coronavirus outcomes depends upon national contexts.
Human brain glioma grading using label free laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy

Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) technique was used to generate spectral signatures of endogenous fluorophores relevant to the tissue molecular composition changes in human brain glioma tumors. The goal is to study the changes of fluorescence emission spectra from endogenous fluorophores in human brain glioma of different grades, and to find new biomarkers for prognostic optical molecular pathological diagnosis. Two hundred and thirty-seven (237) native fluorescence spectra from 61 subjects were measured using LabRAM HR Evolution micro photoluminescence (PL) system for four grades of glioma tumors in ex-vivo. The differences of four grades of glioma tumors were identified by the characteristic fluorophores fingerprints under the excitation laser wavelength at UV 325nm. To our best knowledge, this is the first report for human brain study using this technique. The fluorescence peaks of biomarkers with major contribution were found, including tryptophan, collagen, elastin, reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and phospholipids that play important roles in the cellular energy metabolism and glycolysis pathway. The ratios of peak intensities and the peak positions in fluorescence spectra of may be used to diagnose human brain diseases or to guide biopsy during surgical resection.
Phase-Controlled Thyristor Sub-Synchronous Damper Converter for a Liquefied Natural Gas Plant

In electrified liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants variable frequency drives (VFDs) interact with turbine-generator (TG) units creating torsional vibrations known as sub-synchronous torsional interactions (SSTIs). Torsional vibrations can be dangerous for an LNG plant when they involve torsional instability. The stability of an LNG plant depends on the plant configuration and on the number of TG units and of VFDs. In such peculiar configurations stability cannot be achieved acting of the VFDs control system. Alternatively, dedicated equipment is needed to damp the torsional vibrations. In this paper, a sub-synchronous damper (SSD) converter is used to mitigate the SSTI phenomena. The SSD converter consists of a thyristor H-bridge regulating the phase of the additional torque provided at the TG unit air-gap. A phase control system is proposed and is based on the torsional torque oscillations measurement. An adaptive reference signal is employed, also guaranteeing high performance in island-mode operation. The proposed solution increases the damping of the LNG plant in all the considered configurations. The LNG plant successful operation is validated by comprehensive results.