Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Release of Serratia entomophila from prill formulations is affected by soil moisture.

The bacterium Serratia entomophila has been incorporated into prill formulations to improve distribution and application of this insect pathogen to pasture for biological control of the New Zealand grass grub, Costelytra zealandica. While bacteria can survive in ambient conditions for long periods within the prills, their field efficacy depends on successful release of bacteria from the prills and colonisation of the surrounding soil. Laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the effects of soil moisture on rate of release of bacteria from prill formulations. Prills were held in soil adjusted to four soil moisture contents (ranging from field capacity to wilting point), and the release of bacteria was determined by dilution plating. Bacteria were released most rapidly at high soil moistures, and populations were maintained at 10 3 - 10 4 colony forming units per g soil in most treatments. Measurement of release of S. entomophila from prills in soil cores subjected to various watering regimes demonstrated that free soil water is important for distributing bacterial inoculum throughout soil profile.
Microstrip system on-chip circular polarized (CP) slotted antenna for THz communication application

ABSTRACT This paper is presenting two different microstrip antennas (LHCP and RHCP antennas). It can explain the effects of S-shape and Z-shape slots for left-hand circular polarization and right-hand circular polarization respectively. Both types of slots are used to convert linear polarized antenna into the circularly polarized antenna. It is simulated with the help of CST-2015 and HFSS2018 design software. The antenna is designed into two steps. At first step, a simple linear microstrip antenna is designed and with second step, slots are used for circular polarization. The operating simulated frequency in both types of software’s is 0.258 THz to 0.355 THz and having 11 % operating bandwidth with the axial ratio at 3 dB. All the results of both antennas are the same but only radiation patterns results are opposite in polarization. The paper also presents the parametric study of copper material thickness and substrate thickness of the antenna.
Selenium supplementation changes glutathione peroxidase activity and thyroid hormone production in Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) larvae

Dietary selenium (Se) influences the glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity and the thyroid hormone system in vertebrates, but these relations are poorly described in fish. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of Se supplementation on Senegalese sole larvae, focusing on GPx activity and thyroid status. Two groups of larvae were fed on either control (C) or Se-enriched live feed, from 2 days after hatch (DAH) until 34 DAH. Senegalese sole larvae fed Se-enriched live feed significantly increased their whole-body Se, compared to larvae from C group. The activity of GPx was higher in larvae from Se group, suggesting that the levels of this mineral were suboptimal in the control diet. TH levels were also higher in larvae fed Se-enriched live feed, suggesting that Se may have a positive influence on the TH production in early life stages of marine fish larvae.
Friends through school and family: Refugee girls’ talk about friendship formation

This article explores refugee girls’ talk about friendship formation. Friendship is a complex process and a subjective experience. The study participants stressed similarity and cultural affinity as important criteria of forming friendships. Those who attended schools with a mixture of students described their native peers as having different temperaments and interests. Relatives were referred to as being best friends who one could trust and confide in. This suggests the need for a broad conceptualisation of friendship in research and practice.
The importance of spheroids in analyzing nanomedicines' efficacy.

The use of nanomedicines for cancer treatment holds a great potential due to their improved efficacy and safety. During nanomedicines' preclinical in vitro evaluation stage, these are mainly tested on cell culture monolayers. However, these 2D models are an unrealistic representation of the in vivo tumors, leading to an inaccurate screening of the candidate formulations. To address this problem, spheroids are emerging as an additional tool to validate the efficacy of new therapeutics due to the ability of these 3D in vitro cancer models to mimic the key-features displayed by in vivo solid tumors. In this review, the application of spheroids for the evaluation of nanomedicines' physicochemical properties and therapeutic efficacy is discussed.
Evaluating the effect of year and fertilisation on the yield of mid ripening (FAO 400–499) maize hybrids

The high degree of climate variability is one of the highest risk factors of production, which has to be taken into consideration at all times even within the framework of modern agriculture.One of the most important opportunities of adapting to changing climatic conditions is the evaluation of plant types and genotypes according to fertility and genotypes.The effect of year on the yield of maize was examined through using a twenty-two year yield sequence. Weather was changeable in the examined period, therefore the effect of fertilisation was very different as well. The relationship between the quantity of precipitation in the winter period and growing season and the unfertilised treatments can be easily detected. The quantitative relationship between the two variables is average, because beside the total quantity of the precipitation the periodical distribution is also a significant factor that influences yield. Significantly small yield is not always accompanied by the lowest amount of precipitation (1.
Prognosis of microwave ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma: does age make a difference?

Abstract Objective Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a notable threat to the longevity of elderly people. However, there is no trial to study the prognosis of these elderly patients after microwave ablation (MWA) treatment. This study investigated whether elderly patients with HCC benefit from MWA similar to younger patients. Materials and methods Patients who underwent ultrasound-guided percutaneous MWA were included and divided into four age groups and the prognosis was compared. The senior group (Group S, ≥75 years) was then compared with the younger group (Group Y, <75 years) after a 1:1 propensity score matching was applied. The prognostic outcomes were evaluated and Cox analysis was performed to determine the factors associated with survival. Results The four age groups showed a statistically different distribution in terms of sex, size of liver nodules, and the Charlson comorbidity index. Although Group S had a higher Charlson comorbidity index, no significant differences were found between Group S and Group Y in the rates of complete ablation and major complications as well as overall survival and progression-free survival after matching. Cox analysis demonstrated that the size of tumors and Child Pugh grade rather than age or Charlson comorbidity index were significant prognostic factors for overall survival. Conclusion The elderly patients with HCC, even though associated with more comorbidities, may achieve acceptable prognostic outcomes following MWA, which are not worse than their younger counterparts.
Reevaluation of spin-orbit dynamics of polarized e+e− beams in high energy circular accelerators and storage rings: An approach based on a Bloch equation

We give an overview of our current/future analytical and numerical work on the spin polarization in high-energy electron storage rings. Our goal is to study the possibility of polarization for the CEPC and FCC-ee. Our work is based on the so-called Bloch equation for the polarization density introduced by Derbenev and Kondratenko in 1975. We also give an outline of the standard approach, the latter being based on the Derbenev–Kondratenko formulas.
The effects of temperature and predator densities on the consumption of walleye pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus) by three groundfish in the Gulf of Alaska

Many multispecies models have assumed that prey density determines per-capita predator consumption rates, following a functional response relationship. However, empirical evidence suggests that a predator’s diet can also be influenced by a variety of environmental factors, including interactions with other predators. We used diet and abundance data from National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) bottom trawl surveys for three groundfish predators (Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus), Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis), and sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria)) in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) to determine whether temperature or other species influence the consumption of walleye pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus). Using an information-theoretic approach, we tested for relationships between walleye pollock observed in predator stomachs and predator length, bottom temperature, prey availability (walleye pollock catch per unit effort (CPUE) scaled by observed prey lengths), and CPUE of the three predators and arrowtooth f.
Mapping the distribution of suspended particulate matter concentrations influenced by storm surge in the Yellow River Estuary using FY-3A MERSI 250-m data

This is a study observing the application of Medium Resolution Spectral Imager 250-m data on-board Fengyun-3A in the analysis of spatio-temporal distributions of suspended particulate matter influenced by storm surge in the Yellow River Estuary. Based on in situ suspended particulate matter concentrations and remote sensing reflectance (Rrs) obtained from the Yellow River Estuary in 2011, a statistical retrieval algorithm was developed for Fengyun-3A Medium Resolution Spectral Imager data with 250-m spatial resolution. The best correlation was obtained for the reflectance ratios Rrs(865)/Rrs(550) and Rrs(650)/Rrs(550). With this simple empirical relationship, the absolute percentage difference (APD) was 29% (linear scale) and the correlation coefficient was 0.97, based on an independent validation data set. Furthermore, the model was proved to be insensitive to the input noise and could be considered stable and reliable. With a lookup-table-based method on atmospheric correction and developed suspended particulate matter retrieval model, these 250-m images were used to map the spatio-temporal distributions under the influence of a storm surge. This research showed that suspended particulate matter distribution and diffusion changes were predominant features during a storm surge in the entire Bohai Sea, especially in the Yellow River Estuary. This study also demonstrated that the moderately high resolution of this 250-m data had great potential in monitoring the transport of ocean colour constituents, particularly in small bodies of water such as bays and estuaries.
BACTERIAL SYMBIOSIS IN SYSSITOMYA POURTALESIANA OLIVER, 2012 (GALEOMMATOIDEA: MONTACUTIDAE), A BIVALVE COMMENSAL WITH THE DEEP-SEA ECHINOID POURTALESIA

For the first time, bacterial symbiosis is recognized in the bivalve family Montacutidae of the superfamily Galeommatoidea. The ctenidial filaments of Syssitomya pourtalesiana Oliver, 2012 are extended abfrontally and a dense layer of bacteriocyte cells cover the entire surface behind a narrow ciliated frontal zone. The bacteria are extracellular and held within a matrix of epithelial extensions and microvilli. There is no cuticular layer (glycocalyx) covering the bacteria as in many thyasirid symbioses. The bacteriocytes hold more than one morphotype of bacteria, but bacilli, 1– 3 mm in length, dominate. Scanning electron microscopy observations show a surface mat of filamentous bacteria over the extreme abfrontal surfaces. Filter feeding was confirmed by the presence of food particles in the stomach and the bivalve is presumed to be mixotrophic. Syssitomya is commensal and lives attached to the anal spines of the deep-sea echinoid Pourtalesia. In this position, echinoid feeding currents and echinoid faecal material may supply the bacteria with a variety of nutrient materials including dissolved organic matter.
A density functional theory study on the interaction of toluene with transition metal decorated carbon nanotubes: a promising platform for early detection of lung cancer from human breath

In this study, single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) decorated by platinum-group transition metals (Pt, Pd, Rh, or Ru) were introduced as promising nanosensors for the detection of toluene, an important biomarker in the exhaled breath of the lung cancer patients. First-principle calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) was employed to scrutinize the impact of an individual toluene gas molecule on the structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of pristine and metal decorated SWCNTs. It was discovered that toluene is physisorbed on the pristine SWCNT through the interaction of the π orbitals of the carbon atoms in the toluene and the nanotube. Decoration of the SWCNT with metal atoms enhanced the adsorption energies significantly by means of strong overlapping between d orbital of the metal atoms and p orbital of C atoms in the benzene ring of toluene. Investigations showed that toluene is strongly chemisorbed on Rh- and Ru-SWCNT systems via strong covalent bonds with the superior response (−96.98% and −99.98%, respectively), and moderately chemisorbed on Pt-SWCNTs (−27.3%) and Pd-SWCNTs (61.60%). Our findings propose metal decorated SWCNT molecular sensors are attractive candidates for the detection of toluene and other lung cancer biomarkers in the exhaled breath of the lung cancer patients.
Prevalence of oral soft tissue lesions in alcohol and tobacco users in slums of Jammu city

Background: There is a range of negative consequences on the oral mucosa caused by the tobacco and alcohol from inceptive light mucosal changes to a full-blown malignancy. The purpose of this study was to assess the risk of oral lesions resulting from the habits of addiction and prevalence of oral soft tissues changes with alcohol consumption, smoking, chewing and both type habits in individual residing in slums. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in the slums of Jammu city. A questionnaire was used to obtain the information on substance abuse habits followed by oral clinical examination in selected population of 1200 individuals >15 years of age. The data collected were statistically analysed using chi-square test. Results: Of the 1200 study population, 816 were males and 384 were females and 72% were addicted to one or the other form of tobacco and alcohol. 32.6% showed oral mucosal changes, out of these, smoker’s melanosis was found in 10.4%, leukoplakia in 9.1%, oral submucus fibrosis in 6.6%, oral lichen planus in 2.8%, chewer’s mucosa in 2%, lichenoid oral lesion in 1.2%, erythroplakia in 0.5%. Conclusions: The increased production and use of tobacco in India have led to increased prevalence of oral mucosal lesions. Community preventive and control programmes should be aimed at high risk individuals based on the epidemiological data gathered through such studies to reduce the burden of illness caused due to substance abuse.
Dynamics of Smallholder Farmers’ Livelihood Adaptation Decision-Making in Central Ethiopia

In previous studies mainly focusing on determinants of adaptation, evidence of the dynamic process of adaptation decision-making is negligible. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of socio-cultural factors, changes in household characteristics, and climate variables on the transition from non-use to use of adaptation strategies. The study integrated primary data collected from households with secondary rainfall and temperature data. The quantitative and qualitative data were analysed using a dynamic random-effects probit model and a thematic approach, respectively. The result shows strong evidence of path dependence in which use of a strategy during the previous year significantly increases its current use. Climate-related risk perception and factual knowledge may not necessarily prompt adaptation action, whereas access to financial resources and farming-related trainings were consistent positive predictors of farmers’ adaptation decisions. The findings entail that economic capacity and the associated intrinsic motivation help few farmers to utilise robust and contesting adaptation strategies. For most households, economic problems and the consequent fatalistic attitude and risk-avoidance behaviour induce either non-use or use of responsive and accommodating strategies aimed at ensuring survival. Path dependence in non-use of adaptation strategies and sub-optimal adaptation actions demand effective institutional supports to address the behavioural and economic barriers of these households in order to build overall community resilience.
Research ethics courses as a vaccination against a toxic research environment or culture

Hofmann and Holm’s (2019) recent survey on issues of research misconduct with PhD graduates culminated with a notable conclusion by the authors: ‘Scientific misconduct seems to be an environmental issue as much as a matter of personal integrity’. Here, we re-emphasise the usefulness of an education-based countermeasure against toxic research environments or cultures that promote unethical practices amongst the younger researchers. We posit that an adequately conducted course in research ethics and integrity, with a good dose of case studies and analyses, can function in a manner that is metaphorically akin to vaccination. The training would cultivate the ability to analyse and build confidence in young researchers in making decisions with sound moral reasoning as well as in speaking up or arguing against pressure and coercions into unacceptable behaviour. A sufficiently large number of young researchers exposed to research ethics trainings would essentially provide a research community some degree of lasting herd immunity at its broadest base. Beyond passive immunity, a crop of research ethics-savvy young researchers could also play active and influential roles as role models for others at their level and perhaps even help correct the wayward attitudes of some senior researchers and initiate prompt action from institutional policy makers in a bottom-up manner.
Phenology of common lambsquarters growth parameters

Abstract Research was conducted to characterize the phenology of common lambsquarters growth parameters as influenced by climatic variation among years. Treatments included soybean or corn grown alone, common lambsquarters with soybean or corn, and common lambsquarters grown alone. Common lambsquarters leaf area and plant height phenology differed among years and was variable within treatments. Conversely, crop leaf area and plant height phenology did not differ among years and was less variable within a treatment than common lambsquarters. Weed relative leaf area and relative volume differed among years because of differences in crop and common lambsquarters leaf area and plant height phenology. Differences in common lambsquarters relative leaf area and relative volume among years may explain differences in previously reported crop yield responses to weed infestations between sites and years. Although common lambsquarters relative leaf area and relative volume differed among years, variability as indicated by regression coefficients of determination was also high within year and treatment. Crop leaf area and plant height phenology were well described by regression equations, with r2 values greater than 0.68. Therefore, low coefficients of determination for relative leaf area and relative volume models were attributed to variability in common lambsquarters within a treatment. Nomenclature: Common lambsquarters, Chenopodium album L. CHEAL; field corn, ‘Dekalb DK493SR’, Zea mays L. ; soybean, ‘Asgrow XP19505RR’ and ‘AG2101RR’, Glycine max L. Merr.
Association of Hepatitis B Core-Related Antigen and Antihepatitis B Core Antibody With Liver Fibrosis Evolution in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Hepatitis B Virus Coinfected Patients During Treatment With Tenofovir

Abstract Background Quantitative hepatitis B core-related antigen (qHBcrAg) or antihepatitis B core antibody (qAnti-HBc) could be useful in monitoring liver fibrosis evolution during chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, yet it has not been assessed in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-HBV-coinfected patients undergoing treatment with tenofovir (TDF). Methods One hundred fifty-four HIV-HBV-infected patients initiating a TDF-containing antiretroviral regimen were prospectively followed. The qHBcrAg and qAnti-HBc and liver fibrosis assessment were collected every 6–12 months during TDF. Hazard ratios (HRs) assessing the association between qHBcrAg/qAnti-HBc and transitions from none/mild/significant fibrosis to advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis (progression) and from advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis to none/mild/significant fibrosis (regression) were estimated using a time-homogeneous Markov model. Results At baseline, advanced liver fibrosis/cirrhosis was observed in 40 (26%) patients. During a median follow-up of 48 months (interquartile range, 31–90), 38 transitions of progression (IR = 7/100 person-years) and 34 transitions of regression (IR = 6/100 person-years) were observed. Baseline levels of qHBcrAg and qAnti-HBc were not associated with liver fibrosis progression (adjusted-HR per log10 U/mL = 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.93–1.24; adjusted-HR per log10 Paul-Ehrlich-Institute [PEI] U/mL = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.70–1.04, respectively) or regression (adjusted-HR per log10 U/mL = 1.17, 95% CI = 0.95–1.46; adjusted-HR per log10 PEI U/mL = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.78–1.22, respectively) after adjusting for age, gender, duration of antiretroviral therapy, protease inhibitor-containing antiretroviral therapy, and CD4+/CD8+ ratio. Nevertheless, changes from the previous visit of qAnti-HBc levels were associated with liver fibrosis regression (adjusted-HR per log10 PEIU/mL change = 5.46, 95% CI = 1.56–19.16). Conclusions Baseline qHBcrAg and qAnti-HBc levels are not associated with liver fibrosis evolution in TDF-treated HIV-HBV coinfected patients. The link between changes in qAnti-HBc levels during follow-up and liver fibrosis regression merits further study.
Alleviation of salt-induced ionic, osmotic and oxidative stresses in Cajanus cajan nodules by AM inoculation

Abstract Legume-Rhizobium symbiotic nitrogen (N2) fixation plays a critical role in sustainable nitrogen management in agriculture. The nitrogen fixed by the root nodules not only affects the nitrogen cycle of nature, but is also of great economic importance. A number of physiological and biochemical processes in the nodules are affected by salt stress. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) in moderating toxic effects of salt stress on nodular metabolism in Cajanus cajan (L.) Millspaugh (pigeonpea) cv. Manak. Exposure of plants to salinity stress (4, 6 and 8 dSm−1) caused ionic imbalance, which resulted in increased Na+ and reduced K+ and Ca2+ contents in the nodules. Salinity induced increased synthesis and accumulation of proline and glycine betaine. Salt stress significantly increased the antioxidant enzyme activities in the nodules of all plants. Nodular growth suffered remarkably and a marked decline in nodule biomass was observed under salt stress. Leghemoglobin content and acetylene reduction activity (ARA) also declined under saline conditions. AM could significantly improve nodule dry mass, leghemoglobin content and nitrogenase activity, and phosphorus content under salt stress. Activities of antioxidant enzymes increased markedly in nodules of mycorrhizal-stressed plants. This study suggested a correlation between improved functional efficiency of nodules and higher osmolyte accumulation and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities of AM plants under stressed conditions relative to the nodules of uninoculated plants.