Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phosphorus dynamics during early soil development in a cold desert: insights from oxygen isotopes in phosphate

Abstract. At the early stages of pedogenesis, the dynamics of phosphorus (P) in soils are controlled by microbial communities, the physicochemical properties of the soil and the environmental conditions. While various microorganisms involved in carrying out biogeochemical processes have been identified, little is known about the actual contribution of microbial processes, such as organic P hydrolysis and microbial P turnover, to P cycling. We thus focused on processes driven by microbes and how they affect the size and cycling of organic and inorganic soil P pools along a soil chronosequence in the Chamser Kangri glacier forefield (Western Himalayas). The rapid retreat of the glacier allowed us to study the early stages of soil formation under a cold arid climate. Biological P transformations were studied with the help of the isotopic composition of oxygen (O) in phosphate (δ18OP) coupled to sequential P fractionation performed on soil samples (0–5 cm depth) from four sites of different age spanning 0 to 100–150 years. The P bound to Ca, i.e., 1 M HCl-extractable P, still represented 95 % of the total P stock after approximately 100 years of soil development. Its isotopic composition was similar to the parent material at the most developed site. Primary phosphate minerals, possibly apatite, mostly comprised this pool. The δ18OP of the available P and the NaOH-extractable inorganic P instead differed from that of the parent material, suggesting that these pools underwent biological turnover. The δ18OP of the available P was mostly controlled by the microbial P, suggesting fast exchanges occurred between these two pools possibly fostered by repeated freezing–thawing and drying–rewetting cycles. The release of P from organic P becomes increasingly important with soil age, constituting one-third of the P flux to available P at the oldest site. Accordingly, the lighter isotopic composition of the P bound to Fe and Al oxides at the oldest site indicated that this pool contained phosphate released by organic P mineralization. Compared to previous studies on early pedogenesis under alpine or cold climate, our findings suggest a much slower decrease of the P-bearing primary minerals during the first 100 years of soil development under extreme conditions. However, they provide evidence that, by driving short-term P dynamics, microbes play an important role in controlling the redistribution of primary P into inorganic and organic soil P pools.
Genetic Diversity in Populations of Mediterranean Fruit Flies in North-Eastern Brazil

This study aimed at determining the population genetic structure of Mediterranean fruit flies (Ceratitis capitata) in North-eastern Brazil, so as to improve our understanding of the viability of the inter-simple sequences repeat (ISSR) markers in Brazilian populations, along with inferences on population genetic composition which can be used in management programs. For this, ISSR markers were used in groups collected from four municipalities in this region. Primers were polymorphic, revealing moderate expected heterozigosity, with 80% of the variation occurring within populations and moderate structure. Bayesian analysis revealed K = 3, consistent with pairwise FST and indicating low structure between Barra do Choça and Planalto, and moderate structure between Caraíbas and Planalto. Data indicated high diversity, suggesting two interpretations: the analyzed populations arose from a single population and are now under structuring processes, or populations had different origins, but are currently connected by gene flow. Thus, ISSR primers were affective in obtaining information about genetic structure of C. capitata populations in North-eastern Brazil, as evidenced by high polymorphism and separation or grouping of populations according to their allelic compositions. Furthermore, this paper provides useful information for understanding the genetic diversity, population structure and gene flow of C. capitata populations in this region and developing regional strategies for the control and management of the species.
Provisional seismic assessment and improvement of Napier's Art Deco buildings

Following the 1931 Hawke’s Bay earthquake, buildings in Napier and surrounding areas were rebuilt in a comparatively homogenous structural and architectural style comprising the region’s famous Art Deco stock. These ‘interwar buildings’ are most often composed of reinforced concrete frames and, while detailed in a fairly ductile fashion for the time, often register as earthquake-prone in preliminary seismic assessments, causing concern to owners, tenants, city officials, and all of those who value the heritage and future use of these iconic structures. The study reported here will address aspects of the seismic hazard, assessment, and potential retrofit solutions for Napier’s Art Deco buildings. The study concluded with provisional recommendations developed in collaboration with the Napier Art Deco Trust and other interested parties regarding a pathway to alleviate the hazard posed by Napier’s Art Deco buildings.
Crushed concrete in road structures – two decades of experience

Since the early 1990s, crushed concrete aggregate (CCA)/recycled concrete aggregate has been successfully used in Finnish road constructions. The aim of this paper is to analyse the long-term behaviour of CCA and to compare CCA with conventional mineral aggregates in road structures. The analysed trial sections consist of the road and highway pavements where CCA has been used in the base and subbase layers. The first studied Finnish trial section was constructed in 1995, which has enabled nearly two decades of follow-up studies. In total, five follow-up trial sections were studied. E-modulus of pavement layers was determined using the deflection data from falling weight deflectometer measurements. The studies revealed excellent long-term behaviour in the CCA build pavements and validated the suitability of chosen design parameters in previous guidelines. In this study, the sections consisting of maximum 50 mm particles of CCA in the base or subbase layer gained 10–25% larger bearing capacity in 13–15 year.
Corporate governance and the quality of CSR disclosure: lessons from an emerging economy

Purpose This paper is motivated by the absence of rules that govern the practice of corporate social responsibility disclosure (CSRD). The purpose of this paper is to investigate the corporate governance factors that impact the quality of CSRD. This study further examines the moderating role of family ownership and educational qualifications of female directors on the relation between board gender diversity and CSRD quality. Design/methodology/approach This study adopts a sample of 94 non-financial companies listed on the Amman Stock Exchange to collect data on CSRD based on a checklist of 41 items for seven years from 2010–2016. The quality of CSRD is measured using a four-dimensional method that encompasses relative quantity, disclosure intensity, degree of accuracy and management outlook. Findings This study finds that CSRD quality is far from satisfactory in Jordan. The results also suggest that board size, auditor type, company size and profitability are positively associated with CSRD quality. On the other hand, factors such as chief executive officer duality, board diversity, ownership concentration and financial leverage are negatively associated with CSRD quality. In addition, the results of the empirical analysis suggest that the negative relationship between the quality of CSRD and the presence of female board members is stronger for family-owned companies. By contrast, the negative relationship between the quality of CSRD and the presence of female board members is weakened when the company has more educated, skilled and qualified female directors. Originality/value The originality of this study is manifested in the development of a quantitative measurement of CSRD quality.
Developing Monoclonal Antibodies for Immunohistochemistry

The experiences of a laboratory which pioneered the application of monoclonal antibodies to diagnostic histochemistry is described. This was achieved in four key steps: (1) Monoclonal antibodies were successfully produced to replace the difficult-to-produce and limited polyclonal antibodies available for immunohistochemistry. (2) Monoclonal antibodies were produced to improve the immunoenzymatic detection of bound antibodies, using immunoperoxidase or alkaline phosphatase, increasing sensitivity and allowing the use of two chromogens when applied together. The availability of a reliable alkaline phosphatase-based detection allowed the detection of antigens in tissues with high endogenous peroxidase. (3) Methodologies were developed to unmask antigens not detected in routinely processed paraffin-embedded tissue. (4) Synthetic peptides were used as immunising antigens for the direct production of specific molecules of diagnostic interest. This was expanded to include recombinant proteins. Many reacted with fixed tissue and recognised homologous molecules in other species. In addition to these developments, the laboratory promoted the collaboration and training of researchers to spread the expertise of monoclonal production for diagnosis.
Emotional intelligence and adult attachment: effects on problematic smartphone usage

Smartphone usage can become problematic when individuals have difficulties in emotional regulation. To clarify risk factors for problematic smartphone usage, the study had three objectives: To analyze the effect of emotional intelligence and attachment dimensions on smartphone usage; to evaluate differences by types and styles of attachment in problematic smartphone usage; to explore the roles of sex and age. For this purpose, the Smartphone Dependency and Addiction Scale, the Wong & Law Emotional Intelligence Scale, and the Adult Attachment Questionnaire were used. The study included 552 young adults (M = 21.79, SD = 2.66; 74.1% women) selected by purposive sampling, and classified in Generation Z and Millennials. The results showed that low awareness of one's emotions (emotional intelligence), poor self-esteem and need for approval, hostile conflict resolution, rancor, and possessiveness (attachment) predicted problematic smartphone usage. Furthermore, insecure type of attachment and negative styles such as fearfulness were closely related to smartphone addiction. Sex had some explanatory power with respect to device use, with women showing higher levels of problematic smartphone usage. In conclusion, the findings support the importance of the secure and positive attachment system, and being able to evaluate and regulate one’s own emotions for preventing problematic smartphone use. El uso del smartphone puede tornarse problemático cuando se presentan dificultades de regulación emocional. En la investigación se plantearon tres objetivos: analizar el efecto de las dimensiones de inteligencia emocional y el apego sobre el uso del smartphone; evaluar las diferencias en el uso problemático del móvil atendiendo a tipos y estilos de apego; explorar el efecto del sexo y la edad. Se utilizaron la Escala de Dependencia y Adicción al Smartphone, la Escala de Inteligencia Emocional de Wong & Law y el Cuestionario de Apego adulto. El estudio incluyó a 552 jóvenes (M = 21.79, SD = 2.66; 74.1% mujeres) seleccionados por muestreo intencional y clasificados en Generación Z y Millennials. Una baja conciencia de las propias emociones (inteligencia emocional), una pobre autoestima y necesidad de aprobación, la resolución hostil de conflictos, rencor y posesividad (apego) predecían el uso problemático. Además, el tipo inseguro de apego y los estilos negativos como el temeroso se relacionan más con este uso problemático. El sexo aportaba cierta capacidad explicativa, siendo las mujeres las que mostraron más problemas. Los hallazgos apoyan la relevancia de construir un apego seguro y positivo y de ser capaces de evaluar las propias emociones para prevenir los usos problemáticos del smartphone.
A study of the use of ICT blended instruction in the teaching of English in a Thai University

Due to economic, vocational and educational changes resulting from globalization, Thailand has acknowledged the need to prepare its people to cope with the changing world and competition in the global market place. Under the Thai National Education Act, the Thai government launched a series of educational reforms with the aim of developing Thailand into a knowledge-based society. One of these reforms focuses on using information and communication technologies (ICT) in the educational system. In addition, the government also encourages students to acquire knowledge and skills in English language and educational technologies to promote life-long learning skills. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of introducing ICT into the compulsory, first year English syllabus in Thai higher education through Blended Learning pedagogy. This researcher seeks to advance Thai university students’ English achievement through a greater understanding of the influence of ICT and its impact on students’ English language achievement, students’ participation within English classes and student attitudes towards learning English. The use of ICT blended instruction may provide Thai students with more modern - or less traditional pedagogy than is currently used. This study investigates the expansion of the range of texts and contexts through which these students may experience and subsequently learn English. This mixed method study was conducted using a pre-test, post-test design. Participants were 278 students attending a rural University in North-eastern Thailand, who were arranged into blended learning and face-to-face classes. A course web site was developed for course instruction. This site and social network tools such as Skype, Twitter and Facebook were utilised by the blended learning class for communications and language acquisition. Data was collected from the pre-test and post-test instruments, class room observation check lists, questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and researcher’s field notes in order to compare ICT blended instruction and traditional face to face instruction. Results of the data analysis revealed ICT blended instruction as showing a significant, positive difference in student’s English learning achievement when compared with the English learning achievement of students participating in traditional F-to-F classes.
Development of Guidelines for In-Vehicle Information Presentation: Text vs. Speech

The demand for in-vehicle information systems (IVIS) has been increasing through the years. There are numerous systems that can be incorporated into vehicles and various ways in which the information can and should be presented to the driver. The way the information is presented to the drivers is extremely important in terms of increasing safety and decreasing driver distraction. The expected outcomes of this research included the development of human factors guidelines for the design and use of in-vehicle information systems. It was a desirable goal to identify the most suitable information presentation formats for certain tasks, since this may influence the drivers’ attention and driving performance. This study focused on how the factors of interest may affect drivers’ attention and driving performance while performing IVIS secondary tasks related to specific applications. This was accomplished through an on-road within-factors experiment. Sixteen participants performed secondary tasks related to three IVIS applications at two levels of difficulty. The tasks were presented using five types of displays. Data collected from video and in-vehicle sensors were statistically analyzed to determine significant effects between the factors. Driving performance, external reaction time, and perceived mental workload results were compiled into general guidelines for the design and use of IVIS. The findings of this study strongly suggest that visual displays should not be used for the presentation of IVIS. Auditory and multi-modal (i.e. both visual and auditory interface) displays are the most appropriate ways to present IVIS information. A normal speech rate is preferred over a fast speech rate. IVIS tasks should be kept as simple as possible in terms of the number of steps. From the three manipulated factors (type of display, IVIS application, and task level of difficulty), the type of display had the largest number of significant results across the dependent variables measurements. The visual display led to the worst driver performance, while auditory and multi-modal displays yielded significantly better driving performance.
Stakeholders’ Perceived Experiences with Indigenous Edible Insects in Zimbabwe

ABSTRACT Experiences with edible insects are still underexplored circumscribing their acceptance into the mainstream cuisines world over, despite a stable source of supply from rural communities. Edible insects have aroused interest among scholars who seek to create a sustainable food security and healthy eating among nations. The hotel industry is also engineering new and creative cuisines to increase the consumption of the insects. Studies conducted so far have explored methods for harvesting, conserving, packaging, and the cooking of edible insects. This qualitative study therefore assessed the diners and chefs’ perceived experiences with edible insects for the mainstream Zimbabwean cuisine. Conclusively perceived experiences with edible insects are still negative to both local and international diners. Therefore, there is need for innovative preparations, production, and presentation of edible insects to increase their uptake.
Extraction, Characterization and Health Benefit of Dietary Chili Pepper (Capsaicin): A Review of Recent Progress

: Chili peppers are widely eaten spices across the globe, and capsaicin, the major source of the spicy taste, is said to contain a variety of biological functions such as pain relief, anti-inflammation, anticancer, cardio protection, as well as weight loss. In this review, we present the recent progress in various extraction and characterization methods of chili peppers.
The second Vassiliev measure of uniform random walks and polygons in confined space

Biopolymers, like chromatin, are often confined in small volumes. Confinement has a great effect on polymer conformations, including polymer entanglement. Polymer chains and other filamentous structures can be represented by polygonal curves in three-space. In this manuscript, we examine the topological complexity of polygonal chains in three-space and in confinement as a function of their length. We model polygonal chains by equilateral random walks in three-space and by uniform random walks (URWs) in confinement. For the topological characterization, we use the second Vassiliev measure. This is an integer topological invariant for polygons and a continuous functions over the real numbers, as a function of the chain coordinates for open polygonal chains. For URWs in confined space, we prove that the average value of the Vassiliev measure in the space of configurations increases as O(n 2) with the length of the walks or polygons. We verify this result numerically and our numerical results also show that the mean value of the second Vassiliev measure of equilateral random walks in three-space increases as O(n). These results reveal the rate at which knotting of open curves and not simply entanglement are affected by confinement.
Critical Appraisal of Large Vitamin D Randomized Controlled Trials

As a consequence of epidemiological studies showing significant associations of vitamin D deficiency with a variety of adverse extra-skeletal clinical outcomes including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and mortality, large vitamin D randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been designed and conducted over the last few years. The vast majority of these trials did not restrict their study populations to individuals with vitamin D deficiency, and some even allowed moderate vitamin D supplementation in the placebo groups. In these RCTs, there were no significant effects on the primary outcomes, including cancer, cardiovascular events, and mortality, but explorative outcome analyses and meta-analyses revealed indications for potential benefits such as reductions in cancer mortality or acute respiratory infections. Importantly, data from RCTs with relatively high doses of vitamin D supplementation did, by the vast majority, not show significant safety issues, except for trials in critically or severely ill patients or in those using very high intermittent vitamin D doses. The recent large vitamin D RCTs did not challenge the beneficial effects of vitamin D regarding rickets and osteomalacia, that therefore continue to provide the scientific basis for nutritional vitamin D guidelines and recommendations. There remains a great need to evaluate the effects of vitamin D treatment in populations with vitamin D deficiency or certain characteristics suggesting a high sensitivity to treatment. Outcomes and limitations of recently published large vitamin D RCTs must inform the design of future vitamin D or nutrition trials that should use more personalized approaches.
Whole‐blood cytokine secretion assay as a high‐throughput alternative for assessing the cell‐mediated immunity profile after two doses of an adjuvanted SARS‐CoV‐2 recombinant protein vaccine candidate

We previously described the Phase I‐II evaluation of SARS‐CoV‐2 recombinant protein candidate vaccine, CoV2‐PreS‐dTM, with AF03‐ or AS03‐adjuvant systems (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04537208). Here, we further characterise the cellular immunogenicity profile of this vaccine candidate using a whole‐blood secretion assay in parallel to intracellular cytokine staining (ICS) of cryopreserved peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).
INFLUENCES OF DIFFERENT CONCENTRATIONS OF HERBICIDES ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF MAIZE AS WELL AS THEIR EFFECTS ON THE ASSOCIATED WEEDS IN NORTH-WESTERN NIGERIA

The field experiment was conducted in the dry season between December 2012 to April 2013 at Bakori, Bakori local government, Katsina (1133’N, 736’E). The experiment consisted of 8 treatments levels which include 4 different formulations each; viz: ParaeForce at 150ml / 20L and 200ml / 20L,AminoForce at 100mL / 15L and 125mL / 15L applied a day before sowing and 4 weeks after sowing and a weedy control. The treatments were laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD). The objective was to evaluate resistant weeds to herbicides (ParaeForce and AminoForce) and their effects on the growth and yield of maize. Result shows that 17 weed species from 11 families were encountered which include Cynodon dactylon, Cyperus rotundus, Doctylocterium aegyptium and Eleusine indica that shows signifcant (≥ 0.05) resistance to ParaeForce + AminoForce at 150mL / 20L followed by 100mL / 15L had 91.70, 87.12 and 49.15% weed control efficiencies at 4,8 and 16WAS. Sequential application of ParaeForce + AminoForce at 200ml/20L followed by 125mL/15L recorded significantly (≥0.05) high maize yield of (6.7kg) in all the three blocks and effective weed control with 86.28, 77.58 and 33.55% weed control efficiencies at 4, 8 and 16WAS. This study recommended the application of ParaeForce and AminoForce at 200mL/20L followed by 125mL/15L as an alternative way of reducing weed resistance to ParaeForce + AminoForce formulation and to improved performance of maize yield in the experimental site. © 2022 Production by the University of Garmian. This is an open access article under the LICENSE https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/