Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of Quaternary climatic oscillations on phylogeographic patterns of three habitat‐segregated Cerastium taxa endemic to the Dinaric Alps

The Balkan Peninsula has served as source for the colonisation of large parts of Europe after the Pleistocene, but the processes driving the intraspecific diversification within the Balkan Peninsula are much less understood. To fill this gap, we investigated the phylogeography and evolutionary history of three habitat‐segregated Cerastium taxa endemic to the Dinaric Alps and explored whether they responded differently to the Quaternary climatic oscillations in the Balkan Peninsula.
Microbiological status of some street iftar items collected from chalk bazar in
Dhaka city, Bangladesh

In Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh and one of the most densely populated cities of the world, different categories of street foods are widely consumed by all classes of people, especially for iftar during the holy month of Ramadan. The objective of this research was to assess the microbiological quality of street iftar food items collected from a street in Chalk Bazar locality of Dhaka along with the antibiogram profile of the bacterial isolates. A total of 74 samples belong to ten different categories of street food items and 8 different types of street vended juices were collected aseptically. The bacteria were isolated by using different culture media. The antibiotic susceptibility of the bacterial isolates was determined by the disc diffusion method. In case of street food total viable bacteria (on average of 6 log10 CFU/g). On the other hand, an extended number of total viable bacteria were encountered in all juices samples which also on an average of 6 log10 CFU/mL. Fungi, Pseudomonas spp. and Staphylococcus spp. were found in the majority of the samples irrespective of the categories. Few samples were contaminated with Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. Most of the cultivated bacterial strains exhibited resistance against commonly used antibiotics, while several isolates were noted to be multi-drug resistant. The present study revealed a huge array of microbial load which indicates a high risk to public health. Presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria heightened the risk by many folds and urges the need for frequent surveillance.
Ecological Risk Index and Their Associated Health Risk Evaluation of Toxic Heavy Metals in Cultivated Vegetable and Cereal in Different Peri-Urban Regions of an Indian Metropolitan City, Lucknow

The present study investigates the phytoaccumulation factor (PF), Ecological risk index (ERI), and carcinogenic risk factor (CRs) of toxic heavy metals (THMs) i.e. As, Cd, Cr, Pb, and Ni in the agricultural soil, irrigation water, vegetables and cereals samples collected from peri-urban regions of Lucknow. The level of these metals was within the maximum allowable concentration (MAC) (FAO/WHO 2011) in agricultural soil while it was higher in irrigation water. The phytoaccumulation factor of Cd and Ni was very high in the edible parts of vegetable and cereal samples which show that they might have entered through metal-contaminated irrigation water even if not available in the soil. The contamination coefficient (ifC) and Ecological risk factor (ifE) of metals was detected in the range of low risk in all agricultural soil, whereas Ecological risk index of metals was found in the moderate risk which indicated a mild impact on the agro-ecosystem. The carcinogenic risk potential of metals was found more than the requisite value of 10-4 in tomato, spinach, and wheat samples. This study indicates that the metals possess a moderate ecological risk and high carcinogenic risk potential through the consumption of metal-contaminated vegetables and cereals grown and sold in peri-urban regions and food markets.
How Does Ethnic Identity Relate to Adjustment for Minoritized Students? A Two-Site Comparison of Large Public Universities

Research suggests that achieved ethnic identity has positive implications for the adjustment of Adolescents of Color. However, researchers know very little about whether (or how) the impact of achieved ethnic identity extends into college years. To explore this, our study examined the effects of ethnic identity on both social and academic adjustment of Students of Color at two large public research universities with distinct enrollment characteristics. Using multiple group analyses, we tested and confirmed the developmental significance of Phinney’s conceptualization of achieved ethnic identity. In both university contexts, achieved ethnic identity related to academic adjustment for Students of Color. We found no differences in regression paths between the two institutional contexts, supporting the assertion that achieved ethnic identity plays a prominent role in student success for minoritized students across college contexts. Our study extends Phinney’s theory of ethnic identity development to the study of college adjustment.
Linking structure and chemistry in the Schorl-Dravite series

Abstract Nine tourmaline crystals for which major and minor element composition data are available have been examined by single-crystal X-ray structure refinement. The single crystals were then analyzed for major elements (by electron microprobe methods), Fe3/Fe2+ (by synchrotron micro- X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy). B and Li (by secondary ion mass spectrometry), and bulk H content (by uranium extraction). Despite recent claims based on chemical analyses, structure analysis suggests that no B exists in tetrahedral coordination in these samples. Analysis of cation ordering between the Y and Z octahedral sites suggests that the occurrence of an Fe2+ atom on a Y octahedral site may be locally associated with the absence of Mg at both of the neighboring Z sites, as substitutions of Fe2+ on Y and Mg on Z require antithetic shifts of the O6 anion.
Chemically Bonded Cyclodextrin Silica Stationary Phases for Liquid Chromatographic Separation of Some Disubstituted Benzene Derivatives

Etude comparative du comportement de la retention des composes benzeniques disubstitues sur une phase greffee de β-cyclodextrine avec ou sans fragment de s-triazine et sur une phase stationnaire greffee contenant la s-triazine sans la β-cyclodextrine
New Methodology Shows Short Atmospheric Lifetimes of 
Oxidized Sulfur and Nitrogen due to Dry Deposition

Abstract. The atmospheric lifetimes of pollutants determine their impacts on human health, ecosystems and climate and yet pollutant lifetimes due to dry deposition over large regions have not been determined from measurements. Here, a new methodology based on aircraft observations is used to determine the lifetimes of oxidized sulfur and nitrogen due to dry deposition over (3–6) × 103 km2 of boreal forest in Canada. Dry deposition fluxes decreased exponentially with distance, resulting in lifetimes of 2.2–26 hours. Fluxes were 2–14 and 1–18 times higher than model estimates for oxidized sulfur and nitrogen, respectively, indicating dry deposition velocities which were 1.2–5.4 times higher than those computed for models. A Monte-Carlo analysis with five commonly used inferential dry deposition algorithms indicates that such model underestimates of dry deposition velocity are typical. These findings indicate that deposition to vegetation surfaces are likely under-estimated in regional and global chemical transport models regardless of the model algorithm used. The model-observation gaps may be reduced if surface pH, and quasi-laminar and aerodynamic resistances in algorithms are optimized as shown in the Monte-Carlo analysis. Assessing the air quality and climate impacts of atmospheric pollutants on regional and global scales requires improved measurement-based understanding of atmospheric lifetimes of these pollutants.
Specialty Optical Fibers for THz Generation: A Review

This chapter describes the state-of-the-art sources of terahertz (THz) radiation, with focus on all-optical fiber-based sources for THz generation. THz technology based on the optical fiber platform is expected to be most attractive for day-to-day applications. Though optical fibers have been considered before for low-loss guidance of THz radiation, their nonlinear effects can also be exploited for THz generation. We discuss how a glass-based legacy step index fiber can be used to make a THz source. However, high absorption losses of silica glass in the THz regime and a small overlap between the modes at the optical and THz frequencies limit the THz generation efficiency to a level below 0.01%. Next, we discuss our design of a THz source based on a plastic fiber. By exploiting the nonlinear parametric process of four-wave mixing (FWM) in an appropriately designed microstructured-core double-clad plastic fiber (MC-DCPF), both the loss and the modal overlap issues can be overcome to a great extent. The microstructure geometry of this fiber allows for fine tuning of the required phase matching condition, group-velocity dispersion, and nonlinear properties at the optical pump wavelength. By using such a MC-DCPF, we show that a THz wave at a frequency near 3 THz can be generated by using two commercially available high-power lasers. The high-power CO2 laser acts as the pump and a CO laser of much lower power acts as a seed for the FWM process. Numerical simulations reveal that more than 30 W of THz power within a bandwidth of 2.13 GHz can be generated at the end of a 65 m long fiber when 1 kW of CO2 laser power is launched together with 20 W of CO laser power. A conversion efficiency of 30% is possible for a loss-less configuration, but efficiency of > 10% is achievable even in the presence of material losses. Recent results show that further optimization of such plastic microstructured fibers can provide conversion efficiencies close to 45%. As an alternative, we have focused on the use of plastic fibers and discussed a design criterion that is promising for realizing large output powers with a relatively high efficiency.
In Focus: Effects of an Opportune Gift on Tipping

The present study analyzes the effect on tipping when a gift is offered by servers, and shows that customers generously reciprocate that gift by significantly increasing gratuity. Making the norm of reciprocity focal by offering the identical gift at an opportunity to directly reciprocate, that is, concurrently with bringing the bill, even doubles this effect, indicating that service personnel can substantially—and effortlessly—raise their tips just by leveraging this reciprocity norm.
Curcumin-meropenem synergy in carbapenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae curcumin-meropenem synergy

Background and Objectives: The frequency of multiple resistant bacterial infections, including carbapenems, is increasing worldwide. As the decrease in treatment options causes difficulties in treatment, interest in new antimicrobials is increasing. One of the promising natural ingredients is curcumin. It is known to be effective in bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Burkholderia pseudomallei through efflux pump inhibition, toxin inhibition and enzymes. However, because its bioavailability is poor, it seffectiveness occurs in combination with antibiotics. In the study, the interaction of meropenem and curcumin in carbapenemase producing strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae was tested. Materials and Methods: Thirty-nine Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates, resistant to meropenem, were used in this study. From those 15 MBL, 6 KPC, 17 OXA-48 and 1 AmpC resistance pattern were detected by combination disk method. Meropenem and Curcumin MIC values were determined by liquid microdilution. Checkerboard liquid microdilution was used to determine the synergy between meropenem and curcumin. Results: Synergistic effects were observed in 4 isolates producing MBL, 3 isolates producing KPC, 4 isolates producing OXA-48, and 1 isolates producing AmpC (totally 12 isolates) according to the calculated FICI. No antagonistic effects were observed in any isolates. Conclusion: Curcumin was thought to be an alternative antimicrobial in combination therapies that would positively contribute to the treatment of bacterial infection. The effectiveness of this combination should be confirmed by other in vitro and clinical studies.
Does CSR Expenditure and Sustainability Reporting Improve Firm Performance? Mandatory CSR Regimes in India

This paper aims to investigate whether firms that comply with corporate social responsibility (CSR) expenditure and undertake voluntary sustainability reporting will have lower systematic risk and higher stock returns—the proxies for measuring firm performance—in mandatory CSR regimes in India. The instrumental approach of stakeholder theory asserts that firms considering stakeholders’ interests, including societal interest, are likely to show better firm performance compared to others. Therefore, on the basis of such a theory, this study attempts to link sustainability reporting and CSR compliance with firm performance. One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc tests were used to examine the proposed hypotheses and analyze the results for firms meeting the criteria of CSR provisions and are listed in the National Stock Exchange (NSE) of India. The period of study covers four financial years from 2015–16 to 2018–19, after India mandated CSR expenditure on April 1, 2014. Results reveal that markets value those firms that meet the mandatory CSR expenditure requirement but do not undertake voluntary sustainability reporting. The findings offer important implications for firms, investors, and policymakers of countries, including those that are planning for CSR legislation.
Performance Evaluation of a Non-Odorous Compost Barrel for Household Purposes

Composting is one of the simplest and oldest methods in reducing biowaste at source before it goes to the main waste stream. However, odor from the degradation procedure can be a significant problem, which can hinder the household from pursuing composting. This study aims to evaluate the compost barrel using a covering device to mitigate the emission of foul odor during composting of typical household biowaste. Turning the substrates inside the barrel is recommended, but the effect of turning frequency also needs additional discussion. Hence, two barrels with the same capacity were used in the study for comparison. Barrel A was turned with five complete rotations daily while Barrel B was turned once a week, likewise with five rotations. Results showed that compost from Barrel A could be harvested earlier than Barrel B, as a result of the higher turning rate. Composting parameters such as temperature, pH, moisture content, and mass variations were carefully monitored and exhibited acceptable operating conditions. In terms of the quality of the final compost, the former has a total Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium (NPK) of 4.67 %, while the latter has a total NPK of 4.86 %, which are both classified as soil conditioner based on the standard for organic soil amendments. Moreover, the activated carbon (AC) mat cover was found to be effective (p<0.05) in deterring odor in the course of the decomposition process. Hence, this study demonstrates that the compost barrel can be a non-odorous and eco-friendly solution for household’s biodegradable waste management.
The Impact of Tax Incentive Structure On Taxpayers’ Retirement Savings Decisions

We investigate whether and how the structure of retirement savings incentives influences their relative attractiveness to taxpayers, independent of their effect on after-tax returns. To that end, we examine taxpayers’ preferences between defined contribution retirement plans with back-loaded (i.e., Roth) and front-loaded (i.e., traditional) tax incentives. In three experiments, we find limited evidence that individuals appropriately weight temporal tax rate changes, the primary factor differentiating after-tax returns across incentive structures, in their plan preferences. In contrast, we find consistent evidence that the incentive structure’s relation to taxpayers’ broader attitudes and preferences significantly impacts plan preferences. Overall, we find evidence that generally held attitudes and preferences lead to a systematic preference for back-loaded retirement plans even in situations in which taxpayers know that a back-loaded plan is economically dominated by a front-loaded plan. The results have implications for policymakers and others considering how best to encourage retirement savings.
EACS: Expressible Access Control Scheme for Secure Services and Data Delegation in Collaborative E-health System

ABSTRACT Recent technological advancements in health care delivery have paved the way for collaborative monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment of patients, which involve real-time monitoring of patients and remote storage of their health information in the cloud. However, controlling access to the stored health information in the cloud is not only difficult but also susceptible to different privacy- and security-related attacks. Besides, existing access control schemes for e-health do not support delegation of responsibilities, a common phenomenon in health care delivery, making complete adoption of e-health impracticable. In this paper, we propose a security scheme that provides fine-grained expressive access control on patients’ health information for secure data and responsibilities delegation among health officers in collaborative e-health systems. The scheme takes care of the key distribution and attribute or user revocation problems of CP-ABE and supports secure delegation of responsibilities. With this scheme, a health officer can treat patients and securely delegate responsibilities to other health officers within the team without jeopardizing the security and privacy of the patients. Security and performance analysis show that our proposed scheme is efficient, secure, and expressive.
Towards a Fast, Open-Path Laser Hygrometer for Airborne Eddy Covariance Measurements

Water vapor fluxes play a key role in the energy budget of the atmosphere, and better flux measurements are needed to improve our understanding of the formation of clouds and storms. Large-scale measurements of these fluxes are possible by employing the eddy correlation (EC) method from an aircraft. A hygrometer used for such measurements needs to deliver a temporal resolution of at least 10 Hz while reliably operating in the harsh conditions on the exterior of an aircraft. Here, we present a design concept for a calibration-free, first-principles, open-path dTDLAS hygrometer with a planar, circular and rotationally symmetric multipass cell with new, angled coupling optics. From our measurements, the uncertainty of the instrument is estimated to be below 4.5% (coverage factor k = 1). A static intercomparison between a dTDLAS prototype of the new optics setup and a traceable dew point mirror hygrometer was conducted and showed a systematic relative deviation of 2.6% with a maximal relative error of 2.2%. Combined with a precision of around 1 ppm H2O at tropospheric conditions, the newly designed setup fulfills the static precision and accuracy requirements of the proposed airborne EC hygrometer.
Evaluation of statistical methods for assessing reliability from degradation data : A simulation study

Abstract This paper deals with the evaluation of statistical methods for assessing product reliability from degradation data. The evaluation is based on a simulation study. Benefits of assessing reliability from degradation data over censored failure time data are demonstrated using data from the first simulation run. Bias, precision and coverage probability calculated from the 105 simulated samples are the performance measures used in the evaluation. Analysis of a real gallium arsenide (GaAs) laser data set for telecommunication systems emphasizes the practical advantages of assessing reliability from degradation data.
Physico-Chemical and Sensory Characterization of a Fruit Beer Obtained with the Addition of Cv. Lambrusco Grapes Must

In 2015, Italian Grape Ale (IGA) beers have been included as a new provisional sub-category of special-type fruit beers by the Beer Judge Certification Program, including those products whose brewing process is carried out in presence of determined quantities of grape must. However, information on the effects of these additions on the composition of final beers are still scarce. This work is hence focused on the chromatic, volatile, phenolic and sensory characterization of IGA beers obtained with the addition of grape musts during brewing process. To this aim, different amounts of must (5, 10 and 20%) from cv. Lambrusco red grapes were added to a lager wort before primary fermentation. Beers were then characterized by HPLC-MS, GC-MS and sensory analysis in order to determine phenolic and aroma compounds along with their sensory attributes. Results confirmed the addition of must from cv. Lambrusco grapes capable to enrich beers in color, acids, phenolic (up to 7-folded increased) and volatile compounds, while giving complexity to beers. These results, which were confirmed by a trained sensory panel, are among the very first insights on the impact of red grape must in brewing, both from a compositional and sensory point of view.
An investigation on burnout, test anxiety, test motivation, and test attitude of prospective mathematics teachers in Turkey

Student burnout can lead to lower motivation to do required coursework and higher absenteeism. The purpose of the study was to examine whether a significant correlation exists between burnout, test anxiety, test attitude, and test motivation of prospective mathematics teachers studying at mathematics teacher program in an education faculty of a state university in Turkey. This study also sought to examine whether there is a significant difference between burnout, test anxiety, test attitude, and test motivation of prospective mathematics teachers, according to gender and grade level. Data were collected from 340 students. We found a significant positive correlation between test attitude and test motivation, between burnout and test anxiety; also the results of ANOVA showed that there was a statistically significant difference in prospective mathematics teachers’ burnout and test anxiety, according to grade level. These findings support prospective mathematics teachers’ test attitude had a significant positive correlation with test motivation, their burnout had a significant positive correlation with test anxiety and there was a significant difference between burnout and test anxiety, according to grade levels.
Combined Use of Black Barberry (Berberis crataegina L.) Extract and Nitrite in Cooked Beef Sausages during the Refrigerated Storage

Effects of combined use of black barberry ( Berberis crataegina L.) extract and sodium nitrite on the quality and shelf life of cooked beef sausages were investigated. Different concentrations of the extract (30, 60 and 90 mg kg -1 ) in combination with nitrite (30, 60 and 90 mg kg -1 ) were added to sausage formulations. Total viable counts, pH, proximate analysis, residual nitrite level, lipid oxidation, color and sensory data were studied against the blank and control samples during the storage for 30 days at 4°C. A gradual decrease in the nitrite level was observed during the storage for all samples studied. Samples using the extract from this study showed similar redness but lower lightness when compared to the control sausage sample with 120 mg kg -1 sodium nitrite. Sensory evaluation of the samples indicated similar results to those of the control. Accordingly, there is a potential benefit for partial replacement of sodium nitrite with barberry extract in the cured meat products.