Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Asymptotical Synchronization Of Coupled Time-Delay Partial Differential Systems Via Pinning Control And Boundary Control

---------------------------------------------------------------This paper focus on the asymptotic synchronization issue of coupled time-delay PDSs via pinning control and boundary control. The asymptotic synchronization of PDSs with both node-delay and coupling delay is discussed firstly. Then the pinning controller and boundary controller are also presented in order to achieve the asymptotic synchronization. Further more, synchronization criteria are established by using the Lyapunov function method and inequality techniques. Obviously, it is an efficient control technique to combine the pinning control with the boundary control for the asymptotic synchronization of the PDSs. Finally, an example of digital simulation is used to elucidate the practicability and validity of our control method and the correctness of the theorem.
The effects of steam conditioning and antimicrobial inclusion on feed manufacturing and inactivation of Enterococcus faecium, a Salmonella surrogate

SUMMARY Animal well‐being, evolving feed manufacturing regulations, human health, and consumer perception drive the continued need to provide safe feed to food animals. Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of antimicrobial inclusion and conditioning temperature variations on feed manufacturing metrics (EXP1) and the inactivation of Enterococcus faecium, a Salmonella surrogate (EXP2). Both short‐term (ST) and long‐term (LT) steam conditioning techniques were utilized in this split‐plot design where ST (10 s) or LT (60 s) steam conditioning served as whole plot units. Whole plots contained either 2 × 3 (EXP1) or 2 × 4 (EXP2) factorial arrangements varying in mixer‐added antimicrobial inclusion (with or without) and degree of thermal processing (unprocessed mash, 71°C, 82°C, and 88°C). Manufacturing of dietary treatments was replicated 3 times. A basal diet was used to obtain desired conditioning temperature before Salmonella surrogate‐inoculated feed was exposed to either ST or LT conditioning. In EXP1, conditioning time and antimicrobial inclusion interacted (P = 0.03) by decreasing pellet durability when antimicrobial was included in diets subjected to ST conditioning. Pellet durability was not affected when LT conditioning was utilized. In EXP2, conditioning time, antimicrobial inclusion, and degree of thermal processing interacted (P < 0.0001) to inactivate the Salmonella surrogate using ST conditioning at 71°C. Further inactivation from higher ST and LT conditioning temperatures, with and without antimicrobial, was apparent. Within the parameters of this study, both ST and LT steam conditioning resulted in 3 and 4‐log reductions of the Salmonella surrogate, respectively. However, degree of bacterial inactivation and pellet quality are dependent on manufacturing and antimicrobial additive strategies.
ENGINEERING PROPERTIES OF CLAYEY SOILSTABILIZED WITH WASTE GRANITE DUST

The properties of soil play a major effect on the design of road pavements. Thus, using waste materials to develop the characteristics of weak soil is being progressively necessary for industrial constructions. In past years, several pieces of research have been done to show the significance of these waste materials on the strength of the soil. This research aims to focus on the impact of granite powder on the behavior of the soil subjected to loading. Therefore, soils blended with several amounts of granite powder i.e. 4%, 8%, 12%, 16%, and 20% of the total weight were examined. The CBR, compaction and direct shear tests were executed to evaluate the performance of the untreated and treated soils. The findings proved that adding granite dust increased noticeably the shear strength, CBR and dry density of the soils. It was found that an addition of 8% granite dust to the natural soil yields the most appropriate results among other contents of granite dust. Hence, it is concluded that the granite dust has good potential to be used as an additive for improving the engineering properties of clayey soil.
The ghr-miR164 and GhNAC100 module participates in cotton plant defence against Verticillium dahliae

Previous reports have shown that many miRNAs were identified at the early induction stage during which Verticillium dahliae localizes at the root surface. In this study, we constructed two sRNA libraries of cotton root responses to this fungus at the later induction stage when the pathogen enters the root vascular tissue. We identified 71 known miRNAs and 378 novel miRNAs from two pathogen-induced sRNAs and the control libraries. Combined with degradome and sRNA sequencing, 178 corresponding miRNA target genes were identified, in which 40 target genes from differentially expressed miRNAs were primarily associated with oxidation-reduction and stress responses. More importantly, we characterized the ghr-miR164-GhNAC100 module in the response of the plant to V dahliae infection. A GUS fusion reporter showed that ghr-miR164 directly cleaved the mRNA of GhNAC100 in the post-transcriptional process. ghr-miR164-silencing increased the resistance of the plant to this fungus, while the knockdown of GhNAC100 elevated the susceptibility of the plant, indicating that ghr-miR164-GhNAC100 modulates plant defence through the post-transcriptional regulation. Our data documented that there are numerous miRNAs at the later induction stage that participate in the plant response to V. dahliae, suggesting that miRNAs play important roles in plant resistance to vascular disease. Highlight According to degradome and sRNA sequencings of cotton root in responses to Verticillium dahliae at the later induction stage, many miRNAs and corresponding targets including ghr-miR164-GhNAC100 module participate plant defence.
When Mutual Fund Managers Write Confidently

This paper studies the information content of a subtle writing style, the expression of confidence. We use unsupervised machine learning to generate new lexicons for three aspects of a writer’s level of confidence in expressing opinions: certainty, intensity of expression, and emotional overstatement. Using them to capture mutual fund managers’ confidence in letters to shareholders, we show confidence contains important information about skill: underperforming managers writing with strong certainty significantly outperform other underperforming managers in the next six months, whereas top performing managers writing with strong intensity or emotional overstatement underperform. Further analyses reveal our confidence measures are informationally distinct from the human-based confidence measure and tone. Analyses of investors’ capital flows show they are largely incapable of detecting the information embedded in textual confidence. Our findings suggest that writing styles contain import forward-looking information.
Headteachers' Contribution to Improving Quality of Education for Sustainable Development at Secondary Level

Sustainable development is the drawn-out objective of finding ways to deal with assistance current masses without haggling the restriction of individuals later on to fulfil their own needs (UNESCO 2012). It is a thinking paradigm about future planning in which social, economic and environmental tiers are balanced for the quest of development and a further improvement in the quality of life. It was considered a central guiding principle for debate on the environment, energy and education (Bonnett, 2003). The U.N. General Assembly (GAUN) highlighted the urgent need for sustainable development and told people that it is time to re-equilibrium UNESCO's international relations, 2010. The theme of the sustainable development has been estimated a solution to global s issues like economic, environmental and social challenges including poverty, water sustainability, income inequality, climate change, health insecurity, desertification, unsustainable food consumption, human right abuses, consumerism, harm to biodiversity and environmental issues. These issues have developed political unrest and armed conflict across the world (UNESCO 2009; Khataybeh et al., 2010) Environment and Growth Conference in Rio de Janeiro (1992) Education (University preschool) Education was considered a significant factor for the promotion of sustainable development to deal environmental, Local, national, international, and global economic and social issues (Wals & Kieft, 2010). Similarly, Taylor (2016) also pointed out three main issues of sustainable development are economic growth, environmental protection and social equality. Sustainable development education gains international credibility by adopting Resolution 57/254 of the United Nations General Assembly in December 2002, and the Decade for U.N. Growth Education (DESD) announced for 2005-2014. Researchers like Win & Maw (2018) claimed that education needed to achieve the objectives of sustainable development, and teachers needed to recognize the ESD concept and the ESD vision. It is an education sector that allows headteachers, teachers and students to find new ways to be active members of
Synthesis and characterization of highly polybrominated diphenyl ethers

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a class of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) which have become widespread environmental pollutants due to their persistence and bioaccumulativeness. Pure authentic PBDE congeners are required for chemical analysis, assessments of their chemical/physical properties and toxicological studies. We here report an improved method for synthesis of authentic PBDE congeners applying bromophenols and symmetrical brominated diphenyliodonium salts as building blocks. Altogether, 13 PBDEs were synthesized of which seven are new. The improved coupling reaction between the bromophenol and the brominated diphenyliodonium salts resulted in enhanced yields for PBDEs substituted with more than six bromine atoms. Also, improvements in iodonium salt synthesis made it possible to synthesize symmetrical hexabromodiphenyliodonium salts for the first time, i.e. 2,2',3,3',4,4'-, 2,2',4,4',5,5'- and 2,2',4,4',6,6'-hexabromodiphenyliodonium salts and they made it possible to prepare octabrominated PBDEs via the actual coupling method. All synthesized compounds were characterized by (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR spectra and by their melting points. Also, all products except for the diphenyliodonium salts were characterized by mass spectra in electron ionization mode.
Two Servings of Dairy Per Day are Associated with Less Severe Sleep Apnea

We examined the dose dependent effects of feeding lactating dairy cows a standard diet supplemented with monensin at 175, 368, or 518 mg cow-1 day-1 on the rumen microbiota. For each dosage, 3 animals were randomly assigned into groups and fed the same basal total mixed ration diet supplemented with monensin, at the respective dose. After 20 days, rumen samples were taken and the effect on the microbiota was examined by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and qPCR. At the lowest dose no significant change in 16S rRNA gene sequences associated with any bacterial phyla was observed; however, at the medium and high dosages we observed significant reductions in sequences associated with Gram-positive bacteria and significant increases in those associated with Gram-negative bacteria that were dosage dependent. All dosages reduced the levels of sequences associated with methanogenic archaea in the rumen, with the medium dosage showing the largest decline. No significant difference was observed for the 18S rRNA gene sequences associated with protozoa in any of the libraries.
Translation and Validation of the Family-Focused Mental Health Practice Questionnaire-Japanese Version

: Children of parents with mental illness are more likely to experience mental health concerns, compared to other children in the community. Thus, it is important mental health professionals identify and intervene appropriately in these families. To develop professional development activities, practice guidelines and organizational supports, it is important to first identify those practices that professionals employ and do not employ. Accordingly, a Japanese version of the Family-Focused Mental Health Practice Questionnaire was developed. In the first instance, the Questionnaire was translated into Japanese and disseminated to mental health workers in various Japanese settings. Based on 212 participants’ data, exploratory factor analysis was conducted to examine the structure of the Family-Focused Mental Health Practice Questionnaire Japanese version. Questionnaire results from professionals with and without previous family-focused/child-focused practice training was also compared. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO = 0.85) index and Bartlett’s test (p < 0.001) showed acceptable results. After Promax rotation, 13 factors with eigenvalues greater than 1 remained. Furthermore, the scree plot suggested a 13-factor solution as the best fit for the data. The factors accounted for 66.7% of the variance and most of the factor loadings were higher than 0.30, and most of the variables were uniquely loaded in one factor. Thus, thirteen subscales emerged from exploratory factor analysis. Comparing scores of each 13-subscale between two groups, there were significant differences on four (family-focused practice) and eight (child-focused practice) subscales. The Family-Focused Mental Health Practice Questionnaire Japanese version has good to acceptable construct validity. Further longitudinal design studies are required to explore the utility of the Family-Focused Mental Health Practice Questionnaire Japanese version in clinical settings. These results demonstrate the cross-cultural validation and psychometric properties of the Japanese version of the Family-Focused Mental Health Practice Questionnaire (FFMHPQ-JV). The original items for the FFMHPQ were based on a systematic review of the literature [21] and developed with input from a highly specialized workforce FaPMI (Families where a Parent has a Mental Illness) coordinators in Victoria, Australia [16]. In this study, the FFMHPQ-JV was shown to have sufficient face and content validity. Moreover, subscales of the FFMHPQ-JV’s
Effect of dietary supplementation with extracts of rosemary, olive leaves, pine bark and quercetin on selected performance indices of broiler chickens and microbiological status of their ileum

A total of 180 1-day-old male Hubbard Flex broiler chickens were used in a 32-day model experiment to determine the effects of dietary supplementation with quercetin (Q) and with polyphenolic extracts of rosemary (RO), olive leaves (OL) and pine bark (PB) on the performance of the birds and the microbiological status of their ileum. The chickens were randomly allocated into 9 groups: the control group (with 6 replicates, 6 birds per cage) and 8 treatment groups (with 3 replicates in each, 6 birds per cage), and fed ad libitum throughout the experimental period with a basal isoenergetic and isoprotein control diet or with the same basal diet containing two concentrations of RO, OL and PB extracts (2.50 and 5.00 g/kg), and Q (0.25 and 0.50 g/kg). The body weight gain (BWG) and the feed conversion ratio (FCR) were determined during the experiment. At day 32, two randomly selected birds from each cage were slaughtered, and 5-centimetre-long pieces of the ileum beginning from the Meckel's diverticulum were collected to analyze the number of microorganisms in the intestinal content. Chickens’ weight gain and FCR were not affected by the OL-, PB- and Q-enriched diets, but supplementation with RO significantly (P < 0.05) impaired FCR. BWG was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced when chickens were fed with mixtures containing 2.50 and 0.25 g/kg of the polyphenolic additives. The number of CFUs of intestinal microorganisms was not significantly affected (P > 0.05) by the diet modification. However, a large decrease (P > 0.05) was observed in the CFUs of coliform bacteria (up to 96%), E. coli (up to 93%), Lactobacillus spp. (up to 89%), molds and yeasts (up to 95%) and anaerobic Clostridium spp. (up to 52%) in the ileum content of chickens supplemented with the additives containing polyphenols.
Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy for Rapid Eradication of S. Pyogenes

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) employs the combination of a photosensitive agent and activating light source to destroy microbes across the prokaryotic spectrum. Disinfection is mediated by high levels of oxidative stress exerted on microbial membranes, resulting in rapid kill without genomic exposure and consequent upregulation of resistance. Specificity results from the electrostatic interaction between cationic photosensitizers and generally anionic microbial membranes, an effect largely absent in zwitterionic human cells. S. pyogenes, a member of Group A streptococci, is a member of skin microbiota strongly associated with invasive skin and soft tissue infections, including necrotizing fasciitis. This study aimed to determine susceptibility of the microorganism in both planktonic and biofilm culture to aPDT, as a preparatory step to deployment in human clinical studies.
A Three Article Study Examining Sexual and Gender Minority Competency of Health Service Providers

A THREE ARTICLE STUDY EXAMINING SEXUAL AND GENDER MINORITY COMPETENCY OF HEALTH SERVICE PROVIDERS Corrine N. Wilsey Old Dominion University, 2020 Director: Dr. Shelley C. Mishoe Sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals endure a number of health disparities, such as higher rates of violence, mental health conditions, and more medical conditions. These disparities are exacerbated by the fact that SGM individuals face issues such as accessing health insurance, social support programs, and health service providers who are knowledgeable about SGM health issues. Certain health service provider governing organizations (i.e., the American Psychological Association, the Association of American Medical Colleges, and the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association) have recognized the need for guidelines regarding SGM care in recent years and published guidelines for health service providers regarding culturally competent care of SGM clients. SGM individuals represent a highly stigmatized and understudied population in regard to health service education and training. The primary purpose of this dissertation was to understand health service providers SGM competency by developing a measure (the HCAF-SGM), examining theories (Dual Process Model of Prejudice and SIT) that may be related to SGM competency, and identifying correlates of SGM competency. Study one of the dissertation was a systematic review that examined rates and correlates of health service providers competency working with SGM individuals. Study two of the dissertation was a review of a psycho-educational training with military sexual assault victim advocates (SAVAs) serving SGM victims. Study three of the dissertation developed and assessed a measure of health service provider SGM competency. Study one found that correlates of SGM health services are understudied. The need for a study that tested theory-based explanations of health service competency was identified. Additionally, the necessity of developing a measure that can be used across health service disciplines and that is inclusive of all SGM persons (including BDSM-practitioners) was a major finding of study one. Study two demonstrated the unique challenges when conducting research with specialty groups (i.e., the military). The need for researching transgender specific prejudice in order to understand the full realm of anti-LGBT prejudice was identified in study two, as the measure of prejudice specifically looked at prejudice against gay men and lesbian women. Study three suggested that health care providers view their competency regarding SGM individuals in a holistic manner, without differentiating between knowledge, attitude, and skill. Study results showed promise for the validity of the HCAF-SGM measure developed for the study. The measure was found to be associated with one construct of the Dual Process Model of Prejudice (RWA) and social identities that were salient to the topic being studied (i.e., healthcare professional and sexual and gender minority).
Correlation and path coefficient analysis of yield and its component in chick pea (Cicer arietinum L.)

The present experiments were carried out in two consecutive year of Rabi season of 2006-07 and 2007-08 at Agriculture Research Farm of S.D. J.P.G. College, Chandeshwar, Azamgarh (UP) with a view to selection correlation and path coefficient analysis of chickpea. An experiment was connected with sixty variety of cheek pea to Check the correlation and path co-efficient of there lines in different Environment. Results indicated that seed yield/plant was positively Associated with all the component characters except plant height. The correlation coefficient of seed yield were highly significant with Secondary branches/plant and biological yield showed significant Correlation with primary branches/plant pods/plant seed/pod and harvest index. On the basis of pooled data, path coefficient analysis showed that biological yield harvest index, secondary branches and days to flowering were important characters that could be taken into consideration for selection and improvement of seed yield in chickpea.
Politics, Markets, and Pandemics: Public Education’s Response to COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic provides a unique opportunity to examine how local governments respond to a public health crisis amid high levels of partisan polarization. As an arena that has historically been relatively insulated from national partisan cleavages, public schools provide a useful window into understanding the growing nationalization of local politics. Leveraging the fact that all school districts had to adopt a reopening plan in fall 2020, we assess the factors that influenced school district reopening decisions. We find that mass partisanship and vested interests best explain the degree to which schools reopened. Republican (Democratic) districts were far more (less) likely to reopen in person, while districts with stronger unions relied more on remote learning. Notably, we find little connection between reopening decisions and indicators measuring the severity of the virus. Finally, public schools were sensitive to the threat of student exit. Districts located in counties with more Catholic schools were somewhat more likely to reopen in person. We assess the implications of these findings for U.S. education policy and the study of local government more generally.