Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of zinc application on quality of wheat grain (Triticum aestivum L.)

In plants, zinc plays a vital role as a catalytical, structural and regulatory co-factor of many enzyme reactions. Zinc is necessary for the metabolism of carbohydrates, protein synthesis, the biosynthesis of growth hormones, in particular of indole acetic acid and the maintenance of the integrity of cell membranes. The deficiency symptoms first appears on young leaves as zinc is an immobile nutrient in plants. Zinc deficient leaves remains small with extended necrotic spots and interveinal chlorosis on the upper leaf surfaces. Zinc deficiency is major problem in cereal crops. Therefore, zinc agronomic fortification of wheat and other cereal crops is being urgently addressed and highly prioritized as a research topic. Increasing the zinc content of food crop resulting in better crop production is an important global challenge. A pot culture study entitled “Agronomic fortification of wheat as influenced by graded levels of zinc” was conducted during rabi 2017-2018 at Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry. Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidhyapeeth, Akola. The significantly highest test weight, carbohydrates and protein content were observed in the treatment of soil application of RDF + ZnSO 4 @ 30 kg ha -1 . It is concluded that the soil application of ZnSO 4 @ 30 Kg ha -1 + RDF (80:40:40 kg ha -1 N, P 2 O 5 , K 2 O) at the time of sowing recorded highest wheat grain quality viz test weight, carbohydrates and protein content.
Optimization of low ring polycylic aromatic biodegradation

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are recalcitrance and persistence that finally turn into problematic environmental contaminants. Microbial degradation is considered to be the primary mechanism of PAHs removal from the environment due to its organic criteria. This study is carried out to optimize degradation process of low ring PAHs. Bacteria used in this study was isolated from sludge collected from Kolej Mawar, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Selangor. Working condition namely, substrate concentration, bacteria concentration, pH and temperature were optimized. PAHs in the liquid sample was extracted by using solid phase microextractio equipped with a 7 µm polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) SPME fibr. Removal of PAHs were assessed by measuring PAHs concentration using GC-FID. Results from the optimization study of biodegradation indicated that maximum rate of PAHs removal occurred at 100 mgL-1 of PAHs, 10% bacteria concentration, pH 7.0 and 30°C. These working condition had proved the effectiveness of using bacteria in biodegradation process of PAHs.
Projections for Mexico’s Tropical Rainforests Considering Ecological Niche and Climate Change

The tropical rainforest is one of the lushest and most important plant communities in Mexico’s tropical regions, yet its potential distribution has not been studied in current and future climate conditions. The aim of this paper was to propose priority areas for conservation based on ecological niche and species distribution modeling of 22 species with the greatest ecological importance at the climax stage. Geographic records were correlated with bioclimatic temperature and precipitation variables using Maxent and Kuenm software for each species. The best Maxent models were chosen based on statistical significance, complexity and predictive power, and current potential distributions were obtained from these models. Future potential distributions were projected with two climate change scenarios: HADGEM2_ES and GFDL_CM3 models and RCP 8.5 W/m2 by 2075–2099. All potential distributions for each scenario were then assembled for further analysis. We found that 14 tropical rainforest species have the potential for distribution in 97.4% of the landscape currently occupied by climax vegetation (0.6% of the country). Both climate change scenarios showed a 3.5% reduction in their potential distribution and possible displacement to higher elevation regions. Areas are proposed for tropical rainforest conservation where suitable bioclimatic conditions are expected to prevail.
Prosocial Cartoons Exposure and Aggressive Behavior in Aggressive Boys: The Potential Mediating Role of Empathy

Given that evidence for positive effects of cartoons has been relatively sparse, this article reports an experimental study concerning the effects of prosocial cartoons on aggressive behavior among aggressive boys (n = 160; Mage = 8.00, SD = 2.01), a population that has received relatively little attention in research literature. Boys were nominated by teachers as aggressive from three Chinese kindergartens and three primary schools. Cartoons were assessed as prosocial or nonprosocial via 100 experts, then half of them were randomly assigned to watch either prosocial cartoons or matched nonprosocial cartoons (a randomized controlled experiment). Boys in each condition watched the assigned one cartoon for 15 minutes per day and five different cartoons per week. Basic Empathy Scale (BES) and Competitive Reaction Time Task (CRTT) were employed to measure levels of empathy and aggressive behavior. Results showed that aggressive boys who watched prosocial cartoons reported higher levels of empathy but less aggressive behavior than those who watched nonprosocial cartoons. Specifically, ten-year-old boys reported higher levels of empathy and less aggressive behavior than six-year-old boys in the prosocial cartoon condition. The relationship between prosocial cartoons viewed and aggressive behavior was mediated by increased empathy (especially 10-year-old aggressive boys). The aggression reducing effect of prosocial cartoons indicated that training aggressive boys to be empathetic could decrease their aggression levels in educational practice.
Effects of Persimmon Peel on Laying Performance, Nitrogen Availability, and Egg Quality in Laying Hens Provided with Shrimp Meal Diets

To determine whether persimmon peel (PP) showing high chitinase activity could alleviate the detrimental dietary effects of chitin-rich shrimp meal (SM), we assessed the laying performance, nitrogen (N) balance, and egg quality of laying hens provided with SM diets containing PP. We also examined the color and antioxidant properties of egg yolk, as we anticipated these would be improved by providing SM and PP. Seventy-two laying hens (45 weeks of age) were allotted to one of the nine dietary treatments (eight hens each), namely three levels of SM (0%, 10%, and 15%)×three levels of PP (0%, 6%, and 8%), and fed with the experimental diets over a period of 6 weeks. Hen-day egg production, feed intake, egg mass, feed conversion ratio, and N balance reduced with increasing levels of SM, whereas the reductions were recovered in a dose-dependent manner in response to increasing levels of PP; however, the SM0% treatment showed that PP exerted little effects. Notably, reductions in the Haugh unit and albumen height of eggs with increasing SM levels, and recovery by provision of increasing levels of dietary PP, were observed. Yolk color was improved by SM, although PP exerted little effect, whereas the antioxidant properties of yolk were enhanced by the inclusion of both SM and PP in diets. Furthermore, eggshell strength, weight, and thickness were enhanced with increasing levels of SM, whereas dietary PP had little effect on these parameters. Thus, we suggest that PP can alleviate the negative effects of dietary SM and improve egg quality, without causing a reduction in laying performance, provided that the level of supplementary PP in diets is less than 8%. These findings accordingly indicate that PP is a promising feed constituent for laying hens fed with SM diets.
Conditional stock liquidity premium: is Warsaw stock exchange different?

This paper aims to empirically indicate the factors influencing stock liquidity premium (i.e. the relationship between liquidity and stock returns) in one of the leading European emerging markets, namely, the Polish one. ,Various firms’ characteristics and market states are analysed as potentially affecting liquidity premiums in the Polish stock market. Stock returns are regressed on liquidity measures and panel models are used. Liquidity premium has been estimated in various subsamples. ,The findings vividly contradict the common sense that liquidity premium raises during the periods of stress. Liquidity premium does not increase during bear markets, as investors lengthen the investment horizon when market liquidity decreases. Liquidity premium varies with the firm’s size, book-to-market value and stock risk, but these patterns seem to vanish during a bear market. ,This is one of the first empirical papers considering conditional stock liquidity premium in an emerging market. Using a unique methodological design it is presented that liquidity premium in emerging markets behaves differently than in developed markets.
A flipped classroom approach to teaching search techniques for systematic reviews to encourage active learning.

This project report describes the rationale for moving a one-shot library teaching session on advanced searching for systematic reviews to a flipped classroom approach (e-learning ahead of face-to-face teaching) and the process this took. It examines the e-learning and active learning elements designed to support learners engage with challenging threshold concepts including subject headings. Learner feedback during, immediately at the end of each session, and in response to a follow-up impact survey is considered. Overall, learner feedback on the flipped classroom was very positive and teachers reported improved learner outcomes (formative in-class informal assessment). Areas identified for development are presented. The report extends the body of research on the use of the flipped classroom in information literacy and provides evidence that active learning techniques can be successful in increasing learner engagement and achievement even in a one-shot setting.
Evaluation of surfactants as digester additives for kraft softwood pulping

A laboratory screening method using an autoclave digester has been developed to evaluate surfactants in kraft softwood pulping. The effect of surfactants on cooking liquor penetration and diffusion has been explored. Use of surfactants results in a more uniform cook with lower kappa number, lower screen rejects, lower pulp resin content, and higher black liquor residual active alkali content. The addition of 0.1% surfactant (on ovendry wood) resulted in a significant reduction of the kappa number with no penalty on pulp yield. The resultant pulp yield at a constant kappa number increased 0.5-0.8% over the conventional kraft cook. Application : the research findings presented in this paper can be used for the practical application of surfactant programs in the kraft digestion process, either individually or in combination with AQ. The laboratory evaluation precedure will help mills screen surfactant additives for their own chips.
Polymeric implant of methylprednisolone for spinal injury: preparation and characterization

Purpose: To improve the effectiveness and reduce the systemic side effects of methylprednisolone in traumatic spinal injuries, its polymeric implants were prepared using chitosan and sodium alginate as the biocompatible polymers. Methods: Implants of methylprednisolone sodium succinate (MPSS) were prepared by molding the drug-loaded polymeric mass obtained after ionotropic gelation method. The prepared implants were evaluated for drug loading, in vitro drug release and in vivo performance in traumatic spinal-injury rat model with paraplegia. Results: All the implant formulations were light pale solid matrix with smooth texture. Implants showed 86.56 ± 2.07 % drug loading. Drug release was 89.29 ± 1.25 % at the end of 7 days. Motor function was evaluated in traumatic spinal injury-induced rats in terms of its movement on the horizontal bar. At the end of 7 days, the test group showed the activity score (4.75 ± 0.02) slightly higher than that of standard (4.62 ± 0.25), but the difference was not statistically different ( p > 0.05). Conclusion: MPSS-loaded implants produces good recovery in traumatic spinal injury rats. Keywords: Spinal injury, Spinal column, Methylprednisolone, Implant, Activity score, Motor function
When Empathy Leads to Passive Bystanding or Defending of the Victim in a Bullying Situation: Interaction With the Perceived Popularity of the Bully

The interactions between individual factors (i.e., cognitive empathy, affective empathy) and situational factors (i.e., perceived popularity of a bully) in predicting passive bystanding or defending of the victim in a bullying situation were examined. A total of 522 Korean secondary school students answered survey questions and responded to vignettes depicting bullying scenarios that included the different popularity statuses of the bully. The results revealed that high affective empathy positively predicted defending negatively predicted passive bystanding regardless of the perceived popularity of the bully. However, when bystanders had low affective empathy and high cognitive empathy, as the perceived popularity of the bully increased, their intention to remain passive also increased but their intention to defend the victim decreased.
Time and space resolved spectroscopic investigation during anode plume formation in a high-current vacuum arc

This paper presents time and space resolved results of spectroscopic measurements during the formation of an anode plume in the late current pulse phase of a high-current vacuum arc. The formation of the anode plume is investigated systematically based on the occurrence of high-current anode spots, depending on gap distance and current for AC 100 Hz and CuCr7525 butt contacts with a diameter of 10 mm. The anode plume is observed after the extinction of anode spot type 2 in which both the anode and cathode are active. It is concluded from the spatial profiles of the atomic and ionic radiation, parallel and perpendicular to anode surface, that the inner part of the plume is dominated by Cu I radiation, whereas a halo of light emitted by Cu II covers the plume. The radiation intensity of Cu III lines is quite low across the whole anode plume. Upper level excited state densities corresponding to Cu I lines at 510.55, 515.32, 521.82, 578.21 nm are determined. The temporal evolution of the resulting excitation temperature in the centre of the plume varies from 8500 K to 6000 K at 500 µs to 100 µs before current zero, respectively. The density calculated for Cu I at position in the plume is in the range of 1–5 × 1019 m−3.
Histopathological and Immunohistochemical Evaluation of CDX2 and Ki67 in Colorectal Lesions with their Expression Pattern in Different Histologic Variants, Grade, and Stage of Colorectal Carcinomas

Background: A variety of colorectal lesions are surgically treated encompassing both benign and malignant polyps and colorectal cancer (CRC). CRC is the third most common cause of death in developed countries. Over the last decade, CDX2 has been linked to CRC progression, with reduced expression of the protein associated with more advanced tumor stage, vessel invasion, and metastasis. Aims and Objectives: To analyze the histopathology and immunohistochemistry (IHC) of CDX2 and Ki67 with their expression pattern; in different lesions of colon and rectum with special reference to various grade/stage/histological variants of CRC and to find out whether they can be used as possible predictive marker. Materials and Methods: The study conducted was hospital based, both retrospective and perspective type comprising colorectal samples of total 367 cases (N) within a period of 2½ years. Surgical samples were collected, then grossed, processed, stained with routine hematoxylin and eosin stain in our department followed by IHC of CDX2 and Ki67 in only 60 randomly selected cases (n = 60). Results: Out of total 367 cases, 265 cases were prospective study and 102 cases were retrospective study (240 cases were colonic lesions, and 127 are rectal lesions). The samples included were both from colonoscopy biopsy (small) 319 cases and 48 colectomy specimen (large). Mean age of the study participants was 49.62 years with a standard deviation of 17.34 years and predominantly male, but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Colon (238 cases, 64.9%) as a whole affected more than rectum and left sided tumors more than the right side. All 60 cases were found to be positive for CDX2 expression (i.e., 100%); majority (n = 38) being carcinoma cases possessing high score and was statistically significant (P = 0.008, using Chi-square test) indicating strong association, whereas Ki-67 showed an increased index from noneoplastic to neoplastic cases. Conclusion: These markers can be used as future predictive biomarkers which will precisely evaluate risk group, prognosis, and response to therapy hence can be used as target therapy reducing irrational treatment.
The Association of the BRAF V600E  Mutation with Clinicopathologic Characteristics in Chinese Population with Conventional Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Objective:The aim of the study is to evaluate the association of the BRAFV600E mutation with the clinicopathologic characteristics in Chinese population with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). MethodsA total of 943 PTC patients who underwent thyroidectomy from 2014 to 2016 at Henan Provincial People’s Hospital were included in the present study. The BRAFV600E mutation was examined in each resected specimen by quantitative Real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) technique. Results The PTC patients were subclassified into the overall, PTC>10mm and papillary thyroid microcarcinoma(PTMC) groups. The positive rate of BRAFV600E mutation was 85.4% in Chinese patients with PTC. In both overall PTC and PTC> 10mm groups, the BRAFV600E mutation was much more frequently detected in elderly patients and patients at T1 stage (P< 0.05). In addition, the positive rate of BRAFV600E mutation was significantly higher in PTC patients without concomitant Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in overall PTC and PTMC groups (P< 0.05). Furthermore, logistic regression analysis suggested that the risk of having a larger tumor diameter was increased by 6-fold when BRAFV600E mutation in the PTMC group. No association between the BRAFV600E mutation and other clinicopathologic factors was observed. ConclusionThe BRAFV600E mutation was significantly associated with patients age and T stage. Furthermore, the risk of having a larger tumor size was significantly increased when BRAFV600E mutation in the PTMC group. which suggests that BRAFV600E mutation might play an important role in the activation of early thyroid carcinogenesis, the effect might weaken in the progression of PTC.
Muscle Strength Deficit though Intact Proprioception after Lateral Ankle Sprain without Persistent Instability

Abstract Background Lateral ankle sprain is one of the most common injuries in competitive sports. Previous studies which investigated muscle strength and proprioception (joint position sense) focused on subjects who sustained ankle sprain with instability. It is also important to investigate strength deficits and proprioception in subjects with a history of ankle sprain without instability. Therefore the aim of the study is to investigate proprioception and muscle strength deficits in athletes with lateral ankle sprain. Methods Twenty-four male athletes with a history of lateral ankle sprain and 24 age-matched controls (mean age of 22.42±4.13 years, mean height of 173±5.73 cm, and mean weight of 71.20±7.55 Kg) participated in this cross-sectional study. Peak torque and peak torque ratio at speeds of 30 and 120°/s for concentric and eccentric ankle inversion/eversion were evaluated using an isokinetic dynamometer. The joint position sense of the ankle joint was evaluated using an active angle reproduction test. Result Peak torque produced was significantly less in subjects with history of ankle sprain in concentric inversion 30°/s(t(47)=4.11; p=0.000, Cohen’s d=1.29), concentric inversion 120°/s (t(47)=3.01; p=0.006, Cohen’s d=1.13), concentric eversion 30°/s (t(47)=3.85; p=0.001, Cohen’s d=1.24) and concentric eversion 120°/s (t(47)=3.15; p=0.005, Cohen’s d=1.09). At the same time there was no significant difference observed in eccentric eversion peak torque in both speed (eccentric eversion 30°/s p=0.079; eccentric eversion 120°/s p=0.867) between experimental and control group. No significant difference was found in the joint position sense in the maximal active inversion −5° position (p=0.312) and the 15° inversion position (P=0.386) between both group. Conclusion The study’s results reported a significantly less peak torque of invertors and evertors during concentric movements in athletes with history of ankle sprain. At the same time, no significant difference reported in the evertor/invertor peak torque ratio, and active joint position sense between the 2 groups.
Evaluation of patient satisfaction and masticatory performance in mandible single implant-assisted overdenture

Objectives: Many authors' have advocated a minimum of two implants to support a mandibular overdenture, but financial restraints specifically among the geriatric population in developing countries made this treatment plan economically difficult. Hence, this study was planned to assess the symphyseal (midline) single implant-assisted complete overdenture for patient satisfaction and masticatory performance. Materials and Methods: In this clinical study, 12 edentulous first-time denture wearers underwent placement of a single implant in the mandibular symphyseal region. After 1 week, new complete dentures were fabricated and delivered to the patients. Post 3 months, the denture was fixed with a nylon cap-ball attachment to the anchor implant. Patients were questioned about comparison in the level of satisfaction and complaint before loading the implant (control group) and after 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months. The implant-assisted overdenture was fabricated with the help of a questionnaire. Masticatory performance was calculated with the help of a bite force measuring device at the same time intervals. SPSS 17.0 statistical software was used to analyze the data. Results: It was found that single implant anchorage of the mandibular complete denture resulted in a significant increase (P < 0.05) in patient's subjective satisfaction and a decrease (P < 0.05) in complaints at the end of 3 months. There was a significant (P < 0.01) increase in bite force in implant overdenture after 3 months (5.459 kgf) as compared to that of the complete denture (3.406 kgf). Conclusion: Single implant-assisted overdenture can be an appropriate treatment modality to treat edentulousness in the geriatric population. It insinuates the remarkable improvement of prosthesis function and oral comfort with minor surgical procedures.