Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of External Skin Lesions and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Concentrations in Gulf of Mexico Fishes, Post-Deepwater Horizon

AbstractWe surveyed offshore fish populations in the Gulf of Mexico in 2011 and 2012, following persistent reports of abnormal skin lesions and other pathologies in the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The incidence of skin lesions in 2011 sampling was most frequent in some bottom-dwelling species along the continental shelf edge north of the Deepwater Horizon site. Longline surveys revealed that by 2012 the overall frequency of lesions in northern Gulf of Mexico (NGM) fishes in the vicinity of the Deepwater Horizon had declined 53%, with severity also declining. Relatively high concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) metabolites (up to 470,000 ng naphthalene equivalents/g bile wet weight), indicative of oil-related pollution, were found in fish bile in 2011; concentrations of summed PAHs measured in fish liver and muscle were relatively low (<35 ng/g) due to the efficient metabolism of these compounds by teleost fish. Significant declines in bile concentrations of naphthalene.
Effects of Rice Husk on the Lightweight Concrete Properties Produced by Natural Zeolite for Agricultural Buildings

The objective of this research was to investigate physical, mechanical and thermal properties of concrete produced by using zeolite (clinoptiolite) and organic waste (rice husk). The lightweight concrete of 300 and 400 cement contents were produced by adding various amounts ( 5, 10, 15 and 20 %) of rice husk into the zeolite. The physical, mechanical and thermal properties of the samples were determined after 28 days. According to the experimental results, the compressive strengths of the samples for 300 and 400 cement contents ranged between 145.80 and 132.87 kg/cm 2 and between 192.54 and 167.16 kg/cm 2 , respectively. The unit weights of the samples for 300 and 400 cement contents ranged between 1406 and 1507 kg/m 3 and 1559 and 1604 kg/m 3 , respectively. The water absorption rates of the samples for 300 and 400 cement contents were between 6.17 and 14.19 % and between 4.44 and 7.46%, respectively. In addition, thermal conductivities varied between 0.581 and 0.510 W/mK for 300 cement content and 0.658 and 0.621 W/mK for 400 cement content. In conclusion, rice husk has potential as a material to produce lightweight concrete when considering its strength, resistance and insulation properties.
Impacts of three insect growth regulators and the particle barrier film, Kaolin, on alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica (Gyllenhal), secondary pest, pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) & natural enemy complex

Studies were conducted in Montana to evaluate the impacts of the insect growth regulators novaluron, diflubenzuron, azadirachtin and the particle barrier film, kaolin, on the primary pest, alfalfa weevil (AW, Hypera Postica [Gyllenhal)], natural enemies of alfalfa weevil and the secondary pest, pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris). Kaolin, diflubenzuron and azadirachtin treatments caused low (<53%) AW mortality and did not prevent AW feeding damage across 5 field sites. Novaluron caused the highest mortality (74 ± 3% at one field site) while significantly reducing feeding damage across two of five field sites (P < 0.05) and two greenhouse trials. Plants treated with novaluron weighed significantly more than untreated plants at harvest in either greenhouse study with a final harvest weight of 2.7 ± 0.2 and 3.4 ± 0.3g / pot in the novaluron treated pots compared to 2.2 ± 0.1 and 2.4 ± 0.3 g / pot in the untreated; however harvest yields were not increased in field trials. All experimental treatments provided some pre-harvest benefits to the predator-alfalfa weevil and predator-pea aphid complex at various field sites; however novaluron treatments provided significantly higher predator-alfalfa weevil ratios consistently across four of five field sites when compared to the synthetic pyrethroid, lambda cyhalothrin (P < 0.05). At these four field sites, novaluron treated plots harbored an average predator-alfalfa weevil ratio of 0.15 ± 0.07 compared to 0.02 ± 0.02 in lambda cyahlothrin treated plots in the first harvest cycle. Parasitism rates were significantly higher when experimental treatments were used compared to the lambda cyhalothrin treated plots across five field sites (P < 0.05). The added benefit of conserving predators and parasitoids in combination with direct pesticide efficacy never reduced densities of AW or pea aphid to that of the synthetic pyrethroid treatment in the first or second harvest cycle. While novaluron had little benfit on reducing AW or pea aphid poulations to that of the synthetic pyrethroid treatment, it offers the best potential for developing a soft-chemical/biological system for protecting alfalfa from this key arthropod pest. Future studies taking advantage of novalurons mode of action as a feeding deterrent should be explored.
Variation in space and time of water flow and solute transport in heterogeneous soils and aquifers : a new multi-compartment percolation sampler and a new parameterization of the spatio-temporal solute distribution

Het experimentele en theoretische onderzoek gepresenteerd in dit proefschrift heeft geleid tot een verbetering van de mogelijkheden om stoffentransport in de ondergrond beneden een onverzadigde bodem te observeren. De lange termijn prestaties van de nieuwe multi-compartement samplers onder de ruwe omstandigheden van het open veld waren overtuigend. De samplers bleken geschikt voor een grotere verscheidenheid aan toepassingen
Comprehensive Assessment of Production–Living–Ecological Space Based on the Coupling Coordination Degree Model

Production–living–ecological (PLE) space is the basic site of all human activities. The coordinated development of these three spaces is an important prerequisite for achieving sustainable development goals. However, a quantitative assessment of the overall coordination among these three spaces is limited in current research. This paper built an indicator system and a coupling coordination degree model to comprehensively assess the development status of PLE space in China. The statuses of 340 prefecture-level cities across the country from 2005 to 2015 were analyzed. The results showed that the national average first increased from 0.435 in 2005 to 0.452 in 2010 and then dropped to 0.445 in 2015. There was an obvious distribution line between slightly unbalanced cities and moderately balanced cities, close to the famous “Hu Huanyong Line. ” Most provincial capital cities were between the slightly unbalanced class and barely balanced class. Only Fuzhou in Fujian Province exceeded the barely balanced class in 2015. This paper provides several references for other developing cities to achieve sustainable and coordinated development.
Young immersion learners’ language use outside the classroom in a minority language context

Abstract There has been a long history of early Irish language learning in Ireland as a result of Government policy to promote greater use of Irish. All children learn Irish in school from age 4–18 years. The majority learn Irish as a subject, typically for 30–40 minutes per day, and the levels of competence achieved are mostly disappointing. Approximately 6.7% of primary school children learn Irish in an immersion context, however, and these children achieve a high standard of communicative competence. In this paper we examine the impact of Government policy on the transfer of linguistic competence from the classroom to wider society in the context of a minority language that is becoming increasingly marginalised. We draw on data from three studies to explore the relationship between Irish-medium school attendance and the desire and opportunity to use Irish outside of school while attending school, and later as an adult. The first study also investigated students’ attitudes towards learning and using Irish. All three studies examined parents use of Irish in the home and the influence that the language spoken in their home during childhood and the language of their schooling had on their current language practices. Overall, Irish-medium schools are very successful in educating proficient speakers of Irish who have very positive attitudes towards Irish. These positive attitudes and proficiency do not necessarily transfer to use of Irish in the home. While attendance at an Irish-medium school as a child has a positive effect on later use of Irish, when former students become parents, the effect is quite small. The perennial challenge persists in transferring competence in a minority language acquired in school to the home and community.
Did soil development limit spruce (Picea abies) expansion in the Central Alps during the Holocene? Testing a palaeobotanical hypothesis with a dynamic landscape model

Aim Forest communities in the European Central Alps are highly sensitive to climatic change. Palaeobotanical studies have demonstrated that forests rapidly expanded upslope during Holocene warm intervals and contracted when temperatures fell. However, temperature alone cannot account for important changes in tree species abundance. For example, population expansion by Norway spruce (Picea abies), a dominant subalpine species, lagged suitable temperatures by about 3000 years in eastern and by 6000 years in western Switzerland. We hypothesize that spruce expansion was delayed by limited water availability in weakly developed soils and/or by drier‐than‐present climatic conditions.
Genetics and Molecular Biology

Osteoporosis is a condition of the skeleton that mainly results from estrogen deficiency. Periostin is a matricellular component in bone that is involved in osteoblast differentiation. However, how Periostin promotes osteogenesis remains largely unknown. Here, we isolated bone marrow skeletal stem cells (BMSCs) derived from an ovariectomy (OVX)-induced osteoporosis rat model and the effects of periostin on BMSCs derived from OVX rats (OVX-BMSCs) were assessed. Overexpression of periostin enhanced alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alizarin red staining in OVXBMSCs as well as the osteogenic genes OCN, BSP and Runx2. ILK is a downstream effector of signals from the extracellular matrix and participates in bone homeostasis. Overexpression of periostin also increased expression of protein levels for ILK, as well as the downstream targets pAkt and pGSK3β. Suppression of ILK or Akt partially suppressed the enhancement of osteogenic ability induced by periostin overexpression in OVX-BMSCs. Thus, periostin may promote the osteogenic ability of OVX-BMSCs through actions on the ILK/Akt/GSK3β axis.
Parametric investigation of flexographic printing processes for R2R printed electronics

ABSTRACT Recent technological advancement in flexographic printing has allowed flexography to catch up with other R2R processes such as gravure printing in the printed electronics field. However, there are many process parameters involved in flexography that can affect the print quality. This work attempted to achieve finer line printing compared to the current 45–100 µm printed line width range of flexography by manipulating and studying these process parameters. A design of experiments was conducted to investigate the influence and interaction of various process parameters such as anilox volume, anilox force and printing force on the printed line width. After identifying the key process parameter from the design of experiments, another in-depth study of the key process parameter was conducted to further investigate how printed line width was affected. The results showed that the printing plate was elastically deformed with a range of 50–400 N printing forces. Beyond the 400-N printing force, the printing plate experienced plastic deformation.
Computational Methods for Reconstruction and Analysis of Genome-Scale Metabolic Networks

Metabolism is the cellular subsystem responsible for generation of energy from nutrients and production of building blocks for larger macromolecules. Computational and statistical modeling of metabolism is vital to many disciplines including bioengineering, the study of diseases, drug target identification, and understanding the evolution of metabolism. In this thesis, we propose efficient computational methods for metabolic modeling. The techniques presented are targeted particularly at the analysis of large metabolic models encompassing the whole metabolism of one or several organisms. We concentrate on three major themes of metabolic modeling: metabolic pathway analysis, metabolic reconstruction and the study of evolution of metabolism. In the first part of this thesis, we study metabolic pathway analysis. We propose a novel modeling framework called gapless modeling to study biochemically viable metabolic networks and pathways. In addition, we investigate the utilization of atom-level information on metabolism to improve the quality of pathway analyses. We describe efficient algorithms for discovering both gapless and atom-level metabolic pathways, and conduct experiments with large-scale metabolic networks. The presented gapless approach offers a compromise in terms of complexity and feasibility between the previous graph-theoretic and stoichiometric approaches to metabolic modeling. Gapless pathway analysis shows that microbial metabolic
Identification of Compounds from Nigella Sativa as New Potential Inhibitors of 2019 Novel Coronasvirus (Covid-19): Molecular Docking Study

The spread of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the lack of specific treatment and the urgent situation requires use of all resources to remedy this scourge. In the present study, using molecular docking, we identify new probable inhibitors of COVID-19 by molecules from Nigella sativa L, which is highly reputed healing herb in North African societies and both Islamic and Christian traditions. The discovery of the Mpro protease structure in COVID-19 provides a great opportunity to identify potential drug candidates for treatment. Focusing on the main proteases in CoVs (3CLpro/Mpro) (PDB ID 6LU7 and 2GTB); docking of compounds from Nigella Sativa and drugs under clinical test was performed using Molecular Operating Environment software (MOE). Nigelledine docked into 6LU7 active site gives energy complex about -6.29734373 Kcal/mol which is close to the energy score given by chloroquine (-6.2930522 Kcal/mol) and better than energy score given by hydroxychloroquine (-5.57386112 Kcal/mol) and favipiravir (-4.23310471 kcal/mol). Docking into 2GTB active site showed that α- Hederin gives energy score about-6.50204802 kcal/mol whcih is better energy score given by chloroquine (-6.20844936 kcal/mol), hydroxychloroquine (-5.51465893 kcal/mol)) and favipiravir (-4.12183571kcal/mol). Nigellidine and α- Hederin appeared to have the best potential to act as COVID-19 treatment. Further, researches are necessary to testify medicinal use of identified and to encourage preventive use of Nigella Sativa against coronavirus infection.
Effects of Oxidation of Top and Bottom Interfaces on the Electric, Magnetic, and Spin-Orbit Torque Properties of 
Pt
/
Co
/
AlOx
 Trilayers

Oxidation strongly influences the properties of magnetic layers employed in spintronic devices. We study the effect of oxidation on the structural, magnetic, and electrical properties as well as current-induced spin-orbit torques (SOTs) in Pt/Co/AlOx, Pt/CoOx/Co/AlOx, and PtOx/Co/AlOx layers. We show how the saturation magnetization, perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, anomalous Hall resistance, and SOT are systematically affected by the degree of oxidation of both the Pt/Co and Co/Al interfaces. Oxidation of the Co/Al interface results in a 21% and 42% variation of the dampinglike and fieldlike SOT efficiencies, which peak at 0.14 and 0.07, respectively. The insertion of a paramagnetic CoOx layer between Pt and Co maintains a very strong perpendicular magnetic anisotropy and improves the dampinglike and fieldlike SOT efficiencies, up to 0.26 and 0.20, respectively. In contrast with recent reports, we do not find that the oxidation of Pt leads to a significant enhancement of the torques. Rather, we find that oxygen migrates from Pt to the Co and Al layers, leading to a time-dependent oxidation profile and an effective spin Hall conductivity that decreases with increasing oxygen concentration. Finally, we study current-induced switching in Pt/Co/AlOx with different degrees of oxidation and find a linear relationship between the critical switching current and the effective magnetic anisotropy controlled by the oxidation of Al. These results highlight the importance of interfaces and oxidation effects on the SOT and magnetotransport properties of heavy metal/ferromagnet/oxide trilayers and provide information on how to improve the SOT efficiency and magnetization-switching characteristics of these systems.
WRF Sensitivity Analysis in Wind and Temperature Fields Simulation for the Northern Sahara and the Mediterranean Basin

Different configurations for the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model were evaluated to improve wind and temperature fields predictions in the Northern Sahara and the Mediterranean basin. Eight setups, associated with different combinations of the surface layer physical parameters, the land surface model, and the grid nudging parameters, were considered. Numerical simulations covered the entire month of November 2017. Model results were compared with surface data from meteorological stations. The introduction of the grid nudging parameters leads to a general improvement of the modeled 10 m wind speed and 2 m temperature. In particular, nudging of wind speed parameter inside the planetary boundary layer (PBL) provides the most remarkable differences. In contrast, the nudging of temperature and relative humidity parameters inside the PBL may be switched off to reduce computational time and data storage. Furthermore, it was shown that the prediction of the 10 m wind speed and 2 m temperature is quite sensitive to the choice of the surface layer scheme and the land surface model. This paper provides useful suggestions to improve the setup of the WRF model in the Northern Sahara and the Mediterranean basin. These results are also relevant for topics related with the emission of mineral dust and sea spray within the Mediterranean region.
Whole‐Life Career Management: A Counseling Intervention Framework

It is widely recognized that career management and counseling require a consideration of work and nonwork roles. I present a career counseling intervention framework to help clients self-direct their careers and attain work-nonwork balance. Based on an action-regulation approach, the framework consists of four phases: (1) Clarifying goals across work and nonwork roles; (2) mapping resources and barriers related to goal attainment; (3) developing action strategies for goal attainment; and (4) monitoring and adapting goal pursuit across work and nonwork goals. I outline the theoretical foundations of this framework, provide a case study on how the framework can be applied in individual counseling, and give examples of specific intervention contents. The framework provides a foundation for career counseling practice to assist clients in managing their careers under considerations of nonwork roles. Research can use the framework to gain a better understanding of career self-management from a whole-life perspective.
‘Fake News’ in Science Communication: Emotions and Strategies of Coping with Dissonance Online

In view of events such as the public denial of climate change research by well-known politicians, the effects of postfactual disinformation and emotionalisation are discussed for science. Here, so-called ‘fake news’ are of focus. These are considered problematic, particularly in a high-choice media environment as users tend to show selective behaviour. Much research has demonstrated this selective exposure approach, which has roots in the Theory of Cognitive Dissonance (Festinger, 1957). However, research on the processes of coping with dissonance is still considered sparse. In particular, communication scholars have overlooked emotional states and negotiations. This article analyses the affects that are aroused when users are confronted with opinion-challenging disinformation and how they (emotionally) cope by using different strategies for online information. For this, we used the context of climate change that is widely accepted in Germany. The innovative research design included pre- and post-survey research, stimulus exposure (denying ‘fake news’), observations, and retrospective interviews (n = 50). Through this, we find that perceptions and coping strategies vary individually and that overt behaviour, such as searching for counter-arguments, should be seen against the background of individual ideas and motivations, such as believing in an easy rejection of arguments. Confirming neuroscientific findings, participants felt relieved and satisfied once they were able to dissolve their dissonant state and negative arousal. Dissatisfaction and frustration were expressed if this had not been accomplished.
Effect of Improved Management Practices on Yield and Economics of Rabi Pulse Crops

Chickpea, blackgram and greengram are important rabi pulse crops grown in Andhra Pradesh. Adoption gaps were identified in these crops indicating the need for the demonstration of the improved crop management practices. In chickpea the variety NBeG47, blackgram TBG 104, greengram variety WGG 42 were introduced in farmers fields in rabi season. Along with the varietal introduction the whole package of improved management practices were demonstrated. A total of 50 FLDs each in chickpea, blackgram and greengram were organized for two consecutive years 2016-17 and 2017-18 in Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh. Highest yield of 27.50 q/ha was recorded with NBeG-47 in the demo fields with an average yield of 25.50 q/ha. In blackgram a highest yield of 17.25 q/ha was recorded in the demo with an average yield of 14.59 q/ha as againstcheck with an average yield of 11.50 q/ha. In greengram a highest yield of 16.50 q/ha was recorded in the demo fields with an average yield of 15.12 q/ha as against check with an average yield of 10.00 q/ha. Paired t test of the economics of demo and check showed significant positive difference between improved practice and farmers practice.
Aquaculture for veterinarians: fish husbandry and medicine

Basic anatomy and physiology, E. Branson. Basic husbandry on fish farms, A. Grant. Aquaculture systems, J. Shepherd. Envirorimental aspects of aquaculture, E. Branson. Principles of disease diagnosis, R. Collins. Disease in aquaculture, P. Southgate. Therapy in aquaculture, P. Scott. Nutrition in aquaculture, A. Skrudland. Anaesthesia, M. Stoskopf. Welfare aspects of aquatic veterinary medicine, G. Cawley. Legislation affecting farmed fish, A. Gray, K. Treves-Brown. The veterinary approach to salmon farming in Norway, R. Nordmo. The veterinary approach to salmon fishing in Scotland, T. Wall. The veterinary approach to trout, A. Holliman. The veterinary approach to channel catfish, M. Johnson. The veterinary approach to marine prawns, I. Anderson. The veterinary approach to carp, R. Hoffmann. The veterinary approach to eels, E. Liewes, O. Haenen. The veterinary approach to turbot farming, R. Soutar. The veterinary approach to halibut, M. Brancker. The veterinary approach to cod, I. Opstad, et al. The veterinary approach to ornamental fish, R. Butcher. The veterinary approach to sea-bass and sea-bream, P. Christofilogiannis. The veterinary approach to game fish, R. Francis-Floyd.