Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Waste activated sludge treatment in an anaerobic dynamic membrane bioreactor at varying hydraulic retention time: Performance monitoring and microbial community analysis

In this study, the variations in system performance and microbial community composition when treating waste activated sludge without prior chemical or physical pretreatment in anaerobic systems is examined. Two lab‐scale digesters, namely anaerobic dynamic membrane bioreactor (AnDMBR) and continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR), were operated and maintained under mesophilic conditions at varying hydraulic retention times (10‐25 days). Decreasing the hydraulic retention time (HRT) affected the methane yield (MY) and methane production rate (MPR) proportionally in both systems. The AnDMBR's maximum MY of 252 mL CH4/g‐VS and MPR of 0.73 L/L/d were 25% and 34% higher than those obtained using the CSTR, respectively. Moreover, a decrease in HRT was accompanied by accumulation of butyric acid in the CSTR, which caused further performance deterioration. In both systems, AnDMBR's dynamic membrane acted as an added layer preventing methanogen wash‐out and retaining the essential microorganisms for stable sludge treatment. Dominance in the microbial composition shifted from a strict acetoclastic to a mixed acetoclastic and hydrogenotrophic methanogenic community and that a decrease in the ration of Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes was associated with the increased MY.
Mitochondrial DNA Phylogeography and the Conservation of Endangered Lesser Antillean Icterus Orioles

Abstract: Recent natural and anthropogenic disturbances have endangered two of the three oriole species endemic to single islands in the Lesser Antilles. The ongoing eruption of the Soufriere Hills volcano may have doomed the Montserrat Oriole ( Icterus oberi), whereas high levels of nest parasitism by a cowbird threaten the Martinique Oriole ( I. bonana). These orioles and related Antillean and Central American forms have been considered part of the Icterus dominicensis superspecies complex, but the taxonomic status of the different Antillean island populations has been long debated. To investigate levels of evolutionary differentiation among threatened Lesser Antillean orioles, we analyzed 2507 nucleotides of protein‐coding mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence from orioles on Martinique, Montserrat, St. Lucia ( I. laudabilis), Puerto Rico ( I. dominicensis dominicensis), Mexico ( I. d. prosthemelas), and three Icterus outgroup species. Phylogenetic analyses of the mtDNA data supported the monophyly of Antillean members of the I. dominicensis complex and identified a star‐like pattern of relationship among them. Mitochondrial distances between the Antillean populations were large (4.5–5.8% nucleotide divergence) and suggested that the Lesser Antillean orioles have been isolated evolutionarily from one another since the late Pliocene. The oriole taxa on Montserrat, Martinique, and St. Lucia meet species criteria under the phylogenetic species concept and represent evolutionarily significant units. The impending extinction of the phylogenetically unique Montserrat oriole highlights the vulnerability of island endemics to habitat degradation followed by rare and unpredictable natural catastrophes.
Country or Brand: What Matters to Younger Millennials?

Our objective is to compare the effects of country of origin (COO) and brand on Younger Millennials’ (YM) willingness to buy global brands. We chose the United States, because it is the country of origin for the most valuable global brands. We approached Apple, Levi’s, and McDonald’s because they are iconic brands both in the US and globally. We tested constructs related to the country of origin and brand and then conducted a survey with 367 YM (17-23 years old) as potential brand consumers. We applied a structural equation model to analyze the impacts of these constructs on their willingness to buy. Results indicate that the way YM connect themselves to the brand is more important than the way they perceive or feel about the brand’s country of origin. We studied real brands within their target market and, in a current context, translated constructs for application in day-to-day consumer situations, while seeking discoveries that can be widely applied in the field of international marketing.
Expression of Truncated Transient Receptor Potential protein 1α (Trp1α)

Transient receptor potential protein 1 (Trp1) has been proposed as a component of the store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) channel. However, the exact mechanism by which Trp1 is regulated by store depletion is not known. Here, we examined the role of the Trp1 C-terminal domain in SOCE by expressing hTrp1α lacking amino acids 664–793 (ΔTrp1α) or full-length hTrp1α in the HSG (human submandibular gland) cell line. Both carbachol (CCh) and thapsigargin (Tg) activated sustained Ca2+ influx in control (nontransfected), ΔTrp1α-, and Trp1α-expressing cells. Sustained [Ca2+] i , following stimulation with either Tg or CCh in ΔTrp1α-expressing cells, was about 1.5–2-fold higher than in Trp1α-expressing cells and 4-fold higher than in control cells. Importantly, (i) basal Ca2+ influx and (ii) Tg- or CCh-stimulated internal Ca2+ release were similar in all the cells. A similar increase in Tg-stimulated Ca2+ influx was seen in cells expressing Δ2Trp1α, lacking the C-terminal domain amino acid 649–793, which includes the EWKFAR sequence. Further, both inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor-3 and caveolin-1 were immunoprecipitated with ΔTrp1α and Trp1α. In aggregate, these data suggest that (i) the EWKFAR sequence does not contribute significantly to the Trp1-associated increase in SOCE, and (ii) the Trp1 C-terminal region, amino acids 664–793, is involved in the modulation of SOCE.
Region-Wise Distribution of Schizophrenia With Cannabis Abuse and Medication Non-Compliance in the United States: A Nationwide Analysis of 51,975 Hospitalizations

Objectives To understand the region-wise differences in demographics, comorbid substance abuse, and hospital outcomes in adult schizophrenia inpatients with cannabis abuse and medication non-compliance. Methods We included 51,975 adults (18-65 years) from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2012 to 2014) with a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia and comorbid diagnosis of cannabis abuse and medication non-compliance. We used descriptive statistics and linear-by-linear association to evaluate the region-wise differences in demographics and comorbid substance abuse. Analysis of variance was used for continuous variables such as length of stay (LOS) and total charges during hospitalization to measure the differences across the regions. Results Our study inpatients were from the United States regions: northeast ([NE] 30.4%), midwest ([MW] 24.3%), south (27.3%), and west (18%). A higher proportion of young adults (age: 18-35 years; overall total: 62.4%) were from the south (65.1%) and the NE (64.3%) regions. The study population comprised majorly of males in all the regions, ranging from 78.6% to 82.2% (overall total: 80.5%). The west region comprised majorly of whites (42.6%), whereas all other regions majorly had blacks, with the highest seen in the MW (63.2%) and south (63%) regions. The most prevalent comorbid substances in the study inpatients were tobacco (46.3%) and alcohol (32.3%). The mean LOS and total charges for the hospitalization were much higher in the NE region (LOS: 15.8 days; total charges: $44,336). Conclusion Cannabis abuse and medication non-compliance in schizophrenia patients were prevalent in the NE region of the United States and in the overall regions, and affects young adults, males, and Blacks from low-income families. This is associated with higher hospitalization stay and cost, which indirectly increase the healthcare burden.
Herbicide Combinations for Control of Volunteer Potato

Abstract Field studies were conducted to determine if POST applications of the p-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) inhibitors mesotrione (105 g ai/ha), topramezone (18 g ai/ha), and tembotrione (92 g ai/ha) applied alone and in mixtures with the photosystem-II (PSII) inhibitors atrazine (560 g ai/ha), bentazon (560 g ai/ha), or bromoxynil (280 g ai/ha) would control volunteer potato. Mesotrione alone controlled potato 62%, but topramezone and tembotrione only provided 10 to 22% control by 6 wk after treatment (WAT). All PSII inhibitors applied alone provided less than 36% control of potato. Overall, mixtures of PSII inhibitors plus mesotrione improved initial potato control by 2 WAT; however, by 6 WAT, few differences were observed between mesotrione applied alone or in mixtures with PSII inhibitors. PSII inhibitors did not always improve activity of topramezone or tembotrione on potato, and in some instances appeared to antagonize control. HPPD inhibitors applied alone or in combinations with PSII inhibitors reduced potato yields in comparison to the untreated check.
Asymmetries in Transnational Social Protection: Perspectives of Migrants and Nonmigrants

This study investigates the extent to which migrants’ embeddedness in two formal social protection systems (country of origin and host country) influences the resources they exchange in their informal supportive relationships. I analyze the support networks of a matched sample of Turkish migrants in Germany and their significant others in Turkey to illuminate the conditions and meaning of reciprocal resource exchanges, finding that both migrants and nonmigrants perceive formal social protection offered by Germany as superior to that of Turkey. I show that those perceptions have implications for how financial support is exchanged with the family but have less impact on friendships. These implications for family included unequal power relationships, changes in equity among siblings and family, different valuation processes of resources, and thus, (reciprocal) exchanges.
A Test of a Simple Nutrient Budget Model Predicting the Phosphorus Concentration in Lake Water

The total phosphorus budgets for a number of lakes in the Haliburton–Kawartha region of southern Ontario were measured over a 20-mo period. These data, combined with the lakes' morphometry and water budgets, were used to test a simple nutrient budget model similar to that proposed by Vollenweider (1969) purporting to predict the total phosphorus concentration in lakes. Except in the case of two very shallow lakes , the concentrations predicted by the model were very close to those measured in the lakes at spring overturn. Additional data from the literature supported the belief that this model could be used effectively for oligotrophic and mesotrophic lakes. Its value lies in the fact that quantitative changes in phosphorus loading can be interpreted in terms of changes in phosphorus concentration, which in turn, can be related to changes in parameters that reflect the lake's trophic state such as summer chlorophyll a concentration.
The Value of Time: Evidence from Auctioned Cab Rides

We recover valuations of time using detailed data from a large ride-hail platform, where drivers bid on trips and consumers choose between a set of rides with different prices and waiting times. We estimate demand as a function of prices and waiting times and find that price elasticities are substantially higher than waiting-time elasticities. We show how these estimates can be mapped into values of time that vary by place, person, and time of day. We find that the value of time during non-work hours is 16% lower than during work hours. Most of the heterogeneity in the value of time, however, is explained by individual differences. We apply our estimates to study optimal time incentives in highway procurement. Standard industry practices, which set incentives based on a uniform value of time, lead to mis-priced time costs by up to ninety percent.
The transition from a periodic spiking state to a periodic bursting state via a chaotic bursting state: a numerical study of a dynamical system in neurobiophysics

In the present study, a numerical simulation of a specific nonlinear dynamical system in neurobiophysics, namely, a mathematical model describing the dynamics of the membrane potential of snail RPa1 neurons was conducted. This model is described by a system of eight-coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equations. The study specifically focused on two system parameters of the snail RPa1 neuron model: the voltage-independent sodium conductance and voltageindependent potassium conductance. The effects of varying these parameters on the dynamics of the model were numerically simulated; the results revealed various types of transitions between different dynamical states. Interestingly, the voltage-independent potassium conductance induced a novel type of bifurcation, i.e., a periodic spiking state → a chaotic spiking state → a chaotic bursting state → a periodic bursting state, which has not been reported in previous studies of the snail RPa1 neuron model. Mathematics Subject Classification: 37N25, 92C20 PACS: 05.45. -a, 87.19. ll
Isolation, characterization and cross-species amplification of microsatellite DNA loci in the tropical American yam Dioscorea trifida

We developed microsatellite markers in American yam (Dioscorea trifida). A microsatellite sequence-enriched genomic library was screened, and after sequencing, primers were designed for 20 microsatellites. Among these, eight primer pairs yielded amplification products that were both interpretable and polymorphic in 24 yam cultivars. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to 13 and the overall expected heterozygosity was around 0.5. Six of the eight Dioscorea trifida microsatellite loci gave amplification products in other Dioscorea species.
Ethylene in seed dormancy and germination

The role of ethylene in the release of primary and secondary dormancy and the germination of non-dormant seeds under normal and stressed conditions is considered. In many species, exogenous ethylene, or ethephon – an ethylene-releasing compound - stimulates seed germination that may be inhibited because of embryo or coat dormancy, adverse environmental conditions or inhibitors (e.g. abscisic acid, jasmonate). Ethylene can either act alone, or synergistically or additively with other factors. The immediate precursor of ethylene biosynthesis, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC), may also improve seed germination, but usually less effectively. Dormant or non-dormant inhibited seeds have a lower ethylene production ability, and ACC and ACC oxidase activity than non-dormant, uninhibited seeds. Aminoethoxyvinyl-glycine (AVG) partially or markedly inhibits ethylene biosynthesis in dormant or non-dormant seeds, but does not affect seed germination. Ethylene binding is required in seeds of many species for dormancy release or germination under optimal or adverse conditions. There are examples where induction of seed germination by some stimulators requires ethylene action. However, the mechanism of ethylene action is almost unknown. The evidence presented here shows that ethylene performs a relatively vital role in dormancy release and seed germination of most plant species studied.
Assessing extraction trail trafficability using harvester CAN-bus data

ABSTRACT Modern forest machines with a Controlled Area Network (CAN)-bus managed diesel engine and hydrostatic transmission can continuously measure power expended in traveling. At a constant speed on level ground, the power is expended in overcoming motion resistance, which is directly related to wheel sinkage and hence to site trafficability. In cut-to-length timber harvesting, the harvester precedes the forwarder on the site, making it feasible to utilize the harvester to collect data on site trafficability to produce a trafficability map for the forwarder. CAN-bus trafficability mapping was tested with an 8-wheeled Ponsse Scorpion King harvester and an 8-wheeled Ponsse Elk forwarder instrumented for collecting transmission power expenditure, in addition to appropriate available CAN-bus information. Trafficability was also mapped based solely on momentary engine power in order to eliminate the need for additional pressure transducers. The CAN-bus data showed good results for mapping site trafficability when compared to soil penetration resistance and harvesting machinery wheel rut depth measurements. Assessing harvester rolling resistance using CAN-bus data offers an interesting possibility to map harvesting site trafficability also in Big Data scale. Since modern harvesters are practically ready for indirect power recording, the additional cost of fully automated and comprehensive trafficability mapping as part of operative forestry is negligible.
Advertising Agricultural Biotechnology: Metaphors and Controversial Products

Abstract Developments in biotechnology have had a huge impact on agriculture in the past century. Despite reassurances from some experts and agriculture biotechnology manufacturers, a number of groups fear the benefits in productivity do not outweigh the potential threats to health and the environment. This research presents a content analysis of advertisements for agricultural biotechnology products targeted to farmers, focusing on the conceptual metaphors appearing in the ads. Our results suggest that ads for products high in perceived risk are more likely to have a high degree of metaphor presence than to be literal. We find that ads for seeds have higher metaphor presence as the level of genetic modification of the seeds increases and that the product type is significantly related to the conceptual metaphor appearing in the ad. Ads for pesticides were most likely to present agricultural biotechnology in terms of war.
Karyotypes in cultivated and wild species of Linum

Detailed karyomorphological study of 19 species and 27 collections of Linum is made. The study reveals the presence of n=8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 30 chromosome numbers within the genus. However, the number n=9 and n=15 predominate over other numbers. L. pubescens is studied and karyotype of 13 species is described for the first time. New chromosome numbers are reported for 6 species. On the basis of general morphology and karyotype a phyletic tree is drawn to show the line of evolution within the genus and interrelationship among the species. The basic chromosome number is interpreted as x=9.
Concept Mapping in Magnetism and Electrostatics: Core Concepts and Development over Time

Conceptual change theories assume that knowledge structures grow during the learning process but also get reorganized. Yet, this reorganization process itself is hard to examine. By using concept maps, we examined the changes in students’ knowledge structures and linked it to conceptual change theory. In a longitudinal study, thirty high-achieving students (M = 14.41 years) drew concept maps at three timepoints across a teaching unit on magnetism and electrostatics. In total, 87 concept maps were analyzed using betweenness and PageRank centrality as well as a clustering algorithm. We also compared the students’ concept maps to four expert maps on the topic. Besides a growth of the knowledge network, the results indicated a reorganization, with first a fragmentation during the unit, followed by an integration of knowledge at the end of the unit. Thus, our analysis revealed that the process of conceptual change on this topic was non-linear. Moreover, the terms used in the concept maps varied in their centrality, with more abstract terms being more central and thus more important for the structure of the map. We also suggest ideas for the usage of concept maps in class.
Seepage Force on a Buried Submarine Pipeline Induced by a Solitary Wave

In this study, a finite element method was used to establish a two-dimensional numerical model to solve the problem of the Biot equation describing the poroelastic seabed, and to analyze the seepage force on a buried submarine pipeline under the propagation of a solitary wave. The model provides a solution to the displacement of the poroelastic seabed and the variation of the pore-water pressure. By means of numerical simulation, the effects of Young’s modulus and permeability coefficient of the soil on the pore-water pressure and seepage force are discussed. In the simulation of solitary waves passing through fully buried submarine pipelines, numerical results indicate that the smaller the permeability coefficient in dense sandy bed the greater the vertical force acting on the pipeline, and the smaller the permeability coefficient in loose sand bed the smaller the vertical force acting on the pipeline. In general, when the permeability coefficient is large, the smaller the Young’s modulus the more obvious the influence of the vertical force on the pipeline, and when the permeability coefficient is small, the larger the Young’s modulus the more obvious the influence of the vertical force on the pipeline.
The relationship of textural characteristics with composition of sandesh produced from various market milk classes.

The texture of sandesh an Indian milk-based sweetmeat, was characterised by instrumental means and interrelationships among textural parameters and composition were studied. Hardness, fracturability, chewiness and adhesiveness was highest for sandesh prepared from milk containing 6% fat, 9% SNF and lowest for sandesh prepared from milk containing 1.5% fat, 9% SNF. Hardness of sandesh was significantly positively (P < 0.01) correlated with the fat content but negatively (P < 0.01) correlated with moisture and ash. Moisture and fat had negative and positive correlation (P < 0.01) with fracturability, respectively. Ash and moisture had a positive (P < 0.01) influence on resilience whereas fat had a negative influence. Cohesiveness was not influenced by composition parameters. Springiness had positive and negative correlation (P < 0.05) with fat and moisture, respectively. Gumminess followed similar pattern to that of hardness. Moisture and fat had negative and positive effect respectively (P < 0.01) on adhesiveness. Chewiness was negatively and positively influenced (P < 0.01) by moisture and fat of sandesh, respectively.
A note on Otidea (Pezizales, Fungi)

The material of Peziza pseudobadia was studied while on loan from the herbarium of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew (K). Only a single specimen was filed under this name. It contains four apothecia. The spores (in Melzer’s reagent) measured c. 13–15 × 6–7 μm, and were fairly fusiform in shape. Striate, brownish encrustation (Korf & Zhuang, 1991; Harmaja, 2009) was observed on excipular hyphae. The encrusted crystals of ectal excipulum (textura prismatica) predominantly converted into reddish particles (see Harmaja, 2009). The scant collecting notes, the spore size and the curved paraphyses observed in the specimen match the protologue. The macroscopic appearance of the apothecia in the illustration of the protologue is somewhat deviating. However, the characters of the fungus show that it represents O. bufonia as currently in use, and which is also adopted in Harmaja (2009). Peziza pseudobadia is thus proven here to be a later synonym of O. bufonia.