Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Straw-Return Method for the Maize–Rice Rotation System on Soil Properties and Crop Yields

Exploring suitable maize straw-return measures is essential for the new double-cropping system of maize (Zea mays L.)–rice (Oryza sativa L.) rotation in the middle reaches of Yangtze River in China, which can increase crop yield by improving soil quality. In this study, four straw-return measures were evaluated by investigating the soil bulk density (BD), organic matter (OM), microbial community, and nutrients from 2016 to 2018. The four straw-return treatments were as follows: (1) no straw-return (CK), (2) only rice straw incorporated into the field (M0Ri), (3) both maize and rice straw incorporated to field (MiRi), and (4) maize straw mulched and rice straw incorporated into the field (MmRi). Compared to CK, two-season crop straw-return treatments changed soil microbial community composition, and increased soil total organic carbon (TOC) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), mineralized nitrogen (Nmin), available phosphorus (P) and exchangeable potassium (K) in the 0–20 cm soil layer by 3.6%, 63.4%, 38.8%, 12.4%, 39.7%, and 21.6%, respectively, averaged across MmRi and MiRi treatments. In addition, MmRi and MiRi increased annual yield by 9.1% and 15.2% in 2017 and 11.7% and 12.9% compared to CK in 2018, respectively. MmRi exhibited superiority in the soil microbial community, enzyme activities, DOC, MBC, Nmin, available P, and exchangeable K in contrast to MiRi. We concluded that MmRi is the best measure to implement for straw-return in maize–rice rotation systems.
Population‐level multiplexing: A promising strategy to manage the evolution of resistance against gene drives targeting a neutral locus

CRISPR‐based gene drives bias inheritance in their favour by inducing double‐stranded breaks (DSBs) at wild‐type homologous loci and using the drive transgene as a repair template—converting drive heterozygotes into homozygotes. Recent studies have shown that alternate end‐joining repair mechanisms produce cut‐resistant alleles that rapidly induce drive failure. Multiplexing—simultaneously targeting multiple sites at the wild‐type locus—is commonly assumed to overcome this issue since resistance would need to develop at all target sites for the system to fail. This may work for some population suppression drives targeting essential (e.g. viability or fertility) genes if careful design can ensure cut‐resistant alleles themselves have low fitness. However, here, models are used to demonstrate that this approach will be ineffective when targeting neutral loci. We then go on to compare the performance of four alternative population‐level multiplexing approaches with standard individual‐level multiplexing. Two of these approaches have mechanisms preventing them from becoming linked, thus avoiding multiple simultaneous DSBs and giving a large improvement. Releasing multiple unlinked drives gives a modest improvement, while releasing multiple drives that may become linked over time produces a decrease in performance under the conditions tested here. Based on performance and technical feasibility, we then take one approach forward for further investigation, demonstrating its robustness to different performance parameters and its potential for controlling very large target populations.
The impact of social participation on the efficiency of communal investment expenditure

Abstract The main objective of the article is to determine, on the example of the communes of the Małopolska Province, the factors that affect the efficiency of communal investment expenditures, with particular emphasis on social participation. In order to achieve this aim, appropriate two-stage empirical studies were designed. In the first stage, the efficiency of communal investment expenditure was determined using the DEA and order-m methods for all studied local government units. In turn, the second stage of the empirical study was based on an econometric analysis, which indicated that the examined efficiency is influenced by the following factors: location of the commune in the Cracow metropolitan area, level of communal investment expenditure per capita, intensity of use of external sources of financing communal investment, and level of social participation in the commune.
Time-Encoding-Based Ultra-Low Power Features Extraction Circuit for Speech Recognition Tasks

Current trends towards on-edge computing on smart portable devices requires ultra-low power circuits to be able to make feature extraction and classification tasks of patterns. This manuscript proposes a novel approach for feature extraction operations in speech recognition/voice activity detection tasks suitable for portable devices. Whereas conventional approaches are based on either completely analog or digital structures, we propose a “hybrid” approach by means of voltage-controlled-oscillators. Our proposal makes use of a bank a band-pass filters implemented with ring-oscillators to extract the features (energy within different frequency bands) of input audio signals and digitize them. Afterwards, these data will input a digital classification stage such as a neural network. Ring-oscillators are structures with a digital nature, which makes them highly scalable with the possibility of designing them with minimum length devices. Additionally, due to their inherent phase integration, low-frequency band-pass filters can be implemented without large capacitors. Consequently, we strongly benefit from power consumption and area savings. Finally, our proposal may incorporate the analog-to-digital converter into the structure of the own features extractor circuit to make the full conversion of the raw data when triggered. This supposes a unique advantage with respect to other approaches. The architecture is described and proposed at system-level, along with behavioral simulations made to check whether the performance is the expected one or not. Then the structure is designed with a 65-nm CMOS process to estimate the power consumption and area on a silicon implementation. The results show that our solution is very promising in terms of occupied area with a competitive power consumption in comparison to other state-of-the-art solutions.
Design of Sub‐Nanochannels between Graphene Oxide Sheets via Crown Ether Intercalation to Selectively Regulate Cation Permeation

Graphene‐based membranes are a promising candidate for separating pollutants and ions. In particular, graphene oxide (GO) membranes are widely studied due to their unique nanochannels. The characteristic nanochannels of GO membranes can be manipulated via intercalation of cations, inhibiting the transport of other ions in the diffusion process. To maintain the tailored nanochannel during a pressure‐assisted filtration procedure, it is essential to retain such inserted cations. Here, dibenzo‐18‐Crown‐6 molecules (DB18C6) tightly binding to potassium ions are intercalated into GO nanosheets for preventing the leakage of the potassium ions from the nanochannel in the separation process. The complex between potassium ion and DB18C6 forges sub‐nanochannels between GO nanochannels, controlling the salt rejection rate as well as the permeation of water molecules, and selectively inhibiting the transport of Na+ ions compared to the untreated GO membrane. The as‐prepared GO@Crown composite membranes exhibit excellent NaCl rejection rates (up to 60%), water permeance (3.11–8.86 LMH bar−1), and a Na+ rejection rate (up to 62.5%) as well as an outstanding Na2SO4 rejection rate (up to 88%) in the dead‐end filtration process. Molecular dynamics compute the tunable interlayer spacing of GO@Crown composite membranes and the possible configuration of crown ethers between GO layers, supporting the experimental results.
Extratores para a quantificação de Fe em solos cultivados com soja - DOI: 10.4025/actasciagron.v26i3.1833

The methodologies of micronutrientes analyses have been studied seeking a better expression of its texts in the soils and a larger adaptation to the analyses of routine of the laboratories. The efficiency of the extractors in the determination of the iron was evaluated through the use of acid extractors (Mehlich 1), in the relationship of 1:5 and 1:10, of an agent complexante (DTPA pH 7,3) and of combinated (Mehlich 3), in the relationship 1:10; the determination methodology consisted of agitation with immediate filtrate, filtrate after 16 hours of decantated and pipetate after decantacao of 16 hours. The analyses included 18 representative soils of Parana, collected to a depth of 0-20cm. The results they were appraised through the relationship among the concentration of the micronutrientes in the soil and concentration in the soy collected after 45 days of growth. There was equivalence in the extraction of the Fe of the soils for Mehlich 3, with immediate filtrate, Mehlich 1, with filtrate after decantacao and DTPA; difference was not verified in the extraction of the Fe, when filtrate of the extract was made or when the solution was pipetate, after decantacao of 16 hours; the highest texts of the nutrient happened in the soils Argissolo, Vertissolo and Gleyssolo and they were obtained with Mehlich 3, submitted to the decantated. Latossolos and Nitossolos, independent of the one of the extractor and of the analytic methodology, they presented the texts more bass of the iron
Look who's talking! Varieties of ego-dissolution without paradox

How to model non-egoic experiences – mental events with phenomenal aspects that lack a felt self – has become an interesting research question. The main source of evidence for the existence of such non-egoic experiences are self-ascriptions of non-egoic experiences. In these, a person says about herself that she underwent an episode where she was conscious but lacked a feeling of self. Some interpret these as accurate reports, but this is questionable. Thomas Metzinger (2004, p. 566, 2018), Rocco Gennaro (2008), and Charles Foster (2016, p. 6) have hinted at the self-defeating nature of such statements if we take them to be genuine reports: Apparently, the reporter (a) explicitly denies her existence during the selfless experience, but (b) implicitly affirms her existence as a witness to that selfless experience in order to give a first-person report about it. So the content of such a report conflicts with the pragmatics of reporting. If all self-ascriptions of non-egoic experiences are self-defeating in this way, then they cannot count as evidence for the existence of non-egoic experiences. Here, I map out why such strong conclusions do not directly follow: What look like self-ascriptions of non-egoic experiences may occur for a number of reasons. Only some explanations for such utterances rely on a change in consciousness. Of those that do rely on a change in consciousness, only one (total ego-dissolution) is incoherent. But its alternatives do not lead to contradictions. I argue that the most likely change in phenomenality that leads to self-ascriptions of non-egoic experiences is not one where a felt self disappears, but where it expands.
Critical voltage, thermal buckling and frequency characteristics of a thermally affected GPL reinforced composite microdisk covered with piezoelectric actuator

Abstract Due to the remarkable progress in the field of the manufacturing process, smart composites have become the desired target for high-tech engineering applications. Accordingly, for the first time, thermal buckling, critical voltage and vibration response of a thermally affected graphene nanoplatelet reinforced composite (GPLRC) microdisk in the thermal environment are explored with the aid of generalized differential quadrature method (GDQM). Also, the current microstructure is coupled with a piezoelectric actuator (PIAC). The extended form of Halpin-Tsai micromechanics is used to acquire the elasticity of the structure, whereas, the variation of thermal expansion, Poisson’s ratio, and density through the thickness direction is determined by the rule of mixtures. Hamilton’s principle is implemented to establish governing equations and boundary conditions of the GPLRC microdisk joint with a PIAC. The compatibility conditions are satisfied by taking perfect bonding between the core and PIAC into consideration. Maxwell’s equation is employed to capture the piezoelectricity effects. The numerical results revealed the important role of distribution patterns and weight fraction of GPL ( ), non-dimensional piezoelectric thickness (hp /h), outer to the inner ratio of the radius ( ) and applied voltage on the frequency behavior, critical voltage and thermal buckling of the system. Another valuable consequence is that the influence of the parameter is hardly dependent on the value of the temperature changes ( ). The favorable suggestion of this survey is that for optimized designing of the GPLRC microsized circular plate should pay special attention to pattern 3 of the GPLs, because in this pattern by increasing the parameter the critical voltage of the structure increases but for other patterns of GPL, this phenomenon is inverse.
Comparing the effects of direct and indirect synchronous written corrective feedback: Learning outcomes and students' perceptions

From a sociocultural perspective, collaborative writing tasks offer opportunities to negotiate in decision‐making processes while also sharing responsibility for the production of a single text (Storch, 2013, Collaborative writing in L2 classrooms. Bristol: Multilingual Matters). Although research has found benefits for such tasks (Storch, 2019, Lang Teach, 52, 40–59; Taguchi & Kim, 2016, Appl Linguist, 37, 416–437), variation in how different types of synchronous written corrective feedback (SWCF) in such a setting impacts students' language learning and their perception of SWCF has not been examined. This study compares the role of direct and indirect SWCF during collaborative writing tasks on the learning of Korean among high beginning‐level students. The study was conducted during an existing beginning level Korean course and focused on three textbook units over 6 weeks. Fifty‐three learners of Korean were assigned to one of three conditions: no feedback, indirect SWCF, or direct SWCF. All students completed a pretest, two collaborative writing tasks, a posttest, and a survey for each unit. At the end of the third unit, students in the feedback groups also participated in an exit interview session. The study targeted a total of 12 linguistic features (e.g., auxiliary verbs), which were the focus of the three textbook units. The amount of feedback and students' responses to the feedback were analyzed in terms of the accuracy of resolution on their writing. Students' learning of these linguistic features was measured using written production tests, and their responses were coded for suppliance of target forms and accurate production of them. Our findings indicate that direct SWCF was more useful in helping students produce accurate writing, but both feedback types were effective in promoting learning of new linguistic features through collaborative writing. In terms of students' perceptions, there seemed to be no difference between the two feedback conditions. The findings of the study are discussed in light of effective ways to implement collaborative writing tasks as well as the provision of SWCF.
Variability Parameters Studies for Quantitative and Qualitative Traits in Sweet Pepper in Middle Hill Conditions of Western Himalaya

Variability parameters studies including mean, genotypic and phenotypic variances, coefficients, genetic advance and genetic gain for quantitative and qualitative traits in sweet pepper were conducted at Defence Institute of Bio Energy Research , Pithoragarh, Uttranchal. Significant variation among all the genotypes was recorded for all the characters studied. High heritability along with high GCV and high genetic gain was observed in fruit weight, fruit yield per plant, number of fruits per plant, total chlorophyll and fruit width.
Patients’ Adoption of Electronic Personal Health Records in England: Secondary Data Analysis

Background In England, almost all general practices (GPs) have implemented GP online services such as electronic personal health records (ePHRs) that allow people to schedule appointments, request repeat prescriptions, and access parts of their medical records. The overall adoption rate of GP online services has been low, reaching just 28% in October 2019. In a previous study, Abd-Alrazaq et al adopted a model to assess the factors that influence patients’ use of GP online services in England. According to the previous literature, the predictive power of the Abd-Alrazaq model could be improved by proposing new associations between the existing variables in the model. Objective This study aims to improve the predictive power of the Abd-Alrazaq model by proposing new relationships between the existing variables in the model. Methods The Abd-Alrazaq model was amended by proposing new direct, mediating, moderating, and moderated mediating effects. The amended model was examined using data from a previous study, which were collected by a cross-sectional survey of a convenience sample of 4 GPs in West Yorkshire, England. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the theoretical model and hypotheses. Results The new model accounted for 53% of the variance in performance expectancy (PE), 76% of the variance in behavioral intention (BI), and 49% of the variance in use behavior (UB). In addition to the significant associations found in the previous study, this study found that social influence (SI) and facilitating conditions (FCs) are associated with PE directly and BI indirectly through PE. The association between BI and UB was stronger for younger women with higher levels of education, income, and internet access. The indirect effects of effort expectancy (EE), perceived privacy and security (PPS), and SI on BI were statistically stronger for women without internet access, patients with internet access, and patients without internet access, respectively. The indirect effect of PPS on BI was stronger for patients with college education or diploma than for those with secondary school education and lower, whereas the indirect effect of EE on BI was stronger for patients with secondary school education or lower than for those with college education or a diploma. Conclusions The predictive power of the Abd-Alrazaq model improved by virtue of new significant associations that were not examined before in the context of ePHRs. Further studies are required to validate the new model in different contexts and to improve its predictive power by proposing new variables. The influential factors found in this study should be considered to improve patients’ use of ePHRs.
Microsurgical clipping of paraclinoid aneurysms

Background. Paraclinoid aneurysm is a nonspecific term that includes ophthalmic segment aneurysms and distal cavernous internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms. The literature mostly described the frequency to be in the range of 1.3-5%. and a high incidence of being multiple or having a large size. Methods. A retrospective review of 18 consecutive patients surgically treated for paraclinoid aneurysm was performed. The data of all our consecutive patients were searched to obtain patient and aneurysm characteristics, treatment details, complications and follow up. Clinical outcome was graded according to the modified Rankin scale. The follow-up period varied widely from 3 to 62 months (mean 26 months). Results. Surgical clipping was performed for 15 ruptured paraclinoid aneurysms; only in 3 cases the aneurysm was unruptured. Post-operative control angiography was performed in 10 patients (55.56%), from which we reported a full occlusion of the aneurysm in 9 patients (90%). Best results were obtained in patients who preoperatively were included in 1st and 2nd grade of Hunt & Hess scale. Two months postoperative follow-up was complete for all but one patient who died 12 days after surgery, from cerebral ischemia resulting from severe cerebral vasospasm. There were excellent and good results (mRS 0–2) in 88% of the cases (15 out of 17 patients) at two months follow-up, and 94% (16 out of 17 patients) at six months follow-up. Three patients with slight disabilities, ranked mRS 1-2 at two months follow-up, improved to mRS 0, with no symptoms at all, at 6 months postoperative control. All 3 patients with a surgically treated non-ruptured paraclinoid aneurysm had an excellent outcome (mRS 0). Conclusions. Most appropriate treatment is to occlude aneurysms without compromising patency of the parent artery. Anterior clinoidectomy and microsurgical clipping can still be a standard treatment despite of recent development of endovascular coiling procedures.
Hiding in Plain Sight: Conceptualizing the Creeping Crisis

The COVID‐19 crisis is a stark reminder that modern society is vulnerable to a special species of trouble: the creeping crisis. The creeping crisis poses a deep challenge to both academics and practitioners. In the crisis literature, it remains ill‐defined and understudied. It is even harder to manage. As a threat, it carries a potential for societal disruption—but that potential is not fully understood. An accumulation of these creeping crises can erode public trust in institutions. This paper proposes a definition of a creeping crisis, formulates research questions, and identifies the most relevant theoretical approaches. It provides the building blocks for the systematic study of creeping crises.
The role of chemicals in the location of host plants by midge pests of UK fruit crops

Gall midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) are important pests of many horticultural crops. They are difficult to control by conventional means as the larvae develop in galls surrounded by plant tissue. Gravid females need to locate suitable host plant material on which to lay their eggs and there is good evidence that host-produced odour cues are involved. Gall midge pheromones are now available commercially; these attract males to allow monitoring in the field. However there are currently no lures available to attract females. This work aims to develop lures, for up to three gall midge species, which attract gravid females and can be used to monitor females in the field. Three species of gall midges were investigated: the raspberry cane midge, Resseliella theobaldi (Barnes), the blackcurrant leaf midge, Dasineura tetensi (Rubsaamen), and the apple leaf midge, Dasineura mali (Kiefer). Field studies showed gravid raspberry cane midge females are attracted to split canes for oviposition. Chemicals were identified using solid phase microextraction (SPME) which were present only or in much larger quantities after canes split. A lure based on these chemicals was tested in the field with different trap types but no significant attraction was seen to the lures of either male or female raspberry cane midges. Blackcurrant leaf midge females lay their eggs on blackcurrant shoots. A suite of volatiles was identified using SPME which were produced by blackcurrant shoots. Bioassay work was carried out in a four-way olfactometer and a wind tunnel to assess female attraction to shoot material but no attraction was seen in either experiment. Solutions containing natural volatile extracts were obtained using entrainment onto Porapak resin. The effect of these chemicals on female blackcurrant leaf midge antennae was assessed using electroantennography (EAG) but there were not enough responses to conclude that any compound was EAG-active. Apple leaf midges lay their eggs on apple leaf shoots. A suite of chemicals was identified which are produced by apple shoots. EAG runs were carried out on female midges with both natural and synthetic solutions but numbers of responses were low and it was not possible to conclude that any of the compounds were definitively EAG active.