Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Volatile Organic Compounds from Rhizobacteria Increase the Biosynthesis of Secondary Metabolites and Improve the Antioxidant Status in Mentha piperita L. Grown under Salt Stress

Salinity is a major abiotic stress factor that affects crops and has an adverse effect on plant growth. In recent years, there has been increasing evidence that microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOC) play a significant role in microorganism–plant interactions. In the present study, we evaluated the impact of microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOC) emitted by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens GB03 on the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites and the antioxidant status in Mentha piperita L. grown under 0, 75 and 100 mM NaCl. Seedlings were exposed to mVOCs, avoiding physical contact with the bacteria, and an increase in NaCl levels produced a reduction in essential oil (EO) yield. Nevertheless, these undesirable effects were mitigated in seedlings treated with mVOCs, resulting in an approximately a six-fold increase with respect to plants not exposed to mVOCs, regardless of the severity of the salt stress. The main components of the EOs, menthone, menthol, and pulegone, showed the same tendency. Total phenolic compound (TPC) levels increased in salt-stressed plants but were higher in those exposed to mVOCs than in stressed plants without mVOC exposure. To evaluate the effect of mVOCs on the antioxidant status from salt-stressed plants, the membrane lipid peroxidation was analyzed. Peppermint seedlings cultivated under salt stress and treated with mVOC showed a reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, which is considered to be an indicator of lipid peroxidation and membrane damage, and had an increased antioxidant capacity in terms of DPPH (2,2-diphenyl−1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity in relation to plants cultivated under salt stress but not treated with mVOCs. These results are important as they demonstrate the potential of mVOCs to diminish the adverse effects of salt stress.
Effective Control and Management Scheme for Isolated and Grid Connected DC Microgrid

This article addresses a voltage control and energy management strategy of active distribution systems with a grid-connected dc microgrid as well as for an islanded dc microgrid with hybrid energy resources. In the islanded mode, a control and management strategy using a backup diesel generator (DG), a renewable energy source (RES), and an energy storage system plays a vital role in maintaining the microgrid bus voltages within the limits. However, operating backup diesel generator (DG) has its own challenges including startup delay, frequent switching, and uneven loading when operated along with a RES. Additionally, fuel efficiency and emission characteristics vary with loading since most of DGs are driven by constant-speed diesel engines. Hence, an exhaustive power management scheme (PMS) is proposed by utilizing the hybrid energy storage system. Real-time simulation and experimental validation of the proposed scheme are provided using a real-time digital simulator (RTDS) and a laboratory-scale prototype, respectively. Extreme scenarios including DG failure/scheduled maintenance, low power generation, and battery charge are analyzed in the islanded mode. Furthermore, a dc microgrid is connected to an IEEE active distribution system feeder to analyze control and management challenges for the grid connected mode with contribution from a microgrid and with no contribution from a microgrid. These scenarios resemble more realistic unbalanced utility grid conditions. A centralized optimization problem is formulated at an advanced distribution management system level to maintain all the node voltages within limits in the IEEE test system. RTDS is used to simulate dc microgrid connected with the IEEE test system and an optimization algorithm is implemented in MATLAB. Superior performance of the developed algorithms are demonstrated and validated for coordination between centralized optimization at ADMS and the microgrid energy management system.
Problem-based collaborative learning groupware to improve computer programming skills

ABSTRACT In this paper, a new computer-supported collaborative learning-based groupware is proposed for supporting problem-based collaborative learning in computer programming education setting. The geo-distributed learners can collaboratively with their tutor resolve the common programming problem within a shared workspace. The proposed system embeds some synchronous and asynchronous collaborative tools that allow learners and tutor to interact with each other to develop a shared source code of the program. This research work has two main objectives. First, it attempts to present the proposed groupware functionalities. Second, it discusses the experimental study adopted to assess the acceptability of the Groupware. Such study is an empirical method based on the model of unified theory of the acceptance and use of technology to determine learners’ Behavioural Intention (BI) to accept to use such Groupware in Algerian higher education setting.
Cardiovascular Diseases in Context: Multilevel Analysis of Risk Factors in India (2004–2014)

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), accounting for approximately half of all deaths owing to non-communicable diseases worldwide, have become a major public health concern. The CVD risk is high among the Indian population, as well as varies by geography. The purpose of the current study was to test the independent effects of contextual socio-economic variables, whilst adjusting for individual socio-economic variables on CVD risk factors in India. Data from the 52nd, 60th, and 71st NSSO rounds pertaining to Social Consumption related to Health have been utilized for the current study. A four-level multilevel model has been fitted to examine the measured individual, household, community, and district factors on the prevalence of CVDs.District educational attainment, household expenditure quintile, and proportion of district urbanicity have emerged as important factors with few contra-indications in terms of traditional directions of association, as opposed to extant literature. Religious and ethnic composition of the communities and districts have also been found to have an impact. In order to better manage the CVD health of the nation, there is a strong need to focus on community-level and district-level interventions, in addition to individual-level factors. Future research should investigate these factors to account for unexplained variations in CVD management.
Spatial ecology of an endangered carnivore, the Pilbara northern quoll

Understanding the spatial requirements of a species allows one to tailor actions that can help protect species and their habitats. We investigated the spatial needs of the endangered northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus) in the Pilbara. We analysed field data based on GPS-telemetry or a combination of GPS and VHF telemetry for 11 northern quolls with data collected over two week periods. Using MCP and Kernel methods, we found average short-term ranges of 193 ha and 115 ha for males, and for the only female with reliable data the estimates were 34 ha and 23 ha, respectively, with Kernel-based core areas that were between five and three times smaller for males and the female, respectively. We found support for our hypothesis that ranges differ between seasons, but with a seasonal trend that was different from that expected. The ranges of males during the premating/mating season were smaller than during the pouch-young season. Our study provides the first detailed attempt to define and understand short-term movement behaviour of the Pilbara northern quoll. The information derived from our study can help to increase the accuracy of predictive outputs and better inform habitat prioritisation and conservation management of the Pilbara northern quoll population.
Effect of Fish Silage Supplemented Diets on Growth and Health Status of Pangas Catfish, Pangasianodon hypophthalmus Fry

Background: Freshwater Asian catfish, Pangasianodon hypophthalmus (pangas) is one of the fastest growing exotic species throughout world including India. Most recently, it has been considered as a potential candidate species for carp diversification especially in northern states of India including Punjab and Haryana. In Pangas culture, fish meal is used as primary protein source pertaining to its excellent amino acid profile, palatability and high nutritive value. However, due to continuously rising cost, limited availability and quality variations of fish meal, there is need to find out less expensive alternative quality protein sources. Among these, fish silage is easy to prepare product with high nutritional value and shelf life. In this view, the experimental study was conducted to evaluate the possibility of replacing fish meal with fish silage supplemented diets on growth and health status of Pangas catfish. Methods: Indoor study was conducted in FRP pools (1.5×1×0.75m) for 120 days (July – October 2018) to evaluate the effect of acid fermented fish silage (prepared from fish waste collected from local fish market of Ludhiana, Punjab) for Pangas catfish fry. To study the effect of fish silage, four experimental diets were formulated by replacing fishmeal @ 50% and 100% and mixture of soybean and groundnut meal @ 25% and 50% levels from control diet along with one reference diet without any animal protein source (neither fish meal nor fish silage) Results: The overall results of present study revealed that fish silage can be incorporated (100% replacement of fish meal with fish silage) in the diet of Pangas catfish fry (P. hypophthalmus) with improved growth and feed utilization along with positive influence on health status of fish in terms of general haematology, biochemistry and anti-oxidant status.
The Price and Volume Response to Earnings Announcements in the Corporate Bond Market

We examine abnormal returns and trading activity in bond markets around earnings announcements. Previous work provides mixed evidence on the relative impact of positive and negative surprises and the degree of response in investment‐grade and speculative‐grade bonds. We find that these announcements convey value‐relevant information for both positive and negative earnings surprises in both investment and speculative‐grade bonds. We also document significant heterogeneity in the response across industries, with muted responses in both abnormal returns and trading activity for bonds of firms in the financial and utilities industries.
Atmospheric Dust Inputs, Iron Cycling, and Biogeochemical Connections in the South Pacific Ocean From Thorium Isotopes

One of the primary sources of micronutrients to the sea surface in remote ocean regions is the deposition of atmospheric dust. Geographic patterns in biogeochemical processes such as primary production and nitrogen fixation that require micronutrients like iron (Fe) are modulated in part by the spatial distribution of dust supply. Global models of dust deposition rates are poorly calibrated in the open ocean, owing to the difficulty of determining dust fluxes in sparsely sampled regions. We present new estimates of dust and Fe input rates from measurements of dissolved and particulate thorium isotopes 230Th and 232Th on the FS Sonne SO245 section (GEOTRACES process study GPpr09) in the South Pacific. We first discuss high‐resolution upper water column profiles of Th isotopes and the implications for the systematics of dust flux reconstructions from seawater Th measurements. We find dust fluxes in the center of the highly oligotrophic South Pacific Gyre that are the lowest of any mean annual dust input rates measured in the global oceans, but that are 1–2 orders of magnitude higher than those estimated by global dust models. We also determine dust‐borne Fe fluxes and reassess the importance of individual Fe sources to the surface South Pacific Gyre, finding that dust dissolution, not vertical or lateral diffusion, is the primary Fe source. Finally, we combine our estimates of Fe flux in dust with previously published cellular and enzymatic quotas to determine theoretical upper limits on annual average nitrogen fixation rates for a given Fe deposition rate.
A case study of Alzheimer’s disease with work-related exposure to aluminium

Vityala Yethindra*1, Gulzat Mataeva2, Baian Beknazarova2, Furquan Nazami1, Yogesh parihar1, Mohammad Shaour Khalid1, Alenur Narsimharaj1 1International Higher School of Medicine, International University of Kyrgyzstan, 1F, Intergelpo street, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, 720054 2Department of Special Clinical disciplines, International Higher School of Medicine, International University of Kyrgyzstan, 1F, Intergelpo street, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, 720054
Integrating Three Characteristics of Executive Function in Non-Demented Aging: Trajectories, Classification, and Biomarker Predictors

Abstract Objective: With longitudinal executive function (EF) data from the Victoria Longitudinal Study, we investigated three research goals pertaining to key characteristics of EF in non-demented aging: (a) examining variability in EF longitudinal trajectories, (b) establishing trajectory classes, and (c) identifying biomarker predictors discriminating these classes. Method: We used a trajectory analyses sample (n = 781; M age = 71.42) for the first and second goals and a prediction analyses sample (n = 570; M age = 70.10) for the third goal. Eight neuropsychological EF measures were used as indicators of three EF dimensions: inhibition, updating, and shifting. Data-driven classification analyses were applied to the full trajectory distribution. Machine learning prediction analyses tested 15 predictors from genetic, functional, lifestyle, mobility, and demographic risk domains. Results: First, we observed: (a) significant variability in EF trajectories over a 40-year band of aging and (b) significantly variable patterns of EF decline. Second, a four-class EF trajectory model was observed, characterized with classes differentiated by an algorithm of level and slope information. Third, the highest group class was discriminated from lowest by several prediction factors: more education, more novel cognitive activity, lower pulse pressure, younger age, faster gait, lower body mass index, and better balance. Conclusion: First, with longitudinal variability in EF aging, the data-driven approach showed that long-term trajectories can be differentiated into separable classes. Second, prediction analyses discriminated class membership by a combination of multiple biomarkers from demographic, lifestyle, functional, and mobility domains of risk for brain and cognitive aging decline.
Study on Soil Nutrient Status According to Global Positioning System in Different Blocks of Birbhum District of West Bengal

A GPS based soil sampling and testing was done in 10 blocks of Birbhum district under monitoring of Rathindra Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Birbhum during 2018 and 2019. In this regard, some soil chemical properties were analysed through Mridaparikshak (soil testing kit). After statistical analysis, pooled data of different soil nutrients were compared based on GPS to prepare a data base for easy fertiliser recommendation of different crops without soil testing. It was found that soil pH (6.29 to 5.50), soil O.C (0.77 to 0.31%), available K (292.12 to 226.60 kg/ha), available B (0.81 to 0.17 mg/kg) and available Fe (44.4 to 21.5 mg/kg) had been decreased with the increase in latitude from 23°04' 07.4500" to 24°11' 15.3400" and longitude. Recommendation of more liming, organic manure, K, B may be done accordingly. On the other hand, available N (184.0 to 296.95 kg/ha), available P (15.05 to 62.76 kg/ha), available S (11.43 to 44.52 kg/ha) and available Zn (0.20 to 1.04 mg/kg) showed sharp direct relation with the increase in Latitude as supported by higher CV value. Original Research Article Mandal et al.; CJAST, 39(21): 64-70, 2020; Article no.CJAST59260 65
An Empirical Study on Chinese University Students’ English Language Classroom Anxiety With the Idiodynamic Approach

Foreign language classroom anxiety (FLCA) is a very critical affective factor for learners’ language learning and development. The present study was designed to explore the features of Chinese university students’ FLCA and to investigate the possible influencing factors on the fluctuations of Chinese university students’ FLCA. Two female and two male Chinese university students were selected as the participants and their in-class performances were recorded. Data collection instrument included the classroom observation, the self-rated evaluation of FLCA, and the stimulated recall interview. To capture the micro-changes of the Chinese learners’ FLCA per second, an idiodynamic approach was adopted to carry out the exploratory analysis for the learners’ experiences of FLCA over the language instruction. Zooming in on the microdynamic variation of the participants’ FLCA, the final results indicated that Chinese university students’ FLCA, both within individuals and across individuals, is characterized of a dynamic system’s features. Furthermore, a series of contributing factors were identified to trigger the participants’ FLCA, with the classroom activity types and the teacher’s feedback being the key external factors and the gender difference and self-efficacy being the major internal factors. The idiodynamic method shed new light on exploring the FLCA from an emic and dynamic perspective and some pedagogical implications were also put forward as well.
Human Resource Development and Management of Tertiary Education for global Competitiveness in Nigeria

This study investigated the extent to which boosting of staff morale, staff empowerment and team building served as a strategy for ensuring effective management of tertiary education for global competitiveness in Nigeria. Quantitative research design was used for the study. Seven public tertiary education institutions in Kwara State were purposely selected for the study. The view of 330 lecturers and 21 school managers were sampled through stratified and simple random sampling techniques. The population of this study comprised of 3,600 academic staff in public tertiary education institutions in Kwara State. Sample of 330 lecturers and 21 school mangers were selected with the use of Research Advisor (2006) table to determine the sample size of a known population. A self-designed questionnaire titled “Human Resource Development for Global Competitiveness Questionnaire” (HRDGCQ) was used to collect information for the study. The data collected were analyzed using t-test statistical analysis. All hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. The result revealed that there was no significant difference between the boosting of staff morale, staff empowerment, teem building and management of tertiary education for global competitiveness. It was recommended that effort should be made by government to continue boosting staff moral by providing conducive environment, proper support of staff, as well as participation of staff in organizational decision making. Staff empowerment should also be part of government priorities in the management of tertiary education. Furthermore, government and school administrators should encourage team building among lecturers so as to enhance effective management of tertiary education for global competitiveness in Nigeria.
Quantifying the effect of market information on demand for genetically modified salmon

Abstract We investigate how production process labels and information about potential positive and/or negative aspects of GM technology affects demand for novel seafood products. We collected data during an online choice experiment distributed among 1,043 United States seafood consumers. Our results indicate participants not provided with GM information are willing to pay a premium for Verified Non-GM and Organic fillets, but require a discount for Fed-GM and GM fillets. Positive information reduces willingness to pay (WTP) for Organic, Non-GM and GM fillets, while negative information significantly increases WTP for Organic fillets and reduces WTP for GM fillets. Balanced information reduces WTP for Organic and Verified Non-GM salmon, similar in magnitude to positive information, and reduces WTP for GM-Fed and GM salmon, similar in magnitude to negative information. We provide some recommendations and discussion on how producers and food sellers might encourage effective communication between themselves and consumers based on our findings and the broader literature.
Human and environmental risk factors of leptospirosis in Gunungkidul, Indonesia: a case-control study

Background: Leptospirosis is a bacterial, zoonotic disease associated with environmental factors and human behavior related to occupation. This research aimed to investigate the association between human behavior and leptospirosis. Case mapping and topographical mapping were done for a comprehensive visualization.Methods: A matched case-control study design was conducted in Gunungkidul, Indonesia, from December 2017 to January 2018. Cases were selected from those reported as suspicious of leptospirosis by the Gunungkidul District Health Office during 2017 and controls were matched according to sex and age. Chi-squared, Fisher exact test, and Odds ratios were employed to find out the association between exposure and outcome for a significance level of 0.05. Quantum GIS-Web Map-Stamen terrain was used to overlay case and landscape.Results: Bivariate analysis showed that four exposure variables that enhanced the risk for leptospirosis though not significantly associated were history of injuries, habit of taking a bath or wash the clothes in the river, not using personal protection during work and presence of an animal fence surrounding the house. Most of the leptospirosis cases (>70%) resided in a hilly area. This finding assists in developing prevention strategies concerning leptospirosis infection.Conclusions: Human behaviour is vital in leptospirosis prevention. Accordingly, this study can broaden the understanding horizon, particularly for a decision-maker where and how to implement the Leptospirosis prevention program. Prevention should address the current situation in the field and based on population and local wisdom to result in the successful implementation.
Intensity of Facebook use: a personality-based perspective on dependency formation

ABSTRACT Despite recent privacy scandals, the intensity with which individuals use Facebook has not declined. This indicates that individuals still place significant value on the psychosocial development afforded by using Facebook. As such, the objective of this study was to develop a research model to evaluate the influence of specific individual differences (gender and personality traits) on the intensity of Facebook use. Data was collected from 576 United States Facebook users and subsequently analysed using partial least squares (PLS) path modelling including multi-group analysis. Results indicate the existence of a significant positive relationship between the intensity of Facebook use and extraversion as well as agreeableness. The results further indicate that males high in extraversion use Facebook more intensively than females making them particularly vulnerable to the development of a Facebook dependency.