Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of
 Pediococcus pentosaceus
 on fermentation, aerobic stability and microbial communities during ensiling and aerobic spoilage of total mixed ration silage containing alfalfa (
 Medicago sativa L.
 )

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is viewed as a difficult crop to ensile, primarily because of its high buffering capacity, low concentration of water soluble carbohydrates (WSC), high concentration of moisture and vulnerability to the undesirable secondary clostridial fermentation (Zheng, Niu, Jiang, Zuo, & Xu, 2017). Thus, inoculating lactic acid bacteria (LAB), wilting and ensiling with other materials are often used to enhance the fermentation quality of alfalfa silage (Wang, Wang, & Yu, 2019; Zheng et al., 2017, 2018). Received: 9 July 2019 | Revised: 26 September 2019 | Accepted: 29 October 2019 DOI: 10.1111/grs.12272
Special Education Today in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract The purpose of this chapter is to provide a comprehensive view of special education in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The chapter starts with the origins and attitudes of the Saudi citizens regarding persons with special needs. Next the chapter examines trends in legislation and litigation pertaining to persons who are disabled which led to the government’s passage of Regulations of Special Education Programs and Institutes (RSEPI) in 2001. The RSEPI regulations were modeled after the United States 1997 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Included in the discussion of the RSEPI is a delineation of the Disability Code which is comprised of 16 articles. The author also provides information on prominent educational intervention employed in the Kingdom as well details about the preparation of paraprofessionals and special education teachers. The chapter concludes with the special education progress that has occurred since the passage of RSEPI.
Engagement Patterns of Participants in an Online Professional Development Programme: An Application of Mixture Modelling

Unhindered communication capabilities, in the form of internet, led us to believe that the difficult goal of “Education for All” is within our grasp. Recent studies have shown mixed results for learning over the internet, indicating that we are still far away from our desired goal. Online environments provide freedom to a large number of learners to learn at their own pace. Understanding the various ways in which participants engage with online content could help explain the mixed outcomes. This paper presents the results of an exploratory study on engagement patterns of 4567 elementary school teachers, in an online professional development programme. Using mixture modelling techniques, we identified five latent profiles of online engagement and seven latent classes based on offplatform activities. We present our findings followed by discussion and implications for online courses.
Towards personalized antihypertensive therapy: innovate or denervate?

In this thesis we employed novel techniques to gain a better understanding of hypertensive disorders and improve antihypertensive treatment strategies. We discuss novel aspects in phenotyping and treatment modalities. Assessment of central hemodynamics may improve hypertensive phenotyping beyond conventional blood pressure (BP) measurements and help to understand differences in the efficacy of BP lowering medication. Further insight in the (patho)physiology of central hemodynamics, including individual differences and impact of antihypertensive medication is therefore of utmost interest. In part I we addressed central hemodynamics and some of the (patho)physiological mechanisms that are involved. We demonstrate an important role for the heart in the physiology of wave reflection and central BP augmentation. In part II, we studied individual differences in central hemodynamics and effects of pharmacotherapy. We show that ethnic differences in wave reflection are driven by body height and large artery stiffness. Furthermore we demonstrate that isolated systolic hypertension of the young is a heterogeneous condition in whom the assessment of central hemodynamics is paramount. Finally, although antihypertensive drugs may exhibit disparate effects on central versus peripheral BP, third generation beta blocker nebivolol has a comparable effect on central hemodynamics as metoprolol despite its vasodilatory properties. Part III focussed on renal sympathetic denervation (RSD), a novel treatment modality for refractory hypertension. We studied the effects of RSD on renal and cardiac sympathetic nervous activity by use of 123I-mIBG scintigraphy and illustrated this by a case report of a subject undergoing a renal auto-transplantation.
Digital technologies for organic agribusiness in Russia

Organic production is a priority in the development of the green economy. The aim of the study is to identify opportunities for the prospective development of organic agribusiness in a digital environment and on the way to a green economy. The research methods were the study of the scientific literature and the regulatory framework, followed by a generalization of the received information, as well as analytical and comparative methods. The study made it possible to assess the current state of organic agribusiness. The introduction of digital technologies involving the automation of production, technological, and managerial processes will contribute to the prospective development of organic agribusiness, will allow the production of better products with less harm to the environment, and will also increase the efficiency of organic production due to more economical use of resources. As a result of the study, the directions of greening and digitalization of agribusiness in Russia were identified with a view to transition to a green economy. The practical significance of the study lies in the possibility of using the results in the development and improvement of the regulatory framework for the development of organic agriculture.
Functional Privacy-preserving Outsourcing Scheme with Computation Verifiability in Fog Computing

Fog computing has become a popular concept in the application of internet of things (IoT). With the superiority in better service providing, the edge cloud has become an attractive solution to IoT networks. The data outsourcing scheme of IoT devices demands privacy protection as well as computation verification since the lightweight devices not only outsource their data but also their computation. Existing solutions mainly deal with the operations over encrypted data, but cannot support the computation verification in the same time. In this paper, we propose a data outsourcing scheme based on an encrypted database system with linear computation as well as efficient query ability, and enhance the interlayer program in the original system with homomorphic message authenticators so that the system could perform computational verifying. The tools we use to construct our scheme have been proven secure and valid. With our scheme, the system could check if the cloud provides the correct service as the system asks. The experiment also shows that our scheme could be as effective as the original version, and the extra load in time is neglectable.
Research on the Impact of Tax Shield Effect on Corporate Capital Structure—Empirical Analysis Based on A-Share Listed Companies

This paper uses a random-effects model and takes 224 listed companies in China from 2002 to 2017 as a sample to empirically study the relationship between the corporate income tax shield effect and corporate capital structure in China. It is found that the debt tax shield and corporate capital structure are significantly positive. Relatedly, the non-debt tax shield is significantly negatively related to the corporate capital structure. At the same time, the impact of debt tax shields and non-debt tax shields on corporate capital structure varies from industry to industry.
Prosody generation for text-to-speech synthesis

The absence of convincing intonation makes current parametric speech synthesis systems sound dull and lifeless, even when trained on expressive speech data. Typically, these systems use regression techniques to predict the fundamental frequency (F0) frame-by-frame. This approach leads to overlysmooth pitch contours and fails to construct an appropriate prosodic structure across the full utterance. In order to capture and reproduce larger-scale pitch patterns, we propose a template-based approach for automatic F0 generation, where per-syllable pitch-contour templates (from a small, automatically learned set) are predicted by a recurrent neural network (RNN). The use of syllable templates mitigates the over-smoothing problem and is able to reproduce pitch patterns observed in the data. The use of an RNN, paired with connectionist temporal classification (CTC), enables the prediction of structure in the pitch contour spanning the entire utterance. This novel F0 prediction system is used alongside separate LSTMs for predicting phone durations and the other acoustic features, to construct a complete text-to-speech system. Later, we investigate the benefits of including long-range dependencies in duration prediction at frame-level using uni-directional recurrent neural networks. Since prosody is a supra-segmental property, we consider an alternate approach to intonation generation which exploits long-term dependencies of F0 by effective modelling of linguistic features using recurrent neural networks. For this purpose, we propose a hierarchical encoder-decoder and multi-resolution parallel encoder where the encoder takes word and higher level linguistic features at the input and upsamples them to phone-level through a series of hidden layers and is integrated into a Hybrid system which is then submitted to Blizzard challenge workshop. We then highlight some of the issues in current approaches and a plan for future directions of investigation is outlined along with on-going work.
Firms’ Expectations on the Availability of Credit Since the Financial Crisis

Using a large set of firm-level survey data from the euro area since 2009, we analyse how firms use their information to form expectations on the availability of bank finance. Our results suggest that firms update what otherwise look like adaptive expectations on the basis of the latest information in their information set. As in the previous literature, the hypothesis that expectations fulfil the (orthogonality) conditions of the rational expectations hypothesis is rejected by the data. We find evidence that this is not only due to information imperfections but also to some type of misspecification of the expectations’ model that firms are using. In addition, we find some evidence that companies that have not used bank finance recently tend to do worse at forecasting its availability next period. To test how policy announcements may affect expectations, we concentrate on the possible effects of the ECB policy announcements of summer 2012, which included among other things the announcement of the European Central Bank’s Outright Monetary Transactions Program (OMT). Using a difference-in-differences approach, we find evidence of forward-looking expectations. In particular, shortly after the OMT announcement the forecast of “informed” firms were more upbeat compared to the control group of firms. This moreover was true in both vulnerable and non-vulnerable countries, suggesting that it was the relevance of the information about the future of the banking system that most mattered for expectations at the time, more than the immediate impact of the announced policy measures. JEL Classification: C83, D22, D84
The Relationship Between Personality of Students in An Intergenerational Program and Attitudes Toward Older Adults

With the rapid aging of the population as well as increasing diversity in United State, research on ageism and intergenerational relationships is increasingly warranted. Ageism, or the prejudicial attitudes towards older adults, is seen as one of the most prevalent preconceived judgments that can cause poor treatment, and may even decrease levels of confidence, happiness, and health for older adults (Bishop, 2016). Intergenerational programs can provide many benefits for both younger and older adults, including developing positive changes in attitude towards aging (Wescott & Healy, 2011). Currently, the University of Rhode Island (URI) Engaging Generations: Cyber-Seniors program was developed to bring students and older adults together in order to help older adults learn more about using technology, and support students to promote more positive attitudes towards older adults. Most of the research on the topic of ageism has been focused on the impact of the fear of death, anxiety of older adults toward their own aging, and the fear of aging. Therefore, the role of personality traits for younger adults on ageism and changes in ageism is less well studied (e.g. Bodner et al., 2015; Galton, 2019). Intergenerational programs can provide many benefits for both younger and older adults, including developing positive changes in attitudes (Wescott & Healy, 2011). Since, younger adults tend to demonstrate the higher levels of ageism towards older adults (Donizzetti, 2019), the aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of intergenerational programming participation for students related to attitudes toward older adults, apprehension toward older adults, and empathy toward older adults. Additionally, the current study builds on existing knowledge by examining the associations between personality traits, ageism, and changes in ageism since the role of personality traits towards ageism or change in ageism is, to the author’s knowledge, understudied in the ageism literature. Data for this study was taken from pre/post student surveys. SPSS software was used to conduct descriptive analysis, paired-sample t tests, correlation, and regression. Results showed significant decreases in ageism following participation in the program. The results also indicated that the traits of Conscientiousness, Agreeableness and Extraversion were found to have significant associations with less ageism towards older adults.
Oxidative Stress in Diabetic Neuropathy

22 Introduction . 22 Materials and Methods . 24 i. Search procedures . 24 ii. Inclusion criteria . 25 iii. Exclusion criteria. 25 iv. Statistics . 25 Results . 25 Discussion . 34 Chapter III – Main Characteristics of Pain Assessed in Patients Using BPI and DN4 Surveys . 39 Abstract . 41. 4
Domestic Free-Range Pig Genetic Resources in Southern Africa: Progress and Prospects

Pig genetic resources in Africa originate from different regions and were introduced through several migration pathways. Genetic analysis has shown a strong phylogeographic pattern, with pigs on the eastern parts showing a high frequency of alleles from the Far East while the ones on the western parts show a strong European influence. This highlights the influence of trade routes on the genetic legacy of African pigs. They have, however, since adapted to the local environments to produce unique populations with unique attributes. Most of the pigs are now reared in resource-constrained smallholdings under free-range conditions. They are largely owned by women who spread ownership of the resource through kinship networks. Very little work has been done to characterize, conserve, and sustainably utilize pig genetic resources in Southern Africa. The risk status of the breeds together with population numbers, distribution, and other attributes are largely unknown. This paper proposes several strategies for the sustainable utilization of the pig genetic resources: A market-driven in situ conservation program and two complementary ex situ strategies. In addition, the possibility of community-based breed improvement programs is discussed. It was concluded that genetic characterization of domestic free-range pig populations should be a supreme priority.
The Tale of Cotton Plant: From Wild Type to Domestication, Leading to Its Improvement by Genetic Transformation

Cotton is considered as a major cash crop of the world. It earns huge foreign exchange by its valuable products; fiber, lint, cotton seed oil, hull and a lot more. Being an important fiber crop, it earns huge foreign exchange by contributing to textile and seed oil industry. This review summarizes cotton biology, its diversity and domestication, genome assembly, constraints in its production and methods to improve cotton plant to fulfill the need of textile and oil industry. But cotton is facing enormous biotic and abiotic stresses with insect pests being most prominent. Massive destruction caused by insects needs to be controlled for maintaining fruitful cotton crop production. Conventional breeding approaches are limited to improving single trait and integrate stable genes within plant genome in approximately 7 - 8 years. Improved biotechnological procedures have paved new pathways to target genes specifically and improve cotton germplasm in lesser time than conventional breeding.
Mental imagery and spatio-temporal continuity: Evidence from the function of the hippocampal formation

The aim of this paper is to suggest a novel account of mental imagery according to which mental images are not a-temporal picture-like representations, but processes characterized by their spatio-temporal continuity. Evidence based in particular on recent advances in understating the functional role of the hippocampal formation in cognition and spatial coding is provided. Under this account, mental images are a pervasive form of cognition that is supported by the complex interaction of the hippocampus and the entorhinal cortex, encompassing cognitive functions such as navigation, episodic memory, as well as mental rotation and scanning. The functional role of the hippocampus is twofold: it forms elements of spatio-temporal continuity and re-combines them in novel ways in the process of scene reconstruction that underpins various forms of spatial cognition.
Faktor Yang Mempengaruhi Kepatuhan Penulisan Resep Sesuai Formularium

ABSTRACT Based on data from January - April 2014 found that obedience of prescription writing based on formularium in Outpatient Installation of Islam Jemursari Hospital only amounted to 87.9%. The purpose of this study was to analyze the factors that affect the obedience of prescription writing based on formularium. This study was an observational analitic cross sectional study. Data analysis using Spearman correlation test (α = 0.05). Obedience of prescription writing based on formularium mostly in the category of obedience (37.8%). Spearman correlation test showed no correlation between the status of the location (p = 0.166), the legitimacy of authority figures (p = 0.841), and the status of an authority figure (p=0,549) with the obedience of prescription writing based on formularium (p = 0.166). There was a significant relationship between personal responsibility (p = 0.005), peer support (p = 0.007), and the proximity of authority figures (p = 0.002) with obedience of prescription writing based on formularium. The conclusion that can be drawn is appropriate prescribing formulary can be improved by providing incentives and sanctions of the pieces and there are electronic formulary list. Keywords : formulary, obedience, prescription
Minimally invasive catheterization of portal and mesenteric veins and abdominal aorta for quantitative determination of portal-drained viscera metabolism in pigs

Abstract A laparoscopic catheterization of portal and ileal veins as well as abdominal aorta was performed in eight pigs under general anesthesia for quantitative determination of portal-drained viscera metabolism. Three polyurethane catheters were introduced into the target vessels through an abdominal wall cannula using the guide catheter and wire. Surgery duration, length of incisions, and postoperative outcomes were recorded. On days 7 and 30, portal vein blood flow rates were measured by paraaminohippuric acid method. On day 35, a second laparoscopy was performed to monitor the setup of intraabdominal catheters. The laparoscopic procedures were completed with a mean operative time of 82 ± 9 min, and mean total incision size was 4.5 ± 0.5 cm. No major intraoperative or postoperative complications were encountered. The second laparoscopy showed that position and fixation of catheters remain stable 35 d after the surgical preparation. Portal vein blood flow remained similar (P > 0.05) from 7 to 30 d after the laparoscopic surgical procedure. Retention of catheters in six pigs was more than 60 d, and the other two were 42 and 56 d. We conclude that this novel technique is an attractive alternative to traditional surgical catheterization procedures.
Impact of Agrochemicals on Soil Microbiota and Management: A Review

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that in developing nations, there are three million cases of agrochemical poisoning. The prolonged intensive and indiscriminate use of agrochemicals adversely affected the soil biodiversity, agricultural sustainability, and food safety, bringing in long-term harmful effects on nutritional security, human and animal health. Most of the agrochemicals negatively affect soil microbial functions and biochemical processes. The alteration in diversity and composition of the beneficial microbial community can be unfavorable to plant growth and development either by reducing nutrient availability or by increasing disease incidence. Currently, there is a need for qualitative, innovative, and demand-driven research in soil science, especially in developing countries for facilitating of high-quality eco-friendly research by creating a conducive and trustworthy work atmosphere, thereby rewarding productivity and merits. Hence, we reviewed (1) the impact of various agrochemicals on the soil microbial diversity and environment; (2) the importance of smallholder farmers for sustainable crop protection and enhancement solutions, and (3) management strategies that serve the scientific community, policymakers, and land managers in integrating soil enhancement and sustainability practices in smallholder farming households. The current review provides an improved understanding of agricultural soil management for food and nutritional security.
Demise of the Planktic Foraminifer Genus Morozovella during the Early Eocene Climatic Optimum: New Records from ODP Site 1258 (Demerara Rise, Western Equatorial Atlantic) and Site 1263 (Walvis Ridge, South Atlantic)

Here we present relative abundances of planktic foraminifera that span the Early Eocene Climatic Optimum (EECO) at Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Site 1258 in the western equatorial Atlantic. The EECO (~53.3−49.1 Ma) represents peak Cenozoic warmth, probably related to high atmospheric CO2, and when planktic foraminifera, a dominant component of marine sediment, exhibit a major biotic response. Consistent with previous work, the relative abundance of the genus Morozovella, which dominated early Paleogene tropical-subtropical assemblages, markedly and permanently declined from a mean percentage of ~32% to less than ~7% at the beginning of the EECO. The distinct decrease in Morozovella abundance occurred at Site 1258 within ~20 kyr before a negative excursion in δ13C records known as the J event and which defines the beginning of EECO. Moreover, all morozovellid species except M. aragonensis dropped in abundance permanently at Site 1258, and this is related to a reduction in test-size. Comparing our data with that from other locations, the remarkable switch in planktonic foraminifera assemblages appears to have begun first with unfavourable environmental conditions near the Equator and then extended to higher latitudes. Several potential stressors may explain observations, including some combination of algal photosymbiont inhibition (bleaching), a sustained increase in temperature, or an extended decrease in pH.