Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A multi‐proxy based high‐resolution stratigraphical analysis of the possible Palaeocene–Eocene boundary interval, Salt Range, Pakistan

The Palaeocene–Eocene boundary (PEB) interval has been recognized in the Patala Formation, Nammal Gorge Section, Pakistan using lithostratigraphy, stable carbon isotope stratigraphy and integrated biostratigraphy. Four distinct lithological units are identified in the Patala Formation in stratigraphic order from bottom to top; unit‐1 to unit‐4. The top of unit‐3 hosts three closely spaced unconformities demarcated as U1, U2, and U3. The PEB interval is represented by a negative shift of 1.61‰ in δ13CV‐PDB representing the carbon isotopic excursion (CIE) in unit‐2. Based on the encountered foraminifera, dinocysts, and calcareous nannoplanktons, the following biozones are identified across the PEB; two larger benthonic foraminiferal (LBF) zones (SBZ4 and SBZ5), the zonal boundary slightly postdating the CIE, two smaller benthonic foraminiferal zones (BB1 and BB2), three planktonic foraminiferal zones (P4/P5 + E1), four dinocysts zones (Pak‐DV, Pak‐DVI, Pak‐DVII, Pak‐DVIII), and two calcareous nannoplankton subzones (NP9a and NP9b). The following protist, dinocyst and calcareous nannoplanktons encountered in the studied interval advocates for the placement of the possible PEB at the level between samples NAM‐SH‐07 and 08; 1—presence of the smaller benthonic foraminifera Angulogavelinella avnimelechi diagnostic of the base of the CIE and the benthonic extinction event (BEE) Tethys wide, 2—presence of the cosmopolitan and the PEB diagnostic dinocyst species ‘Axiodinium augustum’, 3—presence of the PEB diagnostic Rhomboaster‐Discoaster calcareous nannoplankton assemblage. The LBF species Alveolina vredenburgi [a marker species of the Larger Foraminiferal Turnover (LFT) associated with the Palaeocene Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) and PEB in western Tethys] occurs slightly above the onset of the CIE. Previously reported compositional change in the LBF assemblage from the Salt Range [i.e. the replacement of the Palaeocene orbitoidiform LBF (Setia and Orbitosiphon) by the Eocene LBF (Orthophragminids, Alveolina, Nummulites and Assilina)] also postdates the PEB interval here. The late appearance of Alveolina vredenburgi and the compositional change in the LBF after the onset of the CIE are attributed to the facies variation across the PEB reflecting fluctuating depositional environment due to the active tectonic across this interval. This fluctuation is evident from the smaller benthonic and planktonic foraminiferal dominating assemblages in unit‐2 representing bathyal settings followed by LBF dominating unit‐3 representing shallow carbonate platform settings. The change in LBF assemblage closely resembles the well‐known LFT associated with the PETM as well as the carbonate platform stage III and the PEB reported from other Tethyan sections.
A multidimensional analysis of spiritual leadership, affective commitment and employees' creativity in South Korea

PurposeThis study aims to examine the relationships between three dimensions – vision, hope/faith and altruistic love – of spiritual leadership and employees' creativity and to verify the mediating role of affective commitment in such relationships.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 462 South Korean employees in diverse industries through self-reported questionnaires, and hypotheses were tested using hierarchical multiple regression analysis.FindingsThe authors found that vision, hope/faith and altruistic love were positively related to employees' creativity, while their affective commitment mediated such relationships. The authors also verified that the multidimensional structure of spiritual leadership was valid in the context of South Korea.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that leaders need to understand the importance of vision, hope/faith and altruistic love toward employees in formulating employees' affective commitment and stimulating creativity. Thus, organizations need to establish and operate leadership training programs for promoting leaders' behaviors that are based on spirituality.Originality/valueThis study contributes to broadening the variety of spiritual leadership's outcomes by providing an initial evidence of how spiritual leadership is associated with employees' creativity. Extending the verification of multidimensional structure of spiritual leadership so that it can be applied in South Korea has also been considered.
Innovation in the library: Adoption of smartphones in accessing electronic resources in a Ghanaian university

This paper examines the influence of innovation on the adoption of smartphones for accessing electronic resources in the library by postgraduate students at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. The theoretical model that underpinned this study was the diffusion of innovation theory. Based on a quantitative research approach, a survey research design was used. Questionnaire was employed in the collection of data from 278 postgraduate students. The responses were coded, captured and analysed using IBM’s Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 22. The findings of the study show that postgraduate students’ gender and faculty influenced their adoption of smartphones for accessing e-resources at the University of Cape Coast. However, the age of the students did not have any significant influence on the adoption of smartphones. The findings further show that only two of the perceived characteristics of innovation, complexity and compatibility, had a significant influence on the adoption of smartphones among the postgraduate students.
CARACTERÍSTICAS MORFOMÉTRICAS Y GERMINACION DE SEMILLAS DE Cedrela odorata L.

With the objective of identifying the quality of the seed of Cedrelaodorata L. in trees with desirable dasometric variables to be consideredcandidates to become parent trees, the seed from 60 trees wascollected in different environments of Chiapas, Mexico, duringFebruary and March 2017. Once the seed was harvested, the researchwas carried out in the Laboratory of Forest Seeds from the School ofAgricultural Sciences Campus IV (UNACH). Different variables weredetermined according to the rules of the International Seed TestingAssociation (ISTA, 2010), 15 days after their collection; the variableswere: weight of 100 seeds (g), percentage of germination and purity,moisture (CH) and viability (tetrazolium). The essays were establishedin a completely random experimental design with three repetitionsof 30 seeds from each tree. The results were graphed with the SigmaPlot software (ver. 10.0) by Jandel Scientific, and the standard errorwas considered as a dispersion measurement in the averages. Thestatistical analysis was performed through the GLM software from SASversion 8.1, and the differences between means according to Tukey(p≤0.05). The results indicated that the most contrasting variables werethe weight of the seed, the percentage of germination and the numberof seeds per kg-1. The lowest germination of the seeds collected wasfound in the physiographic regions: coastal plains close to the littoral.The ecosystems Sierra Lacandona, South of Chiapas and Coastal Plaintoward the Chiapas Sierra Madre, were suggested as environments toselect parent trees of Cedrela odorata L. with presence of rains all yearlong and abundant rains in the summer (3000-3500 mm), temperaturesof 20-28 |C, Leptosol, Cambisol, Regosol and/or Phaeozem soils, andaltitude of 500 to 1000 m.
Challenges and opportunities for the development of an edible insect food industry in Latin America

Latin America has an old tradition of entomophagy and is currently the second largest market for edible insects in the world. However, the number of start-ups producing edible insects is still very low, when compared to Europe and North America. This review analyses the potential of farming and processing edible insects in Latin America using the systemic competitiveness approach in order to list the main opportunities and challenges for the development of the sector in the region. First, the meta level appears diffuse since there are no clear regional or national strategies towards the development of an insect-based food industry, and despite the tradition of entomophagy, the majority of the urbanised population have a bias against insects. However, there is a huge potential related to reviving the traditional knowledge. The macro level is characterised by a lack of local and international regulation on food safety, production and commercialisation, but there is an opportunity related to the reformed Novel Food Regulation (Regulation (EU) No. 2015/2283) that may ease the exports to the European market. In the meso level, although investment and funding of insect-based start-ups are increasing internationally, a lack of research and training institutions is noticeable in the region. Finally, the main constraints identified in the micro level are the high prices of edible insects due to an existing disrupted supply chain and the lack of technology to mass produce insects, while the main opportunity is to develop innovative products based on the traditionally-known organoleptic and functional properties of insects. Indisputably, more efforts must be done in Latin America to take a leadership in the world, boosting the local framework for producing edible insects and promoting entopreneurship. These efforts should be coordinated among all stakeholders involved in the different systemic levels: entrepreneurs, research institutions, government and the society.
Demographic variables as drivers of innovation in small accommodation businesses: A case of South Africa and Zimbabwe

Most of the evidence that has been documented on the impact of demographic factors on innovation has primarily focused on large businesses, and there has been little focus on small businesses. The literature continues to confirm that innovation is a key success factor for any type and size of business, especially for small businesses in emerging economies. This current research focuses on exploring the topic of small accommodation businesses (SABs) with evidence from two developing economies, the Free State province in South Africa and Manicaland in Zimbabwe. The research adopted a survey design where primary data were retrieved from a sample of 278 randomly selected individuals with origins in the two economies. The results of the study showed: (i) innovativeness in SABs is influenced by the age and experience of the managers or owners in one of the countries and when the scores of the two countries are aggregated; (ii) Younger owner and managers were found to be more creative and innovative than their older counterparts who were more experienced. It is, therefore, necessary that owners of SABs continue to employ and invest in young people. Their energy, education, and ability to innovate make them an invaluable investment to ensure the competitive advantage and long-term sustainability of SABs.
Relationship between Willingness to Communicate in English and Classroom Environment

Under a hybrid theoretical perspective involving positive psychology (PosPsy) and ecological paradigm, this research attempts to explore the interrelationship between classroom environment and willingness to communicate (WTC) in English among EFL (English as a foreign language) learners in the normal universities in Shandong province, China. A survey method is used engaging a questionnaire comprised of demographic information and items on classroom environment and L2 WTC. The statistical analysis was conducted based on 128 returned questionnaires. The findings confirmed that the EFL students in Shandong normal universities perceived themselves as having a high level of L2 WTC and classroom environment. What's more, a statistically significant positive relationship that is moderately strong between L2 WTC and classroom environment was found. Moreover, the multiple regression analysis identified that teacher support is the classroom environment dimension that is a statistically significant predictor of L2 WTC. The fitness indexes of the proposed structural model achieved the fitness required for Ratio Chisq/df (Chi-square/ Degrees of Freedom), CFI (Comparative Fit Index), and RMSEA (Root Mean Square of Error Approximation) at an acceptable level. Hence, the proposed structural model was established for this research.
Isolation and Molecular Identification of Aspergillus species from Cultured Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

The present study was carried out on 120 examined cultured Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (O. niloticus) (80 diseased fish and 40 apparently healthy) were collected alive from private fish farms at Kafr El Sheikh Governorates from April to October 2018. Grossly, examined diseased O. niloticus revealed eroded fins, redness on the skin, congested protruded anal opening and sometimes darkness on skin, ulcers with different sizes, and eye turbidity especially in fish naturally infected with Aspergillus, Fusarium and Pencillium. Mycological examination revealed isolation of 7 Genera of fungi from total incidence of 300 fungal isolates; 240 fungal isolates from diseased O. niloticus and 60 isolates from apparently healthy one. Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger were the most predominant fungi isolated from either apparently healthy or even diseased one mainly from internal organs. Molecular identification was performed using inter-transcriped spacer (ITS) gene for A. flavus and A. niger. Developed PCR assay specific primer detect A. flavus and A. niger showing clear bands at 595 and 600 bp molecular weight, respectively.
Attitude and knowledge towards prescription of generic drugs: online study across Telangana

Background: Generic drugs are similar in terms of strength, safety and therapeutic benefit as compared to innovator counterparts. Generics have a favourable financial profile and a positive effect on medication adherence. Palpable change was not observed with the use of generics. This study has been designed to gauge the knowledge and attitude concerning generic drugs among medical students in their 5 semester of MBBS course and interns in the final six months of their compulsory rotatory residential internship (CRRI) program in the state of Telangana. Methods: It was a cross sectional, online-questionnaire based study across medical colleges in Telangana. The questions were designed with the help of Google forms and the website links were circulated to the participants through students and interns’ whatsapp groups. Results: 95.1% of interns and 92.7% of students had knowledge of generic drugs. Significant number of students had a notion that brand drugs are for serious illnesses. Majority in both the groups maintained a neutral opinion when it came to mandatory prescribing of generics. Conclusions: Our study revealed a similar knowledge level about generic in both the groups and 40.9% of interns and 41.4% of students had a knowledge score of more than or equal to 80. Interns didn’t agree with incentivisation of brand drugs. 37.9% of interns and 32.3% of students had an attitude score of more than or equal to 80. Therefore implementation of certain practices like stocking of more generics at medical college pharmacies, more research and incentivisation of generic use can translate into a rise of generic usage.
Impact of an enzymatic hydrolysis on the functional properties of globular proteins

Lipophilic bioactive compounds sensitive to autooxidation, like lipids rich in omega-3 fatty acids, provide beneficial health effects but exhibit limited applicability in their pure form. Accordingly, microencapsulation techniques are needed to transform these bioactives into stable ingredients and enable their incorporation into food matrices for fortification. Microencapsulation by spray-drying of emulsions is frequently used in this regard, however interfacially-active wall materials are needed to stabilise the interface of the emulsion droplets against shear and dilatational deformation during the emulsification and spray-drying process. Furthermore, chemical stabilisation of the sensitive lipid is crucial during the processes and subsequent storage, which is ideally also provided by the interfacially-active wall material. In the present study, fish oil and rapeseed oil were microencapsulated by spray-drying of emulsions stabilised by β-lactoglobulin (β-LG), pea proteins (PPI) or with enzymatic hydrolysates thereof. Two endopeptidases with different cleaving specificity were used for hydrolysis, which strongly affected the functionality of the hydrolysates. In contrast to alcalase, bovine trypsin proved to be more suitable to produce peptide mixtures with improved functional properties, respectively. Enzymatic hydrolysis did not negatively affect the structural integrity of the interfacial layers during the spray-drying process. In addition, hydrolysate layers exhibited increased resilience to deformation during interfacial rheology experiments (under shear and dilatation). The improvement of the functional properties due to enzymatic hydrolysis was more distinct for PPI compared to β-LG, since unmodified β-LG already possessed considerably better funtionality. Electrostatic attachment of enzymatically modified pectin to β-LG and its tryptic hydrolysates affected their interfacial adsorption, which strongly depended on the molecular characteristics of pectin and the degree of hydrolysis of β-LG. Furthermore, pectin reinforced the physical stability of the interfacial layers during interfacial rheology, emulsification and spray-drying. Furthermore, the chemical stability of the microencapsulated lipophilic compounds sensitive to autoxidation was clearly increased by all protein hydrolysates compared to the unmodified substrates. However, the extent of the retardation of lipid oxidation was strongly affected by the specificity of the enzyme and the degree of hydrolysis. Besides the increase in the physical stability of the lipids, the presence of pectin in the formulation also slowed down lipid oxidation of the microencapsulated fish oil. The results of the present study clearly indicate the potential of hydrolysates from globular proteins to both physically and chemically stabilise lipids.
Evaluation of Exotic Cultivars of Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii L.) under Naturally Ventilated Polyhouse in Western Odisha

An endeavor was made during 2014–16 to evaluate and identify superior and most promising commercial variety in respect of important morphological and economic trait amongst 18 exotic cultivars of gerbera under naturally ventilated Poly house in Western Odisha. Variations in different growth parameters were prominent. Among vegetative parameters, ‘Dreamer’ recorded least mean value in terms of plant height, leaf area, number of leaves per plant, length and breadth of leaf, plant spread, number of lobes per leaf, fresh weight, vase life and yield per sq. m among quality parameters. Higher leaf area was found in ‘Shimmer’ follower by ‘Paradiso’ while ‘Dune’ has intermediate plant height and plant spread. ‘Power Play’ exhibited more number of leaves per plant with higher petiole length and more number of suckers per clump. With respect to flower and quality characters, the cultivar ‘Diablo’ found superior with respect to plant height, disc diameter and neck thickness and higher fresh weight. Minimum number of ray florets per flower with thicker petals were recorded in ‘Colt’, while ‘Artist’ have recorded highest number of ray florets with lesser petal thickness. ‘Prime rose’ had maximum flower diameter with minimum disc diameter and maximum length of ray floret. ‘Universal’ and ‘Pink Power’ recorded longest and shortest stalk length respectively. ‘Amulet’ had maximum stalk diameter and longer vase life (19.5 days). The cultivar ‘Jaffer’ recorded highest number of flowers per sq.m. Followed by ‘Yucador’ and ‘Blind Date’. ‘Shimmer’ took lesser days from flower bud formation to flowering however ‘Alex’ and ‘Colt’ recorded maximum shelf life.
Everyday memory : porous in aging, distorted in disease

Generally we tend to think that memory in daily living is complete and accurate in healthy persons. However, current memory research has revealed inconspicuous memory faults. Rarely omissions and distortions of memory are researched with tasks resembling everyday life. We investigated healthy older control subjects (HC) and patients with depressive disorder (DD). Cognitive function was assessed with a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery and mood with the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Scale (MADRS). We assessed everyday veridical and distorted memories on showing participants original news and commercials. In most aspects of attention, executive functions, and memory, patients with DD performed worse than HC. Regarding memory content on viewing news or commercials the difference between patients with DD and HC was more pronounced for false memory content than for veridical memory content. Linear regression analysis showed the extent of false memory content being associated with mental flexibility as assessed with the Trail Making Test and mood as assessed with the MADRS for both information obtained on viewing news and commercials. Increase of false memories impedes overall accuracy of memory more than decrease of veridical memories in older persons with depressive disorder. Diminished executive functions and depressive mood partly explain these memory distortions.
Biosynthesis and function of cell-surface polysaccharides in the social bacterium Myxococcus xanthus

Abstract In bacteria, cell-surface polysaccharides fulfill important physiological functions, including interactions with the environment and other cells as well as protection from diverse stresses. The Gram-negative delta-proteobacterium Myxococcus xanthus is a model to study social behaviors in bacteria. M. xanthus synthesizes four cell-surface polysaccharides, i.e., exopolysaccharide (EPS), biosurfactant polysaccharide (BPS), spore coat polysaccharide, and O-antigen. Here, we describe recent progress in elucidating the three Wzx/Wzy-dependent pathways for EPS, BPS and spore coat polysaccharide biosynthesis and the ABC transporter-dependent pathway for O-antigen biosynthesis. Moreover, we describe the functions of these four cell-surface polysaccharides in the social life cycle of M. xanthus.
A study of postnatal foot length to determine gestational maturity in neonates

Globally 2.5 million children died in the first month of life in 2018. Neonatal deaths account for 47% of all child deaths under the age of 5 yrs. The world has made substantial progress in child survival. However, the decline in neonatal mortality from 1990 to 2018 has been slower than that of post neonatal under-5 mortality. The majority of all neonatal deaths (75%) occur during the first week of life and about 1 million newborns die within the first 24 hrs. Preterm birth, birth asphyxia, infections, low birth weight and birth defects cause most neonatal deaths. Gestational age is a major determinant of newborn prognosis. Newborns are categorized as preterm, full term and post term neonates. Early identification of gestational age within 48 hrs of birth, especially in differentiating preterm from full term newborns born at home or in remote areas, is a major priority for researchers and public health practitioners in order to reduce global mortality from preterm birth.