Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of subjective and objective methods to assess flax straw cultivars and fibre quality after dew-retting

SUMMARY Subjective and objective methods were compared for the assessment of the quality of unretted and retted straw, and the fibres obtained after dew-retting of four flax cultivars, Ariane, Evelin, Laura and Viola. Maturity of straw, degree of retting, ease of decortication after retting, divisibility, handle, cleanliness and colour were assessed as subjective factors and of these, degree of retting and handle appear to be useful for assessing quality. The samples were also analysed for physical and chemical differences using a range of objective methods. Straw quality could not be graded using height and maturity, although stem diameter and technical length could indicate quality. Changes in N, lipid and ash content, as a result of retting, were observed. The increase in the proportions of fibre fractions present in retted compared with unretted straw, due to microbial degradation of pectin, could be identified by thermal analysis. Analyses of the fibre samples to determine fineness, strength, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin and minerals were carried out and significant differences in some of the parameters were identified. Cultivar Laura produced the best fibre. Fibre fineness, ash, lipid, caustic weight loss and fibre fractions as determined by thermal analysis were found to be important objective parameters for quality assessment. The assessment of fibre samples performed subjectively by an expert grader and by selected objective methods gave similar quality rankings.
Best Practices for Determination of Initial 10Be/9Be in Early Solar System Materials by Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry

Beryllium‐10 (t1/2 = 1.4 Ma) is a short‐lived radionuclide present in the early Solar System. It is produced solely by irradiation reactions and can provide constraints on the astrophysical environment of the Sun’s formation. Calcium‐ and aluminium‐rich inclusions (CAIs), the first solids formed in the Solar System, show clear evidence for live 10Be at their time of formation, but it is unclear whether they record the same initial 10Be/9Be ratio. In this study, we examine the secondary ion mass spectrometry methods used to determine the initial 10Be/9Be ratio in meteoritic inclusions. Based on analyses of synthesised matrix‐matched glass reference materials, we show that the effects of differing major element bulk compositions on the secondary ion yields of Be and B are minor for relevant phases. We demonstrate the importance of using the mean square weighted deviation (MSWD) to interpret the significance of the initial 10Be/9Be value. For thirty‐two CAIs, we re‐calculated the regressions using literature data, finding that several have unacceptably high MSWD. We calculate the effects of possible sources of isotopic disturbance. Finally, we outline best practices for reporting 10Be–10B data, to enable a more refined determination of the initial 10Be/9Be ratio in the early Solar System.
Deep-Time Demographic Inference Suggests Ecological Release as Driver of Neoavian Adaptive Radiation

Assessing the applicability of theory to major adaptive radiations in deep time represents an extremely difficult problem in evolutionary biology. Neoaves, which includes 95% of living birds, is believed to have undergone a period of rapid diversification roughly coincident with the Cretaceous–Paleogene (K-Pg) boundary. We investigate whether basal neoavian lineages experienced an ecological release in response to ecological opportunity, as evidenced by density compensation. We estimated effective population sizes (Ne) of basal neoavian lineages by combining coalescent branch lengths (CBLs) and the numbers of generations between successive divergences. We used a modified version of Accurate Species TRee Algorithm (ASTRAL) to estimate CBLs directly from insertion–deletion (indel) data, as well as from gene trees using DNA sequence and/or indel data. We found that some divergences near the K-Pg boundary involved unexpectedly high gene tree discordance relative to the estimated number of generations between speciation events. The simplest explanation for this result is an increase in Ne, despite the caveats discussed herein. It appears that at least some early neoavian lineages, similar to the ancestor of the clade comprising doves, mesites, and sandgrouse, experienced ecological release near the time of the K-Pg mass extinction.
Association of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi with leguminous crops grown in different agro-ecological zones of Bangladesh

The association of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi with different leguminous crops in five agro-ecological zones (AEZs) of Bangladesh was assessed through a survey. A total of 10 leguminous crops were examined at five AEZs in Bangladesh. Among the selected crops grasspea, lentil, chickpea, mungbean, cowpea, blackgram, gardenpea, and soybean were highly mycotrophic. Poor mycorrhizal association was found in bushbean and groundnut. Variations in AM colonization and spore population were observed in different leguminous crops in different AEZs in Bangladesh. Root colonization ranged from 20–75.6, 20–80, 14.4–68.9, 20–75.6 and 20–60% and that of number of spores ranged from 89.4–495, 40–390, 89–390, 99.6–298 and 100–295 100 g−1 soil at AEZs 3,11,12,18 and 28, respectively. The AM fungal structures (hyphae, arbuscules and vesicles) in the root system of the above mentioned leguminous crops varied. Glomus was the most common genus of AM while Sclerocystis was the least prevalent genus in the rhizosphere soil.
Fruit misshapen in strawberry cultivars (Fragaria×ananassa) is related to achenes functionality

Fruit deformation is a phenomenon commonly observed in commercial strawberry cultivars (Fragaria x ananassa) with a negative impact on the economic benefit of crop production. To better understand this physiopathy, we evaluated fruit size and the relative amount of 'small' ( 0.6 mm) in misshapen (MF) and well-formed (WF) fruits from 'Camarosa', 'Ventana' and'Medina' strawberry cultivars growing in the field. In'Camarosa', size-dependent achenes functionality was assessed by analysing achenes germinability and differences in time to ripening between MF and WF. We found that the occurrence of fruit deformation was not only strongly dependent on the cultivar (i.e. genetic factor) but also was promoted by low temperatures (i.e. environmental factor). Regardless of the cultivar, MF showed higher percentage of 'small' non-functional achenes than WF, indicating a failure in achene development, which could be related to the functional integrity of reproductive structures. To test this hypothesis, we performed an experiment by pollinating strawberry flowers with pollen developed under low and mild temperatures. Low temperatures reduced pollen viability, and flowers pollinated with low quality pollen led to a higher amount of MF. However, fruit deformation was not completely explained by differences in pollen quality, neither by differences in pistil maturity and receptivity nor ovule viability, suggesting that non-functional achenes might result from a disruption in postfertilisation processes such as embryo abortion as a consequence of low temperatures.
The Effect of School Design on Users’ Responses: A Systematic Review (2008–2017)

This systematic review focused on the effect of the educational environment design on students’ and teachers’ performance, satisfaction, and wellbeing. Starting from a bulk of 1307 articles, a set of N = 68 empirical papers was selected and organized on the basis of four different content clusters, i.e., architectural building design and aesthetic features, indoor environmental features, classroom design, and school green spaces/outdoor spaces. From the analysis of research findings, the key role of pleasant, warm, and flexible learning environments emerged, for promoting both wellbeing and performance of users. More specifically, the presence of charming colors and pictures, ergonomic furniture, and adequate acoustic, thermal comfort, ventilation, and natural lighting have emerged as important features that school designers should care for. Furthermore, an integration of both indoor and outdoor learning situations showed to be effective for improving students’ learning and wellbeing.
Observational cross-sectional study to evaluate the effects of self-medication with topical agents used by patients for superficial fungal skin infection at tertiary care hospital in Mumbai

Background: Superficial fungal infections of the hair, skin, and nails are a major cause of morbidity in the world and their incidence continues to increase. While self-medication is also one of the major health concerns for health authorities worldwide. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of topical agents used by patients for self-medication, to enlisting the topical agents used by patients for self-medication, to ensure by whose suggestion’s patients engaged in self-medication. Methods: It was an observational cross-sectional study which was conducted at the outpatient department (OPD) of dermatology in tertiary care hospital. A detailed history of the participant was recorded regarding topical agents used for self-medication and their effects were documented in a predesigned case record form. Results: The population consisted of 128 males and 87 females. All these 215 participants had used 61 topical agents of different brand names and the majority of were irritant, corticosteroids and antifungal much high in use. Among 215 participants, 111 had temporary relief from the infection and reoccurred after stopping its use. 98 showed aggravation in their infection among which 90 showed effects like irritation, burning and itching at the application site, while 8 participants showed dryness or flaking of skin. Conclusions: Self-medication is widely practiced among patients with a superficial fungal skin infection in Mumbai. A pharmacist was the major source for obtaining these topical agents. We can conclude, there is a need to counsel and discourage patients from self-medication and regulations for dispensing the prescribed drugs should be made stringent.
Backwater Immigration by Fishes through a Water Control Structure: Implications for Connectivity and Restoration

Abstract Recent efforts to reduce sediment loading in large-river backwaters have relied on inexpensive low-maintenance structures that promote river–backwater connectivity. How these structures influence ichthyofauna is not understood. We quantified the distribution of fishes through a stop-log structure installed during the Swan Lake habitat restoration project on the lower Illinois River. Modified hoop nets were systematically fished simultaneously in a two-dimensional 3 vertical × 3 horizontal grid of net locations to capture fish as they immigrated into the lake through the structure. Catches were dominated by gizzard shad Dorosoma cepedianum and freshwater drum Aplodinotus grunniens. Adult freshwater drum, adult common carp Cyprinus carpio, and juvenile silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix exhibited an affinity for the lower two-thirds of the water column. Lengths of freshwater drum increased with depth, particularly during the spring. Common carp catch rates were highest during spring, whereas t.
A simplified prognostic scoring and grading system for Fournier’s gangrene

Fournier’s gangrene (FG) is a type of necrotizing fasciitis affecting the external genetalia or perineum. About one per 62500 males are affected every year, although found in females also with a ratio of 40:1, children do suffer. In 1764, Baurienne originally described as an idiopathic rapidly progressive, soft tissue necrotizing process that leads to gangrene, however, Jean Alfred Fournier, a Persian venerologistis was associated with the disease and named it after his name with this disease since 1883. Over the years several other terms also have been used like “streptococcus gangrene”, “necrotizing fasciitis,” “periurethral phlegma-phegendena” and “synergistic necrotizing fasciitis. ” Disease is worldwide in distribution. It is a horrendous infection by polymicrobial microorganisms of perineum and genetalia characterized by end arteritis-obliterence of subcutaneous tissue and skin. The anaerobic micro organisms, that accumulate in subcutaneous tissues produces hydrogen and nitrogen, added by conditions of oxygen pressure and limited vascular supply and bacterial over growth is there, and these are the factors that make crepitus to be felt in the affected areas. Although there is broad age range and mainly affects male patients over the age of 50 years, it is rarely seen in pediatric age group, little is known about the disease in new borne and infancy.
Journalism Graduates Versus Media Employers’ Views on Profession and Skills. Findings From a Nine-Year Longitudinal Study

ABSTRACT Our paper presents the contradictory views journalism graduates from the Faculty of Journalism and Communication Sciences, University of Bucharest and their future employers from local and national Romanian media organizations have on profession, knowledge and skills. The study shows that at the end of their three-year formal training the students do not fully understand and internalize the journalistic professional values. They reiterate an academically induced picture of the profession, which has not been revised for years. However, the contextual analysis of the research results indicates that professionally committed students, that benefited from internships and trainings in media organizations, came up with more relevant answers, integrating more easily their knowledge of curriculum with their practical experience, as opposed to their peers without work experience, that are undecided about their professional path. Academic education does seem to help professionally committed students to adapt more easily to the fast-changing work environment and makes them look competent. Moreover, our findings highlight a lack of dialogue between the journalism schools and the media organizations, showing a steep gap between the students’ expectations and the requirements managers and editors have from a potential job applicant.
Stress Drop Variation of Deep‐Focus Earthquakes Based on Empirical Green's Functions

We analyze source characteristics of global, deep‐focus (>350 km) earthquakes with moment magnitudes (Mw) larger than 6.0–8.2 using teleseismic P‐wave and S‐wave spectra and an empirical Green's functions approach. We estimate the corner frequency assuming Brune's source model and calculate stress drops assuming a circular crack model. Based on P‐wave and S‐wave spectra, the one standard deviation ranges are 3.5–369.8 and 8.2–328.9 MPa, respectively. Based on the P‐wave analysis, the median of our stress drop estimates is about a factor of 10 higher than the median stress drop of shallow earthquakes with the same magnitude estimated by Allmann and Shearer (2009, https://doi.org/10.1029/2008JB005821). This suggests that, on average, the shear stress of deep faults in the mantle transition zone is an order of magnitude higher than the shear stress of faults in the crust. The wide range of stress drops implies coexistence of multiple physical mechanisms.
Human Resource Disclosures in Corporate Annual Reports of Insurance Companies: A Case of Developing Country

Employees are key stakeholders for companies to maintain their sustainability. Obtaining and disclosing information related to employees can help companies to manage and evaluate the effectiveness of human resources. This paper investigates human resource disclosures in corporate annual reports of 54 insurance companies in Turkey and identifies the determinants of the disclosure for the period of 2007–2017. For this purpose, human resource disclosures with eight subdimensions as employee health and safety, employment of minorities or women, disabled employee, employee training, employee assistance and benefits, employee remuneration, employee profiles and employee morale were obtained from corporate annual reports by content analysis. The data were statistically tested with correlation analysis and a pooled OLS (Ordinary Least Squares) models to determine the effects of return on assets, return on equity, leverage, firm size, number of employees, age of firm, public listing status, foreign ownership, company type on these disclosures. The results indicate that number of employees, foreign ownership and company type have an effect on the extent of human resource disclosure. Employee training is the most disclosed item among human resource disclosures in corporate reports. It is suggested that companies should improve their reporting and disclosure practices related to human resource development.
Relationship between early post-mortem muscle pH and shortening-induced toughness in the Pectoralis major muscle of processed broilers air-chilled at 0°C and ‐12°C

1. An experiment was conducted to investigate the development of shortening-induced toughness in the Pectoralis major (PM) muscles of commercially processed broilers, air-chilled at 0°C and ‐12°C, as a function of muscle pH early post-mortem. Electrical stimulation was used immediately after stunning and neck cutting to provide carcases with pH values 15 min post-mortem (pH 15 min ) ranging between 6.79 and 5.85. 2. The deep PM muscle temperatures of carcases chilled at ‐12°C were lower (cooler) after primary chilling and at 215 min post-mortem than those chilled at 0°C, although chilling regimen had no major effect on pH values over the 24 h post-mortem period. However, carcases chilled at ‐12°C had longer sarcomeres, lower cooking losses and lower shear force values than those chilled at 0°C. 3. Correlation analysis of the results for both chilling regimens clearly demonstrated that over the pH 15 min range 6.79 to 5.85, carcases with the lowest pH 15 min values had the shortest sarcomeres, the highest cooking losses and the toughest meat. In addition, there was no evidence to support the occurrence of cold shortening within this population. This suggests that an early onset of rigor at higher temperatures in broiler carcases, as well as inducing rigor shortening and toughness, might also induce greater protein denaturation and subsequent loss of water holding capacity as manifested in increased cooking losses. 4. Quadratic regression curves showed that over the pH 15 min range 6.80 to 6.30, only the fast chilling regimen at ‐12°C could inhibit rigor shortening and minimise changes in cooking loss and shear force values. However, neither chilling regimen was effective in preventing severe rigor shortening, increased cooking losses and adverse toughness in carcases with pH 15 min values below 6.30. 5. The benefits of fast chilling carcases with pH 15 min values above 6.3 can also be quantified in terms of carcases exceeding a 4.00 kg/cm2 toughness threshold. Only 1.9% of these carcases chilled at ‐12°C exceeded this limit (maximum shear force value of 4.72 kg/cm2) compared to 34.9% of the carcases chilled at 0°C (maximum shear force value of 8.46 kg/cm2), further emphasising the considerable reduction in textural variability and improvement in tenderness gained by fast air-chilling at ‐12°C.
Contribution to the knowledge of the genus Pseudomonocelis Meixner, 1943 (Rhabditophora: Proseriata)

A new species of the genus Pseudomonocelis (P. caribbea sp. n.) is described. It is distinguished from congenerics by shape and size of the copulatory organ and relative positions of mouth and genital openings. It is the first species of the genus found in America. Sampling in east Africa (Zanzibar island) revealed two species, attributed to P. pardii and, tentatively, to P. cavernicola, both originally described from Somaliland. Morphological differences between Tanzanian and Somali specimens are reported. The Mediterranean P. ophiocephala, based on extensive morphological and karyological survey of 13 populations, is interpreted as constituting at least two sibling species, distinguishable solely on the basis of karyotype. Results support the notion that the present perception of the contribution of interstitial Rhabditophora to marine biodiversity may be unrepresentative.
Black canker and leaf spot of Salix in New Zealand caused by Glomerella miyabeana (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides)

Two new diseases have been observed attacking willows in New Zealand. In the first instance black stem cankers formed on S. matsudana × S. alba × S. alba cultivars, eventually killing them. In the second instance foliage of S. gooddingii and S. amygdaloides was attacked and premature defoliation occurred. Morphological studies and host inoculations established that Glomerella miyabeana (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides anamorph) was the causal agent of both diseases. Foliage of cultivars exhibiting stem cankering was not attacked nor were stems of cultivars with foliar lesions. Electron microscope studies showed that conidia of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides formed phialidically within acervuli and comdial dimensions varied significantly with host.
The geomorphological basis for classifying rivers

1. This paper sets out the background to river channel classification using geomorphological features; these are highly relevant to the description and understanding of physical habitat. 2. The River Habitat Survey (RHS) database contains much geomorphological information which has been statistically analysed for those semi-natural sites surveyed in 1994. Additional geomorphological data have been gathered in an attempt to make the resulting typology ‘dynamic’, i.e. capable of predicting channel stability, an important component of the information needed for sustainable river management. 3. The outcome of TWINSPAN and redundancy analyses is disappointing in statistical terms and does not, therefore, constitute an objective taxonomy. However, the river types selected by the analyses are intuitively realistic, and show promise that, with a broader database (both spatially and in terms of independent variables) the development of a predictive, dynamic typology will be possible. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multidecadal Arctic sea ice thickness and volume derived from ice age

Abstract. Sea ice is a key component of the Arctic climate system, and has impacts on global climate. Ice concentration, thickness, and volume are among the most important Arctic sea ice parameters. This study presents a new record of Arctic sea ice thickness and volume from 1984 to 2018 based on an existing satellite-derived ice age product. The relationship between ice age and ice thickness is first established for every month based on collocated ice age and ice thickness from submarine sonar data (1984–2000) and ICESat (2003–2008) and an empirical ice growth model. Based on this relationship, ice thickness is derived for the entire time period from the weekly ice age product, and the Arctic monthly sea ice volume is then calculated. The ice-age-based thickness and volume show good agreement in terms of bias and root-mean-square error with submarine, ICESat, and CryoSat-2 ice thickness, as well as ICESat and CryoSat-2 ice volume, in February–March and October–November. More detailed comparisons with independent data from Envisat for 2003 to 2010 and CryoSat-2 from CPOM, AWI, and NASA GSFC (Goddard Space Flight Center) for 2011 to 2018 show low bias in ice-age-based thickness. The ratios of the ice volume uncertainties to the mean range from 21 % to 29 %. Analysis of the derived data shows that the ice-age-based sea ice volume exhibits a decreasing trend of −411 km3 yr−1 from 1984 to 2018, stronger than the trends from other datasets. Of the factors affecting the sea ice volume trends, changes in sea ice thickness contribute more than changes in sea ice area, with a contribution of at least 80 % from changes in sea ice thickness from November to May and nearly 50 % in August and September, while less than 30 % is from changes in sea ice area in all months.