Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Novel Tool for Making Policy Recommendations Based on PVA: Helping Theory Become Practice

Mathematical models have long been used to aid in conservation decision‐making, however there are many objections to their use by conservation practitioners. Two common objections are that model outputs are too uncertain and are often not communicated effectively. Population viability analysis (PVA) often makes use of mathematical models and has become a mainstay in conservation management; however, it is not immune to these problems. Here we provide a simple method for using the output of PVA models to calculate the probability of management achieving “success” and “failure,” as well as the probability that implementing management will be no more effective than doing nothing at all. Using our method with 14 previously published PVAs, we show that expected probability of success varied from 0.14 to 0.98, failure from 0.054 to 0.6, and the probability management was not needed varied from 0.015 to 0.47. Calculating and reporting these probabilities provide conservation practitioners and policy‐makers with more intuitive and tangible ways of identifying potential risks and rewards to their actions.
Physicochemical and functional properties of full-fat and defatted Moringa oleifera kernel flour

Full-fat and defatted Moringa oleifera kernel flours were analysed for their functional properties. The effect of pH and NaCl concentrations on the functional properties of the flours was investigated following standard procedures. The protein content of full-fat and defatted flour was 36.18 and 62.76 g ⁄ 100 g, respectively. The concentrations of other proximate constituents of the defatted flour were higher than those of the full-fat flour. Nitrogen solubility was lowest at pH of 4.0 and 9.0, respectively, with maximum solubility occurring at pH of 6.0. Defatting increased the water absorption and fat absorption capacities of Moringa oleifera kernel flour. The foaming capacity and foam stability of the defatted flour were 86.0% and 82.0 mL, whereas that of full-fat flour were 20.6% and 18.5 mL respectively. The defatted flour showed better emulsification (97.2 mL g)1) than full-fat flour (66.0 mL g)1). The least gelation concentration of the defatted and full-fat flours was 14% and 16% (w ⁄ v) respectively. Moringa oleifera kernel flour can be a valuable source of vegetable protein in fortified food products formulation.
Dynamics of testes size compensates for variation in male body size

Lemurs demonstrate various mating systems but paradoxically lack sexual dimorphism. No convincing mechanism can explain the lack of large-bodied males. In mammals, testicle size correlates with body size; here, we examine how testicles vary relative to body weight within a population of Malagasy lemurs. We show that the significant positive relationship between body size and testicles in non-breeding seasons dissipates in breeding seasons because the testicles of lighter males grow more and match heavier males’ testicles. Low and unpredictable plant productivity characterizes Madagascar’s ecosystems, and natural selection may favour testicle– body size decoupling during challenging years, inhibiting the evolution of dimorphic males.
Significance of neutrophil lymphocyte ratio and platelet lymphocyte ratio in lung cancer

Background: An underlying inflammatory state is an important contributor to carcinogenesis and progression of tumors. Many of the etiological factors in development of lung cancer are linked to persistent inflammation. Neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and Platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are markers of systemic inflammatory response that have shown clinical significance in cancer, according to recent research. Objective: To evaluate NLR and PLR in lung cancer and compare these parameters in healthy controls. Materials and Methods: Clinicopathological details and hematological parameters of complete blood counts were recorded for 106 patients of lung cancer and 106 healthy controls retrospectively. NLR and PLR values were evaluated and compared in the two groups. Results: NLR and PLR were significantly elevated in lung cancer patients (NLR 4.44±2.98; PLR 162.72±96.15) as compared to control group (NLR 1.90±0.67, PLR 115.15±29.15) with p value <0.05. NLR showed a sensitivity of 74.5% and specificity 85.8% at optimal cut off value (2.5), as per Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis. ROC curve analysis for PLR showed sensitivity 48.1% and specificity 87.8% at optimal cut off value (148.7). Conclusion: NLR and PLR are significantly raised in lung cancer. This reflects an underlying inflammatory state that may contribute to development and progression of neoplastic disease in lung. NLR a more sensitive than PLR and may provide useful diagnostic and prognostic information in a country like India that bears a high load of lung cancer cases.
Deadbeat Predictive Current Control for Circulating Currents Reduction in a Modular Multilevel Converter Based Rail Power Conditioner

This paper presents a deadbeat predictive current control methodology to reduce the circulating currents in a modular multilevel converter (MMC) when it operates as a rail power conditioner (RPC) in a conventional railway system-based V/V connection. For this purpose, a half-bridge MMC based on half-bridge submodules, operating as an RPC is explained, and the total system is denominated as a simplified rail power conditioner (SRPC). The SRPC in this study is used to compensate harmonics, reactive power, and the negative sequence component of currents. This paper explains the SRPC system architecture, the key control algorithms, and the deadbeat predictive current control methodology. Mathematical analysis, based on the MMC equivalent circuit, is described and the reference equations are presented. Moreover, simulation results of the deadbeat predictive current control methodology are compared with the results of the conventional proportional-integral (PI) controller. This comparison is to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy. Simulation results of the SRPC show reduced circulating currents in the MMC phases when using the predictive control approach, besides accomplishing power quality improvement at the three-phase power grid side.
Strain Effects on the 2D van der Waals Heterostructure C3B/C3N: A Density Functional Theory and a Tight‐Binding Study

The 2D van der Waals (vdW) heterostructure C3B/C3N is a prototype of the 2D pn junction. To understand the effects of the built‐in electrical field on the properties of this heterostructure and the evolvement of properties under different strain states, the electronic structure of the system is systematically calculated and analyzed, using the first‐principle method and the tight‐binding (TB) Hamiltonian. Two stable structures and two saddle points in the potential surface are identified, between which the potential barriers along different sliding paths are compared. A TB model with 13 parameters is constructed, and it gives a reasonable potential difference when the heterostructure is under different strain states. Moreover, three distinct features are observed, namely the bandgap variation, metal–semiconductor transition, and band inversion under biaxial compressive strain states. By analyzing the work function change and capacitance variation, it is explained as to why the band spectrum changes as observed. This work deepens the understanding of the properties of the 2D vdW heterostructure, especially the effect of the built‐in electrical field on the band spectrum.
PENGARUH BUDAYA ORGANISASI TERHADAP KINERJA PEGAWAI PADA DINAS PERHUBUNGAN KABUPATEN BONE BOLANGO

ABSTRAK Budaya organisasi diyakini merupakan faktor penentu utama terhadap kesuksesan kinerja organisasi. Keberhasilan suatu organisasi untuk mengimplementasikan aspek-aspek atau nilai-nilai (values) budaya organisasinya dapat mendorong organisasi tersebut tumbuh dan berkembang secara berkelanjutan. Fenomena ini dilihat dari proses kerja dan kondisi pekerjaannya, waktu yang digunakan kurang bersesuaian yang mengakibatkan kesalahan. Dalam melaksanakan pekerjaan, jumlah dan jenis pemberian layanan dalam bekerja tidak sesuai, sehingga praktek semacam ini sudah saatnya berubah, terlebih lagi ketika undang-undang otonomi daerah telah menawarkan paradigma baru mengenai fungsi yang harus dijalankan oleh pemerintah daerah. Dengan perkataan lain, untuk menjalankan otonomi daerah diperlukan manajemen baru yang sesuai dengan dinamika persoalan yang dihadapi. Manajemen sumber daya manusia menjadi faktor yang sangat penting bagi keberhasilan implementasi otonomi daerah di Indonesia. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode kuantitatif dan hasil penelitian didapatkan bentuk persamaan fungsional dalam secara simultan sebagai berikut: Persamaan jalur: Y = 0.340X1 + 0.198X2 + 0.342+ 0. 847ε. Artinya budaya organisasi memang berpengaruh terhadap Kinerja Pegawai Dinas Perhubungan Kabupaten Bone Bolango. Kata Kunci: Budaya Organisasi; Kinerja
Review on Computer Aided Weld Defect Detection from Radiography Images

The weld defects inspection from radiography films is critical for assuring the serviceability and safety of weld joints. The various limitations of human interpretation made the development of innovative computer-aided techniques for automatic detection from radiography images an interest point of recent studies. The studies of automatic defect inspection are synthetically concluded from three aspects: pre-processing, defect segmentation and defect classification. The achievement and limitations of traditional defect classification method based on the feature extraction, selection and classifier are summarized. Then the applications of novel models based on learning(especially deep learning) were introduced. Finally, the achievement of automation methods were discussed and the challenges of current technology are presented for future research for both weld quality management and computer science researchers.
Role and application of quorum sensing in anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) process: A review

Abstract Anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) is a promising biological nitrogen removal process, due to its advantages of high efficiency and low cost. However, problems remain in the application, such as long startup period and susceptibility to environmental variations. Quorum sensing (QS), as a means of bacterial communication, attracts more attentions in regulating aggregation behavior and microbial density. Many physiological characteristics of anammox bacteria have been confirmed to be associated with QS, including specific anammox activity, growth rate and the production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), which directly affect the performance of anammox process. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the QS in anammox process is prerequisite. This work systematically reviewed the role and application of QS in the anammox process with the focus on mechanism. Additionally, current challenges and research needs were proposed.
Interconnected effects of shrubs, invertebrate‐derived macropores and soil texture on water infiltration in a semi‐arid savanna rangeland

Many semi arid savannas are prone to degradation, caused for example, by overgrazing or extreme climatic events, which often lead to shrub encroachment. Overgrazing by livestock affects vegetation and infiltration processes by directly altering plant composition (selective grazing) or by impacting soil physical properties (trampling). Water infiltration is controlled by several parameters, such as macropores (created by soil‐burrowing animals or plant roots) and soil texture, but their effects have mostly been studied in isolation. Here we report on a study, in which we conducted infiltration experiments to analyze the interconnected effects of invertebrate‐created macropores, shrubs and soil texture (sandy soil and loamy sand) on infiltration in two Namibian rangelands. Using structural equation modeling, we found a direct positive effect of shrub size on infiltration and indirectly via invertebrate macropores on both soil types. On loamy sands this effect was even stronger, but additionally, invertebrate‐created macropores became relevant as a direct driver of infiltration. Our results provide new insights into the effects of vegetation and invertebrates on infiltration under different soil textures. Pastoralists should use management strategies that maintain a heterogeneous plant community that supports soil fauna to sustain healthy soil water dynamics, particularly on soils with higher loam content. Understanding the fundamental functioning of soil water dynamics in drylands is critical because these ecosystems are water‐limited and support the livelihoods of many cultures worldwide.
Screening of some marigold cultivars (Tagetes erecta and T. patula) for resistance against leaf spot and flower blight caused by Alternaria zinniae Pape.

Marigold (Tagetes spp.) is one of the important annual flower crops grown extensively in Himachal Pradesh throughout of the year, particularly in the district of Solan, Simour and Mandi. Leaf spot and flower blight caused by Alternaria zinniae Pape, has been observed in causing heavy losses in common cultivars of both African and French marigold in the areas. With a view to find out some resistant cultivars, the screening trial was conducted at the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping experiment farm of Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, H.P. during the two consecutive years 2006 and 2007.
The impact of foreign direct investment, foreign aid and trade on poverty reduction: Evidence from Sub-Saharan African countries

Abstract Despite postulations on the effects of foreign direct investment (FDI), foreign aid, and trade on growth, empirical evidence from extant research has been mixed. The focus of recent research has shifted from the growth effects of these international flows to their poverty reduction effects. However, results have also been mixed. Most studies have examined the empirical evidence of these flows separately and have mostly conducted single country studies. In this study, we use data from twenty-nine countries in Sub-Saharan Africa between the period 1990–2017 to analyze the effects of FDI, trade, and foreign aid on poverty reduction in a single model using the Feasible Generalized Least Square (FGLS) technique. Our results show that FDI and foreign aid have a negative effect on poverty reduction in the countries studied. These results suggest that the level of FDI required to alleviate poverty has not been reached, and foreign aid have not been properly channeled. However, the results show that trade has a positive and significant impact on poverty reduction, especially in low-income countries. We conclude with policy recommendations.
Role of Ethrel and Storage in Dormancy Breaking in Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is a member of the order Fabales and family Fabaceae. It is a widely grown annual crop with self-pollinated and dicotyledonous behaviour also known in the names of peanut, earthnut, goober pea, goober, pindas, jack nut, manila nut, pygmy nut, pignut, and monkey nut. Groundnut is the 13 th most important food crop and 4 th most important oilseed crop of the world. Groundnut is International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 9 Number 2 (2020) Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas. com
Safety and exceptional immunogenicity of novel 5T4 viral vectored vaccination regimes in early stage prostate cancer: a phase I clinical trial

Prostate cancer (PCa) has been under investigation as a target for antigen-specific immunotherapies in metastatic disease settings for a decade. However, neither of the two clinically most developed prostate cancer vaccines, Sipuleucel-T and ProstVac, induce strong T cell immunity. In this first-in-man study, VANCE, we evaluated a novel vaccination platform based on two replication-deficient viruses, chimpanzee adenovirus (ChAd) and MVA (Modified Vaccinia Ankara), targeting the oncofetal self-antigen 5T4 in early stage PCa. Forty patients, either newly diagnosed with early stage prostate cancer and scheduled for radical prostatectomy or patients with stable disease on an active surveillance protocol, were recruited to the study to assess the vaccine safety and T cell immunogenicity. Secondary and exploratory endpoints included immune infiltration into the prostate, prostate specific antigen (PSA) change and assessment of phenotype and functionality of antigen-specific T cells. The vaccine had an excellent safety profile. Vaccination-induced 5T4-specific T cell responses were measured in blood by ex vivo IFN-γ ELISpot and were detected in the majority of patients with a mean level in responders of 198 spot-forming cells (SFC) per million peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated the presence of both CD8+ and CD4+ polyfunctional 5T4-specific T cells in the circulation. 5T4-reactive tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) were isolated from post-treatment prostate tissue. Some of the patients had a transient PSA rise 2-8 weeks following vaccination, possibly indicating an inflammatory response in the target organ. The potent T cell responses elicited support the evaluation of these vectored vaccine in efficacy trials.
Do Firms Purposefully Change Capital Structure? Evidence from an Investment-Opportunity Shock to Drug Firms

Abstract We study the capital structure changes of drug firms after an investment-opportunity shock brought about by the Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act. Using a difference-in-difference approach, we show that the shock led drug firms to make their capital structures less constraining by decreasing leverage, shortening debt maturity, increasing unsecured debt, and reducing convertible debt. New debt covenants became less restrictive and firms raised equity to preserve borrowing capacity. Our results support the view that firms actively manage their capital structures to bolster financial flexibility and increase debt capacity in response to new investment opportunities.
Analysis of contact behaviour on patterned tire-asphalt pavement with 3-D FEM contact model

ABSTRACT In order to investigate the contact behaviours of tire-pavement under dry condition, the finite element method was applied to establish the numerical model of the tire Bridgestone 205-55-R16 and textured asphalt pavement model . Based on the contact mechanics for elastic pavement, the contact model of three-dimensional tire-asphalt pavement was established according to Lagrangian algorithm. By considering the influence of pavement texture, the friction subroutine was compiled to calculate the tire-pavement adhesion coefficient. The influence of internal inflation pressure and wheel load on contact characteristics of tire-asphalt pavement were discussed respectively under static load and antilock braking system (ABS) state. The results show that when the slip rate is around 15%, the longitudinal adhesion coefficient of the tire reaches the maximum, which is in accordance with the setting of tire adhesion coefficient in tire science. When the tire is in emergency braking, the tire shoulder position and tread centre area are more susceptible to wear, and the contact pressure in centre area is biggest. Under the same wheel load and internal inflation pressure, the mean contact pressure increases by 8.4% and the contact area reduces by 7.7% when tire is at ABS state compared with the condition of static load.
The Structural Relationship among Trajectories of Ego-resilience, Neglectful Parenting, Bilingual Competency, and Acculturative Stress of Multicultural Adolescents in South Korea

The purpose of this study was to investigate the trajectories of multicultural adolescents’ ego-resilience, to compare the effects of neglectful parenting and bilingual competency on the trajectories, and to analyze the longitudinal mediation effect of ego-resilience on these variables’ influence to acculturative stress. In order to accomplish these aims, analysis was conducted using the data of 1,392 adolescents from the Multicultural Adolescents Panel Study. For statistical analysis, AMOS 20.0 was utilized for latent growth modeling and structural equation modeling. Results indicated: (1) a quadratic increase in ego-resilience of multicultural adolescents; (2) a difference in the trajectory of ego-resilience according to gender, with males displaying lower initial values and more rapid growth; (3) significant effects of neglectful parenting and bilingual competency on the trajectories of ego-resilience; and (4) mediating effects of ego-resilience between (a) neglectful parenting and acculturative stress, and (b) bilingual competence and acculturative stress. In accordance with the view of adolescents as prospective leaders in promoting a sustainable future, this study offers insight on the positive psychosocial development and well-being of multicultural adolescents.
Effects of temperature on the development and survival of an endangered butterfly, Lycaeides argyrognomon (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) with estimation of optimal and threshold temperatures using linear and nonlinear models

The effects of temperature on the development and survival of Lycaeides argyrognomon were examined in the laboratory. The eggs, larvae and pupae were reared at temperatures of 15, 17.5, 20, 25, 30 and 33°C under a long‐day photoperiod of 16‐h light and 8‐h darkness. The survival rates of the first–third instars ranged from 40.0 to 82.4%. The mortalities of the fourth instar were lower than those of the first–third instars. The development time of the overall immature stage decreased from 78.33 days at 15°C to 21.07 days at 30°C, and then increased to 24.33 days at 33°C. The common linear model and the Ikemoto–Takai model were used to estimate the thermal constant (K) and the developmental zero (T0). The values of T0 and K for the overall immature stages were 10.50°C and 418.83 degree‐days, and 9.71°C and 451.68 degree‐days by the common model and the Ikemoto–Takai model, respectively. The upper temperature thresholds (Tmax) and the optimal temperatures (Topt) of the egg, the first–third instars and the overall immature stages were estimated by the three nonlinear models. The ranges of Topt estimated were from 30.33°C to 32.46°C in the overall immature stages and the estimates of Tmax of the overall immature stages by the Briere‐1 and the Briere‐2 models were 37.18°C and 33.00°C, respectively. The method to predict the developmental period of L. argyrognomon using the nonlinear models was discussed based on the data of the average temperature per hour.
Household Income Differences between Residential Distance from the Toll Road in Indonesian Suburban Areas

Toll roads play a significant role in regional development. Moreover, toll roads affect the behavioral patterns of the people who reside in the surrounding areas and the region's development. Toll roads improve accessibility to resources that lead to higher productivity and ultimately foster economic growth. This paper aims to examine the difference in household income levels between suburban areas before the construction of Bakauheni–Terbanggi Besar toll road in 2014 and after the toll road construction in 2017. Toll road construction is associated with society's income; the areas closer to the toll road are inclined to have higher income levels. Furthermore, the construction of a toll road creates socio-economic opportunities and improves accessibility for society. This research used an income effect model to develop transformational household changes using the Ordinary Least Square (OLS) Regression. It is discovered that there is a behavioral correlation both in and between the households that leads to shifts in the work sector, income level, health, and education. This research showed that households' income is significantly increased after toll construction. Residential distance from toll also has a strong correlation with income, which households residing closer to the toll road have earned more income than those residing farther.