Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pharmacodynamics of florfenicol alone and in combination with amoxicillin or cefuroxime against pathogenic bacteria of fish origin

Combination therapy of antibiotics is leading to improved efficacy or safety profiles with decrease emergence of bacterial resistance. Because of this benefit, many of antibacterial combinations have been used in veterinary practice for the past few decades. The purpose of this study was to examine the in vitro activity of an amoxicillin alone and in combination with other antibiotics against pathogenic bacteria of fish origin. Based on the fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index (FIC 0.5), a synergistic interaction was shown in combination of florfenicol with amoxicillin or cefuroxime. The combination of florfenicol and amoxillin showed higher antibacterial activity than that of florfenicol and cefuroxime. Ratio of amoxicillin and florfenicol in combination was 1 : 1, which showed the antibacterial activity against bacterial isolates of fish as compared with other ratios. A synergetic effect of the combination (amoxicillin and florfenicol) was further confirmed in the time-kill curve study. The study showed a better in vitro antibacterial activity of a 1 : 1 combination of amoxicillin and florfenicol than the individual antibacterial against bacterial isolates of fish. In conclusion, the combination of florfenicol and amoxicillin may serve as a potential antibacterial therapy in fishes infected pathogenic bacteria.
Reducing Uncertainties of Future Global Soil Carbon Responses to Climate and Land Use Change With Emergent Constraints

Soil organic carbon changes (ΔSOC) are regulated by climate and land use change. Here, we analyze regional and global ΔSOC from 1861 to 2099 based on five terrestrial biosphere model (TBM) simulations of the Inter‐Sectoral Impact Model Intercomparison Project Phase 2b. The TBMs were driven by harmonized gridded land use change and bias‐adjusted climate forcing data from different general circulation models (GCMs) for climate scenarios RCP 2.6 and RCP 6.0. Between 2005 and the end of this century, we estimated an increase of SOC for two scenarios with large uncertainty, which is dominated by differences between TBMs. We present a new emergent constraint approach to constrain future modeled ΔSOC over natural vegetation from RCP 6.0 simulations using recent observed trends of net primary productivity as a proxy of litter inputs to soil pools. Our results showed that the uncertainties in constrained ΔSOC can be reduced in comparison with the original model ensemble, but constrained values of ΔSOC depend on the choice of a GCM and climate regions. For the reduction of the SOC density in areas where cropland expanded (Δsoccropland expansion) over natural vegetation as a result of land use change, the constrained Δsoccropland expansion still features large uncertainties due to uncertain observed data. Our proposed emergent constraint approach appears to be valuable to reduce uncertainty on SOC projections, but it is limited here by the small number of models (five) and by the uncertainty in the observational data. Applications to larger ensembles from Earth System Models should be tested for the future.
Decoupling Urban Water Use and Growth in Response to Water Scarcity

Many cities in the western US face difficult challenges in trying to secure water supplies for rapidly growing urban populations in the context of intensifying water scarcity. We obtained annual data from urban water utilities across the western US to document trends in their water usage and service populations. We found that many cities have been able to accommodate population increases while simultaneously reducing their volume of water use, thereby decoupling growth from water use. This outcome is largely attributable to reductions in per-capita residential use. We identify additional untapped potential that can sustain and widen this decoupling for many cities.
Optimisation of the Filament Winding Approach Using a Newly Developed In-House Uncertainty Model

The device under investigation in this paper consists of a float used to capture tidal energy, which is tethered by multiple flexible cables to a large barge-like reactor. The proposed float is made of a continuously wound glass-reinforced composite shell with stainless steel bolting plates integrated into the float walls to allow the connection of 5 stainless steel cables. Numerical computations are required to assess whether a delamination of the composite layers in the float is likely. The manufacturing of the device has various potential uncertainties that should be investigated, such as the number of the plies, the bond strength between the composite layers, and the fibre orientations of the composite material relative to the applied load. This paper provides a multi-level strategy to optimise the composite float system, which is manufactured from glass-reinforced plastic (GRP). In contrast to previous publications on the topic, the current work uses an efficient link between ANSYS Workbench and MATLAB through an in-house code that has been developed over 3 years. This allowed the whole process to be fully automated and to reduce the time and cost of the simulations. Previously, ANSYS APDL was linked to MATLAB, but limitations in terms of the geometry and boundary conditions made it impractical when compared to ANSYS Workbench for the simulation of complex features. This makes the current approach unique and rare when compared to the published work in the field. This approach allows the use of a huge number of trials and is able to reduce the number of parameters to be studied by selecting the most sensitive ones. Additionally, the developed tools may be used for the efficient, robust optimisation of the proposed structure. The current study has focused on exploring the effects of the fibre orientations and the optimum number of plies on the overall performance of the structure.
Verifying Extended Entity Relationship Diagrams with Open Tasks

The verification of Extended Entity Relationship (EER) diagrams and other conceptual models that capture the design of information systems is crucial to ensure reliable systems. To scale up verification processes to larger groups of experts, Human Computation techniques were used focusing primarily on closed tasks, which constrain the number and variety of reported defects in favor of easy aggregation of derived judgements. To address this limitation of closed tasks, in this paper, we investigate EER verification (as instance of a broader family of model verification problems) with open tasks to extend the range of collected results. We also address the challenge of aggregating results of open tasks by proposing a follow-up HC task for defect validation. We evaluate our approach for HC-based EER Verification with open tasks in a set of experiments conducted with junior developers and show that (1) open tasks allow collecting a variety of insights that go beyond a manually built gold standard while still leading to good performance (F1=60%) and (2) HC-based validation can be reliably used for validating the results of open tasks (F1=84% compared to expert validation).
Does Work-Life Balance Moderate the Relationship between Career Commitment and Career Success? Evidence from an Emerging Asian Economy

This study examines the relationship between career commitment and employee career success (objective and subjective success) in middle-level employees working in the service sector. Further, the study investigates the moderating effect of work-life balance on the relationship between career commitment and career success. By analyzing data from 360 middle level working employees, our empirical results show that career commitment has a positive and significant effect on the objective and subjective career success of employees. Work-life balance positively moderates the relationship between career commitment and subjective career success, whereas it fails to moderate the relationship between career commitment and objective career success. The study contributes by providing a better understanding of the employee’s perception of career commitment and career success and their management in emerging markets. Avenues for future research are identified.
Role of Cx43-Based Gap Junction in Murine Osteoblast-Like Mc3t3-E1Cells Exposed to 17-Βestradiol

Estrogen has garnered considerable attention because of its importance in bone mass maintenance and the efficacy of hormone therapy in combating postmenopausal osteoporosis. Gap junctions are membrane spanning protein channels present on the surfaces of adjacent cells. They enable neighboring cells to physically link, which facilitate intercellular communication by allowing passage of small molecules from cell to cell in a process known as Gap Junctional Intercellular Communication (GJIC), can make the relevant cells function as a whole. An in vitro experiment combined with microarray analyses has identified novel genes in the response of MC3T3-E1 cells to an appropriate concentration of 17-β estradiol and the results of microarray showed that gap junction alpha-1 (Gja1) in the gap junction pathway was significantly elevated. We studied the effect of 17-β estradiol on the proliferation and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells disrupting of GJIC among osteoblasts with the chemical inhibitor, 18α-Glycyrrhetinic Acid (AGA). And we found that an appropriate concentration and duration of 17-β estradiol increased Methyl Thiazol Tetrazolium (MTT) values, Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) activity and Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) proteins and gene expression and facilitated the mineralization of extracellular matrix. However, the promoting effect of 17-β estradiol on the proliferation and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells was weakened under the action of AGA. Therefore, we suggest that 17-β estradiol promotes MC3T3-E1’s proliferation, differentiation and functions associated with Cx43-based GJIC, but gap junction is not the only signaling pathway that mediates the influence of 17-β estradiol on osteoblasts. The specific regulatory mechanism has yet to be researched.
The effects of biochars on the growth of Zelkova serrata seedlings in a containerized seedling production system

ABSTRACT Biochar has been used for soil improvement in agriculture; however, there are few studies of its uses in forestry. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of biochar, made from diverse feedstocks on the growth and chlorophyll content of Zelkova serrata seedlings, to identify optimal feedstocks in a containerized seedling production. Five resources were used for biochar: woodchips of Pinus densiflora and Quercus acutissima; cones of Pinus koraiensis; rice husks; and crab shells. The biochar was mixed with growing medium by 20% in volume and two levels of fertilization were applied. The height and root collar diameter of Z. serrata treated with wood chips of P. densiflora and Q. acutissima and rice husk were each significantly greater than those treated with pine cones and crab shells. The biomass responses and quality indexes were similar to those of height and root collar diameter. There were no significant differences in growth between fertilization levels. This study shows that biochar made from woodchips of P. densiflora and Q. acutissima and rice husk can be substituted for growing medium by 20% in a containerized seedling production system.
Maintaining post‐grazing sward height of Panicum maximum (cv. Mombaça) at 50 cm led to higher animal performance compared with post‐grazing height of 30 cm

In swards of tall, tufted, tropical grasses like Mombaca guinea grass (Panicum maximum (Jacq.)), post-grazing heights promote changes in sward structure, which influence animal performance. This study evaluated changes in sward structure in response to grazing management at two post-grazing heights (30 and 50 cm), associated with 90 cm pre-grazing height. Each treatment was allocated to experimental unit (1.5 ha) in three replicated blocks. Pastures were evaluated pre- and post-grazing to estimate herbage mass, percentages of leaf (LP), stem (SP) and dead material (DP), and nutritive value (VN). Stocking rate was adjusted twice a week “using the put-and-take approach,” and animals were weighed every 28 days. Forage accumulation rate was greater for pasture managed at 30 cm (64.8 vs. 55.1 kg ha−1 day−1) than 50 cm. A greater number of days were required after grazing 30-cm residual pasture to achieve the pre-grazing target height, resulting in 25% decrease in number of grazing cycles compared with pastures managed at 50 cm. Regardless of post-grazing height targets, SP and DP decreased, whereas LP and NV increased from soil level to top of canopy. Stocking rate was greater in pastures managed to 30 cm than in those managed to 50 cm residual height (4.7 vs. 3.4 AU ha−1). However, average daily gain was greater for 50 cm than for 30 cm post-grazing height (795 vs. 590 g steer−1 day−1), resulting in a greater animal production per area (917 vs. 794 kg/ha of live weight). Thus, Mombaca guinea grass subject to intermittent grazing should be managed at 50 cm residual height.
Decreases in diatom cell size during the 20th century in the Laurentian Great Lakes: a response to warming waters?

Several authors have postulated that lake warming favors diatom taxa characterized by smaller cell sizes and suggested that this phenomenon may affect freshwater phytoplankton communities worldwide. Here, we examined historical (~1900 – 2015) trends in diatom cell size in the Laurentian Great Lakes. Cell size decreased in Lakes Superior, Erie and Ontario, while no signi ﬁ cant trends were observed for Michigan and Huron. In Lakes Superior and Ontario, cell size within species decreased over the course of the 20th century, suggesting demographic shifts toward smaller, later-generation individuals. Contrastingly, species-speci ﬁ c mean cell size increased in Michigan and Erie, likely as a result of accelerated loss rates during summer strati ﬁ cation. Size-speci ﬁ c rates of relative abundance change (larger taxa decreased while smaller taxa increased), were observed in all lakes except Michigan. These shifts toward communities dominated by smaller celled taxa either reinforced (Superior, Huron, Ontario) or dampened (Michigan, Erie) the in ﬂ uence of demographic shifts. Notwithstanding the in ﬂ uences of multiple stressors on diatom cell size at the within-lake scale, we demonstrated a gradual (5.11 µ m 3 /y) decline in mean diatom cell size across the basin. Historical, basin-wide decreases in cell size demonstrate the likelihood of climate change driving changes in the primary producer community of large, freshwater systems.
Climate sensitivity of water use by riparian woodlands at landscape scales

Semi‐arid riparian woodlands face threats from increasing extractive water demand and climate change in dryland landscapes worldwide. Improved landscape‐scale understanding of riparian woodland water use (evapotranspiration, ET) and its sensitivity to climate variables is needed to strategically manage water resources, as well as to create successful ecosystem conservation and restoration plans for potential climate futures. In this work, we assess the spatial and temporal variability of Cottonwood (Populus fremontii)‐Willow (Salix gooddingii) riparian gallery woodland ET and its relationships to vegetation structure and climate variables for 80 km of the San Pedro River corridor in southeastern Arizona, USA, between 2014 and 2019. We use a novel combination of publicly available remote sensing, climate and hydrological datasets: cloud‐based Landsat thermal remote sensing data products for ET (Google Earth Engine EEFlux), Landsat multispectral imagery and field data‐based calibrations to vegetation structure (leaf‐area index, LAI), and open‐source climate and hydrological data. We show that at landscape scales, daily ET rates (6–10 mm day−1) and growing season ET totals (400–1,400 mm) matched rates of published field data, and modelled reach‐scale average LAI (0.80–1.70) matched lower ranges of published field data. Over 6 years, the spatial variability of total growing season ET (CV = 0.18) exceeded that of temporal variability (CV = 0.10), indicating the importance of reach‐scale vegetation and hydrological conditions for controlling ET dynamics. Responses of ET to climate differed between perennial and intermittent‐flow stream reaches. At perennial‐flow reaches, ET correlated significantly with temperature, whilst at intermittent‐flow sites ET correlated significantly with rainfall and stream discharge. Amongst reaches studied in detail, we found positive but differing logarithmic relationships between LAI and ET. By documenting patterns of high spatial variability of ET at basin scales, these results underscore the importance of accurately accounting for differences in woodland vegetation structure and hydrological conditions for assessing water‐use requirements. Results also suggest that the climate sensitivity of ET may be used as a remote indicator of subsurface water resources relative to vegetation demand, and an indicator for informing conservation management priorities.
Measurement and analysis of high-frequency voltage errors in the Josephson arbitrary waveform synthesizer

This paper reports on the comparison of two Josephson arbitrary waveform synthesizers for frequencies up to 500 kHz. Both independent pulse-driven Josephson arrays produce a 10 mV RMS sinusoidal voltage. They are alternately connected to an analog-to-digital converter which serves as a transfer standard. The setup is capable to of synthesizing quantum-based waveforms using two different pulse-bias techniques. We use the Zero-Compensation method and a two-pole high-pass filter structure in the pulse-bias configuration of one system (the reference) to minimize the amplitude error for signal frequencies up to 500 kHz. Consequently, we are able to directly detect the high-frequency voltage errors in the other system (the device under test). The setup is used to measure differences between both systems, and the influence of parameter variation on the results with Type A uncertainties of 0.4 µV/V (k = 1) in measurement times of 60 s. We find that the dominant sources of deviations above 10 kHz can be traced to the influence of the output cabling and the pulse bias on the synthesized voltage signal. Our analysis explains the origin and the reduction of these high-frequency voltage errors.
Systematics of the Lower Ordovician pliomerid trilobite Hintzeia, with species from the Great Basin, western USA

The pliomerid trilobite genus Hintzeia Harrington, 1957, includes only species from the early Tulean (upper Tremadocian) of the Great Basin, USA, and from the Northwest Territories, Canada. Previously assigned species reported from Scandinavia, China, South Korea, and Australia do not appear to be closely related to the western Laurentian species and are excluded from the genus. The monophyly of the group needs to be tested in the context of a broader phylogenetic analysis, but Hintzeia is rediagnosed with potential synapomorphies including a long, wide anterior border with a large, semicircular median arcuate anterior curve in the posterior margin. Hintzeia celsaora (Ross, 1951) and H. firmimarginis (Hintze, 1953) are redescribed based on large new collections from Utah and Idaho. Ontogenetic material of H. celsaora includes an articulated silicified M13 meraspid. Hintzeia parafirmimarginis n. sp. is described on the basis of both abundant disarticulated sclerites and a large articulated individual. Large topotype collections indicate that Hintzeia celsaora (Ross, 1951) is a senior synonym of Protopliomerops aemulus Hintze, 1953; previously claimed differences appear to reflect small original sample sizes, ontogenetic change, and differing photographic orientation.
The Voice Cultivation Process: How Team Members Can Help Upward Voice Live on to Implementation

The upward voicing of ideas is vital to organizational performance. Yet power differences between voicers and those with authority may result in valuable ideas being overlooked. In this ethnographic, 31-month longitudinal study of a multi-disciplinary team in the healthcare sector, we examine how upwardly voiced ideas can endure to reach implementation. Of 208 upwardly voiced ideas, most were rejected in the moment, but 49 reached implementation despite appearing to be initially rejected. These ideas were kept alive by other team members who later drew upon and revived the initial ideas through what we call the voice cultivation process. We detail this process and describe five pathways through which voiced ideas stayed alive to reach implementation by overcoming different forms of resistance. We illustrate how the allyship of others can help voice live on beyond its initial utterance to reach implementation and generate change, even when the person who initially spoke up is no longer on the team or advocating for the idea. By reconceptualizing voice as a collective, interactional process rather than a one-time dyadic event, this paper develops new theory on how employees can help one another’s voice be heard to positively impact their teams and organizations.
Project Management and Sustainability: Playing Trick or Treat with the Planet

The incorporation of the social, environmental, and economic dimensions of sustainability in different aspects of human life and business provides a guarantee for our future. Organizations have shown a great interest in incorporating sustainability into managerial concepts, both at the strategic and operational levels. Sustainable business strategies are being implemented in many projects, which has led to a recent expansion of interest in exploring the potential of integrating sustainability dimensions in project management. With the intention of contributing to a better understanding of sustainable project management, this paper examines whether project management methodologies, applied in different sectors, support the introduction of sustainability dimensions. It also surveys the level of integration of sustainability dimensions in groups of project management processes. Considering that the incorporation of sustainability in project management poses numerous challenges for project managers, this paper examines the necessary knowledge and skills required for sustainable project management in different sectors. As part of this research, an empirical survey was conducted in project-oriented organizations from both the public and private sectors. The findings reveal that the application of project management methodologies promotes the introduction of sustainability dimensions, particularly the social aspect, irrespective of the sector, since the processes in projects managed by a specific methodology are consistent with the social elements of sustainability. In the public sector, there is a noticeable lack of knowledge of the meaning and dimensions of sustainability and, accordingly, an urgent need for project managers to gain knowledge and skills pertaining to sustainable project management.