Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evolution of isoprene emission in Arecaceae (palms)

Isoprene synthase (IspS) is the sole enzyme in plants responsible for the yearly emission in the atmosphere of thousands of tonnes of the natural hydrocarbon isoprene worldwide. Species of the monocotyledonous family Arecaceae (palms) are among the highest plant emitters, but to date no IspS gene from this family has been identified. Here, we screened with PTR‐ToF‐MS 18 genera of the Arecaceae for isoprene emission and found that the majority of the sampled species emits isoprene. Putative IspS genes from six different genera were sequenced and three of them were functionally characterized by heterologous overexpression in Arabidopsis thaliana, demonstrating that they encode functional IspS genes. Site‐directed mutagenesis and expression in Arabidopsis demonstrated the functional relevance of a novel IspS diagnostic tetrad from Arecaceae, whose most variable amino acids could not preserve catalytic function when substituted by a putatively dicotyledonous‐specific tetrad. In particular, mutation of threonine 479 likely impairs the open–closed transition of the enzyme by altering the network of hydrogen bonds between helices H1α, H, and I. These results shed new light on the evolution of IspS in monocots, suggesting that isoprene emission is an ancestral trait within the Arecaceae family. The identification of IspS from Arecaceae provides promising novel enzymes for the production of isoprene in heterologous systems and allows the screening and selection of commercially relevant palm varieties with lower environmental impact.
Factors Affecting Consumer Goods Buyers’ Choice in E-Commerce Sites: Evidence from Vietnam

The main purpose of this study is to find the factors affecting the consumer goods buyers’ choice on e-commerce sites in Vietnam. By using the quantitative method, the paper examines the theoretical research model and tests four hypotheses. The sample was drawn from the population of e-commerce sites in Vietnam comprising about 1,000 respondents. This study used the questionnaire method to collect primary data to test the hypotheses. Data analysis of the questionnaire was done using SPSS. The results show that there is a correlation between personal preferences of consumers on colors and brands and their actual final choice on e-commerce sites in Vietnam. The most important factor affecting the consumer goods buyers’ choice on ecommerce in Vietnam is the brand of E-commerce site, following by the color and position. Among all educational groups, respondents with a Master degree pay the biggest attention to the site’s color attribute, and those with a Bachelor degree pay more attention to the brand attribute. Women pay much more attention to the location of the products on the screen than men, as do consumers with a PhD degree, over respondents with a Bachelor or Master degree, and foreigners over Vietnamese consumers.
USING PARTICIPATORY METHODS TO DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT RESEARCH ON HISTORICAL COMPULSORY SOCIAL MEASURES AND PLACEMENTS IN SWITZERLAND

Many of the child welfare policies and practices in Switzerland before the law reform of 1981 were rather invasive and were exercised under a legal context that sometimes threatened basic human rights. The inclusion of survivors of such measures in the research process has been vigorously requested in Switzerland. Therefore, four individuals who had been placed in institutions as children have been included in the process of preparing a recently initiated, 60-year follow-up study of individuals placed in infant care institutions in Switzerland in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Using focus interviews and “think-aloud” methods, the interviewees commented on two parts of the planned research process: (a) how to contact the cohort, and (b) finalising the assessment instruments. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Interviewees felt their participation was a sign of recognition of their experience and expertise. Their input contributed to the research in a host of ways. For example, they helped to make documents more understandable, identified errors and redundancies, and pointed out wording that might cause insecurities or negative reactions. They also pointed to shortcomings in some of the items used in the assessment instruments. In addition, they made significant contributions regarding how best to approach and work with the cohort. This study shows that, when researching historical compulsory social measures, the inclusion of formerly institutionalised individuals in development and implementation is not only feasible, but is of significant benefit to the quality of the research.
Assessing occupancy and activity of two invasive carnivores in two Caribbean islands: implications for insular ecosystems

The introduction of exotic species is one of the major causes of the decline of global biodiversity. Tropical insular ecosystems, including many biodiversity hotspots, are particularly threatened by biological invasions. Two wild carnivores have been introduced in the Caribbean, the northern raccoon Procyon lotor and the small Indian mongoose Urva auropunctata. Understanding the spatial distribution and activity patterns of both species is crucial for conservation purposes. Here we used camera trap data to model single-season occupancy and detection of these two species on two Caribbean islands, Guadeloupe and Martinique. Our survey highlighted the broad distribution of both species on these islands, with the exception of the northern raccoon population in Martinique which appears very limited. Moreover, spatio-temporal co-occurrence with other bird and mammal species revealed that the northern raccoon and the small Indian mongoose face few or no competitors. Finally, our models show that the occupancy of both species was not influenced by any variable tested (i.e. elevation, precipitation, temperature and land cover) and that the probability to detect small Indian mongooses was influenced by land cover and camera model. These results highlight the potential of both the northern raccoon and the small Indian mongoose to have a significant impact on the native ecosystems in these hotspots of biodiversity and demonstrate the necessity to develop conservation actions towards control and limitation of these invasive carnivores.
Aqueous Ozonation of Pesticides: A Review

Abstract The ozonation reactions of pesticides in aqueous solution have been reviewed. Degree of reaction and reaction product identity are included. Compounds are classified into five groups: chlorinated hydrocarbons, organophosphorus compounds, phenoxyalkyl acid derivatives, organonitrogen compounds, and phenolic compounds. Experimental conditions for each study are summarized. Much work has been carried out under conditions atypical of those encountered at drinking water treatment plants. Thus, the findings of the papers reviewed cannot be applied directly to potable water treatment.
Middle Miocene ultrapotassic magmatism in the Himalaya: A response to mantle unrooting process beneath the orogen

Post‐collisional ultrapotassic magmatism received special attention because it is an important indicator for mantle geodynamics in a collisional orogen. So far, no mantle‐derived magmatism has been identified within the Himalayan belt, hindering our understanding of the architecture and thermal state of the deep‐seated lithosphere in this area during the orogenesis. Here, we report the first discovery of mantle‐derived ultrapotassic rock in the Himalayan region. The middle Miocene (ca. 13 Ma) lamprophyre dike intruded the Tethyan Himalaya sedimentary cover of the Ramba dome on the shoulder of the Yadong‐Gulu rift. Geochemical analyses suggest that the ultrapotassic melt was derived from the subcontinental lithospheric mantle of the Indian plate, within a relatively shallow depth in the spinel stability field. The ultrapotassic magmatism indicates asthenospheric upwelling in the middle Miocene, a response to the mantle unrooting process beneath the Himalayan orogen.
Ideas in Genomic Selection with the Potential to Transform Plant Molecular Breeding: A Review

Estimation of breeding values through Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP) using pedigree-based kinship and Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS) are the two fundamental breeding methods used before and after the introduction of genetic markers, respectively. The emergence of high-density genome-wide markers has led to the development of two parallel series of approaches inspired by BLUP and MAS, which are collectively referred to as Genomic Selection (GS). The first series of GS methods alters pedigree-based BLUP by replacing pedigree-based kinship with marker-based kinship in a variety of ways, including weighting markers by their effects in genome-wide association study (GWAS), joining both pedigree and marker-based kinship together in a single-step BLUP, and substituting individuals with groups in a compressed BLUP. The second series of GS methods estimates the effects for all genetic markers simultaneously. For the second series methods, the marker effects are summed together regardless of their individual significance. Instead of fitting individuals as random effects like in the BLUP series, the second series fits markers as random effects. Differing assumptions regarding the underlying distribution of these marker effects have resulted in the development of many Bayesian-based GS methods. This review highlights critical concept developments for both of these series and explores ongoing GS developments in machine learning, multiple trait selection, and adaptation for hybrid breeding. Furthermore, considering the increasing use and variety of GS methods in plant breeding programs, this review addresses important concerns for future GS development and application, such as the use of GWAS-assisted GS, the long-term effectiveness of GS methods, and the valid assessment of prediction accuracy.
Potassium and micronutrient fertilizer addition in a mock aquaponic system for drug-type Cannabis sativa L. cultivation

Abstract: Cultivating drug-type Cannabis sativa L. with aquaponics could reduce mineral fertilizer use; however, its nutrient solution is often unbalanced and low in K+ and micronutrients. It is unknown if a K+ fertilizer, a micronutrient fertilizer, or both, would improve C. sativa production in aquaponic solution, as optimal K+ and micronutrient concentrations in the root zone for C. sativa during the flowering stage have not been investigated. To determine the effects of adding a K+ fertilizer and a micronutrient fertilizer to aquaponic solution for C. sativa production, we grew drug-type C. sativa in five aquaponic based solutions: aquaponic solution (control plants) (15 mg·L−1 K+); aquaponic solution with added micronutrients (Fe3+, Cu2+, Mn2+, B3+, Mo3+, and Zn2+); and aquaponic solution with added micronutrients and three K+ concentrations (75, 113, and 150 mg·L−1) during the flowering stage. To evaluate the impact of additional K+ and micronutrients on C. sativa production, we measured growth (vegetative parameters and weight), physiology (leaf gas exchange), leaf nutrition content, and yield (inflorescence weight). Adding the K+ fertilizer at 75 and 113 mg·L−1 with micronutrients to aquaponic solution increased harvest index (marketable inflorescence to shoot weight) by 16% and 22% compared with the control, respectively. Cannabis sativa dry apical inflorescence and total inflorescence yield also increased linearly with increasing K+ concentration. Alternatively, plants grown in the control (suboptimal K+ and micronutrient conditions) had no difference in growth or measured physiological parameters compared with plants with supplemented nutrients. Our study suggests that aquaponic solution mitigates low K+ concentrations from causing deficiency.
Effect of micellar solubilization on biodegradation rates of hydrocarbons

Batch experiments were conducted with a strain of Pseudomonas aeuroginsa and a strain of Ochrobactrum anthropi, both Gram-negative bacteria, growing on aqueous solutions containing straight-chain hydrocarbons solubilized in small micelles (204 nm) of nonionic surfactants. Measurements of optical density, a quantity proportional to bacterial cell concentration, and hydrocarbon content were made as a function of time. Since no macroscopic hydrocarbon drops were present and therefore there was no opportunity for the bacteria to attach themselves to oil-water interfaces, the results provided unambiguous confirmation that solubilization greatly enhances rates of hydrocarbon degradation in these systems compared to rates observed with bulk liquid hydrocarbon in the absence of surfactants. Solubilization of n-decane and n-tetradecane in micelles reduced the times required for cell density to double during exponential growth by a factor of {approximately}5 for one bacterial strain compared to results obtained for surfactant-free experiments. The improvement was even greater for the other strain. Except for very low hydrocarbon concentrations, the Monod model for a single substrate was able to describe reasonably well the time dependence of both cell growth and hydrocarbon consumption for experiments with n-decane. 28 refs., 4 figs.
Visit intention and destination image in post-Covid-19 crisis recovery

ABSTRACT The aim of this research is to analyze the factors influencing visit intention and destination image in post-Covid-19 crisis recovery. In post-crisis recovery, the factors influencing visit intention are physical, socio-psychological and financial factors. A total of 426 respondents were selected and analyzed using correlation and multiple regression analyses. The findings demonstrate that physical factors are the main factors that influence tourists’ visit intention. Additionally, destination image significantly affects visit intention and significantly mediates the relationship between the factors and visit intention. All this inevitably affects the organizational structure of the tourist destination.
PLACE IDENTITY AMONG NATIVE MINORITIES: LESSONS FROM ARABS IN ISRAEL

abstract This study addresses place identity among native minorities by focusing on the Arabs in Israel. It follows a recent trend in geography—the environmental-psychology approach to place identity—which focuses on the identity of individuals rather than the identity of places commonly emphasized in human geography. The study draws on mixed methods: 25 in-depth interviews with residents of Arab localities, in addition to questionnaires administered to both Arabs (210) and Jews (100) serving as a comparison group. Native minority members in this study have emphasized place identity as rooted in multilayered memories in situ, the clan-based social structure, and tensions with the government. These issues are discussed in the contexts of majority-minority relations and settler colonialism and nativism.
Modified Four-Point Scleral Suture Fixation Technique for Repositioning a Dislocated Intraocular Lens in the Absence of Capsule Support

Purpose. To study the efficacy of a modified four-point fixation technique for the repositioning of a dislocated intraocular lens (IOL) with four eyelets in the absence of capsule support. Methods. Four patients with dislocated four-eyelet hydrophilic acrylic IOLs (Akreos AO60) were enrolled. The modified technique combined four-point fixation with intrascleral sutures and suture burying. The technique minimized the limbus incision to 1 mm with no externalization of the IOL or its haptics. Follow-ups included routine ophthalmic examinations, corneal endothelial cell counts, and measurement of IOL tilt and decentration (measured using Pentacam® HR images). Results. The IOLs were successfully repositioned in all cases. After a mean follow-up period of 19.75 ± 7.85 months (range: 8 to 24 months), the patients’ best-corrected vision acuity (BCVA (LogMAR), before: 0.63 ± 0.36, after: 0.58 ± 0.43, ) and intraocular pressure (pre 13.35 ± 0.85 mmHg, post 14.80 ± 2.03 mmHg, ) remained unchanged. Corneal endothelium density decreased about 6.84 ± 2.97%. In all cases, the IOL was well positioned during the follow-up. At the final visit, the average IOL tilt was 1.36 ± 0.35° horizontally and 1.31 ± 0.14° vertically. The average IOL decentration was 0.23 ± 0.12 mm horizontally and 0.18 ± 0.13 mm vertically. Conclusions. With this modified technique, dislocated IOLs with four-eyelets could be treated safely with favorable outcomes.
Impact of the size of commercial bivalves on bioaccumulation and depuration of heavy metals

The coastal areas and estuaries are the most exposed areas to chemical pollution. (Almeida and Soares, 2012). In many countries, increasing of the industrialization and agricultural activities contribute to an increasing of discharge of chemical pollutants into the ecosystem, which lead to increase in metals levels in the natural waters that causing damage of fresh and marine habitats (Muhammad et al., 2011; El Nemr, 2012). Trace metals exist naturally in the earth’s crust. Some of them are essential for biological systems, since they participate in numerous enzymatic processes (Pellerin and Amiard, 2009). On the other hand, trace metals such as cadmium, lead and mercury are generally toxic for organisms, even at low concentrations (Stankovic and Jovic, 2012). Their bioaccumulation in tissues lead to intoxication, decreased fertility, cellular and tissue damage, cell death, dysfunction of a variety of organs and induce cancer in humans (Benavides et al., 2005; Nordberg, 2010). Bivalve molluscs can take up contaminants from sediments, suspended particulate materials, water column and also food sources (Laffon et al., 2006). They have been widely used for many years as bioindicator organisms in monitoring of chemical ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT Article History: Received: Sept. 27, 2020 Accepted: Nov. 8, 2020 Online: Nov. 9, 2020 _______________
Optimum Positioning of Base Station for Cellular Service Devices Using Discrete Knowledge Model

A good wireless network design depends on technical and financial viability and a number of other criteria that must be met. Following the emergence of new technologies and services, such as 5G transmission and the reuse of frequencies, new work is being carried out to ensure a better design for a particular area. This study examines a discrete radio propagation model which employs the K nearest neighbors classifier. The model takes into account the different characteristics of the environment. This article presents a case study for the optimum positioning of base stations in Federal University of Pará (Belém – Brazil), representing a typical Amazon environment. The mentioned scenario is heterogeneous, presenting edifications and considerable forest area. Measurement campaigns were conducted in three different frequencies for the design features of the model: 521 MHz (Brazilian digital TV system), 2100 MHz (Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution), and 2600 MHz (Long Term Evolution). A study of the fading phenomenon in these frequencies was carried out to generalize the frequencies of application for the propagation loss model. When this model was ready, tests (computing simulations) were conducted in two scenarios to optimize the positioning of the radio base stations being studied.
Antecedents of Seafood Consumption Behavior

ABSTRACT This paper provides an overview of some recent findings on consumer attitudes and other important antecedents of seafood consumption and buying behavior. Taste, distaste (negative affect), nutritional value and freshness (quality) are suggested to be most important in forming consumers' attitudes and preferences towards buying and consuming seafood. Social norms, moral obligations and health involvement may be additional important motivational factors in explaining seafood consumption. Price/cost, convenience, knowledge and availability of top-fresh products are suggested to be important barriers towards seafood consumption for certain segments and age groups of consumers. The overall conclusion is that seafood consumption is less driven by taste and preferences, and more by moral obligation and health involvement, as compared with other food products.
Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) Recipients’ Knowledge, Attitudes, Beliefs and Treatment Outcome Nexus

In this study the relationship between treatment outcomes and antiretroviral treatment (ART) recipients’ knowledge, attitudes and beliefs towards HIV/AIDS was analysed. The study employed the positivist paradigm, guided by the Health Belief Model in explaining the intricate relationship between disease, sick-role behaviour and the expected outcome of treatment. The target population comprised ART recipients at Mthatha, South Africa. This study made use of a purposive sample of 112 participants, inclusive of male and female adult recipients. The respondents in this study raised a number of positive and negative issues. The results of the study revealed a significant relationship between ART recipients’ knowledge of HIV/AIDS treatment, their view that taking HIV drugs is a waste of time, and the recipients’ results of HIV/AIDS treatment. This implies that a significant difference exists between those who have a better CD4, the same CD4, and a worse CD4, based on their knowledge about taking ARVs. The study did not establish a significant relationship between treatment outcomes and some variables of recipients’ attitudes towards HIV/AIDS, which means there is no difference between the recipients based on all the attitude variables. While a significant difference exists among recipients of different treatment outcomes (CD4 counts), based on their belief that “Having HIV is a death sentence,” no significant difference was found among recipients of different CD4 counts based on their beliefs, such as: whether HIV treatment prolongs life; if a traditional healer can heal HIV; if prayer can heal HIV; that HIV has serious consequences on health; and that practising preventive actions can reduce HIV transmission.
The Impact of Financial Statement Comparability on Earnings Management: Evidence from Frontier Markets

This paper examined whether financial statement comparability constrains opportunistic earnings management in frontier market countries. Using a large sample of 19 frontier market countries, and an accounting comparability method that maps comparability across several accounting standards, the results show that enhanced financial comparability constrains accruals earnings management (AEM). Contrary to developed markets and novel to this study, a significant relationship between financial comparability and real earnings management (REM) was not found. For greater robustness, AEM and REM were also tested on both International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) adopting and non-adopting countries. The results suggest IFRS adoption constrains AEM, yet exhibited no impact on constraining REM. Additionally, the use of BigN auditors failed to conclusively show an ability to moderate EM. When combined, the results suggest that frontier markets engage in less REM than expected. It is also noted that the legal roots (civil vs. common law) play a significant role in constraining earnings management. Common law countries exhibited lower AEM when comparability increased; this significance was not found in countries that were rooted in civil law. Contributions from this study show that findings from developed markets cannot be generalised to frontier markets.