Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Selected Soil Physicochemical Properties Under Different Tillage Practices and N Fertilizer Application in Maize Mono-Cropping

No-till (NT) has been said to conserve soil moisture, maintain or increase organic matter (OM), and improve crop production compared to conventional tillage (CT). However, very few studies have explored the effect of these under dry-land agriculture with occasional tillage where ploughing is performed only after several years of NT, especially in KwaZulu–Natal. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of tillage and fertilizer application on selected physicochemical soil properties under rain-fed maize production. Soil samples from NT, conventional tillage in the 5th season (CT-Y5), and annual conventional tillage (CT-A) with 0, 60, 120, 240 kg N ha−1 were taken at 0–10, 10–20, and 20–30 cm and analysed for pH, EC, exchangeable acidity, exchangeable bases, C:N, gravimetric water content, bulk density, and soil texture. Results showed that NT at 0 and 60 kg N ha−1 in 0–10 cm had higher bases, gravimetric water content, pH, and EC compared CT-Y5 and CT-A (p < 0.05). At 10–20 cm depth, CT-Y5 had higher gravimetric water content (0.17 gg−1), followed by CT-A, (0.13 g g−1), while NT had the least (0.11 g g−1) (p < 0.05) in the control treatment. Again at 20–30 cm depth, NT had higher (p < 0.05) bases than CT-Y5 and CT-A tillage practices at 120 and 240 kg N ha−1 application rate. Regression analysis of fertilizer application rate with both bases and gravimetric water content showed a strong relationship under NT. Better soil properties under both NT and CT-Y5 was attributed to residue cover and minimum disturbance of the soil, which encouraged infiltration, thus reducing runoff and evaporation from the soil surface. Accumulation of residue under conservation tillage enhances OM, which subsequently improves soil quality, whereas ploughing aerates the soil causing oxidation of OM, thus releasing H+ ions. Again, fertilizer application induces mineralization of OM, thus, higher fertilizer application rates result in low levels of carbon. NT is well-recommended in conserving soil quality while sustaining crop productivity.
Real Space Approach to CMB deboosting

Amanda Yoho, Craig J. Copi, Glenn D. Starkman, and Thiago S. Pereira 1 CERCA/ISO, Department of Physics, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106-7079, USA. 2 CERN, CH-1211 Geneva 23, Switzerland 3 Departamento de F́ısica, Universidade Estadual de Londrina Campus Universitário, 86051-990, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil and 4 Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics, University of Oslo, 0315 Oslo, Norway
Pengaruh Inovasi Produk Terhadap Loyalitas Konsumen Dengan Kepuasan Konsumen Sebagai Variabel Intervening Pada KFC Srondol

Abstract: This research background is based on the development of fast food industry that are growing in Indonesia, causing the numbers of competitor racing towards the customer’s heart. The uniqueness and new product innovation from business corporation can produce continuity and strength in terms of competing with other competitor, especially with competitors that threatens the survival of that company. KFC is one of an example of fast food restaurant. Based on the data, KFC’s sales on the Product Innovation experience ups and downs and only one product that keep on rising. Which means customer often tries food, then doesn’t make repurchase if they don’t like it. The type of this study is explanatory research, and the sampling technique uses a non-probability sampling technique. The data are obtained using Google forms. The number of samples used is 58 respondents who’ve bought KFC’s new product. This study results showed that Product Innovation Affects Customers Loyalty through Customers Satisfaction. Based on the analysis, researcher advises KFC to extend the period of time on new product innovation, be more selling via Social media and other marketing method, and to make KFC product more unique, more variety, quality improvement, and also do some research about what the customer wants and needs. Keywords: product innovation; customer satisfaction; loyality Abstrak: Penelitian ini dilatar belakangi oleh berkembangnya dunia industri makanan cepat saji secara pesat di Indonesia menyebabkan tingkat persaingan untuk mendapatkan hati konsumen semakin tinggi. Keunikan dan inovasi baru produk dari para pelaku usaha dapat menghasilkan kontinuitas dan kekuatan mereka dalam bersaing dengan para pesaing lainnya, terutama pelaku usaha yang memiliki lawan yang dapat mengancam keberlangsungan hidup perusahaan tersebut. Salah satu contoh restoran fastfood di Indonesia yaitu KFC. Berdasarkan data yang diperoleh, produk inovasi dari KFC penjualannya mengalami naik turun dan hanya satu yang mengalami kenaikan secara terus menerus. Sampel yang digunakan yaitu sebanyak 58 responden yang pernah membeli produk baru KFC. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa inovasi produk berpengaruh terhadap kepuasan konsumen dan juga loyalitas konsumen, kepuasan konsumen berpengaruh terhadap loyalitas konsumen, serta terdapat pengaruh antara inovasi produk dengan loyalitas konsumen melalui kepuasan pelanggan. Berdasarkan hasil analisis yang dilakukan, maka peneliti menyarankan supaya KFC lebih memperpanjang masa mereka dalam menjual produk inovasi, lebih menggencarkan promosi produk inovasi mereka melalui media cetak maupun media sosial, membuat produk-roduk KFC lebih unik dan menarik, meningkatkan kualitas dari produk- produk mereka, serta melakukan penelitian pada masyarakat terhadap keinginan dan kebutuhan. Kata kunci: inovasi produk; kepuasan; loyalitas
Association of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, Genetic Risk, and Environmental Risk Factors with Incidence of Colorectal Cancer

Simple Summary It remains unknown whether regular use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) could attenuate the impact of genetic risk and environmental risk factors on colorectal cancer (CRC). In the current study, we evaluated the association of NSAID use, genetic risk, and environmental risk factors with CRC incidence using data from a UK Biobank cohort. We found that regular use of NSAIDs was associated with a lower risk of CRC. Although there were no statistical interactions observed between NSAID use, environmental risk and genetic risk, regular NSAID use was still associated with lower CRC incidence among subjects with either high environmental risk or high genetic risk. Furthermore, low environmental risk was associated with lower CRC incidence among subjects with high genetic risk. These findings emphasized the importance of the chemopreventive effect of regular use of NSAIDs and controlling modifiable environmental risk factors to reduce CRC incidence, even among individuals with a moderate or high genetic risk of CRC. Abstract Regular use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was associated with the lower risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, whether regular use of NSAIDs could attenuate the effect of genetic risk and environmental risk factors on CRC is unknown. We aimed to evaluate the association of NSAID use, genetic risk, and environmental risk factors with CRC. Using data from a UK Biobank, a Cox proportional hazards model was performed to estimate the risk of CRC according to NSAID use, polygenic risk score, and environmental risk factors. Regular use of NSAIDs was associated with a 36.0% lower risk of CRC. No statistically significant interaction was observed between NSAID use and the genetic risk score (p = 0.190), and between NSAID use and the environmental risk score (p = 0.740). However, regular NSAID use was still associated with lower CRC incidence among subjects with either high environmental risk or high genetic risk. Furthermore, the genetic and environmental risk of CRC were additives. These findings appear to support the chemopreventive effect of regular NSAID use. Furthermore, controlling of modifiable environmental risk factors can reduce the CRC risk, especially among individuals with a moderate or high genetic risk of CRC.
Artificial Intelligence and Corneal Confocal Microscopy: The Start of a Beautiful Relationship

Corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) is a rapid non-invasive in vivo ophthalmic imaging technique that images the cornea. Historically, it was utilised in the diagnosis and clinical management of corneal epithelial and stromal disorders. However, over the past 20 years, CCM has been increasingly used to image sub-basal small nerve fibres in a variety of peripheral neuropathies and central neurodegenerative diseases. CCM has been used to identify subclinical nerve damage and to predict the development of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). The complex structure of the corneal sub-basal nerve plexus can be readily analysed through nerve segmentation with manual or automated quantification of parameters such as corneal nerve fibre length (CNFL), nerve fibre density (CNFD), and nerve branch density (CNBD). Large quantities of 2D corneal nerve images lend themselves to the application of artificial intelligence (AI)-based deep learning algorithms (DLA). Indeed, DLA have demonstrated performance comparable to manual but superior to automated quantification of corneal nerve morphology. Recently, our end-to-end classification with a 3 class AI model demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity in differentiating healthy volunteers from people with and without peripheral neuropathy. We believe there is significant scope and need to apply AI to help differentiate between peripheral neuropathies and also central neurodegenerative disorders. AI has significant potential to enhance the diagnostic and prognostic utility of CCM in the management of both peripheral and central neurodegenerative diseases.
Affine surfaces containing cylinderlike open sets

L e t k be a n algebraically closed field of characteristic z e ro , a n d le t X be a n a ff in e su rfa c e defined over k such that XxA A, where A,'; denotes the n-dimensional affine sp ace . A cancellation problem asks whether o r not X is isom orph ic to A ; w e call th is p rob lem Zariski's problem . It is easily ascertained that X is a nonsingular rational su rface and the affine coordinate ring o f X is a unique factorization domain without non-constant u n its . In [5 ; T h . 2 ] o n e o f the authors proved that X is isom orph ic to A i p rovided w e can derive th e following condition from th e given isomorphism :
A Polarization Sequence for Type Ia Supernovae?

Early polarization observations of type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) may reveal the geometry of supernova ejecta, and then put constraints on their explosion mechanism and their progenitor model. We performed a literature search of SNe Ia with polarization measurements and determined the polarization and relative equivalent width (REW) of the Si ii 635.5 nm absorption feature at −5 days after the maximum light. We found that either the distribution of observed polarization degree is bimodal, i.e., the broad-line SNe Ia have systematically higher polarization than all other SNe Ia, or that all types of SNe Ia share the same polarization sequence, i.e., the polarization of the Si ii 635.5 nm absorption feature increases with the REW. We also discussed the potential effects that the discovery might have on the explosion mechanism and progenitor model of SNe Ia.
Asymmetry in the distribution of benefits of cross-border regional innovation systems: the case of the Hong Kong–Shenzhen innovation system

ABSTRACT Cross-border regional innovation systems (CBRIS) have emerged as a key concept in innovation studies, but there have been few successful CBRIS in practice. In this paper we focus on asymmetry in the distribution of benefits as a potential barrier for the development of CBRIS based on an in-depth analysis of collaborative activities in the development of Hong Kong–Shenzhen innovation system. Our analysis reveals that Shenzhen companies are more active than their Hong Kong counterparts in driving the cross-border linkages, are better at leveraging cross-border university resources and have more success in attracting cross-border financial capital.
Experimental study on the role of moisture in the cold binderless briquetting of low-rank coal

ABSTRACT Briquetting is needed to complete the upgrading process of low-rank coal, which commonly produces yield in a powder form. The process increases solid fuel’s energy density, handling, and transportability. The binderless briquetting is frequently selected over the conventional briquetting process since it utilizes the coal substance to bind the particle such that the coal property as fuel is unaltered. Unfortunately, the mechanism of how the coal particles are bonded remains unclear. This research investigated the binderless briquetting process at room temperature (cold binderless briquetting), employing moisture content (MC) as a binding agent. Experimental results show that, during the compaction process, the moisture acts as lubricants and provides deformability in the coal particle, which eases the particle interlocking at a higher density. However, the change of moisture in the briquette after the compaction process could induce swelling and shrinkage in the particle, causing a discrepancy in the particle interlocking system and reducing the briquette strength. From the investigation, the cold binderless briquetting of LRC is recommended to be conducted at 2500 bar compaction and using coal particles with the initial MC of 10–20%. The prediction of briquette strength at different moisture content is also proposed in this paper.
Efficacy and safety of endoscopic drainage of peripancreatic fluid collections: a retrospective multicenter European study

Background Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided transmural drainage allows treatment of symptomatic peripancreatic fluid collections (PFCs), with lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) and double pigtail plastic stents (DPPS) being the 2 most frequently used modalities. Methods Consecutive patients undergoing PFC drainage in 10 European centers were retrospectively retrieved. Technical success (successful deployment), clinical success (satisfactory drainage), rate and type of early adverse events, drainage duration and complications on stent removal were evaluated. Results A total of 128 patients—92 men (71.9%), age 57.2±11.9 years—underwent drainage, with pancreatic pseudocyst (PC) and walled-off necrosis (WON) in 92 (71.9%) and 36 (28.1%) patients, respectively. LAMS were used in 80 (62.5%) patients and DPPS in 48 (37.5%). Technical success was achieved in 124 (96.9%) of the cases, with no difference regarding either the type of stent (P>0.99) or PFC type (P=0.07). Clinical success was achieved in 119 (93%); PC had a better response than WON (91/92 vs. 28/36, P<0.001), but the type of stent did not affect the clinical success rate (P=0.29). Twenty patients (15.6%) had at least one early complication, with bleeding being the most common (n=7/20, 35%). No difference was detected in complication rate per type of stent (P=0.61) or per PFC type (P=0.1). Drainage duration was significantly longer with DPPS compared to LAMS: 88 (70-112) vs. 35 (29-55.3) days, P<0.001. Conclusions EUS-guided drainage of PFCs achieves high percentages of technical and clinical success. Drainage using LAMS is of shorter duration, but the complication rate is similar between the 2 modalities.
Projected changes in mild weather frequency over China under a warmer climate

Previous studies have largely focussed on changes in mean climate state and climate extremes under a warmer climate, and little is known about changes in mild weather, which is a positive and pleasant condition and is highly related to human outdoor activities. Although changes in observed mild weather frequency over China, and their drivers, have been revealed, the understanding of how mild weather evolves with projected warming is still limited. Here, we examine future changes in mild weather frequency over China based on comprehensive thermal comfort indices, and dynamically downscaled climate projections produced by the Regional Climate Model version 4 within the framework of the Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment—Coordinated Output for Regional Evaluations. We demonstrate that changes in mild weather frequency in a warmer future exhibit remarkable regional discrepancy. In particular, densely populated southeastern China will experience a robust decrease in mild weather relative to the current level, although a general increasing trend is observed in this area over recent decades. On a seasonal scale, the decrease in mild weather in summer overwhelms the increase in spring and autumn, and this is more prominent in warmer regions. Regarding the drivers, it is suggested that changes in mild weather frequency are dominated by elevated temperatures, with little contribution from relative humidity, wind speed, and sunshine duration.
Cloud-Based Platform for Photovoltaic Assets Diagnosis and Maintenance

A cloud-based platform for reducing photovoltaic (PV) operation and maintenance (O&M) costs and improving lifetime performance is proposed in this paper. The platform incorporates a decision support system (DSS) engine and data-driven functionalities for data cleansing, PV system modeling, early fault diagnosis and provision of O&M recommendations. It can ensure optimum performance by monitoring in real time the operating state of PV assets, detecting faults at early stages and suggesting field mitigation actions based on energy loss analysis and incidents criticality evaluation. The developed platform was benchmarked using historical data from a test PV power plant installed in the Mediterranean region. The obtained results showed the effectiveness of the incorporated functionalities for data cleansing and system modeling as well as the platform’s capability for automated PV asset diagnosis and maintenance by providing recommendations for resolving the detected underperformance issues. Based on the DSS recommendations, approximately 7% of lost energy production could be recovered by performing field mitigation activities (e.g., corrective actions).
RADIOACTIVITY AND THERMALIZATION IN THE EJECTA OF COMPACT OBJECT MERGERS AND THEIR IMPACT ON KILONOVA LIGHT CURVES

One promising electromagnetic signature of compact object mergers are kilonovae: approximately isotropic radioactively powered transients that peak days to weeks post-merger. Key uncertainties in kilonova modeling include the emission profiles of the radioactive decay products—non-thermal -particles, -particles, fission fragments, and -rays—and the efficiency with which their kinetic energy is absorbed by the ejecta. The radioactive energy emitted, along with its thermalization efficiency, sets the luminosity budget and is therefore crucial for predicting kilonova light curves. We outline uncertainties in the radioactivity, describe the processes by which the decay products transfer energy to the ejecta, and calculate time-dependent thermalization efficiencies for each particle type. We determine the net thermalization efficiency and explore its dependence on r-process yields—in particular, the production of -decaying translead nuclei—and on ejecta mass, velocity, and magnetic fields. We incorporate our results into detailed radiation transport simulations, and calculate updated kilonova light curve predictions. Thermalization effects reduce kilonova luminosities by a factor of roughly 2 at peak, and by an order of magnitude at later times (15 days or more after explosion). We present analytic fits to time-dependent thermalization efficiencies, which can be used to improve light curve models. We revisit the putative kilonova that accompanied gamma-ray burst 130603B, and estimate the mass ejected in that event. We find later time kilonova light curves can be significantly impacted by -decay from translead isotopes; data at these times may therefore be diagnostic of ejecta abundances.
Probability Characteristics of a Crack Hitting Spherical Healing Agent Particles: Application to a Self-Healing Cementitious System

A geometric model is developed to statistically study the probability characteristics of crack intersecting self-healing capsules with a structured random distribution in a cement paste mix. To evaluate the probability of a crack intersecting encapsulated particles, the fill ratio of the crack, and the depth of the first-hit capsule, Monte Carlo simulations are performed. The variables are the crack geometry, i.e., width, length, depth, orientation, skewness, and so on; the size and mass fraction of healing capsules; and the agglomeration of capsules. Models based on statistical analyses for hit probability Ph, crack fill ratio Rf−95 at 95% confidence level, and first hit depth h0−95 at 95% confidence level are expressed as functions of capsule size and mass fraction, as well as crack geometry. The model assumptions and results are evaluated using data reported in the literature. The data include results from experimental and theoretical studies.
Integral Characteristic of Complex Catalytic Reaction Accompanied by Deactivation

New theoretical relationships for a complex catalytic reaction accompanied by deactivation are obtained, using as an example the two-step catalytic mechanism (Temkin–Boudart mechanism) with irreversible reactions and irreversible deactivation. In the domain of small concentrations, Alim=NSk1CAkd, where Alim is the limit of the integral consumption of the gas substance, NS is the number of active sites per unit of catalyst surface; k1 and kd, are kinetic coefficients which relate to two reactions which compete for the free active site Z. CA is the gas concentration. One reaction belongs to the catalytic cycle. The other reaction with kinetic coefficient kd is irreversible deactivation. The catalyst lifetime, τcat=1CZ′1kd, where CZ′ is the dimensionless steady-state concentration of free active sites. The main conclusion was formulated as follows: the catalyst lifetime can be enhanced by decreasing the steady-state (quasi-steady-state) concentration of free active sites. In some domains of parameters, it can also be achieved by increasing the steady-state (quasi-steady-state) reaction rate of the fresh catalyst. We can express this conclusion as follows: under some conditions, an elevated fresh catalyst activity protects the catalyst from deactivation. These theoretical results are illustrated with the use of computer simulations.
Steepest-descents integral representations for dominant solutions of linear second-order differential equations

It is shown that for certain linear second-order differential equations, there are solutions (usually referred to as recessive solutions) which have integral representations of Stieltjes transform type. It also is shown that there are special dominant solutions (the solution Bi of Airy's equation is an archetype) which have integral representations of one-sided Hilbert transform type. The differential equations we consider are those whose general solution may be expressed as an integral to which the method of steepest descents is applicable. Berry and Howls' formulation of the method of steepest descents is used to discuss the asymptotic properties of both kinds of solution. Our work suggests that the solutions of linear second-order differential equations in the neighbourhood of a Stokes line can be distinguished by the behavior of their remainders after the contributions from the dominant terms (up to optimal truncation) in their asymptotic approximations have been removed.