Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Glycine max and Glycine soja for Resistance to Calonectria ilicicola

Breeding for resistance to soybean red crown rot (Calonectria ilicicola) has long been hampered by the lack of genetic sources of adequate levels of resistance to use as parents. Mini core collections of soybean (Glycine max) originating from Japan (79 accessions), from around the world (80 accessions), and a collection of wild soybeans (Glycine soja) consisting 54 accessions were evaluated for resistance to C. ilicicola (isolate UH2-1). In the first two sets, average disease severity scores of 4.2 ± 0.28 and 4.6 ± 0.31 on a rating scale from zero for no symptom to 5.0 for seedling death were recorded from the set from Japan and the world. No high levels of resistance were observed in these two sets. On the other hand, disease severity score of 3.8 ± 0.35 for the wild soybean accessions was somewhat lower and exhibited higher levels of resistance compared to the soybean cultivars. Three accessions in the wild soybean collection (Gs-7, Gs-9, and Gs-27) had disease severity score ≤2.5 and showed >70% reduction in fungal growth in the roots compared to soybean control cv. “Enrei”. Further analysis using 10 C. ilicicola isolates revealed that accession Gs-9 overall had a wide range of resistance to all isolates tested, with 37% to 93% reduction in fungal growth relative to the cv. Enrei. These highly resistant wild soybean lines may serve as valuable genetic resources for developing C. ilicicola-resistant soybean cultivars.
Highly durable carbon supported FeN nanocrystals feature as efficient bi‐functional oxygen electrocatalyst

The mesoporous carbon layers protected FeN nanocrystals (FeNCsyn) was successfully synthesized by a simple hydrothermal approach and displays an improved oxygen bi‐functional performance. The high specific surface area, mesoporous and graphitic carbon with more active sites of FeNx and Fe3C/Fe in FeNCsyn favors good synergistic electrocatalytic effect toward oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution reactions (ORR and OER) in alkaline medium. The bi‐functional activity of FeNCsyn was clearly observed from the earlier onset potential of 0.86 V and limiting current density of 5.23 mA cm−2 for ORR, as well as the low over potential of 470 mV with small Tafel slope value of 84 mV dec−1 for OER. The enhanced stability and improved oxygen bifunctional activity of FeNCsyn catalyst was evidently demonstrated through an innovative synthesis approach for the development of earth‐abundant metal catalysts for energy applications.
Appearances are deceptive: molecular phylogeny recovers the Scaly Gecko Hemidactylus scabriceps (Reptilia: Squamata: Gekkonidae) as a member of a scansorial and rupicolous clade

We reassess the systematics of Hemidactylus scabriceps, a recently rediscovered and poorly known gecko, and elucidate its phylogenetic position using molecular data for the first time. Contrary to previous speculations prompted by its morphological resemblance to other terrestrial Hemidactylus, our phylogenetic analyses recovered H. scabriceps to be a part of a clade consisting of the large-bodied, rock-dwelling Hemidactylus – the H. prashadi group. Hemidactylus scabriceps also shows high levels of intraspecific genetic divergence, indicative of cryptic diversity. We also confirm the synonymy of the monotypic genus Lophopholis (erected for H. scabriceps) with Hemidactylus. We elaborate on the morphology of the type specimen and other recent voucher specimens, and compare it with sister species and other ground-dwelling Hemidactylus in peninsular India. Species distribution of this ‘outlier’ clade member has been modeled using MaxEnt. These exercises confirm that it is primarily a smooth-scaled, plain-dwelling, terrestrial species unlike other members in its clade. This unexpected pattern of genetic alliance and contrasting body form plus habitat associations further underscores the unstudied complexity of peninsular India’s geological history. Historical denudation of rock formations could have driven evolution of some of these otherwise rupicolous, scansorial gekkonids into smaller terrestrial lizards.
Occurrence of concavities on the lorica of two species of Testudinella (Rotifera, Monogononta, Testudinellidae)

Abstract: Testudinella is a taxon of Rotifera broadly distributed in Brazil. In a recent collection in marginal lakes connected to the Paranapanema River (São Paulo, Brazil), we found specimens of Testudinella mucronata and T. patina with concavities on their lorica. The objective of this study was to describe the concavities observed in individuals of both species and discuss their possible causes. Plankton samples were collected at two sampling stations, in the pelagic (PZ) and littoral (LZ) zones of the Panema and Coqueiral lakes; both of these lakes are ultra-oligotrophic and not polluted. For T. mucronata, 4% of individuals with concavities were found in the PZ of Coqueiral lake and 50% in the LZ of Panema lake. In T. patina, the proportion of specimens with concavities corresponded to 34% in the LZ of Panema lake and 17% in PZ of Coqueiral lake. In this study, we discussed that low water temperatures, predation events and/or recent hatching are factors that may justify the concavities in the lorica of specimens of our work.
Environmental Remediation of Antineoplastic Drugs: Present Status, Challenges, and Future Directions

The global burden of cancer is on the rise, and as a result, the number of therapeutics administered for chemotherapy is increasing. The occupational exposure, recalcitrant nature and ecotoxicological toxicity of these therapeutics, referred to as antineoplastic (ANP) drugs, have raised concerns about their safe remediation. This review provides an overview of the environmental source of ANPs agents, with emphasis on the currently used remediation approaches. Outpatient excreta, hospital effluents, and waste from pharmaceutical industries are the primary source of ANP waste. The current review describes various biotic and abiotic methods used in the remediation of ANP drugs in the environment. Abiotic methods often generate transformation products (TPs) of unknown toxicity. In this light, obtaining data on the environmental toxicity of ANPs and its TPs is crucial to determine their toxic effect on the ecosystem. We also discuss the biodegradation of ANP drugs using monoculture of fungal and bacterial species, and microbial consortia in sewage treatment plants. The current review effort further explores a safe and sustainable approach for ANP waste treatment to replace existing chemical and oxidation intensive treatment approaches. To conclude, we assess the possibility of integrating biotic and abiotic methods of ANP drug degradation.
Comparison of Potential Contribution of Typical Pavement Materials to Heat Island Effect

Pavement materials have significant influence on the urban heat island effect (UHIE). This paper presents a study on the potential effects of pavement materials on UHIE in a natural environment. Three typical pavement materials, including cement concrete, dense asphalt concrete and porous asphalt mixture, were selected to evaluate their anti-UHIE properties by testing. In this paper, heat island potential (HIP) is proposed as a new index to analyze the influence of pavement materials on UHIE. It is shown that the temperature inside a pavement distinctly depends on the depth, and varies, but is usually higher than the air temperature. Solar radiation in the daytime significantly contributes to the temperature of pavement surface and the upper part. The correlation becomes weak at the middle and the bottom of pavements. Among the three materials tested in this study, the anti-UHIE performance of cement concrete is significantly higher than that of the other asphalt mixtures, while the porous asphalt mixture is slightly better than the dense asphalt concrete in anti-UHIE.
The Effect of Good Corporate Governance and Islamicity Financial Performance Index of Internal Fraud Sharia Banking Period 2014-2017

This study aims to study the effect of Good corporate governance and the Islamic Financial Performance Index on Internal fraud. The Islamicity Financial Performance Index indicators used are Profit Sharing Ratios, Islamic Income Ratios, Islamic Investment Ratios, and Equitable Distribution Ratios. Using quantitative with secondary data taken from the website of each Islamic Banks (BUS) period 2014-2017. The survey used in this study is a company regristered in the Islamic Banks (BUS) Financial Services Statistics 2017. The total sample is 11 Islamic Banks. The technique of deliver data, while the data analysis technique uses multiple linear regression techniques with SPSS 23. The results of the study indicate that Good corporate governance and Islamic Income Ratio show positivity to internal fraud. While the variable Profit Sharing Ratio, Islamic Investment Ratio, and Equitable Distribution Ratio have no effect on Internal fraud
Recognizing Energy Dilemmas and Injustices: An Interview Study of Thermal Comfort

This article argues for the importance of recognizing local energy dilemmas and injustices that may arise in the wake of energy saving ambitions. Such energy justice dilemmas can occur anywhere, even in the wealthier parts of the world. Qualitative interviews were conducted immediately before energy efficiency renovation in a Swedish housing area, and perceptions of thermal comfort were used to illustrate the arguments of the article. The results show little compatibility between the housing company’s energy saving ambitions and the tenants’ wishes for a comfortable home. It is such discrepancies between the main actors of a renovation process, in habits, experiences and expectations, which tend to produce energy dilemmas and injustices. In the article, it is suggested that a more emic (insider’s) view should be adopted within the building and housing industry. An attempt to change from an etic (outsider’s) perspective to an emic perspective may help housing companies to find compromises with tenants. As illustrated through the example of thermal comfort, energy injustices can then more easily be avoided, and the well-being of tenants increased.
Assessing spillover from marine protected areas and its drivers: A meta‐analytical approach

The ocean offers vital ecosystem services to mankind. However, human activities, especially 31 overfishing, may seriously impact fish populations and ecosystems. Fully protected areas (FPAs) are an effective tool for biodiversity conservation and can sustain local fisheries via spillover, i.e. the export of juvenile and adult individuals from FPAs outwards. Yet, whether or not spillover is a general phenomenon following the establishment and effective management of an FPA is still controversial. Here, we developed a meta-analysis of a unique global database covering 23 FPAs in 12 countries, including both published literature and specifically collected field data, to assess the capacity of FPAs to export biomass and whether this response was mediated by specific FPA features (e.g. size, age) or species characteristics (e.g. mobility, economic value). Results, on 39 average, show that fish biomass and abundance outside FPAs are higher: i) in locations close to 40 FPA borders (<200m) than in locations further away (>200m); ii) for species with a high 41 commercial value; iii) in the presence of a partially protected area (PPA) surrounding the FPA. Spillover slightly increased as FPAs are larger and older and as species are more mobile. Our work grounds on the broadest dataset compiled to date on marine species ecological spillover beyond 44 FPAs’ borders and highlights elements that could enhance local fishery management.
China's Productivity Slowdown and Future Growth Potential

Chinaâ€™s economy grew by an impressive 10 percent per year over four decades. Productivity improvements within sectors and gains from resource reallocation between sectors and ownership groups drove that expansion. However, productivity growth has declined markedly in recent years. This paper extends previous macro and firm-level studies to show that domestic factors and policies contributed to the slowdown. The analysis finds that limited market entry and exit and lack of resource allocation to more productive firms were associated with slower manufacturing total factor productivity growth. Earlier reforms led to state-owned enterprises catching up to private sector productivity levels in manufacturing, but convergence stalled after 2007. Furthermore, the allocation of a larger share of credit and investment to infrastructure and housing led to lower returns to capital, a rapid buildup in debt, and higher risks to growth. Chinaâ€™s growth potential remains high, but its long-term growth prospects depend on reversing the recent decline in total factor productivity growth.
A clinical study of spectrum of low platelet count to establish etiology, diagnosis, complications and prognosis in newborns admitted in Al-Ameen medical college hospital NICU, Bijapur, Karnataka, India

Background: In the newborn low platelet count is a common finding in both preterm and term newborn. It has been estimated that as many as 22% of all new borns admitted to NICU develop low platelet counts. A platelet count of less than 150,000/L is defined as thrombocytopenia irrespective of the age of the individual. Methods: All the neonates underwent necessary blood investigations like Complete blood counts, (including platelet counts, HB estimation, Red cell indices and PCV), Capsular Polysaccharide reactive protein. (CRP), Peripheral Smear study, Blood culture, BT, CT, PT, aPPT, Anti-platelet Antibodies. Results: The prevalence of thrombocytopenia in our study was 28%. The proportion of severe thrombocytopenia among the neonatal thrombocytopenia, 11.2% in our study. Conclusions: It can be concluded that thrombocytopenia is very much common in among our NICU admissions. Septicemia is its most important and most common cause.
Are Friday announcements special in a continuous disclosure environment?

We re-test the intuition that investors and traders could be preoccupied with the upcoming weekend and pay less attention to Friday corporate announcements in the continuous disclosure environment of Australia. The market reaction to Friday announcements in the U.S., except for earnings announcements, disappears after correcting for selection bias. However, there is no evidence of investor inattention to Friday announcements in Australia, indicating that a continuous disclosure environment improves disclosure timeliness and market efficiency. The investor attention theory is significantly challenged in a unique natural setting where the potential selection bias to delay material information release to Fridays is eliminated.
Immediate Effects of Bilateral Neuromuscular Taping on Upper Trapezius Muscle in Patients with Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract Background Researchers investigated the effects of neuromuscular taping on different musculoskeletal conditions. Considering the demonstrated short-term effectiveness of neuromuscular taping for the management of shoulder pain, kinesiotaping may also be beneficial in reducing pain in patients with chronic mechanical neck pain. Objective To determine the immediate effects of neuromuscular taping on head position, neck pain and cervical range of motion in individuals with neck pain. Methods Sixty subjects with chronic neck pain were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: the experimental group received neuromuscular taping on upper trapezius bilaterally (with tension) and the placebo group received a sham neuromuscular taping application (without tension). Visual analogue scale (VAS), craniocervical angle and cervical range of motion data were collected at baseline and immediately after the neuromuscular taping application. Results The group-by-time interaction for t-test was statistically significant for pain recorded by visual analogue scale (p< 0.001). Patients in the experimental group obtained a similar improvement in pain to those in the control group (p< 0.001). Conclusions Patients with mechanical neck pain who received and application of neuromuscular taping with proper tension or sham neuromuscular taping exhibited similar reductions in neck pain intensity, but not in cervical range of motion. Zusammenfassung Hintergrund Die Forscher untersuchten die Auswirkungen von neuromuskulärem Taping auf verschiedene Erkrankungen des Bewegungsapparates. In Anbetracht der nachgewiesenen kurzfristigen Wirksamkeit von neuromuskulärem Taping bei der Behandlung von Schulterschmerzen kann Kinesiotaping auch bei Patienten mit chronischen mechanischen Nackenschmerzen zur Schmerzreduktion beitragen. Ziel Ermittlung der unmittelbaren Auswirkungen von neuromuskulärem Taping auf die Kopfposition, die Nackenschmerzen und den Bewegungsumfang des Halses bei Personen mit Nackenschmerzen. Methoden 60 Probanden mit chronischen Nackenschmerzen wurden zufällig einer von 2 Gruppen zugeordnet: Die Versuchsgruppe erhielt bilateral (unter Spannung) ein neuromuskuläres Taping am oberen Trapezius und die Placebogruppe erhielt ein scheinbares neuromuskuläres Taping (ohne Spannung). Die visuelle Analogskala (VAS), der kraniozervikale Winkel und der zervikale Bewegungsumfang wurden zu Beginn und unmittelbar nach der Anwendung des neuromuskulären Tapings erfasst. Ergebnisse Die Wechselwirkung nach Zeitgruppen für den t-Test war für die mit der visuellen Analogskala aufgezeichneten Schmerzen statistisch signifikant (p <0,001). Patienten in der Versuchsgruppe erzielten eine ähnliche Schmerzverbesserung wie Patienten in der Kontrollgruppe (p <0,001). Schlussfolgerungen Patienten mit mechanischen Nackenschmerzen, die neuromuskuläres Taping mit angemessener Spannung erhalten und angewendet haben, zeigten eine ähnliche Verringerung der Intensität der Nackenschmerzen, jedoch keine Verringerung im Bewegungsumfangs des Halses
Workplace Safety and Worker Productivity: Evidence from the MINER Act

This study examines the effect of safety enforcement on workplace injuries and worker productivity in coal mines. The author exploits the introduction of a “flagrant” violation standard—with penalties of up to 0.22 million dollars per violation—established by the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response (MINER) Act of 2006. Using an event-study model, the author finds that after the issuance of a flagrant violation, the workplace injuries decreased significantly by 20% and miner productivity decreased by 6%. The results suggest that the monetary value of the productivity loss is 1.3 times the costs saved from fewer injuries, which highlights the costs of workplace safety regulations.
Brodalumab: a promising option in the management of psoriasis

Brodalumab, a human monoclonal antibody approved as a biological therapy for treating psoriasis. Due to its consistent results across several clinical studies in treating patients with plaque psoriasis, in 2016 it was first approved worldwide in Japan followed by US FDA approval in 2017 and the European medicines agency. Brodalumab, selectively binds with higher affinity to IL-17RA, thereby blocking the actions of IL-17A, E and F. This act as a novel mechanism to inhibit the inflammation, hyperproliferation, skin thickening and other clinical symptoms associated with psoriasis. The safety and adverse effects of Brodalumab were similar to other IL-17 inhibitors, frequently reported adverse events were nasopharyngitis, neutropenia, and candidiasis. The FDA has recommended a boxed warning for the suicidal tendencies that could occur among Brodalumab users. This review is an endeavor to depict the drug's mode of action, pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy as well as its current status among other drugs targeting IL-17.
Varietal Effect on Engineering Properties and Proximate Composition of Organic Rice in Eastern Java Indonesia

Engineering properties and proximate composition of milled rice was determined for different organic rice varieties, i.e. Ciherang (CH), IR-64 (IR), Sintanur (ST), Pandanwangi (PW), Merah Bali (MB), Coklat Berlian (CB), Merah A2 (MA) and Hitam Melik (HM). The engineering properties parameters included the length (L), width (W), L/W ratio, 1000 kernels weight, bulk density (ρb), angle of repose (φ), thermal conductivity (k), volumetric specific heat (Cp), thermal diffusivity (α), and colour attributes (L*, a*, b*). The proximate compositions of rice were evaluated in terms of the protein, carbohydrate, fat, ash, moisture, and amylose contents. The results showed that organic rice kernels from eastern Java ranged from “medium” to “long” according to their L values and seemed to have slender to medium shape based on their L/W ratio. The weight of 1000 rice kernels were about 18.00-23.29 g depending on the variety, in which the varieties of IR and MA indicated the lowest and highest values, respectively. The ρb values of rice varied from 0.77 to 0.88 g/cm3, while the φ values were about 21.1-26.3°. The highest k, Cp, and α values were revealed by varieties of PW (0.115 W/m.K), MB (2.236 MJ/m3.K), and CB (0.099 mm2/s), respectively. It was found that non-white color organic rice varieties, including MB, CB, MA, and HM, showed higher protein and fat contents than white color rice samples such as CH, IR, ST, and PW. The present organic rice samples were categorized as “low” to “intermediate” amylose content with a variety of values from 16.6 to 21.8%.
Banks’ Risk-taking and State Ownership: Evidence from Asian Emerging Markets

This paper examines the relationship between state ownership and banks’ risk-taking in nine Asian emerging markets for the period 2009 to 2017. The finding shows that state-owned banks are associated with higher risk-taking in terms of credit risk and return volatility. In addition, we investigate the effect of corporate governance (CG) mechanism with monitoring committee, board independence and gender diversity on state-owned banks’ risk-taking. We find that the presence of monitoring committee on board has a reducing effect on state-owned banks’ risk-taking. We further argue that independent directors help to reduce banks’ risk-taking where their supervision should be robust enough even if there is huge government intervention. Nonetheless, we do not find strong evidence on the role of female directors. In a nutshell, board functions play a crucial role in monitoring and supervising banks’ investment decisions to prevent excessive risk-taking from the government, which is relatively important in the context of Asian emerging markets.
Exploring the Role of Management Control Anchor Practices in new Product Development

Abstract This paper shows how certain management controls become more guiding than others in the management of new product development (NPD). We detail how the opportunity space within which managers maneuver NPD can be underpinned by a hierarchically arranged management control infrastructure governed by management control anchor practices that enable ‘anchored prioritizations’ through which some concerns become ‘more important’ than others. As the anchor practice in our case was an integrative liaison device, we also contribute to research that emphasizes the use of social controls in NPD settings. As management control anchor practice, integrative liaison devices can go beyond the ‘pure’ sharing and integration of knowledge and play a crucial role in framing accountability-induced conflicts and negotiations. We also contribute to the notion of management control anchor practices by considering the dynamics between a constitutive rule and the strategies used to enact it. Management control anchor practices play a crucial role in the light of ‘conservative dynamism’ where strategies through which a constitutive rule is enacted are constantly adjusted. A key role of a management control anchor practice hereby is to avoid the emergence of a state of excessive proliferation where strategies are formed merely based on opportunism or short-term contingencies.