Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Allelopathic propensity of Quercus species on the performance of traditional food crops of the mid-Himalayan region

A pot experiment was carried out to examine the effect of aqueous leaf extract of three Quercus (Q. leucotrichophora, Q. floribunda, and Q. serrata) species on germination and early growth of small millets (Echinochloa frumentacea, Eleusine coracana, Amaranthus caudatus) and one cereal crop (Triticum aestivum) which are important crops of the mid-Himalayan region. The study revealed that there was a considerable effect of Quercus species on seed germination, early growth, and biomass of all the test crops. The increase in extract concentration exhibited a higher inhibitory effect though the lesser concentration slightly stimulated the growth of E. coracana and A. caudatus. The percentage of inhibition in germination and early growth parameters increased with the increasing concentration of aqueous extract. Among the test crops, T. aestivum and E. frumentacea were found most susceptible while E. coracana and A. caudatus were the most resistant test crops. The toxicity of the Quercus species was in order of Q. leucotrichophora < Q. floribunda < Q. serrata. In particular, Q. leucotrichophora is preferred as fodder and fuelwood thereby, phytotoxic accumulation through leaves would be low to moderate in soil. Based on the suppressive nature of these tree species on test crops, Q. leucotrichophora can be screened as prominent agroforestry tree species.
USER-CENTRED DESIGN FOR A NOT STRAIGHTFORWARD UNIVERSITY WAYFINDING

OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University receives thousands of students and visitors annually. Its main campus consists of many buildings in which students, staff and visitors navigate. Unfortunately, navigating around the campus can be challenging, as the existing wayfinding system is complex and not straightforward. This paper presents a problem-based approach to address the wayfinding challenges around the campus. A group of European Project Semester students followed a user-centred design approach to involve participants throughout the four main phases of the study—understanding, envisionment, design and evaluation. Interviews and scenario-based user testing were conducted to identify the underlying problems. The findings indicated that the numbering system for rooms was inconsistent, and the signage was not clear, visible and coherent for all the buildings on the campus. Using graphic design principles and wayfinding guidelines, a new consistent room numbering, a signage system and a mobile navigation app were proposed, developed and evaluated. The results showed that the new wayfinding system was clear and easy to understand, and it can be applied in all buildings. We observed a shorter time spent navigating to a specific room, and no mistakes was made. The app was found to be a useful and helpful tool for wayfinding. As a result of this study, the authors highlight the importance of involving users throughout the entire research process, which is our most significant learning experience as a group.
Potential of entomopathogens and neem oil against two emerging insect pests of vegetables

Bioefﬁcacy of different entomopathogenic microorganisms, viz Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, Lecanicillium lecanii, Bacillus subtilis-2 and botanical, i.e. neem oil were tested alone and their 1:1 combination with neem oil against two emerging insect pests of vegetables. Among the entomopathogens, M. anisopliae IIVR strain was most promising against hadda beetle (Epilachna dodecastigmata), followed by M. anisopliae commercialformulation, whereas L. lecanii was highly effective against painted bugs (Bagrada hilaris). However, neem oil was the most effective biopesticides against duo insect pests. The per cent mortality changed in time dependent manner and the lowest median lethal time (LT50) for neem oil against E. dodecastigmata and B. hilaris were 45.09 and 102.03 h, respectively. Combinations of these entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) and neem oil (1:1) had lower LT50 values than each of their individual indicating the compatibility among them which was also confirmed through co-toxicity values greater than one in all the cases.
In vitro modelling of neural insult in Mucopolysaccharidosis type 1 hurler using patient-derived human induced pluripotent stem cells

La Mucopolysaccharidose type I, c’est une maladie de l’accumulation qui est du au defet de l’enzyme du lysosome, alpha-L-iduronidase (IDUA). L’accumulation de glycosaminoglycans cause une neurodegeneration mortelle avant l’âge de dix ans. La pathologie de la maladie reste peu comprise. Pour l’investiguer, nous avons genere un modele a partir des cellules propres d’un patient, que nous avons reprogramme pour obtenir des cellules pluripotentes induites (iPS). Nous avons apres obtenu du tissu neural, in vitro. Pour avoir des controles isogeniques, on a transduit les iPS avec un lentivecteur qui exprime l’enzyme manquant. Le sauvetage des cellules d’MPS I, est valide par essai fonctionnel. Les caracteristiques des lysosomes des cellules sauvees, ressemblent des cellules normales. Les precurseurs neuraux de MPS I migrent moins, compare a leur homologue traite avec le lentivecteur de sauvetage. Nous sommes confiants que ceci est un phenotype important pour le processus pathologique de la MPS I.
Sequence Determinants of In Vivo and Intrinsic Nucleosome Occupancy

We present the first complete high-resolution map of nucleosome occupancy across the entire Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome, identifying over 70,000 positioned nucleosomes occupying 81% of the genome. On a genome-wide scale, the persistent nucleosome-depleted region identified previously in a subset of genes demarcates the transcription start site. A quantitative model of nucleosome occupancy suggests that DNA structural features account for much of the global nucleosome occupancy.
Examining the Effect of Project Delays in Construction Field, A Case Study of Prime Engineering and Service Ghana Limited

The alarming rate of project delays in this country needs urgent attention and resolution as one project delay leads to another therefore affecting the growth of any economy or profit-making organization. This alarming rate would possibly go out of one’s hand if strategies are not put in place to curb these phenomena. The Objectives of this research is to critically identify and evaluate the setbacks or factors causing delays in completing projects on time and its effect. The study narrowed its arrows on Prime Ghana projects executed in the country and it was thus conducted with the usage of questionnaires to solicit for the required data for processing. Results from the study divulge that the actual sources of delays in project delivery are; Inadequate financial resources of clients, delays in honoring payment for work done, underestimation of project duration, poor communication between contracting parties, complexity, difficulties in accessing bank credit (client); change orders during construction and others. It was recommended that, initial proper planning and controlling is essential to the client to have proper action plan, procurement plan, and budget plan prepared before commencement of project. Payment schedule must be agreed by the parties involved. On the part of the contractor adequate knowledge of project management, principles, tools and techniques is required to reduce delays. Consultants must plan very well to ensure that contract processes are duly followed, thus approval of drawings, documentation, and other things to reduce variation during construction. They should monitor their assigned work very well by insisting that corrections are done at the appropriate time to reduce or avoid rework.
Innovations in Education Management: Impact of Emotional Intelligence and Demographic Variables on Occupational Stress among University Teachers

Today emotional intelligence is increasingly relevant to the success of management as well as employees in every respect, be it internal issues like conflict resolution, group dynamics, leadership and motivation or the external issues like customer relationship management, brand loyalty and corporate social responsibility (CSR). There is limited research on the impact of emotional intelligence on job stress and workplace conduct. The objective of the article is to understand the relationship between occupational stress and emotional intelligence. It also attempts to study the impact of some demographic variables (gender, age, work experience) on occupational stress. Simple random sampling was used to collect data from teaching and non-teaching staff working in universities and educational institutions in Uttar Pradesh, India. SPSS 21 was used for data analysis using statistical tools like correlation, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal Wallis tests. Results show a significant relationship between emotional intelligence and occupational stress. The female employees were found to have greater stress levels as compared to their male counterparts. Age is found to have an impact on occupational stress of university teachers. The employees in their forties were found to have higher stress levels than younger employees. Work experience is also found to have an impact on occupational stress of university teachers. It was observed that employees with a work experience of more than 30 years have maximum levels of occupational stress. Based on the findings of this study, the managers should take special measures to take care of female employees and minimize factors which lead to their stress. The policies and work culture of the organization should create a conducive ambience for female employees. The organization should provide support and counselling to employees in their forties to sort out their stress-related issues which would eventually enhance their productivity. The employees with a work experience of more than 30 years (usually older ones) should get support and any stress-causing issues such as post-retirement benefits should be explained and clarified. This study adds to the current body of knowledge from a theoretical perspective. It enriches the understanding of the relationship between emotional intelligence, demographic variables and occupational stress. The top management of the organization can enhance their organization’s effectiveness by learning from the findings of this study. Keywords емоційний інтелект (EI), професійний стрес, робоче перевантаження, управління стресом, організація.
Optogenetic stimulation of kisspeptin neurones within the posterodorsal medial amygdala increases LH pulse frequency in female mice

Kisspeptin within the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus is a critical neuropeptide in the regulation of reproduction. Together with neurokinin B and dynorphin A, arcuate kisspeptin provides the oscillatory activity that drives the pulsatile secretion of GnRH, and therefore LH pulses, and is believed to be a central component of the GnRH pulse generator. It is well established that the amygdala also exerts an influence over gonadotrophic hormone secretion and reproductive physiology. The discovery of kisspeptin and its receptor within the posterodorsal medial amygdala (MePD), and our recent finding showing that intra-MePD administration of kisspeptin or a kisspeptin receptor antagonist results in increased LH secretion and decreased LH pulse frequency, respectively, suggests an important role for amygdala kisspeptin signalling in the regulation of the GnRH pulse generator. To further investigate the function of amygdala kisspeptin, the present study used an optogenetic approach to selectively stimulate MePD kisspeptin neurones and examine the effect on pulsatile LH secretion. MePD kisspeptin neurones in conscious Kiss1-CRE mice were virally infected to express a channelrhodopsin protein and selectively stimulated by light via a chronically implanted fibre optic cannula. Continuous stimulation using 5 Hz resulted in an increased LH pulse frequency, which was not observed at the lower stimulation frequencies of 0.5 and 2 Hz. In wild-type animals, continuous stimulation at 5 Hz did not affect LH pulse frequency. These results demonstrate that selective activation of MePD Kiss1 neurons can modulate hypothalamic GnRH pulse generator frequency.
Skewed temperature dependence affects range and abundance in a warming world

Population growth metrics such as R0 are usually asymmetric functions of temperature, with cold-skewed curves arising when the positive effects of a temperature increase outweigh the negative effects, and warm-skewed curves arising in the opposite case. Classically, cold-skewed curves are interpreted as more beneficial to a species under climate warming, because coldskewness implies increased population growth over a larger proportion of the species’ fundamental thermal niche than warm-skewness. However, inference based on the shape of the fitness curve alone, and without considering the synergistic effects of net reproduction, density, and dispersal may yield an incomplete understanding of climate change impacts. We formulate a moving-habitat integrodifference equation model to evaluate how fitness curve skewness affects species’ range size and abundance during climate warming. In contrast to classic interpretations, we find that climate warming adversely affects populations with cold-skewed fitness curves, positively affects populations with warm-skewed curves and has relatively little or mixed effects on populations with symmetric curves. Our results highlight the necessity of considering the synergistic effects of fitness curve skewness, density, and dispersal in climate change impact analyses, and that the common approach of mapping changes only in R0 may be misleading.
Butterfly divesity of Licka Pljesevica Mountain chain, Croatia (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea)

Li g ka Plje s evica is an elongated mountain massif situated in the Croatian Lika region, at the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was never a target of any systematic butterfly surveys, and its butterfly fauna was poorly studied. During our surveys from 2007 to 2019, we recorded 142 butterfly species on 71 localities. Along with the records from the available literature, a total of 152 species were recorded from Li g ka Plje s evica massif. This is the second most diverse butterfly fauna of a mountain chain in Croatia, lagging just behind Velebit Mts. with 153 species. Faunal composition of both mountain chains is however similar with exception of montane species which are less numerous on Li g ka Plje s evica. For some species with scarce records from Croatia like: Colias caucasica , Cupido osiris, Eumedonia eumedon, Plebejus argyrognom, Thecla betulae, Melitaea britomartis, Araschnia levana and Neptis rivularis new records are discussed. Abandonment and subsequent overgrowing has been recognized as the most important factor potentially causing long term butterfly declines in the region.
Identification of a putative nuclear localization signal in maspin protein shed light into its nuclear import regulation

Maspin (SERPINB5) is a potential tumor suppressor gene with pleiotropic biological activities, including regulation of cell proliferation, death, adhesion, migration and gene expression. Several studies suggest that subcellular localization plays an essential role on maspin tumor suppression activity. In this study we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying maspin nucleocytoplasmic shuttling. An in vitro nuclear-import assay using digitonin-permeabilized HeLa cells demonstrated that maspin enters the nucleus by an energy-and carrier-independent mechanism. However, previous studies indicated that maspin subcellular localization is regulated in the cell. Using a nuclear localization signal (NLS) prediction software, we identified a putative NLS in the maspin amino acid sequence. To distinguish between passive and regulated nuclear translocation, maspinNLS or the full-length protein (MaspinFL) were fused to 5GFP, rendering the construct too large to enter the nucleus passively. Unexpectedly, 5GFP-maspinNLS, but not maspinFL-5GFP, entered the nucleus of HeLa cells. Dominant-negative Ran-GTPase mutants RanQ69L or RanT24N, suppressed 5GFP-maspinNLS nuclear localization. In summary, we provide evidence that maspin translocates to the nucleus passively. In addition, we identified a peptide in the maspin protein sequence, which is able to drive a 5GFP construct to the nucleus in an energy-dependent manner.
The behavioural interactions between the American lobster (Homarus americanus) and the invasive green crab (Carcinus maenas)

The American lobster (Homarus americanus) is the most commercially important decapod species in Newfoundland. Since the 1990s, fishery landings in Placentia Bay, Newfoundland have been steadily decreasing. The invasive green crab (Carcinus maenas) was first recorded in North Harbour (Placentia Bay) most likely in 2002, and shortly after this, lobster landings decreased by 34% compared to previous years. Analyses of the behavioural interactions between the two species around a food source and a baited trap were used to better understand the potential impacts of green crabs on lobsters in the natural environment. The presence of green crabs (1-25 animals) had no significant effect on the ability of lobsters to acquire food, but they did negatively impact lobster food consumption when present in high numbers (150 crabs). Agonistic interactions between the two species increased with green crab density. Green crabs also significantly affected lobster behaviour around a baited trap; when green crabs were present and could freely move around the trap, a lobster approached, attempted to enter and successfully entered less frequently compared to trials when no crabs were present. Analyses of predator-prey interactions between adult lobsters and green crabs were also used to determine if lobsters from Newfoundland would recognise green crabs as a potential prey item. Lobsters originating from Nova Scotia and Newfoundland actively consumed green crabs of all sizes and the size of the green crab determined the likelihood of being damaged and consumed by a lobster. The longer a green crab remained in the presence of a lobster, the more likely it would be captured and eaten. This research provides information on the potential impact of green crab on the lobster fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador and may be used by stakeholders in the management this fishery.
Searching and Feeding Efficiency of a Ladybeetle, Coccinella transversalis Fabricius on Aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover

Searching and feeding efficiency of a predaceous ladybird beetle, Coccinella transversalis Fabricius was investigated for brinjal aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover at varying predator and prey densities. Rate of prey consumption per predator decreased with increase in the number of predators, due to mutual interference (0.90) amongst the larvae. Searching efficiency (area of discovery) of fourth instar larvae decreased from 0.1846 to 0.0779 when one, two, four and eight predators were exposed to a constant prey density (200). Prey consumption by a single larva increased with increase in prey densities but the percent prey consumption decreased. Maximum percent prey consumption was noticed at the lowest prey density (50) and minimum at highest prey density (800). Searching efficiency of a fourth instar larva decreased from 1.7263 to 0.4727 with increase of prey density from 50 to 800 individuals of A. gossypii . The predator-prey ratio of 1:50 may be considered optimal for the augmentative release of C. transversalis for the biocontrol of A. gossypii.
Geometry-Cluster-Based Stochastic MIMO Model for Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communications in Street Canyon Scenarios

Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) wireless communications have many envisioned applications for ensuring traffic safety and for addressing traffic congestion. However, developing suitable communication systems and standards for this purpose requires developers to have accurate models for the V2V propagation channel. Likewise, the dynamic evolution of multipath components (MPCs) in V2V channels has not been well modeled in existing models. In this paper, we propose a geometry-based stochastic channel model for a lightly built-up urban environment and then parametrize the model from measurements. The MPCs are extracted based on a high-resolution parameter estimation; they are tracked and clustered through a joint algorithm. The identified clusters are classified as line-of-sight, reflections from static scatterers, reflections from mobile scatterers, multiple-bounce reflections, and diffuse scattering. Specifically, the multiple-bounce reflections are modeled as twin clusters that follow the COST 273/COST2100 approach. The paper gives a full parameterization of the channel model and supplies a step-by-step implementation recipe. We verify the model by comparing two second-order statistics, i.e., the root-mean-square (RMS) delay spread and the angular spreads of arrival/departure derived from the channel model, to the results obtained directly from the measurements. Furthermore, we also identify several key factors that strongly impact the synthetic channel performance.
Incentive schemes for bank branch staff during deep recession: empirical evidence from Greece

: Incentive schemes have been extensively used in the banking sector, though in the years following the world financial crisis a great deal of criticism has emerged, focusing mainly on their contribution to mis-selling and short-termism. This study attempts to explore the incentives field in the current Greek banking context which has been through a massive and arduous transformation in order to avoid collapsing. The questions posed refer to the purposefulness of an incentive scheme in the current Greek banking setting as well as to the design attributes of the optimal incentive scheme for such conditions. To this end, a survey of Greek bank branches’ employees was undertaken (N = 227), in order to examine their exposure as well as their attitudes towards incentive schemes. The data analysis suggested that an incentive scheme could still have a position in the Greek banks, even in times of deep recession, provided that it is appropriately designed in order to enhance performance and protect against the risk of mis-selling.
Preliminary Survey of Composition, Generation and Management of Solid Wastes in Ward 7, Soc Trang City, Soc Trang, Vietnam

This research was to investigate the current status of solid waste generation, composition and management in Ward 7, Soc Trang City, Soc Trang Province through interviewing the households of understandings and practices with solid wastes and the placing the plastic bags for collecting the generated wastes directly at the households for compositional analysis. The results showed that organic matter accounted for 62.31%, recyclable and reusable items such as plastic accounted for 19.61%, paper occupied 14.55%, glass took 1.16 %, accounted for 0.79%, cloth occupied 1.69% and foam took 0.74%. Hazardous waste only accounted for a small proportion (0.11%). The average rate of solid waste generation was 0.91 kg/household/day and the average waste generation rate per person was 0.22 kg/person/day. Currently, the management, collection and transportation of domestic solid wastes in the ward 7 has not been guaranteed, not yet effective, causing several environmental problems; open dumping is still commonly seen in the study area due to lack of sanitary landfills. Local authority should take proper measures to effectively manage solid wastes in Ward 7, Soc Trang City, Soc Trang province.
Tuberculosis en América Latina y su impacto en pediatría

During 2018, 1.45 million deaths from tuberculosis (TB) were registered, this place TB as the main cause of death by a single microorganism, above HIV. Diagnostic-therapeutic approach represent a challenge for the clinician, the aim of this review is to document the most relevant aspects of the tuberculosis panorama in children.