Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A-Train estimates of the sensitivity of the cloud-to-rainwater ratio to cloud size, relative humidity, and aerosols

Abstract. Precipitation efficiency has been found to play an important role in constraining the sensitivity of the climate through its role in controlling cloud cover, yet its controls are not fully understood. Here we use CloudSat observations to identify individual contiguous shallow cumulus cloud objects and compute the ratio of cloud water path to rainwater (WRR) path as a proxy for warm-rain efficiency. Cloud objects are then conditionally sampled by cloud-top height, relative humidity, and aerosol optical depth (AOD) to analyze changes in WRR as a function of cloud size (extent). For a fixed cloud-top height, WRR increases with extent and environmental humidity following a double power-law distribution, as a function of extent. Similarly, WRR increases, holding average relative humidity at or below 850 mb constant. There is little relationship between WRR and AOD when conditioned by cloud-top height, suggesting that, once rain drop formation begins, aerosols may not be as important for WRR as cloud size and depth. Consistent with prior studies, results show an increase in WRR with sea-surface temperature. However, for a given depth and SST, WRR is also dependent on cloud size and becomes larger as cloud size increases. Given that larger objects become more frequent with increasing SST, these results imply that increasing precipitation efficiencies with SST are due not only to deeper clouds with greater cloud water contents but also to the propensity for larger clouds which may have more protected updrafts.
The economic and environmental costs and benefits of the renewable fuel standard

Mandates, like the renewable fuel standard (RFS), for biofuels from corn and cellulosic feedstocks, impact the environment in multiple ways by affecting land use, nitrogen (N)-leakage, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. We analyze the differing trade-offs these different types of biofuels offer among these multi-dimensional environmental effects and convert them to a monetized value of environmental damages (or benefits) that can be compared with the economic costs of extending these mandates over the 2016–2030 period. The discounted values of cumulative net benefits (or costs) are then compared to those with a counterfactual level of biofuels that would have been produced in the absence of the RFS over this period. We find that maintaining the corn ethanol mandate at 56 billion l till 2030 will lead to a discounted cumulative value of an economic cost of $199 billion over the 2016–2030 period compared to the counterfactual scenario; this includes $109 billion of economic costs and $85 billion of net monetized environmental damages. The additional implementation of a cellulosic biofuel mandate for 60 billion l by 2030 will increase this economic cost by $69 billion which will be partly offset by the net discounted monetized value of environmental benefits of $20 billion, resulting in a net cost of $49 billion over the 2016–2030 period. We explore the sensitivity of these net (economic and environmental) costs to alternative values of the social costs of carbon and nitrogen and other technological and market parameters. We find that, unlike corn ethanol, cellulosic biofuels can result in positive net benefits if the monetary benefits of GHG mitigation are valued high and those of N-damages are not very high.
Drivers of European bat population change: a review reveals evidence gaps

1 . Bat populations are thought to have suffered significant declines in the past century throughout Europe. Fortunately, there are some signs of recovery; for instance, of the 11 species monitored in the UK, population trends of five are increasing. The drivers of past losses and recent trends are unclear; identifying them will enable targeted conservation strategies to support further recovery. 2 . We review the evidence linking proposed drivers to impacts on bat populations in Europe, using the results of a previous cross-taxa semi-quantitative assessment as a framework. Broadly, the drivers reviewed relate to land-use practices, climate change, pollution, development and infrastructure, and human disturbance. We highlight where evidence gaps or conflicts present barriers to suc-cessful conservation and review emerging opportunities to address these gaps. 3 . We find that the relative importance or impacts of the potential drivers of bat population change are not well understood or quantified, with conflicting evidence in many cases. To close key gaps in the evidence for responses of bat populations to environmental change, future studies should focus on the impacts of climate change, urbanisation, offshore wind turbines, and water pollution, as well as on mitigation measures and the synergistic effects of putative drivers. 4 . To increase available evidence of drivers of bat population change, we propose utilising advances in monitoring tools and statistical methods, together with robust quantitative assessment of conservation interventions to mitigate threats and enable the effective conservation of these protected species.
Novel Metabolites Identified From Bacillus Safensis and Their Antifungal Property Against Alternaria Alternata 

Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria offer an effective and eco-sustainable solution to protect crops against phytopathogens. In the present study, Bacillus safensis STJP (NAIMCC-B-02323) from the rhizospheric soil of Stevia rebaudiana showed strong biocontrol activity against phytopathogen, Alternaria alternata. B. safensis STJP produced antifungal volatile organic compounds (AVOC). In the presence of AVOC, there was no conidia germination, mycelium growth was inhibited, and hyphae ruptured as observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). When mycelium of the fungus from bacterial treated plate was transferred into fresh potato dextrose agar plate, A. alternata could not grow. Extracted AVOC from B. safensis STJP were identified by thin-layer chromatography (TLC), fourier-transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and gas-chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In total 25 antifungal metabolites were identified by GC-MS analysis having alcohol, alkane, phenol, alkyl halide and aromatic compounds. Five compounds (phenol, 2,4-bis (1,1-dimethylethyl)-, 3-hexadecanol, pyrrolo(1,2-a)pyrazine-1,4-dione, 5,10-diethoxy-2,3,7,8-tetrahydro-1H,6H-dipyrrolo(1,2-a:1',2'-d)pyrazine and hexadecanoic acid) completely inhibited the mycelium growth, controlling spore formation and conidia germination of A. alternata. This study concluded that AVOC producing B. safensis can be used as a green-fungicide against A. alternata. Bacterial metabolites could pave the way for the development of next generation biopesticide. This can be a reliable technology to enhance the quality and reliability of biopesticides.
Intergenerational Relationship Perception And Intergenerational Contact Frequency

There are discussions in the scientific world about whether or not there are real differences between generations. But people perceive each other based on generational affiliation. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to study the correlation between the perception of intergenerational relations and the frequency of interaction with different generations. The survey was conducted to confirm the hypothesis that the frequency of contacts with different generations is related to the perception of intergenerational relations. 134 people between the ages of 17 and 65 took part in the survey. The results of the study showed that the frequency of contacts with the Soviet generation positive correlates with the positivity of perception of relations with the Soviet generation and negative correlates with the positivity of perception of relations with the post-Soviet generation. The frequency of contacts with the transition generation positive correlates with the positivity of perception of relations with the transition generation and negative correlates with the positivity of perception of the relations with the Soviet generation. The frequency of contacts with the post-Soviet generation positive correlates with the positivity of the perception of relations with the post-Soviet generation and negative correlates with the perception of the relations with others generations. to estimate the frequency of interaction with representatives of different generations. The study participants were asked to divide the circle (symbol of the circle of communication) into sectors according to how much of the people they communicate with are occupied by each generation. In the processing of results, the size of the sector was converted to a percentage of the whole circle.
Enhanced adsorptive removal of diclofenac sodium from aqueous solution by bentonite-supported nanoscale zero-valent iron

Abstract Nano zero-valent iron-bentonite (B-nZVI) is an excellent composite for treating recalcitrant organic pollutants. In this study, B-nZVI was prepared via NaBH4 reduction method and characterized using different instruments including X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), Field emission scanning electron microscope (SEM), Transmission electron microscope (TEM), and UV–Vis spectroscopy. Also, the efficiency of B-nZVI as an adsorbent to remove diclofenac sodium (DCF) from aqueous solution was investigated, and compared with activated carbon (AC) under different experimental conditions such as pH, adsorbent dose, DCF initial concentration, temperature, and contact time. The B-nZVI has successfully removed a high percentage of DCF from aqueous solution ( 80%) within 50 min, 25 °C, and pH = 3. The maximum adsorption capacity of B-nZVI at equilibrium was 140.8 mg g−1 compared to 107.5 mg g−1 via AC. Furthermore, it was found that the DCF adsorption best fitted the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models (R 2 > 0.987). Also, the thermodynamic parameters of adsorption were estimated and the average values showed that the adsorption of DCF via B-nZVI is an endothermic process and spontaneous with a positive value of entropy at 25 °C. The point of zero charge (PZC) was determined (7.0 ± 0.1) using a salt addition method. Finally, column filtration was demonstrated using a mixture of sand and B-nZVI composite, which showed a significant advantage in comparison with that activated carbon/sand mixture.
Supply Chain Integration, Interfirm Value Co-Creation and Firm Performance Nexus in Ghanaian SMEs: Mediating Roles of Stakeholder Pressure and Innovation Capability

Strategic decisions like supply chain integration and interfirm value co-creation are significant to SMEs’ performance. Therefore, this paper aims to find out the relationships between supply chain integration, interfirm value co-creation, and firm performance in Ghanaian SMEs. We employed a structural equation model (SEM) to estimate the responses of 473 SMEs registered with the Association of Ghanaian Industries (AGI) to find the nexus between supply chain integration, interfirm value co-creation, and the performance of Ghanaian SMEs. Further, we test for the mediating role of innovation capability and stakeholder pressure in the relationships between supply chain integration and firm performance and the relationship between supply chain integration and interfirm value co-creation, respectively. We found a positive significant relationship between the variables. Innovation capability mediates the positive relationship between supply chain integration and firm performance. Interfirm value co-creation has a negative relationship with the innovation capabilities of SMEs. Therefore, Ghanaian SMEs can invest in technologies, which promote collaborations with external parties to create value while minimizing cost.
XPS investigation on the growth model of a-SiNx and silicon and nitrogen chemical bondings

Amorphous silicon nitride a-SiNx (0<x<1.7) thin films, prepared by Dual Ion Beam Sputtering (DIBS) technique, were investigated by means of high energy resolution X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) using a monochromatized radiation
Instrumental texture and ﬂavonoid proﬁle of paste developed from sprouted onion varieties of Indian origin

ABSTRACT The effect of sprouting on the instrumental texture, antioxidant activity, and ﬂavonoid proﬁle of the paste prepared from four Indian onion varieties (Punjab White, Punjab Naroya, PRO-6, and Commercial) was studied. The significant (P ˂ 0.05) effect of sprouting on microstructure, firmness, adhesiveness, gumminess, and chewiness in paste samples from all varieties was observed. There was significant decrease (P ˂ 0.05) in lightness with consequent significant (P ˂ 0.05) increase in redness, greenness, and yellowness in paste samples which was due to the increase in anthocyanin content with sprouting. The paste samples from sprouted onion varieties also showed an increase in phenol content, flavonoid content, antioxidant capacity, and DPPH radical scavenging activity. The HPLC analysis revealed an increase in total flavonoids in pastes from PRO-6 and Punjab Naroya varieties. Thus, present study implied that sprouting could be beneficial as it enhanced the functional potential of onion pastes.
N-acetylcysteine as a part of complex treatment of moderate COVID-associated pneumonia

The need for safe and effective treatment is becoming increasingly urgent due to the high COVID-19 mortality rates observed worldwide. The choice of drug products for COVID-19 treatment regimens is based on the efficacy and safety data, the mechanism of action, and potential interactions. N-acetylcysteine's (NAC) pharmacological activity and its potential to suppress the progression of COVID-19 make it a promising therapeutic agent for COVID-19. Aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of NAC in the complex treatment of moderate COVID-associated pneumonia. Methods . The study included adult patients ( n = 46) with moderate COVID-associated (the 2 nd degree on CT) pneumonia (age 57 (51; 71) years, body mass index - 30 (27.1; 32.3) kg/m 2 , duration of the disease before hospitalization - 7 (6; 8) days, body temperature at the admission - 37.5 (37.1; 37.8)°С). The patients were randomized into two study groups. The 1 st group ( n = 22) received standard COVID-19 treatment [1]. The 2 nd group ( n = 24) additionally received NAC 1,200 - 1,500 mg/day intravenously. Treatment with NAC was started together with the standard therapy. Results . Our study showed that the inclusion of NAC in the complex treatment of moderate COVID-associated pneumonia led to a statistically significant increase in blood oxygen saturation, oxygenation index, the difference in delta increase in oxygenation index, a quicker reduction in the volume of lung damage and the difference between the groups in delta reduction of this index. Also, the rate of reduction of C-reactive protein and reduction of the duration of hospitalization in the group of patients who received NAC was statistically significantly more profound than in the standard treatment group. Conclusion . The study confirmed the effectiveness of NAC as a part of the complex treatment of moderate COVID-associated pneumonia.
The Effect of Bread Enriched With Portulaca Oleracea on Metabolic Control Indices in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: a Parallel Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Diabetes is the most common chronic disease worldwide. Some herbs are used to control diabetes. Portulaca Oleracea is a type of plant that has essential fatty acid-rich leaves. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of bread enriched with Portulaca Oleracea on metabolic control indices in patients with type 2.Methods: This parallel randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 104 patients with type 2 diabetes. Participants received bulk bread containing 10% Portulaca powder for 4 weeks (intervention group), the control group used their normal daily bread. At baseline and end of the study a 12 hours fasting and 2 hours later blood sample were collected to quantify plasma glucose levels and lipid profiles. The effectiveness of the intervention method was compared with the difference between the mean before and after the intervention (change score) in the two groups using t-test.Results: The results showed that after the intervention, a significant difference was found between Fasting blood sugar, cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein variables in intervention groups, but could not affect serum low-density lipoprotein, triglyceride levels, blood sugar and Glycated hemoglobin(HbA1C) It should be noted that the difference between the means of the two groups before and after the intervention indicates that there is a significant difference between the other groups except HbA1C. Conclusions: consumption of bread enriched with portulaca oleracea did have a significant impact on metabolic indices of diabetes and improvement lipid profile. It is recommended to use bread enriched with portulaca oleracea powder, areas where the staple food is bread.Trial registration in the Iranian clinical trial system with the code IRCT2011030309006010N1.
Future Trends on Displacive Stress and Strain Induced Transformations in Steels

Displacive stress and strain induced transformations are those transformations that occur when the formation of martensite or bainitic ferrite is promoted by the application of stress or strain. These transformations have been shown to be one of the mechanisms by which the mechanical properties of a microstructure can be improved, as they lead to a better ductility and strength by the transformation induced plasticity effect. This review aims to summarize the fundamental knowledge about them, both in fully austenitic or in multiphase structures, pointing out the issues that—according to the authors’ opinion—need further research. Knowing the mechanisms that govern the stress and strain induced transformation could enable to optimize the thermomechanical treatments and improve the final microstructure properties.
Varietal selection in marginal agroecological niches and cultural landscapes: the case of rice in the Togo Hills

ABSTRACT The Togo Hills borderland between Ghana and Togo is known for its cultural and ecological diversity and dynamic socio-political history. In this setting, African rice (Oryza glaberrima) is cultivated together with other local cultivars of Asian rice (O. sativa), and smallholders are keen innovators. This article presents the results of participatory variety selection (PVS) trials, in four different cultural and ecological settings within the Togo Hills, designed to understand farmers’ innovation and variety choice. Farmers belonging to different ethnic groups organized their trials and evaluated fourteen farmer varieties from six West-African countries and one Nerica variety. The way the PVS trials took shape and evaluation was conducted reflected the socio-cultural and economic differences between the settings. Despite these differences, farmers showed a broad interest and preference for different varieties based on different criteria, related to agroecological conditions, household consumption needs, market demands and/or ritual purposes. We contend that ― in a period of climate crisis, bio- and agrobiodiversity depletion, rapid social change and market instability ― plant breeding in West Africa must be participatory, decenter from a focus on high external input agriculture and include farmers’ varieties, better contributing to food security, quality, and nutrition, while strengthening agroecological practices.
Impact of Organizational Culture on Knowledge Sharing Behavior

—Knowledge is one of the important sources in an organization. Therefore, knowledge management is needed so that knowledge can be utilized effectively and efficiently. One dimension of knowledge management is knowledge sharing behaviour. This is influenced by many factors. One of them is organizational culture. Unfortunately, the literature that comprehensively reviews the influence of organizational culture on knowledge sharing behaviour has not been widely found. This study aims to fill that gap. This research was conducted using a meta-synthesis method with a meta-aggregation approach. The literature reviewed was limited to Scopus indexed articles written in English and published in 2011-2020. The literature reviewed is only articles containing quantitative research results. The articles are searched using search engines. The results of the study show that organizational culture affects knowledge sharing both directly and through 8 mediating variables, namely formal knowledge governance mechanisms, job autonomy, job satisfaction, knowledge-sharing opportunity, organizational commitment, sense of well-being, subjective norms, and trust. The direction (positive or negative) and the level of significance of the influence of organizational culture on knowledge sharing depend on the type of organizational culture. The development of knowledge sharing behaviour can be done by creating a culture conducive to sharing knowledge or by strengthening the influence of organizational culture through mediating variables. The results of this study enrich the theory of organizational culture and knowledge management and assist policymakers in providing interventions to develop knowledge sharing behaviour.
Antioxidant activity and hypoglycemic effect assessment of the leaves from Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels in Wistar rats

Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels was adapted to the climatic conditions and soil types in Brazil. Its fruits, leaves and inner bark are used in folk medicine due to their high antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic and antidiabetic activities mainly associated with the presence of phenolic compounds. It is estimated that at least 300 million people worldwide develop diabetes and approximately 11 million people are carriers of the disease in Brazil. The objective of this work was to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant activity, as well as the hypoglycemic action of hydroethanolic extract (HEE), the ethyl acetate (EAF) and hydromethanolic (HMF) fractions from leaves of S. cumini (L.) Skeels in rats. All assays were carried out in three replications. Data were expressed as mean  SD and significance was evaluated by ANOVA and Bonferroni test (p < 0.05). The results indicate a significant (p < 0.05) total phenol content (207 ± 2.3 GAE mg g) and antioxidant activity (EC50 = 9.05 ± 0.170 μg mL) for EAF. HEE and its fractions showed no significant (p > 0.05) action to modulate glucose by the OGTT assay in nondiabetic mice compared to control. Thus the use of the plant against diabetes in individuals is not proven.