Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Zinnia (Zinnia elegans L.) and Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don) Responses to Salinity Stress

The study of salinity stress in irrigated floriculture can make a significant contribution to the preservation of freshwater sources. To analyze the morphological and aesthetic responses of zinnia (Zinnia elegans L.) and periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don) to different salinity stress levels, the following treatments were performed: s0 = municipal water (control), s1 = 3 dS m−1, s2 = 4.5 dS m−1, and s3 = 6 dS m−1. The growth of zinnia (flower number, plant height, branch and leaf number, total fresh and dry biomass, and root length) was linearly reduced by increasing salinity levels, while all observed periwinkle traits for the s2 salinity treatment were either equal to or greater than the control treatment (n.s.) and a further increase in salinity stress showed a significant (p < 0.01) decrease. The first flower buds on zinnia appeared with the control treatment (s0), while for periwinkle the first flower bud appeared with the s1 treatment. With regard to both zinnia and periwinkle leaf necrosis, drying and firing occurred during the third week in the s2 and s3 treatments. Zinnia proved to be sensitive to salinity, while periwinkle showed mild tolerance to salinity stress, up to 3 dS m−1.
Effect of Drought and Methyl Jasmonate Treatment on Primary and Secondary Isoprenoid Metabolites Derived from the MEP Pathway in the White Spruce Picea glauca

White spruce (Picea glauca) emits monoterpenes that function as defensive signals and weapons after herbivore attack. We assessed the effects of drought and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatment, used as a proxy for herbivory, on monoterpenes and other isoprenoids in P. glauca. The emission of monoterpenes was significantly increased after MeJA treatment compared to the control, but drought suppressed the MeJA-induced increase. The composition of the emitted blend was altered strongly by stress, with drought increasing the proportion of oxygenated compounds and MeJA increasing the proportion of induced compounds such as linalool and (E)-β-ocimene. In contrast, no treatment had any significant effect on the levels of stored monoterpenes and diterpenes. Among other MEP pathway-derived isoprenoids, MeJA treatment decreased chlorophyll levels by 40%, but had no effect on carotenoids, while drought stress had no impact on either of these pigment classes. Of the three described spruce genes encoding 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate synthase (DXS) catalyzing the first step of the MEP pathway, the expression of only one, DXS2B, was affected by our treatments, being increased by MeJA and decreased by drought. These findings show the sensitivity of monoterpene emission to biotic and abiotic stress regimes, and the mediation of the response by DXS genes.
Smartphone Use for Work during Personal Activities: An Investigation into Work-Life Conflict

This quantitative study investigates the impact of smartphone use for work and time-based work interference with leisure (WIL) on work-life conflict among 123 private-sector workers in Kuching, Sarawak. Analyses of Pearson Correlation Coefficients were carried out. The findings support previous research which suggests using smartphones for work after hours can lead to conflicts between employees' work and personal lives. Furthermore, the findings show that work-life conflict is compounded by time-based work interferences with leisure (WIL). These findings have ramifications for policies and procedures surrounding work-related smartphone use and the amount of time spent on specific tasks during off-work hours, which could negatively impact employees' work-life balance.
Genome-Wide Analysis of Invertase Gene Family, and Expression Profiling under Abiotic Stress Conditions in Potato

Simple Summary Invertase genes are among the important genes responsible for carbon metabolism in plants, significantly contributing to plant development and stress responses. In this study, for the first time, we performed genome-wide analysis for Invertase gene family in potato, identified and conducted expression profiling in different tissues by RNA seq analysis and validated it by Q-PCR. We also performed invertase family genes expression profiling under drought, salt and heat stress to elucidate their involvement in stress responses. Findings of this study will be helpful for future functional and genetic studies not only in potato but also in other plants. Abstract The potato is one of the most important and valuable crops in terms of consumption worldwide. However, abiotic stressors are the critical delimiters for the growth and productivity of potato. Invertase genes play key roles in carbon metabolism, plant development, and responses to stress stimuli. Therefore, a comprehensive genome-wide identification, characterization and expression analysis of invertase genes was performed in the potato. The current study identified 19 invertase genes, randomly distributed throughout the potato genome. To further elucidate their evolutionary, functional and structural relationship within family and with other plant species, we performed sequence and phylogenetic analysis, which segregated invertase genes into two main groups based on their sequence homology. A total of 11 genes are included in acidic invertases and 8 genes are in neutral or alkaline invertases, elucidating their functional divergence. Tissue specific expression analyses (RNA sequencing and qRT-PCR) of different plant tissues showed differential expression pattern. Invertase genes have higher expression in flower, leaf, root and shoot tissues, while under abiotic stress conditions, the expression of the invertase gene is significantly upregulated. Results of this study revealed that vacuolar and cell wall destined invertases are mainly the functional member genes of the invertase family. This study provides comprehensive data and knowledge about StINV genes in Solanum tuberosum for future genetic and epigenetic studies.
A CPW FED CROSS-SHAPED DUAL-BAND CIRCULARLY POLARIZED MONOPOLE ANTENNA WITH STRIP/STUB/SLOT RESONATOR LOADINGS

|A new compact CPW fed dual-band circularly polarized (CP) antenna for a broadcasting satellite application is presented. The proposed dual-band CP antenna consists of a modi(cid:12)ed CPW ground structure by loading stub/slots/inverted L-strip and a modi(cid:12)ed cross-shaped patch. A modi(cid:12)ed CPW ground structure is able to generate circular polarization. The proposed antenna design provides the simulated impedance bandwidth (IBW) ( S 11 < (cid:0) 10 dB) of 81.42% (3.16{7.5 GHz) and 20.53% (11.8{14.5 GHz), respectively, and the 3-dB axial ratio BW (3-dB ARBW) for two bands are 29% (4.18{ 5.6 GHz) and 8.86% (11.86{12.96 GHz), respectively. The proposed CP antenna provides a maximum gain about 3.8 dBi and 5 dBi in lower and upper bands, respectively, with right-hand circular polarization (RHCP) radiations. The overall size of the CP antenna is 27 (cid:2) 27 (cid:2) 1 mm 3 .
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi promote early flowering and prolong flowering in Antirrhinum majus L. by regulating endogenous hormone balance under field-planting conditions

It is well documented that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) affect growth and nutrient absorption in host plants under pot conditions. However, their effects on reproductive growth in ornamental plants under field conditions are unknown. Our study evaluated the effects of AMF on flowering and physiological traits in snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus) under greenhouse field conditions. Seedlings were inoculated with Funneliformis mosseae (Nicolson & Gerd.) and without as controls. Results showed that AMF inoculation significantly increased plant height, stem diameter, phosphorus, and soluble protein; decreased soluble sugar; and had no effect on total nitrogen, carbon, and potassium. AMF colonization increased concentrations of abscisic acid (ABA), indol-3-acetic acid (IAA), gibberellin (GA3), and zeatin riboside (ZR); increased the ZR/IAA ratio; and reduced ABA/GA3 and ABA/IAA+GA3+ZR ratios. AMF advanced flowering by five days and prolonged flowering by 13 days. Our study showed that AMF can promote flowering and prolong flowering in snapdragon, which may be due to the improvement of endogenous hormone equilibrium.
Terrestrial fate and effects of nanometer-sized silver

Although engineered nanomaterials are active components in a wide variety of commercial products, there is still limited information related to the effects of these nanomaterials once released into the terrestrial environment. A high number of commercial applications use silver nanoparticles (nAg) due to its anti-microbial activity. This may be of concern for waste management since nAg could be applied to soil (e.g., biosolids) or disposed of in traditional landfills, which could lead to possible leaching into surrounding soil. This report aims to provide additional insight into the fate and effects of nAg in terrestrial systems. The studies in this report examine the leachability of nAg in field soil and compares the soil migration to bulk (i.e., micron-sized) silver; examine the ecotoxicity of nAg to earthworms in four field soils spanning several different soil orders; and examine the behavioral effects of earthworms when exposed to engineered nanoparticles in field soil. These data provide additional insight into engineered nanoparticle fate and effects to terrestrial receptors in field soils, an important distinction from laboratory-generated soils. These data will also assist ecological risk assessors to better determine the acute environmental risks of nAg in terrestrial ecosystems with different soil compositions.
Multistep design of earth type wind-break wall along Lanzhou-Xinjiang railway

Numerical simulation of multistep design of the earth type windbreak wall was performed by using CFD method, and the aerodynamics of the train behind the windbreak wall was analysed. The results show that when the multistep design scheme is proposed, side force, lift force and overturning moment of the train decrease, which of middle passenger car reduce by 88.7%, 58.3% and 75.6% to the maximum, respectively. The pressure on windward surface of the train changes from positive to negative and negative pressure on roof of the train decreases. The whole train body is in a negative pressure environment so that the stress condition is obviously better than that of the original wind-break wall. At the same step height, the side force and overturning moment of locomotive are the most, but the lift force of the first passenger car is the largest. At different vehicle speed, the fitted curves of side force, overturning moment with step vertical height are nearly the same, while they change gently in the range of 0.6-1.0 m of the step height.
İlkokul ikinci ve üçüncü sınıf İngilizce dersi öğretim programlarının sınıf içi uygulamalara yansımaları

Bu arastirmada, 2013'te kabul edilen ilkokul ikinci ve ucuncu sinif Ingilizce dersi ogretim programlarinin sinif ici uygulamalara nasil yansidigini ogretmen gorusleri ve sinif ici gozlemlere dayali olarak ortaya koymak amaclanmistir. Arastirmada, nitel arastirma desenlerinden durum calismasi tercih edilmistir. Arastirmanin calisma grubunu, secilen iki ilkokuldaki yedi sinif ve bu siniflarin dersine giren uc Ingilizce ogretmeni olusturmustur. Arastirmada veriler, gorusme ve gozlem yoluyla toplanmistir. Veri toplama araclarindan elde edilen veriler, betimsel analiz yontemi ve NVivo 8 nitel veri analizi programi ile cozumlenmistir. Arastirmada elde edilen bulgular, sinif ici uygulamalarin konusma ve dinleme becerilerini gelistirmeye uygun olmadigini, ogretmenlerin yazma etkinliklerine daha cok yer verdigini ve program iceriginin ders saatine oranla cok yogun oldugunu gostermistir. Programda dilin iletisim araci olarak kullanimina vurgu yapilmasina ragmen icerigin ogretilmesine agirlik verildigi ve iletisimsel becerilerin yeterince gelistirilmedigi gorulmustur. Sonuc olarak, ogretim programinda benimsenen iletisimsel yaklasimin sinif ici uygulamalara etkili bicimde yansitilmadigi, derslerin yapi odakli islendigi ve resmi program ile uygulanan program arasinda farkliliklar oldugu belirlenmistir.AbstractThe purpose of this research is to explore how second and third grade English curricula are reflected in the classrooms based on the opinions of English teachers about the curricula and observations of how it is formed in practice. For this purpose, case study model is adopted in the research. Study group is constituted of seven classes in two selected primary schools and three English teachers who teach English in these classes. The research data is collected through interview and observation. Data of the study was analyzed using descriptive analysis method and NVivo 8 for Windows. Findings of the study showed that classroom practices were not suitable to improve students' speaking and listening skills, teachers were mostly using writing activities and the content of the curriculum was too heavy for the prescribed time. Although using language for communicative purpose was emphasized in the curriculum, it was observed that the classroom practices were based on teaching the content of the curriculum and communicative skills development of the students were not supported sufficiently. As a result of all findings of this research, it is concluded that communicative approach adopted in the primary school second and third grade English curricula is not effectively reflected in the classroom practices; lessons are taught based on language structures; and there are many differences between the official and operational curriculum.
Longitudinal Study of Circulating Biomarkers in Patients with Resectable Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

While patients with resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) show improved survival compared to their non-resectable counterparts, survival remains low owing to occult metastatic disease and treatment resistance. Liquid biopsy based on circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has been shown to predict recurrence and treatment resistance in various types of cancers, but their utility has not been fully demonstrated in resectable PDAC. We have simultaneously tracked three circulating biomarkers, including CTCs, cfDNA, and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), over a period of cancer treatment using a microfluidic device and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). The microfluidic device is based on the combination of filtration and immunoaffinity mechanisms. We have measured CTCs, cfDNA, and ctDNA in a cohort of seven resectable PDAC patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy followed by surgery, and each patient was followed up to 10 time points over a period of 4 months. CTCs were detectable in all patients (100%) at some point during treatment but were detectable in only three out of six patients (50%) prior to the start of treatment. Median cfDNA concentrations remained comparable to negative controls throughout treatment. ddPCR was able to find KRAS mutations in six of seven patients (86%); however, these mutations were present in only two of seven patients (29%) prior to treatment. Overall, the majority of circulating biomarkers (81% for CTCs and 91% for cfDNA/ctDNA) were detected after the start of neoadjuvant therapy but before surgery. This study suggests that a longitudinal study of circulating biomarkers throughout treatment provides more useful information than those single time-point tests for resectable PDAC patients.
Indapamide Increases IRS1 Expression and Modifies Adiponectin/NLRP3/PPARγ Crosstalk in Type 2 Diabetic Rats

The current study aimed to evaluate the anti-diabetic effects of canagliflozin (CANA) and indapamide (INDA) and their impacts as adiponectin modulators in experimentally induced type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). T2DM was associated with a significant rise in blood glucose level and HbA1C%, andreduced adiponectin and insulin secretions. Moreover, the malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in both the epididymal adipocytes and soleus muscle significantly escalated, while the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and epididymal adipocyte Nrf2 expression significantly declined. Moreover, serum TNF-α, epididymal adipocyte’s NOD-like receptor protein 3, NLRP3, NF-κB and CD68 expressions markedly escalated, and serum IL-10 significantly declined. Furthermore, there was a significant escalation in PPARγ expression in epididymal adipocytes, with a significant reduction in soleus muscle’s expression of IRS1. CANA and INDA treatments markedly reduced blood glucose levels, increased adiponectin and insulin secretion, enhanced anti-oxidant defenses, and reduced oxidative burden, with marked anti-inflammatory impact. Interestingly, the impact of indapamide on DM indices and oxidative and inflammatory changes was comparable to that of canagliflozin. Nevertheless, indapamide had a superior effect compared to canagliflozin on HbA1c%, expression of IRS1 and reduction of NF-κB and CD68 expressions. INDA could be effective in regulating T2DM, with underlined anti-diabetic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. INDA increased IRS1 expression and modified adiponectin/NLRP3/PPARγ crosstalk. The impacts of INDA are comparable to those of the standard anti-diabetic drug CANA.
The Impact of Novel Anti-Diabetic Medications on CV Outcomes: A New Therapeutic Horizon for Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Cardiac Patients

It is estimated that in the past two decades the number of patients diagnosed with diabetes mellites (DM) has doubled. Despite significant progress in the treatment of cardiovascular disease (CVD), including novel anti-platelet agents, effective lipid-lowering medications, and advanced revascularization techniques, patients with DM still are least twice as likely to die of cardiovascular causes compared with their non-diabetic counterparts, and current guidelines define patients with DM at the highest risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Over the last few years, there has been a breakthrough in anti-diabetic therapeutics, as two novel anti-diabetic classes have demonstrated cardiovascular benefit with consistently reduced MACE, and for some agents, also improvement in heart failure status as well as reduced cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. These include the sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. The benefits of these medications are thought to be derived not only from their anti-diabetic effect but also from additional mechanisms. The purpose of this review is to provide the everyday clinician a detailed review of the various agents within each class with regard to their specific characteristics and the effects on MACE and cardiovascular outcomes.
The Balanced Scorecard in a Pharmaceutical Company: A Case Study

The Balanced Scorecard (BSC) approach to performance measurement is gaining, over the last decades, an increased popularity due its strategic use of key non-financial measures along with the more traditional financial metrics. This paper outlines the process of development, implementation, usage and later on abandon, of the BSC in a Portuguese subsidiary of a leading international pharmaceutical company. In order to support our findings we review in the existing literature on the BSC concept and highline the characteristics of this concept analyzing the reasons of its popularity. In addition this paper postulates the likely impact of such a performance measurement system on the organizational behaviour and provides a framework on how the BSC implementation can effectively help an organization in clarifying its mission and strategy into new goals. Finally, this paper outlines the organizational challenges and potential pitfalls associated to the BSC implementation.
Some Assembly Required: Building and Evaluating Service-Learning in Higher Education Curriculum

Service-learning is a high-impact teaching practice that can benefit students’ mastery of course material as well as their professional and personal development. This article examines the theoretical underpinnings of service-learning along with empirical evidence suggesting the benefits of this teaching pedagogy. The authors’ own pedagogical examples are described as they pertain to Richard Cone’s (2001) six proposed models. The nuts and bolts of building and sustaining service-learning are reviewed, followed by a discussion of the challenges that exist in relation to assessment.
The Effective Role of Nano-Silicon Application in Improving the Productivity and Quality of Grafted Tomato Grown under Salinity Stress

This study aims to determine the influence of grafting and nano-silicon fertilizer on the growth and production of tomatoes (Solanumlycopersicum L.) under salinity conditions. A commercial tomato hybrid (cv. Strain B) was used as a scion and two tomato phenotypes were used as rootstocks: S. pimpinellifolium and Edkawy. The rootstock effect was evaluated by growing plants at two NaCl concentrations plus the control (0, 4000, and 8000 ppm NaCl). Nano-silicon foliar application (0.5 ppm) after 20, 28, and 36 days from transplanting was also used to mitigate salinity stress. Antioxidants, hormones, and proline were evaluated for a better understanding of the physiological changes induced by salinity and grafting. The results showed that grafting either on S. pimpinellifolium or Edkawy combined with nano-silicon application enhanced shoot and root growth, fruit yield, and fruit quality. The Edkawy rootstock was more effective than the S. pimpinellifolium rootstock in terms of counteracting the negative effect of salinity. Higher levels of mineral contents, GA3, ABA, and proline were detected in shoots that were subjected to grafting and nano-silicon application compared to the control treatment. This study indicates that grafting and nano-silicon application hold potential as alternative techniques to mitigate salt stress in commercial tomato cultivars.
Anticoagulant Oligonucleotide–Peptide Conjugates: Identification of Thrombin Aptamer Conjugates with Improved Characteristics

Oligonucleotide–peptide conjugates (OPCs) are a promising class of biologically active compounds with proven potential for improving nucleic acid therapeutics. OPCs are commonly recognized as an efficient instrument to enhance the cellular delivery of therapeutic nucleic acids. In addition to this application field, OPCs have an as yet unexplored potential for the post-SELEX optimization of DNA aptamers. In this paper, we report the preparation of designer thrombin aptamer OPCs with peptide side chains anchored to a particular thymidine residue of the aptamer. The current conjugation strategy utilizes unmodified short peptides and support-bound protected oligonucleotides with activated carboxyl functionality at the T3 thymine nucleobase. The respective modification of the oligonucleotide strand was implemented using N3-derivatized thymidine phosphoramidite. Aptamer OPCs retained the G-quadruplex architecture of the parent DNA structure and showed minor to moderate stabilization. In a series of five OPCs, conjugates bearing T3–Ser–Phe–Asn (SFN) or T3–Tyr–Trp–Asn (YWN) side chains exhibited considerably improved anticoagulant characteristics. Molecular dynamics studies of the aptamer OPC complexes with thrombin revealed the roles of the amino acid nature and sequence in the peptide subunit in modulating the anticoagulant activity.