Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On-farm assessment of conservation tillage for wheat planting in rice-wheat cropping system

Rice–wheat is the world’s largest agricultural production system occupying around 12.3 Million ha in India (Bhatt et al. 2016). Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop is grown in 5.91 and 1.36 m ha area in state of Madhya Pradesh and Gwalior district, respectively during the year 2015-16 with the average productivity of 3.11 and 3.78 t/ha, respectively in the state of Madhya Pradesh and Gwalior district (Anonymous 2015-16). Wheat is grown in rotation with rice on 40 and 60% area in the country and Gwalior district, respectively during the year 2015-16. It was observed in the participatory rural appraisal survey of the village Badkisarai in Harsi command area of the Gwalior district that very less switch over time is left to the farmers for subsequent sowing of wheat after rice harvest at the recommended time. Due to this reason sowing of wheat crop was delayed by at least 20-25 days. The delayed sowing was observed as big stumbling block in realizing the yield potential of newer varieties of wheat despite a seed replacement rate of above 40% among the farmers in the villages.
The problematic Neotropical genus Cyrtophorina Borgmeier & Prado (Diptera: Phoridae) (project)

J. ent. Soc. Ont. 137: 117–130 The Neotropical genus Cyrtophorina is revised, with redescription of the previously known species, C. deinocerca Borgmeier & Prado, and description of three new species: C. kerri and C. zamorensis from Ecuador and C. gorgonensis from Colombia. The hypothesized phylogenetic relationships among the species, as well as their possible relationship to Dohrniphora Dahl are discussed. Published July 2007 introduction Among the Neotropical phorid flies, Cyrtophorina Borgmeier & Prado (1975) is one of the most poorly known genera. Described from two specimens of the type species, C. deinocerca Borgmeier & Prado from Brazil and a third specimen later reported from Ecuador (Brown 1993a), there is virtually no other published information. Based on the relatively dorsal position of the anterior thoracic spiracle, Borgmeier and Prado placed this genus in the subfamily Aenigmatiinae, a possibility supported by Brown (1993a). However, in his revision of the higher classification of phorids, Brown (1992) reorganized the Aenigmatiinae to include many taxa that were previously classified in the non–monophyletic subfamily Phorinae. One such reclassified genus was Dohrniphora Dahl, a group with which Cyrtophorina is herein suspected of having a close relationship. In this study, I redescribe and more fully illustrate the type species of Cyrtophorina, based a number of newly collected specimens. I also describe three new species, and give evidence for the phylogenetic relationships of the genus.
Accelerated Conversion of Native Prairie to Cropland in Minnesota

Summary Unplowed native grasslands are among the most endangered ecosystems in the world, due in large part to their agricultural suitability and widespread conversion to cropland. Despite this, remaining locations of these species- and carbon-rich landscapes are neither well monitored nor effectively protected. A recent spike in US prices for corn (Zea mays) and soybeans (Glycine max) intensified incentives to bring new land into production, potentially hastening the conversion of grasslands to crops. We combined satellite-based land cover data with aerial photographs and a field-based inventory of remaining native grassland (hereafter prairie) in Minnesota to assess the areas, rates, and locations of prairie conversion since 2008. Our results reveal that during 2008–2012, prairie was converted at average annual rates more than four times greater than the previous decade and a half. Corn and soybeans were the initial crops planted on 73% of converted prairie, and more than 80% of conversion occurred in recently established conservation priority zones, thereby magnifying the urgency to protect these sites. Broader land-use trends in Minnesota suggest that expansion of both croplands and developed lands continues to threaten all grasslands, including the subset that is prairie, and that the growth of developed or built-up land may be amplifying the conversion pressure exerted by agriculture, though further research is needed. Despite the small total area of prairie lost, the multi-fold increase in conversion rates and the confirmation of native habitat clearing may have substantial conservation implications, especially given the very limited prairie that remains in the region. The overall results reveal challenges for federal policies, including a loophole in the crop insurance Sodsaver provision surrounding alfalfa hay and limitations in the current enforcement of the Renewable Fuel Standard.
Effects of the inlet conditions and blood models on accurate prediction of hemodynamics in the stented coronary arteries

Hemodynamics altered by stent implantation is well-known to be closely related to in-stent restenosis. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method has been used to investigate the hemodynamics in stented arteries in detail and help to analyze the performances of stents. In this study, blood models with Newtonian or non-Newtonian properties were numerically investigated for the hemodynamics at steady or pulsatile inlet conditions respectively employing CFD based on the finite volume method. The results showed that the blood model with non-Newtonian property decreased the area of low wall shear stress (WSS) compared with the blood model with Newtonian property and the magnitude of WSS varied with the magnitude and waveform of the inlet velocity. The study indicates that the inlet conditions and blood models are all important for accurately predicting the hemodynamics. This will be beneficial to estimate the performances of stents and also help clinicians to select the proper stents for the patients.
PCR Detection of Coxiella Burnetii in Bovine Bulk Tank Milk Samples in Shiraz, Southern Iran

Background : Q fever is a zoonosis caused by Coxiella burnetii, an obligate intracellular organism. In Iran, healthy cattle are the main reservoirs of these microorganisms. The consumption of milk and non-pasteurized dairy products is considered as a common way for transmission of infection from livestock to humans. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the prevalence of C. burnetii in bovine bulk milk samples from dairy herds in Shiraz, southern Iran. Methods : A total of 100 bulk milk samples were collected from 20 traditional and 80 industrial dairy herds in Shiraz, southern Iran. The samples were then evaluated for the presence of the gene IS1111 using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Results : Three out of 100 raw milk samples (3%) were contaminated with C. burnetii. The prevalence rate in traditional and industrial dairy herds was 10 % (two samples) and 1.2 % (one sample), respectively. Conclusion : The bovine raw milk can be a potential source of C. burnetii in Shiraz, southern Iran. Implementation of good hygienic practices on dairy farms, as well as the avoidance of consumption of raw milk and non-pasteurized dairy products is crucial to reduce the risk of infection transmission.
Computed Tomography Evaluation of Sella Turcica Dimension in Skeletal Class III Malocclusion Among Adult Ukrainian Peoples

Introduction: The sella Turcica is a midline depression in the sphenoid bone which contains the pituitary gland and distal portion of the pituitary stalk. The Sella in orthodontics is most an important skeletal constant unilateral landmark in all cephalometric analysis of the neurocranial and craniofacial complex which located at the center of sella turcica. It's used to measurement the positions of maxilla and mandible in relation to the cranium and to themselves which help in investigation, diagnosis and treatment plan. Aims : The purpose of this study was to evaluation of Sella Turcica dimension(area and perimeter) in skeletal class III malocclusion (as study group) in comparative with skeletal class I normal occlusion (as control group) among adult Ukrainian peoples by using 3D Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: Pre-treatment 3D Cone-beam computed tomography radiographs for 62 subjects of adult patients (18-27 years old ) , 31 subjects (10 male, 21 female) with class I normal occlusion as control group and 31 subjects (12 male ,19 female ) with class III skeletal malocclusion according to ANB (The angle formed at A point, Nasion point and B point of skull) and FMA (The angle formed between the mandibular plane and Frankfort Horizontal plane) angle. The digital tracing of sella Turcica was done by the area and perimeter measures icon tool for all subjects in window of the advanced 3d-imaginag software Ez3d2009. The independent samples T test was used to assessed the relationship between skeletal type and sella Turcica dimension, also was used to determine if skeletal type showed the significant differences. Standard devotions, standard errors, mean values and normality of data were generated for all parameters. Result and discussion: When comparing the area of sella Turcica for two group, there were significant differences between the study group and the control group (P=0.0116) while the sella perimeter were non-significant differences (P=0.0662). Furthermore, when our result was compared with those in other global data, disparities dimensions among different populations were observed. Conclusion: When sella size was compared with skeletal type, a significant difference was found in diameter size between Class I and Class III subjects. Larger diameter values were present in skeletal Class III subjects, while smaller diameter sizes were apparent in Class I subjects, so the size of Sella Turcica and pituitary gland play important role to determine the skeletal developmental, classification and occlusion of jaws. The results of the present study of sella area and perimeter may be used as reference standards for Ukrainian subjects in relation to sella Turcica size.
ROS accumulation and associated cell death mediates susceptibility to Alternaria brassicae in Arabidopsis accessions

Alternaria brassicae is a necrotrophic fungal pathogen capable of infecting most of the agriculturally important Brassica species. The mechanisms underlying invasion of A. brassicae and host responses are unknown. In the present study, we exploited the natural variation in Arabidopsis to understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying resistance to A. brassicae. Using a subset of resistant (Ei-2, Ull2-3, Lz-0, and Cvi-0) and susceptible (Gre-0, Est-1, and Zdr1) accessions, we show that the susceptibility to A. brassicae is associated with higher ROS accumulation and cell death. Susceptibility to A. brassicae was reduced in the rboh (D, E and F) mutants that are incapable of producing ROS, suggesting that RBOH D, E and F may act as negative regulators of defence against this pathogen. Additionally, our data also supports the hypothesis that the Jasmonic acid (JA), Ethylene (ET) and Abscisic acid (ABA) signalling pathways positively contribute to resistance against necrotrophic pathogens. In summary, these results reveal the central role of ROS and cell death in the pathogenesis of A. brassicae and expand our understanding of plant-necrotroph interactions.
Spatial genetic subdivision among populations of Pampus chinensis between China and Pakistan: testing the barrier effect of the Malay Peninsula

Tissue samples from 84 Pampus chinensis individuals were collected from four geographic regions within the Indo–Pacific Ocean and analyzed using mitochondrial and nuclear DNA markers. Distinct genetic heterogeneity was found for both types of markers between Chinese and Pakistani populations, while the diversity of this species was high in all populations. In combination with published information on marine species with similar distributions, these results suggested that the Malay Peninsula, or a less effective supplement, played a role in shaping the contemporary genetic structure. This population structure was presumably reflected in P. chinensis, whose populations were genetically isolated during Pleistocene glaciations and then did not experience secondary contact between previous refuge populations. However, P. chinensis showed genetic continuity in China or Pakistan, which indicated that the populations in different geographical regions constituted a single panmictic stock with high gene flow, respectively. The spatial genetic subdivision evident among populations indicates that P. chinensis in this Indo–Pacific region should be managed as different independent stocks to guide the sustainability of this fisheries resource.
Transitioning University Courses Online in Response to COVID-19

As the world reeled from the realization that a pandemic of a magnitude not seen in a century was upon us, and that physical distancing to reduce the speed of transmission was going to necessitate suspension of regular classes, university faculty members scrambled to convert their planned lectures from in-person to online formats. This article describes one faculty member’s experiences using a flipped classroom approach in a virtual teaching environment. The arrival of COVID-19 fractured the school year and put some students’ graduation in jeopardy. From a hasty search of literature on the process of teaching and evaluating in an online environment, to a selection of hardware and software to provide students with an optimal learning environment while ensuring the security and validity of online evaluation, this article will highlight some of the successes and pitfalls of a rapid transition to online instruction and evaluation. Although there is a body of literature on the process and efficacy of online teaching, the constantly evolving nature of technology not only continues to produce new online instruction tools, but also tools that can be used by students to circumvent most cheating prevention measures put in place.
Dynamic State Estimation and Control of a Heavy Tractor–Trailers Vehicle

Automated driving of a heavy tractor–trailers vehicle using only low-cost onboard sensors is challenging. Complex system dynamics and towing configuration changes degrade the performance of conventional model-based estimation and control methods. In this article, we propose an onboard-sensor-based automatic control system for a heavy tractor–trailers vehicle used in low-speed industrial applications. First, by introducing a new hitch force sensor, a tractor dynamic state estimator (TDSE) is proposed. It integrates the kinematic and dynamic information sources such that accurate and reactive dynamic states and model parameters of the lead tractor can be obtained simultaneously. Second, building on top of the TDSE, a highly practical integrated dynamic controller (IDC) is developed. It reliably enforces the heavy tractor–trailers vehicle to track the reference path and velocity under any towing situation. The performance of the proposed TDSE and IDC is proved theoretically. TDSE and IDC are also integrated into a full-size tractor–trailers vehicle, and their feasibility and superiority are validated through extensive experiments.
Influence of Project Fund Mobilization Strategy on Implementation of Energy Access Projects in Underserved Counties in Kenya

The purpose of this articlewas to establish the extent to which project fund mobilization influence the implementation of energy access projects in underserved counties in Kenya. Data was collected from the respondents through questionnaires, interview guides and observationschedules. The coefficient of determinationR 2 was 0.148 and it depicted that project fund mobilization explained 14.8 % of variations in implementation of energy access projects in underserved counties in Kenya. The remaining 85.2% of variations in implementation of energy access projects in underserved counties remained unexplained and were explained by other variables other than project fund mobilization that were not captured in this model.The overall F statistic of F=17.239(p < 0.05) was statistically significant at P=0.000<0.05 hence was suitable to measure project fund mobilization. This was an indication of a statistical relationship between project fund mobilization and implementation of energy access projects in the Kenya. dependent variable. The test was carried out on a two-tail test since it allowed for either influence to the positive or negative direction while hypothesis testing was tested at 95% level of confidence and significance level of . 0.05. Multiple regression analysis was used to analyze the influence of combined rural electrification expansion strategies on the implementation of energy access projects. The hypothesis with linear relationship was analyzed using simple regression analysis and Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation used for interpretation of results. Together with simple graphics analysis, descriptive statistics form the basis of virtually every quantitative analysis to data.
Drivers of regional soil water storage memory and persistence

Soil water storage dynamics link landscape and climate processes with consequent impacts on hydrologic and biogeochemical cycles, and on ecosystem functions. We explore regional‐scale, spatiotemporal dynamics of root‐zone soil water storage using spatially explicit, long‐term simulations from a land data assimilation system over an area of ∼2 million km2 in the U.S. Midwest. We synthesize the dataset to examine spatial patterns of hydroclimatic forcing and soil and vegetation properties to identify the key drivers of soil water storage across the region. To identify differences in temporal hydrologic variability between sites with different soil and vegetation characteristics, we focus on daily data from 10 locations, representative of three major land cover types in the region. We use the concepts of (a) soil water memory to evaluate differences in landscape buffering of rainfall and (b) persistence to evaluate the threshold‐crossing properties of statistically defined “wet” and “dry” soil water conditions. Power spectral analyses of soil water storage reveal that regionally consistent patterns emerge in memory at multiple temporal scales. Threshold‐crossing analyses reveal corresponding similarity in persistence between sites. The analyses show that stochastic rainfall is the key driver of landscape hydrologic dynamics, with rainfall frequency as the primary determinant of persistence across the region, whereas differences in land cover and soil properties across the region have second‐order influence. The synthesis approach we present here is useful for ecological and agricultural risk assessments of climate change impacts, including increasing frequency of extreme events such as droughts and floods, but primarily points to the need for better understanding of future precipitation changes.
RexAB Is Essential for the Mutagenic Repair of Staphylococcus aureus DNA Damage Caused by Co-trimoxazole

Co-trimoxazole (SXT) is a combination therapeutic that consists of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim that is increasingly used to treat skin and soft tissue infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). However, the use of SXT is limited to the treatment of low-burden, superficial S. aureus infections and its therapeutic value is compromised by the frequent emergence of resistance. ABSTRACT Co-trimoxazole (SXT) is a combination therapeutic that consists of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim that is increasingly used to treat skin and soft tissue infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). However, the use of SXT is limited to the treatment of low-burden, superficial S. aureus infections and its therapeutic value is compromised by the frequent emergence of resistance. As a first step toward the identification of approaches to enhance the efficacy of SXT, we examined the role of bacterial DNA repair in antibiotic susceptibility and mutagenesis. We found that mutants lacking the DNA repair complex RexAB had a modest SXT MIC that was 2-fold lower than that seen with wild-type strains but were killed 50-fold to 5,000-fold more efficiently by the combination antibiotic at the breakpoint concentration. SXT-mediated DNA damage occurred via both thymidine limitation and the generation of reactive oxygen species and triggered induction of the SOS response in a RexAB-dependent manner. SOS induction was associated with a 50% increase in the mutation rate, which may contribute to emergence of resistant strains during SXT therapy. In summary, this work determined that SXT caused DNA damage in S. aureus via both thymidine limitation and oxidative stress and that the damage was repaired by the RexAB complex, leading to induction of the mutagenic SOS response. Small-molecule inhibitors of RexAB could therefore have therapeutic value by increasing the efficacy of SXT and decreasing the emergence of drug resistance during treatment of infections caused by S. aureus.
Relationships Among Annual Revenue and Green Initiatives, Quality Management, and Organizational Performance

Today’s global awareness of environmental risks and the pressing needs to compete through efficiency have led to stronger initiatives in the green movement across industries. We examine organizations’ annual revenue levels and their connections to organizational green orientation and impact, quality management programs, and employee perceptions of cultural practices and organizational performance. Results indicate high-revenue organizations use quality management tools more extensively with greater green impact and low-revenue organizations have a more informal and decentralized organizational culture
Highly Sensitive Phase Variation Sensors Based on Step-Impedance Coplanar Waveguide (CPW) Transmission Lines

Reflective-mode step-impedance transmission line based sensors for dielectric characterization of solids or liquids have been recently proposed. In this article, in order to further increase the sensitivity, the sensor is implemented in coplanar waveguide (CPW technology), and this constitutes the main novelty of this work. The sensor thus consists of a high-impedance 90° (or low-impedance 180°) open-ended sensing line cascaded to a low-impedance 90° (or high-impedance 90°) line. The output variable is the phase of the reflection coefficient, which depends on the dielectric constant of the material under test (MUT), the input variable. Placing a MUT on top of the sensing line causes a variation in the effective dielectric constant of the line, thereby modifying the phase of such line. This in turn produces a multiplicative effect on the phase of the reflection coefficient, by virtue of the step-impedance discontinuity. The main advantage of the CPW-based sensor, over other similar sensors based on microstrip technology, is the stronger dependence of the phase velocity of the sensing line with the dielectric constant of the MUT, resulting in sensitivities as high as −45.48° in one of the designed sensors. The sensor is useful for dielectric characterization of solids and liquids, and for the measurement of variables related to changes in the dielectric constant of the MUT (defect detection, material composition, etc.).
Input Delay Estimation for Input-Affine Dynamical Systems Based on Taylor Expansion

In this brief, we propose a novel method based on the Taylor expansion for the estimation of input delay for a class of input-affine dynamical systems. The proposed method guarantees the asymptotic convergence of the estimation error to zero. An application to the input delay estimation of a continuous stirred tank reactor system shows the effectiveness of the proposed method.