Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mineralogy and Geochemistry of Ultramafic Rocks from Rachoni Magnesite Mine, Gerakini (Chalkidiki, Northern Greece)

The importance of magnesite for the EU economy and industry is very high, making the understanding of their genesis for the exploration for new deposits a priority for the raw materials scientific community. In this direction, the study of the magnesite-hosting ultramafic rocks can be proved very useful. For the present study, ultramafic rock samples were collected from the magnesite ore-hosting ophiolite of the Gerakini mining area (Chalkidiki, Greece) to investigate the consecutive alteration events of the rocks which led to the metallogenesis of the significant magnesite ores of the area. All samples were subjected to a series of analytical methods for the determination of their mineralogical and geochemical characteristics: optical microscopy, XRD, SEM, EMPA, ICP–MS/OES and CIPW normalization. The results of these analyses revealed that the ultramafic rocks of the area have not only all been subjected to serpentinization, but these rocks have also undergone carbonation, silification and clay alteration. The latter events are attributed to the circulation of CO2-rich fluids responsible for the formation of the magnesite ores and locally, the further alteration of the serpentinites into listvenites. The current mineralogy of these rocks was found to be linked to one or more alteration event that took place, thus a significant contribution to the metallo- and petrogenetic history of the Gerakini ophiolite has been made. Furthermore, for the first time in literature, Fe inclusions in olivines from Greece were reported.
High school students conceptions about learning and instruction: A metaphor analysis

In this study, we aimed to investigate the metaphorical conceptions of high school students in Turkey about “learning” and “instruction”. For the selection of the participants, stratified sampling, one of the purposive sampling methods, was adopted. The participating students completed the prompts –which were also the data collection instruments– “learning is like… because…” and “instruction is like… because…” to indicate their conceptualizations about learning and instruction. The data were analyzed using content analysis technique. In order to ensure the validity of the study, the data analysis process was described in detail, the findings were presented without any comment on, and an expert’s opinion was received to confirm whether metaphors under conceptual categories were represented in conceptual category. To ensure the reliability of the findings, a colleague was asked to match sample metaphorical images with the conceptual categories. The results of the study showed that high school students developed a total of 71 valid metaphors clustered under totally nine (five for learning theme and four for instruction theme) main conceptual categories.
Sustainable entrepreneurship and new business models: a market research in Colombia

Purpose –The aim of this work is to approach the concept of sustainable entrepreneurship from a theoretical and a practical point of view, paying attention to new business models that are emerging around the world for social innovation. In this context, we focus the attention on the business model called one-for-one and we wonder whether the Colombian market should be a good option for developing this business model. Design/methodology/approach – To test the viability of the business model one-for-one we conducted a market research in March 2019, with a sample of students from two higher education institutions in the city of Medellin (Colombia). Findings – The results of the empirical research show the positive moral attitude of Colombian to solve social problems, but also the market immaturity because of the relative low purchase intentions found in Colombian potential consumers. Research limitations/implications– Not exempt from criticism, this work defends innovative business models standing for a business driven concept of sustainability which focusses on increasing both economic as well as social value. Practical implications – The model of donating one item to someone in need, for each item purchased, could be considered in the future a viable option for developing business models in Colombia. Social implications – Nowadays and more than never before, society requires that the actions of companies are aimed at contributing to social development and environmental sustainability, as well as economic viability. Companies oriented towards present and future sustainability in the decision making of purchase or investment will be an important source of competitive advantages in the near future. Originality/value – Although the study of sustainable entrepreneurship is still in very early stages in Latin American countries, this work shed light on the topic analyzing the business model one-for-one as a potential mean to foster a transition towards more sustainable societies.
Electrochemical and Surface Analytical Study on the Role of Poly(butylene-succinate)-l-proline during Corrosion of Mild Steel in 1 M HCl

The synthesis and corrosion inhibition performance of poly(butylene-succinate)-L-proline (PBSLP) prepared by solution polymerization are reported. PBSLP was characterized by FTIR, XRD, and SEM/energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). PBSLP was used to protect mild steel in 1 M hydrochloric acid. An SEM and an atomic force microscope (AFM) were used to characterize the surface morphology of the mild steel coupons. Potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were used to characterize the inhibition mechanism of PBSLP, and the inhibitor was a mixed-type corrosion inhibitor with a maximum corrosion inhibition efficiency of 93.0%. Adsorption studies revealed the adsorption of PBSLP to be a monolayer process and therefore, obeyed the Langmuir isotherm model.
Effect of volcanic emissions on clouds during the 2008 and 2018
Kilauea degassing events

Abstract. Aerosol emissions from volcanic eruptions in otherwise clean environments are regarded as natural experiments where the aerosol effects on clouds and climate can be partitioned from other effects like meteorology and anthropogenic emissions. In this work, we combined satellite retrievals, reanalysis products, and atmospheric modeling to analyze the mechanism of aerosol-cloud interactions during two degassing events at the Kilauea Volcano in 2008 and 2018. The eruptive nature of the 2008 and 2018 degassing events was distinct from long-term volcanic activity for Kilauea. For both events, we performed a comprehensive investigation on the effects of aerosol emissions on macro and microphysical cloud processes for both liquid and ice clouds. This is the first time such an analysis has been reported for the 2018 event. Similarities between both events suggested that aerosol-cloud interactions related to the cloud albedo modification were likely decoupled from local meteorology. In both events the ingestion of aerosols within convective parcels enhanced the detrainment of condensate in the upper troposphere resulting in deeper clouds than in pristine conditions. Accounting for ice nucleation on ash particles led to enhanced ice crystal concentrations at cirrus levels and a slight decrease in ice water content, improving the correlation of the model results with the satellite retrievals. Overall, aerosol loading, plume characteristics, and meteorology contributed to observed and simulated changes in clouds during the Kilauea degassing events.
Brian2GeNN: a system for accelerating a large variety of spiking neural networks with graphics hardware

“Brian” is a popular Python-based simulator for spiking neural networks, commonly used in computational neuroscience. GeNN is a C++-based meta-compiler for accelerating spiking neural network simulations using consumer or high performance grade graphics processing units (GPUs). Here we introduce a new software package, Brian2GeNN, that connects the two systems so that users can make use of GeNN GPU acceleration when developing their models in Brian, without requiring any technical knowledge about GPUs, C++ or GeNN. The new Brian2GeNN software uses a pipeline of code generation to translate Brian scripts into C++ code that can be used as input to GeNN, and subsequently can be run on suitable NVIDIA GPU accelerators. From the user’s perspective, the entire pipeline is invoked by adding two simple lines to their Brian scripts. We have shown that using Brian2GeNN, typical models can run tens to hundreds of times faster than on CPU.
ULTRASTRUCTURAL STUDIES IN LICHENS. I. HAUSTORIAL TYPES AND THEIR FREQUENCIES IN A RANGE OF LICHENS WITH TREBOUXIOID PHOTOBIONTS

The mycobiont-photobiont interface in examples of selected orders of ascolichens with trebouxioid photobionts was investigated by scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy. Between 150 and 530 algal cell halves per species were examined by SEM in order to calculate the predominant type of interaction. Simple wall-to-wall apposition predominated in the calicialean Chaenotheca chrysocephala (Turner ex Ach.) Th.Fr. Prominent intracellular haustoria were observed in the majority of photobiont cells of Lecanorales with crustose, non-stratified thalli [Lecanora conizaeoides Nyl. ex Crombie, L. chlarotera Nyl. and Lecidella euphorea (Fl6rke) Hertel]. Three different types of intraparietal haustoria were distinguished in lichens with stratified thalli. Intraparietal haustoria of type 1, consisting of a tiny infection plug formed by a tightly adhering hypha within the largely cellulosic photobiont cell wall were predominant in crustose species with stratified thallus [Rhizocarpon geographicum (L.)DC. , Pertusaria amara (Ach.)Nyl. ], but this haustorial type represents also a developmental stage in intraparietal haustoria of types 2 and 3. In the placodioid Lecanora muralis (Schreber)Rabenh. and in the squamules of Cladonia caespiticia (Pers.)Fl6rke, intraparietal haustoria of type 2 were seen in the majority of photobiont cells, or in + 50 % of cell halves, respectively. These can be recognized as an intracellular protrusion formed by a tightly adhering hypha, the tiny infection plug being ensheathed by the algal cell wall. Intraparietal haustoria of type 3, the most highly evolved haustorial type occurring in lichens, was predominant in foliose Parmeliaceae [P. acetabulum (Necker)Duby, P. tiliacea (Hoffm.)Ach. , Cetrelia olivetorum (Nyl.)Culb & C. Culb. ,Cetraria islandica (L.)Ach. ], and in the fruticose Anaptychia ciliaris (L.)K6rber, Alectoria ochroleuca (Hoffm.)Massal. , Teloschistes flavicans (Swartz)Norman and T. capensis (L. Fil.)Malme. When fully developed the haustorial complex in intraparietal haustoria of type 3 was characteristically stalked owing to growth processes of the haustorium-forming hypha which forms a tiny infection plug within the cell wall of the photobiont. All types of intraparietal haustoria were established exclusively between juvenile, differentiating partners (growing hyphal tips and algal autospores with not yet fully developed cell walls). Intraparietal haustoria of types 2 and 3 are probably restricted to evolved lichens, but structures resembling intraparietal haustoria of type 1 have also been observed in other symbiotic systems such as ectomycorrhizas.
Maleic Hydrazide Induced Variability in Fenugreek (Trigonella Foenum-Graecum L.)Cultivars CO1 and Rmt-1

Trigonella foenum graecum (fenugreek), a leguminous annual herb with tremendous medicinal and therapeutic importance. Pre-soaked seeds were treated with different concentrations- 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09 and 0.10% of maleic hydrazide for 6 hours duration each. The mutagen treatments shifted the mean values of all quantitative and bio-physiological traits in positive as well as negative direction as compared to control. The total chlorophyll content in both the cultivars showed a considerable negative shift from their control at all the treatment conditions. Seed germination, pollen fertility and plant survival reduced in a progressive manner with the increasing mutagen. The treatments were found to be appropriate for breeding objectives focused on productivity, considering the lower biological damages with a higher percent of the variance in quantitative traits. A cconsiderable increase in variance was recorded for all the traits studied including morphological traits. The novel morphological mutations induced in the present study would also be useful in botanical studies of fenugreek. The present experimentation reflected that the induced variation with 0.06% could be applied for the generation of new cultivars of fenugreek. The mutation breeding approach could be used in fenugreek to develop cultivars with improved seed yield, early seed maturity, better seed quality and determinate growth habit.
Effective Policy Communication: Targets Versus Instruments

Communication targeting households and firms has become a stand-alone policy tool of many central banks. But which forms of communication, if any, can reach ordinary people and manage their economic expectations effectively? In a large-scale randomized control trial, we show that communication manages expectations when it focuses on policy targets and objectives rather than on the instruments designed to reach such objectives. It is especially the least sophisticated demographic groups, whom central banks typically struggle to reach, who react more to target-based communication. When exposed to target-based communication, these groups are also more likely to believe that policies will benefit households and the economy. Target-based communication enhances policy effectiveness and contributes to strengthen the public’s trust in central banks, which is crucial to ensure the effectiveness of their policies.
Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori vacA, cagA, cagE1, cagE2, dupA and oipA Genotypes in Patients With Gastrointestinal Diseases

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterium that resides in the human stomach, which is associated with gastroduodenal diseases. We investigate the prevalence of cagA, vacA, oipA, cagE1, cagE2 and dupA genotypes in H. pylori isolated from patients with Gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, and Gastric Cancer. Collected 74 samples from the Gastroenterology Unit of the Rasool Akram Hospital were included in this study. Gastric disorders were identified by endoscopy . gastric cancer was further confirmed by histopathology. H. pylori were detected by the urease test. Subsequently, DNA was extracted from gastric tissue of the subjects with the CLO-test yielded positive results. In general, 74 patients with a mean age of 53.45 years (Range 22 to 86-year-old), including 45 men and 29 women, were studied. Among 74 H. pylori-positive patients, 70 (94.5%) patients were positive for the cagA gene. About 95.8% (23/24) of the patients with gastric carcinoma were dupA positive and VacA gene (91.8%). The oipA genotype was detected in 71 (96%) of H.pylori positive samples. This gene was more common in patients with gastritis rather than cancer group. Also, 97.2% of 74 H. pylori isolates were cagE2-positive. In 25 patients with PUD, the occurrence percent of cagA+/VacA+, cagA+/Vac- , cagA- /VacA+ and cagA- /VaxA- genotypes were found 80%, 12%, 4.2% and 4.2 respectively. The results of the present study suggest that a high prevalence of virulent factors could contribute to the risk of developing gastroduodenal diseases.
Comparison between lambs and goat kids meat production of animals fed Caatinga vegetation enriched with buffel (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) grass

This study compared the performance and meat production of goat kids and lambs that were fed semi-arid Caatinga vegetation enriched with buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.). Twelve crossbred Boer × undefined breed goat kids and 12 Santa Inês lambs that had 20.7 kg of body weight (BW) were studied. Goat kids presented greater (P < 0.05) organic matter intake and digestibility, total gain, average daily gain (ADG) and perirrenal fat compared to lambs fed Caatinga vegetation enriched with buffel grass. However, the morphometric carcass measurements (external and leg length; chest and rump width; leg perimeter and chest circumference) were higher (P < 0.05) in lambs compared to those of goat kids. The crude protein and neutral detergent fiber intake and digestibility, cooling carcass loss, biological yield, empty body weight, hot carcass and cold carcass weights and yields, subcutaneous fat thickness, carcass compactness index and Longissimus dorsi area were similar (P > 0.05) between goat kids and lambs. Goat kids (crossbred Boer × undefined breed) more efficiently used Caatinga vegetation enriched with Cenchrus ciliaris L. than Santa Inês lambs; this vegetation improved nutrient intake, ADG and, consequently, feeding conversion. However, Santa Inês lambs presented higher carcass morphometric values.
Heavy metals and community structure of microorganism changes during livestock manure composting with inoculation of effective microorganisms

Effective microorganisms (EM) is usually used in composting to improve the composting process. However, the effect of EM on heavy metals evolution was still unclear. This study was performed to illustrate the microbial community changes that occur during composting with the addition of EM and to determine the evolution of heavy metal speciation during this process. The requirement of harmlessness for pig manure was met after the addition of EM at a dosage of 0.5%, with a germination index of 96.42%. The bacterial and fungal diversity were both found to decrease during the composting process. Additionally, the bioavailability of Cu and Pb decreased significantly during composting. Significant correlations were observed between the microbial composition and the percentage of different heavy metals fractions; however, the mechanism responsible for this correlation requires further investigation. This study has the potential to contribute to control of heavy metal contamination during the process of recycling pig manure through the controlled addition of EM. Keywords: effective microorganisms, heavy metal, microbial communities, pig manure; composting DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe. 20201306.5674 Citation: Zhou H B, Shen Y J, Li R, Meng H B, Zhang X, Wang J, et al. Heavy metals and community structure of microorganism changes during livestock manure composting with inoculation of effective microorganisms. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2020; 13(6): 125–132.
Digital Image Analysis of Old World Bluestem Cover to Estimate Canopy Development

1247 Accurate, low-labor assessment of ground cover and canopy development of grazing land is important for managing sustainable animal stocking rates for assuring forage supply and soil protection from erosion. Adequate vegetative cover confers resistance to erosion by wind and water, by preventing soil particle detachment and mitigating raindrop-impact effects on soil disaggregation (Troeh et al., 2004). Techniques for rapid assessment of pasture canopies may also aid forage researchers in controlling forage allowance in grazing trials (Baxter et al., 2017b), modeling plant growth (Patrignani and Ochsner, 2015), and assessing cover crops (Büchi et al., 2018). Interception of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) by the plant canopy is essential for biomass productivity, and is a function of the canopy leaf area (Nelson, 1996). Radiation use efficiency, the ability of a canopy to convert intercepted PAR into dry matter growth, is widely used in crop simulation models to drive the accumulation of plant biomass based on development of the LAI and the fraction of PAR interception (PARI) (Kiniry et al., 2005). Accurate measurements of LAI and PARI are fundamental for determining the proper radiation use efficiency for a particular crop over the expected range of growing conditions. Manual measurements of PARI and LAI are time and labor intensive, and conventional LAI measurements are destructive of plant canopies. Quantifying canopy cover with digital image analysis (DIA) offers a potential method to rapidly and nondestructively estimate LAI, PARI, and biomass. Digital image analysis entails capturing a two-dimensional, overhead image of the canopy with a digital camera, followed by calculation using DIA software to determine the percentage of green pixels associated with functional photosynthetic areas. Canopy cover using DIA was measured in bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. ] turf (Richardson et al., 2001) and in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. ] (Purcell, 2000) using inexpensive digital cameras and SigmaScan Pro software (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL). Purcell (2000) reported a strong relationship (r = 0.97) between fractional canopy cover and fractional PARI using DIA. Compared with conventional measurements of LAI, PARI, and biomass, DIA techniques could allow greater number of field sampling Digital Image Analysis of Old World Bluestem Cover to Estimate Canopy Development
Staphylococcus aureus Internalization in Osteoblast Cells: Mechanisms, Interactions and Biochemical Processes. What Did We Learn from Experimental Models?

Bacterial internalization is a strategy that non-intracellular microorganisms use to escape the host immune system and survive inside the human body. Among bacterial species, Staphylococcus aureus showed the ability to interact with and infect osteoblasts, causing osteomyelitis as well as bone and joint infection, while also becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotic therapy and a reservoir of bacteria that can make the infection difficult to cure. Despite being a serious issue in orthopedic surgery, little is known about the mechanisms that allow bacteria to enter and survive inside the osteoblasts, due to the lack of consistent experimental models. In this review, we describe the current knowledge about S. aureus internalization mechanisms and various aspects of the interaction between bacteria and osteoblasts (e.g., best experimental conditions, bacteria-induced damages and immune system response), focusing on studies performed using the MG-63 osteoblastic cell line, the best traditional (2D) model for the study of this phenomenon to date. At the same time, as it has been widely demonstrated that 2D culture systems are not completely indicative of the dynamic environment in vivo, and more recent 3D models—representative of bone infection—have also been investigated.
Implementation of an intervention bundle leads to quality improvement in ulcerative colitis endoscopy reporting

Accurate and detailed endoscopy reporting in ulcerative colitis (UC) is critical for clinical decision‐making. High‐quality reporting involves inclusion of several criteria, previously identified by an independent group of experts (Building Research in IBD Globally (BRIDGe) group). Few studies have evaluated UC reporting quality. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of an intervention bundle designed to standardise and improve UC endoscopy reporting.