Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Occurrence and Distribution of Cryptococcus Species in Environmental Sources from Lower Assam Belt of India

Cryptococcus is a non-motile, gram positive, non-fermenting Basidiomycetous encapsulated yeast like fungus that causes respiratory, neurological and other systemic diseases in both humans and animals. Present study delineates the possible distribution of Cryptococcus species in pigeon droppings, excreta of other avian species, eucalyptus tree and contaminated soil specimens collected from different geographical co-ordinates of six geographical regions of the lower Brahmaputra Valley of Assam, India. The fungi were isolated through conventional methods of Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) and Bird Seed Agar (BSA) media and identified through negative staining of capsule as well as performing classical bio-chemical tests. Identity of the isolates was further confirmed through sequence analysis of ITS-1 and ITS-4 region of the 18S rDNA. Two pathogenic species of Cryptococcus were isolated from 67 (15.40%) of the 435 specimens. Of these positive isolates 41 (9.43%) belonged to Naganishia albida (Cryptococcus albidus) while 26 (5.98%) represented Papiliotrema laurentii (Cryptococcus laurentii). Both the species were recovered from 58 (18.35%) dry and 9 (7.56%) moist specimens. The percentage of prevalence of Naganishia albida in dry and moist specimens were 35 (11.07%) and 6 (5.04%) respectively. Contrary to this, the percentage of prevalence of Papiliotrema laurentii in dry and moist were 23 (7.28%) and 3 (2.52%) respectively. The findings indicate that Cryptococcus species have established a better ecological sustenance in dry specimens than moist. The findings of the investigation demonstrated that the prevalence of Cryptococcus albidus in attics, dovecotes / houses of pigeon fanciers, contaminated soil, eucalyptus tree and droppings of other birds were 11(12.36%) out of 89, 23(14.11%) of 163,2(3.23%) of 62,4(7.84%) of 51 and only 1(1.43%) out of 7 specimens respectively. The recovery of Papiliotrema laurentii in the above specimens were 3(3.37%), 20(12.27%), 1(1.61%), 1(1.96%) and 1(1.42%) respectively. The findings revealed that the prevalence of Naganishia albida is more than that of Papiliotrema laurentii in natural substrates. The notorious pathogenic fungi, Cryptococcus neoformans could not be isolated, indicative of the fact that the region selected for the study is not environmentally favorable for growth and sustenance of the species. Findings of the study clearly demonstrate the ecological and epidemiological significance of the non-neoformans species of the genus cryptococcus that needs further comprehensive studies to access the prevalence of the genus from public health point of view.
Intestinal Malrotation in Children: Experience of a Tertiary Care Hospital in a Developing Country

Background and Objectives: Intestinal malrotation is a congenital disorder resulting from abnormal rotation of the intestine during fetal development. The aim of this study was to evaluate our experience in the management of pediatric patients with intestinal malrotation. Material and Methods: This was a retrospective study of children aged 3 years and below who were treated for intestinal malrotation between January 2014 and December 2018 at the pediatric surgery unit of Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH) Enugu, Nigeria. Results: Sixty-one patients had laparotomy for intestinal malrotation during the study period. There was predominance of male neonates and the age range was 10 days to 3 years. Abdominal pain and upper gastrointestinal tract contrast study were the most common symptom and investigation respectively. Intestinal obstruction caused by congenital (Ladd’s) bands was the most common intraoperative finding and Ladd’s procedure was the most performed surgical procedure. Most patients did not develop any post-operative complications. However, surgical site infection was the most common complication following surgery. Mortality occurred in 8 (13.1%) patients. Conclusion: Intestinal malrotation symptoms occur mainly in male neonates and abdominal pain is a common and consistent symptom. Upper gastrointestinal contrast study is diagnostic. There are morbidity and mortality associated with treatment of intestinal malrotation.
The Spatial Correlation and Explanation of the Evolution of China’s Regional Human Capital Structure—Based on Network Analysis Method

Human capital is an important catalyst for technology to play its role and the key to ensuring regional sustainable development. The current research on human capital mainly considers the imbalance of its stock and regional distribution without of the overall description of human capital structure and an analysis of its spatial correlation. Therefore, this article first builds a model of human capital structure evolution (HCSE) based on primary human capital, advanced human capital combined with economic geographic weight matrix, then uses the network analysis method to make a new deconstruction of the spatial correlation characteristics and the factors of China’s regional HCSE from 2009 to 2018. The results show that: (1) China’s HCSE has experienced regional accumulation in 2012, 2015, and 2018, having more prominent path dependence characteristics, which moreover vary significantly with China’s provinces, that is, the eastern region is dominated by the path of outward overflow, and the central and western regions alternate inward input and outward output; (2) The spatial network of HCSE in China is stable and multi-superimposed. During the sample investigation period, the overall network density first increased and then decreased, the largest regional clustering coefficient and transmission efficiency appeared in 2014; (3) The eastern region (Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangdong as the core) is at the center of network spillover, playing a pivotal role as well as an intermediary and bridge role; conversely, the western region plays a central role in promoting the spatial network of HCSE to the direction of external dependence, while most of the central region has a diminished role in the evolution of spatial association networks; (4) The spatial correlation of HCSE in China is mainly affected by three types of factors: the urbanization level, the investment scale, and the degree of regional development. The greater the difference in urbanization levels is, the closer the spatial correlation of HCSE and the higher its network efficiency is; while the difference in investment scale and regional development has the opposite effect.
Voltammetric Determination of Catalytic Effect of Nitrite in Nitrate Media by Graphite and Mercury Electrode on Acid Red-27 Cobalt Complex

In this study, the catalytic effect of nitrite on the cobalt complex of acid red 27, which is one of the most important azo dyes today, was investigated. Voltammetric studies were carried out with a Hanging Mercury Drop electrode and pencil graphite electrode using the Cathodic AdsSWV technique in nitrate media. First, in situ formation of the complex was determined by electrochemical method. It was then observed that the voltammetric peak current of the complex increased in the presence of nitrite anions. The deposition time, potential and nitrite concentration were investigated to optimize the conditions for both electrodes. According to the results, the reaction mechanism of the catalytic effect of nitrite has been proposed.
Synthesis and characterization of cryptomelane (α-MnO2) nanoparticles: Influence of phthalic acid adsorption and oxidation on the mineral structure

Abstract Cryptomelane (α-MnO2) nanoparticles synthesis was achieved via a Sol-Gel route in mild conditions. XRD analysis showed that the α-MnO2 phase was of high purity and crystallized in the monoclinic space group I2/m, with 12 nm average crystallite size (D). After interaction with an organic pollutant (Phthalic acid, PA), excepting the pronounced decrease in β angle, α-MnO2 cell parameters slightly changed, probably resulting from leaching of K+ cations. Adsorption isotherm of PA on α-MnO2 nanoparticles was fitted in L2 type Langmuir model. Accordingly, an outer-sphere PA-Mn surface complex was suggested. Further, the mineral oxide exerted a low activity in the decarboxylation of PA. Raman analysis illustrated the major bands, of α-MnO2, and their evolution after adsorption indicated the effect of PA on the phase structure, as revealed by the XRD Rietveld refinement. AFM analysis showed stick shaped nanoparticles with D = 15 nm, but the interaction with PA induced aggregation.
Contribution to the Study of the European Ground Squirrel’s Population (Spermophilus citellus Linnaeus, 1766) in Rila National Park, Bulgaria

Although there are still some large and stable populations of the European Ground Squirrel, there has been a serious decline in the number and density of most of the species populations throughout its range, including in Bulgaria. The aim of the study is to supplement the scientific data about the population of the European Ground Squirrel and its habitat in Rila National Park, Southwestern Bulgaria. The research was carried out in 2017-2019 in two study areas, each divided into 20 (21) transects (every 100 m long and 5 m wide). The results have shown that the relative population density based on the number of holes tends to decrease in the period of study. The most likely reason for this, and the most significant identified threat to the population of the species in the research area in general, is the observed deterioration of the habitat status.
Education's Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic Reveals Online Education’s Three Enduring Challenges

Closed campuses, working remotely, and physical distancing have changed the way we work, teach, learn, shop, attend conferences, and interact with family and friends. But the Covid-19 pandemic has not changed what we know about creating high-end online education. Two decades of research has shown that online education often fails to fulfill its promise, and the emergency shift to remote instruction has, for many, justified their distrust and dislike of online learning. Low interactivity remains a widely recognized short-coming of current online offerings. Low interactivity results, in part, from many faculty not feeling comfortable being themselves online. The long-advocated for era of authentic assessments is needed now more than ever. Finally, greater support is needed for both underrepresented students and for faculty to move beyond basic online instruction to create a strong continuum of care between the teaching and learning environment and the student support infrastructure. For those who have been long-term champions of online education, it has never been more important to confront the three biggest challenges that continue to haunt online education – interactivity, authenticity, and support. Only by confronting these challenges squarely can instructors, educational developers, and their institutions take huge steps towards better online instruction in the midst of a pandemic and make widespread, high-quality online education permanently part of the “new normal. ”
Genetic Evaluation of Egg Production and Egg Quality Attributes in Japanese Quails through Partial Periods

Background: Egg production efficiency is typically measured through age and body weight at sexual maturity, egg number and egg weight during certain production periods. Increased egg weight and number of eggs are the primary purpose of the laying bird breeding programmes. Partial period analysis enhances selection process as the variations occurring throughout the bird’s productive life are identified and helps in the selection decisions. The current study aimed to study the genetic parameters such as heritability, phenotypic and genetic correlations to improve egg production performance and egg quality traits in Japanese quail reared at the Central Avian Research Institute (CARI). Methods: In present investigation, data recording was carried out from the Japanese quail population at experimental quail farm, CARI during 2019-2020. The individual mating was conducted between 180 sires and 180 dams of three varieties of Japanese quails were randomly selected from the base populations to develop first generation of experimental population. The hatched chicks were wing banded and the pedigree details recorded. For economic traits such as egg production and egg quality estimation, 40 sires and 40 dams were selected and parameters were evaluated. Result: In this present investigation, egg number from 10-16th week of age exhibited moderate to high heritable values. Egg weight was estimated moderate heritability traits. In egg quality traits, all values were moderate to high heritable values except yolk density in all the three varieties.
Geochemical and Mineralogical Characterisation of Historic Zn–Pb Mine Waste, Plombières, East Belgium

Mine wastes and tailings derived from historical processing may contain significant contents of valuable metals due to processing being less efficient in the past. The Plombières tailings pond in eastern Belgium was selected as a case study to determine mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of the different mine waste materials found at the site. Four types of material were classified: soil, metallurgical waste, brown tailings and yellow tailings. The distribution of the mine wastes was investigated with drill holes, pit-holes and geophysical methods. Samples of the materials were assessed with grain size analysis, and mineralogical and geochemical techniques. The mine wastes dominantly consist of SiO2, Al2O3 and Fe2O3. The cover material, comprising soil and metallurgical waste is highly heterogeneous in terms of mineralogy, geochemistry and grain size. The metallurgical waste has a high concentration of metals (Zn: 0.1 to 24 wt.% and Pb: 0.1 to 10.1 wt.%). In the tailings materials, Pb and Zn vary from 10 ppm to 8.5 wt. % and from 51 ppm to 4 wt. %, respectively. The mining wastes comprises mainly quartz, amorphous phases and phyllosilicates, with minor contents of Fe-oxide and Pb- and Zn-bearing minerals. Based on the mineralogical and geochemical properties, the different potential applications of the four waste material types were determined. Additionally, the theoretical economic potential of Pb and Zn in the mine wastes was estimated.
A consumer behaviour approach to analyse the sustainability of food purchasing

In this study, a survey has been carried out to analyse the purchase choice regarding several packaging options of four basic foods (water, milk, bread and meat). We conducted a segmentation by age to analyse whether the purchasing behaviour changes depending on this variable, and whether it is related to environmental attitudes measured on the New Ecological Paradigm (NEP) scale and to recycling behaviour. Among the results we found that, although young people seem to be slightly more environmentally aware, this does not translate into more sustainable purchases.
Concatenated Batch and Continuous Flow Procedures for the Upgrading of Glycerol-Derived Aminodiols via N-Acetylation and Acetalization Reactions

An unprecedented two-step sequence was designed by combining batch and continuous flow (CF) protocols for the upgrading of two aminodiol regioisomers derived from glycerol, i.e., 3-amino-1,2-propanediol and 2-amino-1,3-propanediol (serinol). Under batch conditions, at 80–90 °C, both substrates were quantitatively converted into the corresponding amides through a catalyst-free N-acetylation reaction mediated by an innocuous enol ester as isopropenyl acetate (iPAc). Thereafter, at 30–100 °C and 1–10 atm, the amide derivatives underwent a selective CF-acetalisation in the presence of acetone and a solid acid catalyst, to afford the double-functionalized (amide-acetal) products.
From Export to Innovation: Evidence from Chinese Listed Firms

Will export affect corporate innovation? Using comprehensive data from 2002 to 2016, we find that Chinese firms file more patents in response to international demand. To establish causality, we explore exogenous shock in exchange rate policy in 2005, which converts from a fixed regime into a managed floating regime. After the policy shock, multinational firms increase more innovation than their domestic peers. Moreover, the improved innovation is more pronounced amongst firms with high financial constraints and located in places where talents, technological resources, institutional environment are more favorable. Our research highlights the positive effect of exporting on corporate innovation.
Impact of CSR on Firm Value: The Moderating Role of Corporate Governance

This study aims to investigate whether the corporate governance (CG) moderates the link between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and firm value (FV). For this purpose, anatomization was conducted by extracting data from the published annual reports of non- financial firms listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange. Correlation, regression, and moderation analyses were conducted to obtain the statistical outcomes. The results showed a significant direct relationship between CSR and firm performance. Additionally, it was found that the interactivity between CSR and FV weakened when CG was included as a moderator. The results of this study could be used by stakeholders to make economically- sound decisions since it provides complete guidance regarding how to engage in productive CSR activities. Moreover, this study contributes to future research by examining the association between CSR and FV using CG as a moderator, in a market where, as in other developing markets, this relationship has not been the focus of research. Apart from its theoretical contributions, this study explores the role of CG as moderator, in line with research conducted in under-developed markets, which may be considered a significant contribution.
Shareholder Perks and Firm Value

Shareholder perks are in-kind gifts or purchase discounts that disproportionately reward small shareholders. Data from Japanese firms indicate that firms initiating perk programs attract individual retail shareholders and experience increases in share values. We find support for three channels by which perks increase firm value: an increase in share liquidity, a decrease in the equity cost of capital, and signaling to investors. A fourth channel, by which perks help to market the firm’s products to consumers, receives mixed support. We do not find evidence that perk programs work to entrench managers.
Kinematics of the Ship’s Wake in the Presence of a Shear Flow

We present the kinematic model of the ship wake in the presence of horizontal subsurface current linearly varying with the depth of water. An extension of the Whitham–Lighthill theory for calm water is developed. It has been established that the structure of ship waves under the action of a shear flow can radically differ from the classical Kelvin ship wake model. Co propagating ship and shear current lead to increasing the total wedge angle up to full one 180° and decreases for the counter shear current. At relatively large unidirectional values of the shear current, cusp waves in the vicinity of the wedge boundary are represented by transverse waves and, conversely, by diverging waves directed almost perpendicular to the ship track for the opposite shear current. The presence of a shear flow crossing the direction of the ship’s movement gives a strong asymmetry of the wake. An increase in the perpendicular shear flow leads to an increase in the difference between the angles of the wake arms. The limiting value of the shear current corresponds to one or both arms angles equal to 90°. Transverse and divergent edge waves for this limiting case coincide.
Water-Energy-Nutrients Synergies in the Agrifood Sector: A Circular Economy Framework

Circular economy is emerging as a regenerative concept that minimizes emissions, relies on renewable energy, and eliminates waste based on the design of closed-loop systems and the reuse of materials and resources. The implementation of circular economy practices in resource-consuming agricultural systems is essential for reducing the environmental ramifications of the currently linear systems. As the renewable segment of circular economy, bioeconomy facilitates the production of renewable biological resources (i.e., biomass) that transform into nutrients, bio-based products, and bioenergy. The use of recycled agro-industrial wastewater in agricultural activities (e.g., irrigation) can further foster the circularity of the bio-based systems. In this context, this paper aims to provide a literature review in the field of circular economy for the agrifood sector to enhance resource efficiency by: (i) minimizing the use of natural resources (e.g., water, energy), (ii) decreasing the use of chemical fertilizers, (iii) utilizing bio-based materials (e.g., agricultural/livestock residues), and (iv) reusing wastewater from agrifood operations. The final objective is to investigate any direct or indirect interactions within the water-energy-nutrients nexus. The derived framework of synergetic circular economy interventions in agriculture can act as a basis for developing circular bio-based business models and creating value-added agrifood products.
Effect of Voltage Pulse Width and Synchronized Substrate Bias in High-Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering of Zirconium Films

The Zr film microstructure is highly influenced by the energy of the plasma species during the deposition process. The influences of the discharge pulse width, which is the key factor affecting ionization of sputtered species in the high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) process, on the obtained microstructure of films is investigated in this research. The films deposited at different argon pressure and substrate biasing are compared. With keeping the same average HiPIMS power and duty cycle, the film growth rate of the Zr film decreases with increasing argon pressure and enhancing substrate biasing. In addition, the film growth rate decreases with the elongating HiPIMS pulse width. For the deposition at 1.2 Pa argon, extending the pulse width not only intensifies the ion flux toward the substrate but also increases the fraction of highly charged ions, which alter the microstructure of films from individual hexagonal prism columns into a tightly connected irregular column. Increasing film density leads to higher hardness. Sufficient synchronized negative substrate biasing and longer pulse width, which supports higher mobility of adatoms, causes the preferred orientation of hexagonal α-phase Zr films from (0 0 0 2) to (1 0 1¯ 1). Unlike the deposition at 1.2 Pa, highly charged ions are also found during the short HiPIMS pulse width at 0.8 Pa argon.