Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antioxidant capacity response of Bakhtiari savory (Satureja bachtiarica Bunge.) to plant density and organic fertilizers in dryland farming conditions

Antioxidant enzymes synthesis in plants is an essential process for increasing their tolerance to abiotic stresses. Plant cells and their organs are protected by antioxidant enzymes with removing reactive oxygen species (ROS). To investigate the effect of plant density and organic fertilizers on the antioxidant enzymes activity including superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and electrolyte leakage (EL) of Bakhtiari savory (Satureja bachtiarica Bunge.), a field experiment was carried out at dryland farming conditions in Research Station of Forests and Rangelands of Homand, Damavand, during 2018 and 2019. The results indicated that organic substrates and plant density significantly changed antioxidant enzyme activities (P≤0.05). Under these conditions, cattle manure reduced the antioxidant enzymes of APX, SOD, PPO, and EL. High plant density resulted in less SOD, POD, APX, CAT, and EL compared with low plant density. Compared with control (nonorganic fertilizer), cattle manure decreased the activity of SOD, CAT, PPO, and EL by 8, 14, 8, and 28%, respectively in the second-year plants. High plant density decreased the activity of SOD, POD, APX, and CAT by 12, 25, 14, and 23%, respectively. The present study can suggest the use of cattle manure and high plant density to reach the optimal growth under dryland farming conditions through controlling antioxidant enzymes production.
MFC18-THE ROLE OF LEGAL PROTECTION FOR MINORITY INVESTORS IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CONTROL STRUCTURE AND MARKET VALUE IN LATIN AMERICAN FIRMS Autoria

In light of Agency Theory, there is the possibility of a negative relationship between the concentration of control in companies and their market values. Conflict between majority and minority shareholders is typical in emerging economies such as those of continental Europe and Latin America, due to the fact that these countries, among other aspects, present low legal protection for minority shareholders, giving rise to opportunistic behavior by large controllers and the extraction of private benefits, thus negatively impacting the value of firms. In this context, this research aims to examine the relationship between concentration of control, market value, and legal protection mechanisms for minority investors in Latin American companies. The study sample includes 341 publicly traded companies listed on the stock exchanges of six Latin American countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru) from 2010 to 2016, forming a total of 1,303 firm-year observations, with market value – represented by Enterprise Value – being adopted as a dependent variable and concentration of control being an independent variable. The results of the dynamic models, estimated using the Generalized Method of Moments approach, suggest a negative influence of the concentration of voting capital on market value only in countries with low legal protection for minority shareholders. Thus, evidence of the destructive effects of large controlling shareholders on market value (entrenchment effect) in Latin America is confirmed, but these effects may be attenuated by characteristics of the legal environment in which the companies operate.
Effect of Ethanol and Methanol on the Total Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Capacity of Chia Seeds (Salvia hispanica L.)

The use of methanol and ethanol for the extraction of antioxidant compounds in Chia Seed (Salvia hispanica L.) is studied, but only the effect of a single concentration of these solvents was evaluated. However, factors such as the nature and the concentration of the solvents determines the content of phenolic compounds, the antioxidant capacity and the possible use of the extract. For this reason, it is necessary to have a detailed study of different extraction conditions to find the optimum. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of ethanol and methanol and the hexane treatment on the extraction of phenolic compounds and the antioxidant capacity of the Chia Seeds extracts. The greatest total phenolic content was obtained in the 50% aqueous ethanol and methanol extracts. Nevertheless, all the extracts showed a high DPPH scavenging activity. With exception of 100% ethanol extract, no significant differences were found between the extracts treated with and without hexane. No significant differences were found in the extraction yields of the 80% aqueous ethanol and methanol extracts, but the aqueous methanol extract presented lower IC50. The FTIR and UV-VIS spectra of the aqueous ethanol and methanol Chia extracts suggest differences in the composition of the extracts. It is possible to extract the phenolic compounds from the Chia Seeds with different concentration of ethanol and methanol, which will allow to select the appropriate extraction conditions according to the application of the extract.
Morphophysiological Attributes of Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) Varieties under Different Plant Spacing

4 Abstract: An experiment was conducted at the experimental field of Agricultural Botany Department, Sher-e- Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh from the period of August, 2009 to April, 2010 (Kharif -2 season). Five Mungbean varieties namely BARI Mung-2 (M ), BARI Mung-3 (M ), BARI Mung-4 (M ), BARI 234 Mung-5 (M ) and BARI Mung-6 (M ) were used in the experiment to observe their morphophysiological 56 attributes in different plant spacings viz. 20×10 cm (D ), 30X10 cm (D ) and 40×10 cm (D ). The highest plant 12 3 height of BARI Mung-4 is 49.38 cm that is statistically at per with the height of BARI Mung-3 (i.e. 48.38 cm). In case of interaction effect the highest plant height (48.33 cm) was observed in BARI Mung-4 planted at 40×10 cm spacing. Leaf area of BARI Mung-3 was the highest (147.57 cm ). In interaction effect the variety BARI 2
Mathematical competence in preschool students and its relationship with intelligence, age and cognitive functions of attention, information processing speed and reaction inhibition

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between flow intelligence (Gf), age and cognitive abilities of processing speed (Comp) of attention (Incomp) and reaction inhibition (Flef) in relation to the level of Mathematical proficiency (MP) of preschool students. Sixty-four kindergarten students participated in the research. Based on the results, it was shown that mathematical competence (MP) shows a strong positive correlation with the variables "age" (age) "flow intelligence" (Gf). These variables were found to be able to predict the level of mathematical competence. The variables "information processing speed" (Comp), "attention" (Incomp) and "reaction inhibition" (Flef) do not seem to be significantly related nor can they predict the level of mathematical competence. These findings can be used both by teachers (e.g. implementation of early intervention programs) and by those responsible for planning and formulating educational policy.
Design of two-section DBR laser operating at ITU frequencies only by grating current tuning

A new design procedure for multisection distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) lasers is presented and it has been applied to the design of two-section devices lasing at ITU frequencies only by grating current injection. The validity of the solution has been compared with respect to a nonoptimized structure and the possibility to compensate the device realization errors with only a fixed heat sink temperature change equal for all the channels has been analyzed.
Efficacy of Sofosbuvir, Daclatasvir and Ribavirin combination therapy in treatment naive hepatitis C patients at tertiary care hospital of South Punjab

Introduction: Hepatitis C has gradually become endemic in Pakistan, with infectivity rates one of the highest in the world. The emergence of direct acting antivirals (DAAs) has become a ray of sunshine in eradicating this menace from this region. The combination of sofosbuvir, daclatasvir and ribavirin (SOF/DACLA/RIBA) has had phenomenal success all over the world in eradicating this virus. Our study aims to see the effectiveness of this regime in this part of the world. Methods: After approval from the institutional review board (IRB), retrospective analysis of data of treatment naive patients who have been treated with the above mentioned regimen was collected to assess the efficacy by calculating the sustained virological response (SVR) at 12 weeks after completion of therapy. Results: Data of 300 patients (172 females, 128 males) was collected. Mean age was 39.66 years. Majority (almost 90%) of patients were from District Multan Age range was from 18 years to 60 years. Eighty-three percent of the patients were non-cirrhotics, 15.7% had compensated cirrhosis, while only 1 % had decompensated cirrhosis. Out of the 300 patients, 291 patients had undetectable HCV RNA on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) at 12 weeks after completion of treatment, achieving SVR rates of 97%. There was no significant association of SVR rates with gender and age of patients. Conclusion: The combination of SOF/DACA/RIBA is highly efficacious for treatment of hepatitis C patients. Key Words: sofosbuvir, daclatasvir, efficacy, sustained virological response, hepatitis C
Social Class, Race/Ethnicity, and COVID-19 Mortality Among Working Age Adults in the United States

Importance: Substantial racial/ethnic disparities in COVID-19 mortality have been documented. Social class is a likely explanation of mortality disparities across and within racial/ethnic groups. This is the first U.S. study of social class and COVID-19 mortality in working age adults. Objectives: To determine the joint effects of social class, race/ethnicity, and gender on the burden of COVID-19 mortality. A secondary objective was to determine whether differences in opportunities for remote work were correlated with COVID-19 death rates for sociodemographic groups. Design: Annual mortality study which used a special government tabulation of 2020 COVID-19 related deaths stratified by decedent social class (educational attainment) and race/ethnicity. Setting: United States in 2020. Participants: COVID-19 decedents aged 25 to 64 years old (n=69,001). Exposures: Social class (working class, some college, college graduate), race/ethnicity (Hispanic, Black, Asian, Indigenous, multiracial, and non-Hispanic white), and gender (women, men). Detailed census data on occupations held by adults in 2020 in each of the 36 sociodemographic groups studied were used to quantify the possibility of remote work for each group. Main Outcomes and Measures: Age-adjusted COVID-19 death rates for 36 sociodemographic groups defined by social class, race/ethnicity, and gender. Disparities were quantified by relative risks and 95% confidence intervals. College graduates were the (low risk) referent group for all relative risk calculations. Results: A higher proportion of Hispanics, Blacks, and Indigenous people were working class in 2020. COVID-19 mortality was five times higher in the working class vs. college graduates (72.2 vs. 14.6 deaths per 100,000, RR=4.94, 95% CI 4.82-5.05). The joint detriments of lower socioeconomic position, Hispanic ethnicity, and male gender resulted in a COVID-19 death rate which was over 27 times higher (178.0 vs. 6.5 deaths/100,000, RR=27.4, 95%CI 25.9-28.9) for working class Hispanic men vs. college graduate white women. In regression modeling, percent employed in never remote jobs explained 72% of the variance in COVID-19 death rates. Conclusions and Relevance: SARS-CoV-2 infection control efforts should prioritize the working class (i.e. those with no college education), particularly those employed in never remote jobs with inflexible and unsafe working conditions (i.e. blue collar, service, and retail sales workers).
A RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL OF 2-WEEK METHOTREXATE DISCONTINUATION IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS VACCINATED WITH INACTIVATED SARS-COV-2 VACCINE

Objectives: To evaluate the effect on immunogenicity and safety of 2-week methotrexate(MTX) discontinuation after each dose of the Sinovac-CoronaVac vaccine versus MTX maintenance in rheumatoid arthritis(RA) patients. Methods: This was a single-center, prospective, randomized, investigator-blinded, intervention study (#NCT04754698, CoronavRheum), including adult RA patients(stable CDAI<10, prednisone<7.5mg/day), randomized(1:1) to withdraw MTX(MTX-hold) for 2 weeks after each vaccine dose or maintain MTX(MTX-maintain), evaluated at D0, D28 and D69. Co-primary outcomes were anti-SARS-CoV-2 S1/S2 IgG seroconversion(SC) and neutralizing antibody(NAb) positivity at D69. Secondary outcomes were GMT and changes in disease activity scores. For immunogenicity analyses, we excluded patients with baseline positive IgG/NAb, and, for safety reasons, those unable to hold MTX twice(CDAI>10 at D28). Results: Randomization included 138 patients with 9 exclusions(5 COVID-19, 4 protocol violations). Safety evaluation included 60(MTX-hold) and 69(MTX-maintain) patients. Further exclusions consisted of 27 patients[13(21.7%) vs. 14(20.3%),p=0.848] with positive baseline IgG/NAb and 10 patients(21.3%) in MTX-hold with CDAI>10 at D28. At D69, a higher increase in SC[29(78.4%) vs 30(54.5%),p=0.019] was observed in MTX-hold(n=37) in comparison to MTX-maintain(n=55), with parallel augmentation in GMT[34.2(25.2-46.4) vs 16.8(11.9-23.6),p=0.006]. No differences were observed for NAb positivity[23(62.2%) vs 27(49.1%),p=0.217]. Longitudinal variations in disease activity scores were alike in both groups(CDAI,p=0.144; DAS28-CRP,p=0.718). Conclusion: We provided novel data that 2-week MTX withdrawal after each vaccine dose improves anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunogenicity. The comparable longitudinal variations of disease activity in both groups suggest that discontinuation is a feasible and efficient strategy in well-controlled RA patients, and may be even safer for vaccines with longer interval between doses or single dose schedules.
The role in agricultural decision making in the upper Citarum watershed, Indonesia

Women as a labor force share a significant role in farming, included in the most degraded Citarum watershed, Steep slopes, soil sensitivity to landslides, erosion, and relatively high rainfall are the limiting factors that are dangerous for farmers, especially for female workers participating in farming activities to support the family economy. However, the role and remuneration system for women in farming, in general, has not received serious attention. This paper aims to analyze the role of women and the factors influencing decision-making in farming activities. The research was conducted in the upstream area of the Citarum watershed in 2 districts, namely Bandung and West Bandung, in 2019. A total of 499 sample farm households were randomly selected. The data were analyzed statistically and descriptively. The results show (1) women participate in almost all agricultural activities except irrigation, but at the same activity and working time get lower wages than men; (2) there are differences of opinion between women and men regarding the roles in the decision-making process of farming activities. According to men, they play a more dominant role, while women prioritize joint roles without being dominant. The results also show that age, education, and experience of women in farming do not directly affect decision-making as long as not impacted to income, but affect women’s role and decision-making process in input use. Increasing women’s knowledge and skills are the keys to accelerate their participation and role in family decision-making in the agricultural sector.
Pilot-model-in-the-loop simulation environment to study large aircraft dynamics

Effects of aeroservoelasticity on the manual control of large aircraft are investigated through a pilot modelling approach based on the modified optimal control model. A synopsis of modelling techniques is presented followed by the description of the adopted method. A simulation environment suitable for investigating pilot–vehicle dynamics in the longitudinal axis has been developed which couples an aeroelastic model of a large transport aircraft with the modified optimal control pilot model. The pilot model parameter selection was based on limiting the bandwidth. A comparison between a conventionally designed height hold autopilot and the pilot model control in continuous turbulence is made to demonstrate this simulation capability.
The effect of COVID-19 outbreak on the competitive and comparative advantages of rice production in West Java, Indonesia

Food security is one of the keys to success in overcoming problems arising impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. Attention to the paddy production in West Java is imperative. This paper aimed to discuss the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the competitiveness of rice production in West Java by using two indicators of Policy Analysis Matrix (PAM), namely Private Cost Ratio (PCR) and Domestic Resource Cost Ratio (DRC). The data used is from the National Panel of Farmers (PATANAS) survey data for wetland rice agro-ecosystem in West Java, with 144 households of rice farmer respondents. The results show that the COVID-19 outbreak harms the competitiveness of rice production, and it takes three years for recovery to be a competitive advantage and more than five years for comparative advantage. At the private and social prices of GKP at the farm level equal to the GPP 2020, rice production in West Java will lose its competitive advantage starting in 2022, while the comparative advantage of rice production in West Java continues to decline until 2024. This study has three policy implications: the first eliminating disruption of the distributions of agricultural inputs and outputs. The second is striving to increase the use of machinery and equipment to secure the risk of yield loss during cultivation, harvest time, and post-harvest handling at the farm level. The third is selecting the farmers who have high capability in competitive and comparative advantages as a model for fostering competitiveness improvement for farmers with lower abilities.
Teaching of physics applied to engineering higher education by using English language: a literature review

The use of English as a second language is an increasing trend in higher education focused on non-native speakers, particularly for engineering programs interested in becoming actors inserted into the international academic context. However, the dual condition of both teaching engineering curriculum contents, and simultaneously using English language in non-native speaking contexts, entails risks and challenges that should be deeply understood. Considering this, results from a literature review are presented, built on articles from academic databases regarding use of two approaches, English as a medium of instruction and Content and language integrated learning, in engineering at higher education institutions, with specific interest in physics teaching, because of its relevance in engineering body of knowledge. As a finding, this topic has not been sufficiently studied in academic literature, and two focuses to carry out further research are suggested to contribute to the understanding of how to teach physics by using English language in non-native speaking contexts.
Park‐and‐Ride: Alive, Well, and Expanding in the United States

Park‐and‐ride lots originated in the 1930s as a means for increasing transit ridership. In spite of the increasing availability of automobiles, interest in park‐and‐ride has grown steadily as city and federal transportation officials recognize the need for coordinated, continuing, and comprehensive planning for all urban modes. This paper reviews the development of park‐and‐ride lots, presents selective statistics on trends in the sizes of lots, discusses more recent issues regarding unsatisfied demand in suburban areas, and makes recommendations for increasing the availability of park‐and‐ride lots, particularly in rapidly expanding metropolitan areas. Advanced acquisition of lands for park‐and‐ride lots, greater role of regional planning agencies in planning for park‐and‐ride facilities, and additional research for the development of a better understanding of the factors that affect the demand for and location of park‐and‐ride lots are among the recommendations.
Cycling to Work in Phoenix: Route Choice, Travel Behavior, and Commuter Characteristics

Through a survey of expert cyclists, the relationship between the actual routes cyclists traveled and existing street conditions was documented, and bicycle commuters of the Phoenix metropolitan area were profiled. Data were collected on individual commuting routes between home and work. Additional data collected include age and gender characteristics. Frequency analysis in a geographic information system compared the number of common street segments among actual and alternative routes to determine cyclists’ use of existing street facilities. Findings are reported for actual routes compared with shortest distance, shortest time, and safest route alternatives on street facilities between the same origin and destination. Spatial analysis identified local gaps in arterial street bicycle facilities at municipal boundaries. These findings include evidence that cyclists adjust their routes to use current street bicycle facilities, and suggest that policy makers should concentrate on linking bicycle facilities across jurisdictions.
A Case Study on Computerized Take-Home Testing: Benefits and Pitfalls

This paper explores the benefits and pitfalls of computerized take-home testing in an undergraduate curriculum. A case study of how health science course "nutrition" utilized computerized take-home testing is presented. A survey was conducted after the implementation of computerized take-home testing program. After detailed data analysis on students' feedback, advantages and disadvantages of computerized take-home testing are discussed. It is concluded that the biggest advantage of computerized take-home tests is the convenience it brings to both instructors and students, however students' aberrant behaviors such as cheating still presents the biggest challenge to the instructors who intend to implement take-home testing.
Tailored Current—Voltage Relationships of Droplet-Interface Bilayers Using Biomolecules and External Feedback Control

The development of a new class of active material based on the ion transport properties of functional biomolecules is introduced in this work. The new class of materials utilizes a recently developed technique known as the droplet-interface bilayer (DIB) to enable the reconstitution of biomolecules into a durable matrix. Methods to modify the current— voltage relationship across the bilayer, including the incorporation of proteins and the use of an external feedback loop, are explored. Electrical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry measurements are used to characterize the bilayers and indicate that a single DIB can be modeled as a resistor in parallel with a capacitor. Alpha-hemolysin proteins from Staphyloccus aureus cause a reduction in the resistance of the bilayer and exhibit current-rectification at positive cis potentials. Alamethicin proteins from Trichoderma viride produce a voltage-dependent conductance allowing the specific resistance (MΩ cm2) of the bilayer to be varied reversibly by 2—3 orders of magnitude. Feedback integral current control is demonstrated on pure 1,2-diphytanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine DIBs and provides accurate current tracking at a driving rate of 10 mHz and less. Proportional—integral voltage control applied to a DIB establishes a second-order frequency response where the natural frequency and damping ratio of the resonance can be selected.