Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Soil fertility and root carbon exudation in Tephrosia candida (Roxb.) DC hedgerows under Sloping Agricultural Land Technology in Mizoram, northeast India

In Mizoram, northeast India, Sloping Agricultural Land Technology (SALT) has been a prominent form of agriculture after shifting cultivation, with Tephrosia candida (Roxb.) DC hedge row commonly used. The study was designed to assess the soil physicochemical properties and fine root biomass in bulk root zone (BRZ) and sparse root zone (SRZ), along with the rates of root exudation in Tephrosia candida (Roxb.) DC planted at Botanical garden of Mizoram University. The soil properties (soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable potassium, NH4-N and NO3-N) and fine root biomass were significantly higher in upper (0-15 cm) and lower soil depth (15-30 cm) of BRZ compared to SRZ. Total fine root biomass at upper and lower depths were 129 g m-2 and 48 g m-2, respectively in BRZ which were six fold greater than the values in SRZ. The N-mineralization rate was also higher in BRZ. The annual C exudation rate in T. candida was 157 mg C g-1 yr-1 and the mean total annual C flux in BRZ and SRZ were 9 g C m-2 yr- 1 and 1.7 g C m-2 yr-1 respectively, to a depth of 30 cm. Results indicated that the T. candida significantly enhanced soil nutrients in BRZ through greater exudation of C in the vicinity of roots, which fueled microbial growth. This indicates significant role of the species in maintaining the soil health in the region.
Physico-chemical and Nutraceutical Characterization of Selected Indigenous Guava (Psidium guajava L.) Cultivars

Guava (Psidium guajava L.) a member of Mytraceae family is an important commercial fruit crop of tropics. Archeological studies revealed South American countries as its origin and from there it migrated to Asia (Rodríguez et al., 2010). It is estimated that the World annual production of guava is about 6.8 million tons (Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, 2017); with India and Pakistan shared around 50 percent of the total world production (Yahia, 2018). Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela, Egypt, Sudan, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Vietnam are the other major guava producing countries (Mehmood et al., 2014). Amongst fruit crops of Pakistan, guava occupies 3rd position after citrus and mango with the annual production of 0.586 million tones and carries biannual bearing (Government of Pakistan, 2018).
Association Between Tobacco Dependence and Quit Rate

Tobacco usage is a major cause of death from cancer, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary diseases. Nicotine addiction which causes physical and psychological dependency, might function as a barrier to smoking cessation. This study aimed to find the association between tobacco dependence and quit rate. A retrospective study was conducted using case records of patients visiting University hospital. About 100 case reports containing information on tobacco dependence and quit rate (in terms of a number of relapses) were retrieved and analysed. Descriptive statistics was done to present the sociodemographic details. Chi-square association to find the association tobacco dependence and relapse rate. Tobacco dependence was higher in males compared to females among all the age groups. It was seen that high nicotine dependence was noted among the subjects of the age group 51 - 60 years (3%). Quit rate with less number of relapses was noted among individuals with low tobacco dependence. There was a statistically significant association between tobacco dependence and quit status (p=0.000). Males (36.5%) had more relapse rate compared to females. About 44.4% of patients with medium dependence had a high number of relapses followed by patients with very low dependence (30.56%). Among 18% of patients with high nicotine dependence, 10% of patients had more number of relapses. Very low and low dependence have more number of relapses with no association between nicotine dependence and quit status.
Role of Caraway, Fennel and Melissa Addition on Productive Performance of Lactating Frisian Cows.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The use of aromatic and herbal plants as a feed additive became a new trend in feeding dairy cows to enhance animal productivity. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of adding some herbal and aromatic plants (Melissa, Fennel and Caraway) at 0.7% of total DM of rations. MATERIALS AND METHODS Three herbal plants were evaluated in this study (melissa, fennel and caraway) by using thirteen Holstein Friesian cows. Cows were in 3rd and 5th lactation seasons were used as one experimental group by swing over design in lactation experiment (control then T1 then T2 then T3 then control). Nutrients digestibility, milk production, milk composition and blood constituents were determined. RESULTS Data indicated that nutrients digestibility and nutritive value were improved with herbal plants addition, especially with caraway treatment which recorded significantly (p>0.05) the highest values. In the same trend, Actual milk yield, 4% FCM and fat content were significantly (p>0.05) increased when cows fed rations supplemented with fennel and caraway. The addition of melissa decreased the concentration of Total Saturated Fatty Acids (TSFA) in the milk. Normal ranges for blood parameters with no negative impact on animal health were observed with experimental rations. CONCLUSION It could be concluded that caraway addition at 0.7% of the total dry matter of dairy rations, has a great potential to improve animal productivity and enhance the quality of milk fatty acids profile.
Statistical analysis of MIMO mobile-to-mobile communication channel employing elliptical scattering geometry

ABSTRACT Geometrical-based stochastic channel modelling approach of the wireless propagation radio links remained the topic of interest in the researcher community over the last few decades. Researchers and theorists have examined and verified through measurements the impact of various parameters of the channel on the correlations between the array elements of multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) antenna for different wireless propagation scenarios. In the previously proposed elliptical-based scattering channel model , mobile stations (MSs) are assumed to be fixed at the centre of elliptical geometry that resembles the situation when fast-moving calling subscribers to reside in streets, canyons or on the highways, where the scattering objects like vegetation, high-rise structures and safety walls are present at roadside terrain. In this paper, the elliptical-scattering channel model is analysed for power density spectrum (PDS) when any of the MSs moves with some velocity in any direction. Moreover, the derived theoretical results are plotted for various channel parameters like relative velocities of the MSs, and normalized frequency used. Finally, the result of the PDS of the proposed M2M elliptical scattering model is compared with the results of the F2M channel model.
Main Factors Influencing Winter Visibility at the Xinjin Flight College of the Civil Aviation Flight University of China

Utilizing routine hourly meteorological data of Xinjin Airport and daily average PM2.5 concentration data for Chengdu, winter visibility characteristics at Xinjin Airport between 2013 and 2017 and their relationship with meteorological conditions and particulate matter were analyzed. Between 2013 and 2017, the average winter visibility in Xinjin Airport was lowest in January, followed by that in December. The occurrence frequency of haze days in winter was much higher than that of nonhaze (clean) days, being 90.2% and 9.8%, respectively. These were mainly mild haze days, with an occurrence frequency of 44.4%, while severe haze days occurred the least, with a frequency of 7.7%. The linear and nonlinear relationships between winter visibility, meteorological factors, and PM2.5 were measured using daily data in winter from 2013 to 2016. The linear correlation between PM2.5 concentration and visibility was the most evident, followed by that of relative humidity. Visibility had a higher nonlinear correlation with PM2.5 concentration, relative humidity, and dew point depression. When relative humidity was between 70% and 80%, the negative correlation between visibility and PM2.5 concentration was the most significant and could be described by a power function. The multivariate linear regression equation of PM2.5 concentration and relative humidity could account for 65.9% of the variation in winter visibility, and the multivariate nonlinear regression equation of PM2.5 concentration, relative humidity, and wind speed could account for 68.1% of the variation in winter visibility. These two equations reasonably represented the variation in winter visibility in 2017.
Ethanolic extract of okra has a potential gastroprotective effect on acute gastric lesions in Sprague Dawley rats

Abstract Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) has various bioactive components used for the treatment of different diseases such as gastritis and ulcers. This research aims to examine the anti‐inflammatory and anti‐ulcer attributes of okra extract against gastric lesions. Adult Sprague Dawley male albino rats were divided into five groups. The negative control (G1) received normal feed, positive control (G2) received ulcer‐inducing drug aspirin 150 mg/kg of body weight (b.w), G3 group received reference drug omeprazole 20 mg/kg of b.w, G4 group received okra extract 250 mg/kg of b.w, and G5 group received 500 mg/kg of b.w. Acute gastric damage was induced in G1, G2, G3, and G4 using aspirin 150 mg/kg of b.w, during 14‐day‐long efficacy trials after that all the animals were sacrificed. Anti‐ulcer parameters and histopathological analysis of stomachs were performed to evaluate the degree of recovery against tissue damage by the administration of okra extract. The obtained results indicated that the 500 mg/kg of b.w okra extract exerted a protective effect in aspirin‐induced gastric ulcers by significantly (p < .05) reducing ulcer score, ulcer area, total acidity, and gastric volume, and significantly (p < .05) increasing gastric pH. Moreover, histopathological observation revealed that gastric mucosa was normal in G1, G3, G4, and G5; however, disruptions in the gastric epithelium were observed in G2. Congestion was observed in all groups except G1 and G5. Gastric pits and gastric glands were increased in size in G2 and G4. A higher concentration of okra extract (500 mg/kg of b.w) showed almost similar results when compared to the reference drug omeprazole.
Physicochemical Changes, Phenolic Profile and Antioxidant Capacities of Colored and White Grape (Vitis Vinifera L.) Varieties during Berry Development and Maturity

ABSTRACT In this study, physicochemical changes, phenolics profile, and antioxidant potential in three grape varieties during berry development were assessed. The results showed a significant difference in stage-wise accumulation of phenolics. The fully matured Bangalore blue grapes showed the high total phenolic content (1484.87 mg GAE/100 g) followed by Krishna Sharad (1361.42 mg GAE/100 g) and Dilkhush variety (1108.61 mg GAE/100 g). The Krishna Sharad grapes contain the high anthocyanin content (1622.7 mg/kg) at full maturity. A similar pattern was observed for flavonoid content. The UPLC-PDA analysis showed that chlorogenic acid, catechin, epicatechin, and hesperidin were present in significant amount in Bangalore blue grape variety. In Krishna Sharad, gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, hesperidin, catechin, hesperetin were significant phenolics. Dilkhush grapes were rich in catechin, chlorogenic acid, and caffeic acid. The Bangalore blue and Krishna Sharad showed high antioxidant potential at full maturity in DPPH and ABTS activity. Collectively, the results suggest that berry development stages have an impact on its antioxidant properties, bioactive content, and berry composition.
On the impact of network size and average degree on the robustness of centrality measures

Abstract Measurement errors are omnipresent in network data. Most studies observe an erroneous network instead of the desired error-free network. It is well known that such errors can have a severe impact on network metrics, especially on centrality measures: a central node in the observed network might be less central in the underlying, error-free network. The robustness is a common concept to measure these effects. Studies have shown that the robustness primarily depends on the centrality measure, the type of error (e.g., missing edges or missing nodes), and the network topology (e.g., tree-like, core-periphery). Previous findings regarding the influence of network size on the robustness are, however, inconclusive. We present empirical evidence and analytical arguments indicating that there exist arbitrary large robust and non-robust networks and that the average degree is well suited to explain the robustness. We demonstrate that networks with a higher average degree are often more robust. For the degree centrality and Erdős–Rényi (ER) graphs, we present explicit formulas for the computation of the robustness, mainly based on the joint distribution of node degrees and degree changes which allow us to analyze the robustness for ER graphs with a constant average degree or increasing average degree.
Does Conversion to Organic Farming Impact Vineyards Yield? A Diachronic Study in Southeastern France

Given the need to reduce pesticide use and rising consumer demand for healthy food, organic vineyard areas have increased since 2000. Converting to organic farming requires numerous changes in pest and disease management, fertilization and weeding techniques. These changes can lead to difficulties in sustaining yields. Some studies have highlighted higher yields in conventional farming than in organic agriculture, but knowledge on yield dynamics during conversion is lacking. A set of 26 plots, under conventional management and in conversion to organic farming, were monitored from 2013 to 2016 in southern France throughout the three-year conversion phase to investigate the dynamics of grape yield and yield components. The survey showed that the yield and yield components remained similar levels as in conventional farming from the third year of conversion. However, the first two years of conversion were a transitional and less successful period during which yield and yield components decreased. Based on the in-depth analysis of the yield components, we have put forwards hypotheses on the processes at play and technical advice that could support winegrowers as they convert to organic farming.
Evaluation of Sitodiplosis mosellana (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) infestation and relationship with agronomic traits in selected spring wheat cultivars in northwestern Montana, United States of America

Abstract The wheat midge, Sitodiplosis mosellana Géhin (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), is a serious pest of spring wheat in North America. Currently, most commercial cultivars in the state of Montana, United States of America are susceptible. A study was conducted to assess the variability of adapted spring wheat cultivars to wheat midge infestations. A secondary objective was to determine the relationship between wheat midge infestation levels and spring wheat agronomic traits, including yield, test weight, grain protein, plant height, and heading date. This relationship was determined by evaluating 16 hard red spring wheat cultivars over a six-year period at the Northwestern Agricultural Research Center, near Kalispell, Montana. Levels of infestation had a negative impact on grain yield and test weight. Overall, the average infestation level was 40 larvae/spike with the lowest being observed with “Reeder” and the highest for “Thatcher”. Concurrently, “Reeder” had the highest yield, whereas “Thatcher” had the lowest yield and the highest grain protein, demonstrating that wheat midge infestations were positively associated with grain protein. Heading date had a positive association with midge density with higher infestations associated with later maturing cultivars. The economic injury level was estimated at 12 and 20 midge larvae/spike for a market price of USD $0.27 and USD $0.16/kg, respectively.
Barriers to sustainable supply chain flexibility during sales promotions

In today’s market, sales promotional schemes have spun out to be essential for promoting outfits. Nonetheless, due to the sudden ascent in sales, the subsequent demand uncertainty calls for the high flexibility in supply chains. The present work examines the barriers to flexibility in the Indian automobile supply chains under such an environment from a sustainability viewpoint, an indispensable element of the present-day supply chains. In view of the literature and the descriptive survey led, 20 barriers have been identified. Through the analytical investigation directed, a numerical index value for the sustainable supply chain flexibility barriers is developed via graph-theoretical and matrix approach. Findings, along with the sensitivity analysis, conducted establish that the barriers at the supply chain’s procurement function have the highest impact in inhibiting the sustainable supply chain flexibility, thus significantly affecting the firm performance during sales promotional schemes. The obtained barrier index can be utilised for assessing the performance of all the companies across the industry. The model proposed offers valuable discernments to practicing officials in focusing on the significant barriers. This study augments the existing literature by linking the supply chain flexibility, Sustainability, and Sales promotions and thus clubs the three independent research streams.
A Study on the Application of Kiosk Service as the Workplace Flexibility: The Determinants of Expanded Technology Adoption and Trust of Quick Service Restaurant Customers

This study presents fundamental data on the technology acceptance of kiosks in QSR (Quick Service Restaurants) and the marketing plans for efficient management performance. In this paper, the combined concept model was established through the acceptance literature, and an expanded UTAUT2 (Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology) model was then presented by empirical analysis. This study was evaluated by 303 customers with experience using QSR kiosks. The results show that the seven factors suggested by the UTAUT2 and trust have a positive direct and indirect effect on behavioral intention. In addition, this study confirmed the significant influence relationship between the variables in UTAUT2. It was also found that facilitating conditions and price value have a significant positive effect on trust. Lastly, trust has a significant positive effect on performance expectancy and behavioral intentions. As a result, this research demonstrates an extended and integrated UTAUT2 by verifying the relationship between basic UTAUT2 and trust. The limitations of this study and recommendations for future research are also discussed.
CFAR detection algorithm for objects in sonar images

The authors introduce a constant false alarm rate (CFAR) detection algorithm, called K-CFAR, for automatic detection of underwater objects in sonar imagery. The K-CFAR adopts the K-distribution as a statistical model of the background. An efficient closed-form estimator for the K-distribution parameters is derived by the second-order approximation of the Polygamma function without involving a numerical iterative solution. A closed-form expression for the CFAR detection threshold is obtained by exploiting the first-order Laguerre approximation of the K-distribution. Then, to increase the probability of detection, a non-CFAR refinement to the K-CFAR, based on the spatial feature of the objects, is proposed. Experimental results obtained from 270 real sonar images of diverse environments demonstrate the superiority of the proposed algorithm compared to the state-of-the-art in terms of receiver operating characteristic curves.
Neuroimaging Detectable Differences between Parkinson's Disease Motor Subtypes: A Systematic Review

The neuroanatomical substrates of Parkinson's disease (PD) with tremor‐dominance (TD) and those with non‐tremor dominance (nTD), postural instability and gait difficulty (PIGD), and akinetic‐rigid (AR) are not fully differentiated. A better understanding of symptom specific pathoanatomical markers of PD subtypes may result in earlier diagnosis and more tailored treatment. Here, we aim to give an overview of the neuroimaging literature that compared PD motor subtypes.
Antioxidant Activity and Physicochemical Properties Changes of Melastoma Malabathricum (L.) And Syzygium Caryophyllatum (L.) Fruit during Ripening

ABSTRACT Antioxidant activity and physicochemical properties of Melastoma malabathricum (L.) and Syzygium caryophyllatum (L.) fruit were determined in line with the progressive color development in three maturity stages (MS) such as unripe (MS1-green), intermediate (MS2-light purple) and ripe (MS3-blackish-purple). Antioxidant values in terms of total phenol content, ferric reducing antioxidant power, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity, as well as physicochemical properties, were increased significantly (P <0.05) with the ripening while decreasing titratable acidity and firmness of both fruits significantly (P <0.05). Color measurements pertaining to lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*) of both fruits were decreased while increasing the redness (a*) significantly (P <0.05).
Examining Food Purchase Behavior and Food Values During the
 COVID
 ‐19 Pandemic

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has altered conceptions of ? normal? globally, including food purchasing and acquisition decisions In this paper, we surveyed a panel of 1,370 U S households four times during the COVID-19 pandemic from mid-March to late April 2020 With this unique panel, we observe changes in food expenditures, shopping behaviors, and food values as the pandemic evolved Our results reveal reductions in food-away-from-home expenditures and increases in online grocery shopping Food values appear to be fairly stable in the early stages of the pandemic;however, decreases in the importance of price and nutrition reveal tradeoffs households make during the pandemic This article is protected by copyright All rights reserved
Theories of learning as theories of society: A contrapuntal approach to expanding disciplinary authenticity in computing

ABSTRACT Background We outline a case for how the Learning Sciences is at a powerful inflection point where the “real world” needs to be seen as comprised of the political entities and processes in which learning happens. We seek to sharpen the principle that learning is political by elucidating historical and contemporary processes of European and U.S. imperialism that remain foundational to our field and by developing the argument that theories of learning are theories of society. Methods Through a contrapuntal approach, which emphasizes a critical lens to analyze empire, we juxtapose notions of authentic practice in computing education with scholarship in sociology that brings the lives of tech industry immigrant workers to the fore. Findings Our analysis reveals how the social construction of disciplinary and professional expertise in computing is intricately interwoven with historically persistent patterns of the appropriation of the lives and labor of endarkened people through systems of transnational migration and institutional forms of racial segregation. Contribution A contrapuntal lens in the Learning Sciences prompts our field to embrace the necessary uncertainties and the theoretical and methodological possibilities that emerge when sites of learning and learning itself are recognized as political and as contestations of empire.