Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ANALYSIS OF CAUSATIVE FACTORS FOR CANKER DISEASE EPIDEMIC ON RUBBEr PLANTS IN SOUTH SUMATRA

Analysis of Causative Factors for Canker Disease Epidemic on Rubber Plants in South Sumatra. Lasiodiplodia theobromae is the cause of stem canker in the rubber plant (Hevea brasiliensis), this is a new disease and has never been reported in Indonesia. Currently, data on environmental factors and cultivation techniques related to the development of stem canker are not available so research needs to be done on this subject. The objective of the study was to analyze environmental factors and cultivation techniques related to stem canker on rubber trees in southern Sumatra. The study was conducted by collecting data on environmental factors and cultivation techniques and then analyzed the association with stem canker. Field observation was carried out at 21 locations in PT. Perkebunan Nusantara VII Business Unit Padang Plawi Bengkulu, Tulung Buyut Lampung, Musilandas Palembang and Experimental Garden of Sembawa Research Center, Indonesian Rubber Research Institute at Palembang to measure the severity and incidence of this disease. Besides that, the data of cultivation technique and the condition of the garden were taken from the officer at those locations. Soil sample from each location was taken in a composite way, then its physical and chemical components were analyzed. The analysis was conducted to find out the correlation between cultivation and disease severity using chi-square test. The relationship between chemical and physical factors of the soil with the disease severity was analyzed using a multivariate test of principal component analysis/PCA. Regression analysis was conducted to show the possible relation to the incidence and severity of this disease. The location, clones, weed control and the number of plants per hectare showed a correlation with the disease severity. There was a positive correlation between incidence and severity of the disease. The highest disease severity occurred at the Sembawa location on clone BPM 24, with the number of plant population per ha was ≥ 555 trees and weed control using herbicide. Content of soil nitrogen, dust, clay and water as well as cation exchange capacity (CEC)were suggested to significantly contribute to the severity of stem canker.
Disinformation and Propaganda – Impact on the Functioning of the Rule of Law in the EU and its Member States

This study, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional Affairs and requested by the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, assesses the impact of disinformation and strategic political propaganda disseminated through online social media sites. It examines effects on the functioning of the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights in the EU and its Member States. The study formulates recommendations on how to tackle this threat to human rights, democracy and the rule of law. It specifically addresses the role of social media platform providers in this regard.
Cash Holdings and Collateral Value. Evidence from a Quasi Natural Experiment

We make use of the major credit reform and the new bankruptcy law empreended by Brazil at the end of 2004 and early 2005 to investigate the effect of a rise in collateral value in cash holdings. We find that more tangible firms reduced its cash holding after the passage of the law compared to less tangible firms. Also, our results suggest that more tangible firms reduced its short-term debt, corroborating the financial flexibility hypothesis.
Family Communication Patterns and the Mediating Role of Communication Competence and Alexithymia in Relation to Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Citation metadata

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) affects a growing number of youth and transitional-aged youth. Nock's (2009) comprehensive model of NSSI engagement points to a range of factors that combine to predict who is at a heightened risk for self-injury. The present study examined the impact of specific interpersonal factors, family communication patterns (i.e., conversation and conformity orientations), and communication competence on five supported measures of self-injurious behaviors. We further tested whether alexithymia, or a person's inability to identify and describe their emotions, mediated family communication patterns and communication competence in predicting NSSI behavior. Family communication patterns, specifically conversation orientation, had a positive impact on lifetime NSSI behaviors. While communication competence positively related to both lifetime and current NSSI behaviors, alexithymia mediated these relationships. Implications for treatment are provided.
Poisoning and Sulfation on Vanadia SCR Catalyst

POISONING AND SULFATION OF VANADIA SCR CATALYSTS Xiaoyu Guo Department of Chemical Engineering Doctor of Philosophy Deactivation of titania-supported vanadia commercial SCR catalysts exposed to flue gases from both coal and coal-biomass co-firing boilers were investigated. BET surface area and average pore diameter measurements on both fresh and exposed commercial catalyst samples indicated pore plugging occurred to exposed catalyst samples. ESEM analyses showed fouling on catalyst surface, and poison deposition on both catalyst surface and inner pores. Activity assessments of commercial monolith catalysts with various exposures (time and fuel type) indicated that catalyst deactivation involves fouling, pore plugging, and poisoning. Different mechanisms may dominate depending on exposure time, catalyst properties, and combustion
Determinants of Behavioral Intention and Usage of Mobile Money Services in Ethiopia

Mobile Money is a key factor of financial inclusion that can revolutionize the financial service delivery and hence enhance access to finance in emerging economies, especially the East African countries. This study therefore aims to study the determinants of individual’s behavioral intention and usage of Mobile Money services in Ethiopia by usiing the UTAUT2 model. The research model was tested by sampling 200 respondents from different areas of Ethiopia. The analysis results found that Government Support, Facilitating Conditions, Performance Expectancy, Trust and Effort Expectancy are the key factors that affect the usage of Mobile Money service, while Lower Transaction Cost factors and Social Influence were not statistically significant. The findings provide useful information that only government's active efforts and support to promote mobile money services, through appropriate policies and regulations rather than lower transaction cost, can facilitate the adoption and dissemination of such services in Ethiopia.
Clinically relevant patterns of cardiovascular comorbidities in patients with COPD: Do they matter at all?

The association of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cardiovascular disease was observed during the study of the systemic effects of this disease. Among these patients, the incidence as well as the mortality from cardiovascular disease are significantly higher, while the reduction of cardiovascular risk is an important target for the reduction of the overall mortality from COPD. The complex pathophysiological mechanisms of the interaction of the respiratory and cardiovascular system during COPD exacerbation have not yet been sufficiently studied, but their clinical manifestations are an increasing challenge within modern diagnostics and therapy. Studies have shown that intensification of systemic inflammatory response in acute exacerbation of COPD results in endothelial dysfunction, activation of atherosclerotic plaques, increased susceptibility to rupture and thrombus formation, which is indirect but very significant cause of acute cardiovascular events. Acute exacerbations of COPD can be the triggers of an acute cardiovascular event; however, they can be triggered by previous cardiovascular events as well. Despite an improved diagnostic-therapeutic procedure, this two-way association often remains unrecognized. The effect of COPD treatment on the coexisting vulnerability of the cardiovascular system is still not fully understood. Despite the reliable evidence confirming the link between COPD and cardiovascular disease, modern therapeutic options for targeted treatment of these diseases are still in the testing phase, with no more relevant randomized clinical trials in this field. The first results of the SUMMIT study promise a more appropriate treatment of these patients.
The Tumblagooda Sandstone revisited: exceptionally abundant trace fossils and geological outcrop provide a window onto Palaeozoic littoral habitats before invertebrate terrestrialization

Abstract The establishment of permanent animal communities on land was a defining event in the history of evolution, and one for which the ichnofauna and facies of the Tumblagooda Sandstone of Western Australia have been considered an archetypal case study. However, terrestrialization can only be understood from the rock record with conclusive sedimentological evidence for non-marine deposition, and original fieldwork on the formation shows that a marine influence was pervasive throughout all trace fossil-bearing strata. Four distinct facies associations are described, deposited in fluvial, tidal and estuarine settings. Here we explain the controversies surrounding the age and depositional environment of the Tumblagooda Sandstone, many of which have arisen due to the challenges in distinguishing marine from non-marine depositional settings in lower Palaeozoic successions. We clarify the terminological inconsistency that has hindered such determination, and demonstrate how palaeoenvironmental explanations can be expanded out from unambiguously indicative sedimentary structures. The Tumblagooda Sandstone provides a unique insight into an early Palaeozoic ichnofauna that was strongly partitioned by patchy resource distribution in a littoral setting. The influence of outcrop style and quality is accounted for to contextualize this ichnofauna, revealing six distinct low-disparity groups of trace fossil associations, each related to a different sub-environment within the high-ichnodisparity broad depositional setting. The formation is compared with contemporaneous ichnofaunas to examine its continued significance to understanding the terrestrialization process. Despite not recording permanent non-marine communities, the Tumblagooda Sandstone provides a detailed picture of the realm left behind by the first invertebrate pioneers of terrestrialization.
Coherent atom-light interactions in multi-level systems

This thesis presents work on experiments performed using electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) in Rubidium vapour cells. Starting with a simple three-level Λ-system, extra complexity is introduced by adding an additional control beam. This makes the switching from narrow transmitting resonances to absorbing resonances possible. Rydberg EIT is then introduced and is used to shown how the switching of such resonances using external electric fields in possible. The work then progresses towards the use of thin vapour cells to overcome the limitations of conventional systems. In the transition to thin vapour cells, the role of dipole interactions in Rydberg atoms motivates the idea of an atomic quantum dot. The Kerr effect is then characterised and used to perform phase modulation in a gas. The Rydberg state itself is then phase modulated and this is shown to give rise to frequency sidebands which offer a promising way of determining dc electric fields.
Quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the impact of the G2 enhancer, bead sizes and lysing tubes on the bacterial community composition during DNA extraction from recalcitrant soil core samples based on community sequencing and qPCR

Soil DNA extraction encounters numerous challenges that can affect both yield and purity of the recovered DNA. Clay particles lead to reduced DNA extraction efficiency, and PCR inhibitors from the soil matrix can negatively affect downstream analyses when applying DNA sequencing. Further, these effects impede molecular analysis of bacterial community compositions in lower biomass samples, as often observed in deeper soil layers. Many studies avoid these complications by using indirect DNA extraction with prior separation of the cells from the matrix, but such methods introduce other biases that influence the resulting microbial community composition. To address these issues, a direct DNA extraction method was applied in combination with the use of a commercial product, the G2 DNA/RNA Enhancer®, marketed as being capable of improving the amount of DNA recovered after the lysis step. The results showed that application of G2 increased DNA yields from the studied clayey soils from layers between 1.00 and 2.20 m below ground level. Importantly, the use of G2 did not introduce bias, as it did not result in any significant differences in the biodiversity of the bacterial community measured in terms of alpha and beta diversity and taxonomical composition. Finally, this study considered a set of customised lysing tubes for evaluating possible influences on the DNA yield. Tubes customization included different bead sizes and amounts, along with lysing tubes coming from two suppliers. Results showed that the lysing tubes with mixed beads allowed greater DNA recovery compared to the use of either 0.1 or 1.4 mm beads, irrespective of the tube supplier. These outcomes may help to improve commercial products in DNA/RNA extraction kits, besides raising awareness about the optimal choice of additives, offering opportunities for acquiring a better understanding of topics such as vertical microbial characterisation and environmental DNA recovery in low biomass samples.
The Difference of Earnings Management before and after IFRS Adoption in Indonesia

This study aims to examine the difference in earnings management before and after IFRS adoption. Since 2012 Indonesia has adopted IFRS, which is a high-quality financial reporting standard that can be accepted internationally. One feature of the quality of financial statements is the low level of earnings management. The population was manufacturing firms listed on the IDX, with samples of 115 firm-year observations before IFRS adoption and 115 firm-year observations after IFRS adoption. The result shows that there is no difference in earnings management practices before compared to after IFRS adoption.
The latest adoption blockchain technology in supply chain management: A systematic literature review

Supply Chain Management (SCM) has been an invigorating research topic because the industry requires it to improve service, revenues and cost reduction. In this context, Technology Industry 4.0 is used in SCM as a driver of the IoT, robots, sensors that bene(cid:12)t for the acceleration process. In this frame, Technology Industry 4.0 is incorporated with Blockchain in SCM to obtain innovation solutions. Therefore, the aim and novelty of this study become a preliminary point for future research of adoption Blockchain technology in SCM. At a closer look, the research tries to elaborate on essential factors of Blockchain adoption in SCM. The research methodology used a Systematic Literature Review (SLR). The preceding research papers are retrieved from seven reputable publishers and 40 research-related journals that are related to the contemporary situation of Blockchain technology adoption in SCM. Ultimately, 48 critical factors are obtained for the adoption of Blockchain in SCM.
Ways to Boost Firms' Innovation within Innovation Ecosystems: Case of European ICT Firms

: Latest studies show that innovation ecosystems have a significant impact on the ability to innovate and the firms´ innovation absorption in different regions of the world, as well as in various industries. Therefore, the development of innovation ecosystems is at the forefront of interests of both entrepreneurs and the public sector and elected representatives. ICT firms are an important segment in all developed countries. These are firms that depend on the ability to produce innovation. Therefore, in this segment, it is possible to realize the research focused on the impact and significance of the various determinants of innovation ecosystems. The aim of this paper is to analyze the various determinants of innovation ecosystem within ICT industries in 10 European countries. It is possible to find determinants influencing ICT firms' innovations across EU countries. We have found that “information resources” and “ability to co-operate” are main determinants with the highest influence on innovation outputs (and or course on firms´ competitiveness). Knowledge transfer from academia or in-house research is also other important determinants. However, ICT firms prefer in-house research or purchasing knowledge in the open market. The results can be used for definition of political implications and for preparing public policies, including government spending programs.
Characterization of landfill leachates and its impact to groundwater and river water quality: a case study in Beris Lalang waste dumpsite, Kelantan

Solid waste management in developing countries including Malaysia is dominated by waste dumpsites which have a high possibility of transporting organic and inorganic pollutants to the underlying groundwater and surface water within the surrounding area. The objective of this study is to characterise the landfill leachates and its surrounding groundwater and river water quality and metals concentrations, namely arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) from Beris Lalang, Kelantan. Nine sampling points were collected within the dumpsite for analysis of in-situ: dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), conductivity, turbidity and ex-situ; Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and Suspended Solids (SS) and the results were compared with permissible limits. As and Pb in groundwater samples were collected from the surface of two dug grounds within the vicinity of the dumpsites exceeded the standard of Ministry of Health. Cr, Cu and Pb in leachates exceeded Environmental Quality Act (EQA, 1974)’s standard, whereas Ni, Pb and Zn in surface water of Gali River exceeded the limit of class III National Water Quality Standard (NWQS). Exceeding metals concentration in leachates and its surrounding groundwater and river water relative to their respective standards points out toward potential leachate migration to the waterbodies within the surrounding vicinity of Beris Widad Fadhullah, Mohamad Anuar Kamaruddin, Norli Ismail, Nurulilyana Sansuddin and Hasmah Abdullah 634 Pertanika J. Sci. & Technol. 27 (2): 633 646 (2019) Lalang dumpsite. This study provides the initial baseline data and preliminary monitoring assessments as a first step towards improving water security and waste management in Kelantan.
INFLUENCE OF RESIDUE TYPE ON QUALITY PROPERTIES OF PARTICLEBOARD MANUFACTURED FROM FAST-GROWN TREE OF HEAVEN (Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle)

In this study, the effect of residue types (soundwood, branchwood and bark) on the quality properties of particleboards made from the tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle) was investigated. For this purpose, the soundwood, branchwood and bark mixed at different ratios were used in the production of particleboards. Modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), internal bond strength (IB), thickness swelling (TS) and formaldehyde emission (FE) of the specimens were then tested. The chemical and anatomical properties of the residue types were also determined. Residue type was found to have an impact on the properties of particleboards. The addition of bark and branchwood improved the thickness swelling (2 h immersion) and formaldehyde emission. However, use of branchwood negatively affected the thickness swelling for 24 h immersion. Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that different parts of Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle can be used to manufacture particleboard panels. The branchwood and bark contents significantly affected the quality properties of the manufactured particleboards. The chemical and anatomical properties of the branchwood and bark were also found to be parameters influencing the quality properties of the particleboards. The results indicate that the contents of added bark and branchwood should not exceed 10% and 20% respectively.
Micro-scale vaccine bioprocessing of a Japanese Encephalitis Virus vaccine

Japanese Encephalitis (JE) is the most common form of viral encephalitis in the world, caused by the Japanese Encephalitis virus (JEV), it is responsible for around 10,000 deaths a year whilst many more are left with long term neurological sequelae and disability. This work sought to use small-scale development techniques alongside high-throughput methodologies to explore and develop selected processing techniques. Formaldehyde inactivation of JEV was characterised and optimised through the use of Design of Experiments screening techniques where temperature, time and formaldehyde concentration were found to be key factors in antigen loss. Glycine and to a lesser extent sorbitol were found to have positive effects as stabilisers during inactivation at different stages of the process. Four anion exchange resins were screened at micro-scale, with the help of an ELISA method evaluated for high-throughput screening, for their potential to replace sucrose gradient purification as the principle purification step of the process. Although Q Sepharose FF was eventually chosen for scale-up studies, the transition of method and recovery rates from batch bind micro-plate studies to 1 mL column scale proved difficult. Yet it was observed that pre-treatment of feed with formaldehyde and glycine could increase JEV antigen recovery rates in flow-through mode chromatography, thought to be due to enhanced stability of the virus particles.
Panda tourism: the role of destination image on the relationship between tourists’ consumption values and behavioural intention

The Malaysian government received two endangered pandas as a diplomatic gift from the government of China to mark 40 years of strong diplomatic ties between the two countries. The Giant Panda Conservation Centre (GPCC) in Zoo Negara was established to show Malaysia’s commitment towards China’s governmental efforts in increasing the number of the endangered giant panda worldwide and establishing a distinctly new niche tourism attraction called Panda Tourism (PT). The attraction has pulled many local and international visitors from different countries across Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia. However, research on the rationale, benefits, issues, and future of PT initiative remains under-explored. The present study attempts to understand the PT concept by measuring the consumption value dimensions of PT, namely; functional, social, emotional, epistemic and conditional and how these dimensions affect tourists behavioural intention to visit other PTs throughout the world. In addition, the study measured the mediation effect of destination image toward the relationship of consumption values and tourists behavioural intention. The findings of this study are among the early attempts to better understand the rationales, benefits, and potentials of PT as a niche tourism concept in Malaysia. The study employed the survey questionnaire to gather quantitative data. Data were analyzed using the SmartPLS 3.0 software. The results of the analysis identified conditional, functional, and social as the significant determinants of Consumption Value towards tourists’ behavioural intention to visit PT. Furthermore, functional value proved to have significant direct as well as indirect influence on the tourists’ behavioural intention.