Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Communicative interventions for preventing the novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak: insights from Iran’s rural and farming communities

ABSTRACT Purpose The article explores how best agricultural extension and advisory services (AEAS) can contribute to communicative interventions in preventing the COVID-19 outbreak in rural and farming communities. Methodology An action research was conducted in Iran, as one of the top countries experiencing the COVID-19 outbreak. Findings A strategic communicative intervention campaign for preventing the COVID-19 outbreak was designed at national level through diagnosing the situation, planning, organising expert teams, producing appropriate information, and disseminating through social networks, mass media and interpersonal communications. Extension staff, many relevant institutions, most key rural informants, local leaders, facilitators, farmers and nomads received and exchanged this information. Practical Implications These communicative interventions can not only help health care service systems control the outbreak, but help rural communities increase their knowledge about the virus and health measures to participate in preventing further spreading of the virus, while continue their agricultural activities. Theoretical Implications Preventing and managing health-related crises require effective measures, including communicative intervention campaigns. The article shows how agricultural extension systems can contribute to crisis and emergency risk communication and can support health care efforts and enhance the competencies of rural communities during human health-related crises. Originality/Value The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) which has transmitted to all parts of the world, including rural areas, can threaten food security and rural communities’ livelihoods. The study generates important insights about the process of extension interventions for enhancing these communities’ knowledge and skills to prevent and manage the virus transmission.
The effect of aqueous leaf extracts of Pterocarpus mildbraedii on crude oil-induced toxicity in Albino rats

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the ameliorative potential of the aqueous leaf extracts of Pterocarpus mildbraedii against crude oil-induced toxicity in rats. The effects of co-administration of the P. mildbraedii leaf extract with diets contaminated with water-soluble fraction of crude oil on biochemical and chromosomal indices in albino rats were studied. Rats were fed with the crude oil-contaminated diets and administered the aqueous P. mildbraedii leaf extract at 100, 300, or 500 mg kg−1 bwt for 6 weeks. The activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and creatinine kinase-MB (CK-MB) as well as the concentrations of total protein, albumin, total bilirubin, creatinine, and urea in the plasma of experimental rats were estimated. Bone marrow cells obtained from the femurs of the rats were scored for chromosomal aberrations. Results showed that the administration of the P. mildbraedii leaf extract restored the levels of the plasma enzymes, blood proteins, urea, and creatinine close to normal control levels, which were altered by the crude oil-contaminated diet, and the number of chromosomal aberrations were fewer in treated rats than in the untreated intoxicated rats.
Plasmons in Linear Nickel-Doped Au Atomic Chains

By using the time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) in the time domain, we study the photoabsorption spectra of the nickel-doped Au atomic chains with up to 22 atoms, which is now possible to fabricate experimentally. It is found that the plasmon excitations can be tuned by doping Ni atoms. When the two Ni atoms substitute symmetrically the Au atoms in the chain, the dipole strength of the different transverse plasmon modes will be selectively suppressed depending on the positions of the Ni atoms, while the longitudinal plasmon mode is scarcely affected in both energy and strength. This behavior of the doping Ni atom as a local plasmonic tuner may find its applications in nanoplasmonics.
Flotation costs of seasoned equity offerings: Does corporate social responsibility matter?

This paper investigates the effect of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on flotation costs in seasoned equity offerings (SEOs). On the basis of an international sample covering 38 countries during the period 2002 – 2018, we find that CSR performance is negatively associated with SEO flotation costs and this negative impact is mainly attributable to issuers' engagement in CSR, particularly in environmental and social activities. We further reveal that the CSR strategies of SEO issuers are successful in reducing market ‐ based costs as well. Overall, this paper offers critical insights for understanding the role of stakeholder ‐ oriented practices in adding value to shareholders through equity offerings.
Structure of a Water Monolayer on the Anatase TiO 2 (101) Surface

Titanium dioxide (TiO$_2$) plays a central role in the study of artificial photosynthesis, owing to its ability to perform photocatalytic water splitting. Despite over four decades of intense research efforts in this area, there is still some debate over the nature of the first water monolayer on the technologically-relevant anatase TiO$_2$ (101) surface. In this work we use first-principles calculations to reverse-engineer the experimental high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectra measured for this surface in [Walle et al., J. Phys. Chem. C 115, 9545 (2011)], and find evidence supporting the existence of a mix of dissociated and molecular water in the first monolayer. Using both semilocal and hybrid functional calculations we revise the current understanding of the adsorption energetics by showing that the energetic cost of water dissociation is reduced via the formation of a hydrogen-bonded hydroxyl-water complex. We also show that such a complex can provide an explanation of an unusual superstructure observed in high-resolution scanning tunneling microscopy experiments.
Temperature, soil moisture, and microbial controls on CO2 and CH4 emissions from a permafrost peatland

Peatlands are significant carbon dioxide (CO2) sinks and methane (CH4) sources. In this study, we investigated changes in CO2 and CH4 emissions from topsoil (0–20 cm) to subsoil (20–40 cm) in a permafrost peatland, and the related soil microbial abundance in response to increasing temperature and soil water content by using an incubation experiment. Our results indicated that CO2 and CH4 emissions from the permafrost peatland are highly sensitive to temperature and soil water content. CO2 emissions from topsoil and subsoil at 15°C were 3.36 and 2.74 times larger, respectively, compared to those at 5°C under the field moisture condition, and were 1.70 times larger under the waterlogged treatment in both topsoil and subsoil. CH4 emissions from 0–20 to 20–40 cm soils at 15°C were 34 and 83 times larger, respectively, than those at 5°C under the original state and 17 and 32 times larger under the waterlogged treatment. These results indicated that CH4 emissions are more sensitive than CO2 emissions, and waterlogged conditions could decrease temperature sensitivity of CO2 and CH4 emissions. Microbial analyses showed that the cumulative emissions amount of CO2 positively correlated with bacterial, fungal, and methanotroph abundances. Positive relationships were observed between CH4 emissions and abundances of bacteria, fungi, and archaea. These findings suggested that changes in temperature and water content alter CO2 and CH4 emissions from permafrost peatlands through controlling abundances of soil bacteria, fungi, archaea, and methanotrophs. These variables bear importance in accurately estimating C emissions from permafrost peatlands.
Gender inequality in an “Equal” environment

Lithuania, as a part of the former Soviet Union, has a long ‐ standing history of perceived equality for women in the workplace. Women played an equal role in economic production as it was a constitutional expectation that all citizens had both a right and an obligation to work. Consequently, at the time of independence in 1990 the levels of participation of women in the workplace including at managerial and professional levels were much higher than other western European countries. In architecture, women achieved parity in terms of numbers, but this equality did not transfer into all aspects of economic activity. Drawing on qualitative survey and interview data from 31 Lithuanian women architects, our findings show, despite the historical emphasis on equality, the existence of a “critical mass” of women in the profession and the adoption of EU gender equality policy, the position of women remains poor with clear evidence of sex discrimination, harassment, and lack of opportunities for career advancement. the of the identifying our conclusions.
Completing the genetic puzzle of the reed warbler complex: insights from Italy

ABSTRACT Capsule Analysis of mitochondrial DNA from reed warblers sampled in Italy reveals that they are most similar to the nominate race of European Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus scirpaceus. Aim To fill gaps in our knowledge of the distribution of European/African Reed Warblers Acrocephalus scirpaceus/baeticatus in the Mediterranean region through genetic analysis of populations from the key biogeographic areas of Sicily, Sardinia and mainland Italy. Methods We assessed the genetic placement of Italian reed warbler populations within a comprehensive dataset of this species complex, by sampling these birds from principal peninsular and insular breeding populations (for a total of 17 samples) and by comparing their mitochondrial cyt b sequences with those available in GenBank-NCBI. Results The final dataset included 171 cyt b sequences (763 base pair long). The analysis showed samples from Italy had a high similarity with the European Reed Warbler A. s. scirpaceus subspecies. This fills an important information gap in the phylogeography of the group. Conclusion The genetic cohesion shown between Italian and other European populations may denote a structuring in at least three distinct refugia in the Western Palearctic: Iberia for A. baeticatus ambiguus, the Caucasus Mountains for A. s. fuscus, and both Italy and the Balkans for A. s. scirpaceus.
Currency Hedging: Managing Cash Flow Exposure

Foreign currency derivative markets are among the largest in the world, yet their role in emerging markets is relatively understudied. We study firms' currency risk exposure and their hedging choices by employing a unique dataset covering the universe of FX derivatives transactions in Chile since 2005, together with firm-level information on sales, international trade, trade credits and foreign currency debt. We uncover four novel facts: (i) natural hedging of currency risk is limited, (ii) financial hedging is more likely to be used by larger firms and for larger amounts, (iii) firms in international trade are more likely to use FX derivatives to hedge their gross --not net-- cash currency risk, and (iv) firms are more likely to pay higher premiums for longer maturity contracts. We then show that financial intermediaries can affect the forward exchange rate market through a liquidity channel, by leveraging a regulatory negative supply shock that reduced firms' use of FX derivatives and increased the forward premiums.
“I learn something in most CPD opportunities that I take seriously”: The Unexamined Impact of the Surgical Ego on CPD engagement

Introduction: The need for continuing professional development (CPD) to assure patient safety is well documented. To engage in meaningful professional development requires insight into one’s knowledge or skill gap. The surgical ego at its most narcissistic extreme would exclude the ability to realize one’s limitations. Thus we sought to better understand the surgical ego and how it might impact one’s engagement in continuing professional development Method: DESIGN - Surgeons were interviewed utilizing a semi-structured interview guide. Thematic analysis of the data was conducted focusing on the concept of role theory. SETTING: Participants were located at a military academic level one trauma center. PARTICIPANTS: Staﬀ surgeons were purposively sampled to capture a variety of surgical specialties Results: There are numerous positive characteristics of the surgical ego that are necessary to the role of a successful surgeon. These positive characteristics can have a beneﬁcial eﬀect enabling the surgeon to self-reﬂect and engage in continuing professional development (CPD). However, if the role of the surgical ego surpasses the capability of humility and self-awareness, it then overpowers the realization of the need for continuing professional development and lifelong learning. Discussion and Conclusions: The surgical ego does exist and is a key component of the surgical professional identity/role. It has the ability to both positively and negatively impact continuing professional development (CPD). The purpose of this study to explore if the surgical ego aﬀects surgeons’ engagement in CPD. Speciﬁcally, we engaged in an exploratory qualitative study (a) to investigate if surgeons perceived that the surgical ego impacted their engagement in CPD and, if yes, (b) to the nature and consequences of that impact.
Analyticity of solutions to thermo‐elastic‐plastic flow problem with microtemperatures

In this paper, we study some qualitative and numerical properties of new equations including the coupled effects of thermal elastic‐plastic theory with microtemperatures. We establish the necessary and sufficient conditions to guarantee that the model dissipates energy. The one‐dimensional case, which corresponds to isotropic hardening problem, is chosen in order to present some qualitative and numerical properties. With the help of the semigroup theory of linear operators, we prove the well‐posedness of the one‐dimensional problem corresponding to plastic flow. Then, we show that the associated C0− semigroup is not analytical in general, except for a special case. The exponential stability of the solutions is kept in all cases. Finally, a numerical tool, based on the finite element method, is developed to validate the proposed model and to show its capability. Particular attention is paid to the consideration of the elastoplastic behavior in the development of this tool.
Genetic Resistance of Wheat towards Plant-Parasitic Nematodes: Current Status and Future Prospects

Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) are one of the major biotic factors that cause significant yield losses in wheat-growing areas worldwide. The major PPN groups causing significant economic losses in wheat quantity and quality are cereal cyst nematodes (CCNs) and root-lesion nematodes (RLNs). Based on their wide distribution, pathogenicity, high occurrence in wheat cultivated areas, they are considered major threats to the global food supply. The economic loss caused by these destructive pathogens ranges from 10 to 100% depending on different agro-ecological conditions such as drought, heat stress, and cold stress. Multidisciplinary management practices are being implemented to manage cereal nematodes (CNs) that range from cultural to molecular strategies. Integration of wheat resistant varieties with appropriate agronomic practices is recognized as the safest and most practical, effective, and applicable management strategy. Nine resistance genes ( Cre1 – Cre9 ) to CCN are well-documented in the literature. CreR , CreV and CreZ genes are relatively recently characterized from wheat and confer resistance to CCNs. On the other hand, Rlnn1 is the only resistance gene characterized from wheat that is known to confer resistance towards RLNs. However, breeding for resistance to PPN has numerous challenges that originate from the narrow genetic diversity and difficulty in the process of transferring resistance gene(s) from the source to the target variety. A unique opportunity for wheat genetic improvement was provided due to the availability of genomic resources and the wheat worldwide germplasm collection which includes wild wheat germplasm. Moreover, the presence of several genome-wide association studies and genome editing technologies could also help for further improvement to enhance CNs resistance in wheat. This article provides the latest information regarding the progress made in the identification and characterization of resistance genes from different sources and its utility against both CCNs and RLNs, which will attract the attention of the scientific community and other relevant stakeholders.
Forms and Functions of the Social Emotions

In engineering, form follows function. It is therefore difficult to understand an engineered object if one does not examine it in light of its function. Just as understanding the structure of a lock requires understanding the desire to secure valuables, understanding structures engineered by natural selection, including emotion systems, requires hypotheses about adaptive function. Social emotions reliably solved adaptive problems of human sociality. A central function of these emotions appears to be the recalibration of social evaluations in the minds of self and others. For example, the anger system functions to incentivize another individual to value your welfare more highly when you deem the current valuation insufficient; gratitude functions to consolidate a cooperative relationship with another individual when there are indications that the other values your welfare; shame functions to minimize the spread of discrediting information about yourself and the threat of being devalued by others; and pride functions to capitalize on opportunities to become more highly valued by others. Using the lens of social valuation, researchers are now mapping these and other social emotions at a rapid pace, finding striking regularities across industrial and small-scale societies and throughout history.
Microbial Composition of Fermented Korean Soy Paste (Doenjang) Prepared by Adding Different Herbs during Fermentation

The microbiota involved in Korean soy paste (doenjang) fermentation are the key factors determining its quality aspects. In this study, doenjang was prepared by adding three different herbs (Peppermint, Korean mint, and Coriander), and their effect on the microbiota composition was evaluated by 16S rRNA metagenomic analyses. The β-diversity statistics indicated clear distinctions in the doenjang microbiota after the addition of herbs. A microbial composition analysis revealed that Tetragenococcus was among the dominant genera in the four doenjang groups, with a relatively higher abundance in the Korean mint group. In the Peppermint and Korean mint doenjang groups, the levels of undesirable microbes, such as opportunistic pathogens belonging to the genera Sphingobacterium and Pantoea, were significantly reduced. Additionally, other desirable microbes that are known to exhibit beneficial properties and produce bioactive compounds, such as Saccharopolyspora and Buttiauxella, were present at significantly higher levels. Significant negative correlations between members of the Bacillaceae and Halomonadaceae, Lactobacillaceae and Tissierellaceae, and the Lacobacillaceae and Erwiniaceae families were observed, indicating possible antagonistic relationships. Taken together, our results demonstrated that the incorporation of herbs, particularly Peppermint and Korean mint, during doenjang fermentation resulted in significant shifts in the microbial composition and could be utilized for beneficial effect on its fermentation.
Quality Assessment of Selected Sachet Water Brands in Akure Metropolis, South Western Nigeria

This study was carried out to ascertain the quality of selected Sachet water brands in Akure metropolis. 10 brands of sachet water were randomly selected and subjected to comprehensive physical, chemical and bacteriological analysis. The results showed that showed that the sachet water samples had good aesthetic value as all the brands of sachet water evaluated met the recommended WHO standard for appearance and taste. Four of the sachet water samples had pH values of 6.0, 6.3, 6.0 and 5.8 respectively and did not fall within WHO drinking water standard. There is a need to put a check on the pH of sachet water samples. pH values outside WHO permissible limits of 6.5 to 8.5 affects disinfection efficiency and may have an indirect effect on human health. Other chemical characteristics of all the brands of water evaluated were within the WHO recommended water limits for chloride, nitrate, sulphate, iron, copper, zinc and sodium. Phosphate was present in two brands of the sampled water samples, although they were present in very low compositions. Results of the bacteriological analyses showed that all the brands of water had viable plate counts less than the 100 CFU/mL maximum limit recommended by WHO. Only five brands of the sachet water samples had zero total bacteria count. In addition, all the brands of sachet water evaluated had zero coliform and E.coli counts. This study affirms the fact that sachet water has the potential to be a transformative public health intrusion for low income households by eliminating the need for unsafe water storage vessels.
Banning burkas and niqabs? Exploring perceptions of bias in media coverage of Islam and Muslims in Switzerland and their relation to people’s voting intention concerning the burka-initiative

In Switzerland, Islam and Muslims are repeatedly the subject of political debates and, thus, of media reporting. While content analyses show a certain bias in Western media coverage of Islam and Muslims, relatively little is known about the audience’s perspective on media bias in this context. Using data from an online survey of the Swiss population (n = 976), this study examines people’s perceptions of bias in the media coverage of Islam and Muslims in Switzerland and how it relates to their intention to vote on the popular initiative “Yes to a veil ban”. The study was conducted in March 2019, two years before the actual vote took place on 7 March 2021. The results show that the majority of the Swiss non-Muslim population perceives the reporting as distorted. In the study’s investigation of media bias perceptions, attitudes towards Islam and Muslims, political orientation and personal contact with Muslims proved to be the most relevant influencing factors. By contrast, exposure to political information via traditional news media and social media was not associated with bias perceptions. Finally, a stronger perception that the media understate certain problems related to Islam and Muslims in Switzerland was positively related to people’s intention to vote for a national ban on wearing burkas or niqabs in public.