Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Corn Intercropping with Soybean/Peanut/Millet on the Biomass and Yield of Corn under Fertilizer Reduction

Corn (Zea mays L.) is one of the key grain crops in China. In fields, the two crops of soybean (Glycine max L.) and peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), which have nitrogen-fixing capacity (NFC), are generally used to intercrop with corn to improve plant physiology and production ability of corn even under fertilizer reduction. To explore a more scientific and reasonable way to plant corn, and simultaneously reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, the impacts of corn intercropping with two NFC crops (including soybean and peanut) and the a non-NFC crop (i.e., millet (Setaria italica)) through five planting patterns, including three intercropping patterns (2 corn rows to 2, 3, and 4 NFC-crop rows or 2, 4, and 6 millet rows) and two sole crop patterns of corn and soybean, peanut, or millet under normal (600 kg/ha) and reduced (375 kg/ha) levels of NPK (N:P2O5:K2O = 15:15:15) fertilization levels on the activity of N-metabolism-related enzymes in corn rhizosphere soil and corn leaves, and plant biomass and yield of corn were researched in this study. The results showed that fertilizer reduction significantly decreased the plant biomass and grain yield of the sole crop corn. The intercropping type and planting pattern both had significant effects on the activities of N-metabolism-related enzyme of soil alkaline protease (S-ALPT), and glutamine oxoglutarate aminotransferase (GOGAT), glutamate synthetase (GS), and nitrate reductase (NR) in the leaves of corn plants. The intercropping type of corn with soybean through the planting pattern of 2 corn rows to 4 soybean rows significantly improved the activities of N-metabolism-related enzymes in soil and corn leaves even under the fertilizer reduction. The intercropping pattern of corn-soybean was the most beneficial to increase the total nitrogen content in soil and corn leaves. In addition, the intercropping significantly increased the soil microbial diversity under normal fertilizer. Furthermore, fertilizer reduction significantly increased soil microbial diversity of the corn sole crop. Therefore, it is concluded that for corn in intercropping systems, the best and the worst companion crop were, respectively, soybean and millet.
Agarase Production by Marine Pseudoalteromonas sp. MHS: Optimization, and Purification

Agar is an essential polysaccharide that has been utilized in numerous fields. Many kinds of literature have been published regarding agarolytic microorganisms’ isolation and agarases biochemical studies. In this search, a local marine agarolytic bacterium associated with marine alga Ulva lactuca surface was isolated and identified as Pseudoalteromonas sp. MHS. The agarase production was parallel to the growth of Pseudoalteromonas sp. MHS as cells displayed a lag phase (2 h), subsequently an exponential growth that prolonged till 10 h where maximum growth (OD550nm = 3.9) was achieved. The enzyme activity increased rapidly as cells increased exponentially where the maximum activity of 0.22 U/mL was achieved after 8h and remained constant till 12 h during the stationary phase of growth. Agarase production was optimized using Plackett-Burman statistical design by measuring enzyme activity as a response and the design was validated using a verification experiment; the activity of the enzyme increased from 0.22 U/mL to 0.29 U/mL. Pseudoalteromonas sp. MHS agarase was partially purified and its molecular weight (MW) was determined by SDSPAGE (15-25 kDa). Agarase showed approximately 94% of its activity at 40 °C. The enzyme stability decreased as the temperature increased; the enzyme could retain about 98, 90, 80, 75, and 60% of its activity at 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 °C, respectively. Biomass of the red alga Pterocladia capillacea proved to be a suitable substrate for agarase production using Pseudoalteromonas sp. MHS; the enzyme activity recorded after 24 h of incubation was 0.35 U/mL compared to 0.29 U/mL from the optimized medium.
A Corpus-driven Contrastive Study on Reporting Verbs in Research Articles

The use of reporting verbs is a common way in the collaborative construction of new knowledge by academic writers and readers. Most researches that concerns reporting verbs are limited to mono-lingual studies. Contrastive Phraseology is a newly emerging subfield of Contrastive Linguistics from the perspective of Phraseology, which aims at comparing the multi-lingual phrases in form, meaning and function. This research analyzed the Chinese equivalents of English reporting verbs aided by the comparable corpora. It is found that there is no equivalence of Chinese and English reporting verbs in research articles, and evaluative reporting verbs is more frequently used in English research articles. This study fundamentally shed light on the contrastive study of reporting verb phrases cross language.
An atypical case of hemodialysis access stent migration

Endovascular stent fractures are commonly seen in arteries but are rare events in the venous system. Stents deployed in hemodialysis vascular accesses can fracture and migrate to proximal locations. Complications associated with stent fracture include in-stent stenosis and central vein stenosis. In this report, we present a unique case of a hemodialysis access stent fracture that migrated to the left ventricle and manifested with chest pain.
Water management practices in Euro-Mediterranean hotels and resorts

ABSTRACT The Mediterranean region, which is one of the world’s leading tourist destinations, is vulnerable to climate change and impacted by human water demand. Tourism is recognized as a major water-consuming sector, and the growth in tourism establishments has been matched by a growth in water demand. Hotels represent the highest water consumption rates in the tourist sector. In this study, a survey was carried out in the Mediterranean region. Responses from 80 hotels of different categories and countries were gathered, discussed and compared regarding water supply, water consumption and monitoring, water-saving strategies, and environmental awareness and willingness for future improvements.
Unique Phenotypes With Corresponding Pathology in Late-Onset Hereditary Transthyretin Amyloidosis of A97S vs. V30M

Objective Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv) encompasses different phenotypes among various genotypes. The analysis of the natural history and risk factors of faster progression in different genotypes would refine the treatment strategy. Methods The clinical manifestations of ATTRv from A97S (p.A117S) of Taiwanese and late-onset V30M (p.V50M) of Japanese were compared. An autopsy study of A97S was performed. Results There existed three unique features in the A97S cohort compared to the V30M cohort: (1) dysphagia, (2) carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), and (3) onset age. First, dysphagia was common in A97S (53.4%) but not in V30M and served as a contributor to fast disease progression. All phases of swallowing were affected. In the autopsy pathology, there were extensive amyloid deposits in the viscera and nerves of the tongue, larynx, and esophagus. In A97S, 45 patients (43.3%) had a history of CTS before the onset of length-dependent symptoms by 3 years. The amyloid deposition was more prominent in the median nerve than that in the transverse carpal ligament. The onset age at different stages was younger in the A97S cohort than the V30M cohort by 4–5 years. Conclusion These phenotypic characteristics together with autopsy pathology in A97S are distinct from V30M. Early dysphagia in A97S correlated with fast progression. In A97S, median neuropathy leading to CTS might be in a continuous spectrum of ATTRv course rather than an independent disease entity. Such observations may serve as a foundation to explore and analyze unique phenotypes among various genotypes.
Comparing and contrasting intra- and inter-cultural relations and perceptions among mainstream and minority students in multicultural classrooms in higher education

ABSTRACT This study was set against the backdrop of a common worldwide phenomenon of internationalisation and multiculturality on campuses, the prevalence of cross-cultural communication in the epoch of globalisation, and a paucity of studies investigating both mainstream and minority students’ intra- and cross-cultural interaction and attitudes. As the first step towards maximising students’ benefits reaped from intercultural interaction, this article reports on the quantitative findings of intra- and inter-cultural relations as well as perceptions among both mainstream and minority tertiary-level students (n = 155) in Hong Kong. From the survey results, various within- and between-group comparisons were made. Significant findings include the substantial differences in how mainstream students relate and view themselves vis-à-vis the minority group, and the general greater open-mindedness and acceptance of the minority group compared with the mainstream group. This article culminates with implications for cultivating positive cross-cultural relations in international classrooms, which are especially pertinent for the mainstream students.
The physical sequelae of growing into adolescence with perinatally acquired HIV: a scoping review

Abstract Background Adolescents living with perinatal HIV (PHIVA) are a growing population with unique needs. While the impact of HIV on pediatric physical wellbeing is expansively documented, there is only emerging data on the long-term impact of perinatal HIV infection on adolescence and the resultant physical sequelae. Objective This scoping review aimed to identify and describe what is currently known about the physical sequelae that PHIVA face. Method A scoping review was conducted, following the methodology described by the Johanna Briggs Institute manual for Evidence Synthesis. Electronic databases of MEDLINE (PubMed), PEDro, CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Elsevier (Scopus), Elsevier (Science Direct), Google Scholar, CDC Stacks and Open Grey, and reference lists were searched. Two investigators screened the article titles, abstracts and full texts against the inclusion criteria. Data was charted on a data extraction tool, with a descriptive narrative presenting the results. Results Of the 1291 citations screened, eight studies were included. All of the studies were cross-sectional analyses, with only two studies using an HIV-negative comparison group. The studies addressed the physical outcomes of height, weight, body mass index, delayed puberty, physical functioning and activity levels, exercise tolerance and lung function, and pain. These sequelae were categorized into two subgroups: 1) anthropometric characteristics and 2) physical health and functioning. Conclusion The results of this scoping review show that PHIVA face significant physical challenges despite access to antiretroviral therapy. Thus this distinctive population requires unique and specialized healthcare.
In the Labyrinth of Dietary Patterns and Well-Being—When Eating Healthy Is Not Enough to Be Well

This paper aims to identify the relation between food consumption and well-being, and the level of well-being depending on a diet followed. Moreover, we analyze whether people driven by single motives, such as the health, pleasure or social dimension of food declare the lower or higher level of well-being than those motivated by a larger number of factors. The survey was conducted online (CAWI, n = 1067). The following scales were used: Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), Satisfaction with Food-related Life Scale (SWFL), Health Taste Attitude Scales (HTAS) and Social Dimension of Food Meaning. The data analysis was carried out with the application of one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), partial eta squared, a t-Student’s test, the Hochberg test, the Games-Howell test, and Pearson’s correlation. Levels of Subjective Well-Being (SWB) and Food Well-Being (FWB) are strongly correlated with consumers’ dietary pattern. The frequency of consumption of organic food and following vegan, low salt, and low sugar diets leads to higher levels of SWB, while FWB is additionally affected by the regular consumption of low-fat products and foods that improve one’s mood. The level of well-being is linked with the motivation to follow specific diets and attentiveness related to dietary patterns. People paying attention to the health aspects, pleasure and social dimension of food meaning show higher level of FWB than people focusing exclusively on health aspects.
A fight for legitimacy: reflections on child protection reform, the reduction of baby removals, and child protection decision-making in Aotearoa New Zealand

ABSTRACT The rate of orders used to remove babies into the care of Oranga Tamariki reduced by more than half in Aotearoa New Zealand in 2019–2020 as a result of rapid reform, prompted by a high profile media case known as the ‘Hawkes Bay case’. This case provoked social outrage, leading to media and public approbation, inquiries by state and Māori bodies, and advocacy from multiple organisations. Combined, these challenged the legitimacy of the child protection system and led to ‘legitimacy work’, that is, attempts by Oranga Tamariki to regain legitimacy with multiple publics. Access to the legal orders used to remove babies was immediately constricted. A sharp decline in baby removals followed, both overall and the disparities between Māori and non-Māori. The focus on disparity indicators alone, skewed by a focus on public legitimacy, had several unintended consequences. These included a lag between the constrictions on orders and other reforms aimed at addressing the inequities causing disparities, the diminishment of social worker discretion, and limited attention to other forms of system accountability. In the absence of other outcome indicators, particularly those defined by Māori and system-involved families, it is difficult to draw conclusions regarding the efficacy of these changes.
The Role of Walking Experience in the Emergence of Gait Harmony in Typically Developing Toddlers

The ability to walk without support usually develops in the first year of a typically developing toddler’s life and matures further in the following years. Mature walking is characterized by the correct timing of the different gait phases that make up a full gait cycle formed by stance, swing, and double support phases. The harmony of mature walking is given by a specific self-similar structure of the ratios between the durations of these phases (stride/stance, stance/swing, swing/double support), that in adults all converge to the golden ratio (phi, about 1.618). The aim of this longitudinal, prospective, experimental study was to investigate the evolution of this gait harmonic structure in the transition from supported to independent walking. In total, 27 children were recruited and recorded at various stages of locomotor development, ranging from neonatal stepping up to an independent walking experience of about six months. Differently from walking speed that progressively increased with age, the gait phase ratios started to converge to golden value only after the first independent steps, suggesting a relation to the maturation of the walking experience. The independent walking experience seems to represent a trigger for the evolution of a locomotor harmonic pattern in toddlers learning to walk.
IMPACT OF NITROGEN TAX ON NITROGEN USE IN LITHUANIA

The use of nitrogen fertilizers inevitably causes external negative effects that can be mitigated by various means. This study focusses on tax of mineral nitrogen fertilizer. A study “Farmers' Response to Rise in Mineral Fertilizer Price” investigates the potential response of farmers to a possible tax on mineral nitrogen fertilizer use in Lithuania. Used survey method of data collection, therefore, a questionnaire was conducted to ask farmers, how they would adapt their fertilizer practice to a mineral nitrogen fertilizer tax. Research object: the impact of the nitrogen tax on nitrogen use. Research aim: to identify farmers’ response to changed prices for nitrogen fertilizer. Farmer’s responds were used to model the reaction of farmers to a tax. The obtained results showed a negative reaction in terms of mineral nitrogen fertilizer use to the rise in mineral fertilizer price. Furthermore, farmers tended to switch to crops with lower nitrogen fertilizer requirements. Price elasticity of demand for mineral fertilizers founded inelastic. This presents an empirical approach to estimate price elasticity of demand for mineral fertilizers through farmers’ reaction on nitrogen price changes. Research object: the impact of the nitrogen tax on nitrogen use. Research aim: to identify farmers’ response on nitrogen use taking in account price changes regarding nitrogen tax. Price elasticity of demand for mineral fertilizers allows to
Global Loss of Core 1-Derived O-Glycans in Mice Leads to High Mortality Due to Acute Kidney Failure and Gastric Ulcers

The core 1 structure is the major constituent of mucin-type O-glycans, which are added via glycosylation—a posttranslational modification present on membrane-bound and secretory proteins. Core 1 β1,3-galactosyltransferase (C1galt1), an enzyme that synthesizes the core 1 structure, requires Cosmc, a C1galt1-specific molecular chaperone, for its enzymatic activity. Since Cosmc-knockout mice exhibit embryonic lethality, the biological role of core 1-derived O-glycans in the adult stage is not fully understood. We generated ubiquitous and inducible CAGCre-ERTM/Cosmc-knockout (iCAG-Cos) mice to investigate the physiological function of core 1-derived O-glycans. The iCAG-Cos mice exhibited a global loss of core 1-derived O-glycans, high mortality, and showed a drastic reduction in weights of the thymus, adipose tissue, and pancreas 10 days after Cosmc deletion. They also exhibited leukocytopenia, thrombocytopenia, severe acute pancreatitis, and atrophy of white and brown adipose tissue, as well as spontaneous gastric ulcers and severe renal dysfunction, which were considered the causes underlying the high mortality of the iCAG-Cos mice. Serological analysis indicated the iCAG-Cos mice have lower blood glucose and total blood protein levels and higher triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, and total cholesterol levels than the controls. These data demonstrate the importance of core 1-derived O-glycans for homeostatic maintenance in adult mice.
Effect of tillage, residue and nitrogen management on radiation interception and radiation use efficiency of wheat in a semi-arid environment

Tillage practices involve physical manipulation of soil for crop establishment. Optimization of tillage practices under a particular environment enhances soil health.Conventional crop production technologies are not much cost effective, less water efficient and deteriorates soil health (Parihar et al., 2016). Most of these impeding factors can be substantially mitigated by adopting conservation tillage practices in place of conventional tillage practices as conservation agriculture minimizes the soil disturbance, provide soil cover through crop residues, mulch or cover crops, and crop rotations for attaining higher productivity and minimizing adverse environmental impacts.Nitrogenous fertilizer is one of the most important inputs for wheat crop growth (Pradhan et al., 2014a). Tillage, residue and N fertilization also affect nitrate-N concentration, water content, aeration and SOC (Rice and Smith, 1982; McKenny et al., 1993). Tillage practices modifies soil environment, which influences root and shoot growth and crop yield. The above ground shoot growth is governed by radiation interception and radiation use efficiency. Radiation interception is influenced by leaf area index and leaf angle.Many workers have reported the effects of tillage, residue and nitrogen on soil physical, chemical and biological properties vis-a-vis crop growth (Parihar et al., 2016). However, studies on the effect of tillage, residue and nitrogen on radiation interception and radiation use efficiency of wheat is very limited. Keeping these in view, the objectives of this study were to determine the interactive effect of tillage, residue and nitrogen on (a) temporal variation in LAI and (b) total IPAR, biomass yield, extinction coefficient (k) and radiation use efficiency of wheat in a semi-arid location of India.
Neural Spectrospatial Filtering

As the most widely-used spatial filtering approach for multi-channel speech separation, beamforming extracts the target speech signal arriving from a specific direction. An emerging alternative approach is multi-channel complex spectral mapping, which trains a deep neural network (DNN) to directly estimate the real and imaginary spectrograms of the target speech signal from those of the multi-channel noisy mixture. In this all-neural approach, the trained DNN itself becomes a nonlinear, time-varying spectrospatial filter. However, it remains unclear how this approach performs relative to commonly-used beamforming techniques on different array configurations and acoustic environments. This paper is devoted to examining this issue in a systematic way. Comprehensive evaluations show that multi-channel complex spectral mapping achieves separation performance comparable to or better than beamforming for different array geometries and speech separation tasks and reduces to monaural complex spectral mapping in single-channel conditions, demonstrating the general utility of this approach on multi-channel and single-channel speech separation. In addition, such an approach is computationally more efficient than widely-used mask-based beamforming. We conclude that this neural spectrospatial filter provides a strong alternative to traditional and mask-based beamforming.
A new global land productivity dynamic product based on the consistency of various vegetation biophysical indicators

ABSTRACT Changes in land productivity have been endorsed by the Inter Agency Expert Group on Sustainable Development Goals (IAEG-SDGs) as key indicators for monitoring SDG 15.3. 1. Multiple vegetation parameters from optical remote sensing techniques have been widely utilized across different land productivity decline processes and scales. However, there is no consensus on indicator selection and their effectiveness at representing land productivity declining at different scales. This study proposes a fusion framework that incorporates the trends and consistencies within the four commonly used remote sensing-based vegetation indicators. We analyzed the differences among the four vegetation parameters in different land cover and climate zones, finally producing a new global land productivity dynamics (LPD) product with confidence level degrees. The LPD classes indicated by the four vegetation indicators(VIs) showed that all three levels (low, medium, and high confidence) of increasing area account for 23.99% of the global vegetated area and declining area account for 7.00%. The Increase high-confidence(HC) area accounted for 2.77% of the total area, and the Decline-HC accounted for 0.35% of the total area. This study demonstrates the accuracy of the high-confidence (HC) area for the evaluation of land productivity decline and increase. The “forest” landcover type and “humid” climate zone had the largest increasing and declining area but had the lowest high-confidence proportion. The data product provides an important and optional reference for the assessment of SDG 15.3. 1 at global and regional scales according to the specific application target. The “Global Land Productivity Dynamic dataset” is available in the Science Data Bank at http://www.doi. org/10.11922/sciencedb.j00076. 00084.