Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Grasping the logic of practice: Theorizing through practical rationality

There is an increasing concern that management theories are not relevant to practice. In this article we contend that the overall problem is that most management theories are unable to capture the logic of practice because they are developed within the framework of scientific rationality. We elaborate practical rationality as an alternative framework and show how it enables development of theories that grasp the logic of practice and, thus, are more relevant to management practice.
On the competitiveness of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera damage abatement strategies in Hungary: a bio‐economic approach

Diabrotica virgifera virgifera Le Conte or western corn rootworm (WCR) is a major pest of cultivated maize, Zea mays L. , introduced into Europe in 1992. Since then, the beetle spread through Central Europe, leading to a continuous pest population in 11 European countries. This article presents an economic assessment of different damage abatement strategies against this invasive species in the Hungarian maize sector. A bio‐economic model, using Monte Carlo sampling, estimates the potential damage from WCR under no control and the value created by Bt maize, seed treatment, soil insecticides and cultural control. At the same time, potential market shares for the different damage abatement options under perfect information are deducted. The potential damages under a no control scenario are estimated at €176/ha for grain maize farmers on average, which points out the need for well‐designed damage abatement strategies. For land‐constrained farmers cultural control is a valuable damage abatement strategy, being the optimal choice in 69% of the cases. In monoculture Bt maize is the best option as it creates the highest value in 78% of the cases. However, as Bt maize active against WCR is not deregulated in the European Union, soil insecticides in 54% of the cases and seed treatment in 46% of the cases are the rational choices. As the value created by Bt maize is positive, not deregulating Bt maize in Hungary leads to benefits foregone ranging from €16/ha for land‐constrained grain farmers to €49/ha in the case of silage maize under monoculture. Finally, the results of the sensitivity analysis can be used to develop a multi‐criteria tool to aid farmers in applying the appropriate damage abatement strategy. This could decrease the dependency of farmers on scouting techniques and economic thresholds of WCR presence.
The potential of smartphones to mediate intra-hospital communication and learning practices of doctors

The article reports on the potential of smartphones to support doctors' intra-hospital consultation and learning practices. Interviews were conducted on the basis of text and video scenarios to explore the doctors' accounts of, and expectations towards smartphone-based consultations including the generation and exchange of clinical images and videos with remote specialists. The participants associate only small changes resulting from mobileteleconsultation with respect to their learning. They strongly welcome, however, the opportunity to bookmark the multimedia-enriched patient cases generated on their mobiles and share these with colleagues in further informal and formal work contexts to support organisational learning in highly mobile, clinical environments.
Effect of different household processing on nutritional and anti-nutritional factors in Vigna aconitifolia and Sorghum bicolour (L.) Moench seeds and their product development

Aim: This study involves the effect of different household processing on nutritional and anti-nutritional factors in moth bean (Vigna aconitifolia) and Sorghum (Sorghum bicolour (L.) Moench) seeds and with their product development. Methods: This study involves the effect of different homemade processing of moth and Sorghum on proximate composition and anti-nutritional factors and further development of certain products using processed moth and Sorghum flours. Results: During the process of soaking, the moisture content, and vitamin C contents were found to be increased; with a significant decrease in ash content, fat content, crude fiber content, protein content in both samples (except iron content). In moth bean, 72 h germination process resulted in a decrease in moisture content, fat content, crude fiber content, with an increase in ash content, protein content, iron content, and vitamin C contents whereas in Sorgum all the contents were decreased except moisture content, and vitamin C contents. Ash content, protein content, iron content and vitamin C content with a significant decrease in moisture content, fat content, and fiber content. After processing, the anti-nutritional factors were also decreased in both samples. The modified recipes with the processed moth bean, Sorghum, and blended flours were developed as thalpeeth and papri-chat and acceptability studies of products were carried out and compared with standard. It was found that all samples were acceptable to panel members making then quality for the potential usage as delivery vehicles for use gluten allergy, scurvy, and malnourished children. Conclusion: We can conclude that moth bean and Sorghum to our diet will help to improve the nutritional profile at low cost.
The crop water stress index (CWSI) for drip irrigated cotton in a semi-arid region of Turkey

This study was carried out to determine the crop water stress index (CWSI) for drip irrigated cotton grown on a heavy clay texture soil ( Palexerollic Chromoxerert ) under semi-arid climatic condition of East Mediterranean region for three years (2005 to 2007) in Adana, Turkey. Four irrigation treatments designated as full (I 100 ) with no water stress and slight (DI 70 ), moderate (DI 50 ) and strong water stress (continuous stress, dry land) (DI 00 ) were tested. The treatments of DI 70 and DI 50 received water amount of 70 and 50% of the control treatment and the DI 00 was not irrigated except for germination water given at the beginning of the growing season. Irrigation was initiated when leaf water potential (LWP) reached to -15 bar for full (I 100 ), -17 bar for DI 70 and -20 bar for DI50 irrigation treatments. After first irrigation, all the treatments were irrigated at one week interval. The deficit irrigation affected, the irrigation water use, seed cotton yield, dry matter and some yield components such as plant height and number of boll per plant of cotton. Average values of water use, seed cotton yield, dry matter and water use efficiency of full irrigated cotton were 578 mm, 3.28 tha -1 , 13.44 tha -1 and 0.59 kgm -3 , respectively. CWSI values were calculated from the measurements of canopy temperatures by infrared thermometer (IRT), ambient air temperatures and vapor pressure deficit values for all the irrigated treatments. A non-water stressed baseline (lower baseline) equation for cotton was developed using canopy temperature measured from full irrigated plots as, T c −T a = −1.7543VPD +1.56; R2=0.5327 and the non-transpiring baseline (upper baseline) equation was built using canopy temperature data taken from continuous stress plots as, T c −T a = −0.0217VPD + 3.2191. The trends in CWSI values were consistent with the varying soil water content due to the deficit irrigation programs. The relationships between mean CWSI and plant parameters considered in this study were linear except for irrigation water amount. Both dry matter and seed cotton yield decreased with increased soil water deficit. Seed cotton yield (SY) and seasonal mean CWSI values relationship were obtained as, SY = −2.3552CWSI + 3.5657 ; R 2 =0.499. This relationship can be used to predict the seed cotton yield. The results suggest that the cotton crop for this particular climate and soil conditions, should be irrigated when CWSI approaches 0.36. The CWSI approach, according to results of this study, can be accepted as a useful tool to schedule irrigations for cotton. Key words : Crop water stress index (CWSI), evapotranspiration, cotton, drip irrigation.
Physiological and biochemical responses to low temperature stress in hybrid clones of Populus ussuriensis Kom. P. deltoides Bartr

Cuttings of three hybrid clones of P. ussuriensis × P. deltoides were exposed to different low temperatures (cold and freezing) for 24 h, or consecutive low temperatures (5°C, 0 to 120 h), to determine physiological and biochemical responses to cold stress in these woody plants. Soluble sugar and protein contents increased in the three clones under cold (10, 5°C) stress, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations, electrolytes leak and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and glutathione reductase (GR) also variously increased at 10, 5, and 0°C. While under lower temperatures (-5, -10, and -15°C) treatment, levels of all except electrolytes leak and MDA gradually decreased relatively. During consecutive low temperature (5°C) treatment, concentrations of soluble protein and MDA, electrolytes leak and activities of CAT, APX and GR increased immediately or after 3 h, however, soluble sugar concentrations and SOD and POD activities slightly decreased at the beginning of the treatment; subsequently increased quickly, and then declined. When exposed to different (10, 5, 0, -5, and -10°C) and consecutive (5°C, after 12 or 24h) low temperature stresses, there were significant differences between the three clones. Levels of soluble sugar and soluble protein, and SOD, CAT, POD, APX and GR activities were relatively higher in clone UD183 than in UD189 or UD191. Levels of electrolyte leak and MDA were lower than in UD189 or UD191. Poplar hybrid clones thus employ various physiological and biochemical responses and mechanisms for coping with low temperature stress. According to the results of this study, we presume that clone UD183 may acquire much more freezing- tolerance than clones UD189 and UD191. Our research will promote understanding of cold acclimation and freezing-tolerance in poplars, and encourage selection of the best clones for the cold regions of northern China.
Influence of CIO'S knowledge-sharing behavior on the quality of the IS/IT strategic planning (ISSP) process in Taiwan

According to related literatures, there are many empirical studies on the influence of organizational factors on the effect of ISSP. However, researches seldom concerned the influence of knowledge sharing behavior of chief information officer (CIO) on the quality of the ISSP process from the perspective of knowledge management. Based on literature review, this research aims to base on theory of reasoned action (TRA) and probe into the influence of CIO’s knowledge sharing behavior on the quality of the ISSP process by empirical research method. The research subjects were CIOs of top 1000 firms in Taiwan, and questionnaire survey was carried out to validate the efficacy of research hypotheses by structural equation modeling. The result demonstrated that CIO’s knowledge sharing behavior reveals direct and significant influence on the quality of the ISSP process. The current research findings can provide important criteria for firms to promote ISSP in the e-business era. Key words: Chief information officer, knowledge-sharing behavior, IS/IT strategic planning, theory of reasoned action.
Comparison study of dual-energy techniques in chest radiography

Dual-energy (DE) technology is useful in chest radiography because it can separate anatomical structures such as bone and soft tissue. The standard log subtraction (SLS), simple smoothing of the high-energy image (SSH), anti-correlated noise reduction (ACNR), and a general linear noise reduction algorithm (GLNR) are used as conventional DE techniques to separate bone and soft tissue. However, conventional DE techniques cannot accurately decompose the anatomical structures because these techniques are based on the assumptions that X-ray imaging is a linear relationship. This relationship can cause quantum noise as well as anatomical loss of normal tissue and difficulty in detecting lesions. In this study, we propose a non-linear DE technique which requires a step to calculate the coefficient in advance using a calibration phantom. The calibration phantom composed to aluminum and PMMA material to calculate non-linear coefficients using the quadratic fitting model for soft tissue and bone. The results demonstrated that a non-linear DE technique showed the higher contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), signal to noise ratio (SNR) and figure of merit (FOM) at 60 /70 kVp and 130 kVp. In addition, it showed better performance and image quality than conventional DE technique in terms of material decomposition capability. In conclusion, a non-linear DE technique is expected to increase the diagnostic accuracy in chest radiography.
EXOGENOUS SPRAY OF MANGO (Mangifera indica L.) TREES WITH ANTIOXIDANT SOLUTIONS IN RELATION TO CHANGES IN FRUIT QUALITY AND STORABILITY AT HARVEST AND DURING COLD STORAGE

The present investigation was carried out in two successive seasons of 2008 and 2009 on “Hindi” and “Zibda” fruiting trees to study the effect of pre-harvest spray, ten days prior to harvest time, with each of vitamin C solution at 1.0gL -1 "T 1 " and vitamin B 12 solution at 1.0mgL -1 “T 2 ”along with tap water to serve as control "T с " on three fruit physical characteristics including changes on fruit firmness, weight loss% and chilling injury incidence. Moreover, six chemical characteristics in fruit juice including changes on vitamin C content, total acidity %, total soluble solids %, total soluble solids/acid ratio and along with β-carotene and total chlorophyll pigments in fresh peels were examined at harvest time and throughout cold storage period(30 day) at 5±1°C and 80-85% RH. The tested trees were 20-years-old, almost uniform, apparently diseases free and grown in a commercial orchard located in Kafer Saker province, EL-Sharkia governorate, Egypt. The concerned results of physical and chemical characteristics (except for weight loss %) at harvest time and during cold storage period almost indicated significant differences among the tested treatments. The rate of changes differed among the tested treatments either at harvest time or throughout cold storage period. In general, pre-harvest sprayed trees of both mango cultivars with antioxidant solutions could be succeeded to improve the tested qualities of the treated fruit trees at harvest time and during cold storage period with different rates based on certain critical factors include the tested treatment, cultivar genotype and fruit characteristic under study. Antioxidant treatments also had an effect on shelf life of stored mango fruits with different rates due to the critical factors indicated above. Cold stored fruits of “Hindi" cultivar continued under provided storage conditions till 15 th day determination without observing the incidence of chilling injury symptoms and could be extended to 20 day storage with mild symptoms. In case of “Zibda” stored fruits, they showed a similar behavior as “Hindi” fruits till 15 day storage, afterward both antioxidant treatments succeeded to store fruits till the 30 th day determination (end of storage period) with mild chilling injury symptoms. Fruits of both cultivars during these cold storage periods were of firmness and qualities acceptable to consumers.
Molecular Analysis of the Composition of Lactobacillus Populations Inhabiting the Stomach and Caecum of Pigs

The strain composition of Lactobacillus populations inhabiting the stomach and caecal contents of piglets aged 6–150 days was determined using ribotyping and pulsed field gel electrophoresis of DNA digests. These genetic fingerprinting methods proved effective in demonstrating transitions occurring in the Lactobacillus microflora of the pigs raised on a commercial farm. The composition of the Lactobacillus microflora showed periods of stability in which animals of the same age harboured similar collections of predominant strains. Periods of instability were also detected: post-weaning (stomach and caecum) and in grower accommodation (caecum). The majority of the lactobacillus isolates were resistant to erythromycin and tetracycline, presumably reflecting the use of antibiotics as prophylactic agents on the farm. A strain of Lactobacillus acidophilus , used to inoculate the piglets at 5 days old, was detected in the stomach contents of only the two pigs examined at 18 days old. Antibodies reactive with whole cells of lactobacilli were detected in serum samples obtained from the pigs. Keywords: lactobacilli, pigs, ribotyping, pulsed field gel electrophoresis, antibiotics.
Improvement of the trypanocidal activity of 3-arylthiophene farnesyltransferase inhibitors by modulation of their 3-aryl group

Tetrasubstituted 3-arylthiophenes represent a new class of potential antiparasitic agents. To improve solubility and cell penetration, modifications on the 3-aryl moiety were realized such as the introduction of heteroatoms or homologation of the aryl bond. Syntheses of these new molecules are described along with their inhibition on human and Trypanosoma brucei protein farnesyltransferases and on Plasmodium falciparum and Trypanosoma brucei proliferation. Two of these analogues demonstrated promising submicromolar activities against T. brucei parasites. Whether their actual target is protein farnesyltransferase remains to be clarified by further investigations.
Arthroascus fermentans, a New Yeast Species Isolated from Soil in Taiwan

Arthroascus fermentans, a new arthrosporous, fermenting, ascogenous yeast species, is described. The three strains of the species included in this study were isolated from soil samples obtained from different orchards in Taiwan. The species is homothallic, and the major ubiquinone isoprenolog is Q-8. DNA hybridization and DNA base composition data indicate that A. fermentans is a species that is distinct from previously described Arthroascus species. The type strain of A. fermentans is strain 80D2303, which has been deposited in the Culture Collection and Research Center, Food Industry Research and Development Institute, Hsinchu, Taiwan, as strain CCRC 22530.
Analysis of FPGA Implementation for AgileDARN Radar Digital System

AgileDARN radar system is a kind of sensitive ground coherent high frequency radar system based on all digital phased array technology, which can realize the detection of Middle and high latitude ionosphere. In this paper, The digital signal processing of radar system is studied detailed. The mechanism of digital signal processing of radar system have been designed and analyzed. The FPGA is used to implement the signal transceiver, Amplitude-phase correction, Digital beam forming and digital filter for radar system, So the system can realizes flexible scanning of the direction map and improves the Echo orientation precision. The feasibility and effectiveness of the FPGA design is verified through the simulation experiments.
Baseline Cardiometabolic Profiles and SARS-CoV-2 Risk in the UK Biobank

Abstract Background SARS-CoV-2 is a rapidly spreading coronavirus with a high incidence of severe upper respiratory infection that first presented in Wuhan, China in December 2019. Many factors have been identified as risk factors for SARS-CoV-2, with much attention being paid to body mass index (BMI), but little investigation has been done to investigate dysregulation of lipid profiles and diabetes, which are often comorbid in high BMI patients. Objective This study seeks to describe the impact of BMI, HDL, LDL, ApoA, ApoB, triglycerides, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), diabetes, alcohol and red wine intake on SARS-CoV-2 risk in UK Biobank (UKB) study participants. Methods We examined the effect of BMI, lipid profiles, diabetes and alcohol intake on the risk of testing positive for SARS-Cov-2 among 9,005 UKB participants tested for SARS-CoV-2 from March 16 through June 29, 2020. Logistic regression was performed on the target variables controlling for age, sex and ancestry. Results BMI, Type II diabetes and HbA1c were associated with increased SARS-CoV-2 risk (p < 0.05) while HDL and ApoA were associated with decreased risk (p < 0.001). Additionally, red wine intake was associated with reduced SARS-CoV-2 risk (p < 0.05). LDL, ApoB and triglyceride levels were not found to be significantly associated with increased risk. Conclusion Elevated HDL and ApoA levels and alcohol intake, specifically red wine intake, were associated with reduced risk of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2, while type II diabetes and HbA1c were associated with increased risk. The effects of alcohol, type II diabetes and HbA1c levels may be indirect, mediated in part through regulation of HDL levels. In summary, our study corroborates the emerging picture that high HDL levels may confer protection against SARS-CoV-2.
On structure and maturity changes of the Bohai Sea ecosystem during the 1980s–1990s

To quantify the historical ecosystem changes in the Bohai Sea, the Ecopath models (EWE 6.2) were developed in three time periods (1982–1983, 1992–1993 and 1998–1999), where measured data was available. The trends in the structure, maturity and keystone of the Bohai Sea ecosystem from 1982 to 1999 were assessed and planning and management measures were proposed. Numerical results indicated that (1) the ecosystem size of the Bohai Sea in terms of flow is becoming small; (2) the Bohai Sea has experienced a decline in maturity ascribed to the anthropogenic and natural factors; (3) the Bohai Sea ecosystem is in the developing state. In addition, organisms of the highest trophic level (trophic level ≥3.34), such as Squid, exert significant influences on the Bohai Sea ecosystem, but their biomass is declining. To alleviate and prevent further decline in the ecosystem size in terms of flow and maturity of the Bohai Sea, ecosystem-based management and abundance of organisms of the highest trophic level need to be considered in future conservation planning and management.
How much reserve capacity is justifiable for hospital pandemic preparedness? A cost-effectiveness analysis for COVID-19 in Germany

Introduction: In preparation for a possible second COVID-19 pandemic wave, expanding intensive care unit (ICU) bed capacity is an important consideration. The purpose of this study was to determine the costs and benefits of this strategy in Germany. Methods: This study compared the provision of additional capacity to no intervention from a societal perspective. A decision model was developed using, e.g., information on age-specific fatality rates, ICU costs and outcomes, and the herd protection threshold. The net monetary benefit (NMB) was calculated based upon the willingness to pay for new medicines for the treatment of cancer, a condition with a similar disease burden in the near term. Results: The marginal cost-effectiveness ratio (MCER) of supplying one additional ICU bed is 24,815 euros per life year gained and increases with the number of additional beds. The NMB remains positive for utilization rates as low as 1.5% and, assuming full capacity utilization, for multiples of the currently available bed capacity. Expanding the ICU bed capacity by 10,000 beds is projected to result in societal costs of 41 billion euros and to reduce mortality of ICU candidates by 20% compared with no intervention (assuming full capacity utilization). In a sensitivity analysis, the variables with the highest impact on the MCER were the mortality rates in the ICU and after discharge. Conclusions: In Germany, the provision of additional ICU bed capacity appears to be cost-effective over a large increase in the number of beds. Nevertheless, bed utilization is constrained by labor supply and possibly other input factors.