Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Artificial Regularization Parameter Analysis for the No-Slope-Selection Epitaxial Thin Film Model

In this paper we study the effect of the artificial regularization term for the second order accurate (in time) numerical schemes for the no-slope-selection (NSS) equation of the epitaxial thin film growth model. In particular, we propose and analyze an alternate second order backward differentiation formula (BDF) scheme, with Fourier pseudo-spectral spatial discretization. The surface diffusion term is treated implicitly, while the nonlinear chemical potential is approximated by a second order explicit extrapolation formula. A second order accurate Douglas-Dupont regularization term, in the form of −A∆t∆N(u−u), is added in the numerical scheme to justify the energy stability at a theoretical level. Due to an alternate expression of the nonlinear chemical potential terms, such a numerical scheme requires a minimum value of the artificial regularization parameter as A= 289 1024 , much smaller than the other reported artificial parameter values in the existing literature. Such an optimization of the artificial parameter value is expected to reduce the numerical diffusion, and henceforth improve the long time numerical accuracy. Moreover, the optimal rate convergence analysis and error estimate are derived in details, in the l∞(0,T;l2)∩l2(0,T;H2 h) norm, with the help of a linearized estimate for the nonlinear error terms. Some numerical simulation results are presented to demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the alternate second order numerical scheme. The long time simulation results for ε= 0.02 (up to T=3×105) have indicated a logarithm law for the energy decay, as well as the power laws for growth of the surface roughness and the mound width. AMS subject classifications: 35K30, 35K55, 65L06, 65M12, 65M70, 65T40 ∗Corresponding author. Email addresses: 201821130056@mail.bnu.edu.cn (X. Meng), zqiao@polyu.edu. hk (Z. Qiao), cwang1@umassd.edu (C. Wang), zrzhang@bnu.edu.cn (Z. Zhang) http://www.global-sci.org/csiam-am 441 c ©2020 Global-Science Press 442 X. Meng et al. / CSIAM Trans. Appl. Math., 1 (2020), pp. 441-462
Characterization of Oryza nivara introgression lines: A potential prebreeding resource to improve net photosynthetic rate in elite cultivars of rice

Photosynthesis is one of the fundamental processes influencing crop growth and productivity. In order to understand better the basis of variation in net photosynthetic rate (PN) and yield potential in rice, two backcross populations derived from Swarna × O. nivara were studied. Gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence measurements were taken at flowering stage and data on yield traits at harvest. PN was significantly correlated with stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, mesophyll conductance, carboxylation efficiency, yield per plant (YLDP), and dry mass in both populations. Ten introgression lines (ILs) showed higher PN than their parents. IL 230S showed highest PN with increased YLDP than the remaining ILs. Single marker analysis showed RM514 and RM48 was positively associated with PN and YLDP in popA, whereas RM204 and RM122 in popB. The first 4 principal components contributed 92 and 93% to the total genetic variation in each population, respectively.
The Importance of Paternalistic Leadership Style and the Employee Wellbeing Among Air Traffic Controllers in Peninsular Malaysia

Amongst many possible influential factors, leadership has been identified as an influential driver of employee wellbeing and innovative behavior. Many companies have replaced their traditional hierarchical management structures with empowered work teams to improve their efficiency and productivity. The relationship-oriented society in the well-known culture of collectivism in a country like Malaysia, where devotion, trust and a feeling of belonging is highly valued. Paternalistic leadership can be characterized as a caring leadership that consolidates resilient power of leaders with concern and kindness. Paternalistic leadership has offered a comprehensive understanding of leadership outside the western world. Despite the fact that the exploration of paternalistic leadership has thrived lately, the dissemination and character of paternalistic leadership has not been straightforwardly thought across eastern Asian nations. A quantitative approach with cross-sectional design as a survey method has been employed in this study and purposive sampling was used as the sampling technique. A total of 209 questionnaires were processed in this study. Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to validate the research model and to test the hypotheses. Leadership styles have positive impact on employee wellbeing. Thus, this study has developed a new understanding of the impact of a leader’s behavior based on paternalistic leadership styles on employee wellbeing among air traffic controllers (ATCs).
Evolutionary Engineering Improved d-Glucose/Xylose Cofermentation of Yarrowia lipolytica

Background: Yarrowia lipolytica is considered as a promising biorefinery chassis for production of microbial lipids, the important precursors of advanced biofuels. Unfortunately, wild Yarrowia lipolytica is unable to consume xylose, the major pentose in lignocellulosic hydrolysates. A recombinant strain Yarrowia lipolytica yl-XYL+ can utilize xylose to produce microbial lipids efficiently, but its xylose uptake is severely delayed in the presentence of D-glucose. Therefore, it is critical to develop co-fermenting D-glucose and xylose strains and study the underlying mechanisms.Results: In this study, an adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) is performed to engineering the strains in the medium containing xylose and D-glucose analog 2-deoxyglucose (dG). After four stages of evolution over a total of 64 days, we obtained for the first time a strain of Y. lipolytica (yl-XYL+*04*10) with derepressed xylose metabolism. Xylose uptake kinetics showed that it could efficiently utilize xylose in the presence of 10 g/L dG or D-glucose. Transcriptional profiling analysis revealed that relative expression level of YALI0_C04730g and YALI0_D00363g (both encoding xylose-specific transporter) was significantly up-regulated. Besides, we found that missense mutations N373T and G270A in YALI0_E23287g (encoding a D-glucose transporter) and YALI0_E15488g (encoding a hexokinase) respectively.Conclusions: These results indicate that these are important gene targets responsible for improved xylose utilization in the evolved Yarrowia lipolytica. Our work provides a new approach for breeding Yarrowia lipolytica and paved the way for future pentose metabolic engineering.
Biomass productivity of Scenedesmus dimorphus (Chlorophyceae) was improved by using an open pond–photobioreactor hybrid system

ABSTRACT The industrialization of microalgae-based biofuel production has been hampered by low biomass productivity of conventional open ponds. In this research, a hybrid cultivation system that combined an open pond and photobioreactor (PBR), with broth circulating between both, was introduced. The hybrid system was tested under indoor and outdoor conditions using the oleaginous microalgal species Scenedesmus dimorphus. When the PBR(s) in the hybrid system reinforced the light supply to the carbon-replete open pond the biomass reached 1.34 g l–1, 116% higher than in the non-hybrid system. Subsequent studies showed that higher circulation speed and low volume ratio of PBR vs. open pond would further improve the hybrid effects. When applied outdoors at pilot scale, the biomass productivity of the hybrid system increased 46.3–74.3% compared with the open pond and in September was 12.5% higher than that of PBRs. These results indicate that hybrid cultivation might be a cost-effective way to improve the light usage efficiency of current open pond systems.
The influence of low-frequency variability on tree-rings based climate reconstruction: a case study from central Italy (Roman coast)

Tree rings are among the best sources of proxy data for reconstructing past climatic records. In this study we explore for the first time what type of climatic signals can be reconstructed from stone pine ( Pinus pinea L.) based on tree-rings from central Italy (Roman coast). Samples from 112 stone pine trees from stands with different age classes were collected at two locations, Castel Fusano and Castelporziano. In determining the particular target variable for climate reconstruction we explored a wide range of climatic signals (from monthly to multiple year scale) for correlations with tree ring chronologies produced using a variety of detrending methods. We reconstructed short term (autumn-early winter) and long term (3 years precipitation) signals during the 150 years of available data using the “classical” detrending method but also methods preserving their low frequency variability (ABD and RCS) within the chronologies. By setting the best multiple year precipitation drivers at an annual scale and applying a simple percentile threshold approach, we identified the wettest and driest climatic events. The best accuracy in identifying the climatic thresholds was obtained with the ABD method, which also showed the best cross spectral correlation with a long precipitation record. Our reconstruction underpins that since ca. 1850 the Roman coast has experienced its driest conditions in terms of 2-3 year rainfall sums during the last 50 years of the 20 th Century. This finding may be used in the context of identifying the long-term natural variability of the region in relation to climate change as it is expected to affect the Mediterranean.
DNA methylation pattern of the goat PITX1 gene and its effects on milk performance

Abstract Paired-like homeodomain transcription factor 1 (PITX1) is a pivotal gene in the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, which is a well-known pathway affecting lactation performance. The aim of this study was to analyze the DNA methylation profile of the PITX1 gene and its relevance to milk performance in Xinong Saanen dairy goats; thus, potential epigenetic markers of lactation performance were identified. A total of 267 goat blood samples were divided into “low” and “high” groups according to two milk traits: the average milk yield (AMY) and the average milk density (AMD). One CpG island in the 3′-flanking region of the PITX1 gene was identified as being related to milk performance. Fisher's exact test demonstrated that the methylation rates of the overall CpG island and the 3rd and 12th CpG-dinucleotide loci in the blood were significantly associated with the AMY, and the overall methylation rate of the high AMY group was relative hypomethylation compared with the low AMY group. The overall methylation rates of this CpG island in mammary gland tissue from dry and lactation periods again exhibited a significant difference: the lactation period showed relative hypomethylation compared with the dry period. Bioinformatic transcription factor binding site prediction identified some lactation performance related transcription factors in this CpG island, such as CTCF, STAT, SMAD, CDEF, SP1, and KLFS. Briefly, overall methylation changes of the CpG island in the PITX1 gene are relevant to lactation performance, which will be valuable for future studies and epigenetic marker-assisted selection (eMAS) in the breeding of goats with respect to lactation performance.
Substantial red wolf genetic ancestry persists in wild canids of southwestern Louisiana

Concerns over red wolf (Canis rufus) extinction caused by hybridization with coyotes (C. latrans) led to the capture and removal of remnant wild wolves from southwestern Louisiana and southeastern Texas, United States, during the 1970s. Here we show that despite decades of unmitigated hybridization, and declaration of endangered red wolves as functionally extinct in the wild, red wolf mitochondrial or nuclear DNA ancestry persists in ∼55% of contemporary wild canids sampled in southwestern Louisiana. Surprisingly, one individual had 78–100% red wolf ancestry, which is within the range for 75% red wolf, red wolf backcross, or putative red wolf, depending on estimation method. Our findings bolster support for designation of red wolves as a distinct species, demonstrate a critical need for the United States Government to consider adopting an existing but unimplemented hybrid policy, and suggest that immediate reassessment of canid management and taxonomic designation in southwestern Louisiana may be warranted.
Functional and morphological consequences after atorvastatin intake in a rat model of intracerebral haemorrhage

Intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating disease for which there are currently no curative treatment options. Hypolipidemia has been recognized as a possible risk factor for ICH. Several studies have demonstrated that low cholesterol is a risk factor for ICH; others have reported that hypercholesterolemia is protective against ICH. The current study was designed to demonstrate the effect of low LDL levels on vascular endothelial cells integrity and subsequently on the development of ICH in rats. Material and methods: This study was carried on male Wistar albino rats divided into 2 groups: Group I: normal Sham-operated rats; Group II: ICH rats, were randomly subdivided into 3 subgroups (17 rat each): rats received 2% gum acacia daily orally; rats received atorvastatin 10 mg/kg daily alone or with L-arginine (143 mg/kg) orally for four weeks before induction of ICH and continued for one week after. Behavioural tests were performed 2, 24, and 48 h after ICH and 7 days later. Serum lipid profile was assessed. Brains were dissected and assessed macroscopically and microscopically for the extent of hematoma, brain water content and endothelin level in the brain homogenate were investigated. Immunoassaying for glial acidic fibrillary protein and Ki67 were performed. Results& Conclusion: Rats received atorvastatin and L-arginine showed a significant decrease in serum cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) concentration. ICH led to marked impairment in motor functions. Atorvastatin and L-arginine intake before haemorrhage failed to impose any protection on the motor deficits with corresponding large hematoma size with disruption of nearby tissue.
Data librarianship in South African academic and research libraries: a survey

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to establish the current skills base of librarians working in research data management services in academic and research libraries in South Africa. The purpose was also to determine the relevance of courses and programmes that are currently being offered by library and information studies programmes in response to the needs of research data management services and make recommendations on curriculum improvement.Design/methodology/approachAbout 13 institutions which were considered early adopters of research data management services were identified as participants in an online survey. In addition, a review of Web pages of existing library and information studies schools was carried to establish courses that would support research data management services. Data collected through the two approaches were analysed and presented quantitatively and qualitatively.FindingsThe findings reveal an environment in a developmental stage, with limited skilled personnel to run research data management services. The findings also show an absence of specific data librarianship courses within existing library and information studies programmes and a very limited scope for the full range of data management courses within professional development programmes.Originality/valueThe paper provides information on approaches to further develop existing curriculum and contribute to the data management needs and support governments, funders and publishers' requirements for the discoverability and re-use of research data across research domains.
Development of bio-based economy: Entrepreneurial endeavors and innovation across Bulgarian wine industry

We are living in a time when the population of the Earth is increasing and the available resources are decreasing. The latter requires the establishment of a smart and sustainable bio-based economy, and the creation of such an economy is tightly associated with the implementation of innovations. Bulgarian wine industry is a sector, where possibilities of innovations related to bio-economy are vast and open. Thus, the current study aims at identifying the entrepreneurial endeavours and the innovations’ involvement in the wine industry as a specific sector of the bio-based economy in Bulgaria. The results indicate that there is a potential for the introduction of bio innovations in the wine industry as the producers are willing to implement them. However, currently there are almost no innovations related to the bio-economy and the prevailing innovations in Bulgarian wine industry are the marketing ones.
Ammonium excretion, auxin production and effects of maize inoculation with ethylenediamine-resistant mutants of Pseudomonas sp.

: Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) comprise part of plant microbiome of biotechnological interest due to their potential to decrease the use of agrochemicals in agriculture. Among the commonly found PGPB species, the Pseudomonas genus is known for high competitiveness and efficiency in expressing growth-promotion traits. To increase the contribution of diazotrophic Pseudomonas sp. to the plant nitrogen nutrition, the strain AZM-01 was chemically mutagenized with methyl methanesulfonate (MMS), following the selection for resistance to ethylenediamine (EDA). From the 13 EDA-resistant mutant strains selected, four showed increased the ammonium excretion, with the highest value reaching up to 284% increase as compared to the wild strain, and six strains were found to produce significantly more auxins than the wild strain. Two independent inoculation trials with the wild and EDA-resistant Pseudomonas were performed on maize, with the objective to study the influence of bacteria on seed germination and its potential to promote maize growth under N-limiting condition. In general, Pseudomonas inoculation modified the root architecture of germinating seeds, and increased biomass of maize plants grown under N-limiting conditions. Shoot dry weight of maize was increased by inoculation with several EDA-resistant mutants as compared to the strain AZM-01, with emphasis on the EDA-5 strain which supports biomass accumulation at equivalent amount of plants grown under full N supply. Significant correlations between in vitro and in vivo parameters were found although low coefficient values predominate. The strategy of random mutagenesis was found suitable to develop PGPB strains with higher potential to supply maize plants with nitrogen.
Multiple Roles of Sms2 in White and Brown Adipose Tissues from Dietinduced Obese Mice

Background/Objectives: Adipose tissue (AT) has an important role in energy homeostasis. The dysfunction of AT or the hyper-accumulation of neutral lipids leads to various metabolic diseases. Recent studies indicate that sphingo lipid metabolism associates with the development of metabolic diseases. Sphingomyelin, a major sphingolipid in mammals, requires sphingomyelin synthase (SMS) for biosynthesis. Previously, we reported that Sms2 deficiency inhibited diet-induced obesity, fatty liver, and insulin resistance in mice. However, the contribution of Sms2 to obesity and insulin resistance in AT is largely unknown. In this study, we investigated whether Sms2 deficiency in ATs affects obesity and insulin resistance.Subjects/Methods: Wild-type and Sms2 knockout (KO) mice were fed a high-fat for 12 weeks. Body and AT weights, and the food intake, were recorded. The AT status and macrophage infiltration were evaluated by histological analysis. The expression levels of genes and proteins involved in adipogenesis, inflammation, energy expenditure, and fatty acid metabolism were examined.Results: In white adipose tissue (WAT) from Sms2 KO mice, the number of small adipocytes increased but the adipocyte size decreased. In epididymal WAT, Sms2 deficiency inhibited inflammation and macrophage infiltration. Moreover, adipogenesis was moderately suppressed. In subcutaneous WAT from Sms2 KO mice, the expression of genes involved in energy expenditure and browning (Ucp1, Cidea, Tbx1) was elevated. In brown adipose tissue (BAT) from Sms2 KO mice, the lipid droplet surface area was lower than that of WT mice and the expression of genes involved in fatty acid synthesis (Fasn, Scd1) decreased.Conclusion: These results demonstrate that Sms2 deficiency leads to moderate adipogenesis and inflammatory suppression in epididymal WAT, increased energy expenditure by the browning of subcutaneous WAT, and suppression of fatty acid synthesis in BAT, suggesting that these synergetic effects in ATs from Sms2 KO mice contribute to the suppression of diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance.
New model of evaluation of sunflower and corn silages by the in vitro gas production technique

This study aimed to propose a model called Two-compartment Logistic-von Bertalanffy (LVB) and to identify among the proposed and Two-compartment Logistic (TL) models the one that has the best goodness of fit to the kinetic curve of cumulative gas production (CGP) of sunflower and corn silages alone and combined using the in vitro semi-automated gas production technique. A random block split-plot experimental design was employed in which the inoculums were the blocks, the incubation times were the split-plots, and the experimental diets were: CS - corn silage, SS - sunflower silage (as single roughage), and their mixtures, i.e., 340SS (660 g kg-1 corn silage and 340 g kg-1 sunflower silage) and 660SS (340 g kg-1 corn silage and 660 g kg-1 sunflower silage). The parameters were estimated by the least squares method using the iterative Gauss-Newton process in the software R version 3.4. 1. The criteria adopted were: adjusted coefficient of determination (R2adj.), residual mean squares (RMS), mean absolute deviation (MAD), Akaike information criterion (AIC), Bayesian information criterion (BIC), and relative efficiency (RE). The TL model had higher R2adj. values compared to LVB, however, such difference may be considered negligible. The LVB model had RE above one, which indicates it is superior to the TL model, in addition to the lowest RMS, MAD, AIC, and BIC values, The Two-compartment Logistic-von Bertalanffy model had the best fit to describe the CGP over time according to the methodology and conditions of the present study.