Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Aeschynomene spp. Identification and Weed Management in Rice Fields in Southern Brazil

In 2002, a survey carried out in rice paddies in the Rio Grande do Sul (RS) state reported the occurrence of nine species of jointvetch (Aeschynomene). Due to their semi-aquatic habit, some species adapted to irrigated rice fields, which led to their being considered the worst broadleaf weed in RS. Although farmers have successfully implemented weed management practices, Aeschynomene plants have reportedly escaped chemical control. This study aims to identify the species of Aeschynomene that occur in rice fields in RS and to evaluate the reasons why escapes are occurring. A survey was carried out by collecting mature seeds from individual adult plants. A questionnaire on the management practices employed in each field was administered to 54 farmers and 18 extension agents, each of whom was responsible for one of the surveyed rice fields. This survey found four species of Aeschynomene are present in rice fields in RS: A. denticulata, A. indica, A. rudis, and A. sensitiva. The results suggest that the explanation for escapes may lie in the management practices adopted by farmers, which are focused on the control of weedy grasses. Escapes are also associated with problems such as the lack of irrigation uniformity and out-of-stage, late herbicide applications.
Maintaining Academic Performance and Student Satisfaction during the Remote Transition of a Nursing Obstetrics Course to Online Instruction

This study explores the effect of rapidly transitioning an in-person pre-licensure nursing specialty course to remote instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic. The redesign included the following learning technologies: live and recorded whiteboard lectures with Socratic-style questioning, electronic audience response systems, remote simulations, and virtual unfolding case studies to replace didactic and clinical learning experiences. Quantitative results indicate that learning quality was sustained, with no significant difference in students’ course performance or satisfaction. These specific technologies can be utilized in any discipline-specific course during emergency remote instruction to promote essential student-to-student and faculty-to-student interactivity.
Potential Influences of Volcanic Eruptions on Future Global Land Monsoon Precipitation Changes

The global monsoon system is of exceptional socioeconomic importance owing to its impacts on two‐thirds of the globe’s population. Major volcanic eruptions strongly influence global land monsoon (GLM) precipitation change. By using 60 plausible eruption scenarios sampled from reconstructed volcanic proxies over the past 2,500 years, 21st century volcanic influences on GLM precipitation projections are examined with an Earth system model under a moderate emission scenario. The decadal‐scale ensemble spread with realistic eruptions (VOLC) increases by 17.5% and 20.1% compared to no‐volcanic (NO‐VOLC) and constant background‐volcanic (VOLC‐CONST) scenarios, respectively. Compared with NO‐VOLC, the centennial mean VOLC GLM precipitation shows a 10% overall reduction and regionally, Asia is the most impacted. Changes in atmospheric circulation in the aftermath of large volcanic eruptions match the global warming response patterns well with opposite sign, with the North American monsoon precipitation enhanced following large volcanic eruptions, which is in sharp contrast to the robust decrease in Asian monsoon rainfall. Volcanic activity could delay the time of emergence of anthropogenic influence by five years on average over about 60% of the GLM area. Our results demonstrate the importance of statistical representation of potential volcanism for the projections of future monsoon variability. Quantifying volcanic impacts on regional climate projections and their socioeconomic influences on infrastructure planning, food security, and disaster management should be a priority of future work.
Return Policy of E-retailers: An Extensive Review

Selling a product is not the sole proposition of any e-retailer. Equally important is the number of issues involved in managing returns, chalking out a strong return policy so as to retain the customers. The problem with a number of e-retailers remains that they focus on one time sale of the product which leads to dissatisfaction among the customers. The forward and reverse logistics network of a company facilitate in improving its sales and image among the customers. Logistics services also lead to an enhancement in the confidence and trust of the consumers in the company and motivate them to make repeat purchases from such e-retailers. With ever-increasing competition in e-retailing, the onus on companies has also increased. They have to provide ample opportunity to the customer for getting satisfied and after that further wait for the return time limit to get over. The customer might reject a product on the grounds of being defective or simply because he didn’t liked it or found a better price deal somewhere else or has changed the mind. In either of these cases, most companies prefer to accept the returns because marketing believes in the age-old adage “customer is the king”. The return policy defines ground rules for product rejections by customers. A problematic return policy may drive away customers, whereas too easy policy may encourage unjustified product rejections. Therefore, E-retailers have to make a strategic balance is designing their return policies. This review paper is based on the return policies of some of the popular e-retailers and also the importance of ‘returns’ in case of e-retailing business. Further, various review papers related to the impact of the return policy on consumers’ online shopping behaviour have been analysed and have been made a part of this review paper. A conceptual framework based on the impact of the return policy of e-retailers on consumers’ buying behaviour and the mediating effect of knowledge, awareness and attitude of consumers’ towards online shopping behaviour on the relationship between the impact of the return policy of e-retailers on consumers’ buying behaviour has been suggested on which empirical research can be carried out in the future.
Determining the Cytotoxic Properties and Mechanisms Against Drug Resistance of an Aqueous Extract of Fagonia indica on Colon Cancer Cells

Fagonia indica is a perennial plant grown in arid climates and utilised in traditional medicine as a treatment for cancer. Previous research has highlighted potential antineoplastic effects of Fagonia indica against breast cancer cell lines. Despite this, there has been little research demonstrating the potential of an aqueous extract of Fagonia indica against colon cancer. Colon cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, with drug resistance remaining a barrier to treatment. The aim of the present study was to investigate the cytotoxic mechanisms of Fagonia indica in colon cancer cells, including pathways related to proliferation, angiogenesis and inflammation, and ABC membrane transporters. Treatment with Fagonia indica caused a reduction in cell viability in wild-type and chemotherapy resistant colon cancer. Results indicated a role for Akt/ MAPK signalling as a mechanism of Fagonia indica induced cell death, alongside a reduction in the expression of VEG-F, NK-κB and ICAM-1. RT-PCR demonstrated a reduction in expression of ABCG2/ABCC4 in resistant colon cancers, after treatment with Fagonia indica extract. Further research is required to isolate bioactive compounds of Fagonia indica for use against colon cancer.
Do the Peculiar Economics of Professional Team Sports Apply to Esports? Sequential Snowballing Literature Reviews and Implications

The present research aims to identify the main peculiar economics of professional team sports, reflect on whether they apply to esports, and derive some implications. To achieve this aim, two sequential snowballing literature reviews were conducted. First, the literature on the peculiar economics of professional team sports was reviewed and assessed by the authors, based on their degree of distinctiveness and how core they are for the sector. Second, based on the main peculiar economics identified, a similar process considering economic aspects in the esports literature was conducted. The first review enabled the identification of 50 peculiar economics of professional team sports, of which 12 were assessed as the most distinctive and core to the sector. These 12 main peculiar economics were then considered in relation to the esports literature. This second review enabled the identification of some economic similarities and differences between sports and esports, before deriving some implications.
Changes in the size of the apparent surface area and adsorption energy of the rye roots by low pH and the presence of aluminium ions induced

Abstract The plant reactions on Al-stress include i.a. change of the surface area of the roots, which in the physicochemistry of plants characterizes the transport of water and ions through the root. The object of this study is the specific surface area of the roots of plants which are tolerant to aluminium, such as rye. Plants of rye were grown in a nutrient solution for 14 days at pH 4.5 in the presence of Al3+ ions of concentration 10, 20, and 40 mg dm−3. The control plants were grown continuously at pH 7 or pH 4.5 without Al3+. The apparent surface area and adsorption energy of the plants roots were determined from water vapour adsorption – desorption data. The apparent surface area of roots growing in the aluminium was (with respect to control) statistically significantly lower. There were no statistically significant differences in the apparent surface area of the roots which grew in pH 7, pH 4.5 without Al3+. The average water vapour adsorption energy of the root surface, under stress conditions decreased. In the roots grown in the presence of Al+3, there was a slight decrease in high energy adsorption centres and an increase in the amount of low-energy centres.
Tissue Engineering Strategies for Retina Regeneration

The retina is a complex and fragile photosensitive part of the central nervous system which is prone to degenerative diseases leading to permanent vision loss. No proven treatment strategies exist to treat or reverse the degenerative conditions. Recent investigations demonstrate that cell transplantation therapies to replace the dysfunctional retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and or the degenerating photoreceptors (PRs) are viable options to restore vision. Pluripotent stem cells, retinal progenitor cells, and somatic stem cells are the main cell sources used for cell transplantation therapies. The success of retinal transplantation based on cell suspension injection is hindered by limited cell survival and lack of cellular integration. Recent advances in material science helped to develop strategies to grow cells as intact monolayers or as sheets on biomaterial scaffolds for transplantation into the eyes. Such implants are found to be more promising than the bolus injection approach. Tissue engineering techniques are specifically designed to construct biodegradable or non-degradable polymer scaffolds to grow cells as a monolayer and construct implantable grafts. The engineered cell construct along with the extracellular matrix formed, can hold the cells in place to enable easy survival, better integration, and improved visual function. This article reviews the advances in the use of scaffolds for transplantation studies in animal models and their application in current clinical trials.
Soil Organic Carbon Dynamics in Semi-Arid Irrigated Cropping Systems

Insufficient characterization of soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics in semi-arid climates contributes uncertainty to SOC sequestration estimates. This study estimated changes in SOC (0–30 cm depth) due to variations in manure management, tillage regime, winter cover crop, and crop rotation in southern Idaho (USA). Empirical data were used to drive the Denitrification Decomposition (DNDC) model in a “default” and calibrated capacity and forecast SOC levels until 2050. Empirical data indicates: (i) no effect (p = 0.51) of winter triticale on SOC after 3 years; (ii) SOC accumulation (0.6 ± 0.5 Mg ha–1 year–1) under a rotation of corn-barley-alfalfax3 and no change (p = 0.905) in a rotation of wheat-potato-barley-sugarbeet; (iii) manure applied annually at rate 1X is not significantly different (p = 0.75) from biennial application at rate 2X; and (iv) no significant effect of manure application timing (p = 0.41, fall vs. spring). The DNDC model simulated empirical SOC and biomass C measurements adequately in a default capacity, yet specific issues were encountered. By 2050, model forecasting suggested: (i) triticale cover resulted in SOC accrual (0.05–0.27 Mg ha–1 year–1); (ii) when manure is applied, conventional tillage regimes are favored; and (iii) manure applied treatments accrue SOC suggesting a quadratic relationship (all R2 > 0.85 and all p < 0.0001), yet saturation behavior was not realized when extending the simulation to 2100. It is possible that under very large C inputs that C sequestration is favored by DNDC which may influence “NetZero” C initiatives.
Implementation of Cognitive Digital Twins in Connected and Agile Supply Networks—An Operational Model

Supply chain agility and resilience are key factors for the success of manufacturing companies in their attempt to respond to dynamic changes. The circular economy, the need for optimized material flows, ad-hoc responses and personalization are some of the trends that require supply chains to become “cognitive”, i.e., able to predict trends and flexible enough in dynamic environments, ensuring optimized operational performance. Digital twins (DTs) is a promising technology, and a lot of work is done on the factory level. In this paper, the concept of cognitive digital twins (CDTs) and how they can be deployed in connected and agile supply chains is elaborated. The need for CDTs in the supply chain as well as the main CDT enablers and how they can be deployed under an operational model in agile networks is described. More emphasis is given on the modelling, cognition and governance aspects as well as on how a supply chain can be configured as a network of connected CDTs. Finally, a deployment methodology of the developed model into an example of a circular supply chain is proposed.
Interface Models in Coupled Thermoelasticity

This work proposes new interface conditions between the layers of a three-dimensional composite structure in the framework of coupled thermoelasticity. More precisely, the mechanical behavior of two linear isotropic thermoelastic solids, bonded together by a thin layer, constituted of a linear isotropic thermoelastic material, is studied by means of an asymptotic analysis. After defining a small parameter ε, which tends to zero, associated with the thickness and constitutive coefficients of the intermediate layer, two different limit models and their associated limit problems, the so-called soft and hard thermoelastic interface models, are characterized. The asymptotic expansion method is reviewed by taking into account the effect of higher-order terms and defining a generalized thermoelastic interface law which comprises the above aforementioned models, as presented previously. A numerical example is presented to show the efficiency of the proposed methodology, based on a finite element approach developed previously.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Guided Adaptive Radiotherapy for Colorectal Liver Metastases

Simple Summary Stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) is an effective treatment for CRC liver metastases. Advanced radiation techniques are required to ensure safe and efficacious treatment. MR-guided radiotherapy is a new and evolving technology that can overcome many of the challenges of liver SABR. MR imaging before, during and after treatment delivery facilitates direct visualization of tumor target and adjacent normal healthy organs, real time MR imaging facilitates non-invasive tumor tracking and gating, and daily adaptive re-planning permits treatment plans to be adjusted for the anatomy of the day. MR-guided ablative radiation therapy is a promising radiation technology advance that can further facilitate safe tumor dose escalation of colorectal liver metastases. Abstract Technological advances have enabled well tolerated and effective radiation treatment for small liver metastases. Stereotactic ablative radiation therapy (SABR) refers to ablative dose delivery (>100 Gy BED) in five fractions or fewer. For larger tumors, the safe delivery of SABR can be challenging due to a more limited volume of healthy normal liver parenchyma and the proximity of the tumor to radiosensitive organs such as the stomach, duodenum, and large intestine. In addition to stereotactic treatment delivery, controlling respiratory motion, the use of image guidance, adaptive planning and increasing the number of radiation fractions are sometimes necessary for the safe delivery of SABR in these situations. Magnetic Resonance (MR) image-guided adaptive radiation therapy (MRgART) is a new and rapidly evolving treatment paradigm. MR imaging before, during and after treatment delivery facilitates direct visualization of both the tumor target and the adjacent normal healthy organs as well as potential intrafraction motion. Real time MR imaging facilitates non-invasive tumor tracking and treatment gating. While daily adaptive re-planning permits treatment plans to be adjusted based on the anatomy of the day. MRgART therapy is a promising radiation technology advance that can overcome many of the challenges of liver SABR and may facilitate the safe tumor dose escalation of colorectal liver metastases.
Research On Grooved Rail Garbage Identification Algorithm Based On Improved YOLOv3

To solve the problem that existing modern tram track cleaning vehicles cannot automatically and accurately identify grooved rail garbage, this paper proposes a grooved rail garbage identification algorithm based on improved YOLOv3. This algorithm firstly extracts the groove rail region in the image, then adjusts and optimizes the residual block and convolutional layer network in the basic network of YOLOv3, and adopts k-means algorithm for clustering analysis to obtain anchor value of the adaptive dataset, which effectively improved the average identification accuracy of grooved rail garbage. The experimental results showed that the improved YOLOv3 model mAP reached 89.16% on the self-made Grooved Rail Garbage Dataset. For the image of 416×416, the recognition speed reached more than 14 frames per second. Compared with the traditional grooved rail garbage identification algorithm, this algorithm not only has higher recognition rate and accuracy, but also has good robustness to environmental changes.
A narrative review of literature on the use of health and social care by older trans adults: what can United Kingdom services learn?

Abstract We carried out a narrative review and thematic analysis of literature on the physical health care, mental health care and social care of trans older adults to ascertain what is known about older trans adults’ contacts with and use of health and social care. Thirty papers were found: a majority originated in the United States of America. Five themes were identified: experience of discrimination/prejudice and disrespect; health inequalities; socio-economic inequalities; positive practice; and staff training and education. The first three themes present challenges for providers and service users. Experiences of discrimination/prejudice and disrespect over the course of their lives powerfully influence how older trans adults engage with care services and practitioners. Health and socio-economic inequalities suggest that older trans adults are likely to have greater need of services and care. The remaining two themes offer opportunities for service improvement. We conclude that more research is needed, that there is a strong argument for taking a lifecourse perspective in a spirit of cultural humility, and that contextual societal factors influence service users and providers. We identify positive trans-inclusive practices which we commend to services. More needs to be done now to make older adult services appropriate and welcoming for trans service users.
Reduction in Enteroccocus faecalis counts produced by three file systems in severely curved canals

Aim: This study evaluated the effectiveness of the mechanical reduction of intracanal bacteria produced by the endodontic systems Reciproc Blue (VDW GmbH), XP-Endo Shaper (FKG Dentaire) and ProTaper Next (Dentsply Sirona Endodontics) in severely curved canals by culture analysis. Methodology: Fifty severely curved mesiobuccal canals of mandibular molars were selected and instrumented. Following this, six specimens were selected as control, while 44 canals were contaminated with Enterococcus faecalis strains (ATCC 29212). Specimens were incubated for 21 days at 37 oC. Then, contaminated specimens were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=14): ProTaper Next (G1), XP-Endo Shaper (G2) and Reciproc Blue (G3). Control Group: Six non-contaminated canals were prepared with one of the 3 file systems (n=2). Microbial samples were obtained before (S1) and after root canal preparation (S2). Two roots were observed using scanning electron microscopy to verify biofilm formation. Quantitative culture analyses of intracanal E. faecalis reduction was performed using CFUs, and the Wilcoxon test was used for intragroup analysis, and intergroup analysis was performed using Kruskal-Wallis test. The level of significance for all analyses was set at P 0.05). ProTaper Next showed the greatest antibacterial action when compared to the XP-Endo Shaper and Reciproc Blue systems. Conclusion: No instrumentation system rendered root canals completely free from bacteria.
Latest Results from the AMS Experiment on the International Space Station

The Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer is a general-purpose particle physics detector operating on the International Space Station. Precision measurements by AMS of the cosmic-ray elementary particle fluxes and nuclei fluxes reveal new unexpected phenomena. The positron flux exhibits a significant excess starting from 25.2 ± 1.8GeV followed by a sharp drop-off above 284+91 −64 GeV, consistent with a primary source of cosmic-ray positrons from either dark matter collisions or new astrophysical sources. The different behavior of the cosmic-ray electron flux and positron flux shows that most high energy electrons originate from different sources than high energy positrons. Intriguingly, the positron flux and the antiproton flux have strikingly similar behavior at high energies. New observations from AMS on cosmic nuclei show that primary cosmic-ray He, C, and O have an identical rigidity dependence above 60 GV and deviate from a single powerlaw above 200 GV. Unexpectedly, the primary Ne, Mg, and Si also have an identical rigidity dependence above 86.5 GV, but they are different from that of He, C, and O. This shows that primary cosmic rays have at least two distinct classes of rigidity dependence. Above 30 GV, secondary cosmic nuclei Li, Be, and B have identical rigidity dependence which is distinctly different from those of primary cosmic rays. The results from AMS on many different types of cosmic rays are not explained by the current theoretical models and provide unique input to the understanding of the origins and evolution of cosmic rays in the galaxy.