Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Functional Analysis of Aux/IAAs and SAURs on Shoot Growth of Lagerstroemia indica through Virus-Induced Gene Silencing (VIGS)

The plant hormone auxin plays an important role in cell division and the elongation of shoots to affect the plant architecture, which has a great impact on the plant yield, fruit quality and ornamental value; however, the regulatory mechanism of auxin controlling shoot growth is unclear in crape myrtle. In this study, two auxin/indole-3-acetic acid (Aux/IAA) genes and four small auxin upregulated RNA (SAUR) genes of auxin response gene families were isolated from dwarf and non-dwarf progenies of Lagerstroemia indica and then functionally characterized. Sequence alignment revealed that the six genes contain typical conserved domains. Different expression patterns of the six genes at three different tissue stages of two types of progenies showed that the regulation mechanism of these genes may be different. Functional verification of the six genes upon shoot growth of crape myrtle was performed via virus-induced gene silencing. When the LfiAUX22 gene was silenced, a short shoot phenotype was observed in non-dwarf progenies, accompanied by decreased auxin content. Therefore, we preliminarily speculated that LfiAUX22 plays an important role in the shoot growth of crape myrtle, which regulates the accumulation of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and the elongation of cells to eventually control shoot length.
The Hydration Status of Female Collegiate Soccer Players Over Consecutive Training and Match Days

Purpose: Hydration has been shown to play a pivotal role in sport. Soccer is a team sport in which the integrity of all players is vital for team performance; thus, individual player hydration status is important. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the hydration status of female collegiate soccer players during regular season. Methods: Sixteen collegiate female soccer players (age: 20.4 ± 0.8 years; height: 163.6 ± 6.9 cm; weight: 65.3 ± 12 kg) provided urine over 9 days to monitor their hydration status. Hydration was determined by urine specific gravity (Usg). Usg was analyzed in the morning (AM) and in the afternoon before practice/game (PM). Results: All 16 players were at least minimally hypohydrated (Usg > 1.010) in the AM on 5 of the 9 days tested. Players had significantly higher Usg values in the AM as compared to PM (F(1,250) = 23.09; p < 0.0001); however, there was no significant time*day interaction (F(1,250) = 1.98; p = 0.16). Conclusion: Data show a high prevalence of hypohydration occurring in this specific population. This sub-optimal hydration status could be a cause for concern in terms of overall performance. Efforts should be made to integrate hydration interventions and daily monitoring to minimize hypohydration in players.
Clinical applicability of optogenetic gene regulation

The field of optogenetics is rapidly growing in relevance and number of developed tools. Among other things, the optogenetic repertoire includes light‐responsive ion channels and methods for gene regulation. This review will be confined to the optogenetic control of gene expression in mammalian cells as suitable models for clinical applications. Here optogenetic gene regulation might offer an excellent method for spatially and timely regulated gene and protein expression in cell therapeutic approaches. Well‐known systems for gene regulation, such as the LOV‐, CRY2/CIB‐, PhyB/PIF‐systems, as well as other, in mammalian cells not yet fully established systems, will be described. Advantages and disadvantages with regard to clinical applications are outlined in detail. Among the many unanswered questions concerning the application of optogenetics, we discuss items such as the use of exogenous chromophores and their effects on the biology of the cells and methods for a gentle, but effective gene transfection method for optogenetic tools for in vivo applications.
Seasonal variation in mycoflora associated with asymptomatic maize grain from small-holder farms in two provinces of South Africa

Seed quality plays an important role in the establishment of healthy crop stands. The aim of this study was to identify the mycoflora associated with maize grain collected over two growing seasons, one experiencing severe drought, from small-holder farms across KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and the Eastern Cape (EC), two important provinces with maize producing small-holder farmers in South Africa. Asymptomatic maize ears were collected at harvest during two maize growing seasons from farms located in Hlanganani (KZN), Ntabamhlophe (KZN), KwaNxamalala (KZN), Bizana (EC) and Tabankulu (EC). Maize grain was subjected to seed health tests using the agar plate method. The percentage incidence of fungal species isolated from maize grain was determined with species identities confirmed by ITS sequencing. Nine fungal genera were identified with Fusarium species and Stenocarpella maydis the most prevalent. Fusarium verticillioides , Fusarium graminearum and S. maydis were isolated from all sites in both seasons. No fungal species exhibited a higher incidence in the drought season across all sites. F. graminearum and S. maydis had higher incidences in the wetter season at four and three sites, respectively. F. verticillioides had a greater incidence at the EC sites, particularly the coastal Bizana site. We conclude that local factors have a greater impact than the drought season on the population structure of ear-rot pathogens. The widespread presence of fungi that are potentially mycotoxin-producing in asymptomatic maize grain poses health risks to consumers and is worthy of further investigation.
From Wastes to High Value Added Products: Novel Aspects of SSF in the Production of Enzymes

Solid-state fermentation (SSF), a process that occurs in the absence or near absence of water, has been used for the production of various high value added products such as enzymes and other organic components. This paper reviews the recent studies reported on the use of SSF for the production of enzymes: lipases, proteases, cellulases, hemicellulases, ligninases, glucoamylases, pectinases, and inulinases. The microorganisms used for fermentation are mostly fungi, and substrates are waste materials from the agriculture and food industry. This shows the advantages of SSF from an economical and environmental viewpoint. The paper provides an update on several issues, viz. wastes, microorganisms, and issues of scaling up and controlling the process of fermentation in solid state.
Creating change: the experiences of women living with young onset dementia

Abstract People with dementia have typically been treated as homogenous groups with little recognition of unique aspects of identities, including age and gender. The purpose of this paper is to illuminate the experiences of women living with young onset dementia which led them to take up advocacy roles as a result of their experiences. Five women from Canada who were diagnosed with young onset dementia and had then taken on advocacy roles were interviewed. Two main themes emerged– Moving In (the challenges of a diagnosis) and Moving On (into a new life). They described the challenges of a diagnosis as stopping work, being taken seriously, fighting for support, failing to meet requirements for programs and services, and changing relationships with friends. The challenges led them to move into a new life, accepting their diagnosis, and moving into new roles of advocacy and supporting others with dementia in their journey. Further research should seek to explore diversity, rather than treating people with dementia as the same. Points of interest The experience of dementia is different for everyone. From getting a diagnosis to living a life with dementia, these experiences are unique. Based on interviews with five women living with dementia diagnosed before age 65, it was found that the challenges of getting a diagnosis led the women to become advocates for supporting others with dementia in their journey. The challenges of a diagnosis included stopping work, being taken seriously, fighting for support, not meeting requirements for programs and services, and changing relationships with friends. As a result of their experiences, the women moved on into a new life, accepting their diagnoses, and taking on advocacy roles to create change for others living with dementia. The advocacy roles undertaken by these women demonstrate the need to recognize the unique aspects of people with dementia, in particular women with young onset dementia, without making assumptions that the experience of dementia is the same for everyone.
Synthesis and characterization of calix[4]arene-containing polyimides

Three types of amino-functionalized calixarenes, i.e. the diaminocalix[4]arenes 5,17-diaminomethyl-25,26,27,28-tetrapropoxycalix[4]arene, 25,27-diaminoethoxy-26,28-dihydroxycalix[4]arene and 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,27-diaminoethoxy-26,28-dihydroxycalix[4]arene, were synthesized and incorporated as comonomers into the backbones of aromatic polyimides. As a first step, polyimide precursors (poly(amic acid)s) were prepared by condensation reaction of diamine with dianhydride at the stoichiometric ratio. The diamine component was composed of synthesized diaminocalix[4]arene and commercial 4,4′-oxydianiline combined in various molar ratios. The dianhydride used was 4,4′-oxydiphthalic anhydride. The poly(amic acid)s were characterized using intrinsic viscosity measurements and their chemical composition was determined using 1H NMR spectroscopy. The precursors were then transformed into the polyimides using a thermal treatment. Thermal and dynamic mechanical behaviour, wide-angle X-ray diffraction and solubility of the resulting polyimide films in selected solvents were evaluated. The structure–property relationship of the novel types of synthesized polyimides is discussed in terms of the calixarene monomer used and the fraction of it incorporated into the polymer backbone. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Contribution of avoidable causes of death to premature mortality in Poland and selected European countries

Our study, availing the new, agreed by the OECD and Eurostat, lists of preventable and treatable causes of death, seeks to quantify the contribution of avoidable causes to premature mortality and its dynamics in Poland and Central European countries – Czechia, Hungary, Lithuania and Slovenia, in comparison with Sweden serving as a benchmark country in 1999–2017. We calculated age standardised death rates for the broad groups of avoidable causes and more specific ones, which comprised preventable and treatable cancer and diseases of the circulatory system (DCS), preventable injuries and alcohol-related diseases. Deaths from not avoidable causes were also analysed. The analysis of time trends in the death rates and calculation of the Average Annual Percent Change (AAPC) for the overall trend were performed with joint-point models. The contribution of changes in mortality from avoidable causes to increase life expectancy during 1999–2017 and contribution of the difference in mortality from these causes to the difference in life expectancy between five countries and Sweden were based on the decomposition of temporary life expectancy between birth and age 75 [e(0-75)]. For the calculation of life expectancy, we used the classic Chiang method and the decomposition of life expectancy by the death causes and age was conducted with the Arriaga method. The AAPC of death rates from avoidable causes in 1999–2017 was similar in all the countries but Lithuania, where the decline started later. The decline in the death rates from not avoidable causes is much slower than the rates from avoidable causes. Mortality from treatable causes was decreasing faster than from preventable causes in most populations. In 1999–2017, the average rate of mortality decline for preventable cancer was greater among men than among women, while for treatable cancer the sex-related differences were much smaller and in favour of women. As for preventable and treatable death from DCS, their decrease was faster among women than men in all the countries but Sweden. Improvements in mortality from causes that could be avoided through prevention or treatment made substantial positive contributions to the overall change in life expectancy in all the countries. The differences in temporary life expectancy e(0-75) between the analysed Central European countries and Sweden were much smaller in 2017 than in 1999, due to the reduction of the gap in mortality from avoidable causes. Our results show that among men, and to a lesser extent among women, mortality from preventable causes contributes more than mortality from causes that can be effectively treated to shorter life expectancy in the countries of Central Europe than in Sweden. This indicates that in reducing the health gap between the inhabitants of Central Europe and Western Europe, the healthcare system should consider disease prevention even to a greater extent than just treating them.
More value from fewer resources: how to expand value stream mapping with ideas from circular economy

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss recent trends in the circular economy and investigate how value stream mapping (VSM) can be extended to more fully include some of the critical aspects of circular economy. Design/methodology/approach The findings are based on previous research that has explored the usage of VSM to include aspects of the environment and sustainability aspects. These ideas are then expanded to new ways to use VSM by mapping value of a product as it is; used, maintained, re-used, remanufactured, recycled, incinerated or used for landfill. The authors test out this approach through application in the waste management sector to identify possibilities for improvement and new business opportunities in what now is considered waste. Findings This paper introduces an expanded version of VSM that refines the existing Lean toolbox for exploring value and mapping value in a circular economy. Practical implications The aim of this paper is to expand the relevance and practical value of VSM as the world economy increasingly moves toward a circular one. Originality/value Today, VSM is a widespread method within Lean manufacturing that scrutinizes value creation within an organization or within a value chain. This paper describes how VSM can be refined to explore value streams in the afterlife of a product and explore waste as a resource utilization opportunity.
Temperature and concentration dependent crystallization behavior of Ge2Sb2Te5 phase change films: tungsten doping effects

Tungsten-doped Ge2Sb2Te5 (GSTW) semiconductor films with W concentrations of 3.2, 7.1, and 10.8%, deposited by cosputtering, have been proposed to improve the crystallization behavior of Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST) phase change materials. The crystalline resistances and crystallization temperatures of GST and GSTW films have been studied using in situ temperature-dependent resistance measurements. The intrinsic crystallization mechanism from amorphous to face-centered-cubic (FCC) structure has been discovered using temperature-dependent Raman spectra from 300 K to 720 K. It was found that GSTW films exhibit a more stable cubic geometry, better thermal stability of the amorphous state and higher 10 year data retention ability than pure GST. This could be due to the substitution of Te atoms or vacancies by W atoms in the crystal lattice, which leads to disorder of the crystalline structure and inhibits further crystallization.
Impact of the Liquid Crystal Director Twisting on Two-Beam Energy Exchange in a Hybrid Photorefractive Inorganic-Liquid Crystal Cell

We studied the energy transfer between light beams on the director grating in a hybrid photorefractive liquid crystal (LC) cell assuming the propagation of light waves in the cell to be in the Mauguin regime. This approach makes it possible to trace the change of the gain coefficient dependence on the director grating spacing with the change of the LC director twist. Conditions for the LC flexoelectric parameters and the director helix pitch necessary for transformation the gain coefficient dependence from the nematic to cholesteric type are obtained. The influence of the director splay and bend deformations on the gain coefficient is also studied.
‘I think it’s made me a different social worker now’: postgraduate social work students’ experiences of undertaking independent research and applying the learning in their first year of practice

ABSTRACT There has been an international drive to ensure social work students are research-minded. However, little is known about their experiences of undertaking independent research and even less is known about whether and how they go on to apply research skills in practice. This paper presents the findings of a qualitative study which investigated the experiences of 22 postgraduate students who were studying at a university in the North East of England. Students’ written critical reflections and data from semi-structured interviews which were undertaken with four of the 22 students six to twelve months after graduation were analysed thematically. Participants experienced positive and negative emotions during their research journeys. They recounted powerful learning experiences and reported that they had been able to transfer some of their learning into practice. However, they also identified that newly qualified social workers face significant constraints to research-mindedness within the practice environment. The findings confirm the importance of providing students with experiential learning opportunities to allow them to produce as well as consume research. However, in order to fully bridge the research-practice gap there may be a need to facilitate new partnerships between higher education providers and local employers with a view to strengthening research capacity.
Social Distance between Residents and Tourists Explained by Residents’ Attitudes Concerning Tourism

Drawing on the theory of social distance, this study examined the extent to which residents’ attitudes concerning tourism can predict a sympathetic understanding of tourists. Results from residents within the rapidly emerging inbound tourism market, Japan (n=1569), were analyzed. EFA was undertaken on both residents’ attitudes and social distance data. CFA was then undertaken to establish a measurement model, followed by SEM to examine model relationships. The SEM revealed that more negative attitudes concerning tourism were found to have the strongest impact on less sympathetic understanding of tourists and vice versa, revealing that residents’ attitudes toward tourists depend in part upon whether attitudes about tourism are positive or negative. This study expands residents’ attitude theory by exploring the outcomes of such attitudes, rather than focusing on antecedents. Practical implications are advanced concerning internal marketing strategies, such as disseminating the positive impacts of tourism development to residents.
An interesting case of a twin pregnancy complicated with happy hypoxia, peripartum cardiomyopathy and haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count syndrome during the COVID-19 pandemic situation

We are reporting a case of a pregnant woman with twin pregnancy and pregnancy induced hypertension who rapidly progressed to hemolysis elevated liver enzymes (HELLP) syndrome without having proteinuria along with features of peripartum cardiomyopathy and also had low oxygen saturation levels (less than 72%) though she did not have any complaints of dyspnea, orthopnea, hemoptysis, chest pain, cough or peripheral oedema. She was tested for COVID-19 with real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT PCR) on 2 occasions a week apart and was ABSTRACT
Why Are Things As They Are? Action Research and the Transformation of Work and Education in the Neoliberal Age

What we understand about the world is determined by what the world is, who we are, and how we conduct our inquiries.Action research privileges the question “why are things as they are? ” This article explores how neoliberalism, with its key principle that competition is the defining characteristic of human relations, reshapes our work as educators and researchers, and discusses how action research can help us not only better understand our world, but also resist the deleterious effects of neoliberalism on our work and workplaces.
Landscape fragmentation in coffee agroecological subzones in central Kenya: a multiscale remote sensing approach

Abstract. Smallholder agroecological subzones (AEsZs) produce an array of crops occupying large areas throughout Africa but remain largely unmapped. We explored multisource satellite datasets to produce a seamless land-use and land-cover (LULC) and fragmentation dataset for upper midland (UM1 to UM4) AEsZs in central Kenya. Specifically, the utility of PlanetScope, Sentinel 2, and Landsat 8 images for mapping coffee-based landscape were tested using a random forest (RF) classifier. Vegetation indices, texture variables, and wavelength bands from all satellite data were used as inputs in generating four RF models. A LULC baseline map was produced that was further analyzed using FRAGSTAT to generate landscape metrics for each AEsZs. Wavelength bands model from Sentinel 2 had the highest overall accuracy with shortwave near-infrared and green bands as the most important variables. In UM1 and UM2, coffee was the dominant cover type, whereas annual and other perennial crops dominated the landscape in UM3 and UM4. The patch density for coffee was five times higher in UM4 than in UM1. Since Sentinel 2 is freely available, the approach used in our study can be adopted to support land-use planning in smallholder agroecosystems.
Measurement of isothermal vapor-liquid equilibria for binary and ternary systems containing monocarboxylic acid

Isothermal vapor−liquid equilibria for 15 binary systems and 7 ternary systems containing monocarboxylic acid were measured. For the binary systems, water, ethanol, butanol, methyl ethyl ketone, ethyl acetate, ethyl propionate, butyl aldehyde, and dibutyl ether were adopted for the polar compounds and acetic acid and propionic acid for the monocarboxylic acids. For the ternary systems, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid were adopted for the monocarboxylic acids and hexane, water, ethanol, methyl ethyl ketone, and ethyl acetate for the other compounds. The experimental data of the binary systems obtained in this work were correlated by applying the NRTL model to liquid-phase activity coefficients and by assuming vapor-phase association. Furthermore, the vapor−liquid equilibria of the ternary systems were predicted by using the interaction parameters determined for the constituent binary systems.