Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Capability of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) for producing indole acetic acid (IAA) under extreme conditions

Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) inhabiting the area around the plant roots or in plant tissues and stimulate plant growth directly or indirectly. Synthesis of the phytohormone auxin indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) is one of the direct effects of PGPR on plant growth. This study aimed to isolate and screen IAA producing bacteria from soil and study the impacts of the alkalinity and salinity on IAA production and total antioxidant activity of the highly IAA producing strain. From the fifteen isolates tested, six were selected as efficient IAA producer, from which one isolate was highly IAA producer. The highly producing isolate was identified based on molecular characteristics using 16S rRNA. The sequence analysis showed 99% similarity with Bacillus subtilis from GenBank data base. The strain yielded IAA in a wide range of pH (5-9), giving its maximum IAA production at pH 8. High IAA concentration was also observed in the presence of 0.5% and 1% NaCl in comparison with control (with no NaCl). Furthermore, the results indicated that, total antioxidant was increased in acidic (pH 5 and pH 6) and alkaline (pH 8) media, as well as in salinity up to 2%. This study could be stated as the prospective of IAA producing bacterial isolate in the field, as a result, using it as alternative valuable biofertilizer. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.5281/zenodo.1412796
News-Based Sentiment Indicators, WP/19/273, December 2019

We construct sentiment indices for 20 countries from 1980 to 2019. Relying on computational text analysis, we capture specific language like “fear”, “risk”, “hedging”, “opinion”, and, “crisis”, as well as “positive” and “negative” sentiments, in news articles from the Financial Times. We assess the performance of our sentiment indices as “news-based” early warning indicators (EWIs) for financial crises. We find that sentiment indices spike and/or trend up ahead of financial crises.1 JEL Classification Numbers: E37, E44, E66, F30, D80,
Stepwise evolution of protein native structure with electrospray into the gas phase, 10−12 to 102 s

Mass spectrometry (MS) has been revolutionized by electrospray ionization (ESI), which is sufficiently “gentle” to introduce nonvolatile biomolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids (RNA or DNA) into the gas phase without breaking covalent bonds. Although in some cases noncovalent bonding can be maintained sufficiently for ESI/MS characterization of the solution structure of large protein complexes and native enzyme/substrate binding, the new gaseous environment can ultimately cause dramatic structural alterations. The temporal (picoseconds to minutes) evolution of native protein structure during and after transfer into the gas phase, as proposed here based on a variety of studies, can involve side-chain collapse, unfolding, and refolding into new, non-native structures. Control of individual experimental factors allows optimization for specific research objectives.
Photographic diary: a new estimation approach to PM2.5 monitoring

Air pollution is a global environmental problem that has been particularly severe in China over the past few years. Among all air pollutants, PM 2 . 5 is one of the most hazardous to human health; therefore, monitoring and reducing PM 2 . 5 pollution has become an issue of fundamental importance. Despite the comprehensive air quality monitoring system established by Chinese government, it is still a problem in China. Developing an eﬀective and more economical way to monitor PM 2 . 5 has become a pressing challenge. In this study, we explore a promising solution: the possibility of recovering PM 2 . 5 values using a new haze indicator known as a photographic diary. Based on the related literature, our method is a cost-eﬀective way to monitor PM 2 . 5 at any location and at any point in time with an acceptable accuracy. The government could use our method to conduct data quality monitoring and detect outliers. We also constructed features that the general public could use and interpret directly. Our method allows them to monitor air quality and protect the environment using their cellphones.
Influence de la complexation sur la rétention de trois cations métalliques par un sol alcalin : application à un bassin d'infiltration d'eaux pluviales

Les techniques de gestion des eaux pluviales urbaines, alternatives aux reseaux unitaires, recourent frequemment aux ouvrages d'infiltration. Les eaux de ruissellement se chargent en polluants, notamment en metaux lourds, et leur infiltration peut generer un risque de contamination du sol et/ou des eaux souterraines. Ce travail a pour objectif une meilleure connaissance des interactions entre les cations metalliques et la zone non saturee en eau d'un sol riche en carbonate, representatif de l'est lyonnais. Notre contribution porte sur la mise en evidence de l'effet des ligands, assimiles a des constituants modeles des eaux pluviales, sur la retention par le sol de trois cations metalliques, cd, pb et zn. Le sol est contamine artificiellement selon deux protocoles de mise en contact complementaires : une approche statique simulant l'etat d'equilibre, en batch, et une approche dynamique, en colonnes non saturees en eau. La speciation des cations dans la phase solide, obtenue par extraction chimique sequentielle, permet d'apprehender les mecanismes de retention. La premiere partie considere les systemes sol/cations metalliques et les experiences permettent : (i) de mettre en evidence l'effet de la concentration initiale du cation metallique sur la retention par le sol ; (ii) de determiner les modes de retention dans le sol et les comportements differents des metaux ; (iii) de souligner les differences entre les deux methodes de mise en contact. La deuxieme partie concerne les systemes sol/cations metalliques/ligands avec trois ligands : les ions chlorure, phtalate et edta. Les profils d'elution en colonne et les speciations permettent : (i) de mettre en evidence l'effet de la nature et de la concentration du ligand sur la quantite de cation metallique retenu et sur la speciation dans le sol ; (ii) de souligner les differences d'effet d'un meme ligand sur les cations metalliques ; (iii) de conforter les hypotheses concernant l'impact du mode de mise en contact.
The Analysis of Income Inequality and Economic Growth Relationship: Evidence from Pakistan’s Data

This research gives a brief overview of Pakistan’s economic growth and income inequality, and empirically assesses the relationship between these two variables of the country over the period of 1990 – 2015. In the empirical part, our study employs the augmented ADF test and simple regression analysis. ADF test results depict that both variables of the model are stationary at the level and exhibit no unit root at the level. Further, in regression results, the coefficient estimates are significant and reveal an inverted U linkage between economic growth of the country and distribution of income. The income level of the country alone explains a significant part of the income inequality. Instead, the lagged dependent variable coefficient is significant and partly explains variation in inequality.
pavo 2.0: new tools for the spectral and spatial analysis of colour in R

Biological colouration presents a canvas for the study of ecological and evolutionary processes. Enduring interest in colour-based phenotypes has driven, and been driven by, improved techniques for quantifying colour patterns in ever-more relevant ways, yet the need for flexible, open frameworks for data processing and analysis persists. Here we introduce pavo 2.0, the latest iteration of the R package pavo. This release represents the extensive refinement and expansion of existing methods, as well as a suite of new tools for the cohesive analysis of the spectral and (now) spatial structure of colour patterns and perception. At its core, the package retains a broad focus on (a) the organisation and processing of spectral and spatial data, and tools for the alternating (b) visualisation, and (c) analysis of data. Significantly, pavo 2.0 introduces image-analysis capabilities, providing a cohesive workflow for the comprehensive analysis of colour patterns. We demonstrate the utility of pavo with a brief example centred on mimicry in Heliconius butterflies. Drawing on visual modelling, adjacency, and boundary strength analyses, we show that the combined spectral (colour and luminance) and spatial (pattern element distribution and boundary salience) features of putative models and mimics are closely aligned. pavo 2.0 offers a flexible and reproducible environment for the analysis of colour, with renewed potential to assist researchers in answering fundamental questions in sensory ecology and evolution.
The Behavior of Water in Jet Fuels and the Clogging of Micronic Filters at Low Temperatures

Abstract : A study of the behavior of water in fuels, and its effect on the clogging of micronic type filters, especially at low temperatures has been made. A method for the determination of water in fuels using the Karl Fischer reagent has been developed and used in the determination of the solubility of water in several fuels and pure hydrocarbons from 32 deg F to 120 deg F. The effect of aromatic content, rates of saturation and disappearance of suspended water from fuels have been investigated. A small scale apparatus was devised for the study of the clogging of micronic filters at low temperatures. The variables - temperature, water content of the fuel, fuel pressure, porosity and type of paper were studied for their effects on filter clogging. Mechanisms of clogging as a function of temperature are proposed. A number of representative substances were tested as potential freezing point depressants for the prevention of clogging. In general, it was found that the more hydrophylic compounds are the more effective antifreezes. However, these compounds are the ones more readily leached from the fuel by contact with water. Methyl alcohol was found to have the best antifreeze action, but it is lost very readily from fuel solutions to water. In selecting a suitable antifreeze, due consideration must be given to the methods of handling the fuel and to the methods which may be used for the introduction of the additive.
Identification of QTLs Associated with Biological Nitrogen Fixation Traits in Soybean Using a Genotyping‐by‐Sequencing Approach

Although biological N fixation (BNF) is a key process for economic cultivation of soybean [ Glycine max (L.) Merr. ], the trait is often neglected in breeding programs, mainly due to difficulties in evaluating nodulation and N fixation parameters. We used a genotyping-by-sequencing approach to provide a dense genome-wide marker coverage with 1448 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) distributed broadly across the chromosomes of a soybean population. The mapping population was composted of 113 F 7:8 recombinant inbred
Macrobenthic Community Structure during Fallow Season in Kole paddy fields, Northern Kerala, India

Despite the recognized contribution of benthic fauna in nutrient enhancement, very little information isavailable from Indian paddy fields. This study analyzed the benthic community structure during fallow seasonin Kole paddy fields, a part of Vembanad Kole wetlands (a Ramsar site), Northern Kerala, India. Study areaduring fallow season was characterized by isolated water patches amidst of terrestrial vegetation (grass). Themacrobenthic fauna belonged to the phyla Annelida, Arthropoda, Mollusca and families Tubificidae, Naididae,Chironomidae, Ceratopogonida, Chaoboridae, Ceratopogonidae, Gyrinidae and Bithynidae. These organismspossessed various survival mechanisms that ensured their survival against dry periods. Insects were the majorbenthic organisms; the habitat fragmentation due to isolated distant water patches during fallow season favoredinsect taxa more due to their active/flight mode of dispersal compared to oligochaetes which are benthiccrawlers. Macrobenthic abundance was less (166±60 ind./m2), attributed to reduced habitable area for benthosdue to habitat desiccation. A decline in abundance was apparent from January to June 2010, the beginning toend of fallow season except in April where the onset of rain after a dry spell made the dry area wet, therebymaking the inactive dormant forms of organisms live, resulting in an increased abundance. Diversity analysisof benthic families revealed that highest richness (d) of 1.235 was in March and diversity (H') of 2.603 was inMarch. No significant correlation emerged between benthic abundance and the measured environmentalparameters, implying that the interaction of biota and physico chemical variables was overridden by someother unmeasured factors
Corporate governance and bidder returns: Evidence from China's domestic mergers and acquisitions

This paper examines the effects of corporate governance on domestic mergers and acquisitions around announcement (short term) and following announcement (long term). Using a sample of 1,921 events representing 1,059 unique Chinese listed firms between 2001 and 2010, we find that market responses differ in ways which suggest a difference in market’s assessment of announcements from the perspectives of short term and long term. Bidders obtain significant positive abnormal returns over the five-day event period but suffer significant wealth losses two years following the deal announcement. Further analyses on factors driving the price difference show that executive ownership (positive) and state ownership (negative) exert opposite effects on the announcement period returns. Board independence measured by the composite corporate governance index exerts a significant, positive effect on shareholder wealth. The returns also differ by method of payment with positive (negative) effects from stock (cash) financing. Furthermore, bidding firms from the same region and with high Tobin’s q are associated with low abnormal returns. Long-term regression analyses show that the positive impact of executive ownership remains. Small firms perform better than large firms. Large deals have a negative effect on abnormal returns and prior acquisition experience is associated with higher abnormal returns. The study highlights the need for the state to accelerate the share structure reform and, formulate policies that encourage executive ownership and sound corporate governance. It also highlights the importance of non-economic factors as motivators of Chinese mergers and acquisitions activity.
Enhancing the properties of coal briquette using spear grass (Imperata cylindrica).

Studies have been carried out on utilizing agricultural wastes (spear grass) to enhance the properties of coal briquette. The proximate analysis of the plant material was carried out alongside with a sample of coal (sub-bituminous coal). Briquettes of different compositions were produced by blending the plant material with the coal at various concentrations: 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% and 100%, using cassava starch as a binder and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) as desulfurizing agent. The properties of the briquettes were compared. It was found that the ignition, burning rate and reduction in smoke emission showed improvement with increase in biomass concentration. Compressive strength and cooking efficiency (water boiling time and specific fuel consumption) showed initial improvement and rendered to decrease with briquette containing 30% biomass.
Tele-Rehabilitation Platform for Upper and Lower Limb in Elderly Patients , the HEAD Project .

—Tele-rehabilitation systems have been increasingly stud- ied, becoming an important complement to traditional therapy as they can provide high-intensity, repetitive and interactive treatments of the injured extremities. Several systems have been developed in research projects and some of these have become products mainly for being used at hospitals and care centers. After the initial rehabilitation performed at rehabilitation centers, patients are obliged to go to the centers, with many consequences, as costs, loss of time, discomfort and demotivation. However, it has been demonstrated that patients recovering at home heal faster because surrounded by the love of their relatives and with the community support. So, there is a strong need for rehabilitation systems to use at home. There are already some devices available on the market for home care: their main weakness is the limited strategy for motor learning. The ambition of the Human Em- powerment Aging and Disability (HEAD) project is to combine assistance with appropriate feedback to close the loop in motor learning strategy for the home. HEAD platform challenging objective is to develop a novel tele-rehabilitation system and related provision services for a holistic rehabilitation aiming at restoring limb motor functional abilities, and at launching both system and services at home. The tele-rehabilitation system is based on the use of low cost sensors, connected with a gaming module for cognitive-motor rehabilitation, and integrated with an infrastructure connecting the patient at home with therapists at hospitals who monitor the rehabilitation exercises.
GNSS Jamming Nulling Scheme Using Jamming-Free Subspaces

—In this paper, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) jamming nulling scheme using jamming-free subspaces is presented to overcome the jamming attack. It is based on the adaptive beamforming using array antennas. The eigenvalue decomposition (EVD) of the covariance matrix is used for separation between the jamming subspaces and the others. The proposed scheme determines the array weights by the jamming-free subspaces, which are composed of all subspaces except all jamming subspaces. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed scheme nulls the jamming signal and receives all Global Position System (GPS) signal under the jamming environment.
Ameliorating oxidative stress and inflammation by Hesperidin and vitamin E in doxorubicin induced cardiomyopathy

Abstract Background Doxorubicin (DOX) is a common chemotherapeutic drug. However, it causes cardiomyopathy which reduces its clinical use in human cancer therapy. Objective The purpose of our study was to assess the cardioprotective effect of hesperidin (HSP) and vitamin E (VIT.E) against DOX-induced cardiomyopathy. Material and methods Seventy rats were allocated into seven groups: control, HSP (50 mg/kg, orally), VIT.E (100 mg/kg orally), DOX [4 mg/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.)], DOX+HSP, DOX+VIT.E and DOX+HSP+VIT.E. Results Our findings showed that serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), myeloperoxidase (MPO), cardiac catalase and caspase activities as well as cardiac malondialdehyde (MDA) and serum nitric oxide (NO) concentrations were reduced DOX+HSP or DOX+VIT.E or DOX+VIT.E+HSP groups compared to DOX group. Whereas, cardiac reduced glutathione (GSH) level, serum arylesterase, and paraoxonase activities were higher in rats injected with DOX and administrated with HSP and VIT.E than that of rats injected with DOX only. Cardiac histopathology of DOX group showed some changes that were improved during administration with HSP and VIT.E. Conclusion HSP and VIT.E possess a protective effect against DOX-induced cardiomyopathy via inhibiting oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis.
Improving KantanMT Training Efficiency with fast_align

In recent years, statistical machine translation (SMT) has been widely deployed in translators’ workflow with significant improvement of productivity. However, prior to invoking an SMT system to translate an unknown text, an SMT engine needs to be built. As such, building speed of the engine is essential for the translation workflow, i.e., the sooner an engine is built, the sooner it will be exploited. With the increase of the computational capabilities of recent technology the building time for an SMT engine has decreased substantially. For example, cloud-based SMT providers, such as KantanMT, can built high-quality, ready-to-use, custom SMT engines in less than a couple of days. To speed-up furthermore this process we look into optimizing the word alignment process that takes place during building the SMT engine. Namely, we substitute the word alignment tool used by KantanMT pipeline – Giza++ – with a more efficient one, i.e., fast_align. In this work we present the design and the implementation of the KantanMT pipeline that uses fast_align in place of Giza++. We also conduct a comparison between the two word alignment tools with industry data and report on our findings. Up to our knowledge, such extensive empirical evaluation of the two tools has not been done before.
Simultaneous extraction of phycobiliproteins and carbonic Anhydrase from Spirulina Platensis Leb-52

C-phycocyanin (C-PC), allophycocyanin (APC) and carbonic anhydrase (CA) are intracellular bioproducts produced by Spirulina platensis LEB-52. In order to extract them, a cell rupture step is required. The influence of extraction time on ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) was evaluated at two biomass concentrations (0.2 and 23 g/L). At biomass concentration of 0.2 g/L, 12-min UAE was sufficient to simultaneously obtain phycobiliproteins (C-PC and APC) and esterase-expressed CA. Enzyme activity of hydratase-expressed CA in cyanobacteria is very low. Therefore, to determine the activity of hydratase-expressed CA, biomass concentration of 23 g/L and 8-min extraction time were needed. UAE is an efficient method of rapid determination of phycobiliproteins in wet biomass, even though it is not a selective method which extracts an array of contaminants from biomass.
Laser Cooling and Slowing of a Diatomic Molecule

Abstract : Laser cooling and trapping are central to modern atomic physics. It has been roughly three decades since laser cooling techniques produced ultracold atoms, leading to rapid advances in a vast array of fields and a number of Nobel prizes. Prior to the work presented in this thesis, laser cooling had not yet been extended to molecules because of their complex internal structure. However, this complexity makes molecules potentially useful for a wide range of applications. The first direct laser cooling of a molecule and further results we present here provide a new route to ultracold temperatures for molecules. In particular, these methods bridge the gap between ultracold temperatures and the approximately 1 kelvin temperatures attainable with directly cooled molecules (e.g. with cryogenic buffer gas cooling or decelerated supersonic beams). Using the carefully chosen molecule strontium monofluoride (SrF), decays to unwanted vibrational states are suppressed. Driving a transition with rotational quantum number R=1 to an excited state with R0=0 eliminates decays to unwanted rotational states. The dark ground-state Zeeman sublevels present in this specific scheme are remixed via a static magnetic field. Using three lasers for this scheme, a given molecule should undergo an average of approximately 100, 000 photon absorption/emission cycles before being lost via unwanted decays. This number of cycles should be sufficient to load a magneto-optical trap (MOT) of molecules. In this thesis, we demonstrate transverse cooling of an SrF beam, in both Doppler and a Sisyphus-type cooling regimes. We also realize longitudinal slowing of an SrF beam. Finally, we detail current progress towards trapping SrF in a MOT. Ultimately, this technique should enable the production of large samples of molecules at ultracold temperatures for molecules chemically distinct from competing methods.