Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Combining E-β-farnesene and methyl salicylate release with wheat-pea intercropping enhances biological control of aphids in North China

ABSTRACT Combining intercropping with the release of semiochemicals may strengthen biological control of aphids as a push-pull strategy that simultaneously repels aphids and attracts their natural enemies. This hypothesis was tested in the Henan Province of China in 2016 where aphids, their natural enemies and mummies were trapped and observed on crops in three treatments: wheat-pea strip intercropping solely (control), intercropping combined with the release of E-β-farnesene (EBF) and intercropping combined with the release of methyl salicylate (MeSA). Each treatment was repeated four times. The abundance of aphids throughout the growing season (9 weeks between March and May) was significantly decreased and the abundance of natural enemies and mummies were significantly increased in treatments with releases of semiochemicals compared to intercropping solely. The effect was stronger with MeSA than with EBF on the control of Rhopalosiphum padi and pea aphids as well as on the attraction of lacewings and hoverflies. Indeed, lacewings and hoverflies were on average twice more numerous in MeSA than in the other treatments. These results show that combining wheat-pea intercropping with the release of EBF or MeSA can significantly reduce aphid density and attract their natural enemies and that this effect is strengthen with MeSA when compared to EBF.
DEVELOPING FLUOROGEN ACTIVATING PROTEIN-FLUORESCENT PROTEIN FRET PAIRS FOR LIVE CELL IMAGING

Fluorogen activating proteins (FAPs) are genetically encoded tags made from single chain antibody fragments (scFv) designed to bind fluorogens with high specificity. Both the fluorogen and FAP can be modified to provide flexibility in properties such as affinity, membrane permeability, spectra, and quantum yield. The fluorogen Malachite Green (MG) has two excitation peaks, the maximum at 630 nm and a secondary peak at 450 nm. The emission spectra of blue-emitting fluorescence proteins, such as mCerulean (mCer), overlap with the MG secondary peak, generating a FRET pair with large Stokes shift emission. Using 405 nm excitation of mCer, we observe acceptor
Physical Activity, Screen Time, and Emotional Well-Being during the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Outbreak in China

We aimed to evaluate the effects of the COVID-19 lock down on lifestyle in China during the initial stage of the pandemic. A questionnaire was distributed to Chinese adults living in 31 provinces of China via the internet using a snowball sampling strategy. Information on 7-day physical activity recall, screen time, and emotional state were collected between January 24 and February 2, 2020. ANOVA, χ² test, and Spearman’s correlation coefficients were used for statistical analysis. 12,107 participants aged 18–80 years were included. During the initial phase of the COVID-19 outbreak, nearly 60% of Chinese adults had inadequate physical activity (95% CI 56.6%–58.3%), which was more than twice the global prevalence (27.5%, 25.0%–32.2%). Their mean screen time was more than 4 hours per day while staying at home (261.3 ± 189.8 min per day), and the longest screen time was found in young adults (305.6 ± 217.5 min per day). We found a positive and significant correlation between provincial proportions of confirmed COVID-19 cases and negative affect scores (r = 0.501, p = 0.004). Individuals with vigorous physical activity appeared to have a better emotional state and less screen time than those with light physical activity. During this nationwide lockdown, more than half of Chinese adults temporarily adopted a sedentary lifestyle with insufficient physical activity, more screen time, and poor emotional state, which may carry considerable health risks. Promotion of home-based self-exercise can potentially help improve health and wellness.
Finite element computation with anisotropic hyperelastic model considering distributed fibers for artificial and natural leather used in sports

Materials such as natural leather and artificial leather are some of the most important materials in sports. Natural leathers have been widely used for sports equipment. Currently, artificial leathers are also often used in sports as an alternative to natural leathers. However, the structure of both artificial and natural leather materials is complex because both biochemical and artificial fibers are contained in the body. Due to the effect of internal fibers, anisotropic mechanical characteristics of leathers are observed. Also, the fiber orientations are dispersed, and fiber orientation dispersion and degree of anisotropy have correlations. Regarding the manufacturing process of sports equipment made with artificial and natural leather materials, it is important to consider the anisotropic mechanical characteristics and fiber orientation dispersion to improve design performance. In this study, uniaxial tensile loading tests were conducted on three types of leather materials to investigate their anisotropic characteristics, and an anisotropic hyperelastic model for leather materials was proposed. Also, numerical simulations using the finite element method (FEM) were performed. Tensile loading tests were performed on an artificial leather and two types of natural leather. The results revealed that all materials exhibited anisotropic behaviors and different anisotropic characteristics were observed in each material. The existence of one fiber family was revealed in the artificial leather and that of two fiber families was revealed in the natural leathers. Regarding the FE simulations, the mechanical properties of the three types of leathers were reproduced by the proposed model. The mechanical characteristics of leather materials which had one fiber family and two fiber families could be reproduced. The applicability of the proposed hyperelastic model to evaluate the mechanical properties of leather materials was demonstrated.
Thermoelectric polymer films with a significantly high Seebeck coefficient and thermoelectric power factor obtained through surface energy filtering

Thermoelectric (TE) polymers have unique advantages in converting heat into electricity. But their Seebeck coefficient is lower than that of inorganic TE materials by about one order of magnitude. Here, surface energy filtering is proposed to significantly enhance the Seebeck coefficient of TE polymers. The as-prepared poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS, the most popular TE polymer) films from aqueous solution have a low Seebeck coefficient of 15–18 μV K−1 and a power factor of ∼0.008 μW m−1 K−2. Depositing Rhodamine 101, a zwitterion, on PEDOT:PSS films can enhance the Seebeck coefficient to 47.2 μV K−1 and the power factor to 401.2 μW m−1 K−2. The Rhodamine 101 effect on the Seebeck coefficient is consistent with its effect on the work function of PEDOT:PSS. The enhancement in the Seebeck coefficient is ascribed to the dipole moment of Rhodamine 101 and the interfacial dipole moment formed at the surface of the PEDOT:PSS films. This is confirmed by theoretical simulations. We call this mechanism surface energy filtering. Surface energy filtering can increase the mean energy of the transporting carriers and thus the Seebeck coefficient of the PEDOT:PSS films while only slightly affecting the electrical conductivity. It can thus significantly enhance the Seebeck coefficient and the power factor simultaneously.
Pemikiran Abdullah An-Na`Im Tentang Teori Evolusi Syari`Ah (Nasakh) Dan Relevansinya Dengan Metode Istinbath Hukum Islam

In order to offer a transformative discourse Abdullah Ahmad An-Na'im build a method he called with the evolution of Shari'ah (abrogated). According to him the method can respond to contemporary issues at this time. Because he assumed that abrogating is one of the principal methods and has a wide and high complexity in theology and fiqh (jurisprudence) of Islam. He tries to deconstruct abrogated method and also some methods of ijtihad that had been considered settled by the classical scholar. Abdullah Ahmad An-Na'im radically have done repeated studies against the epistimologi Islamic law as well as the mereformulasi return and customize it with the standard of human rights as well as international law as a benchmark. The method developed by Abdullah Ahmad An-Na'im, he stated three important things that need to be done to realize the abrogating. Text, values of humanity, and logic. He also overestimated human rights, so that a text (paragraph) may be enforced in accordance with human rights. In order to answer the legal issues of contemporary Islam.
Bearing Capacity of Ring Foundations on Sand Overlying Clay

The vertical bearing capacity of rough ring foundations resting on a sand layer overlying clay soil is computed in this study by using finite element limit analysis (FELA). The sands and clays are assumed as elastoplastic models, obeying Mohr–Coulomb and Tresca failure criteria, respectively. Based on the FELA results, design charts are provided for evaluating the ultimate bearing capacity of ring foundations, which is related to the undrained shear strength of the clay, the thickness, the internal friction angle, the unit weight of the sand layer, and the ratio of the internal radius to the external radius of the footing. A certain thickness, beyond which the clay layer has a negligible effect on the bearing capacity, is determined. The collapse mechanisms are also examined and discussed.
Paths to sustainable wood supply to the pulp and paper industry in Indonesia after diseases have forced a change of species from acacia to eucalypts

ABSTRACT In Sumatra and Kalimantan in Indonesia and Sabah in Malaysia, the spread of two diseases, aggravated by damage by fauna, and by the humid tropical environment, has forced a change of planted species from Acacia mangium to Eucalyptus pellita and related interspecific hybrids, at a scale unprecedented in the history of plantation forestry. This experience highlights the risks of relying on any single species for large contiguous plantation estates in environments with endemic biotic and abiotic stresses. There is a need to transition to multiple-species plantation forestry, adopting the opportunities for changeover of species and varieties in short-rotation systems. Industry’s responses for coping with this rapid change have been helped by earlier collaborative research on acacia which promoted management practices that conserved site resources and avoided site degradation during the critical harvesting and inter-rotation phase. The current growth rates of E. pellita and its hybrids are lower than that of A. mangium. Estimates of production from plantations and expanding capacity of the pulp and paper mills highlight a risk of significant shortfalls in wood production. Improving the quality and consistency of forest operations and revision and refocussing of research and development are critical to set and achieve realistic targets for stable, incremental improvements in productivity. Each company should consider investing systematically in contemporary adaptive research for developing and applying integrated management practices that are efficient and feasible on large scales and suitable for their circumstances. There is also a critical need for research to understand the dynamics of local human capital and its relationships with the forestry sector, with focus on improving access to a stable labour force.
Developing and Field Testing a Tool Designed to Operationalize a Multitreatment Approach in Hardwood-Dominated Stands in Eastern Canada

Variations in species composition, diameter and height distributions, and quality make the management of hardwood-dominated stands difficult, particularly when considering mechanized forest operations. This study aimed to develop and field test a tool designed to improve the feasibility of forest operations in heterogeneous forest stands in Eastern Canada. To address inherent stand variability, a multitreatment approach was selected using conventional forest inventory (one inventory plot per hectare) and a silvicultural treatment decision key as main inputs. The Excel-based spreadsheet in combination with an ArcGIS model, referred to as the Multitreatment Planning Tool (MTPT), allowed to build operational maps identifying the type and spatial extent of silvicultural treatments to be performed. Once uploaded to positioning systems in harvesting machines, the operators were provided guidance on the silvicultural treatment to be performed and the location of the suggested machine trails. Field results obtained from nine harvest blocks (over 300 ha treated in total) showed the potential of using the MTPT until more mature and higher resolution-enhanced inventories become mainstream. Machine operators and operational managers both appreciated the straightforward and flexible method. Additional testing and refinement of the method is necessary, particularly when considering re-entry scheduling.
Gaining momentum: towards integrated reporting practices in GCC countries

Purpose – The study focuses on all non-financial companies representing four Gulf countries namely: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE and Qatar. It provides a comparative analysis of the extent of Integrated Reporting practices amongst 217 listed companies in 2013 and 2014. Design/methodology/approach – The sample comprises all non-financial companies listed on the respective stock markets. An integrated reporting index comprising 43 items was developed based on a review of the extant literature and the IIRC framework. A descriptive analysis follows which explores the extent of integrated reporting amongst the sample companies. Findings – The results indicate that the Integrated Reporting is still in an embryonic stage with companies listed on the UAE and Saudi Arabia stock exchanges taking the lead. The results show great variation amongst the surveyed companies which could reflect the voluntary nature of IR practices and the absence of a universally-recognised framework that guides such practices, resulting in companies having discretion in terms of the nature and extent of their IR practices. Practical Implications – This paper provides evidence from the Gulf region with respect to the extent of integrated reporting practiced there, as the majority of prior studies focus on countries with developed capital markets. The results presented in this paper should therefore be of interest to regulators and standard-setters charged with developing accounting standards related to integrated reporting. Originality/value – To the best of the authors’ knowledge this is the first study to investigate
Brazilian landscape styles and tree biodiversity in public garden squares

The main features of the Brazilian contemporary landscape style are the recovery of degraded areas and the use of indigenous species. This study aimed at analyzing the vegetation of the Curitiba-PR public garden squares to verify if the areas created during the contemporary period (from 1990 on) have a greater diversity of tree species than other squares and, therefore, are more significant for biodiversity conservation. For this, 32 of the city's 454 squares were sampled as determined by statistical calculation, then classified by creation year and landscape style. Trees species, families, and individuals were identified and classified as to their origin; and the variables richness; average species; number of individuals; density of individuals; and the Shannon, Pielou, and Odum indexes were analyzed. The 15 contemporary style squares presented 399 individuals of 54 species and 27 families, with 43.61% of the individuals and 50.00% of the species of exotic origin; individuals average of 26.60 ±9.72 per square and 43.09 ±35.13 per hectare; species average of 6.93 ±4.98 per square and 13.95 ±10.63 per hectare; and diversity indexes of Shannon 3.39, Pielou 0.85, and Odum 9.02. The squares in the contemporary style presented higher diversity indexes, but they have, on average, fewer species, families, and individuals, in addition to a greater proportion of exotic species and individuals. These results indicate that these squares did not follow the typical characteristics of the contemporary style and are of no greater significance for biodiversity conservation when compared to other squares.
Classification of planted forest species in southern China with airborne hyperspectral and LiDAR data

ABSTRACT Plantations in southern China are important components of forest ecosystems. However, the distribution of the native tree species is fragmented. Accurate tree species classification can provide scientific support for forest management and measurement. In this study, Gaofeng forest farm in Guangxi Province was selected as the research area, and hyperspectral image combining with LiDAR was used for tree species classification. Derivative reflectance features, vegetation indices, and spatial texture features were extracted from hyperspectral imagery and screened by random forest method. Then, these features were combined with height information provided by LiDAR used for tree species classification, using an object-based classifier. We found that the derivative reflectance feature of hyperspectral imagery was most effective for the tree species with hard leaves, the vegetation index was best suited for the tree species with dark leaves, and the texture feature was ideal for tree species with prominent veins and bright leaves. Tree height data most significantly identified taller tree species. Fusion of hyperspectral imagery with LiDAR data resulted in a maximum classification accuracy of 91.59% and a kappa coefficient of 0.897. The classification accuracy can meet the requirements of forest resource monitoring.
Reproductive traits as predictors of assembly chronosequence patterns in epiphyllous bryophyte metacommunities

Understanding the mechanisms underlying species assembly is a central focus of plant ecology and is crucial to revealing how plant communities are structured. However, the temporal limitations of most terrestrial plant communities preclude collection of species assembly data in a tractable time‐frame. The aim of this study is to investigate the importance of dispersal potential, as estimated by interspecific variation in sexual and asexual expression, as a predictor of patch chronosequence assembly for epiphyllous (leaf‐inhabiting) bryophytes. Secondarily, we investigate whether spatiotemporal patterns in patch turnover and compositional variation infer evidence of local (within‐patch) population processes. The frequency and distribution of 55 epiphyllous bryophytes across five leaf age classes were studied on an understorey shrub Piper grande (Piperaceae) in premontane Panamanian tropical forest. Logistical models were used to test whether interspecific variation in dispersal‐related life‐history traits predicts assembly order. Beta diversity and ordination analyses were employed to examine nestedness vs. turnover, and probe for repeatable patterns in patch chronosequence assembly, respectively. Our results emphasize the importance of dispersal potential on species assembly patterns as earlier arrivals exhibit greater probabilities of sexual and specialized asexual expression. High turnover coupled with temporal convergence in species composition also points to evidence of within‐patch biotic filtering. Synthesis. Epiphylls are locally diverse in humid tropical forests worldwide; however, the mechanisms which maintain their high local diversity are unknown. This study suggests that interspecific variation in dispersal capacity in combination with diffuse indirect effects is the principal contributor to the high alpha‐diversity of these ephemeral metacommunities.
Model-Guided Manufacturing of Transducer Arrays Based on Single-Fibre Piezocomposites

For breast cancer imaging, ultrasound computer tomography (USCT) is an emerging technology. To improve the image quality of our full 3-D system, a new transducer array system (TAS) design was previously proposed. This work presents a manufacturing approach which realises this new design. To monitor the transducer quality during production, the electro-mechanical impedance (EMI) was measured initially and after each assembly step. To evaluate the measured responses, an extended Krimholtz–Leedom–Matthaei (KLM) transducer model was used. The model aids in interpreting the measured responses and presents a useful tool for evaluating parasitic electric effects and attenuation at resonance. For quality control, the phase angle at thickness resonance φ t was found to be the most specific EMI property. It can be used to verify the functionality of the piezocomposites and allows reliable detection of faults in the acoustic backing. Evaluating the final response of 68 transducers showed 5% variance of the series resonance frequency. This indicates good consistency of derived ultrasound performance parameters.
CONTRIBUTION OF SOCIAL MEDIA AND CULTURAL INTELLIGENCE ON INDIAN-THAI B2B

Business to Business or B2B relationships lead to a large volume of long-term business, in particular international trade. Effective salespersons who are able to deal with foreign clients are essential in this globally digital world. Social media has been used as a communication tool for cross-cultural selling; however, personal selling attributes of salespeople should be considered as well. Therefore, our study aims to examine the benefit of social media in facilitating cross-cultural sales performance and to investigate the mediating effect of cultural intelligence (CQ) and two selling behaviors on increasing sales success. The survey study collected data from a total of 234 Thai salespersons dealing with Indian businessmen. Findings show that Thai salespeople using social media intensively in their B2B tasks tend to present higher levels of cross-cultural sales performance. The mediating effects analysis shows that CQ, adaptive selling behavior and customer-oriented selling behavior fully mediated the positive relationship between social media use for Indian-Thai B2B selling and cross-cultural sales performance. It is recommended herein that, apart from social media usage training programs, international businesses should organize CQ, adaptive selling technique and customer-oriented selling technique programs for their salespeople in order to increase the chance of their success in cross-cultural selling tasks.
Properties of N-Type GaN Thin Film with Si-Ti Codoping on a Glass Substrate

In this study, n-type gallium nitride (GaN) films were fabricated by a silicon–titanium (Si-Ti) codoping sputtering technique with a zinc oxide (ZnO) buffer layer on amorphous glass substrates with different post-growth annealing temperatures for optimizing the GaN crystal quality. Si-Ti-codoped n-type GaN films that were thermally annealed at 400 °C had a low thin-film resistivity of 2.6 × 10−1 Ω-cm and a high electron concentration of 6.65 × 1019 cm−3, as determined through Hall measurement. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results revealed a high (002) XRD intensity with a narrow spectral line and a full width at half maximum (FWHM) value that indicated the superior crystal growth of a hexagonal structure of the GaN thin films. In addition, photoluminescence measurement results demonstrated a near-band-edge emission at 365 nm, indicating the crystal growth of GaN thin films on glass substrates. The Burstein–Moss effect was observed in the Tauc plot results, indicating that the Fermi level inside the conduction band moves upward and thus improves the n-type properties of the GaN thin film. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurement results revealed that all atoms doped into the GaN film are present and that both Si and Ti atoms bond with N atoms.