Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Power and position

Due to the politicization of much policymaking in the European Union (EU) and the growing competences of the European Parliament (EP), party groups in the EP have become key targets for organized interests. This article investigates which party groups in the EP are prioritized by EU lobbyists and why. The focus is on two presumed key components of this prioritization process, namely power and position. It is expected that lobbyists take into account both the extent to which parties align with their views and their legislative power. The empirical analysis draws on interviews with 143 interest group officials and their lobbying expenditures on 78 legislative proposals initiated by the European Commission between 2008 and 2010. The analysis suggests that the media prominence of party groups in relation to specific issues as well as the extent to which interest organizations and party groups adopt opposing policy positions considerably shape how party groups in the EP are targeted by lobbyists.
Growth at moderately elevated temperature alters the physiological response of the photosynthetic apparatus to heat stress in pea (Pisum sativum L.) leaves

The impact of heat stress on the functioning of the photosynthetic apparatus was examined in pea (Pisum sativum L.) plants grown at control (25 °C; 25 °C-plants) or moderately elevated temperature (35 °C; 35 °C-plants). In both types of plants net photosynthesis (Pn) decreased with increasing leaf temperature (LT) and was more than 80% reduced at 45 °C as compared to 25 °C. In the 25 °C-plants, LTs higher than 40 °C could result in a complete suppression of Pn. Short-term acclimation to heat stress did not alter the temperature response of Pn. Chlorophyll a fluorescence measurements revealed that photosynthetic electron transport (PET) started to decrease when LT increased above 35 °C and that growth at 35 °C improved the thermal stability of the thylakoid membranes. In the 25 °C-plants, but not in the 35 °C-plants, the maximum quantum yield of the photosystem II primary photochemistry, as judged by measuring the Fv/Fm ratio, decreased significantly at LTs higher than 38 °C. A post-illumination heat-induced reduction of the plastoquinone pool was observed in the 25 °C-plants, but not in the 35 °C-plants. Inhibition of Pn by heat stress correlated with a reduction of the activation state of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco). Western-blot analysis of Rubisco activase showed that heat stress resulted in a redistribution of activase polypeptides from the soluble to the insoluble fraction of extracts. Heat-dependent inhibition of Pn and PET could be reduced by increasing the intercellular CO2 concentration, but much more effectively so in the 35 °C-plants than in the 25 °C-plants. The 35 °C-plants recovered more efficiently from heat-dependent inhibition of Pn than the 25 °C-plants. The results show that growth at moderately high temperature hardly diminished inhibition of Pn by heat stress that originated from a reversible heat-dependent reduction of the Rubisco activation state. However, by improving the thermal stability of the thylakoid membranes it allowed the photosynthetic apparatus to preserve its functional potential at high LTs, thus minimizing the after-effects of heat stress.
Interrelationships and Variability Studies for Grain Yield and its Various Components in Chickpea (Cicer arietimum L.)

Eighteen elite genotypes (848, 4047, 810, 447, BRC-27, ILC-918, 1036, 4012, 109, 290, 5006, 932, 107, BRC-20, 406, 1028, 228 and 928) and two varieties (Bittal and CM-72) of chickpea were used to analyze the means and components of variability (genetic, phenotypic and environmental), heritability (h 2 bs), genetic advance and interrelationships (genetic and phenotypic) for yield and various other yield components. The results suggested that pods per plant, seeds per plant, 100-seed weight and total weight of plant might be useful while selecting for high yielding genotypes of chickpea. It was also suggested from the mean values of hundred seed weight, total weight of plant and seed yield per plant that chickpea genotypes 932, BRC-27 and Bittal98 may be used as parents in further breeding program to develop high yielding cultivars.
A Review on Voltage Stability Margin Improvement with Distributed Generation

With the expansion of economy, the rapidly increasing load demands in distribution systems are the forceful factors for intensification of distribution generation (DG) installation in power distribution system. There is an assortment of beneficial aspects of DG implementation, where maximum voltage support is one of the technical beneficial aspects. On the other hand, DG penetration is a main concern when go through voltage stability problem to avoid superfluous load demand. Here, the different techniques are going to be described to get optimal siting of DG units and their preliminary sizes to improve voltage stability margin so that it may enhance and power distribution system becomes more reliable. Index Terms – distributed generation (DG); voltage stability margin (VSM); continuation power flow (CPF); power distribution system; optimal location; voltage collapse.
Can We Trust the Results of Meta-Analyses?

Every meta-analysis involves a number of choices made by the analyst. These choices may refer to, for example, estimator of effect, model for analysis (fixed effects or random effects), or the treatment of varying study quality. The choices made can affect the results of the analysis. Every meta-analysis should therefore include a sensitivity analysis, designed to probe how choices made as part of the analysis affect its results. This paper describes a systematic approach to sensitivity analysis in meta-analyses. An index intended to summarize the results of a sensitivity analysis, the robustness score, is developed. The robustness score varies from 0 to 1. A value of 1 indicates that the results of a meta-analysis are robust; they are not at all affected by the choices made by the analyst. It is proposed that every meta-analysis include a sensitivity analysis for (a) the potential presence of publication bias, (b) the choice of estimator of effect (if relevant), (c) the possible presence of outlier bias (a single result having decisive influence on the summary estimate), (d) statistical weighting of individual estimates of effect, and (e) assessment of study quality. A recently reported meta-analysis of studies that have evaluated the effects on road safety of daytime running lights for cars is used as a case to explain the proposed approach to sensitivity analysis.
Simulation of Tillage Systems Impact on Soil Biophysical Properties Using the SALUS Model

A sustainable land management has been defined as the management system that allows for production, while minimizing risk, maintaining quality of soil and water. Tillage systems can significantly decrease soil carbon storage and influence the soil environment of a crop. Crop growth models can be useful tools in evaluating the impact of different tillage systems on soil biophysical properties and on the growth and final yield of the crops. The objectives of this paper were i) to illustrate the SALUS model and its tillage component; ii) to evaluate the effects of different tillage systems on water infiltration and time to ponding, iii) to simulate the effect of tillage systems on some soil biophysical properties. The SALUS (System Approach to Land Use Sustainability) model is designed to simulate continuous crop, soil, water and nutrient conditions under different tillage and crop residues management strategies for multiple years. Predictions of changes in surface residue, bulk density, runoff, drainage and evaporation were consistent with expected behaviours of these parameters as described in the literature. The experiment to estimate the time to ponding curve under different tillage system confirmed the theory and showed the beneficial effects of the residue on soil surface with respect to water infiltration. It also showed that the no-tillage system is a more appropriate system to adopt in areas characterized by high intensity rainfall.
Techniques for quantifying N2 fixation in association with nonlegumes under field and greenhouse conditions

Erratum: Techniques for quantifying N2 fixation in association with nonlegumes under field and greenhouse conditions' R. J . RENNIE Agric,ultur-e Cotiodo Reseorch Station. LetIlbridge. Alto. , Cotzodo TIJ 4Bl A N D D. A . RENNIE ~ e ~ o r t m e n i of Soi1 Science, Urziversity of Soskotcheworz, Soskotoori, Sosk. , Coriodo S7N OWO (Ref. Can. J. Microbiol. 29: 10221035. 1983.) On page 1028, Fig. 2, the figure caption should include "Courtesy of Dr. J . F. Witty. "
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and their therapeutic potential

Carbonic anhydrases (CAs, EC 4.2.1.1) are wide-spread zinc enzymes, present in archaeo- and eubacteria, algae, green plants and animals. Within these organisms CAs are encoded by three distinct, evolutionarily unrelated gene families: the α-CA, the β-CA and the γ-CA families, respectively. These enzymes are very efficient catalysts for the reversible hydration of CO2 to bicarbonate; the α-CAs possess high versatility, being able to catalyse other hydrolytic processes. It is not known whether other reactions catalysed by CAs (than the hydration of CO2/dehydration of HCO-) may have physiological relevance in systems where these enzymes are present. CAs are inhibited primarily by two main classes of compounds: the metal complexing inorganic anions (e.g., cyanide, cyanate, thiocyanate, azide, hydrogensulphide etc.) and the unsubstituted sulphonamides possessing the general formula RSO2NH2 (R = aryl; hetaryl; perhaloalkyl). The first type of inhibitor was important for understanding in detail the catalytic and inhibitory mechanisms, whereas the second led to the development of several classes of pharmacological agents. Inhibitors of both types directly bind to the metal ion within the enzyme active site, either by substituting the zinc-bound H-, or adding to the co-ordination sphere, leading thus to pentaco-ordinated Zn(II). Sulphonamide CA inhibitors (CAIs) are useful as diuretics, or in the treatment and prevention of a variety of diseases such as glaucoma, epilepsy, congestive heart failure, mountain sickness, gastric and duodenal ulcers, neurological disorders and osteoporosis among others, as well as diagnostic tools. Their applications are due to the wide distribution of the different α-CA isozymes (14 are presently known) in higher vertebrates, where they play important physiological functions related to respiration and transport of CO2/HCO3 between metabolising tissues and the lungs, pH and CO2 homeostasis, electrolyte secretion in a variety of tissues/organs, and biosynthetic reactions, such as gluconeogenesis and ureagenesis, among others. CA activators have recently been described and their mechanism of action at molecular level elucidated. Such agents might be useful for developing therapies for the CA deficiency syndrome.
Autonomous Troubleshooting Scheme for Power Quality Monitoring in Distribution Systems

Power Quality (PQ) monitoring as an essential tool for improving the quality of service in distribution systems has invited tremendous research from academic and professional communities in the recent past. A monitoring system that takes up essential time to troubleshoot may not be viable in case of critical loads, manufacturing units(especially adjustable speed drives [1]) or stringent contractual agreements between the distribution utility and customer. This paper presents a novel troubleshooting scheme in which the monitoring system consists of data collection units alongside data processing units (DPU) that are implemented in hardware and software. These analyze recorded data dynamically, perform stepwise segregation and correlation as specified by the algorithm through internal communication among various DPUs, and send the results/solutions arrived at, to the Central Server Station GUI thereby improving stored data efficiency and relieving the human operator of having to deal with huge chunks of data in order to troubleshoot a PQ deviation within the system. The advantage of the proposed system is that PQ monitoring is now a dynamic process where the solution is obtained as soon as a deviation is substantiated, against the traditional method of analyzing data for the recorded deviation at a later stage and then starting the troubleshooting process.
Contribution of auto- and heterotrophic protozoa to the diet of copepods in the Ulleung Basin, East Sea/Japan Sea

We estimated the ingestion rates and prey selectivity of two calanoid copepods, Calanus sinicus and Neocalanus plumchrus, on auto- and heterotrophic protozoa in the Ulleung Basin in the East Sea/Japan Sea. Both copepod species preferentially ingested auto- and heterotrophic protozoa. The heterotrophic protozoa comprised between 42.9 and 86.7% of the total carbon ration ingested by the copepods, although they comprised on average 21.5% of the total available prey carbon. In particular, ciliates comprised the major dietary component for the copepods in the study area. The copepod consumption of ciliates was on average 38.2% of the total daily carbon ration of auto-and heterotrophic protozoa. Auto- and heterotrophic protozoa in the 20―50 μm size were the fraction that was most actively consumed by copepods and they comprised on average 45.1% of the total carbon ration ingested. In all experiments, the copepods selected the ciliate and heterotrophic dinoflagellate (HDF) groups over the other protozoa. Our results indicate that the copepod feeding regime was influenced by the composition and size of the potential food and that, in this study area, feeding behavior of copepods may control the populations of ciliates and HDFs that are larger than 10 μm in size. Thus, the selective feeding patterns and higher grazing pressure of copepods on heterotrophic protozoa, compared with autotrophic protozoa, indicate a trophic coupling between copepods and the microbial food web in the Ulleung Basin.
Stimulation of alanine amino transferase (AlaAT) gene expression and alanine accumulation in embryo axis of the model legume Medicago truncatula contribute to anoxia stress tolerance

The efficiency of ethanolic fermentation in anoxia tolerance under sugar-limiting conditions, as in the field is still matter of debate. Due to higher rates of glycolysis and ethanol fermentation, faster depletion of sugar stores leads to decreased survival. In the present work the hypothesis that alanine amino transferase (AlaAT) fermentation be involved in anoxia tolerance was explored in Medicago truncatula during germination and seedling establishment. Expression of AlaAT and two low oxygen-responsive genes, alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were determined by real time quantitative RT-PCR and AlaAT activity was determined by 15 N-Glutamate labelling coupled to amino acids analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and HPLC. Under anoxia not only ADH and LDH levels of expression increased but also AlaAT expression increased substantially. In parallel in vivo AlaAT activity increased and resulted in an increase in alanine synthesis that accumulated as the major amino acid instead of asparigine. These findings support the hypothesis that AlaAT expression and alanine accumulation contribute efficiently to anoxia tolerance. By competing with ethanolic fermentation for pyruvate, under sugar-limiting conditions alanine synthesis saves C3 skeletons avoiding a shortage in carbon availability and limits accumulation of acetaldehyde, a toxic compound. On another hand, increase in alanine was accompanied by an increase in γ-amino butyric acid, both amino acids may intervene in cytosolic pH regulation. Finally the role of alanine in anoxia tolerance was strengthened by the fact that when alanine synthesis was impaired germination and seedling development failed under anoxia.
Lifestyle counselling and behavioural change: role among adult hypertensives in a rural tertiary institution

Background: In spite of the availability of myriads of antihypertensive medications, the control of high blood pressure is still low. Studies on effect of lifestyle behavioural changes through counselling on blood pressure control are scant in Nigeria. Therefore, this study set out to determine the role of lifestyle counselling on behavioural change among hypertensive patients attending the Federal Medical Centre, Ido-Ekiti. Methods: A total of 322 adult hypertensive participants who had been on treatment for at least three consecutive months were randomised into two groups. Relevant data were collected using an interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire and clinical parameters were measured pre- and post-intervention. The intervention group was counselled on lifestyle behaviours, namely regular exercise, eating adequate fruits and vegetables, moderate alcohol intake and cessation of smoking. Results: Post-intervention, among the intervention group 22.4%, 71.4% and 100%, as compared with the control group at 6.2%, 41.0% and 87.6%, met recommendations for physical activity, fruit and vegetable consumption and alcohol consumption respectively. The difference in each category was statistically significant (p < 0.001). However, the difference in smoking habits between the two groups (83.9% vs. 79.5%) was not statistically significant (p = 0.313). There was a statistically significant difference (p ≤ 0.001) in the difference in mean arterial pressure (96.4 ± 8.1 vs 106.2 ± 7.6 mmHg) between the intervention and control group post-intervention. Conclusion: Lifestyle modifications form part of an important and effective treatment modality for hypertension. It is desirable that primary care physicians devise and implement clinical and public health strategies that promote and maintain a combination of pharmacologic interventions and lifestyle modifications.
Indiscriminate friendliness in foster children: Associations with attachment security, foster parents’ sensitivity, and child inhibitory control

Indiscriminate friendliness (IF) is atypical behavior often seen in postinstitutionalized and foster children. The current exploratory study examined the associations of children’s attachment security, parental sensitivity, and child inhibitory control with reported and observed IF in 60 family-reared, never-institutionalized foster children. IF was measured with a parent-report questionnaire (Indiscriminate Friendliness Questionnaire) and an observational measure (adapted version of the Stranger at the Door procedure; Bucharest Early Intervention Project). Attachment security and inhibitory control were related to reported IF (i.e., a secure attachment and poor inhibitory control were associated with higher levels of IF), but parental sensitivity was not. No associations were found between observed IF and attachment security, parental sensitivity, or inhibitory control. Thus, foster children with a secure attachment relationship may be more prone to socially interact with others including strangers, whereas better inhibitory control may serve as a buffer against IF but these results were found for reported IF only. More research is needed to gain more knowledge about different measures, other possible correlates, and underlying mechanisms of IF.
Gamification of Enterprise Systems

Enterprise systems have become an integral part of an organization’s operations. However, they also pose many challenges to organizations from the perspective of implementation, user training, as well as use and acceptance. Without effective usage, enterprise systems may not be able to provide the strategic or competitive advantages that organizations desire. Therefore, organizations may consider gamification to enhance training, acceptance, and usage. We discuss the various ways in which enterprise system challenges can be addressed through the lens of gamification and present a framework for gamification of enterprise systems. The framework is comprised of basic principles and key design elements of gamification, as well as their application to enterprise systems. The specific principles of gamification include Challenge, Interactivity, Goal Orientation, Social Connectivity, Competition, Achievement, Reinforcement, and Fun Orientation. Design elements, such as points, levels, badges, leaderboards, progress bars, quests, and avatars, represent the application of these gamification principles, which can foster engagement with enterprise systems. The framework was validated by a group of experts. We also provide practical and theoretical implications, as well as suggestions for future research.
Strategic Plan of the Texas Department of Transportation for Implementing NCHRP 1–37A Pavement Design Guide

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) used the recently released NCHRP 1–37A guide and software to develop a strategic plan for its implementation of operations. The new guide includes all possible variables that may affect the performance of the pavement. A general sensitivity study of these variables was conducted with an early version of the software. A few focused studies were conducted, including (a) a preliminary local calibration of the guide with 11 Strategic Highway Research Program General Pavement Studies sections in Texas, (b) traffic composition effect compared with that of the traditional 80–kN equivalent single-axle loads (ESALs) and of the design load, and (c) effect of the choice of the weather station and of changing the water table depth on the performance of the pavement. The results indicate that (a) the use of the 80–kN ESALs leads to underdesigning the structure, (b) the design load concept can be used in screening runs to determine a preliminary design, and (c) in the case analyzed, changing the depth of the water table resulted in changing the moduli of the unbound material but did not affect the performance. Finally, a strategy for implementation was recommended to TxDOT, including (a) training, (b) laboratory testing and equipment acquisition, (c) field forensic studies for calibration, (d) calibration and validation of the guide, and (e) additional studies.
Industrial Policy

This article looks at the economic and political history of industrial policy under the Labour government of 1997–2010. The theoretical debate over industrial policy goes back to the 19th century, but the Labour government used neo-classical economic theory to justify state intervention in the market. It was also heavily influenced by European policy, including the Lisbon Agenda. While New Labour continued to favour some industries, there was no industrial policy as such. Instead, the government used tax revenues to create public jobs and jobs dependent on public sector spending. While the economic crisis and the change of administration will remove many of the distortions of this policy, the challenge is to create a new approach to economic revival in less prosperous regions of the UK.