Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Lactobacillus plantarum on Survival of Crown Gall Agent and Tumour Formation

Aim . To study the effect of Lactobacillus plantarum on formation of tumours and survival of Agrobacterium tumefaciens pJZ on surfaces and in tissues of plants. Materials and Methods . Test-plants carrots Daucus carota L. cv Carotel, kalanchoe Kalanchoe daigremontiana Raym. -Hamet. , tomatoes Solanum lycopersicum L. cv Ballada, grape Vitis vinifera L. cv Pinot noir and Moldova were inoculated with phytopathogenic A. tumefaciens pJZ expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) and L. plantarum (L. plantarum ONU 12, ONU 311, ONU 355) in a ratio 1:1. Presence of GFP-labelled A. tumefaciens pJZ cells in inoculation sites was detected by epifluorescent microscopy. Results . If inoculates contained lactobacilli, amount of plants with crown gall symptoms decreased in 85 – 100%. Mean weight of tumours decreased 2 – 12 times comparing with a control. Microscopy of tissues of symptomless plants showed that in case of treatment with lactobacilli pathogenic agrobacteria survived in 100% of carrots and grapes, 30% of tomatoes, but their populations were smaller than in positive controls inoculated only with phytopathogen and did not cause tumours. Inoculation of grape with a mixture of phytopathogen and lactobacilli resulted in stimulation of plant growth – amount of buds that grew increased in 25,8%, mean length of stems – in 28,3%, mean area of leaves – in 8,6%, that could be hypothesized as an overproduction of plant hormones as a result of possible transformation of plant tissues. Conclusions . Antagonistic L. plantarum could suppress attachment and survival of phytopathogenic A. tumefaciens pJZ on surfaces and in tissues of test-plants eliminating population of the pathogen or decreasing its density with the probable attenuation of pathogenic properties, the mechanism of which needs further investigations.
Implementation of hybrid fractal metamaterial inspired frequency band reconfigurable multiband antenna for wireless applications

In the present paper authors propose the design and analysis of a hepta band metamaterial inspired octagonal shape antenna using hybrid fractals for wireless applications. Multiband characteristics in the designed antenna is accomplished by introducing of slotted octagonal shape radiating part with hybrid fractal form of Moore curve and Koch curve and two SRR cells. The frequency band reconfigurability is obtained with aid of PIN diodes placed inside the strips connected between Moore curve (fused with centered Koch curve) and feedline. During ON mode of PIN diode antenna operates at seven microwave frequency S‐band WiMAX (3.4~3.69 GHz—IEEE 802.16e)/Lower C‐band terrestrial fixed and mobile broadband application (4.25~4.76 GHz)/C‐band WLAN (5.15~5.35/5.75~5.825 GHz—IEEE 802.11a] (5.4~5.9 GHz)/Lower X‐band Earth exploration‐satellite service ITU region 2 (7.9~8.4 GHz)/Upper X‐band Amateur satellite operating band (10.45~10.50 GHz)/Lower Ku‐band Radar communication application (13.25~13.75 GHz)/Middle Ku‐band Geostationary satellite service (14.2~14.5 GHz) covering various wireless applications. Proposed design exhibit hexa/hepta band features during OFF/ON mode of PIN diode. An acceptable gain, stable radiation characteristics, and good impedance matching are observed at all the resonant frequencies of the proposed structure.
A few words on grapevine leaf water potential

Der Anbau in der Mehrzahl der Weinberge erfolgt unter Wassermangelbedingungen, was sich auf die Physiologie der Rebpflanzen, Traubenwachstum und Traubenzusammensetzung/-qualitat beziehungsweise Weinstil auswirkt. Um die Funktionsweise von Rebpflanzen zu verstehen und Strategien zur Bewaltigung von Trockenheit, wie etwa Bewasserung, zu optimieren, ist es sehr wichtig, den Wasserstatus von Rebpflanzen zu beurteilen. In diesem Zusammenhang sind Blattwasserpotenzial-Methoden, insbesondere fruhmorgendliches Wasserpotenzial und Stammwasserpotenzial, bedeutsam und werden ublicherweise zum Kalibrieren anderer Methoden und/oder zur prazisen Bewasserung genutzt.
Determinants of Mobile Accounting App Adoption by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise in Indonesia

This study figured out the factors that influence Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Indonesia to adopt a mobile accounting application as a tool to record business transactions and to prepare financial reports. This research applies the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) with two additional variables, namely perceived risk and perceived trust. Using a combination of purposive, convenience, and snowball sampling techniques, this study distributed questionnaires to MSME owners in Indonesia who know the mobile accounting app. Following that, this study uses the Partial Least Square- Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM) to analyze the data obtained and to confirm the significance of the causality relationship. Effort expectancy, performance expectancy, social influence, and perceived trust have a significant positive effect on the intention to adopt a mobile accounting app. The study provides knowledge of the factors that influence MSME owners' intentions to choose a mobile accounting app which might help app providers to develop strategies to meet the expectation of MSME owners. This study merely examines the intention to adopt a mobile accounting app, hence further study could examine the user's intention to continue using the mobile accounting app, by using the longitudinal data collection.
MsrFace: Multi-Sphere Radius Loss for Deep Face Recognition

Loss functions is one of the main challenges in face recognition problems. Recent works focus on designing loss functions that make learned features more discriminative by a larger angular or cosine distance. In this paper, in addition to the method based on additional angle margins, we propose a Multi-Sphere Radius Loss (MsrFace) to add radius constraints. MsrFace pushes learned features to hyperspheres with different spherical radii and the classes can be separated more strictly. We present experiments on several widely used benchmarks to show that MsrFace has a better performance in comparison with some recent state-of-the-art face recognition methods.
Thyroid function, renal events and mortality in chronic kidney disease patients: the German Chronic Kidney Disease study

Abstract Background Hypothyroidism and low free triiodothyronine (FT3) syndrome [low FT3 levels with normal thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)] have been associated with reduced kidney function cross-sectionally in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients with severely reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) or end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Results on the prospective effects of impaired thyroid function on renal events and mortality for patients with severely reduced eGFR or from population-based cohorts are conflicting. Here we evaluated the association between thyroid and kidney function with eGFR (cross-sectionally) as well as renal events and mortality (prospectively) in a large, prospective cohort of CKD patients with mild to moderately reduced kidney function. Methods Thyroid markers were measured among CKD patients from the German Chronic Kidney Disease study. Incident renal endpoints (combined ESKD, acute kidney injury and renal death) and all-cause mortality were abstracted from hospital records and death certificates. Time to first event analysis of complete data from baseline to the 4-year follow-up (median follow-up time 4.04 years) of 4600 patients was conducted. Multivariable linear regression and Cox proportional hazards models were fitted for single and combined continuous thyroid markers [TSH, free thyroxine (FT4), FT3] and thyroid status. Results Cross-sectionally, the presence of low-FT3 syndrome showed a significant inverse association with eGFR and continuous FT3 levels alone showed a significant positive association with eGFR; in combination with FT4 and TSH, FT3 levels also showed a positive association and FT4 levels showed a negative association with eGFR. Prospectively, higher FT4 and lower FT3 levels were significantly associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality (Nevents = 297). Per picomole per litre higher FT3 levels the risk of reaching the composite renal endpoint was 0.73-fold lower (95% confidence interval 0.65–0.82; Nevents = 615). Compared with euthyroid patients, patients with low-FT3 syndrome had a 2.2-fold higher risk and patients with hypothyroidism had a 1.6-fold higher risk of experiencing the composite renal endpoint. Conclusions Patients with mild to moderate CKD suffering from thyroid function abnormalities are at an increased risk of adverse renal events and all-cause mortality over time.
How much control do firms exercise over their resources when entering emerging markets? The influence of institutional voids on entry mode degree of control

The international management literature has presented inconclusive results about the effect of institutional voids in a host country on entrant firms’ resource commitment. With the lens of institutional theory and transaction cost theory, this article examines how institutional voids in an emerging market influence a firm’s decision to move resources in that market. Resource commitment in an emerging market is examined in terms of the degree of control of the entry strategy employed. The theory presented argues that as institutional voids in a firm’s host country escalate, the firm sets out different priority actions to mitigate behavioral and environmental uncertainties in the host country, that in turn affect the degree of control of its entry modes. By relying on a sample of 90 Italian firms operating in China between 2001 and 2010, the results support the hypothesis that the institutional voids–entry mode degree of control relationship displays an inverted U-shape. JEL CLASSIFICATION F23; L1
CONDITIONAL SENTENCES IN DELIVERING A MESSAGE IN A NEWSPAPER

This study dealt with the u s i n g o f conditional sentences in delivering a message especially in a newspaper. The purposes of this study was to describe the conditional sentences that occurred in the opinion texts and to derive the dominant category of conditional sentences in delivering a message in a newspaper then to reasoning why it was actualized in the way it was. This study conducted by using descriptive method with a qualitative approach. The data of this study were the opinion texts from the daily newspaper of The Jakarta Post. Determining, identifying, and analyzing were the steps in analyzing the data. The findings of this research show that all the types of conditional sentences are used in delivering the message in the opinion texts in The Jakarta Post. The using of conditional type I is 52,70%; type II is 14,19%; type III is 0,68% and 0 conditional is 32,43%. So from the findings it shows that the most dominant type that used in opinion texts in The Jakarta Post is conditional sentences type I. The findings of this study are very useful for the editors of newspaper in editing the news before it is printed. They need to know conditional sentences well in order to relate one clause to another clause in delivering the message so the information can be understood by the readers easily. By knowing the conditional sentences well it will be easier to know and to understand the message written down in the newspaper.
A Triple-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial on Impacts of Pioglitazone on Oxidative Stress Markers in Diabetic Kidney Transplant Recipients

Background: Oxidative stress as a major mediator of adverse outcomes in kidney transplant recipients who are prone to oxidative stress-mediated injury by pre-transplant and post-transplant conditions. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of Pioglitazone on oxidative stress biomarkers and blood glucose control in diabetic patients receiving insulin after kidney transplantation. Methods: In a triple-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial, sixty-two kidney transplanted diabetic patients (40 men and 24 women) were followed for 4 months after randomly assigned to the placebo group and Pioglitazone group (30 mg/d). All of the patients continued their insulin therapy irrespective of the group that they were assigned to evaluate the effects of the addition of pioglitazone on blood glucose and oxidative stress biomarkers, Malondialdehyde (MDA) and total protein carbonyls (TPC) serum levels. Results: At baseline, there were no statistically signiﬁcant differences in glycemic control levels and oxidative markers between the two groups. After 4 months of intervention, a significant improvement occurred in Hemoglobin A1c (HBA1c) in the Pioglitazone group. The changes of HBA1c during 4 months of follow up in the Pioglitazone group show improvement in glucose control were as HBA1c in the placebo group increased by 0.3% (P = 0.0001). Moreover, at the end of the study, the MDA level was significantly lower in the Pioglitazone group (P < 0.0001, 1.22 - 3.90). Regarding the serum level of TPC, the changes were not statistically different at baseline and also at the end of the study between two groups. Conclusions: Administration of Pioglitazone in addition to insulin in diabetic kidney transplant patients not only improved glycemic control (evidenced by HBA1c) but also significantly decreased oxidative stress markers such as MDA.
Reducing the active power curtailment of distributed generation based on soft open points in unbalanced distribution networks

: Voltage profiles may exceed the upper limit in a distribution network with a high penetration of distributed generation (DG). Voltage can be effectively regulated by curtailing the active power of DG and adjusting the reactive power. Soft open points (SOPs) have flexible active power transfer and reactive power regulation capabilities that can help reduce the active power curtailment of DG. Asymmetric network parameters, single-phase loads, and DGs cause voltage unbalance in distribution networks. This study proposes an optimal power control model of SOPs and DG converters in unbalanced distribution networks (UDNs). First, the individual phase power control characteristics of SOPs and DG converters in UDNs are modelled. Second, an optimisation model is constructed with the minimum active power curtailment of DG and the total power loss and voltage unbalance of UDNs as the objective function and with consideration of the networks and SOP operation constraints. The original optimisation model with non-convex and non-linear characteristics is transformed using power flow linearisation and linear relaxation into a linear programming model that can be efficiently solved. Finally, the feasibility and efficiency of the proposed model are verified using an IEEE 33-node system.
Discovering Novel Hearing Loss Genes: Roles for Esrp1 and Gas2 in Inner Ear Development and Auditory Function

Hearing loss is the most common form of congenital birth defect, affecting an estimated 35 million children worldwide. To date, nearly 100 genes have been identified which contribute to a deafness phenotype in humans, however, many cases remain in which a causative mutation has yet to be found. In addition, the exact mechanism by which hearing loss occurs in the presence of many of these mutations is still not understood. This is due, in part, to the complex nature of the development and function of the cochlear duct, the organ of hearing. The cochlea undergoes an intricate morphogenetic development and requires the proper specification and maintenance of dozens of different cell types in order to function correctly. In the mature duct, an interplay between mechanotransducing sensory hair cells, supporting pillar and Dieters' cells, and generation of electrochemical potential by the stria vascularis are necessary to respond to sound stimuli. We utilized exome and RNA-sequencing experiments combined with mouse genetics in order to discover novel genes that play roles in cochlear development and function. Exome sequencing of families with profound hearing loss uncovered mutations in Epithelial Splicing Regulatory Protein 1 (ESRP1), a critical regulator of alternative mRNA splicing. Analysis of Esrp1 mutant mice revealed a shortened cochlear duct, delay in hair cell differentiation and maturation, and loss of the stria vascularis due to inappropriate Fgf ligand usage, stemming from an alternatively spliced receptor, in these cells. To identify additional regulators of inner ear development we performed an RNA-seq experiment comparing the gene expression profiles of control and Smoecko otic vesicles, which lack a cochlear duct. This generated a dataset of hundreds of cochlear enriched transcripts including Growth Arrest Specific 2 (Gas2) a cytoskeletal binding protein with the potential to act as a regulator of cochlear development. We generated a Gas2 null mouse line and discovered that these animals have severe hearing impairment likely due to defects in microtubule organization in the This dissertation is available at ScholarlyCommons: https://repository.upenn. edu/edissertations/2843 pillar cells. Taken together, these studies implicate Esrp1 and Gas2 as novel hearing loss genes that regulate aspects of cochlear development and function. Degree Type Dissertation Degree Name Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Graduate Group Cell & Molecular Biology First Advisor Douglas J. Epstein
Chemistry, processing and toxicology of annatto (Bixa orellana L.).

Annatto of commerce is the dried seed of Bixa orellana L, an evergreen shrub or small tree, which has been introduced widely throughout the tropics. The orange red colour extracted from annatto seeds is mainly used as a food colour. Its chief application is in colouring butter and cheese. Annatto colour is also used world wide in foods like soft drinks, sugar confectionery, margarine, ice cream, fish products, etc. The orange red colour due to the carotenoids constitutes more than 80% in the annatto seed coat, consists of cis-bixin [methyl hydrogen (9'Z)-6,6'-apocarotene-6, 6'-dioate], which on heating in solution converts to a more stable trans isomer and a yellow degradation product. Various constituents isolated and identified from B.orellana seeds are described. Minor carotenoids and compounds from lipid portion isolated and identified are also discussed. Extraction of colouring matter from the seed coat of annatto by several methods have been surveyed. Commercial preparations consist of solution or suspension of the pigment in vegetable oil or in water-soluble form in dilute alkaline solution. The toxicological studies and their assessment by FAO/WHO have also been reviewed. National and international standards and legislations on annatto colour are presented.
Development of haptic gloves with vibration feedback as a tool for manipulation in virtual reality based on bend sensors and absolute orientation sensors

In the article, the existing developments of haptic gloves were considered, an analysis of scientific publications on this topic, which showed a variety of technical solutions. The main problems of the study area are indicated and two methods for the implementation of haptic gloves, which have a lower cost in comparison with analogues, are proposed. The first method uses nine axial sensors of absolute orientation, which allow to accurately determine the position of the joint in space, and the second method uses bend sensors, which are easier to use but less accurate. To implement the haptic gloves, software was developed, a model was created in the Unity cross-platform development environment.
Análise de Evidências e Causas do Efeito Flypaper e da Ilusão Fiscal nos Estados e Municípios Brasileiros

e fiscal illusion theory refers to the phenomenon by which rulers create distortions about taxpayers' fiscal reality, making it difficult to perceive the price of public services, through mechanisms such as use of government transfers to increase spending rather than tax reduction (flypaper effect). e research aimed to analyze the evidence of fiscal illusion in Brazil, based on the studies of Araújo (2014) and Araújo and Siqueira (2016) through the median voter model. e present paper uses data from 2004 to 2015 for Brazilian states. With the use of a fixed-regression model with panel data and the use of robust errors, evidence is found of the flypaper effect and partly of the illusion caused by the complexity of revenue.
Guidelines and tools for promoting digital equity

Purpose This paper aims to provide a targeted overview of relevant digital equity gap literature that serves to contextualize the current crisis brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Following this review of the literature, the author introduces five guidelines that educators can use to guide their decisions about how to adapt to remote learning. It concludes with an overview and full text of two tools educators and researchers can use to better understand the challenges faced by students: the Digital Equity Gap Interview Protocol and the Digital Equity Gap Survey Instrument. Design/methodology/approach This conceptual paper is grounded on the theoretical framework of Martha Nussbaum's “Capability Approach,” which outlines core human capabilities that (if fostered) enable individuals to generate valuable outcomes for themselves. Findings It is suggested that it is important to attend to human capabilities when addressing digital equity gaps exacerbated by the pandemic. The author provides two tools that are intended to help individuals gather important information about the communities they serve and/or study. Research limitations/implications Both tools provide descriptive information that will contextualize digital equity gaps, should they be present. Practical implications This paper provides concrete tools for educators who wish to understand digital equity gaps within the communities they serve. Social implications In time of unprecedented distance learning, it is important for both K-12 educators and higher education instructors to understand the technological capabilities of their students. The Digital Equity Gap Interview Protocol and the Digital Equity Gap Survey Instrument give them a place to start. Originality/value This paper fulfills an identified need to study and address digital equity gaps.
Phase Angle from Bioelectric Impedance and Maturity-Related Factors in Adolescent Athletes: A Systematic Review

Phase angle (PhA) is a body composition (BC) parameter from bioelectrical impedance analysis that is suggested as a marker of cell integrity and general health. In adolescent athletes, PhA values are used to monitor the effects of training and competitions and seem to vary according to age, having an upward trajectory during puberty. Since adolescence is a period composed of maturation stages, the aim of this systematic review was to investigate the relationship between PhA and maturation stage in adolescent athletes. A search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, BVS, Web of Science (WOS), Scopus, Science Direct, and Academic Search Complete (EBSCO) databases up to May 2020. Eligibility criteria followed the PICOS strategy and studies with healthy athletes aged 10–19 years of any level of competition were included. Six cross-sectional studies and two longitudinal studies met the inclusion criteria. Results showed that early and mature athletes have higher PhA than those who are non-matured or maturated late. Thus, PhA is influenced by the pubertal status. Considering BC is one of the factors influencing sports performance together with its growth-related changes, practitioners may use PhA values in BC analysis of adolescent athletes.