Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Estiércol bovino solarizado en la producción de tomate bajo condiciones de malla sombra

In organic agriculture, the resources available in the region are used sustainably in order to reduce production costs, especially those related to fertilization. The use of organic fertilizers is an alternative for achieving this purpose. The objective of the present work was to evaluate the effect of solarized bovine manure on the production and quality of tomato fruits. A randomized block design with six repetitions was used; the treatments were four doses of solarized manure (0, 40, 80, 120 t ha-1). There was no significant difference for the variables plant height, number of fruits and yield between the different doses of manure, however, with the application of 120 ton ha-1 the content of β-carotene and anthocyanins was increased by 60.14 and 64.17%, compared to the witness, respectively. Significant differences in soil pH and EC were recorded at the end of the crop cycle. The use of solarized manure is a sustainable option for the production of tomato in shade mesh, since similar results were obtained without the application of inorganic fertilization
Application of Low-Cost Fine Particulate Mass Monitors to Convert Satellite Aerosol Optical Depth Measurements to Surface Concentrations in North America and Africa

Low-cost particulate mass sensors provide opportunities to assess air quality at unprecedented spatial and temporal resolutions. Established traditional monitoring networks have limited spatial resolution and are frequently absent in 15 less-developed countries (e.g. in sub-Saharan Africa). Satellites provide snapshots of regional air pollution, but require ground-truthing. Low-cost monitors can supplement and extend data coverage from these sources worldwide, providing a better overall air quality picture. We demonstrate such a multi-source data integration using two case studies. First, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, both traditional monitoring and dense low-cost sensor networks are present, and are compared with satellite aerosol optical depth (AOD) data from NASA’s MODIS system. We assess the performance of linear conversion 20 factors for AOD to surface PM2.5 using both networks, and identify relative benefits provided by the denser low-cost sensor network. In particular, with 10 or more ground monitors in the city, there is a two-fold reduction in worst-case surface PM2.5 estimation mean absolute error compared to using only a single ground monitor. Second, in Rwanda, Malawi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, traditional ground-based monitoring is lacking and must be substituted with low-cost sensor data. Here, we assess the ability of regional-scale satellite retrievals and local-scale low-cost sensor measurements to 25 complement each other. In Rwanda, we find that combining local ground monitoring information with satellite data provides a 40% improvement (in terms of surface PM2.5 estimation accuracy) with respect to using ground monitoring data alone. Overall, we find that combining ground-based low-cost sensor and satellite data can improve and expand spatio-temporal air quality data coverage in both well-monitored and data-sparse regions. https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-2020-67 Preprint. Discussion started: 3 March 2020 c © Author(s) 2020. CC BY 4.0 License.
Effect of Sinigrin on Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule‐1 Expression in TNF‐α‐Stimulated Mouse Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells via Downregulation of NF‐κB Signaling Pathways

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the arteries. Since chronic inflammation increases the expression of various adhesion molecules, interfering with the expression of the adhesion molecules could be an important therapeutic target of inflammatory disorders. Sinigrin has been known to have a variety of biological activities including anti‐inflammatory activities. However, other biological activities of sinigrin and its molecular mechanisms have not been known and characterized in detail yet. In the present study, we examined the effect of sinigrin on the expression of the vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1) in TNF‐α‐induced vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Western blot analysis and ELISA showed that the increased expression of VCAM‐1 by TNF‐α was significantly suppressed by the pre‐treatment of sinigrin (1‐100 μg/ml) for 2 hours. Our data also revealed that sinigrin inhibited the nuclear translocation of NF‐κB induced by TNF‐α. Overall, these results suggest that sinigrin inhibits TNF‐α‐stimulated VCAM‐1 expression through the suppression of NF‐κB signaling pathways. Therefore, sinigrin is considered as a therapeutic agent to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.
Value Orientation as Resistance to Utility of STEM-Driven Innovations to Promote Environmental Conservation among Public

Innovations is one of STEM products that will significantly impact people’s life. However, the ability of STEM-driven innovation to solve a particular problem may be different from one place to another. It depends on the values preserved by a particular society. This study investigate how value orientation may be the resistance to utility of reverse vending machine (RVM). The current study adopted qualitative research approach. Qualitative data were collected from Malaysian public through comments they left on an article posted on a Facebook group page about RVM. The 281 comments were analyzed thematically. Three themes presented in this article are: i) egoistic oriented response; ii) biospheric oriented response; and iii) anticipation of the adverse effects of reverse vending machine. This study suggests there is a need for education reorientation, especially STEM education in Malaysia. STEM education should develop thinking citizens that are able to think and make their own decisions based on sound judgment in determining what counts as proper behavior.
Free-ranging house cats in urban and rural areas in the north: useful rodent killers or harmful bird predators?

Abstract. The prey of 66 free-ranging urban and rural house cats Felis catus was studied in a mainland area in SW Finland. The data included 1624 home-brought prey animals, of which 92 % could be identified at least to the class level. The mean number of prey brought home was 4.1 per cat per month (excluding winter). Rodents were the most common prey (72 %), 18 % of prey being birds, 5.4 % insectivores, and the rest other mammals (hares, least weasels, pine martens, and a bat), reptiles or amphibians. Six “super predator” cats accounted for 40 % of all prey items captured. There were no differences between the sexes in the number or diversity of prey brought home. The prey of young cats was more diverse than that of older, more experienced cats. Especially old cats in rural areas benefit humans by killing many rodents. The proportion of birds captured was 24 % in urban areas where cats represent a possible threat to native birds: probably > 1 million prey animals are monthly killed by free-ranging cats in Finland, at least 144000 of these being birds. “Super predator” cats should thus be kept in the house, especially in urban areas, to prevent predation on birds.
Disturbance Effects on Soil Carbon and Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Forest Ecosystems

Forests cover around 30% of the global land area and forest ecosystems can store over 70% of total soil organic carbon (SOC) of all terrestrial ecosystems, but SOC stocks and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions may be affected by both natural and anthropogenic disturbances. Even though the changes in forest soil C pool can have a significant effect on climate change, there are some contradictory results regarding the role of forest disturbance on SOC sequestration, GHG emissions, and the mitigation of global changes. Therefore, there is a need to better understand the impact of different disturbance regimes on forest soil C storage and GHG emissions. A Special Issue was therefore organized for discussing the responses of soil C storage and GHG emissions to various types of disturbances in forest ecosystems and a total of 15 studies were accepted for this special issue to assess these responses. This Special Issue includes the effects of storms and beetle outbreaks, Karstification, rock desertification, warming, nitrogen addition, land-use change, field tillage, and biochar application on soil C dynamics and/or GHG emissions.
Pleural, pancreatic and prostatic involvement in IgG4-related disease mimicking pancreatic head malignancy

We describe the case of a gentleman with pleural thickening. On follow-up imaging, dilatation of the main pancreatic and common biliary ducts was noted and an initial diagnosis of pancreatic malignancy was made. During his preoperative workup for pancreatic head malignancy, a PET-CT was performed, which demonstrated increased uptake in the pancreas, in the pleura and in the prostate gland. This raised the possibility of immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD), which was effectively treated with oral steroids. IgG4-RD is a well-described cause of autoimmune pancreatitis but can affect other regions, including the pleura and prostate. It is essential that radiologists are aware of the imaging findings in IgG4-RD and can direct clinicians towards this important multisystem diagnosis.
Combining statistical and interpretative analyses for testing IT implementation readiness

Researchers often use interpretative data analysis to test questionnaires by confirming the results of statistical analysis, but the researchers did not elaborate comprehensively how confirmation was made. Most use statistical analysis techniques only to test and assess questionnaires. In addition, interpretive confirmation is common for experienced researchers when conducting research, in contrast to novice researchers who have problems confirming the interpretive results of the questionnaire. This study explains how to combine statistical and interpretative analysis with testing the IT implementation questionnaire on HEI. The aim is to assess the questionnaire using statistics and interpret the results of statistical analysis. This finding can help researchers to test questionnaires; confirmation results can be a consideration and knowledge to revise the questionnaire.
REPORTING GUIDELINES FOR META‐ANALYSIS IN ECONOMICS

Meta‐analysis has become the conventional approach to synthesizing the results of empirical economics research. To further improve the transparency and replicability of the reported results and to raise the quality of meta‐analyses, the Meta‐Analysis of Economics Research Network has updated the reporting guidelines that were published by this Journal in 2013. Future meta‐analyses in economics will be expected to follow these updated guidelines or give valid reasons why a meta‐analysis should deviate from them.
A new fungal phylum, the Glomeromycota: phylogeny and evolution * * Dedicated to Manfred Kluge (Tech

The ecologically and economically important arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, crucial in the ecology and physiology of land plants, and the endocytobiotic fungus, Geosiphon pyriformis, are phylogenetically analysed by their small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene sequences. They can, from molecular, morphological and ecological characteristics, unequivocally be separated from all other major fungal groups in a monophyletic clade. Consequently they are removed from the polyphyletic Zygomycota, and placed into a new monophyletic phylum, the Glomeromycota. The recognition of this monophyletic group, which probably diverged from the same common ancestor as the Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, gives these fungi their proper status, and provides a basis for a new and natural systematics of these fascinating, yet largely hidden organisms, with three new orders (Archaeosporales, Paraglomerales, Diversisporales) described herein. Additionally, several clades resolve at family level; their formal description is in progress.
Hypoxia’s impact on pelagic fish populations in Lake Erie: a tale of two planktivores

Whether bottom hypoxia has long-lasting consequences for pelagic fish populations remains speculative for most ecosystems. We explored hypoxia’s influence on two pelagic zooplanktivores in Lake Erie that have different thermal preferences: cold-water rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax) and warm-water emerald shiners (Notropis atherinoides). To assess acute effects, we combined predictive bioenergetics-based modeling with field collections made across the hypoxic season in central Lake Erie during 2005 and 2007. To assess chronic effects, we related fishery-independent and fishery-dependent catches with hypoxia severity and top predator (walleye, Sander vitreus) abundance during 1986–2014. As our modeling predicted, hypoxia altered rainbow smelt movement and distributions, leading to avoidance of cold, hypoxic bottom waters. In response, diets shifted from benthic to pelagic organisms, and consumption and energetic condition declined. These changes were lacking in emerald shiners. Our long-term analyses showed rainbow smelt abundance and hypoxia to be negatively related and suggested that hypoxia avoidance increases susceptibility to commercial fishing and walleye predation. Collectively, our findings indicate that hypoxia can negatively affect pelagic fish populations over the long term, especially those requiring cold water.
Strategic and implementation issues regarding ECB Monetary Policy

This paper identifies the impact of the most important ECB’s non-standard monetary policy measures in the euro area. The global recession has been reflected in the slowdown of the U.S. economy and the largest economies of Europe and Asia. The 2008 and 2014 financial crisis hit the European financial system, whereas during 2010 and early 2011 Eurozone faced the hardest time in the so-called debt crisis coupled with a drop in market confidence. Financial markets faced some problems of solvency of countries with higher debt and fiscal deficits, such as the sovereign debt crisis bubbles in Spain and Italy. The European Central Bank reacted by imposing strategic and technical measures to fuel the banks' liquidity needs, to fight a risky credit crisis and to restore investor’s confidence within a heterogeneous Eurozone countries environment. The ECB implemented the unconventional measures, which aimed at lowering and flattening the yield curve by reducing the interest rate level and shrinking the gap between long- and short-term interest rates. The study can be applied to improve the monetary policy measures and reduce risks in the financial sector. The questions, which need to be addressed, relate to whether unconventional monetary policy works and what are the challenges in the long run.
A prospectus for sustainability of rainfed maize production systems in South Africa

The rainfed maize ( Zea mays L.) production systems of South Africa require an integrated approach to use the limited soil available water more efficiently, and to increase system productivity and sustainability. The soils across the major maize production regions are highly susceptible to wind and water erosion. Rigorous soil tillage, maize monoculture, and fallow periods are common, which depletes the soil from organic matter and nutrients. Despite the pressing need for transforming the highly degraded rainfed maize production systems, adoption of more sustainable management approaches has been limited, likely due to a shortage of local scientific field trials to evaluate current and alternative maize agronomic management practices. Erratic interseasonal rainfall patterns cause high variability in maize grain yields. Major challenges associated with no-tillage are poor crop establishment, subsoil compaction, and high maize grain yield variability. The use of fallow in the maize–fallow production system leads to excessive runoff and soil erosion losses despite increased maize grain yields. Crop intensification and alternative crops are needed to increase rainfall water use efficiency and lower fallow frequency. The use of cover and forage crops may provide the opportunity to diversify and intensify maize production systems. Cover crop biomass could be beneficial in livestock-integrated production systems providing livestock feed in either winter or summer. Research
Recent trends of MnO2-derived adsorbents for water treatment: a review

Over the years, manganese dioxide (MnO2) and its different allotropes have gained significant research attention in the field of wastewater treatment because of their exciting physicochemical properties. This review covers recent progress in MnO2 based materials for wastewater remediation. The structure details of MnO2 are summarized followed by an overview of different methods adopted for the preparation of MnO2 and its composites. Special attention is paid to their applications in removal of metal ions and dyes. Some case studies are also presented to give insight into the potential of MnO2 for use on a pilot scale for the removal of metal ions. At the end, future perspectives are also suggested.
Inhibitory effect of Rab23 on growth and proliferation of breast cancer cells.

Objective:To investigate the effect of Rab23 on growth and proliferation of breast cancer cells,and whether this effect was related to estrogen receptor-dependent.Methods:ER-negative breast cancer cell lines:MDA-MB-231 and ER-positive breast cell lines:Bcap-37 and MCF-7 were selected.Rab23 gene expression was improved by transfection plasmid and reduced by RNAi.The effect of Rab23 on growth and proliferation of breast cancer cells was measured by colony formation assay,BrdU labeling and MTT assay.Results:Compared with control group,the number of colony formation of three cell lines transfected with Rab23 significantly reduced,and that of Gli1 group increased.Compared with control group,the group transfeced with Rab23 has weaker BrdU labeling(P0.05),while siRNA group was higher(P0.05). MTT assay displayed that the absorbance value at A490 of Ra b23-transfected group reduced compared with control group(P0.05),and siRNA group increased(P0.05). Conclusion:Rab23 inhibits the growth and proliferation of breast cancer cells independent of breast cancer's estrogen receptor.
Earnings Predictability of Quoted Firms in Nigeria

The inability of investors to predict future earnings of firms exposes them to further risk such that potential investors may be scared away while existing ones may be prompted to withdraw their investment. Thus, it becomes imperative to evaluate the earnings predictability of Nigerian quoted firms with a view to establish the ability or inability of earnings to predict itself. Also, the study examined the impact of volatility on earnings predictability of Nigerian quoted firms. The total number of seventy three (73) quoted Nigerian firms constitutes the population of this study and the entire 73 firms were studied. The causal relationship research design was adopted. The secondary data used were collected from the financial statements of the quoted firms for the period 1996 to 2015. The system generalized method of moment (GMM) was used to estimate the dynamic panel regression models of the study. The study found that earnings of firms are predictable. The study also found that volatility has adverse effect on earnings predictability. It was therefore recommended more interest/investment in Nigerian firms since earnings information is available and is predictable while managements of firms should reduce instability in reported earnings.
Cricket flour-laden millet flour blends' physical and chemical composition and adaptation in dried pasta products

Increasing the protein and antioxidant content of food products is a constant challenge amongst researchers. Dried pasta products are popular amongst all groups of society. The most important factor in pasta processing is the quality of the flour. Millet (Panicum miliaceum) flour has high nutritional value, enriching it with cricket (Gryllus bimaculatus) flour is good choice to increase the quality of protein composition and antioxidant properties of products. Flour mixtures of millet and insect flours (5% and 10%) were analysed after mixing and pasta processing. Addition of wheat gluten improved both texture and nutrition value of pasta products. Total polyphenol content, antioxidant capacity, total protein content, free and total amino acid composition were studied. Quality analysis of dried pasta products were carried out according to Hungarian standards. Data was analysed with Kruskal-Wallis test, Dunn's pair-wise post hoc test was used with Bonferroni correction. The correlation was determined by Spearman's rank. Addition of cricket flour modified the pH, acid value, moisture content, and colour of the samples, these changes lasted during storage. Enrichment could increase the total phenol content significantly even at the low level of 10%. Heat treatment during pasta processing had negative effect on the antioxidant capacity except at higher cricket flour contents. Cricket flour's high protein content proportionately increased millet flour's, thus pasta products'. Dried pasta products passed all quality norms. Enrichment of millet flour with cricket flour is favourable from both nutritional and quality aspects.
Compact Optical Sensor Based on Thin-Film Transistors for Large Interactive Displays Using Red/Green/Blue Laser Pointers

A compact thin-film transistor-based (TFT-based) optical sensor is fabricated by combining the processes of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) and color filters, which are extensively used in liquid crystal displays (LCDs). To increase sensor density of an interactive display and thereby to achieve the accurate detection of the position of optical inputs, the proposed optical sensor combines three sensing structures that respectively detect red, green, and blue light. The three sensing structures use only one ambient light compensation structure, further simplifying the proposed sensor. Measurements demonstrate that red, green, and blue light from 5 mW laser pointers is successfully detected under ambient illumination from 0 lux to 16,000 lux, benefiting the realization of complete optical input functions for large-scale interactive applications.
Research Perspectives: Through Whose Eyes? The Critical Concept of Researcher Perspective

In this article, we explore the notion of “researcher perspective,” by which we mean the viewpoint from which the researcher observes phenomena in any specific research context. Inevitably, the adoption of a particular viewpoint means that the researcher privileges the interests of one or more stakeholders while downplaying the interests of other stakeholders. Preliminary empirical analysis of a corpus of 659 articles published in three separate years in the AIS Basket of Eight journals, undertaken in preparation for the present paper, revealed that around 90% of articles (1) adopted a single-perspective approach, (2) were committed solely to the interests of the entity central to the research design, and (3) considered only economic aspects of the phenomena investigated in the research. Taken together, we argue that these three characteristics are unhealthy for the discipline and are likely to lead to the neglect of important research opportunities. We suggest that the principle of triangulation be applied not only to data sources and research methods, but also to researcher perspectives and that a consequent broadening of the IS discipline’s scope is essential. We conclude the article with prescriptive recommendations for the practice of research that is relevant to multiple stakeholders.