Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tillage or no-tillage: Impact on mycorrhizae

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are ubiquitous in agricultural soils. These fungi play important roles in plant nutrition and soil conservation. The persistence of AM fungi in ecosystems depends on the formation and survival of propagules (e.g., spore, hyphae and colonized roots). While spores are considered to be resistant structure that may be view as “long-term” propagules when viable host plants are not present, hyphae are considered to be the main source of inocula when host plants are present and the soil is not disturbed. Tillage is an integral part of modern agriculture that can modify the physical, chemical and biological properties of a soil. Consequently, tillage practices may also affect AM fungi. The various tillage practices used in the management of soil for maximum crop production may negatively impact the survival of AM fungal propagules. In tilled soil, certain AM species may survive while others may disappear. Because AM fungi are more abundant in the topsoil, deep plowing may dilute .
Meteorological Parameters and Seasonal Variability of Mosquito Population in Pune Urban Zone, India: A Year-round Study, 2017

The re-emergence of vector-borne viral diseases in an emerging climate change scenario has raised considerable public health concern in rapidly expanding cities of India where altered land-use and environmental factors have resulted in increased mosquito breeding and occurrences of dengue and chikungunya in the recent years. The present year-round study was undertaken to investigate the seasonal variability and demographic diversity of mosquito population in the Pune urban-zone, western India, (18.52°N / 73.85°E), which is located on the eastern slope of the Western Ghats mountain range with considerable green cover. Mosquitoes were trapped from different localities (fixed trapping sites) representative of the urban-zone throughout the year covering all the four seasons. Specimens were identified, determined the demographic diversity, mosquito abundance and the association of the latter to meteorological parameters. Meteorological parameters were recorded daily and analyzed mathematically to obtain the derived parameters and fortnightly averages. Thirteen species of mosquitoes were found across the Pune urban-zone covering 4 genera , i.e., Aedes , Anopheles , Armigeres and Culex. Culex spp. was abundant throughout the year, while spurt in Aedes population was seen only during South West Monsoon (SW). Overall, mosquito abundance increased during the SW Monsoon due to low diurnal temperature range (DTR) along with increased rainfall and humidity, but decreased during winter followed by a slight increase during the Pre-Monsoon season. Seasonal variability of mosquito abundance and demographic diversity was observed in the study area which may form a basis for prospective systematic surveys and control measures.
Approximate Bisimulation and Optimization of Software Programs Based on Symbolic-Numeric Computation

To achieve behavior and structure optimization for a type of software program whose data exchange processes are represented by nonlinear polynomial systems, this paper establishes a novel formal description called a nonlinear polynomial transition system to represent the behavior and structure of the software program. Then, the notion of bisimulation for software programs is proposed based on the equivalence relation of corresponding nonlinear polynomial systems in their nonlinear polynomial transition systems. However, the exact equivalence is too strict in application. To enhance the flexibility of the relation among the different software systems, the notion of approximate bisimulation within a controllable error range and the calculation algorithm of approximate bisimulation based on symbolic-numeric computation are given. In this calculation, an approximate relation is represented as a MAX function that is resolved with the full filled method. At the same time, the actual error is calculable. An example on a multithreading program indicates that the approximate bisimulation relation is feasible and effective in behavior and structure optimization.
Evaluation of the cicatrizant activity of a semisolid pharmaceutical formulation obtained from Platonia insignis Mart.

The use of natural products for skin treatments has been increased. Mainly, those of topical action incorporated to pharmaceutical forms, since they allow the restoring of skin integrity after possible attacks. In this context, the plant Platonia insignis Mart has been widely used for the treatment of various skin diseases and as wound healing medicine in folk medicine. The aim of this study is to evaluate the wound healing activity of a cream formulated containing triglyceride isolated from P. insignis Mart called 1,3-distearoyl-2-oleoylglycerol (TG1) in skin lesions induced in Wistar rats by macroscopic and histological analysis of the wounds. The animals were randomly divided into 5 groups according to the treatment to be performed. The negative control received saline solution, the positive control received collagenase and the other groups received cream containing the triglyceride at concentrations of 5, 10 and 15%. The results showed effectiveness in the healing of wounds through reduction of their diameter compared to negative control. Histological analysis demonstrated the inflammatory and proliferative phenomena of healing in wounds of rats. The cream with TG1 in three concentrations demonstrated efficacy in wound healing, as evidenced by macroscopic and microscopic analyses of lesions in Wistar rats. Based on this, a further development of phytomedicines for wound care is suggested. Key words: Cutaneous wounds, healing, Platonia insignis.
Immuno-Modulatory Effect of Probiotic and Sublingual Immunotherapy in Asthmatic Children

Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) effectively influences the natural course of asthma in aero-inhalant allergy. Probiotic as immunomodulator seems decreases inflammatory process induced by food allergy. But the immunopathogenesis about how both immunomodulatos reducing allergy inflammation are still unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the ability of sublingual house dust immunotherapy and probiotic in improving lung function and regulating cytokines TH2 (IL-4, IL-5), IgE, eosinophil, TH1 (IFN-gamma), and Tregulator (TGF-beta) in asthmatic children. Study design was Randomized Single Blind clinical experimental trial of 6-17 years old asthmatic children sensitive to food and aero-allergens. Informed consents were obtained prior to the Study. Sample were allocated to Group 1 receiving SLIT, Group 2 receiving probiotic, Group 3 receiving SLIT and probiotic with systematic random sampling. All parameter were evaluated on week 0 until 14. Primary outcome was FEV1 reversibility, Secondary outcome were IL-4, IL-5, IgE level, Eosinophil count, IFN-gamma and TGF-beta. Local Ethic Committee approved this study. It was found that FEV1 reversibility improved in all Groups. IgE level decreased in Group 1 and 3, slightly increased in Group 2. Eosinophil counts decreased in all Group. IL-4 and IL-5 decreased significantly in Group 3. IFN-gamma and TGF-beta increased in all Groups. In conclusion, lung function test improved in patients receiving SLIT and probiotic suggestive modulation of cytokine balance, decreasing of eosinophil and IgE. Increasing IgE titer in patients receiving probiotic was compensated by increasing IgA, suggesting achievement of new equilibrium of Th1 and Th2 profile at upper level.
Storm waves focusing and steepening in the Agulhas current : Satellite observations and modeling

Strong ocean currents can modify the height and shape of ocean waves, possibly causing extreme sea states in particular conditions. The risk of extreme waves is a known hazard in the shipping routes crossing some of the main current systems. Modeling surface current interactions in standard wave numerical models is an active area of research that benefits from the increased availability and accuracy of satellite observations. We report a typical case of a swell system propagating in the Agulhas current, using wind and sea state measurements from several satellites, jointly with state of the art analytical and numerical modeling of wave-current interactions. In particular, Synthetic Aperture Radar and altimeter measurements are used to show the evolution of the swell train and resulting local extreme waves. A ray tracing analysis shows that the significant wave height variability at scales<~100 km is well associated with the current vorticity patterns. Predictions of the WAVEWATCH III numerical model in a version that accounts for wave-current interactions are consistent with observations, although their effects are still under-predicted in the present configuration. From altimeter measurements, very large significant wave height gradients are shown to be well captured, and also associated with the current vorticity patterns at global scale.
Deep near-infrared photometry of the globular cluster 47 Tucanae. Reconciling theory and observations

Context. The Galactic globular cluster 47 Tucanae is central to studies of Galaxy formation, and a test-bed for theoretical models, distance determination and extragalactic age-dating techniques. Independent parallax-based distance determinations in the optical spectral range provide discrepant results; also, star counts along the Red Giant Branch from optical data have disclosed a worrying disagreement with theoretical predictions, that impacts not only the theory of red giant stars, but also the calibration of the age scale of extragalactic systems. Aims. Our new near-infrared data for 47 Tuc set constraints on its distance and test the reliability of theoretical red giant branch star counts, independently of previous conclusions from optical work. Methods. We have obtained deep near-infrared imaging of 47 Tuc using SOFI at the ESO New Technology Telescope. Colour−magnitude diagrams, isochrones and synthetic horizontal branch modelling have been used to determine the distance of 47 Tuc and constrain its age. We have also constructed a luminosity function of red giant stars, which has been compared with theoretical predictions of stellar evolution models. Results. We obtain a distance (m − M)0 = 13.18 ± 0.03 (random) ± 0.04 (systematic), for [Fe/H] = −0.7 ± 0. 1a ndE(B − V) = 0.04±0.02. This supports the shorter end of the range of distances obtained from optical studies. The mean horizontal branch star mass is between 0.65 and 0.66 M� , and its 1σ Gaussian dispersion is between 0.010 and 0.012 M� . The cluster age can only be approximately estimated from the data, and is between ∼10 and ∼13 Gyr. The luminosity function of red giant branch (and early-asymptotic giant branch) stars does not show a statistically significant discrepancy with theory. The brightness of the red giant branch bump in the near-infrared is possibly fainter than the models, although the uncertainty on the spectroscopic metallicity and age prevents to reach a firm conclusion on this issue.
Dynamical deformation of 2+1 dimensional double torus universe

In (2+1)-dimensional pure gravity with cosmological constant, the dynamics of double torus universe with pinching parameter is investigated. Each mode of affine stretching deformation is illustrated in the context of horizontal foliation along the holomorphic quadratic differential. The formulation of the Einstein Hilbert action for the parameters of the affine stretching is developed. Then the dynamics along one holomorphic quadratic differential will be solved concretely.
ANALYSIS OF CYLINDRICAL PIEZOELECTRIC ACTUATOR USED IN FLOW CONTROL DEVICE

A design of cylindrical type piezoelectric actuatorused in the flow control systems is proposed and analyzedin the paper. Traveling wave is generated on the top area ofthe actuator applying harmonic oscillations with differentphases. Electrodes of piezoceramic elements are excited byharmonic voltage with phase difference of π/3. Numericalmodeling based on finite element method was performedto find resonant frequencies and modal shapes of the actuatorand to calculate the trajectories of the upper pointsmovements under different excitation schemes. Results ofnumerical and experimental studies are discussed. http://dx.doi. org/10.5755/j01.mech. 17.4. 568
The Wicked Character of Psychosocial Risks: Implications for Regulation

Psychosocial risks constitute a significant problem in most workplaces, and they are generally considered more difficult to regulate than many other occupational health and safety risks. This article investigates the challenges of regulating psychosocial risks in the workplace. The difficulties lie in the particular nature of psychosocial risks: their complexity, uncertainty, value, and power divergences. Psychosocial risks therefore resemble ‘wicked problems’, typically characterized by unclear cause-effect relationships and uncertain solutions. We use the ‘wicked problems’ concept to show how workplace regulation, and particularly the enforcement in the form of inspection and audits of certified occupational health and safety management systems, face challenges in assessing psychosocial risks and the strategies used by regulators to overcome these challenges. While regulation has become more effective in several countries, a better understanding of the nature of the challenges is still needed. It is necessary to accept the uncertain nature of psychosocial risks in the search for more efficient regulation. Achieving more effective regulation should involve stakeholders in the workplace who deal with the prerogatives of management, and should help develop the competencies of the inspectors and auditors in the field.
Dependence of mobile robot task scheduling on fitness functions

The results of simulation studies designed to assess two of the fitness functions (Or1 and Or2) for the GRASP algorithm used in the elastic scheduling task model (ESTM) have been presented in the paper. The obtained results indicate that the GRASP algorithm with the fitness function Or2 was better at choosing new settings for Tsel to exploit the hardware resources of a mobile robot. Furthermore, it has been found that for Or2 new settings for Tsel are closer to Tnom than Tmax (task cycle execution is reduced which enables a quicker response of a mobile robot to events). Streszczenie. W artykule przedstawiono wyniki badań symulacyjnych umożliwiających ocenę dwóch opracowanych funkcji celu (Or1 i Or2) dla algorytmu GRASP zastosowanego w elastycznym modelu szeregowania zadań. Otrzymane wyniki badań wskazują, że dla funkcji celu Or2 nowe nastawy Tsel lepiej dopasowały wykorzystanie zasobów sprzętowych robota mobilnego do założonej wartości. Ponadto dla Or2 stwierdzono bliższy dobór wartości Tsel do Tnom niż Tmax (cykl wykonywania zadań skraca się, przez co robot mobilny może szybciej reagować na zdarzenia). Wpływ funkcji celu na szeregowanie zadań w robocie mobilnym.
Advancement of Rural Poor Women through Small Entrepreneurship Development: The Case of Bangladesh

The present paper deals with the performance and role of small entrepreneurship in socioeconomic development of rural poor women. The selected households for the study divided into three categories of enterprises, namely livestock and poultry, nursery & handicraft making. The sample size for this study was 90.Findings revealed that the average annual income generation per household of livestock and poultry, nursery, and handicraft enterprise groups were Tk 55080, Tk39558 and Tk35630 respectively. Average change in annual income was 110.74 percent after being involved with different small enterprises. Findings also showed significant development indicators revealed that most of the respondents of all three enterprises reported “high” in different indicators. The different aspects of health status, sanitation awareness increased to expected level. Change in housing unites after involvement is quite reverse to that of before involvement. There has been great change in the number of own tube-well after involvement with enterprise and 100 percent households used the sanitary latrines whereas it was only 24 percent before involvement. And 138 per cent increase in working days; this positive change indicates that the small enterprise has generated new self employment activities for the rural poor women. The analysis revealed that different small enterprise activities contributed significantly to livelihood development of the household in general and increased participation of rural poor women in economic activities and household decision making in particular.
The potential of adopting bamboo as an alternative crop to tobacco farming in South Nyanza region, Kenya

Objective: To experiment the potential of adopting bamboo as an alternative crop or source of livelihood to tobacco farming in South Nyanza region, Kenya. Design: The study is being carried out on 120 field experimental sites where 2451 bamboo seedlings were planted between September and October 2006. The experiment comprised of 1,208 giant bamboo (Dendrocalamus giganteus) and 1,243 common bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris). Each seedling was planted in a cubical hole measuring 0.5m x 0.5m x 0.5m. The seedlings were planted under the same natural tobacco growing conditions in five different zones (i.e. zone A = hillside/steep sloping farmland, B = hillside/gentle sloping farmland, C = flat farmland/not wetland/ river bank, D = flat farmland/wetland and E = homestead) based on each farmer’s preference. Half of the bamboo clumps were randomly selected and tagged for monitoring. Hence, at most, 5 plants of each species were selected from the 20 planted by each farmer. The parameters which were monitored in the twelve months were: survival rates, number of culms, culm heights and culm diameter. Literature review was conducted to have a detailed understanding of activities in the bamboo and tobacco industries in Kenya and other parts of the world. Data analyses were done using SPSS and Excel computer packages. Frequency tabulation and bar graphs were used to present the data. Results: The study revealed that the two species of bamboo perform well in gentle slopes and flat farmlands but not on wetlands. A part from the wetlands, survival rates of Bambusa vulgaris and giant species was ranging between 69% and 94%. It also emerged that Bambusa vulgaris bamboo establishes faster than giant species and withstands water logging than giant species. The findings show that the two species of bamboo can do well in soil and agro-climatic conditions similar to those of tobacco. The study has further revealed that most of the bamboo products sold in the formal retail market in Kenya are imported, a scenario that results in high market prices and low demand for the products. It also emerged that besides numerous economic
Can Electrochemistry Make the Worlds Water Clean? A Systematic and Comprehensive Overview

Water the generous gift of nature is sure to become scarce unless the ever growing population is enlightened enough in handling the increasing stress and to avoid the crisis due to the expanding demand on this precious commodity. Management of water and its resources by conservation and its judicious use help to preserve the available water. Even then, whether it is from surface or underground sources, it has become impossible to obtain good quality water for human consumption. Thus, the dwindling quantity and lessening quality of water require effective steps to be taken urgently for the sustenance of the living being of today and tomorrow. What this glass of water contains? worries one before he starts quenching his thirst. The extent of water contamination is so much and so varied that organic, inorganic and biological impurities are present in the water due to natural as well as induced reasons. The responsibility fell on the scientists and engineers to provide appropriate technologies help not only to remove the contaminants but also to treat at the user end. The conventional processes for pollution abatement are either physico-chemical or biological. The physicochemical methods aim at shifting the pollutants (land fill), concentrate the pollutant (adsorption), transfer the pollutant to another medium (air stripping) or cause secondary pollution (chemical precipitation leading to sludge). Biological techniques require narrow range of operating conditions. Electrochemistry provides technologies that have definite advantages than the above conventional methods. Electrochemical methods are versatile and offer not only clean but also cleaning technologies. The utility of electrochemical environmental techniques are expanding with the understanding and development of electrochemical engineering that led to design and development of novel electrodes and cell structures. The invention and large scale availability of improved polymeric and perfluorinated ionomers membranes have totally changed the purification and separation processes. Electrochemical analytical and sensing techniques are playing an important role in pollution control. Water quality up-gradation by electrochemical technique presents various alternatives, such as anodic, cathodic, direct and indirect methods to treat any type of contaminants in water and waste water. These methods, at the point of entry of pollutants into the environment, help not ony to remove the contaminant but also to recover and recycle useful chemicals. The electro-remediation of contaminated soil is, now, a proven and viable technology to prevent the pollution of water at the point of contamination itself. In this paper, the environmental applications of electrochemistry and some of the important and recent developments in the electrochemical methods of water and effluent treatment are reviewed. Electrochemical processes for decontamination of water from ions developed by CSIR-CECRI are also briefly described.
The Emergence of “Small-Scale” Sport Events in “Small Island” Developing States: Towards Creating Sustainable Outcomes for Island Communities

Although academic literature has examined sport events in urban and rural communities, there is limited research on the forces and dynamics that influence the sustainability of sport events in islands. Cyprus represents a small island developing state with an embryonic event industry, which poses the question whether the emergence of new events can contribute to its sustainable development. The purpose of this study is to examine the impacts of two nascent sport events: the “Limassol Marathon” and the “Tour of Cyprus Cycling Challenge,” focusing on their prospects for creating strategic outcomes that can contribute to the sustainability and rejuvenation of Cyprus as a tourism destination. The study employed a triangulation research technique through the application of mixed methods, conducting first semistructured interviews with event organizers, and thereafter a survey examining the perceived experiences of event participants. Findings illustrate the interrelationships of new small-scale events that can amplify their synergistic value by enabling the achievement of multiple purposes. Implications are drawn concerning the synergistic value of small-scale sport events and the strategic processes for creating a range of sustainable event outcomes.
Influence of Test Anxiety on Performance Levels on Numerical tasks of Secondary School Physics Students

The purpose of the current study was to identify teacher behaviors that secondary students perceivedas demonstrating caring. The questions that guided this inquiry were (a) what teacher behaviors dohigh school students perceive as caring? and (b) what teacher behaviors do high school studentsperceive as the most important aspects of caring? Whereas previous studies clearly have documentedthe power and influence of caring teachers on adolescents’ success, we posit that knowing whatstudents perceive as caring behaviors can be used as a springboard to shape the context of caring forall students, especially those who are marginalized, feel disenfranchised, and most at risk of droppingout of school.