Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Green synthesis of pure copper oxide nanoparticles using Quercus infectoria galls extract, thermal behavior and their antimicrobial effects

Abstract In this work, a facile and fast green synthesis of highly stable and well-dispersed copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) was successfully carried out using aqueous extract of galls of Quercus infectoria (Q. infectoria) as a reducing and capping agent along with ultrasonic irradiation. XRD pattern indicated the formation of the end-centered monoclinic structure of highly pure CuO-NPs with a crystallite size of 30 nm. SEM image of CuO-NPs exhibited spherical morphology with an average size of 20 nm. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy clearly demonstrated the presence of copper and oxygen elements that confirms the purity of biosynthesized copper oxide nanoparticles. TEM image revealed that the morphology of CuO-NPs was spherical. Antibacterial activity of the Q. infectoria galls extract and CuO-NPs was evaluated against two Gram-positive bacteria and four Gram-negative bacteria. The novelty of this study is that for the first time galls of Q. infectoria were used for the synthesis of CuO-NPs. The results confirmed that CuO-NPs have been successfully synthesized in a fast, cost effectively, eco-environmentally friendly, nontoxic and also easy method. Antibacterial assays revealed that CuO-NPs are potentially a good source of antimicrobial activity and demonstrating its importance for applying in biomedicine, packaging and general usage such as battery and ceramics.
The legacy effect of socialism on risky savings

ABSTRACT The riskiness of individuals’ saving behaviour affects their old-age wealth and has wider-ranging implications for macroeconomic development and stability. To which extent individuals take financial risks depends on their preferences, which may be moulded by the economic system they live in. I analyse households’ financial risk taking after the collapse of the German Democratic Republic. Conditional on their income and financial wealth positions, East German households were more prone to financial risk taking than West German households after reunification. The differences in risk taking were quantitatively relevant shortly after reunification and gradually vanished until 2008. Risk taking of households who were exposed to the socialist system longer was higher.
Mixing tree species associated with arbuscular or ectotrophic mycorrhizae reveals dual mycorrhization and interactive effects on the fungal partners

Abstract Recent studies found that the majority of shrub and tree species are associated with both arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) and ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungi. However, our knowledge on how different mycorrhizal types interact with each other is still limited. We asked whether the combination of hosts with a preferred association with either AM or EM fungi increases the host tree roots’ mycorrhization rate and affects AM and EM fungal richness and community composition. We established a tree diversity experiment, where five tree species of each of the two mycorrhiza types were planted in monocultures, two‐species and four‐species mixtures. We applied morphological assessment to estimate mycorrhization rates and next‐generation molecular sequencing to quantify mycobiont richness. Both the morphological and molecular assessment revealed dual‐mycorrhizal colonization in 79% and 100% of the samples, respectively. OTU community composition strongly differed between AM and EM trees. While host tree species richness did not affect mycorrhization rates, we observed significant effects of mixing AM‐ and EM‐associated hosts in AM mycorrhization rate. Glomeromycota richness was larger in monotypic AM tree combinations than in AM‐EM mixtures, pointing to a dilution or suppression effect of AM by EM trees. We found a strong match between morphological quantification of AM mycorrhization rate and Glomeromycota richness. Synthesis. We provide evidence that the combination of hosts differing in their preferred mycorrhiza association affects the host's fungal community composition, thus revealing important biotic interactions among trees and their associated fungi.
Culture, corruption and economic development: The case of emerging economies

This paper aims to examine specific cultural attributes which may be favourable to economic development or restrictive to corruptive behaviour. The indicators of GDP growth and GDP per capita, the Human Development Index (HDI), Hofstede's cultural dimensions and the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) were used within a two staged analysis on the sample of selected emerging economies between 1995–2015. The findings of the research outline the complexity of this topic and numerous interrelations among the involved variables. The paper emphasises the importance of understanding the cultural traits of societies and the motives for corruption, to be able to take appropriate measures to promote economic and human development and to combat corruption. Future studies could assess differences within cultural clusters of the emerging economies to allow further insights on a comparative level, increasing the possibility to find answers why different regions develop faster than others.
Plantago spp. as Models for Studying the Ecology and Evolution of Species Interactions across Environmental Gradients*

A central challenge in ecology and evolutionary biology is to understand how variation in abiotic and biotic factors combine to shape the distribution, abundance, and diversity of focal species. Environmental gradients, whether natural (e.g., latitude, elevation, ocean proximity) or anthropogenic (e.g., land-use intensity, urbanization), provide compelling settings for addressing this challenge. However, not all organisms are amenable to the observational and experimental approaches required for untangling the factors that structure species along gradients. Here we highlight herbaceous plants in the genus Plantago as models for studying the ecology and evolution of species interactions along abiotic gradients. Plantago lanceolata and P. major are native to Europe and Asia but distributed globally, and they are established models for studying population ecology and interactions with herbivores, pathogens, and soil microbes. Studying restricted range congeners in comparison with those cosmopolitan species can provide insight into abiotic and biotic determinants of range size and population structure. We highlight one such species, P. rugelii, which is endemic to eastern North America. We give an overview of the literature on these focal Plantago species and explain why they are logical candidates for studies of species interactions across environmental gradients. Finally, we emphasize collaborative and community science approaches that can facilitate such research and note the amenability of Plantago for authentic research projects in science education.
A Combined Scientometric and Critical Approach in Reviewing TiZr Implant Alloys and Coating Performances

This review article was developed based on the scientometric analysis of the evaluated studies conducted on titanium−zirconium (TixZr) alloys from 2000 to the present. The scientometric data obtained helped us to identify the most researched topics and these topics were further analyzed and discussed. An increasing number of researchers are considering TixZr alloys as opposed to the traditional ones because these alloys present improved mechanical properties and in some cases improved corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. Due to the natural layer of oxides formed on these alloys, multiple surface modification methods can be applied to solve some of the challenges faced in the field of implantable materials. A significant number of studies are now focusing on surface modifications at the nanometer scale or various coatings for improved corrosion resistance and biological interactions. Although not yet commercially available, a TiZr alloy with a nanostructured surface and embedded biologically active substances, such as antibiotics or coated with hydroxyapatite, may become a future option.
Analysis of genetic diversity and discrimination of Oil Palm DxP populations based on the origins of pisifera elite parents

A total of 251 Dura cross Pisifera (DxP) hybrid palms from six populations descending from six parental African Pisifera origins and involving 12 progenies were analyzed with 19 selected Simple Sequence Repeats (SSR) markers. A total of 110 alleles were produced, ranging from three to eight per SSR, with a mean of 5.8 alleles per SSR locus. Of these, 68.5% were considered shared alleles by more than one population and the remaining 31.5% were population specific alleles. They generated between six and 21 haplotypes in all populations, and depending on the SSR marker, between one and 10 haplotypes within populations. Various parameters for analyzing genetic variability, differentiation and genetic structure were computed using GenAlEx, Structure and Darwin software. The obtained results confirmed microsatellites as a robust, feasible and trustful method for obtaining DNA fingerprints, tracing the source of oil palm samples. With respect to the authenticity of materials or for solving legitimacy issues, accession belonging to each population by SSR markers could be distinguished, but additional SSR should be screened for improving this process.
Isolation and Identification of Probiotic Candidate Lactic Acid Bacteria (Lab) from Shrimp Paste (Mysis relicta) Based on 16s rRNA Gene

Abstrack. Terasi is one of the fermented product of shrimp or fish which is often used as food seasoning by the people. Terasi is also a source of Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) which has the potential as a culture for probiotic starters. Probiotics are dietary supplements containing live microbes that profitable to their hosts. This study aimed to identify probiotic lactic acid bacteria isolated from terasi of shrimp based on the 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) gene sequence. LAB isolation from terasi was done by pour plate method using selective medium, MRSA (Man Rogosa Sharpe Agar). The identification of LAB in this study used a method of molecular with a marker gene of 16S rRNA. A total of 3 isolates were obtained from the isolation process. All LAB isolates are rod (Basil) positive Gram bacteria, negative catalase. Two isolates (TR 1 and TR 2) were identified as Enterococcus faecalis. While one more isolate (TR 3) were identified as Weissella cibaria.
Mapping Food Production in Hyper-Arid and Arid Saharan Africa in the Holocene—A View from the Present

The reconstruction of land use practices in hyper-arid Saharan Africa is often hampered by the accuracy of the available tools and by unconscious biases that see these areas as marginal and inhospitable. Considered that this has been for a long time the living space of pastoral mobile communities, new research is showing that agriculture might have been more important in these areas than previously thought. In this paper, after a review of present-day land use strategies in Saharan Africa, we show how ethnographic and ethnoarchaeological data can offer us a different point of view and help in better defining land use and food production strategies in this area. Ultimately, these insights can be integrated into the ongoing efforts to reconstruct past land use globally.
Nonlinear conjugate gradient method for identifying Young's modulus of the elasticity imaging inverse problem

Application of elasticity imaging inverse problem to identify Young's modulus in the elasticity problems in human's life is an interesting research area. In this study, we identify the modulus of elasticity for solving elasticity imaging inverse problem using a modified output least-squares method. Numerical convergence in the displacements of the direct problem for elasticity is investigated. To study the elasticity imaging inverse problem in an optimization framework, we utilize the sensitivity and adjoint problems to conceptualize a new model for computing the gradient of the minimizer. Discrete formulae in the model are then used to devise a scheme for an efficient computation gradient of the modified output least-squares objective function using the nonlinear conjugate gradient method. Numerical experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed technique.
Solvent-free benzyl alcohol oxidation reaction over Sm-CeO2 supported gold nanoparticle using tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as an oxidant

Abstract In this work, liquid phase oxidation of benzyl alcohol under solvent-free condition is carried out using tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as an oxidant over CeO2, Sm-CeO2, Au/CeO2, and Au/Sm-CeO2 catalysts. The Au/Sm-CeO2 catalyst shows higher activity compared to Au/CeO2 catalyst but in every case, almost 100% selectivity of benzaldehyde is observed. From CO2-temperature programmed desorption results, it is observed that the amount of basic sites increase after samarium doping and these basic sites play a crucial role for benzyl alcohol oxidation reaction. From these above experimental results, superior catalytic activity was observed for 2.33 wt% Au/Sm-CeO2 catalyst (Sm/Ce = 4/100).
New Generation Separation and Identification Methods for Erythromycin

Erythromycin is an antibiotic which can effectively deal with a broad spectrum of Gram-positive bacterial pathogens and is usually used by people who have allergy to penicillin. During production of erythromycin, downstream processing contributes to a high portion of the production costs due to the nature of the broth. Conventional liquid-liquid extraction method has the problems of having limited choice of solvents and formation of emulsion which greatly hinders the separation process. Recently, various separation and purification alternatives can be found in literature such as pre-dispersed solvent extraction, ionic liquids, membrane filtration, liquid membrane, adsorption, and reverse micelle extraction. The improvements of downstream processing for antibiotics are necessary not only to enhance the quantity and quality of antibiotic products but also to improve the process itself to be more sustainable and environmental friendly.
Profile of Extension Professionals and their Perception of Agricultural Extension Service Delivery: A Case of National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute, British Guyana

Background: Agricultural extension plays a critical role in amplifying agricultural productivity and profitability of farmers and improving the livelihoods of rural communities. In an agricultural dependent country like Guyana, effective agricultural extension service delivery is essential to reduce poverty and improve food security. Methods: This study was carried out to determine the efficacy of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute agricultural extension service delivery as perceived by researchers and extension officers. During 2019-2020 data were collected from researchers and extension officers via questionnaires, group discussion and interviews. Percentage and chi-square analysis were used to analyze the collected data. Result: The major findings of the study were that (45.8%) of researchers and (43.8%) of extension officers said they sometimes collaborate with each other whereas (29.2%) of researchers and (37.5%) of extension officers said they do not collaborate with each other. Extension professionals (42.5%) perceived that farmers were hesitant to adopt newly researched technologies because they preferred to continue with the practices they already know. In addition, (35%) of extension professionals perceived that more emphasis shall be placed on the number and quality of training programs offered to farmers in order to improve agricultural extension service delivery.
METODE PARTICLE SWARM OPTIMIZATION UNTUK MENENTUKAN DAYA OPTIMAL TURBIN GAS PLTGU GRATI BERDASARKAN HEAT RATE

Pembangkit tenaga listrik thermal merupakan suatu pembangkit yang menghasilkan energi listrik yang berasal dari energi thermal. Energi thermal bisa dihasilkan melalui pembakaran bahan bakar berupa gas ataupun batubara. Berdasarkan hal tersebut, pada pembangkit tenaga listrik thermal konsumsi bahan bakar sangatlah mempengaruhi biaya produksi energi listrik, sehingga diperlukan suatu teknik pengoperasian pembangkit yang optimum. Salah satunya pada PT Indonesia Power UPJP Perak Grati yang merupakan perusahaan pembangkitan tenaga listrik yang dalam pengopeasiannya memerlukan cara dalam penghematan bahan bakar gas berdasarkan nilai heat rate (Kcal/kWh) khususnya dalam penghematan biaya pokok produksi. Pada penelitian ini Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) digunakan sebagai metode untuk penentuan daya optimal pada generator Pembangkit Listrik Tenaga Gas (PLTG) Perak Grati. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian, dihasilkan adanya penghematan konsumsi gas antara metode PSO dengan kondisi aktual, dimana saat permintaan daya 310 MW, terjadi penghematan konsumsi gas sebesar 0.5968 BBTU/h atau setara dengan Rp 57.168,00/h.Pembangkit tenaga listrik thermal merupakan suatu pembangkit yang menghasilkan energi listrik yang berasal dari energi thermal. Energi thermal bisa dihasilkan melalui pembakaran bahan bakar berupa gas ataupun batubara. Berdasarkan hal tersebut, pada pembangkit tenaga listrik thermal konsumsi bahan bakar sangatlah mempengaruhi biaya produksi energi listrik, sehingga diperlukan suatu teknik pengoperasian pembangkit yang optimum. Salah satunya pada PT Indonesia Power UPJP Perak Grati yang merupakan perusahaan pembangkitan tenaga listrik yang dalam pengopeasiannya memerlukan cara dalam penghematan bahan bakar gas berdasarkan nilai heat rate (Kcal/kWh) khususnya dalam penghematan biaya pokok produksi. Pada penelitian ini Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) digunakan sebagai metode untuk penentuan daya optimal pada generator Pembangkit Listrik Tenaga Gas (PLTG) Perak Grati. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian, dihasilkan adanya penghematan konsumsi gas antara metode PSO dengan kondisi aktual, dimana saat permintaan daya 310 MW, terjadi penghematan konsumsi gas sebesar 0.5968 BBTU/h atau setara dengan Rp 57.168,00/h.
General normalized maximum mean discrepancy: intelligent fault identification method for bearings and gears under unstable conditions

In recent times, machine learning has shown its efficiency in the field of fault diagnosis. Nevertheless, in many real-world applications, the basic data are often collected under the condition of machine working condition change, thereby leading to large distribution divergences. Thus, we propose the novel general normalized maximum mean discrepancy (GNMMD) feature-learning method to overcome the limitation of unstable conditions. The proposed algorithm can efficiently handle high-dimensional inputs by enforcing three constraints on the matrix of the learned features, and can optimize the objective function-based generalized norm features and MMD. First, this study analyzes the mapping characteristics of the generalized norm. Second, the feature selection approach based on GNMMD is further studied. Third, the current research also discusses the effects of different choices of norm on the diagnosis performance. Lastly, the data sets of the rolling bearing and planetary gear under unstable conditions are used to verify that the proposed method can achieve superior results.
LoRa Channel Characterization for Flexible and High Reliability Adaptive Data Rate in Multiple Gateways Networks

We characterize the LoRa channel in terms of multi-path fading, loss burstiness, and assess the benefits of Forward Error Correction as well as the influence of frame length. We make these observations by synthesizing extensive experimental measurements realized with The Things Network in a medium size city. We then propose to optimize the LoRaWAN Adaptive Data Rate algorithm based on this refined LoRa channel characterization and taking into account the LoRaWAN inherent macro-diversity from multi-gateway reception. Firstly, we propose ADRopt, which adjusts Spreading Factor and frame repetition number to maintain the communication below a target Packet Error Rate ceiling with optimized Time-On-Air. Secondly, we propose ADRIFECC, an extension of ADRopt in case an Inter-Frame Erasure Correction Code is available. The resulting protocol provides very high reliability even over low quality channels, with comparable Time on Air and similar downlink usage as the currently deployed mechanism. Simulations corroborate the analysis, both over a synthetic random wireless link and over replayed real-world packet transmission traces.
Developing an Automated Monitoring System for Cable Yarding Systems

Cable yarders are often the preferred harvesting system when extracting trees on steep terrain. While the practice of cable logging is well established, productivity is dependent on many stand and terrain variables. Being able to continuously monitor a cable yarder operation would provide the opportunity not only to manage and improve the system, but also to study the effect on operations in different conditions.This paper presents the results of an automated monitoring system that was developed and tested on a series of cable yarder operations. The system is based on the installation of a Geographical Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) onto the carriage, coupled with a data-logging unit and a data analysis program. The analysis program includes a set of algorithms able to transform the raw carriage movement data into detailed timing elements. Outputs include basic aspects such average extraction distance, average inhaul and outhaul carriage speed, but is also able to distinguish number of cycles, cycle time, as well as break the cycles into its distinct elements of outhaul, hook, inhaul and unhook.The system was tested in eight locations; four in thinning operations in Italy and four clear-cut operations in New Zealand, using three different rigging configuration of motorized slack-pulling, motorized grapple and North Bend. At all locations, a manual time and motion study was completed for comparison to the data produced by the newly developed automated system. Results showed that the system was able to identify 98% of the 369 cycles measured. The 8 cycles not detected were directly attributed to the loss of GNSS signal at two Italian sites with tree cover. For the remaining 361 cycles, the difference in gross cycle time was less than 1% and the overall accuracy for the separate elements of the cycle was less than 3% when considered at the rigging system level. The study showed that the data analyses system developed can readily convert GNSS data of the carriage movement into information useful for monitoring and studying cable yarding operations.
Preschool Availability and Women’s Employment: Evidence from Indonesia

While a large body of literature has documented positive impacts of childcare on maternal labor supply, thinner evidence is available on whether childcare can also nudge women into better jobs in developing countries. We evaluate the impact of public preschool expansion in Indonesia on women’s labor supply and characteristics linked to the quality of their employment, including employment types, earnings, and hours. We rely on a triple-differences approach exploiting variations in preschool availability over time and across districts, as well as preschool age eligibility cutoffs, in a panel data set spanning over 20 years. We find strong positive impacts on employment—an additional public preschool per 1,000 children in the district increases women’s work participation by 9.1%. However, it is driven primarily by an increase in unpaid family work, typically in household farms or businesses. We do not find impacts on earnings or hours of work. These findings are likely explained by the modality of preschools in Indonesia—operating for only 3 hours per day, they are unlikely to enable women to secure a paid job outside the home with longer time commitments.