Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Probiotics, Proline and Calcium Induced Protective Responses of Triticum aestivum under Drought Stress

In order to increase plants tolerance to drought, the idea of treating them with stress-protecting compounds exogenously is being considered. In this study, we aimed to evaluate and compare the impact of exogenous calcium, proline, and plant probiotics on the response of winter wheat to drought stress. The research was carried out under controlled conditions, simulating a prolonged drought from 6 to 18 days. Seedlings were treated with ProbioHumus 2 µL g−1 for seed priming, 1 mL 100 mL−1 for seedling spraying, and proline 1 mM according to the scheme. 70 g m−2 CaCO3 was added to the soil. All tested compounds improved the prolonged drought tolerance of winter wheat. ProbioHumus, ProbioHumus + Ca had the greatest effect on maintaining the relative leaf water content (RWC) and in maintaining growth parameters close to those of irrigated plants. They delayed and reduced the stimulation of ethylene emission in drought-stressed leaves. Seedlings treated with ProbioHumus and ProbioHumus + Ca had a significantly lower degree of membrane damage induced by ROS. Molecular studies of drought-responsive genes revealed substantially lower expression of Ca and Probiotics + Ca treated plants vs. drought control. The results of this study showed that the use of probiotics in combination with Ca can activate defense reactions that can compensate for the adverse effects of drought stress.
Dynamical analysis in the mathematical modelling of human blood glucose

We want to apply the geometrical method to a dynamical system of human blood glucose. Due to the educational importance of model building, we show a relatively general modelling process using observational facts. Next, two models of some concrete forms are analysed in the phase plane by means of linear stability, phase portrait and vector analysis. In the minimal model, there is no periodic solution, and the time evolution proves to be an area-contracting map, which favours every solution converging to a unique fixed point. In a plausible extension of the minimal model, the number of fixed points can be changed by varying the parameters of the additional non-linear terms, i.e. a bifurcation occurs.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Magnesium Matrix Composites Reinforced by In Situ Reduced Graphene Oxide

Due to their excellent mechanical properties and large specific surface area, graphene and its derivatives are widely used in metal matrix composites as reinforcements. In this study, the thermal reduction behavior of large-size graphene oxide are investigated systematically, and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) with few residual oxygen groups and good structural integrity is obtained. ZK61 matrix composites with varying content of in situ RGO are fabricated using the semi-powder metallurgy method. The results reveal that the addition of RGO can cause the refinement of the grains and the second phase, which is attributed to the uniform distribution of the RGO throughout the matrix. The formation of nano-MgO particles is beneficial in increasing the interfacial bonding strength between the RGO and the matrix, resulting in simultaneous increments in yield strength and elongation in the RGO/ZK61 composites. The composite containing 0.6 wt. % RGO shows a superior mechanical property, including microhardness of 79.9 HV, yield strength of 203 MPa and excellent elongation of 17.5%, with increases of 20.9%, 8.6% and 7.4%, respectively, when compared with the ZK61 alloy. Quantitative analysis indicates that the main strengthening mechanisms of RGO-reinforced magnesium matrix composites are load transfer strengthening and grain refinement strengthening.
Synthesis of Necessity and Opportunity Motivation Factors in Women Entrepreneurship: A Systematic Literature Review

The dichotomy of the Necessity and Opportunity motivation (Push-Pull model) has been frequently used to explain Women Entrepreneurial Motivation (WEM) unvaryingly in most situations. The literature indicates a need for clarity and precision in the context-specific conceptualization of this construct. Understanding the disparities between WEM in developed and developing nations will further clear the ambiguity. The current article addresses this gap in three stages. Systematically analyzing 103 articles published in WEM research, an exhaustive list of all WEM factors is built and categorized as necessity and opportunity motivation using Computer-Aided Qualitative Data Analysis Software (CAQDAS) assisted Thematic Content Analysis (TCA). Subsequently, necessity and opportunity motivation themes are generated and the related sub-themes and their constituents are identified. Finally, the contextual differences in WEM tendencies are highlighted in the light of women entrepreneurship in developed and developing nations. The main contribution of this review, apart from the comprehensive consolidation of WEM factors, is the revelation of the clear contextual difference in the usage and connotation of certain WEM factors in developed and developing countries. These contextual insights of WEM may provide future research scholars as well as policymakers with an improved understanding of necessity and opportunity motivation factors.
Sex, age and growth of the spurdog (Squalus acanthias Linnaeus, 1758) in the southeastern Black Sea

This study was carried out in order to identify sex, age and growth of spurdogs (Squalus acanthias) sampled from the southeastern Black Sea between September and october 1991. It was found that the males predominated and the age of this species ranged between I and XIV, with a dominance of age VIII for both sexes. The length-weight relationship was described as W = 0.0040*L 2.95 and the mean annual growth rates in length and weight were 7.2 cm and 540.1 g, respectively. Von bertalanffy growth parameters were also calculated as W∞= 12021 (g), L∞ = 157 (cm), K=0.12 ( year -1 ) and t 0 = -1.30 (year).
Fixed point methods for pseudomonotone variational inequalities involving strict pseudocontractions

We introduce a new iteration method for finding a common element of the set of solutions of a variational inequality problem and the set of fixed points of strict pseudocontractions in a real Hilbert space. The weak convergence of the iterative sequences generated by the method is obtained thanks to improve and extend some recent results under the assumptions that the cost mapping associated with the variational inequality problem only is pseudomonotone and not necessarily inverse strongly monotone. Finally, we present some numerical examples to illustrate the behaviour of the proposed algorithm.
Sparse Multifrontal Rank Revealing QR Factorization

We describe an algorithm to compute an approximate rank revealing sparse QR factorization. We use a two phase algorithm to provide especially high accuracy in the labeling of some columns as ``redundant,'' which ensures robustness in the use of our factorization in computing explicit bases of the nullspace. Our first phase is similar in outline to other proposed sparse RRQR factorizations, in that we couple a standard sparse QR factorization scheme with a condition estimator to develop a factorization with a well-conditioned leading block. There are important details in our implementation of the condition estimator and pivoting that enhance efficiency and reliability. However, the exceptional characteristic of our algorithm is its second phase, which ensures that columns labeled as redundant lead to highly accurate nullvectors. The second phase requires that we compute all columns of R explicitly in the first phase; we cannot discard ``redundant'' columns as is often done elsewhere. This condition, in the presence of pivoting to reveal the rank, requires dynamic data structures and necessarily degrades sparsity. But the additional work fits naturally into the multifrontal factorization's use of efficient dense vector kernels, minimizing overall cost. We present a theoretical analysis that shows that our use of approximate singular vectors does not degrade the quality of our rank-revealing factorization; we achieve an exponential bound like methods that use exact singular vectors. We provide results of numerical experiments and close with a discussion of limitations of this approach.
“I Crave a Blunt, I Don’t Crave a Cigarillo”: A Focus Group Study on Perceptions of Nicotine and Addiction among US Adults Who Currently Smoke Little Cigars or Cigarillos

While the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s proposal to reduce the nicotine content in cigarettes is gaining traction, it is still undetermined whether the policy will also include other combustible tobacco products, such as little cigars and cigarillos (LCCs), and how such a policy should be communicated given the patterns of use and perceptions around LCCs. This study examined perceptions of nicotine and addiction related to LCC use and involved data collection from eight semi-structured virtual focus groups conducted in Summer 2021 in the US. Participants were adults who reported past-30-day use of LCCs, consisting of African American males (n = 9), African American females (n = 9), white males (n = 14), and white females (n = 11). Participants discussed their perceptions of nicotine and addiction in general and in relation to LCC use. Inductive thematic analysis of transcripts was conducted. Differences across race and sex groups were examined. Participants did not consider nicotine to be a characterizing feature of LCCs; rather, they generally associated nicotine with cigarettes. Participants’ views of nicotine and addiction related to LCCs were discussed along four dimensions: context of use, frequency of use, the presence of cravings, and whether a product is modified (e.g., by adding marijuana). Social and infrequent use, a lack of cravings, and the use of LCCs for marijuana were considered indicative of a lack of addiction and reasons not to be concerned about nicotine in LCCs. Because perceptions of nicotine and addiction related to LCCs differ from those of cigarettes, communications about a reduced nicotine policy that includes LCCs should consider these differences to ensure the policy is understood by people who currently use LCCs and to prevent people who use cigarettes from switching to LCCs.
Researching (im)mobile lives during a lockdown: Reconceptualizing remote interviews as field events

This article foregrounds the benefits and challenges of deploying remote interviews to investigate the digital practices of older adults from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds during a series of stay-at-home orders in in 2020 and 2021 in Victoria, Australia. By critically examining the employment of technologically mediated data collection (via video and phone call), we reconceptualize remote fieldwork as a collection of ethnographically significant field events. We draw on the socio material approach to map the impact of human–digital assemblage on the processes, possibilities and limits of collecting data remotely. The study reveals the ways participants' differing digital access, competencies, and social relations engender and undermine methodological interventions. Indeed, it offers a nuanced perspective on deploying remote fieldwork especially among older migrants in an increasingly digital world.
NONPARAMETRIC ESTIMATION OF THE DIFFUSION COEFFICIENT OF STOCHASTIC VOLATILITY MODELS

In this paper, new fully nonparametric estimators of the diffusion coefficient of continuous time models are introduced. The estimators are based on Fourier analysis of the state variable trajectory observed and on the estimation of quadratic variation between observations by means of realized volatility. The estimators proposed are shown to be consistent and asymptotically normally distributed. Moreover, the Fourier estimator can be iterated to get a fully nonparametric estimate of the diffusion coefficient in a bivariate model in which one state variable is the volatility of the other. The estimators are shown to be unbiased in small samples using Monte Carlo simulations and are used to estimate univariate and bivariate models for interest rates.
Pharmacoinformatics-based strategy in designing and profiling of some Pyrazole analogues as novel hepatitis C virus inhibitors with pharmacokinetic analysis

ABSTRACT Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection promotes death rates all over the world. Sofosbuvir is a standard drug for the cure of HCV but unfortunately, it receives a lot of attention for its pricing problems. As a result, it is crucial to consider alternative HCV treatments that are both cost-effective and free of side effects. We report how a pharmacoinformatics-based technique was used to generate and profile certain Pyrazole analogues as novel hepatitis C virus inhibitors by exploring the PubChem drug repository for the lead molecule with further optimization. The proposed molecules all interact by filling the protein target’s binding domain to inhibit the receptor. With binding energy of −35.72 kcal/mol, compound 17e was found as a highly potent NS5B inhibitor, exceeding Sofosbuvir, the FDA-approved NS5B inhibitor with a binding energy of −30.34 kcal/mol. Additionally, the ADMET assessment of the selected molecules (17e) shows outstanding quality with a drug score of 0.74 when especially in comparison to Sofosbuvir, which has a drug score of 0.31. Future studies should therefore focus on the molecular dynamics, synthesis, in vivo testing, and in vitro evaluation of these substances to validate our hypothesis.
Mind over Matter: Examining the Role of Cognitive Dissonance and Self-Efficacy in Discontinuous Usage Intentions on Pan-Entertainment Mobile Live Broadcast Platforms

The current body of literature indicates a growing trend of discontinuous usage intentions among users of social media platforms. While several factors affecting discontinuous usage intentions have been explored in previous research, the specific factors and mechanisms impacting discontinuous usage intentions among users of pan-entertainment mobile live broadcast platforms remain undefined. This study aims to clarify these factors and mechanisms and to provide both theoretical and practical guidance to users to encourage rational usage of the platform, as well as support the optimization of innovative services offered by the platform’s operator. This study, which is grounded in the theoretical framework of “Cognition-Emotion-Behavior intention,” develops an influencing mechanism model based on cognitive dissonance and self-efficacy. A total of 340 valid samples were collected through questionnaires and analyzed using a structural equation model, which revealed that information overload, service overload, and user addiction had a positive impact on cognitive dissonance, which was moderated by self-efficacy. Cognitive dissonance also had a positive impact on discontinuous usage intentions, again moderated by self-efficacy. These findings expand upon previous research on discontinuous usage intentions among social media users and offer insights into the underlying psychological mechanisms among users of pan-entertainment mobile live broadcast platforms. Additionally, the study provides valuable information for practitioners to consider in the design of the platform, with the ultimate goal of improving user experience and promoting retention.
Optimization of Xanthan Gum Production by Demerara Sugar Using Response Surface Methodology

Xanthan gum (XG) production using three Xanthomonas sp. strains (290, 472, and S6) was evaluated by applying a 23 full factorial central composite design response to study the interactive effects of the fermentation medium component concentrations as parameters to determine the efficiency of the gum production in batch experiments. The experimental variables were the carbon source (demerara sugar or sucrose), potassium phosphate dibasic, and magnesium sulfate. Experimental results showed the K2HPO4 concentration as the important parameter for XG production by using Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. manihotis IBSBF 290 and X. campestris pv. campestris IBSBF 472, while for the Xanthomonas sp. S6 strain, the MgSO4∙7H2O concentration was the determining factor in XG production using demerara sugar or sucrose as a carbon source. The strains of Xanthomonas 472 and S6, using demerara sugar and higher concentrations of salts, exhibited a higher yield of XG (36 and 32%) than when using sucrose and the same concentration of salts. The experimental outcomes highlighted demerara sugar as a suitable and efficient alternative carbon and micronutrient source for XG production. Despite the bacterial strain influence, the medium composition is crucial for this fermentation process. Therefore, the evaluated salts are important factors for XG production, and the demerara sugar can partially replace this mineral salt requirement as indicated by the face-centered composite experimental design due to its chemical composition. Overall, demerara sugar provides promising properties for XG production.
Nonlinear Optical Susceptibilities in Group-IV and III-V Semiconductors

Abstract : The contribution of the valence electrons to the nonlinear optical susceptibilities may be estimated on the basis of simple telrahedral bonding orbitals. The coefficient for second harmonic generation in III-V compounds is in satisfactory agreement with the theoretical estimate. The same model contributes to the third-order nonlinearity, which describes scattering processes between four light waves. Again reasonable agreement is obtained with data for combination frequency generation in Si and Ge. The much larger effects in n-type InAs and InSb are due to conduction electrons. Their contribution has been calculated exactly if Kane's theory for the band structure is used. The contribution of the valence electrons is, however, not negligible and is equal to the contribution of 10 to the 16th power electrons/cc in InSb. (Author)
Spatial facilitation and competition regulate tree species assembly in a tropical dry forest

Analyzing the spatial association pattern among species can help to better understanding the mechanisms that drive forest dynamics and assembly. We applied techniques of spatial point pattern analysis to data from a fully mapped plot of tropical dry forest (TDF) in Colombia to assess the spatial association network among the eight most abundant species and we tested the hypothesis that species traits related to the ability to cope with drought stress could explain the observed spatial association patterns. We conducted three analyses, first we classified the types of spatial association patterns of species pairs against a null model of spatial independence, second, we used a heterogeneous Poisson (HP) null-model to assess competitive and facilitative interactions, and finally, we integrated the spatial association network with a traits space spanned by hydraulic functional traits. Overall, the proportion of significant negative and positive associations were low and we found at smaller spatial scales (5 m) prevalence of positive association patterns (11%) and at intermediate scales (16 m) negative interactions (13%). The dominant, evergreen and bird-dispersed species Trichilia oligofoliata, which followed a hydraulically save strategy, was involved in most positive associations at small scales, whereas the evergreen large statured species Aspidosperma polyneuron, which also follows a conservative resource-use strategy, was involved in most negative interactions. In TDFs where water stress is prevalent, tree community assembly and spatial patterns formation are regulated by environmental heterogeneity (e.g., topography), and both facilitative and competitive processes act simultaneously, but at different spatial scales and involving different species. Our findings highlight the potential importance of the examined association patterns, not only for our understanding of community assembly, but also to provide restoration directions.
Community-Centered Patient Journey Map in Opioid Use Disorder: A Tool to Address Compassion Fatigue among Community Pharmacists

Community pharmacists have become increasingly exposed to opioid use disorders in recent decades. However, both pharmacist training and traditional practice environments have not been adequate to prepare the pharmacist for both the patient care needs and regulatory barriers of patients experiencing opioid use disorders (OUD). As a result, there is a need to increase pharmacists’ awareness of both the overall patient experience as they navigate their OUD and the role of the community pharmacy as a touchpoint within that experience. To this end, a Community-Centered Patient Journey in Drug Addiction Treatment journey map was developed with expert insights, clinical experience, and in-depth interviews (conducted in spring of 2021) with 16 participants enrolled in licensed opioid treatment programs in Tennessee. Patients, policymakers, clinicians, and academic researchers were involved in the map development. Lived experiences of key informants were captured via in-depth interviews. A consensus decision-making approach was used throughout the patient journey map development process. The final patient journey map illustrates a non-linear pathway, describes the central role of the patient’s community, and emphasizes three major “pain points” within the system (access, adherence, and affordability). Future research should investigate the impact of such a journey map on pharmacy personnel’s knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors.
Effective Ice Particle Densities Derived from Aircraft Data

Abstract In this study, aircraft data are used to derive effective ice particle densities. This density is defined as the ice particle mass divided by the volume of an equivalent diameter sphere. Measured ice particle size distributions and total ice water contents are used to derive effective ice densities for ice particle populations (ρe) as a function of particle size [ρe(D)]. The density values are critical for modeling and remote sensing applications. The method uses particle size distributions (PSDs) measured by several particle spectrometers to compute the total particle volume per unit volume of air, assuming that the particles are spheres. Simultaneous direct measurements of ice water content from a counterflow virtual impactor (CVI) yield values for the number of grams of ice per unit volume of air, enabling the overall effective ice density for a population to be calculated. The measured PSD together with the CVI measurements are used to derive mass–dimension relationships. The methods are appl.
PRELIMINARY COLORS OF FAINT OBJECTS AROUND M 87

respect to the light curves in blue and ultraviolet light. The same kind of phase shift is shown by the well-known magnetic variables HD 65339 and HD 25334 ( Rakos 1963a ). In contrast to the internal accuracy of the single observations, the great scatter of measured points around an average curve should be mentioned. This is a common phenomenon in the family of magnetic and spectrum variables. One of the greatest deviations from the average curve ever measured occurred on December 16, 1963, at phase (F234. This “flash” in yellow light was not visible in the ultraviolet observations on the same night. Similar rapid changes in brightness, in the order of 0^02, are exhibited by y Arietis ( S ). This star also belongs to the group of Cr-Eu stars (Rakos 1963b).