Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Endophytic fungi: a tool for plant growth promotion and sustainable agriculture

ABSTRACT Endophytic fungi are found in most, if not all, plant species on the planet. They colonise inner plant tissues without causing symptoms of disease, thus providing benefits to the host plant while also benefiting from this interaction. The global concern for the development of more sustainable agriculture has increased in recent years, and research has been performed to decipher ecology and explore the potential of endophytic interactions in plant growth. To date, many studies point to the positive aspects of endophytic colonisation, and in this review, such research is summarised based on the direct (acquisition of nutrients and phytohormone production) and indirect (induced resistance, production of antibiotics and secondary metabolites, production of siderophores and protection for abiotic and biotic stresses) benefits of endophytic colonisation. An in-depth discussion of the mechanisms is also presented.
Effect of Intercalation Agents on Morphology of Exfoliated Kaolinite

Kaolinite intercalation compounds were prepared by intercalating fatty acids and quaternary ammonium salts into kaolinite layers, using methanol-grafted kaolinite as the precursor. Meanwhile, massive lamellas were exfoliated during the intercalation process. The interlayer structure, chemical bonding and morphology of kaolinite before and after intercalation were characterized in detail. As the alkyl chain length increases, the basal spacing of kaolinite increases gradually. The morphology analysis indicated that the ionic type of intercalation agent has a more important influence on the morphology change of kaolinite than their alkyl chain length. The initial kaolinite layers were mostly transformed into nanoscrolls in the product intercalated with stearyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (STAC). The present study demonstrates the arrangement model of intercalated molecules between kaolinite layers using X-ray diffraction (XRD) in conjunction with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and stereochemical calculation. On the basis of a probed arrangement model, the mechanism of effect of the alkyl chain length and ionic type of intercalation agent on the morphology of exfoliated kaolinite is suggested.
Individual tree detection and crown segmentation based on metabolic theory from airborne laser scanning data

Abstract. Laser scanning technology has enabled to study three-dimensional (3D) structures in forests. For example, airborne laser scanning (ALS) point cloud has been applied to detect individual trees and segment tree crowns. However, the accuracy of such approach remains a challenge because of the intersected crowns and complicated understories. We developed a metabolic theory-based algorithm for individual tree detection and crown segmentation from ALS data. The algorithm is composed of two parts, of which one is an unscaled transporting distance-based top-to-bottom detection approach, and the other is a scaled transporting distance-based segmentation approach. The unscaled transporting distance for detection is the absolute distance from tree root to crown and then to ALS point based on the tree structure models, whereas the scaled transporting distance for segmentation is the unscaled distance that is scaled by an initial tree height obtained during detection. This is based on a basic metabolic theory that vascular plants tend to minimize the material transporting distance from root to leaves. Hence, seven types of materials transporting distance models were built based on monopodial branching structure or crown-centered structure. The performance of the proposed approach was then further examined and compared with two typical canopy height model-based approaches and one typical point cloud-based approach, taking forest in Oxfordshire, UK, as a case study. The results showed that our approach can reach a recall of 1.00, a precision of 0.96, and an F-score of 0.98 and can reach to much higher accuracy for tree height (R2 = 0.8045) than the comparison approaches (R2 < 0.2) in the study plot. One of the main reasons that led to such low accuracy of comparison approaches is much overestimation of understory height with a mean error that is 2.9 times higher than that of our approach on average. Furthermore, ALS point-to-point level accuracy assessment shows 9.7% more ALS points were truly assigned in our approach than that of comparison approaches. It is noticed that the algorithm presented is not sensitive to the two key parameters: p (a percentage determining the threshold of unscaled transporting distances) ranging from 32.0% to 34.0% and λ (the proportion between the assumed crown center height and tree height) ranging from 0.70 to 0.90 based on our data set. Such high accuracy of our approach can greatly improve detections of individual tree and crown segmentation, especially in delineating understories in complex-structured forest.
A Novel OTA Architecture Exploiting Current Gain Stages to Boost Bandwidth and Slew-Rate

A novel architecture and design approach which make it possible to boost the bandwidth and slew-rate performance of operational transconductance amplifiers (OTAs) are proposed and employed to design a low-power OTA with top-of-class small-signal and large-signal figures of merit (FOMs). The proposed approach makes it possible to enhance the gain, bandwidth and slew-rate for a given power consumption and capacitive load, achieving more than an order of magnitude better performance than a comparable conventional folded cascode amplifier. Current mirrors with gain and a push–pull topology are exploited to achieve symmetrical sinking and sourcing output currents, and hence class-AB behavior. The resulting OTA was implemented using the 130 nm STMicroelectronics process, with a supply voltage of 1 V and a power consumption of only 1 µW. Simulations with a 200 pF load capacitance showed a gain of 92 dB, a unity-gain frequency of 141 kHz, and a peak slew-rate of 30 V/ms, with a phase margin of 80°, and good noise, PSRR and CMRR performance. The small-signal and large-signal current and power FOMs are the highest reported in the literature for comparable amplifiers. Extensive parametric and Monte Carlo simulations show that the OTA is robust against process, supply voltage and temperature (PVT) variations, as well as against mismatches.
Accounting Narrative and Impression Management on Social media – A study on Instagram Accounts of Indonesia Listed Companies

Social media has become a platform for companies to present themselves by exposing the image they want to build and maintain through the content and communication they publish online. Companies selectively post information about themselves, and this information is disseminated to build a positive public image on social media. Therefore, this study aims to examine the impression management strategy and accounting narrative on company performance. The data were collected by analyzing the financial performance disclosure of Indonesia listed companies’ official Instagram accounts. Using t-test, this study reveals that companies present themselves opportunistically on Instagram to build a positive public image to some extent.
TPX2 Induces Mitotic Survival via BCL2L1 Induction Through YAP1 Protein Stabilization in Human Embryonic Stem Cells

Genetic alterations have been reported in most human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) for decades. ‘Survival advantage,’ a typical trait acquired during long-term in vitro culture, results from induction of BCL2L1 upon frequent copy number variation (CNV) at locus 20q11.21 and is one of the strongest candidates associated with genetic alteration via escape from mitotic stress. However, the underlying mechanisms for BCL2L1 induction remain undefined. Furthermore, abnormal mitosis and ‘survival advantage’ frequently occurring in the late passage are respectively associated with the expression of TPX2 and BCL2L1, which are located in locus 20q11.21. In this study, we observed that 20q11.21 CNV was not sufficient for BCL2L1 induction and consequent survival traits in pairs of hESCs and human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) with normal and 20q11.21 CNVs. Inducible expression of TPX2 and basal TPX2 expression due to leakage of the inducible system in hESCs with normal copy number was sufficient to promote BCL2L1 expression and promoted high tolerance to mitotic stress. High Aurora A kinase activity by TPX2 stabilized YAP1 protein to promote YAP1 dependent BCL2L1 expression. Thus, a chemical inhibitor of Aurora A kinase and knockdown of YAP/TAZ significantly abrogated the aforementioned high tolerance to mitotic stress through BCL2L1 suppression. These results suggest that the collective expression of TPX2 and BCL2L1 from CNV at loci 20q11.21 and a consequent increase in YAP1 signaling would promote genome instability during long-term in vitro hESC culture.
Effect of dietary inclusion of taurine on performance, carcass characteristics and muscle micro-measurements in broilers under cyclic heat stress

Abstract In the past, taurine was not considered essential in poultry diet; however, heavy reliance on plants derived feed ingredients and environmental stresses have compelled its application inevitable. Six hundred day old male broilers (Hubbard) were supplementation with taurine at the level of 0 (TAN0), 2.5 (TAN2.5), 5 (TAN5) and 7.5 g/kg (TAN7.5) in drinking water during heat stressed conditions for a period of 35 days. On overall basis, feed intake was not significantly (p>.05) different between the treatments. At the end of the experiment, weight gain was significantly (p<.05) higher in the treatment groups. On the overall basis, FCR was significantly (p<.01) lower in the treatment groups. Abdominal fat weight was significantly (p<.01) lower in TAN5 and TAN7.5 compared to the control group. On the slaughter age (35 days) muscle fibre diameter (MFD), muscle fibre cross sectional area (MFCSA), muscle fascicle diameter (MFASD) and muscle fascicle cross-sectional area were significantly (p<.05) higher in TAN7.5 compared to the control. The results indicated that growth performance was enhanced in taurine supplemented birds irrespective of the inclusion levels during the heat stress. Abdominal fat was significantly decreased in TAN5 and TAN7.5 levels; however, muscle histological features were significantly higher in all treatment groups. Highlights Heat stress (HS) adversely affect the performance of broilers. Taurine improved the performance of birds during HS. Taurine reduced the abdominal fat in HS broilers.
Manyetik Levitasyon Sistemleri İçin Ağırlıklı Geometrik Merkez Yöntemi ile PI-PD Kontrolcü Tasarımı

Since magnetic levitation systems offer solutions that minimize friction in engineering systems, they are subject to current engineering studies. In this study, a new PI-PD controller design procedure has been presented. A PI-PD controller consists of a combination of a PI (inner loop) and a PD (outer loop). The purpose of the inner loop is to stabilize the open loop unstable system. The purpose of the outer loop is to provide the total performance requirements of the closed loop system. The design procedure is based on obtaining the stability area plotted using the stability boundary curve in the control parameters plane, and then calculating the weighted geometrical center (WGC) of the stability region. In the design procedure, first, the stable region in the plane of the PD controller parameters for the inner loop and its weighted geometrical center are computed. The inner loop is reduced to a single block by using specified WGC control parameters, and then the procedure is repeated for the outer loop PI controller by using of a test function imposing the phase and gain margin performance requirements in different designs. Experimental study shows that the PI-PD controller, which is designed with the suggested methodology, exhibits superior performance compared to the alternatives available in the literature. Magnetic leviation systems offer a solution that eliminates the physical contact between the moving and fixed parts. In other words, there is no friction in maglev systems. Magnetic bearings, high-speed passenger trains, non-contact melting etc, can be given as practical applications of magnetic levitation [1-4]. Since Maglev systems are open-loop and unstable, their applications require closed-loop control systems. They are also highly nonlinear [5]. Therefore, it is difficult to control due to these features. In this study, a new PI-PD controller design procedure has been presented and applied to a Magnetic Levitation System which is given in Fig.1 and 2. of
Influence of the Kuroshio Intrusion on Deep Flow Intraseasonal Variability in the Northern South China Sea

The dynamic coupling between the open ocean and marginal seas has been suggested to be critical to the redistribution and dissipation of global energy (Ferrari & Wunsch, 2009). Here, we focus on the interactions between the South China Sea (SCS) and Kuroshio intrusion, which carries energy from the Pacific Ocean into the SCS (Nan et al., 2015). Recently, Quan et al. (2021) revealed the presence of energetic topographic Rossby waves (TRWs) in the abyssal SCS (>2,000 m), which contribute greatly to the intraseasonal variability of the deep flow over continental slopes. In this study, we show that the Kuroshio intrusion and related eddies serve as an important energy source for the TRWs in the northern South China Sea (NSCS), which are energized via pressure work and propagate along continental slopes to drive the deep-flow variability (Figure 1). Abstract Interactions between the open ocean and marginal seas have been suggested to be critical to the redistribution and dissipation of global energy. Here, we propose a mechanism for the upper open ocean influencing the deep flow in marginal seas that hinges on the formation and propagation of topographic Rossby waves (TRWs). Observations and high-resolution simulations suggest substantial intraseasonal variability with periods of 5–60 days associated with the deep flow over continental slopes of the northern South China Sea (NSCS). These fluctuations generally account for over 40% of the total deep kinetic energy variability and the number can reach 70% over the slopes to the west of the Luzon Strait, southwest of the Dongsha Islands, and northeast of the Xisha Islands. By examining the spatiotemporal features of the fluctuations, we demonstrate that the intraseasonal variability of the deep flow in the NSCS is closely associated with TRWs. Using a recently developed multiscale energetics analysis in combination with a ray tracing model, we show that the energy sources of TRWs can be traced back to the east of the Dongsha Islands, where the Kuroshio intrusion and related eddies energize the TRWs primarily through pressure work. These waves propagate westward across the NSCS and drive the intraseasonal variability of the deep flow over continental slopes. Our findings highlight an energy pathway from the open ocean western boundary current to the abyssal marginal sea that could modulate regional circulation as well as exchanges between major ocean basins.
Communicating with mechanically ventilated patients who are awake. A qualitative study on the experience of critical care nurses in Cyprus during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background Modern protocols for light sedation in combination with the increased number of COVID-19 infected patients hospitalized in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) have increased the number of patients who are mechanically ventilated and awake. Nurses require specific skills to care for this vulnerable group of patients. At the same time, nurses report feeling inadequate and frustrated when they attempt to establish communication with mechanically ventilated, conscious patients. Study objectives The purpose of this study was to explore the strategies nurses use when taking care of conscious, intubated patients in the intensive care unit and the barriers they encounter in their effort to communicate. Methods For this study, a qualitative design was employed. Data were collected using in-depth semi-structured interviews with 14 intensive care nurses working at ICUs in four different hospitals of Cyprus. The data were analyzed by applying thematic analysis. Results We identified several strategies of unaided (movements—lips, hands, legs—facial expressions, gestures, touching) and aided forms of communication (pen and paper, boards, tablets, mobiles) used by nurses to communicate with patients. However, barriers to communication were reported by the participating nurses mainly pertaining to patients and nurses’ characteristics as well as the ICU environment. The health protocols imposed by the pandemic added more obstacles to the communication between nurses and patients mostly related to the use of protective health equipment. Conclusions The results of this study point to the difficulties nurses in Cyprus face when trying to communicate with conscious patients during mechanical ventilation. It appears that the lack of nurses’ training and of appropriate equipment to facilitate augmentative and alternative communication leave the complex communication needs of critically ill patients unaddressed. However, further research including patients’ opinions, after they recover, would bring more clarity on this topic. Our study adds evidence to the communication crisis created by the protective health protocols imposed by the pandemic. As such, it highlights the need to educate nurses in augmentative and alternative ways of communication to address communication with mechanically ventilated, conscious patients during their ICU stay.
Double corrosion protection of sewage tunnel linings

ABSTRACT In sewer environments, there are complex chemical and microbiological processes with a reaction between the hydrogen sulphide, a gas produced by the used water, and aerobic feeding microorganism. This resulted in production of sulphuric acid which would cause long-term corrosion on cement based concrete structures. This corrosion process is known as “Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion“. Generally, the ordinary Portland cement-based concrete is not considered as a suitable material for direct exposure to acidic sewer environments. As such, it is necessary to prevent the aggressive environments from developing, as well as to prevent the corrosive environments from coming in contact with the concrete elements. A robust corrosion protection system must be specified and provided for the tunnels and underground structures to ensure the durability of these structures under the aggressive sewer environments and able to withstand a design life span of 100 years. Case example with discussion on seven proven corrosion protection lining systems based on current technology. Past experience of the tunnels is provided with further exploratory study in terms of cost effectiveness and quantity analysis for these seven lining systems to be investigated. A technical specification for Portland cement–based Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion resistant concrete is provided.
Characteristics of gelatin from skin and bone of snakehead (Channa striata) extracted with different temperature and time

This study aimed to determine the physicochemical properties of the skin and bone of snakehead fish as a potential source of gelatin through extraction at different temperatures and times compared to commercial gelatin. Extraction of skin and bones of wild snakehead fish (Channa striata) at different temperatures (50, 60, 70 ºC) and time (12,18, 24 hours). The pre-treatment process used a 0.1 M Ca (OH) 2 (1:6 w/v) immersion solution for 1 h and continued with 0.05 M citric acid (1:6 b/v) for 5 h. Before pre-treatment, the minerals of bones were degreased with 3% HCL solution for 24 hours. The results of the analysis showed that the differences in raw materials, temperature, and extraction time had a significant effect (p <0.05), as well as interactions among treatments (p <0.05) on the yield and gel strength. The yield of skin and bone tended to increase with extending extraction temperature and time, while the highest gelatin strength was found at 60 °C for 12 hours on the skin and 24 hours for the bone. The best gelatin was accomplished based on the highest performance of gel strength on skin and bones and compared to bovine commercial gelatin. The amino acids of the three types of gelatin showed higher levels of glycine and proline than other types of amino acids. Based on the total residues of each amino acid, skin gelatin and bone gelatin showed more dominant hydrophobic properties than hydrophilic properties, in contrast to bovine commercial gelatin. The three types of gelatin showed diverse chemical compositions, emulsion activity index, emulsion stability, water resistance, and fat binding capacity, which was reflected to be closely related to the source of the raw material and its amino acid content. The FTIR results showed that the extracted snakehead fish skin and bones have the potentiality to be used as gelatin equivalent to a commercial one
The Forty-year History of Revenue Management: Bibliometric Analysis

This paper presents research trends, leading publishers, influential articles, and shifting concerns in the field of Revenue Management for over forty years based on bibliometric analysis. Bibliometric data was retrieved from Web of Science core collection with a well-defined strategy. The data was processed using Network Analysis Interface for Literature Studies Project scripts. Subject-wise and year-wise research trends were presented. The shifting concerns in RM in terms of topic, method, and domain were highlighted using keyword analysis. In general, RM showed an increasing number of published papers with exponential manner every year. The research core in RM covered the three major decisions in RM including pricing, quantity control, and structural decision. It was highlighted that RM’s concern has shifted from single-firm decision to be more consumer- and competition-centric. The data showed that the needs of empirical study and more advanced quantitative methods for complex and real-time problems were urged. In addition, the adoption of RM was extended for industries with semi-flexible capacity. The top influential publishers were Decision Sciences, Operations Research, Management Science, and Management Science Manufacturing & Service Operations Management.
Impact of selection and domestication on hindlimb bones of modern reindeer populations: Archaeological implications for early reindeer management by Sámi in Fennoscandia

ABSTRACT For centuries, reindeer herding has been an integral part of the subsistence and culture among the Sámi of northern Fennoscandia. Despite the importance of this husbandry in their history, the timing and details of early reindeer domestication are still highly debated. Indeed, identifying domesticated individuals in the archaeological record remains complicated because reindeer are still considered to be in the early phases of the domestication process. In this work, we propose solutions for identifying domestic individuals using 3D geometric morphometrics on isolated elements from the long bones of the hindlimb in modern reindeer populations. These bones are important for understanding both the mobility of reindeer and the effect of load carrying or draught. A good level of distinction between the size and shape variables of these bones was found among subspecies, sex and lifestyles. This demonstrates that the long bones of the hindlimb can provide information on changes in locomotor behaviour induced by the domestication process, such as control and reduction of reindeer mobility by humans. This also demonstrates that analysis in geometric morphometrics is useful for exploring the use of draught reindeer in early Sámi reindeer herding and the implications for understanding reindeer domestication and early reindeer herding strategies.