Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Productive Performance of Growing Farafra Lambs Fed Guar Forage or Guar Silage

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of partial replacing green guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) forage (GG) and rice straw or guar forage silage (GS) instead of concentrate feed mixture (CFM) on the digestibility, productive and economic performance and blood biochemical constituents of growing lambs. Twenty four weaned of Farafra male lambs 5 months age and weighed in average 16.69 ± 2.65 kg, were used in a feeding trial for 120 days in a complete block design. Animals were divided according to their live body weight into three experimental groups (8 lambs each), Ration 1 (R1) consists of 60% CFM + 40 % rice straw (control), R2: (40% CFM + 40% GGF + 20 % rice straw and R3: (40% CFM + 40% GFS + 20% rice straw). GGF and GFS were used to cover a partial of protein from CFM. The experimental rations fed according to NRC (1985). Results indicate that the apparent digestibility coefficients of all nutrients and feeding value of rations containing (GG) or (GFS) were better (P<0.05) compared to the control ration. Percentage of apparent N-utilization was currently higher (P<0.05) for the guar green forage and guar forage silage (R2 and R3) rations than the control ration (R1). Significant increased (P<0.05) were reported on total feed intakes, total weight gains, average daily gains (ADG) and better feed conversion ratios (FCR) and economic efficiencies for groups R2 and R3 compared with control group. The realized ADG were 198.08 and 185.83 g/day for R2 and R3, respectively, while lambs of the control recorded 177.11 g/day. No significant differences among experimental diets in serum total protein, albumin, globulin, trans-aminase enzymes (AST and ALT), cholesterol, triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxin (T4) hormones. It could be concluded that, feeding guar green forage or guar forage silage up to 40% as partial replacement of concentrate feed mixture for Farafra growing lambs rations were recommended. Such rations resulted in superior nutrition, better daily gain, feed conversion and economic efficiency.
sRNAanno --- a database repository of uniformly-annotated small RNAs in plants

Small RNAs (sRNAs) are essential regulatory molecules, including three mayor classes in plants, microRNAs (miRNAs), phased small interfering RNAs (phased siRNAs or phasiRNAs), and heterochromatic siRNAs (hc-siRNAs). Except miRNAs, the other two classes are not well-annotated and collected in public databases for most sequenced plant genomes. We performed comprehensive sRNA annotation for 138 plant species, which have fully sequenced genomes and public next-generation-sequencing (NGS) sRNA data available. The results are available via an online repository called sRNAanno (www.plantsRNAs.org). Compared to plant miRNAs deposited in miRBase, we obtained much more miRNAs, which are more complete and reliable because of consistent and high-stringent criteria used in our miRNA annotation. sRNAanno also provides free access to genomic information for >16,000 PHAS loci and >21,000,000 hc-siRNA loci annotated from these 138 plants. On the basis of Integrative Genomics Viewer (IGV), we developed a visualization tool for browsing NGS sRNA data (IGV-sRNA), which have been integrated a series of new functions compatible to specific sRNA features. To make sRNA annotation an easy task, sRNAanno also provides free service of sRNA annotation to the community. In summary, sRNAanno and IGV-sRNA are great resources to facilitate the genomic and genetic research of plant small RNAs.
A new subspecies of Mycenastrum corium from Colorado

During field work in Colorado an unusual form of Mycenastrum corium with a deep rusty red to reddish orange gleba was found. The species exists worldwide and lacks a previous description of the gleba at maturity other than olive brown, brown to purple brown. A subspecies is proposed for this unusual population found in an area where normal populations with the typical glebal color are found.
The Population Abundance of the Mealybug Species Infesting Pomegranate Trees and their Associated Insect Predators in Mansoura Region, Egypt

Experiments were carried out in the experimental farm belonging to Faculty of Agriculture, Mansoura University during the two successive years 2014 and 2015 to study the population abundance of mealybug species attacking pomegranate trees and their associated predatory insects. The seychelles fluted scale Icerya seychellarum (Westwood) recorded the highest peaks of abundance during the period of study and represented by 367 and 568 individuals/sample followed by the citrus mealybug Planococcus citri Risso which represented by 192 and 242 individuals, respectively. Meanwhile, the cottonycushion scale Icerya purchasi (Maskell) recorded the lowest peaks of abundance during the two years of study and represented by 46 and 29 individuals followed by the Egyptian fluted mealybug Icerya aegyptiaca (Douglus) which represented by 58 and 98 individuals, respectively. Vidalia beetle Rodolia cardinalis (Mulsant) recorded the highest peaks during the two successive years and represented by 42 and 57 individuals followed by the green lacewing Chrysoperla carnea (Steph.) and represented by 32 and 29 individuals, respectively. Meanwhile, coccinellid predator Nephus includens (Kirsch) ranked last category, and represented by 12 and 16 insects in the two years, respectively. Statistical analysis between the four seasons for the mealybug species revealed that a highly significant differences during the two years. I. seychellarum recorded the highest average number 110.3 and 158.6 individuals/sample, followed by P. citri 74.2 and 87.9 individuals while I. purchasi came in the last category with an average of 9.4 and 6.0 individuals, during the two successive years, respectively. Regarding to the associated insect predators, R. cardinalis ranked the first category and represented by 60.6 and 69.4% followed by C. carnea 30.4 and 22.7 % while N. includens came in the last category with 9.0 and 7.9% during the two successive years, respectively. Predator-prey ratio was the best during the period from July tell December and ranged between 1: 4.7 and 1: 10.6 during the two years.
Species richness and community composition of sphingid moths (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) along an elevational gradient in southeast Peru

A clear low-elevation skewed unimodal richness pattern is presented for hawkmoths in Southeast Peru. Several hypotheses offer plausible explanations for such a distribution. The effects of water-energy dynamics are partially supported by a strong correlation between temperature and species richness at higher elevations. Further, hypotheses of plant diversity influences on hawkmoth ranges are supported by species richness peaking in transitional habitats. Sphingid subfamilies do not appear to be influenced by habitat type or elevational factors, such as temperature. This may make subfamily analysis a poor means of characterizing sphingid community composition unless study sites vary in the level of disturbance. This study documents 134 species in 23 genera of Sphingidae from five Southeastern Peru sites from the 7,545 specimens collected for the study.
Effect of Pre-Hatching Thermal Conditioning and Post-Hatch Vitamin C Addition on Productive Performance and Some Blood Parameters of Broiler Chicks.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the rale of thermal conditioning (TC) of broiler eggs during incubation period, and vitamin C (VC) supplementation to drinking water of hatched chicks on their performance and some blood parameters. A total of 300 eggs were assigned randomly to three experimental groups: control and two thermal conditioning groups (TC-7 and TC-14) which were exposed to 39.5±0.5°C for 4h at the 7 or 14 day of incubation respectively. After hatching, each group was subdivided into two subgroups a control and VC-supplemented one. Vitamin C was supplied at a level of 1g/liter of drinking water. The experimental was extended for 5 weeks. Growth performance and blood protein were measured. Results showed that live body weight (LBW) was significantly increased at the first week of age, but no differences in LBW were detected at the other ages. However there were an insignificant increase in the final LBW chicks of TC-7 and TC-14. Administration of VC significantly increased LBW of chicks at 4 and 5 weeks of age compared with the control group. No significant effect of TC on Body Weight Gain (BWG) of chicks at different ages, however, VC addition has a significant effect on BWG at the periods from 3-5 weeks of age and for the whole period. Feed intake was significantly affected by TC treatments, where chicks from TC-7group showed an increase than the other groups. Vitamin C addition significantly reduced feed intake of broiler chicks at 4-5 weeks of age and for the whole period. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was not significantly affected by either TC or VC addition during the the whole period, but there were significant improvement in FCR for TC-7 chick's group at the period from 1-2 wk and for VC-treated chicks at 3-4 weeks of age . There were non significant effects of TC treatment on blood plasma protein fractions, however VC addition significantly increased plasma total protein level. It is concluded that thermal manipulation of broiler eggs at different period of incubation and vitamin C addition for hatched chicks could be used as a practical approach to alleviate the negative impact of heat stress on broiler chicks performance.
Floral ontogeny of Illicium Lanceolatum (Schisandraceae) and its implications on carpel homology

There are two competing hypotheses for the origin of carpels. The traditional hypothesis favors a phyllosporous origin and regards a conduplicate carpel as an ancestral form that is the result of longitudinal folding of a leaf bearing ovules along its margins. Alternatively, the carpel formation is interpreted as the result of a fusion between an ovule-bearing branch and its subtending leaf-like structure. Illicium is a member of the Austrobaileyales, which are one of the three ANA lines that diverged before all other extant angiosperms. This genus with apocarpous gynoecium has various ancestral morphological characteristics in terms of carpel, ovule, and floral apex. Although various aspects of Illicium morphology have been previously investigated, many evolutionary characteristics remain poorly understood. In this study, the development of carpel, ovule, and floral apex of I. lanceolatum was studied using LM and SEM. The results showed that the ovule primordium originates in the axillary position between the flower axis and carpel wall. So the carpel of Illicium is a leaf-like structure that encircles the ovule. This kind of carpel favors the carpel as a result of fusion between two parts, ovule-bearing branch and its subtending leaf-like structure.
Exploring the Diagnostic Potential of Serum Golgi Protein 73 for Hepatic Necroinflammation and Fibrosis in Chronic HCV Infection with Different Stages of Liver Injuries

Background and Aim Serum Golgi protein 73 (GP73) is a promising alternative biomarker of chronic liver diseases, but most data are from patients with HBV infection rather than HCV. Materials and Methods Two independent cohorts of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients from the 5th Medical Centre of the Chinese PLA General Hospital (n = 174) and Beijing Youan Hospital (n = 120) with different histories of HCV infection were enrolled. The correlations between serum GP73 and other biochemical indices, as well as its correlations with different stages of liver disease progression, were investigated. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was employed to evaluate the diagnostic potential of serum GP73 for liver necroinflammation and fibrosis, and comparisons of the diagnostic efficiency with traditional indices of hepatic liver injuries were further investigated. Results Levels of serum GP73 were found significantly elevated in patients with moderate to severe inflammatory grade (G ≥ 2) and/or with advanced fibrotic stages (F ≥ 3) in both cohorts (P < 0.05, respectively), as compared to those with a normal or mild liver lesion. Further ROC analysis demonstrated that serum GP73 was comparable to serum ALT and AST in diagnosing the liver necroinflammation grade at G ≥ 2, but its diagnostic values for advanced fibrosis (F ≥ 3) and cirrhosis (F = 4) were limited when compared to APRI and FIB-4, and FIB-4 exhibited the best performance. Notably, an obvious elevation of serum GP73 was observed after patients received PEG-IFN and ribavirin treatment. Conclusions Serum GP73 is an important biomarker in evaluating and monitoring the disease progression including liver necroinflammation and fibrosis in patients with chronic HCV infection, but the value is limited for diagnosing advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis in comparison with APRI and FIB-4.
Competition and Intraguild Predation Between Beetles, Pterostichus stygicus (Coleoptera: Carabidae) and Centipedes, Scolopocryptops sexspinosus (Scolopemdromorpha: Scolopocryptopidae)

Abstract Studying interactions between distantly related species is necessary to understand the complexity of food webs. Generalist predator interactions, such as intraguild predation (IGP) and competition, can alleviate predation pressure and weaken top–down control that predators have on lower trophic levels. Centipedes (Chilopoda) and carabid beetles (Coleoptera) are common deciduous forest floor generalist predators that may interact by competing for resources beneath rocks and logs on the forest floor, especially during dry periods when prey become confined to such microhabitats. We used laboratory and field studies to determine whether the carabid beetle, Pterostichus stygicus (Say), and the centipede, Scolopocryptops sexspinosus (Say) co-occur under artificial cover. Additionally, a laboratory mesocosm experiment was used to examine competitive interactions in intra- and interspecific trials. There was significant negative co-occurrence of beetles and centipedes beneath cover objects in the field and laboratory. Pairings of S. sexspinosus and P. stygicus within mesocosms resulted in high mortality of P. stygicus, and reciprocal but asymmetric IGP. Centipedes maintained weight within solitary, intra- and interspecific mesocosm treatments, however, beetles lost mass in all treatments. Scolopocryptops sexspinosus responded more favorably to intra- and interspecific competition than did P. stygicus. Analysis of the leaf litter mesofauna indicated that these predators consumed similar prey in laboratory mesocosms. Our results suggest that species with very different trophic morphology have the potential to compete for shared microhabitat and prey.
A DGS pattern including DMS behavior for compact unit-cell designs

In this paper, a new (defected ground structure) DGS unit-cell is introduced and its performance is analyzed. The dumbbell-shaped DGS cell is modified by etching off slots in the ground plane to include (defected microstrip structure) DMS behavior without etching any defect in the microstrip line. The degree of freedom of cell design allows setting the bandgap center frequency while enabling a degree of miniaturization. A circuit-model is proposed to provide accurate cell responses. Simulations of the unit-cell with DGS and DMS behavior show moderate electromagnetic (EM) noise from the ground plane. Advantages are illustrated in a fabricated cell occupying approximately 40% less area.
Comparison of Individual and Synergistic Antimicrobial Activity of Common Spices against Certain Infectious Pathogen in Bangladesh

Aims: The aim of this undertaken investigation was designed to determine the comparative antimicrobial potential of ethanol extract of six commonly consumed spices such as Garlic (Allium satilyvum), Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) and Black cumin (Nigella sativa). Method: This study includes, the efficacy of individual and synergistic effect of these extracts that was tested against bacteria by agar well-diffusion method employing 100 μL spices-extract solution per well and was conducted in (Centre of Excellence Laboratory) Department of Microbiology, Primeasia University during November 2018 to April 2019. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by the micro-broth dilution method and compared with commercial antibiotic discs such as Amoxicillin, Vancomycin, Erythromycin, Ceftriaxone, Chloramphenicol, and Ciprofloxacin. Result: According to the findings of the antibacterial assay, the ethanol extracts of the spices showed inhibitory activity against common infectious bacterial pathogens. Spice extracts have the most significant activity against B. cereus and E. coli was the least sensitive among the tested organisms. The ethanol extract had individual antibacterial activity with mean zone of inhibition 22 ± 0.5 and 20.08 ± 0.58 mm and the synergistic effect of ethanol extract had a mean zone of inhibition 30 ± 0.75 and 28.25 ± 0.9 mm against B. cereus and V. cholera, respectively, which is highly comparable to the commercial antibiotic, Ciprofloxacin (25 mm). Conclusion: The ethanol extract of indigenous spices was shown to be highly potential to be applied as an alternative of commercial drugs.
Studies on Biological Effect of some Selected Foods (Un-Pollinated Siwi Date, Date Palm Pollen and Doum Fruit)

The current work aimed to study the biological effects of fresh un-pollinated date, date palm pollen and doum fruit against some cancer cells line and some pathogenic microorganisms. Chemical composition including moisture content, total soluble solids, ash content and total and reducing sugars were determined. Also, antioxidant compounds such as phenolic compounds, hydrolysable tannins, condensed tannins and flavonoids were measured. The biological effects of fresh un-pollinated date, date palm pollen and doum fruit extracts against some human cancer cells include colon (HCT), prostate (PC3), breast (MCF7) and larynx (HEP2) cancers were tested. In addition, the antimicrobial effect of these extracts against some pathogenic microorganisms includes bacteria, mold and yeast were examined. The results indicated that fresh un-pollinated Siwi date had the highest content of antioxidant compounds compared with date palm pollen and doum fruit, therefore lead to the high antiradical activity. On the other hand, the date palm pollen had the highest content of some minerals content such as calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc and manganese compared with fresh un-pollinated date and doum fruits. The best effect against the four human cancer cells has been observed with fresh un-pollinated date extract. The cancer cells viability has been decreased up to 50% when the fresh un-pollinated date extract was used with concentration 62 µg/ml approximately. However, the highest decreased of cancer cells reached to 25% approximately when a concentration of the extracts has been used between 125 and 250 µg/ml. Also, fresh un-pollinated date revealed the best effect against gram negative bacteria but date palm pollen exhibited the best effect against gram positive bacteria, mold and yeast. So, the obtained data of the present study pointed that we neglected a very important bio-active products.
Quercetin decreases the triglyceride content through the PPAR signalling pathway in primary hepatocytes of broiler chickens

Abstract This study was conducted to investigate the effect of quercetin on the triglyceride (TG) content through the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) signalling pathway in broiler hepatocytes. The trial included the following five groups: control, DMSO control, 5 mg/L quercetin, 10 mg/L quercetin and 20 mg/L quercetin. Compared with the control group, the PPARα protein content was significantly increased at 24 h in the groups that received quercetin at 5, 10 and 20 mg/L (p < 0.05), whereas the PPARα mRNA expression was significantly increased at 24, 48 and 72 h (p < 0.05). Compared with the control, the content of the long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase (ACSL), apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), liver fatty acid–binding protein (FABP) and TG in the 5-, 10- and 20-mg/L quercetin group was significantly increased at 24, 48 and 72 h (p < 0.05). Moreover, the L-FABP and ApoA1 mRNA expression levels were significantly increased at 24, 48 and 72 h (p < 0.05). Compared with the control, the ApoC3 protein content in the 5-mg/L quercetin group was significantly decreased at 72 h (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) contents in the 5- and 20-mg/L quercetin groups were significantly decreased at 72 h (p < 0.05). In conclusion, quercetin enhanced lipid transportation and peroxidase β-oxidation regulated by PPARα and promoted lipid decomposition regulated by PPARα, but this did not occur in a dose-dependent or time-dependent manner. Therefore, quercetin decreased the TG content in broiler hepatocytes by promoting PPARα-regulated lipid decomposition, thereby reducing lipid deposition in broilers.
Karyomorphological studies on seven variants of Clitoria terantea L. (Fabaceae)

Mitosis of seven variants of Clitoria ternatea was carried out and the number of chromosomes in all the variants were 16. Karyotype indicated that all the variants consist of nearly median and sub-median chromosomes. Total and absolute chromosome length were higher in double pink and lower in light blue. The analysis of total form percentage showed that ‛double pink’ possess lowest value and represented as the most advanced type whereas ‛single blue’ possess highest value and represented as the most primitive karyotype. The variation in chromosomal characters coincides with the morphological variability within the species.
Investigating the Solidity Principle in Domestic Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris)

The solidity principle (SP) dictates that solid objects cannot pass through each other or exist in the same location. Investigations in human and nonhuman primates have demonstrated that they understand SP, and suggested it may be central to navigating the environment. Research in canines has been inconclusive. Controlling for confounds in previous studies, I tested domestic dogs’ understanding of SP in a between-subjects design using an apparatus consisting of a removable shelf with 2 vertically aligned search locations. Dogs (N=48) watched a treat fall into the apparatus and come to rest on either the shelf or the bottom surface. Three different experiments were designed to partially or fully obscure both of the search locations. In partially occluded experiments dogs showed near ceiling search accuracy, suggesting a basic understanding of SP. Dogs in the fully-occluded experiment performed at chance. This study sheds light on physical concept understanding in non-primate social animals.
The use of problem-based learning in graduate programs of higher education

The Use of Problem-Based Learning In Graduate Programs of Higher Education by Lisa Ann Edler Dr. Dale Andersen, Examination Committee Chair Professor of Educational Leadership University of Nevada, Las Vegas This study was intended to discover what Problem-Based Learning (PBL) looks like in graduate departments of higher education according to faculty who use PBL methodology in their curriculum and graduate students who experience PBL in their courses. This study also attempted to further understand the advantages, disadvantages, and challenges of PBL as perceived by both faculty and graduate students. After a comprehensive review of literature, two surveys were constructed, one for faculty and one for graduate students. The questions for both surveys were composed based on the information gleaned from the review of literature. The American Association of Higher Education (AAHE) was selected as the population to be surveyed because it was an accessible population that could easily be controlled and many of the 189 members offered graduate programs in Higher Education.