Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mycoplasma-like structures in the phloem of tomato plants affected with Brazilian big bud

). Nesta nota e relatada a ocorrencia de estruturas similares a mycoplasma no floema do tecido foliar de tomateiro infetado pelo calice gigante. Folhas de tomateiros sadios ou afetados pelo calice gigante foram fixadas em aldeido glutarico a 3%, pos-fixadas com Os04 a 1%, desidratadas em acetona e incluidas em Epon. Os especi-mens foram seccionados com navalha de vidro, contrastados com acetato de uranila e citrato de chumbo e examinados em um mi­croscopio electronico Siemens Elmiskop I (
Organochlorine pesticide residues in fish (Alestes baremoze and Synodontis bastiani) from Warri River, Nigeria: Levels and human exposure assessment

Organochlorine pesticides are among the group of agrochemicals with the potential for bioaccumulation in fish posing great threat to human health through fish consumption. In view of this, organochlorine pesticide residues (OCPs) were analysed in the muscle tissue of two freshwater fish species; Alestes baremoze and Synodontis bastiani from selected stations along Warri River, Nigeria, with the aim of assessing the human health risk associated with consumption. The fish were collected from landing sites located at Ovwian and Okwagbe communities along the Warri River. These communities are agrarian catchment areas with intensive pesticide use. Pesticides were analysed using Gas Chromatography (GC) equipped with electron capture detector (GC-ECD), while human risk assessment was carried out using human intake models. Results for pesticide analysis revealed that the concentrations of mean pesticide residues ranged from 0 to 0.0017 mg/kg in A. baremoze and 0 to 0.0014 mg/kg in S. bastiani . γ-HCH was the most commonly detected compound in A. baremoze and it accounted for 47.1% of the total pesticide residues in the fish, while α-HCH was the most dominant pesticide in S. bastiani accounting for 28.4% of the total pesticide residues in the fish samples. S. bastiani was the more contaminated of the two fish species; however, concentrations were not significantly higher (p>0.05). Results of the human health risk assessment from consumption of contaminated fish ( A. baremoze and S. bastiani ) raise the concern of possible carcinogenic health risk from exposure to pesticides through consumption of fish species. Keywords : Alestes baremoze , Fish, Human exposure implications, Organochlorine pesticides, Synodontis bastiani
Availability classification for applications in construction production systems: A review

The aim of the paper is to improve availability classifications of components for application in construction systems. Construction production systems belong to project-based systems with serial-parallel structures with or without redundant components, and the availability function has a significant impact on the performance indicators of components and systems. The main indicators of function of the components are the availability, capacity, costs, and project time. A new approach to classification makes it possible to choose the most appropriate methodology for assessing component availability in the bidding phase, and managing company? s machine park. The new classification approach was tested on a practical example. The results obtained confirmed the justification for extending the classical approach to the classification of the availability of components.
High-Accuracy Dynamic Load Emulation Method for Electrical Drives

This article addresses the problem of dynamic load emulation (DLE) with high accuracy of any mechanical load for which the mathematical model is known. The control strategy of a load machine is used to design tasks of control algorithms of variable speed and torque drives for educational purposes and several engineering applications, as transportation and renewable energy. The structure uses a set-point feed-forward compensator with speed-tracking controller, which provides robustness under parametric variation and nonmodeled dynamics. Nonlinear effects and constraints of the experimental setup shaft can be included in the compensator, which makes the strategy an alternative method for systems operating under different degrees of uncertainty. Moreover, different control approaches can be applied to both compensator and speed controller. The method can be applied with any rotary machines, where two induction motors (IMs) with directly coupling are adopted. The method was compared to two other DLE methods and was validated through nonlinear models whose inertia and friction are not constant. The simulated and experimental results are very similar, even when high uncertainty is assumed.
Effects of a high level of dietary zinc as model intervention on intestinal microbiota and mucosal gene expression in piglets

A.J.M. Jansman, D. Schokker, R. Gerritsen, F. de Bree, M.M. Hulst, M.A. Smits Together with our clients, we integrate scientific know-how and practical experience to develop livestock concepts for the 21st century. With our expertise on innovative livestock systems, nutrition, welfare, genetics and environmental impact of livestock farming and our state-of-the art research facilities, such as Dairy Campus and Swine Innovation Centre Sterksel, we support our customers to find solutions for current and future challenges.
Influence of Filler-Polymer Interface on Performance of Silicone Nanocomposites

The increase in voltage level and compactness of electrical equipment result in demands for electrical insulations that have high breakdown strength, high thermal conductivity, and high electrical resistivity. Use of dielectric polymer nanocomposites is a promising approach that has great advantages over the traditional materials. This article explores the influence of alumina nanofillers, both treated and untreated, on properties of silicone rubber-based nanocomposites. Composite samples made of 10 wt% and 20 wt% filler loading are prepared using high shear (HS) and electrostatic disperser (ES) techniques with the aim of achieving maximum dispersion of fillers in the silicone matrix. Effects of filler type, filler concentration and mixing method on morphological changes, thermal, erosion, and electrical properties are analyzed. Scanning electron micrographs (SEMs) showed better filler dispersion in composites prepared using ES than using HS mixer. Thermogravimetric analysis and thermal conductivity measurements revealed enhanced thermal stability and conductivity with increasing filler loadings. Additionally, ES composites showed high erosion resistance. Composites containing treated alumina performed better than those containing untreated alumina. In total, composites prepared with treated alumina using the ES method showed marked improvement in thermal properties and erosion resistance due to homogeneous filler dispersion imparting high number of filler-matrix interfaces and stronger bonding as visualized from SEMs and dielectric spectroscopy data.
Conformational influence of the ribose 2'-hydroxyl group: crystal structures of DNA-RNA chimeric duplexes

We have crystallized three double-helical DNA-RNA chimeric duplexes and determined their structures by X-ray crystallography at resolutions between 2 and 2.25 A. The two self-complementary duplexes [r(G)d(CGTATACGC)]2 and [d(GCGT)r(A)d(TACGC)]2, as well as the Okazaki fragment d(GGGTATACGC). r(GCG)d(TATACCC), were found to adopt A-type conformations. The crystal structures are non-isomorphous, and the crystallographic environments for the three chimeras are different. A number of intramolecular interactions of the ribose 2'-hydroxyl groups contribute to the stabilization of the A-conformation. Hydrogen bonds between 2'-hydroxyls and 5'-oxygens or phosphate oxygens, in addition to the previously observed hydrogen bonds to 1'-oxygens of adjacent riboses and deoxyriboses, are observed in the DNA-RNA chimeric duplexes. The crystalline chimeric duplexes do not show a transition between the DNA A- and B-conformations. CD spectra suggest that the Okazaki fragment assumes an A-conformation in solution as well. In this molecule the three RNA residues may therefore lock the complete decamer in the A-conformation. Crystals of an all-DNA strand with the same sequence as the self-complementary chimeras show a morphology which is different from those of the chimera crystals. Moreover, the oligonucleotide does not match any of the sequence characteristics of DNAs usually adopting the A-conformation in the crystalline state (e.g., octamers with short alternating stretches of purines and pyrimidines). In DNA-RNA chimeric duplexes, it is therefore possible that a single RNA residue can drive the conformational equilibrium toward the A-conformation.
A hybrid stochastic–deterministic mechanochemical model of cell polarization

Polarization is a crucial component in cell differentiation, development, and motility and its details are not yet well understood. At the onset of cell locomotion, cells break symmetry to form a well-defined cell front and rear. This polarity establishment varies across cell types: in Dictyostelium discoideum cells, it is mediated by biochemical signaling pathways and can function in the absence of a cytoskeleton, while in keratocytes it is tightly connected to cytoskeletal dynamics and mechanics. Theoretical models that have been developed to understand the onset of polarization have explored either signaling or mechanical pathways, yet few have explored mechanochemical mechanisms. However, many motile cells rely on both signaling modules and actin cytoskeleton to break symmetry and achieve a stable polarized state. We propose a general mechanochemical polarization model based on the coupling between a stochastic model for the segregation of signaling molecules and a simplified mechanical model for actin cytoskeleton network competition. We find that local linear coupling between minimally nonlinear signaling and cytoskeletal systems, separately not supporting stable polarization, yields a robustly polarized cell state.
Nutritional Values and Functional Properties of House Cricket (Acheta domesticus) and Field Cricket (Gryllus bimaculatus)

The used of insects as protein sources is growing rapidly for a variety of reasons, including global food security, sustainability, nutritional value and animal welfare. The nutritional composition and functional properties of extracted proteins from two cricket species ( A. domesticus and G. bimaculatus ) were investigated. Both cricket species contained high amounts of proteins (60 ‒ 70 % dry weight) with all essential amino acids and 10 ‒ 23 % lipids. The amount of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and several minerals, such as P, Na and Ca were also high. Proteins were isolated from both cricket species by solubilisation at pH 11.0 ‒ 12.0, followed by pH 4.0 isoelectric precipitation. The cricket proteins have high water capacity, moderate foaming capacity and stability with high emulsion activity. Therefore, they certainly could be further utilized as ingredients in various food types that could be an alternative nutritional source for both direct consumption and processing for protein extracts.
Life in the thornscrub: movement, home range, and territoriality of the reticulate collared lizard (Crotaphytus reticulatus)

ABSTRACT Several habitats may be required for an animal’s persistence, and movements within and among these habitats characterise an animal’s home range. For species of lizards, variation in home range size is typically best explained by either sit-and-wait or active foraging styles. In this study, we explore movements, home range size, and territoriality of Reticulate Collared Lizards (Crotaphytus reticulatus) from the typically sit-and-wait foraging subfamily Crotaphytinae. Over three years, we tracked 10 adult males and four adult females using GPS telemetry and found male C. reticulatus moved significantly longer distances and maintained significantly larger home ranges and core areas than females. We observed no home range overlap in females and one case of overlap in males, although all females maintained home ranges overlapped by a single male home range. The one-to-one pattern of a male home range overlapping just a single female home range is consistent with male mate guarding observed in active foragers. Moreover, compared to classic sit-and-wait foraging Common Collared Lizards (C. collaris), C. reticulatus moves more frequently, maintains a larger home range, is less territorial, and exhibits less sexual dimorphism; all traits of active foraging lizards. Indeed, C. reticulatus was observed actively stalking prey throughout its larger home range similar to G. wislizenii, which supports previous predictions regarding convergence in active foraging predatory behaviours between the species.
Multi-type Fair Resource Allocation for Distributed Multi-Robot Systems

Fair resource allocation is essential to ensure that all resource requesters acquire adequate resources and accomplish tasks. We propose solutions to the fairness problem in multi-type resource allocation for multi-robot systems that have multiple resource requesters. We apply the dominant resource fairness (DRF) principle in our solutions to two different systems: single-tasking robots with multi-robot tasks (STR-MRT) and multi-tasking robots with single-robot tasks (MTR-SRT). In STR-MRT, each robot can perform only one task at a time, tasks are divisible, and accomplishing each task requires one or more robots. In MTR-SRT, each robot can perform multiple tasks at a time, tasks are not divisible, and accomplishing each task requires only one robot. We present centralized solutions to the fairness problem in STR-MRT. Meanwhile, we model the decentralized resource allocation in STR-MRT as a coordination game between the robots. Each robot subgroup is formed by robots that strategically select the same resource requester. For a requester associated with a specific subgroup, a consensus-based team formation algorithm further chooses the minimal set of robots to accomplish the task. We leverage the Deep Q-learning Network (DQN) to support requester selection. The results suggest that the DQN outperforms the commonly used Q-learning. Finally, we propose two decentralized solutions to promote fair resource allocation in MTR-SRT, as a centralized solution already exists. We first propose a task-forwarding solution in which the robots need to negotiate the placement of each task. In our second solution, each robot first selects resource requesters and then independently allocates resources to tasks that arrive from the selected requesters. The resource-requester selection phase of the latter solution models a coordination game that is solved by reinforcement learning. The experimental results suggest that both approaches outperform their baselines. MULTI-TYPE FAIR RESOURCE ALLOCATION FOR DISTRIBUTED MULTI-ROBOT SYSTEMS by Qinyun Zhu B.E. , Harbin Institute of Technology, 2009 M.S., Syracuse University, 2011 Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Computer and Information Science and Engineering. Syracuse University May 2018 Copyright c © Qinyun Zhu 2018 All Rights Reserved
High seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in wild boars hunted in the Game Breeding Center in north-eastern Poland

Toxoplasmosis is a cosmopolitan zoonotic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii, an intracellular protozoan. The main source of infection for humans is meat contaminated with tissue cysts, the main invasive form of the parasite. The muscle tissue of seropositive animals of the family Suidae, subfamily Sus (domestic pig, wild boar) are the most common sources of infections with Toxoplasma gondii. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of T. gondii infections in the meat of wild boars (Sus scrofa) based on measurements of T. gondii antibodies in the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). One hundred samples of muscle tissue were obtained from wild boars hunted in the Game Breeding Center in north-eastern Poland. The animals were divided into three age groups: weaners (27), subadults (38) and adults (35). The prevalence of toxoplasmosis was very high in the analyzed population, and 71% of the animals were classified as seropositive in ELISA. Antibodies against T. gondii were detected in 62.9% of weaners, 73.6% of subadults and 74.2% of adult boars. The seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies was significantly higher in the animals hunted in the Game Breeding Center in comparison with the national average determined by other authors. Such extensive spread of the parasite in the natural environment can be attributed to geographic location, landform, presence of waterbodies, local climate, the size of the wild boar population and the spread of castor bean ticks (Ixodes ricinus).
Acoustically different contact calls of mother and young goitred gazelle are equally individualized: is this a common relationship in ruminants?

Relationships between individualization and the acoustics of contact calls in ungulate mother and young are different between taxa. We compared the acoustic variables and individuality of adult female and neonate goitred gazelles Gazella subgutturosa. Discriminant function analysis based on six acoustic variables of nasal (closed-mouth) contact calls similarly accurately classified calls to neonate and adult individuals in spite of the prominent differences in the acoustic resonances (formants) and the mean fundamental frequency of their calls. In addition, we found prominent differences in duration, mean fundamental frequency and frequencies of the first four formants between nasal and oral (open-mouth) contact calls within and between adult and neonate age-classes. We discuss the effects on the acoustics of call production mode (oral versus nasal) and the relationship of acoustic differences and individuality in mother and young contact calls across species of ruminants (Bovidae and Cervidae).
Concentration, Competence, Confidence, and Capture: An Experimental Study of Age, Interruption-based Technostress, and Task Performance

The proliferation of information and communication technologies such as instant messenger has created an increasing number of workplace interruptions that cause employee stress and productivity losses across the world. This growth in interruptions has paralleled another trend: the graying of the workforce, signifying that the labor force is aging rapidly. Insights from theories of stress and cognitive aging suggest that older people may be particularly vulnerable to the negative consequences of interruptions. Hence, this study examines whether, how, and why technology-mediated interruptions impact stress and task performance differently for older compared to younger adults. The study develops a mediated moderation model explaining why older people may be more susceptible to the negative impacts of technology-mediated interruptions than younger people, in terms of greater mental workload, more stress, and lower performance. The model hypothesizes that age acts as a moderator of the interruption-stress relationship due to age-related differences in inhibitory effectiveness, computer experience, computer self-efficacy, and attentional capture. We refer to these age-related differences as concentration, competence, confidence, and capture, respectively, or the four Cs. We tested our model through a laboratory experiment with a 2 x 2 x 2 mixed-model design, manipulating the frequency with which interruptions appear on the screen and their salience (e.g., reddish colors). We found that age acts as a moderator of the interruption-stress link due to differences in concentration, competence, and confidence, but not capture. This study contributes to IS research by explicitly elucidating the role of age in IS phenomena, especially interruption-based technostress. the Association for Information Systems section on path breaking research, and senior editor (emeritus) for MIS Quarterly , the Journal of the Association for Information Systems and Database . Dr. Grover’s current work focuses on the impacts of digitalization on individuals and organizations. He is recipient of numerous awards from University of South Carolina, Clemson University, Association for Information Systems, Academy of Management, Decision Sciences Institute, the Operations Research Society, Anbar, and PriceWaterhouse, among others for his research and teaching, and is a fellow of the Association for Information Systems. He has had the privilege of being extensively involved with PhD students, serving as an advisor to over 40 PhD students and as cochair of numerous doctoral consortia at both the International Conference on Information Systems and Americas Conference on Information Systems. He has been invited to give numerous keynote addresses and talks at various institutions and forums around the world.
Aragonite bias exhibits systematic spatial variation in the Late Cretaceous Western Interior Seaway, North America

Abstract. Preferential dissolution of the biogenic carbonate polymorph aragonite promotes preservational bias in shelly marine faunas. While field studies have documented the impact of preferential aragonite dissolution on fossil molluscan diversity, its impact on regional and global biodiversity metrics is debated. Epicontinental seas are especially prone to conditions that both promote and inhibit preferential dissolution, which may result in spatially extensive zones with variable preservation. Here we present a multifaceted evaluation of aragonite dissolution within the Late Cretaceous Western Interior Seaway of North America. Occurrence data of mollusks from two time intervals (Cenomanian/Turonian boundary, early Campanian) are plotted on new high-resolution paleogeographies to assess aragonite preservation within the seaway. Fossil occurrences, diversity estimates, and sampling probabilities for calcitic and aragonitic fauna were compared in zones defined by depth and distance from the seaway margins. Apparent range sizes, which could be influenced by differential preservation potential of aragonite between separate localities, were also compared. Our results are consistent with exacerbated aragonite dissolution within specific depth zones for both time slices, with aragonitic bivalves additionally showing a statistically significant decrease in range size compared with calcitic fauna within carbonate-dominated Cenomanian–Turonian strata. However, we are unable to conclusively show that aragonite dissolution impacted diversity estimates. Therefore, while aragonite dissolution is likely to have affected the preservation of fauna in specific localities, time averaging and instantaneous preservation events preserve regional biodiversity. Our results suggest that the spatial expression of taphonomic biases should be an important consideration for paleontologists working on paleobiogeographic problems.
Characterization of syrups and dietary fiber obtained from mesquite pods (Prosopis pallida L.)

Milled mesquite pods (Prosopis pallida) were washed in a pilot plant with water at two different weight: water ratios, times, and temperatures to obtain aqueous extracts and solid residues. The extracts were concentrated under two different conditions to obtain syrups or algarrobinas, and the residues were dried and milled to yield dietary fiber (DF) concentrates. Total soluble sugars, protein, ash, and polyphenolic compounds were analyzed in syrups and DF concentrates, as well as fiber, starch, and fat in the fiber concentrates. The proximate composition of mesquite pulp was also analyzed. The main components of mesquite pulp were dietary fiber (257.1 g/kg) and soluble sugars (539.5 g/kg). Syrups were compared to three others commercialized locally in some regions of Peru, showing less sucrose inversion than in the commercial ones and the same brown color. Of the two fiber products obtained, one of them was a concentrate rich in total DF (801.9 g/kg) composed of mainly insoluble fiber. The other product had a lower DF content (447.7 g/kg) but a higher soluble sugar concentration (263.3 g/kg). The potential application of these products in the food industry is discussed.