Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
redicting potential and actual distribution of sudden oak death in Oregon : rioritizing landscape contexts for early detection and eradication of disease utbreaks

An isolated outbreak of the emerging forest disease sudden oak death was discovered in Oregon forests in 2001. Despite considerable control efforts, disease continues to spread from the introduction site due to slow and incomplete detection and eradication. Annual field surveys and laboratory tests between 2001 and 2009 confirmed a total of 802 infested locations. Here, we apply two invasive species distribution models (iSDMs) of sudden oak death establishment and spread risk to target early detection and control further disease spread in Oregon forests. The goal was to develop (1) a model of potential distribution that estimates the level and spatial variability of disease establishment and spread risk for western Oregon, and (2) a model of actual distribution that quantifies the relative likelihood of current invasion in the quarantine area. Our predictions were based on four groups of primary parameters that vary in space and time: climate conditions, topographical factors, abundance and susceptibility of host vegetation, and dispersal pressure. First, we used multi-criteria evaluation to identify large-scale areas at potential risk of infection. We mapped and ranked host abundance and susceptibility using geospatial vegetation data developed with gradient nearest neighbor imputation. The host vegetation and climate variables were parameterized in accordance to their epidemiological importance and the final appraisal scores were summarized by month to represent a cumulative spread risk index, standardized as five categories from very low to very high risk. Second, using the field data for calibration we applied the machine-learning method, maximum entropy, to predict the actual distribution of the sudden oak death epidemic. The dispersal pressure incorporated in the statistical model estimates the force of invasion at all susceptible locations, allowing us to quantify the relative likelihood of current disease incidence rather than its potential distribution. Our predictions show that 65 km2 of forested land was invaded by 2009, but further disease spread threatens more than 2100 km2 of forests across the western region of Oregon (very high and high risk). Areas at greatest risk of disease spread are concentrated in the southwest region of Oregon where the highest densities of susceptible host species exist. This research identifies high priority locations for early detection and invasion control and illustrates how iSDMs can be used to analyze the actual versus potential distribution of emerging infectious disease in a complex, heterogeneous ecosystem.
OF ANTIHYPERTENSIVE THERAPY AMONG PATIENTS WITH COMPELLING INDICATIONS IN TWO HOSPITALS IN SOUTH-EASTERN NIGERIA

Hypertension, a silent killer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality world-wide. Application of evidence based practice would help in the control of hypertension especially in tropical Africa where control indices are poor. The aim of this study was to analyze out-of-hospital antihypertensive drug utilization in two secondary health care centres in South-Eastern Nigeria among patients with compelling indications. The utilization of antihypertensive drugs dispensed to out-patients in the year 2006 to 2007 was analyzed retrospectively using the ATC/DDD method. Results were expressed in DDDs/1000 inhabitants/day. Adherence to World Health Organization/International Society of Hypertension (WHO/ISH) management guideline was also assessed. Nifedipine and hydrochlorthiazide/amiloride were the most frequently prescribed antihypertensive drugs with 10.48 and 9.79 DDDs/1000 inhabitants/day respectively. For patients with compelling indications, 46% and 67% of hypertensive patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and congestive heart failure respectively were placed on correct (appropriate) therapies in accordance with WHO/ISH guideline. All the hypertensive patients with cerebrovascular accident (CVA) alone as well as those with DM and CVA received drugs indicated by WHO/ISH guideline. This study pointed out some therapeutic rationality in these two health centres. However, targeted education of the prescription-givers and dissemination of treatment guideline could facilitate rational use of drugs and adherence to treatment guidelines.
Influence of Different Priming Agents on Germination and Field Performance of Soybean (Glycine max (L) Merrill) in Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

Poor seed germination and poor crop establishment are major challenges for farmers. A field study was carried out at the University of Abuja Research Farm to evaluate the influence of different priming agents on the germination/establishment and field performance of soybean in the Guinea Savanna region of Nigeria. Five (5) treatments were used in the study, four (4) priming agents (gibberrelic acid, sodium chloride (NaCl), coconut water and warm water) and the control. The study was arranged in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. Seed priming improved germination percentage of soybean. Soybean seeds primed with gibberrelic acid performed best in respect to flowering percentage by 92.03% followed by those primed with coconut water which had 87.07%. Gibberrelic acid stimulated the highest germination percentage (97.20%) in seeds of soybean while the control (no-priming) had the lowest soybean 64.83%. The significant difference recoded among the priming agents used in the study in respect to germination percentage, number of leaves, plant height and flowering percentage may be attributed to the differences in their ability to improve seed vigour. Gibberrelic acid and coconut water have high capacity to improve seed vigour which results in high germination percentage and field establishment of soybean. Coconut water is effective, more accessible, natural and cheap for seed priming for smallholder farmers in Nigeria. Coconut water is thereby recommended as seed priming agent for smallholder farmers in Nigeria.
Exchange Rates and Unobservable Fundamentals : A New Approach to Out-of-sample Forecasting WORKING PAPER 1607

Traditional exchange rate models are based on differences in macroeconomic fundamentals. However, despite being well grounded in economic theory they have a rather poor out-of-sample forecasting record. This empirical failure may be a result of the overly restrictive choice of macroeconomic fundamentals. We suggest using the sovereign yield spread level and slope as proxies of the market’s expectations for current and future fundamentals and find promising results when we investigate the out-of-sample forecasting accuracy of these variables. Using the yield spread level and slope as a set of unobservable fundamentals, our approach outperforms traditional exchange rate models for most considered currencies and horizons. It is also superior to a random walk in terms of direction of change forecasts and profitability.
Analysis of collisions in wireless sensor networks

We present a model of the LMAC protocol for wireless sensor networks in order to analyse collision probabilities for nodes selecting a time slot. We consider fully connected topologies consisting of 3 and 4 nodes, and use probabilistic Uppaal (Uppaal PRO 0.2) for modelling and analysis. The results show that if the waiting time of nodes is increased before the selection of a time slot then the number of collisions decrease and vice versa. However, the results, which are exact due to the model checking technique, indicates that there is only a small loss by using optimistic wait times. This confirms the previously known results which have been reached through simulations. Based on our analysis results, we propose an optimistic choice of a network set-up depending on the probability of waiting times. Besides this, based on the probability of collisions we compare the results of the number of nodes to the number of time slots and suggest a network model for better performance and reduced cost.
Physical and chemical characteristics of moringa - fortified orange sweet potato flour for complementary food

Infants from the age of 6 to 12 months are vulnerable to malnutrition in developing countries, especially Vitamin A and other micronutrient deficiencies, due to inadequacy of breast milk and supply of insufficient nutrients through local diets such as poridges made from plain cereals. The aim of this study was to develop complementary food from composite flours of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) with orange flesh (OFSP), which is rich in beta carotene and germinated moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) seed which is rich in protein. Five composite flours were formulated from OFSP and germinated moringa seed flour in the proportions (%); 100:0, 95:5, 90:10, 85:15 and 80:20. The physical properties of the composite flours were evaluated and chemical analyses were carried out. Result of preliminary study showed that the beta carotene content of dehydrated OFSP paste obtained by mashing of cooked sweet potato slices (14.66 mg/100g) was lower than the flour of blanched, dried and milled OFSP chips (14.82 mg/100g). The OFSP flour was thus used in the preparation of five mixtures with different proportions of moringa seed flour. The carbohydrate, fat, protein, crude fibre and ash contents of OFSP-Moringa complementary blends were in range: 78.03% 65.35%; 7.85% 11.55%; 4.38% 13.13%, 0.90% 0.92% and 1.13% 2.55%, respectively. The protein, fat and ash content of the research blends increased with increasing amounts of germinated moringa seed flour. A daily intake of 30g tested flour mixtures, regardless of composition, due to high value of Vitamin A (413-487.00 μg Retinol Activity EquivalentsRAE), can meet 100% of the recommended dietary allowance of vitamin A (400-500 μg RAE) for infants (6-12months). This study has shown the physical and chemical characteristics of five mixtures of sweet potato and moringa seeds flours as complementary blends. Compared to the control (Nigerian Nestle cerelac) they were showed favourably, especially blend of 80% OFSP and 20% germinated moringa seed flour and could therefore serve as a cheaper and healthier substitute for complementary
Direct radiative effect of dust–pollution interactions

Abstract. The chemical ageing of aeolian dust, through interactions with air pollution, affects the optical and hygroscopic properties of the mineral particles and hence their atmospheric residence time and climate forcing. Conversely, the chemical composition of the dust particles and their role as coagulation partners impact the abundance of particulate air pollution. This results in a change in the aerosol direct radiative effect that we interpret as an anthropogenic radiative forcing associated with mineral dust–pollution interactions. Using the ECHAM/MESSy atmospheric chemistry climate model (EMAC), which combines the Modular Earth Submodel System (MESSy) with the European Centre Hamburg (ECHAM) climate model, including a detailed parametrisation of ageing processes and an emission scheme accounting for the chemical composition of desert soils, we study the direct radiative forcing globally and regionally, considering solar and terrestrial radiation. Our results indicate positive and negative forcings, depending on the region. The predominantly negative forcing at the top of the atmosphere over large parts of the dust belt, from West Africa to East Asia, attains a maximum of about −2 W m−2 south of the Sahel, in contrast to a positive forcing over India. Globally averaged, these forcings partially counterbalance, resulting in a net negative forcing of −0.05 W m−2, which nevertheless represents a considerable fraction (40 %) of the total dust forcing.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis improves growth and antioxidative response of Stevia rebaudiana (Bert.) under salt stress.

To investigate the possible role of arbuscular mycrrhizal fungi (AMF) in alleviating the negative effects of salinity on Stevia rebaudiana (Bert.), the regenerated plantlets in tissue culture was transferred to pots in greenhouse and inoculated with Glomus intraradices. Salinity caused a significant decrease in chlorophyll content, photosynthesis efficiency and enhanced the electrolyte leakage. The use of AMF in salt –affected plants resulted in improved all above mentioned characteristics. Hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents increased in salt stressed plants while a reduction was observed due to AMF inoculation. CAT activity showed a significant increase up to 2 g/l and then followed by decline at 5 g/l NaCl in both AMF and non-AMF treated stevia, however, AMF inoculated plants maintained lower CAT activity at all salinity levels (2 and 5 g/l). Enhanced POX activities in salt- treated stevia plants were decreased by inoculation of plants with AMF. The addition of NaCl to stevia plants also resulted in an enhanced activity of SOD whilst, AMF plants maintained higher SOD activity at all salinity levels than those of non-AMF inoculated plants. AMF inoculation was capable of alleviating the damage caused by salinity on stevia plants by reducing oxidative stress and improving photosynthesis efficiency.
Antarctic clouds, supercooled liquid water and mixed phase, investigated with DARDAR: geographical and seasonal variations

Abstract. Antarctic tropospheric clouds are investigated using the DARDAR (raDAR/liDAR)-MASK products between 60 and 82∘ S. The cloud fraction (occurrence frequency) is divided into the supercooled liquid-water-containing cloud (SLC) fraction and its complementary part called the all-ice cloud fraction. A further distinction is made between SLC involving ice (mixed-phase clouds, MPC) or not (USLC, for unglaciated SLC). The low-level (<3 km above surface level) SLC fraction is larger over seas (20 %–60 %), where it varies according to sea ice fraction, than over continental regions (0 %–35 %). The total SLC fraction is much larger over West Antarctica (10 %–40 %) than it is over the Antarctic Plateau (0 %–10 %). In East Antarctica the total SLC fraction – in summer for instance – decreases sharply polewards with increasing surface height (decreasing temperatures) from 40 % at the coast to <5% at 82∘ S on the plateau. The geographical distribution of the continental total all-ice fraction is shaped by the interaction of the main low-pressure systems surrounding the continent and the orography, with little association with the sea ice fraction. Opportunistic comparisons with published ground-based supercooled liquid-water observations at the South Pole in 2009 are made with our SLC fractions at 82∘ S in terms of seasonal variability, showing good agreement. We demonstrate that the largest impact of sea ice on the low-level SLC fraction (and mostly through the MPC) occurs in autumn and winter (22 % and 18 % absolute decrease in the fraction between open water and sea ice-covered regions, respectively), while it is almost null in summer and intermediate in spring (11 %). Monthly variability of the MPC fraction over seas shows a maximum at the end of summer and a minimum in winter. Conversely, the USLC fraction has a maximum at the beginning of summer. However, monthly evolutions of MPC and USLC fractions do not differ on the continent. This suggests a seasonality in the glaciation process in marine liquid-bearing clouds. From the literature, we identify the pattern of the monthly evolution of the MPC fraction as being similar to that of the aerosols in coastal regions, which is related to marine biological activity. Marine bioaerosols are known to be efficient ice-nucleating particles (INPs). The emission of these INPs into the atmosphere from open waters would add to the temperature and sea ice fraction seasonalities as factors explaining the MPC fraction monthly evolution.
Development of buckwheat cookies supplemented with wheat flour

The present study was conducted to develop buckwheat cookies supplemented with wheat flour.Buckwheat and wheat flour were examined for their proximate composition. Buckwheat flour contained11.6% moisture, 15.79% crude protein, 1.81% crude fat, 1.83% ash, 0.70% crude fibre content and 68.27%NFE, while wheat flour contained moisture content 13.12%, crude fibre content 1.93%, crude fat 1.42%,crude protein content 12.53%, ash content 1.57% and 69.43% NFE, respectively. Wheat flour was incor-porated into buckwheat flour at 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50% ratio to make composite flour and the developedcookies were analysed for quality evaluation. Supplementation of wheat flour significantly influenced theproximate and mineral composition of buckwheat flour based cookies. Moisture contents, crude fibrecontents and NFE (Nitrogen Free Extract) increased, whereas crude fat, crude protein and ash contentsdecreased. Mineral contents (Fe, Ca, K, Zn and Mg) of developed buckwheat cookies decreased withincrease in wheat flour supplementation levels. Sensory characteristics of supplemented cookies increasedwith increase in supplementation levels of wheat flour and were acceptable by judges in terms of test,colour, texture and overall acceptability. Cookies developed from C 50% C supplementation level of wheatflour got maximum scored points while C0 control C0 was found to be more nutritious and gluten freehaving more crude protein and mineral contents when compared to supplemented cookies.
Nitric Oxide: A Mediator in Anaphylactic Shock in Guinea-Pigs

In this study we show that the pathophysiology of anaphylaxis includes generation of nitric oxide (NO), a very powerful, short-acting vasodilator. Guinea-pigs sensitized to ovalbumin were treated with 200 microgram/kg diphenylene iodonium (DPI), and NO synthase inhibitor, prior to antigen challenge. Mortality following the challenge fell from 71 to 39% (p < 0.001, n = 59). In the Langendorff preparation perfused isolated hearts from sensitized guinea-pigs were challenged to initiate cardiac anaphylaxis. The coronary flow rate (CFR), a direct reflection of coronary arterial resistance, was reduced by antigen challenge to 56 +/- 4% (n = 16) of the basal rate. DPI (2 micrograms/ml) intensified the antigen-induced fall in CFR to 13 +/- 3% of control (p < 0.005, n = 5), and the false substrate for NO, L-N-methylarginine, to 37 +/- 3% (p < 0.05, n = 4). Sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a NO generator, raised the basal CFR by 46% (from 11.2 +/- 1.7 ml/min to 16.3 +/- 1.9 ml/min) and blunted the antigen-induced fall in CFR. Paradoxically, DPI, which can inhibit flavoprotein enzymes other than NO synthase, potentiated the vasodilator effect of SNP, raising the basal CFR by 116%. Together these results strongly indicate that the vasodilator NO is generated in anaphylaxis. However, whereas in the heart it may function as a counterweight to the vasospasm of the coronary arteries, in the intact animal it appears to be a major contributor to the potentially lethal hypotension of anaphylactic shock.
Standarisasi Simplisia Daun Hantap (Sterculia coccinea Jack) Asal Kabupaten Donggala Propinsi Sulawesi Tengah Sebagai Bahan Baku Sediaan Fitofarmaka

DOWNLOAD PDF Standarization simplisia leaf hantap ( Sterculia coccinea Jack) origin Dongala regency of Central Sulawesi Province raw materials preparations for phitopharmaca. The morphological examination showed that hantap leaf plants including dicotyledoneae class with woody stems and roots heels. Transverse slices of the anatomy of the leaf stomata indicate anomositik type, sliced crosswise rod carrier file types are radial. Physical determination powders include determining the total wash content 9.74%, wash content the water soluble and 5.21% wash content that does not dissolve in acid 3.62%. Determination of levels of leaf extract hantap covering levels of water soluble extract, which is 18.89% and levels of ethanol-soluble extract: 14.17%. Identification with chemical reagents contain tannins, steroids and alkaloids. Thin-layer chromatography profiles obtained by the number of spots with more in n-butanol extract with polar eluen chloroform : methanol (20:1) diethyl ether extract compared with non eluen polar heksan: ethyl acetate (8:2). Key words : Standaritation, leaf hantap, tanin, alkaloids, steroids.
Effect Balance of Bokashi and Inorganic Fertilizer on Growth, Simplicia Yield, and Content Of Sinensetin of Kumis Kucing (Orthosiphon aristatus (Blume) Miq.)

Growth potential, simplicia yields, and secondary metabolites of sinensetin varieties kumis kucing can be increased through fertilization management. The aim of this research was to examine the effect balance of bokashi and inorganic fertilizer on growth, simplicia yields and secondary metabolites of sinensetin kumis kucing varieties. The design of research was a split-plot field experiment, with the main plot were varieties (Orsina 1 and Orsina 2) and subplots in bokashi fertilization of goat manure (control, bokashi 15 tons ha-1, bokashi 15 tons ha-1 + 100% inorganic fertilizer dose recommendation, bokashi 15 tons ha-1 + 50% recommended dosage of inorganic fertilizer and 100% recommended inorganic fertilizer). Inorganic fertilizer recommendations consist of Urea 100 kg ha-1, SP36 200 kg ha-1, and KCl 100 kg ha-1. The results showed that the use of bokashi 15 tons ha-1 + 50% inorganic fertilizer increased growth. Besides it also produced the highest simplicia of 48.57 g plant-1 and the highest secondary metabolite of 0.045% plant-1 in Orsina 1. Both kumis kucing varieties did not show growth differences and yields. Bokashi fertilizer can reduce the use of inorganic fertilizers in the growth and simplicia yields and potentially increase sinensetin of kumis kucing.
On the automaticity of language processing.

People speak and listen to language all the time. Given this high frequency of use, it is often suggested that at least some aspects of language processing are highly overlearned and therefore occur “automatically”. Here we critically examine this suggestion. We first sketch a framework that views automaticity as a set of interrelated features of mental processes and a matter of degree rather than a single feature that is all-or-none. We then apply this framework to language processing. To do so, we carve up the processes involved in language use according to (a) whether language processing takes place in monologue or dialogue, (b) whether the individual is comprehending or producing language, (c) whether the spoken or written modality is used, and (d) the linguistic processing level at which they occur, that is, phonology, the lexicon, syntax, or conceptual processes. This exercise suggests that while conceptual processes are relatively non-automatic (as is usually assumed), there is also considerable evidence that syntactic and lexical lower-level processes are not fully automatic. We close by discussing entrenchment as a set of mechanisms underlying automatization.
A comprehensive genetic characterisation of the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter in Drosophila

Mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake is an important mediator of metabolism and cell death. Identification of components of the highly conserved mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter has opened it up to genetic analysis in model organisms. Here we report a comprehensive genetic characterisation of the known uniporter components conserved in Drosophila. While loss of MCU or EMRE abolishes fast mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake, this results in surprisingly mild phenotypes. In contrast, loss of the regulatory gatekeeper component MICU1 has a much more severe phenotype, being developmental lethal, consistent with unregulated Ca2+ uptake. Mutants for MICU3 are viable with mild neurological phenotypes. Genetic interaction studies reveal that MICU1 and MICU3 are not functionally interchangeable. More surprisingly, loss of MCU or EMRE does not suppress MICU1 mutant lethality, suggesting that the lethality results from MCU-independent functions. This study helps shed light on the physiological requirements of the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter, and provides a suite of tools to interrogate their interplay in homeostasis and disease conditions.