Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessment and characterization of genetic diversity in Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal using RAPD and AFLP markers

Genetic diversity of 23 accessions of Withania somnifera collected from different geographical regions of India was estimated by employing Random Amplification of Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) markers. Eighteen RAPD primers and six AFLP primer combinations revealed 37.82 and 43.94% polymorphism, respectively, among 163 and 286 genetic loci amplified. The AFLP assay revealed higher levels of polymorphism among the tested W. somnifera accessions compared to the RAPD. Mean genetic diversity based on Shannon index ranged from 1.33 (RAPD) to 5.13 (AFLP). Unweighted pair group method based on arithmetic average (UPGMA) analysis was performed on Jaccard’s similarity coefficient matrix. The matrix reveals, two main clusters, wild accessions formed one cluster and the cultivated accessions formed the other. The cultivated accessions are well separated from the wild ones at a low similarity value of 0.3, indicating that cultivated and wild accessions are highly distinct. Morphologically cultivated accessions were also quite distinct from the wild ones and the cluster analysis of RAPD and AFLP fingerprints clearly discriminated the five cultivated accessions of W. somnifera . A strong correlation was observed between morphology and molecular marker systems. Identification of specific markers to wild as well as cultivated accessions is yet another important finding in the present study. Such genetic diversity is useful in facilitating the development of large number of new varieties through hybridization, transfer of useful genes, thus maximizing the use of such available germplasms as genetic resource materials for breeders. The present input, first of its kind in Ashwagandha, will thus assist the marker assisted crop improvement programme. Key words: Withania somnifera, genetic diversity, RAPD, AFLP, polymorphism, Shannon index.
EFFECT OF CHITOSAN COATING WITH THE ADDITION OF CARAWAY ESSENTIAL OIL AND BEESWAX ON OXIDATIVE STABILITY OF PETROVSKÁ KLOBÁSA SAUSAGE

The aim of this paper was to examine the effect of chitosan coating with the addition of caraway essential oil and beeswax on lipid oxidation protection, as well as aroma and water content preservation of traditional dry fermented Petrovská klobása sausage. During the entire storage period, TBARS index value in coated sausage was lower compared to the control (P<0.05). After two months of storage, TBARS index value in control and coated sausages were 0.94±0.04 mg kg–1 and 0.66±0.03 mg kg–1, while after seven months of storage, these values were 0.82±0.05 mg kg–1 and 0.67±0.02 mg kg–1, respectively. While content of saturated aliphatic aldehydes increased in control sausage (P<0.05), it remained unchanged in coated sausage during 7 months of storage. Lipid oxidation protective effect could be correlated to higher marks for aroma of coated sausage during the entire storage period (P<0.05). Coating slowed moisture loss of coated sausage compared to the control (P<0.05).
Bioethanol Production and Optimization test from Agricultural Waste: The case of wet coffee processing waste (pulp

The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of ethanol production and optimization from coffee pulp by using commercial bakery yeast, i.e., S. cereviciae . To conduct this study, fermentation was held at temperature 30 °C and pH 5. Coffee pulp was hydrolyzed by refluxing, a solid to liquid ratio of 1:10, using dilute sulfuric acid (1, 2 and 4 %) and distilled water at hydrolysis time of 1, 2, 4, 6 and 10 hours keeping boiling temperature. 90 % maximum total sugar concentration was obtained at 4 hours acid free hydrolysis. Based on these hydrolysis results, fermentation process was performed. In the process, it was observed that ethanol concentration decreased with an increase in acid concentration, hydrolysis time and fermentation time. The maximum result was obtained with distilled water hydrolysis for 4 hours and 24 hours fermentation. Under these conditions maximum ethanol concentration production was 7.4 g/L. The result indicated that being available in plentiful amounts and non-edible material, coffee pulp will be potential feedstock for bioethanol production in Ethiopia.
Comparison between the Outcomes of Water Birth and Normal Vaginal Delivery

Background & aim: Warm water immersion during labor is associated with relaxation and pain reduction for pregnant women. This method is not extensively used in Iran, given the fear of infection and other maternal/neonatal complications. Alternative methods are required to increase the safety of normal vaginal delivery. The purpose of this study was to compare maternal and neonatal outcomes, associated with water birth and normal vaginal delivery. Methods:This analytical, cross-sectional study was performed on 43 water birth cases (study group) and 62 subjects with normal vaginal delivery (control group). Random sampling and consensus were applied for normal vaginal delivery and water birth groups, respectively. Data were collected in a data collection form, using hospital records and interviews with mothers. For data analysis, descriptive and analytical tests including t-test and Chi-square were carried out, using SPSS version 15. Results: No significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of labor and delivery complications; although three cases of complications during the second stage of labor and four cases of hospitalizations at birth were reported in the control group. The two groups were not significantly different in terms of hospitalization for the reason of neonatal period complications. Regarding maternal complications, there was a significant difference in the rate of episiotomy between the two groups (P=0.032). Postpartum hemorrhage was mostly observed in the control group, although the difference was not significant. Conclusion: In this study, no significant difference was observed in terms of maternal or neonatal complications between the two groups. Therefore, it seems that water birth is a safe method, associated with improved pregnancy outcomes.
Bactericidal activites of selected macrofungi extracts against Staphylococcus aureus

The increasing of the antibiotic resistance exhibited by pathogenic microorganisms has resulted in research directed toward evaluation of novel sources of antimicrobial compounds. Previous studies have indicated that macrofungi, as a specific response to the natural hostile environment, produce secondary metabolites with antimicrobial properties. In this study, antimicrobial activities of the extracts from six wild mushrooms: Aman­ ita echinocephala, Russula medulata, Cerena unicolor, Hericium erinaceus, Ishnoderma benzoinum and Laetiporus sulphureus were evaluated against Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. The antimicrobial potential of the methanolic mushroom extracts was investigated by the microdilution method. Antimicrobial activity was observed in all species included in the study. All the extracts that demonstrated inhibitory activities were further tested for bactericidal activity and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values were determined. The tested microorganism was most sensitive to the examined extracts from the polypore fungi C. unicolor and H. erinaceus. The highest bactericidal activity was obtained in the extracts from the species C. unicolor (MBC=1.563 mg/mL). The experimental results revealed that the methanolic extract of C. unicolor possessed significant bactericidal activity. The findings suggest the potential use of this wild mushroom as antimicrobial agent.
Onion Crop Response to Regulated Deficit Irrigation under Mulching in Dry Mediterranean Region

Abstract Enhancing water productivity for sustainable crop production and water savings represents a major challenge for agricultural water management. Pot experiments under open field conditions were conducted for two years, 2016 and 2017, to assess the effects of regulated deficit irrigation under mulch on onion crop production, following a 2 × 3 factorial experiment with two soil cover systems (wheat straw mulch and no-mulch) and three irrigation levels (100%, 80%, and 60% of crop evapotranspiration), with six replications.The results indicated that onion plants were responsive to straw mulching. Bulb diameter, total yield, dry matter, and water productivity were significantly enhanced under mulch whatever the irrigation level used. The seasonal crop water requirements also considerably decreased (about 33%). The results also showed the sensitivity of onion to water stress. Yield, dry matter, and water productivity were higher under full irrigation compared to the deficit irrigation. However, when mulch was used, regulated deficit irrigation highly significantly improved water productivity and onion crop quality and quantity; and this approach could be a promising management practice to meet water shortage consequences in the dry Mediterranean region.
Best Practices for Postprocessing Ensemble Climate Forecasts. Part I: Selecting Appropriate Recalibration Methods

AbstractThis study describes a systematic approach to selecting optimal statistical recalibration methods and hindcast designs for producing reliable probability forecasts on seasonal-to-decadal time scales. A new recalibration method is introduced that includes adjustments for both unconditional and conditional biases in the mean and variance of the forecast distribution and linear time-dependent bias in the mean. The complexity of the recalibration can be systematically varied by restricting the parameters. Simple recalibration methods may outperform more complex ones given limited training data. A new cross-validation methodology is proposed that allows the comparison of multiple recalibration methods and varying training periods using limited data.Part I considers the effect on forecast skill of varying the recalibration complexity and training period length. The interaction between these factors is analyzed for gridbox forecasts of annual mean near-surface temperature from the CanCM4 model. Recalibra.
Farm Technical Efficiency and Extension

This paper presents a methodology for estimating technical efficiency levels for individual farms using both a fixed effects panel model and a stochastic production frontier approach. It tests whether the estimated technical efficiency levels are associated with measures of contact with the advisory service. The approach is applied to a panel of 307 farms drawn from the Irish National Farm Survey over the period 1984 to 1994. The results show evidence that extension contact has had a positive impact on agricultural output.
Investigation of the Ride Response of a Multi-wheeled Combat Vehicle in Pitch-Bounce Plane

Recently there is a worldwide trend to transform the heavy troops into more agile and deployable forces. These forces are based on light armored multi-wheeled combat vehicles which are demanding several challenging requirements. Furthermore, the design of suspension system of these vehicles is complex and should provide several conflicting issues such as higher mobility and cornering stability whilst maintaining a sufficient ride comfort for the crew. This paper presents a comprehensive investigation of the ride response of a typical combat vehicle in pitch-bounce plan under the effect of random road excitation. A set of mathematical passive suspension models for the vehicle with different configurations including two-axle, three-axle and four-axle are derived. The numerical simulation is carried out through the MATLAB/SIMULINK environment which aids the future development of controllable suspension systems. The ride responses of the vehicle is obtained and analyzed considering the vibration isolation, suspension deflection, and road-holding. The results show an improvement in the responses of vehicle body vertical acceleration, pitch acceleration anddynamic tire load using four-axle vehicle configuration over three-axle and two-axle ones.
An examination of the diet and movement patterns of the atlantic cownose ray rhinoptera bonasuswithin a southwest florida estuary

Cownose rays are benthic, suction feeders whose foraging activities have been implicated in severe damage to commercial shellfish industries and seagrass habitat. With jaws highly modified for durophagy, it has been assumed that they are crushing specialists, feeding primarily upon hard molluscan prey. In addition, R. bonasus are believed to be highly migratory, transient residents of coastal inshore waters. However, minimal quantitative data exist regarding R. bonasus feeding or movement patterns in the Gulf of Mexico. Stomach contents from 50 cownose rays caught within the Charlotte Harbor estuary between July 2003 and July 2004 were analyzed using the index of relative importance (IRI). Crustaceans, polychaetes, and bivalves were the dominant groups present, with bivalves representing the smallest proportion of the three dominant groups. High dietary overlap was observed between sexes, size groups and seasons. Shoalmates exhibited significantly more similar diets to each other than to members of other shoals. Although currently believed to be a hard prey specialist, these results suggest the cownose ray may behave as an opportunistic generalist, consuming any readily available vii prey. Between July 2003 and November 2004, 21 cownose rays were tagged and tracked within Charlotte Harbor using passive acoustic telemetry. Residence time ranged between 1-102 days. No significant relationship was detected between activity patterns and tidal stage or time of day. Minimum convex polygons (MCP) and kernel utilization distributions (KUD) were calculated to demonstrate the extent of an animals home range and core areas of use. Daily MCPs ranged between 0.01 and 25.8 km, and total MCPs ranged between 0.81 and 71.78 km. Total 95% KUDs ranged between 0.18 and 62.44 km, while total 50% KUDs were significantly smaller, ranging from 0.09 to 9.68 km. Both MCPs and KUDs exhibited a significant positive relationship with residence time and with disc width. As mobile, pelagic swimmers capable of traversing large distances, these data also demonstrated that cownose rays may remain within relatively small areas for extended periods. These diet and tracking results provide insight to R. bonasus use of a south Florida estuary and allow predictions regarding the impact of this species in similar environments.
Dust distributions in debris disks: effects of gravity, radiation pressure and collisions

We model a typical debris disk, treated as an idealized ensemble of dust particles, exposed to stellar gravity and direct radiation pressure and experiencing fragmenting collisions. Applying the kinetic method of statistical physics, written in orbital elements, we calculate size and spatial distibutions expected in a steady-state disk, investigate timescales needed to reach the steady state, and calculate mass loss rates. Particular numerical examples are given for the debris disk around Vega. The disk should comprise a population of larger grains in bound orbits and a population of smaller particles in hyperbolic orbits. The cross section area is dominated by the smallest grains that still can stay in bound orbits, for Vega about 10 ${\rm \mu m}$ in radius. The size distribution is wavy, implying secondary peaks in the size distribution at larger sizes. The radial profile of the pole-on surface density or the optical depth in the steady-state disk has a power-law index between about -1 and -2. It cannot be much steeper even if dust production is confined to a narrow planetesimal belt, because collisional grinding produces smaller and smaller grains, and radiation pressure pumps up their orbital eccentricities and spreads them outward, which flattens the radial profile. The timescales to reach a steady state depend on grain sizes and distance from the star. For Vega, they are about 1 Myr for grains up to some hundred ${\rm \mu m}$ at 100 AU. The total mass of the Vega disk needed to produce the observed amount of micron and submillimeter-sized dust does not exceed several earth masses for an upper size limit of parent bodies of about 1 km. The collisional depletion of the disk occurs on Gyr timescales.
Predicting Homebuyers ’ Intentions of Inhabiting Eco-Friendly Homes : The Case of a Developing Country

Malaysian housing developers are still weighing the costs and benefits of building environmentally sensitive homes as many of them are concerned that there is not enough demand for these homes. The objective of this paper is to examine the relative importance of psychosocial, housing and demographic determinants in influencing intention to inhabit eco-friendly homes. The results indicated that a favorable attitude toward environmentally sensitive homes, high control in the ability to purchase sustainable homes, and the role of identification with green consumerism were statistically significant predictors of intention to inhabit such homes. However, social referents’ opinion relating to green and sustainable homes was not significantly related to the intention of inhabiting. The findings also indicated that owners of gated-guarded and detached dwellings, monthly household income and higher educational attainment were significantly related to the likelihood of residing in eco-friendly homes. Housing developers should have to take the lead to generate awareness of sustainability of green homes through education because increasing awareness creates demand for eco-friendly homes, which would in turn push house buyers to go green.
Dysmenorrhea Revealing a Pseudo-Horned Uterus at Ouakam Military Hospital in Senegal

The pseudo-unicornous uterus also called uterus bicornous unicervical with unequal horns is a rare uterine malformation with a frequency estimated between 2.4 and 13% of uterine malformations. It is often asymptomatic but the form with functional rudimentary horn, which does not communicate with the uterine cavity, is quite symptomatic and cause primary dysmenorrhea. The diagnosis is made by 3D ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the treatment is surgical.
The Home Country Effects of Internationalisation

The widening range of countries acting as home and host to MNEs, and the continuing growth in all forms of cross-border economic activity, have prompted a large literature on the effects of outward MNE activity on the host countries. A smaller body of work has examined the effects on the home countries of MNEs, but this literature has remained quite fragmented. The purpose of this paper is to bring together and review the different strands of the literature examining the home country effects, and to discuss how some of the changes ongoing in the global economy are likely to impact the analyses on the complementarity between home and host country activities.
An Assessment of Areal Coverage of Severe Weather Parameters for Severe Weather Outbreak Diagnosis

AbstractThe areal extent of severe weather parameters favorable for significant severe weather is evaluated as a means of identifying major severe weather outbreaks. The first areal coverage method uses kernel density estimation (KDE) to identify severe weather outbreak locations. A selected severe weather parameter value is computed at each grid point within the region identified by KDE. The average, median, or sum value is used to diagnose the event’s severity. The second areal coverage method finds the largest contiguous region where a severe weather parameter exceeds a specified threshold that intersects the KDE region. The severe weather parameter values at grid points within the parameter exceedance region are computed, with the average, median, or sum value used to diagnose the event’s severity. A total of 4057 severe weather outbreaks from 1979 to 2008 are analyzed. An event is considered a major outbreak if it exceeds a selected ranking index score (developed in previous work), and is a minor eve.
Variability in the chemical composition of plantation eucalypts (Eucalyptus globulus Labill.)

The chemical composition was determined for plantation-grown Eucalyptus globulus Labill. , at time of harvest for pulpwood, with age 11-14 years, in four different locations and for the biomass components bolewood. bolebark, tops, and branches. Chemical composition showed variation between trees and between geographical location, and variability was significantly larger for cellulose content. Average wood composition was: ash 0.4%, total extractives 4.9%, insoluble lignin 19.5%, soluble lignin 3.6%, cellulose 54.0%, pentosans 18.9% (% of o.d. weight). Wood carbohydrate composition was determined for one site; glucose with 49.4% and xylose with 19.1% are the main monosaccharides. Within the tree, biomass components also showed different chemical compositions, especially in ash, extractives, and cellulose contents and in 1% NaOH solubility.
Maternal behaviour in domestic dogs: a comparison between primiparous and multiparous dogs

Maternal care was assessed in 10 litters from different breeds of domestic dog living in a home environment. Subjects were divided into two groups; a primiparous group (5 mothers, 32.4±22.3 months old; 5.0±1.6 puppies per litter) and a multiparous group (5 mothers, 74.4±10.0 months old, 6.6 ±1.7 puppies per litter). Mothers and puppies were videoed for 15 minutes each day, in the morning, from day 1 to 21 after the birth. Videos were analysed on a second-by-second basis, observing each mother-puppy couple and using an ethogram of mother-puppy interaction behaviours adapted from Rheingold (1963). The median total amount each interaction behaviour (during the 21 day period) was compared between primiparous and multiparous groups (Mann Whitney test). Levels of each interaction behaviour were also compared between the groups at three timepoints (day 1, 10 & 19) to investigate changes in maternal behaviour during the three weeks of obser - vation (Mann Whitney test ). Within-group changes in interaction behaviours were evaluated for the same time points (Wilcoxon signed-rank test). Total contact between mother and pup was significantly higher during the 21 day period in multiparous mothers, and remained consistent between timepoints. In primiparous mothers there was a statistically significant increase in contact over time that, at day 19, led to a statistically higher value compared to multiparous mothers (p=0.042; U=283.000). Primiparous mothers showed a significant increase in nursing behaviour during the analysed period, and when com - pared with multiparous mothers, were found to spend significantly more time nursing their puppies at day 19 (p=0.002;U=212.000). The amount of licking of the anogenital area was found to be significantly higher in primiparous mothers over the 21-day period, and increased significantly from day 1 to day 19. When compared with multiparous mothers, primiparous mothers were found to spend significantly more time licking the anogenital area of their puppies at day 19 (p=0.001; U=199.500). In summary, in primiparous mothers there was a marked increase in licking the anogenital area, nursing and staying in contact with the puppies from day 1 to 21, which led at the end of the third week to a higher quantity of maternal care com - pared to multiparous mothers; whilst in multiparous mothers there was a tendency towards constant maternal care. These preliminary results suggest interesting differences in maternal behaviour between primiparous and multiparous bitches.