Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lack of allelopathic effects of the domoic acid-producing marine diatom Pseudo-nitzschia multiseries

Many Pseudo-nitzschia species produce the toxin domoic acid, which accumulates in the food web during blooms, sometimes causing amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP) in higher trophic levels, including humans. In addition, Pseudo-nitzschia species have been reported to form long- lasting monospecific blooms, and a possible explanation for this could be allelopathic effects of the toxin, since domoic acid has been detected in high amounts in the surrounding medium in stationary growth phase. We therefore examined the potential allelopathic effects of P. multiseries and its toxin domoic acid. In mixed-batch culture studies of domoic acid-producing P. multiseries and the algal test species Chrysochromulina ericina, Heterocapsa triquetra, Eutreptiella gymnastica and Rhodomonas marina, no allelopathic effects of P. multiseries were found. Different growth results using 2 different strains of P. multiseries grown with C. ericina were explained by minor differences in pH. Bioassays testing the effect of domoic acid itself on 9 different phytoplankton species, namely C. ericina, E. gymnastica, Karenia mikimotoi, H. triquetra, Heterosigma akashiwo, Prorocentrum minimum, P. micans, Pyramimonas propulsa and R. marina confirmed a lack of allelopathic effects of the toxin. This lack of allelopathic effect of the shellfish-poisoning toxin domoic acid seems to correspond with the results of phytoplankton species causing DSP (diarrheic shellfish poisoning) and PSP (paralytic shellfish poisoning), where it appears that these shellfish-poisoning toxins do not cause allelopathic effects either.
Videogames as a learning tool: is game-based learning more effective?

The potential of videogames in learning has been increasingly studied, documented and sustained. The present study aims to summarize quantitative results from digital Game-Based Learning (GBL) strategies, through a Systematic Review of Literature with Meta-analysis study, framing conclusions about the effectiveness of the use of videogames as a learning strategy in several contexts. Through a systematic search in scientific databases and researchers’ social networks (Ebsco, ACM, PubMed and ResearchGate), 68 papers were obtained. A screening process, based on inclusion criteria, such as the use of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), digital GBL strategies and measures to evaluate concrete learning gains, resulted in a final sample of 14 experimental studies. Data was gathered and analyzed using two different matrices, and softwares (SPSS and CMA). Considering a joint sample of 1685 subjects, it is possible to mention that digital GBL strategies have shown larger effect-sizes than traditional approaches, namely expository, allowing larger and more effective learning outcomes. This study arises in the context of GamiLearning project, an action-research project, aiming to develop critical and participatory dimensions of media literacy in young people, from 9 to 12 years, through collaborative learning experiences with digital games.
Modeling Reward Expiry for Loyalty Programs in a Competitive Market

This paper investigates reward expiry for loyalty programs. It provides insights into the profitability of setting reward expiry for competing firms and identifies conditions under which such a policy would be beneficial. We develop and solve a game-theoretic model that reflects consumer behavior in choosing products and redeeming rewards. Applying a new iterative algorithm, we get the Nash equilibrium outputs for three scenarios (games): (1) neither firm sets an expiry date, (2) both firms set an expiry date, and (3) only one firm sets an expiry date. Comparison of the firms' profits across scenarios shows that the firms' prices and profits are affected by the loyalty program of the competing firm and by consumers' valuation of rewards and of time to rewards. In particular, a firm offering rewards that do not expire should increase its price if the competing firm changes its reward policy from no expiry to expiry, even when the expiry period is quite long. Finally, when customers highly value rewards and time, reward expiry is a dominant strategy for both firms. This means that firms would benefit from setting expiry on their loyalty rewards only if their customers highly value both rewards and time. Alternatively, both firms' rewards should not expire if consumers have low valuations of both rewards and time.
Understanding AGB evolution in Galactic bulge stars from high-resolution infrared spectroscopy

An analysis of high-resolution near-infrared spectra of a sample of 45 asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars towards the Galactic bulge is presented. The sample consists of two subsamples, a larger one in the inner and intermediate bulge, and a smaller one in the outer bulge. The data are analysed with the help of hydrostatic model atmospheres and spectral synthesis. We derive the radial velocity of all stars, and the atmospheric chemical mix ([Fe/H], C/O, C-12/C-13, Al, Si, Ti, and Y) where possible. Our ability to model the spectra is mainly limited by the (in) completeness of atomic and molecular line lists, at least for temperatures down to T-eff approximate to 3100 K. We find that the subsample in the inner and intermediate bulge is quite homogeneous, with a slightly subsolar mean metallicity and only few stars with supersolar metallicity, in agreement with previous studies of non-variable M-type giants in the bulge. All sample stars are oxygen-rich, C/O < 1.0. The C/O and carbon isotopic ratios suggest that third dredge-up (3DUP) is absent among the sample stars, except for two stars in the outer bulge that are known to contain technetium. These stars are also more metal-poor than the stars in the intermediate or inner bulge. Current stellar masses are determined from linear pulsation models. The masses, metallicities and 3DUP behaviour are compared to AGB evolutionary models. We conclude that these models are partly in conflict with our observations. Furthermore, we conclude that the stars in the inner and intermediate bulge belong to a more metal-rich population that follows bar-like kinematics, whereas the stars in the outer bulge belong to the metal-poor, spheroidal bulge population. (Less)
THE SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION OF ENG-

This study investigated the types and causes of errors in learning the English concord among Indonesian students of English. The errors would be focused on the students interlingual (mother tongue) as well as intralingual (learning strategies) interference. The data were all collected from the students at Satya Wacana Christian University, Indonesia. Two research questions were answered: 1) between interlingual and intralingual errors, which one did the participants make more in learning English concord? 2) Among intralingual errors, which source of errors was the most evident? Fifteen students (n = 15) participated in this study. In regard to the data collection and analysis, I used the steps suggested by Corder (1974, in Ellis and Barkhuizen, 2005). The results of this study suggest that the intralingual errors were more significant than interlingual ones in the acquisition of the concord. The results were in line with some of the previous findings found by Bataineh (2005), Chan (2004), Duskova (1983), Lim (2003), and Richards (1983). They also supported the claim in the field of SLA that acquisition of a foreign language is determined by the nature of the language that the learners are learning, rather than through contrast between the learners first language and the target language.
The role of nitric oxide and prostaglandins in the effects of alcoholic Trigonella foenum-graecum seed extract on aortic reactivity in streptozotocin-diabetic rats

Background and the purpose of the study: Trigonella foenum-graecum (TFG) has demonstrated beneficial effects in both Insulin-dependen and non- Insulin-dependen diabetic animals. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the alcoholic seed extract of this plant on aortic reactivity and underlying mechanisms in streptozotocindiabetic rats. Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into control, extract-treated control, diabetic, and extract-treated diabetic groups. Diabetes was induced by a single i.p. injection of streptozotocin (STZ; 60 mg/kg). Treatment groups received TFG extract (200 mg/kg; i.p.) every other day for 1 month. Then, contractile responsiveness of thoracic aorta to KCl and noradrenaline (NA) and relaxation to acetylcholine (ACh) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) was determined. For determination of the involvement of NO and prostaglandins in relaxation response to ACh, rings were incubated 30 min before the experiment with N(ω)nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and/or indomethacin (INDO). Results: Diabetic state significantly increased maximum contractile responses to KCl and NA (p<0.01-0.005) and reduced maximum relaxation due to ACh (p<0.01) as compared to controls and treatment with TFG extract in diabetic group significantly improved these changes relative to untreated diabetic group (p<0.05). Meanwhile, pretreatment with LNAME did not produce any significant change between diabetic and extract-treated diabetic groups. On the other hand, there was a significant difference in both of these two groups following pretreatment with INDO (p<0.01). Major conclusion: Intraperitoneal administration of alcoholic seed extract of TFG for one month could improve some functional indices of the vascular system in diabetic state and endothelium-derived prostaglandins are involved in this response.
Implant, surgical and prosthodontic treatment for a patient with Down syndrome - a case report

Patients with Down syndrome often present with hypodontia, periodontal disease and early tooth loss. The treatment of a 49-year-old man by a surgical, implant/ prosthodontic approach is described. Research shows that dentures are not always the best solution for edentulous patients. Patients with disabilities are often excluded from advanced dental treatment options. This case aims to demonstrate that although implants are not suitable for all patients, they can be successful, for carefully chosen candidates irrespective of any disability.
Species Limits and Phylogenetic Relationships in the Didelphid Marsupial Genus Thylamys Based on Mitochondrial DNA Sequences and Morphology

Abstract Species of the didelphid marsupial genus Thylamys, commonly known as fat-tailed mouse opossums, are broadly distributed in the open habitats of central and southern South America. In this report we examine species limits in the genus and infer phylogenetic relationships among Thylamys species using both molecular phylogenetic and morphological methods. We assessed species limits using a broad geographic sample of DNA sequences from the mitochondrial gene cytochrome b in conjunction with morphological character analysis, and we inferred phylogenetic relationships among species using the cytochrome-b dataset in addition to sequences from the mitochondrial genes cytochrome c oxidase subunit II and NADH dehydrogenase 2 for a representative subset of individuals. Based on the results of these analyses, we recognize Xerodelphys (new subgenus) for T. karimii and T. velutinus, and we recognize seven valid species in the nominotypical subgenus. The latter includes T. macrurus, T. pusillus, and two monophyletic species groups: the Elegans Group (T. elegans, T. pallidior, T. tatei) and the Venustus Group (T. sponsorius, T. venustus). Analysis of cytochrome-b sequences additionally reveals deep phylogeographic structuring in three species (T. pallidior, T. pusillus, T. venustus), each of which contains two or three robustly supported allopatric haplogroups. The existence of undescribed Peruvian forms of the Elegans Group is also plausibly indicated. We provide morphological diagnoses of all species recognized as valid in this report, summarize information about geographic distributions, comment on previous misidentifications, and briefly consider historical-biogeographic scenarios with a focus on dispersal events across the Andes.
The role of rhizospheric Aspergillus flavus in standing maize crop contamination in different ecological zones of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Soil and un-husked maize samples were collected from 29 different locations belonging to three distinct ecological zones (Swat, Hazara and Peshawar) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The samples were evaluated for the incidence of aflatoxigenic strains of Aspergillus flavus. The soil samples collected from Peshawar (100%) and Hazara (66%), and grain samples collected from Swat (64%) and Peshawar (55%) were severely infected with aflatoxigenic strains of A. flavus. The strains isolated from maize kernels of Manyar, Jalala (Swat zone), Palosi and Takkar (Peshawar zone) produced the highest amount of aflatoxin B1 (324 to 514 µg g -1 ) and B2 (23 to 486 µg g -1 ). Similarly, the strains isolated from soils of Bannu (Peshawar) and Huripur (Hazara) were prominent in B1 (662 to 1323 µg g -1 ) and B2 (145 to 826 µg g -1 ). Microbial analysis of the surface sterilized grains showed that the strains isolated from Jalala (Swat) and Palosi (Peshawar) samples were high in B1 (62 to 79 µg g -1 ) and B2 (21 to 36 µg g -1 ). It was concluded, therefore, that A. flavus from soil might contaminate maize crop, but not directly from the same field. The most probable contamination occurred through air borne spores. It is thus recommended that protection from air borne spore should be devised.
Proximal Sensing to Estimate Yield of Brown Midrib Forage Sorghum

107 New York is ranked fourth in milk production in the United States placing great emphasis on feed production in the state (National Agricultural Statistics Service, 2015). Typical forage rotations on dairy farms in the state include 3 to 4 yr of corn followed by 3 to 4 yr of mixed alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)/grass hay. Although corn silage yields have slowly increased over the past 50 yr (National Agricultural Statistics Service, 2016), recent work has shown that double cropping of corn silage with winter cereals such as cereal rye and triticale has the potential to increase overall yield beyond what could be obtained with corn silage only (Ketterings et al., 2015a, 2015b), reducing the need for feed purchases and improving whole farm mass nutrient balances (Cela et al., 2014; Soberon et al., 2015). Including winter forages in corn silage rotations in the northeastern United States can delay planting of corn for silage as the winter cereal is typically harvested in midto late May (Ketterings et al., 2015b). In addition, due to the increased occurrence of extreme weather events in recent years (Coumou and Rahmstorf, 2012), in some years the growing season may allow for timely planting of winter cereals by mid-September, while in other years delay in corn silage harvest will cause timely seeding in the fall of a winter forage crop to be a major challenge (Long et al., 2013). Unpredictable weather patterns and relatively short growing seasons suggest that alternatives to corn should be evaluated in the Northeast. Forage sorghum can be a good source of quality feed and has shown competitive yields in the past (Oliver et al., 2004). However, lodging was an issue with older varieties. Currently, there are many forage varieties available that include conventional forage sorghum, BMR forage sorghum, and BMR dwarf and brachytic genotypes that are less susceptible to lodging (Bashford et al., 1976) and potentially high yielding. Sorghum takes up large amounts of N. Th erefore, in soils containing insuffi cient available N, N will need to be supplied (Muchow, 1988). Typically, for forage sorghum planted in June in the Northeast all N is applied at planting. Nitrifi cation inhibitors can be used, but given rapid growth and relatively late planting dates when seeded aft er winter cereal harvest in the Northeast, such inhibitors may negatively impact N availability. In addition to being impacted by weather conditions, Proximal Sensing to Estimate Yield of Brown Midrib Forage Sorghum
A Reflexive Approach to Dealing with Uncertainties in Environmental Health Risk Science and Policy.

Based on insights obtained through an analysis of an environmental health risk controversy, we developed a reflexive approach to uncertainty assessment, explicitly acknowledging the complexity of the knowledge production process. The approach aims at interactively exploring uncertainty in relation to different scientific framings, societal perspectives and policy options. The structure of the discussion scheme used for the exploration is based on the concept of "pedigree of knowledge". The discussion protocol is designed to guarantee conditions for a reasoned debate. A workshop has been organised, during which the approach has been deployed to assess scientific studies, that had been produced in the context of a socio-political debate on possible health effects from waste incineration. The results obtained show the approach has potential to trigger a profound social debate and a negotiated management of risk. Pro-active use of the approach could enhance the quality and robustness of the knowledge input in policy making.
A review of factors influencing the utilization of eye care services

Visual impairment (low vision and blindness) is a major health concern all over the world. Three main reasons for the high prevalence of visual impairment are non-availability, non-accessibility andnon-affordability of eye care services. However, there are several factors that may act as barriers to the use of available, accessible and affordable eye care services. These include the lack of knowledge of the services, lack of knowledge of the possible impact of an eye disease and lack of knowledge of who to consult for management of eye diseases. Also, demographic, personal, social and cultural factors may influence or act as barriers to eye care utilization. These various factors are reviewed in this article. Where there is poor utilization of available services, educational campaigns would lead to better understanding and promote greater utilization of eye care services. Early detection and management of eye diseases would reduce the burden of visual impairment and disability. Therefore, eye care providers and health care managers must have good knowledge of the various factors that would negatively influence utilization of eye care services and be responsive to them. ( S Afr Optom 2010 69(4) 182-193)
Achieving Success in the Sustained Regeneration Form of Corporate Entrepreneurship: Effects of Portfolio Technological Advancement on a Firm's New Product Launch Rate

This study explores whether the average technological advancement of a firm's new product development (NPD) initiatives has an impact on the firm's NPD launch rate. A key premise is that success in developing product portfolios that are advanced beyond current market offerings is a function of the firm's knowledge base. The study uses a data set of drug development activity for 90 pharmaceutical companies over the period 1995 to 2006. A three-way interaction indicates that firms developing technologically advanced portfolios exhibit a higher launch rate when those portfolios combine either high breadth and low concentration across knowledge categories or high concentration and low breadth.
On microinstabilities in the foot of high Mach number perpendicular shocks

[1] Microinstabilities excited in the foot of a supercritical perpendicular shock wave are investigated. A two-dimensional full particle simulation with periodic boundary conditions in both directions using the physical ion to electron mass ratio is performed as a proxy for the foot region where incoming and specularly reflected ions overlap. The simulation shows that six types of different instabilities are excited in a time period shorter than ion gyroperiod of the reflected ions. The most dominant instability is the modified two-stream instability, which leads to strong parallel electron heating through a so-called two step instability and to ion phase space holes.
Exploring the Experiences of Linguistically Diverse College of Education Student Writers

Many linguistically diverse students at the post-secondary level have difficulty with academic language skills that are important to their success in content-area university courses. Although programs have been established to help English language learners (ELLs) transition from high school to college, little attention has been given to how students are supported in their college or university academic classes. In this paper, we present research results based on a survey administered to students enrolled in educationbased programs exploring their perspectives on instructional feedback provided by university faculty on their academic writing. We present quantitative and qualitative findings from this survey with related recommendations for how faculty can infuse strategies in their instruction to assist ELL students who struggle with aspects of their academic writing. Findings from this research have important implications for colleges and universities in meeting the diverse needs of a growing post-secondary English language learner student population enrolled in content courses across academic disciplines.
FREQUENCY OF ESCHERICHIA COLI ISOLATES FROM PIGS SUFFERING FROM DIFFERENT MANIFESTATIONS OF "POSTWEANING COLI COMPLEX" (PWCC) IN AGRICULTURAL HUNGARY / ROMANIA / SERBIA

Gross postmortem pathologic-anatomical examination and polymerase chain reaction analyses for fimbriae (F), heat-stable (ST) and heat-labile (LT) enterotoxin and verotoxin (Shiga-like toxin (SLT) type II) were performed for 351 weaned piglets originating from units in agricultural Hungary / Romania / Serbia. The majority of isolates (94,87%) carrying enterotoxin genes also carried genes for one of the fimbrial adhesins. The predominant genotypes were F4 LT STb and F18 Sta STb SLT respectively. This genetic combination may be explained by regional clonal expansion. Sixty-nine (20%) animals were diagnosed with postweaning diarrhea, thirty five (10%) with edema disease, 240 (68%) with postweaning wasting and 7 piglets (2%) exhibited hemorrhagic gastroenteritis. Postweaning wasting was the major cause of losses.
The Association of Menstrual Migraine with Iron Deficiency and Its Induced Anemia

Article type: Original Article Background: Menstrual Migraine (MM) is a subgroup of migraine headache that affect the quality of life of patients in menstrual age. Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) is the most common cause of anemia, especially in women of reproductive age. Objectives: To determine the association of iron deficiency anemia with menstrual migraine. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytic study was conducted on women with migraine visiting neurology clinics affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in late 2015 and early 2016. The demographic data and characteristics of migraine headache were registered in a designed questionnaire. The patients underwent laboratory tests for iron deficiency and anemia. Data were analyzed in SPSS-20 using Chi-square test and independent t-test. Significance level was considered at p<0.05. Results: Of the 93 migraine patients, 47.3% had Pure MM (31.9% with premenstrual migraine and 15.4% with true menstrual migraine), 40.6% had Menstrual-Related Migraines, and 12.1% had non-menstrual migraines. The frequency of iron deficiency anemia was 51.1%, 40.5% and36.4% in PMM, MRM and non-menstrual migraines (p=0.18). Total frequency of iron deficiency anemia in PMM and MRM groups was 46.2%, which was not significantly different from non-menstrual migraine group (p=0.82). Iron deficiency anemia was significantly higher in migraine patients with aura compared to those without aura (53% vs. 43.2%) (p=0.04). Conclusion: Although iron deficiency anemia was more prevalent among patients with menstrual migraine, but it is not associated menstrual migraine.