Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pea footrot disease depends on the combination of pathogenicity genes in Nectria haematococca

Footrot disease due to Nectria haematococca is an economically important disease of peas all over the world where peas are grown. The combined effect of pathogenicity genes on disease severity has not been adequately addressed. Hence in this research, molecular PCR-based assays have been developed and/or used to detect all six (PDA, PEP1, PEP2, PEP3, PEP4 and PEP5) pea pathogenicity genes in fifteen fungal isolates previously isolated from fields with footrot disease. The pathogenicity of these isolates on pea was also assessed. Results showed that all six pathogenicity genes (PDA, PEP1, PEP2, PEP3, PEP4 and PEP5) are required for high virulence (DI $ 3.75). Isolates that possessed only the PEP1 or a combination of the PEP1 and PEP4 genes generally caused a relatively low degree of disease (DI#2.75). Similarly, reference isolate 156-30-6 which possesses only the PDA gene was non pathogenic on peas (DI = 1.50±0.87). However, without exception, isolates that possessed the PDA gene alongside other gene(s), especially PEP2, PEP3 and PEP5 genes caused high degrees of disease (DI$3.50). The PEP2, PEP3 and PEP5 genes were observed only in isolates with high pathogenicity (DI$3.75).
Phytochemical Study of Stigmasterol and β-sitosterol in Viola odorata Plant Cultivated in Iraq

Viola odorata L. (Violaceae ) Cultivated in Iraq, it is an important folklore medicine for the treatment of various ailments as antioxidant and antibacteria. In the previous study two phytosterol (Stigmasterol and β-sitosterol) were detected and identificated from the methanol extracts in roots, leaves, flowers and seeds by using chemical test,TLC and HPLC techniques.The results showed all the plant parts contain high amount of sterols the quantitative data revealed that the concentrations of Stigmasterol in Viola odorata were in roots(4.5mg/100g) ,in leaves(2mg/100g),in flowers(7.3mg/100g) and in seeds(2.4mg/100g). also the content of β-sitosterol in roots(9.2mg/100g),in leaves(3.2mg/100g),in flowers(5.3mg/100g) and in seeds (3mg/100g). Results showed high amount of Stigmasterol in flower while high amount of β-sitosterol in root.
Effects of Supplemental Fat on Performance of Laying Hens

2 Abstract: 360 Hy-line W36 hens were fed the diets with four different levels of fat (0, 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5%) to determine different levels of supplemental fat on performance of laying hens from 35 to 44 week of age. Hy- line W-36 hens at 35 week of age were randomly assigned into 4 dietary treatments (6 replicates of 15 birds per treatment). As fat level increased, feed intake linearly decreased from 99.1 to 93.5, resulting a 5.7 % decrease in feed intake. As fat level increased, feed conversion linearly decreased. Increasing fat had no effects on egg production, egg weight, egg mass, egg specific gravity, and body weight of laying hens. Increasing fat improved nutrient (protein, amino acids, calcium, and phosphorus) utilization. It may be a good choice to supplement high level of fat to improve protein (amino acids) utilization and to decrease cost of production especially when fat price is cheap and prices of protein source ingredients are expensive.
BLUEBERRY GERMPLASM SCREENING AT SEVERAL SOIL PH REGIMES. I: PLANT SURVIVAL AND GROWTH

Thirty-three seedling progenies from crosses among Vaccinium corymbosum L. , V. angustifolium Ait. , and V. corymbosum/V. angustifolium hybrid-derivative parents, and 'Northblue', 'Northsky', and 'Northcountry' were grown for 2 years at three soil pH levels at Becker, Minn. Iron sulfate and lime were incorporated to amend the soil to pH levels of 4.0 and 6.5, respectively; the native soil, pH 4.5, was the third pH regime. The plants grew well in the low pH regime, poorly in the high pH regime, and intermediately in the native pH regime. Variation among populations was significant for all traits except vitality 18 months after being planted, and pH treatment affected all traits. The pH regime x population interactions were not significant for any of the plant performance characteristics. Nondestructive subjective and objective measure- ments were positively and highly correlated with total plant dry weight. Therefore, populations could be effectively evaluated for tolerance to higher pH without destroying the plant. Vaccinium angustifolium was not a general source of tolerance to higher pH, but some populations derived from V. angustifolium were tolerant of high soil pH.
Nutritional assessment of Australian canola meals. II. Evaluation of the influence of the canola oil extraction method on the protein value of canola meals fed to the red seabream (Pagrus auratus, Paulin)

This study examined the biological value of expeller- and solvent-extracted canola meals when included in the diets of juvenile red seabream. Notably, the test and reference diets in this study were prepared to be protein (300 g kg−1 DM) and energy (16.5 MJ kg−1 DM) limiting. Test diets were prepared, in which canola meal provided either 20%, 40% or 60% of the total dietary digestible protein. To minimize the influence of compensatory feed intake, all diets were pair-fed to the fish on restricted basis. Positive and negative controls were also included as treatments in the study to demonstrate that the diets were protein limiting and also to demonstrate the relative value of the highest inclusion levels of each test ingredient. The canola meals, either expeller- or solvent-extracted, were found to be nutritionally useful in diets for red seabream. Both ingredients were of similar value to that of the soybean meal when included on an equivalent digestible protein basis. No significant differences in weight gain, survival, FCR, N retention, energy retention or the apparent biological value of the N content were observed among any of the groups receiving the test or reference diets. A few significant differences were observed among some of the test and reference diets with regard to the apparent biological value of their energy content, although no consistent pattern was evident. The positive control treatment supported significantly superior growth and food utilization by the fish relative to all other treatments. The negative control treatment resulted in significantly poorer growth and food utilization by the fish relative to all other treatments. On a relative basis, there were no declines in fish performance between the highest inclusion levels of the expeller- and solvent-extracted canola meals or the soybean meal. Hence, the fish in this study obtained equivalent nutritional value from these ingredients, on a digestible basis, to that of the fishmeal in the reference diet.
Past and Future of Multi-Mind Brain-Computer Interfaces

The great improvements in brain–computer interface (BCI) performance that are brought upon by merging brain activity from multiple users have made this a popular strategy that allows even for human augmentation. These multi-mind BCIs have contributed in changing the role of BCIs from assistive technologies for people with disabilities into tools for human enhancement. This chapter reviews the history of multi-mind BCIs that have their root in the hyperscanning technique; the collaborative and competitive approaches; and the different ways that exist to integrate the brain signals from multiple people and optimally form groups to maximize performance. The main applications of multi-mind BCIs, including control of external devices, entertainment, and decision making, are also surveyed and discussed, in order to help the reader understand what are the most promising avenues and find the gaps that are worthy of future exploration. The chapter also provides a step-by-step tutorial to the design and implementation of a multi-mind BCI, with theoretical guidelines and a sample application.
Quercetin Enhances Endurance Capacity via Antioxidant Activity and Size of Muscle Fibre Type 1

Abstract: This study aimed to examine effects of quercetin on 1) endurance capacity 2) malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in skeletal muscle and 3) muscle fibre density and size in mice after an intense exercise. There were 5 groups: control, vitamin C (250 mg/kg body weight), quercetin 150, 300, and 450 mg/kg body weight respectively once a day for 28 days. Endurance capacity was measured by exhaustive swimming exercise test which was done 24-h after swimming at high intensity. Then muscles were analyzed for MDA, SOD activity, and muscle fibre density and size. After the 28-day treatment, endurance time in vitamin C and quercetin treated groups at dose of 150 mg/kg body weight were longer than the vehicle group (p<0.05). MDA concentration in extensor digitorum longus muscle was lower than vehicle group in vitamin C, Q150 and Q450 groups and in soleus muscle the highest was in Q300 group. SOD activity in soleus muscle in Q150 group was higher than vitamin C and Q450 groups. Significant increase in cell diameter of soleus muscle was found (p<0.05). Current findings suggest that ingestion of quercetin can improve endurance capacity, due probably to increased antioxidant activity and size of muscle fibre type 1.
Maternal effects in Wood Ducks: incubation temperature influences incubation period and neonate phenotype

Summary 1Maternal effects often explain a significant amount of variation in offspring phenotype, and can be important in the evolution of life histories. Incubation of eggs is an important maternal effect, and optimal growth and development of avian embryos takes place within a narrow range of incubation temperatures, but the effect of incubation microclimate on neonate phenotype remains relatively unexplored in birds. 2In this study of Wood Ducks (Aix sponsa Linnaeus) we examined effects of incubation temperature on the length of incubation period and neonate quality. We monitored nest temperatures and incubation periods of naturally incubated Wood Duck nests and found a strong inverse relationship between incubation period and average nest temperature. 3Next, we collected three unincubated eggs from each of 48 nests, and randomly assigned eggs from each nest to one of three incubation temperatures (34·6, 36·0 and 37·4 °C). Experimental incubation temperatures overlapped average nest temperatures of naturally incubated Wood Duck nests. 4Hatching success varied with incubation temperature and was lowest for eggs incubated at the lowest temperature. Incubation period of experimental eggs decreased with increasing temperature but was not affected by fresh egg mass. 5Wood Duck embryos catabolized an estimated 34–38% of egg lipids and 25–33% of egg protein during incubation. Percentage change of lipids increased with decreasing incubation temperature, but not significantly. Embryos incubated at lower temperatures used a greater percentage of protein than embryos incubated at higher temperatures. 6In analyses using fresh egg mass as the covariate, we found that wet and dry mass of ducklings increased with increasing incubation temperature. Decreases in lipid content of Wood Duck neonates with decreasing incubation temperature were not significant, but eggs incubated at low temperatures produced ducklings that had reduced protein mass and that were structurally larger than ducklings from eggs incubated at high temperatures. 7Our study illustrates the importance of incubation temperature on the development of Wood Duck embryos. Decisions made by incubating parents that influence egg temperature can modify incubation period and offspring phenotype. Investigations of incubation as a reproductive cost should consider how parental decisions influence both parents and offspring.
Responses of the tsetse fly, Glossina pallidipes, to ox odour, carbon dioxide and a visual stimulus in the laboratory

The responses of male and female Glossina pallidipes Austen to a visual target were recorded in a slow‐speed wind tunnel, using a video system. Addition of ox odour or carbon dioxide at an equivalent concentration to the airstream resulted in an increase in flight activity and a marked increase in flies alighting on the visual target. In the absence of ox odour flights were characterised by a number of collisions with the walls and ceiling of the cage used to retain the flies, whereas in the presence of ox odour the flies circled around the centre of the cage avoiding the edges. Removal of the visual target did not alter this response. The results are discussed in the light of field observations on the behaviour of G. pallidipes around baited targets. When flies were observed in groups, mutual disturbance increased the activity during control periods thus masking the activating effect of ox odour. The activity of individual flies occurred in bursts (22.1 s mean duration) consisting of a number of flights (3.3 s mean duration) and longer periods of inactivity (85.8 s mean duration). The burst lenght did not change when ox odour was added to the airstream but the number of flights per burst increased. These results are discussed in relation to the random dispersal theory of tsetse populations.
Sequence variation in TgROP7 gene among Toxoplasma gondii isolates from different hosts and geographical regions

Toxoplasma gondii can infect a wide range of hosts including mammals and birds, causing toxoplasmosis which is one of the most common parasitic zoonoses worldwide. The present study examined sequence variation in rhoptry 7 (ROP7) gene among different T. gondii isolates from different hosts and geographical localities. Phylogenetic analysis of the examined T. gondii isolates was conducted using the maximum likelihood (ML) method. Sequence analysis revealed that 60 nucleotide positions were variable in the ROP7 gene sequences among the 19 examined T. gondii isolates, corresponding to sequence variations of 0 to 1.7%, which occurred at the first, second and third codons. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that sequence variation in ROP7 gene was low among the examined T. gondii isolates from different hosts and geographical localities, and that the ROP7 sequence was not suitable as genetic marker for the differentiation of T. gondii isolates. The results of the present study suggest that ROP7 gene may be a suitable vaccine candidate. Key words : Sequence variation, rhoptry 7 (ROP7) gene, Toxoplasma gondii , toxoplasmosis, phylogenetic analysis.
Results of EAHP’s 2018 Survey on Medicines Shortages

Aims and objectives The aim of the 2018 EAHP Survey on Medicines Shortages was to provide a clearer picture on the issue of medicines shortages, including the impact on hospital pharmacists’ time, budgets and the effect on patient care. Methods A survey was conducted by the EAHP, collecting information from European hospital pharmacists on the shortage situation in their respective countries. The survey ran from 19 March 2018 to 11 June 2018. Keele University, UK analysed and compared the results to those of the 2014 survey. Results There were 1666 responses to the 2018 survey, which represented a threefold increase from the 2014 survey which received 607 responses. Ninety per cent of respondents answered ‘Yes’ when asked if shortages of medicines are a current problem in delivering the best care to patients, while only 7% of respondents answered ‘No’, and 3% ’Unsure'. Problems with shortages of antimicrobials were most commonly reported (77% of respondents reporting this as an issue in 2018 vs 57% in 2014), followed by preventative medicines (43% in 2018 vs 20% in 2014) and anaesthetics (39% in 2018 vs 27% in 2014). Fifty-nine per cent of respondents have seen care delayed as a consequence of medication shortages, with cancellations of care (31% of respondents), medication errors (25% of respondents) and suboptimal treatment for patients (25% of respondents) also being frequently reported. Sixty-three per cent of respondents reported having had to pay a higher price to procure from alternate sources most of the time or always when there was a shortage of a medicine. Conclusions Medicines shortages is an increasing problem across Europe and is having an adverse impact on patient care. Medicines shortages are adding to hospital pharmacists’ time pressures and have an adverse budgetary impact. More timely information about impending shortages and how long they will last is seen as necessary to help manage the problem.
Explaining adjustment to infertility according to relationship quality, couples' beliefs and social support

The main purpose of the present study was to explain adjustment to infertility indices in terms of relationship quality, couples' beliefs, and social support. A total of 100 couples (100 men, 100 women) participated in this study. Participants were asked to complete the Adjustment to Illness Scale (AIS), the Golombok Rust Inventory of Marital state (GRIMS), the Survey of Personal Beliefs (SPB), and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). The results showed a significant negative association between marital problems and adjustment to infertility. Irrational beliefs and social support showed negative and positive correlations with adjustment to infertility, respectively. No significant difference was shown between men and women in terms of adjustment to infertility. The results revealed that adjustment to infertility could be explained by indices of marital relationship quality, personal beliefs, and social support. Based on the results of the present investigation, the importance of psychosocial characteristics of infertile couples, as well as routine medical services, is suggested. This can lead the couples to more adjustment to infertility and improvement of their mental health state.
Assessment of computer operation and networking competencies possessed by office technology and management lecturers in tertiary institutions in Anambra and Enugu States, Nigeria

This study seeks to assess the computer and networking competencies possessed by OTM lecturers in tertiary institutions in Anambra and Enugu states. It adopts the descriptive survey design. Two research questions and two hypotheses tested at 0.05 level of significance were used. Population and sample consisted of 113 OTM lecturers. A validated questionnaire with reliability coefficients of 0.76 and 0.86 was used for data collection. Mean, standard deviation and z-test were used for analysis. Findings showed that the respondents possessed computer operation competencies to a high extent and networking competencies to a low extent. Gender and experience have no significant effect in the respondents mean ratings on their possessed computer operation and networking competencies. The researchers conclude that the respondents can produce graduates with computer operation competencies but need retraining on networking to be able to inculcate the competencies in their students. Based on the findings and conclusion, it is recommended, among others, that government should make a stringent policy regarding the use of ICTs in instructional delivery and that tertiary institutions should package professional development programs for lecturers to upgrade their ICT competencies.
Office-Level Characteristics of the Big 4 and Audit Report Timeliness

SUMMARY: Recent changes in the audit and financial reporting environment have resulted in longer audit report lags and have increased the importance of identifying factors associated with a timely audit. We examine timeliness implications of office-specific attributes of the audit firm. Specifically, we examine whether office-specific industry expertise, office size, and the importance of the client to the local office are associated with audit delay (i.e., the time between fiscal year-end and the audit report date). We explore the sensitivity of our results to various measures and consider the impact of earnings quality. We examine two types of industry expertise and whether the aforementioned audit firm attributes are associated with a propensity to issue an early earnings announcement. We find that office-specific industry expertise is negatively associated with audit delay (for all but the largest quartile of firm offices) while office size and client importance are both positively associated with aud.
Effect of MBC fungicide tolerance on the fitness of Ophiostoma ulmi

Isolates of Ophiostoma ulmi with mutations conferring high or low levels of tolerance to MBC-generating fungicides were selected in the laboratory. Comparisons between these tolerant forms and their wild type equivalents indicated that the acquisition of a mutation in the tol locus was associated with decreased growth on agar medium. Pathogenicity and bark-colonizing ability were also found to be significantly reduced, indicating that the fitness of tolerant individuals was impaired.
Metabolic profiling as a means of characterizing plant-associated microbial communities

Microbial communities from leaf and root habitats associated with sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) were characterized according to their capacity to metabolize a range of 95 sole carbon sources available in a commercial assay, GN-BIOLOG MicroPlates. Metabolic profiling was assessed as a method for evaluating perturbation of microbial communities of glasshouse-grown sugar beet inoculated with a genetically modified microorganism. This technique has allowed microbial communities, colonising the immature leaves of treated and untreated plants to be differentiated, although no differences were observed when plants inoculated with genetically modified microorganisms and unmodified inoculated plants were compared. As plants developed and differentiated, the carbon utilization patterns observed allowed communities to be grouped according to the habitat from which they were isolated, irrespective of treatment. These studies demonstrate that the genetically modified microorganism, introduced as a seed dressing colonised developing immature tissue throughout the 231-day study but did not disrupt the natural succession of microbial communities in glasshouse-grown sugar beet plants.
Aislamiento y serotipificación de Salmonella sp., en estanques con Crocodylus intermedius y testudines cautivos en Villavicencio - Colombia

Objective. To determine the presence of Salmonella sp. , in aquatic environment of Crocodylus intermedius and testudines at the Estacion de Biologia Tropical Roberto Franco (EBTRF). Materials and methods. Standard methodology was used to isolate Salmonella sp. , from water and sediment samples of 52 ponds (nponds Crocodylus=25; nponds testudines=27). Salmonella, isolates were serotyped by the Kaufmann-White conventional method and tested for antimicrobial susceptibility by Kirby Bauer technique. Results. The presence of Salmonella sp. , was found in 33% of the ponds checked, of which 29% corresponded to serogroup B. Serogrups C, C1, C2 and D1 were detected in a lower percentage. By means of the antimicrobial susceptibility test, 100% of isolates were sensitive to norfloxacin. Conclusions. The predominant presence of Salmonella sp. , at EBTFF ponds, corresponded to serogroup B (33%), including species of widely zoonotic characteristics. According to the results, it is necessary to establish biosafety standards at the Estacion de Biologia Tropical Roberto Franco to avoid zoonotic problems.