Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. oocytes in artificial beaches of Itaipu Lake, Paraná, Brazil

Cryptosporidiosis is an emerging zoonosis that causes many outbreaks worldwide. Its main route of transmission is the consumption of contaminated water or food. In Brazil, data on to the occurrence of cryptosporidiosis in animals and in humans are scarce; thus, it is important to determine the occurrence of Cryptosporidium sp. and to identify possible sources of water and food contamination in order to prevent the disease and, consequently, preserve of human health. From July/2011 to March/2012, five liters of water were collected in 10 different locations from eight artificial beaches of Itaipu Lake, Parana, in a total of 40 samples. In two other small beaches of the lake, water was also collected from two different sites of each beach, given their size and because they were made up of water from different sources. Samples were analyzed by the modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique and nested-PCR (nPCR). All samples were negative in the modified Ziehl-Neelsen; only one (2.25%) sample was positive in nPCR. These results indicate that PCR is a more sensitive technique for the identification of Cryptosporidium in water samples. In this study, it was not possible to identify the species involved and, thus, the source of infection. Water contamination by Cryptosporidium oocytes can be caused by livestock kept near waterways, and by the people who use the place for recreational purposes. These results demonstrate risk for people who use the lake. Care should be determined to prevent the transmission of this important zoonosis.
Prey of the güiña (Leopardus guigna) in an Andean mixed southern beech forest, southern Chile

ABSTRACT We quantified the güiña diet (Leopardus guigna) by analyzing 39 scats collected during summer–autumn 2001 in an Andean mixed Nothofagus–Lophozonia forest, southern Chile. Five small mammal species, three passerine species, lizards of one genus, and insects of two orders were identified in the scats. Small mammals were the most frequently consumed prey (47% of all identified prey individuals) and constituted most of the biomass contributed by all prey (75%). The arboreal/scansorial small mammals Oligoryzomys longicaudatus, Irenomys tarsalis, and Dromiciops gliroides were the most frequently consumed vertebrate prey (14.4, 11.5 and 11.5% of all identified prey individuals; 22.7, 21.5 and 18.2% of biomass contributed by all prey, respectively). The frequency of each small mammal species in the scats was not reflected in its respective capture-frequency as evaluated by live-trapping. O. longicaudatus, I. tarsalis, and D. gliroides were ‘overconsumed’ regarding their capture-frequency. Akodon longipilis, the most frequently captured species, was not found in the scats. As a whole, the arboreal/scansorial small mammals were preyed upon by güiñas much more than expected given their capture-frequency. Our results suggest that the güiña is a predator partially specialized for arboreal/scansorial small mammal species, being able to take alternative prey when available.
Genomic-assisted characterisation of Pseudomonas sp. strain Pf4, a potential biocontrol agent in hydroponics

ABSTRACT In an attempt to select potential biocontrol agents against Pythium spp. and Rhizoctonia spp. root pathogens for use in soilless systems, 12 promising bacteria were selected for further investigations. Sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA gene revealed that three strains belonged to the genus Enterobacter, whereas nine strains belonged to the genus Pseudomonas. In in vitro assays, one strain of Pseudomonas sp. , Pf4, closely related to Pseudomonas protegens (formerly Pseudomonas fluorescens), showed noteworthy antagonistic activity against two strains of Pythium aphanidermatum and two strains of Rhizoctonia solani AG 1-IB, with average inhibition of mycelial growth >80%. Strain Pf4 was used for in vivo treatments on lamb’s lettuce against R. solani root rot in small-scale hydroponics. Pf4-treated and untreated plants were daily monitored for symptom development and after two weeks of infection, a significant protective effect of Pf4 against root rot was recorded. The survival and population density of Pf4 on roots were also checked, demonstrating a density above the threshold value of 105 CFU g−1 of root required for disease suppression. Known loci for the synthesis of antifungal metabolites, detected using PCR, and draft-genome sequencing of Pf4 demonstrated that Pseudomonas sp. Pf4 has the potential to produce an arsenal of secondary metabolites (plt, phl, ofa and fit-rzx gene clusters) very similar to that of the well-known biocontrol P. protegens strain Pf-5.
Response of Soil Microbes and Soil Enzymatic Activity to 20 Years of Fertilization

Fertilization is a worldwide agricultural practice used in agronomy to increase crop yields. Fertilizer application influences overall soil characteristics, including soil microbial community composition and metabolic processes mediated by microbial enzymatic activity. Changes in the structure of microbial communities and their metabolic activity after long-term fertilization were studied in this research. We hypothesized that the different types of fertilization regimes affect nutrient levels in the soil which subsequently influence the metabolic processes and microbial diversity and community structure. Manure (MF; 330 kg N/ha), sewage sludge at two application doses (SF; 330 kg N/ha and SF3x; 990 kg N/ha) and chemical (NPK; N-P-K nutrients in concentrations of 330-90-300 kg/ha) fertilizers have been applied regularly to an experimental field since 1996. The microbial diversity increased in all soils amended with both organic (MF, SF, SF3x) and chemical (NPK) fertilizers. The shifts in microbial communities were observed, which were mainly caused by less abundant genera that were mostly associated with one or more fertilization treatment(s). Fertilization also influenced soil chemistry and the activity of β-xylosidase, β-N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAG), acid phosphatase and FDA-hydrolases. Specifically, all fertilization treatments were associated with a higher activity of β xylosidase and lower NAG activity. Only the NPK treatment was associated with a higher activity of acid phosphatase.
Negotiated Agency in the Face of Consumption Constraints: A Study of Women Entrepreneurs in Subsistence Contexts

Millions of women entrepreneurs in subsistence contexts face consumption constraints while embedded in strongly patriarchal social institutions. In these contexts, the place for women is believed to be within the home as homemakers and not in the market as entrepreneurs. Yet these women are able to overcome gender-based institutional barriers and engage with the marketplace as entrepreneurs as a way to overcome consumption constraints. The authors conducted a longitudinal qualitative study of women entrepreneurs in low-income neighborhoods of Chennai, India, to understand (1) what motivates women to overcome the gender-based institutional barriers to entrepreneurial action and (2) how they can overcome the “iron cage” of institutional norms to initiate and sustain entrepreneurial action. The findings help the authors theorize the process of negotiated agency and elaborate on the microprocesses that underlie its enactment. Substantively, they demonstrate how consumption constraints in poverty trigger entrepreneurial agency among low-income women. The authors build on the findings to offer welfare-enhancing policy recommendations.
Ruxolitinib partially reverses functional NK cell deficiency in patients with STAT1 gain-of-function mutations

Background Natural Killer (NK) cells are critical innate effector cells whose development is dependent on the JAK-STAT pathway. NK deficiency can result in severe or refractory viral infections. Patients with Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT)1 gain of function (GOF) mutations have increased viral susceptibility. Objective We sought to investigate NK cell function in STAT1 GOF patients. Methods: NK cell phenotype and function were determined in 16 STAT1 GOF patients. Methods NK cell phenotype and function were determined in 16 STAT1 GOF patients.NK cell lines expressing patient mutations were generated with CRISPR-Cas9 mediated gene editing. STAT1 GOF NK cells were treated in vitro with ruxolitinib. Results Peripheral blood NK cells from of STAT1 GOF patients had impaired terminal maturation. Specifically, patients with STAT1 GOF mutations have immature CD56dim NK cells with decreased expression of CD16, perforin, CD57 and impaired cytolytic function. STAT1 phosphorylation was elevated but STAT5 was aberrantly phosphorylated in response to IL-2 stimulation. Upstream inhibition of STAT signaling with the small molecule JAK1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib in vitro and in vivo restored perforin expression in CD56dim NK cells and partially restored NK cell cytotoxic function. Conclusions Properly regulated STAT1 signaling is critical for NK cell maturation and function. Modulation of elevated STAT1 phosphorylation with ruxolitinib is an important option for therapeutic intervention in patients with STAT1 GOF mutations.
Phenotypic and Molecular Screening of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) Genotypes against Okra Leaf Curl Disease

Okra leaf curl disease (OLCD) is a major constraint on okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) production in West Africa. The most effective way of managing this disease is through breeding and planting of resistant varieties. In order to identify sources of resistance and or tolerance, 21 okra genotypes were screened against OLCD in field trials which were conducted from May to October, 2015 (rainy season) and November 2015 to March 2016 (dry season). Field resistance was assessed at 2, 6 and 10 weeks after sowing (WAS) based on disease symptoms, and then confirmed by PCR amplification of viral coat protein gene. Populations of whitefly (Bemisia tabaci), the vector of begomoviruses associated with OLCD, as well as fruit yields were also assessed. Both PCR and field trials showed that all the okra genotypes were susceptible to the viral infection. The genotypes varied significantly (P<0.05) among them in terms of severity of OLCD, whitefly infestation, mean fruit yield (t ha -1 ), and the average fruit weight per plant. Higher cumulative average population of whitefly and mean fruit yield (t ha -1 ) were recorded in the dry season than in the rainy season. Genotypes GH5332 and GH6105 consistently showed mild symptoms of OLCD and also had very high fruit yields of 11.88 t ha -1 and 9.34 t ha -1 respectively in the rainy season, Original Research Article Asare-Bediako; ARRB, 25(6): 1-12, 2018; Article no.ARRB. 40659 2 and 6.108 t haand 4.05 t ha respectively in the dry season, far above the overall mean yields for all the okra genotypes. Both genotypes GH5332 and GH6105 should be evaluated multi-locationally at farmers’ fields prior to their release as varieties or they should be incorporated into breeding lines.
Effects of Surface Luminance and Texture Discontinuities on Reachableness in Virtual Reality

Abstract Perceiving distance is at the heart of everyday actions like reaching for a cup of coffee. This action depends on at least the biomechanical restrictions of the actor (i.e., arm-length) and the physical distance between the cup and the actor. Environmental variables may also impact perceived distances for reaching. For a given perceptual judgment, these variables might be thought of as static, i.e., stable or unchanging. But the perception-action process involves the unfolding of dynamic variables such as exploratory movement. Four experiments were conducted to investigate the roles of two “static” environmental variables (surface luminance and surface texture discontinuity) and two “dynamic” exploratory-movement-related variables (mean head displacement and multifractality of head movement) in an object-reachableness task in virtual reality. We found that surface texture discontinuities and surface luminance can make objects appear more reachable, but not always. We also found that in more complex scenarios, the inclusion of the dynamic variables improved model fits over the static models. We suggest that movement is the driver of perception and, that in attempting to model a given perceptual process, the researcher must consider the underlying characteristics of variables tested and seek out variables related to the unfolding dynamics of the perception-action cycle.
STUDENTS' PERSPECTIVES AND CHALLENGES IN ENGLISH SPEECH PROGRAM

The purpose of this mixed method research is to describe the students’ perspectives, the students’ challenges and how they overcome those challenges in English speech program. Approximately 68 students filled the questionnaires and 15 of them were selected for the interview. The instruments used in this study were a closed ended questionnaire consisting of 22 questions adapted from the public speaking competence rubric proposed by Schreiber, Paul and Shibley (2012) and the interview guideline adapted from Abubakar, Atmowardoyo and Korompot (2017). The findings of the study revealed that the English speech program was an essential program to increase the students’ speaking ability (65%). Moreover, the program gave advantages to the students (51%). It also found out that the program mostly challenged the students to choose the appropriate topic to the audience (69%) and to use good language (59%). From the interview, it found out that the students made the following efforts to overcome the challenges, namely making independent preparation for the performance, doing practice with friends and having consultation with classroom coordinators.
Influence of shaded systems on Xylosandrus compactus infestation in Robusta coffee along a rainfall gradient in Uganda

We investigated the relationship between characteristics of coffee shade systems and coffee pest infestation by the black coffee twig borer Xylosandrus compactus Eichhoff. The pest deprives Uganda of $40 millions annually, yet its control remains inadequate. The present study considered three rainfall zones in Central Uganda and 50 coffee plots that were randomly selected from each rainfall zone. Data were collected on X. compactus infestation and key shade indicators: canopy cover, tree‐species densities, diameter at breast height (DBH) and ratio of coffee to banana. Cluster analysis revealed two coffee shade systems: a matured shade tree (MST) system and a young poly‐culture (YPC) system. Xylosandrus compactus infestations were significantly less in the MST system than in the YPC system and significantly less in the low rainfall zone than in the high rainfall zone. An increase in the density of Carica papaya and Albizia chinensis significantly reduced and increased X. compactus infestation, respectively. A higher average DBH of individual trees and a higher density of trees that exude sap significantly lowered X. compactus infestation. Suppressing X. compactus infestation requires bigger trees, a high density of sap‐exuding trees and no Albizia chinensis. Further research should aim to investigate X. compactus flight activity and microclimate influencing X. compactus population dynamics.
A Novel Control Allocation Method for Yaw Control of Tailless Aircraft

Tailless aircraft without vertical stabilisers typically use drag effectors in the form of spoilers or split flaps to generate control moments in yaw. This paper introduces a novel control allocation method by which full three-axis control authority can be achieved by the use of conventional lift effectors only, which reduces system complexity and control deflection required to achieve a given yawing moment. The proposed method is based on synthesis of control allocation modes that generate asymmetric profile and lift induced drag whilst maintaining the lift, pitching moment and rolling moment at the trim state. The method uses low order models for aerodynamic behaviour characterisation based on thin aerofoil theory, lifting surface methodology and ESDU datasheets and is applied to trapezoidal wings of varying sweep and taper. Control allocation modes are derived using the zero-sets of surrogate models for the characterised aerodynamic behaviours. Results are presented in the form of control allocations for a range of trimmed sideslip angles up to 10 degrees optimised for either maximum aerodynamic efficiency (minimum drag for a specific yawing moment) or minimum aggregate control deflection (as a surrogate observability metric). Outcomes for the two optimisation objectives are correlated in that minimum deflection solutions are always consistent with efficient ones. A configuration with conventional drag effector is used as a reference baseline. It is shown that, through appropriate allocation of lift based control effectors, a given yawing moment can be produced with up to a factor of eight less aggregate control deflection and up to 30% less overall drag compared to use of a conventional drag effector.
Total Phenol Content of Avicennia marina Leaf and Its Relationship to the Environmental Quality

Environmental dynamic in the coastal area is suggested to affect the metabolite concentration in mangrove plants. This research aimed to study the concentration of total phenol in A. marina leaf and to analyze the effect of environmental parameters on total phenol content dynamics. Environmental parameters studied in this research was temperature, pH, DO, and salinity, as well as N, P, and C sediment content. Data analysis was carried out through multiple regression of natural logarithm transformed data. Laboratory analysis resulted the value of total phenol content in A. marina leaf ranging from 0.88 – 1.62% with the average concentration of 1.28 ± 0.28%. Regression analysis resulted the significant effect of temperature, DO, and sediment content P and C expressed in the formula: ln(TP) = 31.229 – 7.224ln(T) – 0.067ln(DO) – 1.054ln(P) – 1.241ln(C). The research implicated that the increasing value of those factors was approaching the suitable condition for A. marina . Thus, instead of increasing the phenol concentration, the parameters negatively effect the secondary metabolite. The result showed that increasing temperature, DO, and content of P and C reduced the stress in A. marina and reduce total phenol content. This suggests that low temperature, DO, P and C concentration provides more potential of phenolic products from A. marina .
Assessing DNA Barcodes for Identification of Pufferfish Species (Tetraodontidae) in Turkish Marine Waters

In Turkish marine waters, pufferfish belongs to Tetraondontidae family are represented with 8 species, Lagocephalus lagocephalus, L. sceleratus, L. spadiceus, L. suezensis, L. guentheri, Sphoeroides pachygaster, Torquigener flavimaculosus and Tylerius spinosissimus. DNA barcoding can be useful in the assessment of cryptic or morphologically similar species of identification which is widespread in marine environment. DNA barcode identification of the eight puffer species of the Tetraodontidae family in Turkish marine waters were examined by using mtDNA sequencing of the amplified partial mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene. COI contained 189 variable and 337 conservative nucleotides of which 183 were parsimony informative over 526 bp. Mean genetic diversity all species was found 0.18164. The highest and lowest nucleotide divergence was observed L.spadiceus (0.0022) and between L. sceleratus, L. suezensis, L. lagocephalus, L. guentheri and S. pachygaster (0.0000) respectively. The number of detected different haplotypes were 10 out of 23 sequences, and haplotype diversity was found to be 1.000.
A new morphological analysis of eggs and miracidia of Paratanaisia bragai (Digenea: Eucotylidae)

Paratanaisia bragai is a trematode that reaches sexual maturity in the kidney collecting ducts of domestic and wild birds, while the gastropods Subulina octona and Leptinaria unilamellata serve as its intermediate hosts. The morphology of P. bragai eggs is described here for the first time, using light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Embryonic eggs, obtained from adult worms collected from naturally infected definitive hosts, appeared elliptical, with an evident operculum, by all three microscopic techniques employed. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the abopercular region presents a prominent U-shaped knob, which stands out from the egg surface. The thickness of the eggs, measured from ultrathin sections, were 0.34 ± 0.06 µm (0.29–0.50) at the ends and 0.31 ± 0.05 µm (0.24–0.36) in the middle region. The internal shell layer was more electron-dense and thinner than the middle layer, which comprised nearly the entire shell, while the external layer was less electron-dense and thinner than the internal layer. Rupture of the eggs, by the coverslip pressure, revealed the miracidia of P. bragai that was characterized by light and transmission electron microscopy.
Development of novel transgenic zebrafish models and their application to studies on environmental oestrogens

The use of transgenics in fish is a relatively recent development for advancing understanding of genetic mechanisms, developmental processes, aquaculture, and in pharmaceutical discovery. Transgenic fish have also been applied in ecotoxicology where they have the potential to provide more advanced and integrated systems for assessing health impacts of chemicals. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is the most popular fish for transgenic models, for reasons including their high fecundity, transparency of their embryos, rapid organogenesis and availability of extensive genetic resources. The most commonly used technique for producing transgenic zebrafish is via microinjection of transgenes into fertilized eggs. Transposon and meganuclease have become the most reliable methods for insertion of the genetic construct in the production of stable transgenic fish lines. The Gal4-UAS system, where GAL4 is placed under the control of a desired promoter and UAS is fused with a
Effectiveness of post‐fire salvage logging stream buffer management for hillslope erosion in the U.S. Inland Northwest Mountains

Active wildfire seasons in the western U.S. warrant the evaluation of post‐fire forest management strategies. Ground‐based salvage logging is often used to recover economic loss of burned timber. In unburned forests, ground‐based logging often follows best management practices by leaving undisturbed areas near streams called stream buffers. However, the effectiveness of these buffers has not been tested in a post‐wildfire setting. This experiment tested buffer width effectiveness with a novel field‐simulated rill experiment using sediment‐laden runoff (25 g/L) released over 40 min at evenly timed flow rates (50, 100 and 150 L/min) to measure surface runoff travel length and sediment concentration under unburned and high and low soil burn severity conditions at 2‐, 10‐ and 22‐month post‐fire. High severity areas 2‐month post‐fire had rill lengths of up to 100 m. Rill length significantly decreased over time as vegetation regrowth provided ground cover. Sediment concentration and sediment dropout rate also varied significantly by soil burn severity. Sediment concentrations were 19 g/L for the highest flow 2‐month post‐fire and reduced to 6.9–14 g/L 10‐month post‐fire due to abundant vegetation recovery. The amount of sediment dropping out of the flow consistently increased over the study period with the low burn severity rate of 1.15 g L−1 m−1 approaching the unburned rate of 1.29 g L−1 m−1 by 2‐year post‐fire. These results suggest that an often‐used standard, 15 m buffer, was sufficient to contain surface runoff and reduce sediment concentration on unburned sites, however buffers on high burn severity sites need to be eight times greater (120 m) immediately after wildfire and four times greater (60 m) 1‐year post‐fire. Low burn severity areas 1‐year post‐fire may need to be only twice the width of an unburned buffer (30 m), and 2‐year post‐fire these could return to unburned widths.