Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial Efficiency of Moringa oleifera Leave Extracts against Some Multidrug Resistant Pathogen

THE MEDICINAL plants have vital sources of natural antimicrobial substances for human health avoiding side effects precipitated by using synthetic chemical. The decreasing effectiveness of traditional antibiotics towards multi drug resistant microorganism is a global public health. It was found that the mixtures between different plant extract and commercial antibiotics increased the effectiveness of antibiotics multi drug resistant bacteria. The combinations between different plant extract and commercial antibiotics increased the effectiveness of antibiotics against multi drug resistant strains. Extracts of Moringa oleifera leaves showed remarkable antimicrobial activity against the growth of the gram positive and negative bacteria drug resistant clinical strains (Escherichia coli ATCC 10536, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29737 and Staph epidermidis ATCC 12228, Bacillus pumilis ATCC 14884, Micrococcus luteus ATCC 10240, Bordetella sp, Bacillus subtilis and Klebsiella sp . Antimicrobial activity of methanol extract of Moringa oleifera leaves (MML) using well diffusion method was higher (30mm inhibition zone) than ethanolic and aqueous extract. The minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) of the selected pathogenic bacteria ranged between 23 -800μg/ml. The interactions between different extract of Moringa oleifera leaves and different antibiotic groups of Ampicillin (Am10), Amoxicillin (AMC30), Amikacin (AK30), Gentamycin (CN10), Tetracycline (TE30), Erythromycin (E15), Bacitracin (B10) were conducted using agar diffusion method against the selected pathogenic bacteria. Methanol extract of Moringa oleifera leaves could be used as a source for resistance-modifying agents against infectious multi-drug resistant bacteria.
Style-shifting in Multicultural London English in an all-girls homework club

This study investigated whether and how pre-adolescent girls style-shift in Multicultural London English (MLE), a variety of English that is relatively new and potentially still changing. We looked at the extent to which five 11-year-old girls in a homework club in East London, where MLE is spoken, changed their pronunciations in different speech contexts. The results showed that the girls did indeed change their pronunciations in the different contexts (i.e. they style-shifted), and that the patterns of style-shifting varied between both the individual participants and the three vowels which were examined.
An integrated approach involving metabolomics and transcriptomics for a system-wide understanding of the interaction between tomato and Cladosporium fulvum

The hypersensitive response (HR) is considered to be the hallmark of the resistance response of plants to pathogens. To study HR-associated transcriptome and metabolome reprogramming in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), we used plants that express both a resistance gene to Cladosporium fulvum and the matching avirulence gene of this pathogen. In these plants indeed massive reprogramming occurred and we found that the HR and associated processes are highly energy-demanding. Ubiquitindependent protein degradation, hydrolysis of sugars, as well as lipid catabolism are used as alternative sources of amino acids, energy and carbon skeletons, respectively. We observed strong accumulation of secondary metabolites, such as hydroxycinnamic acid amides. Co-regulated expression of WRKY transcription factors and genes known to be involved in the HR, in addition to a strong enrichment of the W-box WRKY binding motif in the promoter sequences of the co-regulated genes, point to WRKYs as the most prominent orchestrators of the HR. Our study has revealed several novel HR-related genes and reverse genetics tools will allow to understand the role of each individual component in the HR. HR-associated transcriptome and metabolome changes
Effects of Some Cultural Conditions on Keratinase Production by Bacillus licheniformis Strain NBRC 14206

Aims: Microbial keratinase is an extracellular enzyme capable of degrading keratin present in feathers, hair, and wool. They are widely used in chemical, medical industries as well as in animal feed industry and basic biological science. This study investigated the isolation and effects of some cultural conditions on keratinase production by Bacillus licheniformis strain NBRC 14206 using raw feather. Study Design: One-factor-at-a-time strategy was adopted to evaluate the effects of some fermentation conditions on keratinase production. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, between September 2015 and June 2016. Methodology: A total of twenty (20) bacterial isolates were isolated from three (3) feather dumping Original Research Article Ire and Onyenama; JABB, 13(1): 1-13, 2017; Article no.JABB. 32726 2 sites. Out of the 20 isolates screened, only one isolate with the highest zone of inhibition was selected. The isolate was morphologically and biochemically characterized based on Bergey’s manual of determinative bacteriology flowchart as well as molecular analysis. In order to improve keratinase production by the selected isolate, culture medium and the effect of environmental parameters were individually screened and optimized using one-factor-at-a-time methodology. The following cultural parameters: pH, temperature, nitrogen sources, local carbon sources, carbon sources, substrate concentration and incubation time were evaluated for the production of keratinase by the bacterium. Results: The highest keratinase producing bacteria, isolate KDB1 was found to belong to the genus Bacillus. The highest enzyme production was obtained at 72 h after incubation. The optimum pH and temperature for the production of keratinase by the bacterium were pH 9.0 and 40°C, respectively. The best carbon, local carbon and nitrogen sources were lactose, corn stalk and yeast extract at concentration of 1%, respectively. The highest activity was observed at 1% feather concentration. Conclusion: Result obtained from this study showed that keratinase produced from isolate KDB1 could be useful in decomposition of keratin-waste (feather) and could find application in leather, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries as well.
Influence of rice husk ash on controlling insect pests on storage of maize (Zea maize L.) Seeds under Manipur condition

An experiment was conducted in the Agronomy Department, College of Agriculture, Central Agricultural University, Imphal, in 2017-2018, to study the “Influence of rice husk ash on controlling insect pests on storage of maize seeds (Zea maize L.) under Manipur condition”. It was observed that when we mixed the rice husk ash with maize seeds properly and stored in a polythene bags for one year at the rate of 400g rice husk ash and above per 1kg` maize seeds, there was no loss of maize seeds from the insect pests. But in control where no rice husk ash was mixed, after one year of storage, all the maize seeds were affected i.e. 100 percent, by
Drivers of social commerce usage: a multi-group analysis comparing Facebook and Instagram

Abstract Social media are increasingly used as platforms to not only socialise but also to shop for products and services. Social commerce is the new trend in e-commerce that leverages the enhanced consumer-to-consumer interactions to support shopping processes. Based on the concept of social commerce constructs suggested by Nick Hajli, this article investigates the role of social commerce constructs, emotional and informative support, and trust as drivers of social commerce intention. We apply multi-group analysis to validate the drivers of social commerce for two of the most relevant social media platforms: Facebook and Instagram. Based on a sample of 800 social commerce users, our findings reveal that social commerce constructs are strong drivers of social commerce intention for both social media platforms; however, there are differences between the two as Facebook seems to generate higher emotional support and trust than Instagram.
Confronting Rebellion in Weak States: Government Response to Military Mutiny in Benin

Abstract Military mutinies are a serious threat to peace in Africa, as they may be a catalyst for large-scale civil violence. Unlike most studies that solely focus on the causes of military revolts, this article explores both cause and government response by examining a 1992 military sedition in Benin. Relying on interviews and government archives, Codjo uncovers the sources of the revolt and compares two consecutive administrations in their management of the crisis. The main takeaway is that presidential leadership style and antecedents of elite consensus on governance rules are sometimes critical in rallying support for a lasting solution to mutinies.
Trichome micromorphology of the genus Stachys sect. Fragilicaulis subsect. Fragilis and its taxonomic implications

Abstract The leaf, stem, calyx, and corolla indumentum of seven endemic taxa belonging to Stachys subsect. Fragiles, growing in Turkey, were micromorphologically and anatomically analyzed under scanning electron and light microscopes with the use of cluster analysis and Principal Component Analysis. We detected 10 trichome types on the leaf, seven trichome types on the stem and calyx, and eight trichome types on the corolla. Especially, the type and distribution of the trichomes on the calyx and corolla surfaces were quite different. The calyx and corolla had seven and eight trichome types, including glandular or non-glandular, in the examined taxa, respectively. The most common type observed was a short clavate glandular trichome; however, conical thin-walled unicellular hairs were specific for the studied taxa. No branched trichomes were observed. In the examined taxa, the indumentum indicated variations and some important similarities. The indumentum types have a high taxonomical value for the species of the genus. A key has been offered for the identification of the studied taxa based on the trichome characters, by comparing the key of classic taxonomic characters.
Neuroprotective effects of PACAP in the retina

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a widespread neuropeptide that is well-known for its general cytoprotective effects in different neuronal injuries, such as traumatic brain and spinal cord injury, models of neurodegenerative diseases, and cerebral ischemia. PACAP and its receptors also occur in the retina. In this review, we summarize the retinoprotective effects of PACAP. In vitro, PACAP is protective against glutamate, thapsigargin, anisomycin, oxidative stress, UV light, high glucose, inflammation and anoxia. Both the neural retina and the pigment epithelial cells can be protected by PACAP in various experimental paradigms. In vivo, the protective effects of intravitreal PACAP treatment have been shown in the following models in rats and mice: excitotoxic injury induced by glutamate, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) or kainate, ischemic injury induced by carotid artery ligation and high intraocular pressure, degeneration caused by UV-A light, optic nerve transection, and streptozotocin-induced diabetic retinopathy as well as retinopathy of prematurity. Molecular biological methods have revealed that PACAP activates anti-apoptotic, while inhibits pro-apoptotic signaling pathways, and it also stimulates an anti-inflammatory environment in the retina. Altogether, PACAP is suggested to be a potential therapeutic retinoprotective agent in various retinal diseases.
A New Species of Stellilabium (Orchidaceae) Segregated from S. morganiae

A new species of Stellilabium Schltr. is described and illustrated based on material collected in Colombia. The new species is most similar to S. morganiae Dodson, but differs from it in flower morphology. The gynostemium appendages of the new entity are ovate and widely spreading; in S. morganiae they are relatively small, not spreading, and oblong-ovate, and do not exceed the lip basal part in width.
Food Science of Animal Resources

This study aimed to determine the effects of breed on meat quality characteristics of porcine Boston butt muscles (M. subscapularis) from three different pig breeds: Landrace×Yorkshire×Duroc (LYD), Berkshire, and Ibérico available in Korean market. Ibérico showed significantly higher fat content, yellowness (CIE b*), cooking loss, and lower shear force values than LYD and Berkshire. Moreover, the contents of oleic acid (18:1) and palmitic acid (16:0) were significantly higher in Ibérico breed, but stearic acid (18:0) was higher in LYD. As linoleic acid (18:2) and arachidonic acid (20:4) were higher in Berkshire sows as compared to the other breeds, atherogenicity and thrombogenicity indexes were significantly lower in Berkshire sow. Ibérico had lower the ω-6/ω-3 fatty acids ratio, and higher taurine and free amino acids compared with the others. Ibérico also showed significantly greater lipid oxidation, lower antioxidant capacity, and higher hypoxanthine contents, whereas the Berkshire had higher inosine-5'-monophosphate and lower K-index value as compared to the Ibérico. The breed did not impart any significant effect on the size and density of muscle fibers. Thus, quality characteristics of Boston butt varied from breed to breed, and certain consumer preferences for Ibérico can be explained, in part, by the unique quality characteristics imparted by higher contents of intramuscular fat, oleic acid, and free amino acids.
Aerial Scene Classification through Fine-Tuning with Adaptive Learning Rates and Label Smoothing

Remote Sensing (RS) image classification has recently attracted great attention for its application in different tasks, including environmental monitoring, battlefield surveillance, and geospatial object detection. The best practices for these tasks often involve transfer learning from pre-trained Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs). A common approach in the literature is employing CNNs for feature extraction, and subsequently train classifiers exploiting such features. In this paper, we propose the adoption of transfer learning by fine-tuning pre-trained CNNs for end-to-end aerial image classification. Our approach performs feature extraction from the fine-tuned neural networks and remote sensing image classification with a Support Vector Machine (SVM) model with linear and Radial Basis Function (RBF) kernels. To tune the learning rate hyperparameter, we employ a linear decay learning rate scheduler as well as cyclical learning rates. Moreover, in order to mitigate the overfitting problem of pre-trained models, we apply label smoothing regularization. For the fine-tuning and feature extraction process, we adopt the Inception-v3 and Xception inception-based CNNs, as well the residual-based networks ResNet50 and DenseNet121. We present extensive experiments on two real-world remote sensing image datasets: AID and NWPU-RESISC45. The results show that the proposed method exhibits classification accuracy of up to 98%, outperforming other state-of-the-art methods.
EFFECT OF REFRACTORY TIME PERIOD ON INFORMATION PROCESSING OF A LEAKY INTEGRATE-AND-FIRE NEURON IN DISTRIBUTED DELAY FRAMEWORK

A BSTRACT . A neuron encodes the neuronal information in term of either in time of interval of two consecutive spikes or in number of spikes generated in a unit time interval. This mechanism is known as temporal information encoding scheme. Statistical study of temporal information processing scheme results the ﬁrst passage time (FPT) problem. After generation of a spike, the neuron does start processing of information for few milliseconds. This small time duration is known as refractory time period in which a neuron remains idle. In this article, we investigate the effect of Gaussian distributed refractory time period on inter-spike-interval distribution of LIF model in distributed delay framework (DDF) with hypo-exponential distributed delay kernel functions and obtain the combination of parameter values for which the effect of refractory time period becomes negligible.
Multi-Objective, Reliability-Based Design Optimization of a Steering Linkage

Reliability-based design optimization (RBDO) of a mechanism is normally based on the non-probabilistic model, which is viewed as failure possibility constraints in each optimization loop. It leads to a double-loop nested problem that causes a computationally expensive evaluation. Several methods have been developed to solve the problem, which are expected to increase the realization of optimum results and computational efficiency. The purpose of this paper was to develop a new technique of RBDO that can reduce the complexity of the double-loop nested problem to a single-loop. This involves using a multi-objective evolutionary technique combined with the worst-case scenario and fuzzy sets, known as a multi-objective, reliability-based design optimization (MORBDO). The optimization test problem and a steering linkage design were used to validate the performance of the proposed technique. The proposed technique can reduce the complexity of the design problem, producing results that are more conservative and realizable.
“I’m Not a Number, I’m a Human Being:” A Phenomenological Study of Women’s Responses to Labeling

Since the 1970s, the number of women under correctional supervision has risen drastically. With the increase in women’s system-involvement, it is important to consider the impact that crime-focused labels may have on women’s self-perceptions and reentry. This study applies a feminist lens to labeling theory. Through phenomenological interviews and focus groups with 19 women under community supervision in a Northwestern State, women’s responses were analyzed using thematic analysis. Four major themes emerged highlighting the distinct contexts of women’s responses to labels and the impacts of such labels on their lives. Theoretical and policy implications are discussed.
Automatic Floorplanning and Standalone Generation of Bitstream-Level IP Cores

Partially reconfigurable designs on field-programmable gate array (FPGA) bring an opportunity for developers to license third-party intellectual property (IP) cores. There are multiple IP licensing models that can be used by the FPGA IP market. Their focus is mainly on feasibility and security; however, two major challenges have been ignored by almost all of them. First, both academic or industrial tools do not provide a flow to generate IPs in a standalone environment. Second, these tools only offer manual floorplanning of the IPs, which is both time and performance inefficient. In this work, we present a framework, that can be used by multiple parties to generate different parts of a design independently, that are compatible with each other. It also provides automatic floorplanning based on mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) that considers the distribution of heterogeneous resources in modern FPGAs, with efficient resource utilization as the main objective. The proposed floorplanning is evaluated with benchmarks from the related work. Furthermore, a use case of internal and open-source designs is used for the validation and evaluation of the independent IP generation and the floorplanner.
Incivility and disrespectfulness in online political discussion

Reader’s comment columns on online political news pages are locations where political discussions between citizens can emerge and develop. The reader comment column is a standard feature of almost all media sites because of its ability to initiate discussion and promote a particular article or issues within the news site. Unfortunately, in its development, the online comment column’s discussion process is often filled by incivility and disrespectful expressions, such as sentences containing insults, condemnation, or expressions full of anger. Such sentences have the potential to undermine the discussion process and encourage pointless arguments, especially in articles that discuss political polarity. This study aims to determine the extent to which incivility and disrespectful expressions appear in readers’ comments columns of online news sites, especially on polarized political issues. This study uses content analysis techniques on 403 comments in political news on Detik.com, one of Indonesia’s main news portals. The results show that although the incivility expression shows a small number, the form of disrespectful shows a high number in the readers’ comments. The highest form of the expression of disrespectful is the expression tat contains name-calling (23%), followed by hyperbole (15.6%) and the use of sarcasm (6.2%). The high number of disrespectful expressions seems to be related to the comment column service feature that allows users to use anonymous identities.
Ultracold collisions for Bose—Einstein condensation

We describe the low–energy scattering theory relevant to the description of the Bose–Einstein condensed gases recently produced using evaporative cooling. We examine the validity range of the approximations being used to describe the ultracold interactions in the context of the interaction between caesium atoms at the temperatures produced by evaporation in a magnetic trap. We discuss the prospects for future developments in the field.
A comparison of antibacterial efficacy of some household detergents available in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, against 16 ATCC bacterial strains and clinical isolates

The emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant microorganisms are threats to public health due to its related increasing rates of morbidity and mortality in the world. Routine disinfection practices do not eliminate many of these resistant species and may contribute to the development in their resistance. Therefore, the current study evaluates the effectiveness of some popular detergents labelled as antibacterial and available at local market. Fifteen different brands of detergents were tested against thirteen American-type culture collection (ATCC) strains; five species related to Gram-positive bacteria, eight species to Gram-negative bacteria and three clinical isolates, (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia and Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) by measuring their efficacy by agar well diffusion technique and contact time assay. Dilution levels of detergents exhibited different zones of inhibition against the tested bacterial strains. The initial dilutions of detergents (DAC, SUNOVA, CLOROX, Drummer, GENTO, Dettol with pine, Dettol, Clorox Original, EMLAG and 3 M) showed inhibition zones ranging from 10 mm to >40 mm on Gram positive bacteria. Dettol, Clorox Original, EMLAG and 3 M showed inhibition zones ranging from 11 to 20 mm on limited numbers of Gram-negative bacteria at the first dilutions of detergents. The results showed that, Dettol, Clorox and 3 M were the strongest detergents compared to the other detergents included in this study. A contact-time assay showed a positive relationship between exposure time and efficacy of detergent against the tested bacterial strains. Key words: Detergents, multidrug-resistant microorganisms, nosocomial infection, Makkah.