Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Low aflatoxin levels and flowering delay in Aspergillus flavus-resistant maize lines are correlated with increased corn earworm damage and enhanced seed fumonisin content

Preharvest mycotoxin contamination of field-grown crops is influenced not only by the host genotype, but also inoculum load, insect pressure and their confounding interactions with seasonal weather. In two field trials, we observed a preferred natural infestation of specific maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes by corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea Boddie) and investigated this unexpected interaction. These studies involved four maize lines with contrasting levels of resistance to Aspergillus flavus. The resistant lines had 7 to 14-fold greater infested ears than the susceptible lines. However, seed aflatoxin B1 levels, in mock- or A. flavus-inoculated ears were consistent with maize genotype resistance to A. flavus. Further, the corn earworm-infested ears had greater levels of fumonisin content in seeds than uninfested ears, indicating that the insect may have vectored native Fusarium verticillioides inoculum. The two maize lines with heavy infestation showed delayed flowering. The availability of young silk for egg-laying could have been a factor in the pervasive corn earworm damage of these lines. At the same time, H. zea larvae reared on AF-infused diet showed decreasing mass with increasing AF and >30% lethality at 250 ppb. In contrast, corn earworm was tolerant to fumonisin with no significant loss in mass even at 100 ppm, implicating the low seed aflatoxin content as a predominant factor for the prevalence of corn earworm infestation and the associated fumonisin contamination in A. flavus resistant lines. These results highlight the need for integrated strategies targeting mycotoxigenic fungi and their insect vectors to enhance the safety of crop commodities. IMPORTANCE Aspergillus and Fusarium spp. not only cause ear rots in maize leading to crop loss, they can also contaminate the grain with carcinogenic mycotoxins. Incorporation of genetic resistance into breeding lines is an ideal solution for mycotoxin mitigation. However, the goal is fraught by a major problem. Resistance for AF or FUM accumulation is quantitative and contributed by several loci with small effects. Our work reveals that host phenology (flowering time) and insect vector-mycotoxin interactions can further confound breeding efforts. A host genotype even with demonstrable resistance can become vulnerable due to seasonal variation in flowering time or an outbreak of chewing insects. Incorporation of resistance to a single mycotoxin accumulation and not pairing it with insect resistance may not adequately ensure food safety. Diverse strategies including host-induced silencing of genes essential for fungal and insect pest colonization and broad-spectrum biocontrol systems need to be considered for robust mycotoxin mitigation.
Predicting customers’ adoption towards family takaful scheme in Pakistan using diffusion theory of innovation

Purpose This paper aims to examine the determinants that influence the customer’s adoption towards the use of family takaful scheme by extending diffusion theory of innovation (DOI) in the context of Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach The published work allied to takaful studies and DOI was reviewed. Total of 282 respondents who are non-users of family takaful product were used for the purpose of primary data collection through convenience sampling. Findings The customer’s adoption towards Islamic insurance is determined not only by perceived relative advantage and perceived compatibility but also by awareness and religious belief. Perceived complexity, on the contrary, turns out not to be a predictor of family takaful adoption. Further, gender, age and education do not moderate the family takaful adoption by the customers. Research limitations/implications This research alike others have limitations in terms of sampling method used and only covers one city of Pakistan, namely, Karachi. Further studies need to be conducted in other cities as well with a large population. Originality/value Extended DOI is not used in the context of takaful in Pakistan as evident from scarce literature on the empirical studies. Therefore, the authors extend the DOI in the current work. Further, this paper will be a useful reference guide for the academicians, operators of takaful business and future researchers.
Economic Notes

Correspondence Antonio Roma, Dipartimento di Economia Politica e Statistica, Università di Siena, Piazza San Francesco 7, 53100 Siena SI, Italy. Email: antonio.roma@unisi.it Abstract This paper investigates the performance of size‐ and value‐ based strategies in the Italian stock market in the period 2000–2018. Previous research argued the impossibility to define properly value‐sorted portfolios due to the inaccuracy of book‐to‐market ratios available for Italian listed stocks. Using more accurate data, we implement portfolios sorting based on value and growth stocks, to assess the relevance of the value factor in the Italian stock market. We find that the capital asset pricing model fails to explain the cross‐section of returns on the different strategies while the Fama and French three‐factor model provides a better fit. The results show that all three factors are significant in explaining Italian stock returns during the sample period. Unlike previous studies, which either found no value effect at all or no clear‐cut results when testing the book‐to‐market variable, we find that the value factor is statistically significant and the associated risk premium is of a considerable size.
A new model describing Forbush Decreases at Mars: combining the heliospheric modulation and the atmospheric influence

Forbush decreases are depressions in the galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) that are caused primarily by modulations of interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs) but also occasionally by stream/corotating interaction regions (SIRs/CIRs). Forbush decreases have been studied extensively using neutron monitors at Earth; recently, for the first time, they have been measured on the surface of another planet, Mars, by the Radiation Assessment Detector (RAD) on board the Mars Science Laboratory's (MSL) rover Curiosity. The modulation of GCR particles by heliospheric transients in space is energy‐dependent; afterwards, these particles interact with the Martian atmosphere, the interaction process depending on particle type and energy. In order to use ground‐measured Forbush decreases to study the space weather environment near Mars, it is important to understand and quantify the energy‐dependent modulation of the GCR particles by not only the pass‐by heliospheric disturbances but also by the Martian atmosphere. Accordingly, this study presents a model that quantifies — both at the Martian surface and in the interplanetary space near Mars — the amplitudes of Forbush decreases at Mars during the pass‐by of an ICME/SIR by combining the heliospheric modulation of GCRs with the atmospheric modification of such modulated GCR spectra. The modeled results are in good agreement with measurements of Forbush decreases caused by ICMEs/SIRs based on data collected by MSL on the surface of Mars and by the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) spacecraft in orbit. Our model and these findings support the validity of both the Forbush decrease description and Martian atmospheric transport models.
ANALYSIS OF RISK FACTORS THAT INDICATE CONVERSION OF LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY TO OPEN SURGERY

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has become the "gold standard" in the surgical treatment of gallbladder disease. However, in some cases LC needs conversion to open cholecystectomy (OC). Preoperative assessment that should determine in which patient conversion should be performed as well as identification of the risk factors for conversion are relatively difficult and imprecise. The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for conversion of LC to OC. We performed the retrospective analysis of 65 patients, of both genders, with gallbladder disease, operated in the period from 01/01/2007 to 06/ 2013, in whom conversion of LC to OC was performed. A total of 1292 laparoscopic cholecystectomies (LCs) was done in this period. The authors analyzed: total conversion rate; the conversion rate according to patient characteristics (age, gender, body mass index (BMI)); local pathological condition (acute cholecystitis, chronic complicated cholecystitis, simple calculosis or gallbladder polyposis); surgeon-related parameters (number of performed LCs and total surgical experience). Total conversion rate (conversion of LC to OC) was 5,03%. Higher conversion rate was registered in the female patients (53.84%), but there were no statistically significant differences. The highest conversion rate was registered in the groups of patients in the 6 and 7 decade (p<0.05). Conversion rate was higher in patients with BMI>30 (6.56%), compared with those with lower BMI, but there was no statistical significance. Patients operated for acute cholecystitis had statistically significantly higher conversion rate (26.95 %), compared with those with the diagnosis of chronic simple cholecystitis (1.16 %), complicated chronic cholecystitis (8.46%), benign gallbladder polyposis (3.5%,) (p<0.05). Surgeons with a lower number of performed LCs (25-50) had higher conversion rate (12.67%), compared with experienced surgeons that performed over 200 LCs (1.4%) (p<0.05). Conversions are statistically significantly more present in older patients during surgery, in patients with the diagnosis of acute or complex chronic cholecystitis, and in those operated by inexperienced surgeons. Gender, high BMI, anatomical anomalies and variations, previous laparotomy or technical problems were not statistically significant conversion factors. Acta Medica Medianae 2016;55(3):13-20.
The subjective exercise experiences of rhythm accompanying exercise – gender differences

Music is one of the most popular factors that increase motivation. The practical question is can we improve motivation for aesthetic exercise with accenting rhythm during learning new aesthetic elements and is there any gender differences in subjective exercise experience while learning new rhythmic gymnastics elements. It is supposed that learning strategies targeted with rhythm accompanying exercise can improve active involvement of the learner. Forty one students of physical education and sport participated in this study. The aim of the present research was to: (1) identify the differences in SEES between male and female university students involved in learning rhythm based aesthetic elements; (2) identify possible changes in SEES subscale before and after rhythm accompanying exercise. Subjects were asked to complete the SEES questionnaire prior and after an exercise trial by circling the number on a seven-point scale next to each item (great, awful, drained, etc) to indicate the degree to which they are experiencing each feeling at a certain point of time. To determine the differences between groups before and after physical activity in SEES subscales we use T-test for dependent groups, and to determine the gender differences T-test for independent groups. Significant differences before and after physical activity for SEES subscales in both groups were not found, but gender differences were noted in Positive Well-Being after activity in favour of male student and in Fatigue before and after physical activity in favour of female students
Design Feasibility of an Active Ankle-Foot Stabilizer

Walking is the most common form of mobility in humans. For lower limb mobility impairments, a common treatment is to prescribe an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) or brace, which is a passive device designed to resist undesired ankle-foot motion. Recent advances in actuator technology have led to the development of active AFOs (AAFOs). However, these devices are generally too bulky for everyday use and are limited to applications such as gait training for rehabilitation. The aim of this research was to investigate the feasibility of developing a novel Active Ankle-Foot Stabilizer (AAFS). The design criteria were mainly based on the strengths and limitations of existing AFOs. The sagittal plane functional requirements were determined using simulated gait data for elderly individuals and drop foot patients; however, it is intended that the device would be suitable for a wider range of disabilities including ankle sprains. A model of the foot was introduced to modify the moment of a deficient ankle where young healthy adult kinematics and kinetics were assumed. A moment deficit analysis was performed for different gait periods resulting in an AAFS model with two components: a linear rotational spring to modify the ankle joint rotational stiffness, and a torque source. The frontal plane functional requirements for the AAFS were modeled as a linear rotational spring which responded to particular gait events. A novel Variable Rotational Stiffness Actuator (VSRA) AFO was also investigated. It consisted of an actuated spring medial and lateral to the ankle to control sagittal plane ankle stiffness and a passive leafspring posterior to the ankle to control frontal plane ankle stiffness. Due to high forces and profile limitations, a spring and rotation actuator that satisfied the design criteria could not be developed, resulting in an infeasible design. Considering the high forces and moments required by the AAFS, a pneumatic approach was adopted. A novel Airbeam AFO, which consisted of a shank cuff and a foot plate to which airbeams were attached proximally and distally to the ankle, was examined. The joint rotational stiffness of the ankle would be controlled by the inflation of these individual cylindrical airbeams. To satisfy the functional requirements, the airbeam diameters and pressures were too large to meet the design criteria and were unrealistic for a portable device. Finally, a Pneumatic Sock AFO, which proved to best satisfy the functional requirements within the design criteria, was examined. The design consisted of an inner sock worn on the ankle, surrounded by anterior, posterior, medial, and lateral bladders which inflate against outer fabric shells. Although promising, the Pneumatic Sock AFO requires further investigation in regards to manufacturing and behaviour characterization before a functional prototype can be developed. Mechanical test methods to characterize the behaviour of the Pneumatic Sock AFO in the sagittal and frontal planes were developed including the control components required, the configuration of a test rig, and test procedures.
High-resolution 3D fluorescent imaging of intact tissues

Histological analysis of fluorescently labeled tissues has been a critical tool to understand molecular organization in situ. However, assessing molecular structures within large cells and in the context of human organ anatomy has been challenging because it requires penetration of staining reagents and light deep into opaque tissues, while also conforming to the spatial constraints of high-resolution objective lenses. This methodology article describes optimized sample preparation for sub-micron resolution 3D imaging in human and rodent tissues, yielding imaging depth (>100 µm) and resolution (<0.012 µm3 voxel size) that has previously been limited to whole-mount in vitro organoid systems, embryos, and small model organisms. Confocal images of adult human and rodent organs, including heart, kidney, and liver, were generated for several chemical and antibody stains in cleared tissue sections >100 µm thick. This method can be readily adopted by any lab performing routine histology and takes 3 days from the start of tissue preparation to 3D images.
The contribution of large-scale atmospheric patterns to pollution 1 with PM 10 : the new Saharan Oscillation Index 2

Direction de la Météorologie Nationale, Boulevard Mohamed Tayeb Naciri, Hay Hassani B.P. 8106 Oasis4 Casablanca, Morocco 5 Laboratory of Drugs Science, Biomedical and Biotechnological Research. Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy. 6 Hassan II University; Ain Chock. Casablanca; P.B. 5696. Morocco 7 8 Abstract 9 PM10 has natural and anthropogenic sources, it is an urban air pollutant from desertic areas or 10 emitted by industry and traffic activities, it reduces visibility and threatens human wellbeing 11 mainly in big cities. 12 Casablanca concentrates many industrial units and a large vehicle fleet. The rate of 13 urbanization in the metropolis and the population density are the highest in Morocco. Marrakech 14 is one of the most populated cities in the country where the motorization rate has increased during 15 recent years. 16 The present work is based on PM10 daily measurements between 2013 and 2016. The main 17 objective is to assess the concentrations of PM10 in Casablanca and Marrakech and study their 18 relationship with the atmospheric circulation. First, we assessed PM10 correlations with climate 19 indexes (the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and the Mediterranean Oscillation (MO)), then we 20 characterized the contribution of large-scale atmospheric patterns related to PM10 extreme events. 21 The novelty of this research is the creation of a new climate index to characterize the oscillation, 22 in the country’s southern desert, between the Saharan depression and the Azores high. The time 23 series of the new Saharan Oscillation Index (SaOI) were calculated. 24 This study has demonstrated the relationship between MO and PM10 averages and has shown 25 that particulate pollution in the study area is partly induced by continental northeasterly to 26 southwesterly flow. This flow is triggered by the Saharan trough and managed by the high27 pressure area in the north. The assessed correlations related to the SaOI confirm the relationship 28 between this index, PM10 averages, and MO and NAO indexes mainly in winter. 29 30
Dynamic Spectrum Sensing with Automatic Modulation Classification for a Cognitive Radio Enabled NomadicBTS

An existing Nomadic Base Transceiver Station (NomadicBTS) architecture designed and implemented in the literature was built on software defined radio technology. This technology performs radio functions via software modules. Cognitive radio on the other hand is essentially built on software defined radio technology integrated with artificial intelligence. This research work extends the existing NomadicBTS architecture with cognitive radio capability for the purpose of introducing dynamic (opportunistic) spectrum sensing for efficient spectrum utilization in mobile networks. This is achieved by developing an Automatic Modulation Classification (AMC) model for spectrum sensing based on MultiLayer Perceptron (MLP) Artificial Neural Network (ANN). A suitable AMC model with optimum accuracy of 92.57% and Mean Square Error (MSE) of 0.0185 was empirically determined and deemed acceptable for incorporation into the NomadicBTS architecture.
The effect of symptom frequency on the fatigue and sleep quality of adolescent cancer patients

ABSTRACT This study was performed in order to determine the effects of frequency of symptoms of adolescents with cancer on sleeping quality and fatigue. In order to collect the data, the Children Information Form, Symptom Evaluation Form, the Fatigue Assessment Scale for Pediatric Oncology Patients Between the Ages of 13 and 18 years, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used. Percentage calculations, mean, one-way variance analysis, and advanced analysis such as Scheffe tests were used. p < 0.05 was accepted as the significance. As the symptom frequencies increased in adolescents, total fatigue scale and its subdimension scores decreased and sleep quality total scores increased. There was a low relationship between the scores of symptom frequency and fatigue scale, there was a moderate association between scores of symptom frequency and the sleep quality scale scores, and there was a high relationship between the scores of fatigue (p < 0.001). As the symptom frequencies increased in adolescents, total fatigue scale and its subdimension scores decreased and sleep quality total scores increased.
Recursos digitales y metodología didáctica en la formación inicial de docentes de Historia

This paper analyzes the links that exist between the perceptions of teachers-in-training regarding the use of digital resources in the Secondary Education classroom and their own methodological and epistemological conceptions. Shulman’s theories continue to largely guide current research on teacher knowledge. However, the impact caused by the new technologies has inspired new approaches like T-PACK, which put the focus on the teachers’ digital competence. In order to address this goal, information has been collected by means of a questionnaire implemented in 22 universities, 13 Spanish (344 participants) and 9 British (162 participants). The analysis of data was conducted along three phases: a) examination of the structure of assessments regarding the usefulness of digital resources by analyzing latent classes; b) estimation of confirmatory factor models for variable evaluation processes, History as a formative subject and historical competencies; c) estimation of interclass differences by using confirmatory factor models. The results showed four types of response regarding the use of digital resources in the classroom that were polarized about two items: comics and video games. Important interclass differences have likewise been found regarding methodological issues (traditional and innovative practices), as well as less important differences concerning epistemological conceptions and views on the development of historical competencies in the classroom.
Hydrogen Balmer spectral lines in spectroscopy of underwater electric spark discharge plasma

The behavior of the Balmer series spectral line profiles in the underwater electric spark discharge plasma between copper granules is investigated. Specially developed pulse power source is used to initiate a discharge between copper granules immersed into the deionized water. Typical values of voltage are of 40 – 200 V, current is up to 600A and pulse frequency is in the range of 0.2 – 2 kHz. The voltage, applied to electrodes, caused a current flow along the chain of closely arranged granules in the stochastic switching mode. Optical emission spectroscopy methods are used for diagnostics of such discharge plasma. Profiles of Hα and Hβ hydrogen lines, exposed to the Stark mechanism of spectral lines’ broadening, are used to determine electron density. The Boltzmann plot of copper lines’ intensities are used to determine the plasma temperature.