Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Environmental and spatial contributions to seedling and adult tree assembly across tropical, subtropical and subalpine elevational gradients

Aims: Quantifying the relative importance of the mechanisms that drive community assembly in forests is a crucial issue in community ecology. The present study aims to understand the ways in which niche-based and spatially based processes influence community assembly in areas in different climatic conditions and how these processes change during the transition from seedling to adult. Methods: In this study, we investigated how taxonomic and phylogenetic beta diversity in seedling and adult stages of forest trees change across three elevational transects in tropical, subtropical and subalpine forests in Southwest China, and the relationships of these changes to the environment and inter-site distances. We quantified the relative contribution of environmental conditions and spatial distribution to taxonomic and phylogenetic beta diversity of both seedling and adult life stages along each elevational transect. We also quantified the taxonomic and phylogenetic similarity between seedlings and adult trees along elevations. Important Findings: Taxonomic and phylogenetic beta diversity of both seedlings and adult trees increased with an increase in both environmental distance and spatial distance in all three transects. On both taxonomic and phylogenetic levels, the effects of environmental filtering and spatial disposition varied between life stages and among forest types. Phylogenetic similarity between seedlings and adult trees increased with elevation, although the taxonomic similarity did not show clear elevational patterns. Our results suggest that the relative contribution of niche-based and space-based processes to taxonomic and phylogenetic assemblages varies across major plant life stages and among forest types. Our findings also highlight the importance of ontogenetic stages for fully understanding community assembly of long-lived tree species.
Medium-sized mammals in peri-urban environments in southern Brazil

Anthropic effects on natural environments caused by urban expansion or agriculture have been identified as one of the causes for the decline in species richness. In southern Brazil, the urbanization process affects the local fauna and reduces the diversity of mammalian species . This study was conducted from 2012 to 2015 with the objective of gathering information on mammalian species in a peri-urban area. Data was collected four consecutive days each month for 42 months using sand plots and visual searches. Occasional encounters and camera traps complemented were used to complement the data. We recorded 15 mammal species belonging to 10 families. The species with the highest abundance, taking into account all the applied methods, were Didelphis albiventris , Mazama gouazoubira and Cerdocyon thous. Four species were listed as endangered ( Puma yagouaroundi , Leopardus guttulus , Nasua nasua , and Dasyprocta azarae ).
Study on foliar diseases of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) and their management

Major fungal foliar diseases viz. Early leaf spot (ELS) caused by Cercospora arachidicola, Late leaf spot (LLS) caused by Phaeoisariopsis personata and Rust caused by Puccinia arachidis have the potential to cause loss in yield up to 50% individually and more than 70% when occurred in combination. Every year a huge amount of hazardous chemicals are used to manage these threats which lead to various environmental and toxicological issues. Keeping this in view present study was carried out to find out some sustainable ways viz. disease forecasting, botanical biocides, host plant resistance for managing these diseases. Survey on these diseases was conducted in rabi season during the year 2014-15 in 3 districts of Odisha to identify the disease hotspot in the state. The maximum severity recorded are 3, 6, 5 for early leaf spot, late leaf spot and rust respectively. A correlation and regression study between weather parameters and percent disease incidence of ELS, LLS and rust revealed that all other parameters except Rainfall showed significant relation with incidence of ELS and LLS whereas Temperature (Max. & Min.), Afternoon RH, Rainy days and Evaporation were positively correlated with rust incidence. Evaporation solely contributed 51.22%, 73.33% & 54.04% to ELS, LLS and Rust incidence respectively. In a search for cheap & reliable method of disease management, 115 cultivars were screened against ELS, LLS and rust were found to be resistant against ELS and Rust but only 12 varieties provided resistance against LLS. Eight plant extracts were assayed for anti fungal activity against Cercospora arachidicola, Phaeoisariopsis personata and Puccinia arachidis at 5% and 10% concentrations. Higher inhibition of propagule germination of these three fungal pathogens. Among these extracts Garlic & Neem extracts were effective against these pathogens at both the concentrations. Foliar application of these extracts at 10% concentration at field level also exhibited efficacy in reducing percent disease incidence of these three diseases as compared to the untreated control. Besides , the botanicals project a lesser amount of area under the disease progress curve also reduced the apparent growth rate of these diseases. Botanical biocides also influenced the total phenolics and ortho-dihydroxy phenol content of the groundnut plants. Neem, Garlic & Tridax extracts considerably elevated the amount of these biochemicals after three subsequent sprays. Thesis by Miss Anuradha Panda (07PPT/13) CHAPTER-
Investigation of the Relationship between Digital Game Addiction and English Listening Skills among University Students

The main aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between digital game addiction and English listening skills among university students. This quantitative associational research was conducted with 198 university students during the spring semester of 2018-2019 academic year. The data were collected using “Digital Game Addiction Scale” and “English Listening Skills Test". The results suggested that action, puzzle, and strategy games are the game categories most commonly played by the participants. Furthermore, it was found that 54% of the participants (n=101) primarily played English games and they played 132.75 minutes per day on average. Participants' were moderately (x=̄17.38/35; s=6.91) to digital games. Their digital game addiction scores differed significantly by variables of gender and major. The mean score of the participants on the English listening skill test was 54.75/100. When the relationship among participants' level of digital game addiction, English listening skill, and average time (min.) to play English digital games a day was examined, it was found that as the daily time to play English digital games increased, the level of digital game addiction and English listening skills also increased. Submitted 17 September 2020 Revised 2 October 2020 Accepted 12 October 2020
Monitoring Flight Activity of Ambrosia Beetles in Ornamental Nurseries with Ethanol-Baited Traps: Influence of Trap Height on Captures

Abstract Ethanol-baited bottle traps were used to monitor spring flight activity of the ambrosia beetles Xylosandrus crassiusculus and Xylosandrus germanus in Ohio, Tennessee, and Virginia. The traps were deployed at three different heights to determine if height influenced captures. X. germanus was captured in all three states, while X. crassiusculus was captured in TN and VA only. Traps 0.5 m above the ground captured more X. germanus than traps at 1.7 or 3.0 m. Traps 0.5 or 1.7 m above the ground captured more X. crassiusculus than traps at 3.0 m. In TN and VA, first activity of X. crassiusculus and X. germanus occurred from mid-March to early April. In OH, first activity of X. germanus occurred early to mid-April. Analysis of attacks by X. germanus on Cornus florida revealed that more than 90% of the attacks occurred on the main trunk within 1 m (3 ft) of the ground. Monitoring will be most effective when traps are suspended 0.5 or < 1.7 m above the ground for X. germanus or X. crassiusculus, respecti.
Vegetation and climate history of Quebec’s mixed boreal forest suggests greater abundance of temperate species during the early- and mid-Holocene

Today, scattered disjunct stands of two temperate species, yellow birch and white pine, are present north of their continuous distributional range in southern Quebec (Canada) at topographical locations that offer protection from severe fires. This study tested whether these species had populations more numerous and widespread millennia ago when the climate was presumably warmer. Specifically, this research involved the analyses of pollen, plant macrofossils, and charcoal fragments of two sites within the western part of Quebec’s balsam fir – paper birch bioclimatic domain: a forest humus deposit from a yellow birch stand (local scale), and a peatland (regional scale). Fossil data suggest that white pine was more abundant regionally between 7500 and 5000 cal. BP, before coming rare under subsequent cooler conditions. Likewise, yellow birch was more abundant regionally between 7700 and 1500 cal BP. Its subsequent decline and the local disappearance of white pine by ∼200 cal. BP may both be explained by the severe fires that occurred in recent centuries, as well as the rarity of suitable habitats for these species. The sustained presence of temperate species in mixed boreal forests is the result of the combined action of climate, natural disturbances and habitat characteristics.
Efecto del HLB sobre el rendimiento de limón mexicano en Colima, México

Huanglongbing disease (HLB) associated with the bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ is the most serious threat faced by the Mexican key lime crop [Citrus aurantifolia (Christm) Swingle] in Colima, Mexico. It was detected in April 2010 and soon it spread to all producing areas, causing heavy production losses. In order to characterize yield losses, due to HLB, 700 trees with different percentages of treetop affected were sampled. Using a metal ring of 0.75 m2, divided into quadrants, the number of fruits per square meter of treetop (fr m-2) was quantified. In HLB trees a tend to reduce the fr m-2 was observed as the percentage of affected treetop increases, both in symptomatic (y= 4.6953x + 53.731; R2 0.8072) and asymptomatic sectors (y= 7.1643x + 67.781; R2 0.9146). Trees without HLB symptoms, averaged 60.3 fr m-2. In contrast trees with HLB symptoms covering the entire treetop averaged 27.6 fr m-2, representing a reduction of 45.8%. This paper provides information on how HLB affects yield of Mexican key lime trees from the early stages of infection until when the entire treetop display the symptoms of the disease and helps to explain the yield fall in the production of this citrus in the region.
Interpreting the Cultural and Academic Experiences of PhD Students from the Indian Sub-Continent and the Chinese Regions in Australian Universities

This study aims to identify factors that can improve the cultural and academic experiences of East Asian PhD students attending Australian universities. We focus on two key aspects of students’ academic performance in Australia: a sense of belonging and learning strategies applied by international students in Australian higher education. A systematic literature review is conducted to design a framework that can be applied to better understand the cultural and academic experiences of students from the two regions. The application of this framework highlights, how students from these regions are better equipped to succeed in research degrees in Australian universities when they know and understand the culturally appropriate learning strategies applied in the Australian higher education context and when they are supported to develop a new sense of belonging within the academic and wider culture. Paper concludes that a sense of belonging with Australian culture helps international to attain good cultural and academic experiences. In terms of learning strategies, a scientific learning strategy is more effective for East Asian PhD students from Chinese and the Indian sub-continent than participative learning strategies, adaptive learning strategies, and artistic learning strategies. This study suggests the Australian research supervisors must communicate East Asian PhD students to attain a sense of belonging with Australian academic culture and to follow the scientific learning strategy. Future East Asian PhD students should understand the Australian academic culture to avoid cultural shock during PhD candidature. Future researchers should verify the theoretically designed through qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-method research design.
In Vivo Studies of Antibacterial Activity of Gongronema latifolium and Antibiotics on Staphylococcus aureus Infected Albino Rats

Gongronema latifolium is a climber tropical rainforest plant primarily used as spice and vegetable in traditional folk medicine (Ugochukwu and Babady, 2002; Ugochukwu et al., 2003). It‟s wide spread in tropical Africa and can be found from Senegal to Chad to DR Congo. It occurs in rain forest, deciduous and secondary forests and in mangrove and disturbed roadside forest, from sea level up to 900m altitude (Chattopadhyay, 1999). G. latifolium leaves are sharp-bitter and bland and are widely used as a leafy vegetable or spice for sauces, soups and salads (Anaso and Onochie, 1999). The plant leaves are very effective as an anti-diarrhoea and anti-tussive (Sofowara, 1982; Iwu, 1993). Although modern medicine may be available in developing countries, the use of herbs in treatment of diseases have often gain popularity for historical and cultural reasons, making traditional medicine an unavoidable International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 6 Number 1 (2017) pp. 811-818 Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas. com
Testing the Linear Mean and Constant Variance Conditions in Sufficient Dimension Reduction

Sufficient dimension reduction (SDR) methods characterise the relationship between the response Y and the covariates x, through a few linear combinations of the covariates. Extensive techniques are developed, among which the inverse regression based methods are perhaps the most appealing in practice because they do not involve multi-dimensional smoothing and are easy to implement. However, these inverse regression based methods require two distributional assumptions on the covariates. In particular, the first-order methods, such as the sliced inverse regression, require the linear conditional mean (LCM) assumption, while the second-order methods, such as the sliced average variance estimation, require additionally the constant conditional variance (CCV) assumption. We propose to check the validity of the LCM and the CCV conditions through mean independence tests, which are facilitated by the martingale difference divergence. We suggest a consistent bootstrap procedure to decide critical values of the test. Monte Carlo simulations as well as an application to the horse mussels dataset are conducted to demonstrate the finite sample performance of our proposal. Statistica Sinica: Newly accepted Paper (accepted author-version subject to English editing)
EFFECT OF FISH OIL ON HUMORAL IMMUNITY OF BROILER CHICKS

Many clinical studies have reported that fish oil supplementation has beneficial effects supporting the idea that n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in fish oil are anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory. Sixty one-day old broiler chicks were used in this study to determine the effect of fish oil on humoral immunity. They were divided into 3 equal groups (A, B &C) and raised under the same conditions until the end of the study at 49 day of age. The birds were vaccinated 3 times against Newcastle disease, at the 7 th day they were vaccinated with Hitchner B1 and at 21 st day and 35 th day with LaSota type vaccine. Group A was fed fish oil supplemented diet for 14 days before the 3 rd vaccination, whereas group B was fed after vaccination. Group C was served as control. Serum samples have been collected at 49 th day from all groups. Antibody titer was detected by HI test; 2-mercaptoethanol-sensitive IgM and 2-mercaptoethanol-resistant IgG were also measured. Serum total protein, albumin and globulins were also estimated. Differential white blood cell count was performed to detect the number of heterophils and lymphocytes and their ratio. The results indicated that HI antibody titer was significantly ( p < 0.05 ) increased in both group A and B. Two-mercaptoethanolsensitive IgM and 2-mercaptoethanol-resistant IgG were also showed significant ( p< 0.05 ) increase of IgG in both groups. The present study was also revealed a significant (p< 0.05) increase of serum globulins of group A and B in comparison to that of control group. Heterophils and lymphocytes percentage of both treated groups (A and B) significantly higher than that of untreated control group. These results showed that 50 gm/kg of diet fish oil accelerates antibody production and maintain proper immune function in chickens fed after vaccination against Newcastle disease with LaSota type vaccine at 35 th day of age. Bas.J.Vet.Res.Vol.8,No.2,2009
Intrinsic specificity differences between transcription factor paralogs partly explain their differential in vivo binding

Members of transcription factor (TF) families, i.e. paralogous TFs, are oftentimes reported to have identical DNA-binding motifs, despite the fact that they perform distinct regulatory functions in the cell. Differential genomic targeting by paralogous TFs is generally assumed to be due to interactions with protein cofactors or the chromatin environment. Contrary to previous assumptions, we find that paralogous TFs have different intrinsic preferences for DNA, not captured by current motif models, and these differences partly explain differential genomic binding and functional specificity. Our finding was possible due to a unique combination of carefully designed high-throughput assays and rigorous computation modeling, integrated into a unified framework called iMADS. We used iMADS to quantify, model, and analyze specificity differences between 11 paralogous TFs from 4 distinct human TF families. Our finding of differential specificity between closely related TFs has important implications for the interpretation of the regulatory effects of non-coding genetic variants.
The role of the Coxsackie and Adenoviral Receptor in TNF alpha driven inflammation

2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS . 5 TABLE OF FIGURES . 9 TABLE OF TABLES . 12 1 : INTRODUCTION . 16 1.1 THE RESPIRATORY EPITHELIUM . 16 1.2 THE ROLE OF THE RESPIRATORY EPITHELIUM IN INFLAMMATION AND ASTHMA . 16 1.3 EPITHELIAL CELL JUNCTIONS . 20 1.4 TIGHT JUNCTIONS . 21 1.5 JUNCTION ADHESION MOLECULES . 24 1.6 COXSACKIE AND ADENOVIRUS RECEPTOR . 29 1.6. 1 The Structure of CAR . 29 1.6. 2 The expression of CAR in the body . 33 1.6. 3 CAR in tight junctions . 34 1.6. 4 CAR in Inflammation . 37 1.7 LEUCOCYTES AND TRANS-EPITHELIAL MIGRATION (TEPM) . 38 1.8 CYTOKINE DRIVEN CELL SIGNALLING. 43 1.8. 1 Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) . 44 1.9 AIMS AND HYPOTHESIS OF THIS STUDY . 46 2 METHODS AND MATERIALS . 48 2.1 CELL LINES . 48
Detection of the avian blood parasites from northeast of Iran

Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran Research Department of Zoological Innovations, Institute of Applied Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran Leila Nourani (le.nourani90@gmail.com), Mansour Aliabadian (Aliabadi@um.ac.ir), Omid Mirshamsi (Omid.Mirshamsi@gmail.com), Navid Dinparast Djadid (navidmvrg@gmail.com)
Standardization of Spacing Treatments in Bare Root Seedling Nursery for Raising Qualitative and Quantitative Growth Stock of “Honey locust” (Gleditsia SPP.)

Honey locust an important fast growing introduced multipurpose tree species of Kashmir. The tree can be adapted to environmental extremes such as drought, air pollutants and high light intensities. The propagation of this species not only ensure availability of fuelwood, fodder and timber supply but at the same time results in optimum use of degraded sites. Since under valley conditions, there was no documented information with respect to its status and propagation despite its immense potential for which the species is reputed throughout the temperate world. The investigations conducted on “Honey locust (Gleditsia spp.) : its distribution, nursery raising and uses in Kashmir” were carried out in the Faculty of Forestry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar, Srinagar during the year 2009 and 2010. The present study was carried out for the consecutive years 2009 and 2010 in order to examining the same growth parameters under the multi spacing treatments Viz; T0 (control), T1 (5cmx5cm), T2 (10cmx10cm) and T3 (15cmx15cm) raising nursery in open beds. Under the spacing treatments in the open beds T3 (15cmx15cm) emerged out the best treatment with respect to gain maximum mean values of growth parameters Viz; collar diameter, shoot weight and root weight in the nursery stage. Seeds sown in open beds at different spacings revealed that 15 cm x 15 cm spacing is ideal for raising better plantable seedlings as most of the parameters showed higher values at this spacing
The role of family-of-origin environment and discrepancy in conflict behavior on newlywed marital quality

How partners handle conflict may be transmitted across generations and contribute to relationship quality. Using a sample of 220 newlywed couples (N = 440) we examined the associations between destructive family-of-origin conflict patterns and discrepancies in current conflict behaviors (e.g., conflict engagement, withdrawal, negative problem solving) with marital quality. Destructive conflict mediated the relationship between destructive family-of-origin conflict and subsequent marital quality. We found actor and partner effects for the association between destructive conflict behavior and marital quality. Moreover, discrepancies in spousal use of negative problem solving was associated with lower marital quality for husbands, although we found limited evidence of partner discrepancy overall.