Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Growth inhibition of the toxic cyanobacterium Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii by extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields

This study investigates the effects of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) on the growth and antioxidant defence enzymes of the toxic cyanobacterium Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii (Woloszynska) Seenayya et Subba Raju. To determine resonance frequency of growth inhibition of C. raciborskii, cells were subjected to ELF square amplitude modulated waves (QAMW) with a range of frequencies (0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 0.9 Hz) at single intensity of 100 V m–1 for 30 minutes. The results revealed that the highest growth inhibition of Cylindrospermopsis occurred upon exposure to 0.7 Hz QAMW for 30 min. ELF-EMF-exposed cultures exhibited a marked decrease in cell number, chlorophyll-a content and activity of antioxidant enzymes compared to control cultures, and this effect increased with the prolongation of exposure time. Moreover, ELF-EMF induced morphological changes in Cylindrospermopsis cells upon exposure to 0.7 Hz QAMW for 120 min, including shrinking and disintegration of cytoplasmic contents, and thickening of the cell wall. Changes in dielectric properties, as a measure of interaction of cellular constituents (e.g., plasma membrane, cell wall and cytoplasm), with electromagnetic fields were also observed for treated cells. Our results provide a new possibility for using ELF-EMFs to eliminate toxic cyanobacteria from drinking and recreational water sources.
Performance of Ooencyrtus kuvanae (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) on two host species, Halyomorpha halys and Philosamia ricini

The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys, is an invasive agricultural pest of fruit trees and vegetables. Egg parasitoids play a key role in the reducing of H. halys populations. Ooencyrtus kuvanae (Howard) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) can parasitize H. halys and complete its life cycle in this host species. Many factors can influence this parasitoid–host relationship. Of these factors, we evaluated the effect of female age, exposure time, and host species on the biological characteristics and fecundity of O. kuvanae reared on eggs of H. halys as well as another previously known host Philosamia ricini (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae). In this study, we used a 3‐year‐old laboratory colony of O. kuvanae. Parasitism rates positively affected by exposure time in P. ricini. The highest parasitism rates were obtained in 5‐ and 7‐day‐old females of both hosts. The highest emergence rates were recorded on P. ricini for 5‐ and 7‐day‐old female P. ricini (81.8% and 84.8%, respectively). The development time of O. kuvanae ranged from 18.4 to 19.1 days on H. halys and 17.7 to 18.3 days on P. ricini. The longevity of O. kuvanae that were provided honey was 38.5 and 47.8 days on H. halys and P. ricini, respectively. The longevity of O. kuvanae that were not provided honey was 2.3 and 2.8 days on H. halys and P. ricini, respectively. The sex ratio was male‐biased (36.5% female) on H. halys and female‐biased (55.2% female) on P. ricini. Fecundity of O. kuvanae was 37.7 and 59.6 progeny per female for H. halys and P. ricini, respectively. The performance of O. kuvanae was lower when compared with its performance on the host P. ricini. Our results suggest that O. kuvanae has potential as new biological control agent for H. halys.
Expansion of the Northeastern Range of Selected North American Gall Forming Midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae: Celticecis spp.) on Hackberries (Cannabaceae: Celtis spp.)

ABSTRACT Twenty one species of gall forming midges in the genus Celticecis Gagné 1983 have been reported in North America, but there is limited information regarding the northeastern range of these species. To gain a greater understanding of the range of these cecidomyiids, hackberries (Celtis spp.) were surveyed for galls formed by Celticecis spp. at selected sites in south central and eastern Pennsylvania, northwestern New Jersey, southeastern New York state, and at one site in southeastern Connecticut. Galls were identified by morphology, and the species of gall formers were confirmed by considering the morphology of third instar larval sternal spatulas. Hackberry galls formed by ten Celticecis species were found to occur in Pennsylvania, with nine representing new state records. Hackberry galls formed by nine Celticecis species were found in New Jersey, with all nine representing new state records. Hackberry galls formed by five species of Celticecis were identified in southeastern New York, with four representing new state records, and galls of one Celticecis species were found at a site in southeastern Connecticut, representing a new state record for this species. This study expands the northeastern range of a large number of gall forming midges of the genus Celticecis in northeastern North America.
POSSUM, P-POSSUM and O-POSSUM in Patients UndergoingGastrectomy due to Gastric Cancer

Background: Gastric cancer is one of the most incident and deadliest worldwide, with surgery being the only curative treatment. Despite the existing models for surgical risk assessment, the ability to predict morbidity and mortality associated with gastric surgery in gastric cancer remains uncertain. The aim of this study is to assess the acuity in predicting mortality and morbidity of the scales POSSUM, P-POSSUM and O-POSSUM in patients undergoing gastrectomy due to gastric cancer. Methods: Data from 146 patients submitted to curative gastrectomy between December of 2012 and December of 2016 were included. The predictive capacity of the scales was tested through the calibration, comparing the observed mortality to the expected one (O: E ratio) and discrimination, by accessing the analysis of the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve. Results: This study included 86 men and 60 women, with a median age of 67 years. Mortality and morbidity observed at 30 days postoperative was 4.79% and 27.4%, respectively. In mortality, P-POSSUM presented the best calibration (O: E ratio = 1.41), underestimating mortality and the operative score was the only one that presented discriminative power, although reasonable (AUC = 0.763). In morbidity, POSSUM presented an O: E ratio of 0.496, overestimating the morbidity, especially in the higher risk groups (> 60%) and no scale/score presented discriminative capacity. Conclusion: Therefore, no model predicted morbidity and mortality correctly, however, the P-POSSUM equation for mortality and POSSUM for morbidity may have potential in the Portuguese population, but further studies are needed.
Trends in older people’s drinking habits, Sweden 2004–2017

Aims: To examine if and how the drinking habits of older people aged 60–79 years in Sweden have changed during 2004–2017, with a specific focus on age groups and gender. Data and measures: A Swedish, nationally representative, repeated cross-sectional telephone survey covering the years 2004–2017 (n = 225,134) was used. Four aspects of alcohol consumption were investigated: proportion of alcohol consumers, frequency of drinking, amount per drinking occasion, and prevalence of heavy episodic drinking. Results: Three of the four measures investigated showed increases in alcohol consumption in the older age groups, particularly among women. Proportion of alcohol consumers, frequency of drinking and prevalence of heavy episodic drinking during the past month increased in most older age groups among both women and men, while the average amount per drinking occasion remained stable. Thus, total consumption in older age groups has increased over time, since the proportion of drinkers and the frequency of drinking has increased. Increases were particularly marked among women and in the age groups 70–74 and 75–79 years. In age groups below 60 years, these measures showed either declines or stability. Conclusions: There has been a steady increase in alcohol consumption across all the older age groups studied, which implies that the changing drinking habits are not isolated only to certain birth cohorts. Instead there seems to be a continuous shift in older people’s drinking habits which can be expected to continue. However, these increases are from very low levels, and older people’s drinking is still at modest levels. Public health implications must be studied further.
Cigarette Butt Disposal Behavior: A Case Study of a Public Beach on Jekyll Island, Georgia, USA

Improperly discarded cigarette butts are a substantial environmental problem. This study explored factors influencing cigarette butt discarding behavior on a public beach on Jekyll Island, Georgia, USA. A mixed-mode design utilized quantitative and qualitative data to study improper cigarette butt disposal. We surveyed smokers regarding their place attachment, environmental attitudes, environmental awareness, and habit as predictors of improper cigarette butt disposal. Environmental attitudes, environmental awareness, and habits were significant predictors of improper cigarette butt disposal behavior. A qualitative inquiry further explored the phenomenon of cigarette butt disposal from the smokers’ perspectives. Interviews illustrated that “improper disposers” experienced themes involving uncertainty that cigarette butts are litter, a lack of knowledge, problems with cigarette butt receptacles currently in place, the requirement of a conscious choice about how and where to discard a butt, and statements that contradicted the behavior observed. Themes that emerged from interviews with “proper disposers” included cigarette butts are clearly litter, awareness of social constructs that disapprove of smokers and their behavior, awareness of the cumulative effects of cigarette butts on the beach, minimal obstacles to discarding properly, and feelings of personal responsibility. Implications of the study results are discussed.
Comparative evaluation of egg morphometry and quality in Aseel hens under different rearing systems

Abstract The aim of the present study was to explore the effect of 3 different rearing systems (free‐range [FR], semi‐intensive [SI], and confinement) on egg quality traits in 4 varieties of Aseel hens (Lakha, Mushki, Peshawari, and Sindhi). A total of 252, 29‐week‐old Aseel hens was allotted to 12 treatment groups, in a 3 × 4 factorial arrangement under randomized complete block design, replicated 3 times with 7 birds each. Data regarding egg physical and internal quality traits were recorded fortnightly and analyzed by using the ANOVA technique under a factorial arrangement. The results indicated higher (P < 0.05) egg weight, length, breadth, volume, and surface area in Sindhi, whereas shape index and Haugh unit score were found to be greater in Lakha. Rearing systems revealed similar effects (P > 0.05) on egg quality traits. Interaction of the rearing system and Aseel variety exhibited variations (P < 0.05) in egg length, breadth, volume, and surface area, whereas shape index, eggshell thickness, Haugh unit, and yolk index remained unaffected (P > 0.05). It can be concluded that Sindhi and Lakha hens demonstrated better egg physical and internal qualities. Likewise, no adverse effect of the FR system on egg quality was observed, and small poultry farmers can raise Aseel hens in alternative rearing systems (SI and FR) to earn their livelihoods.
Does Benevolent Leadership Promote Follower Unethical Pro-Organizational Behavior? A Social Identity Perspective

This study uses the social identity perspective to explore the influence of benevolent leadership on followers’ unethical pro-organizational behavior (UPB). We also investigate the mediating role of supervisor identification and the moderating role of moral identity in the relationship between benevolent leadership and the followers’ UPB. We used a questionnaire survey to collect followers’ data in China at two points in time, resulting in 257 usable followers’ responses to test our hypotheses. The results show that benevolent leadership can predict follower UPB through supervisor identification. Moreover, moral identity moderates the relationship between benevolent leadership and follower UPB, as well as that between supervisor identification and follower UPB. Finally, moderated-mediation analysis revealed moral identity moderated the benevolent leadership indirect effect on the follower UPB via supervisor identification. Managers can use the insights in this study to monitor the influence of benevolence on UPB.
Chemical Characteristics and Essential Nutrients of Agroindustrial Effluents in Malaysia

Three major agroindustrial effluents, namely, palm oil mill effluent (POME), latex concentrate rubber effluent (LCRE) and standard Malaysian rubber effluent (SMRE), were analyzed for chemical characteristics and biochemical properties and their essential nutrients evaluated. All the three raw effluents were highly acidic and did not contain dissolved oxygen. The raw POME contained significantly (p<0.05) higher chemical oxygen demand (COD) than raw LCRE followed by SMRE, indicating a high load of organic nutrients in these ef­fluents. Crude protein in raw SMRE and LCRE was significantly higher than that in raw POME. But crude lipids, carbohydrate and ash content of raw POME were found to differ significantly (p<0.05) from those of raw LCRE and SMRE. All the 11 essential amino acids were available in raw LCRE, SMRE and POME. The POME contained higher amounts of unsaturated fatty acids such as oleic acid (18: ln-9), linoleic acid (18: 2n-6), linolenic acid (18: 3n-3) and arachidonic acid (20: 2n-6) than the other effluents. However, very little amounts of eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n-3) were available in POME only. All together, 27 essential minerals were detected by scanning electron microscope and 22 essential minerals were quantified by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrophotometer, among which, Fe, Zn, P, Mg, Mn, Ca, K, Cr, Co, Cu, S, Se, Al, Sn, B, Mo, V, Li and Pb were found to be significantly (p<0.01) higher in raw POME than in the other effluents.
The contribution of epiphyton to the primary production of tropical floodplain wetlands

Tropical floodplains are one of the most productive ecosystems on earth. Studies on floodplain productivity have primarily focused on trees and macrophytes, rather than algae, due to their greater biomass. However, epiphyton—algae and bacteria attached to the submerged portion of aquatic macrophytes—is a major source of energy in many tropical floodplains. Epiphyton productivity rates are unknown for most tropical floodplain wetlands, and spatial variability is not well understood. In this study, we measured primary productivity of epiphyton in Kakadu National Park in northern Australia. We estimated the relative contribution of epiphyton to aquatic production (epiphyton, + phytoplankton + macrophytes). We sampled sites dominated by different macrophyte structural types: vertical emerging grasses, horizontal emerging grasses, submerged macrophytes, and macrophytes with floating leaves. Epiphyton productivity was highly influenced by the structural type of the macrophyte. Highest potential productivity per weight was measured from epiphyton growing on macrophytes with floating leaves and horizontal grasses (1.52 ± 0.53 and 1.82 ± 0.61 mgC/dw g epiphyton/h, respectively) and lowest in submerged macrophytes and vertical grasses (0.57 ± 0.26 and 0.66 ± 0.47 mgC/dw g epiphyton/h, respectively). When considering the areal biomass of the macrophyte and the amount of epiphyton attached, epiphyton on horizontal grasses and submerged macrophytes had productivity values approximately ten times higher (45–219 mgC/m2/d) compared to those on vertical grasses and macrophytes with floating leaves (2–18 mgC/m2/d). Epiphyton contributed between 2 to 13 percent to the aquatic production of these tropical floodplain wetlands.
Scotland Embarks on a National Outdoor Play Initiative: Educator Perspectives

ABSTRACT Research Findings. The Scottish government is in the process of transforming their early childhood learning and care landscape by doubling the number of free hours of childcare for families and by requiring that all children in care spend a significant portion of each day outdoors. Thus, the government is promoting outdoor play programs. We surveyed 45 educators working in 16 outdoor programs and 16 nursery programs in Scotland as this transition was taking place. The survey focused on the benefits, barriers, risks, and challenges regarding implementation of this new social policy and educators’ views on an ideal outdoor play program. Research Findings and Policy revealed that educators working in outdoor play programs were more confident in supporting outdoor play, reported more benefits, risks, and challenges for both children and educators, and highlighted more barriers to implementing the new policy. Educators in both programs held similar views about early learning and care programs reflecting Ministry play-based curriculum guidelines for children’s learning, development, and the role of educators. Only outdoor play program educators raised issues regarding risk benefit analysis of outdoor play. Our findings highlight the importance of considering the views of educators regarding government policy decisions and its potential success of implementation.
Interactions among actors in improved rice varieties innovation system in the Eastern Zone of Tanzania

The concept of IS has gained importance in understanding the interactions among actors as determinants of innovation. Determinants of innovation are not viewed individually but within the context of a complex IS involving many actors and interactions. Therefore, this study examined the interactions among actors in the IRVIS in the Eastern Zone of Tanzania. Structured interviews, focus group discussion and documentary review methods were used in data collection. Both content and social network analysis were used to depict the different actors’ interactions in the IRVIS. The findings show that the intensity of actors’ interactions ranged from weak to medium. IRVIS is thus characterized by asymmetric power relationship among actors causing asymmetric knowledge and information flow. TARI, MATI, policymakers and DCs were important and influential over other actors; hence they largely control the knowledge flow of IRVs. The FIs, traders and millers had the least influence with weak interactions, and hence played peripheral roles. Farmers were the most prominent, but had the least influence on other actors. The study recommends that more effort be made to strengthen actors’ interactions in the IRVIS for an increase of knowledge and information sharing among actors, so as to increase the use of IRVs and improve rice productivity.
Air-drying and drying-rewetting effects in Japanese Andosols subjected to long-term organic rice farming

ABSTRACT Paddy fields are generally submerged during the growing season and drained in the fallow season, and occasionally stimulating the air-drying effect and drying-rewetting effect on soil nitrogen (N) mineralization and soil carbon (C) decomposition. It is important to understand how these two effects take place in Andosol field under organic farming. To elucidate these effects, we incubated fresh, air-dried, and dried-rewetted paddy soil anaerobically under flooded condition. Soils were from the fields subjected to organic rice farming (ORF) for 4–5 years (4ORF), 8–9 years (8ORF), and 12 years (12ORF) with only rice residues and fallow weeds as organic matter applied, and cnventional rice farming (CRF). Soil samples were collected from plow layer of 0–15 cm depth after the rice harvest. The results showed that air-dried and dried-rewetted treatments could significantly increase N mineralization potential in 8ORF and 12ORF. The air-drying effects were not significantly changed in 4ORF, but significantly increased in 8ORF and 12ORF as compared to CRF. The drying-rewetting effects of C decomposition potentials were highest in 12ORF significantly. The N mineralization potential of air-drying effect showed no significant difference compared to drying-rewetting effect on conventional and organic rice farming. The ratio of C decomposition to N mineralization after 8 weeks incubation was higher in fresh soil (at 7.26–8.61) than those in air-dried (at 4.09–4.35) and dried-rewetted (at 3.94–4.26) soils. These indicated that the easily decomposable soil organic matter under the anaerobic flooded condition from fresh soil was changed by air-drying and drying-rewetting treatments. The slow increase of N mineralization and C decomposition with years of organic farming suggest the slow increase of fallow weed, the biomass of which gradually increase with years. The specific behavior of 12ORF soil suggest the transition of soil condition from a transitional state to an established state.
Phylogeography and genetic variability of the Arnica montana chemotypes in NW Iberian Peninsula

Abstract The threatened European species Arnica montana L. is a plant much appreciated in the pharmaceutical industry, Galicia (North-Western Spain) being one of the main supply regions. Two chemotypes based on the content of sesquiterpene lactones have been found in this area: a chemotype dominated by helenalins, common in Central Europe, and another dominated by dihydrohelenalins, only found currently in Galicia. The aim of this work was to analyse the phylogenetic relationships and genetic diversity of Arnica montana in Galicia and their concordance with previous biochemical and environmental information. Two polymorphic chloroplast markers were sequenced in individuals from populations showing significant biochemical differences and situated in different environments (heathland, hay-meadow and peatland). Three haplotypes, different from those previously described in Europe, were found in Galicia and our results suggest that one of them could be ancestral inside the species. Significant population differentiation was detected in the studied area but genetic diversity within populations was low, only showing variability in heathland populations. This study is the first one describing the genetic diversity of Arnica montana in the extreme SW of Europe. The results suggested the presence of two different genetic groups (one of them ancestral) and were congruent with the two chemotypes described. Plants from heathlands displayed the highest variability because the two chemotypes were present in them. Future design of conservation and economical management plans for this threatened species should take into account this genetic variability and prioritize further genetic and chemical characterizations across the distribution range of the species.
Difficulties in Emotion Regulation and Attitudes towards Risky Driving in a Group of Pre-Licensed Drivers

Over-representation of novice drivers in motor-vehicle crashes encourages researchers to look for all possible psychological causes which might be targeted in prevention. The present study is aimed to explore the associations between difficulties in emotional regulation and attitudes towards risktaking while driving in a group of pre-licensed drivers. The sample involved 475 driver’s licence candidates who completed the self-reported questionnaire with the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) and the Scale of Risk-Taking Attitudes to Driving. Structural equation modelling showed that difficulties in emotion regulation were statistically significant predictors of all measured risk-taking attitudes to driving (over speeding, drunk driving, showing off driving skills, violation of traffic rules, joyriding and positive attitude towards traffic flow) for both males and females. These findings add to the gap in the literature and confirm that emotion regulation difficulties might be the important target addressed in early intervention. Increased emotional competence of pre-licensed drivers might contribute to safer driving and improved road safety.