Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Distribución y abundancia de Caiman crocodilus en el Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Caño Negro, Costa Rica

The distribution and abundance of a population of Caiman crocodilus fuscus were estimated by monthly counting of eyeshines at night, from February 1999 to March 2000 in six transects of Rio Frio in the Cano Negro National Refuge (RNVSCN), Northern Costa Rica. March was the month with the greatest abun- dance of caimans observed. The visible fraction of the population (PV2 index) fluctuated between 42.59 % to 54.71 % during the wet season and 35.49 % to 53.93 % in the dry season. The transects of river with greater abundance of caimans were Terron-Sabogal and Sabogal-Playuela. Significant differences were determined in the abundance of caimans between transects, except the transects Entrada San Sebastian-Las Cubas and Las Cubas-Entrada Cano Los Patos and Entrada Cano Los Patos-Terron and Boca Sabogal-Playuela. The popula- tion of estimated brown caiman in this study was 2283.48 ± 313.5. The statistical analysis by seasons did not show significant differences in the number of caimans observed. Estimated mean number of caimans per km of river was 74.36 /km for 30.7 km of habitat. The results of this study indicated that the fluctuation in population density during the seasons is attributable to local movements.
Genetic Diversity Analysis of Elops machnata (Forskal) Populations in South East and West Coasts of India Using RAPD Markers

The Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique was used to study the genetic diversity of four Elops machnata populations in South India . Elops machnata is considered as a least concern species (LC), categorized by the International Union for Conservation and Nature (IUCN). The population trends are currently stable in Indian Ocean , Eastern Africa , but are unknown throughout the rest of its expansive range, especially in Indian estuaries. Among the ten RAPD primers tested, eight primers got amplified and gave scorable bands. In total, 119 scorable bands were observed in all populations. The overall observed and effective number of alleles was found to be 2.000 ± 0.000 and 1.5307 ± 0.2503 respectively for the entire population. The overall polymorphic loci were 61.00% and the overall gene flow among the four populations was predicted to 0.1032. The genetic distance and geographic distance between the four populations showed a positive correlation. The highest genetic similarity (0.6824) was found between Parangipettai and Muthupettai population, which reflected the geographical relationship between them. Tow main clusters were obtained based on UPGMA dendrogram. This study proves that RAPD analysis has the ability to discriminate E. machnata populations in South Indian coastal waters.
Antecedents of value co-creation activities for online fashion brands

Abstract While there are a significant number of large and successful fashion brands accessible online, there has been a notable rise in the number of entrepreneurial online-only fashion retailers. These retailers are leveraging their social commerce capabilities for the co-creation of economic value and social value. Research is growing in terms of both co-creation, and social commerce, but little is known about what kind of activities take place on social commerce platforms, or their antecedents, including within the online fashion industry. Qualitative content analysis from focus group research reveals a range of activities requiring varying levels of emotional and informational commitment. Further, fashion involvement and willingness to participate are identified as antecedents to online co-creation behaviour with the UK’s fashion retailers and their other consumers. Another valuable contribution is made with the hypothesis of a direct causal link between fashion involvement and willingness to participate, moderated by social desirability, the first time that these concepts have been linked in the literature.
Incidence and control of urinary tract infections among pregnant women attending antenal clinics in government hospitals in Ondo State, Nigeria

The incidence of urinary tract infections was investigated among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in government hospitals in Akure, Okitipupu Ikare-Akoko and Idanre, all in Ondo State, Nigeria. A total of 1,020 urine samples were collected; 360 samples from the State Specialist Hospital, Akure; 240 each from the State Specialist Hospital in Okitipupa and Ikare-Akoko respectively and 180 from the General Hospital, Idanre. Investigations showed that organisms causing urinary tract infection in pregnant women included Escherichia coli (41.2%), Staphylococcus aureus (28.7%), Klebsiella aerogenes (7.1%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (2.7%), Candida albicans (11.8%), Proteus mirabilis (5.1%) and Streptococcus faecalis (3.4%). Six samples, representing 0.58% of the total samples collected from the State Specialist Hospital in Okitipupa, contained the eggs of Schistosoma haemotobium, indicating that Schistosomiasis was predominant in the area. Sensitivity tests revealed that the bacterial pathogens isolated were susceptible to some antibiotics with Escherichia coli having the highest degree of sensitivity to ofloxacin and Streptococcus faecalis had the lowest one. The sensitivities to augumentin and nalidixic acid were 7.1% and 6. 8% respectively.
Interactions between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and Trichoderma harzianum and their effects on Fusarium wilt in melon plants grown in seedling nurseries

BACKGROUND: Biological control through the use ofTrichoderma spp. and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) could contribute to a reduction of the inputs of environmentally damaging agrochemical products. The objective of this study was to evaluate the interactions between four AMF (Glomus intraradices, Glomus mosseae, Glomus claroideum and Glomus constrictum )a nd Trichodermaharzianum for their effects on melon plant growth and biocontrol of Fusarium wilt in seedling nurseries. RESULTS: AMF colonisation decreased fresh plant weight, which was unaffected by the presence of T. harzianum. Dual inoculation resulted in a decrease in fresh weight compared with AMF-inoculated plants, except for G. intraradices . A MF colonisation level varied with the AM endophyte and was increased by T. harzianum ,e xcept inG. mosseae-inoculated plants. Negative effects of AMF on T. harzianum colony-forming units were found, except with G. intraradices. AMF alone were less effective than T.harzianum in suppressing disease development. Combined inoculation resulted in a general synergistic effect on disease control. CONCLUSION: Selection of the appropriate AMF species and its combination with T. harzianum were significant both in the formation and effectiveness of AM symbiosis and the reduction of Fusarium wilt incidence in melon plants. The combination of G.intraradices andT.harzianum provided better results than any other tested. c � 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Flora da Paraíba, Brasil: Polygala L. (Polygalaceae)

A taxonomic treatment of the genus Polygala L. was carried out as part of the project "Flora da Paraiba". Botanical identifications and illustrations were based on morphological studies supported by the literature and herbaria revisions, aided by field observations. Eleven species of Polygala were found in the state of Paraiba: Polygala boliviensis A.W. Benn. , P. cyparissias A. St.-Hil. & Moq. , P. galioides Poir. , P. glochidiata Kunth, P. leptocaulis Torr. & A.Gray, P. longicaulis Kunth, P. martiana A.W. Benn. , P. paniculata L. , P. sedoides A.W. Benn. , P. spectabilis DC. and P. violacea Aubl. Apart from P. cyparissias, P. galioides, P. glochidiata, P. spectabilis and P. violacea the other species are newly reported for the State of Paraiba.
Sampling lepidopterous pests on maize in West Africa

The spatial distribution of five lepidopterous pests, Sesamia calamistis Hampson (Noctuidae), Eldana saccharina Walker (Pyralidae), Spodoptera exempta (Walker) (Noctuidae), Mussidia nigrivenella (Ragonot) (Pyralidae), and Cryptophlebia leucotreta (Meyrick) (Tortricidae), on maize in West Africa is described using Taylor's power law and the relationship of proportion of infested plants to the mean density. All five species showed a highly aggregated distribution, with Taylor's indices of aggregation ranging between 1.23 for C. leucotreta and 1.52 for Sesamia calamistis. Enumerative and binomial sampling plans that incorporate Taylor's power law are proposed to estimate mean densities of S. calamistis, C. leucotreta and the species complex consisting of E. saccharina, M. nigrivenella and Spodoptera exempta which showed similar spatial distributions, with a predefined reliability level.
Accounting Index of COVID-19 Impact on Chinese Industries: A Case Study Using Big Data Portrait Analysis

ABSTRACT The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has become a global pandemic and has greatly impacted the world economy. This article adopts the financial data of Listed companies in China and uses the synthetic index compilation method to compile an accounting index that captures the period before and after the COVID-19 outbreak. This index is based on big data portrait analysis and measures the impact of the COVID-19 on various Chinese industries. The study found that except for the basic industry, which was less affected by the epidemic, the rest of the industries were significantly affected by the epidemic. Besides, the costs of various industries have increased by varying degrees. The aviation, tourism and other service industries have been greatly impacted. New infrastructure, Chinese patent medicine and Internet industries have achieved great development.
Structure of Particulate Whey Protein Gels: Effect of NaCl Concentration, pH, Heating Temperature, and Protein Composition

In this study whey protein gels were investigated with the aim of further testing a model and ideas developed previously. Measurements on the kinetics of the denaturation/aggregation process, dynamic rheology, gel permeability, and confocal scanning laser microscopy were combined. A broad set of experimental parameters was investigated: NaCl concentration, pH, heating temperature, and protein composition. This resulted in large variations in kinetics and the gel structures formed. The kinetics of the aggregation process determine the amount of aggregated material at the gel point, whereas the primary spatial structure is directly related to this amount of aggregated protein. The primary spatial structure essentially does not change after the gel point. The protein incorporated after the gel point induces a “thickening” of the strands in the gel network and a “decoration” of the pores in the gel. The consequence is that gel permeability decreases only slightly after the gel point but that gel rigidity inc.
VARIATION IN AGE, BODY SIZE AND GROWTH AMONG SURFACE AND CAVE-DWELLING POPULATIONS OF THE PYRENEAN NEWT, EUPROCTUS ASPER (AMPHIBIA; URODELA)

To examine environmental effects on age structure, growth rate and body size, we studied three epigean populations (490–2350 m a.s.l.) and one subterranean (550 m a.s.l.) population of the Pyrenean newt Euproctus asper. The age structures were measured by skeletochronology of phalanges. In the three surface populations, where winter dormancy on land causes an annual growth stop, lines of arrested growth (LAGs) were observed. LAGs in the subterranean population, where individuals stay in the water throughout the year, indicate yearly (at least cyclical) periods of arrested growth even though animals occupy a relatively constant temperature/light environment. The age structures of adults did not differ between surface populations (5–28 yr) and the subterranean population (7–16 yr). Body lengths were highest for the surface population from the lowest altitude. The age, body size and growth traits of the subterranean population came closer to the values obtained for the surface population located at 490 m a.s. l. than for those living at higher altitudes. We hypothesize that LAGs in subterranean newts result from reduced feeding in winter and that the similarity of age and size structures of subterranean and low-altitude populations argues for a recent colonization of the hypogean environment, where populations can find remaining optimal environmental conditions favorable to these stenothermic and rheophilous animals.
The Impact of Setting Scoring Expectations on Rater Scoring Rates and Accuracy

ABSTRACT Efficient constructed response (CR) scoring requires both accuracy and speed from human raters. This study was designed to determine if setting scoring rate expectations would encourage raters to score at a faster pace, and if so, if there would be differential effects on scoring accuracy for raters who score at different rates. Three rater groups (slow, medium, and fast) and two conditions (informed and uninformed) were used. In both conditions, raters were given identical scoring directions, but only the informed groups were given an expected scoring rate. Results indicated no significant differences across the two conditions. However, there were significant increases in scoring rates for medium and slow raters compared to their previous operational rates, regardless of whether they were in the informed or uninformed condition. Results also showed there were no significant effects on rater accuracy for either of the two conditions or for any of the rater groups.
Allozymic and morphometric analysis of populations in the Zygaena purpuralis complex (Lepidoptera, Zygaenidae)

In Central Europe and Asia Minor Zygaena purpuralis and Z. minos are two sibling species exhibiting a considerable geographic variation in several features. In this study we examine some populations from the Central and Southern Apennines (Italy) by comparing multivariate analyses of individual allozymic multilocus profiles and of individual morphometric profiles of male genitalia in order to assess their genetic and phenetic relationships. Results indicate that populations of Z. purpuralis in the Apennines behave in rather different ways with respect to the occurrence of gene exchange with other gene pools. No gene flow appears to occur between two geographically close southern populations; however, extensive introgression, revealable at both the allozymic and morphometric level, seems to occur between some purpuralis and minos-like sympatric populations from Abruzzi. Evolutionary relationships among these peninsular Italy populations are discussed with reference to historical factors, that is, the occurrence of multiple Pleistocene refugia, which could have determined different degrees of isolation among gene pools. This situation is rather different from that previously outlined for Central Europe and present results suggest that the Z. purpuralis complex might include more than two biological species. Â© 1989.
Characterisation of residual fibres from fermentation of pea and apple fibres by human faecal bacteria

Two dietary fibres with distinct structural features (pea hull and apple fibre) were fermented in vitro with human faecal bacteria. The composition and physicochemical properties (cation exchange, hydration properties) of the residues were examined. Gas and short-chain fatty acid (SFCA) productions attested of the highest fermentability of apple fibre. After 24 h, 75% of the pea fibre and 42% of the apple fibre could be recovered. Production of the major SCFA, acetate, propionate and butyrate occured in the molar ratio 68 :17 : 9 for both fibres. Uronic acid and arabinose were the most extensively fermented sugars while xylose and glucose were the least fermented. Cation exchange capacity of the two fibres did not decrease much during fermentation, which implies that the amount of bound mineral is proportional to the amount of residual fibres. The values of the hydration properties of the residual fibres were at least equal to or higher than those of initial fibres. In spite of the degradation of the fibres during fermentation, a physical structure able to retain water remained.
The TEL/platelet-derived growth factor β receptor (PDGFβR) fusion in chronic myelomonocytic leukemia is a transforming protein that self-associates and activates PDGFβR kinase-dependent signaling pathways

The TEL/PDGFβR fusion protein is the product of the t(5;12) translocation in patients with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia. The TEL/PDGFβR is an unusual fusion of a putative transcription factor, TEL, to a receptor tyrosine kinase. The translocation fuses the amino terminus of TEL, containing the helix-loop-helix (HLH) domain, to the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domain of the PDGFβR. We hypothesized that TEL/PDGFβR self-association, mediated by the HLH domain of TEL, would lead to constitutive activation of the PDGFβR tyrosine kinase domain and cellular transformation. Analysis of in vitro-translated TEL/PDGFβR confirmed that the protein self-associated and that self-association was abrogated by deletion of 51 aa within the TEL HLH domain. In vivo, TEL/PDGFβR was detected as a 100-kDa protein that was constitutively phosphorylated on tyrosine and transformed the murine hematopoietic cell line Ba/F3 to interleukin 3 growth factor independence. Transformation of Ba/F3 cells required the HLH domain of TEL and the kinase activity of the PDGFβR portion of the fusion protein. Immunoblotting demonstrated that TEL/PDGFβR associated with multiple signaling molecules known to associate with the activated PDGFβR, including phospholipase C γ1, SHP2, and phosphoinositol-3-kinase. TEL/PDGFβR is a novel transforming protein that self-associates and activates PDGFβR-dependent signaling pathways. Oligomerization of TEL/PDGFβR that is dependent on the TEL HLH domain provides further evidence that the HLH domain, highly conserved among ETS family members, is a self-association motif.
Cloning and expression of C-terminal of Clostridium perfringens type A enterotoxin and its biological activity

Pathogenic clostridia produce exocellular toxins that resemble lipoteichoic acid and are described as super antigens. These toxins stimulate T-cell receptor-carrying lymphocytes in peripheral blood and have been used to study immunodeficiency diseases and cancers. The CPE C-terminal region from one of the local type A strain was cloned in the pET32a vector its expression induced with IPTG. The expressed protein was purified by Ni-NTA affinity chromatography and tested for biological activity with Vero cells assay. This region of Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE) has a predominant ligandbinding activity. In the present study, the biological activity of the C-terminal region of local purified CPE came under study with Vero cell assay, guinea pig skin test and mouse test to evaluate for future use as a therapeutic purpose. The result of this study showed that, the study’s local purified C-CPE had cytotoxic activity in Vero cells even at the minimum dilution of 0.625 ng after a 4-h incubation period. It caused transient increase in capillary permeability in guinea pigs. C-CPE did not have systemic effect on Balb/c mice. The use of the C-CPE peptide may provide a novel way to target drugs to Claudineexpressing cells.
Cassava Processor’s Awareness of Improved Processing Technologies in Oyo State

The cassava production is most carried out by smallholder farmers in the rural areas using low-level production techniques which have left them with production of cassava tubers without much value addition. Therefore cassava processors’ awareness of improved processing technologies in Oyo State was investigated. Simple random approach was employed through questionnaire and interviews to collect information from 176 Cassava processors. Descriptive and inferential statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, mean, Chi-square were used in data analysis at 0.05 level of significance. Results of analysis revealed that majority (77.2%) of the respondents fell within the age range of 21 years to 50 years with mean age of 41.23 and greater population of females (75.6%) than the males (24.4%). Over 45.5% had secondary and below as their educational qualification with most (75.6%) married, with fairly large household size 4-6 persons. The respondents’ level of awareness of improved processing technologies among most need respondents low (54.5%) and this may accounted for low level of utilization of improved processing technologies among majority (56.8%) of the respondents. Chi-square analysis revealed that, among socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, religion(x2= 6.805, p= 0.033), educational qualification (x2 = 10.572, p= 0.032), mode of processing (x 2 = 14.015, p= 0.001) and mode of Labour (x2=11.960, p=0.003) were significantly related to respondents’ awareness of improved processing technologies. The result revealed clearly that respondents’ awareness of improved processing technologies does not depend on marital status, sex, household size and experience. It is therefore recommended that Government and NGO’s should encourage extension agents by giving them motivation as at when due to improve their services of dissemination of information to the cassava processors on awareness of improved processing technologies toward enhancing higher productivity, income and better standard of living of the respondents in the study area.
Influencer marketing on Instagram: How sponsorship disclosure, influencer credibility, and brand credibility impact the effectiveness of Instagram promotional post

ABSTRACT Despite the increasing interest in celebrity influencers as a marketing communication tool, much remains to be explored to understand how influencer credibility combined with brand credibility affects consumers’ perception toward the influencer promotional post. Moreover, there are growing concerns around whether sponsorship disclosure on influencer promotional posts encourages consumers to critically process the advertising message. Thus, this study examines the effects of disclosure types (explicit/implicit/no disclosure), influencer credibility (high low), and brand credibility (high/low) on the effectiveness of Instagram influencer promotional posts. Findings reveal that highly credible brands featured in Instagram posts have a positive impact on message credibility, attitude toward the ad, purchase intention, and eWOM intention. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.
Possible speciation with gene flow in tropical cave snails

In this paper, we present a newly-discovered troglobitic species of the snail genus Georissa from a limestone cave in Borneo. Molecular phylogenetic analysis of 16S mitochondrial DNA sequences shows that its ancestor is the local epigean population of Georissa saulae, living in the rainforest directly at the cave entrances. A multivariate analysis of shell characters reveals that the troglobite has diverged morphologically, but is connected to its epigean ancestor by a population of intermediate morphology in the twilight zone of the cave. The molecular data further indicate ongoing gene flow between the epigean population and the troglobite, via the intermediate population. We suggest that the troglobite may have diverged from its ancestor without prior isolation.