Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dry architecture: towards the understanding of the variation of longevity in desiccation-tolerant germplasm

Abstract Desiccation-tolerant (DT) plant germplasm (i.e. seeds, pollen and spores) survive drying to low moisture contents, when cytoplasm solidifies, forming a glass, and chemical reactions are slowed. DT germplasm may survive for long periods in this state, though inter-specific and intra-specific variation occurs and is not currently explained. Such variability has consequences for agriculture, forestry and biodiversity conservation. Longevity was previously considered in the context of morphological features, cellular constituents or habitat characteristics. We suggest, however, that a biophysical perspective, which considers the molecular organization – or structure – within dried cytoplasm, can provide a more integrated understanding of the fundamental mechanisms that control ageing rates, hence the variation of longevity among species and cell types. Based on biochemical composition and physical–chemical properties of dried materials, we explore three types of the interplay between structural conformations of dried cytoplasm and ageing: (1) cells that lack chlorophyll and contain few storage lipids may exhibit long shelf life, with ageing probably occurring through slow autoxidative processes within the glassy matrix as it relaxes; (2) cells with active chlorophyll may die quickly, possibly because they are prone to oxidative stress promoted by the photosynthetic pigments in the absence of metabolic water and (3) cells that lack chloroplasts but contain high storage lipids may die quickly during storage at −20°C, possibly because lipids crystallize and destabilize the glassy matrix. Understanding the complex variation in structural conformation in space and time may help to design strategies that increase longevity in germplasm with generally poor shelf life.
Lipid content drives weed seed consumption by ground beetles (
 Coleopterea, Carabidae
 ) within the smallest seeds

Seed predation by natural predators can contribute to the regulation of the weed seedbank, hence has been acknowledged as a promising way to significantly reduce the use of chemicals and mechanical weeding to manage arable weeds. However, the complex aspects that determine seed species preference are not yet fully understood, especially, the relationship between weed seed traits and the feeding behaviour of seed predator species. In this study, we examine predation on 42 weed species by four ground beetle species as a function of two major seed traits: seed mass and seed lipid content. We used an _original experimental design to create a statistically independent trait value distribution for evaluating the separate and interactive effects of these two traits. Our results show that all the ground beetles species consumed weed seeds, but at different rates. The smallest weed seeds with high lipid content were among the most consumed. While seed mass might be limiting for ground beetles, due to ease of handling or the thickness of the seed coat, they may preferentially consume seeds rich in lipids to increase energy uptake. To our knowledge, this study is the first to reveal that two major seed traits drive seed predation by ground beetles.
Students’ creative thinking skill in the flipped classroom-blended learning of mathematics based on lesson study for learning community

Creative thinking skill is a thinking skill that generates new idea by combining any existing ideas to solve problems by using non-algorithmic, unusual, and unique methods. This research aimed to explore the development of mathematics learning instruments with the flipped classroom-blended learning based on lesson study for learning community and its implementation effect on students’ creative thinking skill. This research is multiphase mixed method research. This research was begun by research and development using 4D models to develop the learning instruments. Furthermore, a quantitative quasi-experimental research was conducted with non-equivalent pretest-posttest control group design. This research subject were 96 students on Class VIII at State Junior High School 2 Panji 2019/2020 academic year, consist of three treatment classes with two experiment classes and one control class. The research data were collected by questionnaire, observation, test, and interview. The research data were analysed statistically by Kruskal Wallis test. The results of this research show that (1) the mathematics learning instruments were valid, practically, and effective, and (2) the Kruskal Wallis test obtained significance value 0.017 (p<0,05), which indicated the implementation of the flipped classroom-blended learning model based on lesson study for learning community has significant effect on students' creative thinking skill.
Phylogenetic and functional structures of plant communities along a spatiotemporal urbanization gradient: Effects of colonization and extinction

Question Urbanization has remarkable impacts on the phylogenetic and functional structures of plant communities. Both temporal and spatial comparisons along urbanization gradients are widely used in related studies, but there has been a lack of consistency in the results. Moreover, there is a need for studies that determine species assembly mechanisms through immigration and extinction. Therefore, two questions were addressed: (a) How do the phylogenetic and functional structures of ruderal species respond to urbanization, and do their shifts follow a similar pattern along temporal and spatial urbanization gradients? (b) What are the key underlying processes, i.e., either extinction‐ or colonization‐caused clustering, that determine the phylogenetic and functional structures of ruderal species under urbanization? Study site Two metropoles (Shanghai and Harbin) experiencing rapid urbanization in China. Methods We collected occurrence data on ruderal species from 1955 and the present in two cities. Standardized effect sizes of mean pairwise phylogenetic distance and of mean pairwise functional distance values (MPDSES and MFDSES, resp.) were calculated to test whether there was phylogenetic and/or functional structure clustering along spatial or temporal urbanization gradients. β‐MPDSES and β‐MFDSES values were used to quantify the similarities among colonists, extinct species, and residents. Results Along both the spatial and temporal gradients, the MPDSES values in each city decreased from significantly positive to significantly negative with increasing urbanization. Inconsistently, along the temporal gradients, the β‐MPDSES values of the colonists/extinct species to the residents were significantly negative; along the spatial gradients, the β‐MPDSES values of extinct species to residents were significantly positive with increasing urbanization. Conclusions We found there was a clear phylogenetic clustering of ruderal species with increasing spatial and temporal urbanization gradients. Our analysis showed that the changes across the urban–rural gradient are mainly driven by species going extinct that are phylogenetically dissimilar to the resident species. The temporal dynamics are, however, primarily driven by colonist species that are phylogenetically similar to the resident species.
Experimental findings in forest soil mechanics

Forest is a source of natural resources that are essential for social production and human welfare. It is a running gear in the mechanism of biosphere maintenance, housing the greatest amount of sun energy and living material. It is one of the sources of oxygen on earth. When logging causes significant damage to forest soils, regeneration is not the only what is disturbed. In fact, the productivity of second-growth forest will fall, the hydrologic status of soil under disturbed forest will drop, and the overall forest landscape will change. Such after-effects are long-standing, and will be reminding of themselves for over several decades after logging. The principles of sustainable forest management are outlined so that stress the necessity of keeping forest soils undisturbed when using forestland. Our article deals with physical and mechanical properties of forest soil and subsoil, determines what way of using them is the most meaningful, and what possibilities are to take in order to reduce the risk of soil damage. A series of lab experiments were held to achieve this goal. The procedures were guided by GOST 5180-84. For analysis, 10 soil samples were collected. Research resulted in data on the effect that forest machines have on soil. Research results can be used to plan logging process that would be more friendly to the environment.
Eimeria stiedae: Infection rate and molecular characterization by nested PCR in rabbits from Minoufiya Governorate, Egypt

1 Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour22511, ElBehera, Egypt 2 Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City, Sadat City 32511, Minoufiya, Egypt 3 Department of Molecular Biology, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, University of Sadat City, Sadat City 32511, Minoufiya, Egypt 4 Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City, Sadat City 32511, Minoufiya, Egypt 5 Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City, Sadat City 32511, Minoufiya, Egypt Corresponding author: Dr. Mahmoud AbouLaila
Torymus sinensis Kamijo, a biocontrol agent against the invasive chestnut gall wasp Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu in Spain: its natural dispersal from France and the first data on establishment after experimental releases

Aim of study: The globally invasive gall wasp, Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu, 1951 (Cynipidae: Cynipini), reached Spain seven years ago and is already regarded as an important pest of chestnuts (Castanea spp.) in this country as well as worldwide. In this paper, we present comprehensive data on the establishment in Spain of Torymus sinensis Kamijo, 1982 (Chalcidoidea: Torymidae), an effective non-native natural enemy of this pest, as a result of both natural dispersal and settlement after controlled releases since 2015.Area of study: Sites of the Spanish autonomous communities of Galicia, Asturias, Basque Country, Catalonia, Andalusia and Madrid where D. kuriphilus is present.Material and methods: To study the natural dispersal of T. sinensis from France, we selected two sampling sites in Catalonia, six in the Basque Country and two in Navarra known for their heavy Asian chestnut gall wasp (ACGW) infestation; to study T. sinensis establishment after authorized controlled releases by the concerned authorities, the field samplings were done mainly in Galicia (35 sites) and Andalusia (8 sites). Additionally an experimental release study was made in Madrid.Main Results: Our results showed that T. sinensis has spread throughout Spain by natural dispersal across the French border and now occurs in Catalonia (two sites), the Basque Country (three sites) and Navarra (one site) but not in the neighbouring region of Cantabria. The percentage of parasitism by T. sinensis on D. kuriphilus is higher in the Basque Country sites, which are close to the French border, thus indicating that its establishment in these localities is not recent. After controlled releases, T. sinensis has been successfully established in five release sites in Andalusia (Valle del Genal and Sierra Blanca, Málaga Province) and one release site in Madrid. However, in the region of Galicia (NW Spain), where the number of authorized releases has been higher, the establishment of T. sinensis still appears to be very low.Research highlights: Established populations of T. sinensis may exert a positive buffer against D. kuriphilus-driven chestnut infestation in Spain, similar to what is observed in other invaded European countries.Additional Keywords: Controlled releases, Torymidae, invasive species, Cynipidae, natural spread, biological control.Abbreviations used: Asian chestnut gall wasp (ACGW); Torymus sinensis parasitism rate (TsPR); mean of ACGW larval chambers per gall (MACGW).
Light Microscopic Study of Caryospora sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Savigny’s Agama Trapelus savignii (Reptilia: Agamidae) in Egypt

Developmental stages of a suggested new speciesof CaryosporaLeger, 1904 were described from the agamid lizards Trapelus savigniicaptured during summer 2019 from the Eastern Desert in Egypt. Overall recorded prevalence is 11.65% (12/103) and sporulation is endogenous. Sporulated oocysts are subspherical (70%) to spherical (30%) measuring 22.29–35.74 ×20.91–32.89 μm (length × width). The oocyst wall is bilayered, smooth, and measures 1.46–2.00 μm. Distinctive features of most oocysts include the presence of a sutured edge-like extension on one side of the oocyst wall and the ability of sporocyst contents to form a condensed curved mass within the sporocyst cavity. One or rarely two polar granules are present. Micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent. Sporocysts are ovoid to ellipsoidal measuring 17.17–22.76 × 12.86–16.76 μm. The morphometric descriptions and measurements of Stieda, sub-Stieda bodies, and sporocyst residuum are determined. Sporozoites are sausage-shaped and measure 5.69–8.59 × 2.08–3.29 μm. Merogonic stages and microgamonts occur mainly in the enterocytes of the small intestine. Endogenous stages are seen mostly with clear large parasitophorous vacuoles. Mature meronts measure 3.95–7.60 × 3.37–7. 24μm and yield 3–11 merozoites with the formation of a residual body.Merozoites are banana-shaped measuring 2.51–3.29 × 0.72–1. 20μm. A microgamont is noticed measuring in 9.53 × 8.42 μm.
EFFECT OF LIGHTING REGIMENS AND DIETARY IODINE SOURCES ON PRODUCTIVE AND REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE FOR MANDARAH CHICKEN STRAIN

The objective of the present experiment was to examine the effect of lighting regimens, iodine sources and levels and their interactions on productive performance, hatching traits, some biochemical blood parameters and thyroid hormones of Mandarah chickens. A total of 400 Mandarah chicks at 8 weeks of age were housed in closed system house and divided randomly into two equal groups (200 chicks / group). Chicks of the first group were exposed to Step-Up Photoperiod (SUP): The photoperiod was increased gradually from 10 h/d at 8 wks of age by half an hour each wk to reach 16 h/d at 20 wk of age (Lr1), Chicks of the second group were exposed to Constant–Step Up Photoperiod (CSUP): The photoperiod was kept constant at 12 h/d at 8 weeks of age until 16 wk of age and increased gradually by an hour each wk to reach 16 h/d at 20 wk of age (Lr2). The chicks within each lighting regimen were divided equally into four dietary supplementations groups (5 replicates of 10 birds each) as follows: basal diet supplemented with 0 . 5 mg Potassium iodide (control, T1), 2 mg Potassium iodide (T2), 0 . 5 mg Iodide-enriched yeast (T3) and 2 mg Iodide-enriched yeast (T4) / Kg diet. The results during the laying period up to 36 wk have shown that exposing Mandarah chickens to Lr1 regimen significantly improved egg weight, egg production (%) , egg mass , feed conversion ratio, fertility (%), hatchability (%),body weight at hatch, yolk sac and fabricious gland (%) compared to Lr2 regimen. Moreover, plasma IgM, IgG, TAC, HDL, HDL/LDL ratio and T4 significantly increased for Lr1 compared with Lr2. Feeding Mandarah chickens on 2mg organic iodine/kg diet significantly improved the laying performance , feed conversion ratio, plasma IgM, HDL, HDL/LDL, T3/T4, L%, H%, H/L ratio compared with inorganic iodine either o.5 or 2 mg /kg diet. Also, the interaction of Lr1˟ organic iodine ˟ 2 represented highest (p<0.05) values of egg production%,egg mass,plasma IgM, HDL,HDL/LDL,T3/T4 ratio and L (%), Besides improvement of feed conversion compared with other interactions. In conclusion, it is possible to use the SUP regimen combined with feeding on 2 mg organic iodine /kg diet in laying management from 8-36 weeks of age to improve productive and reproductive performance, hatching traits, hatched chicks body weight and immunity system of Mandarah chickens.
Implementing Automated Writing Evaluation in Different Instructional Contexts: A Mixed-Methods Study

There is increasing evidence that automated writing evaluation (AWE) systems support the teaching and learning of writing in meaningful ways. However, a dearth of research has explored ways that AWE may be integrated within different instructional contexts and examined the associated effects on students’ writing performance. This paper describes the AWE system MI Write and presents results of a mixed-methods study that investigated the integration and implementation of AWE with writing instruction at the middle-school level, examining AWE integration within both a traditional process approach to writing instruction and with strategy instruction based on the Self-Regulated Strategy Development model. Both instructional contexts were evaluated with respect to fostering growth in students’ first-draft writing quality across successive essays as well as students’ and teachers’ experiences and perceptions of teaching and learning with AWE. Multilevel model analyses indicated that during an eight-week intervention students in both instructional contexts exhibited growth in first-draft writing performance and at comparable rates. Qualitative analyses of interview data revealed that AWE’s influence on instruction was similar across contexts; specifically, the introduction of AWE resulted in both instructional contexts taking on characteristics consistent with a framework for deliberate practice.
Conceptual Density Functional Theory Study of the Chemical Reactivity Properties and Bioactivity Scores of the Leu-Enkephalin Opioid Peptide Neurotransmitter

The SMD solvation model (Solvation Model based on the Density) and eight density functionals, CAM-B3LYP, LC-ωPBE, M11, MN12SX, N12SX, ωB97, ωB97X, and ωB97XD, were assessed in link with the Def2TZVP basis set for the calculation of the structure of the Leu-Enkephalin Opioid Peptide Neurotransmitter as well as their molecular properties. Through the Conceptual Density Functional Theory (CDFT), the entire chemical descriptors for the system were calculated. The active regions of the molecules necessary for electrophilic, nucleophilic and radical attacks were chosen through linking them with the corresponding Fukui functions. Furthermore, the prediction of the pKa value for the peptide is done with great accuracy as well as the ability of the studied molecule in acting as an efficient inhibitor of the formation of Advanced Glycation Endproducts (AGEs), which comprises of a useful knowledge for the development of drugs for preventing Alzheimer, Diabetes and Parkinson diseases. Lastly, the bioactivity scores for the studied peptides are predicted via various methodologies.
Solid-liquid mass transfer in trickle bed reactors

Hydrodynamic multiplicity in the trickle flow, or low interaction, regime is a well documented phenomenon. Multiple hydrodynamic states are often presented in the form of hysteresis loops where the hydrodynamic parameter studied are shown as a function of the operating history of the bed, i.e. liquid and gas flow rates. In extreme cases the lower leg, representing an increase in liquid flow rate on a pre-wetted and drained bed, is commonly referred to as the Levec mode. The upper extreme, referred to as the Kan-liquid mode, represents a decrease in liquid flow rate after operation in the high interaction regime. The many reported studies investigating liquid-solid mass transfer in trickle beds have generally used either the dissolution or electrochemical techniques. Numerous researchers have used their data to develop correlations predicting solid-liquid mass transfer coefficients. Most of these studies do not specify the multiplicity mode of operation. Only two studies (Sims et al. (1993) and Van der Merwe, Nicol & Al-Dahhan (2008)) use both the Levec and Kan-liquid operating modes. Both of these studies suggest that solid-liquid mass transfer also exhibit multiplicity behaviour although the trends suggested or speculated differ from each other. Sims et al. (1993) found that a Kan-liquid operated bed will outperform a Levec operated bed; however in contrast to this Van der Merwe et al. (2008) speculated that a Levec operated bed is better suited for liquid limited reactions due to enhanced liquid-solid mass transfer in the Levec mode as a result of faster interstitial velocity.
Proteome of the secondary plastid of Euglena gracilis reveals metabolic quirks and colourful history

Euglena gracilis is a well-studied biotechnologically exploitable phototrophic flagellate harbouring secondary green plastids. Here we describe its plastid proteome obtained by high-resolution proteomics. We identified 1,345 candidate plastid proteins and assigned functional annotations to 774 of them. More than 120 proteins are affiliated neither to the host lineage nor the plastid ancestor and may represent horizontal acquisitions from various algal and prokaryotic groups. Reconstruction of plastid metabolism confirms both the presence of previously studied/predicted enzymes/pathways and also provides direct evidence for unusual features of its metabolism including uncoupling of carotenoid and phytol metabolism, a limited role in amino acid metabolism and the presence of two sets of the SUF pathway for FeS cluster assembly. Most significantly, one of these was acquired by lateral gene transfer (LGT) from the chlamydiae. Plastidial paralogs of membrane trafficking-associated proteins likely mediating a poorly understood fusion of transport vesicles with the outermost plastid membrane were identified, as well as derlin-related proteins that potentially act as protein translocases of the middle membrane, supporting an extremely simplified TIC complex. The proposed innovations may be also linked to specific features of the transit peptide-like regions described here. Hence the Euglena plastid is demonstrated to be a product of several genomes and to combine novel and conserved metabolism and transport processes.
UJI MORTALITAS LALAT RUMAH (Musca domestica) SETELAH PEMBERIAN EKSTRAK KULIT DUKU (Lansium domesticum Corr.)

Lalat rumah (Musca domestica) merupakan serangga yang membawa bibit penyakit yang bersumber dari sampah, limbah buangan rumah tangga dan sumber kotoran lainnya. Salah satu penyakit yang sering ditularkan oleh lalat rumah (Musca domestica) adalah diare. Upaya pengendalian dan pemberantasan lalat yaitu dengan penggunaan insektisida alami. Salah satu tanaman yang berpotensi sebagai insektisida alami adalah ekstrak kulit duku (Lansium domesticum Corr.). Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui mortalitas lalat rumah (Musca domestica) serta mengetahui senyawa yang terkandung dalam ekstrak kulit duku. Penelitian menggunakan metode eksperimental laboratory dengan design penelitian posttest only control group design. Ekstrak kulit duku dibuat dengan beberapa konsentrasi yaitu 5%, 10% dan 15% kemudian disemprotkan pada lalat rumah dan diamati selama 1 jam. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian esktrak kulit duku mengandung senyawa flavonoid, saponin dan triterpenoid. Rerata kematian lalat rumah (Musca domestica) pada konsentrasi 5% mampu membunuh 5 ekor dalam waktu 27 menit, 10% mampu membunuh 5 ekor dalam waktu 18 menit, sedangkan 15% mampu membunuh 5 ekor lalat rumah dalam waktu 12 menit. Hasil penelitian ini dapat disimpulkan bahwa ekstrak kulit duku (Lansium domesticum Corr.) berfungsi sebagai insektisida alami disebabkan adanya senyawa metabolit sekunder yang aktif dalam membunuh lalat rumah (Musca domestica). Kata Kunci : Insektisida, Musca domestica, Lansium domesticum Corr.