Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
AGE, GROWTH, AND HOMING IN THE BULLFROG'

A study of the bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) at a 17-acre east-central Illinois lake revealed large fluctuations in numbers of frogs over two 4-year periods. The smallest number of bullfrogs caught, marked, and released in a single year was 15; the largest number was 93. The average total length of bullfrogs 2 years after metamorphosis was 12.1 inches. No significant difference in rate of growth between males and females was detected. Females had a higher average index of condition than males. Both males and females demonstrated homing behavior-females more than males and large frogs more than small frogs. The bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) is hunted by at least a few persons wherever it is plentiful in Illinois. It is the only frog that in most parts of the Midwest is con- sidered large enough for table use. Com- mon in most Illinois counties, it is plentiful in or near many farm ponds, natural and artificial lakes, and sluggish rivers and streams. Although adults of this species are usually widely scattered, during the breeding season they are gregarious and may be found in groups. Legal permission to take bullfrogs is obtained with the purchase of an Illinois fishing license. To protect bullfrogs from overexploitation, the Illinois General As- sembly established a closed season. At the present time, it is unlawful to take bull- frogs except during the open season: June 15 to August 31, both dates inclusive; the possession limit is eight frogs. Firearms, airguns, and gas guns are illegal for the hunting of bullfrogs. Relatively few studies have been made on the ecology and life history of the bull- frog. Wright (1914:77-86) wrote a de- tailed life history of the bullfrogs in the
Two new species, sectional designations and new combinations in Vigna subgenus Ceratotropis (Piper) verdc. (Leguminosae, Phaseoleae)

Two new species of Vigna L. subgenus Ceratotropis (Piper) Verdc. , V aridicola and V tenuicaulis are described and illustrated. These two species are endemic to Sri Lanka and mainland Southeast Asia, respectively. Sectional designation and new species combinations are proposed.
Biopsy Validated Study of Biomarkers for Liver Fibrosis and Transplant Prediction in Inherited Cholestasis

Alagille syndrome (ALGS) and progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) are inherited cholestatic disorders with risk of developing end‐stage liver disease requiring liver transplantation (LT). We investigated aspartate aminotransferase‐to‐platelet ratio index (APRI), Fibrosis‐4 score (FIB‐4), and conjugated bilirubin as biomarkers to assess fibrosis severity and risk for LT among children with ALGS and PFIC. This multicenter, cross‐sectional study included 64 children with ALGS or PFIC (per genetics or strict clinical criteria) with APRI, FIB‐4, and conjugated bilirubin levels collected within ±90 days of their most recent liver biopsy. A single, blinded pathologist staged all biopsies (metavir; F0‐F2: nonsevere, F3‐F4: severe). Logistic regression and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis (AUC) were used to assess biomarker associations with fibrosis severity and risk for LT. In ALGS, only APRI distinguished F3‐F4 (AUC 0.72, P = 0.012), with a cutoff greater than 2.97 demonstrating a sensitivity of 61.5% (95% confidence interval 0.32, 0.86) and specificity of 81.5% (0.62, 0.94). In ALGS, a 50% increase of APRI increased the odds of F3‐F4 by 1.31‐fold (1.04, 1.65; P = 0.023). In ALGS, APRI (AUC 0.87; P < 0.001) and FIB‐4 (AUC 0.84; P < 0.001) were able to predict risk for LT. In PFIC, only APRI distinguished F3‐4 (AUC 0.74, P = 0.039), with a cutoff greater than 0.99 demonstrating a sensitivity of 80% (0.44, 0.98) and specificity of 64.3% (0.35, 0.87). In PFIC, only FIB‐4 was able predict risk for LT (AUC 0.80; P = 0.002). In ALGS or PFIC, conjugated bilirubin could not distinguish F3‐F4 or predict risk for LT. Conclusion: This liver biopsy–validated study suggests that APRI is able to distinguish F3‐F4 from F0‐F2 in ALGS and PFIC. APRI and FIB‐4 may also serve as predictors of risk for LT in ALGS (APRI and FIB‐4) and PFIC (FIB‐4).
Enhancing students’ understanding of linear equation with one variable through teaching

The objective of this study is to enhance students’ understanding of solving linear equation with one variable through teaching using balancing model. To achieve this research objective, design-based research approach was chosen. The target population of the study was grade five students and their mathematics teacher. From this population, the participants of the study were grade five section A students and their respective mathematics teacher who were selected using simple random sampling and comprehensive sampling techniques, respectively. The data were collected through observation, teacher made tests and interview. The test results were analyzed using paired samples t-test and percentage, and the interview and classroom observation data were analyzed through thematic description. Findings showed that most students performed better in the post-test as compared to the pre-test, and most students came to use more flexible strategies to solve linear equation after a series of learning attempts made using balancing model. Moreover, the students and their mathematics teacher showed positive attitude towards learning linear equation through balancing model. On the basis of these findings, the researchers have forwarded relevant recommendations in the paper.
The impact of access to an ultrasonic scaring device on human fear of wolves

The increase of wolves in Scandinavia is associated with socio-ecological conflicts, and the conservation and management of this species is as much a political and socio-cultural challenge as a biological matter. One component in this conflict is people's feeling of fear, but there have been very few evaluations of management interventions aimed at addressing human fear of wolves. Based on the theory of human—environment interaction, this paper presents a first attempt to evaluate the effect of introducing a hand-held ultrasonic scaring device. A total of 27 persons living in wolf territories had access to the device for six months. No significant effect on participants' appraisal of wolves, trust in managing authorities, or selfreported fear could be identified. The investigated psychological variables were stable over time in a reference sample of people in the large-carnivore counties (n = 202). The introduction of the device was largely rejected by the public. In-depth interviews with 10 persons who declined the invitation to have access to the device revealed that the device was considered an irrelevant solution to the conflict between humans and wolves, and that people lacked trust in the technology. It is concluded that the potential in using an ultrasonic device to reduce fear of wolves seems very limited in the present context. Further interventions to address human fear must be identified in dialogue with the people affected, and should preferably be based on psychological principles.
The importance of high-quality algal food sources in stream food webs - current status and future perspectives

Summary While many streams and rivers are dominated by terrestrial inputs of organic carbon, algae are an important trophic base for stream food webs. However, the nutritional importance of algae for stream invertebrates only recently has been highlighted. Algae are acknowledged as higher quality food than terrestrial organic matter for the growth and reproduction of invertebrates. In part, this is because of higher algal polyunsaturated fatty-acid (PUFA) content. Here, we review the important influence of algal food quality, as assessed by PUFA, in stream food webs. Current field investigations have mainly focused on the fatty-acid dynamics of macroinvertebrates, and indicate that algal eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), α-linolenic acid (ALA) and linoleic acids (LIN) are present in all macroinvertebrates. However, fungal and bacterial tracers have also been observed in a range of macroinvertebrates. The omega-3 (ω3)/omega-6 (ω6) ratio >1 in most macroinvertebrates strongly indicates that dietary energy of algae is highly retained in stream food webs. Interspecific differences in PUFA composition seem to be affected by dietary PUFA and consumer physiology. Some studies have suggested that besides dietary EPA, the shorter chain C18 PUFA LIN and ALA also can improve growth and reproduction of stream invertebrate consumers. Some macroinvertebrates may preferentially retain or synthesise long-chain PUFA from C18 PUFA when experiencing low-quality food. However, this process is controversial since other species have shown very limited ability to synthesise long-chain PUFA. Algal PUFA composition is strongly influenced by abiotic factors, particularly light, nutrients, and temperature. Human disturbance (i.e. riparian vegetation removal and nutrient inputs) on algal PUFA content and their consequent effects on macroinvertebrates and fish clearly warrant further scientific attention. Controlled feeding trials and manipulative studies are required to measure PUFA conversion capacities and reproductive investment of stream macroinvertebrates under different food quality conditions, which will provide insights into how freshwater species can cope with different nutritional food conditions due to human disturbance and climate change.
High Performance Low Latency 16×16 bit Booth Multiplier using Novel 4-2 Compressor Structure

In this article, the design procedure of a low latency Booth multiplier has been proposed. With the help of a novel 4-2 compressor, a high-performance 16×16 bit Booth multiplier has been implemented, which depicts high operating frequency. To achieve this, the proposed 4-2 compressor has been utilized successively in the Partial Product Reduction Tree (PPRT) of the multiplier and by means of radix-4 Booth scheme, the multiplier has been designed. The Partial Product (PP) generation circuitry is also based on the other work published by the authors which enables the designed structure to work at the frequency of 350MHz. The main advantage of the designed compressor is the elimination of the middle stage inverters between cascaded blocks of PPRT which considerably enhances the speed of whole system. Simulation results for TSMC 0. 18µm CMOS technology and 1.8V power supply have been demonstrated to confirm the correct operation of proposed 4-2 compressor. According to the results, the achieved delay of the critical path for hard test and high capacitive load, equal to 100fF, is 936ps while a power consumption of 255. 15µW has been achieved at the operating frequency of 100MHZ.
Environmental Effects on Fish Gill Morphology

Fish gill morphology and function are intricately related. Adjustments in gill morphology during adaptation of fish to environmental changes are often instrumental in conserving physiological functions. But optimization of one particular gill function by an environmentally induced morphological modification may be detrimental to other gill functions. Moreover, changes in gill morphology in response to a particular environment may not always be beneficial and indeed may contribute to the death of fish in polluted or acidified waters. In this paper we discuss both adaptive and nonadaptive changes in gill morphology when fish encounter changing environments. Emphasis is placed on recent findings concerning environmental oxygen, ionic composition, and xenobiotics. An assimilation of the results of these studies reveal a common response to widely different environmental disturbances (e.g., hyperoxia, hypercapnia, acidification, low [ NaCl], low [ Ca²⁺ ], freshwater-to-seawater transfer), namely branchial chloride cell proliferation. We suggest therefore that the chloride cell is multifunctional and plays a role in Ca²⁺ uptake, acid-base balance, NaCl uptake in freshwater fish, and NaCl excretion in seawater fish.
The Association Between Platelet Indices and Clinical Parameters in Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

OBJECTIVE: Etiology of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is variable. Hypercoagulability is one of the treatable conditions causing RPL. Platelet (PLT) count, mean PLT volume (MPV), PLT distribution width (PDW) and plateletcrit (PCT) are platelet indices and may be markers for increased platelet aggregability. In the present study, we aimed to determine and compare PLT count, MPV, PDW and PCT between patients with RPL and healthy controls. STUDY DESIGN: A total number of 39 patients with RPL and 40 healthy controls were enrolled in the research. PLT count, MPV, PDW and PCT values were compared between the patients and the controls. RESULTS: There were no statisti¬cally significant differences in number of PLTs, MPV, PCT and PDW values between women with RPL and healthy women (p> 0.05). CONCLUSION: Thrombocyte indices have still an unsatisfactory value in RPL and it seems that they are not appropriate for routine clinical practice regarding RPL.
The 1986 Wreck of Little Penguins Eudyptula minor in Western Victoria

In autumn 1986 about 2000 Little Penguins Eudyptula minor were found dead along tidelines in western Victoria. Some of these birds came from Phillip Island and all recoveries of banded penguins were made within six months of fledging. Those examined died from starvation exacerbated by parasites; they had enlarged livers (some had haemorrhaged) and trematode, nematode and cestode burdens were high. This wreck is compared with data on other mortalities in the area and with the incidence of birds brought to the Melbourne Zoological Gardens. Meteorological events preceding and following the wreck are noted. It is concluded that waters off western Victoria support large numbers of Little Penguins in autumn and winter (predominantly birds of the year), and that concentrated mortalities occur periodically. Annual variations in the incidence of parasites and their effect may be related to food (= host) abundance and or availability; their influence may be intensified in periods of storms. The number of birds involved in such wrecks is small in proportion to that produced annually in the Bass Strait region. However, even though those which become beach-washed do not represent the number dying, their local concentration may give rise to concern.
Dose-responses of broiler chicks, given live coccidia vaccine on day of hatch, to diets supplemented with various levels of Farmatan® (sweet chestnut wood tannins) or BMD®/Stafac® in a 42-day pen trial on built-up litter.

Dietary Farmatan® Powder (~73% tannins) was used to determine live performance doseresponses of male Cobb broiler chicks on built-up litter top dressed with wood shavings in a summer trial. Dietary Farmatan® tannin concentrations used were: 0 (negative control), 250, 750, or 1,000 ppm. Positive control (antibiotic) diets had BMD 55 ppm (0-35 days) and Stafac (35-42 days). Feeds were steam pelleted ® ® and fed as crumbles or pellets. There were 45 chicks/pen initially and 8 replicate pens/treatment (8 blocks of 6 pens each; Randomized Complete Block Design; LSD p = 0.05). The body weight (BW) gains were not significantly different from 0-21 d or 0-35 days but from 0-42 days (p = 0.002) were, respectively (kg): 2.238 , b 2.238 , 2.299 , 2.282 , 2.290 , 2.316 . Mortality-adjusted Feed Conversion Ratios (MAFCR) from 0-21 days b a ab a a (p = 0.002) were, respectively: 1.513 , 1.488 , 1.476 , 1.469 , 1.454 and 1.442 . The MAFCR from 0-35 days a ab bc bc c c (p = 0.001) were, respectively: 1.666 , 1.657 , 1.646 , 1.626 , 1.621 and 1.641 . The MAFCR from 0-42 a ab abc cd d bcd days (p = 0.004) were, respectively: 1.694 , 1.698 , 1.685 , 1.665 , 1.661 and 1.655 . Stafac 22 ppm in a a ab bc bc c ® finisher (35-42 days) gave the best BW gain and feed conversion ratio. Litter moisture % at 21 days was lower (p = 0.032) using Farmatan 500, 750, or 1,000 ppm than BMD 55 ppm and at 42 days was lower (p ® ® = 0.046) for each Farmatan level than for negative control. Farmatan 750 or 1,000 ppm improved (p=0.008) ® ® 42-d litter score (0 driest to 5 wettest) compared to negative control. Mortality % from 0-42 days and litter nitrogen % at 42 days were unaffected by treatment. Farmatan improved BW gain and MAFCR and promoted ®
Nutrients and Phyto-Chemical Assay of African Star Apple Kernel (Chrysophyllum africanum) as Potential Feedstuff in Fish and Livestock Production

Nutrients assay of raw and fermented African Star Apple seeds were evaluated. The proximate analyses differ (p<0.05) significantly between the raw (RSA) and processed (FSA) Chrysophyllum africanum seed in crude protein, lipid, dietary fibre and soluble carbohydrate. Protein value was 10.13±0.02%, Ash 7.25±0.01%, Crude fat 9.72±0.02% and Soluble carbohydrate 69.45±0.84% for RSA. However, the values of 5.55±0.01%, 14.49±0.76%, 4.94±0.07%, 1.19±0.01% and 51.04±0.08%
Studies on the Development of the Ovaries of the Malaria Mosquitoes(Anopheles pharoensis)

Age determination technique of mosquitoes was described for An. pharoensis Theobald from Egypt by observing the ovarian changes before and through the gonotrophic cycles. During this ovarian development cycle, seven growing stages of the oocyte were observed in the adult stage. Two distinct periods of egg follicle growth, the previtellogenesis and vitellogenesis, were seen first. The gradual increase in the oocyte size during these phases was attributed to yolk deposition. During vitellogenesis, the oocyte and nurse cell nucleus were similar in size (stage I). Then, the oocyte enlarged and occupied one third of the egg follicle, while the nurse cell (NC) occupied the remaining two thirds. At this phase, the yolk granules (stage III) enlarged, occupying about half of the egg follicle, while the NC contained the other half (stage IV). An increase and accumulation of yolk granules led to the filling of about three fourths of the egg bulk and made the oocyte nucleus hardly visible during stage V. The oocyte undergone a remarkable growth, occupying nine tenth of the length of the follicle in stage VI. Stage VII corresponded to a mature cigar shaped egg and contained two kinds of yolk globules: a large one and a small one. The oocyte and the NC at all stages were surrounded by a single layer of epithelial cells which increased in number, forming the vitelline membrane and the chorion. The mitochondria in the NC, oocyte, and follicular epithelium appeared in light microscopy as granules of different sizes. The Golgi apparatus appeared in different sizes and shapes, since in the early stages of development, it is restricted to the perinuclear zone. When the development proceeded, it enlarged in size, spread over the whole cytoplasm, and participated in the formation of the yolk
HIGH INTENSITY LASER THERAPY EFFECT ON PAIN IN PATIENTS WITH MYOFASCIAL TRIGGER POINTS

Published online: Sept 2020 Abstract: Purpose: to investigate the effect of high intensity laser therapy on pain intensity in patients with acute cervical myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle. Methods: 50 patients (32 female and 18 male) suffering from myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle participated in this study. They were all recruited from the out-clinic of the faculty of physical therapy Badr university. Their ages ranged from 20 to 40 years old with body mass index less than 25 kg/m2. They were randomly allocated into two equal groups; group A (n=25) received traditional treatment only (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, ultrasound, passive stretch and isometric exercise), group B (n=25) received high intensity laser therapy with traditional treatment. duration of treatment was 2 sessions/week for 4 weeks. Measurement of the visual analogue scale was recorded before and after the intervention. Results: Results showed that there was significant difference between the two groups in the outcome measures in the post treatment assessment, with the intervention administered by group (B) being more significant than the control group (A) at (p >0.001). Conclusion: high intensity laser therapy was found to be significantly effective as a physical therapy modality for patients with cervical myofascial trigger points.
Efectes de la ingestió per ocells sobre la germinació i la dispersió de dues espècies pròximes de "Solanum"

catalaEn aquest treball s'estudia l'efecte que te el pas de les llavors de Solallum luteum i de S. Iligrum pel tracte digestiu del Busqueret de cap negre (Sylvia melanocephala) i de la Merlera (Turdus merula) sobre la seva germinacio. Les dades obtingudes indiquen que el percentatge i la taxa de germinacio de les llavors de S. luteum augmenta si aquestes son ingerides per qualsevol d 'aquestes dues especies d'ocell; en canvi, l'efecte no sembla ser significatiu en S. nigrum. Fotografies fetes al microscopi electronic posen de manifest que les cobertes de les llavors de S. luteum es veuen mes afectades per la ingestio per ocells que les de S. nigrum o que les no ingerides (controls). Aquesta abrasio de la paret de la llavor es la que afavoreix la germinacio de les llavors, augmentant la seva permeabilitat a l'aigua i als gasos. Es conclou que mentre que S. nigrum es afectat pels ocells unicament en la seva dispersio, S. luteurn es tambe influenciat per aquests en la seva germinacio. EnglishThis paper examines the effect that the passage of seeds of Solanum luteum and S. nigrum through the digestive system of Sardinian Warblers (Sylvia melanocephala) and Blackbirds (Turdus merula) has on their germination. The results obtained show that the percentage and rate of germinated seeds of S. luteum increase when they have been ingested by either Sylvia melanocephala or Turdus merula. In contrast, no significant effect was found for S. nigrum. Scanning electron micrographs of the seed coats showed that S. luteum was more affected than S. nigrum and than controls (uningested seeds). The abrasion of the seed coat is what allows an increase in permeability to water and gas, thus enhancing germination. It is concluded that whereas S. nigrum is only affected by birds in its seed dispersal, S. luteum is also affected in its germination.
Augmentation of Antioxidant Constituents by Drought Stress to Roots in Leafy Vegetables

Plants can synthesize some antioxidants, including L-ascorbic acid (AsA) and polyphenol, in response to environmental stresses. Antioxidants detoxify reactive oxygen species in plants and also aid in human health. In this study, we demonstrate that a novel hydroponic treatment can increase leafy vegetable nutritional quality without retarding growth. Leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa) was grown hydroponically and subjected to rhizosphere drought stress by lowering the water level in the solution tub before harvesting. Appropriate drought stress using this method could increase AsA, polyphenol, and sugar content by 24%, 50%, and 17%, respectively, and decrease nitrate nitrogen content by 18% without reducing yield. Similar effects of drought stress on AsA content were observed in four other plant species. This hydroponic method has a universal potential to increase leafy vegetable quality without reducing yield in controlled environments such as plant factories.