Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Balancing Exploration and Exploitation in Reinforcement Learning

In this work, we present a model that integrates both exploration and exploitation in a common framework. First of all, we deﬁne the concept of degree of exploration from a state as the entropy of the probability distribution on the set of admissible actions in this state. This entropy value allows to control the degree of exploration linked to this state, and should be provided by the user. Then, we restate the exploration/exploitation dilemma as a global optimization problem: deﬁne the best exploration strategy that minimizes the expected cumulated cost, while maintaining ﬁxed degrees of exploration. This formulation leads to a set of nonlinear updating rules reminiscent from the “value iteration” algorithm. Interestingly enough, when the degree of exploration is zero for all states (no exploration), these equations reduce to Bellman’s equations for ﬁnding the shortest path while, when it is maximum, a full “blind” exploration is performed. The theoretical results are conﬁrmed by simple simulations showing that the model behaves as expected.
ESTIMATION OF GENETIC VARIABILITY AND CORRELATION IN F2 SEGREGATING GENERATION IN LINSEED ((LINUM USITATISIMUM L.)

Twenty hybrids of linseed generated by crossing of 5 lines and 4 testers in line × tester mating design were sown along with their nine parental lines to assess the genetic variability and correlation for seed yield and its component traits during Rabi, 2014-2015 and 2015-2016. This experiment was carried out at Research cum Instructional Farm, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, AICRP on Linseed, I.G. K.V. , Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The phenotypic coefficient of variation and genotypic coefficient of variation for days to flowering and days to maturity showed less difference indicating the greater role of genetic factors in expression of these traits. Differences between genotypic coefficient of variation and phenotypic coefficient of variation were observed for plant height (cm), number of primary branches plant-1, number of secondary branches plant-1, number of capsules plant-1, number of seeds capsule-1, seed yield plant-1(g), 1000 seed weight (g), total number of branches plant-1, indicating higher environmental influences. The days to maturity recorded high heritability and coupled with low genetic advance of mean. Highly significant and positive correlation was shown by plant height with number of secondary branches plant-1 and number of capsules plant-1 at genotypic and phenotypic level. It also showed significant positive correlation with number of capsules plant-1 at only genotypic level.
Heterose e capacidade combinatória de linhagens de pimentão (Capsicum annuum L.)

Conduziu-se este trabalho com os objetivos de avaliar a capacidade combinatoria de linhagens-elite de pimentao, identificar combinacoes hibridas superiores quanto a produtividade e qualidade de frutos, e inferir sobre os modos de acao genica envolvidos na expressao dos caracteres de importância economica. Para isso, foram realizados cruzamentos dialelicos para obtencao de hibridos, os quais foram analisados segundo o esquema dialelico parcial tipo North Carolina II, estimando-se as capacidades geral (CGC) de cada genitor dentro de cada grupo, bem como as capacidades especificas (CEC) de combinacao para cada combinacao de genitores. Os hibridos experimentais apresentaram heterose para producao total e massa media de fruto. A caracteristica producao precoce e condicionada, predominantemente, por alelos recessivos. Os melhores hibridos, com perspectivas para uso comercial, foram F1 (L-3436 x L-004), F1 (L-3513 x L-004) e F1 (L-3509 x L-004). Foram obtidos valores positivos de heterose padrao variando de 7,50 a 49,89% para producao precoce, de 0,45 a 28,55% para producao total, e de 3,07 a 47,37% para massa media de fruto, em relacao a cultivar-padrao Magali-R F1.
Isolation and identification of Bacillus pumilus YHH-2, a potential pathogen to the alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica Gyllenhal)

: Alfalfa weevil ( Hypera postica Gyllenhal, 1813) samples were collected from different locations in Kırşehir, Turkey, during May–August in 2014. They were immediately transferred to the research laboratory and dissected under aseptic conditions. Then serial dilutions were prepared from digestive tract samples and the spread plate technique was used for obtaining pure cultures. The conventional and molecular methods that include morphological and physiological examinations, biochemical tests, 16S rDNA sequencing, and the basic local alignment search tool (BLAST) were used for identification of the bacterial isolates. According to the findings of the present study, the YHH-2 isolate was found as the main pathogenic bacterium that dominates the digestive tract microflora of the alfalfa weevil. 16S rDNA sequencing and the BLAST data revealed that YHH-2 showed 100% similarity to Bacillus pumilus , recently described as an entomopathogenic strain. In conclusion, the results of the present study are important due to showing for the first time the presence of Bacillus pumilus YHH-2 in the digestive tract of the alfalfa weevil and it may be used as a potential biocontrol agent against the harmful effects of this insect species.
Effect of Hoagland and Arnon Nutrient Solution on the Growth and Yield of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) by Using Stem Injection Technique

The present study was conducted to see the effect of various levels of Hoagland and Arnon nutrient solution on the growth and yield of mango on a sandy-loamy clay soil by using stem injection technique. The data obtained revealed that maximum plant height (352.08 cm), number of flowers (569.24), number of fruits per tree (1005.80), maximum plant girth (82.37 cm), fruit weight (142.79 gm), fruit length (20.45 cm), and fruit yield (65.51 kg/plant) were recorded in T5 (100 ml/tree) respectively. However, the treatment T1 showed poor results for all the parameters which indicate that too low or high nutrient solution application may negatively affect the vigorous growth and yield parameters of mango. Results suggest that the treatment T5 for the mango trees cv. (Anwar Ratole), were found appropriate for the best possible growth and yield of mangoes as it showed bumper growth with lush green leaves and showed a moderate fruit setting.
Antihyperglycaemic and antihyperlipidaemic activities of aqueous ethanol root extract of Pseudocedrela kotschyi on alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

This work was carried out in collaboration between all authors. Author GOM designed the experiment and the protocol for the study. He undertook the tissue processing and analysis as well as partook in the write up and final editing of the manuscript. Author AOO conducted the laboratory work as well as managed the literature searches. Author SOO partook in the experimental design and editing of the manuscript and also performed the statistical analysis. Author DAO conducted the biochemical analysis. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
Robot dogs, interaction and ludic literacy: Exploring smart toy engagements in transgenerational play

: This article highlights a study focusing on playful human-robotics interaction with an interest in robot dogs, technologically enhanced play, and ludic literacy. In order to find out how players of different ages react to, approach and employ a robot dog (called Golden Pup) in play, we designed an experimental study with 6–7 year old preschool children and 80+ year old seniors. We conducted the study with preschoolers and seniors, who during a playtest session interacted with a toy robot, namely a smart toy dog resembling a golden retriever puppy. Our aim was to find out how the toy robot invites playful interaction with it, facili - tates social engagement between generations of players, and opens up conversations around social robotics and adaptive learning on toy-based technologies between players of different ages. Our findings suggest the role and importance of play in media education and show how robotic toys can be used to enhance ludic literacy, when shared as a part of transgenerational play.
Effects of High Environmental Temperature on the Productive Performance of Thai Indigenous, Thai Indigenous Crossbred and Broiler Chickens

The present study was conducted to determine the effect of high environmental temperatures and breed on live productive performances of Thai Indigenous (TIC), Thai Indigenous Crossbred (TICC) and Broilers (BC) Chickens. Twenty four TIC, TICC and BC, one kilogram of weight were used in this study. Chickens were housed in two conditions, i.e., 26±2°C and 38±2°C. At weeks 1, 2, 3 and 4 of experimental period, feed intake, average daily weight gain and feed conversion rate were investigated. The results revealed the following information: At thermoneutral, the productive performances of BC were higher than TICC and TIC (p 0.05). The result of the current trials indicates environment temperature and breed influence the productive performance of chickens.
On the Development of the Eminentia Mediana of the Hypophysis in Rana temporaria, Studied in Normal, Hypophysectomized, and Thyroidectomized Tadpoles.

In the Rana temporaria tadpole, the part of the infundibular floor that eventually becomes the eminentia mediana is very thin throughout premetamorphosis; the supply of aminergic and neurosecretory nerves is poor, and the area is covered by a few fenestrated capillaries. The organ begins to thicken around mid‐prometamorphosis owing to a marked invasion of nerves. At this stage it is also penetrated by capillaries and perivascular space extensions, which together form the neurovascular link structures. These become more pronounced during metamorphic climax, when the eminentia mediana attains the adult appearance. Development of the organ is arrested at the premetamorphic stage after thyroidectomy in the young premetamorphic tadpole. Removal of the adenohypophysial primordium from the embryo of the tailbud stage prevents the vascular—but not the neural—component of the eminentia from developing beyond the premetamorphic stage. By contrast, in the American Rana‐species investigated the neural component also fails to develop after hypophysectomy.
Intraspecific morphological tooth variability and geographical distribution: Application to the Savi's vole, Microtus (Terricola) savii (Rodentia, Arvicolinae)

The Italian peninsula exhibits a very interesting and contrasted geographical pattern offering a good opportunity to study the relationship between morphological variability and environment. Savi's vole, Microtus (Terricola) savii, occupies the main part of the Italian peninsula from Ticino in the north southwards to Sicilia. The material studied comprises 55 local populations distributed over the whole Italian peninsula and characterising different types of environments and different types of conditions, e.g. natural or anthropic. Morphological variability is analysed using the first lower molar by taking 27 measures on the occlusal surface. The analysis has shown a clear morphological differentiation between north–central and south populations. Morphological tooth variability highlights two geographical scales. At a regional scale, morphological variability is clearly in relation to geography and consequently to the climate and environment. On the contrary, at a local scale, morphological variability can be due to the fragmentation of some particular areas leading to isolation of small populations characterised by different morphotypes.
Diet of the harbour seal (Phoca vitulina vitulina) in the west and south-west of Ireland

Although the harbour seal (Phoca vitulina vitulina) is relatively common in coastal waters of the Republic of Ireland, it remains largely unstudied. Issues including potential interactions with coastal fisheries and the occurrence of phocine distemper virus outbreaks in 1988 and 2002 have highlighted the need to increase our knowledge of the ecology of these animals. The diet of harbour seals was investigated using a combination of approaches: hard-part analysis of scat contents and fatty-acid analysis. A total of 102 scat and 13 blubber samples were collected from two locations in Ireland and were analysed following standard methodologies. Results from scat analysis indicate that the seals are opportunistic, generalist feeders, and probably consume prey in relation to its availability. Eighteen prey species were identified, with sandeels (Ammodytidae spp.) constituting 55% of the prey items by number. Biomass of prey was reconstructed using otolith-length regression equations, with and without the application of digestion correction factors and sole (Solea solea) (16.1%), sandeels (15.2%), and Trisopterus species (12.4%) were found to be the most important species by weight. Rarefraction curves were used to determine prey species diversity on a sample site basis and we used accumulation curves to ascertain whether sampling was sufficient on a site basis. Sixty-four fatty acids were isolated from the blubber and analysis of the fatty-acid profiles revealed the possible influence of season, seal weight and sex on the seals' long-term diet. Some of the prey species recorded in the diet overlap with commercially and recreationally caught fish species in Ireland; however, there was little overlap with marketed size-ranges.
Environmentally-Induced Variation in Starch and Non-starch Polysaccharide Content in Wheat

Abstract Grain samples from cv. Batten wheat were obtained from experiments conducted in a mobile rainshelter in two seasons, and they were analysed for their contents of starch, arabinoxylan and β-glucan. Grain β-glucan content was less than 0·5% in all samples. However, there was a negative relationship between arabinoxylan content and starch content. This was not due simply to starch dilution because the variation in arabinoxylan content was only 15% of that in starch content. There was also a negative relationship between grain weight and drought, and a positive relationship between amount of arabinoxylan accumulated and drought. These results offer a possible explanation for the observed relationship in wheat between high arabinoxylan and low Apparent Metabolisable Energy for poultry, but contrast with the relationship between drought and β-glucan in barley. Varying levels of nitrogen fertiliser did not affect the relationship between the proportions of arabinoxylan and starch, but, by maintaining photosynthesis longer, late-applied nitrogen in combination with plentiful water supply caused an increase in arabinoxylan weight/grain not seen in other drought-free treatments. We conclude that good irrigation management, especially from anthesis, is crucial for good feed wheat quality.
Ceratomyxa shasta: Epizootiology in Chinook Salmon of Central Oregon

Abstract Infection frequencies were high (47% to 77%) in all groups of juvenile spring chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha exposed to Ceratomyxa shasta in water from the Deschutes River (Oregon) during 1973 and 1974. Higher survival after low-level exposures (early spring and short prior exposures) indicates an immune-type resistance in this stock. Infection frequencies for age-0 hatchery smolts of fall chinook salmon increased with exposure time to 50% after 20 days in June 1976, and to 70% after 25 days in June 1977. Mean times until death were inversely related to exposure times through 25 days of exposure in 1977. Juvenile fall chinook salmon periodically captured from the wild populations in the Deschutes River (km 150 to 160) were not infected prior to May in 1978 and June in 1979. After these times, infection frequencies increased to 56% on July 7 in 1978, and to 90% on July 16 in 1979. Infection frequencies then generally decreased with time both years, indicating the wild populations consiste.
Conservation strategies for threatened medicinal plant – Barleria prionitis L. – using in vitro and ex vitro propagation techniques

Over-utilisation and continuous depletion of medicinal plants have affected their supply and loss of genetic diversity. Hence the current study is based on conservation strategies for threatened medicinal plants with special reference to Barleria prionitis L. using in vitro and ex vitro propagation techniques. We have developed here a protocol for plant regeneration of Barleria prionitis L. We have also developed an efficient system of vegetative propagation of Barleria prionitis L. through stem cuttings using revive rooting hormones. These studies can be useful for conservation strategies of this important medicinal plant.
Peroxisome Proliferator‐Activated Receptor α, δ, γ1 and γ2 Expressions are Present in Human Monocyte‐Derived Dendritic Cells and Modulate Dendritic Cell Maturation by Addition of Subtype‐Specific Ligands

It has recently been shown by Chang et al. (J Immunol 2000;165:3584–91) that the maturation of dendritic cells (DC) in the presence of long‐chain fatty acids redirects DC into Th0/Th2‐inducing cells suggesting the involvement of a receptor for long‐chain fatty acids like members of the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPAR) superfamily. Here, we show that immature and mature monocyte‐derived DC (Mo‐DC) express PPARα, PPARδ, PPARγ1 and PPARγ2 mRNA with the highest level of PPARγ1 mRNA. We were only able to observe the expression of PPARγ1 protein by Western blotting probably because the protein level of the other subtypes is below the detection limit. Synthetic ligands specific for PPARα, PPARδ or PPARγ added at day 0–6 have similar effect on the maturation of Mo‐DC driving the maturation of Mo‐DC with atypical phenotype, reduced expression of IL‐10, IL‐12 p35 and IL‐12 p40 mRNA and with reduced stimulatory effects in mixed leucocyte reaction (MLR). Our data suggest that naturally occurring PPAR ligands like fatty acids and fatty acid derivates have anti‐inflammatory effects by redirecting DC into a less stimulatory mode.
Spirometry and Flow Volume Loops in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is the most common sleep disordered breathing (SDB) and is associated with recurrent episodes of upper airway (UA) collapse during sleep. Arousal from sleep is required to re-establish the airway patency. Patients with OSAS have various structural and functional abnormalities of the upper airway during sleep, which may reflect on their pulmonary function tests. Material and methods: We performed spirometry in 50 diagnosed OSAS patients. Spirometric indices like FEF50/ FIF50 >1 and saw tooth appearance of FV loops were studied. Their association with OSA and grades of OSA was evaluated using statistical analysis. Results: It was found that these spirometric indices were common in OSAS patients but their association with grades of OSA were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Spirometry findings can point toward diagnosis of OSA but these findings are absent in most OSA patients.
Nereis succinea nuptial behavior: Does size matter?

Summary Although Darwin noted that size may affect sexual selection, the effect of size on reproduction is controversial. Mature Nereis succinea, a polychaete that mates in pheromone-mediated twilight nuptial swarms, varies greatly in size, ranging more than 10-fold in body weight from 30 mg to >300 mg. Swim speed of swarming male worms increases with worm size, with the fastest males swimming more than twice the speed of the slowest. The female-produced spawning pheromone, nereithione, stimulates both swimming speed and spawning in males at concentrations of 10−6 M and above, and lower concentrations cause significant activation of swimming. Individual worms can be stimulated to release sperm up to 40 or more times in a single experimental session. Larger worms release cumulatively more sperm than smaller ones, resulting in significant loss of body mass from repetitive spawning activated by nereithione. Size may enhance mating success of male N. succinea due to encountering more females as a result of faster swimming speed and due to the higher sperm density and number of spawning responses of large animals.
INFLUENCE DU MODE DE VIE SUR LES CARACTERISTIQUES PONDERALES ET STRUCTURALES DU SQUELETTE CHEZ LES AMPHIBIENS ANOURES

To specify the influence of a permanent aquatic life on skeletal mass and bone structure in anuran amphibians, the general and regional masses of the skeleton, as well as several histomorphometric indices of the bones (porosity, corticodiaphyseal index, density) were compared in four ranid species, two predominantly aquatic (Rana perezi and R. esculenta) and two more terrestrial (R. temporaria and R. dalmatina). The relative mass of the skeleton (as a percentage of the total body mass) is significantly lower in aquatic forms. This difference is not a phenomenon of intra- or inter-specific allometry between skeletal mass and body mass (size effect). Rather, it reflects a selective reduction of skeletal volume (low corticodiaphyseal index values and higher porosity), in particular in the autopodia, pectoral girdle, front limbs, and vertebral column of aquatic forms. These results reinforce the idea that habitat and mode of life are selective factors producing a more or less developed skeleton in anurans. Wh.
SEASONAL THERMAL ACCLIMATIZATION IN SEDENTARY AND ACTIVE PIGEONS

Thermal and metabolic responses of pigeons maintained outdoors throughout the year in small cages (sedentary birds) or in large aviaries (active birds) were measured at three ambient temperatures (20, -10, -40 ° C) in midwinter and midsummer. In winter, all birds maintained a significantly lower heat production (measured as oxygen consumption and shivering), body temperature, and conductance than in summer at the two lower test temperatures. All birds maintained homeothermic body temperatures down to -40 ° C. Activity level had no effects on these thermoregulatory variables. Body mass was significantly higher in winter birds, and pectoral mass was correspondingly increased in winter. An additional specific increase in pectoral muscle mass was seen in sedentary birds. Muscle cytochrome oxidase levels were significantly higher in active birds, especially during winter. In winter, the birds had a higher plasma triiodothyronine level than in summer, and lowest values were found in active summer birds. We conc.
PERBEDAAN KECERDASAN SPASIAL ANTARA SISWA LAKI-LAKI DAN SISWA PEREMPUAN KELAS X SMA YPK MEDAN PADA MATERI GEOMETRI

This research stems from the writer’s curiosity about the difference of spatial intelligence between male and female students in SMA YPK Medan. The purpose of this research was to describe data of the difference of spatial intelligence between male and female students. This research was a comparative causal research. The sample of this research were 65 students of SMA YPK Medan, which consisted of 32 were female students and 33 were male students. Data to be collected in this research was the data of student’s spatial intelligence which were grouped, i.e. the data of female students spatial intelligence and the data of male students spatial intelligence. The data were collected then analyzed by independent samples t-test in SPSS program. From result of SPSS obtained data Sig 0,02 < 0,05. Based on the result of data analysis could be conluded that there were the difference of spatial intelligence between male and female students in SMA YPK Medan. The average spatial intelligence of male students were 27,06 higher than the average spatial intelligence of female students were 26,76. Then it could be concluded the spatial intelligence of male students better than the spatial intelligence of female students.