Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Consortia of anti-nematode fungi and bacteria in the rhizosphere of soybean plants attacked by root-knot nematodes

Cyst and root-knot nematodes are major risk factors of agroecosystem management, often causing devastating impacts on crop production. The use of microbes that parasitize or prey on nematodes has been considered as a promising approach for suppressing phytopathogenic nematode populations. However, as effects and persistence of those biological control agents often vary substantially depending on regions, soil characteristics, and agricultural practices, more insights into microbial community processes are required to develop reproducible control of nematode populations. By performing high-throughput sequencing profiling of bacteria and fungi, we examined how root and soil microbiomes differ between benign and nematode-infected plant individuals in a soybean field in Japan. Results indicated that various taxonomic groups of bacteria and fungi occurred preferentially on the soybean individuals infected by root-knot nematodes. Based on a network analysis of potential microbe–microbe associations, we further found that several fungal taxa potentially preying on nematodes [Dactylellina (Orbiliales), Rhizophydium (Rhizophydiales), Clonostachys (Hypocreales), Pochonia (Hypocreales), and Purpureocillium (Hypocreales)] co-occurred in the soybean rhizosphere at a small spatial scale. Overall, this study suggests how “consortia” of anti-nematode microbes can derive from indigenous (resident) microbiomes, thereby providing basic information for managing anti-nematode microbial communities in agroecosystems.
Partnerships to promote inclusive education for students with disabilities in Thailand

Inclusive education provides opportunities for students with disabilities to learn alongside peers without disabilities. In some countries, such as Thailand, a dearth of opportunities for inclusive education means that students with disabilities are only offered enrollment in residential schools designed for students with disabilities. As a result, students are forced to leave their home communities to receive a public education. Inclusive education allows students to follow the same path as peers in their community, which benefits all parties. This qualitative pilot study featured interviews with stakeholders to better understand how schools can partner with regional entities to increase opportunities for inclusive education. Analysis of data lead to the emergence of three themes. First, the partnership led to an increase in collaboration, both between the school and outside agencies as well as within the school itself. Second, as many teachers did not receive instruction on developing inclusive classrooms while completing their teacher education programs, the coaching and mentoring delivered through the partnership was critical. Third, in order to ensure that the content of the training was meaningful and relevant, the delivery of services on-site in the school was identified by interviewees as essential. In addition to presentation of these findings, this paper includes a discussion of these findings, including implications for practice and future research.
Qualitative Study of African-American Women’s Intergenerational Dialogue for HIV Prevention

Despite the many established strategies designed to prevent Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) transmission in the United States, African-American (AA) women are disproportionately affected by the virus. This descriptive qualitative study explored AA women’s experiences of Intergenerational Dialogues (IGD) about HIV prevention. Study participants included 30 AA women representing four generational cohorts (the Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Millennials). Recruitment occurred in Scott County, Mississippi. Data were collected through in-person, in-depth interviews. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim for analysis. Four themes emerged from using conventional content analysis: Acknowledging the Importance of Community Connections; Helping Others by Sharing; Using Self-Knowledge as a Preventive Strategy; and Encouraging Others to Manage Intimate Relationships. Findings suggest that intergenerational dialogues may be an effective strategy to help AA women manage intimate relationships and potentially contribute to preventing HIV transmission.
Complex Interplay Between Cognitive Ability and Social Motivation in Predicting Social Skill: A Unique Role for Social Motivation in Children With Autism

Impairment in social interaction is a core feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but the factors which contribute to this social skill deficiency are poorly understood. Previous research has shown that cognitive ability can impact social skill development in ASD. Yet, children with ASD whose cognitive abilities are in the normal range nevertheless demonstrate deficits in social skill. More recently, the social motivation theory of ASD has emerged as a framework by which to understand how failure to seek social experiences may lead to social skill deficits. This study was designed to better understand the relationships between cognitive ability, social motivation, and social skill in a well‐characterized cohort of children with ASD (n = 79), their unaffected siblings (n = 50), and unrelated neurotypical controls (n = 60). The following instruments were used: The Stanford‐Binet intelligence quotient (IQ), the Social Responsiveness Scale's Social Motivation Subscale, and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales' Socialization Standard Score. We found that lower cognitive ability contributed to diminished social skill, but did so universally in all children. In contrast, social motivation strongly predicted social skill only in children with ASD, such that those with the lowest social motivation exhibited the greatest social skill impairment. Notably, this relationship was observed across a large range of intellectual ability but was most pronounced in those with IQs ≥ 80. These findings establish a unique link between social motivation and social skill in ASD and support the hypothesis that low social motivation may impair social skill acquisition in this disorder, particularly in children without intellectual disability.
Genetic Structuring in a Circum-Antarctic Taxon Investigated using ddRAD Sequencing

Author(s): Sasaki, Matthew C. | Abstract: The Southern Ocean hosts an abundant and diverse fauna. The evolutionary history of these taxa has been strongly influenced by the oceanographic and glacial history of this region. Molecular studies have challenged the traditional characterization of many Antarctic taxa as circumpolar, uncovering large amounts of unexpected diversity. In this study,we investigate the genetic diversity and population structuring of G. antarctica. Using double digest restriction-site associated DNA sequencing, we obtain a set of 4301 SNP markers from across the genome for a set of four populations spanning a large portion of this taxa's range distribution. This data set reveals clear evidence of strong population structuring across the Southern Ocean, at both large and small geographic scales. We reject the hypothesis of panmixia within the geographic region investigated. The data presents evidence of the influence of both the Antarctic Circumpolar Current and the last glacial maximum on the genetic structure of G. antarctica
Abundance and demographic parameters of bottlenose dolphins in a highly affected coastal ecosystem

This study presents the first robust estimates of abundance and demographic parameters of common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in a highly affected coastal ecosystem along the north-eastern Atlantic. Seasonal abundance, apparent survival and temporary emigration rates were estimated using Pollock’s robust design models. Photographic identification data were collected from 2014 to 2016 along the north-western Iberian coast (Spain). Bottlenose dolphins were present year-round and with a high degree of occurrence in the study area, which is highly affected by human activity but is also a highly productive coastal ecosystem. Local abundance of bottlenose dolphins ranged from 56 in autumn 2014 to 144 in winter 2015. Apparent survival rate was high and constant, indicating no mortality and no permanent emigration. Temporal emigration rates varied seasonally and were lower from autumn to winter, suggesting that dolphins had a high probability of returning during the winter period. The observed changes in abundance and emigration rates most likely reflect seasonal fluctuations in abundance of prey species in this area. These results provide important baseline information in an area subject to significant anthropogenic pressures and for future comparisons with other populations of similar characteristics under the pressure of human activities, such as fisheries and aquaculture.
Hysterosalpingo-Foam Sonography to Replace HSG in Evaluating Tubal Patency in Indonesian Subfertile Patients

Aim: To evaluate whether hysterosalpingo-foam sonography (HyFoSy) can replace HSG as first-line evaluation for tubal patency in subfertile Indonesian patients by evaluating agreement level and comparing patients’ subjective complaints. Methods: Twenty subfertile female patients at Cipto Mangunkusumo Central General Referral Hospital (RSCM) from January 2018 to January 2019 were recruited conveniently to undergo both HSG and subsequent two-dimensional transvaginal HyFoSy after a minimum interval of 48 hours. Data on tubal patency and side effects inflicted by each examination within 24 hours were collected. Results: There were 20 subjects enrolled in this study. In 2 subjects, stenosis of internal uterine ostium was identified on HyFoSy procedure. Out of 36 remaining tubes undergoing adequate tubal patency evaluation by HSG and HyFoSy, agreement was seen in 81% cases (kappa value 0.42). The discordant tubal evaluation results in 7 of 36 tubes were associated with partial tubal obstruction, presence of co-existing gynaecological pathology, and tubal spasm. Less pain (p ± 1.4 cm and 5.4 ± 2.4 cm, respectively. Seven of 20 patients experienced side effects due to HSG, such as abdominal cramp, spotting, backache, and bloating, in contrast to only one subject experiencing spotting due to HyFoSy. There was no hypersensitivity reaction observed in all subjects during HSG and HyFoSy procedure. Conclusions: HyFoSy has shown an excellent acceptance in Indonesian patients and could be a good alternative to replace HSG as a first line tubal patency examination.
Finite Element Modeling for Analyzing Material Removal Rate in ECDM Process

Electrochemical discharge machining (ECDM) has been developed as a hybrid and robust technology for machining non-conductive work material at a preferable removal rate. ECDM exhibits various applications in the micro-machining of these materials like nuclear, automotive, medical industries, etc. Due to some peculiar properties of nonconductive materials, for example, glass transparency, their utilization in MEMS applications are also very numerous. In the ECDM process, removal of material takes place primarily due to high-temperature thermal erosion and secondarily due to electrolyte chemical etching action. Many rigorous experimental studies have reported in the empirical estimation of the material removal rate (MRR) in the ECDM process. However, very few studies have reported in the modeling of the ECDM process for predicting material removal rate through single spark simulation. The present paper attempts to develop a transient thermal model based upon finite element modeling (FEM) to simulate a single spark in the ECDM process for obtaining temperature fields in the work material. The obtained temperature fields are further post-processed to predict the material removal rate. FEM results are compared with the previous simulated and experimental results to confirm the approach. Moreover, an experimental study is also performed to validate the developed thermal model and it was found to be in an acceptable range of the experimental results. Further, a parametric study revealed that MRR increases with the increase in applied voltage and electrolyte concentration during soda-lime glass machining with ECDM. The developed FEM-based transient thermal model can be successfully utilized for predicting the removal rate of nonconductive work material.
Intention To Hire Older Workers: A Predictive Model

Malaysia is currently facing a serious labour shortage as a result of declining employment participation rate from its ageing population. Nevertheless, the utilisation of skilful and experienced older workers requires the willingness of business organizations to hire them. Therefore, this paper examines managers’ intention to hire older workers by using an extended model of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). Past experience is an additional variable used beside attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control in the TPB. A quantitative method of research is adopted through 55 well-prepared questionnaires. The model and hypotheses are tested using partial least square - structural equation modelling analysis. The result of the survey involved 468 hiring managers from 11 industries and 9 states in Malaysia. The research model accounted for a moderate portion of the variance in future hiring intention ( R 2 =0.392). The findings suggest that the predictive component of attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioural control are related to the future hiring intention whereas the past experience predictor found no relation. This study's result makes a valuable theoretical contribution as it positioned at age discrimination on the employment of older workers, and serves to future research with reasonable modification on the areas. This study has practical implication at two-levels: bring awareness to business organizations on ageing workforce and preparatory actions on good workplace practices to eliminate inequalities in the age-diversified workforce.
The value of a post-polio syndrome self-management programme

Background Post-polio syndrome is characterised by symptoms of fatigue, pain and new-onset neuromuscular weakness, and emerges decades after the initial poliovirus infection. We sought to evaluate the only post-polio syndrome specific self-management programme in the United Kingdom. Methods This was a retrospective study of patients who had completed a residential self-management programme led by a multi-disciplinary clinical team. Following a confirmed diagnosis of post-polio syndrome by rehabilitation and neurology specialists, patients were offered to participate in the programme. Although group-based, patients also received individually tailored support on physical exercise and fatigue management. Physical effects, physical function, psychosocial well-being measures were assessed at baseline and 6 months follow-up. Knowledge was tested at baseline and immediately following the programme. Statistical comparisons were made using paired t-test and Wilcoxon signed rank test according to the data distribution. Results Over a period of 17 years, 214 participants (median age 61.3 years old, 63% female) attended 31 programmes. At 6 months the following post-polio syndrome specific symptoms improved significantly: fatigue, as measured by the Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue scale [37.6 (7.1) vs. 34.2 (9.3), P=0.005]; and pain [15.0 (6.1) vs. 13.1 (6.7), P=0.001], atrophy [10.0 (8.0–12.0) vs. 9.0 (7.0–11.0), P=0.002] and bulbar symptoms [3.0 (1.0–5.0) vs. 2.0 (0–4.0), P=0.003] as measured by the Index of Post-polio Sequelae scale. Knowledge related to post-polio syndrome also significantly increased [14.0 (11.0–16.0) vs. 17.0 (16.0–19.0), P=0.001]. Participants were able to walk at a faster speed over 10 meters [0.77 (0.59–1.00) vs. 0.83 (0.67–1.10) m/s, P=0.003] and walked longer distances during the 2-minute walk test [76.9 (31.7) vs. 82.0 (38.4) m, P=0.029]. Depression and anxiety scores did not change over time [PHQ-9, 2.0 (0.3–10.8) vs. 2.0 (0.3–6.8), P=0.450; GAD-7, 2.0 (0–7.0) vs. 1.0 (0–3.0), P=0.460] nor was there change in self-reported quality of life {60 [50–70] vs. 60 [55–70], P=0.200}. Conclusions This study suggests that a post-polio syndrome self-management programme led to improvement in symptoms, knowledge and walking speed, but not quality of life. Anxiety and depression scores remained low.
Carbon to nitrogen ratio in peach bark and incidence of bacterial canker

Peach tree short life (PTSL) is a disease syndrome in the southeastern U.S. characterized by tree death from bacterial canker (Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae). This bacterium produces a syringomycin toxin that kills plant tissue. Gene expression of this toxin is influenced by tissue nitrogen content. Previous studies reported that a high C/N ratio favored bacterial canker development in peach. Adjacent pairs of one non-diseased and one diseased peach tree with multiple replicates (10-16) per orchard on seven active PTSL sites in South Carolina were sampled in early April 2011, 2012 or 2013. Live, healthy cambial tissue was removed from scaffolds of both healthy (no active canker) trees and trees exhibiting bacterial canker symptoms. Percent carbon and nitrogen in the tissue were analyzed. Nitrogen content of healthy cambium in trees with bacterial canker symptoms was significantly higher for the majority of the orchards. C/N ratios were significantly lower in the symptomatic trees. These results did not support previous research. Time of sampling, tissue type, or cultural practices may be the reason for the contrasting results.
Assessing the impact of persuasive features on user’s intention to continuous use: the case of academic social networking sites

ABSTRACT Social networking sites enable people to connect, communicate and share ideas. These sites have therefore become key for information sharing. Particularly, academics and researchers have adopted them for networking and collaborations. This study seeks to investigate how embedded persuasive features on social networking sites designed for academics and researchers affect continuous use intention. The study adopted an existing model for assessing the effectiveness of persuasive features on systems and sampled 416 participants who are engaged in academic research and analyzed their responses. The results indicate that Social Support, Computer–Human Dialogue Support and Primary Task Support significantly impact how users perceive social networking sites designed for effective academic work. Contrary to existing knowledge that Perceived Credibility, Perceived Effectiveness, Perceived Effort and Perceived Social Support all impact an individual’s Intention to Continuous Use of a system, only Perceived Credibility was observed to impact Intention to Use continuously. The findings also proved that affective ties and mutual support on academic social networking sites influence behaviour.
A bioinformatics analysis on the potential role of ACE2 in cardiac impairment of patients with coronavirus disease 2019

Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has been characterized as a pandemic around the world. Cardiac complications can occur in patients with COVID-19 and can be fatal in severe cases. Recently, it was reported that SARS-CoV-2 used the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as a cellular receptor to gain entry into the host cell. However, whether SARS-CoV-2 can directly infect heart tissues and the potential mechanism of cardiac injury in COVID-19 have not been determined. Methods To investigate the expression of ACE2 in heart tissues, we performed a bioinformatic analysis from public databases involving mRNA and protein expression. The correlation between ACE2 expression and virus-related genes was analyzed using the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) database. Gene ontology (GO) and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analyses were performed to explore the roles of ACE2. Results ACE2 expression in the heart was significantly higher than that in the lung. Compared with the other coronavirus receptors, such as aminopeptidase N (ANPEP) or dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4), the mRNA and protein expression of ACE2 was increased in the heart. Moreover, the mRNA expression of ACE2 was substantially upregulated in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. Importantly, the expression of ACE2 was positively correlated with genes that regulate viral reproduction and transmission. The GO and PPI analyses showed that the functions of proteins interacting with ACE2 were significantly enriched in the regulation of the viral process and inflammatory response. Conclusions Our study provided bioinformatics evidence that the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and ACE2 in the heart could contribute to COVID-19-mediated myocardial damage via the virus-induced cytopathic effect, triggering a cardiac inflammatory storm. Therefore, the close monitoring of cardiac function and early clinical intervention may be pivotal to preventing cardiac injury-related mortality in patients with COVID-19.
Etude socio-économique de la pêche dans la partie Sud-Ouest du lac Albert (Ituri, RD Congo)

Une etude socio-economique a ete conduite sur 602 pecheurs repartis dans 16 camps de peche dans la partie sud-ouest du lac Albert dans le but d’evaluer les activites des pecheries. Dans chaque camp, les engins de peche ont ete identifies, caracterises et denombres ; et la composition des captures de poisson evaluee par type d’engin. 8 engins de peche ont ete identifies, y compris des engins prohibes selon la reglementation de 2016, notamment le filet monofilament et les nasses. La palangre (1343,64 ± 832,5 m), le filet dormant de fond (1053,05 ± 520 m) et le filet dormant de surface (766,26 ± 536 m) ont ete les plus utilises. La senne de tournante etait identifiee comme l’engin le plus productif, avec 183,18 ± 49,02 kg/jour pendant la bonne periode et 20,89 ± 12,94 kg/jour pendant la mauvaise periode), mais elle a ete aussi la moins selective de tous les engins identifies. La peche au filet dormant a donne une production journaliere d’environ 62,7 kg en moyenne pendant la bonne periode et de 10 kg pendant la mauvaise. L’occupation des zones de frayere, l’augmentation de l’effort de peche, et l’utilisation des engins prohibes etaient considerees comme causes majeures de la baisse de productivite du lac Albert. Il demeure urgent d’appliquer la reglementation afin de proteger l’ichtyofaune du lac. Mots cles : Organisation, pecheries, Sud-Ouest, lac Albert. English Title: Socio-economic study of fisheries in the southwest part of Lake Albert (Ituri, DR Congo)A socio-economic study was conducted on 602 fishermen in 16 fishing camps in the southwestern part of Lake Albert in order to assess the activities of the fisheries. In each camp, the fishing gear was identified, characterized and counted; and the composition of fish catches assessed by gear type. 8 fishing gear have been identified, including gear prohibited under the 2016 regulations, notably the monofilament net and the nets. The length (1343.64 ± 832.5 m), the bottom fixed net (1053.05 ± 520 m) and the surface fixed net (766.26 ± 536 m) were the most used. The purse seine was identified as the most productive gear, with 183.18 ± 49.02 kg / day during the good period and 20.89 ± 12.94 kg / day during the bad period), but it was also the least selective of all the gear identified. The dormant net fishery gave an average daily production of around 62.7 kg during the good period and 10 kg during the bad period. The occupation of the spawning grounds, the increase in fishing effort, and the use of prohibited gear were considered as major causes of the decline in productivity of Lake Albert. There remains an urgent need to enforce regulations to protect the lake's fish fauna. Keywords: Organization, fisheries, Southwest, Lake Albert.