Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biological screening of Viola betonicifolia Smith whole plant

Crude methanolic extract as well as subsequent solvent fractions of Viola betonicifolia (VB) whole plant were tested for various in-vitro biological activities, including nematicidal, antioxidant, larvecidal, phytotoxic and cytotoxic. All extracts were also tested for their total flavonoid and phenolic contents. A dose dependent effect was observed against both nematodes. Ethyl acetate fraction was highly effective against Meloidogyne incognita , followed by chloroform and methanolic extract while the highest mortality of Meloidogyne javanica was observed against ethyl acetate followed by chloroform and methanolic extract with 45, 43 and 31% mortality, respectively. The antioxidant activity was tested using 1, 1-diphenyl 1-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging and reducing power assay for all extracts. The chloroform fraction showed highly significant antioxidant activity followed by ethyl acetate and methanolic extract. The maximum larvecidal effect against Aedes aegypti was observed for chloroform fraction followed by ethyl acetate fraction. In case of phytotoxic activity, butanol fraction was most effective followed by ethyl acetate fraction. Significant results were found by aqueous fraction with LC 50 46 µg/ml and chloroform with LC 50 56 µg/m against brine shrimp. Phytochemical studies indicated that ethyl acetate fraction was rich of flavonoid and phenolic contents followed by chloroform and methanolic extract. It was concluded that the ethyl acetate and chloroform fractions are the most significant sources of antihelmintic, antioxidant, larvecidal, phytotoxic and cytotoxic compounds.
Impact of kaolin particle film, spirodiclofen acaricide, harpin protein, and an organic biostimulant on pear psylla Cacopsylla pyri (Hemiptera: Psyllidae)

Pear psylla Cacopsylla pyri (L.) is among the most serious pests in pear orchards. Field studies were conducted in 2005 and 2006 on pear trees (Pyrus communis L.) to assess the effect of kaolin-based particle film, spirodiclofen acaricide, harpin protein, and an organic biostimulant on C. pyri infestations. Pear psylla nymph densities were effectively suppressed over the entire season by kaolin particle film and spirodiclofen treatments compared with the untreated control. Harpin protein protected pear trees almost as well as the spirodiclofen acaricide, while the organic biostimulant provided no protection. Kaolin particle film, spirodiclofen, and harpin protein-sprayed pear trees significantly outperformed their unsprayed counterparts in terms of fruit load. Based on the results of this study, it seems that kaolin particle film, spirodiclofen, and harpin protein could be used as alternatives to broad-spectrum insecticides for suppressing pear psylla infestations.
SSAIS: a Program to Assess Adverse Impact in Multistage Selection Decisions

The article describes a Windows program to estimate the expected value and sampling distribution function of the adverse impact ratio for general multistage selections. The results of the program can also be used to predict the risk that a future selection decision will result in an outcome that reflects the presence of adverse impact. The method therefore provides the selection practitioner with a valuable tool to screen intended selection scenarios in terms of their potential to address the adverse impact problem.
Patch‐ and landscape‐scale effects on howler monkey distribution and abundance in rainforest fragments

Variation at both the patch and landscape scale is known to influence the distribution and abundance of arboreal monkeys in rainforest fragments. However, few studies have examined the factors associated with these different scales of focus simultaneously. Using stepwise logistic‐regression and generalized linear models (GLMs), howler monkey Alouatta palliata distribution and abundance were examined as a function of patch quality (fragment area, shape, tree DBH and canopy height) and landscape connectivity (isolation, total forest area, fragment and road abundance, corridor abundance and length) in 119 rainforest fragments in northern Chiapas, Mexico. The positive correlation observed between monkey distribution (presence/absence) and both fragment area and abundance may be explained by increased resources within larger fragments and those whose proximity allows greater exploration by monkeys. In contrast, GLM analysis indicated that monkey abundance in inhabited fragments was positively correlated with corridor abundance, canopy height and fragment area. These relationships could be explained by greater reproductive investments by monkeys in forest fragments whose size, degree of perturbation and degree of connectivity with other fragments suggest greater overall resource availability. Future studies should explicitly include a multi‐scale approach to understanding the factors affecting patterns of monkey distribution and abundance, particularly as this relates to measures of and interactions between patch connectivity and resource availability.
Modelling achievement in advanced computer science: the role of learner characteristics and perceived learning environment

ABSTRACT Background and Context: Understanding the effects of learner characteristics and perceived learning environment on achievement in academic fields including Computer Science (CS) is of critical importance. Objective: This study aimed at testing a hypothesized model of achievement in CS in terms of the learner and the learning environment characteristics. Method: Data were collected using a questionnaire administered to a random sample of 315 eleventh and twelfth-grade advanced CS students (28% girls). Structural equation modelling (SEM) analysis was utilized to test the proposed structural model. Findings: The hypothesized structural model fits the data reasonably, yet five of the 17 assumed effects were not significant. A modified model with only significant effects fit the data well and accounted for 41% of the variance. Mathematics achievement, self-efficacy and classroom learning environment are the most influential variables on achievement in CS. Implications: The findings bear important implication for helping students by resolving obstacles that obstruct their learning and achievement.
Otolith chemistry is more accurate than otolith shape in identifying cod species (genus Pseudophycis) in the diet of Australian fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus)

Fine-scale shape variation and the added effect of partial digestion often limits accurate identification of different teleost prey species in marine diet studies using otoliths. We evaluated the use of fine-scale shape and trace element variation in digested otoliths to identify fish prey species from the diet of predators. Fourier analysis of otolith shape revealed significant variation between red cod (Pseudophycis bachus) and bearded rock cod (Pseudophycis barbata) otoliths. Incorporating otoliths that had been consumed by Australian fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus) into a Fourier analysis discriminant model identified 73% of otoliths as those of red cod and 27% as those of bearded rock cod. However, in vitro digestion of red cod and bearded rock cod otoliths resulted in incorrect classification of both cod species otoliths to varying degrees when using Fourier analysis shape descriptors. There was significant variation between red cod and bearded rock cod otolith core chemistry. Incorpora.
The effect of acid shock on the heat resistance of Listeria monocytogenes

The effect of acid shock on the heat resistance of Listeria monocytogenes was investigated. After growth for 24 h at 30°C in tryptic soy broth containing 0.6% yeast extract, cell culture suspensions of L. monocytogenes were acidified with HCl or acetic acid over various time periods before being heated in whole milk to a temperature of 58°C. When cells were acid‐shocked immediately with HCl for 1, 2 or 4 h, those acid‐shocked for 1 h demonstrated the largest increase in thermotolerance as compared to control cells, when heated at 58°C in whole milk. In fact, cells acid‐shocked for longer than 1 h with HCl demonstrated in some instances a decreased recovery as compared to control cells. Other types of acid‐shock treatments included lowering the pH gradually either over a 4 h or a 24 h period. However, regardless of the type of acid‐shock treatment, cells acid‐shocked with HCl (but not acetic acid) prior to heating had significantly greater heat resistance as compared to control (non‐acid‐shocked) cells. It appears that acidification with HCl prior to final heating can enhance the heat resistance of L. monocytogenes.
Prevalence, antimicrobial resistance and risk factors for campylobacteriosis in Lebanon.

INTRODUCTION The rapid increase in Campylobacter strains resistant to antibiotics represents a major problem for public health. In Lebanon, campylobacteriosis is underdiagnosed since bacteria detection in stool samples is not performed routinely. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence, sources and routes of transmission, risk factors and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Campylobacter spp. in Lebanon. METHODOLOGY Stool samples collected from 1000 Lebanese patients with diarrhea, and 150 meat samples taken from supermarkets and slaughterhouses were subjected to Campylobacter detection. Colonies were identified by Gram staining, oxidase and catalase activities. They were then differentiated at the species level by hippurate test and PCR. Susceptibility of Campylobacter spp. to antibiotics was studied by the disc diffusion standard method. RESULTS Campylobacter spp. were detected in 21.5% of stool samples; the main isolated species being C. jejuni (83.2%) and C. coli (13.9%). The highest Campylobacter infection rates were detected among children (41.8%) and during summer (31.6%). Consumption of contaminated meat and salads, and contact with animals represented the major risk factors for campylobacteriosis, with poultry carcasses and bovine cuts identified as the main bacteria reservoirs. Neither demographic determinants nor season had a major effect on the prevalence of campylobacteriosis. Erythromycin was the most active agent against Campylobacter spp. A multi-resistance rate was observed in 35.9% of isolates. CONCLUSIONS Campylobacteriosis is a major public health concern in Lebanon. Bacteria detection in stool culture should be performed routinely to allow an early diagnosis and a better monitoring of the disease and its burden.
Ambulatory Status of Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Retrospective Study 1

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between (a) nonambulatory status of 19 children with spastic quadriplegia at age 4 years with current ambulatory status and (b) nonambulatory status among these children at age 7 years and ultimate development of independent ambulation, using the physical therapy records. All continued to be nonambulatory at 7 years and are currently. The results suggest (a) a relationship between nonambulatory status at age 4 years and ultimate ambulatory status for children with spastic quadriplegia and (b) remote prospects for the development of independent ambulation in such children who are nonambulatory at age 7 years.
INVASIVENESS OF AMMOPHILA ARENARIA: RELEASE FROM SOIL‐BORNE PATHOGENS?

The Natural Enemies Hypothesis (i.e., introduced species experience release from their natural enemies) is a common explanation for why invasive species are so successful. We tested this hypothesis for Ammophila arenaria (Poaceae: European beachgrass), an aggressive plant invading the coastal dunes of California, USA, by comparing the demographic effects of belowground pathogens on A. arenaria in its introduced range to those reported in its native range. European research on A. arenaria in its native range has established that soil-borne pathogens, primarily nematodes and fungi, reduce A. arenaria's growth. In a greenhouse experiment designed to parallel European studies, seeds and 2-wk-old seedlings were planted in sterilized and nonsterilized soil collected from the A. arenaria root zone in its introduced range of California. We assessed the effects of pathogens via soil sterilization on three early performance traits: seed germination, seedling survival, and plant growth. We found that seed germinatio.
Effect of the Addition of Stearic Acid on Starch Properties

The effect of the addition of stearic acid on properties of wheat, mung bean and potato starches were studied. Soluble amylose content in three kinds of starches was significantly reduced. Both λmax values and the 630/520 nm ratio were decreased. Stearic acid added starches showed a significantly higher pasting temperature, breakdown and setback compared to the native starches as measured by RVA. Texture properties analysis showed that hardness of wheat and mung bean starches significantly decreased, while that of potato starch significantly increased after the addition of stearic acid. Diffraction peaks of wheat, mung bean and potato starches appeared at 22° which indicated that complex formation by X-ray diffraction
Potassium in soils under different cropping systems: 3. Non-exchangeable potassium in soils from long-term experiments at Rothamsted and Woburn

SUMMARY Soils from long-term experiments at Rothamsted and Woburn were cropped for very long periods (up to 5½ years) with ryegrass in pots. Measurements of the potassium taken up by the ryegrass that was not exchangeable to ammonium acetate and the kinetics of its release both suggested two categories of non-exchangeable K. Of these, the first to be released was closely related to the initial exchangeable K, whilst the second, though partly related to the initial exchangeable K was also influenced by the clay percentage. Release of both categories may have been controlled by diffusion, because both showed good relationships between the quantity released and time. It is suggested that the first category may be K ‘trapped’ when K fertilizer added in the field decreased the interlamellar spaces of vermiculite layers in clay particles, whilst the second may simply be the ‘native’ K (described by others) present in clay and other minerals in the soil. Resowing the soils (without drying them) during the later stages of K. uptake suggested that the ability of the old ryegrass to absorb K was not a factor limiting K uptake even after long growth. When the ryegrass ceased to grow, the mean K potentials in the exhausted soils were close to the ‘uptake potential’ for ryegrass derived earlier by considering K uptakes from soils in relation to the quantity/potential relationships of the soils. Drying and rewetting the exhausted soils released K; the amount was influenced in one group of soils by the exchangeable K in the moist exhausted soil and in another group by the clay percentage.
Origin of Fucus serratus (Heterokontophyta; Fucaceae) populations in Iceland and the Faroes: a microsatellite-based assessment

The common intertidal seaweed Fucus serratus was almost certainly introduced to Iceland and the Faroes by humans from Europe, as previous genetic studies have confirmed that life-history constraints preclude long-distance dispersal. Introduction must have occurred sometime in the 1,000 years between arrival of the first Icelandic settlers c. 900 AD and when the species was first noted in a phycological survey in 1900. We genotyped 19 populations from throughout northern Europe, Iceland, and the Faroes with seven microsatellite loci in order to identify the source or sources of the Icelandic/Faroese populations. Assignment tests indicated that the Småskjaer area of the Oslofjorden in Norway was the source for the Icelandic populations and the Hafnarfjörður area of Iceland was the likely source for the single Faroese population. The time of introduction to Iceland was probably during the 19th century, whereas introduction to the Faroes occurred during the late 20th century. Additionally, molecular data verified hybridization between the introduced F. serratus and the native F. evanescens.
Pattern of Tobacco and Cannabis Use in a Rural Population

Introduction - Various substances apart from alcohol has been using by the society since ancient times.Cannabis preparations like Bhang, Charas, Ganja and opioid preparations like afeem have been used as an aid in medication. It is one of the few studies which have included all age groups, door to door survey method, uniform diagnostic criteria and tools. Methods - This cross sectional descriptive study was conducted in 32 villages from all the four blocks of Indore district. It has covered 500 families (16 families per village) with total sample population of 2706 subjects. MINI-6 or MINI kid were administered as diagnostic tool, to all the subjects according to the age group. The study conducted during the period from December 2014 to August 2015. Results - Among 2706 people, Tobacco dependence was present as 12.7% and 1.4% in males and females respectively while tobacco use was present as 1.7% and 0.2% in males and females respectively. Cannabis dependence was present in 0.45% patients while cannabis abuse was present in 0.8% patients, all were males. Conclusion - The present study is the first study which was carried out to investigate the patterns of substance use in the given geographic settings of Madhya Pradesh. The prevalence is high among those who were low educated, those occupied in unskilled jobs like daily wage labourers, commonly in males, in the age group of 40-59 years and those who were married.
The effects of Sepiolite-SPLF on piglet and heavy pig production

Abstract In order to evaluate the effects of Sepiolite for Pig Liquid Feeding (Sepiolite-SPLF) on piglet and heavy pig production, two separate trials have been performed. In the first trial a total of 319 piglets from 32 litters was used. From the 6th day of life piglets belonging to 16 litters received a complementary feed containing Sepiolite-SPLF at 1% (Group B); the remaining piglets were fed a complementary feed without sepiolite addition (group A). At weaning (26 days of life), according to the dietary treatment of the suckling period, 80 piglets were homogeneously allocated to two groups fed up to 30 kg body weight a diet containing or not containing Sepiolite-SPLF at 1% (group B and Group A, respectively). In the second trial 330 barrows of the initial body weight of 60 kg were used. Animals were homogeneously allocated to two groups: a control group traditionally fed a soybean-maize based diet and a sepiolite group in which Sepiolite-SPLF was added at 1% (Group B). Pigs were slaughtered at about 170 kg body weight. In both trials daily weight gain, feed intake and pigs’ health were recorded. Weaned piglets on the sepiolite diet showed a highly significant (P<0.01) reduction of diarrhea score (1.55 vs. 2.03 points). At slaughtering the dietary inclusion of sepiolite resulted in a higher uniformity-degree of pigs as it was demonstrated by a higher (P<0.05) frequency of carcasses in the central class comprised between 133 and 145 kg (52% vs. 35%).
A Game Theory Based Efficient Computation Offloading in an UAV Network

Recently, solutions based on mobile edge computing paradigm have been widely discussed in academia and industry. This paradigm offers solutions to address limitations, in terms of battery lifetime and processing power, of mobile and constrained devices. Despite the ever-increasing capabilities of these devices, resource requirements of applications can often transcend what is available within a single device. Offloading intensive computation tasks to a distant server can help applications reach their desired performances. In this work, we tackle the problem of offloading heavy computation tasks of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) while achieving the best possible tradeoff between energy consumption, time delay, and computation cost. We focus on a scenario of a fleet of small UAVs performing an exploration mission. During their mission, these constrained devices have to carry-out highly intensive computation tasks such as pattern recognition and video preprocessing. We formulate the problem using a non-cooperative theoretical game with N players and three pure strategies. We provide a comprehensive proof for the existence of a Nash equilibrium and implement accordingly a distributed algorithm that converges to such an equilibrium. Extensive simulations are performed in order to provide thorough results and assess the performances of the approach compared to three other models. Results show that our algorithm outperforms all the three approaches. Our approach achieved in average about 19%, 58%, and 55% better results compared to local computing, offloading to the edge server, and offloading to base station, respectively.
CORRELATION BETWEEN SELECTED BIOMETRIC TRAITS OF ADULT ROSALIA ALPINA (L.) (COLEOPTERA: CERAMBYCIDAE) AND SIZE OF THEIR EXIT HOLES: NEW PERSPECTIVES ON INSECT STUDIES?

Larval galleries and exit holes of adult insects in wood and bark are a con- spicuous indication of the occurrence of many species. Therefore it allows the qualitative and quantitative examination of insect populations. However, evaluation of adult body size based on the size and shape of galleries and exit holes was not practiced. We analyzed relationship between selected biometric traits (pronotal width, elytral width, and length of elytron) of adult Rosalia alpina (L.) − an endangered representative of the longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) − and the size and shape of their exit holes. Based on the labo- ratory reared individuals, we evaluate the size and shape of exit hole of each adult. Adult bio- metric traits were strongly correlated with each other. No sexual differences were found in adult beetle size and exit hole size and shape. The size of exit holes was, however, a good indica- tor of adult body size. The correlation between exit hole size and the size of adult R. alpina was highly significant for all studied traits, whereas exit hole shape was weakly correlated with adult size. The results of this study show new pos- sibilities for applying the size of adult exit holes to study and wider characterize populations of R. alpina, which includes e.g. inter-population, inter-habitat, or inter-host material comparisons and determination of adult body size changes over time-period.
Tolerance to low dissolved oxygen by the tubicolous polychaete Loimia medusa

Tolerance and behaviour to hypoxia and anoxia by the annelid Loimia medusa (Savigny) (Polychaeta: Terebellidae), a common species in estuarine habitats where summer hypoxic events often occur, were examined in the laboratory. The worm can tolerate anoxia or severe hypoxia (7% air saturation at 26°C) for 3 to 5 d. Under low dissolved oxygen (<14% air saturation) feeding stops, although tube irrigation continues and periodic protrusions from the tube are common. Most worms come out to the sediment surface, but the number of worms dead on the surface is higher in anoxia than in hypoxia. The prevalence of L. medusa in deep estuarine channels may be partially explained by its tolerance to prolonged periods of hypoxia (14 d at 14% air saturation). Our data, however, suggest that subtle changes in oxygen concentrations may be important in the control of populations of L. medusa in habitats affected by low oxygen disturbances.