Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Protective role of antioxidative enzymes and antioxidants against iron-induced oxidative stress in the cyanobacterium Anabaena sphaerica isolated from iron rich paddy field of Chhattisgarh, India

Iron, as an essential element for plants and microorganisms, plays a significant role in photosynthesis, photopigment synthesis, nitrogen fixation, nucleic acid synthesis, etc. However, in iron rich environments, it causes stress by affecting various physiological activities including ROS generation and detoxification machineries. Here, we investigated the protective role of antioxidative enzymes and antioxidants against iron-induced oxidative stress in the cyanobacteria, Anabaena sphaerica from the iron rich regions of Chhattisgarh. We evaluated various morpho-physiological modifications at different concentrations of iron (0, 20, 50, 75 and 100 µM FeCl 3 ). Microscopic and physiological characterization showed highest order of structural deformities, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and lipid peroxidation at 100 µM FeCl 3 but growth was reduced only by 28%. Possibly, maximum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activities along with highest level of antioxidants (carotenoid, proline, cysteine and non protein thiol) played a major role in protecting the growth. As compared to 20 µM FeCl 3 treated cells of A. sphaerica , almost equal growth and no structural alterations at 50 and 75 µM FeCl 3 may be correlated with minimum ROS, electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde (MDA) content along with an activation of efficient ROS detoxification machinery i.e. enhanced level of antioxidative enzymes and antioxidants. Thus, the inherited property of A. sphaerica to grow at iron enriched condition make it more efficient microbe for improvement of the nitrogen status in the soil.
Diversity, Relative Abundance, Species Composition and Some Biological Aspects of Fishes in Gilgel Abay and Andassa Rivers, Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia

Diversity, relative abundance and some biological aspect of fishes in Gilgel Abay and Andassa Rivers were studied from September 2010 to June 2011 by using gillnets of mesh sizes 6 cm, 8 cm, 10 cm and 12 cm, monofilaments of different mesh sizes, cast net, hook and lines. Fish species identification was done by using literature and specimen deposited in the laboratory. Abiotic parameters such as temperature, conductivity, pH, total dissolved solids and transparency of the rivers were also taken, using multi-meters. The analysis of independent ttest showed that there was significant deference in pH and transparency between seasons in Andassa River (p<0.05). In Gilgel Abay River, there was significant difference in temperature and transparency (p<0.05) between seasons. Totally 939 fish specimens were collected from Gilgel Abay and Andassa Rivers. Three families and thirteen species of fishes were identified from Andassa and Gilgel Abay Rivers. Labeobarbus intermedius, Varicorhinus beso, L. nedgia and Clarias gariepinus were the most dominant fish species found in both Rivers. Index of Relative Importance (IRI) and Shannon Diversity Index (H') were used to evaluate the abundance and diversity of fish species. Andassa River had higher diversity (H'=4.06) than Gilgel Abay River (H'=4.05) in dry season but lower than Gilgel Abay in wet season which was (H'=3.32) and 4.35, respectively. In wet season, the most abundant species in Andassa River were L. intermedius, V. beso, C. gariepinus and L. crassibarbis. L. intermedius, L. nedgia and C. gariepinus were the most abundance species in Gilgel Abay during wet season. In both seasons, L. intermedius was the most important species at Andassa and Gilgel Abay Rivers. In Gilgel Abay River, the most important fish species in wet and dry seasons were L. intermedius, L. nedgia and C. gariepinus. The sex ratio analysis showed that there was significant deviation from unity (p<0.05).
Temperature‐ and size‐scaling of phytoplankton population growth rates: Reconciling the Eppley curve and the metabolic theory of ecology

Quantifying how environmental factors control the growth of phytoplankton communities is essential for building a mechanistic understanding of global biogeochemical cycles and aquatic food web dynamics. The strong effects of temperature on population growth rate have inspired two frameworks—the Eppley curve and the metabolic theory of ecology—that produce different quantitative relationships and employ distinct statistical approaches. Reconciling these relationships is necessary to ensure the accuracy of ecosystem models. In this paper, we develop ways to compare these frameworks, overcoming their methodological differences. Then, analyzing an extensive dataset (> 4200 growth rate measurements), we find that increases in population growth rate with temperature are consistent with metabolic theory, and weaker than previous estimates of the Eppley curve. A 10°C temperature increase will increase growth rates by a factor of 1.53, rather than 1.88 as in previous studies of the Eppley curve. Size and functional group membership are also critical. Population growth rates decrease with size, but much less strongly that metabolic theory predicts. The growth rates of different functional groups scale similarly with temperature, but some groups grow faster than others, independent of temperature. Our results reconcile the analytical methods of the Eppley curve and metabolic theory, demonstrate that metabolic theory's temperature‐scaling predictions are more accurate, and provide new insights into the factors controlling phytoplankton growth. To avoid over‐estimating the effects of temperature on primary productivity, the parameterization of ecosystem models should be revised.
Repeat testing for SARS-COV-2: Persistence of viral RNA is common, and clearance is slower in older age groups

OBJECTIVE Queenslands Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) suppression program has been relatively successful. Initially, it involved extensive community testing and repeat sampling of positive individuals for release from isolation. This enabled study of several characteristics, including persistence of detectable virus and how apparent viral clearance rates varied by age and sex. DESIGN We conducted an exploratory analysis of Queensland Pathology SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test results. Kaplan Meier analyses were used to estimate median time to apparent viral clearance, and Cox regression to explore the effects of sex and age. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Individuals tested for presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the upper respiratory tract between January 19 and June 4, 2020. OUTCOME MEASURES Presence of viral RNA detected by RT-PCR. RESULTS We analyzed 97,476 individuals. Median age was 41y (range <1-105y), and 57.2% (95% CI 57.2, 57.2) were female. In total, 958 (0.98%; 95% CI 0.92,1.05) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Positivity rates were lower in regional areas than cities, in females (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.70, 0.91), and in those aged 16y and below (p<0.01, test for trend). Of the 958 positive individuals, 243 had two or more (max 17) additional tests, and 92% (95% CI 88.1, 95.2) remained positive after 10 days (max 76 days) after the initial result. Median time to apparent viral clearance was longer in those 65y and over compared to those under 65y (29 v 43 days, HR 1.85; 95% CI 1.17, 2.90), and was unaffected by sex (HR 0.93; 95% CI 0.66, 1.30). CONCLUSIONS Females and those 16y and under were less likely to test positive for SARS-CoV-2. Detectable RNA may persist for long periods, negating the value of repeat testing for declaring individuals free of infection. Viral clearance rates appear lower in those over 65y of age compared with younger individuals.
Detection and discrimination of barley- and wheat-specific forms of Wheat dwarf virus in Poland

Wheat dwarf virus (WDV) is one of the most common viruses on cereal crops in Poland. Studies were undertaken aiming at molecular characterization of Polish isolates of the virus. The presence of two main groups, WDV-barley- and WDV-wheat-specific forms, in field samples has been confirmed. Detection and differentiation of WDV isolates was conducted using immuno-capture polymerase chain reactions. The studies were carried out on a set of 68 samples collected from different parts of the country. Obtained results demonstrated that WDV-wheat-specific form can infect all tested cereals: wheat, triticale, rye and barley while WDV-barley-specific form was identified mainly in barley and in rare cases in wheat plants. Comparative analysis of coat protein gene was performed using 16 WDV isolates originated from different hosts revealed high (>98%) nucleotide sequence identity. Moreover, WDVwheat- specific (Pol-WDV-W) and WDV-barley-specific (WDV-B) isolates were fully sequenced. Based on nucleotide sequence simila.
CADMIUM AND LEAD CONCENTRATION IN HYDROECOSYSTEM OF YAVORIV WATER STORAGE BASIN

Data concerning cadmium and lead concentration in abiotic and biotic components of Yavoriv water storage basin hydroecosystem – namely in water, bottom deposits, organs and tissues of rudd and perch – are presented in the article. Results of investigations shows, that cadmium and lead concentration in water of Yavoriv water storage basin exceeds the norms of maximum permitted concentration up to 10,68 and 4,5 times respectively. Deposition role of Yavoriv water storage basin bottom deposits towards mentioned above heavy metals is also revealed. Conducted investigations shows, that in the organisms of rudd and perch lead and cadmium are concentrated mainly in muscle tissue. Summarizing obtained results, it is possible to say, that in the organism of rudd, content of researched heavy metals is increasing in the range: muscle tissue – skin – gills; in the organism of perch – in the range muscle tissue – gills – skin. Comparatively low level of cadmium and lead accumulation in fish muscle tissue is important in evaluation of ecological safety of fishery products, obtained in the conditions of surface waters technogenical pollution. Cadmium concentration in gills and skin of rudd was higher, than in muscles, up to 5,26 and 2,10 times respectively; lead concentration was higher up to 5,10 and 4,40 times correspondingly. In the perch organism, cadmium concentration in gills and skin exceeded its content in muscles up to 2,43 and 3,35 times respectively; lead concentration was higher up to 3,22 and 5,55 times correspondingly.
Changes of thermal properties and microstructure of nano‐ZnO/polylactic acid composite films during Zn migration

In this study, polylactic acid (PLA) films with different nano‐ZnO concentration (0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 15%wt) were obtained by casting method. Overall migration values and specific migration values were studied in different food simulants (10% [v/v] ethanol and isooctane). The results demonstrated that overall migration of the composite films and specific migration of Zn2+ was higher in 10% (v/v) ethanol solution than in isooctane solution. The release of Zn2+ was affected by the percentage of nano‐ZnO in the composite films and food simulants. The migration of Zn in this study was mainly caused by polymer softening and degradation leading to the dissolution of Zn. Scanning electron microscope analysis indicated that with the migration of Zn2+, the structure of the composite films changed greatly. Differential scanning calorimeter analysis indicated that the thermal stability was decreased and the glass transition temperature and crystallization temperature were reduced.
Quasi-two-dimensional foam flow through and around a permeable obstacle

In a study of the evolving structure of two-dimensional liquid foams flowing through an inhomogeneous confining cell, the motion and deformation of their elementary components, the bubbles, are quantified for various confinement ratios. The flow experiments highlight the elastoplastic properties of foams, controlled by their liquid fraction, which are notably responsible for the symmetry breaking of the flow, with multipolar deformation and velocity fields around the localized inhomogeneity.
Evaluation of Head circumference index in children under 18 months and its associated factors in Zanjan city: A Retrospective Cohort

Background: Periodic and repeated measurements of head circumference will be important in assessing infants' developmental status. This study was carried out to investigate the factors affecting the growth of head circumference in sample of Iranian children under 18 months. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study conducted among 274 children aged under 18 months in Zanjan city, Iran. Multi-stage cluster sampling was applied to obtain a representative sample of residents. About eight representative healthcare centers, including four urban health centers and four rural health centers, as clusters, were randomly selected. We used multiple linear regression and marginal models of Generalized Equation Estimators (GEE) to examine the predictors of head circumference cross-sectionally and longitudinaly, respectively. Results: Of subjects 49.5% (n=136) were females. The mean±SD head circumference of newborns was 34.5±1.57 (Male/Female: 34.68/34.35). The marginal model showed that there is a significant association between sex of newborns, gestational age, high risk pregnancy, height and weight of newborns with head circumference over time (p<0.005). In multiple regression models, mothers' job and educational level also showed a significant association with head circumference in addition to sex of newborns (B=0.33, 95%CI:[0.31, 0.53]), gestational age (B=1.47, 95%CI:[0.99, 1.94]), high risk pregnancy (B=0.37; 95%CI:[0.15, 0.57]), height and weight of newborns(p<0.005). Conclusion:In our study the mean of head circumference was similar to standard value of 34.9cm. The sex, gestational age, high risk pregnancy, height and weight of newborns showed a significant association with head circumference both in cross-sectional (at birth), and longitudinal models (at birth to 18 months), mothers job and educational level showed a significant association with head circumference only at birth.
Analysis of the Subject-Verb Agreement Ability among Indonesian English Major Students as EFL Learners

Subject-verb agreement is relevant in determining one's grammatical ability. The study examines the 70 English major students of UNTIRTA through a questionnaire. They are in semester four or second-year students of the academic year 2019-2020. A percentage result per item has been the indicator of students' knowledge on the five categories namely; the basics, impersonal subjects, quantities, exceptions, and main and auxiliary verbs. The verification of the incorrect response is through the short-written production of students' composition. Not only nouns that used as subjects but also other parts of speech and unit blocks of syntax. It reveals that a lot of students commit mistakes in choosing the right verb that agrees to the subject. This finding implies interference of first language and second language as parcel in mastering the subject-verb agreement which results to struggle and confusion among the learners. Lack of emphasis on grammar practice in writing is also a reason in applying the rules especially the basics. Moreover, cultural difference is a barrier in interpreting the sentences wherein the learners’ vocabulary is limited. Suggested instructional strategy is a regular practice of the rules in the form of drill.
Taxon sampling to address an ancient rapid radiation: a supermatrix phylogeny of early brachyceran flies (Diptera)

Early diverging brachyceran fly lineages underwent a rapid radiation approximately 180 Ma, coincident in part with the origin of flowering plants. This region of the fly tree includes 25 000 described extant species with diverse ecological roles such as blood‐feeding (haematophagy), parasitoidism, predation, pollination and wood‐feeding (xylophagy). Early diverging brachyceran lineages were once considered a monophyletic group of families called Orthorrhapha, based on the shared character of a longitudinal break in the pupal skin made during the emergence of the adult. Yet other morphological and molecular evidence generally supports a paraphyletic arrangement of ‘Orthorrhapha’, with strong support for one orthorrhaphan lineage – dance flies and relatives – as the closest relative to all higher flies (Cyclorrhapha), together called Eremoneura. In order to establish a comprehensive estimate of the relationships among orthorrhaphan lineages using a thorough sample of publicly available data, we compiled and analysed a dataset including 1217 taxa representing major lineages and 20 molecular markers. Our analyses suggest that ‘Orthorrhapha’ excluding Eremoneura is not monophyletic; instead, we recover two main lineages of early brachyceran flies: Homeodactyla and Heterodactyla. Homeodactyla includes Nemestrinoidea (uniting two parasitic families Acroceridae + Nemestrinidae) as the closest relatives to the large SXT clade, comprising Stratiomyomorpha, Xylophagidae and Tabanomorpha. Heterodactyla includes Bombyliidae with a monophyletic Asiloidea (exclusive of Bombyliidae) as the closest relatives to Eremoneura. Reducing missing data, modifying the distribution of genes across taxa, and, in particular, removing rogue taxa significantly improved tree resolution and statistical support. Although our analyses rely on dense taxonomic sampling and substantial gene coverage, our results pinpoint the limited resolving power of Sanger sequencing‐era molecular phylogenetic datasets with respect to ancient, hyperdiverse radiations.
A fuzzy synthetic evaluation of the challenges of smart city development in developing countries

PurposeThis study presents a fuzzy synthetic evaluation of the challenges of smart city realisation in developing countries, using Nigeria as a case study. By defining and delineating the problems faced by the country, more viable directions to attaining smart city development can be achieved.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a post-positivist philosophical stance with a deductive approach. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data from built environment professionals involved in the delivery of Nigerian public infrastructures. Six dimensions of the challenges of smart cities were identified from literature and explored. They are governance, economic, social, technological, environmental and legal issues. Data gathered were analysed using Cronbach alpha test for reliability, Shapiro-Wilks test for normality, Kruskal-Wallis H-test for consistency and fuzzy synthetic evaluation test for the synthetic evaluation of the challenges of smart city attainment.FindingsThe findings revealed that all six assessed dimensions have a significant impact on the attainment of smart cities in Nigeria. More specifically, issues relating to environmental, technological, social and legal challenges are more prominent.Originality/valueThe fuzzy synthetic approach adopted provides a clear, practical insight on the issues that need to be addressed before the smart city development can be attained within developing countries.
Child Development in the Early Years: Parental Investment and the Changing Dynamics of Different Dimensions

This paper uses the data on child development collected around the evaluation of a nursery program to estimate the details of the process of human development. We model development as made of three latent factors, reflecting health, cognitive and socio-emotional skills. We observe children from age 1 to age 7. We assume that, at each age, these factors interact among themselves and with a variety of other inputs to determine the level of development at following ages. Relative to other studies, the richness of the data we use allows us to: (i) let the dynamics be rich and flexible; (ii) let each factors play a role in the production of any other factor; (iii) estimate age-specific functional forms; (iv) treated parental investment as an endogenous input. We find that the dynamics of the process can be richer than usually assumed, which has important implications for the degree of persistence of different inputs in time. Persistence also changes with age. This has important implications for the targeting of investment and interventions, and the identification of windows of opportunities. The endogeneity of investment is also important.
An unexpected external shock and enterprises’ innovation performance

ABSTRACT Previous research has shown that competition can affect innovation, but we do not know if an unexpected external economic shock, as it decreases demand that increases competition, also affects innovation. Responding to this knowledge gap, we study Norwegian enterprises before and after the sudden and unexpected price decline of crude oil by the midyear of 2014. In some regions, due to their dependency on the petroleum sector, it strongly affected enterprises operating across many industries, while other regions were practically unaffected. Among enterprises that were innovative before the decline, we find a borderline significant inverted U-relationship between regional oil dependency before the decline and enterprises’ product innovation performance after the decline. Among enterprises that were not innovative before the decline, we find a robust significant positive linear relationship. The results can be a function of increased competition but particularly concerning the latter finding also better access to resources released in affected regions.
Prevalence of heavy metals and computation of its associated risk in surface water consumed in Ado-Odo Ota, South-West Nigeria

ABSTRACT Heavy metal contamination levels, their potential sources and associated health risk of River Balogun – a major source of water for daily domestic activities–were investigated using statistical techniques and some health risk indices. To achieve this, 51 samples from 17 stations (STs) along the river were collected in December 2016 and analyzed for the presence of Lead (Pb), Zinc (Zn), Nickel (Ni), Arsenic (As), and Copper (Cu). The results of the study revealed the presence of As, Ni, and Pb concentration levels exceeding or equal to World Health Organization standards. In addition, the application of both methods used revealed that low pH values measured from the river could emanate from leachate of agrochemicals and carbonic acid from decayed plants while high Nickel and Arsenic concentrations were from the overapplication of fertilizers used in farms surrounding the river and found their way into the river after precipitation. Health risk assessment showed that all the water sampled at different STs would pose a serious threat to the health of children and adults overtime especially due to elevated arsenic concentration measured in all STs.