Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Towards Comprehensive Food Security Measures: Comparing Key Indicators

Food security is a multi-dimensional issue that has been difficult to measure comprehensively, given the one-dimensional focus of existing indicators. Three indicators dominate the food security measurement debate: Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), Dietary Diversity Score (DDS) and Coping Strategies Index (CSI). In light of the absence of a specific ‘composite indicator’ (a catch-all measurement tool), this article examines the potential of these three indicators for use in a complementary manner. Identifying how the key indicators complement each other in capturing multiple dimensions of food security (availability, access, utilisation, stability and complex societal undertone), the study recommends bringing them together in one survey instrument, in order to give greater insight into the multi-dimensional phenomenon of food security and help guide a multi-dimensional treatment response.
Botanical Pesticide Mixtures for Insect Pest Management on Cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp Plants–The Legume Flower Bud Thrips, Megalurothrips sjostedti Trybom

ABSTRACT The efficacy of aqueous neem and Eucalyptus leaf extracts in mixtures containing extracts of other plant species was investigated for the management of the legume flower bud thrips, a major post-flowering insect pest of cowpea in the Research Farm of the Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. The extracts mixtures were applied at 10:10% w/v in equal ratio and sprayed four times at weekly intervals. The results showed that thrips pressure on cowpea flowers was significantly (P < 0.05) less (< 1.0/flower) on plants sprayed with leaf extract mixtures of Neem + Eucalyptus, Neem + lemon grass, Neem + bitter leaf, Neem + tomato, and Eucalyptus + African curry (in that order) than on unsprayed plants. These extract mixtures also increased pod density per plant compared with the unsprayed plants in the two years of investigation. The synergistic attributes of some plant extracts in mixtures with those of other plant species could form the basis of biopesticides formulations for resource-limited farmers in low input agriculture in the developing countries.
De novo synthesis of fructo-oligosaccharides in leaf disks of certain Asteraceae

Incubation of leaf disks of certain genera of Asteraceae on phosphate-buffered, 5% sugar solutions resulted in the de novo synthesis of a homologous series of inulin-type fructosans. Fructo-oligosaccharides of degree of polymerization 3 to 21 or 22 were present in dandelion, chicory, lettuce, hawkweed, and sow thistle leaf disks after 72 h, but not in dahlia or sunflower. Synthesis occurred with media containing either fructose, glucose, or sucrose, but not with mannose or galactose. Fructosan formation began after about 36 h and continued with the sequential synthesis of homologs of increasing chain length. After 72 h, the relationship between the amount of polymer synthesized and the chain length appeared to be logarithmically biphasic, consisting of two series of exponentially decreasing values. Incubation for 120 h however, resulted in a distribution more closely resembling that found naturally in fructosan storing tissues. 14C-tracer studies showed that both the endogenous and exogenous carbohydrate .
Adult triploid Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) have higher dietary histidine requirements to prevent cataract development in seawater

The study investigated cataract preventive effects of dietary histidine (His) supplementation in triploid Atlantic salmon during seawater grow-out. Groups of individually PIT tagged diploid (2N) and triploid (3N) postsmolts were fed one of two supplemented dietary histidine levels; low (L, 12.6 g kg−1 diet) or high (H, 17.4 g kg−1 diet) from March to September following their first sea winter. Low severity cataracts were detected in both ploidy prior to supplemented His diet application. Thereafter, 3N-L showed progression of cataract development in the second spring-summer period, while development was inhibited in 3N-H. Severity of cataract showed a strong family effect. A positive correlation between initial triploid seawater growth (weight and TGC) under increasing water temperature and cataract severity was identified as a major risk factor. The relationship was reversed at harvest, where triploids were on average 7.5% smaller than their diploid siblings. Lens N-acetyl-histidine content reflected dietary His inclusion level and cataract severity, although no significant differences in lens His content were evident between ploidy or dietary groups. Results indicate that triploid Atlantic salmon appear to have a higher dietary histidine requirement than diploids and that preventative measures can be taken to mitigate further cataract development.
Effect of individuals’ local persistence, and spatial and temporal scale, on density-dependent growth: a study in brown trout Salmo trutta

This study focuses on the mechanism of density-dependent growth in a stream-dwelling landlocked population of brown trout Salmo trutta. Specifically, body growth estimated by scale reading was examined in relation to population density and recapture rate (approximation of persistence of individuals within a location associated with dispersal and mortality) across 7 years and two spatial scales – a reach and a whole stream. In concordance with previous studies, the whole-stream population density had a crucial effect on body growth in juveniles, but not in adult individuals. Furthermore, growth was negatively associated with the whole-stream population density in reaches with a low recapture rate, whereas no such relationship could be detected in reaches with a high recapture rate. Since persistence within a certain locality increases the familiarity of individuals with the habitat and with other conspecifics, we suggest that the negative effect of population density on growth might be relaxed in groups with a high recapture rate by positive influence of the familiarity both within the habitat but also towards other conspecifics, which decreases competition pressure.
Impact of water level fluctuations on St. Lawrence River aquatic vegetation

Historical records of average seasonal water levels in the St. Lawrence River over the past 80 years reveal cyclic variations of up to 1 m above (1976) and 1 m below (1965) present levels. These variations are probably related to climatic conditions in the basin. Over the same period, the vertical range of seasonal water levels decreased from 2.2 to 1.5 m because of discharge regulation. Exposure of new substrate during periods of extreme low water levels may facilitate the invasion of aggressive and (or) exotic species. In Lake Saint-Pierre, a strong negative relationship was observed between seasonal water level and the percentage of emergent plant cover. Under low water levels, the lake becomes a large (387 km2) marshland that could support a high plant biomass (286 times 103 t) whereas under high water levels, the lake shifts to a vast (501 km2) open-water body with a lower predicted plant biomass (117 times 103 t). A model of the major anthropic and climatic forces acting on water levels is also pres.
The Use of Fluorescent Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA Markers to Identify Hybrids: A Case Study Evaluating the Origins of Saugeye following the Cessation of Stocking in an Ohio Reservoir

Abstract Hybridization and introgression continue to gain recognition as important issues in the management and conservation of native fishes. It is often necessary to identify hybrids in natural populations and to distinguish among individuals of various hybrid categories. Molecular methods are important for these purposes, and it is valuable if researchers have a range of molecular methods to apply, since each method has unique advantages and disadvantages. The determination of the best class of marker for a particular study depends on various factors, including the goals of the study, the resolution required, and the genomic and marker information already available for the taxa of interest. We modified a protocol to generate fluorescent randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (FRAPD) markers for hybridization studies. To our knowledge, this type of marker has not previously been used for hybrid identification. To demonstrate the utility of the modified methods, FRAPD markers were used to evaluate potential .
The Idea of Using Systematic Imagery – Physical Practice on Netball Jump Shot Performance

Previous researchers found that systematic imagery – physical practice also known as Practice in Mind (PIM) training does help to resolve physical and psychological problem in sport skills performance. Therefore, the present study was done to investigate the effectiveness of PIM training on netball jump shot performances of state netball players. Twenty state level netball shooters, aged between 17 to 21 years old (M = 18.80, SD = 1.47) with 2 to 4 years playing experiences (M = 4.00, SD = .80) participated in this study. They were divided into PIM training group and control group. Participants in the PIM training group performed 10 imagery practices together with 10 physical practices (jump shot). Meanwhile, control group only had 10 physical practices. The mixed between – within subjects’ results showed that the PIM training group improve their netball jump shot scores from pre-test to post-test compared to control group. However, the mean flow was slightly decreased from post-test to retention test but higher than the pre-test scores. The finding supports the benefit of using PIM training in team sport particularly for netball goal shooters. The netball association, coaches, and athletes should be educated with the importance of imagery training such as PIM training and should not focus on their skills only to be successful but also their psychological training.
Development of microsatellite markers from the transcriptome of Erysiphe necator for analysing population structure in North America and Europe

Transcriptome sequences of the grape powdery mildew fungus Erysiphe necator were used to develop microsatellite markers (EST-SSRs) to study its relatively unexplored population structure in its centre of diversity in eastern North America. Screening the transcriptome sequences revealed 116 contigs with candidate microsatellites, from which 11 polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed from 31 markers tested. Eight of these markers were used to genotype isolates from different regions and hosts in the eastern USA and compare them to samples from southern France and Italy. Genetic diversity in the eastern USA is much greater than in Europe. Bayesian cluster analyses showed that 10 isolates from North America have high affinities with, but differ from, European group A; these are referred to as A-like isolates. No isolates with close affinity to European group B were found in the eastern USA. Bayesian analyses also detected genetic differentiation between isolates from Vitis rotundifolia and isolates from other Vitis hosts. Genetic differentiation detected between the northeastern and southeastern USA was mostly attributable to the A-like isolates in the southeast, which are significantly more aggressive than the other populations. This research demonstrates that transcriptome sequencing of fungal pathogens is useful for developing genetic markers in protein-coding regions and highlights the role of these markers in population biology studies of E. necator.
Qualidade fisiológica de sementes de sabiá (Mimosa caesalpiniaefolia Benth) tratadas com extratos vegetais

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of plant extracts of Allamanda Blanchetti L), Momordica charantia L. essential oil of anise ( Pimpinella anisum L.) on mycoflora and seed physiology Mimosa caesalpiniaefolia Benth. The experimental design to test germination was completely randomized with five treatments, distributed in four replicates of fifty seeds per treatment. The seeds were placed in paper rolls germitest previously sterilized and germinated in a germination chamber at 27 ° C ± 2 ° C. The vigor tests consisted of the first count and germination speed index. Treatment with essential oils and extracts promoted higher mean germination when compared with the control. Extracts of A. blanchetti, M. charantia and essential oil of fennel ( Pimpinella anisum L.) can be considered alternatives for the replacement of chemical fungicide seed in the preventive treatment of M. caesalpiniaefolia
Thermal inactivation of hepatitis A virus in suspension and in dried mussels (Mytilus edulis)

Summary We examined the effects of three different temperatures (60, 85 and 100 °C) and durations of time (1 min at 100 °C to 30 min at 60 °C) on hepatitis A virus (HAV) in suspension and dried mussels (Mytilus edulis). In suspension, 3.61, 4.48, 5.06 and 5.66 log10 tissue culture infectious dose (TCID)50/mL were reduced by 60 °C for 5 min, 60 °C for 15 min, 60 °C for 30 min and 85 °C for 3 min, respectively. In dried mussels, 1.34, 1.94, 3.16, 2.36, 3.53 and 4.38 log10TCID50/mL were reduced by 60 °C for 5 min, 60 °C for 15 min, 60 °C for 30 min, 85 °C for 3 min, 85 °C for 6 min and 85 °C for 10 min, respectively. HAV inactivation from suspension and dried mussels was achieved by 85 °C for 6 min and 15 min, respectively, and also by a 1 min at 100 °C. At 60, 85 and 100 °C, the 1-log (D-values) inactivation from both suspension and dried mussels was 6.33 and 7.93, 0.98 and 3.05, and 0.28 and 0.38 min, respectively. A higher temperature and/or a thermal treatment time shorter than 85 °C for 6 min (100 °C for 1 min) could be used for commercial target foods for complete HAV inactivation.
Estimated Zinc Bioavailability in Milling Fractions of Biofortified Wheat Grains and in Flours of Different Extraction Rates

In present study, control and Zn-biofortified grains were milled to estimate Zn bioavailability in various grain milling fractions and flours of various extraction rates. In all tissues of wheat grains, soil Zn application increased Zn concentration and bioavailability, while decreased phytate concentration and [phytate]:[Zn] ratio. Compared with control grains, trivariate model of Zn absorption based estimated Zn bioavailability in various flour fractions of biofortified grains was greater by 50% or more. On average, bran had higher concentration of Zn and phytate as compared to whole grain and other milling fractions. Therefore, a large decrease was observed in concentration and estimated bioavailability of Zn from both control and biofortified wheat flour at lower flour extraction rates (80 and 65% extraction) when compared to flour of 100% extraction rate. Compared with four commercial wheat flours of similar flour extraction rate (80%), Zn bioavailability was significantly lower in flour from the control grains, while significantly greater in flour from the biofortified grains. Conclusively, only biofortified whole grain flour can ensure optimum Zn bioavailability (≈3 mg Zn per 300 g flour) for the human population groups reliant on wheat grains. © 2013 Friends Science Publishers
Statistical Analysis in the Safety Evaluation of Genetically‐Modified Crops: Equivalence Tests

Risk assessment is an important step in the process of deregulating a genetically modified (GM) crop and its derived products for food and feed. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) evaluates safety by testing for the average equivalence between the GM crop and a group of commercial non-GM reference varieties representing a population of crops with a history of safe use. This paper defines the equivalence tests described by EFSA in terms of parameters in the mixed model. A basic strategy for the equivalence tests is proposed. Generalized inference is employed to overcome two challenges in testing equivalences: the unconventional parameter of interest and the limited number of reference varieties. Balanced or partially balanced incomplete designs are recommended in equivalence testing. Simulation indicates this new method maintains the desired type I error rate and holds good power under practical designs. An illustrative data example is used to demonstrate the execution of the proposed method in SAS. Finally, issues associated with the equivalence tests and suggested topics for future research are discussed. Q. Kang, Independent Statistical Consultant, Manhattan, KS 66503; C.I. Vahl, Dep. of Statistics, Kansas State Univ., Manhattan, KS 66506. Received 6 Jan. 2014. *Corresponding author (vahl@ksu.edu). Abbreviations: CL, confidence limit; EFSA, European Food Safety Authority; EL, equivalence limit; FDA, U.S. Food and Drug Administration; G × E, genotype-by-environment interaction; GCL, generalized confidence limit; GM, genetically modified; GMO, genetically modified organism; GPQ, generalized pivotal quantity; GPV, generalized p value; KR, Kenward-Rodger; REML, restricted maximum likelihood; TOST, two one-sided tests. Published in Crop Sci. 54:2183–2200 (2014). doi: 10.2135/cropsci2014.01. 0011 © Crop Science Society of America | 5585 Guilford Rd., Madison, WI 53711 USA All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Permission for printing and for reprinting the material contained herein has been obtained by the publisher.
ANTIMUTAGENIC ACTIVITY OF EGYPTIAN PROPOLIS AND BEE POLLEN WATER EXTRACTS AGAINST CISPLATIN-INDUCED CHROMOSOMAL ABNORMALITIES IN BONE MARROW CELLS OF MICE

Bee-collected pollen and propolis are apicultural products which are recognized as a well balanced food. These beehive products are composed of nutritionally valuable substances and contain considerable amounts of polyphenol substances which may have several useful pharmacological properties. Methods: The protective activity of Bee-collected pollen (BPE) and water-soluble derivative of propolis(WSDPE) aqueous extracts was studied on cisplatin(CDDP) induced genotoxicity in male albino mice(Mus mascullus). Results: The treatment of mice with Bee-collected pollen and propolis extracts at doses 140 and 8.4 mg/kg body weight/day, respectively for 14 days synergistically with the intraperitoneal administration of cisplatin at dose of 2.8 mg/kg b.wt exhibited significant chemoprotective activity. Genotoxicity and cytotoxicity was evaluated by the bone marrow chromosomal aberration assay and mitotic index, respectively. WSDPE and BPE, alone did not significantly induce chromosomal aberrations confirming their non-mutagenic effects. While, the animals in groups five and six (G5 and G6), that were injected i.p. with CDDP alone for one week and then for the next 14 days these animals were given WSDPE and BPE in synergistic with i.p. injection of CDDP, exhibited a significant decrease in cytogenetic damages induced by CDDP in bone marrow cells. The anti-cytotoxicity effects of WSDPE and BPE were also evident, as observed by significant increase in mitotic index, when compared to positive control group (G2). Conclusion: Thus, results of the present investigation revealed that WSDP and BPE have chemoprotective potential against CDDP induced genotoxicity in bone marrow cells of male albino mice. Also, the present investigation indicated that the chemoprotective frequency of BPE was much greater than WSDPE.
Nature and genetic relatedness of the mycoplasma-like organism causing rubus stunt in Europe

Cultivated red raspberries (Rubus idaeus), and wild blackberries (R fruticosus, R. caesius, and Rubus hybrids) showing symptoms of rubus stunt were collected in Germany, France, and Italy, Ribosomal DNA of the mycoplasma-like organism (MLO) that causes rubus stunt was amplified by a polymerase chain reaction procedure and then digested with AtuI and RsaI restriction endonucleases. All samples examined showed the same restriction profiles, which were similar to those of the MLOs inducing elm yellows and alder yellows. However, the rubus stunt MLO could be distinguished from the elm and alder MLOs by Southern blot analysis using DNA probes from a strain of the elm yellows MLO, A variability of the hybridization profiles, probably caused by restriction fragment length polymorphisms, was observed among the rubus stunt samples. From both rDNA restriction site and Southern blot analyses it can be concluded that the rubus stunt agent and the elm yellows and alder yellows MLOs are not identical but closely related and can be grouped in the same taxonomic cluster.
Acantholippia deserticola essential oil as a natural pesticide against agricultural plagues woolly whitefly [(Aleurothrixus floccosus (Maskell)], chilean false red mite (Brevipalpus chilensis Baker) and two-spotted mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch)

Se evaluo el efecto a diferentes concentraciones de una solucion de aceite esencial de Acantholippia deserticola sobre plagas agricolas en Chile, tales como Aleurothrixus floccosus (Maskell), Brevipalpus chilensis Baker y Tetranychus urticae Koch. Los bioensayos fueron realizados mediante una torre de Potter en condiciones de laboratorio y las aplicaciones fueron directas y residuales. El aceite se obtuvo por hidrodestilacion, el cual contenia una gran cantidad de  and -tuyonas (88.4%), mostrando marcados efectos toxicos para A. floccosus, con un 97% de mortalidad despues de 7 d y, para B. chilensis, y T. urticae, con una mortalidad de 82% y 89% respectivamente, despues de 48 h. Estos resultados abren la posibilidad de usar aceite esencial de Acantholippia deserticola como pesticida natural.
Enzyme-induced aggregation of whey proteins with Bacillus licheniformis protease

Whey proteins are commonly used as ingredient in food. In relation with the gelation properties of whey proteins, this thesis deals with understanding the mechanism of peptide-induced aggregation of whey protein hydrolysates made with Bacillus licheniformis protease (BLP). The results show that BLP breaks down hydrophilic segments in the substrate and, therefore, preserves hydrophobic segments that aggregate once exposed to the solvent. Aggregation during hydrolysis prevented further degradation of the substrate, explaining that aggregating peptides are larger than the non-aggregating ones. Solubility experiments performed on fractionated aggregating peptides showed that peptide co-aggregation is an important factor in the aggregation process. Results also showed that the hydrolysates are able to aggregate added parental protein. The aggregating peptides could form a network in which the presence of both insoluble and partly insoluble peptides was required for the aggregation of intact protein.