Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MULTIDRUG RESISTANCE PROFILES OF CLINICAL ISOLATES OF PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA AND ESCHERICHIA COLI OF CLINICAL ORIGIN

The indiscriminate use of antibiotics contributes to the dissemination of multiple antibiotic resistances in bacterial pathogens in the community and hospital environment; and this development is of serious public health importance. This study was conducted to determine the incidence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli in certain clinical samples as well as to determine their susceptibility patterns to some commonly used antibiotics. The organisms were isolated using standard microbiological techniques and the antibiotic susceptibility study was determined using the KirbyBauer disc diffusion method as per the guidelines of Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI). The result of this studies showed that most of the clinical isolates were highly resistant to amoxicillin and amoxycillin-clavulanic acid. It was also observed that these clinical isolates showed least resistance to gentamicin, ofloxacin, and ciprofloxacin. There was a significant difference (P≥ 0.05) in the percentage resistance patterns between the clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa and E. coli. Eleven isolates that were resistant to more than one antibiotic were subjected to
Response of Phyllanthus amarus to inoculation with Glomus fasciculatum and plant growth promoting rhizomicroorganisms

Response of Phyllanthus amarus to inoculation with Glomus fasciculatum and plant growth promoting rhizomicroorganisms either singly or in combination were studied under field conditions. Inoculation with G. fasciculatum enhanced plant growth and biomass as compared to control plants. Dual inoculation of G. fasciculatum with either Bacillus coagulans or Trichoderma harzianum further enhanced plant growth and biomass of P. amarus.
Ichnology and palaeobiology of Phoebichnus trochoides and Schaubcylindrichnus heberti comb. nov.

The three-dimensional reconstructions of Phoebichnus trochoides and Schaubcylindrichnus (Palaeophycus) heberti created as part of this thesis allow us to fully understand and characterize the three-dimensional morphology and palaeobiology of these common taxa. Three-dimensional reconstructions demonstrate that P. trochoides is a large stellate burrow composed of numerous long galleries produced by a deposit feeding organism. This study reports for the first time that the central zone is composed of stacked disk-shaped layers of highly bioturbated sediment, the radial burrows are composed of a sand-rich lining of pelleted annuli surrounding an active sand-rich fill, and the presence of subtle conical features above the radial galleries that are inferred to result from collapse cone feeding. Reconstructions of heberti demonstrate that the thick walled burrows are composed of sand-rich annular rings, are a broad U-shape, and may be either clustered or isolated. Our observations show that the morphology of heberti is inconsistent with the generic diagnosis of Palaeophycus, but is morphologically comparable to Schaubcylindrichnus, and is herein synonymised with Schaubcylindrichnus to create S. heberti comb. nov. The three-dimensional reconstructions have revealed a number of hitherto unknown morphological elements to both taxa which has facilitated new interpretations of the trace-makers behaviour. The data improves the taxonomic understanding of both P. trochoides and S. heberti which require significant taxonomic change and emendation of diagnoses at the species and genus level.
Effects of Some Treatments of Grape Juice on the Population and Growth of Yeast Species During Fermentation

The effects of grape juice clarification on the initial population and growth of wild yeasts were studied. Two musts were clarified using different treatments. One of them was treated with pectolytic enzyme, and then a single cold treatment at 3°C to 5°C was performed. The other must was submitted to an additional cold settling treatment combined with bentonite, gelatine, and coloidal silica. Despite the different occurrences of yeast species in the musts, the effects of the treatments were similar. The population of almost all yeasts decreased during the clarification, yet at the end of the treatment the levels reached were similar to those existing at the beginning of the process. The extent of removal of yeasts depended on each particular species. The most affected yeasts were Issatchenkia terricola, Hansenula anomala, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. An unexpected proliferation of Pichia membranaefaciens in the early stages of the fermentation was observed. This fact was a consequence of the changes in the relative populations of the yeast species during clarification of the must.
An exploration of young adult males' perceptions of non-resident fathers.

Research on fatherhood has become an area of increasing interest internationally; however, this area remains under-researched in South Africa. Given the increase in father-absent households in South Africa and its severe effects on children, the issue of non-resident fathers requires immediate attention. This study sought to address the paucity of research on this problem by examining the subjective experiences and perceptions of participants in relation to their non-resident fathers. A qualitative methodology was adopted, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 young adult males who have or had a non-resident father. The results of the study revealed commonalities and contrasts within and across interviews; the contradictions and conflicts that emerged were also explored. This study highlights the unique roles that non-resident fathers play, which go beyond the financial provider role. Specific factors that either facilitate or impede the father-son relationship and how father involvement shapes children's well-being were explored. The results show the strong emotional need that boys have for their fathers and the desire for a close, intimate and fulfilling relationship between a father and son. It is clear that non-resident fathers can and should play a major role in their sons' lives.
DNA ISOLATION OF MICROBIAL CONTAMINANTS IN AVIATION TURBINE FUEL VIA TRADITIONAL POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION (PCR) AND DIRECT PCR

Abstract : Microbially contaminated aviation fuel cause the Air Force increased maintenance and replacement costs from problems such as fuel gauge malfunctions, fuel line and filter plugging, and corrosion. As a result, there is considerable interest in identifying microbial growth and finding strategies to mitigate it. Previous research to isolate and identify aviation fuel microbial contaminants has used cultivation-based methodologies. This study aimed to investigate newer molecular methods to more comprehensively characterize the bioburden in aviation fuel supplies. Several fuel samples were analyzed for bacterial contamination using two distinct methods: a cultivation-independent method (direct PCR) and a traditional cultivation-dependant method. A total of 36 bacterial genera were identified, including 28 genera which have not been previously reported in aviation fuel. Nearly 62% of the new bacterial genera were isolated with the cultivation-independent method only, 33% with both methods, and only 5% with the cultivation-dependant method only.
EFFECT OF PROTECTED SOYBEAN MEAL ON MILK YIELD AND COMPOSITION IN LOCAL MERIZ GOATS

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of protected soybean meal (SBM) on total milk yield (TMY) and composition, milk energy and body weight (BW) in lactating Meriz does. Eighteen does (BW 33.13±0.41 Kg) were randomly divided into two equal groups, control (untreated soybean meal) (C) and the treated soybean meal chemically treated with formaldehyde (T). Results revealed that protected soybean meal significantly (P<0.001) increased TMY (44.20 vs 34.08 kg), milk fat % (4.14±0.13 vs 3.32±0.06), and yield (25.45±0.75 vs 16.08±0.41 gm/day) , milk protein % (4.86±0.05 vs 4.31±0.04), and yield (30.73±1.02 vs 20.99±0.52 gm/day), and milk energy (3.38±0.05 vs 3.03±0.02 MJ/kg) as compared to control. It can be concluded that protection process of soybean meal increased milk yield, fat and protein content.
Field evidence for aggregating behaviour in the tick Ixodes ricinus L.

The relative spatial micro-distribution of questing adult Ixodes ricinus ticks was determined by observation and counting of occurrences on stems of the rush Juncus effusus in deer-inhabited oak woods in Killarney in south-west Ireland. Overall, a total of 2077 individual ticks were counted during observation of an estimated 200,000 + rush stems. Analysis of data demonstrated significantly more females than males in the population sample. The distribution of the frequency classes for single ticks, pairs, triplets, etc. was found to be significantly clumped and a negative binomial distribution provided a good fit to the observed distribution. Among observed pairs of ticks, a significant excess of female-male pairs was found as well as corresponding deficits of female-female and male-male co-occurrences compared with expected numbers based solely on the observed proportions of males and females. In addition, separate statistical analysis of female and male data showed that the distributions for each sex were also clumped when the female-male aggregating factor was removed from the data. Overall, the results demonstrate widespread fine-scale aggregation of questing ticks and it is concluded that this is likely to be pheromone-mediated. The results indicate the action of a sex-attractant as well as an assembly attractant while the role of other pheromones is not precluded.
Investigator Group Expedition 2006: Pycnogonida

Abstract Eleven species of shallow-water Pycnogonida are recorded from the Investigator Group of islands, South Australia. Pseudopallene brevicephala sp. nov. is described. The female of P. reflexa Staples, 2005 and the male of P. inflata Staples, 2005 are recorded for the first time. A key to the southern Australian species of Pseudopallene is provided.
The effect of gradual increase of group size on the expression of predatory behavior in workers of the red wood ant Formica polyctena (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

We studied the effect of gradual increase of the group size on the expression of predatory behavior in workers of the red wood ant Formica polyctena kept in a laboratory in relatively small queenless and broodless colony fragments. The whole study consisted of two experiments carried out in two different years. We tested 28 experimental groups (initial size = 25 workers) created solely of selected ants known to respond to insect prey by at least persistent biting and/or transport. On each test we recorded the responses of the ants to a dead adult housefly introduced into their nest. After each test the group size was increased by adding several workers taken from another small group (n ≤ 25). Each group was tested until the appearance of prey retrieval on three successive tests. In spite of slight differences in rearing conditions, both experiments yielded strikingly concordant results. Retrieval of the prey to the nest started to be expressed when the group reached the size of 30-47 individuals (Experiment 1), and 29-43 individuals (Experiment 2), and its expression was not followed by temporary suppression during at least three successive tests when the group reached the size of 33-52 individuals (Experiment 1), and 29-43 individuals (Experiment 2). The values of the variables quantifying the degree of completeness of sequences of predatory behavior observed in the tested groups were as a rule significantly correlated positively with the group size, which implies that the control of the expression of predatory behavior in F. polyctena involves a whole cascade of response thresholds.
The Photochemical and Thermal Decomposition of Azidoacetylene in the Gas Phase, Solid Matrix, and Solutions

Decomposition of the extremely explosive and unstable parent compound of 1-azidoalkynes, HCCN3 (azidoacetylene), was studied in the gas phase, solid argon matrix, and solutions. In the gas phase, this azide decomposes quickly at room temperature with a half-life time (t1/2) of 20 min at an initial pressure (p0) of 0.8 mbar. The decay (p0 = 1.0 mbar) is significantly increased in an atmosphere of O2 with t1/2 of 3 min, in which HC(O)CN was identified as the trapping product of the cyanocarbene intermediate HCCN. Trapping products of this carbene by solvent molecules (CH2Cl2 and CHCl3) were also found during decomposition of the azide in solution, whereas the reaction with a solution of bromine to form dibromoacetonitrile is interpreted as taking place by nucleophilic attack of the alkyne itself. The intermediary formation of triplet HCCN by flash vacuum pyrolysis and photolysis (255 nm) of the azide in the gas phase and in solid argon matrices, respectively, was confirmed by IR spectroscopy and mutual photo-interconversion of HCCN with isomeric cyclo-C(H)CN (azirinylidene) and HCNC by selective irradiations at 16 K.
SHP-1 differentially regulates LPS-mediated TNF-alpha and IL-10 production in murine splenic macrophages

Host-Pathogen interactions are characterized by inflammatory responses, aimed at eliminating invading pathogens. During inflammatory responses, immune cells secrete cytokines and chemokines, with a broad range of immuno-regulatory roles. The role of the signaling protein, SHP-1 in regulating signaling pathways activated by cytokine, antigen and growth factor receptors has been studied for some time. However, the involvement of SHP-1 in the regulation of Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated signal transduction pathways leading to cytokine production is less well understood. Loss of SHP-1 leads to development of complex inflammatory disorder(s). To understand the role of SHP-1 during the inflammation process, the SHP-1-deficient moth-eaten (me/me) mouse model was used to investigate LPS-induced TNF-a and IL-10 production, representing pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines, respectively. Results show that me/me splenic macrophages, when challenged with LPS in-vitro, secreted lower levels of IL-10 and concomitantly elevated TNF-a levels, compared to normal healthy littermate controls. Deregulated LPS-induced TNF-a and IL-10 production in SHP-1 deficient splenic macrophages were observed irrespective of LPS dose and time of stimulation as demonstrated by ELISA. These findings were further confirmed by RT-PCR, SHP-1 antisense experiments in normal splenic macrophages and adenoviral reconstitution of SHP-1 expression in me/me macrophages, suggesting a dual role of SHP-1 as a negative regulator of LPS induced TNF-a and a positive
Weed flora and the relative importance of site, crop, crop rotation, and nitrogen

Weed species composition and density were recorded in three identical field experiments established 26 to 30 yr ago in southern Sweden. Each experiment compared three 6-yr crop rotations and four rates of nitrogen application. The rotations differed by having (1) a 2-yr rotational grassland, (2) a 2-yr mixed rotational grassland (legume/grass), or (3) spring wheat followed by fallow. Other crops in the rotations were winter turnip rape, winter wheat, spring oats, and spring barley. Using multivariate analyses, the relative importance of site, crop, crop rotation, and nitrogen application rate on the weed flora was determined. The greatest difference was found between sites, and the second most important factor was crop species. Nitrogen application rate weakly influenced the weed flora, while differences between crop rotations were hardly detectable.
Effects of Application of Inorganic Fertilizer in Combination with Organic Fertilizer to Red Upland Soil

In order to probe into reasonable ratio of application of inorganic fertilizer in combination with organic fertilizer of corn to red upland soil, the effects of application of inorganic fertilizer in combination with organic fertilizer to red upland soil were studied by using plot trial. The results are as follows: ①Reasonable application of inorganic fertilizer in combination with organic fertilizer obviously decreases soil bulk density,and increases moisture of soil and soil fertility, growth of corn and output, and promotes quality of corn grain. ②The reasonable application ratio of inorganic fertilizer in combination with organic fertilizer is in the range of 25%～50% organic fertilizer +75%～50% chemical fertilizer .
Incidence of arthropod pests and diseases of groundnut Arachis hypogaea L in northern Ghana

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is the most popular grain legume crop in Ghana in terms of cultivated area and utilization. Though the bulk of the crop is produced in the Northern Guinea and Sudan savanna zones of the Country yields are marginally low, owing to a variety of abiotic and biotic constraints. Systematic studies on the pest and disease profile of the crop in the area remain scanty, even though preliminary observations suggest that these probably cause appreciable damage to the crop annually. The studies described in this paper were therefore conducted to identify the key pests and diseases associated with the crop, damage caused as well as control measures usually adopted by farmers. Combinations of farmer interviews and direct field sampling were carried out between 2014 and 2015 in five districts viz; Tolon, Savelugu, West Mamprusi in the Guinea savannah as well as in Bongo and Builsa North in the Sudan Savannah. Most farmers (80%) were able to mention and/or describe the key field pests and diseases often associated with groundnuts in Ghana, with termites, millipedes, white grubs and virus diseases being most frequently mentioned. Inspite of this knowledge, as many as 64% of farmers took no measures to control pests and diseases on their farms. Sampling of farms in the areas largely confirmed the farmer perceptions and responses in terms of the key members of the pest complex. Though many of the observed pests and diseases (especially the foliar ones) proliferated in most farms sampled, the relative abundance scores (RAS) showed that their incidence and damage were generally low or moderate. Termites, millipedes and rosette were the exception with RAS of over 3.0 on the 1 – 5 scale used, suggesting that these could be of economic importance. These preliminary findings call for more detailed studies to determine the relative importance of the various pests and diseases in groundnut production and to develop and/or disseminate innovations for controlling the economically-damaging ones.
Morphological variability of Consolida regalis seeds of south-eastern and central Europe

The aim of the paper was to analyse the morphological variability of Consolida regalis Gray (common name Forking Larkspur) seeds in populations derived from different geographic origins. A review of available literature showed scarcity of data on seed sizes and a complete lack of information describing the morphological variation of C. regalis seeds in the geographic gradient. Therefore, the main aim of the study was to analyse the morphological variability of C. regalis seeds from south-eastern and central Europe. Larkspur seeds, collected during expeditions spanning 2012–2014 from 29 sites located in Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova and Poland, were the study material. Four biometric traits were analysed, that is, the length, the width, the perimeter and the area of the seeds. The pictures of the surface structure and sculpture of the seeds were made using the scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results showed differences in biometric traits and the seed sculpture across the latitudinal transect. There was a trend observed of an increase in the length, the width, the perimeter and the area of the seeds towards the northern border of the geographic species range. Besides the geographic factor, the morphological variation of larkspur seeds was affected by environmental conditions (mainly temperature) in which plants grew and availability of habitat resources.
Agroindustrial yield of sugarcane grown under different levels of water replacement and nitrogen fertilization

The sugar and alcohol sector has invested heavily in technologies to increase the productivity of sugarcane and consequently the gross income of sugar and alcohol; among these practices irrigation and fertilization stands out. The objective of this study is to evaluate the agro industrial and sugarcane yield (plant cane and first ratoon cycle) grown in the Sudoeste Goiano, Brazil, as affected by water replacement and nitrogen (N) rates; and to evaluate the residual effect from N rates on sugarcane ratoon grown under water replacement levels. The study was carried out with pots filled with a mixture of 120 kg of Oxisol (Rhodic Hapludox) and cattle manure, in a proportion of 3:1 v/v, respectively. A completely randomized design was used, 3x4, with three repetitions, analyzed in split plots. The treatments were combinations of three levels of replacement water (75, 50 and 25% of available water) and four N rates (0, 60, 120 and 180 kg ha-1, equivalent to pots), which were also the same doses for the treatment residual N rate. In both cycles, at harvesting the stem yield and the total recoverable sugar (TRS) were determined for calculation of gross income of sugar and alcohol. The plant cane was not affected significantly by any of the factors evaluated. Interactions between the residual N doses and water replacements influenced the TRS and the gross income of sugar and alcohol in ratoon cane, proving that the N applied on a cycle can be leveraged by another; the stem productivity was affected only by water replacements. Key words: Residual nitrogen, sugar yield, alcohol yield, irrigation, stem productivity.
Studies on nursery management in papaya (Carica papaya L.) var. CO2.

Considering the need for optimizing the number of seedling per bag, an attempt was made with different organic potting mixtures and number of seedlings per polythene bag on growth and development of papaya var. CO2 in the nursery and their effect on first flowering height and first bearing height in the main field. The study revealed the superiority of single seedling grown with potting mixture treated with vermicompost by registering higher seedling height (28.50 cm), seedling diameter (0.639 cm), petiole length (6.410 cm), petiole diameter (0.186 cm), number of leaves (11.65), short dry weight (1.254 g), root length (29.715 cm) root dry weight (0.392 g) and root shoot ratio (0.340). In main field condition, three seedlings per polybag grown with potting mixture and vermicompost was found to have early flowering development (86.69 days) and first bearing height (96.695 cm) with minimum plant height (90.930 cm).