Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Variation in growth pattern and response to slug damage among native and invasive provenances of four perennial Brassicaceae species

1 The EICA (evolution of increased competitive ability) hypothesis suggests that release from natural enemies and pathogens results in higher vigour of invasive plants as a result of the selection of less defended but rapidly growing genotypes. Slug diversity and abundance appear to be low in North America compared with Europe, and we therefore hypothesized that release from slug herbivory contributes to the invasiveness of European Brassicaceae species in North America. 2 In common garden and glasshouse experiments we compared life history and fitness parameters in native (NP) and introduced (IP) provenances of four invasive Brassicaceae species (Barbarea vulgaris, Bunias orientalis, Cardaria draba, Rorippa austriaca) that were subjected to herbivory by Arion lusitanicus. In climate chamber bioassays we investigated slug damage to seedlings and leaf discs using the same sources of plant material. 3 In all species except B. orientalis we found significant but not always consistent differences in growth and reproductive characteristics between IP and NP plants. Plants of B. vulgaris and R. austriaca from the introduced range had a considerably higher growth rate than those from the native range. While IP plants of the non‐clonal B. vulgaris allocated more resources to seed production than NP plants, the IP plants of the clonal R. austriaca showed a decreased number of seeds. 4 Contrary to expectation, there were no differences between NP plants and IP plants in the number of damaged leaves and leaf area consumed by slugs, or in the proportion of seedlings damaged and killed. Nor were there interaction effects between slug treatments and provenance. 5 The results suggest that there are genetically based differences in growth and reproductive parameters between NP and IP plants. As there were no differences in herbivore damage between the provenances, this genetic differentiation is probably due to factors such as competition rather than herbivore effects. 6 In order to make progress in understanding why some species become invasive, more comparative experimental studies are needed that investigate how different kinds of antagonists (generalist and specialist herbivores and pathogens) influence the performance of plants at different life stages.
Crèche Toothbrushing Program; Dental Awareness and Perception of Parents and Teachers

School toothbrushing programs are implemented throughout the world as a means of providing supplementary fluoride to the developing teeth of young children, as prevention against dental caries. Throughout the literature, parental and teacher involvement has been highlighted to be pivotal to the success of school toothbrushing program. Objectives: the aim of this research is to ascertain parental and teacher awareness and perception of the creche toothbrushing activity in Seychelles. Methods: Questionnaire survey of parents and teachers of creche year two children of the three state schools enrolled in the creche toothbrushing pilot activity. Results: 70.2% of parents and 71.4% of teaching staffs of creche year two children of the three schools completed the respective questionnaire. 72.73% parents stated that their five year old children brush their teeth twice per day but the majority (42.42%) responded that these children brush their teeth by themselves with parental supervision. All parents and teachers participants were aware of the benefits of creche toothbrushing program and were unanimous that the program should continue, despite differing level of participation by teachers. Conclusion: Enhanced awareness and motivation for toothbrushing as well as children emerging as positive change agent in the family’s oral hygiene routine emerged as reported positive impacts of the creche toothbrushing. Co-ordinated effort by all stakeholders is required to address highlighted areas of improvement.
Viscoelastic Warpage Modeling of Fan-Out Wafer-Level Packaging During Wafer-Level Mold Cure Process

This article aims to characterize the warpage evolution of fan-out wafer-level packaging (FOWLP) during the wafer-level mold cure process. A finite-element analysis (FEA)-based process modeling framework, which includes the effects of geometric nonlinearity, gravity, and the cure-dependent chemical shrinkage of epoxy molding compound (MC), is presented to determine the warpage behavior of the molded wafer at different process steps. Focus is placed on the effect of the viscoelastic behavior of the epoxy MC on the process-induced warpage, where its linear viscoelastic properties are characterized using dynamic mechanical analysis in a frequency domain at different temperatures based on the thermorheological simplicity. In addition, its temperature-dependent thermal–mechanical properties and cure state are investigated through experiments. The simulation results are validated by the in-line warpage measurement data. The alternative emphasis is to explore the effects of thermal annealing and wafer thinning on the warpage. To fabricate thin molded wafer at better handing, an indirect two-step process is proposed. The process-induced warpage resulting from the two-step process is investigated and compared against that of the direct one-step process. Besides, the dependences of the process-induced warpage on the material properties of the epoxy MC and support carrier are examined through parametric analysis.
The triple-a supply chain and strategic resources: developing competitive advantage

Scholars have recently begun to empirically evaluate the triple-A supply chain, which emphasizes concurrent capabilities in agility, adaptability and alignment across the supply chain to develop sustainable competitive advantage. Complexity theory suggests however that other combinations of triple-A capabilities may be equally effective, especially given a firm's strategic orientation relative to its market and its supply chain. Our research objective was to examine what combinations of these capabilities lead to the same outcome (i.e. high firm performance). ,We collected 182 survey responses from a global sample of supply chain managers. Qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) was employed to assess effective recipes of agility, adaptability, alignment, supply chain orientation, and market orientation. ,Our results revealed four distinct “recipes” (i.e. combinations of agility, adaptability, alignment, supply chain orientation and market orientation) that lead to high levels of firm performance. ,Our results indicate that firms currently do not necessarily have to concomitantly develop capabilities across all triple-A components. Considering the costs associated with developing each of these capabilities, the findings allow us to derive several theoretical and managerial insights.
Electron microscopy evaluation of mineralization on peritubular dentin with amorphous calcium magnesium phosphate microspheres

Abstract Dentin hypersensitivity can be reduced by the use of a remineralization agent to hinder movement of fluids within the dentin tubules. Penetration of particles into the tubules and a continuous release of Ca2+ and phosphate ions can induce the mineralization of a material mimicking the mineral component of dentin, sealing the tubules. In this work, we have used complementary electron microscopy techniques to investigate the ultrastructure of dentin and crystallization and occlusion effects when using amorphous calcium magnesium phosphate (ACMP) microspheres on extracted human molars. Application of the particles in a gel intended for at-home use resulted in intra-tubular mineralization of a carbonate substituted hydroxyapatite (HA). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that crystallization was initiated on the peritubular dentin (PTD) with undirected crystal growth leading to the formation of a porous material. We additionally investigated the effects from using a fluoride toothpaste to potentially improve the remineralization and anti-cariogenic properties of the ACMP microspheres. Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) using TEM in scanning mode (STEM) showed that fluoride incorporation resulted in an increase in aspect ratio of the crystals, crystal growth directed towards the center of the tubule lumen and densification of the mineralized material. Thus, ACMP microspheres are promising alternatives as occluding agents and the efficacy of the particles could be further improved with the complementary use of a fluoride toothpaste.
Homology of fin lepidotrichia in osteichthyan fishes.

Lepidotrichia are dermal elements located at the distal margin of osteichthyan fins. In sarcopterygians and actinopterygians, the term has been used to denote the most distal bony hemisegments and also the more proximal, scale-covered segments which overlie endochondral bones of the fin. In certain sarcopterygian fishes, including the Rhizodontida, these more proximal, basal segments are very long, extending at least half the length of the fin. The basal segments have a subcircular cross section, rather than the crescentic cross section of the distal lepidotrichial hemisegments, which lack a scale cover and comprise short, generally regular, elements. In rhizodonts and other sarcopterygians, e.g. Eusthenopteron, the basal elements are the first to appear during fin development, followed by the endochondral bones and then the distal lepidotrichia. This sequence contradicts the 'clock-face model' of fin development proposed by Thorogood in which the formation of endochondral bones is followed by development of lepidotrichia. However, if elongate basal 'lepidotrichia' are not homologous with more distal, jointed lepidotrichia and if the latter form within a distal fin-fold and the former outside this fold, then Thorogood's 'clock-face' model remains valid. This interpretation might indicate that the fin-fold has been lost in early digited stem-tetrapods such as Acanthostega and Ichthyostega and elongate basal elements, but not true lepidotrichia, occur in the caudal fins of these taxa.
Detection of QTLs for bread-making quality in wheat using a recombinant inbred line population

Whereas gluten fraction accounts for 30-60% of the variation in wheat bread-making quality, there remains substantial variation determined by non-gluten factors. The objective of this study was to detect new loci for wheat quality. The genetics of sodium dodecyl sulphate-sedimentation volume (Ssd), grain hardness (GH), grain protein content, wet gluten content (WGC) and water absorption (Abs) in a set of 198 recombinant inbred lines derived from two commercial varieties was studied by quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis. A genetic map based on 255 marker loci, consisting of 250 simple sequence repeat markers and five glutenin loci, Glu-A1, Glu-B1, Glu-D1, Glu-B3 and Glu-D3, was constructed. A total of 73 QTLs were detected for all traits. A major QTL for GH was detected on chromosome 1B and its relative contribution to phenotypic variation was 27.7%. A major QTL for Abs on chromosome 5D explained more than 30% of the phenotypic variation. Variations in Ssd were explained by four kinds of genes. Some QTLs for correlated traits mapped to the same regions forming QTL clusters or indicated pleiotropic effects.
Optical in situ monitoring during the synthesis of halide perovskite solar cells reveals formation kinetics and evolution of optoelectronic properties

The formation mechanism and the evolution of optoelectronic properties during annealing of chlorine-derived methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3−xClx) are investigated in detail combining in situ and ex situ optical and structural characterization. Using in situ optical reflectometry we are able to monitor the evolution of the MAPbI3−xClx phase as a function of time and processing temperature. The formation kinetics is fitted using an improved Johnson–Mehl–Avrami–Kolmogorov model and a delayed formation of MAPbI3−xClx is found when chlorine is present in the precursor. This is verified by X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence measurements. From absolute photoluminescence measurements we determine the implied Voc during film formation, which exhibits a maximum at a specific time during the annealing process. In conjunction with ex situ time-resolved photoluminescence we deduce a decrease in the net doping density for increased annealing times, while the minority carrier lifetime stays constant. We thus demonstrate the potential of in situ optical spectroscopy to monitor and tailor the electronic properties of hybrid perovskites directly during film growth, which can be easily applied to different growth recipes and synthesis environments.
Comparing cultural world heritage sites and globally important agricultural heritage systems and their potential for tourism

ABSTRACT Similar to UNESCO’s World Heritage Site (WHS), the FAO’s Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) certification has the potential to draw large numbers of tourists. In the literature, however, there has been no comprehensive assessment of the GIAHS’s contribution to rural development through tourism in comparison to WHSs. Thus, this study compares official documents between WHSs and GIAHSs. Specifically, a comparative analysis was made on their definitions, selection criteria and monitoring, and the official description of actual sites that are designated by both schemes. Through the comparison, some implications are made for rural development through tourism. First, the utilization of local resources as tourist attractions is easier in WHSs than in GIAHSs. Whereas the properties are well defined in WHSs, GIAHSs have abstract aspects. Thus, GIAHS local communities need more creative strategies to characterize their features. Second, in rural areas where handicrafts are made for souvenirs, it is popular to use WHS properties as models. However, in GIAHS sites, it is more difficult to make handicrafts based on the idea of a system itself, unless some popular tangible elements of the system have already been used as symbols.
THE EFFECT OF LACTOBACTERIA INOCULATION ON CORN SILAGE PRESERVATION AND FEEDING VALUE FOR GROWING BEEF ANIMALS AND LAMBS

The effect of a commercial lactic acid bacteria inoculant, Sila-bac, on nutrient preservation and nutritional value of corn silage was evaluated. In this study, addition of inoculant to corn forage at a rate of 0.6 kg/tonne under good ensiling conditions did not improve (P > 0.05) the preservation of dry matter, crude protein, acid detergent fiber or gross energy. Lactic acid concentrations and pH levels were similar, being 2.26 and 2.02; and 4.0 and 3.9 for the control and silages treated with L. plantarum, respectively. Inoculated silage fed with a grain-based supplement resulted in similar feed intakes, average daily gains and feed efficiencies in growing cattle as did the untreated corn silage fed with the same supplement. A digestibility and nitrogen balance study was conducted with eight growing lambs using a 4 × 4 double latin square design. Dietary treatments were (A) control corn silage plus barley-soybean meal (SMB) supplement, (b) inoculated silage plus barley-SBM supplement, (C) control silage.
The Smith-Magenis syndrome [del(17)p11.2]: Clinical review and molecular advances

The Smith-Magenis syndrome (SMS) is a multiple congenital anomaly, mental retardation syndrome associated with a deletion of chromosome 17p11.2. Since the recognition of this disorder as a clinical entity in 1982, the phenotypic features of SMS have been well described. Unfortunately, the often subtle physical and chromosomal findings of SMS may preclude the diagnosis in some affected individuals. This article offers a comprehensive review of more than 100 SMS patients whose cases have been reported, including details of the more recently studied clinical aspects of SMS. SMS has been postulated to be a contiguous gene deletion syndrome. Currently, only a few genes have been mapped to the SMS critical region. Further research (including genotype-phenotype correlation) is needed to identify the gene or genes that, when deleted, cause this disorder. Although the molecular etiology of SMS is unknown, recent investigations have identified multiple repetitive sequences within the SMS region. As described in other human disorders, repetitive sequences may be involved in homologous recombination and cause deletion. The advances in the molecular dissection of the SMS region are described, and hypotheses regarding the molecular mechanisms of SMS are offered. Parallels are made between the SMS region and other regions in the human genome where the molecular etiologies of diseases have been elucidated. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
COVID-19 and Cardiometabolic Diseases

Citation: Gundu HR Rao. “COVID-19 and Cardiometabolic Diseases”. EC Cardiology 7.6 (2020): 08–12. Communicable diseases (CDs) as well as noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), are great public health problems, which create catastrophic economic damage, cause loss of precious lives and are preventable. According to Harvard Gazette (August 08, 2018), “eight million largely preventable deaths from various diseases, costed six trillion dollars in lost income”. Researchers working on topics related to cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs), have borrowed the word ‘Pandemic’ from the epidemiologists who early on, described worldwide outbreaks of infectious diseases as pandemics. Like earthquakes and other natural disasters, pandemics are unpredictable. Current debate about the COVID-19 pandemic describes the dilemma very well. To the extent, the US administration has threatened, to cut off its financial aid to the World Health Organization (WHO) for colluding with China, in keeping the facts about Covid-19 infection hidden from the rest of the world. COVID-19 or SARS Cov2 virus has spread to all the countries (177 countries) across the globe, but the severity of the infection and number of deaths is not the same everywhere. The US is leading in the number of infected cases as well as in the number of deaths. Next comes the major European countries including Italy, Spain, Germany, France, Belgium and the UK. Some outliers for this spread of the virus include, Iran and Turkey. India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Brazil, Mexico and vast majority of the countries in Africa, with poor healthcare infrastructure have much lower infection rates and deaths due to COVID-19. All generalizations, speculations, working models, to a large extent have failed to explain the symptoms, infectious stages, immunogenicity, herd-immunity, pathogenesis, risk factors and the severity of the disease with respect to gender, age, ethnicity and comorbidities.
Taxonomy and pollination ecology of Bombus rufofasciatus (Hymenoptera: Apidae) from the Indian Himalaya

ABSTRACT Bombus rufofasciatus SMITH is a Tibetan species, widely distributed in the Oriental region. It is a medium tongued species abundant in both the north-east and north-west Indian Himalaya, covering an altitude range from 2400 to 4200 m. Because of its abundance and very wide distribution, it is associated with a sizeable number of host plants. Males and workers are similar in colour pattern, but the queen is a little different. The species shows a preference for highaltitude mountain slopes and is found in abundance in the open meadows of Affarwatt, Sheeshnag, Daksum, the Razdan Pass and the Lahul-spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh in the north-western Himalaya. For preference it forages on Aconitum spp. (Ranunculaceae), Trifolium spp. (Papilionaceae), Cirsium spp. (Asteraceae) and certain members of Lamiaceae. Due emphasis has been laid on its detailed taxonomic descriptions, synonymy, host plants, pollination ecology, distribution pattern and illustrations. 51 food plants of this species have been recorded for the first time from the areas under study.
Role of magnetic Field in the Healing of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Lesions in Mice.

Leishmaniasisis an important tropical cutaneous disease that is endemic in the Middle East, including Iran. There is no consensus on the appropriate therapeutic method, dose, and duration for this disease. The pentavalent antimonial compounds are the first-line treatments of leishmaniasis. With regard to the resistance of this disease against drugs and its treatment failure in some patients, the present study was conducted to investigate the role of alternating magnetic field (AMF) in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis lesionsin mice. To this end, 45 male Balb/c mice with the age of 3-4 weeks and weight of 18-20 g were purchased from the Pasteur Institute, Tehran, Iran, to be investigated. The mice were infected with Leishmania promastigote (2×106) injected in the upper end of the tail.After 3 weeks, the animals were screened for developing lesions. Finally, 15 mice were selected and randomly divided into three equal groups of positive control (treated with the standard drug), negative control (without treatment), and experimental (subjected to AMF at a frequency of 50 kHz for 30 min on a daily basis for 4 weeks). The subjects were followed up for 4 weeks, and the size of their lesions was measured weekly. The data were analyzed by repeated measures test in SPSS software (version 20) at a p-value of < 0.05. There was no significant difference between the experimental and positive control groups (P>0.05). However, the negative control group showed a significant difference with the positive control and experimental groups (P=0.0001). As the findings indicated, AMF was seemingly able to decrease the size of lesions to the same extent as the standard drug. Consequently, AMF could be suggested as a noninvasive and complementary tool against cutaneous leishmaniasis. However, it is required to perform more studies to address different aspects of this domain.
Path Dependency versus Social Unionism in Healthcare: Bringing Employers Back in

A central problem in contemporary employment relations is the fragmentation of work. This process is occurring in health systems as they decentralize services from hospitals to outpatient centers. While some unions have maintained inclusive employment systems, others have not. What explains this variation? The authors address this question through a matched case comparison of healthcare unions in Rochester and Buffalo, New York. The cities share many similarities, but in Buffalo unions have expanded their power, while in Rochester they have not. The authors show how path dependency from institutional legacies of employer power has shaped union capacity in the current period.
Living with young onset dementia: reflections on recent developments, current discourse, and implications for policy and practice

Abstract Recent research on young onset dementia (formal diagnosis at age <65) evidences emerging work around pre-diagnosis, diagnosis and the need to improve post-diagnostic support for this group. An increased awareness of young onset dementia has led to the establishment of peer-support groups, support networks and the involvement of people affected by dementia in research. However, the need to join up services at the systems level persists. Third-sector organisations that offer post-diagnostic support at the community level rely heavily on volunteers. Implications for policy and practice are that community-based commissioning of integrated services between health care, social care and the third sector would go a long way to providing the continuity and stability required in dementia support and care along the illness trajectory. This discussion document was written in collaboration with diagnostic services, the charity sector and conversations with people living with, and affected by, dementia.