Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Energy Metabolism in Cold-Stressed Females: Implications for Predictive Modeling (95 Women)

Abstract : Military operations in cold environments have resulted in life-threatening situations if personnel are ill-equipped or unprotected. Prediction of survival time in the cold (ST) is essential for search and rescue purposes, to forecast contingencies for operations in such environments, and to evaluate the potential benefits of innovative equipment/clothing designed to protect the soldier from cold. Mathematical models of ST are based on the magnitude and capacity for increasing metabolic heat production (M) by shivering, and the rate of heat loss from the body. Previous research on males showed that relationships among ST, M, and heat loss are affected by body composition, the muscle mass recruited, and the type and quantity of substrate oxidized during shivering. Gender-related physiological differences in responses to cold have not been considered in ST predictive models. The current research characterized M in females during cold stress by quantifying the relative muscle mass recruited during shivering, determining the quantity and quality of energy substrate utilization during shivering, and relating the findings to body temperature regulation. No gender differences were found for M and deep body cooling rates if variables such as stature and body adiposity were controlled. Current prediction models of ST can be considered gender-invariant.
Cytotoxicity and recognition of receptor‐like protein tyrosine phosphatases, RPTPα and RPTPβ, by Helicobacter pylori m2VacA

Helicobacter pylori vacuolating cytotoxin, VacA, induces vacuolation in mammalian cell lines. Sequence differences in the middle of VacA molecules define two families, termed m1VacA and m2VacA, which differ in cell specificity. Similar to m1VacA, m2VacA is activated by acid or alkali, which enhances its binding to cells. Immunoprecipitation experiments showed that, in AZ‐521 cells, activated m2VacA, similar to m1VacA, binds to two receptor‐like protein tyrosine phosphatases, RPTPα and RPTPβ suggesting that activated m2VacA as well as m1VacA may contribute to gastrointestinal disease following H. pylori infection. G401 cells express RPTPα, not RPTPβ, and responded to both m1VacA and m2VacA. HeLa cells likewise expressed RPTPα, not RPTPβ, but, in contrast to other cell lines, responded poorly to m2VacA. m1VacA associated with RPTPα of HeLa cells to an extent similar to that in other toxin‐sensitive cells, whereas activated m2VacA bound HeLa cell RPTPα less well, consistent with its low vacuolating activity against these cells. The molecular mass of RPTPα from HeLa cells is less than that of the protein from G401 cells, although their extracellular amino acid sequences are virtually identical, with only two amino acid differences noted. Different post‐translational modifications of RPTPα in HeLa cells may be responsible for the reduced susceptibility to m2VacA.
Descriptions of tropical rusts III.

Puccinia amphiospora (Jacks. and Holw.) comb. nov. (fig. 1). (Uredo amphiospora Jacks. and Holw.; Jackson in Mycologia 24: 72. 1932.) Telia not seen; teliospores in the uredia ellipsoid or oblong-ellipsoid, rounded above, usually narrowed below, moderately constricted at the septum, 16-20 X 29-38ki; wall light cinnamon-brown, smooth, 1/ thick, the pore in the upper cell apical and covered, by a small, hyaline umbo which disappears at germination, pore in lower cell at septum; pedicel hyaline, fragile, about one-half the length of the spore but usually broken near the spore. The spores germinate at once.
Climatic signals in the Paleocene fluvial formation of the Tremp-Graus Basin, Pyrenees, Spain.

Fluvial successions of the Tremp-Graus basin in the South Central Pyrenees preserve a nearly continuous record of climate evolution through the Upper Cretaceous, Paleocene and Eocene epochs. The Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum has been identified thanks to stable isotope profiles in several sections and associated with a strong pulse of coarse clastics into the basin, suggesting a dramatic increase in flood power during this global warming event (Schmitz and Pujalte, 2003; Chen et al., 2018). However, much less has been done so far on the Paleocene record and in particular on the period immediately preceding the PETM. In this study, we sampled the pre-PETM interval in the Esplugafreda and Serraduy sections, at higher-resolution than previously performed. Stable isotopes, elemental analysis and clay mineralogy all document a remarkably stable climate during the Paleocene. Such very steady records put in question the presence of the large Mid-Paleocene unconformity inferred by others and which doesn’t seem here to be a major feature. More importantly, we find robust evidence in the Serraduy section of the POE already identified in the Esplugafreda section (Khozyem et al., n.d.). This finding brings additional support to suggest that carbon release during the PETM may have been a feedback to warming generated by an initial release during the POE (Bowen et al., 2015).
Taxonomy of the Ropalidia flavopicta-complex (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Polistinae)

The taxonomy of the "species" treated as subspecies of Ropalidia flavopicta (= R. flavopicta-complex) by van der Vecht (1962) were reexamined. Four forms in the complex other than the species in the Philippine Islands are concluded to be valid species: R. flavopicta (Smith), R. javanica van der Vecht, R. ochracea van der Vecht, and R. ornaticeps (Cameron). The two subspecies of the Philippine species, R. flavobrunnea van der Vecht, namely lapiniga Kojima and iracunda Kojima, are sunk into the nominate species. A new species is described based on a female listed under "R. flavopicta flavobrunnea " by van der Vecht (1962).
Antimicrobial Activity of Banana ( Musa paradisiaca L.) Peels against Food Borne Pathogenic Microbes

Banana ( Musa paradisiaca L.) peels are usually considered as wastes and are discarded during the processing, which eventually contribute to polluting the environment. Hence, this study was aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of two different varieties of M. paradisiaca peels , i.e., Nangka ( M. paradisiaca variety Nangka ) and Tanduk ( M. paradisiaca variety Tanduk ) with regard to generate safe and cheap antimicrobials as well as address pollution related issues due to such wastes. Antimicrobial study was carried out on the extracts using disc diffusion and broth micro-dilution methods. The best activity through disc diffusion method for bacteria and fungi was demonstrated by Tanduk peel’s ethanol and dichloromethane extracts against S. aureus (30 mm) and C. krusei (10 mm), respectively. However, the least active bacteria and fungi were found to be V. parahaemolyticus and C. albicans, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranged from 6.25 to 100 mg/mL. Tanduk peel’s ethanol extract exhibited the lowest MIC and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values against B. cepacia (6.25 mg/mL) whereas for fungi, Tanduk peel’s dichloromethane extract exhibited lowest MIC and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) values against C. albicans (25 mg/mL). The results of MBC or MFC showed that some extracts were bactericidal or fungicidal while others were bacteriostatic or fungistatic against certain microbes. Banana peel waste’s extracts could be potential antimicrobial alternatives and may be effective to utilize as a natural source of antimicrobial agent in pharmaceutical industries.
The Joint Impact of F-Divergences and Reference Models on the Contents of Uncertainty Sets

In the presence of model risk, it is well-established to replace classical expected values by worst-case expectations over all models within a fixed radius from a given reference model. This is the "robustness" approach. For the class of F-divergences, we provide a careful assessment of how the interplay between reference model and divergence measure shapes the contents of uncertainty sets. We show that the classical divergences, relative entropy and polynomial divergences, are inadequate for reference models which are moderately heavy-tailed such as lognormal models. Worst cases are either infinitely pessimistic, or they rule out the possibility of fat-tailed "power law" models as plausible alternatives. Moreover, we rule out the existence of a single F-divergence which is appropriate regardless of the reference model. Thus, the reference model should not be neglected when settling on any particular divergence measure in the robustness approach.
Effect of Therapeutic Massage on Fatigue among Children with Leukemia following Chemotherapy

Background: Fatigue is a common side effect of chemotherapy that adversely affects patient's sense of wellbeing, activities, relationships and tolerance to treatment. This study aimed to determine the effect of therapeutic massage on fatigue in children with leukemia following chemotherapy. A quasi- experimental research design was used to conduct the study. The study was conducted at Pediatric Oncology Department in South Egypt Cancer Institute in Assiut University and Pediatric Oncology Department at Sohag Cancer Center. A convenience sample of 66 children with leukemia of aging 4- 16 years were divided into two groups study and control group (33 children for each group). Sample was collected for a period of 6 months. Two tools were utilized in the study, Sociodemographic and clinical interview questionnaire was developed to assess data about children and Multidimensional fatigue scale was used to assess level of fatigue among the studied children. The study revealed that, highly statistical significant difference was found between both groups in relation to fatigue scores at p= 0.000. Conclusion: Children with leukemia who are receiving therapeutic massage were experiencing less incidence and severity of fatigue than those who are receiving only the routine hospital care. Recommendations: Encourage health care professionals to use therapeutic massage techniques to reduce chemotherapy induced fatigue in children.
Recovery of the Aleutian Cackling Goose Branta hutchinsii leucopareia: 10-year review and future prospects

Aleutian Cackling Geese Branta hutchinsii leucopareia were feared extinct until a remnant population was discovered on Buldir Island by Robert “Sea Otter” Jones in 1962. Population declines, primarily due to predation by Arctic Foxes Alopex lagopus introduced to the breeding islands, resulted in the listing of Aleutian Cackling Geese as endangered in 1967. Fox removal, translocation of captive birds and captive breeding programmes boosted the remarkable recovery of this sub-species from 790 individuals in 1967 to > 30,000 in 2001, when it was removed from the United States’ Endangered Species List. Population estimates currently exceed 100,000 birds. However, the population recovery has brought complex management issues, including the harvest of a once-endangered sub-species and conflict with agricultural interests. This review comes 50 years following rediscovery of the remnant population, 20 years after initial reclassification from endangered to threatened, and 10 years after formal delisting from the United States’ Endangered Species Act. This review describes the events leading up to the bird’s recovery, details management actions taken on behalf of the sub-species, and recommends strategies for ensuring that this conservation success story continues into the future.
OCCURRENCE AND DISTRIBUTION OF ENTOMOPATHOGENIC FUNGI IN IRAQI AGRO-ECOSYSTEMS

The occurrence and distribution of entomopathogenic fungi were investigated in Iraqi province agro-ecosystems using Galleria mellonella bait trap technique. Over three hundred soil samples were collected from 42 sites and from specific points according to Global Positioning System (GPS) during two seasons of (2012 and 2013) and 31% of the collected samples expressed entomopathogenic fungi. Over 94 isolates were collected from the examined soil sources and sites. Results revealed that 75.5% of the isolated entomopathogenic fungi were Beauveria bassiana and 18.1% were Metarhizium anisopliae followed by Lecanicillium lecanii with 4.3 %. Mixed palm and citrus orchards showed the highest entomopathogenic frequency rate with 55.3% followed by only date palm orchards with 17%. South and Middle of Iraq sites revealed the highest occurrence percentage with about 90% of the isolates.
Insecticide activity of Beauveria bassiana and castor bean oil against Plutella xylostella under greenhouse = Atividade inseticida de Beauveria bassiana e óleo de mamona sobre Plutella xylostella em casa telada

The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), one of the principal pests of brassicas, can reduce productivity and thus cause losses for brassica farmers. Alternative controls, such as biological agents and plant extracts, may be used to reduce insect populations, either alone or in conjunction with pest management programs. The objective was to evaluate the insecticidal activity of Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. and castor bean oil and mixtures of both components against the diamondback moth. To do so, we separately used castor bean oil (at 2% concentration), the isolate ESALQ-447 and a commercial formulation (Boveril® WP), and a mixture of castor bean oil with the isolate and the B. bassiana product formulation, totaling six treatments with a control. Assays were carried out under greenhouse with the respective treatments sprayed on cabbage plants infested with four second instar larvae of P. xylostella. The evaluated parameters were larval mortality and pupal and larval viability. All treatments reduced larval viability in relation to the control, however, only the ESALQ-447 isolate or a mixture of the isolate with castor bean oil reduced pupal viability, significantly reducing the pest population levels in the next generation. Castor bean oil mixed with B. bassiana, however, does not augment pest mortality.
Discrete choice modelling of natal dispersal: ‘Choosing’ where to breed from a finite set of available areas

Classic natal dispersal studies focus mainly on distance travelled. Although distances capture some of the main selective pressures related to dispersal, this approach cannot easily incorporate the properties of the actual destination vs. the available alternatives. Recently, movement ecology studies have addressed questions on movement decisions in relation to availability of resources and/or availability of suitable habitats through the use of discrete choice models (DCMs), a widely used type of models within econometrics, which explains individual choices as a function of the properties of a finite number of alternatives. In this contribution, we show how the dispersal discrete choice model (DDCM) can be used for analysing natal dispersal data in patchy environments given that the natal and the breeding area of the disperser are observed. We test this method using a case study on Great Tits (Parus major) in an archipelago of small woodlots. Our results show that DDCMs are able to capture the results of classic distance‐based approaches and simultaneously allow testing hypotheses on how departure and settlement are affected by variables that characterize the disperser, the natal patch and the breeding area, as well as their interactions. DDCMs can be applied to any other species and system that uses some form of discrete breeding location or a certain degree of discretization can be applied.
Effects of short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides on the microbial and biochemical profile of different segments of the gastro-intestinal tract in horses

The gastro-intestinal tract of horses is inhabited by a significant amount of bacteria; the aim of this study was to assess the effect of shortchain fructo-oligosaccharides on these populations. Six gelding ponies were fed the same standard diet after being randomly allocated into two groups, of which one had its concentrate pelleted feed supplemented with 1% scFOS. Digesta from each part of the gastro-intestinal tract was collected and analysed for its microbial population, pH, lactate and volatile fatty acid concentrations. No Bifidobacteria was enumerated whatever diet was fed, or whatever part of the digestive tract was considered. In scFOS supplemented ponies, concentrations in total anaerobes, Streptococci and lactate-utilizers differed significantly, particularly in the stomach, where they were increased. On the other hand, concentrations in Lactobacilli and cellulolytic bacteria remained unchanged. The intra gastric pH in the scFOS group was higher than in the control group (5.0 vs 4.5; p<0.05). The concentration in lactate was the same in both groups. The scFOS had no effect on the concentration in VFA, nor on their proportion. The dietary supplementation with scFOS induced significant modifications in the microbial populations. Thus it may help to prevent some digestive disturbances associated with the management of performance horses.
Potentially harmful microalgae and algal blooms in a eutrophic estuary in Turkey

Distribution of potentially harmful microalgae and algal blooms were investigated at monthly and weekly time scales between October 2009 and September 2010 in the Golden Horn, a eutrophic estuary in the Sea of Marmara (Turkey). Several physical and chemical parameters were analysed together with phytoplankton composition and abundance. A total number of 23 potentially harmful and/or bloom-forming microalgae (14 dinoflagellates, 4 diatoms and 5 phytoflagellates) were identified throughout this study period, of which nine taxa have been confirmed to be toxic elsewhere in the world. Most harmful species and algal blooms were observed in late spring and summer particularly in the middle and upper estuaries, and nine taxa formed dense and successive algal blooms causing water discoloration. Nutrient concentrations increased significantly from the lower to the upper estuary. Additionally, high organic matter loads in the upper estuary could also have benefited by mixotrophic species. The increasing number of potentially harmful and bloom-forming species and algal blooms indicated that the GHE is a potential risk area for future HABs.
Rediscovery of Gelidiella ramellosa (Kützing) Feldmann et Hamel (Gelidiales, Rhodophyta) from near the type locality in Western Australia

The poorly known red alga Gelidiella ramellosa (Kutzing) Feldmann et Hamel is described from specimens collected near the type locality in Western Australia. Plants occur as turfs to 1-2 cm in height, with prostrate stolons attached by clusters of rhizoids to rock. Erect axes are irregularly pinnately branched and terete to slightly compressed. Structurally, the medulla is pseudoparenchymatous with no discernable central axis, and rhizines are absent. Spermatangia occur in surface sori. Tetrasporangia are borne in irregular whorls in terete, basally constricted stichidia that are lateral on erect axes. LSU nrDNA and rbcL sequence analyses clearly place G. ramellosa in a clade containing species of Gelidiella and Parviphycus, but are equivocal regarding its relationship with either genus.
The effect of ryegrass (Lolium italicum L.) stand densities on its competitive interaction with cleavers (Galium aparine L.)

Italian ryegrass (Lolium italicum L. cv. Tetraflorum) seed production is an important industrial activity in Serbia. Cleavers (Galium aparine L.) interferes in Italian ryegrass seed production as well as in many other crops. The effect of stand density of Italian ryegrass on its competitive interaction with cleavers was investigated in western Serbia in the 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 cropping seasons. The established density treatments of Italian ryegrass were 5 kg ha-1 seeding rate with 60 cm row spacing (SD1), 5 kg ha-1 with 20 cm (SD2), 20 kg ha-1 with 60 cm (SD3), and 20 kg ha-1 with 20 cm (SD4). The interaction between Italian ryegrass and cleavers was evaluated by SPAD reading, relative nitrogen content (RNC) in the leaf, total nitrogen content (TNC) in the leaf, and seed yield. The rank order of the competitive ability of Italian ryegrass was SD4 > SD3 > SD2 > SD1 under optimal weather conditions for crop development. Under climatic stress conditions, however, neither effect of ryegrass densities nor cleavers was pronounced on competitive ability of ryegrass with different stands.
Comparative Analysis of the Scholars Perception about Research in Public and Private Universities in Pakistan

The base of a successful university in providing quality education and practical knowledge for improving the lives of the youths in terms of social, economical and intellectual development are only possible through promoting research culture. Research conduct and writing is the most important tool for identifying remedial recommendations for education and related problems. This research presents comparative analysis of the research in Public and Private Universities in Pakistan. The research identifies current research practices, their strengths and weaknesses and provides recommendations for improvement. Research supervision and writing are two different parts but in reality these are parts of a single activity which is called thesis writing process. In Pakistan, research culture is considered very difficult and complicated activity because scholars do not accept challenges and the supervisors do not take the required interest. The study highlights the areas where scholars and supervisors need improvement, more struggle, and scientific as well as academic zest.
Studies on the genetic regulation of mycoparasitism in Trichoderma hamatum

of a thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science. STUDIES ON THE GENETIC REGULATION OF MYCOPARASITISM IN TRICHODERMA HAMATUM by Johanna Steyaert ii The ability of Trichoderma species to mycoparasitise other fungi as a source of carbon has led to their exploitation as biocontrol agents of soilborne fungal diseases, however widespread implementation has been hampered by inconsistent field performance. Usage recommendations based on field studies have provided a more consistent product, by optimising conditions for biocontrol. Genetic studies on genes implicated in mycoparasitism have revealed molecular targets for optimising biocontrol response, however much is unknown about the genetic regulation of mycoparasitism. The majority of reported Trichoderma biocontrol agents are T. harzianum or T. atroviride, however a T. hamatum isolate (6Sr4) with significant activity against Sclerotinia diseases of vegetable crops, has recently been developed for use as a commercial biocontrol agent of soilborne fungal diseases. In this study, three genes previously implicated in the mycoparasitic ability of T. atroviride were characterised from 6Sr4, and from two other T. hamatum isolates of variable biocontrol potential to further current knowledge on the regulation of mycoparasitism, and identify molecular targets for research on optimisation of Trichoderma biocontrol activity in the field. Using a combination of targeted, degenerate and inverse PCR, gene orthologues of chit42, prbl and xbgl.3-110 were isolated, cloned and sequenced from all three T. hamatum isolates and sequence analysis performed on the regulatory regions. Comparison between the different genes revealed regions of identity between chit42 and prbl, which supported the existence of a global inducer of mycoparasitism, suggested for T. atroviride. Identification of putative regulatory motifs in prbl supported mutational work in T. atroviride prbl, which suggested an actively bound GATA site involved in nitrogen repression. Northern blotting was performed to examme gene expression under alternate carbon sources and during mycoparasitism. In 6Sr4, chit42 and prbl were strongly induced under high glycerol, whereas no induction was detected from xbgl.3-110. Conversely, no chit42 or prbl induction was detected from a T. harzianum isolate (JD2) grown in the same study ,. i 1