Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dermatoglyphic sexual dimorphism in yemenite jews

Resume. — Les dermatoglyphes d'hommes et de femmes juifs israeliens d'origine yemenite sont comparables a ceux de Juifs originaires d'autres regions geographiques, en particulier en ce qui concerne les doigts. Quant aux dermatoglyphes palmaires, quelques differences sont evidentes, comme une plus haute frequence des dessins des regions du thenar et de l'hypothenar et une plus basse frequence du nombre des triradii interdigitaux. Dans cette population, le dimorphisme sexuel des dermatoglyphes est important et montre en general les memes tendances que dans d'autres populations d'origine raciale differente. Chez les hommes, les doigts montrent davantage de tourbillons et moins de boucles ulnaires, ainsi qu'un nombre de cretes plus eleve. Ces resultats sont associes a un nombre total de cretes (TRC) et a des indices (Pattern Intensity Indices) plus eleves. Pour le TRC, la difference sexuelle est grande et represente 25.8 cretes. Pour les dermatoglyphes palmaires, les hommes different des femmes, entre autre, par une plus grande frequence de dessins, une distance a-b et un nombre de cretes a-b plus eleves.
The effect of dietary energy concentration and total lysine/digestible energy ratio on the growth performance of weaned pigs

Amino acids should be defined in relation to dietary energy concentration in diets for young pigs. However, the literature contains diverse estimates of the optimum lysine:digestible energy (DE) ratio for weanling pigs performing at levels commonly observed in commercial practice. Further, there is a poor understanding of the reponse of the weanling pig to dietary energy concentration. A growth experiment was conducted to define the optimum total lysine:DE ratio for pigs from 4 to 8 wk of age. Dietary treatments were arranged as a 2 × 5 factorial: low (LDE, 3.4 Mcal kg-1) or high DE (HDE, 3.6 Mcal kg-1) and the following total lysine:DE ratios: 3.7, 4.0, 4.3, 4.6, or 4.9 g Mcal-1). The experiment ran for 28 d, beginning 7 d post-weaning, using four pigs per pen and six pens per diet for a total of 240 pigs (27 ± 2 d; 7.5 ± 1.1 kg). No DE × lysine:DE ratio interactions were detected for any performance parameter (P > 0.05). The average daily feed intake (ADFI) was 4% greater with pigs on LDE than HDE diets.
Organic carbon partitioning in soil and litter in subtropical woodlands and open forests: a case study from the Brigalow Belt, Queensland

A woodland–open forest landscape within the Brigalow Belt South bioregion of Queensland, Australia, was surveyed for soil organic carbon, soil bulk density and soil-surface fine-litter carbon. Soil carbon stocks to 30 cm depth across 14 sites, spanning a range of soil and vegetation complexes, ranged from 10.7 to 61.8 t C/ha, with an overall mean of 36.2 t C/ha. Soil carbon stocks to 100 cm depth ranged from 19.4 to 150.5 t C/ha, with an overall mean of 72.9 t C/ha. The standing stock of fine litter ranged from 1.0 to 7.0 t C/ha, with a mean of 2.6 t C/ha, and soil bulk density averaged 1.4 g/cm3 at the soil surface, and 1.6 g/cm3 at 1 m depth. These results contribute to the currently sparse database of soil organic carbon and bulk density measurements in uncultivated soils within Australian open forests and woodlands. The estimates of total soil organic carbon stock calculated to 30 cm depth were further partitioned into resistant plant material (RPM), humus (HUM), and inert organic matter (IOM) pools using diffuse mid-infrared (MIR) analysis. Prediction of the HUM and RPM pools using the RothC soil carbon model agreed well with the MIR measurements, confirming the suitability of RothC for modelling soil organic carbon in these soils. Methods for quantifying soil organic carbon at landscape scales were also explored, and a new regression-based technique for estimating soil carbon stocks from simple field-measured soil attributes has been proposed. The results of this study are discussed with particular reference to the difficulties encountered in the collection of the data, their limitations, and opportunities for the further development of methods for quantifying soil organic carbon at landscape scales.
Decadal diet shift in yellowfin tuna Thunnus albacares suggests broad-scale food web changes in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean

: Widespread climate-induced habitat compression and reductions in biological production are beginning to alter food webs in tropical and subtropical oceans, but the effects on mid-trophic level micronekton communities that support commercially important pelagic fishes are unclear. The predation habits of yellowfin tuna Thunnus albacares , a wide-ranging generalist predator with high energy requirements, provide rare insights into the distribution and availability of prey communities in pelagic regions. We used a modified classification tree approach to analyze spatial, temporal, environmental, and biological covariates explaining the predation patterns of 3362 yellowfin sampled across the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean (ETP) during two 2 yr periods occurring a decade apart. Persistent zoogeographical assemblages of prey were important only in relatively small subtropical regions at the extreme northern and southern ranges of the purse-seine fishery for tunas. Prey biomass patterns for the majority of the samples over most of the ETP (6° S to 17° N, coast to 150° W) were best explained by a tree partition distinguishing samples by sampling period, 1992 to 1994 and 2003 to 2005. The classification tree revealed that a major diet shift had transpired in the heart of the ETP. Yellowfin predation had changed from primarily larger epipelagic fish prey in the 1990s to a diverse array of smaller mesopelagic species and a crustacean that apparently had expanded its range in the 2000s. Partial dependence plots from the tree model showed range expansions previously described for some prey and unknown for other prey. Diet analysis of selected marine predators offers a practical means of monitoring prey communities poorly sampled by conventional methods.
Genetic variability of yield and its contributing characters on CIMMYT maize inbreds under drought stress

This experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with three replications at Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Gazipur-1701 during the rabi season of 2010 with 25 maize inbred lines. Correlation and path coefficient analysis were done for yield and some other traits. Genotypic variations were observed for ear height and grains/row. The highest broad sense heritability (h 2 b ) was observed for yield/plant followed by ear height and 1000- grain weight. Maximum genetic advance in percentage of mean (GA) was recorded for yield/plant (92.652) and ear height (75.87). The yield/plant showed significant positive genotypic correlation (r g ) with cob diameter (0.440) and grains/row (0.265). Significant negative correlation was observed between ear height and yield and also for days to 50% tasseling. The highest direct positive effect was obtained for rows/cob. These studies suggest that cob diameter, row per cob, grains/row and ear height were the most important yield contributing factors and an attempt should, therefore, be made for an effective selection of these traits. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.3329/bjar.v39i3. 21985 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 39(3): 419-426, September 2014
EFFECTS OF SPECIES AND STORAGE TIME ON MINCED FISH GEL TEXTURE

Protein functionalities were studied in comminuted fish gels from mechanically deboned fish tissues of four species after storage at −29° C up to 12 months. Differences in gel textures, which were evaluated instrumentally and by a texture profile sensory panel, were evident among fish species and time in frozen storage. Fish gel texture was not significantly related to, protein solubility of raw tissues, but was closely related to water-holding capacity and protein solubility of cooked gels. Degradation of tropomyosin and myosin probably occurred in some of the fish gels during thermal processing.
Seasonal Change in Habitat use by Grey Herons in a Rural Area of Western Hokkaido

Abstract To evaluate the relative importance of rice fields for Grey Herons Ardea cinerea, habitat use by the herons in rural areas, including farmlands, streams, ponds, and lakes, was investigated in Ishikari district, western Hokkaido. To clarify habitat use by herons, censuses along 81 km long routes in rural areas and point counts at four sites (ponds and lakes) were conducted. Grey Herons used rice fields from mid June to mid August, but did not use this habitat either in April or after late September. Some herons used pond, lake, and river habitats in early April, but the number of herons in these habitats decreased from early June onwards and increased again from mid August until mid September. Heron numbers declined in late September, with few herons using ponds, lakes, and rivers until mid November. Herons used natural wetland habitats in spring, but when rice fields were flooded, they switched to this habitat. When water was drained from rice fields in late August, herons returned to natural wetlands. Observations revealed that herons feed mainly on tadpoles in rice fields and on small fish in ponds and lakes. Foraging success was higher, and time to capture one prey item was shorter, in rice fields compared with that in lakes and ponds. Intensive use of rice fields by Grey Herons coincided with the occurrence of Japanese Tree Frog Hyla japonica tadpoles in this habitat type. Grey Herons therefore use rice fields to feed on tadpoles. This suggests that tadpoles are important prey item for Grey Herons in this region.
Assessment of nonpoint‐source runoff in a stream using in situ and laboratory approaches

Anthropogenic activities that change a watershed can cause adverse impacts to receiving water. Agricultural and urban runoff are the two leading causes of surface‐water impairment in the United States. When assessing pollutant sources and their effects on aquatic ecosystems, and prior to implementing source controls, it is necessary to define the systems stressors and receptors of exposure. Toxicity assays are a key component to integrative assessments that include habitat (physical), chemical, and indigenous community characterization. Traditional toxicity assay methods and the use of water‐quality criteria are often inappropriate because of exposure design and effect assumptions. Hyalella azteca and Chironomus tentans were exposed in situ for varying time periods during both low‐ and high‐flow conditions to determine the effect of urban and agricultural runoff. Short‐term chronic and acute toxicity of urban and agricultural runoff was then measured in the laboratory and related to in situ test results. Nonpoint‐source (NPS) runoff from urban areas was often more acutely toxic to organisms in the laboratory as compared to in situ results. Conversely, toxicity to the organisms was greater at the agricultural site during in situ exposures when compared to laboratory. In situ assays were an essential and integral component of NPS runoff assessments. They provided unique information that complemented laboratory toxicity, habitat, benthic community, and physicochemcial characterizations.
Molecular characterization of Canadian populations of potato cyst nematodes, Globodera rostochiensis and G. pallida using ribosomal nuclear RNA and cytochrome b genes

Abstract The mitochondrial cytochrome b gene (cytb), the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) of the rRNA gene and D2-D3 expansion segments of the 28S rRNA gene were amplified, sequenced and used to characterize several populations of potato cyst nematodes, Globodera pallida and G. rostochiensis, collected from different areas in Canada. Diagnostic PCR-ITS-RFLP profiles with three restriction enzymes are provided for identification of both species. Sequences of ITS rRNA and cytb genes were compared with those in Genbank of other potato cyst nematode populations originating from Europe, South America, USA, Australia and New Zealand. The ITS rRNA sequences of Canadian G. rostochiensis were similar to those of all previously sequenced populations of this species. Sequence divergence of ITS rRNA for G. rostochiensis varied from 0 to 1.6%, whereas for G. pallida sequence divergence among populations reached 1.95%. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis of cytb and ITS rRNA genes using Bayesian inference revealed that Canadian G. pallida is almost identical to European and USA populations and formed a large clade with all these populations on the phylogenetic trees. The present molecular result with cytb confirmed the hypothesis that there are possibly several sibling species within G. pallida. Our study also supports a previously proposed hypothesis regarding introduction of G. pallida from a restricted area in Peru, firstly into Europe with subsequent spread to other continents including North America. Our sequence analysis revealed that several newly obtained sequences cannot be translated into functional cytb protein, because point indels disrupt the reading frame. Poly(T) variation in mtDNA genes in G. pallida might be explained by post-transcriptional editing mechanisms in Globodera mitochondria as well as by errors during PCR amplification of mononucleotide repeats within these genes.
RECRUITING FOR SUCCESS. DOES BOARD DIVERSITY MATTER?

Nonprofits play an essential role in society. To realize their important missions, nonprofits rely on strong and committed leaders at both the organization level as well as the governance level. Nonprofits are obligated to have an active board of directors to operate. This reliance places the organization in a vulnerable position where they must recruit and engage with external stakeholders and identify individuals with the combination of talent needed to succeed as well as the passion for supporting the organization’s vision. Knowing that board members have a long lasting impact on their organizations, this paper looks at the varying models of governance and the implications for choosing one model over another. Determining the best structure for a governance model represents one component to setting an organization up for success. Equally, if not more important, is ensuring that the board of directors is composed of motivated and committed individuals who are steadfast in their efforts to support the mission of the organization. In order to find the best people for the role, an organization must understand what drives and motivates an individual to serve on a board. The topic of motivation as it relates to governance boards, and how existing boards can use the motivating factors to recruit and retain board members is explored. Finally, we explore the value of diverse board composition and whether certain criteria of diversity carry more weight in terms of impact than others.
Determining the relative roles of different aphid species as vectors of cucumber mosaic and bean yellow mosaic viruses in lupins

Summary Glasshouse and field studies were done to determine the relative roles of different colonising and non-colonising aphid species as vectors of two non-persistently transmitted viruses, cucumber mosaic cucumovirus (CMV) and bean yellow mosaic potyvirus (BYMV) in narrow-leafed lupin (Lupinus angustifolius) crops in Australia. The abilities of nine different aphid species in transmitting CMV from infected to healthy lupins and BYMV from infected subterranean clover to healthy lupins were compared in the glasshouse using 5–10 min acquisition access feeds. The percentage transmission efficiencies found with lupin-colonising aphid species were (CMV/BYMV): Acyrthosiphon kondoi (6/15), Aphis craccivora (10/14) and Myzus persicae (11/77). With non-colonising species the respective efficiencies were: Brachycaudus rumexicolens (0.9/0), Lipaphis erysimi (4/8), Rhopalosiphum maidis (9/6), R. padi (5/5), Sitobion miscanthi (2/11) and Therioaphis trifolii (4/5). When flying aphids were trapped in the field in four successive years (1993–1996) on vertical nets downwind of virus-infected lupins, 13 different species were caught at a “wheatbelt” site and 18 at an urban irrigated site. Of 2833 aphids caught at the “wheatbelt” site, 64 transmitted CMV to lupin test plants. At the irrigated site, numbers of aphids transmitting CMV/numbers caught were 12/186 while the corresponding numbers for BYMV were 11/727. M. persicae, A. kondoi and R. padi transmitted both viruses, while additional vectors of CMV found were A. craccivora, Acyrthosiphon pisum, B. rumexicolens, L erysimi, R. insertum, T. trifolii and Toxoptera citricidus. Averaged over four years, A. kondoi accounted for 50% of CMV transmissions at the “wheatbelt” site, M. persicae for 16% and R. padi for 22%, and these three species were caught in the greatest numbers, comprising 28%, 13% and 37% respectively of the total catch. At the irrigated site R. padi accounted for half the CMV transmissions, while R. padi and A. kondoi together accounted for most of the BYMV transmissions. R. padi, A. kondoi, M. persicae and T. citridus were the most common aphid species at this site. These findings suggest that M. persicae, A. kondoi and R. padi are the aphid species likely to be most important as vectors of CMV and BYMV in narrow-leafed lupins grown in mediterranean-type climatic zones of southern Australia.
Development of the cell covering in the dinoflagellate Scrippsiella hexapraecingula (Peridiniales, Dinophyceae)

The organization and development of cell coverings in two alternate phases of the life cycle in a marine dinoflagellate, Scrippsiella hexapraecingula Horiguchi et Chihara, were investigated by thin sectioning and freeze‐fracture electron microscopy. In one of these phases, the motile phase, cells have an outermost plasma membrane that is lined with flattened amphiesmal vesicles. Groups of microtubules lie beneath these vesicles. In mature motile cells, thecal plates are completely enclosed in individual amphiesmal vesicles. After settling, the cells enter the second, non‐motile phase. Here, ecdysis occurs, resulting in several steps including formation of the first pellicle layer (PI), fusion of the inner amphiesmal vesicle membranes to form the new plasma membrane, deposition of the second pellicle layer (PM) under PI, and the appearance and fusion of juvenile amphiesmal vesicles to form new territories, which eventually give rise to new thecal plates in the next motile phase. Thus, the pattern in which thecal plates are arranged in motile cells is determined at the time when the amphiesmal vesicles develop into non‐motile cells.
Estimating the severity of COVID-19: Evidence from the Italian epicenter

We provide results on the level of COVID-19 excess mortality in the Italian region of Lombardy and in the province of Bergamo using official and original data sources. Since February 2020 Lombardy and in particular the province of Bergamo have been severely hit by the novel COVID-19 infectious disease. Combining official statistics, retrospective data and original data (i.e., obituaries and death notices) we provide a tentative estimate of the number of deaths either directly or indirectly, associated with COVID-19 as well as the total number of persons infected. Our findings suggest that the reported number of deaths attributable to COVID-19 identified by public authorities accounts only for one half of the observed excess mortality between March 2020 and previous years.
Comments on the Identity of Myxobolus aureatus

Abstract Myxobolus aureatus Ward, 1919, has been redescribed from a new American host, fathead minnow Pimephales promelas. Large plasmodia form nodular, cystlike structures up to 1.5 mm across in the fins of fathead minnows; the enclosing host tissue appears black because of an accumulation of melanophores and melanin-containing macrophages. 'rhe description of the species is refined and compared with descriptions of three unnamed, very similar Myxobolus species from other cyprinid hosts from adjacent waters.
Examining the Relationship Between Student School Burnout and Problematic Internet Use

Student burnout and Internet addiction are two of the serious problems that are common among young people. Both are connected with many negative effects on the mental functioning of adolescents. However, so far only few studies have explored these two phenomena all together. The aim of our study was to test the relationship between student burnout (SB) and internet addiction (IA). Specifically, we explored three problems: (i) sex differences in the level of student burnout and problematic Internet use among Polish late adolescents; (ii) correlations between student school burnout and its sub-dimensions and problematic Internet use indicators; (iii) the prediction power of student burnout indicators, quality of social bonds and school functioning characteristics on the level of Internet addiction and its subdimensions. The study was conducted among 230 high school students. The results of the research showed that there were no significant differences between girls and boys in the level of problematic use of the Internet, except that male students assessed their dishonesty about Internet use as higher compared to females. As expected, a higher level of school burnout indicators was significantly connected with a higher level of problematic Internet use. Additionally, school burnout (especially burnout from studying, loss of interest in school and burnout due to parental pressure) and school performance characteristics such as additional classroom lessons and low quality of classmates relationships, significantly predicted the problematic Internet use, which explained 19% of variances in the total score of internet addiction. Our findings confirmed that preventative and interventional strategies developed to reduce IA should include activities that also reduce school burnout. In reducing IA and SB we should include actions targeted not only on the adolescent’s group, but also on the school environment (teachers and schoolmates) and the family environment (parents and siblings).
USE OF CHEAP MEDIA TO ENHANCE GLUCOSE OXIDASE PRODUCTION DURING BATCH CULTIVATION OF ASPERGILLUS NIGER

The study was carried out to check the parameters affecting glucose oxidase production, optimizing the growth culture conditions and to establish a cost effective medium for industrial production of this enzyme. In this study, Aspergillus niger PTTC 5012 strain was grown on different simple and complex sources of carbon and nitrogen in shaking flasks. Different culture conditions were also applied to find optimal values of pH, temperature, CaCO3 concentration and culture time for growth and enzyme production. Beet molasses and corn steep liquor showed to be very high promising carbon and nitrogen sources for glucose oxidase production. Using 50 g l molasses and 10 g l corn steep liquor and at optimal conditions of pH 5.5, temperature 30 C, CaCO3 concentration of 50 g l, culture time of 72 h and with previously optimized conditions of oxygenation, the activity of glucose oxidase reached to around 550 U ml. The results of the present study could be scaled-up for a commercial production of glucose oxidase at a satisfactory productivity level using molasses and corn steep liquor as the basal medium.