Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bite force, cranial morphometrics and size in the fishing bat Myotis vivesi (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae).

Fish-eating in bats evolved independently in Myotis vivesi (Vespertillionidae ) and Noctilio leporinus (Noctilionidae). We compared cranial morphological characters and bite force between these species to test the existence of evolutionary parallelism in piscivory. We collected cranial distances of M. vivesi, two related insectivorous bats (M. velifer and M. keaysi), two facultatively piscivorous bats (M. daubentonii and M. capaccinii), and N. leporinus to test for differences among the six species, morphometric data was analyzed applying multivariate methods. We also measured bite force in M. vivesi and evaluated if this value was well predicted by its cranial size. Both piscivorous species were morphologically different from the facultatively piscivorous and insectivorous species, and skull size had a significant contribution to this difference. However, we did not find morphological and functional similarities that could be interpreted as parallelisms between M. vivesi and N. leporinus. These two piscivorous species differed significantly in cranial measurements and in bite force. Bite force measured for M. vivesi was well predicted by skull size. Piscivory in M. vivesi might be associated to the existence of a vertically displaced temporal muscle and an increase in gape angle that allows a moderate bite force to process food.
Morphological, Pathogenic and Molecular Characterisation of Rhizoctonia solani Strains Isolated from Potato

Rhizoctonia solani Kühn [teleomorph: Thanatephorus cucumeris (Frank) Donk. ] is an important fungal pathogen widespread in all potato growing areas of the world that causes stem canker and black scurf of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). The aim of this study was to find a simple and reliable technique for determining the pathogenicity of Rhizoctonia solani isolates. Sixty (60) isolates of R. solani obtained from sclerotia on potato tubers, collected from different market of Agadir and Casablanca regions (Morocco), were studied for their morphology, pathogenicity and molecular characteristics. They were morphologically characterised by the production of sclerotia and moniloïd cells, and by the mycelium growth capacity at 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35°C. This morphological characterisation leads to three groups of isolates. The first group Original Research Article Kotba et al.; ARRB, 29(4): 1-16, 2018; Article no.ARRB. 44926 2 contained P01 and P03 isolates, which were able to develop under 35°C. However, under 25°C, they did not develop sclerotia. The second group, only formed by L17.1 isolate, did not form sclerotia under 25°C and was not able to develop under 35°C. The third group, formed by several isolates, developed sclerotia under 25°C conditions and were not able to grow under 35°C. Also, a positive correlation was consistent between the production of sclerotia and moniloïd cell formation. The anastomosis reaction revealed that P01, P03, L17.1, and L4.1 isolates were identified as AG-4 and for the other isolates as AG-3. The pathogenic characterisation has shown that P01, P03, L4.1, and L17.1 isolates caused important damping off of radish, tomato, beans, zucchini, and melon. However, the other isolates showed only a minor damping off rate. Molecular characterisation confirmed the classical anastomosis grouping of the isolates into AG-3 and AG-4 Anastomosis Groups. The molecular characterisation is the most rapid and reliable technique to determine the anastomosis group of unknown isolates. The three tests including the pathogenicity, the cultural anastomosis grouping, and the molecular method helped to separate the studied isolates to two groups AG-3 and AG-4.
Effect of a protected blend of organic acids and medium-chain fatty acids on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profiles, meat quality, faecal microflora, and faecal gas emission in finishing pigs

Abstract: A total of 105 finishing pigs [(Yorkshire × Landrace) × Duroc] with an initial body weight of 51.0 ± 3.33 kg were used in a 10 wk trial to evaluate the effect of a protected blend of organic acids (OAs) and medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) in finishing pigs. Pigs were randomly allotted to one of three dietary treatments such as CON (basal diet); MC1 (basal diet + 0.1% protected organic acids); and MC2 (basal diet + 0.2% protected organic acids). Pigs fed the MC1 and MC2 diets increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain and gain to feed ratio compared with the CON diet from weeks 0 to 5 and during the whole experiment. Pigs fed the MC1 and MC2 diets increased (P < 0.05) concentration of immunoglobulin G (IgG) compared with the CON diet at the 5th week. Administration of the MC1 and MC2 diets increased Lactobacillus counts and decreased Escherichia coli counts compared with the CON diet (P < 0.05). However, no significant differences were found on nutrient digestibility, meat quality, and faecal noxious gas emission among treatments. In conclusion, the blend of OAs and MCFAs supplementation increased growth performance, the concentration of IgG, and the Lactobacillus counts, as well as decreased the E. coli counts.
Influence of feeding systems on selected beef quality and sensory attributes

Feeding systems and other factors associated with processing influence meat quality, and therefore sensory attributes. This study was conducted to assess the meat quality attributes of young grain-fed and older grass-fed steers that mostly affect consumer acceptability of beef. Eighty Bonsmara steers consisting of 20 each of A-age (0-tooth) grain-fed (AC) and grain-fed supplemented with zilpaterol (AZ), 20 each of grass-fed AB (1-2 teeth) and B-age (3 - 6 teeth) animals were used. This combination represented the typical feeding systems of South Africa and other countries using similar classification systems, therefore describes the typical feeding systems of the South African beef industry. The longissimus lumborum (LL), semitendinosus (ST), and biceps femoris (BF) muscles were tested for colour, moisture properties, lipid oxidation and sensory attributes. It was found that diet in combination with animal age influenced meat colour. Muscles of the older grass-fed steers were generally darker and duller (darker red) compared to muscles of young grain-fed animals. Moisture loss was consistently higher in zilpaterol supplemented meat samples compared to the feedlot controls, while muscles of the grass-fed animals had lower moisture loss. A sensory panel clearly distinguished between cuts of grain-fed (AZ and AC) and grass-fed carcasses (AB and B) on the grounds of flavour characteristic. The AB and B cuts scored higher for grassy, animal-like and rancid flavour overtones and lower for roasted flavour and sourness than AZ and AC grain-fed cuts. This indicated that typical flavours related to diet define expected eating quality. Keywords: age, grain, grass, meat quality, zilpaterol
Beyond Trophic Factors: Exploiting the Intrinsic Regenerative Properties of Adult Neurons

Injuries and diseases of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) are common but frequently irreversible. It is often but mistakenly assumed that peripheral neuron regeneration is robust without a need to be improved or supported. However, axonal lesions, especially those involving proximal nerves rarely recover fully and injuries generally are complicated by slow and incomplete regeneration. Strategies to enhance the intrinsic growth properties of reluctant adult neurons offer an alternative approach to consider during regeneration. Since axons rarely regrow without an intimately partnered Schwann cell (SC), approaches to enhance SC plasticity carry along benefits to their axon partners. Direct targeting of molecules that inhibit growth cone plasticity can inform important regenerative strategies. A newer approach, a focus of our laboratory, exploits tumor suppressor molecules that normally dampen unconstrained growth. However several are also prominently expressed in stable adult neurons. During regeneration their ongoing expression “brakes” growth, whereas their inhibition and knockdown may enhance regrowth. Examples have included phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN), a tumor suppressor that inhibits PI3K/pAkt signaling, Rb1, the protein involved in retinoblastoma development, and adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), a tumor suppressor that inhibits β-Catenin transcriptional signaling and its translocation to the nucleus. The identification of several new targets to manipulate the plasticity of regenerating adult peripheral neurons is exciting. How they fit with canonical regeneration strategies and their feasibility require additional work. Newer forms of nonviral siRNA delivery may be approaches for molecular manipulation to improve regeneration.
Diversity of the dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeinae) in an altitudinal gradient in the east slope of los Andes, Napo province, Ecuador

ABSTRACT We present a preliminary analysis of the diversity of dung beetles in an altitudinal gradient on the East slope of Los Andes, Napo province, Ecuador. We sampled 12 localities within a 2200-m altitudinal gradient (400–2600 m a.s.l.) using pitfall traps with 2 different baits. We registered 2215 individuals distributed within 14 genera and 54 species. Ontherus pubens was the most abundant species, with registers in 10 locations that cover an altitudinal gradient of 2021 m. We also found species associated to low, medium, and high elevation levels, as well as species located on either extreme of the altitudinal gradient. The most abundant genus was Onthophagus, and the most speciose Uroxys. This survey provides 14 new registers for the Napo province and 5 novel registers for Ecuador. We present a detailed list of the species present in the Napo province with their distribution ranges, relocation guilds, and food resource preferences.
Growth and Flowering Behaviour of Dendrobium Cultivars

An experiment was conducted to evaluate growth and flowering behavior of three dendrobium cultivars coded from V1 to V3 (Sonia-17, Purple Boutonniere and Emma White respectively). Longest pseudobulb (78.9 cm) and maximum girth of pseudobulb (19.7 mm) was found with Sionia-17 cultivar. For the same cultivar, maximum other growth and flowering characteristics were observed and recorded as number of pseudobulb/plant (18.8), number of leaves/pseudobulb (5.3), leaf area (253.3 cm 2 ), number of spikes/plant (14.9), spike length (44.6 cm), spike girth (7.4 mm), number of florets/spike (12.2), diameter of bud (26.1 mm) and diameter of floret (9.5 cm). Minimum chlorophyll content (58.8%) was also found from cultivar Sonia-17 (V1).
Intergenerational Wealth Mobility in France over the 20th Century

This paper estimates the intergenerational wealth correlation between two generations for cohorts covering the 20 th century. First, we find that the probabilities for the second generation to belong to top wealth groups or to be homeowner increase with the wealth of the parents. Such effects are persistent over the life-cycle. Second, the relative effect of parental wealth is increasing across top wealth groups. Third, the intergenerational correlation in homeownership status is increasing for more recent cohorts. Fourth, the effect of parental wealth on the probability to belong to top wealth groups follows an inverted U-shape over the life-cycle. Fifth, the higher in the wealth distribution, the more important is the role of the receipt of gifts and inheritances and the occupation of the fathers: they fully explain the intergenerational correlation regarding the probability to belong to the top 5%. The education of the household plays an additional role for the top 50%.
Novel inflammation-based prognostic nomograms for individualized prediction in hepatocellular carcinoma after radical resection

Background The prognosis for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after liver resection ranges widely and is unsatisfactory. This study aimed to develop two novel nomograms that combined tumor characteristics and inflammation-related indexes to predict overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). Methods In total, 3,071 patients who underwent radical resection were recruited. Independent risk factors were identified by Cox regression analysis and used to conduct prognostic nomograms. The C-index, time-dependent areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (time-dependent AUC), decision curve analysis (DCA), and calibration curves were used to assess the performance of the nomograms. Results Multivariate analysis revealed that alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), resection margin, neutrophil times γ-glutamyl transpeptidase-to-lymphocyte ratio (NrLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), γ-glutamyl transpeptidase-to-platelet ratio (GPR), tumor size, tumor number, microvascular invasion, and Edmondson-Steiner grade were the independent risk factors associated with OS. The independent risk factors associated with RFS were hepatitis, AFP, albumin-bilirubin (ALBI), NrLR, PLR, PNI, GPR, tumor size, tumor number, microvascular invasion, and Edmondson-Steiner grade. The C-index of the nomograms in the training and validation cohort were 0.71 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.70–0.73] and 0.71 (95% CI: 0.69–0.74) for the OS, and 0.71 (95% CI: 0.70–0.73) and 0.74 (95% CI: 0.72–0.76) for RFS, respectively. The C-index, time-dependent AUC, and DCA of the nomograms showed significantly better predictive performances than those of commonly used staging systems. The models could stratify patients into three different risk groups. The web-based tools are convenient for clinical practice. Conclusions Two novel nomograms in which integrated inflammation-related indexes and accessible clinical parameters were developed to predict OS and RFS in HCC patients who underwent radical resection. Such models will help guide postoperative individualized follow-up and adjuvant therapy.
Using technology to enhance learning, progression and achievement in higher education

The efficiency of the use of technology in higher education teaching and learning has seen limited research which has been mainly theoretical in nature. The research aims to identify the effects of using technology to enhance learning, progression and achievement in Higher Education. The literature review identified a gap, and this study is situated here to provide a proposed solution to the identified problem. The approach taken is iterative, as it seeks to find a solution to a perceived problem. The research reviews the effect of Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) on student case studies and establishes whether technology enhancement can be personalised for learners. The research comprises of three individual studies which form the research design and the construction of the pedagogical model is the result of three studies data. The first study investigates the strategic element of TEL implementation from a programme perspective. The second study gains the student voice on the implementation of TEL. The final study measures the effectiveness of TEL implementation at a module level with a focus on personalisation of learning resources. The methodology adopted is viewed through a pragmatist lens, which enables relevant research instruments to be used to find the solution through the use of mixed methods. The results from this research are used to produce a pedagogical model for the implementation of technology into teaching and learning for modules in HE programmes. The model production process identifies the impact of the major findings from the three studies and to assess the effectiveness of the proposed model before testing it statistically for acceptance. The proposed pedagogical model adds to the established research and gives guidance on the implementation of technology in taught modules in a strategic and consistent manner, offering a level of self-personalisation to support learning in the most effective way. The model and accompanying guidance add knowledge to the area, build on published research and will develop practice. The research will contribute knowledge to the area through a new way of looking at TEL pedagogy, manifested in the proposed implementation model.
Review of the characterization of sodium alginate by intrinsic viscosity measurements: Comparative analysis between conventional and single point methods

In the pharmaceutical and food industry, alginate is used in aqueous solutions and excipients as thickener, gelling agent, coagulant and encapsulant. This biopolymer is very important, with many key industrial applications, especially if the intrinsic viscosity [η] and the viscometric molecular weight (M v) are known. Alginate is obtained from the cell walls of algae such as Macrocystis pyrifera , Laminaria hyperborea , Laminaria digitata , Laminaria japonica , Sargassum vulgare , etc.; bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Azotobacter vinelandii can also synthesize it. This work studied alginate in aqueous solution from 0.25 to 1% wt. , measuring its intrinsic viscosity in order to obtain its M v. The intrinsic viscosity is calculated by the classical methods of Huggins, Kremer, Schulz-Blashke and Martin. We compared several single point methods to determine which of them would be more appropriate for an alginate-water system. We also obtained Mark-Houwink parameters and the corresponding viscometric molecular weight.
The effects of intrathecal ketamine on improving sensory-motor function in a rat model of compression spinal cord injury

Introduction: The major secondary complications of spinal cord injury (SCI) are neuropathic pain and motor dysfunction, which remained medical challenges for clinicians. Due to the major role of glutamate in excitotoxicity and central sensitization, the present experiment was to evaluate the effects of ketamine (KET), an n-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor blocker, on sensory-motor functions in a rat model of clip compression SCI. Methods: Wistar rats were divided into sham, SCI and KET-treated groups. The sham group received laminectomy without any compression lesion. KET and SCI groups were subjected to severe compression injury for 1min with an aneurysm clip and then treated with KET (10mg/kg) or 5% dimethyl sulfoxide (as vehicle), respectively. The rats were assessed by pain-related and motor behavioral tests inclusive of von Frey, acetone drop, hot plate, inclined plane and Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan on day 0 prior to the injury and the 7 th , 14 th , 21 st and 28 th days following SCI. Results: KET group compared with the SCI group showed a significant decline in the mechanical allodynia on the 21 st and 28 th days, and in cold allodynia from the 1 st week to the 4 th week post-injury. KET treatment improved the motor function but not weight loss and auricle temperature rise during the 4 weeks of follow up from the 1 st week until the 4 th week. Conclusion: It was ultimately attained that the advantageous effects of intrathecal KET on sensory-motor dysfunction of SCI rats could provide new approaches for KET as a neuroprotective agent toward clinical applications. http://dx.doi. org/10.32598/ppj.24. 2.20 iD iD Physiology and
Eco-friendly management of lepidopteran insect pests through entomopathogenic nematodes

: In a recent survey, we have isolated six entomopathogenic nematodes from Hapur, Shamli, Saharanpur and Meerut districts of western Uttar Pradesh. Preliminary identification at genus level classified one isolate as Heterorhabditis sp. , two isolates as Steinernema spp. and three as Oscheius spp. These six newly isolated EPNs have been designated as Oscheius sp. (IARI-EPN RP 01), Oscheius sp. (IARI-EPN RP 02), Steinernema sp. (IARI-EPN RP 03), Oscheius sp. (IARI-EPN RP 04), Steinernema sp. (IARI-EPN RP 05) and Heterorhabditis sp. (IARI-EPN RP 06). All these were evaluated for infectivity against lepidopteran larvae, Maruca vitrata infesting pigeonpea, Pieris brassicae infesting mustard and Spodoptera litura infesting chickpea. Among the tested EPNs, Steinernema sp. (IARI-EPN RP 03), Oscheius sp. (IARI-EPN RP 04), Heterorhabditis sp. (IARI-EPN RP 06) were found to be promising against M. vitrata as they showed 100% mortality within 48 h followed by Oscheius sp. (IARI-EPN RP 01), Oscheius sp. (IARI-EPN RP 02) which took 72 h, while Steinernema sp. (IARI-EPN RP 05) took about 120 h to kill the insects. Oscheius sp. (IARI-EPN RP 02), Steinernema sp. (IARI-EPN RP 03) and Heterorhabditis sp. (IARI-EPN RP 06) gave 100% mortality of P. braissicae within 48 h followed by Oscheius sp. (IARI-EPN 04) and Steinernema sp. (IARI-EPN RP 05) that killed larvae after 72 h, while Oscheius sp. (IARI-EPN RP 01) took about 120 h. Lastly, Steinernema sp. (IARI-EPN RP 03) and Heterorhabditis sp. (IARI-EPN 06) were found promising for S. litura as both of them caused 100% mortality within 48 h followed by Oscheius sp. (IARI-EPN RP 01), Oscheius sp. (IARI-EPN RP 02) and Steinernema sp. (IARI-EPN RP 05) that took 72 h, while, Oscheius sp. (IARI-EPN RP 04) was effective at about 120 h. The present results indicated that both Steinernema sp. (IARI-EPN RP 03) and Heterorhabditis sp. (IARI-EPN RP 06) were highly virulent against the tested lepidopteran insect pests. Further evaluation of these new EPN isolates under field conditions will indicate their utility in integrated pest management.
Buying Behavior Under Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic Situation: A Online Perspective Case in Bangladeshi Shoppers

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an highly infectious respiratory disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. Most people infected by the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment; a portion of infected people may die. Under coronavirous disease pandemic situation, human normal life, movement and business has been disturbed due to lockdown and closing of shopping malls and business centers in the city. Nowadays, e-commerce is a vigorous tool for diminishing streaming business processes, cycle time, organizational costs, stay at home, maintain social distancing, protect from virus, and enlightening associations with both shoppers and business partners. The research investigated the buying behavior of Bangladeshi shoppers under coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic situation in case of online perspective. The research reconnoitered the impact of five aspects: health aspect, price aspect, product aspect, trust aspect, and place aspect on online buying behavior under coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic situation in Bangladesh. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire by online survey method from 155 samples which encompass online shoppers in country. Simple random sampling technique were used. Data were analyzed using factor analysis, reliability analysis, and multiple regression analysis. Findings revealed that four out of five aspects: health aspect, price aspect, product aspect, and place aspect had a positive and significant influence on online buying behavior under coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic situation in the perspective of Bangladesh. The assessment generates responsiveness among online practicing companies, researchers, managers, shoppers, and prospects online buyers. Online functioning businesses could be a successful leading aspects for explaining online buying behavior under coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic situation in the context of Bangladesh.