Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Caffeinated Beverages on Urinary Excretion of Minerals in Females Students

Caffeinated beverages represent an important part of modern food for many societies. This study was conducted to determine the extent to which caffeinated beverages affect minerals in the human body. The results of questionnaire analysis illustrating that 70% of the study samples highly used to drink caffeinated beverages for more than three years with 1-3 bottles daily and cola was the popular drink. Urine samples were taken from those female students who highly consume caffeinated beverages comparing with female students who do not drink caffeinated beverages. The results indicated that caffeine and phosphoric acid has negative effect on minerals of human body especially calcium and phosphorus. The amount of calcium, sodium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and chloride increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) in urine of female students who highly consume caffeinated beverages compared to female students who was not. While zinc showed no significant difference (p ≥ 0.05) on both groups.
Reduction of potato scab, Verticillium wilt, and nematodes by soymeal and meat and bone meal in two Ontario potato fields.

Soymeal (SM) and meat and bone meal (MBM) were incorporated into soil to a depth of 15 cm at a rate of 37 t/ha at two commercial potato (Solatium tuberosum) fields in Ontario in the spring of 1996. The incidence of verticillium wilt and potato scab, the population of plant parasitic nematodes, and the soil chemistry and microbiology were monitored in three subsequent crops of potatoes in 1996-1998. Verticillium dahliae microsclerotia (MS) were buried in the soil immediately after incorporation of the amendments, both in the field and in a concurrent laboratory assay using soil from the field placed in test tubes, and the viability of the MS was determined 4 weeks later. Both treatments reduced the incidence of verticillium wilt, potato scab, and the nematode population to near zero levels in 1996. Reduced disease levels were still evident in the 1997 crop, but by 1998, disease levels were equal to or higher than those in the control treatments. Nematode numbers remained below control levels for the 3 year.
Purification and Immobilization of the Inducible Form of Extracellular Laccase of the Fungus Trametes versicolor

The inducible form of extracellular laccase (EC 1.10.3.2) produced by Trametes versicolor culture in a 10 1 glass fermenter was isolated and purified by ion-exchange chromatography on the DEAE-Sephadex A-50 column and by affinity chromatography on a syringyl-CPG column. The enzyme was further immobilized on functionalized porous glass. The paper also discusses some properties of immobilized and free enzyme, respectively.
Assessment of Fishing Practices on the Exploitation of the Titas Floodplain in Brahmanbaria, Bangladesh

Floodplain fishery plays an important role in the economy of the country and the livelihoods of the people living adjacent to those floodplains. There has been indication of declining fisheries stocks needs closer examination. Consequently, a survey was conducted in the Titas floodplain (Nabinagor-Bkdhor-Urkhulia) to identify the gears, catch per unit effort (CPUE), catch composition, species diversity and production during monsoon, from July to November (two flooding seasons). A total of 35 different types of gears of seven categories were identified. The monthly average number of different gears operated varied from 501 (seine net) to 40 (push net). The highest number of gears operated in September 2003 (1491 gears) and the lowest in November 2002 (455 gears). Fishing effort of seine net, gill net and set bag nets in two flooding seasons were 0.0223, 0.0230, 0.0028 and 0.0216, 0.0233, 0.0036 gears/ha/day, respectively. The set bag net had the highest CPUE (15.41 kg/ha/day) followed by seine net (7.04 kg/ha/day) and gill net (4.85 kg/ha/day). Average CPUE of combined gears in 2002 and 2003 were 4.93 and 4.81 kg/gear/day, respectively and the estimated production of the floodplain was 44 kg/ha/year. In combined catch, more than 20% fish were Cypriniformes (carps) including Puntius sophore, P. sarana, Labeo rohita and Cirrhinus mrigala, 15%, catfish (Wallago attu, Mystus aor, M. cavasius, etc.), 13% pearch 6% eels and the rest 46% were small and medium size fish and prawns. The fishing effort, CPUE and yields did not show any indication on the over exploitation of the resources.
Political Sources of Income Inequality in Canada: The Role of Organised Interests

Market forces are often considered the principal determinants of income inequality. While this paper does not dispute the pivotal role economic forces play in generating and distributing wealth, it questions whether economic rationale alone can explain income disparities that are everywhere occurring as a result of the gross accumulation of wealth by the top percentile. In this connection, the role of politics in contributing to rising levels of inequality has received little attention. The purpose of this paper is thus to examine the role and influence of organised interests in shaping policies that promote rising levels of income inequality in Canada. It begins by tracing the resurgence of inequality across the globe and in Canada. It then questions the assertion of the median voter theorem that government policies inevitably converge to the preferences of voters located in the median of the voter distribution. It goes on to describe the ability of business and economic elites to overcome collective action problems and to utilise financial, technical and human resources to achieve policy outcomes in their favour and, finally, it attempts to discuss some of the implications for public policy.
The effect of nitrogen fertilization on morphology traits of sweet sorghum cultivated on sandy soil

The paper presents results of the experiment conducted in 2010-2012 on the influence of nitrogen fertilizer type (ammonium sulfate, calcium nitrate, ammonium nitrate and urea) on sweet sorghum cultivated on sandy soil. Selected morphological traits and fresh and dry matter biomass were analyzed. Although fertilization significantly increased fresh and dry aboveground biomass, it did not affect sweet sorghum yield. Fresh aboveground biomass was highest under fertilization with ammonium nitrate (59.3 t ha-1). Fertilization influenced also yield growth rate, which ranged from 23.3 t ha-1 (under fertilization with urea) to 26.5 t ha-1 (under fertilization with ammonium nitrate). The highest dry matter content (26.1%) and dry matter yield (15.3 t ha-1) were obtained under ammonium sulfate. Nitrogen efficiency was affected by nitrogen fertilization and ranged from 40.4 (under fertilization with urea) to 52.4 kg D.M. kg-1 N (under fertilization with ammonium sulfate). On the contrary, nitrogen physiological efficiency was not affected.
Changes in Phytase Activity and Phytate During Germination of Two Fababean Cultivars

Two fababean cultivars were germinated over a 10-day period and the levels of phytate and activity of phytase monitored. In both cultivars there was a marked increase in phytase activity which was accompanied by a concomitant decrease in phytate. The enzyme level reached a maximum 6 days following germination and was much higher in Ackerperle compared to Diana. Nevertheless a marked reduction in phytate levels was evident at the end of 10 days which accounted for a decrease of 71.2% and 77.3% in Ackerperle and Diana, respectively.
EFFECT OF NITROGEN SOURCES ON ROOTING OF IN VITRO CULTURE OF STEVIA

Stevia rebaudiana Bert. belongs to family Asteraceae. It is a natural sweetener with zero calorie contributing to various medicinal properties like anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, anti-aging and anticancerous etc. Large scale production is required to meet the increasing demand for the natural sweeteners. Keeping all above mentioned points in view the present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of nitrogen on the rooting of Stevia rebaudiana to develop healthy rooting system for balanced plant physiology. The multiplied shoots were cultured on MS medium fortified with BAP (5.0 mg/l) along with Kinetin (1.0 mg/l). Effect of plant growth regulator IAA (1.0 mg/l) and α-NAA (1.0 mg/l) each in combination along with and without activated charcoal on induction and multiplication of roots on MS medium + NH4NO3 (14 N/l) + KNO3 (400 N/l) was recorded at the interval of two weeks. Results showed that less concentration of NH4NO3 (14 N/l) is required as compared with KNO3 (400 N/l) for better induction and multiplication of shoot and root. Although presence of nitrogen sources improves both shooting and rooting in stevia but the presence of plant growth regulators is must. The present study also advocates the addition of activated charcoal for healthy root development for both their number and length. Survival of 85% was achieved when rooted plantlets were acclimatized in 2 FYM: 1 Perlite: 1Garden Soil.
Domain walls shift gears : novel ways to control magnetic domain-wall motion

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Behavioral and analgesic effect of acepromazine maleate, lidocaine hydrochloride alone or in combination of them in lumbosacral epidural injection in sheep

The aim of the present study was to investigate the analgesic effect of Acepromazine 0.05 mg. /kg B. w. and Lidocaine 0.5 mg/kg each alone or in combinations on the flank region in sheep after giving the drugs by lumbosacral injection. Fifteen healthy adult local breed sheep of both sexes weighting (17.50-30 kg) were used. Sheep were divided into three equal groups. Group (A), Acepromazine, group (B) Lidocaine, and group (C) Acepromazine and Lidocaine mixture. Data were collected immediately before administration of drugs (zero time) as control data. Parameters were included clinical measures: Heart Rate, Respiratory Rate, Rectal Temperature, Scores of analgesia of the flank, low abdomen, perineum, tail, hind limbs, fore limb, at time 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70 minutes after administration of drugs. The results revealed significant differences in flank, perineum, tail, low abdomen, and hind limbs analgesia, in which mild analgesia in group (B) at 10 to 50 minutes, and moderate analgesia in it group (C) combination at 10 to 50 minutes but no analgesic effect in group (A). In conclusion indicated that group (C) more effective than group (A) and group (B) alone and there was non-significant difference in rectal body temperature between animal groups, but significant differences in heart rate, respiratory rate
Interaction of pyrethroids with ion transport pathways present in frog skin

We measured the ability of deltamethrin and permethrin to stimulate the ion transport operated by the frog skin. Ion transport was monitored by measuring the short‐circuit current. Deltamethrin and permethrin, added to the fluid bathing the internal surface of the isolated frog skin, showed a seasonal feature and were more effective in increasing short‐circuit current in the period between June and October. Transepithelial influxes and outfluxes of 22Na+ and 36C1− across symmetrical parts of the short‐circuited skin were then measured. Deltamethrin was found to increase net Na+ absorption and, to a lesser extent, Cl1 secretion. The presence of a Cl− secretory mechanism is supported by two observations, those being that the short‐circuit current value, recorded when deltamethrin and amiloride (inhibitor of Na+ channels) were simultaneously present, was higher than that obtained in the presence of amiloride alone and that bumetanide, a classic inhibitor of Cl− secretion, completely inhibited the component of the Cl− outflux that was induced by the deltamethrin stimulation. The stimulations of short‐circuit current respectively caused by deltamethrin (type II pyrethroid) and permethrin (type I) were comparable and similarly affected by indomethacin (an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase) and W7 (an inhibitor of the Ca2+/calmodulin system). These findings suggest that, in frog skin, the cellular mechanism of action of type I and type II pyrethroids is similar.
Organic matter stoichiometry influences nitrogen and phosphorus uptake in a headwater stream

Abstract. The concept of nutrient spiraling combines the geological, hydrological, and biological processes that influence nutrient cycling in streams. Spiraling studies have demonstrated connections between metabolic and nutrient cycles, organic matter (OM) dynamics, and hydrologic controls. Most spiraling studies have addressed the dynamics of a single element. However, nutrients do not move through ecosystems in isolation. Recent models have used ecological stoichiometric theory to couple N and P cycles, but empirical data to support these conceptual frameworks are generally lacking. We investigated the relationship between N and P uptake and the extent to which OM stoichiometry was related to the relative uptake of N and P in a headwater stream across 2 seasons. In addition, we explored whether our results were consistent with theoretical predictions derived from ecological stoichiometry and consumer–resource imbalances. We found that higher respiration led to higher NH4+ and P uptake rates. NH4+ and P uptake were strongly correlated, but the nature of this relationship shifted with a seasonal change in the dominant OM to fresh leaf litter in autumn. OM stoichiometry was a strong predictor of relative nutrient uptake (NH4∶SRP uptake ratios). Seasonal input of low N∶P leaf litter led to relatively higher NH4+ uptake from the water column, which caused a shift in relative nutrient uptake but did not alter the strength of the coupling. Our results indicate that stoichiometric imbalances between nutrient consumers and resources have a strong influence on nutrient uptake in streams. Moreover, stoichiometric models of consumer–resource imbalances between microbes and dominant OM substrates accurately captured N and P uptake dynamics in our study system. Integrating stoichiometry with metabolic controls provides insights into nutrient dynamics and acts as a framework to link N and P cycles.
Anatomical plasticity in species of Deschampsia P. Beauv. (Poaceae) in SW Europe (Iberian Peninsula)

Summary The utility of leaf anatomy in the taxonomy of the genus Deschampsia is discussed. To this end, the inter-and intra-populational variability of this character is analyzed in the taxa of the genus which are represented in the Iberian Peninsula (Deschampsia cespitosa (L.) Beauv. s.l. , D. setacea (Huds.) Hack, and D. flexuosa (L.) Trin. ), as well as in Holcus grandiflorus Boiss. and H. caespitosus Boiss. , two Spanish endemic species which some authors include in Deschampsia. A critical analysis of their observed anatomical plasticity is given, evidencing the great intra-individual variability when wild plants are grown under experimental conditions.
‘Grasslands Roa’ tall fescue: Seedling growth and establishment

Abstract Germination rate, root, and shoot growth of ‘Grasslands Roa’ S170, and a wild type tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) were compared with perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) in the glasshouse and field. There was little variation between tall fescues but S170 established slightly better than the others. Under moisture stress, the wild type was superior to the other tall fescues in germination and establishment. Ryegrass was markedly superior to all tall fescues because of much higher germination, root elongation, and tillering rates. Regrowth following defoliation of tall fescue seedlings was also much poorer than ryegrass. The physiological basis of some of these differences is discussed, together with agricultural implications on the potential use, management, and future selection of tall fescue.
Autecology of a filamentous alga, Ctenocladus circinnatus (Chlorophyceae), in saline environments

Six highly saline habitats in arid regions of British Columbia, Nevada, and California with the chaetophoralean Ctenocladus circinnatus Borzi were investigated to characterize the unique environment of this alga. Seasonal patterns within three of these habitats were analyzed to reveal those parameters determining the restricted distribution of Ctenocladus. Sodium was the dominant cation in combination with any major anion, such as SO4−, CO3−, HCO3−. Seasonal salinity fluctuations of the water solutions were large ( 100 millimhos). Ctenocladus tolerated these high salinities and temperatures (−3 to 28 °C) as akinetes formed early in the summer and they survived as akinetes until dilution of the water solutions the next spring. The period for optimum vegetative development was short (6–12 weeks) because of an increase in salinity and temperature of the waters.Akinete germination in the laboratory was optimal between 9 and 26 °C and temperatures above 34 °C destroyed akinetes. Conversely, the freezing.
THE CORRELATION BETWEEN FRAMINGHAM RISK SCORE AND THE CLINICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS THAT MEASURE FUNCTIONAL DISABILITY AND DISEASE ACTIVITY IN IRAQI PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Objective: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients have increased morbidity and mortality from premature cardiovascular (CV) disease (CVD). Framingham risk score (FRS) is a simplified coronary prediction tool developed to enable clinicians to assess the risk of a cardiovascular event and to identify candidate patients for risk factors modifications worldwide. The predictive ability of the FRS varies between populations, ethnic groups, and socio-economic status. The aim of this study is to find if there is any correlation between the Framingham risk score and the inflammatory and biochemical parameters used to measure disease activity and functional ability in Iraqi patients with active RA. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the rheumatology outpatient unit of Baghdad Teaching Hospital, from September 2012 to April 2013. A total of 140 patients (40 males and 100 females) with active RA were involved in this study. Disease activity was measured by disease activity score of 28 joints (DAS28) and the simplified disease activity index (SDAI); whereas functional status of the patients were measured using The patient reported outcomes measurement information System (PROMIS HAQ) score. The FRS was calculated using a computerized formula from the web. Then the correlation between FRS with clinical parameters (DAS28, SDAI and PROMIS HAQ), plus the biochemical parameter (hsCRP, TNF and ESR) was determined. Result: There was a significant positive correlation between FRS and both of (DAS28 and SDAI). Additionally FRS was significantly correlated with each of (TNF, ESR and hsCRP). Conclusion: We found a significant correlation between FRS and the two most important methods used to measure disease activity (DAS28 and SDAI) but to obtain more significant result with other clinical parameter, long-term prospective studies with a larger sample size are needed.
Treatment with Sutherlandia frutescens ssp. microphylla alters the corticosterone response to chronic intermittent immobilization stress in rats

Much anecdotal evidence suggests a stress-relieving effect of the Sutherlandia frutescensl/Ig herb. We investigated this in a model of chronic intermittent immobilization stress in 40 adult male Wistar rats. A warm water extract of lIgSutherlandial/Ig leaves (4 mg/ml) was used as treatment and isotonic saline as placebo, both injected intraperitoneally. The four experimental groups were: a) control + treatment (CS); b) control + placebo (CP); c) immobilization + treatment (IS) and d) immobilization + placebo (IP). After 28 days, resting blood corticosterone, testosterone, interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-<SPAN lang=AF style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-ascii-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Symbol"><SPAN style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font: Symbol"gal/SPANgl/SPANg concentrations were measured. Data were analysed with two-way ANOVA. Immobilization stress resulted in significantly increased corticosterone concentrations in IP vs CP (81 lug+l/ug 11 vs 22 lug+l/ug 7 ng/ml, lIgPl/Ig < 0.001), whereas corticosterone concentrations were significantly decreased in IS (43 + 14 ng/ml, lIgPl/Ig < 0.05) compared to IP. The two Sutherlandia-treated groups did not differ (CS 57 lug+l/ug 11 ng/ml). Neither testosterone nor IL-6 and TNF-<SPAN lang=AF style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-ascii-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-hansi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Symbol"><SPAN style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font: Symbol"gal/SPANgl/SPANg concentrations were significantly different among groups. In summary, our data show that Sutherlandia frutescens treatment effectively decreased the corticosterone response to chronic stress, thereby scientifically confirming the indigenous wisdom.
Primate ecology and social organization

Estimates of body weight, group size, home range size, day range length, socionomic sex ratio and sexual dimorphism are compared between 100 primate species, allocated to seven ecological categories. As would be predicted on energetic grounds, home range size and day range length are positively related to group weight and are greater in frugivores than in folivores; population density is negatively related to body weight; and group size is positively related to body weight. The adaptive significance of Variation in body size, sexual dimorphism and socionomic sex ratio is also discussed.
SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF TITANIUM DIOXIDE NANOMATERIALS VIA HORIZONTAL VAPOR PHASE GROWTH (HVPG) TECHNIQUE

This study aims to synthesize and characterize titanium dioxide nanomaterials via horizontal vapor phase growth (HVPG) technique toward making a sensor for detecting engine oil degradation. The growth temperature was varied at 1000 oC, 1100 oC, and 1200 oC with the fixed baking time of 6 hrs and ramp rate of 10oC/min. The said nanomaterials grown on glass substrate were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) to analyze the surface structure morphology and determine the elemental composition, respectively. Results showed that various sizes of titanium dioxide particles were found on the substrate surface at the proposed growth mechanisms.
Micropiles Made of Reinforced Polyurethane Resins: Load Tests and Evaluation of the Bearing Capacity

Micropiles are traditionally used in many applications of ground improvement to increase the bearing capacity and reduce the settlement of existing shallow foundations. The mechanism for ground improvement is provided by frictional resistance between the soil and the lateral surface of the pile and by the associated group effects of micropiles. This paper deals with the field behavior of innovative micropile typology and the method for the evaluation of micropile bearing capacity. Micropiles made with reinforced polyurethane resin have been tested both in compression and tension field tests. Micropiles were installed in various sample sites generally characterized by the presence of silty-clayey soils. On the basis of the test results, it was possible to evaluate the bearing capacity of the reinforced resin micropiles by using the well known Bustamante and Doix method. The paper describes the construction method of this kind of micropile, the execution of field tests and provides a comparison between experimental results and theoretical analysis.