Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A high throughput membrane BIO‐PCR technique for ultra‐sensitive detection of Pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicola

Molecular-based methods such as PCR have greatly improved detection of bacteria in environmental samples. However, the sensitivity of PCR is not high when compared to agar plating assays, and inhibitors from plants are often a problem. Pre-enriching bacteria on agar media (BIO-PCR) can increase the sensitivity of PCR by more than 100% and reduce the effects of inhibitors. To further increase the sensitivity and also reduce the labour needed for BIO-PCR, a high throughput 96-well membrane BIO-PCR technique is described for ultra-sensitive detection of Pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicola (PSP) (syn. P. phaseolicola) in washings of seeds and leaves of Phaseolus vulgaris, using available classical PCR primers and newly designed real-time primers and probe. The primers and probe, designed from a tox-argK chromosomal cluster of the PSP-specific phaseolotoxin gene, were confirmed to be specific to PSP. Samples (1·2 mL) were filtered under vacuum in 96-well membrane plates. After incubating on soft agar medium for 48–52 h, each well is washed with 200 µL of sterile water and used immediately for nested (two-step) PCR or real-time PCR or stored at −20°C. Results of assaying spiked seed washings showed that classical PCR was unable to detect PSP at mean concentrations of 40 colony forming units (cfu) mL−1. BIO-PCR detected PSP in five out of six samples at 40 mean cfu mL−1 but none at mean concentrations of 4·2 and 0·4 mean cfu mL−1. In contrast, membrane BIO-PCR detected the bacterium in all six samples tested containing as few as 0·4 mean cfu mL−1. The sensitivity of detection from leaf washings was lower but the results were similar, classical and BIO-PCR were negative from all three levels of inoculum while membrane BIO-PCR detected three out of three samples at 80 mean cfu mL−1 and one out of three at 40 mean cfu mL−1.
INFUSING A GAMIFICATION MECHANISM THROUGH DUOLINGO FOR ENGLISH SPEAKING PROFICIENCY: PERCEPTIONS OF THE INDONESIAN EFL INSTRUCTOR AND STUDENTS

This current study is to examine both EFL instructor and students concerning the use of Duolingo for English speaking proficiency. To serve this purpose, an explanatory research design was employed. A set of questionnaire and semi-structured interview developed as the primary instruments for this current study. One EFL instructor and ten EFL students in one of the private Islamic Senior High School in Situbondo, Indonesia, involved as research participants in this study. In general, they perceived Duolingo in a positive ways. The findings resulted from semi-structured interview carried out with EFL instructor and the samples of the students revealed that Duolingo facilitated him/her in managing the classwork and assessment. However, some participants also reported several drawbacks. Conclusions, limitations, and recommendations were made for the further research.
Estimating the population density of Iberian wild goat Capra pyrenaica and mouflon Ovis aries in a Mediterranean forest environment

Aim of study: To manage and conserve wild populations effectively, a good understating of population density is critical. During 2010, the density of Iberian wild goat Capra pyrenaica and mouflon Ovis aries were estimated. Area of study: The area is situated in Muela de Cortes Game Reservation (Spain), a Mediterranean forest plateau, after a mange Sarcoptes scabiei outbreak that affected both species. Material and methods: To measure the abundance, sex ratio and productivity of the Iberian wild goat and mouflon. Field work was conducted during spring (after parturition) and autumn (during rut) by walking along itineraries, using a Distance Sampling approach. Main results: Based on DS, the best relative fit of model and adjustment term for Iberian wild goat was hazard-rate cosine, based on the lowest AIC score. The average density for Iberian wild goat was 4 km-2 (95% CI: 2,3 – 6,9) (after parturition) and 3,6 km-2 (95% CI: 2 – 6.6) (during rut). Average estimation was 1,422 goats (95% CI: 813 – 2,487) after parturition and 1,308 during rut (95% CI: 725 – 2,362). Mouflon best relative fit of model and adjustment term was uniform cosine after parturition, based on the lowest AIC score. The best relative fit of model and adjustment term for mouflon was hazard-rate cosine, based on the lowest AIC score. The average density was 6.8 mouflon km-2 (95% CI: 4.7 – 9,9) after parturition and 7,4 mouflon km-2 (95% CI: 4,4 – 12,5) during rut. Average estimation was 2,440 mouflon after parturition (95% CI: 1,673 – 3,558) and 2,678 during rut (95% CI: 1,589 – 4,515). Research highlights: The area represents one of the largest continental free-living populations of mouflon in Europe and a relevant area for Iberian wild goat, where it has survived for centuries and spread into the East Iberia. This study suggests that the survey methods used are suitable and sustainable with available field personnel for quantifying changes in wild goat and mouflon populations, particularly in rugged forest environments. Monitoring should be continued and be part of the development of a comprehensive management programme for Iberian wild goat and mouflon. Keywords: Itineraries; Distance Sampling; sustainable monitoring; Capra pyrenaica; Ovis aries; Game Reservation.
Female Contests for Nest Sites and Mates in the Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca

Predictions of game theory models about the outcome of animal conflicts have most often been tested using male contests for mates, territories or food. We studied female contests for nest sites and mates in the pied flycatcher, Ficedula hypoleuca, and asked which factors affect the outcome and duration of the contests. Conflicts over residency were experimentally induced, but natural cases in which both females regarded themselves as owners were also included in the analyses. The ensuing escalated contests involved physical fighting, defence of the nestbox of the male and alarm calling. Contrary to expectations from game theory, fighting seemed to occur most often at the start of conflicts, whereas alarm calling occurred towards the end and nestbox visits throughout the conflict. The outcome of the contests was not determined by asymmetries in body size or age, nor by a simple previous-present owner asymmetry. Instead, it depended on the relative residence times of the opponents. The duration of the contests tended to increase with decreasing asymmetry in the residence times of females, whereas body size asymmetries had no influence. Because there is intense competition between females for a mate in the pied flycatcher, we suggest that females do not respect asymmetries in residency and body size, but fight in relation to the value of the mating opportunity. In particular, we point to the possibility that the value of a mating opportunity may increase with residence time because knowledge of other mating options may become outdated.
Death by austerity? The impact of cost containment on avoidable mortality in Italy

Abstract Does austerity in health care affect health and healthcare outcomes? We examine the intended and unintended effects of the Italian austerity policy Piano di Rientro aimed at containing the cost of the healthcare sector. Using an instrumental variable strategy that exploits the temporal and geographical variation induced by the policy rollout, we find that the policy was successful in alleviating deficits by reducing expenditure, mainly in the southern regions, but also resulted in a 3% rise in avoidable deaths among both men and women, a reduction in hospital capacity and a rise in south‐to‐north patient migration. These findings suggest that—even in a high‐income country with relatively low avoidable mortality like Italy—spending cuts can hurt survival.
Optimal Dietary Level of 1α,25-Dihydroxycholecalciferol for Eggshell Quality in Laying Hens

The optimal dietary level of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol [1,25-(OH)2D3] for eggshell quality was established. White Leghorn hens, 59 wk of age, were fed one of eight diets that contained the same basal ingredients, including 3.1% calcium, but different levels (microgram/kg) or forms of calciferol supplements: no calciferol supplement of any form (56 hens); 27.5 (control) or 55.0 micrograms of cholecalciferol (56 hens each); 3, 5, or 7 micrograms of 1,25-(OH)2D3 (28 hens each); 5 micrograms of 24,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol [24,25-(OH)2D3] with 28 hens; 5 micrograms each of 1,25-(OH)2D3 and 24,25-(OH)2D3 (28 hens). All groups were fed the control diet prior to the 21-wk treatment. The group fed 5 micrograms 1,25-(OH)2D3/kg diet ranked first in specific gravity (SG), e.g., 1.081 versus 1.077 for the control group at Week 21 (P less than .05). The group fed 7 micrograms 1,25-(OH)2D3/kg consumed 30% less feed and laid 20% fewer eggs than the control, but shell quality was not affected. The groups receiving no calciferol supplement or receiving only 24,25-(OH)2D3 laid eggs with significantly lower SG than the control after 2 wk of treatment (1.072 or less versus 1.082 at Week 2). The rest of the treatment groups mentioned were comparable to the control in eggshell quality and egg production. Groups fed the combination of 1,25-(OH)2D3 and 24,25-(OH)2D3 per kilogram of feed, or 1,25-(OH)2D3 alone at 5 micrograms/kg, had significantly higher tibial weights relative to the control group. All groups receiving the diets without cholecalciferol supplementation had markedly reduced hatchability. It was concluded that the optimal dietary level of 1,25-(OH)2D3 for improving eggshell quality without affecting egg production was approximately 5 micrograms/kg and the toxic level was 7 micrograms/kg.
Efficient Out-of-Distribution Detection in Digital Pathology Using Multi-Head Convolutional Neural Networks

Successful clinical implementation of deep learning in medical imaging depends, in part, on the reliability of the predictions. Speciﬁcally, the system should be accurate for classes seen during training while providing calibrated estimates of uncertainty for abnormalities and unseen classes. To eﬃciently estimate predictive uncertainty, we propose the use of multi-head CNNs (M-heads). We compare its performance to related and more prevalent approaches, such as deep ensembles, on the task of out-of-distribution (OOD) detection. To this end, we evaluate models trained to discriminate normal lymph node tissue from breast cancer metastases, on lymph nodes containing lymphoma. We show the ability to discriminate between in-distribution lymph node tissue and lymphoma by evaluating the AUROC based on the uncertainty signal. Here, the best performing multi-head CNN (91.7) outperforms both Monte Carlo dropout (88.3) and deep ensembles (86.8). Furthermore, we show that the meta-loss function of M-heads improves OOD detection in terms of AUROC.
Physicochemical Properties of Common and Tartary Buckwheat Starch

ABSTRACT Physicochemical properties of starch of three common (Fagopyrum esculentum) and three tartary (F. tataricum) buckwheat varieties from Shanxi Province, China, were compared. Starch color, especially b*, differed greatly between tartary (7.99–9.57) and common (1.97–2.42) buckwheat, indicating that removal of yellow pigments from tartary buckwheat flour may be problematic during starch isolation. Starch swelling volume in water of reference wheat starch (2.8% solids and 92.5°C) was 20.1 mL; for the three common buckwheat starches it was 27.4–28.0 mL; and for the three tartary buckwheat starches it was 26.5–30.8 mL. Peak gelatinization temperature (Tp) in water was 63.7°C for wheat starch, 66.3–68.8°C for common buckwheat and 68.8–70.8°C for tartary buckwheat. Tp of all samples was similarly delayed (by 4.0–4.8°C) by 1% NaCl. Enthalpy of gelatinization (ΔH) was higher for all six buckwheat starches than it was for wheat starch. However, one common buckwheat sample had significantly lower ΔH than the .
Growth enhancement of Sesamum indicum L. by rhizosphere-competent Azotobacter chroococcum AZO2 and its antagonistic activity against Macrophomina phaseolina

Indigenous strains isolated from rhizosphere may contain highly competent genotypes to enhance the plant growth and often perform better than the introduced isolates. The present study deals with the characterisation of plant growth-promoting (PGP) attributes and antagonistic activity of Azotobacter chroococcum AZO2 against Macrophomina phaseolina causing charcoal rot disease and their effect on the growth of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.). Eight strains of Azotobacter were isolated from sesame rhizosphere on nitrogen-free medium, which exhibited significant PGP parameters such as phosphate solubilisation, indole acetic acid and siderophore production. The strain A. chroococcum AZO2 (EU274299) was characterised by 16S rDNA gene sequencing. Amplification of 781 bp nif H gene confirms nitrogenase activity of all the strains. A. chroococcum AZO2 exhibited strong antagonistic activities against M. phaseolina causing 81% colony growth inhibition and resulted in hyphal perforations, empty cell (halo) formation, hyphal twisting, shrinking and lysis of fungal mycelia along with degeneration of sclerotia. A. chroococcum AZO2 produced chitinase that caused degradation and digestion of the cell wall component of M. phaseolina. Different vegetative and reproductive parameters of sesame were found to be enhanced significantly upon application of A. chroococcum AZO2 + half doses of chemical fertilisers. A. chroococcum AZO2 was also found to be an effective root coloniser, plant growth promoter and potential antagonistic bacterium. It can be concluded that A. chroococcum AZO2 strain bears the characteristics of technological applications for inoculant preparation and growth enhancement of sesame besides being utilised as a better PGP bacterium as well as an effective agent for biocontrol of M. phaseolina.
Mecanismos envolvidos na cicatrização: uma revisão

The mechanisms involved in tissue repair are revised. The wound healing process occurs basically in three phases: inflammation, formation of granulating tissue and extracellular tissue deposition, and tissue remodeling. The cellular and tissue events of each phase are described and discussed. The chemical mediators and their interplay with the wound healing events and cells involved are also discussed. However, especial attention was given to the role played by the growth factors in the tissue repair process.
Insecticide‐induced hormesis in an insecticide‐resistant strain of the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais

Sublethal responses to insecticides are frequently neglected in studies of insecticide resistance, although stimulatory effects associated with low doses of compounds toxic at higher doses, such as insecticides, have been recognized as a general toxicological phenomenon. Evidence for this biphasic dose–response relationship, or hormesis, was recognized as one of the potential causes underlying pest resurgence and secondary pest outbreaks. Hormesis has also potentially important implications for managing insecticide‐resistant populations of insect‐pest species, but evidence of its occurrence in such context is lacking and fitness parameters are seldom considered in these studies. Here, we reported the stimulatory effect of sublethal doses of the pyrethroid insecticide deltamethrin sprayed on maize grains infested with a pyrethroid‐resistant strain of the maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). The parameters estimated from the fertility tables of resistant insects exposed to deltamethrin indicated a peak in the net reproductive rate at 0.05 ppm consequently leading to a peak in the intrinsic rate of population growth at this dose. The phenomenon is consistent with insecticide‐induced hormesis and its potential management implications are discussed.
Crescimento, produção e qualidade de frutos de pimenta ( Capsicum annuum) em diferentes espaçamentos

Planting density and cultivars suitable to climatic conditions of southwestern Parana State are of great importance in crop production and fruit quality of pepper. The objective of this study was to evaluate growth, production and fruit quality of pepper cultivars in different spacing and harvest seasons carried out in field in the southwestern Parana. The experiments were carried out in the experimental area of the Universidade Tecnologica Federal do Parana, Campus Dois Vizinhos, from September 2009 to July 2012. The experimental design was randomized blocks with four replications in a 2x3 factorial design, comprising two pepper varieties (BRS Mari and Paprika) and three planting densities: 1.50x1. 00 m, 1.00x1. 25 m, 1.50x1. 25 m between rows and between plants, respectively. The number, fresh mass and production of fruits, length, fruit diameter, leaf area index, soluble solids, capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin content in fresh fruits Were analyzed. BRS Mari resulted in greater number of fruits (199.33), production per area (5.87 t/ha), fresh fruit production (768.67 g/plant) and capsaicin (549.92 mg/kg) and dihydrocapsaicin (251.93 mg/kg) content. The spacing of 1.00x1. 25 m resulted in higher yield per area (22.88 t/ha), capsaicin (362.25 mg/kg) and dihydrocapsaicin (165.02 mg/kg) content. Density can be a strategy for productivity of pepper cultivars evaluated.
A new ant genus from the Greater Antilles and Central America, Zatania (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), exemplifies the utility of male and molecular character systems

The ant genus Prenolepis (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) is the nominal member of the recently established Prenolepis genus‐group within the subfamily Formicinae. Our molecular phylogenetic analyses using fragments from five nuclear genes (arginine kinase, carbomoylphosphate synthase, elongation factor 1‐alpha F1, elongation factor 1‐alpha F2, wingless) and one mitochondrial gene (cytochrome oxidase I) indicate that this genus is polyphyletic. Although the majority of Prenolepis species was found to belong to the same monophyletic group (Prenolepis sensu stricto), a smaller subset of Prenolepis species, all found in either Central America or the Greater Antilles, was robustly inferred to comprise a distinct lineage that is sister to the Old World genus Paraparatrechina. Here we describe this newly discovered lineage within the larger Prenolepis genus‐group clade. The genus Zatania, gen.n. is composed of five extant species (Zatania albimaculata, Zatania cisipa, Zatania gibberosa, Zatania gloriosa, sp.n. and Zatania karstica) and one Dominican amber fossil species (Zatania electra†, sp.n.). These are medium‐sized ants (generally between 2.5 and 3 mm in total length) that are characterized by having long scapes and legs, and elongated mesosomata. A reliance on worker‐based taxonomy has previously prevented the discovery of this new lineage because of worker convergence consisting of various combinations of elongated mesosomata, long scapes and legs, and a constriction immediately behind the pronotum, observed in several distinct lineages within the Prenolepis genus‐group. However, we did find that male morphology complements our molecular results in revealing important diagnostic and potentially phylogenetically informative characters. Our study highlights the value for ant systematics to expand beyond its traditional foundation of worker‐based morphology and embrace character systems from other castes and molecular data.
Variation in Brassica oleracea Resistance to Cabbage Looper and Imported Cabbage Worm in the Greenhouse and Field

In the field, cauliflower PI 234599 was resistant to the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni (Hubner), and the imported cabbageworm, Pieris rapae (L.), but much less so in the greenhouse. Degree of maturity and environment influenced these resistance factors which apparently were associated with antibiosis. Red cabbages were less preferred (in both field and greenhouse) for P. rapae oviposition than other types tested. It appears feasible to transfer the resistance characteristics from PI 234599 into desirable cabbage and cauliflower lines.
The Magical World of Disney: building relationships with clients from the brand personality

The purpose of this article is to evaluate the relationship between the brand personality attributed to Disney by consumers and how it affects the perception of their relationship with the brand. This quantitative study presents a survey with 283 Brazilian visitors from Disney parks. The Structural Equation Modeling was used, confirming the prediction relationship between brand personality and relationship perception. The results show that Credibility, Sensitivity, Audacity and Sophistication influence the client’s relationship perception with Disney brand. Among them, Credibility dimension was the main predictor. Our discussion contributes with the body of knowledge of relationship marketing and branding, especially in identifying the nature of the relation between these marketing variables.
Phytoplankton Communities in Rudrasagar Lake, Tripura (North-East India) – A Ramsar Site

Wetlands, described as ‘lands that are in transition between terrestrial and aquatic systems where the water table is usually at or near the surface or the land is covered by shallow water’, are one of the most productive ecosystems on earth (Ramachandra and Solanki, 2007). Wetlands in India are life supporting systems that provide subsistence and livelihood to huge number of populations through fishing, fisheries, collection of edible aquatic plants, aquatic fodder, agriculture, water transport and irrigation beside the multitude of ecosystem services Phytoplankton Communities in Rudrasagar Lake, Tripura (North-East India) – A Ramsar Site
Variations in rooting ability of cuttings and in seed characteristics of five populations of Juniperus communis var. depressa from subarctic Quebec

Juniperus communis var. depressa is a species with potential for site restoration in the Canadian subarctic and low arctic. We assessed this potential by evaluating the rooting ability of cuttings and the seed quality of five populations of the species along the east coast of Hudson Bay, in subarctic Quebec. Cuttings of male and female plants were sampled from each site. Cones were collected, and seeds were extracted, weighed, and then tested for viability. Cuttings from female plants rooted more easily than those from male plants. At high indolyl-3-butyric acid concentration, rooting of female cuttings was inhibited. Among-population differences in rooting ability were large: cuttings from the northernmost population rooted more easily than those from sites further south. Seed number per cone and seed mass and viability also varied significantly among sites. Of the populations studied, the northernmost one produced the lightest seeds and the southernmost one produced the heaviest seeds. Juniperus present.
Evidence for the validity of the composite scale of morningness based on students from Germany and Poland – relationship with sleep–wake and social schedules

Morningness–eveningness preference can be measured by questionnaires, such as the Composite Scale of Morningness (CSM). Here, we used data from a retrospective sleep–wake diary including many aspects of social life during the preceding week to establish further convergent quality for the CSM. Participants (N = 570) were students of social science from universities in Warsaw and Heidelberg. Morning-orientated students woke up, got up and went to bed and slept at earlier hours than more evening-orientated students, and experienced less social jetlag. Exceptions were sleep onset latency and sleep duration which seemed unrelated to morningness–eveningness. More morning subjects, as indicated by CSM scores, had earlier first contact with another person, went outdoors earlier and started work earlier. They also had earlier timing of breakfast, lunch and dinner. The correlations between CSM scores and activity indices did not differ between Poland and Germany. The data suggest that morning-orientated students exhibiting greater morningness preference do, indeed, live on an earlier schedule.