Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Coffee production constraints and opportunities at major growing districts of southern Ethiopia

Abstract The study was conducted in four zones (Sidama, Gedeo, Gamo Goffa and Wolayta) of South Nation Nationalities and Peoples Region (SNNPR) with the objective to assess coffee production constraints and opportunities at major coffee growing districts (Wereda) of the region. Two districts from each zone and two peasant associations from each district were selected for the study using multistage sampling technique. Total sample sizes of 161 households were interviewed to generate both qualitative and quantitative data. Data were analyzed by using SPSS software and descriptive statistics were implemented. The study indicated that about 98.1% of the respondents produce coffee as a major crop followed by maize (75.2%) and ˝enset˝ (68.3%). Coffee was identified as a primary source of cash in all assessed areas except Gamo Goffa where banana ranked first among cash crops. The most important constraints identified in coffee production system were clustered in to two major categories as biotic and abiotic factors that can be considered as agronomic and environmental. Among the biotic factors diseases, insect pests, weed species and vertebrate animals were identified as the most important ones. Recurrent drought, frost, fluctuating rainfall pattern, high humidity, high temperature, low moisture, hail, storm, wind and reduced soil fertility were among abiotic factors affecting coffee production that could cause as much as 70% yield loss. Immense opportunities for the production, marketing and processing of coffee in the studied areas were also identified. The existence of all weather road, convenient topography, fertile land, relatively good climatic condition, water bodies for irrigation, convenient government policy and support from agricultural offices were some of the opportunities discovered. Thus, based on the information obtained, it is possible for farmers (producers) to improve coffee production and productivity by solving the constraints and using possible opportunities in the study areas and locations with similar agroecologies.
Heparinoides naturais isolados de rodofíceas (Halymenia sp.)arribadas na costa cearense

The increasing demand for heparin (HEP) has led to a search for alternative sources of natural anticoagulants. This study aimed to evaluate the anticoagulant activity of sulfated polysaccharides (SP) isolated from a Halymenia rhodophyceae genus native to the coast of Ceara, Brazil. Total SP were obtained by consecutive digestions with papain in 0.1 M sodium acetate buffer (pH 5.0) containing 5 mM cysteine and 5 mM EDTA, followed by ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose column. The obtained fractions were concentrated by lyophilization and submitted to 0.5% agarose gel electrophoresis. Anticoagulant activity was evaluated by the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) using plasma from rabbits and a standard HEP (100 IU mg -1 ) curve. The extractions (53.96%) showed marked differences during the fractionation and in the degree of purification of SP. The species SP showed higher activity anticoagulant than that of HEP. However, the APTT of the fractions changed sharply among the extractions, expressing itself in a dose-dependent manner and increasing from 110.40 (1 st extraction) to 143.10 IU mg -1 (3 rd extraction). The results suggest that the anticoagulant activity of SP isolated from Halymenia sp. was promoted by inhibition of the intrinsic and/or common pathway of the coagulation cascade. The changes on APTT possibly will be elucidated through the mechanisms of action involved in coagulation and structural characterization of these compounds. Therefore, the red alga Halymenia sp. is a good source of heparinoids, and studies are suggested on the cultivation of this species and on the protection of natural algae banks.
Diallel analysis for traits of economic importance in globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus)

Abstract A breeding strategy for globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus) is suggested after General and Specific Combining Ability between several clones were estimated to determine the gene action for yield‐related and morphological traits. Two sets of diallel crosses, without parents, using four selected clones in each were developed. A completely randomised design with three replications for each diallel cross was used. Significant differences between the mean values of several traits among both diallel sets were found. Most of the variables evaluated were primarily controlled by additive genetic effects. Therefore, simple recurrent selection would be effective for increasing the mean value of these variables.
The Study of Causes of Chronic Renal Failure in Hemodialysis Patients of Hamadan Hemodialysis Centers in 2018

Objective: The present study was a retrospective cross-sectional analytical study. Methods: This study was conducted on 301 hemodialysis patients referred to Hemodialysis centers in Hamadan in 2018. The tools for collecting information in this research are questions about demographic information (gender, age, educational level, occupational and housing status, marital status of the disease), and a checklist for the cause of chronic renal failure based on high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease, and other reasons. Chi-square, Fisher’s exact test, and ANOVA and SPSS version 24 software were used to analyze the data in the inferential statistics section. Results: The results of the study showed that blood pressure, other causes (trauma, drugs, lumbar surgery, etc.), kidney disease, and diabetes were the main causes of chronic renal failure in hemodialysis patients. Prioritization of the causes of chronic renal failure was due to other causes, unspecified causes (15.3%), history of surgery (6.3%), anemia (5%), trauma (4.3%), shock (7.7% 2%), viral diseases (2%), drug use and congenital causes (1.3%), and poisoning of pregnancy and lupus (0.3%) were among the most important reasons for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in these patients; also subset renal diseases were the most important causes of chronic renal failure in hemodialysis patients, kidney stones (3. 3%), polycystic kidney (0.7%) and glomerulonephritis (0.3%), respectively. Conclusions: According to the results of this study, it can be concluded that by promoting screening methods in patients at risk, prevention of end-stage renal failure can be prevented.
Species diversity of bats along an altitudinal gradient on Mount Mulanje, southern Malawi

Abstract: A climate model, based on effects of water availability and temperature, was recently proposed to explain global variation in bat species richness along altitudinal gradients. Yet such studies are sparse in the tropics and near-absent in Africa. Here we present results from an altitudinal study of bat diversity from Mount Mulanje, Malawi. Using ground nets, canopy nets and harp traps, we sampled eight sites across three habitat zones from 630 m to 2010 m asl. We assessed the influence of climatic, geographic and biotic variables on measures of estimated species richness, Fisher's α, and an unbiased index of compositional turnover. We recorded 723 individuals and 30 species along the gradient, revealing a ‘low plateau’ pattern in estimated species richness, peaking at 1220 m, which is congruent with the global climate model. Measures of local habitat structure significantly explained a large degree of variation in species richness and compositional turnover between sites. Fisher's α was further significantly correlated to mean annual relative humidity, suggesting a background climatic influence.
Predicting plant performance for the ecological restoration of grasslands: the role of regenerative traits

Active restoration of grassland ecosystems often requires the addition of species as seeds. However, knowledge of seed germination and initial performance of native species are still lacking in many regions, including the Brazilian grasslands. Regenerative traits (such as seed traits) have the potential to predict performance parameters related to the initial establishment of a species in a given environment. This study aimed to test the potential of regenerative traits as predictors of the performance of grassland species, information which may be useful for ecological restoration purposes. Using 15 grassland species, we carried out three parallel experiments at different conditions: cabinet, greenhouse, and field. Three performance parameters were evaluated: final germination percentage (FGP), germination rate index (GRI), and survival rate. The suitability of seed traits (mass, area, and shape) as predictors of performance parameters was evaluated for each experiment using linear regression models. Performance parameters varied among the species and experiments, but seed mass and shape slightly influenced GRI. Seed area had a positive effect on GRI, and there was a significant interaction between seed circularity and mass, which improved the GRI of round, heavy seeds. FGP and survival rate were not predicted by any of the traits. Our study highlights the importance of testing fitness–trait relationships under field conditions, which may reflect the real challenges species will face in restoration projects. Our results reinforce the need of considering regenerative traits and interaction factors to improve the understanding and prediction of the initial performance of species.
Ecological rescue of remnant fengshui trees in farmlands by avian frugivores

Background: Farmland areas in eastern China often contain endangered trees, such as the Chinese yew (Taxus chinensis), which are protected by local communities as fengshui trees. These are often bird dispersed. Aim: Our objective was to assess the relative roles of frugivorous birds in dispersing seeds of T. chinensis into natural sites, such as bamboo (Phyllostachys heterocycla) thickets. Methods: We observed birds to estimate (1) visitation and seed removal rates, and (2) deposition rates and dispersal distances in farmlands compared with natural forests and P. heterocycla thickets. We analysed the data using t-tests. Results: Ten bird species visited the fruiting trees. Of the seeds dispersed in the natural forest, 85% were dispersed in broad-leaved forests and 15% in conifer forests. Thirty-one percent of the seeds from farmland trees were deposited in the canopy of bamboo thickets, outside of the farmland. Seed dispersal distances were greater in farmlands than in natural forests. Conclusion: Avian seed dispersers could rescue remnant endangered T. chinensis trees in farmland areas by dispersing seeds into natural forests, thereby promoting the regeneration potential of this remnant species.
Some Oceanographic Features of the Northeast Pacific Ocean during August 1955

Physical oceanographic data from the international NorPac survey of August 1955, in the area north of Lat. 45°N and east of Long. 161°W, were examined. The temperature, salinity, and density distribution and structure from the surface to 2000 m are discussed.The temperature structure showed an isothermal layer to about 30 m depth, a marked thermocline to about 100 m depth, a temperature inversion in most of the area, and below this a gradual temperature decrease into the abyss. At all depths the water was coldest in a "cold core" centered about 100 miles south of Kodiak and the Shumagin Islands. From there the temperature increased at each level in all directions.The salinity structure showed an isohaline layer to about 100 m depth, a marked halocline to about 200 m depth, and below this the salinity increased slightly into the abyss. The salinity structure did not coincide with the temperature structure.The density structure showed an isopycnal layer to about 30 m depth, a pycnocline associated with the .
Psychosocial safety climate and burnout among academicians: the mediating role of work engagement

As Malaysian universities are moving towards world-class research universities, academicians are now more vulnerable to burnout. Hence, a literature review related to burnout is done on full-time academicians who have worked more than one year in Malaysian research universities, and psychosocial safety climate (PSC) is found useful in this context as it is a precursor to working conditions including job demands and in turn, burnout and work engagement through mediation pathway. This paper proposes a better job design by PSC through challenge job demands and hindrance job demands which could enhance the work engagement of academicians while minimizing their level of burnout. Hence, in-depth PSC context proposed for the rewarding job demands and reduce the burnout level of academicians via the mediation of work engagement. Therefore, PSC could offer a useful tool to help in the change of management practices of research universities and in turn academicians' health and well-being.
Mycobacterium tuberculosisexploits the CD95/CD95 ligand system of γ δ T cells to cause apoptosis

Vγ9/Vδ2+ T cells specifically recognize Mycobacterium tuberculosis in vitro and are precociously recruited in early mycobacterial lesions. Even if γ δ T cells are only fortuitously detected in granulomas or bronchoalveolar lavages of patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis, a role in shaping the mature α β T cell response against M. tuberculosis is substantiated. Here we provide a molecular explanation for this paradox: the engagement of the γ δ TCR by mycobacterial antigens induced the expression of CD95 ligand (CD95L) by chronically activated CD95+ /CD95L− γ δ T lymphocytes. The receptor was functional, as CD95/CD95L interaction triggered the bystander death of CD95+ cells by apoptosis. Cell death was abolished by CD95‐blocking antibodies. The transient accumulation at the site of infection of CD95L+ γ δ lymphocytes, capable of interacting with CD95+ leukocytes attracted by the response towards the pathogen, may determine the characteristics of the ensuing granulomatous disease.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice on Prevention of Airborne and Droplet Infections During the Outbreak of Corona Virus among the College Students in University of Bisha, Saudi Arabia

Background: Infection with Coronaviruses can cause severe disease resulting in high mortality. Coronavirus has proven the ability to transmit between humans and animals. Around 35% of reported patients with MERS-Coronavirus infection have died. Objective: To determine the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) on prevention of Coronavirus infection amongst the college students in the University of Bisha, Saudi Arabia. Methods: The Cross-sectional study conducted, in which 100 students representing from different female colleges. The data were collected by using questionnaires prepared by the researchers. The results: Out of 100 participants, 20 % of the students having Average knowledge, 52% Good knowledge and 28% of them with excellent knowledge. Attitude level of the students was 19% Average attitude, 37 % Good attitude and 44 % of them with excellent attitude. Practice level of the students was 18 % Average Practice, 34 % Good Practice and 48% of them with Excellent Practice. Social media was the main source information about Coronavirus with 67%. However, Health science students have better KAP than science and arts students do which is statistically significant at P < 0.05 level. The study shows that Knowledge, Attitude and Practice were positively correlated and significant at the 0.01 level. Conclusion: The study showed that participants have a good knowledge, attitude, and practice toward prevention of Coronavirus. The outcome of this study highlights the need for widespread awareness campaigns about prevention of airborne and droplet infections and new emerging diseases to public through posters, television, and healthcare professionals for the people who are not using with internet and social media.
Protective cytokinin action switches to damaging during senescence of detached wheat leaves in continuous light

The effect of exogenous application of the cytokinin meta-topolin [mT; N 6 (meta-hydroxybenzyl)adenine] on artificial senescence of detached wheat leaves (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Hereward) was studied and compared in leaves senescing under continuous light (100 mmol photons m � 2 s � 1 ) and darkness. Senescence-induced deterioration in structure and function of the photosynthetic apparatus was characterized by reduction in chlorophyll content, maximal efficiency of photosystem (PS) II photochemistry (Fv/Fm) and the rate of CO2 assimilation, by increase in the excitation pressure on PSII (1 � qP) and a level of lipid peroxidation and by modifications in chloroplast ultrastructure. While in darkened leaf segments mT effectively slowed senescence-induced changes in all measured parameters, in light-senescing segments the effect of mT changed into opposite a few days after detachment. We observed an overexcitation of photosynthetic apparatus, as indicated by pronounced increases in the excitation pressure on PSII and in a deepoxidation state of xanthophyll cycle pigments, marked starch grain accumulation in chloroplasts and stimulation of lipid peroxidation in lightsenescing leaf segments in mT. Possible mechanisms of acceleration of senescence-accompanying decrease in photosynthetic function and increase in lipid peroxidation during mT influence are discussed. We propose that protective mT action in darkness becomes damaging during artificial senescence in continuous light due to overexcitation of photosynthetic apparatus resulting in oxidative damage.
Species traits in relation to a habitat templet for river systems

SUMMARY 1 This paper focuses on the premise that the habitat provides the templet upon which evolution forges characteristic species traits. Alternative hypotheses are that there are historic and phylogenetic constraints on the match between organism and environment. 2 In our analysis of river systems, as one dimension of the templet we choose temporal heterogeneity and assume some relationship between this and the frequency of disturbance. The second dimension is spatial heterogeneity in the physicochemical environment and we pay particular attention to the way such variation can ameliorate the influence of disturbances through the provision of refugia. 3 We derive predictions about the traits of species, including size, generation time, reproductive tactics, body form, mobility and potential for regeneration, that are likely to occur in particular regions of the two-dimensional templet. We also present predictions about community-level characteristics such as number of species per resource category and total species richness. The general predictions are intended to apply to a wide range of plants, micro-organisms and animals, provided the measurements have been made at a scale appropriate to them. 4 Hypotheses can be tested by comparing traits predicted for particular habitats, whose spatial and temporal heterogeneity have been quantified, with those actually observed. If the fit turns out to be good, we will be able to conclude that the habitat templet approach offers a sound framework within which to pose questions in river ecology.
Production and Nutritional Quality of low elevation zone Grasslands and Kermes Oak Shrublands (Quercus coccifera L.) in the South-East Mediterranean Basin

Problem statement: The objective of this study was to evaluate the production and nutrition quality of grasslands and kermes oak shrublands in Preveza Prefecture, northwest Greece. Approach: The study involved the collection of herbage and browse samples along a grazing period, from March to October for two consecutive years. In consequence, browse samples were manually separated to leaves and twigs. The three forage components (herbage, kermes oak leaves and twigs) were analyzed for crude protein, Neutral-Detergent Fiber (NDF), Acid-Detergent Fiber (ADF), lignin and In Vitro Dry Matter Digestibility (IVDMD). After the 2 years of observation, we concluded that kermes oak browse, especially the leaves, had CP content adequate to fulfill the nutrient requirements of grazing goats throughout the grazing period. Results: However, this browse is characterized by a very low IVDMD during summer, which may be the result of high lignin content and the presence of anti-nutritional factors such as phenols and tannins. The month of harvest strongly affected the production and nutritive value of forage components, firstly by giving a significant positive correlation among average monthly temperature, production, cell wall contents and secondly, a negative correlation among average monthly rainfall, IVDMD and lignin content. Conclusion: In closure, kermes oak shrublands of the lower zone constitute an important alimentary source providing adequate amounts of browse in order to maintain the nutrient requirements for grazing goats during the summer, when the herbage is not desirable for consumption from sheep and cattle.
Determinants of Capital Structure with Reference to Select Indian Companies: A Panel Data Regression Analysis

This article mainly focuses on the analysis of determinants of capital structure of 50 Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE)-listed sample companies, choosing 5 sample companies from each of 10 industries, namely cement, computer hardware, large heavy engineering, fertiliser, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), large electric equipment, mining/mineral, textile, large tyres and pharmaceutical over 15 years’ time period ranging from 1999–2000 to 2013–2014, applying panel data regression technique. Our study has first made industry-wise empirical analysis of capital structure with respect to eight firm-specific determinants, viz. profitability, size, growth, tangibility, non-debt tax shield, liquidity, uniqueness and income variation. Subsequently, we have made a comparative analysis of selected determinants of capital structure across selected industries to determine their capital structure behaviour in view of three prominent capital structure theories, namely Pecking Order Theory, Trade-Off Theory and Agency Cost Theory. The regression analysis concludes that the Pecking Order Theory and the Trade-Off Theory mostly describe the observed relationship of independent factors with capital structure of the selected Indian industries. Profitability emerges as a significant determinant in devising the capital structure of the selected industries and reveals that greater proportion of profits is likely to raise the internal fund for financing future investment projects and, therefore, less dependent on external borrowings.
Farelo de Girassol na Alimentação de Frangos de Corte em Diferentes Fases de Desenvolvimento

The aims of this work were to know the best age to feed poultry with sunflower meal (SM), to determine the best percentage of SM to feed animals in different ages and to evaluate economicall viability of SM as a feeding for poultry ration. In this experiment 480 three days old chicks were distributed in a randomized design. The experimental treatments consisted in rations with different percentages of SM (0, 4, 8 and 12%) and birds with different ages (I1= 3-21 days, I2=21-35 days and I3= 36-42 days of age). The treatments were: T1= 0% of SM inclusion on the rations at ages I1, I2 and I3; T2= 4% at ages I1, I2 and I3; T3= 8% at ages I1, I2 and I3, T4= 12% at ages I1, I2 and I3, T5=0% at age I1 and 4% at ages I2 and I3, T6=0% at age I1 and 8% at ages I2 and I3 ; T7= 0% at age I1 and 12% at ages I2 and I3, T8= 0% at ages I1, I2 and 4% at age I3, T9= 0% at ages I1, I2 and 8% at age I3; e T10= 0% at ages I1, I2 and 12% at age I3. Statistical analyses were carried out in factorial schemes 4x2, 7x2 and 10x2 to evaluate characteristic weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion rate at 3-21, 3-35 and 3-42 days, respectively. There were no treatments effects on weight gain and on feed intake in the birds age. At 3-35 days of age, treatments T1 and T7 provided respectively the best and the worst feed conversion rate. The lowest production cost was obtained when the animals were fed at treatment T8.