Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sustainable yam production in Ghana - The non-staking option

A trial was conducted on-station with farmer participation at Fumesua (Forest zone), Wenchi (Forest-Savannah transition zone) and Bodwease (Coastal Savannah zone) from 2000 to 2003 and on-farm during 2002-2003. Two factors, staking and species, with two levels each were assessed using the Augmented RCB design. The objective of this study was to identify genotypes capable of producing high and stable yields under staking and non-staking condition. No significant differences (P>0.05) were observed in disease severity, frequency of hand weeding and yield of D. alata genotypes. Among the D. rotundata genotypes, leaf spot severity was more severe on non-staked genotypes except in TDr95/19177 where no significant differences were observed between the staked and non-staked genotypes. Tuber yield of the genotypes were significantly increased by staking. In Punjo the increase in yield of staked over non-staked plants ranged between 51.3 and 56.5%. Similarly, the yield of non-staked Dorban was increased by staking by 48.1-55.9% and Tela by 44.9-47.6%. Non-staked TDr95/19177 was technically and economically the more efficient system for production followed both staked and non-staked Punjo, Dente and Tela. Generally, cost of yam production was greater in the coastal savannah than the forest and the forest-savannah transition, due to the largest cost of labour and staking.
An Asphalt Damage Dataset and Detection System Based on RetinaNet for Road Conditions Assessment

The analysis and follow up of asphalt infrastructure using image processing techniques has received increased attention recently. However, the vast majority of developments have focused only on determining the presence or absence of road damages, forgoing other more pressing concerns. Nonetheless, in order to be useful to road managers and governmental agencies, the information gathered during an inspection procedure must provide actionable insights that go beyond punctual and isolated measurements: the characteristics, type, and extent of the road damages must be effectively and automatically extracted and digitally stored, preferably using inexpensive mobile equipment. In recent years, computer vision acquisition systems have emerged as a promising solution for road damage automated inspection systems when integrated into georeferenced mobile computing devices such as smartphones. However, the artificial intelligence algorithms that power these computer vision acquisition systems have been rather limited owing to the scarcity of large and homogenized road damage datasets. In this work, we aim to contribute in bridging this gap using two strategies. First, we introduce a new and very large asphalt dataset, which incorporates a set of damages not present in previous studies, making it more robust and representative of certain damages such as potholes. This dataset is composed of 18,345 road damage images captured by a mobile phone mounted on a car, with 45,435 instances of road surface damages (linear, lateral, and alligator cracks; potholes; and various types of painting blurs). In order to generate this dataset, we obtained images from several public datasets and augmented it with crowdsourced images, which where manually annotated for further processing. The images were captured under a variety of weather and illumination conditions and a quality-aware data augmentation strategy was employed to filter out samples of poor quality, which helped in improving the performance metrics over the baseline. Second, we trained different object detection models amenable for mobile implementation with an acceptable performance for many applications. We performed an ablation study to assess the effectiveness of the quality-aware data augmentation strategy and compared our results with other recent works, achieving better accuracies (mAP) for all classes and lower inference times (3× faster).
Size-based variation in antipredator behavior within a snake (Agkistrodon piscivorus) population

Variation in an animal's response to a predator likely reflects the complex interaction of factors that influence predation risk. Due to their high degree of behavioral variation and simplified bauplan, snakes offer a unique model for investigating the influence of sex and body size on antipredator behavior. We examined variation in antipredator behavior within a cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus leucostoma) population. Behavioral responses to human-induced predation risk were compared across a continuous scale of body size. Defensive responses significantly declined with increasing body size. After controlling for body size, no differences between the sexes were detected. Although this study suggests that variation in antipredator behavior is, in part, related to body size, some studies on snakes have not found this relationship. Likewise, some studies have demonstrated differences between sexes. Such disparate patterns of variation indicate a need for future comparative studies examining the complex interaction of factors that may influence predator--prey relationships. Copyright 2004.
Treatment of Rats with 17β-Estradiol or Relaxin Rapidly Inhibits Uterine Estrogen Receptor β1 and β2 Messenger Ribonucleic Acid Levels1

Abstract Estrogen regulates the growth and differentiation of the uterus via binding to estrogen receptors (ERs), members of the nuclear receptor family of transcription factors. Two forms of ER exist: ERα and ERβ. The former is a well-characterized mediator of estrogen-induced transcription, but the function of the latter is unclear. Recent in vitro studies suggest that both splicing forms of ERβ expressed in rat tissues, β1 and β2, may function as inhibitors of ERα transcriptional activity. To gain insight into the role of ERβ in estrogen action, we examined the effects of estrogen and relaxin, a ligand-independent activator of ERs, on the expression of ERβ1 and ERβ2 mRNA in the uterus in vivo. Eighteen-day-old female rats were ovariectomized and, after recovery, treated with 17β-estradiol, relaxin, or vehicle. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analyses of uterine RNA from estrogen-treated animals revealed marked decreases in the steady-state levels of the mRNAs for both ERβ1 and ERβ2 at 3, 6, and 24 h after treatment. Relaxin induced a similar effect. Neither hormone had any significant effect on ERα mRNA levels. To determine if endogenous estrogen exerts this effect, we examined the expression of ERβs in the uterus during the estrous cycle. Levels of both isoforms were highest at diestrus (low estrogen), were significantly lower at early proestrus (rising estrogen), reached a nadir during late proestrus (peak estrogen), and rebounded at estrus (declining estrogen). These data suggest that down-regulation of ERβ expression may be required for estrogen to exert its full trophic effects on the uterus.
The Relationship between Pre-service Teachers’ Cognitive Flexibility Levels and Techno-pedagogical Education Competencies

The study aimed to examine the pre-service teachers’ cognitive flexibility levels and techno-pedagogical education competencies in terms of several variables and to determine whether there is a relationship between their cognitive flexibility levels and techno-pedagogical education competencies. Determining whether the relationship between the cognitive flexibility and techno-pedagogical content knowledge that was emphasized in theoretical studies exists would contribute to teacher education. Thus, it could be stated that the cognitive flexibility might be included among the factors to enable the development and use of the techno-pedagogical content knowledge. The study was conducted with a total of 616 pre-service teachers and designed by using the exploratory correlational research model. The sample was determined by using convenience sampling methods. “Cognitive Flexibility Scale” and “Techno-pedagogical Education Competency Scale” were used for data collection. The findings demonstrated that the pre-service teachers have a high level of cognitive flexibility and techno-pedagogical education competency. It was also found that the cognitive flexibility scores had a statistically significant difference in terms of all independent variables (gender, type of program, and having a computer and internet access), and the techno-pedagogical education competency scores did not indicate a statistically significant difference in terms of gender and type of program, while they demonstrated a significant difference in terms of having a computer and internet access. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was calculated to determine the relationship between the pre-service teachers’ cognitive flexibility and techno-pedagogical education competency scores, and a moderately significant relationship was found. It could be concluded that the relationship emphasized in theoretical studies between the cognitive flexibility and techno-pedagogical content knowledge is moderate. Accordingly, the cognitive flexibility could provide the development and use of techno-pedagogical content knowledge which has an important role in teacher education.
Histopathological and Biochemical Effects of Eugenol on Alcohol-Treated Rat Liver

The effects of eugenol, which has a high antioxidant capacity, alone and together with ethyl alcohol, an oxidative stress factor, were evaluated histopathologically and biochemically. In this study, 40 Wistar albino female rats weighing 300-390 g were used. Rats were randomly divided into 4 groups of 10 and fed with standard pellet type feed as ad libitum. Group 1 (Control group) with 3 ml Serum physiological (Sf)/day via gavage to create the same stress as other groups, Group 2 (Ethyl alcohol group), 40% Ethyl alcohol with 3 ml/day via gavage, Group 3 (Eugenol Group) with 50 mg/kg/day via gavage, Group 4 (Ethical alcohol + Eugenol group) was given for 30 days as 40% Ethyl alcohol 3 ml/day via gavage + 50 mg/kg/day via gavage eugenol 3 ml/day via gavage. At the end of the study, biochemical analyzes and histological preparations were made in blood and liver tissue from rats. When eugenol is consumed together with ethyl alcohol, it was found that ethanol reduces hepatotoxicity on the liver. A statistically significant difference was found in AST, ALT, ALP, LDH and TRIG levels in the eugenol rats compared to the alcohol group rats (p < 0.05). However, no significant difference was found between the groups at BILD, BILT, CHOL, AFP and CEA125 levels (p < 0.05). The use of eugenol alone increased the value of TAS. It was determined that the use of eugenol alone decreased the TOS values while increasing the TAS value. According to the biochemical data we obtained, it is possible to say that eugenol reduces the hepatotoxicity formed as a result of ethanol application by changing the oxidant-antioxidant balance in favor of oxidants. The results obtained from histopathological examination of the liver support biochemical data and eugenol have been shown to reduce hepatotoxic effects on the liver when consumed with ethanol.
Analysis of Genetic Diversity and Population Structure for the Native Tree Viburnum rufidulum Occurring in Kentucky and Tennessee

A BSTRACT . Viburnum ruﬁdulum is a deciduous tree native to North America that has four-season appeal, which provides commercial horticultural value. In addition, the plant has unique and attractive red pubescence on leaf buds and petioles, common to no other Viburnum species. As habitat undergoes development and subsequent fragmentation of native plant populations,itisimportantto havebaselinegenetic information forthisspecies.Little isknown aboutthegenetic diversity within populations of V. ruﬁdulum. In this study, seven microsatellite loci were used to measure genetic diversity, population structure, and gene ﬂow of 235 V. ruﬁdulum trees collected from 17 locations in Kentucky and Tennessee. The genotype data wereused to infer population genetic gene 17 genetic test signiﬁcant correlation between genetic and geographical distance an initial assessment or a baseline of genetic for programs,
A COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVE OF TEACHING SKILL ACQUISITION IN PRE-SERVICE PHYSICS TEACHER (PsPT) TRAINING PROGRAM IN CHINA AND NIGERIA

Microteaching practice is an important part of Pre-Service Physics Teacher (PsPT) Training Program adopting different approaches to inspire the acquisition of teaching skills by prospective teachers. Using psychomotor domain aspect of revised Bloom’s taxonomy to explore microteaching practice as it relates to physics teaching, this research examined the significant influences of the two approaches (Nigeria and China) identified on the teaching skill of PsPT and suggests the best ways of improving the teaching skill of PsPT through micro-teaching practices. Data were collected using the mixed-method research design of administering descriptive survey questionnaire on final year PsPT while a structured interview question was used to interview the teachers. It was found that the two approaches had significant influences on the teaching skill acquisition of PsPT through microteaching practices with respect to physics as a subject that requires motor skill, and that this can be improved through micro-teaching by a combination of theory with practice. Also, physics teacher educators need to focus on developing PsPTs’ psychomotor domain in line with time reform in microteaching practices to accommodate more time for PsPTs’ to master the subject concept of physics as a psycho motive subject. Keywords: micro-teaching practices, pre-service physics teacher, teaching skill acquisition, training program.
An experimentally induced host shift in a seed beetle

Many insects use a fairly well‐defined set of host plants, but are occasionally observed on an atypical host. The seed beetle Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae) has rarely been reported to attack lentil, which is distantly related to its usual legume hosts. An initial assay of an Asian beetle population revealed that none of the 100 larvae entering lentil seeds survived to adult emergence. Nevertheless, three attempts at mass selection, in which more than 2 000 adults were added to lentil seeds, eventually yielded self‐sustaining populations. In each case, a severe bottleneck was followed by a rapid increase in survival, which exceeded 65% after only five generations and surpassed 85% in <20 generations. Subsequent large‐scale experiments indicated that survival in lentil is initially <2% and that most larvae die before they have completely entered a seed. The only potential trade‐off associated with rapid adaptation to lentil was a modest increase in the time required to develop in the ancestral host, mung bean. Reciprocal crosses between a lentil‐adapted line (F10) and a mung‐bean line produced offspring with intermediate survival, very long development times, and small size. Although the Asian population has been kept under uniform laboratory conditions for more than 200 generations, it appears to maintain rare alleles that permit the colonization of an extremely poor host. Such standing genetic variation can account for the sporadic appearance of unusual ‘biotypes’ among herbivorous insects.
Case Study of Transient Dynamics in a Bypass Reach

The operating conditions of Nordic hydropower plants are expected to change in the coming years to work more in conjunction with intermittent power production, causing more frequent hydropeaking events. Hydropeaking has been shown to be detrimental to wildlife in the river reaches downstream of hydropower plants. In this work, we investigate how different possible future hydropeaking scenarios affect the water surface elevation dynamics in a bypass reach in the Ume River in northern Sweden. The river dynamics has been modeled using the open-source solver Delft3D. The numerical model was validated and calibrated with water-surface-elevation measurements. A hysteresis effect on the water surface elevation, varying with the downstream distance from the spillways, was seen in both the simulated and the measured data. Increasing the hydropeaking rate is shown to dampen the variation in water surface elevation and wetted area in the most downstream parts of the reach, which could have positive effects on habitat and bed stability compared to slower rates in that region.
Enhanced growth at low population density in Daphnia: the absence of crowding effects or relief from visual predation?

SUMMARY 1. It has been suggested that chemical information from crowded populations of an animal such as Daphnia carries a cue indicating imminent food limitation, and we suggest that in the presence of fish kairomones, it may also convey a hint of the need to enhance antipredation defences. 2. We performed two-factorial experiments with Daphnia grown in flow-through plankton chambers in medium containing high levels of Scenedesmus food plus chemical information on either low or high population density levels and in the presence or absence of fish chemical cues (kairomones) and recorded (i) the effects on Daphnia growth rate and reproduction, and (ii) the effects on Daphnia depth selection. Further depth-selection experiments were performed to test the reaction of Daphnia to crowding information at different Daphnia concentrations and to test its effect on daytime and night-time depth selection by different Daphnia instars in the presence of kairomones. 3. The effects of crowding information alone (in the absence of kairomones) were weak and were not significantly strengthened by the addition of kairomones. The effects of kairomones alone (in the absence of crowding information) were much stronger and were increased by the presence of crowding chemicals: Daphnia selected greater depths in daylight (the later the instar and the larger its body size, the greater the depth), their body growth was slower and daily reproductive investment reduced, compared with Daphnia grown in the absence of crowding information. This suggested that crowding chemicals carry a cue indicating the need to invest more into antipredation defences. 4. The adaptive significance of these effects was confirmed by the differential vulnerability to predation of theDaphniawhen offered asprey tolive roach after being grown for 6 days either in the presence(highervulnerability)orintheabsence(lowervulnerability)ofinformationonhighdensity. 5. The strong interaction between crowding information and fish kairomones may be explained either as the reaction to a cue indicating impending food stress or as the reaction to a signal of increased predation risk. While the former scenario is already known from crowding studies, the latter is a novel idea that stems from the old concept of ‘low-density anti-predation refuge’. The two scenarios are not mutually exclusive: each stems from the need to invest in survival rather than in growth and reproduction [Corrections were made to this paragraph after first online publication on 4 April 2012].
Relative ages of present populations of Barbus barbus and Barbus meridionalis (Cyprinidae) in southern France : preliminary considerations

Persat H. , P. Berrebi. Aquat. Living Resour. , 1990, 3, 253-263. The biogeographic history of French freshwater fish is poorly defined, and fishery managers do not currently takc into account the only functional level, that of genetic stocks. The aim of the present paper is to provide a contribution for filling this gap. It surveys existing knowledge and previous studies of the gcnus Barbus in France. A first part chronicles the populations of the two French species according to ancient (tertiary) and recent (pre- and post-glacial, and conternporary) history. Thus, the Barbus meridionalis lineage seems to have been present in this country for 5 million years at least (Upper Miocene), but the present populations of thc Rhone Valley seem to be the result of recent recolonization by populations restricted to a Languedoc-Roussillon sanctuary during the glaciations. B. barbus has its origin in thc Danube drainage basin. It is a more recent invader in Western Europe. Its immigration may have occurred during the Pliocene interconnections between the Rhone, the Rhine and the Danube basins (and perhaps even that of the Loire), or even more recently. If the first assumption is correct, the present populations of the Rhone are presumably descended from populations that found a sheltcr in the southern tributaries of the right bank of the river, or even in the tributaries of the right bank of the River Saone. In the Rhine basin, the sanctuary may have been the tributaries of the left bank, the Meuse and the Mosel Rivers, from which probably descend the populations of Eastern England. The present occurrence of B. barbus in the Garonne catchment and perhaps also the Seine catchment seems to be due to man. The second part of the paper considers the genetic point of view, but the lack of data make it possible to discuss only the status of B. meridionalis. A synthesis of the available enzymatic data, compared with the hypotheses expressed in the first part, reveals a good agreement between the two approaches. In particular, the French an Spanish populations are well differentiated from one another, confirming the ancient settlement of the species in these countnes. Moreover, the homogeneity of the French populations, and the higher polymorphism of the Roussillon population, agree with the prcsumption of a survival in this province during the glaciations. For instance, the first results on B. barbus show a very low polymorphism and a very high homogeneity throughout the different catchments examined (Rhone, Meuse, Garonne, Herault). Based on this work, a historical diagram is proposed, with the aim of ordinating the hypotheses for future research on the genetics of this group.
Exploration of symptom dimensions and duration of untreated psychosis within a staging model of schizophrenia spectrum disorders

Clinical staging of schizophrenia entails a new method that identifies clusters of symptoms and variation in level of remission, with the goal to create a framework for early intervention. Additionally, duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) may influence symptom severity in the first episode of psychosis (FEP) and could necessitate refining of the staging model. However, consistent evidence concerning variation in symptom severity and DUP between stages is missing. Therefore, we evaluated the clinical validity of the staging model by investigating differences in symptom severity across stages in schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Second, we assessed if a prolonged DUP is associated with higher symptom severity in FEP.
Acoustically derived fish size-spectra within a lake and the statistical power to detect environmental change.

Fisheries acoustic surveys are increasingly being used to monitor the abundance of fish stocks, yet their adoption as a tool to monitor changes in community size spectra has not been well explored. In this study, we use a series of historical acoustic surveys of the pelagic zones of three arms of Lake Opeongo to determine if acoustically derived size-spectra indicators (slope and height) can be effectively measured and used as a monitoring tool. Acoustic size-spectra indicators were successfully measured for every survey and resembled the same indicators found in netting surveys. From 2005 to 2009, the slope of the size spectra became shallower, likely due to a decrease in abundance in schooling prey fish. Estimates of sources of survey variation, including fish size estimates and interbasin differences, were low (<10% coefficients of variation), suggesting that monitoring programs would detect annual changes in the size-spectra slopes ranging from 2% to 15% within 10 years. Size-spectra heights did not c.