Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dissolved oxygen dynamics in salt marsh pools and its potential impacts on fish assemblages

In order to determine the dynamics of dissolved oxygen (DO) in salt marsh pools and its effect on their respective fish assemblages, DO was measured in 5 high-salinity pools in a Spartind alterniflora marsh in southern New Jersey over ten 24 h periods, from 2 July to 22 October 1990, to determine daily and monthly fluctuations. Typically, DO peaked at approximately 16:00 h, and reached a minimum by about 05:00 h. The greatest variation occurred in mid-July, when DO ranged from over 20 ppm at midday, to 0 ppm in the early morning. From mid- to late August, DO remained at very low concentrations (<1.0 ppm) for long periods (11 7 ± 1.7 h). DO concentrations varied among marsh pools, but there was no interaction between pool and time of day. The young-of-the-year (YOY) of the dominant 5 species of fishes in these pools were tested for tolerance and behavioral responses to low DO in laboratory aquaria. Fundulus heteroclitus survived the longest at low DO, and Mendidia menidia was least tolerant. Aquatic surface respiration (ASR) was the primary behavioral response to low DO for all species tested. All species, including Cyprinodon variegatus, Lucania parva, and M. beryllina, survived at DO < 0.5 ppm when they used ASR; however, when fish were denied access to the air-water interface, only F. heteroclitus was able to survive more than 1 h. All species initiated ASR at ca. 1 ppm, with the exception of M. menidia, which began ASR at 2.6 ppm and survived only at higher concentrations of DO. In summary, although the salt marsh pools showed extreme diurnal variability in DO, with rapid drops from supersaturation to anoxic conditions, all of the fish species, with the exception of M. menidia, were well adapted to survive these fluctuations. This lack of tolerance to low DO by M. menidia may seasonally limit its occurrence in marsh pools but this is not the case for the congener M. beryllina or the other resident fishes.
The biofertilising effect of seed dressing with PGPR Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB 42 combined with two levels of mineral fertilising in African cotton production

With the help of a field experiment, the influence of PGPR FZB42 (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) seed dressing combined with a low (39 kg N/ha) and usual (79 kg N/ha) mineral nitrogen plant fertilisation on the cotton growth and yield was tested. The plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and the N-fertilisation alone promoted the plant growth, by the PGPR similar to the low N-fertilising. The cotton yield showed no significant difference between both treatments. The combined use of PGPR with different nitrogen plant fertilisation techniques resulted in the promotion of plant growth significantly compared to the mineral fertilising alone but differed significantly depending on the applied N-amount. The cotton yield in the combined application of PGPR and low N-amount increased by 75%. In combination with high N-fertilisation the yield increased by 30% compared to each of the N-fertilisation techniques. The effect was found to be based mainly on the PGPR growth promotion activity, resulting in larger plant root and stem–leaf system, increasing the possibilities to uptake available mineral nutrients. The great ecological value of the observed effectiveness improving influence by PGPR on the mineral plant fertilisation is discussed.
On a New Ciliate: Lambornella stegomyiae n.g., n.sp., Parasitic in the Body-Cavity of the Larvae of Stegomyia scutellaris Walker (Diptera, Nematocera, Culicidae)

The material which forms the subject of this communication was derived from Dr W. A. Lamborn's collection, and was placed at my disposal through the kindness of Dr Guy A. K. Marshall, Director of the Imperial Bureau of Entomology, London. It comprised eight larvae of Stegomyia scutellaris Walker, which had been preserved in formaldehyde solution (10 per cent.), and the specimens were mounted individually on microscope slides in the same medium.
Positive sentiments as coping mechanisms and path to resilience: the case of Qatar blockade

ABSTRACT Existing research on coping accentuates the role of positive emotions as defensive mechanisms to cope with stressful situations and the ensuing negative emotions. The same literature justifies the long-term effects of positive emotions that help build lasting resilience. Grounded in theories of coping and resilience, this paper (1) identifies the emotions that people actuate to cope with adversaries and (2) evaluates the resulting long-lasting adaptation and resilience. To do this, we examined the emotions felt by Qatar residents due to a land, sea, and air blockade enforced by neighbouring counties. Accordingly, we analysed 160,000 Arabic tweets originating from Qatar between June-2017 and March-2018 using a novel machine-learning algorithm termed Weighted Conditional Probability. Our algorithm achieved state-of-the-art performance when compared with the often-used Support Vector Machine, Naïve Bayes and Deep Neural Nets algorithms. Results show that, while Qatar residents experienced an emotional roller coaster during the blockade, they used positive emotions like love and optimism to cope with adversities and accompanying emotions of fear and anger. Moreover, our analysis reveals that their adaptive resilient capacities gradually strengthened during the nine months of blockade. The study supports the renowned theory of positive emotions using an advanced methodology and a large-scale dataset.
Chlorophyll–Phosphorus Relationships for Subarctic Lakes in Western Canada

Concentrations of total phosphorus and chlorophyll a were measured weekly in 49 lakes in the vicinity of Yellowknife, N.W. T. , Canada, from May to September 1977. The relationship between [TPspr] and [Chl asu] was significantly different from the Dillon–Rigler model, but similar to relationships developed for lakes in Alberta, British Columbia, and the Yukon Territory. Empirical relationships were developed between [TPspr] and maximum chlorophyll a concentrations and the probability of exceeding critical concentrations of chlorophyll a. These models may be potentially more useful than models which predict only a mean summer chlorophyll concentration.
The development of feeding behaviour in wild western lowland gorillas ( Gorilla gorilla gorilla )

Before being weaned, young primates must learn which plant species are suitable to eat, and how to process and combine them to meet their nutritional needs. This study provides a detailed investigation of the development of feeding behaviour in a wild population of western lowland gorillas observed in a bai habitat. The behaviour of 56 known immature individuals aged between 0 and 8 years was recorded at Mbeli Bai, Republic of Congo, using focal, scan and all-occurrence sampling over a period of 16 months. Results indicated that independent feeding skills were acquired by the end of infancy and did not undergo significant change beyond this point. However, suckling continued into the juvenile period, suggesting that some continued investment by the mother was necessary until the strength and skills of immatures developed, perhaps to enable self-sufficiency through periods of succulent fruit (assumed to be the most suitable weaning food) scarcity. This was supported by observations of an increase in feeding-related behaviour with age, particularly during infancy. Additionally, age-related differences in the species and plant parts selected by different age classes, as well as in levels of food processing, were apparent. Play feeding, suggested to be a precursor to independent feeding, was most prevalent in infancy, decreasing as feeding skills developed. Thus, it would appear, given that food transfer also occurs (Nowell & Fletcher, 2006), that feeding skills in western lowland gorillas are learned by a combination of exposure to and manipulation of food items, and probably also through the observation of conspecifics. Observations in a forest habitat are needed to improve our understanding of feeding development in this subspecies.
Statistical analysis of a micro-pulsed electrical discharge in water

This paper reports the statistical analysis of three electrical parameters (breakdown voltage Ubk, current peak Ipk, breakdown duration τbk) for a pin-to-pin micro-pulsed discharge in water. Two complementary plots, Ubk = f(Ipk) and Ipk = f(τbk), have been used to identify four different regimes of discharge in water (cathode, anode, mixed and double) and a linear correlation has been shown between the breakdown voltage and the current peak. Moreover, this paper demonstrates that the measurements of the three electrical parameters follow normal distributions. As a consequence, the mean value and the standard deviation provide valuable information in order to perform parametric studies. Such an investigation has been carried out considering a large range of solution conductivities from 2 µS cm−1 to 1500 µS cm−1, and the analysis of the propagation mechanisms of the discharge has been discussed.
Re-evaluation of manganese solubility as affected by soil sample preparation in the laboratory

Laboratory experiments were conducted to re-evaluate the effects of drying and the time between drying and Mn analysis on soil Mn solubility using maize seedlings as test plant. Samples of five soil types were collected in the field, transferred to laboratory and submitted for the following treatments: dried in the shade at 25oC and dried at 65oC followed by Mn determination immediately and after 30 and 60 days. Ninety days later soil samples were rewetted at field capacity and maize seedlings were grown for 7 days. Evaluations included plant Mn content and soil Mn extracted with NH4OAc 1 mol L-1 pH 7. The lowest soil and plant Mn contents were found in soil samples dried in the shade at 25oC. Drying soil sample at 65oC and increasing the time between drying and Mn analysis increased Mn solubility and Mn uptake by maize. Oxisols showed higher soil and plant Mn contents than other soil types. The results indicated the extreme difficulty in interpreting soil Mn results due to the great effect of soil processes in the laboratory on Mn solubility. Routine soil analysis is not recommended to evaluate plant available Mn.
Infecção por Hepatozoon canis em canino doméstico na região sul do Brasil confirmada por técnicas moleculares

Canine Hepatozoonosis is a vector-borne disease caused by the protozoa Hepatozoon spp. There are few case reports in Brazil and the epidemiology, pathogenicity, vectors and molecular characterization is poorly understood. The present study used a canine presenting weight loss, regenerative anemia, neutropenia and hyperglobulinemia. Hepatozoon spp. gamonts were observed in the blood smear by microscopy. DNA was extracted from blood, and the diagnosis was confirmed by PCR assay. The PCR product was purified from gel and cloned. A fragment of 625bp was sequenced and submitted to the GenBank database as Isolate Porto Alegre. Molecular analysis showed a homology of 98-100% with Hepatozoon canis and less than 92% for H. americanum. This study represents the first molecular confirmation that H. canis is present in Southern Brazil.
IMPACT OF GROWTH PROMOTERS ADDITION ON PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE AND IMMUNE RESPONSE IN BROILER CHICKEN

The purpose of this work was to study the effect of Fenugreek seeds powder (Trigonella foenum-gracum L.) and Camphor leaves powder (Cinnamomum camphora) on productive performance and immune response of Ross broiler chicken. A total of 100 day-old unsexed broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly allocated to five treatment groups with two replicates of 10 each reared for 42 days. The experimental diets were: Control diet (C), fenugreek seeds powder 1g/1kg (F1), fenugreek seeds powder 1.5g/1kg (F2), camphor leaves powder 1g/1kg (C1), camphor leaves powder 1g/1kg (C2). The F2 trait recorded the best results during most of ages for body weight and body weight gain. Dressing percentage of broilers at five week was significantly higher value for Cph1 group. The percentage of minor and major breast muscles showed a slightly non-significant increase to Cph2 trait. The drum muscle weight percentage showed a higher significant value for (Cph1) trait. The F2 group recorded the lower significant value for Giblets percentage compared to another groups and control group. The highest value for spleen percentage was recorded in F1 group and the lowest value showed in control and Cph2. Bursa gland recorded the highest value for F2 group and the lowest value recorded by Control and Cph2 group. The F1 group recorded the highest value for thymus gland percentage and the lowest value showed in Cph2 group. The Cph2 and F2 treatments had the maximum cutaneous basophilic hypersensitivity swelling response with insignificantly difference at 24 hr after injection, while at 48 hr, the Cph2 trait had significantly higher dermal swelling response compared to other traits and control group. The F1 and F2 groups had significantly hyper responder to sheep red blood cells at seven days post secondary injection, while at fourteen days post secondary injection, Cph2 and F2 groups had significantly hyper responses to sheep red blood cells. Therefore, fenugreek seeds and camphor leaves supplementation as a growth promoter at 1.5g / 1kg might be acceptable for achieving better performance under environmental conditions of Egypt.
The Perceived Influence of Case Method on Students’ Performance and Critical Thinking in Business Studies

Business schools have globally applied the case method as an initiative to assimilate real-life business knowledge and skills. Researchers have found that the case method, compared to other teaching methods, provides an excellent opportunity for students to participate in the analysis of different business situations, as well as to invent solutions, generating interest and positive motivation towards learning. This study aimed to examine students’ perceptions about the influence of the case method on students’ performance and critical thinking. The sample included 141 freshman undergraduate students from Business Informatics and Economics programs at Epoka University enrolled in a management course that utilizes the case study method. Forty-seven questionnaires were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. Questions were divided in three categories: general perception, performance, and critical thinking. The result showed a positive general perception of the case method. Additionally, the study found a positive perception on students’ performance and critical thinking through the case study method. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.19. 3.11
Measurement of Homocysteine Levels in Pregnant Women with and Without Preeclampsia

Introduction: Homocysteine is associated with endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease, and elevated concentrations of homocysteine have been found in preeclampsia. The aim of this study was to determine homocysteine levels in pregnant women with and without preeclampsia. Methods: This descriptive study conducted on pregnant women with preeclampsia (n = 39) and controls (n = 43) was evaluated by the convenience sampling and data were collected through a questionnaire and paraclinical findings. In the present study, 5cc blood samples were taken from the patients after 8 hours of fasting and sent to the laboratory to determine homocysteine and related metabolites levels. Statistical analyses were done using IBM-SPSS 25.0 and Chi-square test was used for data analysis. Results: The moderate concentrations of homocysteine and uric acid were significantly higher than the control group in maternal plasma with preeclampsia (0.0001). Original Research Article Noori et al.; JPRI, 32(4): 74-80, 2020; Article no.JPRI. 55892 75 Conclusion: We found that the blood homocysteine levels were significantly higher in the preeclampsia group compared with the Controls group. Measuring uric acid and blood homocysteine levels in pregnancy may be helpful as diagnostic tests in the early detection of high risk individuals.
Transthyretin as a Novel Biomarker for Diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in cirrhotic patients

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC] is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. A major problem with HCC surveillance is the lack of reliable biomarkers. Serum transthyretin [TTR] may be a sensitive marker for the diagnosis of patients with liver cell damage, liver cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Aim of the work: This study aimed to evaluate the potentiality of serum transthyretin [TTR] as a novel biomarker for detection of HCC in cirrhotic patients. Patients and Methods:This Current study was conducted on 70 patients with chronic liver disease. Also, 20 healthy person matched for age and sex were included as a control group. Patients were classified into 2 groups [30 cirrhotic patients with newly diagnosed HCC & 40 cirrhotic patients without HCC]. Serum TTR levels were measured using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay technique. Results: Serum levels of TTR were significantly much lower in HCC patients when compared to cirrhotic patients without HCC or control group [p<0.0001]. Significant decrease of serum TTR in HCC patients, with portal vein invasion or nodal invasion than in HCC without vascular or nodal invasion. The diagnostic accuracy of TTR was higher than that of AFP regarding sensitivity [83.3%] and negative predictive value [81.4%] in diagnosis of HCC. Conclusion: detection of lower level of TTR alone or in combination with other validated markers may be potentially informative biomarker for detection of HCC among cirrhotic patients at early noninvasive stage where curative treatment can be applied.
The effect of poisoned and notional vaccinated buffers on possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) movements: minimising the risk of bovine tuberculosis spread from forest to farmland

Context. Vaccination of brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) has been proposed as a cost-effective alternative to lethal control for preventing potentially bovine tuberculosis (Tb)-infected possums from crossing forested buffer zones that abut farmland. Aim. Evaluation of these two management option requires an estimation of the buffer width required to reduce the risk of disease spread to an acceptable level. Methods. The movements of two groups of adult and subadult possums were monitored for up to 12 months in the Kaimanawa Range, North Island of New Zealand, using GPS technology. One group was in untreated forest immediately adjacent to a recently poisoned forest buffer, and the second group was 2 km further into untreated forest, which mimicked a vaccinated buffer with no reduction in possum abundance. Key results. Close to the poisoned buffer, where the initial population density was 0.49–1.45 ha–1, adult possum home ranges averaged 10.2 ha in the summer immediately after control and 9.5 ha in the following winter. Two kilometres into the untreated forest, where the density was >3 ha–1, the corresponding values were only 3.5 ha and 2.8 ha. Over the first 6 months of monitoring, a ~350-m wide poisoned buffer would have contained 95% of movements by adult possums, as well as movements by most individuals, but a ~150-m wide vaccinated buffer would have been as effective. Equivalent results for the subsequent 6-month period were ~450 m and ~200 m for poisoned and vaccinated buffers, respectively. Movements by possums were not biased in the direction of the population ‘vacuum’ created by the poisoning operation. When subadult possums were included in the analysis, buffer widths of ~500–600 m for both poisoning and vaccination would be required to contain 95% of new den site locations. Conclusions and implications. Detailed data on possum movements provide a means for agencies managing Tb to specify the width of a buffer, subject to an acceptable level of risk that it could be breached by a potentially infected possum. As well as depending on the width of a treated buffer, the final cost-effectiveness of vaccination compared with poisoning will depend on the relative cost of applying the two control techniques, and the frequency of application required either to prevent Tb from establishing (in the case of vaccination) or to suppress possum density (in the case of lethal control).
Evaluación de biofungicidas en dos variedades de café para el control de Hemileia vastatrix

El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar el efecto de biofungicidas elaborados con Azadirachta indica , Melaleuca alternifolia y la combinacion de Bacillus subtilis con A. indica y Syzygium aromaticum , en el control de la roya causada por Hemileia vastatrix , en las variedades Garnica y Typica. Se establecieron experimentos en condiciones de campo en tres localidades: Lipuntahuaca, Chilocoyo y Cinco de Mayo, con plantas de cinco meses de edad. Se encontraron diferencias significativas entre biofungicidas y el testigo para la incidencia (P=0.04), area bajo la curva del progreso de la severidad (ABCPE) (P=0.04) y tasa de infeccion aparente (P=0.03). No se encontraron diferencias en severidad excepto en la ultima evaluacion. M. alternifolia indujo los valores mas bajos de incidencia (34.4 %), ABCPE (61.8) y tasa de infeccion aparente (0.028), con porcentajes de reduccion con respecto al testigo de 20.9, 14.2 y 39.1%, respectivamente. No se presentaron diferencias significativas entre las variedades Typica y Garnica para incidencia y severidad. Las plantas de la localidad de Lipuntahuaca tuvieron menor incidencia (26.9%) y severidad (2.3%) en comparacion con Chilocoyo y Cinco de Mayo con 51.5 y 44.5 % (incidencia) y 4.2 y 3.4% (severidad), respectivamente (P<0.0001). Los biofungicidas no suprimieron la infeccion, pero los resultados sugieren que debe continuarse la investigacion en este patosistema.
Suppression of liver cytochrome P450 by α-hederin : relevance to hepatoprotection

Abstract This study was designed to determine the protective effects of α-hederin on chemical-induced liver injury in CF-1 mice and to evaluate cytochrome P450 suppression by α-hederin as a means of protection. α-Hederin pretreatment (30 μmol/kg, sc × 3 days) protected mice from acetaminophen-, bromobenzene-, carbon tetrachloride-, furosemide-, and thioacetamide-induced liver injury, without affecting the hepatotoxicity of chloroform and dimethylnitrosamine. To examine the role of P450 in hepatoprotection by α-hederin, liver microsomes were prepared 24 hr following the last dose of α-hederin treatment (10 and 30 μmol/kg, sc × 3 days). Treatment of mice with α-hederin produced a dose-dependent suppression of liver cytochrome P450 (30-50%) and cytochrome b 5 (20-30%) levels, as well as NADPH-cytochrome c reductase activity (15-25%). α-Hederin treatment also decreased the activities of P450 enzymes, such as 7-ethoxyresorufin O-dealkylation (65%), 7-pentoxyresorufin O-dealkylation (50%), coumarin 7-hydroxylation (40%), 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylation (45%), caffeine N 3 -demethylation (30-50%), chlorzoxazone 6-hydroxylation (35-55%), and the oxidation of testosterone to 2 α-, 6 α-, 15 α-, 15 β-, 16 α-, 16 β-, and 18/12 α-hydroxyltestosterone, androstenedione, and 6-dehydroxytestosterone (25-60%). Consistent with these observations, the levels of CYP1A, CYP2A, and CYP3A enzymes were also suppressed, as determined by immunoblotting with antibodies against rat P450 enzymes. These results demonstrate that treatment of mice with α-hederin decreases the levels and activities of several P450 enzymes. The suppression of P450 appears to be one of mechanisms by which α-hederin protects mice from the hepatotoxicity of some chemicals.