Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
First report on the molecular detection and genetic diversity of Anaplasma marginale in healthy dairy cattle in Khon Kaen province, Thailand

Background and Aim: Bovine anaplasmosis (BA) is one of the most important diseases of ruminants worldwide, causing significant economic losses in the livestock industry due to the high morbidity and mortality in susceptible cattle herds. Anaplasma marginale is the main causative agent of BA occurring worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions. This study aimed to investigate the first molecular detection and genetic diversity of A. marginale in dairy cattle in Khon Kaen Province, Thailand. Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from 385 lactating cows from 40 dairy farms in five districts of Khon Kaen, regardless of age and health status. To detect A. marginale, all DNA preparations were used for molecular diagnosis using a single polymerase chain reaction with the msp4 gene target. A phylogenetic tree was constructed from the msp4 gene sequences using molecular genetic characterization. Genetic diversity was calculated as haplotype diversity, haplotype number, number of nucleotide differences, nucleotide diversity, and average number of nucleotide differences. Results: The overall prevalence of A. marginale was 12.72% (49/385). The highest prevalence (17.19%) was found in Ubolratana district, followed by Muang, Kranuan, Khao Suan Kwang, and Nam Phong districts (14.94%, 14.74%, 13.79%, and 3.70%, respectively). Phylogenetic analysis showed that A. marginale was closely related to isolates from Australia (98.96%), China (99.68%), Spain (99.74%), and the USA (99.63%). Conclusion: The molecular prevalence of BA in dairy cattle is the first to be observed in this area, and the genetic variability with separated clusters shown in the msp4 gene of A. marginale revealed species variation in dairy cattle. This significant genetic diversity contributes to the understanding of the diversity of A. marginale and will be important for the control and prevention of A. marginale in dairy cattle. Keywords: Anaplasma marginale, bovine anaplasmosis, dairy cattle, molecular prevalence.
A flow cytometric assay to detect viability and persistence of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serotypes in nuclease-free water at 4 and 25°C

Salmonella spp. is one of the most isolated microorganisms reported to be responsible for human foodborne diseases and death. Water constitutes a major reservoir where the Salmonella spp. can persist and go undetected when present in low numbers. In this study, we assessed the viability of 12 serotypes of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica for 160 days in nuclease-free water at 4 and 25°C using flow cytometry and Tryptic Soy Agar (TSA) plate counts. The results show that all 12 serotypes remain viable after 160 days in distilled water using flow cytometry, whereas traditional plate counts failed to detect ten serotypes incubated at 25°C. Moreover, the findings demonstrate that 4°C constitutes a more favorable environment where Salmonella can remain viable for prolonged periods without nutrients. Under such conditions, however, Salmonella exhibits a higher susceptibility to all tested antibiotics and benzalkonium chloride (BZK). The pre-enrichment with Universal Pre-enrichment Broth (UP) and 1/10 × Tryptic Soy broth (1/10 × TSB) resuscitated all tested serotypes on TSA plates, nevertheless cell size decreased after 160 days. Furthermore, phenotype microarray (PM) analysis of S. Inverness and S. Enteritidis combined with principal component analysis (PCA) revealed an inter-individual variability in serotypes with their phenotype characteristics, and the impact of long-term storage at 4 and 25°C for 160 days in nuclease-free water. This study provides an insight to Salmonella spp. long-term survivability at different temperatures and highlights the need for powerful tools to detect this microorganism to reduce the risk of disease transmission of foodborne pathogens via nuclease-free water.
Analysis of a lidar voxel-derived vertical profile at the plot and individual tree scales for the estimation of forest canopy layer characteristics

ABSTRACT The goal of the current study was to develop methods of estimating the height of vertical components within plantation coniferous forest using airborne discrete multiple return lidar. In the summer of 2008, airborne lidar and field data were acquired for Loblolly pine forest locations in North Carolina and Virginia, USA, which comprised a variety of stand conditions (e.g. stand age, nutrient regime, and stem density). The methods here implement both field plot-scale analysis and an automated approach for the delineation of individual tree crown (ITC) locations and horizontal extents through a marker-based region growing process applied to a lidar derived canopy height model. The estimation of vertical features was accomplished through aggregating lidar return height measurements into vertical height bins, of a given horizontal extent (plot or ITC), creating a vertical ‘stack’ of bins describing the frequency of returns by height. Once height bins were created the resulting vertical distributions were smoothed with a regression curve-line function and canopy layers were identified through the detection of local maxima and minima. Estimates from Lorey’s mean canopy height was estimated from plot-level curve-fitting with an overall accuracy of 5.9% coefficient of variation (CV) and the coefficient of determination (R2) value of 0.93. Estimates of height to the living canopy produced an overall R2 value of 0.91 (11.0% CV). The presence of vertical features within the sub-canopy component of the fitted vertical function also corresponded to areas of known understory presence and absence. Estimates from ITC data were averaged to the plot level. Estimates of field Lorey’s mean canopy top height from average ITC data produced an R2 value of 0.96 (7.9% CV). Average ITC estimates of height to the living canopy produced the closest correspondence to the field data, producing an R2 value of 0.97 (6.2% CV). These results were similar to estimates produced by a statistical regression method, where R2 values were 0.99 (2.4% CV) and 0.98 (4.9% CV) for plot average top canopy height and height to the living canopy, respectively. These results indicate that the characteristics of the dominant canopy can be estimated accurately using airborne lidar without the development of regression models, in a variety of intensively managed coniferous stand conditions.
Vegetation of the ‘Mierzwice’ nature reserve and its protection

Abstract The ‘Mierzwice’ nature reserve (forest district 206b, c and d of the Sarnaki Forest Inspectorate), situated in the area of the Podlaski Przełom Bug Landscape Park, is one of the most valuable natural assets of the central Bug river valley. The 12.98 ha reserve was established in 2010 to aid protection of the stand of xerothermic vegetation and its surrounding deciduous forest. In total, eight plant associations were identified within the reserve: Geranio-Peucedanetum cervariae, Geranio-Anemonetum sylvestris, Geranio-Trifolietum alpestris, Trifolio medii-Agrimonietum, Rubo fruticosi-Prunetum, Rhamno-Cornetum sanguinei, Potentillo albae-Quercetum and Tilio cordatae-Carpinetum betuli. Furthermore, 23 protected and 31 endangered species were found in the reserve including the following examples: Cephalanthera rubra, Thesium ebracteatum, Cypripedium calceolus, Gentiana cruciata, Anemone sylvestris, Cimicifuga europaea, Viola rupestris, Crepis praemorsa, Asperula tinctoria, Stachys recta, Laserpitium latifolium. Over the last few years, a regression of the species diagnostic number for thermophilous oak forests and xerothermic grasslands has been observed as a result of succession and expansion of Calamagrostis epigejos. Active protection of xerothermic vegetation such as uprooting of trees and bushes, regular grazing or mowing has been suggested in order to prevent the expansion of Calamagrostis epigejos.
Gender and Social Exclusion in Lake Victoria Basin: A Case of Mara and Simiyu Regions, Tanzania

Tanzania has undertaken several deliberate measures to address the social exclusion of traditionally marginalised groups. Yet, it is still felt by some people that good measures, strategies, and plans implemented in health and education are not handled at the household level. The study was conducted in Bunda TC, Bunda DC, and Busega DC to assess gender and social exclusion in the Lake Victoria basin. Specifically, examining disparities in household children’s education expectations by gender and investigating gendered differentials in health status and care. This study employed a multistage sampling method, combining random and purposive techniques, to select 447 households. Key informants were purposefully chosen for interviews, and 30 households per village were systematically surveyed. Data were collected through various methods, including documentary review and computer-aided personnel interviews, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Findings revealed that the sex of a child influenced the household expectation of the highest education level of children. Financial expectation determines who should be educated. The girls were on the disadvantageous side. The sex of the household head did not distinguish health status, and the exclusion of health care lies not in differential treatment between males and females but in differing affordability and the availability of health facilities. It is recommended that: the right to education of a girl child should be addressed at the household level; measures to improve health care affordability and availability of health facilities should be ensured; the provision of health insurance for all and free health services for complicated health problems of women should be emphasised.
COMBINED EFFECT OF TOPICAL APPLICATION OF VIRGIN COCONUT OIL (VCO) AND BLACK CUMIN OIL (NIGELLA SATIVA) ON THE UPREGULATION OF VEGF GENE EXPRESSION AND WOUND HEALING IN DIABETIC ULCERATED RATS.

Objective: Traditional therapies are increasingly explored as alternative methods for the management of diabetic ulcer. VCO and black cumin oil has attracted attention for its potential therapeutic benefits in promoting skin wound healing. Methods: The rats were induced with one dose diabetes mellitus through the of intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin 55 mg/kg body weight. Furthermore, fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were monitored weekly for assessment. The wound was created using a 10-mm diameter punch biopsy. An experimental methodology was used, comprising the division of 30 rats into six groups, namely control, VCO, black cumin oil, and combinations of VCO and black cumin oil labeled as C1, C2, and C3. The formulated treatments were topically applied to wound for 7 and 14 d. At the end of the treatment, the samples were sacrificed and wound was excised, followed by molecular biological analysis and histopathological examination. Results: On day 7, VEGF gene expression showed the highest increase in the C3 group, with an average of 1.85±0.10. Meanwhile, the highest increase on day 14 was observed in the C3 group, with an average of 1.69±0.11. C3 group treated wounds healed much faster, as indicated by a decreased time of complete epithelization and higher levels of various skin components. Conclusion: The combination of VCO and black cumin oil could be used as an agent to accelerate wound healing in diabetic conditions, as indicated by the increased expression of VEGF gene.
Efficacy and safety of small-incision corneal intrastromal lenticule implantation for hyperopia correction: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose To assess the efficacy and safety of intrastromal lenticule implantation for the treatment of hyperopia. Methods A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Internet, and Wan Fang Database identified studies on small-incision intrastromal lenticule implantation for hyperopia correction until January 2023. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tool was used to assess the quality of the retrospective research, and the Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies (MINORS) was used to assess the quality of the prospective research. This study included postoperative visual outcomes, corneal morphology, and biomechanical outcomes. Results A total of 456 articles were identified, of which 10 were included in the meta-analysis. Ten single-arm studies involving 190 eyes were included. A meta-analysis demonstrated that corneal intrastromal lenticule implantation treatment significantly improved hyperopia. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) significantly improved compared to the preoperative value (p = 0.027), corrected distance visual acuity showed no difference compared to the preoperative value (p = 0.27), and 87% eyes have no loss of one or more lines in the Snellen lines of CDVA (p < 0.00001). There was a significant difference between the spherical equivalent refractive (SE) and preoperative examination (p < 0.00001), 52% of eyes had ±0.5 diopters (D) postoperative SE (p < 0.00001), and 74% eyes had ±1.0 D postoperative SE (p < 0.00001). The central corneal thickness (CCT) increased by 72.68 μm compared to that preoperatively (p < 0.00001), and corneal curvature increased by 4.18D (p < 0.00001). The Q-value decreased by 0.82 (p < 0.00001), and higher-order aberration (HOA) decreased by 0.66 (p < 0.00001). Conclusion Small-incision intrastromal lenticule implantation may be an effective solution for correcting hyperopia. The effect of improved vision is significant, but further exploration is needed for changes in corneal biomechanics and long-term safety. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd. york.ac. uk/PROSPERO/, identifier: CRD42023432343.
Plants and Mycorrhizal Fungi in Wind Erosion Control

This wind tunnel study examines aeolian sediment transport in live plant canopies, whereas most previous studies have used model plants for this purpose. Experiments were performed with three canopy densities of Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and with bare sand surfaces. The results suggest that both total sediment mass flux Q and PM10 concentration in the air decreased exponentially with increasing canopy density. In the large-density canopy (frontal area index λ = 0.58), Q and PM10 concentration were reduced to 0.01% and 0.4% respectively, compared to the unplanted configuration. In the medium-density canopy (λ = 0.16), Q and PM10 concentration were reduced to 6.6% and 48.5%. In the small-density canopy (λ = 0.03), however, Q and PM10 concentration were increased to 117.5% and 145.6%. This is attributed to elevated shear stress on the sand bed caused by flow acceleration around the tussocks and vortical structures in their lee. Furthermore, the grasses were observed to trigger erosion by oscillating movements at the ground surface. It was also found that the vertical profiles of sediment mass flux in the mediumand large-density canopy strongly deviated from the exponential decay curve of the unplanted configuration, showing a local maximum at approximately twice the canopy height. Aeolian sediment transport over vegetation canopies 31
Light Meson Decays at BESIII

At the precision frontier of particle physics, light mesons decays play important roles in understanding strong interactions, quark Model, CP violations, and so on. They provide valuable laboratories for the testing Chiral Perturbative Theory predictions, studying the EM form factors and fundamen tal sysmmetries, and last but not least, probing new physics beyond the Standard Model. In this talk, we present the new results from BESIII about the η′ and η decays based on large J/ψ datasets.
The Influence of Time Domain on Flood Season Segmentation by the Fisher Optimal Partition Method

Setting the staged flood limit water level (FLWL) through flood season staging is an important means of fully utilizing reservoir flood resources. The widely-used Fisher optimal partition method requires a certain time domain as the basic unit in determining the optimal staging of a flood season. Currently, 5 and 10 days matching the month and solar terms are usually used as the time unit. This study aimed to analyze the influence of other time-domain units (7 and 15 days) that meet the relevant requirements on the staging results and to provide a scientific basis for the selection of time-domain units in flood season staging. The rationality of the staging scheme was tested using the improved Cunderlik method, and the influence of specific basic units in the Fisher optimal partition method on the staging results was evaluated. The highest relative superiority of 0.9876 was found for 5 d, indicating that this is a suitable time-domain unit. The optimal staging result was determined as 20 June for the first segmentation point and 20 August for the second. A comparison of the staged FLWL with a single fixed FLWL showed that the water level was raised by 1.56 m in the pre-flood season, 0.65 m in the main flood season, and 1.37 m in the post-flood season. Water storage increased by 12.79 million m3 during the flood season, effectively alleviating the mismatch between water supply and storage.
Polyps’ Extension and Recurrence in Different Endotypes of Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Series of 449 Consecutive Patients

Different inflammatory endotypes reflect the heterogeneity of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps’ (CRSwNPs) clinical presentation. This retrospective study aimed to analyze the distribution of polyps in nasal cavities and paranasal sinuses to establish a possible association between CRSwNP endotypes, prognosis, and polyps’ extension. This study included 449 adult patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery for CRSwNPs between 2009 and 2022. Patients were categorized based on the number of paranasal sinuses involved by polyps. Statistical analyses, including Cox regression, were performed to identify associations between demographic, clinical, and histopathological factors and disease recurrence. CRSwNP patients were stratified into four groups based on the extent of polyp involvement. Asthma and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) sensitivity were associated with more sinuses involved (p-values = 0.0003 and 0.0037, respectively). Blood eosinophil counts increased with the number of sinuses affected (p-value < 0.0001). The distribution of eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic histotypes varied significantly among these groups (p-value < 0.0001). The risk of CRSwNP recurrence was higher in patients with asthma, higher basophil percentages, and eosinophilic histotype (p-value 0.0104, 0.0001, 0.0118, and 0.0104, respectively). This study suggests a positive association between the number of paranasal sinuses involved by polyps and the severity of CRSwNPs, particularly in patients with eosinophilic histotype, asthma, and ASA sensitivity.
Regression Derivatives and Their Application in the Study of Magnetic Storms

Discrete Mathematical Analysis (DMA) is a data analysis method that uses fuzzy mathematics and fuzzy logic. DMA involves the active participation of the researcher in the study of records, offering technologies and algorithms for analyzing records through the properties of interest to the researcher. In the present work, such properties are related to regression derivatives, and the results obtained are applied to magnetic records. The possibilities of the method in the morphological analysis of geomagnetic storms are demonstrated on the example of three strongest storms that have occurred since the beginning of the current 25th solar cycle.
Estuarine Environmental Impact Assessment Using a Three-Dimensional Circulation and Transport Model

Two case studies of estuarine environmental impact assessment using a recently developed three-dimensional circulation and transport model are presented following a brief overview of the model's formulation and features. The first case study involves assessing the impact of filling approximately 10 square kilometers in the lower James River, Virginia to expand a dredge spoil disposal site. The second case study involves the application of the model to determine the dilution and mixing of an industrial discharge into the York River, Virginia.
The land-invertebrate fauna on Surtsey during 2002–2006

Formal studies on invertebrate colonizers and establishments on Surtsey started in 1965 and the island was visited regularly for longer and shorter periods till 1984. After a period of sporadic invertebrate studies, yearly visits to Surtsey started again in 2002. Here are presented the results from a five year study period, 2002–2006. Surtsey is characterized by three kinds of substrates, viz. lava, sand and palagonite rock. The invertebrate collecting is mainly based on pitfall trapping in permanent plots on sand and lava substrates, also informing on the impact of a gull breeding colony that started in the lava field in 1985. Netting and direct picking takes place on all three kinds of substrates of the island. Also, three traps were set up close to the hut and helicopter platform to test for signs of human impact. Hitherto, 354 species or taxa ranked as species have been found on Surtsey. Thereof 144 are regarded permanent settlers. in 2005 an invasion of flying insects by air mass was witnessed. Transport of invertebrates by birds was probably underestimated in the beginning, but the existence of a number of permanently settled species can hardly be explained differently. The gull breeding colony was an advantage to the invertebrate diversity on Surtsey. Higher species diversity is found within the colony than outside it and a clear distinction in species composition between plots outside and within the gull colony. Also, a great faunal diversity is within the colony while the fauna is rather homogenous on the sand substrate. Land-invertebrates have proved to play a very important role in the developing ecosystem on the island, also forming the basis for colonization of invertebrate feeding birds.
Structure and Accretion at Mid-Ocean Ridges With High Magma Supply: Perspectives From Seafloor Escarpments and Iceland

Despite vast amounts of data about the ocean floor, very little is known about processes operating at mid-ocean ridge spreading centers and the generation of oceanic lithosphere that covers approximately 2/3 of Earth’s surface. In particular, geologist are uncertain about specific details of magmatic and tectonic processes beneath these divergent plate boundaries and how these processes may vary along the spreading axis. Investigations that combine geologic relationships and magnetic properties continue to yield fundamental tools for understanding and constraining seafloor spreading processes. This thesis contains a collection of studies designed to characterize structural geology and magnetic properties of oceanic crust formed in regions with high magma supply. A brief overview is provided in an introduction to three separate chapters that are considered individual contributions. Chapter one presents paleomagnetic and structural data from sheeted dikes that are used in combination with regional geologic relationships to constrain the deformation and tectonic history of oceanic crust exposed at the tip of a propagating rift on the East Pacific Rise. Chapter two describes the magnetic fabrics of sheeted dikes from seafloor exposures that provide evidence for a wide range of magma flow directions beneath fast-spreading ridges with high and relatively continuous magma supply. Chapter three provides paleomagnetic evidence to support structural observations for significant rotations of crustal blocks within a migrating transform fault zone in North Iceland that may exhibit similar kinematics to other oceanic transforms. STRUCTURE AND ACCRETION AT MID-OCEAN RIDGES WITH HIGH MAGMA SUPPLY: PERSPECTIVES FROM SEAFLOOR ESCARPMENTS AND ICELAND