Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic variation in oil, growth and propagation traits of Backhousia citriodora (F.Muell), and implications for breeding strategy

Backhousia citriodora F. Muell is a tree species which occurs naturally as disjunct populations in the tropical and subtropical rainforests of coastal and adjacent upland Queensland, Australia. The citral (aliphatic aldehyde C10 H16 0) in B. citriodora essential oil is of high economic value for a range of uses. Production of high-quality planting stock is urgently required to meet the demand of an embryonic plantation industry. However, no genetic information has been available for this species. This thesis reports an investigation of variation in oil, growth and propagation traits of B. citriodora, genetic parameters for these traits, and their implications for breeding and propagation strategies. The research was based on two _trials established in South East Queensland in 1995 and 1996: Trial 1, a progeny test of 16 families representing four provenances; Trial 2, a clonal test for the assessment of propagation traits, using cuttings from Trial 1. The experimental population yielded, on average, leaf-oil in sufficient quantity (2.6°/o of fresh leaf; 4.5°/o of dry leaf) and suitable quality (85°/o citral) for use as commercial source of B. citriodora oil. Variance analysis suggested that there were significant differences between and within families in most traits of interest. In terms of predicted breeding values, family 1016 ranked as best for total citral, leaf biomass and coppicing ability, while families 1029 and 1030 were identified as the best for rooting success and seedling survival, respectively. The Eumundi population was superior for all traits other than rooting success, the Woondum population was superior for rooting success, and the Noosa National Park population was best for seedling survival. Narrow-sense heritabilities were moderate to high (0.2 to 1) for oil traits with the exception of those for concentrations of neral, geranial and citral and for growth and propagation traits assessed in Trial 1. These estimates were not precise due to the relatively small data set. Broad-sense heritability estimates for propagation traits in Trial 2 were moderate. Genetic correlations between most oil and growth traits were large and positive. Survival had very weak correlations with all traits and can be considered as an independent trait. There were negative correlations associated with rooting success, which may impose a constraint on the options for deploying B. citriodora. A breeding strategy was developed to address three objectives: immediate deployment of selected materials, long-term breeding for oil and growth traits, and joint improvement of rooting success and total citral. The strategy assumes that cuttings will be used as the primary means of multiplication, and evidence suggests that improvement in propagation success will follow the development of better cultivation technologies. However, as B. citriodora flowers after only 18 months, a seedling deployment strategy would also deliver rapid gains.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC AND CLINICAL PROFILE OF PATIENTS HAVING FIRST EPISODE OF DEPRESSION AND HEALTHY CONTROLS

The major depressive disorder, or simply termed as Depression is the most prevalent mental disorder, and it is thought to be the most common cause of human disability. Depression is one the top ten causes of DALY lost currently and according the estimations made by WHO it is set to become one of top three causes of DALY lost by the year 2030 [1]. According to WHO statistics, a total number of 322 million were found to be living with depression which makes the prevalance of depression in the world to be about 4.4%. Depressive disorders caused about 50 million Years lived with disability (YLD) in 2015 [2].
Promising bay laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) genotypes for fruit production

Bay laurel ( Laurus nobilis L.) is an evergreen and dioecious tree or shrub plant with a small black fruit. This study was conducted to determine bay laurel genotypes with high-quality characteristics which grown intensively in Hatay. 149 female trees were preselected and then 49 laurel genotypes were used as material according to Turkish Standards (TS-5205) for fatty acid compositions. In the study, berry weights (0.77-1.76 g), kernel weights (0.49-1.12 g), kernel ratios (51.73-77.44%), dry matter ratios (44.89-69.44%), berry oil ratios (18.92-37.85%), berry flesh oil ratios (20.76-53.98%) and kernel oil ratios (11.75-27.49%) of genotypes were determined. The content of fatty acid compositions ranged between 12.74-31.19% for lauric acid, 12.35-19.91% for palmitic acid, 30.35-44.43% for oleic acid and 15.93-26.75% for linoleic acid. Genotype K9 has attracted attention with high lauric acid and low palmitic acid ratio. On the other hand, genotype ER6 for berry weight, B30 for kernel weight and ER14 for kernel oil ratio were found to be promising genotypes.
Transition Metal Antimony (III) Oxidehalides. Synthesis, crystal structure and physical characteristics

The thesis “Transition Metal Antimony (III) Oxidehalides. Synthesis, Crystal structure, and Physical Characteristics” addresses emerging areas in the study of a group of new inorganic compounds, which follow the synthesis concept based on the formation of oxidehalides containing lone-pair cations having an asymmetric coordination due to the presence of stereochemically active lone pairs of electrons and late transition metal cations. The aim of the investigations was to determine the structural parameters and physical properties of the analysed compounds and compare them with one other in order to obtain optimal synthesis strategies. Materials with stereochemically active lone pairs like Te4+, Se4+, Pb2+, Sb3+ are of particular interest because of their functional physical properties (for example magnetic, superconducting, or semiconducting properties). This work also aimed to study the general tendency of bonding preferences in transition metal oxidehalides containing lone pair elements, which is based on the Lewis acidity/alkalinity of lone pair elements prefering to bond with oxygen anions, while transition metals accept both O2- and X- in an oxidehalide environment. In these investigations Sb3+ cations were used as the p-element, since the properties of such materials have not yet been described and only a limited number of crystal structures were previously known. Several transition metal cations were used: Co2+, Zn2+, and Cd2+. The synthesis techniques used were solid state and hydrothermal reactions. All compounds described in this work have been investigated by single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction. The crystal structures were additionally confirmed by spectroscopic methods and material analysis (EDX and other spectroscopic techniques). Diffuse reflectivity measurements were performed to characterise the electronic band gap, followed by successful DFT calculations confirming those results. A magnetic moment measurement was performed for CoSb2O3Cl2, resulting in the finding of Co2+ with 3d7 high-spin configuration. In all investigated crystal structures lone pairs of electrons, belonging to Sb3+ cations and halide anions, both sometimes referred to as “chemical scissors” aggregate to form non-bonded volumes, resulting in low-dimensional materials with a layered or chained character.
Role of Protein Phosphatase-2A (PP-2A) in the Control of Mitosis and Meiosis.

A specific form of Protein Phosphatase-2A (PP-2A), namely PP2A-B55δ was proposed to occupy a central role in the control of mitosis entry and exit, and meiosis in Xenopus oocytes [1,3]. It was held that PP2A-B55δ is responsible for dephosphorylating substrates of cdc2/Cdk1 and that inhibition of PP2A-B55δ by Arpp-19 phosphorylated at serine 67 by Greatwall kinase triggers entry of both mitosis and meiosis in Xenopus oocytes. It was further declared that the phosphorylation of Arpp19 at serine 109 by PKA underlies the blockade of meiotic division and that dephosphorylation of serine 109 of Arpp19 triggers resumption of meiotic division in Xenopus oocytes [4]. Recently two groups have stated that PP2A-B55δ is the protein phosphatase that is responsible for dephosphorylating both serine 67 and serine 109 of Arpp19 [4,5] However, unfortunately for the authors concerned [1-5], no verifiable scientific evidence exists that shows that Arpp19 is a specific inhibitor of PP-2AB55ɗ when Arpp19 is phosphorylated at serine 67 by Greatwall kinase and that Arpp-19 phosphorylated at serine 67 and Arpp19 phosphorylated at 109 are both specifically dephosphorylated by PP-2AB55ɗ Arpp19. The idea that Arpp-19 phosphorylated at serine 67 is both an inhibitor and a substrate of PP-2AB55ɗ has more to do with science fiction than science. The role of other Protein Phosphatases, including, PP-2A-B'56ɗ and Protein Phosphatase-1 I (PP-1 I ) cannot be ignored. Evidenceis presented and discussed here.
Forskolin, ameliorates mitochondrial dysfunction in Streptozotocin induced diabetic nephropathy in rats

Diabetes is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease and end stage renal disease which is most common reason for mortality and morbidity such as cardiovascular disease and renal dysfunction, a major reason for mortality (Dregan et al., 2017). The uncontrolled diabetes mellitus often leads to renal complications. Nephropathy is chief cause of death among people having chronic diabetes mellitus (Rajavel et al., 2016). Elevated serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, renal collagen content and reduced level of serum nitrite/ nitrate are markers of diabetic nephropathy (Bruno et al., 2014). In addition, diabetic nephropathy characterized by glomerular hypertrophy, accumulation of extracellular matrix protein, increased basement membrane thickness, mesangial expansion, podocyte loss and vascular endothelial dysfunction pr ogre ss ive ly l ea d in g t o g lo me ru losc l e ro s i s , tubulointerstitial fibrosis, proteinuria and dyslipidaemia (Kolset et al., 2012). The progression of diabetic nephropathy can be controlled by optimal glucose control. Recent studies have demonstrated involvement of dyslipidaemia and mitochondrial dysfunction in the development of diabetic nephropathy (Rajavel et al., 2016; Sonia et al., 2017). Dyslipidaemic condition includes hypertriglyceridemia (TG), reduced high density lipoprotein (HDL) and elevated low density lipoprotein (LDL). Dyslipidaemia plays critical role in the pathogenesis of nephropathy.
Disparity in Context: Judges’ Perspectives on Disparities in a Sentencing Guideline System

Unwarranted disparity in sentencing continues to be a problem in criminal courts. Sentencing, a final step in the multi-stage process of criminal justice, is seen as such an important component of ensuring consistency that legislative policy has created guidelines to control judicial decision-making. Nonetheless, research shows that disparity under sentencing guidelines persists due to influences external to the law - referred to as substantive rationality. Sentencing research overwhelmingly utilizes quantitative analysis of official court data to produce its conclusions about the influences of disparity. The current study builds upon past research by using qualitative analysis of interviews with 20 judges in Michigan. The recent shift from mandatory to advisory sentencing guidelines and the scope of disparity in Michigan make it a substantively rich site for investigation. This analysis found several themes in judges’ perspectives on causes of disparity, including: (1) localization, organizational resources, and court policy; (2) individual judicial philosophy and decision-making, (3) influence from pre-sentencing reports and appellate courts.
Relationship of baseline and maximum glucocorticoid concentrations to migration propensity: a field test with wild subadult brown trout (Salmo trutta)

There is considerable variation in glucocorticoid (GC) baseline status and stress responses of individuals, yet the cause and consequence of this variation remains ambiguous. Attempts to relate GC levels to fitness and life-history trade-offs have yielded variable results. In this study, we evaluated whether baseline and poststressor GC hormone concentrations predicted migration strategy (i.e., resident or migrant) and successful seaward migration in a partially migrating population of juvenile brown trout (Salmo trutta Linnaeus, 1758). Baseline (N = 99) or poststressor (N = 102) plasma cortisol concentrations were obtained from brown trout and they were tagged with passive integrated transponder (PIT) and released in a natural Danish stream. Subsequently, fish were tracked with PIT reader systems and the stream was resampled for resident individuals. GC levels were not found to be associated with recapture of resident individuals or migration propensity to our first tracking station (S1), but increased baseline (and not poststressor) GC levels were associated with increased passage from S1 to our second tracking station, which anecdotally was an area of high predation or challenge. Our study found no evidence to suggest that cortisol regulates the migration life history in juvenile brown trout, but intermediate increases in baseline GC (and not poststressor GC) levels may favor migration performance.
Controlling microbial contamination and browning of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) inflorescence culture

Surface contamination of explants and culture browning are major problems associated with in vitro culture procedures. The study was aimed at investigating the effect of different sterilizing agents in controlling microbial contamination and browning in coconut ( Cocos nucifera L) inflorescence culture. Eeuwens medium, supplemented with 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) at concentration 40 mg/l and 6-Benzyl amino purine (BAP) at concentration 1 mg/l was used for the experiment. Immature coconut inflorescences with intact inner spathes were used as explants. The explants were sterilized with different sterilizing agents: mercuric chloride (HgCl 2 ), sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), silver nitrate (AgNO 3 ) and calcium hypochlorite (Ca(ClO) 2 ), each at concentrations 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 % for 5 min sterilization time. This was followed by rinsing the explants with distilled water four successive times and were inoculated on Eeuwens medium. Percentage culture contamination and level of browning were recorded on weekly basis for four weeks. The results obtained showed that contamination was less in the cultures, whose explants were sterilized with HgCl 2 and AgNO 3 , but the level of culture browning was higher, four weeks after culture initiation when HgCl 2 was used for sterilization. By a way of comparison, AgNO 3 at concentrations between 0.1 - 0.3 % were most effective and to be preferred for sterilizing coconut inflorescence in controlling culture contamination and browning. It is therefore recommended that contamination and browning in coconut inflorescence cultures can be controlled by the use of AgNO 3 at concentrations between 0.1 – 0.3. Keywords: Cocos nucifera , Immature inflorescence, Sterilizing agents, Contamination and Browning
Characterization of Miscanthus cell wall polymers

Efficient utilization of lignocellulosic Miscanthus biomass for the production of biochemicals, such as ethanol, is challenging due to its recalcitrance, which is influenced by the individual plant cell wall polymers and their interactions. Lignocellulosic biomass composition differs depending on several factors, such as plant age, harvest date, organ type, and genotype. Here, four selected Miscanthus genotypes (Miscanthus sinensis, Miscanthus sacchariflorus, Miscanthus × giganteus, Miscanthus sinensis × Miscanthus sacchariflorus hybrid) were grown and harvested, separated into stems and leaves, and characterized for their non‐starch polysaccharide composition and structures, lignin contents and structures, and hydroxycinnamate profiles (monomers and ferulic acid dehydrodimers). Polysaccharides of all genotypes are mainly composed of cellulose and low‐substituted arabinoxylans. Ratios of hemicelluloses to cellulose were comparable, with the exception of Miscanthus sinensis that showed a higher hemicellulose/cellulose ratio. Lignin contents of Miscanthus stems were higher than those of Miscanthus leaves. Considering the same organs, the four genotypes did not differ in their Klason lignin contents, but Miscanthus × giganteus showed the highest acetylbromide soluble lignin content. Lignin polymers isolated from stems varied in their S/G ratios and linkage type distributions across genotypes. p‐Coumaric acid was the most abundant ester‐bound hydroxycinnamte monomer in all samples. Ferulic acid dehydrodimers were analyzed as cell wall cross‐links, with 8‐5‐coupled diferulic acid being the main dimer, followed by 8‐O‐4‐, and 5‐5‐diferulic acid. Contents of p‐coumaric acid, ferulic acid, and ferulic acid dimers varied depending on genotype and organ type. The largest amount of cell wall cross‐links was analyzed for Miscanthus sinensis.
Hardware implementation of spiking neural networks on FPGA

Inspired by real biological neural models, Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs) process information with discrete spikes and show great potential for building low-power neural network systems. This paper proposes a hardware implementation of SNN based on Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA). It features a hybrid updating algorithm, which combines the advantages of existing algorithms to simplify hardware design and improve performance. The proposed design supports up to 16 384 neurons and 16.8 million synapses but requires minimal hardware resources and archieves a very low power consumption of 0.477 W. A test platform is built based on the proposed design using a Xilinx FPGA evaluation board, upon which we deploy a classification task on the MNIST dataset. The evaluation results show an accuracy of 97.06% and a frame rate of 161 frames per second.
Effects of Khat Consumption on Consumer-Community Relationships in Kamukunji Constituency, Nairobi County, Kenya

: Khat chewing is evidently traced from the sociocultural tradition where the users feel the pleasure through the induced stimulation effects. Apparently, the effects seem to influence the socio-cultural lives of the entire community within which it is practiced (Kennedy, 1987). Khat is traditionally consumed in a social gathering - a habit that is seriously considered in Yemen. Nonetheless, the negative implications of Khat, which negatively affect the lives of the individual users, marriages, schooling and religious institutions and the community relationships as a whole cannot be ignored. Thus the study was guided by the objective of determining the effects of Khat consumption on consumer-community relationships in Kamukunji constituency, Nairobi County, Kenya. Using the Conflict theory, the study was conducted in Kamukunji Constituency of Nairobi County. The Somali community is the dominant tribe in the larger part of the suburb. This study applied exploratory and descriptive survey research designs with a mixed method approach. This study targeted the entire Khat consumers’ households and retail traders in Kamukunji constituency. The sample consisted of 335 main consumers who used questionnaires, 5 key informants, 19 FGDs and 70 retailers (used questionnaires) selected through ward-clustering and then snowball sampling. Piloting was conducted in Kibra constituency using 30 consumers’ households and 10 retail traders. Validity was examined by aligning the questionnaire with the Conflict Theory and Structural Functionalism theory. Reliability statistic was assessed through obtaining a Cronbach alpha of 0.914. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS - Version 20) was used for both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study applied the three analytical types of Univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis. Qualitative data were analyzed through the process of coding where common themes were identified and examined in relation to the context, meaning and circumstances. The study found that it was expected that because the consumer will have good relations with the community, consumption of Khat is considered a social and cultural engagement that is acceptable. It is evident that while the practice is not necessarily sneered upon by the community, Khat consumers are perceived to be failures and the major culprits in poor community relations. However, the end value of consumption derives their perceived value from the entire process of using what is availed in the society.
Attention allocation during the observation of biological motion: an EEG study

The processing of observed biological motion that is the movement of biological organisms has an important role in animals’ vigilance and survival. For humans, it is also implicated in the development of social cognition and communication, with infants showing preferential attention towards motion from an early age. Further, adults can extract a broad range of social information from the biological motion of human figures represented by dots of light (point-light displays), that contain kinematic, structural and dynamic information. From this information, humans can identify individual actors, their sex, emotional state (angry, happy, and sad) and walking direction even when obfuscated by additional noise. The processing of biological motion draws on different cognitive systems such as working memory, selective attention and sensorimotor processing. Humans demonstrate an attentional bias towards human forms and biological motion, compared to other non-biological stimuli, and the observation of biological movement activates sensorimotor cortical regions. Previous research has used EEG to measure mu frequency (~ 8-13 Hz) changes and to infer the activation of sensorimotor regions during biological movement observation. This sensorimotor activation is thought to be an indication of online movement simulation. It has been demonstrated that top-down attentional processes modulate the engagement of sensorimotor simulation during movement observation. What remains unknown is whether biological motion exogenously captures spatial attention and, in turn, modulates sensorimotor simulation; the current study sought to explore this question. In the current study, I used an attentional bias paradigm where movement and control point-light displays are presented laterally and simultaneously as irrelevant cues. Relatively decreased reaction times to subsequent targets that appear in the same location as a cue reflects preferential processing of that preceding cue. I simultaneously recorded EEG and calculated mu frequency changes at both central and occipital electrode locations. I find decreased reaction times and an increase in correct responses to targets that replace the scrambled point light display (PLD), which represents non-biological motion, compared to targets that replaced the coherent PLD representing biological movement. In addition, EEG analysis revealed a left hemisphere bias, with post hoc analysis revealing this bias is driven by the central electrodes; with a larger desynchronisation in the left central electrode compared to the right central electrode, whereas, occipital alpha was desynchronised symmetrically. Together, the behavioural and EEG findings suggest an inhibition of return (IOR) effect.