Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of juglone on seedling growth in intact and coatless seeds of cucumber (Cucumis sativus cv. Beith Alpha).

The main aim of this study was to test if the seed coat is a barrier to restrict juglone’s entrance into the seed using intact and coatless seeds of cucumber (Cucumis sativus cv. Beith Alpha). Elongation, fresh and dry weights of cucumber seedlings were decreased significantly by juglone in both intact and coatless seeds. Protein content in cotyledons of cucumber seedling was also decreased by juglone. The result do not prove the seed coat barrier hypothesis Because juglone’s inhibitory effect on seedling growth and protein content was not so much different in coatless seeds than was in intact seeds. However, in the present study, catechol and dopa oxidizing activities of polyphenol oxidase enzyme were increased by juglone in both seedlings. The increase in the activities of this enzyme was attributed to a reaction against to allelochemical stress produced by juglone. Key words: Cucumber, juglone, polyphenol oxidase activity, protein content, seedling growth.
Effect of azoxystrobin applications based on soil temperature on Rhizoctonia root and crown rot of sugarbeet

Rhizoctonia root and crown rot, caused by Rhizoctonia solani AG-2-2, is becoming more severe in sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L. ssp. vulgaris) fields in North Dakota and Minnesota, USA. Azoxystrobin controls Rhizoctonia solani in artificially inoculated trials when applied just prior to infection. However, it is difficult to know exactly when infection occurs in the field. Field research was conducted during 2003-05 in North Dakota and Minnesota (2004 only) with sugarbeet cv. Beta 3800 to determine the soil temperature at which azoxystrobin should be applied to control Rhizoctonia solani. Azoxystrobin was applied at 0.67 L ha-1 in 187 liter of solution in a 17.8 cm foliar band to each of the four middle rows of six row plots. Fungicide applications were made when average daily soil temperature at the 10 cm depth was between 10 to 13°C, 13 to 16°C, 16 to 19°C, 19 to 23°C, 23 to 26°C, 26 to 29°C and greater than 29°C. Consistently better disease control and higher recoverable sucrose was obtained when azoxystrobin was applied at between 10 and 23°C.
Prey Selection by Three Mesopredators that are Thought to Prey on Eastern Wild Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo sylvestris) in the Pineywoods of East Texas

Abstract Predation, especially during the nesting and poult-rearing seasons, may inhibit Meleagris gallopavo (Wild Turkey) recruitment in east Texas. Numerous authors cite Lynx rufus (Bobcat), Canis latrans (Coyote), and Procyon lotor (Raccoon) as predators of Wild Turkey. Consequently, we investigated prey selection of these 3 common mesopredators using scat analysis. We also investigated prey-population dynamics using capture—mark—recapture techniques for small mammals (Rodentia), and spotlight surveys and track plate counts for Sylvilagus floridanus (Eastern Cottontail). We found no evidence that mesopredators preyed upon Wild Turkeys. Small mammals and lagomorphs were the primary components of mesopredator diets. Small-mammal numbers varied seasonally; however, Cottontail relative abundance did not. Mesopredator diets were most diverse in summer. In summer, Bobcats increased their use of small mammals, whereas Coyotes and Raccoons diversified their diets to include seasonal fruits. Decline in small-mammal populations and increase in mesopredator dietary diversity coincided with Wild Turkey nesting and poultrearing seasons, which potentially could result in an increased threat to Wild Turkeys during the nesting and poult-rearing season.
Sahabat Qur'an (SQ) Parental Control Applications Toward Children’s Worship Through Gadget

This research aims to design and see the effectiveness of mobile applications Sahabat Qur'an as a means for parents to control their children through gadget. Sahabat Qur'an application is designed using the prototype method through several stages of determining the topic of the problem, designing the application as a solution to the problem, validating the application to experts and end with an application effective test to parents and children as the application user of the Sahabat Qur'an. There are several daily practice features that can be used by parents to control children's worship in the application of Sahabat Qur'an, among others are the reading of Quran, five times praying, recitation of dhikr, prayers and shalawat, and also available Islamic Kazanah articles. The fundamental difference is the one-door communication between parents and children, so that parents can control how the intensity of the child worships through the gadget. Interestingly the app can also detect the position of the child, so parents can control the child's whereabouts wherever they are. After a test of effectiveness and assessment of applications to several users overall stated that the application of Sahabat Qur’an is very useful and also effective as a means for parents to control daily worship of children through the communication of child gadgets. The application design of Sahabat Qur'an is a creative finding in digital technology that has been successfully designed and can even be used, but this application still needs to be developed again to be more effective and innovative.
Acute toxicity of copper and cadmium for piauçu, Leporinus macrocephalus , and curimatã, Prochilodus vimboides - DOI: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v31i3.5069

Ninety-six-hour static bioassays were conducted in the laboratory to determine lethal concentrations (96-h LC 50 ) of copper and cadmium for curimata ( Prochilodus vimboides ) and piaucu ( Leporinus macrocephalus ). The 96-h LC 50 of copper were 0.047 and 0.090 mg L -1 , and of cadmium 3.16 and 7.42 mg L -1 for curimata and piaucu, respectively. Curimata is a preferred indigenous species for toxicological studies in the Doce River basin due to its availability in the hatcheries of the region and high sensitivity to metals.
On the identity of Anema dodgei, Psorotichia segregata and Psorotichia squamulosa, three misunderstood cyanolichens from the southwestern United States

Abstract The identity of three misunderstood and neglected cyanobacterial lichens from the southwestern United States is clarified based on type material studies. Anema dodgei is synonymous with Heppia despreauxii. Psorotichia segregata is identical with Lempholemma chalazanum. Psorotichia squamulosa belongs to the genus Gloeoheppia and the new combination Gloeoheppia squamulosa is proposed. The generic boundary between Gloeoheppia and Pseudopeltula is discussed and a key to the species of these two genera occurring in southwestern North America, Central America and the Caribbean is provided.
Object-Based Classification of Greenhouses Using Sentinel-2 MSI and SPOT-7 Images: A Case Study from Anamur (Mersin), Turkey

Accurate and reliable greenhouse mapping using remotely sensed data and image classification methods has a significant role since it can comprehensively improve the urban and rural planning, and sustainable natural resource and agricultural management. This research is mainly focused on the determination of greenhouses from SPOT-7 and Sentinel-2 MultiSpectral Instrument (MSI) images by using an object-based image classification method with three different classifiers which are k-nearest neighbor (KNN), random forest (RF), and support vector machine (SVM) in the selected test region. First, the image acquired by using multi-resolution segmentation. Second, spectral features, textural features, and remote sensing indices were obtained for each image object. Third, different classifiers were employed to classify greenhouses. Then, classification accuracy assessment analysis was conducted to test the agreement between the classified data and field collected data using the confusion matrix. The results highlighted that the KNN and RF classifier have a slightly higher overall accuracy (OA) and Kappa statistics for SPOT-7 image with the 91.43% and 0.88. Furthermore, the KNN classifier for Sentinel-2 MSI image has the highest OA and Kappa statistics of 88.38% and 0.83. The achieved results underlined the potential of Sentinel-2 MSI and SPOT-7 data for object-based greenhouse mapping using different machine learning classifiers in the Mediterranean Region.
On Drawing Conclusions Nine Years After the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill

Abstract We comment on the paper of Irons et al. (2000), which evaluated the status of several marine bird taxa in Prince William Sound, Alaska, nine years after the Exxon Valdez oil spill. We discuss concerns about the effects on the study design of inherent differences between the oiled and unoiled areas; about interpretations of results that use inconsistent criteria to define the spatial scales of analysis; and about explanations of underlying causes that are not empirically founded. These comments highlight general difficulties in assessing the effects of large-scale environmental perturbations. It is important to draw conclusions about the effects of such events, but the conclusions must be founded on accuracy in reporting study results, caution in interpreting the results, and adequate consideration of alternative causal explanations for the observed results. Acerca de Inferir Conclusiones Nueve Años después del Derrame de Petróleo del Exxon Valdez Resumen. Comentamos el artículo de Irons et al. (2000), que evaluó el estado de varios taxa de aves marinas en Prince William Sound, Alaska, nueve años después del derrame de petróleo del Exxon Valdez. Discutimos inquietudes acerca de los efectos del diseño del estudio en relación a diferencias inherentes entre las áreas afectadas y no afectadas por el petróleo; sobre las interpretaciones de los resultados que usan criterios incosistentes para definir las escalas espaciales del análisis; y sobre explicaciones de causas subyacentes que no están empíricamente fundamentadas. Estos comentarios resaltan las dificultades generales en establecer los efectos de grandes perturbaciones ambientales. Es importante inferir conclusiones sobre los efectos de dichos eventos, pero estas conclusiones deben considerar la presición de los resultados presentados, ser precavidas al interpretar los resultados, y considerar adecuadamente explicaciones causales alternativas para los resultados observados.
Downlink Coverage Analysis of 3-D Ultra Dense Networks with Realistic Propagation Conditions

In this work, the analytical performance evaluation of 3-dimensional dense small cell wireless network is presented using spatial Poisson point processes. As against existing literature which considers simplified channel models without differentiating in LOS/NLOS conditions, this work captures the holistic effect of the realistic propagation (in terms of both path loss and small scale fading) as reported in existing standards. For such practical system model, a numerically simple upper bound of downlink coverage probability has been derived as a function of AP and UE densities which is found to be tight in nature for the whole range of system parameters and thus can be used as a close approximation of the same.
Haemosporidian infections and host behavioural variation: a case study on wild-caught nightingales (Luscinia megarhynchos)

Haemosporidians (protozoan blood parasites) are known to modify avian hosts’ behaviour in the acute phase but not much is known about the chronic phase. We identified blood parasites by microscopy and a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based method in a sample of 22 wild-caught nightingales (Luscinia megarhynchos) in northeast Bulgaria. We compared non-infected and infected birds in single behavioural traits under the hypothesis that infected birds should show more risk-taking behaviours and quicker exploration. Infected nightingales were more prone to risk-taking and this behavioural trait was significantly correlated with the intensity of infection. However, no differences were found in exploration speed or body condition and reactions to a stressful situation (weight change in captivity, handling), which might be due to either a lack of differences or the limited sample size.
Indicator organisms for estuarine and marine waters

Abstract The use of indicator organisms for estuarine and coastal waters has been reviewed. The natural flora of the environment must be considered in selecting an indicator organism, but, more importantly, recent work which shows a viable but non‐recoverable stage of pathogens entering the marine environment demonstrates that the conventional detection of indicator microorganisms is misleading, if not inaccurate. Results suggest that the newly developed epifluorescent/immunofluorescent direct detection of pathogens in the environment may be the most reliable method for determining public health hazards in marine and estuarine waters.
HOME RANGE, HABITAT USE, SURVIVAL, AND FECUNDITY OF MEXICAN SPOTTED OWLS IN THE SACRAMENTO MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO

Abstract We studied home range, habitat use, and vital rates of radio-marked Mexican spotted owls (Strix occidentalis lucida) in 2 study areas in the Sacramento Mountains, New Mexico. One study area (mesic) was dominated by mixed-conifer forest, the other (xeric) by ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) forest and piñon (P. edulis)-juniper (Juniperus) woodland. Based on existing knowledge of relative use of forest types by Mexican spotted owls, we predicted that the mesic area would provide habitat of higher quality for spotted owls. Results generally supported this prediction. Median home-range size for owls in the mesic area was approximately half that of owls in the xeric area during both the breeding and non-breeding seasons (n = 6 owls in each area). Despite their reduced size, however, mesic-area home ranges contained twice as much mixed-conifer forest as xeric-area ranges. Owls roosted primarily (>80% of roosting locations in both seasons) in mixed-conifer forest in both study areas, and home-range size was inversely related to relative amount of mixed-conifer forest within the home range during both seasons. Both survival and fecundity rates were higher in the mesic than in the xeric area. Estimates of population trend based on observed vital rates suggested that the population in the mesic area was self-sustaining or nearly so during the period of study (1992 through 1994), but the population in the xeric area was not. Collectively, our findings suggest that habitat quality for spotted owls was higher in the mesic area than in the xeric area, and that the xeric area might function as an ecological sink. These results support the need for data linking demographic performance to habitat conditions in development of strategies for recovering threatened and endangered species.
Optimization of LED Semi-Angle in Multipath Indoor Visible Light Communication Links

Indoor visible light communication (VLC) combines illumination and data transmission, thereby facilitating green and sustainable energy solutions. However, due to the diffuse nature of white light emitting diodes (LEDs), the received optical power is spatially non-uniform which degrades the link performance. These spatial variations in power can be diminished by using LEDs with larger semi-angle but this increases the number of wall reflections leading to higher losses. Hence the average value of received power falls down resulting in a trade-off situation. In order to address this issue, we obtain an optimum value of semi-angle at which the received optical power has low spatial variations and a high average value in multipath VLC links. We discuss a recursive multipath channel model and show that it is sufficient to model up to second order reflections to adequately emulate the multipath effect in the optimization technique. We simulate the multipath VLC channel and study the effect of several practical factors like the order of reflections, transmitter configuration, wall reflectivity, transmitter-receiver separation and different optimization conditions. The results and analyses presented herein provide critical insights into the modelling of LED transmitters for indoor VLC.
NF-κB Inhibitor Suppresses Hypoxia-induced Apoptosis of Mouse Pancreatic β-cell Line MIN6

Hypoxia is one of the main reasons for islet apoptosis after transplantation as well as during isolation. In this study, we attempted to determine the potential usefulness of NF-κB inhibitor for suppression of hypoxia-induced β-cell apoptosis as well as the relationship between IP-10 induction and β-cell apoptosis in hypoxia. To accomplish this, we cultured the mouse pancreatic β-cell line MIN6 in hypoxia (1% O₂). Among several examined chemokines, only IP-10 mRNA expression was induced under hypoxia, and this induced IP-10 expression was due to NF-κB activity. Since a previous study suggested that IP-10 mediates β-cell apoptosis, we measured hypoxia-induced IP-10 protein and examined the effect of anti-IP-10 neutralizing Ab on hypoxia-induced β-cell apoptosis. However, IP-10 protein was not detected, and anti-IP-10 neutralizing Ab did not rescue hypoxia-induced MIN6 apoptosis, indicating that there is no relationship between hypoxia-induced IP-10 mRNA expression and hypoxia-induced β-cell apoptosis. Since it was still not clear if NF-κB functions as an apoptotic or anti-apoptotic mediator in hypoxia-induced β-cell apoptosis, we examined possible involvement of NF-κB in hypoxia-induced β-cell apoptosis. Treatment with 1 μM NF-κB inhibitor suppressed hypoxiainduced apoptosis by more than 50%, while 10 μM AP-1 or 4 μM NF-AT inhibitor did not, indicating involvement of NF-κB in hypoxia-induced β-cell apoptosis. Overall, these results suggest that IP-10 is not involved in hypoxia-induced β-cell apoptosis, and that NF-κB inhibitor can be useful for ameliorating hypoxia-induced β-cell apoptosis.
EFFECT OF FERTILIZERS ON THE YIELD, PROTEIN CONTENT AND AMINO ACID COMPOSITION OF WINTER CEREALS

The effect of different fertilizers (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) and their combinations on the yield, raw protein content and amino acid composition were studied in field experiments. The levels of treatment were 200 kg/ha for nitrogen, 500-1000 kg/ha for phosphorus and potassium. Winter rye, triticale and wheat cultivar were grown in two subsequent years. Nitrogen fertilization in all cases increased the yield of grains and the raw protein content. The increase reached about 50% in average comparing with control samples grown without adding nitrogen fertilizers. Although there are significant differences between the different cereals studied, it can be generally stated that the increase in protein content is connected with a decrease in the essential to non-essential amino acid ratio. The decrease is higher if only nitrogen fertilizer is used and moderate if a combined treatment with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizer is applied.
IN VITRO CLONAL PROPAGATION OF A PROMISING AGROFUEL PRODUCING-PLANT : JATROPHA CURCAS L.

Results and discussion • One week : 100% budbreak of axillary and apical buds. • Three weeks : no difference between the two genotypes tested (Madagascar and Senegal). The stems are isolated from the explants and subcultured after three weeks (Fig. 1 : adventitious shoot-bud). • These results are similar to those obtained by Datta et al. (2007) with 22.2 μM BA in combination with IBA and 55.6 μM adenine sulphate. • Callus proliferation is important in all environments, planting and proliferation, as reported by Weida et al. (2003), during the regeneration of plantlets from explants of hypocotyls and petioles of Jatropha curcas leaves in a medium supplemented with BA and IBA. • However, we have observed that Jatropha requires higher concentration of only one type of cytokinin (BA) for the induction phase and that lower concentration of another type of cytokinin ( e.g. kinetin) may limit the callus formation.
Antibacterial, antifungal and cytotoxic activities of salviasperanol isolated from Amorphophallus campanulatus

Salviasperanol, a diterpenoid isolated from Amorphophallus campanulatus (Roxb.) Bl. (Araceae) was studied for in vitro antibacterial, antifungal, and cytotoxic activities. The disc diffusion technique was used to determine in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activities. Cytotoxicity was determined against brine shrimp nauplii. In addition, minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using serial dilution technique to determine antibacterial potency. The MIC values against these bacteria ranged from 8 to 64 μg/mL. The compound showed significant antibacterial activity against four Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus megaterium, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus β-haemolyticus) and six Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Shigella dysenteriae, Shigella sonnei, Shigella flexneri, Pseudomonus aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi). The compound showed weak antifungal activity against a number of fungi. In the cytotoxicity determination, the LC50 of the compound against brine shrimp nauplii was 8.02 μg/mL.
A Novel Network Modelling for Metabolite Set Analysis: A Case Study on CRC Metabolomics

In metabolomics, pathway analysis normally refers to analysis of a pre-defined sets of metabolites (metabolite set) associated to the metabolic pathways. The metabolite set analysis is useful to facilitate biological interpretation of metabolomics data. The currently available methods may be divided into three generations: over-representation analysis, functional class scoring, and network topology analysis. Among the three generations of tools, the network topology methods have been shown to have lower false discovery rates and better biological interpretability than the other two earlier generations of tools. However, most of the current network topology methods focus the analysis only at the metabolite-level network. The interaction between pathways are not taken into consideration. To address this issue, we propose a new metabolite sets association network (MSAN) modelling scheme. In the developed method, the metabolite sets are defined based on the KEGG databases. By using the metabolite sets as vertexes, the MSAN network evaluated the relationships between pairs of metabolite sets based on their mutual information. The impact of a single metabolite set on the overall network was evaluated by the MSAN network, which may help to uncover differential metabolite sets relevant to the underlying biology mechanism of the study. A metabolomic dataset from a published colorectal cancer (CRC) study is used to evaluate the performance of MSAN network to identify perturbed metabolite sets in colorectal cancer patients. The current results are compared to that of two commonly used methods, NetGSA and MetaboAnalyst, which are based on the metabolite-level network approach. The current method highlights a number of metabolites sets consistent with recent published CRC reports. Taken together, the proposed method may provide an alternative tool for the identification of dysregulated pathways and facilitate biological interpretation of metabolomics data.