Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interactive effects of urban stormwater drainage, land clearance, and flow regime on stream macroinvertebrate assemblages across a large metropolitan region

Urban impacts on streams are mediated by alteration of land cover and subsurface drainage. Understanding interactions of these 2 effects is critical for urban land and water management. We used boosted regression trees to analyze relationships between environmental predictors, including land-cover measures that indicate urban impacts, and Stream Invertebrate Grade Number Average Level (SIGNAL) or the occurrence of 60 macroinvertebrate families across the Melbourne (Australia) region. SIGNAL and 51 families were negatively correlated with attenuated imperviousness (AI). Twenty-four families exhibited a steep decline in probability of occurrence between 0 and ≤3% AI, consistent across the range of natural discharge (Q). Responses to attenuated forest cover (AF) were more variable among families (39 positive, 15 negative). AF had a less positive influence on SIGNAL at high than at low AI because the many (high SIGNAL-grade) families that were strongly negatively correlated with AI were likely to be absent at high AI. Interactions that suggested a modification of response to AI or AF as a result of the influence of another variable were restricted to 19 families. For 4 families with occurrences that were positively correlated with AF, the negative effect of AI was reduced in streams with high AF. For 14 families, responses of occurrence to AI or AF varied with Q or antecedent discharge in multiple ways. A reduced effect of AI was observed in low-Q streams or after very dry antecedent conditions for 10 families. Despite strong effects of the regional gradient in rainfall and vegetation across our study area, catchment-scale urban stormwater drainage was consistently associated with reduced occurrence of most families. The relative number of families predicted to be lost at low levels of AI underestimated relative loss of genera or species. Urban stormwater runoff probably is a strong driver of species loss in streams, but riparian forest can increase the probability of occurrence of a small number of tolerant families.
Effects of Black Tea Powder on Performances and Egg Quality of Laying Hens

[Objective]To explore the effects of Black tea powder on egg quality of laying hens. [Method]A total of 528 Huainan Spotted-yellow Chicken (480 female and 48 male) were randomly divided into four treatments with four replications and there were no difference among them in laying rate.These chicken were used in a 50 d performance trail with four diets:Control group with no black tea powder in feed,three trail groups with 0.5%,1.5% and 2.5% black tea powder supplemented in basic diet,respectively.The egg quality,yolk cholesterol and lecithin content were determined on day 30 and 50. [Result]The results indicated that:(1) Suitable black tea powder concentration in diet could increase values of yolk color significantly ( P 0.05) and excessive black tea powder concentration could attenuate shell thickness and reduce shell strength.Diet with 2.5% black tea powder supplemented in basic diet could reduce shell thickness ( P 0.05) and shell strength ( P 0.01) significantly. (2) Basic diet with proper concentration of black tea powder could increase the percentage of yolk lecithin,which were becoming higher when chicken were fed higher concentration of black tea powder for more days.When the trail was finished,the treatment with 2.5% black tea powder supplemented in basic diet was differently higher than that of control treatment.Percentage of yolk cholesterol was different along with days changed,it was extremely significantly lower ( P 0.01) of the group with 2.5% black tea powder supplemented in basic diet than that of control group,but no difference between them when the trail was completed. [Conclusion] Dietary black tea can significantly improve egg quality.
Quantitative assessment of fire and vegetation properties in simulations with fire-enabled vegetation models from the Fire Model Intercomparison Project

Abstract. Global fire-vegetation models are widely used to assess impacts of environmental change on fire regimes and the carbon cycle and to infer relationships between climate, land use and fire. However, differences in model structure and parameterizations, in both the vegetation and fire components of these models, could influence overall model performance, and to date there has been limited evaluation of how well different models represent various aspects of fire regimes. The Fire Model Intercomparison Project (FireMIP) is coordinating the evaluation of state-of-the-art global fire models, in order to improve projections of fire characteristics and fire impacts on ecosystems and human societies in the context of global environmental change. Here we perform a systematic evaluation of historical simulations made by nine FireMIP models to quantify their ability to reproduce a range of fire and vegetation benchmarks. The FireMIP models simulate a wide range in global annual total burnt area (39–536 Mha) and global annual fire carbon emission (0.91–4.75 Pg C yr−1) for modern conditions (2002–2012), but most of the range in burnt area is within observational uncertainty (345–468 Mha). Benchmarking scores indicate that seven out of nine FireMIP models are able to represent the spatial pattern in burnt area. The models also reproduce the seasonality in burnt area reasonably well but struggle to simulate fire season length and are largely unable to represent interannual variations in burnt area. However, models that represent cropland fires see improved simulation of fire seasonality in the Northern Hemisphere. The three FireMIP models which explicitly simulate individual fires are able to reproduce the spatial pattern in number of fires, but fire sizes are too small in key regions, and this results in an underestimation of burnt area. The correct representation of spatial and seasonal patterns in vegetation appears to correlate with a better representation of burnt area. The two older fire models included in the FireMIP ensemble (LPJ–GUESS–GlobFIRM, MC2) clearly perform less well globally than other models, but it is difficult to distinguish between the remaining ensemble members; some of these models are better at representing certain aspects of the fire regime; none clearly outperforms all other models across the full range of variables assessed.
COVID-19: Zoonotic Origin, Interspecies Transmission, Virus-Host Interaction and Animals Susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2

The highly contagious coronavirus (now termed as COVID-19) outbreak started in Wuhan, China. It has affected several countries throughout the world and millions of lives are suffering of it. Coronavirus mainly causes respiratory tract infections like SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and MERS (Middle-East Respiratory Syndrome). There are many debates regarding the origin of this deadly virus. Most promising and convincing view is that SARS-CoV-2 has zoonotic origin. Proper identification of the animal hosts is so crucial for the prevention of human diseases. SARS-CoV-2 has 96.2% nucleotide homology with a bat-CoV RaTG13 isolated from horseshoe bats (Rhinolophus affinis). In this review we focus on an overview of the zoonotic origins, phylogeny, interspecies transmission and animals susceptibility to HCoVs specifically SARS-CoV-2. We brief an idea about probable intermediate host (pangolin) for this deadly virus and host-virus interaction in relation to transmission. These novel pangolin CoV genomes show 85 92% homology in nucleotide sequence with SARS-CoV-2. In addition to that, their genome nucleotide sequence is about 90% identical to RaTG13. Transition of non-pathogenic state in their natural reservoir host to pathogenic state in a new host after interspecies transmission is also discussed in this review.
Taxonomic identification of hoverfly specimens using neural network and gradient boosting machine techniques

The correct identification of single specimens on a particular area has great importance in establishing appropriate biodiversity protection programs. Species of the genus Merodon Meigen, 1803 (Diptera, Syrphidae) represent important pollinators that are particularly associated with the pollination of wild and cultivated bulbous plants, both wild and cultivated. In order to contribute to a taxonomic issue of separating two cryptic, sibling hoverfly species of M. avidus species complex, we programmed and trained specific prediction model that was able to specify to which of two assumed species ( M. avidus or M. moenium ) each database specimen belongs. Using two ML techniques (artificial neural network (ANN) and gradient boosting machine (GBM)), we created two separable models, depending on a variable used for a prediction (Model 1 - modelling based on a geographic variable, Model 2 - modelling based on a temporal variable). Moreover, each model was trained and tested with different data sets, resulting in a different predictive accuracy. While ANN modelling showed a higher percent of correct determination when using surrogate information than when using reduced (basic) data set, GBM modelling has given a quite stable result through all three data types. In both ML approaches, comparing Model 1 and Model 2 results showed that prediction based on a temporal variable (day, month and a year of specimen sampling) reached a better predictive performance than a prediction based on a longitude and latitude, on all data sets. This led us to the conclusion that information about the time of sampling was more useful for creating desired determination key with artificial intelligence algorithms than information about longitude and latitude of sampling localities. Therefore, we suggest that time of activity of adult specimens could have been of greater importance in the differentiation of M. avidus and M. moenium species from a common ancestor. The environmental factors and selective forces connected with the season might have had a more important role in M. avidus / M. moenium speciation, compared to environmental factors / selective pressures connected with the geographic position of their activity. The demonstrated modelling represents a positive signal in the field of potential implementation of these systems as support in the initial determination Merodon specimens. We suggest it´s potential use as technical support in old and partially unreliable databases, in determination of fresh sampled specimens as well as in finding the most efficient sampling strategies.
Effect of gamma irradiation on physicochemical characteristics and microbiological quality of flat rice noodle

F U L L P A P E R Effect of gamma irradiation on physicochemical characteristics and microbiological quality at different ratio of tapioca and potato starches of flat rice noodle Ahmad Zainuri, M.D., *Wan-Zunairah, W.I. , Farah-Nadiah, A.R. Fatimah, M.H. B. , Nor-Khaizura, M.A.R. , Nor Afizah, M. , Ismail-Fitry, M.R. , Radhiah, S. and Nur Hanani, Z.A. Department of Food Science, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia Malaysian Nuclear Agency, 43800 Dengkil, Selangor, Malaysia
Effect of Selenium Yeast Supplementation Over Vital Characteristics and Growth of Cross Breed Pateri Goat

The present study was conducted on forty cross-bred goats to evaluate the effects of dietary selenium yeast (SY) on hematological, physiological and growth performance indices. Animals were randomly divided into two groups and were given the basal diet consisting of barseem and concentrate (group A) and basal diet supplemented with SY at the dose rate of 0.3 mg/kg feed (group B). The experiment lasted 10 weeks. The results showed that the hematological analysis of blood showed an increase (P < 0.05) in red blood cells (RBC) count and hemoglobin concentration in B compared to A, however, no significant effect (P > 0.05) of dietary Se was observed on rest of the hematological parameters between the two groups. The physiological parameters including temperature, respiratory rate and heart rate were not different (P > 0.05) between the groups. The final body weight significantly increased (P < 0.05) group B (22.24 ± 0.64 kg) compared to A (19.84 ± 0.75 kg). Concurrent with increase in final body weight, the average daily gain was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in B (95.86 ± 1.9g) compared to A (60.57 ± 0.82g). Improved growth performance in present study demonstrates that the dietary selenium yeast supplementation has no any adverse effects over hematological and physiological parameters hence improved health of the animals.
Interest in Extra Curricular Activities and Self Efficacy of Senior Secondary School Students in Cross River State, Nigeria

The main purpose of the study was to find out if interest in extra-curricular activities has any influence on self-efficacy with reference to social self-efficacy, academic self-efficacy, language self-efficacy and moral self-efficacy. The ex-post facto design was adopted for the study. A sample of 1,586 students was randomly selected from the public secondary schools in Cross River State for the study. A questionnaire titled “Interest in Extra Curricular Activity and Self-Efficacy (IECASEQ) was the instrument used for data collection. The face validity of the instrument was determined by two experts in test and measurement and two in educational psychology. The reliability of the instrument was determined using Cronbach Alpha reliability method. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics. The results revealed that interest in co-curricular activities significantly influenced social self-efficacy, academic self-efficacy, language self-efficacy, moral self-efficacy and overall self-efficacy. Based on the findings of this study, it was recommended among others that teacher and school administrators should create opportunities for students to travel for excursions, and not see involvement in co-curricular activities as a distraction to students.
Seroprevalence of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies in COVID‐19 patients and healthy volunteers up to 6 months post disease onset

SARS‐CoV‐2 has emerged as a human pathogen, causing clinical signs, from fever to pneumonia—COVID‐19—but may remain mild or asymptomatic. To understand the continuing spread of the virus, to detect those who are and were infected, and to follow the immune response longitudinally, reliable and robust assays for SARS‐CoV‐2 detection and immunological monitoring are needed. We quantified IgM, IgG, and IgA antibodies recognizing the SARS‐CoV‐2 receptor‐binding domain (RBD) or the Spike (S) protein over a period of 6 months following COVID‐19 onset. We report the detailed setup to monitor the humoral immune response from over 300 COVID‐19 hospital patients and healthcare workers, 2500 University staff, and 198 post‐COVID‐19 volunteers. Anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody responses follow a classic pattern with a rapid increase within the first three weeks after symptoms. Although titres reduce subsequently, the ability to detect anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG antibodies remained robust with confirmed neutralization activity for up to 6 months in a large proportion of previously virus‐positive screened subjects. Our work provides detailed information for the assays used, facilitating further and longitudinal analysis of protective immunity to SARS‐CoV‐2. Importantly, it highlights a continued level of circulating neutralising antibodies in most people with confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2.
Branched-Chain Amino Acids and Risk of Breast Cancer

Circulating branched chain amino acid (BCAA) levels reflect metabolic health and dietary intake. However, associations with breast cancer are unclear. We evaluated circulating BCAA levels and breast cancer risk within the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) and NHSII (1,997 cases, 1,997 matched controls). 592 NHS women donated two blood samples 10 years apart. We estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of breast cancer risk in multivariable logistic regression models. We conducted an external validation with secondary analyses in the Women's Health Study (WHS; 1,297 cases). Among NHSII participants (predominantly premenopausal at blood collection), elevated circulating BCAA levels were associated with lower breast cancer risk (e.g., isoleucine highest vs. lowest quartile, multivariable OR(95% CI)=0.86(0.65-1.13), p-trend=0.20), with significant linear trends among fasting samples (e.g., isoleucine OR(95% CI)=0.74(0.53-1.05), p-trend=0.05). In contrast, among postmenopausal women, proximate measures (<10y from blood draw) were associated with increased breast cancer risk (e.g., isoleucine OR(95% CI)=1.63(1.12-2.39), p-trend=0.01), with stronger associations among fasting samples (OR(95% CI)=1.73(1.15-2.61), p-trend=0.01). Distant measures (10-20y since blood draw) were not associated with risk. In the WHS, a positive association was observed for distant measures of leucine among postmenopausal women: OR(95% CI)=1.31(0.97-1.75), p-trend=0.05. Although elevated circulating BCAA levels were associated with lower breast cancer risk among premenopausal NHSII women and higher risk of postmenopausal breast cancer in NHS (<10y from blood draw), independent of established risk factors, including adiposity, results were not validated in WHS. Additional studies are needed to understand the complex relationship between BCAAs, menopausal status, and risk of breast cancer.
Assessing the effectiveness of animal therapy on alleviation of anxiety in pre-school children

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of animal therapy in alleviation of anxiety in pre-school children. Method: The study was carried out as a quasi-experimental study with pre-test and post-test design and control group. The study population consisted of 33 anxious 5-7years old children (participated in a welfare anxiety screening plan held by Counseling Center, Tehran-Iran) between 2018 and 2019. The participants took part in the study voluntarily. The subjects were randomly divided into experimental and control groups (10 in each group). The experimental group was exposed to 8 sessions of animal therapy. The research instrument was Spence Preschool Anxiety Scale (Parent Form) and the data were analyzed on SPSS 21 software. Results: The results showed that animal therapy had a significant effect on general anxiety score after adjusting for post-test scores (f= 32.49 and p= 0.001) with the effect equal to 0.70. In addition, the effect of animal therapy on anxiety of separation (f= 5.63, p= 0.03), generalized anxiety disorder (f= 8.56, p= 0.01), social phobia (f= 14.58, p= 0.002) and specific anxiety (f= 11.63, p= 0.005) was significant with effects equal to 0.30, 0.40, 0.53, and 0.47, respectively. The results also showed that the effect of animal therapy on obsession was not significant (p>0.05). Conclusion: Therefore, it can be concluded that Animal therapy is effective in alleviating anxiety in children.
Trust and transparency in times of crisis: Results from an online survey during the first wave (April 2020) of the COVID-19 epidemic in the UK

Background: The success of government COVID-19 control strategies relies on public trust and broad acceptance of response measures. We investigated public perceptions of the UK government COVID-19 response, focusing on the relationship between trust and transparency, during the first wave (April 2020) of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom. Methods: Anonymous survey data were collected (2020-04-06 to 2020-04-22) from 9,322 respondents, aged 20+ using an online questionnaire. We took a mixed methods approach to data analysis, combining statistical analyses, structural topic modelling (STM) and qualitative thematic coding of a sub-set of responses. Missing data were imputed via multiple imputation. Results: Most respondents (95.1%) supported government enforcement of behaviour change. While 52.1% of respondents thought the government was making good decisions, differences were apparent across demographic groups, for example respondents from Scotland had lower odds of responding positively than respondents in London. Higher educational levels saw decreasing odds of having a positive opinion of the government response and decreasing household income associated with decreasing positive opinion. Of respondents who thought the government was not making good decisions 60% believed the economy was being prioritised over people and their health. Positive views on government decision-making were associated with positive views on government transparency about the COVID-19 response. Qualitative analysis about government transparency highlighted five key themes: (1) the justification of opacity due to the condition of crisis, (2) generalised mistrust of politics, (3) concerns about the role of scientific evidence, (4) quality of government communication and (5) questions about political decision-making processes. Conclusion: We recommend targeted community engagement tailored to different groups experiences and a focus on accountability and openness around how decisions are made in the response to the UK COVID-19 pandemic.
Histomorphometric and fractal analysis of femoral, tibial, and metatarsal compact bone samples in sheep (Ovis aries), goat (Capra hircus), and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus)

Histological sections of femur, tibia, and metatarsals originating from sheep (Ovis aries), goat (Capra hircus), and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) were examined in this study. Our research focused mainly on the quantitative characteristics of the microstructure of these bones. The areas, perimeters, minimum and maximum diameters of the secondary Haversian units, as well as structures of the primary osteonal units were assessed using comparative statistical methods. In addition to these parameters, the present paper investigated the usefulness of fractal analysis (fractal dimension and lacunarity), a new approach that quantifies the complexity and the emptiness pattern of biological structures. Moreover, our work uses pattern recognition methods as well as classical morphometric assessment methods, which appear to generate useful data for bone sample differentiation. Therefore, combining these methods should greatly facilitate further research in veterinary morphology, and forensic and legal veterinary medicine.