Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of modified Congo red agar for detection of biofilm produced by clinical isolates of methicillin- resistance Staphylococcus aureus

Methicillin resistance Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) notoriety is not limited to nosocomial or community acquired infection but is so much the cause of biofilm related infection. Use of highly selective or differential medium, published Congo Red Agar (PCRA) has important shortcomings such as variations in black pigment formation while the intracellular adhesion locus (ica) gene required for biofilm production received equivocal outcomes since contradictory results. The evaluation of modified Congo Red Agar (MCRA) was conducted based on the characteristics of 100 MRSA isolated from different clinical samples and controls. All MRSA isolates showed presence of icaA and icaD genes by the PCR method and then formed intense black pigmented colonies on the Modified Congo Red Agar with increased times in contrast growth of 78% MRSA strains were exhibited black pigmentation on the published CRA but pigmentation decreased with time. The phenotypic coloration on agar improved upon modification of agar ingredients. The reduction in the concentration of several agar constituents resulted in permanent formation of intense black pigment in isolates with ica A and D genes, without any decreased in pigmentation over time. The agar constituent modification allowed stability of black pigment formation and also reduced agar preparation cost.
Multiple Borel–Cantelli Lemma in dynamics and MultiLog Law for recurrence

A classical Borel–Cantelli Lemma gives conditions for deciding whether an infinite number of rare events will happen almost surely. In this article, we propose an extension of Borel–Cantelli Lemma to characterize the multiple occurrence of events on the same time scale. Our results imply multiple Logarithm Laws for recurrence and hitting times, as well as Poisson Limit Laws for systems which are exponentially mixing of all orders. The applications include geodesic flows on compact negatively curved manifolds, geodesic excursions on finite volume hyperbolic manifolds, Diophantine approximations and extreme value theory for dynamical systems.
Oviposition behaviour and larval development of Anastrepha fraterculus from Argentina in citrus

Citrus peel physicochemical attributes are considered the main components conferring partial or even total resistance to fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) infestation. Fruit fly females adapt their ovipositional strategies to overcome such resistance. Here, we explored the effects of citrus species (Rutaceae) on the ovipositional behaviour of the South American fruit fly, Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann), and on its immature development. Particularly, we investigated the effects of (1) citrus species on oviposition behaviour and immature development, (2) citrus species on oviposition preference and on the location of the eggs at different depth in the citrus peel, and (3) harvest season and post‐harvest storage time on oviposition behaviour and immature development in lemon. Citrus species influenced ovipositional behaviour and affected survival of immature stages. Females laid eggs in lemon [Citrus limon (L.) Burm. ], orange [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck], and grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Macfadyen). In orange and lemon, larvae were found dead close to the oviposition areas, suggesting chemically mediated resistance mechanisms. Under choice conditions, females preferred grapefruit over lemon and bigger clutches were found in the layers where embryonic development is favoured. Unsuitability of lemon as a medium to complete development was neither affected by harvest season nor by storage time of the fruit after harvest. The physical and chemical characteristics of the peel were distinctive to each citrus species and may have affected the specific levels of resistance of these citrus species to infestation by A. fraterculus.
Ecophysiological Dissimilarities of Two Sympatric Lizards

Abstract: The lizards Podarcis muralis and Iberolacerta horvathi display an overall similarity in morphology and ecology. Although they are widely sympatric in part of their distribution range of Slovenia, areas of altitudinal segregation have been observed. Ecophysiological traits such as preferred body temperatures (Tp) and rates of evaporative water loss (EWL) are some of the factors likely to be subjacent to this pattern. We expect the species that is more abundant in higher altitudes to have lower Tp and higher EWL (due to lower environmental temperatures at higher elevations) than the species that is more abundant in lowlands. We conducted lab experiments to determine whether intra- and interspecific variation in these two physiological traits exists. Contrary to expectations, the means of Tp were similar between the species, but their seasonal dynamics differed, which indicates that thermal accuracy might be more important. Species differed in seasonal (and daily) variation of Tp, rising from spring to summer more in P. muralis than in I. horvathi. Comparing instantaneous EWL, our results showed interspecific differences with higher values in P. muralis than in I. horvathi. Throughout a 12-h period, the accumulative EWL was also always higher for P. muralis than for I. horvathi, with the greatest differences occurring after 9–12 h of the experiment. Further studies should focus on investigating if these divergent physiological characteristics of both species are associated with their habitat use (in terms of thermal and water environment) and species interaction.
A Multiband Dual-Antenna System for MIMO Operation in Mobile Terminals

─ A multiband dual-antenna design for multiinput-multi-output (MIMO) operation in mobile terminals is presented. The proposed dual-antenna system is composed of two symmetric antenna elements, and each of them consists of one driven branch and one parasitic branch. The dual-antenna system uses a simple decoupling structure to reduce the mutual coupling between two antenna elements. The impedance bandwidth with active |S11|≤-6dB covers two frequency bands of 700-960 and 1710-2690 MHz, and the isolation between the two antenna elements is better than 10dB within most of the operating bands. The envelop correlation coefficient, mean effective gain, diversity gain, and channel capacity are calculated exhaustively based on the three-dimensional radiation patterns. The results show that the antenna system has good diversity performance, which makes it suitable for MIMO operation in mobile terminals. Index Terms ─ Decoupling structure, mobile terminal, multiband antenna, multiple-input-multiple-output operation.
Estimating environmental effects on population dynamics: consequences of observation error

Within the paradigm of population dynamics a central task is to identify environmental factors affecting population change and to estimate the strength of these effects. We here investigate the impact of observation errors in measurements of population densities on estimates of environmental effects. Adding observation errors may change the autocorrelation of a population time series with potential consequences for estimates of effects of autocorrelated environmental covariates. Using Monte Carlo simulations, we compare the performance of maximum likelihood estimates from three stochastic versions of the Gompertz model (log-linear first order autoregressive model), assuming 1) process error only, 2) observation error only, and 3) both process and observation error (the linear state-space model on log-scale). We also simulated population dynamics using the Ricker model, and evaluated the corresponding maximum likelihood estimates for process error models. When there is observation error in the data and the considered environmental variable is strongly autocorrelated, its estimated effect is likely to be biased when using process error models. The environmental effect is overestimated when the sign of the autocorrelations of the intrinsic dynamics and the environment are the same and underestimated when the signs differ. With non-autocorrelated environmental covariates, process error models produce fairly exact point estimates as well as reliable confidence intervals for environmental effects. In all scenarios, observation error models produce unbiased estimates with reasonable precision, but confidence intervals derived from the likelihood profiles are far too optimistic if there is process error present. The safest approach is to use state-space models in presence of observation error. These are factors worthwhile to consider when interpreting earlier empirical results on population time series, and in future studies, we recommend choosing carefully the modelling approach with respect to intrinsic population dynamics and covariate autocorrelation.
Learning from Mistakes: Combining Ontologies via Self-Training for Dialogue Generation

Natural language generators (NLGs) for task-oriented dialogue typically take a meaning representation (MR) as input, and are trained end-to-end with a corpus of MR/utterance pairs, where the MRs cover a specific set of dialogue acts and domain attributes. Creation of such datasets is labor intensive and time consuming. Therefore, dialogue systems for new domain ontologies would benefit from using data for pre-existing ontologies. Here we explore, for the first time, whether it is possible to train an NLG for a new larger ontology using existing training sets for the restaurant domain, where each set is based on a different ontology. We create a new, larger combined ontology, and then train an NLG to produce utterances covering it. For example, if one dataset has attributes for family friendly and rating information, and the other has attributes for decor and service, our aim is an NLG for the combined ontology that can produce utterances that realize values for family friendly, rating, decor and service. Initial experiments with a baseline neural sequence-to-sequence model show that this task is surprisingly challenging. We then develop a novel self-training method that identifies (errorful) model outputs, automatically constructs a corrected MR input to form a new (MR, utterance) training pair, and then repeatedly adds these new instances back into the training data. We then test the resulting model on a new test set. The result is a self-trained model whose performance is an absolute 75.4% improvement over the baseline model. We also report a human qualitative evaluation of the final model showing that it achieves high naturalness, semantic coherence and grammaticality.
Effects of inclusion of maize silage in a diet based on grass silage on the intake, apparent digestibility and nitrogen retention in wether sheep

The objective of this experiment was to study the effects of interactions between grass silage (GS) dominated by orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) and maize silage (MS) (Zea mays L.) on ad libitum intake, digestibility and nitrogen retention in wether sheep. The GS in this experiment reflected the quality of GS produced on family farms in Croatia, while the MS used is frequently produced in seasons unfavourable for high quality MS production. The study consisted of four feeding treatments involving GS and MS alone, and GS and MS mixtures in ratios of 67:33 or 33:67 (DM basis), fed twice daily. Mean DM contents of GS and MS were 396 and 264 g/kg fresh weight, respectively. MS was much lower (P < 0.001) in crude protein (CP) (62 g/kg DM) than the GS (120 g/kg DM). GS contained larger (P < 0.001) quantities of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) than MS. In contrast, MS contained more (P < 0.001) non-structural carbohydrate than GS, as starch, which comprised 211 g/kg DM. Inclusion of MS in the diet (33% v. 67%) had positive linear effects on fresh matter voluntary intake (P < 0.05), CP and starch digestibility (P < 0.05), and N balance (P < 0.05). A positive associative effect of GS and MS was observed for DM, organic matter intake (quadratic, P < 0.05), N intake and N balance (quadratic, P < 0.01), while it was negative for ADF digestibility (quadratic, P < 0.05). It was concluded that positive interactions of GS and MS were due to a better balance of available energy and protein when the two forages were fed together. No positive associative responses were recorded for digestibility, probably due to higher passage rates of digesta with MS supplementation i.e. lower MS quality in terms of maize plant maturity at harvest.
External Morphology of the Egg of the Native (Melitara prodenialis) and Exotic (Cactoblastis cactorum) Cactus Moths (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Abstract. — Scanning electron microscopy was used to study the morphology of the chorionic surface of two pyralids that feed on Opuntia cactus. The chorionic surface of Cactoblastis cactorum has a reticulate pattern due to the ridges on the surface and aeropyles. The chorionic surface has a granular appearance at low magnifications and rugose at high ones. The micropylar area has a central depression with the micropyles and is surrounded by irregularly shaped polygonal cells. The tertiary cells have aeropyles associated with the cells, and these aeropyles have mesh-like extensions that cover their openings. The general appearance of the chorionic surface of Melitara prodenialis is similar to C. cactorum, but the micropylar region differs in that primary cells surrounding the micropylar depression are looping cells of varying sizes. Also, no aeropyles are associated with the looping cells around the micropylar region.
Comparison of Gears for Sampling Littoral‐Zone Fishes in Floodplain Lakes of the Lower White River, Arkansas

Abstract Gear comparison studies are useful to fisheries managers because many aquatic systems require multiple gears to assess fish assemblages. Many previous studies have emphasized comparisons of catch per unit effort or basic community measures such as richness and diversity. Our objectives were to (1) compare fish assemblage richness, diversity, and evenness across sampling gears, (2) assess the similarity of fish assemblage structure as depicted by the different gears, and (3) compare fish assemblage–environment relationships depicted by the different gears. Assessments were conducted in littoral-zone areas of 16 floodplain lakes in the lower White River, Arkansas. Four sampling gears were used: 500-V, 60-Hz (high-pulse) and 1,000-V, 15-Hz (low-pulse) boat-mounted nighttime electrofishing, mini-fyke nets, and experimental gill nets. Species richness and diversity were significantly greater using boat-mounted electrofishing (both pulses) than the other gears. Experimental gill nets exhibited the lowe.
Demography of Peromyscus maniculatus populations in seral stages of coastal coniferous forest in southeast Alaska

Population dynamics of Peromyscus maniculatus hylaeus in seral stages of spruce–hemlock forest in southeast Alaska were investigated during three consecutive reproductive seasons. Two types of high density population were observed. Breeding activity in both types ended early in the season. The first type consisted of a largely adult population with high year to year constancy in overall density and associated breeding and survival parameters. Adult female survival was high. Adult breeding males were heavy. Survival of pretrappable animals was low, although growth and survival rates of juveniles were similar to or higher than those in the other populations.The second type of high density population occurred on two grids in late summer of 1979, and consisted largely of nonbreeding juvenile young of the year. It resulted from unusually early breeding by a small population of overwintered adults. Despite large differences in habitat type and population density, home range size was similar between years and gr.
COGNITIVE PROCESSES IN HUNTERS' RECALL OF PARTICIPATION AND HARVEST ESTIMATES

Abstract We hypothesized that hunters' use of approximate responses for participation and harvest survey questions was prompted by the cognitive complexity of giving an exact answer. Approximate responses we considered were: (1) rounding days of participation and harvest to numbers ending in zero or 5 (0–5 prototypes) and (2) multiplying days of participation by an integer to approximate harvest. Both types of survey responses result in response heaps (spikes in the data) that can introduce bias. Our analyses were based on the frequency of responses in heaps relative to all responses in a neighborhood (a set of responses close to each other). Data from the Illinois hunter harvest survey (1998–2000) showed that the relative frequency of using approximate responses in a neighborhood was statistically constant across years and species despite differences in day-harvest frequencies. Our results supported accepting the hypothesis that survey responses are influenced by the cognitive complexity of formulating a response. We discuss the following strategies for identifying, reducing, and correcting bias in estimates derived from surveys: (1) basic research to identify the extent to which respondents use prototypes when answering participation and harvest questions; (2) survey methodology modifications to increase the accuracy of answers; and (3) the development of bias correction factors.
EPHEMERAL FOOD RESOURCES AND HIGH CONSPECIFIC DENSITIES AS FACTORS EXPLAINING LACK OF FEEDING TERRITORIES IN NORTHERN FLICKERS (COLAPTES AURATUS)

Abstract If Northern Flickers (Colaptes auratus) defend feeding territories was investigated by examining home-range overlap, social interactions at foraging sites, and the predictability and subsequent defendability of their main food source, ants. Flickers did not defend feeding territories, foraging with conspecifics in 29% of observations without visible aggressive behavior. Mean (± SD) percent cumulative home-range overlap between radiotagged individuals was 50 ± 32%; competitor density was positively related to overlap. Rain and temperature extremes reduced surface activity of potential ant prey. Simulated foraging over time decreased the number of active anthills in plots when compared to controls. Food predictability and competitive pressure may act together to make territories uneconomical for flickers to defend.
Seasonal variation in foliar carbon exchange in Pinus radiata and Populus deltoides: respiration acclimates fully to changes in temperature but photosynthesis does not

We investigated seasonal variation in dark respiration and photosynthesis by measuring gas exchange characteristics on Pinus radiata and Populus deltoides under field conditions each month for 1 year. The field site in the South Island of New Zealand is characterized by large day‐to‐day and seasonal changes in air temperature. The rate of foliar respiration at a base temperature of 10 °C (R10) in both pine and poplar was found to be greater during autumn and winter and displayed a strong downward adjustment in warmer months. The sensitivity of instantaneous leaf respiration to a 10 °C increase in temperature (Q10) was also greater during the winter period. The net effect of this strong acclimation was that the long‐term temperature response of respiration was essentially flat over a wide range of ambient temperatures. Seasonal changes in photosynthesis were sensitive to temperature but largely independent of leaf nitrogen concentration or stomatal conductance. Over the range of day time growth temperatures (5–32 °C), we did not observe strong evidence of photosynthetic acclimation to temperature, and the long‐term responses of photosynthetic parameters to ambient temperature were similar to previously published instantaneous responses. The ratio of foliar respiration to photosynthetic capacity (Rd/Asat) was significantly greater in winter than in spring/summer. This indicates that there is little likelihood that respiration would be stimulated significantly in either of these species with moderate increases in temperature – in fact net carbon uptake was favoured at moderately higher temperatures. Model calculations demonstrate that failing to account for strong thermal acclimation of leaf respiration influences determinations of leaf carbon exchange significantly, especially for the evergreen conifer.
Information and Communication Technology Skills and Job Satisfaction among Academic Staff in Colleges of Education

This study is on the relationship between the level of information and communication technology skills, religious status, ethnicity and ownership of institution and job satisfaction among academic staff of Colleges of Education in South East, Nigeria. A correlational survey design was utilized for the study. The population for the study consisted of 1581 academic staff of colleges of education in South East, Nigeria. Six hundred and thirty-two respondents were randomly selected as the sample for the study. A questionnaire developed by the researchers was used for data collection. Data were analyzed using means, standard deviations, and multiple linear regressions. The findings of the study among others showed that the levels of job satisfaction of academic staff were significantly related to ownership of institution while the level of information and communication technology skills, religious status and ethnicity had no influence on job satisfaction. Based on these findings, it was recommended; among others that the government and or supervising agencies of colleges of education should design and implement programmes that would cater for individual differences in the workplace which will promote job satisfaction among academic staff of colleges of education.
SYSTEMIC DESIGN OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES POWER CHAIN OPTIMIZING THE AUTONOMY

: A computer tool permitting to solve the design problem of the electric vehicle power chain maximizing the autonomy is developed. This tool rests on the modeling of the power chain taking in account of the interactions that exists between the design and the control. A descriptive model of the behavior of the vehicle is developed and is coupled to the average model of the autonomy has permitted to fix the parameters influencing the middle autonomy on a mission of circulation, what drove to a dynamic optimization problem to several variable and constrained. This problem solved by the method of genetic algorithms drove to encouraging results. The vehicle conceived around an optimal autonomy on a circulation mission using a motor to permanent magnets to axial flux and to weak cost of manufacture present an interesting solution thus encourage their production in big set.
LAICISTS and ISLAMISTS STUCK in a NATION STATE – Is it too naive to imagine a peaceful coexistence?

This essay is primarily concerned in a power struggle within Turkey for over the last 80 years, leaving aside a much longer one of 200 years. The escalating irritation between the two groups that may roughly be defined as laicists 1 and islamists 2 during the whole republican era of Turkey ongoing since 1923, but emerged especially in the 1990’s is my muse to search on means of having a capacitated democracy. Therefore, I will be debating on the basic and crucial questions, as I perceive it, ‘what is a capacitated democracy and how does it get achieved? ’ in the context of law and politics in Turkey. Actually, in order to evolve my argument I will initially be focusing on the development of the relations among the state, the groups in society and religion in Republic of Turkey. Then, I will be discussing the need and possibility of a mutually acceptable ground for a peaceful coexistence in Turkey. Obviously my preference to work on the last 80 years instead of the 200 year span of the phenomenon stems out of my acceptance of the republican times to be a more visible stage of the above mentioned contestation.