Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
INFLUENCE OF REFLECTIVE MULCH ON INCIDENCE OF THRIPS (THYSANOPTERA: THRIPIDAE: PHLAEOTHRIPIDAE) IN STAKED TOMATOES

Thrips were sampled in a commercial tomato field in southeast Arkansas with yellow sticky traps. The effect of the type of mulch used (black plastic, aluminum-painted plastic or no mulch) on aerial thrips population abundance was investigated. Thrips species identified included Frankliniella fusca (Hinds), F. tritici (Fitch), Sericothrips variabilis (Beech), Leptothrips mali (Fitch) and Haplothrips graminis Hood; F. fusca and F. tritici were most numerous. Aluminum-painted mulch was most effective in reducing the numbers of thrips captured, while black plastic was more effective than no mulch. Numbers of F. fusca peaked at five weeks after transplanting; however, numbers of thirps were low in all plots for the first three weeks after transplanting. Peak numbers of F. fusca trapped in the aluminum-painted plots were one-third the numbers in non-mulched plots, while numbers in the black plastic plots were intermediate. Effectiveness of the mulch in decreasing the numbers of thrips generally disappeared late.
Developing tissue proteomics : differential in gel electrophoresis in biomarker discovery and proteomic degradation

The field of proteomics and functional genomics has developed steadily since the completion of the human genome project. The wealth of genomic information and the pace at which it was compiled was astounding. Proteomics, despite considerable effort, on the other hand has not seen quite the same pace of development. The progress being considerably hindered by the lack of an amplification process and the relative complexity of the proteome in comparison to the genome. These intrinsic difficulties have led to the sensitivity of proteomic techniques being pushed closer to physical limits. There is therefore a further need to re-evaluated techniques such as sample preparation and integrity, analytical methods and collaborative strategies to maximise the effectiveness and quality of data collected. The importance of tissue in scientific and clinical research is unequivocal. However, tissue is difficult to collect, store and work with due to issues with proteomic degradation and storage. Good lab practices can minimise the effect of degradation but degradation of proteins can be rapid. Strategies to minimise degradation include freezing, formalin fixing and microwave treatment which all have their relative advantages and disadvantages. The importance of sample preparation as being the top of the workflow is often acknowledged but improvements are not well described in the literature. The main aim of this thesis is to present investigative studies into the mitigation of some of the limitations in tissue sample degradation, analytical approaches in differential in gel electrophoresis and accessing DiGE spot and tissue profile data. Presented is the evaluation of the effectiveness of rapid and controlled heating of intact tissue to inactivate native enzymatic activity and to aid in the cessation of proteomic degradation. A multifaceted analytical approach of differential in Gel electrophoresis spot data is assessed, giving proteomic profiles of mouse brain tissue. Preliminary data is presented showing that the process of heat-treatment has had a predominantly beneficial effect on mouse brain tissue, with a higher percentage of spots stabilised in heat-treated samples compared to snap-frozen samples. However, stabilisation did occur in snap-frozen samples for different protein spot so the appropriateness of using heat-treatment is as yet not fully determined and requires further analysis. In addition, the variation in tissue profiles of WKY, SP.WKYGla. 2a and SHRSP rat model for hypertension is investigated with the future prospect of providing that vital connection between genomic and proteomic data and link phenotype and genotype preliminary investigated. A number of putative markers were identified and quantified using DiGE analysis. In order for these markers to be accepted as biomarkers, more downstream validation is required, however this study provides a good spring board as a proof of concept in using DiGE as an global putative biomarker discovery platform.
Communication-Optimal Distributed Clustering

Clustering large datasets is a fundamental problem with a number of applications in machine learning. Data is often collected on different sites and clustering needs to be performed in a distributed manner with low communication. We would like the quality of the clustering in the distributed setting to match that in the centralized setting for which all the data resides on a single site. In this work, we study both graph and geometric clustering problems in two distributed models: (1) a point-to-point model, and (2) a model with a broadcast channel. We give protocols in both models which we show are nearly optimal by proving almost matching communication lower bounds. Our work highlights the surprising power of a broadcast channel for clustering problems; roughly speaking, to cluster n points or n vertices in a graph distributed across s servers, for a worst-case partitioning the communication complexity in a point-to-point model is n*s, while in the broadcast model it is n + s. We implement our algorithms and demonstrate this phenomenon on real life datasets, showing that our algorithms are also very efficient in practice.
Distribution and Diversity of Phytophthora species in Nursery Irrigation Reservoir Adopting Water Recycling System During Winter Months

Irrigation water recycling is an increasingly important practice in agriculture in the context of diminishing water supply and the regulatory requirements in some parts of the world. This practice potentially accumulates and disseminates plant pathogens including Phytophthora species that pose a great threat to agriculture and forest ecosystems. Despite a high economic importance of Phytophthora species, the current understanding of their aquatic ecology is very limited. Therefore, a study was conducted to investigate the distribution and diversity of Phytophthora species in an irrigation reservoir of a commercial nursery in eastern Virginia over two consecutive winters. Multiple baits were deployed in surface water at a run-off entrance, 20, 40, 60 and 80 m from the entrance and near the pump inlet and at various depths at the 20-m station. Ten different Phytophthora species were detected in this study that included P. citrophthora, P. gonapodyides, P. hydropathica, P. inundata, P. irrigata, P. megasperma, P. pini, P. polonica, P. syringae and P. tropicalis. Phytophthora recovery declined through the winters from November to March. It also declined with distance from the run-off entrance. These results suggest that water decontamination during winter irrigation events is required at this nursery and possibly in the nurseries from the southern part of the United States. The placement of the pump inlet away from run-off entrance may be a viable strategy to reduce the crop health risk.
The evolution of rewards: seed dispersal, seed size and elaiosome size

1 We examine the relationship between the reward offered to ants to disperse seeds (elaiosome size) and seed size, and the possible mechanisms that may generate this relationship in Australian plant species. 2 We used seed and elaiosome sizes from our own data set containing 87 Acacia species, supplemented with 22 species from a previously published data set, and 98 ‘Other species’ from 51 genera in 25 families, also from published data. 3 The relationship between ln(elaiosome size) and ln(seed size) was determined using standard major axis (SMA) regression for both data sets. For the Other data set we also determined the relationship among species independent of the differences between genera, among genera independent of the differences between families, among genera and among families. We used SMA to test for differences in slopes between groups. 4 We found a significant common slope amongst all subsets of the larger data set. The estimated common slope and the 95% confidence interval for the relationship between ln(elaiosome size) and ln(seed size) across all data sets fell above one (1.24, 95%CI = 1.17–1.32), suggesting positive allometry. Slopes were also significantly positive and strikingly similar between the Acacia species data set and the Other species data sets. Similar positive allometry was shown in the ‘other’ species data set among genera and families, and among species independent of genus means (‘species effects’). 5 Significant and consistent relationships between taxonomic levels, independent of relationships at other levels, along with significant relationships at the species level, and similarity of slopes, suggest independent convergence towards an underlying functional relationship that has persisted over long evolutionary periods. Our results therefore suggest that ants have been agents of selection on seed traits. 6 Such a functional relationship might result from a trade‐off in ant foraging behaviour between the benefit of the reward (elaiosome) and the cost of the dispersal (determined by seed size). Slopes > 1 would then suggest that ants need more than proportionally larger rewards to remove larger seeds.
Identification and analysis of resistance to powdery mildew and rust in some wheat germplasm resources.

In order to investigate and transfer novel disease resistance genes,identification of disease resistance of 821 accessions(Einkorn wheat,Emmer wheat,breeding parents and alien cultivars,and lines bred in Liaoning)to powdery mildew,strip rust and stem rust was carried out,respectively.The results showed that the resistance accessions accounted for 46.34%,79.03% and 53.33 % at seedling stage,to powdery mildew,stem rust and strip rust,respectively.Einkorn wheat(MO2,MO5,BO1,BO3,BO9,BO104),Emmer wheat PS5,and common wheat Qianmai 15,Shenmian 2059,Jieke G377,Fengyou 3,Fr81-12 and Lankao 5 were resistant to both powdery mildew and stem rust,accounted for 20.97% in all tested materials.T. monococcum accession MO5 and T.boeoricum accessions BO1,BO3 and BO9 showed resistance to three diseases,accounted for 26.67%. Identification of disease resistance in some materials at adult stage in the fields,showed that the resistance to stem rust was the same as in seedlings,but showed some difference with that at seedling stage in resistance to powdery mildew and strip rust.Above result showed that the accessions had different resistance to different pathogens.Einkorn wheat and Emmer wheat showed good resistance to powdery mildew while breeding parents and alien cultivars and lines bred in Liaoning showed good resistance to stem rust.
Morphological and behavioral development of the piracanjuba larvae

The objective of this work was to study the morphologic development and the swimming and feeding behaviors of piracanjuba larvae, Brycon orbignyanus Valenciennes (1849) (Characiformes, Characidae, Bryconinae), during the period from zero to 172 hours after hatching (standard length = 3.62 - 11.94 mm). The morphological analyses were accomplished by using a trinocular stereo microscope, while the behavioral analyses were performed through periodic observations. In 28 hours after hatching, the larvae (standard length = 6.25 ± 0.13 mm) showed the following structural and behavioral characteristics that made them become active predators able to overcome a larval critical phase, the beginning of exogenous feeding: presence of pigmented eyes, terminal and wide mouth, developed oral dentition, developing digestive tube, yolk sac reduction, fins and swim bladder formation, horizontal swimming, cannibalism, and predation. Intense cannibalism among larvae was verified from 26 to 72 hours. At the end of the metamorphosis - 172 hours after hatching - the larvae measuring 11.94 + 0.80 mm in standard length presented a flexed notochord, caudal fin bifurcation, dorsal and anal fin formation, synchronized movements, and formation of shoals, characteristics that together allow enhanced perception and locomotio in exploration of the environment, determining the best moment for transfering to the fishponds. New studies can contribute to commercial fish farming by improving feeding management, performance, survival, and productivity of this species.
The effect of clearing on plant composition in mulga (Acacia aneura) dry forest, Australia

Despite high deforestation rates in dry forests there are few assessments of the impacts of this transformation on biodiversity. This study addresses the impact of clearing on plant species composition and diversity in mulga (Acacia aneura) forests of Queensland, Australia using data collected from either side of 58 clearing boundaries, incorporating data on site and management conditions. The physical and climatic conditions of the study sites were narrowly constrained but had greater influence on plant composition and richness than clearing per se. In general, the abundance of perennial forbs and shrubs was higher in cleared forest compared with adjacent intact forest and there was no significant difference in abundance of other plant life forms. Perennial forb richness diminished with the age of clearings, particularly where acid sub-soils had been exposed and shrubs proliferated. Where deforestation in the mulga dry forests is not accompanied by the establishment of exotic pasture it has a relatively benign effect on plant diversity, mulga itself remains in high density as small trees and the integrity of the forest could be maintained with restoration.
Raman Spectra of Crystalline Nanoparticles: Replacement for the Phonon Confinement Model

In crystalline nanoparticles the Raman peak is downshifted with respect to the bulk material and has asymmetric broadening. These effects are straightly related to the finite size of nanoparticles, giving the perspective to use the Raman spectroscopy as the size probe. By combining the dynamical matrix method (DMM) and the bond polarization model (BPM), we develop a new (DMM-BPM) approach to the description of Raman spectra for random arrays of nanoparticles. The numerical variant of this approach is suitable for the description of small particles, whereas its simplified analytical version allows to analyze the Raman spectra of arbitrary sized particles. Focusing on nanodiamond powders, the DMM-BPM theory is shown to fit the most recent experimental data much better than the commonly used phonon confinement model (PCM), especially for small enough nanoparticles.
Profile injuries and musculoskeletal abnormalities of elite wushu athletes

The objective of this study was to investigate the profile of sports injuries and postural abnormalities of elite wushu athletes . Participants were recruited purposefully (n = 51, age 16.3 (4.9 years, height 165.4 (13.9 cm and weight 52.6 (14.7 kg) and informed consent participated in the study. Injury report form (including type, anatomic site, etiology and mechanism of injury) was used to record the damage. Posture was assesses using Grid Chart, flexible ruler, calipers and mirror box were performed. In order to analyze the data, descriptive and inferential statistical methods, chi-square was used. 166 injuries and 167 postural abnormalities were recorded. Injury type, anatomical location, and mechanism of injury and abnormalities in elite status was significantly different (P>0.05). 6.85 injuries per 1000 hours exposure and the risk of 8.91 injuries per 1000 athlete exposures was estimated. The most common types of injury were contusion (36.7%), hematoma (20.5%) and abrasions (13.3%) respectively. Based on the anatomic site of injury, lower extremities (47.6%), head and face (25.9%), upper extremities (13.9%) and trunk (12.7%) were injured mostly respectively. Opponent's Blow down technique (24.7%), previous injury (16.3%), lack of physical fitness (12.7%) and fatigue (12%) were in top priority. Receiving kicks (21%), Receiving punches (13.8%) and throwing technique by opponent (12%) were the most common mechanisms of injury. Flat foot (29.3%), uneven shoulders (25.7%) and scoliosis (16.2%) were the most common postural abnormalities.
Phylogenetic heterogeneity of the genus Bacillus revealed by comparative analysis of small‐subunit‐ribosomal RNA sequences

The small‐subunit rRNA sequences of 51 species of Bacillus were determined by reverse transcription to elucidate the phylogenetic structure of the genus. Comparative analysis of the sequence data revealed five phylogenetically distinct clusters. Group 1 (Bacillus sensu stricto) included B. subtilis the type species of the genus and 27 other species. Group 2 consisted of B. sphaericus and five other bacilli and Sporosarcina ureae clustered within the confines of this group. Group 3 consisted of a phylogenetically coherent group of 10 species whereas groups 4 and 5 comprised two and three species respectively. It is evident that the genus Bacillus in genetically extremely heterogeneous and requires extensive taxonomic revision. The rRNA structures defined in the present study will provide a firm basis for the division of Bacillus into several phylogenetically distinct genera.
Spatial patterns in the distribution of European springtails (Hexapoda: Collembola)

Using a large database on the spatial distribution of European springtails (Collembola) we investigated how range sizes and range distribution across European countries and major islands vary. Irrespective of ecological guild, islands tended to contain more endemic species than mainland countries. Nestedness and species co-occurrence analysis based on country species lists revealed latitudinal and longitudinal gradients of species occurrences across Europe. Species range sizes were much more coherent and had fewer isolated occurrences than expected from a null model based on random colonization. We did not detect clear postglacial colonization trajectories that shaped the faunal composition across Europe. Our results are consistent with a multiregional postglacial colonization. © 2012 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2012, 105, 498–506.
Internet Addiction among Undergraduate Students: Evidence from a Malaysian Public University

Introduction: Internet addiction is an increasingly worrying phenomena affecting people globally especially the youths. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of internet addiction among undergraduate students in a Malaysian public university and its associated factors. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 322 undergraduate students, identified through cluster sampling was conducted using a pretested, self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire includes socio-demography, use of information technology gadgets and internet usage. Internet Addiction test (IAT) was used to identify internet addiction. Data was analysed using SPSS version 22. Results: From 322 respondents, 25 (7.8%) were categorised as addictive internet users, while 182 (56.5%) were problematic internet users. The commonest online activity includes social networking (86.6%), entertainment (77.3%) and educational purposes (77.0%). From multivariate analysis, problematic and addictive internet use was significantly more common among male students (AOR=2.47, 95% CI [1.43, 4.26]), those who received study loan (AOR=1.93, 95% CI [1.10, 3.39]) and other types of funding (AOR=3.95, 95% CI [1.59, 9.80]) compared to those on scholarships, and those who spent between four to ten hours a day accessing the Internet (AOR=2.43, 95% CI [1.13, 5.23]) compared to those using the Internet for two hours or less a day. Conclusion: The prevalence of problematic and addictive internet use among respondents were higher compared to previous researches among Malaysian adolescents. It is recommended that an awareness programme on responsible use of the internet be conducted to prevent students from becoming addicted which may impact negatively on their educational performance and social life.
Quality of antenatal care provided through the public health sector in a district in North Kerala

Introduction: Quality of Care, a key element in provision of health care can be assessed by using technical standards defined by health professionals or from client’s perspective. Considering the population in Kerala to have advantage of early and nearly universal antenatal coverage, there is considerable potential for improving the quality of care, based on regular quality assessment. Objectives: 1. To evaluate observed quality of process of ante-natal care at various levels in the public health sector of Kozhikode district of Kerala. 2. To find out the perception of antenatal women regarding the antenatal care provided. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted in maternal health care institutions at various levels in the public health sector of Kozhikode district, North Kerala. Arbitrarily, 30% of institutions were selected from each stratum. Observed quality of antenatal care was assessed through passive observation of services delivered with help of a checklist. 197 antenatal women were observed. All antenatal women who had come for their re-visit were interviewed for assessing client perspective of quality of care. Hence 93 antenatal women were interviewed excluding those who had come for first visit. Results: Overall score for attributes of process of antenatal care was observed to be poor. Interpersonal aspects scored better. There was significant difference between different strata (p <0.001), with better scores at Taluk Hospital and Block Primary Health Centre levels and the difference in scores was found to be significant with regards to Diagnostic-techniques, Treatment-aspects, provision-of-Health-Education. An evident disparity was noted between observed and client’s perspective. 92.47% were satisfied with overall care. More than three-fourth were satisfied with time spent with health care provider though most spent only 5–15 minutes. Conclusion: Quality of antenatal care delivery needs to be improved.
THE USE OF SOME ORGANIC AND BIO-FERTILIZERS FOR EARLIGRANDE PEACH TREES FERTILIZATION UNDER NORTH SINAI CONDITIONS A: VEGETATIVE GROWTH AND LEAF CHEMICAL CONTENT

This study aimed to examine the effect of organic sources such as fish scrap, goat manure and olive pomace and bio-fertilizer applications (Nitrobein or Rhizobacterein) on vegetative growth and leaf chemical content of Earligrande peach trees during the two consecutive seasons of 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 at the private Farm at El-Kharafen village in Rafah district, North Sinai Governorate, Egypt. The type of application was surface and trench. Results indicated that fish scrap treatment recorded the highest effect on vegetative growth and leaf nutrients content compared with other organic fertilizer sources in both seasons. Rhizobacterein increased vegetative growth and had greater leaf nutrients content than Nitrobein during both seasons. Trench application method achieved a high values in these parameters compared to surface application method in both seasons. Finally, the interactions between fish scrap with Rhizobacterein under trench application method had the highest value for each of vegetative growth, leaf nutrient content and pigments in both seasons.
Investigation of Predisposing Factors of Paternal Postpartum Depression

1 MSc, Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran 2 Student, Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran 3 MSc, Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing Saveh, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran 4 MSc, Department of Nursing, Taleghani Hospital, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran 5 PhD, Department of Nursing, Nursing and Midwifery Faculty, Tehran University of medical science, Tehran, Iran 6 Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran * Corresponding author: Pegah Matourypour, PhD, Department of Nursing, Nursing and Midwifery Faculty, Tehran University of medical science, Tehran, Iran. E-mail: P_Matourypour@razi.tums. ac.ir Received: 18 May 2015 Accepted: 22 Sep 2016