Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spermatozoal Ultrastructure in Branchiostoma moretonensis Kelly, a Comparison with B. lanceolatum (Cephalochordata) and with other Deuterostomes

The spermatozoon of Branchiostoma moretonensis closely resembles that of B. lanceolatum and, though near the primitive sperm, allows recognition of a cephalochordate sperm type. This has: a bell‐shaped acrosome; diffuse subacrosomal material not structured as an acrosome rod; sub‐ovoidal nucleus with shallow anterior concavity, deep tubular posterior fossa (endonuclear canal) and condensed but lacunate chromatin; single asymmetrical, postnuclear mitochondrion almost completely or completely encircling the centrioles; mutually perpendicular proximal and distal centrioles of the triplet type, with the distal forming the basal body of the flagellum and the proximal (always? ), as in B. moretonensis, with a spur‐like extension (striated rootlet) into the nuclear fossa; flagellum tilted relative to the longitudinal axis (and endonuclear canal) of the nucleus; a 9 + 2 axoneme with hollow tubules and both dynein arms present on the doublets; and scattered glycogen granules, numerous around the distal centriole. The mitochondrion of B. moretonensis is C‐shaped in transverse section, as in urochordates, but cephalochordate sperm resemble those of echinoderms, and specifically holothuroids, more closely. The occurrence of flagellar rootlets and composite mitochondria in various animal groups is discussed. The term paramorphy is proposed for parallel and convergent acquisition of an identical character: symparamorphy where acquisition is by parallelism and alloparamorphy where it is by convergence; the two terms represent, however, extremes of a continuum. Superficially similar but structurally different characters acquired by convergence are termed analogomorphis.
Effects of tannin-containing diets on small ruminant meat quality

Abstract Tannins are phenolic compounds present in several forages, tree leaves and by-products used for small ruminant feeding in the Mediterranean area. Although the effects of dietary tannins on small ruminant growth performances have been largely studied, only in the last ten years researchers have started to study the effects of tannins on meat quality. Meat from small ruminants given tanniniferous diets is lighter in colour compared to meat from animals given the same diets but in which the effects of tannins have been eliminated by the supplementation of polyethylene glycol. This result has been obtained with tannins from different feeds (carob pulp, acacia leaves or sulla fresh herbage). Recent in vitro studies seem to indicate that a possible effect of tannins on meat colour could be due to a reduced microbial biosynthesis of vitamin B12 which is a precursor for the synthesis of haeme pigments. Meat from lambs given carob contains less conjugated linoleic acid compared to meat from animals fed the same diet but supplemented with polyethylene glycol. A possible explanation of this result has been proposed recently after an in vitro experiment on linoleic acid isomerase; it has been shown that when cattle ruminal fluid is incubated with tannins exctracted from acacia, carob or quebracho, the conjugated linoleic acid formed from linoleic acid was lower compared to the mount of conjugated linoleic acid produced in tannin-free rumen fluid. Also, the ruminal biosynthesis of odour-active compounds seems to be affected by tanniniferous diets. This is the case of skatole (3-methylindole) and indole which confer unpleasant flavour connotations to lamb meat.
Phenotypic methods for detection of various β-lactamases in Gram-negative clinical isolates: Need of the hour

Background: Many clinical laboratories have problems detecting various β-lactamases. Confusion exists about the importance of these resistance mechanisms, optimal test methods, and appropriate reporting conventions. It is more imperative to use various phenotypic methods for detection of various β-lactamases in routine microbiology laboratory on day-to-day basis to prevent antimicrobial resistance by evidence-based judicious use of antimicrobials. Aims: In view of the multidrug-resistant organisms being reported world over, we planned a cross-sectional prospective analytical study to determine resistance mechanism by various β-lactamases in Gram-negative clinical isolates using various phenotypic methods. Materials and Methods: All nonrepeat, nonenteric clinical isolates of Gram-negative bacilli, resistant to at least two third-generation cephalosporins, were first screened by Novel disc placement method, and isolates showing multiple mechanisms of resistance and reduced zone of inhibition for imipenem were further confirmed for AmpC and metallo β-lactamases. Statistical Analysis: All the data was managed and analyzed in Microsoft Excel. Results: Out of 807 isolates tested, as many as 795 (98.51%) revealed the presence of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs). Only 10 isolates of Escherichia coli and 2 of Klebsiella pneumoniae did not show production of ESBL. A total of 450 (55.76%) isolates produced single enzyme,while 345 (42.75%) strains revealed multiple enzyme production simultaneously. Only ESBL production was seen in 315 (39.03%) strains, only AmpC in 75 (9.29%) and only MBL in 60 (7.44%) strains, while ESBL and AmpC together were seen in 219 (27.14%) and AmpC plus MBL in 92 (11.40%) strains. However, ESBL plus MBL were never observed together. All three enzymes were simultaneously detected in 34 (4.21%) strains. Conclusion: This innovative method of disc placement makes it easy, affordable, and reliable method for routine use by basic microbiology laboratories for detection of various β-lactamases, pending confirmation for AmpC and metallo β-lactamase by three-dimensional test and double disc potentiation test, respectively.
Trajectory of the Victims of Overland Transport Accidents: From Prehospital to Hospital Care

Objective The aim is to evaluate the trajectory of the victims of ground transportation accidents from the prehospital care to the hospital. Methods The sample consisted of 1,264 patients collected from the prehospital care, from June 2015 to June 2016. The trajectory was analyzed by the difference in the average time elapsed between the call and the hospital entrance. The Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis tests were used, adopting a significance level of 5% and 95% confidence. Results Patients had a mean age of 31.2 years, Glasgow Coma Scale of 14.8 points, and 24.8 days of hospitalization. It is characterized predominantly masculine, conductive of the vehicle, being the motorcycle prevalent; most of them wore a helmet/seat belt and no alcohol. The association between the average time of care and the characteristics related to the victim was significant: the use of the belt/helmet, alcoholism, and type of discharge and relative to the accident: area of occurrence, period of the week, shift of occurrence, type of prehospital care, and other party involved. Conclusion The characteristics related to ground transportation accident interfere in the time of prehospital care to the hospital, which can influence the prognosis.
Effects of gamma irradiation on quality of Pakistani blood red oranges (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck)

Summary Effect of gamma irradiation and washing on physicochemical and sensory quality of blood red oranges was investigated. The citrus fruits were packed in cellophane bags and stored at room temperature for 42 days. Two gamma irradiation doses 0.25 and 0.5 kGy alone and in combination with washing were applied to the fruits. Weight loss decreased with gamma irradiation and increased with washing during storage. Acidity and ascorbic acid values were higher for the oranges irradiated at 0.5 kGy and minimum for the washed oranges. Generally, total soluble solids (TSS) increased during the storage period. However, washed samples had the highest concentration and 0.5 kGy-irradiated samples had the lowest TSS at the end of the storage period. Sensory quality qualify by appearance, odour and taste are decreased during storage in both treatments. However, the fruits were still acceptable by the trained observers. It can be inferred from this study that irradiation at 0.5 kGy or in combination with washing is an effective post-harvest technique in keeping the changes in physicochemical and sensory quality to a minimum level during storage.
Do Wetting Agents Influence Golf Ball Roll Distance?

Wetting agents are commonly applied to golf putting greens to manage soil moisture. Speculation has arisen regarding the influence of wetting agents on golf ball roll distance. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of wetting agents on golf ball roll distance, putting green surface firmness, and volumetric water content in sand-based putting greens. This study was conducted during the 2018 growing season in Jay, FL and Ft. Lauderdale, FL on ‘TifEagle’ hybrid bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon × C. transvaalensis) putting greens. Treatments were applied to plots (2 × 3 m) in a randomized complete block design using four replications, and included seven wetting agents and an untreated turfgrass control. The study area was irrigated at 80% of the previous week’s reference evapotranspiration. Ball roll distance, firmness, and volumetric water content (VWC) were recorded weekly and pooled by month. Wetting agents did not lead to an increase in ball roll distance, firmness, or VWC during any month in Jay or Ft. Lauderdale. Inversely, in Jay, polyoxyalkylene polymer resulted in decreased surface firmness during October and November compared with untreated turfgrass. VWC was reduced as a result of some wetting agents in Ft. Lauderdale in February, September, November, and December, and resulted in no influence on VWC in Jay. The coefficients of determination of surface firmness and ball roll distance in Jay and Ft. Lauderdale were significant (P < 0.001) and were 0.12 and 0.08, respectively. This indicates that ball roll distance can increase as surfaces become firmer. However, this study found no evidence that wetting agents increase ball roll distance on sand-based putting greens.
Retention of Marks and Their Effects on Growth, Behavior, and Migrations of the American lobster, Homarus americanus

Abstract Laboratory and field experiments were conducted with the lobster, Homarus americanus, to test the retention through molting of three primary marks—the back tag, elbow tag, and brand. Relatively more back tags were retained through the molt than elbow tags or brands. Molestation among tagged lobsters contributed significantly to tag loss. In November 1965 and July 1966, a total of 1776 lobsters were tagged and released at Monhegan Island, Maine. Lobsters were given a primary mark plus a secondary mark of amputated abdominal scutes and spines. The secondary mark was retained through 2 molts and permitted recognition of a lobster that had lost its primary mark. The recapture of marked lobsters through June 1968 yielded information on tag retention and the effects of marks on growth and behavior. Lobsters marked with the back tags had an 88% retention rate through a molt compared with 55% for brands and 16% for elbow tags. By June 1968 approximately 98% and 77% of the November release of back-tagged .
Validating an Instrument to Measure Teachers’ Preparedness to Use Digital Technology in their Teaching

In order to effectively integrate digital technology into education, it is necessary to examine and understand teachers’ preparedness to use digital technology in education. The objective of this pilot study is to validate a self-reported instrument to measure teachers’ preparedness to use Information and Communication Technologies for learning and teaching. The survey items of the instrument are grounded and developed on the basis of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology and Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge. Data was collected from a sample of 157 teachers at seven K-9 schools in Sweden and analysed mainly using exploratory factor analysis. The results yielded a seven-factor structure comprising a model of teachers’ digital competence focusing on their preparedness. These factors are: (1) Abilities to use digital learning technology, (2) Social influence and support, (3) Intention of use, (4) Usefulness and efficiency, (5) Limitation awareness, (6) Pedagogical potential, and (7) Assistance awareness. The results of this study aim to support schools when encouraging and supporting teachers to use technology in teaching and learning. They can also be used to measure differences before and after inventions, such as on the job teacher training.
A behavioural study to help clarify how undersowing with clover affects host‐plant selection by pest insects of brassica crops

Laboratory and field‐cage tests were done to determine how undersowing brassica plants (Brassica oleraceae L. and B. rapa L.) (Cruciferae) with subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) (Papilionaceae) affected host‐plant selection by eight pest insect species of brassica crops. The pest species tested were Pieris rapae (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) (the small white butterfly), Pieris brassicae (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) (the large white butterfly), Delia radicum (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) (the cabbage root fly), Phaedon cochleariae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) (the mustard beetle), Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae) (the diamond‐back moth), Evergestis forficalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) (the garden‐pebble moth), Mamestra brassicae (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) (the cabbage moth) and Brevicoryne brassicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae) (the cabbage aphid). In all tests, except two in which the brassica plants were about three times as high as the clover background, 39%–100% fewer of the pest insect stage monitored were found on host plants presented in clover than on those presented in bare soil. Contrary to claims supporting the ‘enemies hypothesis’, differences in colonization alone appeared sufficient to account for the lower numbers of insects found when host plants are undersown with clover. To be effective in reducing plant colonization, the clover must cover 50%, and preferably more, of the vertical profile of the crop plants. As clover used as an undersown crop often has to be cut to make it less competitive with the main brassica crop, temporal aspects of the condition of the clover during critical periods of pest activity need to be recorded carefully before concluding that undersowing does not produce the effect desired against certain pest species under field conditions. The effective clover barrier is like any other treatment, if it is not present at the appropriate time it cannot be expected to reduce pest insect numbers.
Modulatory Effects of Ginkgo biloba in Cyclophosphamide Induced Genotoxicity in Germ Cells of Mice

Cyclophosphamide has been used for treatment of various cancers, hence there are side toxic effects has been noted hence studies were carried to evaluate the protective effects of Ginkgo biloba in germ cells of mice two experiments were carried out. In first experiment the animals were treated with various doses of GBE 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg were given orally. All the animals were killed on 60th day if treatment for meiotic prepares were made according to the standardized protocol. In second experiment animals were given Cyclophosphamide co administered with GBE for seven days prior to the cp . the prepared slides were screened for the presence of various types of aberrations such as autosomal univalent and sex chromosomal univalent and translocations in control and treated animals . the data was analyzed using standard statistical analysis the results showed increased incidence of chromosomal aberration in cp induced animals however in primed with GBE there is a significant reduction in the frequency of aberrations thus the data clearly indicate protective nature of Ginkgo biloba in Swiss albino mice the present observations are useful in ca cancer chemotherapy regimen.
THE PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF MALE ALBINO RATS TREATED WITH ANTIBIOTICS (COLCHICINE) (A HISTOLOGICAL STUDY)

Colchicine: is a medicinal compound extracte from Colchicum autumnale plant flowers. It is used to treat gout, Behçet's disease, Mediterranean fever, psoriasis, cancer, and colitis. It has side effects that includes: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, live function disorders, skin disorders, blood disorders, and effects on the formation of blood cells in the bone marrow leading to anemia, neurological effects, and fetal abnormalities (when used in pregnant women). And a decrease in the number of sperms, and may cause damage in some chromosomes and may lead to infertility and sterility, so the aim of the study was to know its effect on the reproductive channel of male rats. Keywords— Colchicine, Leydig cells, Sertoli cells, Seminiferous tubules, Sperm, Epididymis.
Clothing size recommender on real-time fitting simulation using skeleton tracking and rigging

Virtual fitting room (VFR) is a technology that replaces conventional fitting rooms. The VFR is not only available in shops, malls, and any shopping center but also in online stores, which makes VFR technology more and more developed, primarily to support online garment sales. VFR become a trending research interest since Microsoft has developed a Kinect tracking system. In this paper, we proposed the interactive 3D virtual fitting room using Microsoft's Kinect tracking and the rigging technique from 3D Modeling Blender and to implement the VFR. VFR manages the progress of virtual fitting that forms the three-dimensional simulations and visualization of garments on virtual counterparts of the real prospective buyer (user). Users can view the clothing animation on the various poses that are following the user body movements. The system can evaluate the user’s match, guiding them to choose the suitable size of the clothes using Euclidean distance.
Integration of Non-Financial Information into Corporate Reporting: A Theoretical Perspective

Firms are adopting integrated reporting (IR), despite been voluntary in many countries. Meanwhile, the disclosure of these additional non-financial information (NFI) requires economic, human and capital resources. The question posed is: why do firms spend time and resources to provide information that is not mandated by any standard or law? This study, through a theoretical perspective examines why firms provide voluntary non-financial information. The study adopted a critical literature review research approach. The findings of various studies on IR/NFI disclosure were critically reviewed to identify areas of consensus and areas of peculiarity. The study found that the legitimacy, institutional, signalling and inter-generational equity theories explain the IR practice of manufacturing, mining, petroleum and pharmaceutical industries, whose activities are perceived to have a negative impact on the society and the environment. On the other hand, firms in a service and trading industry, which are perceived to have a little negative impact on the environment and society are shaped by stakeholder, signalling, institutional and agency theories. Besides, strategic theories like legitimacy, institutional, signalling, agency, and inter-generational equity theories explain the integration of NFI into corporate reporting by firms in capital markets or countries that are heavily regulated. This study makes a unique contribution to the literature on corporate reporting, which is in its embryonic stage by identifying and contextualising the various theories underpinning the integration of non-financial information into corporate reporting.
Riverine wetland vegetation: importance of small‐scale and large‐scale environmental variation

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relative importance of small-scale variation in abiotic factors and large-scale spatio-temporal variation on the distribution of wetland vegetation of a section of the Upper St. Lawrence River in Quebec. Vegetation data have been classified with agglomerative clustering into 11 community types, from Acer rubrum, Acer saccharinum and Fraxinus swamps, to scrubs dominated by Salix petiolaris, Alnus rugosa var. americana or Myrica gale, to Typha, Typha/Lythrum, Carex lacustris and Calamagrostis canadensis marshes. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CANOCO) suggested that peat thickness and water level are the most important abiotic variables correlated with plant community composition. As a whole, small-scale variation accounts for 25.6 % of the species variation. Another 21.6% is explained by large-scale variation based on location data summarizing large-scale spatial distribution, and historical landscape dynamics differentiated into (a) no net loss of wetlands, (b) net loss of wetland, and (c) changes within wetlands, which are correlated with the actual variation in herbaceous and scrubby vegetation. The interaction between small-scale and large-scale variations explains another 1.7 %. In total, 48.9% of the species variation is explained by the two data sets, leaving 51.1% unexplained. Whereas the omission of some abiotic variables is possible, it is hypothesized that the abiotic conditions measured in this study play an important role, especially in the distribution of forested swamps. In addition, past history, particularly that of human interventions, becomes another important factor leading to the observed importance of large-scale spatio-temporal variables. This is particularly true for Alnus rugosa var. americana shrublands. Time lag between a relative stabilization of species distribution and the reduction of natural disturbances (water level fluctuations and fires) could be a possible cause of the importance of spatio-temporal variables and the undetermined portion of species variation.
NEW TAXA AND COMBINATIONS OF AQUATIC HYPHOMYCETES

Actinosporella nom.nov. is proposed for Actinospora, a homonym of a plant genus. Anguillospora furtiva sp.nov. and Anguillospora rosea sp.nov. are described with their teleomorphs, respectively in Pezoloma and Orbilia (Leotiales). Gemmulina gen.nov. is erected for Tricellula botryosa, Variocladium gen.nov. for Scorpiosporium rangiferinum and Tricladium giganteum, and Ypsilina gen.nov. for Volucrispora graminea.Key words: aquatic hyphomycetes, conidial fungi, taxonomy, nomenclature.
Cross-sectional Study on the Knowledge and Prevalence of PCOS at a Multiethnic University

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex, poorly understood, and underdiagnosed endocrine disorder in women. Understanding PCOS prevalence and information sources allows for resource development for those with PCOS and their loved ones. The purpose of this study was to identify PCOS prevalence, knowledge, and information sources in a young multiethnic cohort in Texas. Methods: An online survey polled students, faculty, and staff at Texas Woman’s University campuses in Denton, Dallas, and Houston. Seven hundred sixty-nine respondents including 722 females and 47 males completed the survey. Results: Approximately, 28.5% of female respondents indicated a formal diagnosis of PCOS, and 40.5% of those without a formal diagnosis had 2 or more symptoms that align with PCOS. A majority of participants ranked their PCOS knowledge as “Know some” or less (66.3% women and 83% of men). Healthcare professionals were the most common information source in women with a PCOS diagnosis (83.7%). Hispanics were least likely to use healthcare resources (36%) and to seek information from family and friends (17.6%). Differences were also observed by education level. Conclusions: Although women in this study recorded a PCOS prevalence above the national average (6%–12%) and were more likely to seek information from healthcare professionals, these numbers may have been skewed attributable to an increased likelihood of polycystic women to respond to the questionnaire. Ethnicity and education need to be accounted for in designing informative material for polycystic women and their family and friends.