Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Laboratory and field efficacy of certain fungicides against gummosis of citrus disease in Tunisia

Gummosis, caused by Oomyco ta, is a devastating disease for citrus production in Tunisia. Due to the limited strategies available for this disease management, the laboratory and field applications of some commercially fungicides were conducted.Using the mycelia growrh ratios, from the tested fungicides, metalaxyl, cymoxanil, propamocarb, and mancozeb are the most efficient fungicides ,with 94.75%, 94.62%, 91.13%, and 90.75% in reducing the mycelial growth of Oomycota pathogens, respectively. While azoxystrobin and fosetyl-Al have generated a moderate growth reduction, with 81.25% and 74.25%, respectively. The lowest fungicides effect was obtained with trifloxystrobin, thiophanate-methyl and chlorothalonil, with 38.87%, 36.25%, and 15.25%. In field experiments, metalaxyl and fosetyl-Al were applied as paint trunk and as foliar spray, against infection by Phytophthora nicotianae . The results showed that the metalaxyl was more efficiency in reducing the length lesion caused by P. nicotianae , than the fosetyl-Al. Furthermore, paint treatments revealed to be more effective in reducing lesion expansion than foliar spray treatments both in curative and in residual activity. Moreover, citrus clementine variety is the most susceptible to P. nicotianae infection, while the most tolerant is tangerine variety.
A UK local seismic magnitude scale, MLP, using P-wave amplitudes

A local seismic magnitude scale, MLP, has been developed for the United Kingdom (UK) using automated measurements of 8902 half peak-to-peak vertical component seismic P-wave displacement amplitudes from 630 earthquakes. The measurement time window increases with source-to-receiver range such that MLP is sensitive to the dominant phase within the P-wavetrain at a given distance. To avoid contamination due to low-frequency noise, the P-wave amplitude measurements are made in the 1.5–30 Hz passband. A least-squares inversion was undertaken to estimate source size, distance and station effects. The distance effect values suggest that P-wave amplitude attenuation across the UK is low when compared to other tectonically stable regions. The station effects are broadly consistent with UK geology, with signal amplification observed within the sediments towards the south-east of the country. MLP has been tied to the UK local magnitude scale routinely estimated by the British Geological Survey (BGS, determined using S waves, and here denoted MLBGS). For earthquakes with MLBGS > 3, MLP exhibits a closer correspondence to the moment magnitude than MLBGS (i.e. MLP≈Mw). It is tentatively suggested that this reduction in bias is caused by the P-wave scale being less affected by along-path attenuation. The difference with respect to physical source scaling helps explain the divergence of the MLBGS and MLP scales at ML > 3. MLP allows a robust estimate of event size to be made for small events which predominantly generate P waves, for example, near-surface explosions. MLP values have been calculated for 239 explosive events, mostly mining blasts and munitions disposal. Although there is significant scatter, explosive events exhibit elevated MLP values compared to MLBGS, consistent with explosions generating proportionally more compressional wave energy than earthquakes. For example, 33 explosions at sea exhibit a median MLP–MLBGS value of 0.50 mag units. Despite its sensitivity to P-wave amplitude, MLP is not a more consistent estimator of explosive source size than MLBGS; the magnitude residuals (station estimate − event estimate) are slightly less for MLBGS compared to MLP. This is primarily due to variability of the P-wave amplitudes that cannot be explained by a 1-D distance correction. MLP should be considered as an additional tool for characterizing small seismic events within the UK.
Nontracking type iterative learning control based on economic model predictive control

Most existing iterative learning control algorithms are designed to improve tracking performance with respect to a given trajectory over a fixed time period. In this article, we design two iterative learning‐based economic model predictive controllers for repetitive tasks where no target trajectory is available. The controller is able to search for suboptimal trajectories with good performance by exploiting information from previous experience. Compared with existing works, the objective function is not assumed to be positive definite so it is not limited to the tracking problem but can represent more general economic performance index. The controller can learn from the previous closed‐loop trajectory, resulting in a performance which is guaranteed to be no worse than the previous one. Under some standard assumptions in model predictive control, the recursive feasibility of the algorithms is ensured. We show that the fixed operation time algorithm can guarantee that the performance is no worse than the previous iteration even without the dissipative assumption. By allowing the operation time to vary, the flexible operation time algorithm can balance the operation time and the system performance if dissipative assumption is satisfied. For both algorithms, each iteration is guaranteed to be completed within a uniformly bounded time duration.
Phenotypic and Molecular Characterization of Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale Isolates in Broiler Chickens

Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale (ORT), is a bacterium that cause respiratory tract infection, has led to significant problems in the intensive poultry production. The current study aimed to isolate and identify ORT from broiler chickens, to detect antibacterial sensitivity and resistance of ORT isolates, and to test experimental infection of ORT in broiler chickens. One hundred eighty samples including tracheas, lungs and air sacs were subjected to isolation and phenotypic identification. Twelve suspected ORT isolates were used for molecular identification. Agar gel precipitation test was used to determine serotype of ORT isolates. Antibacterial sensitivity and resistance of ORT isolates were tested against 14 antibacterial drugs using standard disk diffusion technique. Pathogenicity of ORT was tested by experimental infection in broiler chickens. Results revealed that the incidence of ORT infection in broiler chickens in Assiut Governorate is 17.77% using isolation and phenotypic methods of identification, while it is 3.33% using molecular identification. Serological identification of ORT isolates indicated that all tested isolates, were belonged to serotype A. All ORT isolates were resistant to gentamycin, amoxycillin and cephradine with 100% incidence, where, 100% isolates were sensitive to colistin and doxycycline, 50% of isolates were sensitive to ampicillin and streptomycin, and 16.67% of isolates were sensitive to neomycin and trimethoprim. Living Newcastle attenuated vaccine, Lasota vaccine, exaggerates the clinical signs and lesions of ORT experimental infection.
Phytochemical Screening and Toxicity of Lippia multiflora Moldenke, a Minor Aromatic Leafy Vegetable Consumed in Benin

Lippia multiflora Moldenke, is a minor aromatic leafy vegetable mainly consumed in central Benin that belong to the country’s neglected and underutilised species (NUS). Extracts of its leaves and flowers collected from six different zones (Bantè, Dassa-Zoumè, Djidja, Glazoué, Savalou and Savè) were assessed for phytochemical composition and tested for cytotoxicity using brine shrimp lethality bioassay. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of almost the same phytochemical groups (cathetic and gallic tannins, flavonoids, anthocyanins, leucoanthocyanes, triterpenoids, mucilage, coumarins and the reducing compounds) in both leaves and flowers from all sites with variable abundances. Alkaloids were found only in leaves while steroids, quinone derivatives and combined anthracene C-heterosides were identified uniquely in flowers. The nature and the functions of the compounds found justify the perceived medicinal values of the species. Extracts from both leaves and flowers showed positive action on shrimp larvae but with CL50 of (13.28±1.52 mg/ml for leaves; 0.46±0.05 mg/ml for flowers) superior to 0.1mg/ml, hence indicating the non-toxicity of Lippia multiflora. Accepted: 15 March 2017 Available Online: 06 May 2017
Prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of bacteriuria among HIV-seropositive patients attending the Bamenda Regional Hospital, Cameroon

Background HIV causes a decrease in CD4+ lymphocyte cells count, exposing the individual to infections (urinary tract infections). This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of bacteriuria and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of bacteria isolates among HIV patients. Methods Clean catch mid-stream urine samples were collected from 135 HIV- seropositive patients, cultured on Cystein lactose electrolyte deficient (CLED) agar and incubated at 370C for 24 hours. The modified Kirby-Bauer's disc diffusion method was used to assess susceptibility to antimicrobial agents. Results The prevalence of bacteriuria was 67.4% (91/135). Staphylococcus aureus was the most predominant (42.9%) isolate, followed by Escherichia. coli (24.2%), then Coagulase negative Staphylococci (10.9%). The highest proportion of bacteria was isolated from patients having a CD4+ T-cell count of less than 300 cells/mm3 (39.6%). There was an association between the level of CD4+cell count and bacterial urinary tract infection (P= 0.001). Most sensitive drugs were gentamycin, vancomycin and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid while the drug with the greatest resistance was sulphamethoxazole-trimethoprim, with Enterococcus and Proteus showing 100% resistance to this drug. Conclusion Bacteriuria and resistance to commonly used antibiotics is prevalent among HIV/AIDS patients attending the Bamenda Regional Hospital. Therapy based on antimicrobial susceptibility test is encouraged.
Bionic Design of a Potato Digging Shovel with Drag Reduction Based on the Discrete Element Method (DEM) in Clay Soil

The resistance of ordinary potato digging shovels can increase dramatically when used in a clay soil because of the adhesion between the soil and shovel. In this paper, a new type of bionic potato digging shovel was designed to decrease adhesion. The bionic structural elements, i.e., scalelike units (S-U) were applied to the potato digging shovel with inspiration from pangolin scales. The discrete element method (DEM) considered cohesion was used to simulate the drag reduction performance in clayey soil conditions. An ordinary plane shovel (O-P-S) was used for comparison. Three indicators (total force, draft force and compressive force) were used to characterize the drag reduction performance. The effect of the design variables of the bionic structures (length [l] and height [h]) and the transversal and longitudinal arrangement spacing (S1 and S2) of the structures on the drag reduction performance were analyzed. The results showed that the drag reduction performance of the bionic shovels with suitable parameters was better than that of the O-P-S. The best bionic sample labeled as a bionic prototype had a 22.26% drag reduction rate during the soil bin test and a 14.19% drag reduction rate during the field test compared to the O-P-S.
Using improved understanding of research and extension professionals’ attitudes and beliefs to inform design of AIS approaches

ABSTRACT Purpose This paper seeks to understand what influences research and extension professionals’ intentions to use AIS approaches and to explore how this can inform implementation and design of more effective AIS. Methodology We applied the Reasoned Action Approach through focus groups and structured questionnaires with research and extension professionals from government and non-government organisations in Sierra Leone, where AIS approaches are not widely used although increasingly institutionalised in policy. Findings Research and extension professionals have surprisingly positive attitudes towards using AIS approaches and associate it with a range of positive outcomes related to food security and inclusive processes. The perceived ability to successfully implement AIS approaches is strongly influenced by funding, organisational culture and dynamics between senior and junior staff. We also found that alongside use of AIS approaches there is a continued adherence to top-down approaches. Practical Implications This work highlights the enthusiasm and interest among extension and research professionals as a promising start for improving the innovation systems. Practical requirements include training of senior and involvement of junior staff respectively in AIS design, and addressing extension education and organisational culture. Theoretical Implications This study highlights the importance of socio-psychological theory for understanding attitudes towards AIS approaches. We show how considering both institutional and personal constraints is vital for conceptualising how AIS are evolving. Originality There has been very little research conducted on research and extension professionals’ intentions to use AIS approaches in developing countries that links with personal and systemic preconditions for supporting more effective AIS.
Report of a rare case of sepsis caused by Bacillus pumilus in an immunocompetent child with the involvement of soft tissues cellulitis

Bacillus pumilus is an environmental contaminant, rarely associated with human diseases. In this report we describe a case of a severe sepsis caused by B. pumilus in a 7-year-old healthy child. The microorganism has been isolated from two blood cultures and has been identified using both biochemical tests and mass spectrometry. The patient fully recovered after an ampicillin treatment.
The New Pharmacological Approaches for the Regulation of Functional Activity of G Protein-Coupled Receptors

The G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), a large family of the receptors that specifically interact with a number of signal molecules, play a key role in the regulation of fundamental cell processes, and the pharmacological action of over 40% of drugs is carried out through GPCRs. In the last years, a significant progress was made in the creation of selective regulators of GPCRs interacting with their allosteric sites, such as the syn- thetic peptides corresponding to intracellular regions of receptors (GPCR-peptides) and the low-molecular weight agonists and antagonists of GPCRs. This review describes the recent results obtained by us and other authors in the development of GPCR-peptides and low-molecular weight agonists and the prospects of their use in clinics.
Transformational Leadership On Organizational Citizenship Behavior And Its Mediational Pathway

Organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) is an extra-role behavior that is known to increase an organization’s success and effectiveness, while transformational leadership has been found to increase employees’ OCB. However, factors and processes on how transformational leadership may increase employees’ OCB are seldom discussed in the literature. Few researchers pointed out this mixed evidence on the underlying mediators within the relationship between transformational leadership and OCB. Hence, the purpose of this research is to understand the effect of transformational leadership on employees’ OCB by investigating trust in leader, self-efficacy, and affective commitment as mediators between the two. Two hundred and five full-time working adults (Male = 74, Female = 131; Mage = 29.01) in Malaysia participated in the study. Using regression and mediation analyses, results showed that there is a significant relationship between transformational leadership and employees’ OCB. Findings also indicate that trust in leader and self-efficacy mediated the relationship between transformational leadership and affective commitment. Affective commitment also mediates trust in leader and self-efficacy and OCB. This implies that transformational leadership is effective in nurturing employees’ OCB in Malaysia. This study may further expand to include other leadership styles that are motivating, such as empowering leadership on its mediational pathway in motivating employees. 2357-1330 © 2020 Published by European Publisher.
Correlates of obsessive-compulsive symptoms among Black Caribbean Americans

Abstract Despite the rapid growth of the Black Caribbean population in the United States, we know little about the presentation and prevalence of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) among these groups. This study examines the demographic correlates and the effect of racial discrimination on OCD symptoms among a nationally-representative sample of Black Caribbean and African American adults (n = 5191). Drawing on the Composite International Diagnostic Interview Short Form (CIDI-SF) for OCD, we examine two types of obsessions (harm and contamination) and four types of compulsions (repeating, washing, ordering, and counting). There we no significant differences between Black Caribbeans and African Americans in obsessions and compulsions. Analysis among Black Caribbeans found that compared with Jamaican and Trinidadian Americans, Haitian American individuals reported the fewest number of obsessions and compulsions. We show that Black Caribbean Americans with lower income, lower self-rated physical and mental health, and more experiences with racial discrimination report higher levels of OCD. More specifically, racial discrimination was associated with contamination and harm obsessions, as well as washing and repeating compulsions. Our findings highlight the need to consider specific domains of OCD relative to Black Caribbeans, and the relationship between social and demographic variables on symptomology.
Renal Syndromic Hearing Loss Is Common in Childhood-onset Chronic Kidney Disease

Background Hearing loss (HL) in children may adversely affect their development. HL is more prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) than in the general population. This study evaluated the prevalence of HL and its underlying diseases in patients with childhood-onset in CKD. Methods In this retrospective study of a tertiary referral center, childhood-onset CKD patients (stage 2–5, age at onset of renal symptom < 18 years) were recruited. We referred to the “renal” syndromic HL as cases with genetic or syndromic diseases, or extra-renal anomalies in addition to HL and CKD. Results A total of 421 patients (male:female = 279:142) were reviewed according to the causes of CKD: congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT; n = 184, 43.7%), glomerulopathies (GP; n = 105, 24.9%), cystic kidney diseases (CYST; n = 39, 9.3%), perinatal problems (PP; n = 29, 6.9%), and others (n = 64, 15.2%). HL was detected in 82 (19.5%) patients, including 51 (12.1%) patients with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), 30 (7.1%) with conductive hearing loss (CHL), and 1 patient with mixed HL. The prevalence of HL in each group was as follows: 16.8% in the CAKUT group, 28.6% in the GP group, 12.8% in the CYST group, 24.1% in the PP group, and 14.1% in the others group. HL was more common in higher CKD stages, especially CHL in end-stage renal disease. SNHL was more prevalent in CKD from GP. Of the 82 patients with HL, 50% had renal syndromic HL: 58.8% of SNHL and one-third of CHL were renal syndromic HL. Conclusion One-fifth of the childhood-onset CKD had HL. Collectively, renal syndromic HL comprised half of the HL in this study. To improve the quality of life in patients with childhood-onset CKD, we suggest that HL should be considered, requiring surveillance, and if necessary, early intervention.
Biomass production and water use efficiency in perennial grasses during and after drought stress

Drought is a great challenge to agricultural production, and cultivation of drought‐tolerant or water use‐efficient cultivars is important to ensure high biomass yields for bio‐refining and bioenergy. Here, we evaluated drought tolerance of four C3 species, Dactylis glomerata cvs. Sevenop and Amba, Festuca arundinacea cvs. Jordane and Kora, Phalaris arundinacea cvs. Bamse and Chieftain and Festulolium pabulare cv. Hykor, and two C4 species Miscanthus × giganteus and M. lutarioriparius. Control (irrigated) and drought‐treated plants were grown on coarse and loamy sand in 1 m2 lysimeter plots where rain was excluded. Drought periods started after harvest and lasted until 80% of available soil water had been used. Drought caused a decrease in dry matter yield (DM; P < 0.001) for all species and cultivars during the drought period. Cultivars Sevenop, Kora and Jordane produced DM at equal levels and higher than the other C3 cultivars in control and drought‐treated plots both during and after the drought period. Negative correlations were observed between stomatal conductance (gs) and leaf water potential (P < 0.01) and positive correlations between gs and DM (P < 0.05) indicating that gs might be suitable for assessment of drought stress. There were indications of positive associations between plants carbon isotope composition and water use efficiency (WUE) as well as DM under well‐watered conditions. Compared to control, drought‐treated plots showed increased growth in the period after drought stress. Thus, the drought events did not affect total biomass production (DMtotal) of the whole growing season. During drought stress and the whole growing season, WUE was higher in drought‐treated compared to control plots, so it seems possible to save water without loss of biomass. Across soil types, M. lutarioriparius had the highest DMtotal (15.0 t ha−1), WUEtotal (3.6 g L−1) and radiation use efficiency (2.3 g MJ−1) of the evaluated grasses.
Osmo-Priming with Seaweed Extracts Enhances Yield of Salt-Stressed Tomato Plants

Salinization of agricultural land is an expanding phenomenon, which requires a multi-level strategy to counteract its deleterious effects on crop yield and quality. Plant biostimulants are increasingly used in agriculture with multiple purposes, including protection against abiotic stresses such as drought and salinity. The complex nature of plant biostimulants, however, makes it difficult to establish a cause–effect relationship between the composition of the commercial product and its expected effects. Here, we demonstrate that field applications of two algal derivatives (Rygex, R and Super Fifty, SU) cause a 26% reduction in shoot biomass and a remodulation of the root-to-shoot ratio under moderately saline irrigation (6.3 dS m−1). Moreover, plants treated with the two algal derivatives showed lower leaf water potential and improved water use efficiency under control conditions, suggesting an osmo-priming effect by these two products. These pre-adaptation responses increased tomato yield by 49% (R) and 70% (SU) regardless of the salinity level, with a remarkable reallocation of the biomass toward the fruits. Overall, our results suggest that the application of these two biostimulants can be useful in the open field to protect tomato plants from osmotic stress due to seasonal salinization, a phenomenon that typically occurs in arid and semi-arid environments.