Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the efficacy of BTI Larvicide, VectoBac 12AS® (BTI AM65-52) against “nuisance” flies at water treatment plants in North West England

In treating wastewater using percolating filters, nature employs diverse biota, which includes nematoceran larvae, to sustain filter function. This study sought to generate evidence on the efficacy of a Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis-derived larvicide widely used in England for the control of adult flies that emerge. This was in part-fulfilment of the European Union’s new biocidal products licencing requirements. Adult and larval fly counts of four species of “nuisance flies”, Limnophyes minimus, Metriocnemus eurynotus, Psychoda alternata and Sylvicola fenestralis were monitored at two wastewater treatment works (WWTW) in North West of England. At selected points relative to peak fly presence, selected filters were treated with the larvicide at concentrations of 80mg/L (low dose), 160 mg/L (medium dose) or 230 mg/L (high dose). Fly reduction and effectiveness of different doses were determined based on pre- and post-treatment counts. A single treatment against S. fenestralis using the medium (recommended) dose achieved 100% larval and adult fly reductions within two and fourteen days respectively. Two treatments against P. alternata at the low (recommended) dose achieved 93% and 95% larval and adult reductions overall, 48 hours and 23 days after the second treatment respectively. Forty-eight hours and one month after second treatment, larval and adult L. minimus respectively showed 100% and 30% overall reductions at low dose, 100% and 91% at medium (recommended) dose and, 100% and 90% at high dose. At similar post-treatment points, larval and adult M. eurynotus showed 100% and 94% overall reductions respectively at low dose, 97% and 99% at medium (recommended) dose and 100% across both larvae and adults at high dose. The biolarvicide showed no effect against non-target organisms but was harmful and effective against target-species. Reduced and increased treatment strengths trialled against chironomid species showed slightly reduced efficacy and no added benefit respectively.
Short Communication Nuclear Accumulation of Mutated b-Catenin in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Is Associated with Increased Cell Proliferation

Inappropriate activation of the Wnt pathway resulting from b-catenin gene alterations has recently been implicated in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To explore the in vivo effects of mutated b-catenin, HCC specimens from 32 patients carrying one or several tumors were screened for somatic mutations in exon 3 of the b-catenin gene, and the expression and subcellular localization of b-catenin was studied by immunohistochemistry. Missense mutations or interstitial deletions in b-catenin exon 3 were detected in 12 of 35 (34%) HCC samples. After immunostaining, most tumors exhibited increased membranous and/or cytoplasmic expression of b-catenin compared with adjacent nontumoral liver. Strong nuclear accumulation of b-catenin was observed either focally or uniformly in 15 of 35 (43%) tumor specimens, but not in cirrhotic nodules or dysplastic liver cells in adjacent liver. Aberrant nuclear expression of b-catenin was significantly associated with the presence of mutations in the b-catenin gene (P < 0.005). Moreover, nuclear b-catenin staining correlated significantly with increased Ki-67 proliferative index in tumor (P < 0.001) and seemed to be associated with poor outcome in patients with HCC. In conclusion, our data indicate that activation of the Wnt/b-catenin pathway in HCC results mainly from somatic mutations in the b-catenin gene and may promote tumor progression by stimulating tumor cell proliferation. (Am J Pathol 1999, 155:703‐710)
Characterization of Schizaphis graminum (Rondani) (Homoptera: Aphididae) biotype evolution via virulence and fitness on Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench and Sorghum halepense (L.) Persoon

Characterization of Schizaphis graminum (Rondani) (Homoptera: Aphididae) Biotype Evolution via Virulence and Fitness on Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench and Sorghum halepense (L.) Persoon. (May 2004) Roberto Luis Gorena, B.S., University of Texas – Pan American; M.S., University of Texas – Pan American Co-Chairs of Advisory Committee: Dr. Marvin K. Harris Dr. Gary C. Peterson Greenbug is one of two key insect pests of sorghum, and biotype evolution hinders the long-term usefulness of resistant sorghums. The current study sought to identify plant resistance mechanisms, plant damage characteristics, and greenbug fitness in sorghum/greenbug interactions. Choice tests were conducted to elucidate resistance mechanisms displayed by four sorghum genotypes towards several greenbug biotypes and isolates. Results indicated all three resistance modalities (antibiosis, antixenosis, tolerance) were identified in sorghums, with some genotypes displaying two or more modalities towards some biotypes. This suggests some sorghum genotypes do not select for greenbug biotypes, and the sorghum genotypes cultivated may have relatively longterm resistance. Non-choice tests were used to determine plant damage associated with greenbug feeding. Four sorghum genotype, Johnson grass, and five greenbug biotype combinations were used to elucidate plant characteristics associated with visible plant
On the responses of carrots (Daucus carota L.) to nitrogen supply

ABSTRACT Conflicting reports of the responsiveness of carrots (Daucus carota L.) to nitrogen (N) fertiliser have been rationalised on the basis of the climatic zones in which the experiments were conducted. We tested this explanation with two experiments under temperate conditions, where yield increases were predicted to be unlikely, yet growers frequently apply N fertiliser. Our results show that in temperate regions carrot yields may indeed respond to N fertiliser when the yield potentials are c. 140 t ha−1 of fresh roots, if soil mineral N to 0.6 m depth and readily mineralisable N add to less than c. 190 kg N ha−1. With normal experimental precision, such responses may be undetected unless soil water deficit is kept small and variations in plant population are accounted for. Carrots have strong potential for luxury uptake of N. This has implications for marketing and the possible use of carrots as catch crops.
The Homeostatic Logic of Reward

Energy homeostasis depends on behavior to predictively regulate metabolic states within narrow bounds. Here we review three theories of homeostatic control and ask how they provide insight into the circuitry underlying energy homeostasis. We offer two contributions. First, we detail how control theory and reinforcement learning are applied to homeostatic control. We show how these schemes rest on implausible assumptions; either via circular definitions, unprincipled drive functions, or by ignoring environmental volatility. We argue active inference can elude these shortcomings while retaining important features of each model. Second, we review the neural basis of energetic control. We focus on a subset of arcuate subpopulations that project directly to, and are thus in a privileged position to opponently modulate, dopaminergic cells as a function of energetic predictions over a spectrum of time horizons. We discuss how this can be interpreted under these theories, and how this can resolve paradoxes that have arisen. We propose this circuit constitutes a homeostatic-reward interface that underwrites the conjoint optimisation of physiological and behavioural homeostasis.
Improved Reduction Between SIS Problems Over Structured Lattices

Many lattice-based cryptographic schemes are constructed based on hard problems on an algebraic structured lattice, such as the short integer solution (SIS) problems. These problems are called ring-SIS (R-SIS) and its generalized version, module-SIS (M-SIS). Generally, it has been considered that problems defined on the module lattice are more difficult than the problems defined on the ideal lattice. However, Koo, No, and Kim showed that R-SIS is more difficult than M-SIS under some norm constraints of R-SIS. However, this reduction has problems in that the rank of the module is limited to about half of the instances of R-SIS, and the comparison is not performed through the same modulus of R-SIS and M-SIS. In this paper, we propose the three reductions. First, we show that R-SIS is more difficult than M-SIS with the same modulus and ring dimension under some constraints of R-SIS. Also, we show that through the reduction from M-SIS to R-SIS with the same modulus, the rank of the module is extended as much as the number of instances of R-SIS from half of the number of instances of R-SIS compared to the previous work. Second, we show that R-SIS is more difficult than M-SIS under some constraints, which is tighter than the M-SIS in the previous work. Finally, we propose that M-SIS with the modulus prime <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$q^{k}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> is more difficult than M-SIS with the composite modulus <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$c$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, such that <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$c$ </tex-math></inline-formula> is divided by <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$q$ </tex-math></inline-formula>. Through the three reductions, we conclude that R-SIS with the modulus <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$q$ </tex-math></inline-formula> is more difficult than M-SIS with the composite modulus <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$c$ </tex-math></inline-formula>.
Comparison of concomitant and sequential inoculation of Steinernema sp. in the management of Reniform (Rotylenchulus reniformis) nematode infecting eggplant

Culture of Steinernema sp. was maintained on Corcyra cephalonica. Steinernema sp. was then formulated on calcium alginate capsules. Steinernema sp. were concomitantly inoculated @ 50, 500, 1000, 2500, 5000, 10,000 and 20,000 ij’s / 500 g soil with 500 immature females of R. reniformis / 500 g soil in pots having eggplant seedlings. The simultaneous inoculation of R. reniformis with either of the inoculum levels (1000, 2500, 5000 and 10,000 J3 / 500 g soil) of Steinernema sp. significantly reduced the damage caused by R. reniformis in terms of plant growth parameters viz., plant length, dry weight, number of flowers and weight of fruits. Moreover, the highest improvement in plant growth parameters viz., plant length, dry weight, number of flowers and weight of fruits was recorded in plants inoculated with 5000 J3 of Steinernema sp. / 500 g soil followed by 2500, 1000 and 10,000 J3 / 500 g soil. The highest reduction in the reproduction factor (Rf) was recorded in the plants treated with 5000 J3 Steinernema sp. / 500 g soil followed by 2500, 1000 and 10,000 J3 / 500 g soil. Comparison of concomitant and sequential inoculations showed that the sequential inoculation (both prior and post) of Steinernema sp. at different inoculum levels (1000, 2500, 5000, 10,000 and 20,000 ij’s / 500 g soil) were more effective in the management of reniform nematode than the concomitant inoculation. Therefore, the application of Steinernema sp. might be useful for suppression of nematode pest on eggplant and may be used as an alternative to chemical use
Gender Digital Divide: Digital Skills among Malaysian Secondary School

The Digital Divide is an important issue with serious consequences, individuals affected, society as well as threatens economy and productivity growth of a country. It was believed no longer exists in this 21st century era, amongst adolescents due to internet and smart devices penetration increment in Malaysia. Thus, survey conducted among 292 national secondary students from Hulu Langat district, chosen by using proportional random sampling to seek the possibility of digital divide existence by mean of digital skills between genders. There is no divide exist in digital devices ownership especially smartphones and home internet access. However, there was gender divide in digital skills in all dimensions except for information navigation skills even when gender is controlled. Male students had higher digital skills compared to female, whereby female only higher in information navigation skills. There was gender divide exist as well among urban secondary students, whereby urban male had highly digital skilled in computer operational, internet operational, social and creative skills, whilst urban female digitally skilled in information navigation. However, rural female suffered more in digital divide, whereby they were behind in digital skills level compared to rural male in the three dimensions. These findings indicate more efforts should be taken by the policy makers and authorities in enhancing students’ digital skills as well as bridging the digital divide in accommodating them well into today’s informative world.
Assessment of polyglycolic acid scaffolds for periodontal ligament regeneration

ABSTRACT Periodontal tissue engineering is a possible strategy for regeneration of human periodontal ligaments (PDLs) around dental implants. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of three-dimensional polyglycolic acid (PGA) fibre mesh as a scaffold for human PDL cells in periodontal tissue engineering with a nude mouse model. Human PDL cells at a density of 2 × 107/mL were seeded onto porous PGA scaffolds. After seven days of incubation in vitro, the PGA–cell constructs and cell-free scaffolds were subcutaneously implanted on the back of BALB/c-nu mice bilaterally. The mice were sacrificed in batches at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks after implantation, and the harvests were examined histologically. In our study, PGA scaffolds promoted mRNA expression of collagen type I, collagen type III and fibronectin in PDL cells. Masson's trichrome staining showed that after two weeks, the implants were well vascularised in vivo. Fluorescence microscopy indicated that the newly formed tissues were derived from the GFP-labelled human PDL cells. Our study suggested that the delivery of PDL cells via a non-woven PGA mesh might serve as a viable approach to promote periodontal tissue regeneration.
Screening of Sesbania accessions based on early biomass yield

Soft, succulent and readily decomposable Sesbania biomass is one of the best sources of organic matter and nitrogen for improvement of poor, nutrient deficit soils. To select high biomass yielding Sesbania accession(s), an experiment was conducted at Field Laboratory of the Department of Crop Botany, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, following a randomized complete block design with three replications. Seeds of 105 accessions from 3 Sesbania species— S. sesban, S. bispinosa and S. cannabina , were sown in the field @ 60 kg/ha on 23 April 2016. The unit plot size was 3 × 2 m 2 with a spacing of 50 cm (row-row) × 15 cm (plant-plant). Data on different yield descriptors were recorded at every 10 day intervals up to 60 days after sowing (DAS). Sesbania sesban produced higher biomass yield at the early growth stages (up to 20 DAS), however, S . bispinosa produced higher biomass at the later stages followed by S . cannabina and S . sesban . Therefore, S . sesban can be grown in a very short rotation [ Boro rice-( dhaincha )-Jute-T. Aman rice-Mustard and/or Boro rice-( dhaincha )-T. Aus rice-T. Aman rice-Mustard]; and S . bispinosa for a longer period [ Boro rice-( dhaincha )-T. Aman rice-Mustard] to maximize organic matter addition to the soil. Ten accessions of S . bispinosa performed better and produced biomass above 30 g/plant ( c . 80 t/ha) within 60 DAS. These accessions could be selected for further study for their decomposability, organic matter accumulation, N 2 -fixing ability and may be processed to release as recommended cultivar(s). J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 15(2): 188-192, December 2017
Association Between Arachidonic Acid and Chicken Meat and Egg Flavor, and Their Genetic Regulation

In Japan, the majority of chicken meat is obtained from fast-growing broiler chickens. Because most Japanese chicken breeds have a low meat yield and egg production, many of these breeds are endangered. Recently, the palatability of meat and eggs of native chickens has been reevaluated in the Japanese market. Jidori, which means chicken from the local, is an indigenous local chicken that is more delicious, firmer in texture, and more expensive than the broiler chickens. Most Japanese consumers recognize that the meat of Jidori chicken is richer in flavor than that of the broiler chicken. However, the reason for this rich flavor of the meat of Jidori chicken has not been elucidated. Recently, we found that arachidonic acid (AA) (C20:4n-6), a polyunsaturated fatty acid, is associated with the rich flavor of the meat and eggs of Jidori chicken. The present paper summarizes the discovery of the involvement of AA in the flavor characteristic of the meat and eggs of chicken, and also the genetic regulation of the AA content in the meat and eggs of Jidori chicken.
Production and investigations of antioxidant rich beverage: utilizing Monascus purpureus IHEM LY2014 - 0696 and various malts

Antioxidant evokes numerous health benefits to the consumer as well as stabilisation of the beverages flavours. Therefore, this paper provides detailed information on the application of Monascus purpureus IHEM LY2014-0696 in combination with various malts in brewing antioxidant rich beverage (ARB). Starter culture Angkak was prepared by solid state bioprocessing (SSB). Single infusion method of mashing was used. Physicochemical parameters, volatile compounds, DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity and fermentability of the wort were evaluated. Distillation procedure based on pycnometry technique was use to quantify the alcohol content (%ABV). Fermentability of the wort was found to be 97.6 0.46% whilst %ABV was equal to 5.42 0.03. It was observed that ARB showed a strong DPPH radical scavenging activity of 1.00 10 4 mol equ (R2 = 0.91) whereas 3.43 10-5 mol equ (R2 = 0.81) for wort. The strong antioxidant activity (AOA) is thought to be caused by pigments produced by M. purpureus IHEM LY2014-0696 and other compounds originated from the malts and hops utilised in brewing ARB. A total of 4 volatile compounds were identified in the present study. Incidence of microbial load ranged from 2.14 0.04 107 and 0.8 0.1 105 for M. purpureus IHEM LY2014-0696 and bacterial respectively was observed in the ARB. This study contradicts some previous ones, as the ARB brewed did not take the red pigment produced by the M. purpureus. Panellists generally expressed their acceptance for the ARB as they assessed it as a new product, moreover, taking account its health benefits.
Theoretical solutions for the evaluation of discrimination capacity of species distribution models

The discriminating capacity (i.e., ability to correctly classify presences and absences) of species distribution models (SDMs) is commonly evaluated with metrics such as the Area Under the Receiving Operating Characteristic Curve, the Kappa statistic and the True Skill Statistic (TSS). AUC and Kappa have been repeatedly criticised, but the TSS has fared relatively well since its introduction, mainly because it has been considered as independent of prevalence. In addition, discrimination metrics have been contested because they should be calculated on presence-absence data, but are often used on presence-only or presence-background data. With examples and simulations, we demonstrate here that TSS is misleading because of its dependence on prevalence. We then introduce an alternative set of metrics –based on similarity indices– that represents a theoretical solution to evaluate model discrimination capacity. In the ideal situation where species and sample prevalence (respectively, true and sampled ratio of sites occupied by species) are equal —corresponding to a perfectly random presence-absence sampling or evaluation of virtual species, similarity indices are appropriate to evaluate model discrimination capacity. In situations where sample and species prevalence are not equal –corresponding to non-random presence-absence samplings or presence-background samplings, similarity metrics can correctly evaluate discrimination capacity provided that an estimate of species prevalence can be obtained. However, estimates of species prevalence are challenging to obtain for presence-absence schemes and unlikely to be possible for presence-pseudoabsence schemes. Our recommendations are therefore to use similarity metrics in the specific case of virtual species, and, until a robust framework to estimate species prevalence is developed, focus on reliability metrics in other cases.
Polistes canadensis (Linnaeus, 1758) (Vespidae: Polistinae) in the Western Amazon: a Potential Biological Control Agent

Wasps of the genus Polistes (Vespidae: Polistinae) are eusocial, considered valuable biological control agents. The objective of this work was to determine the resources collected by Polistes canadensis wasps, evaluate their performance and importance as a natural enemy and possible agent of biological control in the Brazilian Amazon. Between 8 October and 20 November of 2014, 20 evaluations were performed, totalizing 101 hours of observations of the foraging activity of an aggregation out in stage of development post-emergence with approximately 50 adult individuals distributed in 15 colonies. Additionally, observations of the predatory activity of Polistes canadensis on Plutella xylostella on a small organic plantation of kale ( Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala DC), were also made. During the evaluations 1742 returns were recorded, 11.72% of them with prey, 3.10% with plant fiber, 16.76% with nectar, 45.17% with water and 23.25% without any visible load. All the preys identified were classified as Lepidoptera, belonging to ten morphospecies. Only one morphospecies was identified as Spodoptera frugiperda , which was the most commonly resource used by the wasps in 37 % in immature feeding. Only returns with nectar had statistically significant difference between the evaluated schedules. Polistes canadensis wasps did not prey Plutella xylostella caterpillars. The wasp aggregation studied was able to prey an average of 10.2 caterpillars per day, which demonstrates the potential of this species for the biological control of pests in the Amazon region.