Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Photosynthetic Acclimation to Elevated CO 2 in Relation to Biomass Allocation in Cotton

Biomass allocation to leaf tissues and photosynthetic acclimation to CO2 by cotton were investigated in two experiments. Plants were grown at ambient and elevated CO2 concentrations with growth restricting phosphorus supplies in both experiments and in root restricting pot volumes in the first experiment. In both experiments, elevated CO2 concentrations decreased the maximum carboxylation rate (V-cmax) and the CO2 saturated rate of photosynthesis indicative of photosynthetic acclimation to elevated CO2 concentrations. In the first experiment, the percentage reduction in V-cmax under elevated CO2 concentration was least at a P supply of 2.1 mg P plant(-1), greatest at 6.1 mg P plant(-1), but then decreased at 18.2 mg P plant(-1). The greater acclimation at the middle P supply was associated with a higher ratio of leaf mass to plant mass (LMR) than in other treatments and the lesser acclimation at the highest P treatment coincided with a lower LMR. In the second experiment the reduction in V-cmax at elevated CO2 was less than in the first experiment but was also associated with a greater allocation of dry matter to leaf tissues during growth. In both experiments, V-cmax was not correlated to the relative degree of biomass enhancement at elevated CO2 nor with the degree of root growth restriction in small pots. These data support the hypothesis that acclimation of photosynthesis to elevated CO2 concentrations is mediated by shifts in allocation between leaves and the rest of the plant, induced by environmental conditions during growth, such that carbohydrate supply remains in balance with the utilization capacity of sink tissues.
Determination of Independence and Life Satisfaction Level of Individuals with Mental Disorder

Aim The study aimed to determine the level of independence and life satisfaction of individuals with diagnosed mental disorder. Method The descriptive study was conducted with 108 inpatients in two public universities, medical faculty hospitals mental health and psychiatric clinics. Personal information form, Life Satisfaction Scale, and Psychiatric Patient Independence Level Scale were used for data collection tool. Results Mean age of the participants was 41.8±14.1 years. 60.2% (n=65) were male, 57.4% (n=62) were 34 years and older, 58.3% (n=63) were single, and 33.3% (n=36) were diagnosed with depression. When the distribution of the mean score of the independence level was analyzed according to the individuals’ characteristics, a statistically significant difference was found in terms of age, marital status, education status, medical diagnosis, and duration of treatment (p<0.05). When the distribution of life satisfaction score averages of the individuals diagnosed with mental disorder were examined according to the individuals’ characteristics, there was a statistically significant difference according to the variables of medical diagnosis (p<0.05). Thus, patients with mental disorders, had moderate dependency, had a moderate level of life satisfaction, and a negative and poor correlation was found between life satisfaction and dependence (rho=−0.306; p<0.01). As a result of the regression analysis, 10.5% of the increase in life satisfaction was determined by the independence level (R=0.324; R2=0.105; p<0.01). Conclusion It was concluded that the participating individuals had moderate independent and life satisfaction. The variables such as diagnosis, age, life satisfaction, and independence levels increased, and the level of dependence decreased.
Connection men, pushers and migrant trajectories: examining the dynamics of the migration industry in Ghana and along routes into Europe and the Gulf States

This paper examines the inner workings and operational logic of the array of individuals, agencies, state and non-state actors, institutions and social networks that collectively make up the migration industry in Ghana. It sheds light on how actors in the migration industry facilitate and condition migrant mobility, focusing on workers moving from Ghana along two migration corridors towards Europe and the Gulf States for work in the domestic and construction sectors. The study draws on a broad and nuanced conceptualisation of the “migration industry” which goes beyond a narrow focus on actors operating mainly for financial gain. Instead, it focuses on migration not just as a movement from point of departure to arrival, but as a changing journey over both space and time. This allows not only empirical insights into the processes through which people move, but it also provides an analytical lens to better unpack the complexities of migration processes. We extend the analysis of migration industries by incorporating risk theory into the analysis of the migration decision. The decision takes place in a context where migrants’ high level of knowledge about the dangers of migration has not translated into a reduction in migration flows on these two corridors. We analyse migrants’ rationale for choosing to embark on highly risky journeys, even in the face of increasing knowledge about these risks, and to develop appropriate policy responses.
Effect of phytase on protein and amino acid digestibility and energy utilisation

Phytate is a molecule rich in phosphorus (P). However, the P in phytate is of low availability to monogastric animals because they lack the proper enzyme system to hydrolyse phytate. Consequently, there is a high P concentration in the manure from animals fed on diets containing phytate, and this can lead to pollution of the environment. Because phytate can complex with minerals, starch, proteins and digestive enzymes, it also has anti-nutritional properties. Limiting the P output by monogastric animals, by increasing the digestibility (availability) of the P in the diet by hydrolysing phosphate from phytate, was the original reason for developing the microbial phytase, Natuphos®. It has been shown in many studies that P excretion by pigs and poultry can be reduced by 30% by including phytase in their diets. The digestibility of other nutrients bound to phytate can also be increased considerably by hydrolysis of the phytate molecule by phytase. A number of studies have been performed in poultry and pigs to determine the effect on amino acid digestibility of adding microbial phytase to the feed. In general, an increase of 1–3% has been reported. It was shown by meta-analysis that these improvements were significant for most amino acids at a phytase supplementation rate of 500 FTU/kg diet. In piglets and broilers an improvement in performance of 1.5-3.0% was often observed when phytase was included in the diet, even if the diet met the digestible/available P requirement. This improvement in performance cannot be explained by improvements in amino acid digestibility alone. It has been suggested that there is an effect on energy utilisation as well, and this has now been confirmed in studies with poultry. To apply this information in feed compounding, matrix values are proposed for use by the industry in linear programming. Depending on many factors, feed costs can be decreased by up to EUR 3.50 (US$ 3.00)/tonne by the addition of phytase to diets that are not limiting in P. Limiting the total P content in the diet to a lower concentration can increase the economic advantage of adding phytase. Processing of feed, especially pelleting, can reduce the activity of phytase. It is therefore necessary to protect the enzyme and this can be very difficult, especially when it is important that the enzyme should also become rapidly available to the animal. The product Natuphos® 10000 G fulfils these requirements. The broadness of the impact of this enzyme on the nutritional value of feed makes it a really remarkable enzyme.
Prevalence of Asymptomatic Malaria and Intestinal Helminthiasis Co-infection among Children Living in Selected Rural Communities in Ibadan Nigeria

Malaria and Intestinal helminth parasites co-exist in the tropics due to prevailing climatic conditions and poor sanitary practices. These parasites have adverse effects on cognitive development, educational performance and school attendance of children. The epidemiology of these parasites and their co-infection among children have not been fully documented in Nigeria, community-based studies are limited. This study aims to highlight the burden of malaria parasites and intestinal helminths among children living in rural areas. A community-based cross-sectional study involving children aged 6 months - 14 years was carried out in six rural communities. Single stool and finger prick blood samples were collected. Wet mount and formol-ether techniques were employed to process stool samples for microscopy while Giemsa-stained thick blood smears were used to screen for Plasmodium. falciparum parasites. Overall prevalence of Plasmodium. falciparum asexual parasites, Intestinal helminth infections and malaria intestinal helminth co-infection were 52.3%, 35.9%, and 57.1% respectively. Ascaris lumbricoides was the only intestinal helminth species identified among the children. The prevalence of asexual Plasmodium.falciparum parasites significantly decreased with age (χ 2 =15.05, p<0.001) and was highest among children aged 5 years and below (χ 2 = 15.97, p<0.0001). Odds of Intestinal helminth infection were significantly higher among children above 5 years of age compared to those aged 5 years and below (OR = 1.97, CI = 1.03, 3.76). Prevalence of co-infection was least among the early adolescents (11-14 years) compared to the other age groups (χ 2 = 16.16, p<0.0001). Intestinal helminth and its co-infection with malaria constitute a major health burden among children in rural Nigeria, however with differentials in age.
Content of dietary fiber in foods and its physiological effects

Abstract An increase in dietary fiber consumption has been recommended by the public health authorities. In this review the definition of dietary fiber and analytical methods used for its measurement are discussed. Furthermore, effects of processing on dietary fiber—especially the formation of resistant starch, the role of dietary fiber in health and disease, and intakes in different countries—are discussed.
Biological activities of the hydro-alchoholic and aqueous extracts of Achillea biebersteinii Afan. (Asteraceae) grown in Jordan

Aqueous and hydro-alcoholic extracts of Achillea biebersteinii Afan. (Asteraceae) grown in Jordan were screened for their antioxidant, antibacterial and antiplatelet efficacy. Total phenols and flavonoids were determined colorimetrically. The radical scavenging activities were evaluated using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging activity assays. Antimicrobial activities were determined by the disc-diffusion method, and the minimum inhibition concentration and the minimum bactericidal concentration tests. Gram positive bacteria presented sensitivity to the hydro-alcoholic extract in the disk diffusion test. No significant activity was observed against Gram negative bacteria and Candida albicans. Hydro-alcoholicextract had a bactericidal activity against Streptococcus pneumoniae, Bacillus cereus, Enterococcus faecalis and Klebsiella pneumoniae rather than inhibitory effect. In vitroantiplatelet activity was determined with human whole blood using an electrical impedance method. At concentrations (50, 100, and 200 μg/ml), the extracts showed a non-dose dependent enhancement of platelet aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate (ADP) (51.82, 52.73 and 51.82%, respectively) and collagen (0.00, 11.76 and 23.53%, respectively). High performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) analysis resulted in the identification of 8 phenolic compounds; quercetin 3-β-D-glucoside was the main component. Key words: Achillea biebersteinii, Asteraceae, antioxidant activity, antibacterial activity, antiplatelet activity, Jordan.
Defining leaf area index for non‐flat leaves

To eliminate the confusion in the definition of leaf area index (L) for non-flat leaves, the projection coefficients of several objects including spheres, cylinders, hemicircular cylinders, and triangular and square bars are investigated through mathematical derivation and numerical calculation for a range of ellipsoidal angular distributions. It is shown that the projection coefficient calculated based on half the total intercepting area is close to a constant of 0.5 when the inclination angle of the objects is randomly (spherically) distributed, whereas the calculated results based on the object's largest projected area are strongly dependent on the shape of the objects. Therefore, it is suggested that the leaf area index of non-flat leaves be defined as half the total intercepting area per unit ground surface area and that the definition of L based on the projected leaf area be abandoned.
Breeding Biology of the Gouldian Finch Erythrura gouldiae, an Endangered Finch of Northern Australia

The breeding biology of the endangered Gouldian Finch Erythrura gouldiaewas studied at two sites in the Northern Territory over seven breeding seasons. Clutch size was 5.2 ± 1.3; 4.8 ± 1.5 nestlings fledged from successful nests. Clutch size had no influence on egg survival. At least one egg hatched in 50% of nests and 75% of nests fledged at least one young. Nesting success varied between years, sites and method used to calculate it: Newry 42-56%; Yinberrie 32-48%. Annual productivity (based on nesting success) was 1.5 fledglings per bird per season. Egg laying occurred from January to August, depending on the wet season and up to three clutches were recorded in a season. Only 15-16% of breeding adults bred at the sites in a subsequent year. Usually, pair bonds were maintained within a season and sometimes the same hollows were re-used. Over four years 18-25% of nesting hollows were sealed by termites. Some hollows were more attractive to birds than others across years. Trees containing nests were clumped.
Accumulation and Cycling of Calcium by Dogwood Trees

Chemical analyses of plants and soils have helped explain agricultural productivity since the 17th century (Davies 1940) and productivity of forest trees since the 19th century (Ebermayer 1876; Rennie 1955). Because calcium is the element removed in greatest quantity when tree crops are harvested, it received much of the attention in the latter studies. The desire to understand ecosystem functioning reinforces the motivation for studies of nutrient circulation in forests. Circulation of elements within the plant-soil system is exceedingly complex. Remezov (1959) classified nutrient cycles as subannual cycles, annual cycles, and those consisting of successive annual cycles; he stated that it is impossible to list all minor cycles and that, "The biological cycle of elements in a forest is a complicated polycyclic process depending on the combination of many factors. " There are inputs of elements to the plant-soil system by, e.g., precipitation, dust, and weathering of parent material, and losses due to, e.g., drainage waters and plant and animal harvests; these incomes and exports have been discussed by Ovington (1962, 1965). Auerbach (1965) summarized the needs for cycling studies and concluded that additional tracer investigations should be undertaken to measure cycles in various ecosystems. Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida L.) has been acknowledged for several decades as a nutritionallybeneficial understory species due to accumulation of calcium in its leaves and rapid decomposition of its litter, thus releasing -calcium for use by other species.
Learner Autonomy of Pre-Service Teachers and its Associations with Academic Motivation and Self-Efficacy

Purpose - Learner autonomy enables an individual to learn how to cope with novelties without getting any help from others. Considering the rapid changes and transformations of the 21st century, it has become essential for teachers to possess this characteristic. Moreover, measuring learner autonomy is required to determine their levels. Thus, the purpose of this two-phased study was to adapt the Autonomous Learning Scale into Turkish and to investigate academic motivation and self-efficacy as the predictors of autonomous learning. Methodology - In the first phase, the Autonomous Learning Scale was adapted into Turkish with the participation of 335 pre-service teachers. In the second phase of the study, the autonomous learning of pre-service teachers was investigated in terms of a number of demographic variables along with academic self-efficacy and academic motivation using the data obtained from 776 pre-service teachers with a survey method. Findings - For the first phase, the confirmatory factor analysis showed that Autonomous Learning Scale was a valid and reliable tool to be used in Turkish samples. For the second phase, the regression analysis revealed that academic self-efficacy and academic motivation were significant predictors of autonomous learning of pre-service teachers. Additionally, their autonomous learning significantly differed in terms of department, high school type, and gender. Furthermore, the GPAs of the pre-service teachers were significantly correlated with their autonomous learning levels. Significance - The Turkish version of the Autonomous Learning Scale was presented to researchers. The relationships between autonomous learning and self-efficacy along with motivation have been asserted in a number of studies. However, the present study not only confirmed the correlations among these variables, but also revealed the predictive powers of these variables on autonomous learning. Therefore, teacher educators and policy makers can gain insights from these findings.
Long-term Incidence and Mortality Trends for Breast Cancer in Germany

Introduction Changes in risk factors and the introduction of mammography screening in 2005 have led to dramatic changes in the breast cancer-associated burden of disease in Germany. This study aimed to investigate long-term disease-related incidence and mortality trends in women from East and West Germany since the reunification of Germany. Methods Total and stage-specific incidence rates were evaluated based on data obtained from selected cancer registries. Sufficiently complete data going back to 1995 were available for 4 East German and 3 West German regions. The figures were weighted for population size, and rates were calculated for the whole of Germany based on the rates for East and West Germany. The study particularly focused on 3 different age groups: women eligible for mammography screening (50 – 69 years), younger women (30 – 49 years) and older women (70+ years). All rates were standardised for age. The mortality rates obtained from the official statistics on cause of death since 1990 were processed accordingly. Results Incidence rates in the observation period increased, as they were affected by the increasing number of cases with early-stage cancers being diagnosed in the screening age group. The total incidence for this group, which included the incidence of non-invasive breast cancers, increased by 14.5% between 2005 and 2016. Early-stage cancers (UICC stages 0 and I) increased by 48.1% while late-stage diagnoses (UICC stages III and IV) decreased by 31.6%. Qualitatively similar changes were noted for the other age groups, although they were less pronounced. The decrease in breast cancer mortality observed since the mid-1990s ended around 2008 for the group of younger women but continued in the screening age group. After 2008, an increase in mortality was observed in the group of older women. The differences in disease burden between East and West Germany (in favour of East Germany) decreased in younger women during the observation period but tended to increase in the group of older women. Conclusion The analysis suggests that the introduction of mammography screening contributed to a decrease in the incidence of advanced-stage breast cancers and in breast cancer-related mortality rates but also resulted in a substantial number of overdiagnoses. The relatively unfavourable incidence trend in the group of younger women, particularly in East Germany, should be interpreted in the context of lifestyle changes. The slight increase in mortality observed in the group of older women after 2008 requires further analysis.
IMRAS—A clinical trial of mosquito-bite immunization with live, radiation-attenuated P. falciparum sporozoites: Impact of immunization parameters on protective efficacy and generation of a repository of immunologic reagents

Background Immunization with radiation-attenuated sporozoites (RAS) by mosquito bite provides >90% sterile protection against Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) malaria in humans. RAS invade hepatocytes but do not replicate. CD8+ T cells recognizing parasite-derived peptides on the surface of infected hepatocytes are likely the primary protective mechanism. We conducted a randomized clinical trial of RAS immunization to assess safety, to achieve 50% vaccine efficacy (VE) against controlled human malaria infection (CHMI), and to generate reagents from protected and non-protected subjects for future identification of protective immune mechanisms and antigens. Methods Two cohorts (Cohort 1 and Cohort 2) of healthy, malaria-naïve, non-pregnant adults age 18–50 received five monthly immunizations with infected (true-immunized, n = 21) or non-infected (mock-immunized, n = 5) mosquito bites and underwent homologous CHMI at 3 weeks. Immunization parameters were selected for 50% protection based on prior clinical data. Leukapheresis was done to collect plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Results Adverse event rates were similar in true- and mock-immunized subjects. Two true- and two mock-immunized subjects developed large local reactions likely caused by mosquito salivary gland antigens. In Cohort 1, 11 subjects received 810–1235 infected bites; 6/11 (55%) were protected against CHMI vs. 0/3 mock-immunized and 0/6 infectivity controls (VE 55%). In Cohort 2, 10 subjects received 839–1131 infected bites with a higher first dose and a reduced fifth dose; 9/10 (90%) were protected vs. 0/2 mock-immunized and 0/6 controls (VE 90%). Three/3 (100%) protected subjects administered three booster immunizations were protected against repeat CHMI vs. 0/6 controls (VE 100%). Cohort 2 uniquely showed a significant rise in IFN-γ responses after the third and fifth immunizations and higher antibody responses to CSP. Conclusions PfRAS were generally safe and well tolerated. Cohort 2 had a higher first dose, reduced final dose, higher antibody responses to CSP and significant rise of IFN-γ responses after the third and fifth immunizations. Whether any of these factors contributed to increased protection in Cohort 2 requires further investigation. A cryobank of sera and cells from protected and non-protected individuals was generated for future immunological studies and antigen discovery. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01994525.