Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Population fluctuations and interspecific competition between Tephritid flies attacking fruit crops in the New Valley oases, Egypt

Population fluctuations of the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) and the peach fly Bactrocera zonata (Saunders) were monitored with lure trap collections in three provinces in the New Valley oases, Western Desert, Egypt. Results showed marked temporal differences in peak trap catches of the two flies in the selected sites all over the entire studied areas. One annual peak of C. capitata was recorded during both October 2005 and February 2006 and coincided with the ripening period of citrus trees in Kharga oases. However, two annual peaks were recorded during June and September 2005 in Bodkholow province and coincided with the ripening period of apple and mango. On the other hand, two annual peaks of B. zonata were recorded in Kharga oases throughout May and September and coincided with the ripening periods of apricot, mango and guava. One annual peak only was recorded in the round up of September and/or October in both Moot and Bodkholow in Dakhla oases and coincided with the ripening period of mango, guava and citrus. The occurrence of C. capitata was very limited in comparison with B. zonata. Population fluctuations of the two pests in the studied sites were significantly different. The ability of the traps used in capturing both C. capitata and B. zonata indicated that the yellow sticky trap was more effective in capturing C. capitata. However, the Abdel-Kawi trap was significantly efficient at trapping B. zonata. The occurrence of B. zontata in high numbers all over the study period compared to C. capitata is considered as good proof that this invading fly may be considered as a vigorous competitive tephritid fly to the native fly C. capitata.
Espectrorradiometria de solos e comparação com sensores orbitais

The aim of this study was to characterize and compare the spectral behavior of different soil classes obtained by orbital and terrestrial sensors. For this, an area of 184 ha in Rafard (SP) Brazil was staked on a regular grid of 100x100 m and soil samples were collected and georeferenced. After that, soil spectral curves were obtained with IRIS sensor and the sample points were overlaid at Landsat and ASTER images for spectral data collection. The soil samples were classified and mean soil curves for all sensors were generated by soil classes. The soil classes were differentiated by texture, organic matter and total iron for all sensors studied, the orbital sensors despite the lower spectral resolution, maintained the characteristics of the soil and the curves of reflectance intensity.
Simulation of the persistence of atrazine in soil at different sites in Portugal

Summary The effects of soil temperature and soil moisture content on the rates of degradation of atrazine, were measured in the laboratory in soils from different sites in Portugal. Persistence of atrazine was measured in the same soils in the field during the spring and summer of 1984, 1985, 1986 and 1987. Weather records from the different sites, measured during the periods of the field experi ments, were used in conjunction with appropriate constants derived from the laboratory data in a computer program to simulate persistence in the field. The model generally overestimated the ob served soil residues, particularly during the first 7–14 days after application. The fit from the model was good from day 14 to the end of the experiments.
Time of Emergence Affects Survival and Development of Wild Radish (Raphanus raphanistrum) in South Carolina

Abstract Field experiments were conducted from 2004 through 2006 at Pendleton and Clemson, SC, to determine the influence of seasonal emergence of wild radish on phenological development, survival, and seed and biomass production in a noncompetitive environment. The duration of four developmental phases, emergence to bolting, bolting to flowering, flowering to silique production, and silique production to maturity, were recorded following wild radish sowing at monthly intervals from October 2004 through September 2006. Seedling emergence occurred 2 to 4 wk after sowing. Mortality of seedlings that emerged from December through March was greater than that of seedlings that emerged in all other months. Wild radish that emerged from April through August completed its life cycle by summer or early autumn. Wild radish that emerged from September through November was able to survive the winter and complete its life cycle the following spring. The developmental phases most affected by time of emergence were emergence to bolting and bolting to flowering. The duration of emergence to bolting ranged from 249 to 479 growing degree days (GDD), and bolting to flowering from 270 to 373 GDD, depending on the month of emergence. The total life cycle of wild radish varied from a low of 1,267 GDD following June emergence to 1,503 GDD following November emergence. Multiple regression analysis revealed that emergence to bolting and silique production to maturity phases were dependent on accumulated heat units and photoperiod. Seed and biomass production were influenced by month of emergence. An average of 1,470 seeds plant−1 was produced when emergence occurred in July and 10,170 seeds plant−1 when emergence occurred in November. Plants that emerged in autumn exhibited minimal growth during the winter months, but conditions were conducive for growth in mid-March and April, with biomass production of 809 g plant−1 at silique production. Nomenclature: Wild radish, Raphanus raphanistrum L. RAPRA.
Resistência de acessos de meloeiro à mosca-minadora Liriomyza spp. (Diptera: Agromyzidae)

The leafminer is the major pest of melon in the Brazilian Northeast. Within a program of integrated pest management using genetic resistance is a method of easy adoption, ecological and provides cost reduction with application of pesticides. The objective of this study was to evaluate the resistance of melon accessions to leafminer. Twenty-two accessions and three hybrids were evaluated in greenhouse and in two experiments under field conditions. The accessions were evaluated with multiple-choice in a design lattice with five replications for the following traits: number of larvae, number of puparium, and number of flies. Under field conditions, the accessions were evaluated in two experiments carried out during 2009 and 2010 in randomized complete block design with three replications. The mean number of mines per leaf was evaluated. There is variability among accessions of melon for resistance to leafminer in the accessions evaluated. Considering the experiments carried out in the greenhouse and field, the accession AC-22 is the most promising as a source of resistance to leafminer evaluations in the field and greenhouse, followed by accession AC-10. The other accessions are susceptible.
Active Breeding Burrows of the Wedge-tailed Shearwater in the Capricorn Group, Great Barrier Reef

Estimates of the breeding status of the Wedgetailed Shearwater Puffinus pacificus on the Capricorn Group of islands in the southern Great Barrier Reef indicate that the size of the breeding population is much lower than previously thought (500 000 pairs). For the 1989-90 season 43% and 56% of burrows, on Heron and Erskine Islands respectively, supported breeding birds. Most occupied burrows featured lined nesting chambers. Burrow lengths ranged from 0.1 m to 2.35 m with a mean of 0.91 m. There was no relationship between burrow length and breeding activity.
Intrinsic Fluorescence of Escherichia coli RNA-Polymerase as a Probe for Its Conformational Changes During Transcription Initiation

Abstract A simple fluorimetric assay based on internal fluorescence of tryptophan residues of E.Coli RNA polymerase has been developed to ascertain the number of steps during conversion of closed complex of the polymerase-promoter (trp promoter cloned in plasmid pDR720) to open complex. Our results from measurement on relative ratio of fluorescence at 340 nm (λex = 295nm) for free and promoter-bound RNA polymerase as a function of temperature, within the range 4°C to 37°C, indicate following equilibria for the above conversion: R + P ⇄ RP C ⇄ RP i1 ⇄ RP i2 ⇄ RP O . Apart from detection of one more intermediate in terms of conformational states of the bound RNA polymerase, second feature of our studies is the examination of conformational state of the polymerase using accessibility of fluorophor, tryptophan residues, to a neutral quencher, acrylamide, as the probe. We observe that in terms of accessibility of tryptophan residues in protein, intermediate complex, RPi2, is conformationally most perturbed in comparison to free polymerase. Implications of these results are discussed and compared with the available reports from footprinting and gel retardation assays of RNA polymerase-promoter interactions.
Rabies in Sarawak: A Wake-up Call and A Major Challenge for All

Healthcare professionals apply professional discretion, a central pillar of our professionalism and independence. Without it, we cannot take our place between our clients and their needs. Professionalism is not just a privilege but is also a burden of self-regulation. Our “independence” reins in the powers of law, policy makers and administrators, and protects the ordinary citizens against state apathy or even excesses. Our effectiveness depends on what we make of it, assure best practices, and that bad practices will not turn people into unwitting morbidity and mortality statistics. It is not enough to have the concept of ‘professionalism’ (and independence) enshrined in our tradition and corporate culture. The integrity and reputation of our profession is at stake. Given the nature of healthcare, there is nothing that can effectively replace this concept of professionalism and independence but there may be other things that we need to complement it. First, we need to convince ourselves of our own merit and competence before we can convince others that we are good enough for the task we exist for. 5
COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF ANTIMICROBIAL EFFICACY OF TRIPLE ANTIBIOTIC PASTE AND MODIFIED DOUBLE ANTIBIOTIC PASTE USING DIFFERENT VEHICLES AGAINST ENTEROCOCCUS FAECALIS

Microorganisms and their products are considered as the etiological agents of pulp necrosis and periradicular lesions. Many studies have reported that E. faecalis is cultured in higher frequency from root canals of teeth with failed endodontic treatment. To ensure complete elimination of root canal bacteria, an effective antimicrobial agent in the root canal is required. So, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of triple antibiotic and modified double antibiotic paste with different vehicles against E.faecalis. The antimicrobial effect was evaluated by the direct contact with agar diffusion method. The freshly prepared medicaments were placed in wells on agar plates inoculated with different microorganisms. All plates were incubated and the diameter of bacterial inhibition zones on agar plate was measured in millimeters at 24, 48 and 72 hours at 37°C and 100% humidity. The results showed that the Modified Double antibiotic paste irrespective of vehicle was more effective than triple antibiotic paste against E.faecalis.
A Comparative Investigation of the Views of Preschool Teachers and Teacher Candidates about STEM

If the STEM approach appropriately addressed in early childhood education, it may provide opportunities for educators to involve children in activities appropriate to their interests and experiences. The purpose of this research is to investigate comparatively the views of preschool teachers and preschool teacher candidates about STEM. To collect data, 60 preschool teachers graduated from different universities in Turkey have different experiments and actively in the teaching profession in various schools in the years 2018 to 2019, and 65 preschool teacher candidates in the first, second, third and fourth grades in the 2018-2019 academic year at a state university in the region of the Black Sea randomly selected. To collect data, preschool teachers and teacher candidates ask to answer the questions in the Screening Form consisting of open-ended questions aimed at obtaining in-depth information about STEM education. The findings analyze in detail, and it seen that the answers of both groups can discuss under three main themes; (1) The effects of the STEM approach, (2) The applicability of the STEM approach in preschool education, and (3) The requirements of the applicability of the STEM approach in Turkish educational system. According to the findings, participants have positive views about implementing the STEM approach in their classes for the teachers and future professional lives for the teacher candidates. However, there are some limitations about implementing it arising from the infrastructure of the schools, the teachers themselves, and children’s young age.
Achieving Glycemic Control of Diabetic Patients through Clinical Pharmacist provided Counseling

Pharmaceutical care programs developed and implemented by the pharmacists are useful in improving quality of care of both ambulatory as well as hospitalized patients with diabetes and also with other chronic diseases such as, hypertension, asthma, dyslipidemia, heart failure and tuberculosis. In recent years, pharmacists in many practice settings have begun providing patientcentered services with the goal of improving drug therapy outcomes through practices such as pharmaceutical care. 30 patients of both the genders who were diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus (either type 1 or type 2) and taking antidiabetic agents were recruited for the study. Baseline HbA1c was performed. Patient counseling was provided regarding their disease, drugs and life-style modifications (including exercise, self-care activities, etc). Follow-up was taken every 4-5 weeks Postcounseling HbA1c was performed after 12 weeks to assess the impact of patient counseling on glycemic control. Mean Baseline HbA1c value of 30 patients was observed to be 8.37% having the standard deviation of 1.76. The lowest HbA1c of patient that was observed was 5.8% and the highest one was > 14%. Post-counseling HbA1c was performed after the end of 12 weeks of each patient, starting from date of enrollment. The mean HbA1c found at the endpoint was 7.96% ± 1.58%. At the endpoint the lowest test result was noted to be 5.60% and highest was 13.30%. The paired T-test result showed that there was significant difference existed in the pre-counseling HbA1c and post-counseling HbA1c after 12 weeks. Thus patient counseling showed significant reduction in HbA1c. Our study concluded that clinical pharmacist provided patient counseling in community settings has a positive impact on glycemic indices.
Effects of topographic heterogeneity on tree species richness and stand dynamics in a subtropical forest in Okinawa Island, southern Japan

1 We used a structural equation model (SEM) to clarify the relationship between productivity and species richness across a topographic gradient in a subtropical forest in southern Japan and to quantify the direct and indirect effects of topographic position and soil properties on community attributes. 2 Higher soil nitrogen on ridges was associated with low soil pH and high soil organic matter, but differences in soil chemistry were small compared with those observed in tropical forests. 3 Species richness increased from the valley, via slopes, to ridges. Understorey and microphyllous species, both of which are typically found in gaps or in windy sites, were more abundant on slopes and ridges than in the valley. Habitat preferences of the species, reflecting shade/drought tolerance rather than soil fertility, may be a primary cause of differences in species richness between the topographic types. 4 The total effect of species richness on biomass increment was greater than that of tree density, and biomass increment increased linearly with species richness. This, together with the fact that combined effects of topography, soil properties and ground flora on biomass increment were comparable with that of tree density, indicates that the relationship was caused by habitat heterogeneity rather than a density effect. 5 Frequent disturbances and chronic wind stress resulted in higher mortality and a greater loss of biomass, especially on the ridges, and probably prevented species with different functional traits (e.g. maximum height) from competing for light. 6 Topographic variation therefore appears to lead to structural/compositional heterogeneity within this subtropical forest, enabling the occurrence of a wider range of species. The growth and survival of a variety of species with different functional traits are diversified by environmental conditions along the topographic position. This causes variation in productivity between the topographic types, and suggests that functional resilience associated with species richness contributes to high productivity.
Fitness consequences of variation in natural antibodies and complement in the Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica

1. The immune system and its component parts have evolved and are maintained due to the fitness benefits that hosts acquire in terms of parasite resistance. However, there are relatively few studies of the fitness consequences of natural variation in immunity in free-living populations, mainly due to the complexity of the immune system and logistic problems of assessing immunity and fitness components. 2. We quantified two aspects of humoral immunity in a population of Barn Swallows Hirundo rustica, natural antibodies and complement that constitute the first line of defence against parasites. 3. The magnitude of both immune components increased during the breeding season. 4. Very old adults had reduced levels of natural antibodies, providing evidence consistent with immuno-senescence, while that was not the case for lysis. However, there was no evidence that survivors from one year to the next had stronger agglutination or lysis than nonsurvivors. 5. Females with a second clutch had higher levels of natural antibodies than females that only had a single clutch, while males showed no differences. Annual fecundity of females decreased with natural antibody levels, that was not evident in males. Therefore, in females, natural antibody and complement levels are important predictors of vital rates. 6. Tail length of male partners, but not of females, explained the variation in female natural antibodies and complement, while there was no similar effect in males. This pattern may have arisen from differential parental investment by females mated to the most attractive males. 7. The abundance of four different ectoparasites was not predicted by either immune component.
Mucosal wound healing and anti peptic ulcer effect of Gongronema latifolium in rats

Background: The freshly leaves and stem of Gongronema latifolium is eaten as vegetables in most part of tropical Africa and used in treatment of peptic ulcer disease in folklore medicine. Objectives: The air dried methanolic leave extract was investigated for anti-peptic ulcer and mucosal wound healing effect on indomethacininduced gastric and duodenal ulcers in rats in order to demonstrate the pharmacological activity of the plants and justify its use in healing. Method: Fresh green leaves and stems of Gongronema latifolium were harvested, air dried, macerated in methanol and evaporated to dryness using rotary evaporator. Phytochemistry was carried out on the crude extract. Acute toxicity study was carried out in mice to determine the LD50 and guide dosing. Forty five rats of average weight of 150grams were divided into nine metal cages (A-I) of five rats per group. All animals were acclimatised for a week and fasted for 24hours prior to commencement of experiment. Group A was used as pilot study to demonstrate the effect of indomethacin and received orally 30mg/kg of indomethacin. The animals were sacrificed after 24hours and gastric and duodenal mucosal bleeding spots were used as positive indicator of ulcer induction. The stomach and duodenum were sent for histology. Group A was later taken as positive control. Group B was given orally, 2ml/kg of drinking water only to act as negative control. Groups C and D were treated like A but, were sacrificed at 2 or 4wks to act as 2 and 4wks positive control respectively. Groups E to I were given orally, 30mg/kg of indomethacin and after 24hours were treated with either Gongronema latifolium or cimetidine. Two dosage regimens were used for the methanolic extract while treatment period lasted for 2 or 4wks before the animals were sacrificed. Their stomach and duodenum were weighed and examined for bleeding spots before being sent for histological study. Data were presented as mean±Standard deviation of organ Drug Discovery RESEARCH The International journal ISSN 2278 – 540X EISSN 2278 – 5396
Ceratocystis versus Ophiostoma: a reappraisal.

In the Ceratocystis complex the genus Ophiostoma is maintained for species which have conidial anamorphs other than Chalara, have rhamnose in their cell walls, and are resistant to cycloheximide. Fourteen new combinations are proposed in Ophiostoma.
Effect of replacing barley with corn or sorghum grain on rumen fermentation characteristics and performance of Iranian Baluchi lamb fed high concentrate rations

The present study, conducted in Iran, was aimed to evaluate the effects of partial substitution of barley with corn or sorghum (slowly fermenting grains) on in situ dry matter (DM) and starch degradability and in vivo digestion characteristics and performance in finishing Iranian Baluchi lambs. In the first experiment, samples of ground barley (B), corn (C), sorghum (S) and their combinations [%: 70 barley : 30 corn (LC), 70 barley : 30 sorghum (LS), 30 barley : 70 corn (HC) and 30 barley : 70 sorghum (HS)] were incubated in nylon bags in rumen of three fistulated Holstein steers. Effective degradability (ED) for DM and starch were different (P < 0.05) among treatments. In both cases, ED was higher (P < 0.05) for B than that for C, S, HC and HS. Results of the present study confirmed previous reports that ruminal degradability of barley is higher than that of corn and sorghum, and further suggested that there may be benefits in replacing barley with ~70% of corn or sorghum. In Experiment 2, 30 Iranian Baluchi male lambs weaned at 65 days of age (BW 32 ± 2.3 kg) were divided into five equal weight groups (6 animals per group) in a complete randomised design. Lambs received a mixed diet in the form of total mixed rations (TMR), consisting of 32.5% alfalfa hay [89% DM, 43% natural detergent fibre (NDF) and 16% crude protein (CP) in diet DM basis] and 67.5% of the respective concentrates. The five iso-caloric (10.73 MJ ME/kg) and iso-nitrogenous (14% CP/kg DM) concentrates with different sources of starch used in the study were (1) barley, as the control cereal source for starch, and in the other treatments barley substituted with (2) 30% corn (LC), (3) 30% sorghum (LS), (4) 70% corn (HC) and (5) 70% sorghum (HS). Lambs in HC and HS diets recorded increases of 20 and 50 g/day in average daily gain, respectively, compared with lambs in B. Substitution of B with 70% C and S significantly (P < 0.01) improved ruminal pH and, presumably, resulted in higher starch outflow for post-ruminal digestion, as reflected by a higher blood glucose concentration, particularly for lambs in the HS diet. Results of the present study reaffirmed the advantages of feeding a mixture of grains with differing fermentation rates and, as previously reported, also suggested that the inclusion rate of slowly degradable grains should be ~70% so as to enhance animal performance.