Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Persistent Virucidal Activity in an Alcohol-Based Sanitizer Formulation (ProtecTeaV) for Potential Use against Norovirus

Background: Norovirus is a major cause of acute gastroenteritis. Alcohol sanitization is ineffective, and currently used alcohol-based hand sanitizers are not recommended by the CDC for norovirus in healthcare settings. This study evaluated virucidal activity and surface persistence of a novel alcohol-based hand sanitizer formulation, ProtecTeaV, containing lipophilic epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG-p) against a human norovirus surrogate. Methods: Virucidal capacity against feline calicivirus (FCV) was tested using a standard 50% Tissue Culture Infective Dose (TCID50) suspension assay. Persistence of residual virucidal activity after application on a clean surface was determined through 12 hours. Controls included the formulation without EGCG-p, popular alcoholbased sanitizers, and antibacterial liquid hand soap (LHS). Statistical analysis employed one-way ANOVA (alpha=0.05). Results: Suspension assays demonstrated that the ProtecTeaV formulation effectively reduced FCV viral infectivity >log10 4 (10,000 fold). Surface applied residue activity remained strong (reduction of infectivity by > log10 3) through 12 hours. In comparison, LHS did not show virucidal activity without washing with water, and other controls failed to reduce infectivity by more than log10 3 (1,000 fold). Conclusion: This non-toxic hand sanitizer/surface disinfectant demonstrated effective and prolonged virucidal activities against a norovirus surrogate. Therefore, the EGCG-p formulation is potentially a novel and effective approach to curtail norovirus outbreaks. Research Article Citation: Widjaja Nicole, Dickinson Douglas, Shao Xueling, et al. Persistent Virucidal Activity in an Alcohol-Based Sanitizer Formulation (ProtecTeaV) for Potential Use against Norovirus. Microbiol Infect Dis. 2018; 2(2): 1-8.
ÖĞRETMENLİK MESLEĞİ, MOTİVASYON KAYNAKLARI VE TEMEL TUTUMLAR: KURAMSAL BİR BAKIŞ

In this study is to be investigated the relationships between the teaching professions, sources of motivation, and teachers’ basic attitudes. The teaching profession is closely related to such factors as vocational choice, career development, and some psycho-social variables. Among such variables come, aptitudes interests, values, the concept of self, and personality. In addition, motivational sources have effect on the teaching profession. These are of intrinsic and extrinsic sources. Intrinsic motivation sources prove to be more effective than those of the extrinsic. Teacher’ motivation is also related to values and beliefs. Irrational and dysfunctional beliefs have great affect on teacher’ attitudes. Such beliefs make adaptation hard and causing a number of psychological problems. In order to help sustain the teaching profession affectively, such cognitive distortions need to be changed and such behaviors as self-awareness, congruence, geniuses, and empathy be developed
Spatial pattern analysis of vegetative compatibility groups in the chestnut blight fungus, Cryphonectria parasitica

Vegetative compatibility groups were determined for 914 isolates of the chestnut blight fungus, Cryphonectria (Endothia) parasitica, collected over a 5-year period from American chestnut trees in eight regenerating clear-cut plots. We tested the hypothesis that the average distance between individuals in the same vegetative compatibility group is not different from the average distance between individuals with vegetative compatibility assigned at random. Nonrandom patterns were detected in all plots at least once during the study, indicating that vegetative compatibility groups were often aggregated. However, when multiple occurrences of vegetative compatibility groups on the same tree were eliminated from the analysis, there was only one test (out of 98 in total) in which the null hypothesis was rejected. We conclude that nonrandom patterns of vegetative compatibility groups are due primarily to multiple occurrences of vegetative compatibility groups on the same trees. Nearly half of all new cankers dete.
Combining ability analysis for quality and nutritional traits in rice

Combining ability analysis was carried out with seven parents and twenty one F1s in diallel mating without reciprocals for their quality and nutritional traits. The results indicated that the sca variance was greater than gca variance for all the characters under study except for milling percentage and protein content indicating that the trait was under the influence of non-additive gene action. Significant values of mean squares for both gca and sca for all the quality characters indicated considerable influence of both additive and non-additive variances. Non-additive gene action was predominant in governing the protein, iron and zinc contents as the ratio of gca variance to total variance was low. The results indicated that there was close relationship between mean performance of the parents and their gca effects in most of the cases studied. Based on gca effects Indra was the best parent among all the seven parents studied as it recorded positive gca effects for hulling, milling, head rice recovery, L/B ratio and grain yield per plant. The characters viz L/B ratio, volume expansion ratio, amylose, iron and zinc contents are predominantly governed by non-additive gene action. However the role of additive component of gene action appears to be considerable along with non-additive effect in case of head rice recovery, L/B ratio and elongation ratio.
Variable Shape Parameter Strategies in Radial Basis Function Methods

The Radial Basis Function (RBF) method is an important tool in the interpolation of multidimensional scattered data. The method has several important properties. One is the ability to handle sparse and scattered data points. Another property is its ability to interpolate in more than one dimension. Furthermore, the Radial Basis Function method provides phenomenal accuracy which has made it very popular in many fields. Some examples of applications using the RBF method are numerical solutions to partial differential equations, image processing, and cartography. This thesis involves researching Radial Basis Functions using different shape parameter strategies. First, we introduce the Radial Basis Function method by stating its history and development in Chapter 1. Second, we explain how Radial Basis Functions work in Chapter 2. Chapter 3 compares RBF interpolation to polynomial interpolation. Chapters 4 and 5 introduce the idea of variable shape parameters. In these chapters we compare and analyze the variable shape parameters in one and two dimensions. In Chapter 6, we introduce the challenges in interpolations due to errors in boundary regions. Here, we try to reduce the error using different shape parameter II strategies. Chapter 7 lists the conclusions resulting from the research. Throughout the thesis we use some abbreviations and acronyms, they are listed below in the Table 1. Term Meaning ε Shape parameter φ(r) Radial Basis Function or RBF κ, kappa, or κ(B) Condition number of the system matrix κC Condition number of the system matrix for a constant ε κE Condition number of the system matrix for an exponential ε κL Condition number of the system matrix for a linear ε κR Condition number of the system matrix for a random ε εAverage Average value for the shape, ε εMax Maximum value for the variable shape for ε εMin Minimum value for the variable shape for ε GA Gaussian RBF IMQ Inverse multiquadric RBF IQ Inverse quadratic RBF LI Linear RBF MQ Multiquadratic RBF TPS Thin Plate Spline RBF Table 1: Abbreviations and Acronyms. The following notes are highlighted, in order to clarify how things are stated in the thesis: Note: Matlab does not display scientific notation as we are used to seeing. For example, 1.2×102 is written by Matlab to be 1.2e. Please be aware of this throughout the thesis. This different form of scientific notation is very common in numerical analysis papers. Do not mistake e to be e ≈ 2.71828183. Note: Starting at chapter 3, the reader will see the words
THE ORIGIN AND EARLY EVOLUTION OF TURTLES

▪ Abstract A critical reexamination of turtle relationships continues to support a sister-group relationship of turtles with a clade of marine reptiles, Sauropterygia, within crown-group Diapsida (Sauria). The high Homoplasy Index raises concerns about the phylogenetic information content of various morphological characters in broad-scale phylogenetic analyses. Such analyses may also suffer from inadequate statements of primary homology. Several such statements that have played an important role in the analysis of turtle relationships (dermal armor, acromion, astragalo-calcaneal complex, hooked fifth metatarsal) are reviewed in detail. An evolutionary scenario for the origin of the turtle bauplan suggests an aquatic origin of turtles, which is supported not only by their sauropterygian relationships, but also by paleobiogeographic and stratigraphic considerations. However, turtle relationships remain labile, and further investigations of their relationships are required, involving molecular and physiologi.
Conservation tillage in a semiarid Mediterranean environment: results of 20 years of research

Conservation tillage techniques are becoming increasingly popular worldwide as they have the potential to generate environmental, agronomic, and economic benefits. In Mediterranean areas, studies performed on the effects of conservation tillage [in comparison with the conventional tillage technique (CT)] on grain yield of cereal crops have reported contradictory results as well as considerable year-to-year variation, demonstrating how the impact of different soil tillage techniques on crop productivity is strongly site-specific. The present paper summarises the main results from a set of experiments carried out in Sicily during the last 20 years in which we compared no tillage (NT) to CT in terms of their respective effects on the productivity and quality of durum wheat, while at the same time varying some other crop management practices ( e.g. crop sequence, N fertilisation, wheat genotype, sowing time). On average, no differences were observed between the two tillage techniques; yields were 3.84 and 3.87 Mg ha –1 for CT and NT, respectively. However, NT guaranteed superior yield when water stress during the crop cycle was high, whereas CT led to higher yields when water availability was adequate. Moreover, the results suggest that the use of NT needs to be accompanied by a rational crop sequence. In fact, a cumulative detrimental effect of NT over time was found for continuous wheat. Finally, grain quality in terms of protein content was slightly higher for CT (15.1%) than NT (14.4%). Thus, when using NT, the rate of nitrogen fertiliser application should be increased to offset this difference.
Conservation and Encouragement of Natural Enemies of Insect Pests in Dryland Subsistence Farming: Problems, Progress and Prospects in the Sahelian Zone

Pearl millet, sorghum, maize and cowpea are important food crops in dryland areas of the Sahel. Losses caused by insects on these low input crops are variable but generally substantial. Basic information on the role of natural enemies is scant. An example of a recent applied research which is mainly directed towards the management of millet earhead caterpillar, Raghuva albipunctella Joannis is narrated. Results of a study initiated on conservation and encouragement of Bracon hebetor Say against Raghuva in a traditional village environment are highlighted. These results demonstrate that such an approach of biological control has a place in even the temporary, already fragile agro-ecosystems and in habitats of low durational stability in the drought-hit Sahel.Extensive additional base field data have been assembled since 1981 on the natural enemies of other pests, including Heliothis armigera (Hb.) in Senegal. Based on these results, the scope of conservation and encouragement on natural enemies in the Sahelian zone is discussed. Future research, development and training needs, for both short and more importantly long-term planning in this important aspect of pest management are briefly mentioned. RésuméLe mil, le sorgho, le mais et le niébé sont d’importantes cultures vivriéres dans les zones séches du Sahel. Les pertes causées par les ravageurs sur ces cultures à faible investissement sont variables mais généralement importantes. Les informations de base sur le rôle des antagonistes naturels des ravageurs sont insuffisantes. Un example de recherche appliquée actuelle qui est principalement orientée vers la lutte contre la chenille d’epi du mil, Raghuva albipunctella de Joannis y est relaté. Les résultats d’une étude initiée sur la conservation et l’encouragement de Bracon hebetor Say contre Raghuva dans un environment traditionnel et en milieu paysan y sont présentés. Ces résultats démontrent qu’une telle approche de lutte biologique a sa place même dans les temporaires, encore fragiles écosystémes et dans les habitats à stabilité de courte durée de la zone Sahélienne frappée par la sécheresse. Des données détaillées supplémentaires sont assemblées au Sénégal depuis 1981 à propos des ennemis naturels des autres ravageurs, y compris Heliothis armigera (Hb.). La portée de conservation et d’encouragment de ces ennemis naturels en zone Sahélienne, basée sur ces résultats, y est débattue. Les besoins de recherches futures, de developpement et de formation pour une planification á court terme, et de façon plus importante, à long terme, sur cet important aspect de lutte contre les ravageurs y sont briévement mentionnés.
Kinetics and Mechanism of Oxidation of Leucine and Alanine by Ag(III) Complex in Alkaline Medium

Kinetics and mechanism of oxidation of leucine and alanine by Ag(III) complex were studied spectrophotometrically in alkaline medium at constant ion strength. The reaction was in first order with respect to Ag(III) complex and amino acids (leucine, alanine). The second-order rate constant, 𝑘−, decreased with the increasing in [OH−] and [IO4−]. A plausible mechanism was proposed from the kinetics study, and the rate equations derived from mechanism can explain all experimental phenomena. The activation parameters were calculated at 298.2 K.
Design On-The-Fly for Critically Evaluating Evidence: Informal Poster-Making for Health and Nutrition Students

ABSTRACT Annually, the University of New Hampshire (UNH) Dietetics Internship Program enrolls recent graduates with undergraduate degrees in Nutrition and Dietetics for a 10-month program required to practice as a registered dietician. Each summer, a librarian is invited to introduce these students to library resources relevant to topics in dietetics. This article describes how two librarians collaborated to design a student-centered, active-learning session, informed by the program’s learning objectives. The authors detail the development of session learning outcomes, the lesson plan, handouts, active-learning strategies, and classroom management techniques that may be repurposed and flexibly tailored to hospital and academic classroom settings.
Developmental biology of legume nodulation.

Many legumes respond to Rhizobium inoculation by developing unique structures known as nodules on their roots. The development of a legume nodule in which rhizobia convert atmospheric N2 into ammonia is a finely tuned process. Gene expression from both partners of the symbiosis must be temporally and spatially coordinated. Exactly how this coordination takes place is an area of intense study. Nodule morphogenesis appears to be elicited by at least two distinct signals: one from Rhizobium, a product of the nod genes (Nod factor), and a second signal, which is generated within plant tissues after treatment with Nod factor. The identity of the second signal is unknown but changes in the balance of endogenous plant hormones or the sensitivity of plant tissues to these hormones are likely to be involved. These hormonal changes may be triggered by endogenous flavonoids produced by the root in response to inoculation with Rhizobium. There is some controversy as to whether the legume nodule is an organ sui generis or a highly derived lateral root. A resolution of this question may become more critical as attempts to induce nodules on non-legume hosts, such as rice or maize, increase in number and scope. CONTENTS Summary 211 I. Introduction 211 II. Nodule development 213 III. Nodule initiation 220 IV. The second signal for nodule morphogenesis: role for the plant hormones ? 225 V. Lateral root development 229 VI. Are nodules modified lateral roots ? 229 VII. Conclusions and future prospects 231 Acknowledgements and dedication 232 References 232.
Prey Selection by Larval Fishes as Influenced by Available Zooplankton and Gape Limitation

Abstract Feeding success during the first weeks of life is critical to determining survival and ultimate year-class strength of fishes. To compare the relative influence of gape limitation and available zooplankton on prey size selection among the larvae of three species of freshwater fishes, we gathered data on fish gape size, prey size, and size-specific prey selection in lakes and reservoirs. These variables were compared among black crappies Pomoxis nigromaculatus from a lake that contained large zooplankton as prey and white crappies P. annularis and gizzard shad Dorosoma cepedianum (a potential competitor of white crappie) from reservoirs that contained small zooplankton. In three Ohio reservoirs (i.e., small-zooplankton systems), available zooplankton and larval stages of white crappies and gizzard shad were collected once per week during April through September 1987 and 1988. Although mean prey size of white crappies continued to increase with fish size, mean prey size of smaller-gaped gizzard sha.
Environmental comparison of intensive and integrated agriculture–aquaculture systems for striped catfish production in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam, based on two existing case studies using life cycle assessment

Vietnam is the largest producer for the export of striped catfish. Traditionally striped catfish production in the Mekong Delta took place in integrated agriculture–aquaculture systems, but has shifted recently to intensive systems to meet increasing export demands. A recent study quantified the environmental impact of intensive striped catfish production in Vietnam. Another did the same for integrated systems. Both studies used life cycle assessment, covered similar environmental impact categories, and were roughly matched in the production stages included. However, an environmental comparison of both systems has not been made so far. The objective of this paper is to make a comparative life cycle assessment of striped catfish production in intensive and integrated systems. The comparison was based on existing life cycle assessments on these systems, but their methodological choices and data had to be aligned. The results show that striped catfish production in intensive systems contributes considerably more to seven of the nine assessed impact categories (global warming, ozone depletion, acidification, eutrophication, photochemical oxidation, human toxicity, freshwater ecotoxicity, marine aquatic ecotoxicity, fossil depletion). Only contributions to eutrophication and freshwater ecotoxicity were higher for the integrated systems than for the intensive systems. In both systems, grow-out fish farming contributes most to eutrophication and freshwater ecotoxicity, whereas feed production contributes most to all other impact categories. The environmental performance of integrated striped catfish production is convincingly better in most impact categories. This raises questions about whether (elements of) these systems can be used to mitigate the environmental impact of intensive striped catfish production.
Biodiversity and plant productivity in a model assemblage of plant species

We examined productivity as a function of biotic diversity. We manipulated plant species richness as an experimental factor to determine if productivity (net above ground primary productivity or NPP) is affected by changes in plant diversity (species richness). We constructed 164 assemblages that varied in species richness and measured their biomass at the end of one growing season. The plants were drawn from a pool of 16 species of self-pollinating annual herbs common to English weedy fields. On average, species-poor assemblages were less productive. Results also showed, however, that species-poor assemblages had wider ranges of possible productivities than more diverse assemblages.
Predicted warming and browning affect timing and magnitude of plankton phenological events in lakes: a mesocosm study

1. Aquatic ecosystems in Northern Europe are expected to face increases in temperature and water colour (TB) in future. While effects of these factors have been studied separately, it is unknown whether and how a combination of them might affect phenological events and trophic interactions. 2. In a mesocosm study, we combined both factors to create conditions expected to arise during the coming century. We focused on quantifying effects on timing and magnitude of plankton spring phenological events and identifying possible mismatches between resources (phytoplankton) and consumers (zooplankton). 3. We found that the increases in TB had important effects on timing and abundance of different plankton groups. While increased temperature led to an earlier peak in phytoplankton and zooplankton and a change in the relative timing of different zooplankton groups, increased water colour reduced chlorophyll-a concentrations. 4. Increased TB together benefitted cladocerans and calanoid copepods and led to stronger top-down control of algae by zooplankton. There was no sign of a mismatch between primary producers and grazers as reported from other studies. 5. Our results point towards an earlier onset of plankton spring growth in shallow lakes in future with a stronger top-down control of phytoplankton by zooplankton grazers. (Less)
A study on popular auto‐parallelization frameworks

We study five popular auto‐parallelization frameworks (Cetus, Par4all, Rose, ICC, and Pluto) and compare them qualitatively as well as quantitatively. All the frameworks primarily deal with loop parallelization but differ in the techniques used to identify parallelization opportunities. Due to this variance, various aspects, such as certain loop transformations, are supported only in a few frameworks. The frameworks exhibit varying abilities in handling loop‐carried dependence and, therefore, achieve different amounts of speedup on widely used PolyBench and NAS parallel benchmarks. In particular, Intel C Compiler (ICC) fares as an overall good parallelizer. Our study also highlights the need for more sophisticated analyses, user‐driven parallelization, and meta‐auto‐parallelizer that provides combined benefits of various frameworks.