Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Testing the relative roles of competition and plant-soil feedback in explaining commonness and rarity of alien and native plant species

The success of invasive alien and common native species may be explained by the same underlying mechanisms. Differences in intraspecific competition as well as differences in plant-soil feedback have been put forward as potential determinants of plant success. We teased apart the relative roles of competition and plant-soil feedback in a greenhouse experiment with 30 common and rare alien and native species from nine plant families. We tested whether plant biomass decreased less for common than rare species, regardless of origin, when grown at higher relative frequencies (1, 3 or 6 out of 9 plants per pot) in a community and in soil previously conditioned by the same species at different frequencies (0, 1, 3 or 6 out of 9 plants per pot) in an orthogonal design for these two factors. Plant survival decreased slightly, but non-significantly, for all species when grown in soil previously occupied by conspecifics. Among surviving plants, we found a decrease in biomass with increasing intraspecific competition across all species (regardless of origin or commonness), and alien species were more negatively affected by previous high plant
Prepositions with CP and their implications for extended projections

In some limited cases, English allows a particular preposition to combine with a certain kind of subordinate clause, as exemplified by in that in “I take the proposal seriously, in that I loathe it”. In contrast, Norwegian systematically allows prepositions to combine with subordinate clauses (as in Det resulterte i at vi vant, literally “It resulted in that we won”). I argue that the English case should be handled as the subcategorization for a certain complement class by a particular lexical entry, while the Norwegian case indicates that the extended projection of clauses can continue up to the preposition. This highlights an important difference between lexical selection and extended projection, revealing a hitherto underappreciated source of parametric variation, and sheds light on several properties of extended projections as well as of prepositions. Specifically, the extended projections of N and V may “converge” at P, challenging the notion of extended projection as being confined to a single lexical category.
Developed cosine similarity measure on belief function theory: An application in medical diagnosis

Abstract In this study, we consider a new aspect of belief function or Dempster-Shafer theory to define a belief set and cosine similarity measure between two belief sets under uncertainty. For this purpose, firstly, the concept of belief sets will be represented as a triple vector space that is characterized by truth-belief degree, uncertainty-belief degree; and falsity-belief degree. Then, the cosine similarity measure between two belief sets is proposed to determine the degree of similarity between them. This measure is directly defined upon the framework of Dempster-Shafer theory without switching by other theories. Finally, an application of a new method in the decision-making process is provided in the medical diagnosis, when values were presented on the structure of belief set. Furthermore, a numerical example of the medical diagnosis is presented to show the effectiveness and flexibility of the proposed method.
SEROLOGICAL AND MOLECULAR DIAGNOSIS OF TOXOPLASMA GONDII AMONG EWES AND HORSES IN DUHOK PROVINCE-IRAQ

This study was aimed to demonstrate the seroprevalence and molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii among ewes and horses as well as to determine the risk factors for infection in Duhok province. Sera and blood samples from 700 ewes and 62 horses were collected. Sera were examined by indirect ELISA for detection of anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies and in molecular study, DNA was extracted, then by PCR, B1 gene was amplified and the product visualized and sent off for sequencing. Serologically, the prevalence of toxoplasmosis was 17.7 (11/62) and 28.9 (202/700) in horses and ewes by ELISA respectively. Present of cats on the farm was significantly associated with T. gondii infected ewes in the farm. While, Age, number of abortion and history of abortion has no role in infection in ewes. On the other hand, age and sex have no role in prevalence of toxoplasmosis among the horses. Only 2 samples among 11 seropositive samples by ELISA were give positive results by PCR in rate 18.2% in horse, while in ewes 13 samples from 60 randomly selected seropositive by ELISA were found to be positive by PCR in rate 21.7%. Results of this study indicate that prevalence of T. gondii among ewes and horses was high and cats have a role in prevalence of infection among the ewes.
Electric discharge machining using rapid manufactured complex shape copper electrode with cryogenic cooling channel

In this study, a rapid manufacturing process based on the combination of polymer three-dimensional printing and pressureless loose sintering was explored for the fabrication of complex shape electric discharge machining pure copper electrodes with the cryogenic cooling channel. The fabricated electrodes were used to perform electric discharge machining on D2 steel workpiece. The comparative study was performed on material removal and electrode wear rates between the solid copper electrode, rapid manufactured electrode without cryogenic cooling and with cryogenic cooling. Also, the surface characteristics of the worn electrode and the machined workpiece were studied with and without cryogenic cooling. The significant effect of the cryogenic cooling on the electrode wear rate and the surface roughness was observed. Better surface finish, small cracks and less debris were notified on the workpiece surface machined with rapid manufactured electrode with cryogenic cooling due to rapid dissipation of the heat from the surface of the electrode after machining. Similarly, few cracks and low carbon deposition was observed on the rapid manufactured electrode with cryogenic cooling surface after machining as compared to rapid manufactured electrode without cryogenic cooling. The sharp corner edges of the complex shape tool in rapid manufactured electrode with cryogenic cooling were retained after machining due to low melting and vaporization of the electrode material. The dimensional deviation of the machined surface with respect to computer-aided design model was compared. The rapid manufactured electrode with cryogenic cooling was found to machine the more accurate complex shape features in terms of dimensions on the workpiece as compared to rapid manufactured electrode without cryogenic cooling.
Regional Green Eco-Efficiency in China: Considering Energy Saving, Pollution Treatment, and External Environmental Heterogeneity

The economy in China has gradually transformed from a stage of high-speed development into one of high-quality development. The current study considers the economic environment, energy saving, and pollution treatment in an integrated way to measure eco-efficiency and external environmental heterogeneity. A modified three-phase data envelopment analysis (DEA) model is constructed to measure ecological efficiency while eliminating interference from both statistical noise and the external environment. The first phase uses a two-stage production structure DEA model considering nondiscretionary input and undesirable output. The model was applied to data for the year 2015 in 30 administrative regions in China, including municipalities, provinces, and autonomous regions. The results of this study show that many factors influence these regions’ eco-efficiency in China, including the levels of economic development, technological innovation, environmental regulation, and industrial structure. Finally, implications and suggestions are given to provincial governments from the perspectives of different industries and of provincial ecological–economic development.
Preparation method and cerium dopant effects on the properties of BaMnO3 single perovskite

ABSTRACT We report the synthesis of barium cerium manganite (BaMn0.94Ce0.06O3) single perovskite by using a conventional high-temperature solid-state reaction method. A structural phase transition occurs from hexagonal to orthorhombic confirmed by XRD data analysis after doping cerium (Ce) to the pure barium manganite (BaMnO3) matrix. The average crystallite size of the sample is about 63.38 nm. The lattice strain produced due to the addition of Ce dopant in the host matrix is about 0.00142. The SEM micrograph suggests the average grain size is about 30 μm. It is observed that the grain plays a dominant role compare to grain boundaries in defining the conductivity in the sample. The thermally activated relaxation process is controlled by the immobile charge carriers in the host materials at low-temperature range while controlled by defects at higher temperatures. From all the results, it is confirmed that the sample is dominated by the hopping process. The semicircular Nyquist plots confirm the semiconducting nature of the sample which is well supported by Cole-Cole plots.
A Review of Stereolithography: Processes and Systems

Being the earliest form of additive manufacturing, stereolithography (SLA) fabricates 3D objects by selectively solidifying the liquid resin through a photopolymerization reaction. The ability to fabricate objects with high accuracy as well as a wide variety of materials brings much attention to stereolithography. Since its invention in the 1980s, SLA underwent four generations of major technological innovation over the past 40 years. These innovations have thus resulted in a diversified range of stereolithography systems with dramatically improved resolution, throughput, and materials selection for creating complex 3D objects and devices. In this paper, we review the four generations of stereolithography processes, which are scanning, projection, continuous and volumetric stereolithography. For each generation, representative stereolithography system configurations are also discussed in detail. In addition, other derivative technologies, such as scanning–projection, multi-material, and magnetically assisted stereolithography processes, are also included in this review.
Behavioral and physiological responses of a freshwater turtle to anthropogenic activity

The way an animal perceives and reacts behaviorally to its environment is mediated largely by its physiology. For example, in vertebrates, glucocorticoids are released in response to a perceived stressor and help to keep the animal in a heightened state of awareness to enable an appropriate response to the perceived threat. It is also possible for organisms to react in nonadaptive ways to novel stressors. For example, an organism could perceive novel species, such as humans, as threats, when in fact the humans are engaging in recreational activity. This incorrect assessment could lead to wasted energy (particularly detrimental in poor-quality habitats) or the desertion of quality habitat, often to species that react less strongly to the presence of humans. It could potentially even lead to chronic elevation of glucocorticoids, reducing ability to mount a stress response to actual life-threatening stressors. Additionally, chronically elevated glucocorticoid levels may affect the fitness of the offspring of stressed individuals. These physiological responses can alter fitness sub-lethally. Such sub-lethal effects could reduce population fitness more than lethal impacts because more individuals might experience acute stress that interferes with reproduction. Thus, understanding organismal physiology and how it is modified in response to novel stressors, including habitat loss, human recreational activities, or even invasive species, is a key way to examine individual and population-level reactions to anthropogenic activities. Using the widespread freshwater turtle, Chrysemys picta, as a model system, I identified responses to anthropogenic stressors and consequences of transgenerational transmission of stress effects. The research presented here quantifies these stress responses across several levels of biological organization: measures of multiple traits within individuals as well as repeated measures over time, comparisons of different populations to understand how the stress response
‘It’s this one teacher … I just don’t like him’: the role of gender in establishing culturally relevant caring relationships

ABSTRACT Given limited scholarship examining gender dynamics in interactions between Black female students with Black male teachers, it is important to interrogate how Black girls experience teaching and learning in classrooms with Black male teachers in order to create culturally relevant caring (CRC) environments that nurture this student population. By centering the students’ perspectives, this study examines perceptions of care when a race-match but gender-mismatch is present in the classroom. Using CRC as a conceptual framework and analytic tool, this qualitative case study investigates the significance of gender and race in establishing CRC in classrooms. Findings suggest that a lack of attention to gender fluidity and diversity within the Black female population can hinder the establishment of CRC.
Molecular Study on Antibiotic Resistance of Staph. aureus Isolated from Chicken Meat and its Products

In this study, a total of 147 random samples from chicken meat, chicken liver, minced chicken meat and chicken luncheon samples were collected from different markets. Staphylococcus.aureus was isolated from these products at a percentage of 11.4 % , 9%, 16.2% and 26.1 % respectively. The sensitivity of Staph.aureus isolates to antimicrobial agents indicated that the isolates were sensitive to amikacin followed by gentamycin and amoxicillin with a percentage of 52 %, 48% and 30%, respectively. On the other hand, 100% of isolates were resistant to methicillin followed bypenicillin, doxycycline, Ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, and sulpha-methoxazole with a percentage of 96.3%, 96.3%, 93%, 89%, and 81%, respectively. The multidrug resistance (MAR) index values were ranged between 0.33 and 1. All the isolates showed resistance to at least 3 out 9 antibacterial agents tested. Six Staph.aureus isolates were selected (4 resistant to penicillin and 2 sensitive to penicillin) and screened for plasmid. The results revealed that the 4 resistant isolates were harbored plasmid with molecular size ranging from 18 and 22kbp. The 4 resistant isolates were divided to 2 groups (the first group was subcultured 5 times with sublethal dose of penicillin and the second group was subcultured 5 times in the absence of penicillin) and screened for plasmid. It was found that the 2 isolates which subjected to 5 times repeated subculture with sublethal dose of penicillin maintained their plasmids, while the 2 isolates which subjected to 5 times repeated subculture in the absence of penicillin lost their plasmids. PCR technique was used as confirmatory tool for detection of mecA gene. Eight isolates of Staph . aureus were randomly selected for detection ofmecA gene using specific primers. Five out of eight (62.5 %) isolates were positive for mecA gene. It could be concluded that the drug of choice to Staph. aureus was amikacin. All isolates had MAR index of 0.3 and above. The resistance of Staph.aureus to methicillin was higher. The presence of the antibiotic is important for maintenance of plasmid DNA.
Silicon Alleviates Temperature Stresses in Poinsettia by Regulating Stomata, Photosynthesis, and Oxidative Damages

The effects of silicon (Si) on temperature stresses were investigated in poinsettia. Well-rooted cuttings supplemented with and without Si were exposed to 40 °C, and plants treated with or without Si during cutting propagation and cultivation were subjected to 4 °C. The results showed that almost all the stomata of cuttings without Si supplementation were closed, while some of them were still open in cuttings supplemented with Si under a high temperature stress. However, Si was not able to alleviate stomatal closure of poinsettia under low temperature stress. The increased epicuticular wax might contribute to enhanced resistance of poinsettia to low temperature stresses. In addition, poinsettia maintained a higher photosynthetic rate and lower malonaldehyde and hydrogen sulfide concentrations when supplemented with Si under high and low temperature stresses, which might contribute to lower APX activities. Overall, temperature stresses had negative impacts on the physiological characteristics of poinsettia, while Si could alleviate some effects of temperature stresses.
Examining Individual Board Member Behaviors in Nonprofit Sport Governing Bodies

Research on individual board members has tended to focus on attitudes and personal characteristics with research on behaviors limited to the fulfillment of prescriptive tasks. This article develops a nine-behavior model of board member behavior using three board member roles (individual, board, and organizational) and three types of behavior (proficient, adaptive, and proactive). The model was tested using survey data acquired from Canadian provincial sport governing bodies. The data did not support adaptive behaviors, but a revised model was supported by the data. The results suggested board members perceive expectations to fulfill individual tasks, work together, and implement positive change. This research provides an empirically tested framework for continuing the advancement in governance research beyond a structural and compositional approach to an approach that captures the social and behavioral nature of boards.
PREPARATION AND EVALUATION OF CHEMICALLY INACTIVATED SALMONELLA ENTERITIDIS VACCINE IN CHICKENS

Â Â Objective: Salmonella enteritidis ghosts (SEGs) is a non-living empty bacterial cell envelopes which were generated using a different concentration of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) 6.4 mg/mL and evaluated as a vaccine candidate in specific pathogen-free (SPF) chicken. SEGs have been produced by chemical-mediated lysis and evaluated the potential efficacy of chemically induced SEG vaccine and its ability to induce protective immune responses against virulent S. enteritidis challenge in SPF chickens.Methods: SPF chickens were divided into three groups: Group A (non-vaccinated control), Group B (vaccinated with prepared vaccine), and Group C (vaccinated with commercial vaccine). Results: Vaccination of SPF chicken with SEGs induced higher immune responses before and after virulent challenge. SPF chicken vaccinated with SEGs showed increasing in serum enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) antibodies. During the vaccination period, Groups B and C showed higher serum antibody titer compared to Group A. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of NaOH was capable of inducing non-living SEGs, and it has successfully generated non-living SEGs by MIC of NaOH.Conclusion: It is a one-step process which means easy manufacturing and low production cost compared to protein E-mediated lysis method. Chemically induced SEG vaccine is a highly effective method for inducing protective immunity. This study strongly suggests that SEGs will be a permissive vaccine, as the method of inhibition of S. enteritidis was safe and cheaper than other methods, and it gave a good protection.
A multi-modal approach to decomposing standard neuropsychological test performance: Symbol Search

Neuropsychological test batteries provide normed assessments of cognitive performance across multiple functional domains. Although each test emphasizes a certain component of cognition, a poor score can reflect many possible processing deficits. Here we explore the use of simultaneous eye tracking and EEG to decompose test performance into interpretable, components of cognitive processing. We examine the specific case of Symbol Search, a “processing speed” subtest of the WISC, which involves searching for the presence of either of two target symbols among five search symbols. To characterize the signatures of effective performance of the test, we asked 26 healthy adults to perform a computerized version of it while recording continuous EEG and eye tracking. We first established basic gaze-shifting patterns in the task, such as more frequent and prolonged fixation of each target than each search symbol, and longer search symbol fixations and overall trial duration for target-absent trials. We then entered multiple such metrics into a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis, which revealed that short trial completion times were mainly predicted by longer initial fixations on the targets and fewer subsequent confirmatory saccades directed back to the targets. Further, the tendency to make confirmatory saccades was associated with stronger gamma-amplitude modulation by mid-frontal theta-phase in the EEG during initial target symbol encoding. Taken together, these findings indicate that efficient Symbol Search performance depends more on effective memory encoding than on general “processing speed”.
Effects of Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic on Health Anxiety Levels of Healthcare Professionals

Amac: Bu arastirma ile COVID-19 salgininin saglik calisanlarinin saglik kaygilari ve yasamlari uzerine etkilerini belirlemeyi amacladik. Yontem: Arastirmaya, e-mail yoluyla ulasilan 293 saglik calisani dahil edildi. Tum katilimcilara arastirmacilar tarafindan olusturulmus bir anket ve devaminda saglik kaygisi envanteri online olarak uygulandi. Anket sorulari ile katilimcinin sosyodemografik ozellikleri, COVID-19 salgini suresince ruhsal destek alip almadigi, kronik hastaligi olup olmadigi, cocuklarinin bakimiyla ilgili sorun yasayip yasamadigi, COVID polikliniginde/servisinde aktif gorev alip olmadigi, sosyal ve is yasantisinin nasil etkilendigi arastirildi. Bulgular: Katilimcilarin 73‘u (24.9%) doktor, 145’i hemsire ve 75’i (25.6%) diger saglik personelinden olusmaktadir. Katilimcilarin yas ortalamasi 35.22±8.51 ve calisma suresi ortancasi 10 (0.0-43.0) yildir. Risk grubunda yer alan saglik personeline COVID-19 testinin cok az oranda (1.4%) yapildigi saptanmistir. COVID-19 salgini surecinde psikiyatrik destek alanlarin sayisi 59 (20.1%)’dur. Katilimcilardan 99’u (33.9%) COVID-19 salgini surecinde cocuk bakiminda problem yasadigini belirtmistir. COVID-19 salgininin saglik profesyonellerinin is ve sosyal yasamini onemli olcude etkiledigi saptanmistir (p<0.05). COVID-19 salgini suresince katilimcilardan 142 (48.5%) kiside calisma isteginin azaldigi saptanmistir. Sosyal medyada COVID-19 salgini hakkinda yapilan haberlerden dolayi 226 (77.1%) kiside saglik kaygisinin arttigi saptanmistir. Saglik anksiyete envanteri toplam puaninin doktor grubuna kiyasla hemsire ve Diger Saglik Personeli (DSP) grubunda istatistiksel olarak anlamli sekilde yuksek ciktigi saptanmistir (p=0.013 ve p=0.005, sirasiyla). Sonuc: Calismamiz ulkemizde COVID-19 salgininin saglik calisanlarinin saglik kaygilari ve onlarin yasamlari uzerine etkilerinin degerlendirildigi ilk calismadir. Saglik calisanlarinin fiziksel sagliklarinin yani sira, islevsel bir hizmet verebilmeleri acisindan ruhsal sagliklarinin da korunabilmesi icin gerekli koruyucu ve destekleyici ruhsal-toplumsal onlemlerin alinmasi gerekmektedir.