Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Termiticidal Activity of Parkia biglobosa (Jacq) Benth Seed Extracts on the Termite Coptotermes intermedius Silvestri (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

The chemical and mineral composition of raw and boiled seeds of the African locust bean, Parkia biglobosa (Jacq) Benth, was determined while the termiticidal action of the aqueous, alcoholic, and acetone extracts of the bean seeds were investigated. Variations in the proximate and mineral composition of the raw and boiled seeds were obtained while heavy minerals such as cadmium, cobalt, lead, nickel, and copper had been leached out of the seed during the process of boiling. Extracts from the raw seeds exhibited varying degree of termiticidal activity, while extracts from the boiled seed had no effect on the workers of Coptotermes intermedius Silvestri. Alcoholic extracts were more active than the aqueous and acetone extracts. Termites die within 30 min, 40 min, and 110 min when exposed to concentration of 4 g mL−1 treatments of alcoholic, aqueous, and acetone extracts, respectively.
Straight Talk on Trade: Ideas for a Sane World Economy

An honest discussion of free trade and how nations can sensibly chart a path forward in today's global economy Not so long ago the nation-state seemed to be on its deathbed, condemned to irrelevance by the forces of globalization and technology. Now it is back with a vengeance, propelled by a groundswell of populists around the world. In Straight Talk on Trade, Dani Rodrik, an early and outspoken critic of economic globalization taken too far, goes beyond the populist backlash and offers a more reasoned explanation for why our elites' and technocrats' obsession with hyper-globalization made it more difficult for nations to achieve legitimate economic and social objectives at home: economic prosperity, financial stability, and equity. Rodrik takes globalization's cheerleaders to task, not for emphasizing economics over other values, but for practicing bad economics and ignoring the discipline's own nuances that should have called for caution. He makes a case for a pluralist world economy where nation-states retain sufficient autonomy to fashion their own social contracts and develop economic strategies tailored to their needs. Rather than calling for closed borders or defending protectionists, Rodrik shows how we can restore a sensible balance between national and global governance. Ranging over the recent experiences of advanced countries, the eurozone, and developing nations, Rodrik charts a way forward with new ideas about how to reconcile today's inequitable economic and technological trends with liberal democracy and social inclusion. Deftly navigating the tensions among globalization, national sovereignty, and democracy, Straight Talk on Trade presents an indispensable commentary on today's world economy and its dilemmas, and offers a visionary framework at a critical time when we need it most.
Comparative Study of Cellular Tumor Antigen p53 Protein of Fishes and Analysis of its Protein Interaction Network using Computational Approach

Progress in the field of Bioinformatics has been facilitated to understand the global network of genes and their protein products. In present study, comparative analysis of Cellular tumor antigen p53 proteins of nine fishes were carried out using Bioinformatics tools. Cellular tumor antigen p53 acts as a tumor-suppressor and having role in apoptosis, genomic stability. The results of this study indicate that, most of physico-chemical properties were almost same in Q92143 ( Xiphophorus maculates ) and O57538 ( Xiphophorus helleri ). In order to understand global network of Cellular tumor antigen p53, we have used STRING 9.1 tool and speculated that this protein interacting with several other protein but functional node -CHEK1, BCL2, MDM4 were common in Danio rerio , Oryzias latipes, Tetraodon miurus with high confidence score. The strong association interaction has seen between mdm2 and p53 with a good high score in Danio rerio. We also studied the molecular docking between Cellular tumor antigen p53 and Mdm2 of Zebrafish. Also, we have investigated conserved region present in all nine different protein sequences which specifies, that region maintained by evolution despite speciation. The present study will further support to understand the roles and associated proteins in various cellular pathways in fish . This work is also useful for the study of structural and functional analysis of p53 protein.
Chapter 4 Protein-Based Detection Methods for Genetically Modified Crops

The generation of genetically modified (GM) crops is rapidly expanding each and every year around the world. The well-being and quality assessment of these harvests are vital issues with respect to buyers’ interests. This drove the administrative specialists to execute an arrangement of extremely strict strategies for the endorsement to develop and use GMOs and to produce an interest in scientific techniques equipped for identifying GM crops. The GM crops have been added to the effective fuse of various attributes by presenting transgenes, for example, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticidal qualities, in various crop species. GM crops give critical financial, natural, well-being and social advantages to both small and large agriculturists. The detection strategies incorporate either DNA-based or protein-based measures. Different immunoassays or catalyst connected immunosorbent tests are delicate and more affordable; however, they need experienced technicians. A very simple method, that is, immunochromatographic (ICS) test, is set up in the world, which is modest, compact and simple to utilize. The ICS is a semiquantitative method for indicative screening and semi-measurement of new remote proteins presented through hereditary change of plants. The strip is the easiest method for the assessment of several Bt crop plants for insecticidal quality.
A PARTICLE-ENHANCED DOUBLE-STRANDED DNA PROBE FOR RAPID DETECTION OF BACTERIAL 16S rRNA TOWARD URINARY TRACT INFECTION DIAGNOSTICS

In this paper, a novel approach for rapid, species-specific detection of pathogens via bacterial 16S rRNA is demonstrated using a microparticle enhanced double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) probe for point-of-care diagnostics. By incorporating streptavidin-coated microparticles to localize the biotinylated probes, the sensitivity of the assay is improved by three orders of magnitude and can detect as few as eight bacteria without target amplification. The assay requires less than 40 min compared to days in standard procedure. The probe is highly specific against common uropathogens and is inert to the matrix effects in urine samples from patients with urinary tract infections (UTI).
Radial profiles of Fe abundance in the intracluster medium of nearby clusters observed with XMM-Newton

Aims. The abundances of Fe in the intracluster medium of nearby (z < 0.08) clusters were measured up to 0.3 ∼ 0.5r180. Methods. We analyzed 28 clusters of galaxies observed with XMM-Newton. We derived Fe abundances from the flux ratios of Fe lines to the continuum within an energy range of 3.5−6 keV to minimize and evaluate systematic uncertainties. Results. The radial profiles of the Fe abundances of relaxed clusters with a cD galaxy at their X-ray peak have similar slopes. These clusters show similar enhancements in the Fe abundance within 0.1r180, and at 0.1−0.3r180, they have flatter Fe abundance profiles at 0.4 ∼ 0.5 solar, with a small scatter. Most other clusters, including merging clusters, also have similar Fe abundance profiles beyond 0.1r180. These clusters may have universal metal enrichment histories, and a significant amount of Fe was synthesized at a very early stage in cluster formation. Mergers of clusters can destroy the central Fe peak.
Assaying biomarkers via real-time measurements of the effective relaxation time of biofunctionalized magnetic nanoparticles associated with biotargets

An assay of biomarkers consisting of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is reported. Real-time measurements of the effective relaxation time τeff, when the biofunctionalized magnetic nanoparticles (BMNs) were conjugating with biotargets, were made. The BMNs are antialpha-fetoprotein (antiAFP) coated onto dextran-coated iron oxide nanoparticles labeled as Fe3O4-antiAFP. It was found that the effective relaxation time, τeff, increases as the association of AFP and Fe3O4-antiAFP evolves. We attribute this to the enhanced Brownian motion of BMNs when magnetic clusters are present during the conjugation. We found that saturation magnetization, Ms, increases when the concentration of AFP increases. This is due to the fact that more magnetic clusters are associated in the reagent, and therefore the Ms increases when the concentration of AFP increases. The change of effective relaxation time and saturation magnetization shows a behavior of logistic function, which provides a foundation for assaying an unknown amount of biomolecules. Thus, we demonstrate sensitive platforms for detecting AFP by characterizing τeff. The detection platform is robust and easy to use and shows promise for further use in assaying a broad number of biomarkers.
The Effect of Beam Intensity on Temperature Distribution in ADS Windowless Lead-Bismuth Eutectic Spallation Target

The spallation target is the component coupling the accelerator and the reactor and is regarded as the “heart” of the accelerator driven system (ADS). Heavy liquid metal lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) is served as core coolant and spallation material to carry away heat deposition of spallation reaction and produce high flux neutron. So it is very important to study the heat transfer process in the target. In this paper, the steady-state flow pattern has been numerically obtained and taken as the input for the nuclear physics calculation, and then the distribution of the extreme large power density of the heat load is imported back to the computational fluid dynamics as the source term in the energy equation. Through the coupling, the transient and steady-state temperature distribution in the windowless spallation target is obtained and analyzed based on the flow process and heat transfer. Comparison of the temperature distribution with the different beam intensity shows that its shape is the same as broken wing of the butterfly. Nevertheless, the maximum temperature as well as the temperature gradient is different.The results play an important role and can be applied to the further design and optimization of the ADS windowless spallation target.
DYNAMIC STIFFNESS METHOD FOR FREE VIBRATIONS ANALYSIS OF PARTIAL FLUID-FILLED ORTHOTROPIC CIRCULAR CYLINDRICAL SHELLS

Free vibrations of partial fluid-filled orthotropic circular cylindrical shells are investigated using the Dynamic Stiffness Method (DSM) or Continuous Element Method (CEM) based on the First Order Shear Deformation Theory (FSDT) and non-viscous incompressible fluid equations. Numerical examples are given for analyzing natural frequencies and harmonic responses of cylindrical shells partially and completely filled with fluid under various boundary conditions. The vibration frequencies for different filling ratios of cylindrical shells are obtained and compared with existing experimental and theoretical results which indicate that the fluid filling can reduce significantly the natural frequencies of studied cylindrical shells. Detailed parametric analysis is carried out to show the effects of some geometrical and material parameters on the natural frequencies of orthotropic cylindrical shells. The advantages of this current solution consist in fast convergence, low computational cost and high precision validating for all frequency ranges.
ADVANCED BIOREACTOR SYSTEM FOR THE IMPLANTABLE BIOMATERIALS TESTING AND TISSUE ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS

Tissue engineering scientists believe that the next generation of functional tissue and artificial organ replacements truly need the use of advanced bioreactor system. Bioreactor system, in which the culture conditions can be adjusted and studied, will support the development of tissues with optimal mechanical, chemical, and biological stimuli for a given application. Although there have been various types of bioreactors designed and tested for several implantable biomaterials and tissue engineering applications, the development of a complete artificial organ remains a dream. This review addresses recent advances and future challenges in designing and using advanced bioreactor system to support the mass production of vascularized engineering tissues and artificial organ. The potential application of micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) bioreactor technology for future advancement in tissue engineering is also highlighted.
Revealing the Excited State Dynamics of Betaine-30 using Two-dimensional Electronic-Vibrational Spectroscopy

Two-dimensional electronic-vibrational spectroscopy was used to investigate the ultrafast photoinduced dynamics of betaine-30 in methanol-d4 solution. Our study reveals three vibrational modes (1330, 1350 and 1370 cm−1) are strongly coupled to the back charge transfer process.
The effect of monetary rewards on autonomous motivation in an enabling performance measurement context

This paper investigates the impact of monetary rewards on autonomous motivation in an enabling PMS context. The study uses survey data from 314 managers from different organizations. The results indicate that organizations benefit from performance measurement systems that are perceived as highly enabling. A highly enabling PMS leads to a higher level of autonomous motivation, when compared to a situation with a minimally enabling PMS or no performance measurement system. In organizations where the performance measurement system is perceived to be minimally enabling, the results indicate that perceived fairness of individual monetary rewards positively affects managers’ autonomous motivation. The findings also reveal that the more the performance measurement system is perceived as enabling, the less effective a fair individual bonus is to enhance the level of autonomous motivation of managers.
Comparison of Disc Diffusion, Broth Microdilution and Modified Hodge Test Susceptibility Testing Of Escherichia coli Isolates to Beta-Lactam Antibiotics

Background and Objective : One of the main tasks of clinical microbiology laboratories is to determine antibiotic resistance profiles in common pathogens and ensure the selection of effective antibiotics for certain infections. The aim of this study was to compare the methods of disk diffusion, broth microdilution and modified Hodge test in Escherichia coli isolates from urinary tract infection and diarrhea for susceptibility testing against beta-lactam antibiotics in Kerman, Iran. Methods: In this study, 432 E. coli isolates were collected from diarrhea (216 isolates) and urinary tract infection samples (216 isolates). The antibiotic susceptibility testing methods of disk diffusion, broth microdilution and modified Hodge test were performed according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Results : The findings of disk diffusion method showed that resistance to cefotaxime, ceftazidime, aztreonam, cefepime and imipenem was 51.15%, 30.55%, 24.30%, 15.27% and 1.85%, respectively. In the disk diffusion test, 51.15% of the isolates were resistant to at least one antibiotic, all of which were later evaluated by the broth microdilution method. Moreover, 52.94%, 17.19%, 13.12% and 0.90% of the isolates were resistant to cefotaxime, ceftazidime, cefepime and imipenem, respectively. All of the isolates were evaluated for the production of carbapenemase enzyme by the modified Hodge test and none of the isolates were found as positive. Conclusion : This study shows that performing carbapenem tests is very challenging, and laboratories are recommended to use secondary and independent antibiotic susceptibility tests such as modified Hodge test to confirm the carbapenem-resistant results.
Influence of photoperiod on pigmentation and metabolic efficiency of the marine aerobic anoxygenic photosynthetic bacterium Erythrobacter longus Strain NJ3Y

The marine photoheterotroph Erythrobacter longus Strain NJ3Y was grown in continuous culture under variable light:dark (L:D) regimes of 24:0, 12:12 and 0:24 h to examine the influence of photoperiod on pigmentation and metabolic efficiency. Average carbon mass balances for each light regime closed to within 5 %, giving confidence in the measured variables as well as calculations of physiological parameters. Significant differences in photosynthetic pigmentation were observed for the experimental light treatments, with highest and lowest pigment concentrations measured in the 0:24 and 24:0 h L:D regimes, respectively, indicating that the photosynthetic pigments of E. longus Strain NJ3Y are preferentially synthesized in the dark. These differences are consistent with the strategy that photosynthetic pigments are produced during periods of darkness, for use in energy harvesting during subsequent light periods. In contrast, concentrations of the photoprotective pigment caloxanthin sulfate were highest for cells grown under a 12:12 h L:D cycle, indicating that this carotenoid is synthesized in the light and the dark. It is concluded that the 12:12 h L:D regime provides the maximum opportunity for E. longus Strain NJ3Y to derive a metabolic advantage from light availability (i.e. by enabling it to both synthesize and utilize its light harvesting apparatus). The corresponding carbon-specific glucose uptake rate was similar to 30% higher than that measured for the 0:24 and 24:0 h L:D regimes. It is hypothesized that light-stimulated rates of dissolved organic carbon uptake by bacteriochlorophyll a containing bacteria confer a slight competitive advantage over bacteria that lack this photosynthetic machinery. Lowest glucose-specific biomass yields (Y-x/s, g dry cell wt g(-1) glucose) were observed for the 12:12 h L:D treatment, suggesting that under the culture conditions used in this study, photosynthesis does not contribute significantly to the growth of E. longus Strain NJ3Y.
Rhopalosiphum rufiabdominale: first records from winter host plants in Europe

Aphid species Rhopalosiphum rufiabdominale (Sasaki) has been originally described from Japan where it is heteroecious holocyclic alternating between Prunus spp. and the underground parts of numerous species of herbaceous plants. Current knowledge is that it obligate alternation between winter and summer hosts in the East Asian region only, whilst populations reproducing by means of obligate parthenogenesis are distributed in warmer climates and in glasshouses worldwide. In 2013, two samples of Rhopalosiphum were collected in Bagnolo Mella of Brescia province in northern Italy from Prunus armeniaca (apricot) and Prunus domestica (common plum). The attribution of these two samples to R. rufiabdominale was confirmed both morphologically and by the application of two molecular markers, partial sequences of mitochondrial COI and nuclear EF-1α genes. This was the first record of R. rufiabdominale from its winter hosts Prunus spp. outside the East Asian region. Once holocyclic populations may exist in southern Europe, these aphids can inhabit the entire temperate region worldwide because they can thrive harsh winter conditions as overwintering egg.
Using Color Full-Scale Schlieren (CFSS) Technique to Improve Kitchen Exhaust Hood Performance

This article uses color full-scale Schlieren for heat flow visualization of the kitchen exhaust hood. Using grease filters with same percentage of opening but different forms for measurements the heat flow escaping rate, noise, and air velocity of the kitchen exhaust hood under conditions of different percentage masking. The results show that using different grease filters without masking has no escaping heat flow. Employing the rectangular filter with side masking has the worst heat flow escaping. The top masking has also no heat flow escaping and the form with circular opening has the strongest absorbability. In this work, the smallest noise level is 65dB which appears at the situation of top masking. Moreover, kitchen exhaust hood without masking the air flow rate increase 3.17% of the air velocity than side masking.
Mitigating the effects of Attenuation in Free Space Optics link using EDFA

Free space optics (FSO) communication is highly dependent on atmospheric turbulences and weather conditions through which the signal propagates. Due to propagation in free space, the signal gets attenuated and loses information until it reaches the receiver end. These factors affecting the communication in FSO technology generates the need of using amplifier in the link. All these factors can be overcome using amplifier in the link. In this work, the FSO link is designed and its performance is analysed with and without using amplifier. The use of amplifier in the FSO not only improves the signal quality but also increases the range of communication. This paper analyses the importance and effectiveness of the use of Erbium Doped Fibre Amplifier (EDFA) in FSO communication. The model is simulated and two important parameters that are bit error rate (BER) and received signal power are discussed using various powers of transmitters. The results are compared and plotted using Matlab simulation.
Interactive comment on "Uncertainty in the determination of soil hydraulic parameters and its influence on the performance of two hydrological models of different complexity" by G. Baroni et al.

Based on my reading of the manuscript, the paper is well structured overall. The introduction of the paper illustrates clearly the rationale and the objectives of the work. It provides an extensive literature review covering the major topics related to the selection of hydraulic properties to be used in water flow models. To me, some deficiencies are especially related to the discussion about the strengths and weaknesses of the different models they consider and the reasons why the models give different results. The measurements and experimental conditions are well explained even if I keep some serious doubts if lab/field data are really correct. Tables and the figures effectively summarize the results. Overall, I think the paper is significant, even if the approach is not novel, the objectives very clear and in general effectively supported.
DEMOGRAPHIC AND WELFARE RELATED COVARIATES OF MACROECONOMIC PERFORMANCE IN A DIGITAL AGE IN ASIA

Conventional growth models usually overlook the importance of demographic factors as a determinant of growth and their complemen- tarities with other factors. This study develops a model to elucidate the role of demographics and human welfare in Asian countries in explaining the income determination by considering their complementarities with ICT. Sample of Asian countries have been used to analyze this model called as Demo-Tech Income Model. Considerable support is found for this hypothesis using data of selected Asian countries. Referring to Solow's Paradox, a possible explanation is found that emphasizes the importance of favourable demographic features and higher levels of welfare in explaining the 'fuzzy' ICT-income nexus. Demo-Tech income model is suitable for Asian countries that have favourable demographic features, such as higher concentration in urban areas and upright population pyramids. This model can have similar implications for other developing regions with similar demographic patterns and initial stage of ICT diffusion.