Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
INFLUENCE OF ALTITUDE ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF STINGLESS BEES (HYMENOPTERA APIDAE: MELIPONINAE)*

The subfamily Meliponinae (stingless bees) is exclusively tropical (MICHENER, 1990), and several authors describe their spreading and distribution in the Neotropics (CAMARGO et al., 1988; MICHENER, 1979; ROUBIK, 1990, 1992). Of the stingless bees in Costa Rica a description of the nests and a key to the identification of the species is given by WILLE (1961) and WILLE and MICHENER (1973). Little information, however, is available on ecological, geographical and climatological factors that determine different areas occupied by different (sub-) species. The mechanisms that prevent Melipona favosa and M. yucatanica from occupying the same area, although the forests are structurally similar and barely separated in Costa Rica and panama, are unkown (ROUBIK, 1990). Neither is it known why Melipona does not exist in the subtropical and temperate zone. ROUBIK (1990) hypothesized that the absence of suitable nesting sites and nesting materials like tree resins prevent Melipona from colonizing the temperate zone. As arguments he states that, for instance, Melipona peruviana demonstrates cold tolerance, and that Melipona displays ectothermy. JOHNSON and HUBBELL (1984) found that stingless bees preferred the thickest trees (95 cm dbh) for nest sites. The south-western part of the United States is likely to be favourable for bees since it counts hundreds of native species, and has an abundancy of food sources. Six species were found to occur at altitudes ranging from 200 to 1400 m in Peru, which include two biotic zones (tropical and subtropical premontane biotic zones, av. annual temp. 25-27 C, respectively 21-23 C), indicating that stingless bees can demostrate cold tolerance (BAUM-GARTNER and ROUBIK, 1989). In this study, cold tolerance and distribution were studied for stingless bees to gain more insight in factors influencing their distribution, on the slopes of the “Cordillera de Tilaran” mountain range, in Costa Rica. The data were correlated with specimens of the bee collection at the University of Costa Rica.
The Genetic Diversity of Wild and Farmed Japanese Flounder Populations

The genetic diversity of cultured and wild populations of Japanese flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus, were analyzed and compared using AFLP. The wild population was collected from the coastal area of Rongcheng, Shangdong Province and the cultured population was hatchery-reared offspring of wild caught individuals from the same area. A total of 797 loci were generated with 7 primer combinations, of which 433 (54.27%) were polymorphic loci. Variations in the ability to detect genetic diversity among different primer combinations were observed in both wild and culture populations. However, the cultured population showed smaller numbers of total loci and lower percentages of polymorphic loci. The average percentages of polymorphic loci in the wild and cultured populations were 46.18% and 40.07%, respectively. The noticeable decrease in the number of rare loci and the increase in the number of homozygous recessive loci in the cultured population suggested a considerable loss of rare alleles in the cultured population. This may have resulted from small effective population sizes during artificial seed production.
Clock-controlled shift registers in binary sequence generators

Cryptographic binary sequence generators are discussed in which a linear feedback shift register is clock controlled in a pseudorandom manner by another register. Huge values of the linear equivalence are readily achieved. To illustrate the possibilities three types of generator are described: First, the output from a clock-controlled shift register is scrambled by a MacLaren-Marsaglia shuffler. Secondly, the output sequence is generated as the scalar product of the state-vector of a clock-controlled shift register with a pseudorandom sequence of vectors and thirdly, a cascade of clock-controlled shift registers is set up in which several bits are passed in parallel from stage to stage through invertible s-boxes. A new version of the theorem which guarantees large values of the linear equivalence is given, together with a proof along novel lines.
Bioassay on banana rhizome discs for selecting bacteria antagonistic to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense

O emprego de orgaos vegetais destacados e uma alternativa aos testes in vitro para selecao de agentes de biocontrole. Por outro lado, o uso de escalas para quantificacao de area lesionada pode gerar resultados inconsistentes. Bacterias rizosfericas e endofiticas foram selecionadas como inibidoras do crescimento de Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc), agente causal do mal-do-Panama da bananeira. Para tanto, discos de rizoma foram tratados com 200 µL de suspensao dos antagonistas (109 UFC mL-1) e inoculados com patogeno. O material foi disposto em caixas plasticas tipo gerbox e incubado em BOD a 25 oC, por doze dias. Apos, a area dos discos de rizoma (mm2) colonizada por Foc dos discos foi quantificada por meio de imagens digitais. O ensaio foi montado em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repeticoes e tres discos por repeticao. Discos nao tratados e inoculados compuseram o controle. Com base nos resultados obtidos, foi possivel verificar a eficiencia do metodo na selecao de agente de controle biologico, uma vez que foi possivel o agrupamento dos 26 isolados utilizados em cinco clusteres distintos, sendo que isolados pertencentes a quatro destes grupos (do ‘1’ a ‘4’) foram capazes de proporcionar a reducao da colonizacao por Foc. Os isolados com maior potencial de inibicao foram 520EB, 993EB e 531EB com 343,3, 344,1, 364,8 mm2, respectivamente, promovendo inibicao variando de 53 a 56 % da area colonizada quando comparados com ao controle (782,6 mm2).
The Effect of Human Trampling on a Sand Dune Ecosystem Dominated by Empetrum nigrum

(1) The influence of trampling was studied on the outer dune heath of Skallingen, southwest Jutland. The total number of passages and the period of time over which trampling occurred were varied independently, on areas that had either received fertilizer applications or were unfertilized. The depth and width of paths were measured and the relative cover of the vegetation and species frequency determined. (2) There was a linear relationship between the depth of the paths and the number of passages. 2560 passes lowered the soil surface by 28 mm. The width of paths increased with increasing numbers of passages. The paths were slightly deeper when trampled on a single day as opposed to the effect of trampling over a period of 4 months. (3) Relative cover was reduced with increasing numbers of passages; after 200 passages cover was only 50%. This low carrying capacity is suggested to be the consequence of reduced vigour of the dominant species Empetrum nigrum, although it is not reflected in frequency measurements of this species. The frequency of four species E. nigrum, Festuca rubra, Ammophila arenaria and Veronica officinalis was largely unaffected by 150 passages but only two species, Empetrum nigrum and Hypnum cupressiforme survived 2560 passages. (4) Addition of fertilizer only slightly increased plant cover on the paths but tended to produce a vegetation dominated by grasses. (5) It is emphasized that all the consequences of a management operation need to be considered before it is carried out.
ERCP-Guided Endoscopic Therapy for Recurrent Acute Pancreatitis in Normal Pancreas and Chronic Pancreatitis

Recurrent acute pancreatitis is a clinical entity involving more than one episode of acute pancreatitis. Pancreatitis generally recurs in a subject with a normal anatomical and functional gland; however, either early or advanced chronic disease may be seen at the first episode of pancreatitis or during the follow-up. The etiology of recurrent acute pancreatitis can be identified in the majority of patients but, despite advanced diagnostic techniques, the causes still remain unknown in 10-30%: in these cases the term “idiopathic” is used. The efficacy of ERCP-guided endoscopic therapy in patients with RAP depends on two main factors: whether the acute pancreatitis involves a normal pancreas or is already in a setting of chronic pancreatitis, and whether a cause can be identified and removed. Occult common bile duct stone disease, sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, and pancreas divisum account for the majority of cases of recurrent acute pancreatitis, which can be successfully treated by endoscopic biliary and/or pancreatic sphincterotomy or minor papillary sphincterotomy, or stenting. However, in recent years concerns have been voiced about the efficacy of endo-therapy to treat sphincter of Oddi dysfunction and prevent the progression toward chronic pancreatitis in pancreas divisum. Trans-papillary endo-therapy has also proved effective for recurrent acute pancreatitis in patients with early or advanced chronic pancreatitis, and depending on pancreatic ductal obstruction or fluid collection; however, here again, despite symptom improvements, data on the impact of endo-therapy on the course of chronic pancreatitis remain uncertain.
A preliminary report on the criterion for evaluating the disease resistance of maize to the disease caused by maize rough dwarf fijivirus

The disease caused by Maize rough dwarf fijivirus (MRDV) is one of the most important diseases in corn production in North China.Severe dwarfing,distortion of the plants bearing the small malformed ears with few or no kernels,and enations on the underside of the leaves are the typical symptoms of the disease.Utilization of the disease-resistant cultivars is the most effective and economical way to control the disease.Yet there is no practical criterion reported for screening and evaluating the disease resistance in corn breeding and production.Studies were conducted from 2001 to 2004 with 93 inbred lines and 9 hybrids under the nature infection in the field.To examine the disease severity of the plants practically,a grading standard was set with a scale of 0 to 4:0 for no symptoms;1 for four fifth of healthy plant height;2 for one half of healthy plant height;3 for one third of healthy plant height and 4 for equal and less than one fourth of healthy plant height or dying back at early infection stage.A criterion for evaluating the disease resistance was established based on the disease index,in which disease index ranging 0-3.0 standed for higher resistant;3.1-10.0 for resistant;10.1-20.0 for medium resistant;20.1-40.0 for susceptible,40.1 and above for higher susceptible.An artificial inoculation test with vectors (Laodelphax striatellus Fallen) in a screenhouse by applying this criterion confirmed that this criterion was reliable and practical to screen the resistant lines and hybrids in corn breeding and production.
Developmental biology and protein interactions of spotted stem borer, Chilo partellus on diverse array of maize genotypes

We studied the developmental biology of Chilo partellus on different maize types and total protein content in seedlings of different maize types vis-a-vis the C. partellus larvae reared on these genotypes to gauge the level of antibiosis in these specialty maize genotypes. The studies suggested significant differences for larval weight, larval survival, larval period, pupal period and adult emergence of C. partellus on the test maize types. The larval weight of C. partellus was significantly lower on resistant check, CML 345 as compared to other genotypes, being highest on sweet corn and Quality Protein Maize (QPM) genotypes. The larval period and pupal periods were significantly higher on white kernel and yellow kernel genotypes as compared to that on sweet corn and QPM genotypes, and the susceptible check, Basi Local. In general, the larval survival and adult emergence were significantly lower on white kernel and yellow kernel genotypes as compared to that on sweet corn and QPM genotypes including susceptible check, Basi Local. There were significant differences for total protein content in different maize types and the C. partellus larvae fed on these genotypes. Protein content in maize seedlings was lower as compare to that in stem borer larvae fed on them. Total protein content was significantly higher in QPM, while lower in susceptible check, Basi Local as compared to other group of maize genotypes, except in few cases. Present studies have implications for understanding the mechanism of resistance and the host plant-insect biochemical interactions.
Blockchain-based NAT Management for 5G Age

—Full deployment of IPv6 addressing fails because nowadays Network Address Translation (NAT) devices are commonly used to extend internal private addressing from the global public IP addressing. The existing phone system uses the vertical model to solve issues relating to the NAT and mobility management. Also, the horizontal model has been studied, where a centralized Software-Deﬁned network (SDN) controller is in charge of handling network functions such as NAT and mobility management. The goal of this paper is to propose a blockchain-based NAT management (BNATM) scheme to overcome the limitation that both the horizontal model as well as the vertical model face in relation with NAT and mobility management. Our proposal focuses on the idea that, if we use the blockchain technologies, each peer can easily obtain the necessary parameters required to handle the complicated NAT and mobility management procedures. Finally, this paper analyzes the latency comparisons among the proposed BNATM scheme, existing vertical model and centralized controller-based horizontal model.
Isolation and characterization of chemical constituents from B. amyloliquefaciens and their nematicidal activity

Secondary metabolites from cell free culture filtrate of B. amyloliquefaciens (Ba-14.5) showed strong nematicidal activity against root-knot nematode in preliminary tests. In the present study, chemical constituents present in secondary metabolites of B. amyloliquefaciens were investigated. Methanol fractions obtained from silica gel chromatography were analysed by using GC-MS. Thirteen compounds were revealed by GC-MS analysis and these constituents include stigmasta-3,5-dien-7-one (9.82%), Pregna-5, 16-dien-20-one, 3-(acetyloxy)-,(3.beta)-(5.12%), Benzeneacetaldehyde (3.96%), N-acetyl-3-methyl-1, 4-diazabicyclo[4.3. 0]nonan-2,5-dione (3.65%), Pyrrolo (1,2-1) pyrazine-1,4-dione,hexahydro-(39.57%), 2,4,6,8-Tetramethyldecan-1-ol (0.54%), Pyrrolo (1,2-1) pyrazine-1,4-dione, hexahydro-3-(2-methylpropyl)- (4.96%), Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (0.35%), 5, 10-Diethoxy-2,3,7,8-tetrahydro-1H, 6H-dipyrrolo(1,2-a (1.35%), n-Octadecanoic acid methyl ester (0.39%), 3,6-Disobutyl-2,5-Piperazinedione (4.21%), Hexadecanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl ester (9.7%), and Octadecanoic acid, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl ester (21.8%). Among thirteen compounds, three compounds like Benzeneacetaldehyde, 2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl) ethyl ester and Octadecanoic acid, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl ester possess nematicidal activity based on previous studies. Other compounds possess antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidant, anticancer and insecticidal properties and are yet to be confirmed for their nematicidal activity. Our findings help to find potential compounds/metabolites from microbial source to develop nematicides for the management of root-knot nematode in horticultural crops.
Biodiversity and ecosystem services in forest ecosystems: a research agenda for applied forest ecology

Summary Given the substantial contributions of forest biodiversity and ecosystem services to society, forest sciences have a large potential to contribute to the integrity and sustainability of our future. This is especially true when the roles of biodiversity for sustaining ecosystem services are considered. The rapid expansion of sustainable forest management (SFM) has resulted in the adoption of various forest management frameworks intended to safeguard biodiversity. Concurrently, the importance of forest ecosystem services has been increasingly recognized. Although some initiatives aimed at conserving both biodiversity and ecosystem services are emerging, knowledge gaps still exist about their relationships and potential trade-offs in forests. Given recent advancements, increasing opportunities and some lags in forest ecology, further research on biodiversity, ecosystem functions and services will play substantial roles in the development of SFM practices. Here, we identified key issues including (i) relationships between biodiversity and ecosystem function as a foundation of ecological integrity, (ii) resilience thinking to better prepare for and adapt to environmental changes, (iii) social–ecological perspectives that facilitate real-world conservation and management and (iv) theory-driven restoration that bridges science and practice. Thus, we illustrate priorities and future possibilities in applied ecology studies in forests, which will help society and ecosystems to build capacity and resilience to face uncertainty in the changing environment. Synthesis and applications. Under substantial human influences, forests are highly likely to be largely altered, potentially leading to the emergence of novel ecosystems or alternative stable states. Management thus needs more flexible, novel measures to address the significant uncertainty this generates. Resilience-based approaches are important to respond adaptively to future changes and cope with surprises, potentially providing multiple options. Although challenges exist, theory should play an important role in managing, conserving and restoring forest ecosystems. The issues discussed here should receive further attention in the context of the multiple goals of sustainable forest management.
Novel Diagnostic Techniques for Rotating Electrical Machines—A Review

This paper aims to update the review of diagnostic techniques for rotating electrical machines of different type and size. Each of the main sections of the paper is focused on a specific component of the machine (stator and rotor windings, magnets, bearings, airgap, load and auxiliaries, stator and rotor laminated core) and divided into subsections when the characteristics of the component are different according to the type or size of the machine. The review considers both the techniques currently applied on field for the diagnostics of the electrical machines and the novel methodologies recently proposed by the researchers in the literature.
Supplementation effect of red seaweed powder on dry matter intake, body weight and feed conversion efficiency in crossbred cows

This study was conducted to examine the effects of supplementation of red seaweed (Kappaphycus alvarezii) product in the diet of ruminants on dry matter intake, body weight and feed conversion efficiency in lactating crossbred cows. For conducting this study, 18 lactating crossbred (Karan fries) cows were selected from a herd and divided into 3 treatment groups of 6 animals each based on milk yield, body weight, parity and days in milk. The cows in treatment group T1 were fed rations as per their nutrient requirements. The cows in treatment groups T2 and T3 were fed the similar rations as fed to control treatment group (T1), however, their rations were supplemented with red seaweed (K. alverazii) based powder (K. alvarezii powder: Gracilaria salicornia powder: K. alvarezii sap powder in 1: 1: 1 ratio) @ 1.5 and 3% of ration (on dry matter basis), respectively. The study lasted for 150 days. The values for dry matter intake, body weight and feed conversion efficiency were not influenced by red seaweed-based feed additive supplementation.
Achilles' Heel of SARS-CoV-2: Transcription Regulatory Sequence and Leader Sequence in 5’ Untranslated Region have Unique Evolutionary Patterns and are Vital for Virus Replication in Infected Human Cells

Background SARS-CoV-2 has generated a life-treating pandemic and is the main challenge of this century. Some untranslated regions (UTRs) in SARS-CoV-2 genome, specifically leader sequence and transcription regulatory sequence (TRS) in 5’UTR, can be considered as Achilles' heel of virus. Leader sequence are found at the 5' ends of all encoded transcripts that highlights its importance. TRS can explain the host range and pathogenicity of coronavirus. However, our knowledge on the evolution and the role of UTRs in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenicity is very limited. This study is a pioneering attempt to unravel the evolution of key regions in 5' UTR of SARS-CoV-2 and discover the inhibitory microRNAs against 5' UTR of virus. Methods Evolution of TRS and leader sequence was compared between human pathogenic (SARS-CoV-2, SARS, and MERS) and non-pathogenic (bovine) coronaviruses. Profiling of microRNAs that can inactive the key UTR regions of coronaviruses, UTR-inhibitory microRNAs, was carried out. Findings We found a distinguished pattern of evolution in leader sequence and TRS of SARS-CoV-2, compared to the other coronaviruses. Mining all available microRNA families against leader sequences of coronaviruses resulted in discovery of 39 microRNAs with an acceptable thermodynamic binding energy against SARS-COV-2, SARS, MERS, Bat Coronavirus, or Bovine Coronavirus. Multivariate analysis demonstrated a distinguished pattern of binding of leader sequence of SARS-CoV-2 against microRNAs, with a lower binding stability. hsa-MIR-5004-3p was the only human microRNA that can target leader sequence of SARS and SARS-CoV-2. However, its binding stability remarkably decreased in SARS-COV-2 (-19.4 kcal/mol), compared to SARS-COV-2 (-25.9 kcal/mol). We found an insertion-type mutation in leader sequence of SARS-COV-2 that results in lower binding stability and escaping of viral leader sequence from hsa-MIR-5004-3p. Altogether, we suggest lack of innate human inhibitory microRNAs to bind to leader sequence and TRS of SARS-CoV-2 contributes to its high replication in infected human cells. On the other hand, mining of two hundred million deposited human genomic variants led us to discovery of 49 missense and splice-disrupt mutations in genomic structure of hsa-MIR-5004-3p. These mutations can negatively affect hsa-MIR-5004-3p function in preventing SARS-CoV-2 replication. Interpretation This study unravels the evolution of key regions in 5’UTR of SARS-CoV-2. Inducing microRNAs to bind to the leader sequence and TRS regions by drugs or food supplements can reduce virus replication. Enhancing the microRNA defence machinery against TRS and leader of virus has a potential to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection at the first place. The mentioned strategy is rapidly achievable against COVID-19. Missense variation in genomic sequence of 5’UTR inhibitory microRNAs, such as hsa-MIR-5004-3p, can be considered as risk factor of COVID-19.
Nutritional evaluation of soybean hulls in sheep

Soybean hulls collected from soybean processing centres were analysed for chemical composition. The digestibility of nutrients and nutritive value was estimated in adult sheep. Soybean hulls contained 89.55% Dry Matter (DM), 94.80% Organic Matter (OM), 12.32% Crude Protein (CP), 32.54% Crude Fibre (CF), 2.70% Ether Extract (EE), 47.24% Nitrogen Free Extracts (NFE), and 5.20% Total Ash (TA). Fibre fractions of soybean hulls were estimated to be 66.10% Neutral Detergent Fibre (NDF), 49.72% Acid Detergent Fibre (ADF) and 2.75% Acid Detergent Lignin (ADL). The major minerals namely Calcium and Phosphorus were 0.64% and 0.20%, respectively. The digestible crude protein (9.01%) and total digestible nutrient (70.58%) contents indicated that soybean hulls were highly digestible in sheep. Soybean hulls could provide adequate nutrients to meet maintenance and growth requirements of adult sheep when fed as a sole feed.