Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Morphological characterization of fungal disease on tapped Boswellia papyrifera trees in metema and Humera districts, northern Ethiopia

Boswell papyrifera is a tree species which is found in Amhara, Tigray, and Benshangul Gumuze region and used for the production of frankincense. Frequent tapping at different rounds and at different position of the tree is made to produce frankincense. A study aiming at evaluating the health status of tapped Boswellia papyrifera was carried out on samples obtained from Metema and Humera. Galls were commonly observed on most tapped Boswellia trees and a black wood discoloration was found on the wood beneath these galls. Isolation made from the discolored part of the wood resulted in growth of fungal colonies with a white to gray fluffy aerial mycelia which later changed into blackish mycelial growth as it matures. The spore of the fungus has hyaline, ellipsoid to ovoid shaped and it has one septa. The spore has a rounded base and truncate apex. The color, the shape of the colony and the characteristics of the conidia is found to be identical with description of Lasiodiplodia theobromae. Hence, based on the morphological characteristics of the colony and the spore, the fungus isolated from symptomatic trees, is tentatively identified as Lasiodiplodia theobromae. Molecular characterization is essential to confirm the identity of the fungus. The pathogenicity test resulted into development of lesion depicting that the fungi isolated from Boswellia papyrifera can cause disease on the tree. Keywords : Boswellia, Incense production, Lasiodiplodia, Pathogen, Tapping
Estimating foliar nitrogen in Eucalyptus using vegetation indexes

Nitrogen (N) has commonly been applied in Eucalyptus stands in Brazil and it has a direct relation with biomass production and chlorophyll content. Foliar N concentrations are used to diagnose soil and plant fertility levels and to develop N fertilizer application rates. Normally, foliar N is obtained using destructive methods, but indirect analyses using Vegetation Indexes (VIs) may be possible. The aim of this work was to evaluate VIs to estimate foliar N concentration in three Eucalyptus clones. Lower crown leaves of three clonal Eucalyptus plantations (25 months old) were classified into five color patterns using the Munsell Plant Tissue Color Chart. For each color, N concentration was determined by the Kjeldahl method and foliar reflectance was measured using a CI-710 Miniature Leaf Spectrometer. Foliar reflectance data were used to obtain the VIs and the VIs were used to estimate N concentrations. In the visible region, the relationship between N concentration and reflectance percentage was negative. The highest correlations between VIs and N concentrations were obtained by the Inflection Point Position (IPP, r = 0.97), Normalized Difference Red-Edge (reNDVI, r = 0.97) and Modified Red-Edge Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (mNDI, r = 0.97). Vegetation indexes on the red edge region provided the most accurate estimates of foliar N concentration. The reNDVI index provided the best N concentration estimates in leaves of different colors of Eucalyptus urophylla × grandis and Eucalyptus urophylla × urophylla (R2 = 0.97 and RMSE = 0.91 g kg−1).
Short-Term Causal Relationships between the Oil Sector and Economic Growth in the Mexican Economy: FG-ARDL Approach

La presente investigacion tiene como objetivo analizar las relaciones causales de corto plazo entre el sector petrolero y el crecimiento economico; utilizando dos metodologias, el modelo ARDL y la propuesta basada en logica difusa, el Autorregresivo de Rezagos Distribuidos Gaussiano Difuso FG-ARDL. Para ello se analizaron 59 variables del sector petrolero y su relacion con el Indicador Global de la Actividad Economica, y el correspondiente indicador de actividades primarias, secundarias y terciarias, en formato mensual entre enero 1997 y diciembre 2019. El modelo FG-ARDL logro mejores estimaciones, permitiendo identificar con mayor precision la influencia de las variables derivadas de la industria petrolera en el crecimiento economico. La principal recomendacion es evaluar otras relaciones economicas para verificar la eficiencia de la nueva metodologia, en la que la primordial limitacion es su dependencia al metodo ARDL, por lo que no proporciona nuevas relaciones causales. La conclusion mas relevante es que el consumo interno de gasolina y PEMEX diesel son las principales variables que impulsan el crecimiento economico de corto plazo, resultado que se observa de mejor forma en el modelo propuesto.
A remark on weaken restricted isometry property in compressed sensing

The restricted isometry property (RIP) has become well-known in the compressed sensing community. Recently, a weaken version of RIP was proposed for exact sparse recovery under weak moment assumptions. In this note, we prove that the weaken RIP is also sufficient for \textsl{stable and robust} sparse recovery by linking it with a recently introduced robust width property in compressed sensing. Moreover, we show that it can be widely apply to other compressed sensing instances as well.
Discussing daylight simulations in a proposal for online daylighting education

There is increasing interest concerning daylighting in the building sector. However, such knowledge is difficult to penetrate the curricula of architects and designers as existing educational programmes often do not provide sufficient training on BPS. This also leads to superficial use of daylight simulations.This paper presents a proposal for a needs-based education package on daylighting design, that mixes modular eLearning and an intensive summer school, called NLITED.The NLITED model includes modules on daylight simulation whose implementation (in eLearning key) can trigger a constructive discussion and receive valuable feedback from the Nordic community of BPS specialists.
Comparative analysis of gut microbiota diversity in endangered, economical, and common freshwater mussels using 16S rRNA gene sequencing

Abstract Freshwater mussels are both among the most diverse and endangered faunas worldwide. The gut microbiota of species plays a key role in nutrition and immunity, such as preventing it from pathogen invasion, synthesizing beneficial secondary metabolites, and contributing to the digestion of complex nutrients. Information on the gut microbiota could have significant implications for conservation biology, especially for threatened or endangered species. However, there is relatively little study into the gut microbiota of freshwater mussels. Here, the gut microbiota diversity was analyzed in endangered (Solenaia carinata), economical (Sinohyriopsis cumingii), and common (Sinanodonta woodiana) freshwater mussels using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. This study represents the first to compare the gut microbiota diversity of endangered, economical, and common Chinese freshwater mussels. The results showed that 13,535 OTUs were found in S. carinata, 12,985 OTUs in S. cumingii, and 9,365 OTUs in S. woodiana. The dominant phylum in S. carinata and S. cumingii was Fusobacteria, and was Firmicutes in S. woodiana. Alpha diversity indices indicated that S. carinata and S. cumingii had a higher abundance and diversity of gut microbiota than S. woodiana. The composition of gut microbiota was different among three freshwater mussels, but their composition variation was not significant. This study provides insight for the conservation of freshwater mussel biodiversity, which will not only help conserve these vulnerable groups but also, will offer wider benefits to freshwater ecosystems.
Mouse MRI shows brain areas larger in males emerge earlier than those larger in females

Sex differences exist in behaviours, disease and neuropsychiatric disorders. Sexual dimorphisms however, have yet to be studied across the whole brain and across a comprehensive time course of postnatal development. We used manganese-enhanced MRI (MEMRI) to longitudinally image male and female C57BL/6J mice across 9 time points, beginning at postnatal day 3. We recapitulated findings on canonically dimorphic areas, demonstrating the ability of MEMRI to study neuroanatomical sex differences. We discovered, upon whole-brain volume correction, that neuroanatomical regions larger in males develop early in life, while regions larger in females develop in peripubertal life. Furthermore, we found groups of areas with shared sexually dimorphic developmental trajectories that reflect behavioural and functional networks, and expression of genes involved with sex processes. Our results demonstrate the ability of MEMRI to reveal comprehensive developmental differences between male and female brains, which will improve our understanding of sex-specific predispositions to various neuropsychiatric disorders.
Psychological impact of caring for critically ill patients during the Covid-19 pandemic and recommendations for staff support

Background Reports of significant psychological stress among frontline healthcare workers are emerging from the Covid-19 outbreak in China. Concerningly, these match findings from previous infective outbreaks, which resulted in long-term psychological pathology. Methods During the Covid-19 pandemic, a multi-disciplinary cohort of Intensive Care staff completed an online survey of psychological well-being and rated the perceived usefulness of supportive interventions. Results Sixty per cent of invited staff responded. Seventy-seven per cent reported normal/high level of resilience. Thirty-two staff (35%) reported anxiety of a level at which formal psychological assessment is recommended. Sixteen (14%) staff members reported symptomology suggestive of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Multiple regression analysis revealed a significant relationship between job-related well-being, anxiety (p = 0.003) and PTSD (p = 0.005). Nurses were seven times more likely than doctors to score higher anxiety (OR = 6.8; p = 0.01). Preferred supportive interventions were adequate personal protective equipment, rest facilities and regular breaks. In the subgroup with high anxiety, psychological support was perceived as significantly more useful, with significant reductions reported for rest facilities and PPE. Discussion We report concerning levels of anxiety and post-traumatic stress symptomology among intensive care staff during the Covid-19 crisis, significantly impacting job-related well-being. Nurses are disproportionately affected. Overall, physiologically protective supportive interventions were preferred by staff; however, staff with established anxiety desire professional psychological help. Our findings match reports from SARS 2003 and China 2019. To mitigate long-term psychological consequences of caring for patients during a pandemic, easily deliverable protective strategies should be instigated, supported by formal and longer-term psychological support. Particular attention should be paid to developing strategies which support nursing staff.
Adherence to Low-Fat, Vegan Diets in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes: A Review

Low-fat, vegan diets seem to be particularly effective for glycemic control and may significantly lower hemoglobin A1c levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. However, health care providers report low levels of practice and argue that this diet is hard to follow. This controversy on the acceptability of low-fat vegan diets appears to be a significant barrier to its broader clinical implementation. This review investigated dropout and adherence rates in intervention studies using a low-fat vegan diet in individuals with type 2 diabetes. In contrast to the common belief that this diet is poorly accepted, this review suggests different findings. Dietary adherence appears to be good with approximately 50% of individuals meeting the criteria for high adherence in most studies. Adherence to a low-fat vegan diet was higher than adherence to conventional diets in several studies. Group support and regular supervision improve adherence. Moreover, relatively low dropout rates were found—indirectly indicating good acceptance and high patient interest in this particular dietary modification. Although this review has several important limitations, it appears inappropriate to associate low-fat, vegan diets with poor adherence in individuals with type 2 diabetes. With good and regular support, adherence rates are more than solid and physicians should advocate for this diet more frequently.
Understanding the mass, momentum, and energy transfer in the frozen soil with three levels of model complexities

Abstract. Frozen ground covers a vast area of the Earth's surface and it has important ecohydrological implications for cold regions under changing climate. However, it is challenging to characterize the simultaneous transfer of mass and energy in frozen soils. Within the modeling framework of Simultaneous Transfer of Mass, Momentum, and Energy in Unsaturated Soil (STEMMUS), the complexity of the soil heat and mass transfer model varies from the basic coupled model (termed BCM) to the advanced coupled heat and mass transfer model (ACM), and, furthermore, to the explicit consideration of airflow (ACM–AIR). The impact of different model complexities on understanding the mass, momentum, and energy transfer in frozen soil was investigated. The model performance in simulating water and heat transfer and surface latent heat flux was evaluated over a typical Tibetan plateau meadow site. Results indicate that the ACM considerably improved the simulation of soil moisture, temperature, and latent heat flux. The analysis of the heat budget reveals that the improvement of soil temperature simulations by ACM is attributed to its physical consideration of vapor flow and the thermal effect on water flow, with the former mainly functioning above the evaporative front and the latter dominating below the evaporative front. The contribution of airflow-induced water and heat transport (driven by the air pressure gradient) to the total mass and energy fluxes is negligible. Nevertheless, given the explicit consideration of airflow, vapor flow and its effects on heat transfer were enhanced during the freezing–thawing transition period.
Hazards Index Analysis of Gamma Emitting Radionuclides in Selected Areas Around the Uranium Mine Sites at Erongo Region, Namibia

This study measures the 226Ra, 232Th and 40K activity concentrations using gamma spectrometry to asses first order exposure risks for the persons residing in Walvis Bay and Swakopmund towns in Erongo Region, Namibia. The concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in the soil samples vary from 14.94 Bq kg-1 to 48.24 Bq kg-1, 17.68 Bq kg-1 to 52.51 Bq kg-1 and 162.58 Bq kg-1 to 259.35 Bq kg-1, respectively, with average values of 30.38 ± 11.28 Bq kg-1, 32.58 ± 10.09 Bq kg-1 and 203.62 ± 27.00 Bq kg-1 in Walvis Bay town. For Swakopmund town, the concentrations vary from 71.38 Bq kg-1 to 155.80 Bq kg-1, 41.63 Bq kg-1 to 131.58 Bq kg-1 and 360.82 Bq kg-1 to 761.76 Bq kg-1, respectively, with average values of 99.59 ± 24.39 Bq kg-1 90.90 ± 31.99 Bq kg-1 and 553.07 ± 107.17 Bq kg-1. The radium equivalent activity (Raeq ) calculated for the same composite soil samples varies from 62.14 Bq kg-1 to 126.69 Bq kg-1 with an average value of 92.64 Bq kg-1 in Walvis Bay town. In Swakopmund town, it varies from 172.32 Bq kg-1 to 332.66 Bq kg-1 with an average value of 273.43 Bq kg-1. The average values of absorbed dose and annual effective dose (outdoors) are found to be 42.20 nGy h-1 and 123.98 nGy h-1, 0.05 mSv y-1and 0.15 mSv y-1 in Walvis Bay and Swakopmund towns, respectively. The average excess lifetime risks of cancer (ELRC) in Walvis Bay and Swakopmund towns were 1.81 x 10-4and 5.33 x 10-4, respectively. This implies that 1 person out of 5555 persons in Walvis Bay town and 1 person out of 1876 persons in Swakopmund town may be affected of cancer related diseases.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE ANALYTICAL METHOD TO DETERMINE ACRYLAMIDE IN STRAW POTATO: VALIDATION AND DETERMINATION

Acrylamide is not naturally present in food, being one of the mechanisms of its formation in foods based on the Maillard reaction between amino acids, especially asparagine and reducing sugars when subjected to high temperatures. Foods rich in these two precursors are derived mainly from products of plant origin such as potatoes and cereals. The formation of acrylamide is observed in the cooking, frying, roasting or carbohydrate-rich foods roasting with temperatures above 120°C and tends to increase with cooking time and with raising the temperature. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), acrylamide is classified as a likely carcinogenic substance in humans (group 2A) and, furthermore, can be toxic to the nervous and reproductive systems of men and animals at certain doses. The World Health Organization (WHO) has established a tolerable daily intake of acrylamide of 12 μg kg -1 body weight (BW) / day. Numerous studies around the world have facilitated the emergence of more specific research, where it is possible to dedicate to a food and to evaluate the exposure to acrylamide in a certain context. The objective of this study is to validate an analytical method by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for the evaluation and quantification of the presence of acrylamide in straw - type fried potatoes marketed in the city of Rio de Janeiro. The analytical method used for the detection and quantification of acrylamide in straw potato was high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. The validation of the method relied on linearity tests, repeatability, matrix effect, intermediate precision, determination of the limit of quantification and limit of detection. The content of acrylamide found in the potatoes varied from 134.27 μg / kg to 427.42 μg / kg. The effective evaluation of the acrylamide levels found in different foods consumed by the Brazilian population tends to generate data that contribute to public policies that are strengthened and have a foundation to interfere with and determine that the manufacturing of processed foods is carried out in a way that decreases the content of this poisoning contaminant.
Investigation of PIN-PMN-PT single-crystal based whispering gallery mode resonator

A new type of electro-optic crystal (PIN-PMN-PT) has been discovered. It has similar transmission wavelength range and transmittance with the traditional lithium niobate crystal. It has higher electro-optic coefficient and refractive index than lithium niobate crystal. We used this material to make a disk-shaped whispering gallery structure and studied it.
Mitochondrial genome sequences effectively reveal deep branching events in aphids (Insecta: Hemiptera: Aphididae)

Over the past dozen years, considerable effort has been devoted to unravelling the higher‐level phylogenetic relationships of viviparous aphids (Aphididae). However, to date, there is still no commonly accepted phylogenetic hypothesis. In this study, we establish a robust phylogenetic framework for the Aphididae based on mitochondrial genome sequences of 35 aphid species, 22 of which are newly reported. Phylogenetic inferences are performed using multiple data sets, alternative partitioning schemes and different model‐based methods. Our analyses result in well‐supported backbone relationships for the major lineages of aphids, suggesting the feasibility of mitogenome data for resolving phylogenetic questions in aphids. Mindarinae is strongly supported as the earliest branching lineage within Aphididae. A monophyletic clade comprising Calaphidinae, Phyllaphidinae and Saltusaphidinae is corroborated to be the sister group to the species‐richest subfamily Aphidinae. In addition, the morphologically defined subfamily Eriosomatinae is uncovered to be non‐monophyletic.
Not a stranger to the dark: discrimination against autistic students and employees

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to reveal barriers and their coherences between discrimination and self-perceived employability which students and employees on the autism spectrum often face and need to overcome. These include discrimination based on disability, when applying for a job or retaining employment. This research located barriers in three different categories: formality – problems that focus on organizational structures in the application process; social – communication and interaction problems; and job demand barriers – obstacles that epitomize work-related strains. Design/methodology/approach Barriers and discrimination can prevent individuals from accessing the labor market which can lead to severe consequences for an individual on the autism spectrum, such as poverty, social deprivation or lack of health promotion and equal treatment. Self-perceived employability can be regarded as an additional strength, as it describes the perception of an individual’s own skills and versatility to acquire and keep a job. In total, 53 German-speaking individuals on the autism spectrum participated in an online survey. Findings Results showed statistically significant coherences between both, formality and social barriers with discrimination. Formality barriers also indicated statistically significant coherences with self-perceived employability. A mediation model with discrimination as mediator between each category of barriers and self-perceived employability was examined. The non-significant results suggest that discrimination does not work as a superior construct but as a sole influence next to barriers and self-perceived employability. Originality/value Individuals on the autism spectrum epitomize a less common research approach. Moreover, diversity policies and practices in the workplace often do not focus on including individuals on the autism spectrum even though the employment rates for this specific group of potential highly qualified employees were reported to be consistently lower when compared to any other group of disabled people. Findings suggest possible starting points for future research, which are discussed alongside practical strategies to overcome barriers and change discriminatory attitudes toward skilled individuals on the autism spectrum.
Host-Parasite Relationships between a Malagasy Fruit Bat (Pteropodidae) and Associated Bat Fly (Diptera: Nycteribiidae): Seasonal Variation of Host Body Condition and the Possible Impact of Parasite Abundance

We studied variation in the Body Condition Index (BCI) of a Malagasy frugivorous bat, Rousettus madagascariensis (Pteropodidae), in relation to the abundance of ectoparasite flies, Eucampsipoda madagascarensis (Nycteribiidae). The study site was a cave in northern Madagascar that was visited three times during the dry season (September 2014, 2015, and 2016) and two times during the wet season (January 2015 and 2016). Two measurements were taken from all captured Rousettus to evaluate their BCI: forearm length and body mass. In total, we sampled ectoparasites from 1,030 R. madagascariensis during the five visits. The BCI of sampled bats showed statistical differences when compared by season and segregated by different age and sex classes, with generally the higher mean values during the wet season and lower values during the dry season. In most cases, the abundance of E. madagascarensis for each of the different bat age and sex classes did not differ between seasons. A weak positive relationship was found for most seasonal visits between host BCI and nycteribiid abundance, specifically in adult males, and sub-adult males and females; such a relationship was not observed for neonates. On the basis of a GLM analysis, our results support the hypothesis of a positive relationship between ectoparasite abundance and host BCI. The seasonal variation in host BCI was not related to nycteribiid abundance, but rather some other factor associated with host physical condition, such as the availability of fruit and correlated shifts in body mass.