Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nitrous oxide emissions from a tropical Oxisol under monocultures and an integrated system in the Southern Amazon – Brazil

Although agriculture and livestock systems represent important sources of N2O from the soil, they may also aid in emissions mitigation, mainly when integrated systems are taken into account, such as crop-livestock-forest, for food production. This work assessed the soil N2O emissions from a tropical Oxisol under row-crop, livestock, forest monocultures, and an integrated crop-livestock-forest system in the Southern Amazon - Brazil. Soil N2O emissions were measured using static chambers from November 2014 to October 2016 in four soil use systems [row-crop, livestock, forest, and integrated crop-livestock-forest (CLF)], and in a reference area under native forest fragment. For the whole period, the average of soil N2O fluxes was 16.9, 12.2, and 15.4 ug N2O-N m-2 h-1, to row-crop, livestock, and CLF systems, respectively, all with a similar average among them. The lowest fluxes were observed in the forest system and native forest fragment, with average fluxes of 4.0 and 6.3 ug N2O-N m-2 h-1, respectively, both lower than the agricultural systems. The largest soil N2O fluxes were observed throughout the rainy seasons in the row-crop, livestock, and CLF, mostly after N-fertilizer application to the soil surface or in the planted row. As a consequence, the cumulative emissions were greater in row-crop, livestock, and CLF systems, which in the averages of two cycles emitted respectively 1.40, 1.15, and 1.27 kg N2O-N ha-1 yr-1, all different of the forest system and native forest fragment (0.33 and 0.52 kg N2O-N ha-1 yr-1, respectively). Nitrogen fertilization and soil moisture influenced soil N2O emissions of all systems assessed in the Southern Amazon. The N2O emissions took place after both factors were met, corroborating the hole-in-the-pipe model. Even with more soil use intensification, once in the same area there were three cultures in succession during a year and perennial trees, CLF did not lead to greater N2O emissions from the soil than row-crop and livestock. Thus, CLF represents a good option for N2O mitigation for the edaphic and climatic conditions of the Southern Amazon.
An Interference Alignment and ICA-Based Semiblind Dual-User Downlink NOMA System for High-Reliability Low-Latency IoT

An interference alignment (IA) and independent component analysis (ICA)-based semiblind scheme, referred to as IA-ICA, is proposed for downlink dual-user power-domain nonorthogonal multiple access (NOMA) systems in high-reliability low-latency (HRLL) Internet of Things (IoT). At the base station (BS), one user is converted to constructive interference to the other user via phase alignment of each symbol. At both user ends, ICA is used for semiblind signal detection. The phase rotation via nonredundant precoding at the BS does not introduce any spectral overhead, while only 1–2 pilot symbols are required for elimination of ICA incurred ambiguity. Closed-form expressions are derived for the users’ symbol error rate (SER) performance in Rayleigh fading with 4-quadrature amplitude modulation (4-QAM), which matches the simulation results very well. Based on the analytical results, we propose an efficient power allocation algorithm that is based on statistical channel state information (CSI) only, and therefore, the signaling overhead involved is negligible. In particular, a near-optimal SER performance can be achieved with equal power allocation between the two users. The proposed IA-ICA-based semiblind NOMA system demonstrates a much better SER performance than the existing approaches even though they are under perfect CSI. Hence, it is a feasible solution for HRLL IoT, with high reliability and very low spectral and signaling overheads.
Immune system and quality of life following aerobic exercise versus resistance exercise training among Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) characterized with deteriorated both function, cognition and neuronal loss [1]. Currently, there is about 24 million AD, which expected to reach about 100 million subjects by 2050 around the world [2,3]. The cost of management of the current AD population is greater than 220 billion US dollars, which is expected to reach greater than one trillion by 2050 [4]. Both patient and family are adversely affected by AD as the disease badly deteriorate behavior, cognitive and physical aspects [5].
Small marine pelagic fish and the threat of fishing; are they endangered?

Evidence of the collapse and recovery of major marine fisheries for pelagic fish species is reviewed, distinguishing the influence of fishing compared with natural (environmental) effects. In one only of the best documented cases (Icelandic spring-spawning herring) has the stock failed to reappear, after 20 years. Several others, e.g. California sardine, have persisted at 1/000th or possibly less of their peak size for some years before beginning to recover. Fishing has been the main cause of collapse in most but not all cases, due initially to the escalation of catchability as stock size decreases–a phenomenon characteristic of fisheries for pelagic species due to their shoaling habit, ease of detection and vulnerability to modern fishing methods. It is concluded that although the threat of fishing to the continuity of the species is remote, excessive depletion (although avoidable by firm and timely management) is potentially able to cause temporary disappearance of local stock and disruption of the ecosystem.
The diel feeding rhythm of the freshwater crab Trichodactylus borellianus (Decapoda: Brachyura) in mesocosm and natural conditions

Biorhythm studies have rarely used feeding rhythms of freshwater crustaceans to assess the internal clock. Even less often, they have compared the diel rhythms of juveniles and adults. In this study, the 24-h cyclic feeding behavior of the freshwater crab Trichodactylus borellianus was investigated in mesocosm and natural field conditions during summer. Sampling occurred throughout the day and included the dawn and dusk periods. The fullness of the stomach was used to characterize the feeding cycle and was analyzed with MESOR and a three-day time series plot. The rhythms of juveniles and adults were analyzed in the field. A bimodal feeding rhythm with midday and midnight peaks was observed in adults in the field, while juveniles had an asynchronous behavior. Mesocosm animals also showed no cyclic behavior. Rhythmic responses to nonphotic cues may result from a trade-off between foraging at an optimum time and shifting the diel rhythm to avoid competition and predation risk. Juvenile feeding asynchrony could be a strategy that allows them to be active in the same habitat as adults.
Home-Range Size of Evening Bats (Nycticeius humeralis) in Southwestern Georgia

Abstract Despite the ecological importance of bats, a lack of basic data, such as space-use needs, hinders management efforts. Therefore, we investigated home-range size in Nycticeius humeralis (Evening Bats) by radiotracking 14 individuals (5 females and 9 males) for 7–11 nights each in a pine-dominated landscape in southwestern Georgia during June–August 2008. We generated 95% and 50% adaptive kernel (AK) home ranges and 95% minimum convex polygon (MCP) home ranges and found that mean 95% AK home-range size was 155.7 ± 38.3 ha, with individual values ranging from 36.9 ha to 565.9 ha. Mean 95% MCP home-range size was 118.5 ± 29.5 ha, with individual values ranging from 33.6–456.2 ha. Home-range sizes did not differ between males and females (P = 0.35), but were larger in August (P = 0.004) than in June and July. Evening Bat home-range sizes on our study area were similar to previously documented home ranges in forested and rural landscapes. Although Evening Bats may be habitat generalists relative to foraging activity at the scale of habitat patches, multiple core areas of activity indicate selection within this scale that may be related to prey and roost availability.
Polyamine biosynthesis and titer during various developmental stages of Phaseolus vulgaris

The activities of arginine decarboxylase (ADC; EC 4.1.1.19) and ornithine decarboxylase (ODC; EC 4.1.1.17) as well as polyamine content were examined in Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Taylor's Horticultural before and during anthesis, during fruit development and throughout vegetative growth. The specific activities of polyamine biosynthetic enzymes were highest in all rapidly growing tissues, e.g., root apices, hypocotyls, young internodes, young leaves, flower buds, young pods and pericarps. They were lowest in mature, non-growing tissues. Similarly, the content of the major polyamines (putrescine, spermidine, spermine) is highest in rapidly growing tissues, and lowest in mature tissue. These correlations reinforce the growing connection between polyamines and rates of cell division and metabolic activity during both vegetative and reproductive development.
Late Pleistocene fauna from Chongphadae Cave, Hwangju County, Democratic People's Republic of Korea

Abstract We report on a diverse and abundant mammal fauna from Chongphadae Cave—Hwangju region in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). The cave sediments include many mammal fossils and consist of fluvial, cave clay, and calcareous deposits. During our field excavation 33 species were encountered: 9 species of rodents, 1 species of lagomorph, 1 species of insectivore, 8 species of carnivores, 4 species of perissodactyls, 9 species of artiodactyls, and 1 species of primates. Of these, perissodactyls and artiodactyls dominate the fauna in terms of diversity. The cave sediments include 15 layers. Radiocarbon dating showed that Layers 12 and 13 were formed from 34,770 to 27,800 cal yr BP and from 24,980 to 21,340 cal yr BP, respectively. Additional identification of various palyno-botanical remains including 25 families and genera of trees, 19 families and genera of grasses and herbs, and 10 families and genera of ferns provides a wealth of information on the past ecology of the Chongphadae Cave Site area. During the Late Pleistocene, the Chongphadae area was surrounded by luxuriant forests associated with hills and grasslands in a cool and humid temperate climatic environment.
Junior High School Pupils Demographic Variables as Predictors of Their Study Habits in the Ekumfi District of Ghana

This study investigated the influence of Junior High school pupils’ demographic variables (gender, form, age, circuit) and how it influences their study habits of Ekumfi District in the Central Region of Ghana. The study adopted the cross-sectional descriptive survey research design with quantitative approach where the proportionate stratified random sampling technique was used to select 475 pupils for the study. This study employed closed-ended questionnaire to collect quantifiable data. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as percentages, frequency, mean and standard deviation and inferential statistical tools such as independent sample t-test and one-way ANOVA. The findings of the study revealed that apart from gender, the circuits, class, and age did not influence pupils’ study habits. Therefore, it was recommended that the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service should design and implement programmes to conscientize pupils on the need to develop and practice effective study habits. Additionally, much attention should be given to the boys to reorient them on the practice of effective study habits. Keywords: Study habits, gender, age, form, circuit and Junior High School pupils DOI : 10.7176/JEP/11-2-08 Publication date: January 31 st 2020
Why are My Flows Different? A Tutorial on Flow Exporters

Network flows build the basis of modern network data analysis by aggregating properties of network packets with common characteristics. A consistent and unambiguous definition of the network flow concept is an indispensable prerequisite and starting point for reproducible network research. However, in today’s practice, the flow output of distinct flow exporters, which is software to generate flows from observed network packets, varies substantially on identical network packet stream input. In this paper we present an in-depth comparison of different flow exporters and show how their outputs differ significantly. We argue that this substantially impairs reproducibility for traffic analysis research. We first present the detailed flow definition of the IP Flow Information eXport (IPFIX) standard including explanations and examples, analyze design and implementation of existing flow exporters, and explore the reasons why many projects and publications chose to implement their own flow exporters. Based on this analysis we highlight the main challenges in the flow exporting process and present a detailed tutorial on how to design and implement a flow exporter such that it yields consistent, reproducible output. Based on the tutorial’s theoretical analysis and lessons learned we present design and main concepts of a versatile, flexible, and open source flow exporting solution called go-flows that generates deterministic, reproducible network flows. Finally, we present a flow-by-flow comparison of the analyzed flow exporters’ output, explore the differences in terms of their generated flows, compare flow exporter performance, and conclude with guidelines on parameters that play a crucial role in improving the reproducibility of exported flows.
Molecular characterization of fertile hydatid cysts from the liver of the sheep and cows and associated environmental influence factors

The aim of the study is characterizing of hydatid cysts that have been isolated from sheep and cow liver fertile hydatid cysts using mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1(cox1) gene. DNA samples of nineteen sheep and one cow were extracted from protoscoleces and germinal layers of the parasites in Koya city-Erbil, Iraq, using specific extraction procedures. Mitochondrial cox1 gene region was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the expected gene sizes were confirmed by gel electrophoresis. All DNA isolates were then sequenced. Nucleotide sequence alignments were then performed to verify the sequenced isolated according to the database, which showed that all samples were belonging to the (G1) sheep strain. Phylogenetic analysis was also carried out for the sequenced isolated to find out the highest similarities with closest organisms to E. granulosus’ conserved gene and to reveal sharing common ancestor, which has been confirmed. Electrocatalytic reduction of DNA where detected through applying cyclic-voltammetry technique, which referred to the environmentally strong protection features of these strains against any effects of external factors, such as heavy metals and has revealed the secret behind the potent preservation of the DNA structure of this parasite from being affect by mutations, or alterations, along the different lineages over a long period of time.
Firm size implications for environmental sustainability of supply chains: evidence from the UAE

PurposeEffective environment and climate change management require supply chain-wide focus (from the initial design to the end-of-life management) as well as universal participation and commitment of firms. However, the environment-related role and contribution of different sized firms in the supply chain are unclear from previous research which this study seeks to clarify using the context of UAE's construction sector.Design/methodology/approachUsing data collected from a structured survey (455 responses) and semi-structured interviews with 20 key supply chain stakeholders, this study analyses and understands hypothesized differences between small and medium firms (SMEs) and large firms on three key supply chain environmental sustainability aspects: the extent of green supply chain practices (GSCP) implemented, the strengths/influences of drivers and barriers affecting the implementation of GSCP, and the associated environmental, cost-related and organizational performance benefits derived from GSCP.FindingsLarge firms were found to show significantly greater levels of implementation of GSCP, greater internal drive for implementation and lower barriers to implementation than SMEs. SMEs though were found to be not too far behind large firms with regards to the environmental, cost-related and organizational performance benefits from GSCP implementation.Practical implicationsFindings from this study is useful for benchmarking the GSCP implementation of large firms and SMEs, influences of drivers and barriers affecting the implementation of GSCP and associated performance benefits derived from GSCP implementation. Policymakers and practitioners could use the study findings to develop suitable policies/interventions so as to ensure that all firms irrespective of their size can contribute equitably towards improving the environmental sustainability of supply chains.Originality/valueThis study is arguably the first comprehensive attempt to understand how various environmental sustainability aspects in supply chains are perceived and performed by SMEs and large firms.
Amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis and genetic variation of the pinewood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus in South Korea

Abstract The pinewood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus causes pine wilt disease and is a serious economic concern for the forest industry of South Korea. To achieve effective control with limited resources, it is necessary to clarify the transmission routes and mechanisms of dispersal of this organism. Highly polymorphic and easy-to-use molecular markers can be used for investigating this aspect. In this study, we evaluated the usefulness of amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) for investigating the genetic variations of B. xylophilus and related individuals from China, Japan, and South Korea. The AFLP patterns obtained in our study were similar to the microsatellite patterns reported in a previous study; our AFLP patterns indicated high genetic variability and cryptic genetic structure, but did not indicate any peculiar geographic structure. Moreover, the genetic distances between individuals suggested that the Korean population was affected to a greater extent by the Chinese population than the Japanese population. Further, the gene flow among the related species appeared to be limited; however, there may be also the possibility of genetic introgression among species. These results confirm the usefulness of AFLPs for understanding the epidemiology of pine wilt disease, thereby contributing to the effective control of this disease.
Channel-Aware Key Generation Under Wireless Fading Environment

This letter studies a channel-aware source-channel (CASC) key generation approach. Specifically, when the estimated legitimate channel is in good condition, the existing channel-model-based key generation is adopted where the transmitter sends a key to the receiver; otherwise, the source-model-based key generation is adopted where the legitimate transceivers agree on a key via their observations of the wireless channel. Both the exact and the approximate key rates of the CASC scheme are analyzed. Numerical results are provided to evaluate the performance of the proposed scheme.
A null‐model for significance testing of presence‐only species distribution models

Species' distribution models (SDMs) attempt to predict the potential distribution of species by interpolating identified relationships between species' presence/ absence, or presence-only data on one hand, and environmental predictors on the other hand, to a geographical area of interest. Currently, they are widely applied in biogeography, conservation biology, ecology, palaeo-ecology, invasive species studies, and wildlife management (Guisan and Zimmermann 2000, Araijo and Pearson 2005, Thuiller et al. 2005, Peterson 2006, Aratijo and Guisan 2006, Guisan et al. 2006). More recently, vast numbers of herbarium and natural history museum collections have become available (Graham et al. 2004) and techniques to apply this special type of presence-only data have been developed (Hirzel et al. 2002, Anderson et al. 2003, Pearce and Boyce 2006, Elith et al. 2006, Phillips et al. 2006). Despite the widespread use of SDMs, several high-priority research interests remain to be investigated (Guisan and Thuiller 2005, Aradjo and Guisan 2006). One of these is the improvement of SDM validation, or the quantification of a model's predictive performance (Araijo and Guisan 2006). The fact that the standard validation procedures for an SDM are not sufficient to assess the applicability of an SDM in a predictive context, was first shown by Olden et al. (2002). They showed that after SDM validation it is critical to assess whether the
Optimization of auxin-cytokinin combination for rapid proliferation of adventitious buds of date palm cv. Aziza Bouzid

We evaluated the effects of various plant growth regulator (PGR) combinations on adventitious shoot bud multiplication of date palm cv. Aziza Bouzid. In the first experiment, we assessed the effect of four PGR combinations that have already shown good results in other date palm cultivars: half-strength Murashige and Skoog medium (MS/2) supplemented with 0.5 mg/L 2-naphthoxyacetic acid (NOA) and 0.5 mg/L kinetin (KIN); MS/2 supplemented with 0.2 mg/L NOA, 0.2 mg/L indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), 0.4 mg/L 6-(dimethylallylamino)purine (2iP) and 0.4 mg/L KIN; MS/2 supplemented with 0.5 mg/L 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and 0.5 mg/L KIN and finally MS/2 supplemented with 0.5 mg/L indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and 0.6 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP). Our results showed no significant difference among the four culture media in terms of adventitious shoot bud multiplication (26.7-28.4 adventitious buds per explant). However, the medium containing 0.5 mg/L NOA and 0.5 mg/L KIN showed significantly lower rate of precocious rooting and thus this auxin-cytokinin combination was chosen for the second experiment. In the second experiment, we evaluated the effects of various NOA and KIN concentrations on adventitious shoot bud multiplication: 0, 0.25, 0.5 and 1 mg/L of each PGR, either alone or in combination. It was found that the combination of 0.5 mg/L NOA and 0.5 mg/L KIN is still the most appropriate for adventitious shoot bud multiplication. Shoot elongation and rooting were achieved on PGR-free MS/2 medium and a high acclimatization rate of 70% was observed in the greenhouse.
Nuclear DNA content of ten rice species as determined by flow cytometry

Accurate estimations of nuclear DNA content of rice are important because this crop is being used in many types of molecular studies. The main objective of this study was to estimate the nuclear DNA content in ten rice species by flow cytometry. Most of the values obtained were lower than those obtained in earlier studies using Feulgen microdensitometry. Significant differences in genome size among rice species were found. Oryza glaberrima had the smallest genome (0.73-0.76 pg/2C), while O. minuta and O. latifolia had the largest values (ca. 2.33 pg/2C). Tetraploid species had more nuclear DNA than diploid ones. The AA genome had less DNA (0.86-0.96 pg/2C) than the CC (1.14-1.17 pg/2C) and EE (1.99 pg/2C) genomes. The AA genome of O. saliva was larger than the AgA g genome of O. glaberrima and the A1A 1 genome of O. longistaminata, which had mean values of 0.73-0.76 and 0.78 pg/2C, respectively. Indica (IR36) and japonica (Yukihikari) cultivars of O. saliva also showed significant differences. Three different nuclear DNA levels (1.93, 1.85, and 1.31 pg/2C) were found among five O. ridleyi plants analyzed. Flow cytometry also allowed rapid and reliable determination of the ploidy level of anther culture-derived plants.