Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High parasite diversity in the amphipod Gammarus lacustris in a subarctic lake

Abstract Amphipods are often key species in aquatic food webs due to their functional roles in the ecosystem and as intermediate hosts for trophically transmitted parasites. Amphipods can also host many parasite species, yet few studies address the entire parasite community of a gammarid population, precluding a more dynamic understanding of the food web. We set out to identify and quantify the parasite community of Gammarus lacustris to understand the contributions of the amphipod and its parasites to the Takvatn food web. We identified seven parasite taxa: a direct life cycle gregarine, Rotundula sp. , and larval stages of two digenean trematode genera, two cestodes, one nematode, and one acanthocephalan. The larval parasites use either birds or fishes as final hosts. Bird parasites predominated, with trematode Plagiorchis sp. having the highest prevalence (69%) and mean abundance (2.7). Fish parasites were also common, including trematodes Crepidostomum spp. , nematode Cystidicola farionis, and cestode Cyathocephalus truncatus (prevalences 13, 6, and 3%, respectively). Five parasites depend entirely on G. lacustris to complete their life cycle. At least 11.4% of the overall parasite diversity in the lake was dependent on G. lacustris, and 16% of the helminth diversity required or used the amphipod in their life cycles. These dependencies reveal that in addition to being a key prey item in subarctic lakes, G. lacustris is also an important host for maintaining parasite diversity in such ecosystems.
Exploiting homophily to characterize communities in online social networks

Online social networks (OSNs) have become one of the most popular platforms where people communicate by sharing contents and personal information. The interactions performed by the users allow to identify the homophily between users and reveal the presence of several communities that could depend on several factors: such as the type of relationships (eg, colleagues and school mates) or to users' preferences (eg, users' interests or hobbies). A very important issue in this scenario is the necessary to characterize such communities by using known real properties or attributes about their members. In this article, we propose an approach that identifies the communities of users by exploiting several community detection algorithms. Afterward, for each user, we exploit decision trees to find a model that describes and distinguishes community affiliations based on known attributes of the members. The evaluation of our approach is derived from a real dataset which consists of the profile information, relationships, and interactions of 95 716 Facebook users. The experimental results show that the proposed approach is able to correctly recognize which attributes of the members properly characterize their corresponding community while ensuring a high level of accuracy (about 85%).
Effect of foliar application of GA3, kinetin, and salicylic acid on ions content, membrane permeability, and photosynthesis under salt stress of sweet sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]

Abstract: Salt stress increases the accumulation of toxic ions in chloroplasts of higher plants and is associated with decreased photosynthesis. A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of foliar application of gibberellic acid (GA3, 288.7 µM), kinetin (232.3 µM), and salicylic acid (362 µM) under salt stress (0, 2, and 4 g kg-1 dry soil) on two sweet sorghum varieties (Yajin 13 and Yajin 71). The investigation parameters included the content of Na+, K+, Ca2+, P, and Mg2+, photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, and membrane permeability. The results indicated that Na+ content increased gradually with salt increase. Photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, and K+ content were significantly decreased due to high salt concentration. The medium salinity level of 2 g NaCl per kg dry soil decreased P, Ca2+, and Mg2+ content. Of hormonal treatments, GA3 and kinetin caused significant increase in photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate. Salicylic acid was the best hormone treatment for reducing membrane permeability and Na+ content under salt stress. Yajin 13 had less Na+ content than Yajin 71, and was more tolerant to salinity than Yajin 71.
Solution of an imperfect‐quality EOQ model with backorder under fuzzy lock leadership game approach

This paper considers an economic order quantity (EOQ) inventory model for items with imperfect quality and shortage backordering under several styles of managerial leadership via lock fuzzy game theoretic approach. The decision maker (DM) controls several cost components by playing as Player 1 on the one side and the consumers who may accept/reject those items (unwilling to buy those commodities) stands as Player 2 on the other side. First of all, we develop a profit maximization backlogging EOQ model where the imperfect items are screened out batchwise. Because of the fuzzy flexibility of the model parameters we also develop a fuzzy mathematical model by considering the demand, all cost parameters, and other input parameters of the inventory system as triangular lock fuzzy numbers. Then we develop a 3 × 3 matrix game by applying a five‐stage leadership theory employing several key vectors in the model itself. The problem has been solved for crisp, general fuzzy models of several leadership styles also. Numerical results show that for a cooperative game, inventory profit function reaches its maximum rather than the noncooperative game by the use of proper keys. Finally, comparative study, sensitivity analysis, and graphical illustrations are made to justify the new approach.
Epigenetic reprogramming and DNA demethylation

Embryonic development begins with fertilization of the egg, a progressive process that gives rise to the zygote and subsequently to the formation of somatic tissues. Normally once cells acquire a fate, it is stably maintained. Conversion back to a multipotent state occurs rarely in-vivo, but can be achieved experimentally by inducing ‘reprogramming’. In this study I am looking at the epigenetic mechanisms that underlie reprogramming and, in particular, DNA methylation and demethylation. To address this I am taking advantage of the cellular fusion system. Fusion of pluripotent cells with differentiated cells results in the formation of transient heterokaryon and hybrid cells, where the somatic partner is efficiently reprogrammed. This gives me the opportunity to monitor early and late events in pluripotent conversion, in which global remodelling of chromatin and changes in DNA methylation occur. Here, I examine changes in DNA methylation that are induced at imprinted loci and pluripotency-associated genes when somatic cells are fused with either mouse embryonic stem (ES) or embryonic germ (EG) cells. I focus on defining the factors and order of events that accompany reprogramming. I show that acquisition of pluripotency is an early process occurring at the heterokaryon stage, and is followed by imprint erasure later in hybrids. However reprogramming of imprinting is only induced by EG, but not ES cells, and it requires sequential steps of 5-methylcytosine oxidation mediated by Tet proteins and nucleotide exchange upon several rounds of DNA synthesis. I provide evidence that Tet proteins are dispensable for pluripotent reprogramming using CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing to abrogate the expression of both Tet1 and Tet2. This result suggests that either DNA demethylation can occur without TET activity (implying a redundancy with other demethylating agents and routes), or that DNA demethylation is not required for inducing pluripotency. Finally, I describe how CRISPR/Cas9 approaches were used to demonstrate that non-canonical Wnt signalling components are downstream targets of JARID2 in ES cells.
Surprising absence of strong homonuclear coupling at low magnetic field explored by two-field nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Abstract Strong coupling of nuclear spins, which is achieved when their scalar coupling 2πJ is greater than or comparable to the difference Δω in their Larmor precession frequencies in an external magnetic field, gives rise to efficient coherent longitudinal polarization transfer. The strong coupling regime can be achieved when the external magnetic field is sufficiently low, as Δω is reduced proportional to the field strength. In the present work, however, we demonstrate that in heteronuclear spin systems these simple arguments may not hold, since heteronuclear spin–spin interactions alter the Δω value. The experimental method that we use is two-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), exploiting sample shuttling between the high field, at which NMR spectra are acquired, and the low field, where strong couplings are expected and at which NMR pulses can be applied to affect the spin dynamics. By using this technique, we generate zero-quantum spin coherences by means of a nonadiabatic passage through a level anticrossing and study their evolution at the low field. Such zero-quantum coherences mediate the polarization transfer under strong coupling conditions. Experiments performed with a 13C -labeled amino acid clearly show that the coherent polarization transfer at the low field is pronounced in the 13C spin subsystem under proton decoupling. However, in the absence of proton decoupling, polarization transfer by coherent processes is dramatically reduced, demonstrating that heteronuclear spin–spin interactions suppress the strong coupling regime, even when the external field is low. A theoretical model is presented, which can model the reported experimental results.
Clustering Education Policy in Secondary Provision: Impact on Higher Education and Job Market

International commitment is to address all forms of imbalanced and discriminatory situations experienced within the education system. While students of secondary provision in many developed countries enjoy the liberty of choosing their desired subjects from different areas (i.e., science, business, and arts), students in some developing counterparts are restricted to consider one cluster. With a policy support, students of the science cluster can procure higher education (HE) in any area, while students from other clusters are restricted to study HE in their respective area only. By virtue of this policy, the limited scope of HE and jobs in the areas of business and arts is being occupied by science graduates because of one-way traffic that favors science cluster. This has a grave impact on the HE and job market, which is the central focus of this research. We failed to find such studies conducted in the context of a developing nation. Considering this, the article is the first of its kind. Given the differentiated nature of research questions, multiple techniques were used to collect the data. However, this research bears the norms of qualitative method. Findings confirm that having been denied access to HE, secondary graduates especially from the business cluster, dropped out without furthering their education. This has deteriorated the quality of HE and job performance—more precisely, it has deprived students of the business and arts clusters. This research suggests a revision of the prevailing policy to address these constraints.
PCR positivity and D-dimer levels in pregnant women with COVID-19

Background: Every day brings us new data on COVID-19, which has come to affect all the dynamics of the society, and increasingly more scientific literature becomes available on the topic However, research information about its effects on particular groups, e g , pregnant women, is still very limited Aims: This study was aimed to investigate D-dimer levels in pregnant women admitted to the hospital with suspected COVID-19 Study Design: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among pregnant women admitted to our hospital between 1 April 2020 and 31 May 2020 with suspected COVID-19 The data about patients was obtained from patient records and the hospital automation system Methods: The primary outcome variable of the study was the D-dimer levels Secondary outcome variables were the presence/absence of cough, shortness of breath, headache, fever, weakness, proteinuria, diarrhoea, haematuria, loss of taste, hypertension, and gestational diabetes mellitus Results: Data for 64 pregnant women were analyzed Thirty-three (51 5%) of them had a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results, and thirty-one (48 5%) had negative ones The mean age of the participants was 26 33 +/- 5 15 years Of the pregnant women, 51 6% (n = 33) were PCR (+) for COVID-19, and 48 5% (n = 31) were PCR (-) The mean age of the participants was 26 33 +/- 5 15 years Headache occurred significantly more often in PCR (+) pregnant women than in PCR (-) ones (chi(2) = 4 201,p = 0 040) A statistically significant difference was found when the groups were compared in regard to the presence of the fever symptom (chi(2) = 5 036, p = 0 025) When PCR (+) and PCR (-) pregnant women were compared, a statistically significant difference was found in the D-dimer levels (Z = 2 896, p = 0 004) A logistic regression model with PCR positivity as the dependent variables and headache, fever, and D-dimer levels as independent ones revealed a Nagelkerke R2 of 26 8%, and relatively high sensitivity (87 9%) and specificity (59 1%) values in predicting PCR positivity Conclusion: This research is the first study to have suggested a model for predicting PCR positivity in women suspected of having the COVID-19 disease, which can speed up decision-making in regard to pregnant women with COVID-19
Internal auditing in the public sector: a systematic literature review and future research agenda

PurposeThis study reviews post-2009 literature on public sector internal auditing (IA) and addresses three interrelated research questions (RQ): How is research on the public sector IA being developed? What are the focus and criticisms of the literature on public sector IA? What is the future of public sector IA research? Design/methodology/approachWe adopt a systematic literature review approach and analyze 78 peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2010 and 2019. We evaluate five criteria to identify the development of public sector IA research (RQ1), namely level of government, academic discipline, number of countries, geographic areas and MSCI country classification. Similarly, we use four criteria to present the focus and criticisms of the literature (RQ2), namely, type of organizational respondent, research instrument, theories and research theme examined. Finally, we use two criteria to propose new directions for future research (RQ3), namely, the directions resulted from RQ1 and RQ2 and the directions highlighted by the 10 most cited studies in the IA literature (i.e. out of the 78 papers identified). FindingsWe find an increase of publications up to 2017, most of which are single country–focused, particularly on emerging markets. Moreover, we note that IA has been studied at all government levels, most often at the local government level. Although we identify multiple research themes examined in the literature, most studies emphasize “governance” and “operational effectiveness” using quantitative analysis, without reference to any theory. By analyzing these key features, we critically interpret the challenges as well as the skepticism that may surface by researchers. Finally, considering implications from this stream of research and analyzing the most influential studies, we recommend new avenues for investigation such as comparative studies among countries and different markets that provide further evidence on the international and regional levels and studies on the effect of cultural, institutional and demographical characteristics in IA.Practical implicationsOur results will help researchers, practitioners and consultants to identify the key issues related with IA.Originality/valueThis study is the first to provide a systematic literature review on public sector IA. Furthermore, it develops insights, critical reflections and avenues for future research in this field.
Leadership practices in collaborative innovation: A study among Dutch school principals

School principals and teachers are expected to continuously innovate their practices in changing school environments. These innovation processes can be shared more widely through collaboration between principals and teachers, i.e. collaborative innovation. In order to gain more insight into how school principals enact their leadership practices in leading collaborative innovation, we interviewed 22 school principals of primary, secondary and vocational education in the Netherlands. All participants have implemented the same collaborative innovation programme, aimed at enhancement of collaboration between teachers and school principals within schools, that has already been implemented by 900 Dutch schools. They were interviewed twice during the implementation year. Interview transcripts were analysed using an open coding strategy looking for leadership practices. Based on 11 leadership practices, we described two main leadership patterns: school principals enacting leadership practices as either a team player or as a facilitator. We conclude that our findings suggest a wider repertoire of leadership practices than is reported in previous studies. Future studies would need to address the generalisability of the practices and patterns as found in this specific context of collaborative innovation.
Genetic Differentiation of an Endangered Megalobrama terminalis Population in the Heilong River within the Genus Megalobrama

Megalobrama terminalis, which inhabits the Sino-Russian Heilong-Amur River Basin, has decreased critically since the 1960s. It has been listed in the Red Book of Endangered Fish Species by the Russian Federation in 2004. To guide the utilization and conservation programs of M. terminalis in the Heilong River (MTH), 3.1 kb of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) concatenated sequences and sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers (15 primer combinations) were applied to explore the genetic divergence and population differentiation of MTH within the genus Megalobrama. Clear genetic divergence between MTH and six other populations of the genus Megalobrama was found by haplotype network (mtDNA) and principal component (SRAP) analyses. Moreover, the STRUCTURE analysis based on SRAP data showed that MTH could be assigned to a particular cluster, whereas conspecific M. terminalis in the Qiantang River and Jinsha River Reservoir belonged to the same cluster. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) and Fst statistics for the mtDNA and SRAP data revealed significant genetic variance and differentiation among all detected populations. Taken together, the results suggest that MTH has a strong genetic differentiation from other populations within the genus Megalobrama, which contributes to effective utilization in artificial cultivation and breeding of MTH. Furthermore, these results also provide a scientific basis for the management of MTH as a separate conservation unit.
Effects of carob ( Ceratonia siliqua ) pod byproduct on quail performance, egg characteristics, fatty acids, and cholesterol levels

ABSTRACT This study was carried out to determine the effects of a carob (Ceratonia siliqua) byproduct (CB) supplement in diets for laying Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) on performance and egg internal-external quality traits, fatty acid profile, and cholesterol content. A total of 225 female quail at 12 weeks of age were distributed into five treatment groups with three replications (15 birds in each replication). The following treatments were tested: 0% (control, no CB supplementation); 3% CB; 5% CB; 10% [. ]
Physicochemical characterization, antioxidant activity and total phenolic content in 'Gala' apples subjected to different UV-C radiation doses

UV- C radiation is a food preservation method aimed to extend the life of the product, inactivate microorganisms, and stimulate the synthesis of phenolic compounds. This study aimed to physicochemically characterize and evaluate the antioxidant activity and phenolic content of ‘Gala’ apples subjected to different UV-C radiation doses. The fruits were harvested, sanitized, selected and inserted into a UV-C radiation chamber, and different radiation doses were applied as follows: 0 KJ m -2 (0 min.), 0.68 KJ m -2 (2 minutes), 2.73 KJ m -2 (4 minutes), and 4.10 KJ m -2 (6 minutes). The apples were stored for 120 days at 5 ± 1°C and analyzed after 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 days of storage. Radiation doses had no influence on parameters, such as weight loss, firmness and Hue angle, and physicochemical aspects, such as pH, soluble solids, titratable acidity and the soluble solids/titratable acidity ratio. The 4.10 KJ m -2 dose was effective and increased the phenolic content and antioxidant activity for up to 90 days while maintaining the content of vitamin C during storage.
Methodology for evaluating the readiness of internal logistics processes for Industry 4.0

The field of internal logistics is one of the critical areas of a company and has a great potential within the concept of Industry 4.0. The basic premise of smart production is to have a complete overview of all the logistics movements of products, i.e. from entry, through production to dispatch. Furthermore, this is exactly what the digitization of internal logistics allows. The development of Industry 4.0 based on digitization and automation presents excellent challenges for logistics and opportunities for further growth and development. Companies should optimize, automate and digitally transform internal logistics into a more autonomous and flexible form. However, a company must be prepared for this Industry 4.0 concept and know its level of maturity in this area. The primary purpose of this article is to describe a methodology for assessing the readiness of internal logistics processes, which are structured into several areas to cover the entire area of internal logistics. These processes are evaluated using the methodology, and the company’s current level is assessed according to specific indicators for each area of internal logistics. By implementing elements from modern logistics, the aim is to increase the level of the company.
Evolutionary history and eco‐climatic diversification in southern African dung beetle Sisyphus

The high diversity of species in southern Africa has been attributed to geological and palaeoclimatic factors. The timing of radiations in some groups is held to be linked to these geoclimatic trends. Using the Scarabaeinae dung beetle genus, Sisyphus, as a model system, we investigate how geological uplift and climatic changes in the late Cenozoic affected its diversification patterns in southern Africa.
MOLECULAR PROFILE OF ORAL PROBIOTIC BACTERIA TO BE USED WITH FUNCTIONAL FOODS

In this work, we present thermal and IR spectral profile and thereby molecular information about the probiotic bacteria- Streptococcus salivarius K12 (SsK12) to be further used with functional foods. In this context, for the first time, we characterized the global cellular constituents of this bacteria i.e. its proteins, lipids, polysaccharides, ribosomes, nucleic acids and cell wall by powerful calorimetric (differential scanning calorimetry) and infrared spectroscopic techniques, which are widely applied bioanalytical methods especially in the food microbiology and industry. Our results can be used by food specialists for the development of probiotic functional foods such as cheese, kefir, yogurt, buttermilk, pickle and chewing gum enriched with viable lyophilized bacteria to preserve oral health. Furthermore, the information we present here, would contribute for the development of prophylactic strategies and for the generation of recombinant probiotic SsK12 strains, which would help to launch out a new public health-care action plans.