Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Heterozygote deficiencies in a cohort of newly settled Mytilus edulis spat

A cohort of newly settled Mytilus edulis (L.) (Mollusca: Bivalvia) spat (mean shell length 530 µm) was collected from red filamentous algae at a site on the North Wales coast. After a period of growth in the laboratory, cellulose acetate and starch gel electrophoresis were used to investigate genotype frequencies at the Gpi, Odh, Lap, Pgm, Idh and Mpi loci. Individual testing of each locus, using the X2 test revealed significant deficiencies of heterozygotes at the Pgm, Mpi and Idh loci. However, further testing using a sequential Bonf erroni test, designed to assess the probability of observing at least one significant result from a number of tests by chance alone, revealed that only the deficiency of heterozygotes at Pgm and Mpi loci was significant at the table-wide 95% level. Since post-collection mortality was <3%, these heterozygote deficits must have existed at the time of collection. The conclusion drawn is that heterozygote deficiencies in mussels are generated during the larval stage or at early settlement.
Complex of the new generation of the instrumental analytical approaches to prevent dangerous bioterrorism

The real manifestations of biowarfare were only during local military conflicts. In previous times the danger with this factor forms through activation of terrorist organizations. To prevent non-desirable consequences and to preserve the lives and health of people it is necessary to provide constant control by the application of complex of the new generation of the instrumental devices based on the principles of biosensorics which allow rapid revealing step by step: total toxicity of environmental objects, presence of appropriate groups and specific chemical substances among them. It is demonstrated simple and rapid estimation of the total toxicity through the control of the intensity of chlorophyll fluorescence (IChF) by the direct or remote ways by the device “Floratest” (Ukraine). There is possible on the basis of IChF curve of growing plants from some territory during appropriate period to reveal appearance of toxic substances in this area. Their presence in more local cases may be done by using bioluminescent bacteria (pure Ukrainian strains) or/and controlling short term Daphnia living medium by developed portable chemiluminometer. For the revealing of some groups of toxic elements it is recommended the cerium oxide ISFETs based enzymatic biosensors. The last and devices based on SPR (“Plasmotest”, Ukraine), porous silicon (with the registration of biospecific interaction macromolecules by luminescence or electro conductivity) and some nano-metal oxides were realized in immune biosensors at the determination of content of number of mycotoxins, some microorganisms (Salmonella spp.) and diagnostics of viral disease (retroviral leucosis). We present the main characteristics of the above mentioned devices and give confirmation that all the analysis meets practice demands. Overall time of analysis is in range 10 min and it is very simple and may be realized in field conditions.
Gaseous and volatile exudates from germinating seeds and seedlings

The quantities of gaseous and volatile metabolites liberated by germinating seeds and seedlings appeared to be related, in general, to the amount of storage substances present in the seeds. Both qualitative and quantitative differences were found between various plant species and varieties of both angiosperms and gymnosperms. The release of volatile compounds preceded the appearance of the first root and, with most seeds, was greatest in the first 24 to 48 h. Organic volatiles could be detected, by gas chromatography, in as little as 5% of the atmosphere from one germinating seed. All seeds that were studied liberated ethanol, and most seeds evolved methanol, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, formic acid, ethylene, and propylene. Propionaldehyde and (or) acetone was also evolved by cotton, pea, and yellow pine. The possible source of these volatile metabolites and their ecological implications are discussed.
Simulation modeling of external perturbations affecting wheeled vehicles of special purpose

External perturbations affecting wheeled vehicles of special purpose on the basis of 3D terrain model are estimated. The mathematical model of the system of sprinkling for special purpose wheeled vehicles was developed on the basis of the use of continuous "color" and "fractional" noise as external perturbations, affecting the system, which allows to determine the influence of the impact of the rough terrain on wheeled vehicles of special purpose with integrated information and control telematics systems. A comparative analysis of the algorithms for the formation of external perturbations on the basis of "color" and "fractional" noise was carried out. 3D models of terrain were developed on the basis of the actual normal Markov field, which gives an opportunity to raise a qualitative level mathematical models of special purpose wheeled vehicles with integrated information and control telematics systems. It was generated an algorithm of a two-dimensional fractional field. The proposed approach allows you to simulate 3D terrain with given characteristics and analyze the work of special purpose wheeled vehicles systems on different operating modes.
Image classification based on the kohonen network and the data space modification

In this paper, we propose the solution of visual objects recognition in computer vision problems using the classification of descriptors of image key-points based on the training of Kohonen neural network on the description data of etalon images. According to the results of training within the set of etalons, the image classification method has been improved by defining a specific data space in the form of a statistical center for each etalon. We propose mathematical models for the bitwise analysis of multiple descriptors searching for the centers and the method for convolution of descriptions from multiple descriptors with the determining a posteriori probabilities for the system of bit centers. Methods of data space transformation of description bits are proposed for various options for Kohonen network training, processing and estimation of class centers. The software implementation of the changed classifier was performed as well as the processing time with different options for determining the space of training data was estimated. Experimental researches confirmed the high efficiency of classification preserving sufficient performance and the ability to use proposed methods in real-time applications.
Different strategies for salt tolerance in determined and indeterminate nodules of Lotus japonicus and Medicago truncatula

In this study, we examine how indeterminate and determined nitrogen-fixing root nodules of model legumes Lotus japonicus and Medicago truncatula adapt their non-structural carbohydrate pool during salt stress, with particular emphasis on trehalose, a compatible solute abundant in nodules of some legumes. M. truncatula and L. japonicus plants were inoculated with Sinorhizobium meliloti and Mesorhizobium loti, respectively, and the effect of 50 mM sodium chloride (NaCl) added to the nutrient solution was studied in a time-course experiment. Sucrose and pinitol were the predominant carbohydrates in nodules of both legumes, contributing to osmoprotection in nodules of L. japonicus under salt stress. Trehalose concentration increased under salt stress in L. japonicus nodules; however, compared with sucrose and pinitol, its concentration was too low to contribute efficiently to osmoregulation. By contrast, proline showed a dramatic increase in nodules and leaves of M. truncatula under salt stress, contributing to osmotic adjustment in this species. Results found in this study showed different mechanisms for salt tolerance in determined and indeterminate nodules of model legumes L. japonicus and M. truncatula that might be a general feature in the mentioned different types of nodules.
Useful Field of View Performance in the Intact Visual Field of Hemianopia Patients

Purpose Postchiasmatic brain damage commonly results in an area of reduced visual sensitivity or blindness in the contralesional hemifield. Previous studies have shown that the ipsilesional visual field can be impaired too. Here, we examine whether assessing visual functioning of the “intact” ipsilesional visual field can be useful to understand difficulties experienced by patients with visual field defects. Methods We compared the performance of 14 patients on a customized version of the useful field of view test that presents stimuli in both hemifields but only assesses functioning of their intact visual half-field (iUFOV) with that of equivalent hemifield assessments in 17 age-matched healthy control participants. In addition, we mapped visual field sensitivity with the Humphrey Field Analyzer. Last, we used an adapted version of the National Eye Institute Visual Quality of Life-25 to measure their experienced visual quality of life. Results We found that patients performed worse on the second and third iUFOV subtests, but not on the first subtest. Furthermore, patients scored significantly worse on almost every subscale, except ocular pain. Summed iUFOV scores (assessing the intact hemifield only) and Humphrey field analyzer scores (assessing both hemifields combined) showed almost similar correlations with the subscale scores of the adapted National Eye Institute Visual Quality of Life-25. Conclusions The iUFOV test is sensitive to deficits in the visual field that are not picked up by traditional perimetry. We therefore believe this task is of interest for patients with postchiasmatic brain lesions and should be investigated further.
Evaluation of sampling methods and assessment of the sample size to estimate the weed seedbank in soil, taking into account spatial variability

Summary As field sampling is time consuming, it is necessary to develop efficient sampling techniques to obtain accurate estimates of the weed seedbank in soil. The relative efficiency between sampling schemes depends on the spatial variability in weed seed density across agricultural fields. Spatial variability of the weed seed density was characterized by theoretical correlograms. A systematic sampling (square grill) scheme was considered and it was found that, taking into account spatial variability, this sampling scheme was more efficient than simple random sampling. As a result, the sample size can be reduced in comparison with that given in previous studies, where spatial correlation was ignored. The reduction depends on the correlation structure defined as a function of the ratio, τ, between the nugget effect and the sill of the variogram. The maximum reduction of the sample size, without loss of either precision or confidence level corresponds to the case where there is no nugget effect, τ = 0. The opposite extreme case, where the reduction is nil, corresponds to the case of a pure nugget effect τ = 1. The abaci based on given expressions are provided to determine the sample size in species whose spatial pattern can be fitted either to a Poisson or to a negative binomial distribution.
Bacillus spore contamination associated with commercial bread manufacture

Abstract Rope spoilage of bread by Bacillus subtilis and B. licheniformis causes economic losses to the baking industry. The Bacillus spore contamination profile of a typical brown bread manufacturing line in a commercial bakery was assessed by four replicate microbiological surveys to determine numbers, types and sources of Bacillus spores. High Bacillus spore counts were consistently obtained from yeast, crumbs and premix. Food contact surfaces did not contribute noticeably to spore counts. The initial spore count of dough after mixing was 2·6 log cfu g -1 and increased by 0·5 log cfu g -1 before baking. Baking decreased the Bacillus spore count by 1 log cfu g -1 . Baked bread stored at 30°C yielded Bacillus counts of c. 10 7 cfu g -1 after 3 days' storage. Three hundred randomly selected Bacillus isolates from raw materials, dough, food contact surface and bread samples were characterized as 41·5% B. licheniformis, 38·4% B. subtilis, 12·0% B. megaterium, 3·9% B. pumilis, 2·5% B. laterosporus and 1·1% B. cereus.
Surveillance strategies for the detection of disease outbreaks in the Pacific islands: meta‐analysis of published literature, 2010–2019

Due to their tropical location, development status and the limited capacity of health systems, Pacific island counties and territories are particularly susceptible to infectious disease outbreaks; but evidence as to the optimal way in which outbreaks are detected is scarce. In this review, we synthesise evidence from literature about how outbreaks are detected in Pacific island countries and territories and critique factors identified as inhibiting surveillance practice.
Scat-Detection Dogs Seek Out New Locations of Priodontes maximus and Myrmecophaga tridactyla in Central Brazil

The use of scat-detection dogs is increasingly recognized as a valuable wildlife assessment and monitoring tool (Long et al., 2007a). Chosen for their drive for play-reward with a tennis ball, these dogs enable researchers to seek out scat samples of rare and otherwise difficult-to-study species. The dogs are able to cover large areas, are unbiased in their sampling of gender, and have demonstrated accuracy in their ability to home in on their targets while ignoring nontarget species (Smith et al., 2003). Studies comparing detection dogs with camera-traps and hairsnag surveys have demonstrated that detection dogs are superior both at locating the presence of target species as well as number of individuals (Wasser et al., 2004; Harrison, 2006; Long et al., 2007b). Once located, the scat samples may be used to understand wildlife movements, for diet and disease studies, and for DNA and hormone analyses (Wasser et al., 2004).
Optimization calculation of vortex type granulation devices: application of software products and computer modeling

The paper studies the hydrodynamic conditions of gas flow motion and vortex granulator workspace design optimization. A comprehensive approach for determination of the hydrodynamic characteristics of a vortex gas flow and their visualization is proposed. The mathematical approach, based on Reynolds equations for turbulent flows solution, is presented. The mathematical model equations solution with the definition of gas flow velocity components in any point on the radius and height of vortex granulator, is obtained. The obtained results form the basis of original algorithm for calculating of vortex granulator hydrodynamic calculation and its basic dimensions optimization selection.
Level-set based Topology Optimisation of Convectively Cooled Heatsinks

The level set based topology optimisation technique is applied to optimise a 2D and 3D convectively cooled heatsink. The approach is used to determine the design providing minimal thermal compliance and minimal viscous dissipation. The optimisation has been performed utilising the COMSOL multiphysics for solution of physics and sensitivity analysis and the MATLAB Livelink functionality for level set advection and reinitialisation. This paper describes the details of implementation, the topology optimisation model and presents results obtained using this formulation.
All that Glisters is not Gold: Sensory Bias, Sexual Conflict and Nuptial Feeding in Insects and Spiders

It is becoming increasingly clear that the evolutionary interests of the sexes are often in conflict when it comes to mating. Sexual encounters involving nuptial gifts, however, have often been viewed as prime examples of sexual co-operation, rather than conflict. In this review, I explore the proposition that nuptial gifts act as sensory traps: by exploiting the female's gustatory responses, the male may be able to entice females to accept superfluous matings and/or transfer greater volumes of ejaculate than are in the female's reproductive interests. Evidence suggests that the females' sensory biases may have played an important role in shaping gift characteristics in at least four different systems, although relatively few forms of nuptial feeding have so far been examined from this perspective. I argue that gift composition is more likely to be tailored to increasing the attractiveness of the gift to the female and/or maximizing gift handling time than to suit the female's nutritional needs and that the fecundity-enhancing benefits of nuptial gifts are often questionable and have been over-stated in the literature. Fertilization biases associated with the female's attraction to the nuptial gift, however, could lead to in-direct benefits for the female. On the other hand, nuptial feeding may also lead to significant costs to the female. Evidence suggests that some types of gift entice the female to mate, but it is not clear whether the resultant degree of polyandry is higher than optimal for the female. In other cases, evidence suggests that the gift enables the male to overcome the resistance of the female to accepting an extra large ejaculate and that large ejaculates are associated with longer post-mating sexual refractory periods in the female. This could represent a cost to the female by delaying or preventing her from receiving the genetic benefits of polyandry. At present, it is not clear, however, whether such costs outweigh the potential benefits of nuptial feeding for the female.
Astaxanthin attenuates hepatic damage and mitochondrial dysfunction in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease by up‐regulating the FGF21/PGC‐1α pathway

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered to be one of the most common chronic liver diseases across worldwide. Astaxanthin (Ax) is a carotenoid, and beneficial effects of astaxanthin, including anti‐oxidative, anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐tumour activity, have been identified. The present study aimed to elucidate the protective effect of astaxanthin against NAFLD and its underlying mechanism.
Organizational climate and capabilities for innovation: a study of nine forest-based Nordic manufacturing firms

Abstract Forest-based manufacturing firms are currently under pressure to achieve higher margins and increased profits. Many firms have tried to maintain profits by cutting costs, however, the effects of this, in markets suffering from overcapacity and declining demand, are temporary. Instead, innovation is seen as being the key to firm growth and sustained profit. This article presents a study of nine large Nordic (Swedish and Norwegian) forest-based manufacturing firms, with operations ranging from pulp and paper chemicals, pulp production, packaging boards, packaging paper, and specialty paper to food processing and packaging solutions. The purpose of this study is to investigate the prerequisites for innovation at firm level in terms of firms’ organizational climate and capabilities for innovation, and how these firms could improve their innovation processes. The paper draws on data from a collaborative research project that includes these nine firms, derived from interviews and questionnaires. The results show that forest-based firms are creative and have the potential to be innovative. However, the capabilities for innovation, that is the capabilities to do things differently and to exploit ideas, differ among firms. The study highlights two capabilities that may be obvious but are critical for innovation – management willingness and awareness, and the implementation of a strategy for innovation – and that the potential exists for increased output through appropriate managerial action.
QUANTIFICATION OF SELECTED PHYTOMETABOLITES AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF Elephantopus scaber L

The present study focused on evaluation of selectedphytometabolites and in vitro antioxidant activity of Elephantopusscaber L. While quantifying the phytometabolites it is observed that the plant is good source of phytometabolites such as Chlorophyll content (0.171 mg/g), Ascorbic acid concentration (53.16 ppm), Phenol content (168.16 μg/ml), Flavonoids content of (220.6 μg/ml), Tannincontent (1060 μg/ml), Lycopene (0.11307 mg/100mg) and β-Carotene (1.04508 mg/100mg) etc. Antioxidant activity of extract was expressed as percentage of DPPH radical inhibition. Further studies of this plant species should be directed to carry out in vivo studies of its phytometabolites in order to prepare potent natural pharmaceutical products.
Preference-based Evaluation Metrics for Web Image Search

Following the success of Cranfield-like evaluation approaches to evaluation in web search, web image search has also been evaluated with absolute judgments of (graded) relevance. However, recent research has found that collecting absolute relevance judgments may be difficult in image search scenarios due to the multi-dimensional nature of relevance for image results. Moreover, existing evaluation metrics based on absolute relevance judgments do not correlate well with search users' satisfaction perceptions in web image search. Unlike absolute relevance judgments, preference judgments do not require that relevance grades be pre-defined, i.e., how many levels to use and what those levels mean. Instead of considering each document in isolation, preference judgments consider a pair of documents and require judges to state their relative preference. Such preference judgments are usually more reliable than absolute judgments since the presence of (at least) two items establishes a certain context. While preference judgments have been studied extensively for general web search, there exists no thorough investigation on how preference judgments and preference-based evaluation metrics can be used to evaluate web image search systems. Compared to general web search, web image search may be an even better fit for preference-based evaluation because of its grid-based presentation style. The limited need for fresh results in web image search also makes preference judgments more reusable than for general web search. In this paper, we provide a thorough comparison of variants of preference judgments for web image search. We find that compared to strict preference judgments, weak preference judgments require less time and have better inter-assessor agreement. We also study how absolute relevance levels of two given images affect preference judgments between them. Furthermore, we propose a preference-based evaluation metric named Preference-Winning-Penalty (PWP) to evaluate and compare between two different image search systems. The proposed PWP metric outperforms existing evaluation metrics based on absolute relevance judgments in terms of agreement to system-level preferences of actual users.
Rapid Induction of Somatic Embryogenesis by 2, 4-D in Leaf Base Cultures of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Wheat leaf base segments treated with 2, 4-D (10μM) for 24h developed somatic embryos without an intervening callus when cultured on basal Murashige and Skoog’s medium for less than 2 weeks. This response is auxin specific and genotype independent. In fact, vacuum infiltration of 2, 4-D, although at a higher concentration (50μM), in the basal leaf segments for 1 min, followed by culture on the basal medium, was sufficient to evoke the embryogenic response. In comparison to indirect somatic embryogenesis, this highly efficient system for direct embryogenesis not only curtails the time span for somatic embryogenesis by 15-20 days, it also obviates any secondary changes that may occur during dedifferentiation. The rapid induction of somatic embryogenesis in wheat leaf bases, under easily manipulable culture conditions, thus provides a unique opportunity to monitor the molecular events associated with auxin-mediated induction of somatic embryogenesis and also to study the associated developmental events.