Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Challenges and Prospects of Higher Education in Afghanistan

Education is one of the vital basic elements of development for a developing country like Afghanistan. The aim of this study is to explore the challenges and prospects of higher education in Afghanistan. This study adopts a qualitative approach and based on secondary data. A systematic review has been done to substantiate the argument. This study explores that the opportunity for higher education in Afghanistan is very little and far beyond to the level of expectation. It is due to the long-time war as well as destruction of the country. This study also analyzes the prospects social, economic and cultural perspectives. This study argues that education can play a pivotal role for developing economy, culture and strength of a modern nation. For ensuring smooth educational development, this study recommends that quality of education should be ensured in every stage of education. Equal opportunity should be ensured for male and female as well as financially poor students, and multi-dimensional education system should be ensured by the government of Afghanistan.
Structural basis of sialyltransferase activity in trypanosomal sialidases

The intracellular parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease, sheds a developmentally regulated surface trans‐sialidase, which is involved in key aspects of parasite–host cell interactions. Although it shares a common active site architecture with bacterial neuraminidases, the T.cruzi enzyme behaves as a highly efficient sialyltransferase. Here we report the crystal structure of the closely related Trypanosoma rangeli sialidase and its complex with inhibitor. The enzyme folds into two distinct domains: a catalytic β‐propeller fold tightly associated with a lectin‐like domain. Comparison with the modeled structure of T.cruzi trans‐sialidase and mutagenesis experiments allowed the identification of amino acid substitutions within the active site cleft that modulate sialyltransferase activity and suggest the presence of a distinct binding site for the acceptor carbohydrate. The structures of the Trypanosoma enzymes illustrate how a glycosidase scaffold can achieve efficient glycosyltransferase activity and provide a framework for structure‐based drug design.
The complete mitochondrial genome of a stonefly species, Protonemura datongensis (plecoptera: Nemouridae)

Abstract The circular mitogenome of 15,756 bp encodes 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNAs (tRNAs), and two ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), and it contains a control region. The nucleotide composition of the Protonemura datongensis mitogenome exhibits a marked A + T bias. Twelve PCGs are initiated by ATN codons, except ND1 start with TTG. Eleven PCGs use the typical stop codon TAA/TAG, whereas the remaining COII and ND1 genes terminated with a single T. The phylogenetic result showed that the relationship among six genera within Nemouridae was (Indonemoura + (Mesonemoura + Sphaeronemoura)) + (Amphinemura + Nemoura).
A new classification of the Cestode order Proteocephalidea Mola

The morphology, ontogeny, life-cycles and distribution of species of the Order Proteocephalidea (Cestoda), is discussed. A brief historic of the classifications is presented. The actual scheme of taxonomy of WOODLAND (1924-1935) is criticicized and a new classification for the group is proposed. The phylogenetic uniformity of Proteocephalideans is reestablished with this classification. The genera of Monticelliidae (sensu Woodland) are transferred to the subfamilies Proteocephalinae and Corallobothriinae. Only one family is accepted in the Proteocephalidea. Proteocephalidae La Rue. 1911: with five subfamilies: Proteocephalinae. Corallobothriinae. Sandonelliinae. Gangesiinae and Acanthotaeniinae.
The complete mitochondrial genome of the vent snail Phymorhynchus sp. (Gastropoda: Raphitomidae)

Abstract We first determined the complete mitochondrial genome of Phymorhynchus sp. in this study. The total length of the mitochondrial genome of Phymorhynchus sp. was 15,631 bp, including 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, and 1 no-control region. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that Phymorhynchus sp. was most closely related to the Typhlosyrinx sp. , another species in the family Raphitomidae.
Adaptive hatching hypotheses do not explain asynchronous hatching in Brown-headed Parrots Poicephalus cryptoxanthus

At the core of the suite of adaptive hatching hypotheses advanced to explain asynchronous hatching in birds is the assumption that if food is not limited then all the hatchlings will develop normally to adulthood. In this study Brown-headed Parrot Poicephalus cryptoxanthus chicks were hand fed and weighed on a daily basis. Their respective masses were compared using a reparamatised Richards growth model. The results show that although the second and third hatched chicks initially grow faster than the first, the final mass attained by the third chick is significantly less than either of its siblings. Adaptive hatching hypotheses do not explain this result. We propose that the third chick is opportunistic and that is has evolved as insurance against prior chicks surviving because of interspecific pressure on the breeding biology of the species.
Phylogeny of γ‐proteobacteria: resolution of one branch of the universal tree?

The reconstruction of bacterial evolutionary relationships has proven to be a daunting task because variable mutation rates and horizontal gene transfer (HGT) among species can cause grave incongruities between phylogenetic trees based on single genes. Recently, a highly robust phylogenetic tree was constructed for 13 γ-proteobacteria using the combined alignments of 205 conserved orthologous proteins.1 Only two proteins had incongruent tree topologies, which were attributed to HGT between Pseudomonas species and Vibrio cholerae or enterics. While the evolutionary relationships among these species appears to be resolved, further analysis suggests that HGT events with other bacterial partners likely occurred; this alters the implicit assumption of γ-proteobacteria monophyly. Thus, any thorough reconstruction of bacterial evolution must not only choose a suitable set of molecular markers but also strive to reduce potential bias in the selection of species. BioEssays 26:463–468, 2004. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An Appraisal of the Impact of International Trade on Economic Growth of India- through the ARDL Approach

Purpose: The study examines the impact of international trade on economic growth of India by using the Autoregressive Distributive Lag Model (ARDL) technique. The study further adopts Trade Openness Index to analyze the growing integration of India’s external trade with the outside world. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study employs the Augmented Dickey Fuller (ADF) Test for unit root and Autoregressive Distributive Lag Model (ARDL) cointegration approach which entails the Wald Test, Long run OLS estimation test, Error Correction and short Run relationship estimation test, as well as the short run Causality test. The data on the variables of model and Trade Openness Indicator were sourced from the various data sources of the Handbook of Statistics on the Indian Economy and the UNCTAD, World Bank Databases. The Data for the index and the model is collected and analysed for the period of 1991 to 2017. Findings: The analysis of the Augmented Dickey fuller (ADF) test for unit root shows that the series were of different order, I(1) and I(0), hence the Autoregressive Distributive Lag Model (ARDL) co-integration technique was employed by the study. The long run relationship of the underlying variables is detected through the F-statistic (Wald test) which shows that the series are co-integrated. Long run relationship estimates presents a positive and significant relationship between exports and domestic investment with GDP. The analysis presents that the relationship between the variables imports and exchange rate with GDP was found to be negative, but statistically insignificant and the speed of adjustment term (Error Correction Term) was also found to be significant. Short run causality result reveals the presence of short run causality between exports, domestic investment and exchange rate to GDP. Practical Implications: The paper concludes a positive relationship between international trade and economic growth and supports the ideology of mercantilism to encourage exports through trade promotion and increased participation of India in the world markets. Originality/Value: The authors conclude a positive impact of international trade on India’s economic growth and long run relationship estimates present a positive and significant relationship between exports and domestic investment with GDP. Further analysis on implications on bilateral treaties and tariffs would add value to the current study.
Alternating quarantine for sustainable mitigation of COVID-19

Lacking a drug or vaccine, the current strategy to contain the COVID-19 pandemic is by means of social distancing, specifically mobility restrictions and lock-downs. Such measures impose a hurtful toll on the economy, and are difficult to sustain for extended periods. The challenge is that selective isolation of the symptomatic patients is insufficient to control SARS-CoV-2, due to its relatively long incubation period, in which individuals experience no symptoms, but may already contribute to the spread. How then do we isolate these \textit{invisible} pre-symptomatic spreaders? Here we propose an alternating quarantine strategy, in which at every instance, half of the population remains under lock-down while the other half continues to be active, maintaining a routine of weekly succession between activity and quarantine. Under this regime, if an individual was exposed during their active week, by the time they complete their quarantine they will, in most cases, begin to exhibit symptoms. Hence this strategy isolates the majority of pre-symptomatic individuals during their infectious phase, leading to a rapid decline in the viral spread - all while sustaining a continuously active economy at $50\%$ capacity.
Prediction of Commercial Catches of the Spiny Lobster Panulirus Argus in the Gulf of Batabano, Cuba

[The spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) fishery in the Cuban archipelago is the main fishery for the species in its area of distribution. The fishery is one of the biggest in the world for this species, averaging over 11,000 t annually, with export values of around $US 100 million per year. Indices of abundance of puerulus, juveniles, and pre-recruits were used to determine relationships between the main events in the life history stages and subsequent recruitment to the fishery. The relationship between the juvenile and pre-recruit abundance (r = 0.8916, p = 0.005) suggests that variation in the pre-recruit index could be explained by the juvenile estimates. A method of catch prediction is being developed based on the index of juvenile abundance and its relationships with lobster catches the next year. Since 1982 this index has been obtained from monthly sampling of concrete artificial reefs in a nursery area in the Gulf of Batabano. A significant relationship was obtained between the index for juveniles and catch in the next year (r = 0.8301, P< 0.001). , The spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) fishery in the Cuban archipelago is the main fishery for the species in its area of distribution. The fishery is one of the biggest in the world for this species, averaging over 11,000 t annually, with export values of around $US 100 million per year. Indices of abundance of puerulus, juveniles, and pre-recruits were used to determine relationships between the main events in the life history stages and subsequent recruitment to the fishery. The relationship between the juvenile and pre-recruit abundance (r = 0.8916, p = 0.005) suggests that variation in the pre-recruit index could be explained by the juvenile estimates. A method of catch prediction is being developed based on the index of juvenile abundance and its relationships with lobster catches the next year. Since 1982 this index has been obtained from monthly sampling of concrete artificial reefs in a nursery area in the Gulf of Batabano. A significant relationship was obtained between the index for juveniles and catch in the next year (r = 0.8301, P< 0.001). ]
The value of differently managed cacao plantations for forest bird conservation in Sulawesi, Indonesia

Summary In order to assess the potential value of differently managed cacao plantations for bird conservation on Sulawesi, we surveyed birds in near-primary forest (with limited timber and rattan extraction, and some hunting), cacao plantations with remnant forest trees and plantations lacking forest trees, from February to April 2007. A total of 16 50 x 50 m plots were visited twice and records of 87 species were obtained. Bird species richness and the number of endemics and forest specialists decreased along this gradient of forest conversion, with 20% of the forest specialists, among them 10 endemics, exclusively found in forest. Species composition changed dramatically between habitat types. Sørensen indices showed a similarity of species composition between forests and plantations of 45–60% for forest specialists and 65–71% for all species. The most important environmental variable for the diversity and composition of birds was the number of remnant rainforest trees present in the plantations. Our results suggest that large, undisturbed rainforest are most important for the conservation of forest specialists and endemics but that cacao plantations, if managed to maintain a high and diverse cover of forest trees, can harbour up to 60% of forest specialists and endemics.
Elevated atmospheric CO2 alters root symbiont community structure in forest trees.

• Changes in below-ground ectomycorrhizal (ECM) community structure in response to elevated CO2 and balanced nutrient addition were investigated in a 37-yr-old Picea abies forest. • Trees in whole-tree chambers were exposed to factorial combinations of ambient/elevated CO2 (700 ppm) and fertilization (+/-). ECM fungal community structure was determined in 1997 and 2000 using a combination of morphotyping and molecular analyses. Samples were taken both from chambers and from reference trees receiving the same fertilization treatments but without chambers. • Significant effects on ECM community structure were found in response to elevated CO2 . Neither elevated CO2 nor fertilization altered species richness; however, there was considerable variation among samples, which may have masked treatment effects on individual species. After 3 yr, the effects of elevated CO2 on community composition were of the same magnitude as those seen after 15 yr of fertilization treatment. • Our results show that increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations affect the community structure of root symbionts colonizing forest trees. The potential effects of altered ECM community structure on allocation and turnover of carbon and nutrients within forest ecosystems are discussed.
A Genetic Assessment of Ecological Restoration Success in Banksia attenuata

Rarely assessed in the success of ecological restoration projects is the maintenance of genetic variation in restored populations and, critically, their offspring. A founding population sourced from a limited genetic pool of nonlocal provenance seed can result in genetic bottlenecking and inbreeding, potentially reducing future population resilience and restoration success. We used microsatellite markers to assess the genetic variation of natural and restored populations, and their offspring, in Banksia attenuata R.Br. (Proteaceae), a keystone species of Banksia woodlands in south‐west Australia. Both natural and restored populations, and their offspring, displayed similarly high levels of heterozygosity (He range = 0.57–0.62) and allelic diversity (Ne range = 6.67–8.86) across 7 microsatellite loci. There was very weak population divergence (FST = 0.006) between the restored population and the adjacent natural population, indicating local provenance sourcing of seed. Genetic structuring within the natural population was weak, but detectable at 10 m and more strongly genetically structured than the restored population (Sp = 0.006 and 0.002, respectively). Complete outcrossing, low‐correlated paternity, and very low bi‐parental inbreeding were observed in both populations. Extensive pollen dispersal was observed within and among populations, with >50% of paternity assigned to sires beyond the local population. In a greenhouse experiment, differences in the overall performance of seedlings from natural and restored populations were negligible. Results indicate the successful genetic management of B. attenuata in this restoration project, from which general principles emphasizing the use of diverse local provenance seeds, genetic integration, and delivery of pollinator services are supported.
Notes on the behaviour of Crocidura and Myosorex (Mammalia : Soricidae) in captivity

Crocidura flavescens (I. Geoffrey, 1827), C. mariquensis (A. Smith, 1844) et Myosorex varius (Smuts, 1832) 61eve*es en captivite, ne montrent pas de differences dans leurs facons de manger ou de boire. Cependant on constate des differences specifiques dans les comportements de de"f£cation, de fouissement, de construction du nid, dans le choix du substrat, les pics d'activito, le comportement exploratoire, la posture de repos, le «grooming», les omissions vocales et le comportement agressif.
An improved procedure for the isolation of Ribonucleic acid from methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Extraction and purification of ribonucleic acid (RNA) from Gram-positive methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is problematic, because the MRSA has a rigid cell wall that contains lipoteichoic acid and peptidoglycan, thus causing difficulty when utilizing the standard methods. For this reason, the aim of the current study was to improve and modify the method of extraction of RNA from MRSA, with good integrity, purity, low cost, and with saved time of extraction. A fast and an inexpensive method involving the use of acid phenol: chloroform (5: 1 [v/v]) at low pH (4.5), with lysostaphin and Triton X-100 for effective isolation of RNA from the MRSA is developed. As a result of this study, yields of this method presented high concentration of RNA 1175.26 ng/ µl/ 3 ml of bacterial culture broth, with high RNA integration number (RIN). In similar assays such as using; the RNeasy Mini kit, GeneJET RNA purification kit, TRIzol kit and hot phenol: chloroform (1: 1 [v/v]) extraction method, they yielded low concentrations of RNA (92-700 ng/ µl); with lower purity, quantity, and also little integrity, compared to using the current acid phenol chloroform (5: 1 [v/v]) extraction method. In conclusion, this new method for extraction of RNA from MRSA can be used to save time, cost, and provide high quality of RNA.
Digestible methionine levels for white-egg layer pullets from 7 to 12 weeks of age

An experiment was carried out to evaluate the requirement of digestible methionine for growing pullets at growth phase (7 to 12 weeks of age). A completely randomized design was distributed in five treatments, six replicates, and 15 pullets per experimental unit. 450 Dekalb White pullets from the 7th weeks of age, with an average initial weight of 313.14 ± 12.49 g were used. Dietary treatments consisted in five diets supplemented with DL-Methionine which resulted in five levels of digestible methionine (0.266, 0.294, 0.322, 0.350, and 0.378 %). Performance, serological blood, histopathology and histomorphometry data were evaluated. Quadratic responses were observed for final live weight (p < 0.0143), weight gain (p < 0.0073), feed conversion ratio (p < 0.0058), glycogen deposition in the liver (p < 0.0001), gamma-glutamyl transferase enzyme activity (p < 0.0008), and villus height (p < 0.0024) with digestible dMet levels. In conclusion, the use of 0.343 % dMet, corresponding to a dMet:dLys ratio 55, is recommended for white-egg pullets from 7 to 12 weeks of age.
Parasite-induced gigantism in a snail: a host adaptation?

I experimentally tested the hypothesis that parasite-induced gigantism in molluscs may be a host adaptation by increasing a host's probability of outliving an infection. I exposed juvenile pulmonate snails from two populations of the hermaphrodite Lymnaea peregra to infections with the trematode Diplostomum phoxini. Only one of the two snail populations studied is naturally in contact with this parasite (P + ) and the other is not (P - ). Diplostomum phoxini induced gigantism only in P + snails. Furthermore, P + snails showed a lower parasite-induced mortality compared to P - snails but infected P + snails did not lay eggs before they died. These results are in agreement with three out of four predictions derived from the hypothesis of gigantism as a host adaptation. The fourth prediction, that some P + snails should survive long enough to outlive the infection and reproduce, was not met. My results do not directly support the idea that parasite-induced gigantism is of adaptive value for L. peregra but suggest that gigantism is unlikely to be purely a parasite adaptation. This study cannot exclude the alternative hypothesis that gigantism is a non-adaptive side-effect of infection.
Affective picture processing is modulated by emotion word type in masked priming paradigm: an event-related potential study

ABSTRACT Although a large body of research demonstrates the role of language in emotion processing (e.g. emotional facial expressions), how emotion-laden words (e.g. poison, reward) and emotion-label words (e.g. fear, satisfaction) differently impact affective picture processing is not clear. Emotion-label words label affective states straightforwardly, whereas emotion-laden words engender emotion via reflection. The current study adopted the masked priming paradigm to examine how Chinese emotion-laden words and emotion-label words distinctively influence affective picture processing. Twenty Chinese speakers decided the valence of the pictures with their cortical responses recorded. Emotion-label words facilitated affective picture evaluation behaviourally. Moreover, pictures that were preceded by emotion-laden words generated larger electrophysiological activation than those preceded by emotion-label words. Combined behavioural and ERP evidence revealed that emotion word type modulated affective picture processing, suggesting different roles of emotion-laden and emotion-label words in how emotion is shaped by language.