Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Do Future Mobility Concepts Fit Consumer Demand

Electric vehicles, features for autonomous driving, and car-sharing services in combination with mega trends such as urbanization and digitalization have the potential to revolutionize the entire mobility sector. Our study addresses the ongoing shift in values and the kind of individual consumer demand that has to be met by providing innovative and flexible concepts for future transport. In particular, we call into question what challenges need to be faced, when various new technologies and business models are integrated. Our qualitative approach is based on the use of semi-structured interviews with representatives from a traditional car manufacturer. By investigating the expectations and actions of different stakeholders from an organizational perspective we find important predictions concerning the inevitable changes in consumer behavior and consequently in organizational strategy. It becomes clear that one of the key challenges is an appropriate steering system to motivate innovation activities and enhance creativity in order to ensure long-term success in an increasingly competitive market environment. Keywords— innovation, electric vehicles, autonomous driving, car-sharing, steering system.
The genus Erica (Ericaceae) in southern Africa: taxonomic notes 1

This is the first in a series of notes on the southern African species of Erica L. which are currently recognized. Brief synonymy citing only the important revisions and synonyms is given, as w ell as comments on the status and diagnostic char­acters of each species. One new species, E. petrusiana E.G.H.Oliv. & I.M. Oliv. and 14 new subspecies are described, and11 species are reduced to subspecific status. Where necessary drawings of important features and variations are given. Part 1 covers the first 35 species (Sections 1-3).
Caracterização de espécies de Trichogramma Westwood (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae), parasitoides de ovos de Erinnyis ello (L.) (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae)

Characterization of the Trichogramma species Westwood (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae), egg parasitoids of Erinnyis ello (L.) (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) Trichogramma demoraesi Nagaraja, 1983, T. manicobai Brun, Moraes e Soares, 1984 e T. marandobai Brun, Moraes e Soares, 1986 have been reported as egg parasitoids of Erinnyis ello (L.) on cassava in Brazil. However, the comparative analysis of the morphological characters of the paratype (male) of T. demoraesi, deposited at The Natural History Museum, London, with specimens from eggs of Erinnyis ello, previously identified as T. demoraesi (ESALQ collection), indicated, in fact, that these specimens do not belong T. demoraesi, but to T. marandobai. Therefore, T. demoraesi does not parasitize eggs of E. ello in Brazil. Then, only T. manicobai and T. marandobai were characterized and illustrated in detail, because original descriptions for both species are succinct and poorly depicted. The intervolsellar process (blunt or truncated apically) of T. marandobai was found to be plastic. However, based on biological (crossings), morphometric and molecular analyses, it was proved that specimens with blunt or truncated intervolsellar process are intraspecific variations of T. marandobai.
The Role of the Cell Adhesion Molecules N-cadherin, MCAM, and Beta 3 Integrin in Human Melanoma

Melanoma, which accounts for only 4% of all skin cancers, but 75% of skin cancer-related deaths, continues to rise at an alarming rate worldwide. When a melanoma is detected and resected at an early stage, the cure rate for patients is favorable. However, the response rate of patients with metastatic melanoma to chemotherapy is less than 15%, and biological therapies have limited efficacy. Therefore, identification of genes that can serve as therapeutic targets for advanced-stage melanoma is crucial. The cell adhesion molecules N-cadherin, MCAM, and Beta3 integrin have been postulated to represent melanoma progression markers; yet, little is known regarding whether they may constitute valuable therapeutic targets for the disease. Furthermore, no studies conducted to date have examined the expression and function of these three molecules in concert in melanoma. The results of our whole-genome and tissue microarray profiling illustrate N-cadherin, MCAM, and Beta3 integrin expression in the distinct stages of melanoma progression. We demonstrate that N-cadherin and Beta3 integrin are melanoma progression markers, but MCAM is not. Furthermore, greater than 95% of metastatic melanomas analyzed in our study express at least one of the three adhesion molecules, and 50% express all three. Our next objective was to determine whether inhibition of N-cadherin, MCAM, or Beta3 integrin impairs melanoma cell proliferation, migration, and/or invasion. We hypothesized that due to redundancy in the functions of N-cadherin, MCAM, and Beta3 integrin, simultaneous inhibition of all three molecules may elicit the most effective therapeutic response. We demonstrate that inhibiting expression of N-cadherin, MCAM, or Beta3 integrin decreases melanoma cell proliferation. However, inhibiting their expression in parallel does not augment the anti-proliferative effect. In contrast, downregulation of N-cadherin, MCAM, and Beta3 integrin in parallel inhibits melanoma cell migration and invasion to a significantly greater extent than targeting each gene alone. Our results indicate that of the three adhesion molecules, MCAM and Beta3 integrin play the most pronounced role in migration and invasion, and therefore, in combination, may represent the most promising therapeutic targets. The data presented in this dissertation provide the foundation for future clinical studies that target adhesion molecules in advanced-stage melanoma patients.
Retrospective Birth Dating of Cells

The generation of cells in the human body has been difficult to study and our understanding of cell turnover is limited. Extensive testing of nuclear weapons resulted in a dramatic global increase in the levels of the isotope {sup 14}C in the atmosphere, followed by an exponential decrease after the test ban treaty in 1963. We show that the level of {sup 14}C in genomic DNA closely parallels atmospheric levels, and can be used to establish the time point when the DNA was synthesized and cells were born. We use this strategy to determine the age of cells in the cortex of the adult human brain, and show that whereas non-neuronal cells are exchanged, occipital neurons are as old as the individual, supporting the view that postnatal neurogenesis does not take place in this region. Retrospective birth dating is a generally applicable strategy that can be used to measure cell turnover in man under physiological and pathological conditions.
QTL analysis for carcass composition and meat quality traits on SSC7q1.1-q1.4 region in Large White × Meishan F2 pigs.

Significant QTL for carcass and meat quality traits on Sus scrofa chromosome 7 (SSC7) were detected in various Meishan derived resource populations, especially on q1.1-q1.4 region. In order to confirm and narrow the QTL in this region, seven single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and one insertion or deletion located in eight genes (BTNL1 , SLC39A7, COL21A1, PPARD, GLP1R, MDFI, GNMT, and PLA2G7) were included for linkage mapping in a Large White × Meishan resource population, as well as two flanking microsatellite markers (SW2155 and SW352). Ten chromosome-wise significant QTL and two suggestive QTL were found. QTL affecting carcass weight and dressing percentage were mapped within the interval BTNL1 and SLC39A7. QTL for skin weight and percentage, bone weight and percentage in carcass were located between the interval PPARD and GLP1R. QTL for fat weight and percentage in carcass were detected between GNMT and PLA2G7 genes, while QTL for loin muscle width was found between GLP1R and MDFI. The results of this study will help to facilitate identifying the causative molecular genetic variation in this region.
The orb-weaving spiders of Canada and Alaska. Araneae:Uloboridae, Tetragnathidae, Araneidae, Theridiosomatidae

Orb-weaving spiders spin the wheel-shaped webs often seen on dewy mornings in meadows and hedges, or on the walls and the eaves of buildings. This manual provides descriptions, illustrations, and taxonomic keys for the identification of the 94 species of these spiders represented in Canada and neighbouring regions. This volume covers collecting methods, anatomy, and reproduction in detail. Also present is a detailed discussion on the nature of spider silk, and the construction of orb webs, along with clearly presented maps, keys, and illustrations.
Depression among elderly residents of Kolkata: A comparative study on pre retirement and post retirement conditions of elderly

Depression is the most common problem of the elderly. In the present scenario of the migration of the youth, retirement, loneliness and other causative factors lead to depression among elderly residents of Kolkata. Keeping this backdrop in mind the study emphasized on the pre – retirement and the post retirement conditions of the elderly mainly living in Kolkata. The population of the study comprised of one hundred elderly belonging to two age groups (55 – 65 years and 65 – 75 years). The Beck Depression Inventory was used to find out their level of depression. Correlation coefficients were calculated to find out the effect of age and retirement condition on the two age groups. The t – test was also performed to find out the difference between the samples of the study. The present study will therefore help us to conclude whether the elderly suffer from depression, the causative factor being retirement and the methods that can be undertaken to eradicate such problems from the lives of the senior citizens.
The effects of incremental fish oil supplementation on bacterial populations in the rumen

Huws, S. A. , Kim, E. J., Lee, M. R. F. , Pinloche, E. , Wallace, R. I. , Scollan, N. D. (2009). The effect of incremental fish oil supplementation on bacterial populations in the rumen. In: 'Ruminant physiology 2009. Digestion, metabolism and effects of nutrition on reproduction and welfare'. XIth International Symposium on ruminant physiology (ISRP), Clermont Ferrand, France, 14-16 September 2009. , Chilliard, Y. ; Glasser, F. ; Faulconnier, Y. ; Bocquier, F. ; Veissie, I. ; Doreau, M. (Eds). Wageningen Academic Publishers, 82-83. RONO: DB 06624
A New Sulfonated Tetrazolium Salt That Produces a Highly Water-Soluble Formazan Dye

A new tetrazolium compound, sodium salt of 4-[3-(4-iodophenyl)-2-(4-nitrophenyl)-2H-5-tetrazolio]-1, 3-benzene disulfonate (1a), which produces a highly water-soluble formazan dye, due to the presence of two sulfonate groups, was synthesized and its potential utility evaluated in assays of NADH and cell proliferation. The compound proved to have a similar sensitivity to 2, 3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-5-[(phenylamino)carbonyl]-2H-tetrazolium hydroxide (XTT) in the assay of NADH and was also useful as an indicator of cell viability, with less cytotoxicity than XTT, in the proliferation assay using P388 cell lines.
Solar powered UAV with remote monitoring and thermal imaging system for transmission line inspection

Eskom, South Africa’s electricity utility organisation, dedicates an enormous amount of resources in the form of time and money to visually inspect the conditions of these transmission lines on an annual basis. These transmission lines are inspected normally by means of a foot patrol or by flying a helicopter in close proximity to the line. During the foot patrol inspection, a team of people walk from pylon to pylon and inspect the transmission line. Binoculars and IR or corona detection cameras are typically used to aid their inspection. The transmission lines are often located in geographical areas where it is difficult to access these lines by foot; it then becomes necessary to use a helicopter to inspect the line. Various hazards exist in operating a helicopter in such close proximity to these transmission lines and the process of hiring or employing trained specialists to operate the helicopter and the accompanying equipment is costly. Inspecting transmission lines by means of foot patrols or by helicopter is not only costly, but dangerous as well. This paper proposes a new method of transmission line inspection using a solar powered UAV with the inspection equipment mounted on it. The addition of the solar cells to the UAV was beneficial to the overall flight performance of the aircraft, only contributing 6% to the aircrafts total weight, while supplying 20% to 35% of the aircrafts energy needs. This resulted in an approximate increase in the flight range of the aircraft by about 20%.
ANATOMICAL CHANGES INDUCED BY TWO SOIL-BORNE PATHOGENS (PLASMODIOPHORA BRASSICAE AND MELOIDOGYNE JAVANICA) IN CABBAGE

Summary. Stunted growth of large patches of cabbage cv. Lupini, associated with severe soil infestations by the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica and the protist Plasmodiophora brassicae, the casual agent of clubroot disease, was observed in several fields at Castellaneta, province of Taranto, in southern Italy. The host-parasite responses of cabbage roots to parasitism by the two soil-borne pathogens was studied and compared. In roots infected by P. brassicae, the plasmodia were present in cortex and pericycle cells, causing hypertrophy and hyperplasia, and developed into resting spores within host tissues. Parasitism of M. javanica was characterized by the establishment of distinct permanent feeding sites with giant cells in the cortex, endodermis and vascular parenchyma, which limit water and nutrient translocation.
Optimization of the production of β-carotene from molasses by Blakeslea trispora: a statistical approach

The effect of pretreatment of molasses, nitrogen sources, natural oils, fatty acids, antioxidant, precursors, and mixtures of the above substances on β-carotene production by Blakeslea trispora in shake flask culture was investigated. Also, a central composite design was employed to determine the maximum β-carotene concentration at optimum values for the process variables (linoleic acid, kerosene, antioxidant). The highest concentration of the carotenoid pigment was obtained in molasses solution treated with invertase. Corn steep liquor and yeast extract at concentrations of 5.0% and 0.5% (w/v), respectively, increased slightly the concentration of β-carotene, while the natural oils, fatty acids, and precursors (except kerosene) did not improve the production of pigment when they were added separately to the medium. On the other hand, the mixture of linoleic acid, kerosene and antioxidant increased significantly the concentration of β-carotene. The fit of the model was found to be good. Linoleic acid, kerosene and antioxidant had a strong linear effect on β-carotene concentration. The concentration of β-carotene was significantly affected by linoleic acid–antioxidant and kerosene–antioxidant interactions as well as by the negative quadratic effects of these variables. The interaction between linoleic acid–kerosene had no significant linear effect. Maximum β-carotene concentration (790.0 mg dm−3) was obtained in culture grown in molasses solution supplemented with linoleic acid (30.74 g dm−3), kerosene (27.79 g dm−3) and antioxidant (10.22 g dm−3). © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry
The Quality of Groundwater in Benin City: A baseline study on inorganic chemicals and microbial contaminants of health importance in boreholes and open wells.

Purpose: Inorganic chemicals and microorganisms are common in human environments and at high levels poisoning from the chronic effects have occasionally occurred. The purpose of this study was therefore to investigate whether the levels of inorganic chemicals and microbial contaminants in boreholes and open wells in selected Districts in Benin City are sufficient to affect the health of the inhabitants of the areas under investigation. Method: Six (6) boreholes and three (3) open wells were randomly selected from two Districts (Okhoro and Teboga) in Benin City. Water samples were collected from the boreholes and open wells using standard techniques. Lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), and cadmium (Cd) concentrations as well as aerobic bacteria, presumptive faecal coliform, E. coli, faecal Streptococci and fungi in the water samples were determined using standard procedures. World Health Organisation acceptable limits for drinking water were used in the evaluation. Result: All the boreholes and open wells were contaminated with abnormal levels of Pb. High levels of Cr and Cd were found in the borehole and open wells at Okhoro. Abnormal levels of Zn concentrations were detected in almost all the boreholes and open wells. All the boreholes at Teboga were contaminated with unacceptable levels of aerobic bacteria and fungi. Presumptive faecal colifom, E.coli and faecal Streptococci were seen in all the boreholes. Conclusion: Some boreholes and open wells in Okhoro and Teboga Districts in Benin City are contaminated with abnormal levels of metals and microorganisms capable of causing health hazards to the consumers of boreholes and open wells. Keywords: Benin City, boreholes, inorganic chemicals, microorganisms, open wells. Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research 2002; 1(2):75-82
Temperature dependent expression of cdc2 and cyclin B1 in spermatogenic cells during spermatogenesis

p34^cdc2 and Cyclin Bl are key components of cell cycle controlling machine and are believed to play a fundamjental role in gametogenesis.It is also well known that,in scrotal mammals,spermatogenesis depends greatly on the maintenance of comparatively low temperature in the scrotum.To investigate whether the expression of cdc2 and cyclin Bl in spermatogenic cells during spermatogenesis is actually a temperature dependent event,in situ hybridization,Western blotting and immunohistochemistry analysis were used to study the expression of cdc2 and cyclin Bl in normal and cryptorchid testis.Results showed that the abdominal temperature had no significant influence on the transcription of cdc2 and cyclin Bl in the spermatogonia and pachytene/diplotene primary spermatocytes,but it blocked the translation of them.Due to the deficiency of p34^cdc2 and Cyclin B1,the spermatogonia and pachytene/diplotene primary spermatocytes were unable to form MPF,hence,they couldn't undergo karyokinesis.The development of primary spermatocytes was arrested at the G2 to M phase transition.We also found that testosterone could regulate the Cyclin B1 expression in spermatogenic cells.Muscular injection of testosterone could recover spermatogenesis in the unilateral scrotal testis which was influenced by the contralateral cryptorchid testis,but it could not salvage the spermatogenesis block in the cryptorchid testis.
The woody vegetation communities of the Hluhluwe-Corridor- Umfolozi Game Reserve Complex

Land units for the 900 km- Hluhluwe-Corridor-Umfolozi Game Reserve Complex in north eastern Natal were identified on aerial photographs. The physiognomy, dominants and description of the woody vegetation for each unit were identified during ground inspections and. where necessary, the point-centred quarter method was applied. Two forest, two riverine forest, ten woodland and two thicket communities were recognized. These communities are described according to their distribution, height and percentage frequency of the components in the different canopy strata. A map at a scale of 1:25 000 was also compiled. Some of these communities are compared with other similar woodlands previously described for Natal. In some communities the frequency of certain dominant canopy species in the under tree strata was extremely low and autecological research has been suggested.
The influence of time and severity of Striga infection on the Sorghum bicolor - Striga hermonthica association

Keywords: Striga hermonthica , Sorghum bicolor , infection time, infection level, tolerance. This thesis presents the results of a study on the interaction between the parasitic weed Strigahermonthica (Del.) Benth. and sorghum ( Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench). The main objective of the study was to investigate the effects of time and level of Striga infection on the interaction between host plant and parasite. Consequences for sorghum performance and the growth and development of the parasite were examined. A comparison between two sorghum cultivars differing in level of Striga tolerance, revealed that the absence of a negative effect of Striga infection on photosynthetic rate and a delayed time of first Striga infection both contributed to the lower extent of yield reduction of the tolerant cultivar. Likewise, in an experiment with a wide range of Striga seed infestation levels, it was observed that higher soil infestations levels did not only result in a higher Striga infection level, but also in an advanced time of first Striga infection. The importance of time of infection was further investigated in a pot experiment in which the time of infection was artificially delayed. Striga parasitism and reproduction, and the detrimental effects of Striga on crop performance could be strongly reduced by delaying the time of first infection. Prospects of reducing Striga parasitism by means of cultural control methods that are based on the principle of a delayed onset of Striga attachment were assessed. In a pot experiment, the combination of shallow soil tillage, deep planting and the use of transplants resulted in a four-week delay in first emergence of the parasite, a strongly reduced infection level of the sorghum host and highly improved sorghum yields. Evaluation of these methods under field conditions resulted in a 85% reduction in Striga -infection level, but as no delay in time of parasite infection was established, no beneficial effect on crop yield was obtained. Potential causes of the absence of a delay in Striga infection time under field conditions were discussed and alternative options for establishing a delayed infection in the field were proposed.
Physiological and Behavioral Diagnostics of Nitrogen Limitation for the Toxic Dinoflagellate Alexandrium fundyense

Abstract : One challenge in phytoplankton ecology is to measure species-specific physiological responses to changes in environmental conditions. Of importance are species such as the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium fundyense which inhabit coastal regions and are not usually dominant. The aim of this thesis was to identify physiological and behavioral diagnostics of A. fundyense from the Gulf of Maine, and use these indicators to evaluate field populations. Using a surface-specific monoclonal-antibody two methods, flow cytometry and immunomagnetic bead-separation, were developed to identify and separate A. fundyense. Flow-cytometric techniques successfully detected and separated Alexandrium from co-occurring organisms. Using immunomagnetic-separation live A. fundyense cell were separated from spiked field samples and then used to obtain accurate chlorophyll, protein and biomass estimates. Laboratory water columns, nitrogen-(N)-starved batch cultures, and N-limited, semi-continuous cultures, were used to identify indicators of different N-nutritional states. Prolonged N-stress caused dramatic changes intracellular biochemistry, specifically toxin content and composition, however behavioral modifications were not observed. The indicators, specifically toxin ratios of different derivatives, were then used to examine toxin variability in field populations. Toxin compositional changes did occur that were generally consistent with N-stress as the bloom progressed. Overall, these results suggest that these approaches could provide valuable species-specific physiological information.