Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Historic and contemporary use of catfish aquaculture by piscivorous birds in the Mississippi Delta

ABSTRACT Piscivorous birds are the primary source of catfish (Ictalurus spp.) depredation at aquaculture facilities in northwestern Mississippi. Of particular concern is the Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus), which can cost aquaculture producers millions of dollars annually through the depredation of cultured fish. Historical research conducted in the early 2000s estimated cormorant use of aquaculture ponds in the region, but aquaculture area has decreased by more than 70% since those estimates were made. With less aquaculture available, we predicted cormorant densities on aquaculture would be greater today than historically. Applying a similar methodology as in historical studies, we used aerial surveys to collect data on cormorants at night roosts and using catfish aquaculture ponds during 3 consecutive winter seasons, beginning in 2015. Although the mean annual number of cormorants at roosts in the Delta during our study was 64% less than historically, we found no significant change in densities on aquaculture, suggesting that aquaculture area is likely the factor influencing cormorant occurrence in northwestern Mississippi. During contemporary surveys we also measured the abundance of Great Blue Herons (Ardea herodias) and Great Egrets (A. alba) on the aquaculture clusters, and built predictive models of abundance relative to variables associated with forage at and surrounding the clusters. We found abundance of all 3 species was strongly related to the amount of aquaculture area both within and surrounding a cluster, although patterns varied by species. Cormorant abundance was also greater on clusters with proportionately more food fish (≥20 cm in length) than fingerlings (<20 cm) and was positively related to the proximity and size of night roosts. The relationships described here can be used by producers and wildlife managers to predict the abundance of these piscivorous birds at aquaculture facilities and to design efficient management plans to mitigate potential impacts of depredation and disease. LAY SUMMARY Mississippi contains ∼60% of all catfish production in the U.S., and bird depredation costs producers millions of dollars annually. We studied how Double-crested Cormorants, Great Blue Herons, and Great Egrets use commercial catfish aquaculture in Mississippi. However, catfish production in Mississippi has declined by over 70% since its peak in the early 2000s, raising questions regarding bird use, particularly by cormorants. Does less aquaculture mean more cormorants per pond? Has the aquaculture decline affected cormorant abundance in the region, and is catfish aquaculture a driver of local bird abundance? To address these questions, we compared surveys of cormorants from the early 2000s with contemporary surveys. We found fewer cormorants in Mississippi today than in the past but cormorant density on ponds has not changed, suggesting a link to the amount of catfish ponds. Local abundance of all fish-eating birds surveyed was also related to the amount of catfish aquaculture.
Biochemical and liver histological changes in rats exposed to sub-lethal dose of Uproot-pesticide and the protective potentials of nutritional supplements

This study determined the therapeutic potentials of vitamin C, glutathione, and garlic on the hepatic and histological changes induced by uproot-pesticide on albino Wistar rats. All animal groups (except normal control) received intraperitoneally 50 mg/kg body weight of uproot-pesticide (a commercially formulated glyphosate-based herbicide) on alternate days and daily oral administration (except Uproot control) of 20 mg/ kg body weight of glutathione, vitamin C, and garlic as nutritional supplements singly and in combination for 28 days. Liver function and oxidative stress parameters of the liver were determined using blood and liver samples. Histological studies were done on the liver tissue. The values obtained showed significant variation of measured parameters in Uproot control compared to groups administered nutritional supplements and the control. These variations indicated oxidative liver damage and significant therapeutic potential of the nutritional supplements. Other observed significant and non-significant changes were discussed.
Transcriptome Analysis of White-Rot Fungi in Response to Lignocellulose or Lignocellulose-Derived Material Using RNA Sequencing Technology

White-rot fungi are the only organisms that can completely degrade all components of lignocellulosic biomass, including the recalcitrant lignin polymer. Lignin degradation is important for the industrial application of lignocellulosic biomass as a raw material for producing value-added chemicals and materials. Therefore, elucidating the lignin degradation mechanism in white-rot fungi will help researchers develop efficient and eco-friendly methods enabling the production of value-added chemicals from lignocellulosic biomass. A transcriptome analysis is an effective way to compare gene expression patterns between different samples under diverse conditions and can provide insights into biological processes. The democratization of next-generation sequencing technology, especially RNA-sequencing, has made transcriptome sequencing and analysis a common research approach for many laboratories. In this review, we focus on the transcriptome profiles of two well-characterized white-rot fungi (Phanerochaete chrysosporium and Dichomitus squalens) in response to various lignocellulosic materials. The application of RNA-seq technology combining with other techniques remains the best approach for investigating fungal secretomes and elucidating the mechanisms of fungal responses to lignocellulose.
Comparative Studies on the Physiological and Biochemical Responses to Salt Stress of Eggplant (Solanum melongena) and Its Rootstock S. torvum

This study investigated the physiological and biochemical responses to salinity stress of Solanum melongena and its wild relative, Solanum torvum, commonly used as eggplant rootstock. Young plants of both species were watered during 25 days with NaCl aqueous solutions at the following four final concentrations: 0 (for the controls), 100, 200, and 300 mM. Plant growth parameters, photosynthetic pigments content, monovalent ion concentrations in roots and leaves, leaf levels of osmolytes (proline and total soluble sugars), oxidative stress markers (MDA and H2O2), non-enzymatic antioxidants (total phenolic compounds and total flavonoids), and enzymatic antioxidant activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase) were determined after the stress treatments. Salt-induced growth reduction was more significant in S. melongena than in S. torvum, especially at high salt concentrations, indicating a (slightly) higher salt tolerance of the wild species. The mechanisms of tolerance of S. torvum were partly based on the active transport of toxic ions to the leaves at high external salinity and, presumably, a better capacity to store them in the vacuoles, as well as on the accumulation of proline to higher concentrations than in the cultivated eggplant. MDA and H2O2 contents did not vary in response to the salt treatments in S. torvum. However, in S. melongena, MDA content increased by 78% when 300 mM NaCl was applied. No activation of antioxidant mechanisms, accumulation of antioxidant compounds, or increase in the specific activity of antioxidant enzymes in any of the studied species was induced by salinity. The relatively high salt tolerance of S. torvum supports its use as rootstock for eggplant cultivation in salinized soils and as a possible source of salt-tolerance genes for the genetic improvement of cultivated eggplant.
Has Ivermectin Virus-Directed Effects against SARS-CoV-2? Rationalizing the Action of a Potential Multitarget Antiviral Agent

The novel SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is causing a devastating pandemic in 2020, threatening public health in many countries. An unprecedented rapid and global response has been set in motion to identify efficient antiviral agents against SARS-CoV-2, mostly relying on the repurposing of drugs presenting or not previously known antiviral activity. Ivermectin is an approved drug used as antiparasitic in humans and animals with well documented broad-spectrum antiviral properties that emerge from host-directed effects. Recent results reported by Wagstaff and coworkers (Antiviral Research 2020, 178, 104787) show a potent inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 replication in vitro by ivermectin, and clinical trials with human volunteers have already started. However, the mode of action of ivermectin is still largely unknown, especially at the molecular level. Here, we employ advanced molecular dynamics simulations to assess the influence of ivermectin on several key viral protein targets, with the aim to reveal the molecular bases of antiviral mechanisms against SARS-CoV-2. Interestingly, we show that ivermectin could be regarded as a multitarget agent, inhibiting different viral functions. These include blocking the recognition by the SARS-CoV-2 Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) of the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2), the interactions with the two viral proteases 3CLpro and PLpro, and the SARS Unique Domain (SUD) non-structural protein. Hence, the wide spectrum of actions involving i) the interference with cell infection, ii) the inhibition of viral replication, and iii) elusion of the host immune system, could point to an unprecedented synergy between host- and virus-directed effects explaining the high anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity observed for this compound.
Investigating the Effects of IT Capability on Hotel Performance Based on DEA Approach: An Empirical Example of International Hotels in Hong Kong

IT capability improves organization resilience in uncertain social environments (such as the outbreak of COVID-19) and, thus, becomes a key factor in the organization of sustainable development. However, studies have rarely quantitatively examined the efficiency of IT capability and its effects on hotel performance. This study aims to investigate how and to what extent IT capability facilitates hotel operations. Context-dependent and measure-specific data envelopment analysis (DEA) models were employed to assess hotel performance and IT capability. The data from international hotels in Hong Kong were collected for an empirical analysis. The results indicated that the hotels in Hong Kong are classified as market leaders, challenges, followers, and nichers based on the efficiency scores. This study then analyzed the differences and relationship between hotel IT capability and hotel performance. The improvement targets of each input and output variable were also provided for further decision-making. Both theoretical and practical implications for hotel management are discussed.
The macroalgal culture collection in Kobe University (KU-MACC) and a comprehensive molecular phylogeny of macroalgae based on the culture strains

ABSTRACT The Kobe University Macroalgal Culture Collection (KU-MACC), as a section of the Kobe University Research Center for Inland Seas, distributes cultures of macroalgae to the public under the umbrella of the National BioResource Project of Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, in collaboration with the Microbial Culture Collection of the National Institute of Environmental Studies. KU-MACC principally holds macroalgae (Phaeophyceae, Rhodophyta and Ulvophyceae), but also holds some important related taxa of Schizocladiophyceae and Charophyceae. They are unialgal strains maintained as vegetative thalli and by cryo-preservation. Stock cultures are grown in culture chambers under various temperature conditions in transparent polypropylene vials containing Provasoli’s Enriched Seawater (PES) or PESI medium. The collection includes the “genome strains” of Ectocarpus siliculosus, Chondrus crispus, Chara braunii and their related stains. Depending on the phylogenetic group, DNA sequences of the nuclear rDNA ITS region, chloroplast rbcL, and mitochondrial cox3 genes are determined and used for taxonomy and as genetic tags. Based on the genetic data, molecular phylogenies of Ulvophyceae, Phaeophyceae and Rhodophyta are presented. In the rbcL molecular phylogeny of Ulvophyceae, due to rather limited coverage of culture strains, only members of Ulothricales, Ulvales and Bryopsidales are represented by KU-MACC strains, whereas 10 orders are recognized in the class. The molecular phylogeny of Phaeophyceae based on the cox3 gene showed a tree topology similar to the published multigene molecular phylogeny except for the position of Ishige okamurae, although the bootstrap supports of most nodes were low: Ishigeales branched near the base of Phaeophyceae next to Discosporangiales in the multigene molecular phylogeny, but in the cox3 tree, it showed a long branch and was sister to Fucales. In the molecular phylogeny of Rhodophyta, 14 orders are represented by KU-MACC strains covering about half of currently recognized Bangiophycean and Florideophycean orders.
Evaluating internal condition of hardwood logs based on AR-minimum entropy deconvolution combined with wavelet based spectral kurtosis approach

: The aim of this research was to explore the potential of acoustic impact test to evaluate the condition of hardwood logs in regard to internal decay, void, crack and defect ratio using an acoustic signal separation and enhancement algorithm. Longitudinal acoustic signals were obtained from 15 logs of four hardwood species through acoustic impact testing. The defect components were separated from the acoustic response signals and enhanced based on the autoregressive minimum entropy deconvolution (AR-MED) method, and from which the kurtosis was derived and used as the global feature parameter for evaluating the internal condition of logs. Compared with the acoustic velocity obtained directly from the original signal, the kurtosis was deemed to be a more powerful predictor of log defect ratio with higher coefficient of determination ( R 2 = 0.89) and was not affected by log species. To identify the type of defects, a complex Morlet wavelet-based spectral kurtosis (SK) method was proposed. The research results indicated that the SK can not only determine the type and primary and secondary major defects, but also be able to identify those that were not detectable by global acoustic parameters.
Simultaneous visualisation of the complete sets of telomeres from the MmeI generated terminal restriction fragments in yeasts

Telomere length is measured using Southern blotting of the chromosomal terminal restriction fragments (TRFs) released by endonuclease digestion in cells from yeast to human. In the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, XhoI or PstI is applied to cut the subtelomere Y′ element and release TRFs from the 17 subtelomeres. However, telomeres from other 15 X‐element‐only subtelomeres are omitted from analysis. Here, we report a method for measuring all 32 telomeres in S. cerevisiae using the endonuclease MmeI. Based on analyses of the endonuclease cleavage sites, we found that the TRFs generated by MmeI displayed two distinguishable bands in the sizes of ~500 and ~700 bp comprising telomeres (300 bp) and subtelomeres (200–400 bp). The modified MmeI‐restricted TRF (mTRF) method recapitulated telomere shortening and lengthening caused by deficiencies of YKu and Rif1 respectively in S. cerevisiae. Furthermore, we found that mTRF was also applicable to telomere length analysis in S. paradoxus strains. These results demonstrate a useful tool for simultaneous detection of telomeres from all chromosomal ends with both X‐element‐only and Y′‐element subtelomeres in S. cerevisiae species.
The Role of Microorganisms in Biogenic Elements Cycling in the Dry Steppe Ecosystems of Central Asia

The following primary variables were studied in order to understand which part microbial decomposers play in biogenic elements cycle in the steppe ecosystems of Central Asia: species composition and productivity of plant communities; chemical composition of dead plant material; fungal abundance and abundance of various ecological trophic groups of bacteria (saprophytic, proteolytic, cellulolytic); degradation rate of model substrates and plant litter (protein and cellulose). The total stock of chemical elements (N, P, Ca, Mg and K) involved in the biological cycles in the steppe of Buryatia (Russia) amounted from 6.478 to 10.130 kg/ha, and from 8.826 to 31.802 kg/ha in the Mongolian steppe. The chemistry of elements’ cycles in the ecosystems under study is of a nitrogen type.
Quality of Care and Loyalty of External Users in Peruvian Ophthalmological Centers

The objective of the study is to determine the relationship between quality of care and the loyalty of external users in a private ophthalmic center in Lima, Peru. The method used was a descriptive, cross-correlational, quantitative approach with non-experimental design. The population consisted of 210 external users who received therapies for at least 1 month in an ophthalmologic center located in Lima, Peru; the sample (statistically calculated) consisted of 137 users randomly selected, who responded to a series of reagents through a survey. A questionnaire was used to measure quality of care through SERVPERF model, while loyalty was measured through reagents developed by the authors, based on the scientific theory of Alcaide. Spearman's Rho determined that there is a moderate positive relationship between the quality of care and loyalty (sig. 0.05 was obtained. The results found are related to those found by previous authors in other contexts. Finally, we recommend other researchers to carry out similar research internationally, in order to increase the literature on the variables of loyalty and quality of service and generate discusion.
Halide Perovskite Single Crystals: Optoelectronic Applications and Strategical Approaches

Halide perovskite is one of the most promising semiconducting materials in a variety of fields such as solar cells, photodetectors, and light-emitting diodes. Lead halide perovskite single crystals featuring long diffusion length, high carrier mobility, large light absorption coefficient and low defect density, have been attracting increasing attention. Fundamental study of the intrinsic nature keeps revealing the superior optoelectrical properties of perovskite single crystals over their polycrystalline thin film counterparts, but to date, the device performance lags behind. The best power conversion efficiency (PCE) of single crystal-based solar cells is 21.9%, falling behind that of polycrystalline thin film solar cells (25.2%). The oversized thickness, defective surfaces, and difficulties in depositing functional layers, hinder the application of halide perovskite single crystals in optoelectronic devices. Efforts have been made to synthesize large-area single crystalline thin films directly on conductive substrates and apply defect engineering approaches to improve the surface properties. This review starts from a comprehensive introduction of the optoelectrical properties of perovskite single crystals. Then, the synthesis methods for high-quality bulk crystals and single-crystalline thin films are introduced and compared, followed by a systematic review of their optoelectronic applications including solar cells, photodetectors, and X-ray detectors. The challenges and strategical approaches for high-performance applications are summarized at the end with a brief outlook on future work.
Adaptive fractional-order backstepping sliding mode controller design for an electrostatically actuated size-dependent microplate

In this article, adaptive backstepping sliding mode controller and adaptive fractional backstepping sliding mode controller methods are proposed to control an electrostatic microplate with a piezoelectric layer. Based on the modified couple stress theory, a size-dependent mathematical model is proposed, in which the microplate is modeled using the Kirchhoff plate theory. To take into account the geometric nonlinearities, the von Kármán nonlinear strains are considered in the mathematical model. The Hamilton’s principle is used to obtain the nonlinear equation of motion of the system, which is then converted into a nonlinear ordinary differential equation via the Galerkin technique. The validity of the results obtained from the proposed reduced-order model is checked through direct numerical simulation of the partial differential equation using the finite element method. Finally, two Lyapunov-based control approaches that are adaptive backstepping sliding mode and adaptive fractional backstepping sliding mode are applied to the system. In the adaptive fractional backstepping sliding mode controller method, the adaptive control law is used to evaluate the upper bound of uncertainties and random disturbances. The fractional-order form of sliding surface is used to reduce the amount of chattering and also to improve the tracking error. In the results section, first, numerical studies are conducted to study the effect of system parameters, such as material length scale parameter, aspect ratio, fractional order, and robustness of the controller, on the performance of the system. In addition, the performances of the two control methods are compared, and the merits and demerits of each method are discussed.
Modelling Emergency Evacuation of Classroom with Different Age Profiles

Evacuation characteristics of pedestrians can be captured under two different conditions - one in immediate and another in non-immediate. The safe and quick evacuation of pedestrians from a building in any situation depends on pedestrian and building characteristics. Understanding the behaviour of pedestrians in emergency situations such as earthquake or fire accident helps in designing buildings for safe evacuation. In view of the limited research on this problem in the Indian subcontinent, this study aims to capture the pedestrian flow characteristics in emergency situations by conducting several experiments in a classroom environment. As a part of the experimental study, the students were instructed to behave as if they were in an emergency evacuation situation. Data was collected on pedestrians with different age profiles such as high school, under graduate and post graduate students considering various scenarios that includes different door widths. Several factors such as number of pedestrians, width of the door, average age of the pedestrians, Body Mass Index, proportion of females, number of students and classroom capacity are considered and their influence on evacuation characteristics was analysed. Based on the observations, an evacuation model has been developed using least square error method. Results show that the variables such as door width and number of students are crucial in representing evacuation time of the classroom. It was found that the relationship between total evacuation time (TET) and door width is represented by power function. This is contrast to the findings of existing literature which shows that the relationship between flow and door width is linear. Our results are best supported by the fact that the TET is exponentially varying with door width till a particular value and remains constant for further increase in door width which is realistic in nature. It is anticipated that the results of the study would provide guidelines to various agencies on managing evacuations. This can also lead to suggestions on optimization of layouts while designing various building access facilities in an academic environment.