Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Syntaxonomic update on the relict groves of Mirbeck's oak (Quercus canariensis Willd. and Q. marianica C. Vicioso) in southern Iberia

As relict traces of the Tertiary period, Quercus canariensis Willd. and the forests it forms comprise one of the most interesting woodlands, which prevails in southern Iberia with very particular edaphoclimatic envelopes. Combining phytosociological methodology with hierarchical cluster analyses, we aim to update the syntaxonomic scheme of the forests related to this species and the complex matrixes it forms with the hybrid species Quercus marianica C. Vicioso. We propose one new association from Portugal, in a total of four types of Mirbeck's oak woodlands, in Southern Iberia. We conclude the necessity to maintain high standards on taxonomic and geobotanical surveys, with major biogeographic knowledge; it is indissociable from an accurate analysis and comprehension on the functional ecology and structure of these woodlands, regarding its dynamics. Therefore, their high conservation value, related to its relict status, supports the integration of these forests in Habitat 9240 (Annex B-I from Council Directive 92/43/EEC) in order to ensure its preservation.
Tipificación de cepas de Mycobacterium bovis. Revisión Genotyping methods for Mycobacterium bovis. Review

Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) is a zoonotic disease that causes big losses to the livestock industry and represents a risk to public health in many countries. The epidemiology of BTB is quite complex, the bacilli grows very slowly, it can remain in dormancy for long periods of time and affects different animal species; including non-reservoir wildlife. Because of this, international efforts have been focus on developing genotyping techniques for better understand the epidemiology of the disease and trace back sources of infection. Nowadays, genotyping is based on the polymorphism of genetic markers with variation in stability. In this paper, the role of RFLP, spoligotyping and VNTR in genotyping M. bovis is discussed. The possibility of creating national and international dynamic databases of genotypes that support policies to eradicate the disease from cattle is analyzed.
Seasonal variations of phytoplankton in Mahanadi estuary, east coast of India

Seasonal variations of phytoplankton and chlorophyll-a along with its environmental variations including nutrients were studied from June-2004 to March-2007. Samples were collected in three different seasons pre-monsoon (May-June), post-monsoon (October-November) and summer (February-March) from the Mahanadi estuary. Seventy seven species of phytoplankton were encountered during the study period of which, diatoms (Bacillariophyceae) was the dominant group followed by dinoflagellates (Dinophyceae) and cyanobacteria (Cyanophyceae). Higher phytoplankton counts and chlorophyll-a concentrations were recorded in post-monsoon season. Nutrient concentration was also very high in the above season as compared to other two seasons. Cyanobacteria population was more during post-monsoon season. Positive correlations of phytoplankton, with chlorophyll-a and dissolved oxygen were recorded in all three sampling seasons. Positive correlation of phytoplankton population with Chl-a, DO, NO 2-N, NH 4-N indicated that the phytoplankton population in the estuary is controlled by above nutrients. Diatoms are dependent on NO 2-N and NH 4-N, dinoflagellates depend on NO 2-N and SiO 4. Cyanobacteria in the estuary depend on NO 2-N, NH 4 and PO 4.
Floral Nectar Secretion and Ploidy in Brassica rapa and B. napus (Brassicaceae). II. Quantified Variability of Nectary Structure and Function in Rapid-cycling Lines

Abstract Haploid, diploid and tetraploid lines ofBrassica rapaL. (syn.campestris), and allotetraploidB. napusL. , were examined to determine the influence of ploidy on floral features, particularly nectary morphology and anatomy, and to relate nectary structure to nectar production capacity. Except for haploids, all lines were rapid-cycling. Average flower dry weight, and petal length and width, were in the descending orderB. napus>B. rapa (4n) >2n>n. Pollen grains of 4nplants were larger than those of 2nplants; haploids lacked pollen. All lines developed nectaries. Typically, each flower produced two pairs of nectaries, of different types and nectar production capacity. Normally, each lateral gland was located above the base of a short stamen, and together this pair yielded most of a flower 's nectar carbohydrate. Each median nectary arose at the outer junction of the bases of two adjacent long stamens. All lateral nectaries received a vascular supply of phloem alone, but median glands received reduced amounts of phloem, or lacked vasculature altogether. Most nectaries were solitary, but 14% of all flowers, and especially those of 2n B. rapa,had at least one median and lateral gland connected. Obvious variation existed in nectary morphology between ploidy levels, between flowers of the same plant, and even within flowers. Ten forms of each nectary type were recognized. Plants producing the most nectar carbohydrate had high frequencies of lateral nectaries which were symmetrical, unfurrowed swellings. Tetraploids ofB. rapahad both the highest frequencies of furrowed lateral glands, and of isolated segments of nectarial tissue at that position. Even these separated nectarial outgrowths received phloem and produced a nectar droplet. At the median location, nectaries were commonly of two forms: peg- or fan-shaped. Lobes on median nectaries, up to four per nectary, were detected in almost half of glands of 4nflowers examined; lobes were absent in haploids.
Parity, but not inbreeding, affects juvenile mortality in two captive endangered gazelles

Growing deterministic and stochastic threats to many wild populations of large vertebrates have focused attention on the significance of captive breeding for conservation. Nanger dama mhorr and Gazella cuvieri, two Sahelo‐Saharan species, have declined dramatically since the 1950s, apparently due to excessive hunting and habitat degradation. Today, the earlier is extinct in the wild and the latter survives only in small numbers in a few isolated parts of their range, and captive breeding programmes currently provide an important tool for rearing sustained populations. In natural and captive populations, the largest percentage of mortality is among juveniles. This is most relevant, from an evolutionary perspective, as it has a profound influence on population dynamics and demography, and is pivotal to the conservation and management of captive endangered populations. This study explored the juvenile mortality curve during the first 6 months of life of the species mentioned earlier in captivity. Then, we looked at the causes of this mortality by examining potential mother‐dependent as well as offspring‐dependent sources of juvenile mortality. The resulting curves show that the critical period of mortality is the first 14 days of life. We also found that parity and longevity of the mother affected juvenile mortality in Mohor gazelles. Calves born to primiparous as well as those born to short‐lived mothers were more prone to die than those born to either multiparous or long‐lived mothers. In Cuvier's gazelles, juvenile mortality was explained by the interaction between parity and mother's age and litter composition. Neither mother nor offspring inbreeding had any effect on juvenile mortality in either population. Precise knowledge of the biological factors affecting juvenile mortality is increasingly important for the conservation of large mammals, whether they are captive, managed, reintroduced or simply fragmented, as the neonates are the population's potential recruits.
Three-Dimensional Carbon Networks Decorated with CoFe2O4 Nanoparticles Composites: Fabrication and Broadband Electromagnetic Wave Absorption Performance

Abstract A novel electromagnetic wave absorber of three-dimensional carbon networks decorated with CoFe2O4 nanoparticles (3DC/CoFe2O4) was prepared through a simple freeze-drying method followed by a high-temperature calcination process. The 3DC/CoFe2O4 composite prepared at 630 °C (S630) exhibits broadband electromagnetic wave absorption with only 20 wt% filler loading. The effective absorption bandwidth (reflection loss [RL] < −10 dB) of S630 reaches up 6.63 GHz, and the minimum RL of −19.5 dB is obtained at 15.45 GHz when the matching thickness is 2.5 mm. The excellent electromagnetic wave absorption performance of the 3DC/CoFe2O4 composite can be attributed to good impedance matching and strong attenuation capacity.
Barothermal Diels-Alder functionalization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes

Abstract Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have an ordered geometric structure, large specific surface area, prominent electrical conductivity, and unique mechanical properties. They are nontoxic and can be used in biomedicine. Physical and surface chemical characteristics of MWCNTs should be tuned to that required to improve certain properties and obtain a variety of functional materials. We modified the MWNTs by using the barothermal Diels-Alder reaction with dienophiles, p-benzoquinone, fumaronitrile, and maleimide, to address this issue. The prepared MWCNTs were studied by SEM-EDX, nitrogen adsorption porometry, ATR FTIR, and thermal analysis. Results showed that both separate and conjugated C = C bonds at the edge and outer/inner surface of walls could react with dienophiles. The grafted groups are separated by the temperature on weak (low-temperature) and strong (high-temperature) chemisorbed forms; they are detached at temperatures below and above 350 °C, correspondingly. Thermal analysis shows that up to 5% of the carbon atoms are involved in the [4 + 2] cycloaddition. The high-temperature forms of the grafted groups under extreme heating can be involved in the retro-Diels-Alder reaction that breaks six-membered rings, producing a dienophile.
Molecular Diagnostics in Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a clinically and pathogenetically heterogeneous group of hematopoietic malignancies. Diagnosis, treatment choices and prognosis of AML have evolved from depending on evaluation of morphological and cytochemical features to relying heavily on cytogenetic profiling of leukemic cells by chromosome karyotyping and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). However, given that at least 40% of all adult patients with AML lack identifiable cytogenetical abnormalities, there is a strong interest clinically in refining risk assessment as well as defining possible new targets for treatment. We review here some of the well studied molecular markers employed in the stratification of AML with normal cytogenetics, including the Fms-Like Tyrosine Kinase 3 (FLT3), nucleophosmin-1 (NPM1) and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-α (CEBPA) genes. We discuss other factors of potential interest, but less well characterized in the context of AML, including miRNA expression signatures. Technical aspects of molecular testing are also discussed. [N A J Med Sci. 2012;5(1):29-37. ]
Participatory seed projects and agroecological landscape knowledge in Central America

ABSTRACT Participatory projects supporting the farmer-based seed management of agrobiodiverse varieties including landraces have proliferated globally in response to nutritional insecurity and climate change. This research examines the agroecological landscape knowledge of farmers in a recent participatory seed project using the tricot approach in Central America. Over 800 smallholder farmers in Nicaragua facilitated on-farm trials of diverse common bean varieties that are nutritiously valuable and potentially well-adapted to increased temperatures and variable precipitation. Our article integrates relevant research concepts in a case study of the agroecological landscape knowledge of 52 participating farmers. Participatory sketch maps, transect walks, and semi-structured interviews were used to identify key areas of farmers’ agroecological landscape knowledge in crop and seed management. Results indicate the prevalence of nine themes of farmer agroecological landscape knowledge. This landscape knowledge exerts major influence on the choice, placement, and management of common bean varieties and associated land use decisions. Our analysis reveals that farmers use this knowledge to manage their landholdings as landscapes of agroecological interactions that guide seed and variety management and affect potential sustainability. Results demonstrate that local agroecological landscape learning is strengthened through and benefits participatory seed projects.
Educational Data Classification Framework for Community Pedagogical Content Management using Data Mining

Recent years witness the significant surge in awareness and exploitation of social media especially community Question and Answer (Q&A) websites by academicians and professionals. These sites are, large repositories of vast data, pawing ways to new avenues for research through applications of data mining and data analysis by investigation of trending topics and the topics of most attention of users. Educational Data Mining (EDM) techniques can be used to unveil potential of Community Q&A websites. Conventional Educational Data Mining approaches are concerned with generation of data through systematic ways and mined it for knowledge discovery to improve educational processes. This paper gives a novel idea to explore already generated data through millions of users having variety of expertise in their particular domains across a common platform like StackOverFlow (SO), a community Q&A website where users post questions and receive answers about particular problems. This study presents an EDM framework to classify community data into Software Engineering subjects. The framework classifies the SO posts according to the academic courses along with their best solutions to accommodate learners. Moreover, it gives teachers, instructors, educators and other EDM stakeholders an insight to pay more attention and focus on commonly occurring subject related problems and to design and manage of their courses delivery and teaching accordingly. The data mining framework performs preprocessing of data using NLP techniques and apply machine learning algorithms to classify data. Amongst all, SVM gives better performs with 72.06% accuracy. Evaluation measures like precision, recall and F-1 score also used to evaluate the best performing classifier.
Response of Monochamus (Col., Cerambycidae) and some Buprestidae to flight intercept traps

Flight intercept traps of various designs (multiple funnel, panel or crossvane) were tested to determine their effectiveness in capturing Monochamus beetles. The retention of insects in crossvane traps with the collection receptacle left dry, dry with insecticide or partially filled with soapy water, and the efficacy of treating the crossvane panels with a slippery surfactant was investigated. Captures of female (but not male) Monochamus scutellatus scutellatus (Col., Cerambycidae) were significantly higher in custom‐made crossvane traps than two commercially available funnel or panel traps. Male and female M. mutator responded equally to traps of all designs, as did three species of Buprestidae (Buprestris maculativentris, Dicerca tenebrosa and Chalcophora virginiensis). Dry crossvane traps with or without insecticide were less effective than wet traps in retaining insects. Adding a surfactant to increase the slipperiness of the trap panels generally resulted in significantly higher trap catches than untreated traps.
Speech/Music Classification using Subband Coding and AANN

The audio refers to speech, music as well as any sound signal and their combination. Automatic audio classification is very useful in audio indexing; content based audio retrieval and online audio distribution. The accuracy of the classification relies on the strength of the features and classification scheme. In this work, Subband Coding (SBC) features are extracted from the input signal. After feature extraction, classification is carried out, using Autoassociate neural network (AANN) model. The proposed feature extraction and classification models results in better accuracy in speech/music classification. Keywords—Feature Extraction, Subband coding, AANN
Observations on Insect Infestation and Damage in Cowpea (Vigna Unguiculata) Intercropped With Tomato (Lycopersicon Esculentum) in a Rain Forest Area of Nigeria

SUMMARY Insect infestation and damage in cowpea (Vigna unguiculala), planted sole or intercropped with tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) was monitored in 1987 and 1988 in Akure, Nigeria. Infestation of cowpea by Empoasca dolichi was significantly reduced by intercropping with tomato in both years, except in the early season of 1988. Infestation of cowpea by Ootheca mutabilis, Aphis craccivora, Megalurothrips sjosledti and Maruca testulalis was not affected by intercropping with tomato in either year. Damage by pod-sucking bugs and Heliothis armigera was significantly higher in sole cowpea than in cowpea intercropped with tomato, in both years. Sole cowpea had a significantly lower seed yield than cowpea intercropped with tomato. Observaciones en cuanto a la infestación de insectos y daños en el caupí (Vigna unguiculata) sembrado en forma simultánea con tomate (Lycopersicon esculentum) en una zona de bosque tropical en Nigeria
User-Centric Security and Privacy Mechanisms in Untrusted Networking and Computing Environments

Our modern society is increasingly relying on the collection, processing, and sharing of digital information. There are two fundamental trends: (1) Enabled by the rapid developments in sensor, wireless, and networking technologies, communication and networking are becoming more and more pervasive and ad hoc. (2) Driven by the explosive growth of hardware and software capabilities, computation power is becoming a public utility and information is often stored in centralized servers which facilitate ubiquitous access and sharing. Many emerging platforms and systems hinge on both dimensions, such as E-healthcare and Smart Grid. However, the majority information handled by these critical systems is usually sensitive and of high value, while various security breaches could compromise the social welfare of these systems. Thus there is an urgent need to develop security and privacy mechanisms to protect the authenticity, integrity and confidentiality of the collected data, and to control the disclosure of private information. In achieving that, two unique challenges arise: (1) There lacks centralized trusted parties in pervasive networking; (2) The remote data servers tend not to be trusted by system users in handling their data. They make existing security solutions developed for traditional networked information systems unsuitable. To this end, in this dissertation we propose a series of user-centric security and privacy mechanisms that resolve these challenging issues in untrusted network and computing environments, spanning wireless body area networks (WBAN), mobile social networks (MSN), and cloud computing. The main contributions of this dissertation are fourfold. First, we propose a secure ad hoc trust initialization protocol for WBAN, without relying on any pre-established security context among nodes, while defending against a powerful wireless attacker that may or may not compromise sensor nodes. The protocol is highly usable for a human user. Second, we present novel schemes for sharing sensitive information among distributed mobile hosts in MSN which preserves user privacy, where the users neither need to fully trust each other nor rely on any central trusted party. Third, to realize owner-controlled sharing of sensitive data stored on untrusted servers, we put forward a data access control framework using MultiAuthority Attribute-Based Encryption (ABE), that supports scalable fine-grained access
Growth of the cyanobacterium Microcoleus chtonoplastes on sulfide

Abstract Microcoleus chtonoplastes was grown in batch and continuous cultures in the presence of sulfide. The growth was not inhibited by 0.15 mM sulfide, and under these conditions the specific growth rate observed was 0.032 h −1 . At sulfide concentrations exceeding 1 mM growth did not occur. It was demonstrated that growth of M. chtonoplastes at sulfide concentrations exceeding 0.35 mM was predominantly the result of the oxidation of sulfide. The contribution of Photosystem II was low but of paramount importance in anaerobic environments, since no growth occured if this photosystem was selectively inhibited. However, when Photosystem II was blocked, growth occurred with sulfide as electron donor, provided that oxygen was supplied. This illustrates the nutritional function of oxygen for M. chtonoplastes .
Is one migrant per generation sufficient for the genetic management of fluctuating populations?

Small isolated populations may face an increasing risk of extinction due to the loss of genetic diversity. This increasing risk, though, may be offset by gene flow, provided the population receives an adequate number of migrants per generation. We show that as temporal fluctuation in population size (FPS) increases, so too does the required number of immigrants. This increase in the requisite number of immigrants arises because the ratio of census size to effective population size decreases with increasing FPS. Because all populations fluctuate, our work extends a recent challenge to the widely adopted one migrant per generation rule, which refers to the supposedly requisite number of immigrants. In a sample of 44 animal populations, ˜60% of the populations fluctuated enough to require >10 immigrants per generation to avoid a substantial loss of genetic diversity, and ˜25% fluctuated enough to require >20 immigrants per generation. We thus recommend that estimation of the requisite number of immigrants take into account fluctuation in population size.
Observations on Behavior of the Anthocyan Pigment from Concord Grapes in the Animal Body

Conclusion The above experiments indicate that the anthocyans are not easily absorbed from the intestine. The small quantity which does pass through to the circulation appears to be excreted by the kidney in its unchanged form. The author wishes to express his gratitude to Dr. R. J. Anderson, who suggested this problem, and Drs. R. W. Jackson and G. R. Cowgill for their valuable advice and assistance.