Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effect of abiotic and landscape features on abundance of Anopheles larvae

Mosquitoes are medically the most important group of insects, transmitting a number of deadly diseases, including malaria. Female mosquitoes transmit them while feeding on human blood, which is required to mature eggs. It is important to understand vector population dynamics in order to effectively control them. Sampling larval populations is one of the methods to estimate mosquito requirements for site selection for oviposition and survival. Our survey took place from 10th of June to 1st July in the area of village Chano, located in the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region in Southern Ethiopia. Mosquito larvae were collected using standard dipping method once a week in three different land cover categories. Water physical parameters were recorded on site and the chemical analysis was performed at the laboratory of The Institute of Health and Nutrition in Addis Ababa. We found Anopheles arabiensis to be the only anopheline species present at the end of the rainy season in the surveyed area. There was no significant association detected between presence of Anopheles mosquito larvae and abiotic and landscape characteristics. However, we found that the density of early instar stages was increasing with increasing conductivity (p=0.01) and dissolved oxygen (p=0.02) and when habitats contained aquatic vegetation. Such habitats were associated with pastures. Late larval instars were positively associated with turbidity (p=0.003) and such habitats were more numerous in the settlement. We conclude that Anopheles arabiensis females were ovipositing more intensively in habitats that were more stable, but the survival in such habitats was lower. We suggest that water quality may be not the main factor influencing site selection for oviposition when the climatic conditions are not favorable for the survival of the adult and immature stages. This knowledge could be applied in the development of vector control strategies, aiming at the mosquito populations when they are mostly vulnerable.
An Enhanced Edge Detection Algorithm

One of the step involved in image processing is edge detection. Although many edge detection algorithms are available among them, Canny edge detection is quite popular, but even this has its own drawbacks such as latency and computation procedure is very rigorous. As this Canny edge detection in general, uses the frame by frame analysis to detect edges, which would eventually lead to lag of the system and not very feasible for real-time applications. And directly applying to block level would lead to loss of information as it’s based on a thresholds from the frame statistics. There emerges a techniques which is distributed Canny edge detection which is quite faster and more applicable for real-time scenarios, as this is based on block technique in detection, where in the threshold is found out adaptively (as in a feedback computation) based on gradient block of image. The resulting block-based algorithm has a significantly reduced latency and can be easily integrated with other block-based image codecs. It is capable of supporting fast edge detection of images and videos with high resolution, since the time taken is now a function of the block size instead of the frame size. Also, quantitative conformance evaluation and subjective tests show that the performance of the proposed edge detection algorithm is better in terms of speed and throughput. As an enhancement to the edge detection, image segmentation is performed. The output of the edge detector algorithm is taken as input image to the segmentation procedure. The segmentation methodology being used is level set method with Chan-Vese algorithm. The method segments portion of the image and reduces noise and interpolation of that segmented part is produced. Keywords—Edge Detection; Distributed Canny Edge; Image Segmentation; Level Set Method
Lithophyllum insipidum Adey, Townsend et Boykins and L. flavescens sp. nov.: two flat lithophylloid coralline algae (Corallinales, Rhodophyta) abundant in shallow reef environments in Fiji

Abstract Two unbranched species of Lithophyllum are characterized from Fiji, South Pacific, where both are common in the shallow reef environment. Lithophyllum insipidum Adey, Townsend et Boykins is characterized by a mainly lavender-colored thallus that is tessellate, with chalky white to brownish patches. Basal filaments are composed of nonpalisade cells that are rectangular prisms shaped like a book. The thallus surface, viewed by scanning electron microscopy, is of the Leptophytum type. Tetrasporangial pores are not blocked by occluding cells, and the tetrasporangial pore canal is lined by papillae that project into the pore canal. The floor of the tetrasporangial conceptacle chamber is six to nine cells deep, and the tetrasporangial conceptacle roof is formed from filaments that originate both peripheral to and central to a ring-shaped fertile area. A columella is present, and tetrasporangia are located at the conceptacle periphery. Tetrasporangial conceptacles are buried in the thallus after their s.
Sensibilidad de aislamientos colombianos de Phytophthora infestans a cuatro fungicidas sistémicos

La gota de la papa causada por Phytophthora infestans es la enfermedad mas limitante de este cultivo en Colombia, donde la mayor parte de regiones productoras presentan condiciones optimas para su desarrollo epidemico. Esta situacion conduce a los agricultores a la utilizacion excesiva de diferentes fungicidas, lo que ademas de representar cerca del 10% de los costos de produccion, causa un grave deterioro ambiental y de salud publica. Esta investigacion pretende apoyar los programas de M.I.E. a partir del monitoreo de los niveles de sensibilidad de 15 aislamientos de P. infestans obtenidos en Antioquia, Cundinamarca y Boyaca a los fungicidas Ridomil® Gold, Curzate® M-8, Previcur® N SL y Mildex® 711 WG, como una herramienta de analisis de riesgos que permita ofrecer a los agricultores de papa recomendaciones tecnicas basadas en la generacion de lineas de sensibilidad. Las evaluaciones se realizaron utilizando la metodologia de inmersion de discos de hoja con siete dosis de producto comercial. Los resultados indican que la poblacion estudiada presenta altos niveles de sensibilidad a los cuatro fungicidas. Para el caso del Curzate® M-8, se alcanzaron valores promedio de EC50 de 0,28 mg·L -1 , mientras que la EC50 para Previcur® N SL fue de 0,71 mg·L - 1 . Para los fungicidas Ridomil® Gold y Mildex® 711 WG estos valores alcanzaron 0,62 y 0,54 mg·L - 1 , respectivamente. Por otra parte, la produccion de esporangios se redujo de 41.181 esporangios/mL obtenidos como promedio de todos los aislamientos en el tratamiento control, a menos de 500 esporangios/mL cuando se evaluaron las dosis maximas de los cuatro fungicidas.
PROPOSAL OF ESTIMATION METHOD USING THE ABSOLUTE ANGLE OF A GEOMAGNETIC SENSOR FOR INSTABILITY OF DISTANCE INFORMATION OF LIDAR CAUSED BY MOVING AND VIBRATING OBJECTS

In this paper, we propose a method to improve the strength by using a geomagnetic sensor to perform self-angle estimation using moving objects such as wall and a vibrating object such as human or trees trembling by wind more stably. LIDAR sensor used time of flight information of laser to measure the distance from the target, the micro or Nano second-order time difference would be disturbed by a few physical factors sensor movement/vibration, target shape complexity, and target movement/vibration. Therefore, the angle estimation is easily disturbed for the features of moving objects and vibrating objects. This is a problem that inevitably occurs in the measurement principle of LIDAR. For this reason, it is necessary to strengthen the angle estimation using not only LIDAR but also a sensor that gives auxiliary information at the time of angle estimation. We focused on geomagnetic sensors that can obtain absolute angles among sensors that can get angle information.We propose a robust angle estimation method using the angle information of the geomagnetic sensor as auxiliary information for localization by LIDAR. The experimental result of experiment 1 shows that even if the object was straight shape board, there was a directional dependence of object movement for angle estimation based on the ICP algorithm. There was a significant effect to (B) back direction movement, and it was related to reducing the measurement points of the LIDAR.However, the proposed method can reduce the self-angle estimation error in all directions by more than 95.62%. In the case of vibration object made with green ribbons, the proposed method was able to follow the angle change and the estimated angle also changed, enabling stable angle estimation. And, the proposed method can reduce the self-angle estimation error in all directions by more than 99.75%. Our experimental result shows that there is a weak direction to move the LIDAR sensor itself, and it is a complicated process to estimate the rotation angle by ICP when the object is vibrating or moving. However, stable estimation was made possible by using a geomagnetic sensor to assist in angle estimation.
Perception and modeling of segment boundaries in popular music

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INDUCED DEPRESSION IN A COHORT OF RATS VIA COMMUNICATION

UDC 616.01-099.1 DOI 10.31379/2411.2616. 12.2. 1 Honore Nkafor Shiyntum1#, Ruslan Kuts2#, Yulia Grinshpun2, Olena Severynovska3, Dmitry Frank2, Dmitry Natanel2, Matthew Boyko2, Alexander Zlotnik2 INDUCED DEPRESSION IN A COHORT OF RATS VIA COMMUNICATION 1 Department of Biophysics and Biochemistry, Oles’ Honchar Dnipro National University, Dnipro, Ukraine, 2 Department of anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Soroka University Medical Ceneter Faculty of Health Science, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel, 3 Department of Physiology, Faculty of biology, ecology and medicine, Dnepropetrovsk State University, Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine,
Historia del protozoo Entamoeba histolytica

This article presents a history of Entamoeba histolytica spanning since the remote times when it was not even recognized as a cause of human disease to the recent molecular advances. Feder Losch (1875) in Saint Petersburg, found amoebae in fecal samples but only regarded them as responsible for maintaining the inflammatory process, not as a cause of dysentery. Fritz Schaudinn (1903) established the differentiation between Entamoeba histolytica and Endamoeba coli, Schaudinn decided to call it E. histolytica because of its ability to cause tissue lysis. Emile Brumpt (1925) based on experimental studies, pointed out the existence of E. Histolytica as a species complex, comprising two morphologically indistinguishable species, E. dysenteriae which is the cause of symptomatic infection, and Entamoeba dispar found only in asymptomatic carriers. Louis Diamond et al (1961) during the 1960’s developed an axenic culture medium for E. histolytica which allowed in vivo and in vitro studies. Sargeaunt and Williams (1978) distinguished for the first time E. histolytica strains by isoenzyme electrophoresis, thus confirming that E. hystolytica was indeed a species complex comprising both pathogenic and non-pathogenic species. William Petri et al (1987 demonstrated that the 170 kDa protein with greater antigenicity was the Gal/GalNac-specific lectin. Diamond and Clark (1993) described again Brumpt’s original 1925 hypothesis, concluding that there was enough evidence to support the existence of two morphologically indistinguishable species, a pathogenic and a nonpathogenic one, corresponding to E. histolytica and Entamoeba dispar respectively. The World Health Organization accepted this hypothesis in 1997 (Rev Med Chile 2008; 136: 118-24). (Key words: Dhg12 protein, Entamoeba dispar; Dysentery, amebic; Entamoeba histolytica)
Examining validity in computerized dynamic assessment

Abstract Computerized dynamic assessment (CDA) posits itself as a new type of assessment that includes mediation in the assessment process. Proponents of dynamic assessment (DA) in general and CDA in particular argue that the goals of DA are in congruence with the concept of validity that underscores the social consequences of test use and the integration of learning and assessment (Sternberg & Grigorenko, 2002; Poehner, 2008; Shabani, 2012;). However, empirical research on CDA falls short in supporting such an argument. Empirical studies on CDA are riddled with ill-defined constructs and insufficient supporting evidence in regard to the aspects of validity postulated by Messick (1989, 1990, 1996). Due to the scarcity of research on CDA, this paper explores the potentials and the viability of this intervention-based assessment in computer assisted language testing context in light of its conformity with Messick’s unitary view of validity. The paper begins with a discussion of the theoretical foundations and models of DA. It then proceeds to discuss the differences between DA and non-dynamic assessment (NDA) measures before critically appraising the empirical studies on CDA. The critical review of the findings in CDA literature aims at shedding light on some drawbacks in the design of CDA research and the compatibility of the concept of construct validity in CDA with Messick’s (1989) unitary concept of validity. The review of CDA concludes with some recommendations for rectifying gaps to establish CDA in a more prominent position in computerized language testing.
A Second Species of Eucnemesaurus Van Hoepen, 1920 (Dinosauria, Sauropodomorpha): New Information on the Diversity and Evolution of the Sauropodomorph Fauna of South Africa's Lower Elliot Formation (Latest Triassic)

ABSTRACT The Late Triassic—Early Jurassic Elliot Formation of South Africa is one of the most important geological formations worldwide for understanding the early evolution of sauropodomorph dinosaurs. However, many of the taxa currently recognized as valid within its lower strata remain either poorly understood, vaguely diagnosed, or both. The recent discovery of an articulated partial skeleton of a single individual of the enigmatic lower Elliot genus Eucnemesaurus provides an important opportunity to expand our understanding of the anatomy and phylogeny of this poorly known taxon. A comprehensive investigation of the morphological relationships of this new specimen identified key features, pertaining primarily to the femoral shaft and distal tibia, which distinguish it from the only other previously named species of Eucnemesaurus—E. fortis. A new species, E. entaxonis, is erected within which to accommodate it. A cladistic analysis confirms the monophyly of Eucnemesaurus, as well as its continued inclusion within the low-diversity ‘Riojasauridae. ’ Nonetheless, this result highlights continued uncertainties regarding the constituency of the Riojasaurus hypodigm. The relatively robust pedal architecture of E. entaxonis suggests an unexpectedly early experiment in a slower, subgraviportal form of locomotion within Late Triassic basal Massopoda, whereas the intriguing mosaic of plesiomorphic and derived characters evident in E. entaxonis raises questions regarding the hypothesized population dynamics of the basal-most sauropodomorph taxa of the lower Elliot Formation. This latter concern has particular bearing on newly observed inconsistencies in the prevailing hypodigms of other lower Elliot basal sauropodomorph taxa such as Melanorosaurus.
Flexibilidade e força muscular: comparações entre trabalhadores da construção civil, indivíduos sedentários e praticantes de musculação.

Introduo: Tem-se a ideia de que, quanto mais fora, menor a flexibilidade articular. Objetivos: Verificar a flexibilidade e fora muscular entre indivduos praticantes e no-praticantes de musculao. Mtodos: Participaram do estudo 120 voluntrios adultos, idade entre 18 anos e 46 anos, divididos em 4 grupos: Sedentrios (S); Praticantes de musculao (M); Trabalhadores no praticantes de exerccios resistidos (T); Trabalhadores praticantes de exerccios resistidos (TM). Testes de flexibilidade e fora muscular foram utilizados para correlacionar os resultados. Resultados: Os grupos M e TM continham quantidade significativa em meses de prtica de musculao, alm de flexibilidade predominante de peitoral maior. A fora dos isquiotibiais foi predominante no grupo TM tambm. Quanto flexibilidade do msculo quadrceps apenas o grupo TM apresentou correlao negativa alta com a fora muscular. Concluso: No se pode afirmar que mesmo que a flexibilidade estabelea vantagem mecnica sobre um movimento, ela esteja diretamente relacionada fora muscular.
Comparação entre os métodos de extração de metacercárias de Ascocotyle sp (Trematoda: Digenea) dos tecidos de Mugil liza Valenciennes, 1836 (Teleostei: Mugilidae)

The demand and consumption of fish and their derivatives has increased considerably in recent years. However, fish are ideal hosts of numerous parasites, highlighting the need to develop new research methodologies for its detection. The aim of present study was to compare the efficacy of Ascocotyle metacercariae (Trematoda: Digenea) extraction from visceral tissues of Mugil liza Valenciennes, 1836 (Teleostei: Mugilidae) by two methods: homogenization by blender or mixer. Twenty-six samples of M. liza were collected, being 16 liver samples and 10 samples of muscle tissue. Approximately 5g of each sample were processed by blender and mixer techniques homogenization for metacercariae extraction. In liver samples, up to 46 metacercariae were found in samples homogenized in blender. The lowest amount found was 2 metacercariae for blender and mixer techniques. In samples of muscle tissue, 4 metacercariae were observed in the mixer extraction. The lowest amount was found to be 2 parasites to blender and mixer. The mean metacercariae found and extracted from muscle tissue were 0.2 (+0.357) and 1.2 (+0.963) for blender and mixer, respectively. The averages of metacercariae found and extracted from fish liver, in blender and mixer, were 24 (+15.145) and 18 (+8.246), respectively. The homogenization techniques for blender and mixer were effective for the extraction of metacercariae of mullet fish tissues, suggesting that they may be directly applicable in the field of study, especially due to the ease of testing. KEYWORDS: Epidemiology, health management, homogenization, Metacercariae, Mugil liza .
Weight Loss Following Use of a Smartphone Food Photo Feature: Retrospective Cohort Study

Background Tracking of dietary intake is key to enhancing weight loss. Mobile apps may be useful for tracking food intake and can provide feedback about calories and nutritional value. Recent technological developments have enabled image recognition to identify foods and track food intake. Objective We aimed to determine the effectiveness of using photography as a feature of a smartphone weight loss app to track food intake in adults who were overweight or obese. Methods We analyzed data from individuals (age, 18-65 years; body mass index≥25 kg/m2; ≥4 days of logged food intake; and ≥2 weigh-ins) who used a mobile-based weight loss app. In a retrospective study, we compared those who used the photo feature (n=9871) and those who did not use the feature (n=113,916). Linear regression analyses were used to assess use of the photo feature in relation to percent weight loss. Results Weight loss was greater in the group using the photo feature (Δ=0.14%; 95% CI 0.06-0.22; P<.001). The photo feature group used the weight loss app for a longer duration (+3.5 days; 95% CI 2.61-4.37; P<.001) and logged their food intake on more days (+6.1 days; 95% CI 5.40-6.77; P<.001) than the nonusers. Mediation analysis showed that the weight loss effect was absent when controlling for either duration or number of logged days in the program. Conclusions This study was the first to examine the effect of a food photo feature to track food intake on weight loss in a free-living setting. Use of photo recognition was associated with greater weight loss, which was mediated by the duration of app use and number of logged days in the program.
Enhancing ecosystem management through social-ecological inventories: lessons from Kristianstads Vattenrike, Sweden

Environmental policy increasingly emphasizes involvement of local users and land owners in ecosystem management, but conservation planning is still largely a bureaucratic-scientific endeavour of identifying biological values for protection. Neither biological inventories nor stakeholder analyses, that tend to focus on conflicting interests, capture human resources in the landscape or the social structures and processes underlying biological conservation values. Social-ecological inventories are therefore proposed during the preparation phase of conservation projects as a means to identify people with ecosystem knowledge that practise ecosystem management. The method presented here focuses on local steward groups acting outside official management plans. In a social-ecological inventory of a river basin of southern Sweden, local steward groups, their ecosystem management activities, motives and links to other actors involved in ecosystem management were identified through interviews, participatory observations and a review of documents and other written material. Several hundred active local stewards were organized in 10 local steward groups that managed and monitored a range of ecosystem services at different spatial scales. Contributions of local stewards included on-site ecosystem management, long-term and detailed monitoring of species and ecosystem dynamics, local ecological knowledge, public support for ecosystem management and specialized networks. Two conservation projects are used to illustrate how local steward groups came together in multi-level networks and collaborated around specific conservation issues. The projects have been linked to ecosystem management at the landscape level through a flexible municipality organization, the Ecomuseum Kristianstads Vattenrike (EKV). EKV has acted as a ‘bridging organization’, coordinating and connecting many of the local steward groups to organizations and institutions at other levels. The process has been guided by social capital and shared visions for the whole landscape. The study shows that ecosystem management likely relies on multi-level collaboration and social-ecological inventories may help identify actors that are fundamental in such management systems. Social-ecological inventories should be employed in any attempt to develop and implement ecosystem management.