Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Public Policies and Management of Rural Forests: Lasting Alliance or Fool's Dialogue?

Most people in forest and rural areas manage trees as part of their livelihood systems. The resulting “domestic” or “rural” forests are distinct from conventional forest. They have historically been overlooked by the forestry sector and impacted by forest policies and regulatory frameworks. These forests presently encounter requalification and valuation dynamics, fueled by a sustainable development ideology, and induced by both public powers and local communities. These dynamics move in two different directions: the naturalization of rural forests by policy makers, and their politization by rural people. We draw on long-term research experiences in France, Morocco, Southeast Asia, and Africa on forests managed by “farmers”, among which some are analyzed in the Ecology and Society Feature, Public policies and management of rural forests: lasting alliance or fool’s dialogue? We first elaborate on domestication, analyzed at tree, ecosystems and landscape levels, as a concept allowing for a better understanding of the specific relationships developed between rural people and forests. We then engage in a critical review of how forest-related and sustainable development policies consider rural forests, and discuss how they address (or do not address) their specificity and encourage (or do not encourage) their development.
On the Biosynthesis of C30 Carotenoic Acid Glucosyl Esters in Pseudomonas rhodos. Analysis of car-Mutants

Abstract car-Mutants of Pseudomonas rhodos were isolated and classified into four types according to their blockage in the biosynthetic pathway. A biosynthetic scheme could be established. Three new structures could be identified (4,4'-diapocarotene-4,4'-dial, 4,4'-diapocarotene-4-al-4'-oic acid, glucosyl-4,4'-diapocarotene-4-oate).
Understanding of the Convolutional Neural Networks with Relative Learning Algorithms

With the development of calculating ability, image detection has become one of the most popular research fields recently. Convolutional Neural Network is a kind of depth feed-forward network, which has been successfully applied in image recognition. Its hierarchical structure provides the power of weight-sharing and down-sampling. The Convolutional Neural Network effectively combines the two stages of feature extraction and classification in the traditional pattern recognition, and applies the gradient descent algorithm and the back-propagation algorithm to realize the network training. This article will explore the structure and function of Convolutional Neural Networks, with the introduction of the back-propagation algorithm. Then it will introduce how to apply Convolutional Neural Networks in the application of face recognition. The advantages of applying Convolutional Neural Network to face recognition are analyzed. This article also introduces the application of Convolutional Neural Network in other aspects as well.
Plasticity in social communication and its implications for the colonization of novel habitats

Behavioral plasticity is expected to facilitate the colonization of novel habitats by allowing populations to respond rapidly to abrupt environmental change. We studied contextual plasticity—a form of plasticity that allows an immediate phenotypic response to stimuli—in the territorial communication of Puerto Rican Anolis lizards and considered the role it might play in facilitating colonization. In these lizards, the detection of territorial visual displays by receivers is acutely dependent on fluctuating levels of visual noise from windblown vegetation and ambient light. We quantified the contextual reaction norms of various components of the territorial displays of individual lizards as a function of visual noise and light for one focal population over many weeks of observation. We then compared these contextual reaction norms to the displays given by closely related Anolis species found in other environments to assess the extent to which colonizing lizards might be capable of performing displays similar to those likely to be effective in those environments. Our results suggest that lizards are able to rapidly adjust their territorial displays in ways that might help them communicate in other (but not all) habitat types on Puerto Rico. Given that the contextual plasticity of animal signals can be measured in free-living animals far more easily than other forms of behavioral plasticity, our study presents animal communication as a tractable model for tackling broad questions in how phenotypic plasticity might facilitate colonization, adjustment to environmental change, and adaptation.
Gender Differences Regarding Motivation for Physical Activity Among College Students: A Self-Determination Approach

Previous research has shown a decline in physical activity (PA) across college years, females being less physically active compared with males. Scholars have suggested studies to understand gender differences in PA and to examine motivational processes to facilitate college students’ PA. Grounded in self-determination theory, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between college students’ exercise motivation and weekly PA participation. The study included 96 college students (33 males, 63 females, aged 18 to 24) in a metropolitan college. Findings confirmed a significant gender difference, with males responding more positively concerning intrinsic motivation (t = 3.40, p = .001). In addition, through an analysis of variance, we found level of PA had a significant interaction with intrinsic motivation, F(1, 94) = 9.45, p < . 001, and identified regulation, F(1, 94) = 6.45, p = . 003. Furthermore, least significant difference tests showed that the differences occurred between inactive and moderately active groups and inactive and very active groups (p values between .011 and .000). Results from this study concerning motivation for PA with this age group support the premise that self-determined motivation is strongly linked to higher PA participation. The findings of this study provide a better understanding of how to assist college-aged students to live a more physically active and healthy lifestyle.
The Impact of Land Degradation on the Quality of Soils in a South African Communal Rangeland

Grassland productivity of communal rangelands is limited by land degradation, which leads to nutrient depletion, soil fertility decline and overall soil quality. However, little is known as to what the soil quality threshold is for different degradation intensities. To address this, we selected a 0.05 m surface soil layer of a communal rangeland site in Drakensburg, South Africa, exhibiting a degradation gradient varying from heavily degraded (0–5%, grass aerial cover), moderately degraded (25–50%) and non-degraded (75–100%) grasslands, to evaluate the effects of land degradation on soil aggregate stability, compaction, bulk density and texture. Results indicate that land degradation decreased soil aggregate stability by 47%, increased soil compaction by 42% and increased soil bulk density by 12%, and these were accompanied by a pattern of lower sand and almost two times greater clay content in heavily degraded grassland compared with non-degraded grassland. Ultimately, this decline in the soil quality of the communal rangeland has serious implications for the ecosystem services and functions it provides, such as storing water, carbon sequestration and nutrient cycling. We recommend the protection and improvement of grass vegetation because of its dense sward characteristics, which intercept raindrop energy, slow surface runoff and increase the structural stability of the soil to minimize and prevent degradation in rangelands.
luconeogenesis inhibition and phytochemical composition of two Cecropia pecies dolfo

Aim of the study: Cecropia obtusifolia and Cecropia peltata are plants highly used by the Mexican diabetic population to treat type 2 diabetes. Previous studies have assessed their hypoglycemic effect in animal models and in type 2 diabetic patients. Both plants contain cholorogenic acid, an inhibitor of glucose-6phosphate translocase. In this work, we found a mechanism by which to understand how these plants could produce the observed hypoglycemic effect according to their traditional use. To test the hypothesis that targeting gluconeogenesis with an inhibitor of Gl-6-P translocase could result in a reduction of hepatic glucose production, we examined the effects of Cecropia obtusifolia and Cecropia peltata on gluconeogenesis (in vivo) and the activity of the enzyme (in vitro). Materials and methods: The extracts of the two plants were analyzed by HPLC to confirm their phytochemical composition. To test the inhibition of gluconeogenesis in vivo, a pyruvate tolerance test (2 g/kg) was performed in 18-h fasted n5-STZ rats. The effect of the extracts (Cecropia obtusifolia and Cecropia peltata 150 mg/kg) on glucose-6-phosphatase activity was assayed in vitro with intact rat liver microsomes. Results: Using HPLC-DAD, we confirmed that the main components of both species are chlorogenic acid and isoorientin. Diabetic rats treated with the extracts showed a lower glucose curve. The tested extracts were able to reduce the increase in the glucose blood level, and they inhibited the glucose-6-P activity with IC50s of 224 g/ml for Cecropia obtusifolia aqueous, 160 g/ml for Cecropia obtusifolia butanolic, 146 g/ml for Cecropia peltata aqueous and 150 g/ml for Cecropia peltata butanolic. Conclusions: The results of the experiments presented here suggest that the administration of both plants can improve glycemic control by blocking the hepatic glucose output, especially in the fasting state. These data support the traditional use of the plants as “agua de uso”, a cold infusion of the plant consumed over the course of a day.
Simultaneous estimation of the nutritional contribution of fish meal, soy protein isolate and corn gluten to the growth of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) using dual stable isotope analysis

The nutritional contribution of the dietary nitrogen, carbon and total dry matter supplied by fish meal (FM), soy protein isolate (SP) and corn gluten (CG) to the growth of Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei was assessed by means of isotopic analyses. As SP and CG are ingredients derived from plants having different photosynthetic pathways which imprint specific carbon isotope values to plant tissues, their isotopic values were contrasting. FM is isotopically different to these plant meals in regards to both, carbon and nitrogen. Such natural isotopic differences were used to design experimental diets having contrasting isotopic signatures. Seven isoproteic (36% crude protein), isoenergetic (4.7 Kcal gr-1) diets were formulated; three diets consisted in isotopic controls manufactured with only one main ingredient supplying dietary nitrogen and carbon: 100 % FM (diet 100F), 100% SP (diet 100S) and 100% CG (diet 100G). Four more diets were formulated with varying mixtures of these three ingredients, one included 33% of each ingredient on a dietary nitrogen basis (diet 33FSG) and the other three included a proportion 50:25:25 for each of the three ingredients (diets 50FSG, 50SGF and 50GFS). At the end of the bioassay there were no significant differences in growth rate in shrimps fed on the four mixed diets and diet 100F (k = 0.215-0.224). Growth rates were significantly lower (k = 0.163-0.201) in shrimps grown on diets containing only plant meals. Carbon and nitrogen stable isotope values (δ13C and δ15N) were measured in experimental diets and shrimp muscle tissue and results were incorporated into a three-source, two-isotope mixing model. The relative contributions of dietary nitrogen, carbon and total dry matter from FM, SP and CG to growth were statistically similar to the proportions established in most of the diets after correcting for the apparent digestibility coefficients of the ingredients. Dietary nitrogen available in diet 33FSG was incorporated in muscle tissue at proportions representing 24, 35 and 41% of the respective ingredients. Diet 50GSF contributed significantly higher amounts of dietary nitrogen from CG than from FM. When the level of dietary nitrogen derived from FM was increased in diet 50FSG, nutrient contributions were more comparable to the available dietary proportions as there was an incorporation of 44, 29 and 27% from FM, SP and CG, respectively. Nutritional contributions from SP were very consistent to the dietary proportions established in the experimental diets.
MCMASTER VIRTUAL DESIGN PROJECTS

This paper describes several 2003-2004 projects using virtual design tools at McMaster University. Students begin by repeat modeling of a part from first year. New projects were to develop a 3D CAD tool for quickly updating new home kitchen design, and to apply CAD to Formula SAE racecar cockpit design. An anthropomorphic model was included to verify reach and visibility. In both cases, stereo display was used to improve the 3D visualization, and comparison was made with actual construction. The third project was to explore online CAD animation of a FARO measuring arm.
De la Vallée Poussin Means of Holomorphic Mappings of the Ball ∗

The study of the de la Vallée Poussin means of analytic functions of the complex unit disk has provided significant contributions to geometric function theory, particularly to the theory of convex mappings. We consider the natural generalization of these means to holomorphic mappings of the Euclidean unit ball in C and see that some results that hold for convex mappings of the disk can be extended to certain types of quasi-convex mappings of the ball.
Physico-Mechanical Properties Of Tio 2 Doped 45 S 5 Bioactive Glasses And Glass – Ceramics 22 II

TiO2 doped 45S5 bioactive glasses were prepared. Bioactive Glass ceramics were obtained through controlled crystallization of bioactive glasses. Nucleation and crystal Growth temp. Were determined by the parameters obtained from differential thermal analysis (DTA) of bioactive glasses. The crystalline phases which are formed in bioactive glass ceramics were recognized by using X ray diffraction (XRD) study. The density of bioactive glass and glass ceramic samples was obtained by Archimedes principle using distilled water as buoyant. The Mechanical properties like compressive strength and flexural strength of TiO2 doped bioactive glasses and glass – ceramics were measured. Experimental results show that a increase in glass nucleation and crystallization temperature of bioactive glass by doping of TiO2 in it and the formation of crystalline phases of sodium calcium silicate and calcium titanium silicate in bioactive glass ceramics. The density of bio glass and glass ceramics are increase with increases the TiO2 amount in weight %. The Mechanical properties like compressive strength and flexural strength of bioactive glass ceramics are found higher than their respective bioactive glasses and also it increases by doping TiO2.
Preparation and characterization of a collagen-liposome-chondroitin sulfate matrix with potential application for inflammatory disorders treatment

Smart drug delivery systems with controllable properties play an important role in targeted therapy and tissue regeneration. The aim of our study was the preparation and in vitro evaluation of a collagen (Col) matrix embedding a liposomal formulation of chondroitin sulfate (L-CS) for the treatment of inflammatory disorders. Structural studies using Oil Red O specific staining for lipids and scanning electron microscopy showed an alveolar network of nanosized Col fibrils decorated with deposits of L-CS at both periphery and inner of the matrix. The porosity and density of Col-L-CS matrix were similar to those of Col matrix, while its mean pore size and biodegradability had significantly higher and lower values (P < 0.05), respectively. In vitro cytotoxicity assays showed that the matrix system induced high cell viability and stimulated cell metabolism in L929 fibroblast cell culture. Light and electron micrographs of the cell-matrix construct showed that cells clustered into the porous structure at 72 h of cultivation. In vitro diffusion test indicated that the quantity of released CS was significantly lower (P < 0.05) after embedment of L-CS within Col matrix. All these results indicated that the biocompatible and biodegradable Col-L-CS matrix might be a promising delivery system for local treatment of inflamed site.
Immunobiochemical Characteristics of Purified Native Leptin Protein from Indian Major Carp, Rohu (Labeo rohita Ham.)

Information regarding molecular characteristics of leptin protein in different animal species in-cluding fish is scarce. With the aim of characterizing the native leptin protein of Indian major carprohu (Labeo rohita), at molecular level, the present study was designed to isolate rohu leptin from its hepatocytes (the prime source of leptin in fish) and immunobiochemical characterization of the same, subsequently. In the present study, chemical treatment and ultra-sonication technique was used for isolating leptin from rohu liver tissue. Purification of the protein was attempted using affinity column chromatography. The molecular, biophysical and serological characterization of rohu leptin was carried out by 2D-gel electrophoreis, SDS-PAGE, MALDI-TOF Mass spectroscopy and Western blot. The SDS-PAGE and 2D gel analysis revealed that rohu native leptin possesses molecular mass of 16 kDa. Western blot analysis showed that the fish hepatocytes possessed the sero-reactive leptin protein of 16 kDa. MALDI-TOF mass spectroscopy and peptide analysis showed the molecular mass of rohu leptin as 16283.38 Da. The serodiagnostic potential of native leptin of rohu was revealed for the first time while assessing its serological responses by ELISA using anti-leptin antibodies.
EFFICACY OF FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION CYTOLOGY IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF THYROID LESIONS IN LIBYA

Objective: To assess the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in the diagnosis of thyroid lesions, by comp aring the results with histopathology diagnosis. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted during years f rom 2006 to 2013.Patient data were collected and details of their thyroid lesion, i cluding clincopathological features and FNAC findings were recorded. A total of 200 patient s, who had a clinically thyroid lesion were subjected to concurrent FNAC and surgical intervent ion. Results: Out of total 200 patients, 51 cases had a FNAC that was unsatisfactory for evaluation. These patients were excluded from data analysis. Th e remaining 149 patients were included in the study. The results of the FNAC were compared wi th the tissue diagnosis obtained after surgical intervention. Out of 22 malignant lesions on surgical intervention, FNAC correctly diagnosed 12, and 9werediagnosed suspicious, and th e remaining one was misdiagnosed as benign cytology. So false negative being 1/22 (4.5% ) Out of 66 patients diagnosed as follicular adenoma on histopathology results, FNAC picked 43 c ases correctly as benign smear. The remaining 23 cases of follicular adenoma diagnosed on histopathology were reported as suspicious on FNAC, whereas, out of 61 goiter, FNAC diagnosed 57 as benign cytology, 4 case were suspicious as follicular neoplasia. The sensit ivity and specificity of FNAC in the diagnosis of thyroid lesions were95.5% and78.7% respectively. Conclusion: Thyroid cytology is an effective and rapid method i n d agnosis of thyroid diseases. It helps in deciding which patient needs thyroidect omy. A negative cytology results does not exclude the possibility of malignancy, as there was a false negative rate of 5.4%.
A Novel Technique for Composite Cultured Epithelial Autograft in a Patient with Extensive Burn Wounds : A Case Report

Objective: Our goal was to develop a simple, safe and affordable technique for cultured epithelial autografts (CEA) without delay to save our patients life. The patient was 16 years old and suffered 45% burns, and his condition was steadily deteriorating for three months in the intensive care unit. As a last resort we decided culture his skin with minimal resources. Method: A skin biopsy of 7x3 cm was taken from the patient’s hip area. The next day the patient’s wounds were covered with a xenograft, EZ Derm®. The cells cultured were nourished on a daily basis with fresh autogenous platelet-rich plasma (PRP). The cells were grown on Cutimed Sorbact dressing pads® in a paediatric incubator. Some keratinocytes grown in sterile specimen bottles and PRP were explanted on day 7 onto new Cutimed Sorbact Dressing Pads® in a second incubator. At two weeks, EZ Derm® superficial layer was removed and the CEA transplanted with the Sorbact pads directly onto the prepared wound beds. Some cells were squirted onto the wounds and dressed with Sorbact Dressing Pads®. Results: Within two weeks the whole Cutimed Sorbact pad (green) was almost overgrown with epithelial cells. An initial overall successful graft take was estimated at 75%. The patient’s final graft take at three weeks was 78%. He was discharged from the ICU two weeks after CEA application and took 2 years to build up strength to walk alone again. Conclusion: The technique has proven to be effective for CEA, biologically safe, completely autogenous, and it was life-saving for our patient. The overall graft take rate of 78% is better than the largest series in the literature (72, 7%) and may indicate an improvement in CEA technique. The biggest advantage is the cost-effectiveness, which implicates the possibility for saving serious burn victims on a very large scale.
Comparative phylogenetic analysis of Dobrava-Belgrade virus L and S genetic segments isolated from an animal reservoir in Serbia

The Dobrava-Belgrade virus (DOBV) is a member of the Bunyaviridae family, genus Hantavirus, possessing a single-stranded RNA genome consisting of three segments, designated L (large), M (medium) and S (small). In this study, we present phylogenetic analysis of a newly detected DOBV strain isolated from Apodemus agrarius. Analysis was based on partial L and S segment sequences, in comparison to previously published DOBV sequences from Serbia and elsewhere. A phylogenetic tree based on partial S segment revealed local geographical clustering of DOBV sequences from Serbia, unrelated to host (rodent or human). The topology of the phylogenetic tree was confirmed with a high percent of com- pletely or partially resolved quartets in likelihood-mapping analysis, whereas no evidence of possible recombination in the examined S segment data set was found.